--- In [email protected], "Ted Wrobel" <twro...@...> wrote: > Hi Folks, > > The codec used is the one defined by the D-STAR spec. It is the DVSI AMBE > codec and is, I am told, the same as that used in P25 systems.
For the record, P25 uses DVSI's "IMBE" vocoder. It's similar to the AMBE used in D-STAR, but not identical. The AMBE vocoder is available in single units for $20. John KE5C has stated twice now that D-STAR isn't open for any and all manufacturers: "It's still not an open mode like the others - AM, CW, SSB, FM, PSK, etc." Well, true enough. It's not "open" like AM and CW. It's open like D-STAR. Use the AMBE chip and anyone can build it. Anyone can build a repeater. Anyone can build a controller. Anyone can build a Gateway. Anyone can build a radio. All of that has been done. The other major manufacturers aren't convinced yet that it's a market they want to enter, but they can, anytime. They certainly can build better repeaters than ICOM has! We're just clawing our way out of couple years of a really terrible economy. Who WOULD be risking money in this environment? Kudos to ICOM for having faith in the D-STAR community and extending their product line while we wait for the others to recognize this market. 73, Gary KN4AQ
