Ham Radio Digital Modes Comparison - DMR, DSTAR or YSF? P25 or NXDN?

[@hbryant1971]

"Choose what is closest to you". Excellent advice. However I live in the middle of nowhere in Mindanao, Philippines. There is not even any FM Analog repeaters within 300 miles. However, we do have 50Mbps Fiberoptic Internet. Therefore, the mode closest to me is whatever I program into my Hotspot. To simplify things, I setup two. One with Brandmeister and TGIF and a second with Yaesu System Fusion / WIRES X. No need for cross-mode, which often leads to problems. When I want to talk on DMR, I pick up my Alinco DJ-MD5 or Retevis RT-3S. If I'm in the mood for YSF, I fetch my Yaesu FT5DR. It seems to work well so far.

[@dean-ka0trl980]

Thank You for making these videos. I have been a ham since 1986 but for the last 20 years I have been inactive and now getting back into ham. The hobby has advanced so much since I was in it and I am very ignorant of the new modes. Your videos are teaching me what is new and I thank You.

[@MrRobertSpearsJr]

Would love to see a newer video about setting up a DV system in a rural area that doesn't have any repeaters; and why this would be better than just turning up analog.

[@joeeisenhour732]

I love the DMR, I have a cousin in California and he's been doing the digital for a few years now. I got an AnyTone DMR radio. He told me about P25 and Droidstar for the android. Took me a while to get it working but I did it. I can connect to the PAPA network in southern California. Then he told me about M17. I found it on my Droidstar app and talked to him on M17. I've also made a couple of other contacts on that mode as well. The night he told me about M17 I was able to have it up and running before he did. I think that really surprised him. Now I'm trying to figure out the settings for YSF. I'll keep watching your videos and continue to learn more. I've been a ham for 52 years now. Still have my original call as I didn't see any reason to change it. Got the General in February 4th 1972. Thanks for putting on the videos and hopefully will figure out the settings for the YSF. 73's for now, Joe WB6ELL P.S. I have talked all the way around the world back in 80's when the sun spots were going crazy running 10 watts on 10 meter FM. 73's once again.

[@madmagrider]

I chose Fusion because I have multiple repeaters near me and because it's easy to use and program a Yaesu radio.

[@joeframo3347]

Boy you're amazing you came along way brother I still go back to the days when you first yes indeed like I said you came a long way 😎

[@WalterScott-z6h]

My dual-band radios of choice are both Yaesus with System Fusion, mainly because my club's repeater supports that mode -- but most of the time I go to analog when traveling away from home. YSF and D-Star are popular in my part of the country, and some of my buddies happily use D-Star. I bought a DMR radio and hotspot, but gave up on trying to program the radio. YSF works well, right up to the edge of reception range, and the radios "knaow" to switch between YSF and analog depending oin the signal received. The OpenSpot 4 Pro can work different digital voice modes and even work cross-mode, but no HT, mobile rig or base unit can do the same.

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

Actually, you can translate any digital mode to any other using DVSwitch. I've also found that voice quality can vary widely, based on radio model, firmware rev and most importantly, whether the user's radio has been properly tuned (not to mention the tuning status of the hotspot/repeater/etc. they're using).

[@cbtaylor10]

Good reviews. I've been an Icom man since the mid 1980s but since purchasing the Yaesu VX-6R last April I'm impressed with them. That said, I'm digging the Yaesu FT5 for it's robust construction, form factor, and solid Fusion performance. 'Honorable Mention'. N4CBT

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

When I got into ham radio, my local HRO (yeah, I’m like 20 minutes from the New Castle, DE location) said that System Fusion repeaters we’re popping up in the area and they persuaded my to get a Yaesu FT-1D from a VX-8 (or a model down). There weren’t many YSF repeaters actually up in my very local area, but there were a few 25+ miles away that I was able to hit if I used a better antenna or my 991. Since I couldn’t control the repeaters that I could get to (or they were down more than up) I decide to go with a OpenSpot 1 as my first hotspot. Gave me more freedom to do as I wished. Eventually got a OpenSpot 2. I go to DMR sometimes in my OS2, but haven’t talked to anyone talking through a TG on a local repeater. I usually stay on the System Fusion side of the OS2, switching between the FSC & YSF reflectors.

[@docmcr1953]

Super video! I applauded for $5.00 👏👏

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@donaldsmith3048]

I got a TGIF HOTSPOT. Not had it but a week and still trying to learn all the things I can do with it. I want to be able to get on some of the different networks. I know that there is a way to do it. One thing I have learned is that in Ham radio there is always something new to learn about!

[@donaldsmith3048]

My first radio is a AT 878UVPlus DMR. Ran out of memory for users long ago, but it stil works. I have been thinking about getting a DSTAR but many people are working on ways to put them all together so talking on one goes on all of them.. only local I think but when it is working I can talk to all the digital modes around me. DMR is a programming trouble but sounds best.

[@jneale5204]

I have one of each. Anytone 878 for DMR, Icom ID-5100 for DSTAR and the Yaesu FTM-400 for YSF. We don't have a DSTAR repeater in the area anymore. I still keep the ID-5100 in my truck because some of the areas I go to for work have DSTAR, We have DMR and Fusion in the area and both work good. I even have the FTM-400 set up as a PDN. With that being said YSF is my favorite mode. KM4NHN

[@rohnkd4hct260]

I have DMR,DSTAR ,YSF and P-25. I live in area where I have very limited repeaters. Most all my DV ops are over a Hotspot. To me, P-25 sounds the best but , I love DSTAR.

[@W5ERX4911]

I like all these modes for different reasons and they all have something different to offer. My personal favorite is P25. I know it can be a bit daunting to get into but the voice quality is second to none. I would really like to see you do a video on P25 just so folks know what it is about.

[@jpb5385]

This is great. I appreciate this. I would like to see more on how to use System Fusion. I’m new to the hobby and have an FT3D but know little about the digital side.

[@CharlotteCaniac]

I’m new too and have a FT3D. Is it simply a matter of connecting to a Fusion nearby repeater?

[@pale_2111]

I've got a FT3D and use in on Wires-X every once in a while because I just got one hotspot. It takes some time to get used to it, but made a few contacts on a few reflectors. I suggest that you make a log before you start because it'll come in handy when you run come across someone again.

[@QRPadventures]

@@CharlotteCaniac You can use a Wires-X and a YSF repeater. You can also connect the FT3D to a computer and use it as a hotspot for Wires-X. Lots of youtube videos about it. Good luck and welcome to the hobby.

[@proudtex]

Started with D-STAR, but my local club hosts the Texas Patriots room on our Wires-X repeater.

[@davidg5308]

Thanks Jason! I use DSTAR and YSF. All of the big 3 and more here in the LA area, but just don't feel the need for any more. Go with what you can and enjoy it!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for sharing

[@bev8200]

Does DMV require the internet? Im looking to make a small network for my neighborhood that can reach out in an emergency situation. I have an analog in place but I want to understand digital and it’s limitations.

[@HamRadio2]

Do you mean DMR? No it doesn't *require* internet. You can setup a stand-alone DMR or DSTAR or YSF repeater the same way that you can an analog repeater. You can then *choose* to connect a DMR repeater to the internet to expand its reach, just the same way you can with an analog repeater via Echolink or Allstar. Most people choose to connect the DMR repeater to the internet so that it opens up a whole world of talkgroups (literally) But the mode itself doesn't require internet.

[@bev8200]

@@HamRadio2 thank you

[@NorthCountryHam]

I have my AT878 plus, and my 991A w/ C4FM, I have used both, and its a toss up for me, I'm still tweaking my programming on the Anytone . I have to go through my pi-star to connect at home, I don't reach the repeater w/ the HT unless I'm out driving

[@adnassiamarador9547]

I have two VHF radios. I live in South Florida. I would like to connect with Jamaica because my brother Shankar Maragh is missing there. I want to know which radio can connect there. I could make contacts on Echolink but recently Jamaica is not logged in.

[@caseyschesky3708]

I am a new General and your videos are great. A lot of info in a short package. Very interesting and informative. Thanks I have learned a lot over the last 6 months watching! KE8PFA Casey

[@billcrow5403]

I use DMR because we have numerous repeaters in Oklahoma. Also I have one at the school I teach. Wish Kenwood would come out with a DMR ( ham) radio like the D74

[@Dusty_Ham]

Thank you very much Jason, I'm just about to start looking for my first DMR radio. They are the only repeaters in my country unfortunately. Now I have to search for a decent inexpensive hotspot and HT. My Baofeng isn't working out for me at all unfortunately.

[@EvgeniX.]

check out OpenGD77 radios such as the tyt 380. really nice! btw only DMR in my country as well :)

[@keithfrost1268]

Fusion was the first I'd heard of. I went D-Star because I wanted to talk with a friend who'd moved out of state. He had an Icom.

[@briankendall1978]

I have been keeping my eye on the M17 that open source digital voice protocol. That seems like it could be very cool!!

[@jasonritchey8610]

Dstar and System Fusion myself is what I use. Thanks Jason for the video my friend! Keep up the good work. KF5VSM 73!

