DMR For Beginners - HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe

DMR For Beginners - HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe
Just a video I did where I talk about DMR from a beginners perspective, this was targeted toward people who are new or interested in DMR.
Links to products in the video: www.amazon.com/shop/TheSmokinApe
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check out my DMR Radio Playlist: • Which DMR HT HAM Radio...
Resources and Links:
dmr-marc.net/
dmr-marc.net/media/DMR_MARC_B...
dmr-marc.net/media/Amateur_Ra...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital...
www.pistar.uk/
www.radioid.net
www.dmrfordummies.com/
www.dmrcontacts.com/
www.amateurradio.digital/
If you liked this video you can see more like it here:
/ thesmokinape
You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram:
/ thesmokinape
/ thesmokinape
Thanks,
TheSmokinApe

[@fanooch1]

Ham radio is the least beginner friendly hobby I have ever dipped my toe in. Thank you for making a "beginner" friendly video that actually has understandable content.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Much of the info isn’t approachable or consumable, I’m trying to help with that. Thanks for watching and for the comment 👍

[@arupian666]

+1 for this comment. Taking my tech exam in a couple of weeks. To get into very complicated, very expensive version of old-time CB Radio. I have a Yaesu FT3D and no matter how many vids I watch, System Fusion confuses the *** out of me... maybe DMR will be more my "thing"... looking at you, Anytone AT-D878UVII...

[@Albert-zf8ct]

Very much agree with your comment - DMR is NOT beginner friendly - I am trying to get my head around this but it is difficult. The video is a good help to start understanding this concept.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

@fanooch1 *lol* I can totally understand that sentiment. I got my novice ticket in 1989, and things were a bit different back then. Obviously, Morse Code was a requirement, but then, for the most part, we'd get a radio, try to put up a highly efficient antenna, and do Ham Radio. I did get into packet right after getting my Novice, and then my Technician Class License, but we didn't have the D-Star/DMR/YSF/Internet, and so much else to confuse us. *lol* I do like learning the technology, however. Regardless of what technology is available though, the best part of Ham Radio for me will always be working DX on the HF bands.

[@karlschulte9231]

Ham radio can be easier. Simple 1 tube transmitter on cw/ morse, plus old but still good beginners receiver on up to used but working well fm mobile plus power supply for local chat, civil defense. Similarly an HF shortwave , 100 watts, from 1985 or later for world wide chat on SSB voice or CW ( lots of fun, not hard to learn - aps on cell. Antenna can be about 36 ft of wire fed in middle with coax about 20 ft up in tree. Talk all over NA and often overseas. DMR later. Local repeaters on FM around 146 MHz or 445 Mhz. Like fishing, bamboo pole and hook on string catches fish. Fancy rod and reel, net, boat catch more, all fun.

[@k7map]

Wow, the world's 1st perfect DMR presentation. Not too fast, not too slow. Not too simple, not too complex. I like how you made it about DMR and not about what a funny, colorful, showy personality and image you have. Good job.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@axemanarbor]

Notarubicon does that too . Not too slow not too fast not too complex.

[@dezznuzzinyomouth2543]

Re : "not to fast not to slow" >> cogwheel button on youtube >> speed Usually always solves the quoted aforementioned

[@llaymard]

Thinking of getting into DMR. This was one of the best videos I have seen for the beginner. Thanks for taking the time to record and upload this.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, glad you liked it 👍

[@clems6989]

Absolutely the best DMR video I have found

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Clem, glad you liked it 👍

[@UziRyder1]

Great Job. Thanks for taking your time to give us a clue. It's appreciated.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@joedonnelly9487]

Exceptional video - sorted through it without being overwhelmed

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching Joe 👍

[@neubert500]

Excellent coverage of a complex subject matter. Thank you!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Neubert 👍

[@HamRadio2]

Great review, you hit on some topics that are often heavy with questions. Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Jason, glad you liked it 👍

[@ArndroidInc]

Thank you so much for such an informative video. I have been looking for just this video. Without bashing other KZbin channels I will say that you have cleared up a lot of questions for me. That said I will be watching this video a couple more times so I can fully digest all of the information. Thank you for keeping it simple.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching Arnold!

