Illinois D-STAR Users -
D-STAR has experienced significant growth both nationally & in Illinois over
the last three years.
Several new D-STAR radios have been released by Icom and non-Icom D-STAR
technologies have been introduced such as:
* The DV Dongle enabling D-STAR network access from PCs
* D-RATS communication software using low-speed data over D-STAR
digital voice
* DPRS software collecting users' GPS coordinates & integration with
APRS network
* dPlus gateway software enabling DV Dongles, repeater linking &
reflectors
* D-STAR Hot Spot software creating a D-STAR 'point of presence' (or
hot spot) utilizing an analog radio and a GMSK node adapter to allow RF access
to the D-STAR network where none previously existed.
These new technologies have created opportunities to use D-STAR for club events
and public service & EmComm activities.
Since the fall of 2006 several D-STAR repeaters have gone on the air in
Illinois.
In October 2006 the first D-STAR repeaters went on the air in Illinois when the
FRRL (Fox River Radio League) put up 2m & 70cm D-STAR repeaters in central Kane
county 45 miles west of downtown Chicago.
The FRRL system was followed by the NSRC (North Shore Radio Club) in August
2007 which put the first 23 cm & 70cm D-STAR repeaters on the air in the city
of Chicago on a 56-story building 6 miles north of downtown Chicago along the
Lake Michigan lakefront.
The TCARC (Twin City Amateur Radio Club) put up the first 70cm D-STAR repeater
in central Illinois in Champaign-Ubana over the winter.
PARC (Peoria Amateur Radio Club) put up the first 2m D-STAR repeater in Peoria
this spring with 70cm & 23cm D-STAR repeaters to follow later this year.
Recently SUHFARS (Suburban UHF Amateur Repeater Society) put up the first 70cm
D-STAR repeater in south central Lake County. We anticipate this repeater will
provide excellent coverage in both Lake & McHenry counties.
CFMC (Chicago FM Club) plans to put 2m & 70cm D-STAR repeaters on the air in
downtown Chicago on the 80-story AON building this summer.
The DPCERA (DuPage EmComm Repeater Association) working with DuPage ARES plans
to put up DuPage county's first 2m, 70cm & 23cm D-STAR repeaters this summer.
We expect more groups & clubs in Illinois will put D-STAR repeaters on the
air.
With D-STAR repeaters now on the air users are buying radios. The best way to
learn about D-STAR is by actually using it on the air & talking with others who
use D-STAR. To facilitate learning about D-STAR we are creating some new
environments to meet other D-STAR users in Illinois in addition to your local
D-STAR repeater.
A new Yahoo group, Illinois D-STAR has been created to discuss D-STAR
technology & how we're using D-STAR in Illinois.
We created the group since extensive discussions of D-STAR are often not
appropriate for local club yahoo groups.
In contrast to the Illinois Digital Ham group which became international in
scope the Illinois D-STAR group will focus
primarily on Illinois. A sigificant number of D-STAR releated files & links
will be available. You can join the Illinois D-STAR group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IllinoisD-STAR/
Last fall we initiated the first Illinois D-STAR net when we connected the FRRL
70cm repeater to NSRC 70cm repeater via the REF001A reflector. Now that new
systems are on the air with more planned to go on the air we are planning to
expand the net to include the new systems.. We will soon be announcing the new
Illinois D-STAR net on the Illinois D-STAR group and the groups of those clubs
participating in the net. The net will be on Wednesday nights at 8 pm.
We plan to begin periodically conducting D-STAR related learning events on
Saturday mornings in northern Illinois. The purpose of these events will be to
discuss & learn about D-STAR technologies in more depth than is possible
or appropriate at a club meeting or a hamfest. The events might be followed by
a lunch get together. Notices for these events will be posted on the Illinois
D-STAR group.
Last September we hosted the ARRL/TAPR DCC (Digital Communications Conference)
near O'Hare airport. While the DCC covers all digital voice & data modes from
beginnner to expert level last year we had several D-STAR papers submitted &
presentations presented including the first ever Friday night D-STAR event at
the DCC. The DCC is returning to Chicago this year and we hope to see you
there. You can learn more about the DCC at: http://www.tapr.org/dcc
We look forward to hearing you on the air and participating in the Illinois
D-STAR net, on the yahoo group and at local events including the DCC.
73, Mark, WB9QZB
NS9RC B - 442.09375
NS9RC A 1292.100
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