At 12:23 PM 5/16/2010, you wrote: >But D-STAR certainly is useful, usable and fun without an Internet >connection, and even without a repeater - it works fine simplex. In >fact, simplex is preferred for using the DV data mode and using D-RATS.
I'm glad that I came up on D-STAR before the first repeater was installed here, because I was able to experience D-STAR simplex. Sure, in some ways, it was much like FM simplex, but with greater noise free range. Some of the paths I worked on D-STAR simplex were marginal at best on FM. Of course, with 2 gateways and a hotspot(mine!) within range, there's more fun to be had these days, but I know from experience that D-STAR simplex is both fun and useful. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com