[@MrBracey1970]

Thanks Ape,now you’ve explained things in an understandable way,I’m going to commit and get a DMR radio and hotspot,I’ll be working my way through your other DMR content!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching Simon!

[@olafelsberry9271]

Smoking ape I greatly appreciate the simple knowledge you have kind sir

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you like the videos! Thanks for watching!

[@jpbcos]

Thank you!! I got a BTECH 6x2 as a gift and have been trying to understand DMR. This, and the other 6x2 videos you have are so helpful.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome TG, glad you like the videos 👍

[@bak2bassix]

Awesome presentation. I just got my first DMR radio and this is a perfect introduction. Thanks for taking the time.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@unclecow]

lots of great info dude awesome video

[@eh4355]

Thanks for the information

[@TheSmokinApe]

No worries

[@gerhardmoeller774]

Excellent vid! Thanks so much.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danielkingshott2659]

thanks for this, gave me a big quick start on DMR

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, glad it helped Daniel 👍

[@thebnbaldwin]

Perfect, just what I needed to help get me started. Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Brian, glad you liked it 👍

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

Just starting to learn about DMR. Thanks for this video, helped alot

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful Andy 👍

[@Cat-Branchman]

The multitude of painful tutorials I sat through before I found yours. Thank you Ape!!! I’m new to DMR and yours is the perfect gateway.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey CB, glad it was helpful 👍

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Thanks for making this video, it answered a lot of my questions. What I particularly like about your videos is that you give the information in an unhurried way, so that the viewer has time to aborb what you are saying. Too many other channels, talk too fast and unclearly or do shouty gabble and have annoying music to distract you in the background. You do it right!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Ace, glad you like them 👍

[@johnhenns3599]

informative overview for a beginner in DMR

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks John, glad it was helpful 👍

[@WJ6FRadio]

Outstanding and most informative video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks, glad you liked it! 👍

[@WJ6FRadio]

@@TheSmokinApe Hell yeah! Wish this video was out years ago when I started using DMR with an MD-380

[@TheSmokinApe]

Same! 😆

[@saltire546]

Thanks for the info .

[@TheSmokinApe]

No problem, hope it was helpful 👍

[@jeffc2709]

Great video. I'm going for my test in 2 weeks and looking to purchase a dmr mobile I had lots of questions and you answered a bunch. Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful, good luck on the test 👍

[@SevenFortyOne]

great video Ape! I'm sending the link to my buddy John who is trying to get up to speed with DMR - this is going to help him immensely

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Rob! Hopefully he finds it helpful 👍

[@CalibrationInstitute]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it TM!

[@K5QBF]

Great video Ape.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Shane, glad you liked it 👍

[@jitterspec]

Wow! I'm happy I spent time watching this to learn about DMR.subscribed!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, glad you liked the video 👍

[@KF0PBP]

New to this so found your video helpful. Thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Dirk, glad you liked it. Welcome to the hobby 👍

[@gregglenentine7660]

Great video. I shared the link with a friend for his edification.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks, glad you liked it 👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

I think that wraps that up!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Temporarily Offline haha, sure does, thanks for watching 👍

[@darinhitchings7104]

Very informative thank you

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tbriglia01]

good Job! Thanks for all the info.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks!

[@ToNzHoLtZ]

I love your content , it has helped me so much !

