I had a spare analog FM radio in the closet, as well as a laptop sitting idle, and for less than US $150, I put up a HotSpot so I can access the dPlus D-STAR network from within 5-10 miles around my house. For that same amount, someone could convert an existing analog repeater to a dPlus-linking D-STAR compatible repeater, and soon, to a fully G2 compliant repeater. I tested my HotSpot in repeater mode with two radios, and it does work.
The HotSpot approach means you don't have to wait for a big deal repeater to come online to enjoy D-STAR. I use a 91AD HT around the house, and an ID-800H I bought used for mobile work. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to enjoy D-STAR. Jim - K6JM ----- Original Message ----- From: Mike Besemer (WM4B) To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2010 6:11 PM Subject: RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: DSTAR newcomer FINISH True, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. We've had a big push on analog repeaters in the past few years and we're about repeatered to death. Maybe somebody crazier than me will be willing to work it! As for other options. I've got a kid starting college this fall. guess where all my money is going! 73, Mike WM4B ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Woodrick, Ed Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2010 9:09 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Re: DSTAR newcomer FINISH Don't forget that you don't have to wait for the Georgia PBS Network to come on line, there's nothing keeping any individuals or repeater groups from putting other repeaters online in Georgia. There's also the DVDongle, DVAP, and hotspots that can be used to access the network. Ed WA4YIH
