Transcript D-STAR Operation and Programming

D-STAR
Operating Protocols and Best
Practices
John Davis - WB4QDX
GA ARES District Emergency Coordinator – Georgia Public Broadcasting
ARES Emergency Coordinator – Gwinnett County, Georgia
[email protected]
Don’t Forget Simplex
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Simplex mode for direct communication, pointto-point low speed data
Basic Simplex settings
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Frequency/Offset (none)
Mode = DV
MYCALL (MY) = your own callsign (WB4QDX)
URCALL (UR) = CQCQCQ
RPT1 = Blank
RPT2 = Blank
Consider repeater output simplex in memory adjacent to
repeater
Designate DV simplex frequencies for local use plus store
National Simplex Frequency of 145.670
Remember the Basics
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Basic local repeater settings:
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Frequency/Offset (some odd splits in SERA states)
Mode = DV
MYCALL (MY) = your own callsign (WB4QDX)
URCALL (UR) = CQCQCQ
RPT1 = Local repeater and module (ex. K4WAK C,
note module always in 8th space)
RPT2 = Always use repeater and gateway “G” (ex.
K4WAK G to route to Gateway (even if not linking)
Store in memory for easy recall
Store UNLINK (
U) in UR in adjacent
memory for quick unlinking
What Happens When
Linking?
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Link command is transmitted with contents of UR
field (ex. REF002AL)
Local repeater responds with voice
announcement
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“Remote System Linked” is link is established
“Remote System Busy” if already linked to
something else
Listen for at least one minute to ensure remote
repeater is idle (any voice activity will not be
heard until next user transmits on remote
repeater)
Linking Etiquette
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LISTEN FIRST
If idle, check to see if repeater is currently linked
by sending “I” command in UR (ex. K4WAK I)
• If linked, voice announcement will reply “Remote
System Linked”
• If unlinked, voice announcement will reply “No Link
Established”
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Announce your intentions
Send linking command
If you linked it, unlink repeater when finished
Reflector Practices
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Know a reflector’s typical use, any
net schedules
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REF001C is the “worldwide meeting place”
REF014 for West Coast repeaters
REF015C for D-RATS/D-STAR data
REF030 for Georgia repeaters
Remember to listen and wait before
transmitting to ensure it’s clear
Callsign Routing
Practices
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Remember you are barging in!
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You can’t hear if distant repeater is active
Remote station must program reverse route or press
one touch “RX-CS” key to quickly program reverse
path
Consider using Callsign Routing to initiate call,
then link repeaters so users on both ends are
included
When QSO is over, move radio channel select off
one, then back to clear temporary callsign
routing
Net Etiquette
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LISTEN carefully to net instructions
Leave space between transmissions
so others can join in or break
Use “Quick Key” to raise your hand
(TX for one second to send callsign)
Don’t “kerchunk” during net (NCS sees
callsigns and thinks it’s a breaking station)
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Turn off auto TX or beaconing during net
Questions?