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad to hear it HOLTZ, thanks for watching 👍

[@utvolume]

Wow. I’ve been out of Amateur Radio for a good while. Just started back. Soo much has changed/developed. Thanks for the info on DMR. Liked and sub’d.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the sub, glad you liked the video 👍

[@braindamage_eclipse]

Good presentation, still very relevant.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks, glad you liked it 👍

[@AA0Z]

Pointing those who ask me frequently about DMR here!!!! Good video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Kyle, appreciate the support 👍

[@bthemedia]

TheSmokinApe yes, this has been a great orientation - I’ve been trying to make sense of DMR for a couple days via various KZbin videos 😆

[@grfd711]

I got my ticket back in the mid 90's and fell out of the hobby after the turn of the century for a few different reasons. Anyways, I'm starting to crawl back into the hobby and boy have things changed! I appreciate the effort you put into this video: quick intro, sources and plenty of examples. I still have a lot to do and to learn, but I'm starting to feel better about the content. Good job and thanks again!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video, best of luck jumping back into the hobby 👍

[@johnbarolo7083]

I am doing the exact same thing you did. Can you share with me which radio you chose to get back in the hobby?

[@grfd711]

@@johnbarolo7083 I ended up using a Motorola Astro Saber model 3. But I also found old ones I used back in the day: Radio Shack HTX 202 & Kenwood TH-22AT. I've ended up with plenty of others for various reasons nabd thankfully one HF rig to get me started with a lil 40m & 80m work.

[@tomv3999]

Very nice primer. I'm in Colorado very close to where we just got a massive fire that destroyed much of Superior and Louisville. I need to get serious about emergency communications, and DMR is used quite a bit there. Thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching Tom

[@jackK5FIT]

Good starter video. Santa brought me a DMR ht and a Jumbo Spot. I use the hotspot with my YSF radio and there is a YSF repeater in range but no DMR repeaters. This video gives me some motivation to drag out the DMR radio and start programming it. Thanks! Jack K5FIT

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Jack, glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@toomasrett3931]

Thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You're welcome!

[@seaningram3285]

Good Video :) Sean, here. WB4UR in Central Virginia. I am currently using a TYT UV MD380 as well as the MD 380 UHF only HT.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Very nice!

[@MrHardrock]

Thank you! Basic.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You’re welcome 👍

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

great video thx

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Chris 👍

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

@@TheSmokinApe I was impressed it was very technical

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, coming from a DMR expert like you means something 👍

[@gregbeckern9wxg580]

I was working in terrestrial microwave for the phone company during the transition from analog to digital. Many of the terms being used are bringing back a lot of memories

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thats cool, did you work with RF?

[@gregbeckern9wxg580]

@@TheSmokinApe yes I did. I had a 1st phone back in the early 70s that was changed to a general. I worked in the days when we still had a tweeker in our shirt pocket. Lol

[@gregbeckern9wxg580]

By the way you are a great presenter. It’s not over the top but right to the point. You should be an instructor at the local college.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@gregbeckern9wxg580 that’s awesome, I bet that was a fun time to be in telecom.

[@gregbeckern9wxg580]

@@TheSmokinApe I really enjoyed it. Had a truck load of high end test equipment that there is no way I could afford for myself.

[@TaitGuy]

Thank you, good tutorial... 73!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drewby4563]

Thank you sir 73s

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@mikebaruffa5308]

Thanks for the great intro to DMR! Just picked up my first DMR (RD-5R) at a local hamfest. Hope to QSO with you at some point once I figure this all out! 73's N8TLS

[@TheSmokinApe]

Best of luck, thanks for watching!

[@SamtheoriginalClassic]

great stuff!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching Sam!

[@SamtheoriginalClassic]

@@TheSmokinApe I'm almost done with this video and think you did a pretty good job of explaining everything

[@susieroberts8175]

Wow. This guy thanks US for watching? Thank you!!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Susie, glad you liked it 👍

[@phildurall7466]

Nice coverage of the material Ape! Keep up the relevant content! 73, KF6IF

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Phil 👍

[@DonzLockz]

Good info Mr Clarence Ape. :) I will be programming my radio and hotspot this week and need all the help I can get.😄👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck with it!

[@the1spyderryder]

CTCSS is a generic name for it, "PL" is a Registered trade mark for " Private Line " it came into play so repeater users would only hear traffic ment for them. But as you know nothing is private. I have been in commertial radio service and have had a GROL or FCC General Radio Operators Licanse for over 50+ years... lol I guess that dates me. But I have loved Amateur Radio for ever. By the way great video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the comment Coy!

