About Alinco, their DR-135, DR-235 and DR-435 mobile rigs have a GMSK modem already built in; however they don't obviously have the AMBE-2000 chip but there is space (a card slot that is for a on board radio TNC option) in the rig to put in a board and hook it up to the RS232 port (yes it got one). It even has a separate GPS port (besides the RS232 plug in the back). So the technically minded could conceivable build their own DSTAR unit using those models as a start.
--k2laz On Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 12:12 PM, Gary Pearce KN4AQ<[email protected]> wrote: > > > At 12:22 AM 7/8/2009, ben_ramler2002 wrote: > >>Hi everyone, >> >>I am trying to put a go kit together....my question though is should I >>consider a D-star radio like the ID-880? Even though there really are >>D-star repeaters in MN. >> >>thanks & 73, >>Ben K0BLR >>Central MN > > Welcome, Ben, > > D-STAR is still an emerging technology. A few areas, such as Alabama, have > embraced it substantially for emcomm. Most are still in "wait and see." > > There are a few fundamental things people are waiting for: > > - another manufacturer. ICOM is doing a great job, not just sticking with > it, but advancing the technology. Yaesu, Kenwood, Alinco (TEN-TEC, etc...) > where are you? > > - lower price. Still quite a premium over analog-only radios. > > - RF linking. Haven't heard much talk about that. The Internet is a great > tool, but it's something we're supposed to be able to do without. ICOM's 10 > GHz link system doesn't count - too expensive. Hams will probably develop > this independently, though ICOM could release a new controller with lots > more capability than their current model. There are some 3rd party > controllers just about ready to break loose. > > It's not just emcomm. D-STAR adds a unique element of interest and fun to > routine operation. So if your area is getting into D-STAR, even just > dipping a big tow in with a single repeater, you have to decide: if you're > willing to spend the extra money on a D-STAR radio over analog-only; if > ICOM's radios do what you want to do, analog or digital; and if you can > tolerate some risk that D-STAR doesn't proliferate. If those answers are > yes, then join the still-early-adopters and get into D-STAR. > > 73, > Gary KN4AQ > > ARVN: Amateur Radio//Video News > Gary Pearce KN4AQ > 508 Spencer Crest Ct. > Cary, NC 27513 > <mailto:[email protected]>[email protected] > 919-380-9944 > www.ARVideoNews.com > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > >
