It's can be intimidating Rick, but once you get the basics - not so bad. http://www.dstarusers.org/viewrepeater.php?system=W1MRA
First - send / receive frequencies work just the same as FM except in 2M there may be some non- standard splits and you may have to program and odd split. The database shows 145.160 minus offset -600 kHz. There are 4 fields in dstar that determine who and how you will talk. The easiest is MY. My for you is KB1JSW and unless you change calls shouldn't change. Next is RPT1. RPT1=W1RMA**C - C stands for the 2M band and by convention in the US is A for 23cm, B for 70cm and C for 2M. In Japan A is the first repeater installed and B is the second repeater installed. dstar users shows that W1RMA is not connected to the gateway system, so RPT2 is not used. Where there is a Gateway and you want your calls to go out of town, onto the network, the RPT=W1RMA**G ([*] represents a blank space) RPT1 and RPT2 don't change unless you move to a different repeater for coverage. Finally, UR determines who you want to talk to. For local calls set UR=CQCQCQ . If your friends use call sign squelch (probably not) set UR=(your friend's call) and DSTAR will selectively call your friend. If there is a gateway, the network will route your call the the repeater that you friend last used. There are many variations and add on features like reflectors that link many repeaters together, but this is just a get on the air and make a contact email. Once you get familiar with the basics it get to be old hat. 73, steve On Mon, Aug 16, 2010 at 1:07 PM, Rick <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi, > I'm a new member, I don't have a D-Star as of yet but am planing to go to > pick up an 88o today or tomorrow. The more I read some of this stuff the > more nervous I get that it'll be over my head. Is it going to be the death > of me...........lol ? > > Thanks > --Rick McKinney > KB1JSW > Outside of Boston > > -- NU5D - Nickel Under Five Dollars