[@henrycooper1252]

Like many others, I wanted to thank you for this FANTASTIC video - you have answered ALL of my questions and I now have a clear idea of what I will need to do. Many thanks, 73 G0BLQ

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome Henry, glad to hear it was helpful.

[@ShannonGlenda]

This is the kind of video that, if you're really not interested in DMR, your eyes will gloss over from the amount of information presented. But, if you are a ham operator, and want to get into DMR, you should really watch this. This does a really good job of walking you through understanding all the aspects so, when you buy your radio, you already have all the information you need to get set up and start utilizing it. Well done!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the feedback Ky4LJ, glad you liked it...

[@Col_Sanders]

Hahahaha I'm sure this would put my wife (non-ham) to sleep! However, as a ham wanting to try out DMR this was very enjoyable! Well done Smokin!

[@dedsert9653]

I've read that tier 1 is basically the european PMR446 bands and spec, but digital, meaning license free use in Europe.

[@KouroshDelpak]

Great!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Kourosh!

[@KouroshDelpak]

@@TheSmokinApe you're welcome my dear friend 😊

[@hash46176]

I hold several licenses for ham gmrs and so forth but am just learning dmr

[@TheSmokinApe]

DMR is allot of fun 👍

[@RosssRoyce]

Thanks for your video! Very good and detailed. It doesn’t inform a complete beginner though if one can create a none-ham ID, you immediately switch into expressing your preferences of siding with the established law/rules. So can one file a none-ham ID? For example my callsign is a registered none-ham callsign. Thanks!

[@bthemedia]

9:48 “which DMR HT should II buy” should be updated for Anytone AT-868! 👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'm still pretty happy with the BTECH DMR-6X2

[@tradedate]

Anytone 878 plus is the better model.

[@qrplife]

Thanks for the basic explanation. For the way I operate, I’ll just stick with FM.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nothing wrong with FM, thanks for watching QRPL 👍

[@davidboyd7773]

P25 is another easy one

[@gf.calabretta]

Hi there. Love your channel name 🤩 you should consider in getting your website domain name (even if you don't have a website you could forward that domain to any url) All the best! 🤙🏽

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Goanfranco, thanks for checking it out 👍

[@paulhastings3109]

Thnxs have no idea about DRM in and out. What I need live in the country KQ4CD

[@leslieeaton662]

FYI - There is a misspelling on your "What DMR Networks Are There?" slide on this video. Check the spelling of the Motorola Amateur Radio Group. Amateur is spelled "Amareur". Great video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@duffyhitman]

The Baofeng DM-1702 is a Digital DMR Radio just to update

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Paul 👍

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

Everything I need to do digitally I can do with Echolink. I prefer to make all my radio contacts on analog, that's where the fun and challenge is at with RF. Great video though for someone who is wanting to do digital. 73' JOHN KC2FBH

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Nightowl 👍

[@dannyjaco8997]

Why would you even comment and try and tear down his process. I prefer HF, but I am not coming in here to try and bash what he is saying. I bet DMR would be fun.

[@thomasrogen3739]

Hello question, I have a new in the box tyt 380 hand held DMR can I just enter my location will it load the DMR groups and tiers and stuff? Thank you friend.

[@oldbassist60]

Great job - thank you. 👍 AD6AE

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks OB 👍

[@tomperone9338]

I'm a big advocate of people writing their own code plugs...painful though that process may be the first time (or two) around. You'll learn a great deal about DMR as you work through all the minutia and gotchas, and you'll be in a far better position to modify it later on if needed. DMR repeaters seem to come and go or make changes with alarming regularity, and that can be a real problem if you're waiting around on someone else to hopefully create an updated version of an older code plug. Not to mention the fact that no two Amateurs seem to organize things quite the same way, and a lot of code plugs are just plain badly written.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I totally agree, the last thing a new DMR user needs is a badly organized and poorly written CP. Thanks for checking out the video Tom.

