At 05:45 AM 10/27/2009, you wrote:
>John, > >I'm not sure why you indicate that the DVDongle is an *extremely* >expensive alternative to connect to D-STAR. The DVDongle is $200USD >and should be half the price of the IC-E92D. The DVDongle does >require a terrestrial (low latency) Internet connection, I'm not >sure if that is your issue or not. Seems the EU VAT messes up the price somewhat. > From your question it also seems as if you are referring to the low > speed data portion of D-STAR, not the voice portion. > >I'll be honest to you, if you are just wanting data access to Ham >Radio, I believe that EchoLink might be a better alternative. Echolink is a voice system, not data. > >D-STAR works best as a combination of voice and data services, with >the voice being the primary communications mechanism at this time. Agree, that seems to be the best way to use it. > As to your specific question, I don't know of a way that you can > access it without a DVDongle at this point. Aside from what sounds > like a simple technical implementation, there's significant legal > ramifications. While D-STAR has a database of users, there really > isn't any authentication mechanism. Anyone can talk on a radio. The > DVDongle has taken this a step further and implemented an > authentication mechanism to assure that only licensed Amateur Radio > operators can initiate transmissions. This is very important for > situations like you are asking for where you will initiate a > transmission over the Internet. > >By the way, there is another option for you. Put up a D-STAR >repeater on Frei Island!!! Which is not too expensive, now that there's at least two software/hardware options available. Of course, you still have to manage the RF side (duplexers, hardline, etc), but at least the digital specific part is no longer expensive, for those prepared to warm up the soldering iron. :) I'm looking into the feasibility of converting one of my repeater licences to D-STAR, now that cost effective options are available. I will also have to either modify or replace that repeater's exciter, because it's phase modulated, unfortunately, and GMSK needs a true FM modulator. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com
