First, it is perfectly fine if both radios have the exact same call sign. There is no overwhelming need to have different call signs.
If you want remote users to be able to perform call sign routing, then you may want to have different call signs. But, think about what this really means before you assume that it is required. First, can you access multiple systems for the site or just one repeater stack and you want both radios to monitor each node? If you have radios dedicated to each repeater, then it is probably easier for remote users to always attach to a repeater node. If the radios are going to be changing channels, then call signs make more sense, but then you need to think of the operational impact on remote users. Which call sign should they put in their radio to contact you with A or B? How fast can you change channels on the ARC radios and call sign routing follow you? I would recommend having one radio dedicated to a calling repeater so that people always know how to get hold of the ARC. It shouldn't change frequencies. The second radio would be able to change frequencies, but only after guidance from the operator on the first radio. Essentially the first radio becomes the access to a resource net. In other words, there's not really a reason why you don't treat it like a FM setup. In my humble opinion, in most cases, having multiple call signs will tend to hamper operations and confuse users. Ed WA4YIH From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steve Lewis Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 3:30 PM To: dstar_digital Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Multiple 2820s / one callsign question The NEW American Red Cross Chapter in Cincinnati (W8VVL) is going to have two D-STAR equipped stations in it. Is it sufficient to have the "MY" differentiated like this: "W8VVL /282A" and "W8VVL /282B"? Or is that considered the same callsign which could confuse packet routing...? -73- de N8TFD/Steve