[@jay-rus4437]

Is dstar its own stand alone digital system, or is it just their format for accessing dmr? If that makes sense. I am interested in dmr, but Im a bit unclear as to what direction to go. Fusion, dstar, etc etc. If I get fusion, am I limited to just that “system” for format....or does it allow me to access the dmr world?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Dstar is a different stand anlone environment. You can cross over from Fusion to DMR with a HotSpot.

[@gcsheltersystems]

Great starting point! A big help. Newly licensed Ham. Just checking out "what's it all about"? I typically am never satisfied where I am, and will move that way. Still a lot to do to clear my thoughts, but feel more conversational on what to ask for. One question, does this make communications regional, national, and international, or are there limits? Again Thanks!

[@TheSmokinApe]

There are people using DMR everywhere so you can literally talk to people world wide 👍

[@warkmard4982]

I'm looking for a quality Mobile DMR unit but can't find anything other than expensive dual DMR/analog units with SOC. I want a superheterodyne unit under $500 if they exist. I Ilike the Yaesu but it uses fusion. Anyone have any suggestions?

[@billfong7861]

Thanks for the very good presentation. Maybe I am not getting it but is there a reason why DMR radios don't have a Hotspot integrated in the radio? The WiFi modem can connect to the available WiFi network and you won't need to carry a HotSpot.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It would be great if they did.

[@LeeG7953]

I programmed DSTAR sometime ago but used a commercial DMR on a job I worked but nobody knew the programming. At the moment this looks complicated.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It can be at first but with practice it gets easy 👍

[@michaeldavidheit]

Great video, especially since I'm new to DMR. I'm only able to watch you on my laptop and the audio volume is too low and I'm forced to use earphones to listen in better. Overall great information for this old fart.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey LT. Sorry about the audio!

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

I have a D74 which has D-Star and just received my Open Spot 3, since its not a DMR radio I don’t expect my radio to be on list is the cvs file generic enough to work with my radio?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, I don’t use Dstar, it’s my understanding there is a Dstar database you can load 👍

[@chrome7036]

Got my ticket about 15 years ago, fell out for a period, but getting back in. Got my DMRID, but I guess my confusion comes from, do I need to have an external antenna that will reach a repeater? Or do I not need an external antenna? Thanks KC0NVI 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

I can’t hit one with my HT antenna, another requires an external 👍

[@kevinc9416]

Great video. Can you explain the simplex 99 code. My understanding is it is a code plug place holder to allow your radios to work radio to radio without repeaters which the code IDs do. It is a jumper code? Thx

[@TheSmokinApe]

Check example 1.8, they explain way better than I could: dm3mat.darc.de/qdmr/manual/ch01s03.html

[@kevinc9416]

Thank you

[@stevenking9357]

Well organized video and very informative....thanks!! Have a question, if I loaded a dedicated laptop with Linux Is there a way I could use it as a hotspot? Somehow attach a generic MMDVM board to it?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked the video! I’m sure there is a way to do it, I think I have seen mmdvm boards that have an USB plug to attach to a laptop but I have not tried it 👍

[@stevenking9357]

@@TheSmokinApe Well I may give it a try. I've been in the computer business for 25 years and have a few laptops hanging around. Just tested out tech and general Saturday. New to ham and waiting on my call sign.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Congrats of passing the test 👍

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

If we are talking digital then does how many watts your radio has really matter,? I can see if we are talking trying to reach a repeater or simplex but if I have an Open Spot3 tethered to my cell and use my HT I can keep it on low power and talk longer and I will be getting out just fine. HT vs Mobile are = when talking digital or am I wrong?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Use the lowest power when using a hotspot. You will want the extra power if / when doing repeater of simplex work like you said.

[@krisdouglas6536]

Man cheers up your making it sound like your giving an eulogy

[@TheSmokinApe]

LOL, thanks for the feedback and checking it out Kris

[@alanbrockmeier6871]

Nice job! Alan NM5SP

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Alan, glad you liked it!

