Mark Here in the Orlando area we have been having our "Growing Pains" with D -Star. When we installed the K1XC repeater in South Orange County (by the Convention Center atop a hotel) We thought we had a great site. Horizon views 360 degrees, Great height above ground, rooftop equipment area with short coax runs, Etc. That was over 18 months ago. The 2M (146.82) and 70 CM (443.275) have been on the air with mixed results.
First the site was out of the range for most of the ham population to hit it with a HT (like your 91AD). Second our attempts to get Internet access at the site kept running into a brick wall. Last week we moved the entire D-Star setup - 2M, 70CM & 23 CM to a location in central Orlando that you should be able to hit with an HT from your QTH. The 146.820, 443.275 & 1285/1273 DV Repeaters are now on the air with Gateway connectivity soon. The 1255 DD repeater is awaiting antenna installation next week. In addition we are looking for a site for the W4PLB repeater on 146.97 & 442.300 (hope for Seminole county soon. We have the equipment - need good site. Growth looks like explosive for this new mode. VRY 73 Bob Cumming W2BZY QRV 160M - 9CM + 3CM (5760 next) all modes from EL98hr At 03:41 PM 11/17/2008, you wrote: >Hello All, >As an old iPhone, eQSO, iLink, IRLP/EchoLink person, I was very >intrigued a few years ago with D-Star and bought a 91AD. > >Unfortunately, there was only one 2m machine in my area and I never >made a single contact before selling it last year. > >It seems like, after a slow start, there has been exponential D-Star >growth (at least here in Central Florida) in the last year. I've been >using P25 in the area and enjoy it, but the Amateur-centric/callsign >routing aspect of D-Star seems like a great concept. > >I know this is a vague question, but are YOU seeing the same growth, >flatline or decline of D-Star in your area? > >I'm very excited about the technology all over again and will likely >get an ID-800H. ...possibly even set up a UHF repeater too > >Just wanted to get the groups general thoughts before investing a fair >amount of money. > >Best to all and 73, >Mark - KB2EGB >Orlando, Florida > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
