On May 11, 2008, at 9:40 PM, wd8chl wrote: > Ron Wright wrote: >> Jim, >> >> I tend to agree more spectrum is not needed on 2 meters just to >> accommodate D-Star or any other mode, digital or analog. Many analog >> boys are also starving for space for their repeaters. >> >> D-Star does look for the proper D-Star format to "unsquelch" as one >> might say. It does not simply turn on with signal like many analog >> rigs do. The repeaters and rigs do this. > > Right. I'm looking at provisions to monitor the frequency for NON D* > activity before transmitting. Most P25 radios can be set up in > "dual-mode" where it will also respond to analog FM with or without a > CTCSS/DCS code, as programmed. D* should have that, or a commercial- > type > hangup clip arrangement, or a busy-lockout that keeps the radio from > transmitting if there is other activity...or the choice to program one > of the above.
If the D-STAR repeater is receiving a signal, it's going to be sending serial data up from itself through the serial cable to the controller. I haven't (and probably won't) looked at that data on the serial cable (unless I buy my own D-STAR repeater... I don't feel good hacking on the club system like that) but I hear some folks in California have. It would be an indication of whether or not there's *receivable* D-STAR signal on any module. >> This is why, as you very well know, we use CTCSS...to unsquelch the >> rcvr when the proper tone rcv'd. >> >> The petition to the FCC was an attempt to gain more repeater pairs >> mainly for D-Star. I am sure the petitioners would have wanted the >> expansion to go for digital only. I am sure the FCC saw thru this. > > Yeah...nope-they're just gonna have to live alongside the rest of us > that can't spend $1000 on a radio...|cP The repeaters are far over $1000 for the band module and the controller, but the user radios (other than the ID-1) are all quite a bit below $1000, unless you have your heart set on the IC-2820. You can buy TWO IC-800H's for just over the price of the signal 2820 with D-STAR/GPS board (the D-STAR board is included in the price of the IC-800H) and have true dual-digital receive. Just stack 'em. :-) The comment makes it sounds like USERS can't get into D-STAR for less than $1000, which just isn't true. And the rigs will do analog too, so they're still quite usable for other purposes, generally. The Kenwood D-710 with all the APRS features costs a LOT more than an IC-800H, and all Gateway-equipped D-STAR systems should have the DPRS/ APRS gateway software installed by default these days, or the Gateway admin can add it with three commands and answering a few simple questions on-screen... so... a cheap $60 GPS plugged into the ID-800H will handle the "APRS-like" chores... kinda. It's different, but it's a "reasonable" comparison. -- Nate Duehr, WY0X [EMAIL PROTECTED]
