I have been thinking about setting up a D-Star repeater. I don't have access in much of the area where I live. So, I'm thinking about setting up my own.
But I want to scope this thing out, before I start purchasing. Mine would be limited to 70cm and 23cm. I would likely start out with a bare bones 70cm system and build. I would also like to add a gateway. So what all is required, is my question. I already have the antenna, that I use for analog station. I know I will need: 1) ID-PR2C - The controller 2) ID-RP4000V - Voice Module Does this get me a basic system? Am I missing anything? Then, to add the 23cm, I would need: 3) ID-RP2D - 23cm Data 4) ID-RP2V - 23cm Voice Is that all that's needed additionally to add the 23cm capability? Are either of these two required for my basic setup? The reason I ask is that the ICOM brochure shows these 2 modules in the path between the 4000V and the controller. Now the gateway server questions: 5) I assume I can add this to either my basic setup or the full setup, right? 6) What kind of bandwidth is required, to have a server? Can I use just a basic Comcast type internet connection or does it require a T1 type connection? 7) ICOM brochure says I need a static IP. My broadband is comcast and my IP almost never changes. But technically, I don't think it's static. How much of a hassle is it, if I have to change IP occasionally (i.e. once every year or two)? Would my station server be registered by my IP or is this IP thing something I can configure locally? 8) How much does the server software cost? Is there any special server computer needed? Or will a basic home computer work. Is there any special hardware, for a server? Looks like a basic setup for 70cm only might be in the are of $3000-$4000 and a full system under $7+/- a bit. Have I missed anything that I need to know about?
