At 08:21 AM 11/16/2009, Benson wrote:
As a new D-Star user, I can't understand this statement: "DR mode is not
compatible with add-on D-PLUS software, commonly used to link repeaters,
nor with stations accessing the network with a DV Dongle connected to
their computers." Can someone enlighten me?
73 de NE4W
As QST's non-resident D-STAR "expert," I "reviewed the review" of the IC-80
prior to publication. I supplied what I hoped was a brief addition
discussing DR MODE and the situation with DPLUS and DVDongles. Due to the
usual restrictions of space, my brief explanation was truncated to what you
see above! You'll see a somewhat more complete explanation in my review of
the ID-880 in next month's issue.
Here's the bottom line (based on the 880 - I haven't played with an 80).
Briefly, if you follow the manual precisely for a LOCAL QSO, DR MODE forces
you to leave the RPT2 field blank. But there is an easy "workaround."
Here's a more complete explanation:
Recognizing that a D-STAR "Power User" will need to be able to select from
many, maybe hundreds of call signs for the UR and RPT 1 fields, DR mode
introduces a new, easier way to group and select those call signs.
One of the choices you have in selecting call signs for the UR field is
called GROUP CQ ("GRP CQ" in the display of the 880). That choice simply
places CQCQCQ in the UR field, but it also leaves the RPT 2 field blank,
and the function to let you enter a call sign there is disabled (you get a
low-pitch "boop" when you try it, and nothing happens). For a local QSO,
the manual guides you to that choice, and would have you think there is no
alternative.
The problem with that is that DPLUS and DVDongle use depend on having your
local Gateway call sign programmed into RPT2, even for local use. With the
RPT2 field blank, your signal doesn't reach your local Gateway, so D-PLUS
can't send it out to a linked repeater, and can't be heard by DVDongle
users. Programming the Gateway into RPT2 is now the "default"
recommendation for every D-STAR radio. But since these aren't ICOM
products, ICOM hasn't recognized them, and incorporated their use in their
programming and manuals (yet??).
There are two workarounds. First, don't use DR Mode. Everything else works
just as it always has in D-STAR programming.
But if you like DR Mode (and I do, for some uses), simply don't use GRP CQ.
The other "Group" option for the UR field is called GRP UR. That lets you
pick from any of the call signs you have programmed in the UR stack. You
can even put the good old CQCQCQ in there, and the steps to program an RPT2
call sign are restored. I've discovered that a single CQ in the UR field
also works. The first workaround recommendation I heard was to put /DR CQ
in the UR field to emulate ICOM's method of forwarding a transmission to a
repeater (the "/" does that). It works, but it's not necessary.
So it's no big deal.
I did find DR MODE confusing at first. The manual is accurate but obtuse
here, so you have to get beyond it a little to understand how DR MODE works
and how to use it, and how to work around it for DPLUS and the DVDongle.
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
