Off the top of my head (and a little from the middle...) I'm sure there's more.
Similar functions:
- Repeater to repeater linking, and multiple-repeater reflectors, via the
Internet.
- Digital Code Squelch. Like CTCSS or analog's DCS, D-STAR radios can be
code squelched with numbers from 00-99 for group coded squelch. Unlike
analog, this always goes through repeaters and the network. (see also: call
sign squelch, below).
- Network access via computer (with Echolink on analog, and DVDongle on
D-STAR. Not permitted on IRLP).
- Network access via radio to a simplex base station (supported by IRLP and
Echolink on analog, and Hot Spot and DVAP on D-STAR. The DVAP is the size
of a Dongle and creates a zone of operation for handheld use in a building
like an EOC, without dragging in a radio and power supply/antenna).
- System control and linking via radio functions. Touch Tone for analog
IRLP/Echolink; embedded call sign fields for D-STAR.
Unique to D-STAR:
- Noise-free digital modulation (until the very weakest signal - then some
garble before it disappears completely). When a D-STAR signal disappears, a
well-modulated analog signal may be very noisy, but copyable, for a few
more dB.
- Built-in call sign identification. The operator's call sign is programmed
into the radio and appears on every transmission, along with a short
pre-programmed message (name, location, equipment, tactical function -
anything you can put in 20 characters). These scroll across the display of
the receiving radio on every transmission.
- "call sign squelch" - keep your radio quiet until someone directs a call
to you using your call sign. This works simplex, through any D-STAR
repeater, and via any D-STAR linking scheme.
- call sign routing. Enter someone's call sign in the YOUR field of the
radio, key up through your local repeater, and your transmission will be
routed through the Internet to the last D-SATAR repeater that person keyed
up (and it will open their radio if they had call sign squelch enabled).
There can be a delay of up to 30 minutes before their last key-up is
propagated to all the other repeaters on the network, but new software is
in the works to speed that up.
- BREAK-IN and EMERGENCY MODE. Break-in will open up any code-squelch radio
(call sign squelch or digital code squelch). EMERGENCY mode will do that
AND it will TURH UP THE VOLUME on all receiving radios if they've been
turned down so your transmission will be heard.
- On-line record of every transmission by call sign. Your radio keeps a
record of the last 10 or so call signs it received. Sites like
www.dstarusers.org display all the users in the past hour, and individual
repeater site pages show use longer than that. The DVDongle also keeps a
history list.
- DV Data mode on VHF/UHF. The 1200 bit/s data mode that rides along on all
transmissions for short messages and small files. Can be accessed via
computer connected to radio with programs like D-RATS, and used while
talking or not.
- DD Data mode on 1200 MHz. 128 kbit/s data appears on the back of the ID-1
radio as an Ethernet connection. With a web connection on the other end,
you have long-distance, wireless Internet access (with some limitations).
Unique to analog (so far):
- Autopatch
- RF linking between repeaters
No reason these functions can't be added to D-STAR - just hasn't happened yet.
KN4AQ's comment:
Internet linking is an important tool for Amateur Radio, analog or digital.
But it can vanish in an instant, so it shouldn't be the only link to an
emergency scene. We need our RF!
The program "Digital Voice for Amateur Radio" is a good, general
introduction to D-STAR (and other digital voice modes), available from my
web site below. Makes a good club meeting program (really 2, one for HF,
one for VHF/UHF).
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