[@Donkarnage223]

I have a TGIF hotspot coming in this Monday. I also have a Yaesu FT-3D. What all do I need to access, TX, and RX on different talk groups in DMR and Fusion? I need a digital Radio. Need a network to join (Brandmeister/TGIF). Need a Hotspot. Need a DMR ID. Is there anything else I am leaving out for a beginner to get talking on the digital modes?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, you want to get a DMR ID as soon as you can. I'm not familiar with the TGIF how spot but you need a spot that has cross mode capability.

[@alanjames4526]

I just got an Rfinder B1 HT mainly for cell phone and keeping an internal updated repeater listing when I travel. What do you think of the B1 for DMR? Seems like it takes care of loading code plugs, etc. but I am not that adept yet with DMR stuff. Alan KZ6B

[@TheSmokinApe]

I haven't used the B1 but they look pretty cool

[@livebyreason]

Curious if anyone knows the approximate data rates for DMR operation? Great video and thanks for posting Ape!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad you liked it, sorry I don’t know the data rates

[@StanCook]

Thanks for that, it makes it a bit clearer. Here is my problem that sound crazy to me but it is true, I guess. I have purchased a DMR radio twice and then sent it back because I only use a Mac. I get to that part of downloading a CSP and it is always a .exe. Locke me out. Bridge Systems told me to go buy a Windows machine. Or get Windows loaded into my Mac. That is not going to happen. It is hard to believe that the whole DMR community only uses Widows. I really want to get going with this but it seems I am stopped even before I get going.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, it’s a problem for sure. Someone may have developed a solution but I’m not aware of it... best of luck 👍

[@bthemedia]

Especially for DMR radios, I don’t know why they can’t be programmed (code plugs) via standard CSV files or a mobile app via BT, like the Radioddity GS-5B. 🧐☹️

[@kurtcobain2632]

You can buy a $100 laptop from Walmart. Tighten up and prepare your damn self by familiarizing yourself with these radios and communication in general.

[@StanCook]

@@kurtcobain2632 No shit! So what is your point? I became a HAM in 1977 and used a Windows machine from the time they came out. Windows OS still sucks and yet I had to buy that $100 machine almost a year ago and yes, they still suck. It was, and still is, interesting that the HAM world is still stuck back then when the Apple OS just works with less than half the trouble. It took you this long to make a comment on a 9-month-old KZbin post? Anyway, thanks for your feedback. The problem was solved months ago.

[@kurtcobain2632]

Stan brother. I might have came off harsh. My point was don't let a small obsticle or prejudiced feeling against windows stop your hobby.

[@obrechtbeelen8406]

Fantastic!! Thank you. Next question: witch portable tranceicer do I need?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I really like the Anytone DMR radios 👍

[@obrechtbeelen8406]

@@TheSmokinApeThank you. Received my dmr id. 😊 is it nescessary to use an hotspot? I think not when I am in the mountains for a walk….?😊

[@TheSmokinApe]

You would use the hotspot unless using a local repeater or talking simplex with someone close by...

[@runnerpsu]

Very informative. If the interned goes down will DMR work?

[@TheSmokinApe]

From radio to radio yes, likely you will have problems using network connected hotspots or repeaters

[@bthemedia]

5:50 “need to connect to DMR network” - so DMR is NOT possible directly from radio to radio? (ie in a desert, no other radio or internet infrastructure) “Simplex” on the end is confusing, sounds like radio to radio (HT to HT) may be possible?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Connecting to a DMR Network requires a connected repeater or hotspot. You can communicate radio to radio via simplex.

[@johnwest7993]

The most critical aspect and value I see in ham radio is the fact that it DOESN'T need to work through the Internet to get the real value out of it. In fact, I have it essentially for emergencies when I CAN'T use the Internet. I'm surprised that many hams have an interest in chatting through the Internet via ham radio. Why not just use a cellphone, tablet, or laptop to communicate over the web and save a whole lot of money and hassle?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You do know that you can talk radio to radio without the aid of the internet right?

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

So I could not connect an icom id-5100a directly to wifi. I have to go through Raspberry? Too bad

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, you need a vocoder like what’s on the MMDVD board 👍

[@jeffc2709]

After doing some research it seems that there are 2 dmr mobile choices. Thr tyt md9600 and anytone d578. Any thoughts on which one would be better choice for a new ham starting out. I'm leaning towards the anytone.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The Anytone without a doubt 👍

[@jeffc2709]

Thanks that's the one I was leaning towards

[@smartazz61]

I've only been a ham for a couple of years, but, upon immediately chasing DX, I've wanted ways to improve my "range" so to speak. I've always thought that digital voice COULD/MIGHT be an answer to improving your DX. I have not used DMR in any way. My thought on it was simply to go to a frequency range allocated for digital radio, and hopefully find another ham doing the same, to do voice/phone. I admit I have little to no idea what I'm speaking of here. Does what I've suggested even happen? I know that for now I'm not very interested in any dmr that needs to go through the internet. To me that's not a lot different than using your cell phone. Please fellow hams, don't let me get you pissed because my taste differs from yours. It's just a matter of taste. Thats all. I'm thinking that I may be able to do the same thing a person would do for.....what's it called? JT8? Sorry. I.E., once again, that I'd like to be able to just use my radio, my encoder/decoder, and make contact with people doing the same, without a network. I just want to keep the complexity and need for a third party to be unnecessary. Am I making any sense here at all?

[@kdawson020279]

DMR is FM, so it exists in the frequencies where the signal is line of sight. It's a unique, narrow band method of sending and receiving FM data, using a hybrid RF and internet network. It'd work at higher frequencies, but becomes more and more expensive for available bandwidth as you get out to where signals can reliably travel long distances. Probably not what you're after if you want strictly RF, although I got a dual band analog/DMR HT on clearance for well under $100 because I like Echolink but am going to be traveling for work enough to want the best of all possible worlds in as few radios as possible. The entry cost is a lot lower than the proprietary standards. I understand the RF vs internet thing myself, it seems dumb to be sending CW on anything but analog because it's faster to just send a text. Hope that helps. I'm still new to DMR, but I understand HOW it works even if I don't have my specific gear figured out quite yet. 73!

[@masakeris]

DMR HAM can cause a headache! Its definitely not simple, thats why im the only who try something about that in my city :D but license callsign stopped my registration :(

[@HaskellMoore]

Very useful; thanks for this! W5HLM

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching 👍

[@jeffc2709]

One question I had is can a fusion radio connect to a dmr repeater or does each type of digital radio only connect to their own brand repeater? Just trying to figure out which brand digital radio to buy. Only have dmr repeaters close to home.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Correct, DMR to DMR and YSF to YSF. You can cross over with a hotspot 👍

[@jeffc2709]

Thanks for the info it narrows my choices down to basically dmr. Now to research a good mobile.

[@greghalsey3603]

@@TheSmokinApe Is that the purpose of the hotspot? Crossover? New to Ham radio, Still unclear about a lot of things. KO4LMD When you say hotspot, I think of something to connect to a computer for internet service. Could you refer me to any resources that might help me understand more? Thanks.

[@user-bk5op8qi2p]

not sure if I would ever need to but will a regular analog amp work on dmr? I've had no problems with c4 fm

[@TheSmokinApe]

It would have to be able to handle the fasts switching of the Time Slots

[@donizzo8884]

Nicely done Vy 73’s W1FYG

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks man, glad you liked it 👍

[@donizzo8884]

TheSmokinApe .... I’ve been involved with DMR / Motorola for over 6 years and I have three of their TRBO systems. When it opened to the ham radio community, there was no video like this one. So many hams got frustrated. Again...you put together an excellent video to get the beginners introduced to an another awesome part of our hobby.