[@larrybragg7406]

Thank you for sharing. I noticed the sound quality only varies by radio, not by the digital signal. I'm in Bakersfield CA. We have Fusion, DMR and P25. I recently learned how to program a codeplug for DMR. Prior to this, it was confusing but Bridgecom was an excellent resource.

[@jackK5FIT]

There are a couple of D-Star repeaters and a couple of Fusion repeaters in my area. I bought a Yaesu FT70D and a Jumbo Spot to play around with and got everything working and talked a bit on the America Link channel. Signal reports both ways are great. Santa brought me a Radioddity GD77 last Christmas so I could play around with DMR some. No DMR repeaters yet but I understand one is in the works. Looking forward to expanding my digital voice footprint. Thanks for the video! Jack K5FIT

[@seeyditti]

How do I know whats around me? Is there a map somewhere?

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Thinking I would learn about these modes...what is it? After watching this video, I still don't know. Was a HAM operator but got out of it shortly after Echolink started, to many operators sounded like CBers....that hasn't changed....just now getting back into it. The search continues.... ~Jack, VEG

[@johnberry704]

" get one of each ". Perfect response

[@forgetyourlife]

Get none of each. The analog response.

[@pedrocatalan9814]

Hey Jason. Another great video. You don't touch on the multi mode reflectors, like the Quadnet Array. There are several nets held on there every week. You can use any of the three modes to connect to it, and be heard by all the participants. The cross encoding is done at the server end. There are other multimode reflectors out there too. I have to admit, I find the audio on DSTAR to be much better than DMR. one big problem with DMR, is the varying audio levels depending on the radio the user has. I have a Motorola XPR 6550 and an Anytone 878. You can really tell what radio someone is using just by how loud or soft the audio is. I'm sure you have seen this before. Keep up the great work. 73, VE7LO.

[@neilspector9221]

I am in an area that has several DSTAR repeaters.We have one System Fusion and one DMR repeater. So I have one of each radio...

[@jeffreydonaldson3708]

I have a Yaesu FT70 that of course does System Fusion. There are quite a few repeaters in my area that will handle Fusion. Right in my home town probably 2 to 3 miles away is an active DMR repeater. I could hit it with a dummy load. I guess that will be the way to go for digital.

[@albing1397]

I have all 3 here in SE Wisconsin, as well as FM. While I programmed repeaters into all my radios (3 DSTAR radios, 2 Fusion radios and 4 DMR - HT, base and mobile), I have mostly reverted to using hotspots. I enjoy DMR (Brandmeister) the most, but only with an RFinder hotspot (still a lot of programming). DSTAR is by far the easiest to program with the hotspot - only program 1 frequency, change reflectors via the DR mode (Openspot 1 & 2). I'm not too worried about using the internet backbone as without the internet, most of these digital repeaters would not be linked anyway. Fusion rooms and Wires X not too active. Many linked FM systems around here via UHF linking. Over 100 repeaters on 2m, 220 and 70 cm in SE Wisconsin. With so many local systems, there is mostly quiet (sandbaggers). In mobile travels east of Mississippi River, most (local) activity is FM, but DV allows you to better reach back home. WA9RYO

[@echo-hotel]

I still have no idea what these are. I’m new waiting on my call sign. Have an ic-705 with d-star or I’m stuck with that for now one repeater near me (10 miles) that I’m not sure I can hit in the mountains of WV

[@mossup-]

Great video thankyou, once you have chosen your selected mode, i chose dmr as here where i am in the UK i only have one local dmr repeater tha is too far for my handheld to reach, so i went dmr and got 2 pistar hotspots, one simplex and one duplex, the problem i found is people are spread across many networks like some are on brandmeister and some on pheonix and some on tgif and again some on freedmr, for me there is too many, most local UK repeaters are on pheonix so maybe that is one choice i should go with. either way i am loving dmr so far, had some issues with brandmeister when running 2 hotspots on it, thats when i decided to put the second one on a different network. love your vids, thankyou ♥

[@rogershults5607]

Hello Jason KC5HWB I have got DMR Yaesu system Fusion D-STAR my pick of the litter is D-STAR and the reason is that is no codeplugs our database to worry about 73

[@saltlakecountyares8942]

I run DMR and System Fusion. I like them both and there are repeaters for each close by.

[@tiagoguizzo3876]

I like them all, I think all digital modes have their place but I to my ears system fusion, specially on an FT-70D, has the best audio quality.

[@QRPadventures]

Agreed!

[@EricFullwood]

I've had my Extra Class license for about 3 years. Tried everything from AM to FT8. CW is the only thing I find interesting. Talking on the air never really grabbed me. CW SOTA is my passion.

[@WillLeingang]

100% sincere in saying you are an inspiration to me!

[@swedesspeedshop2518]

99% of conversations are small talk . Weather, radio equipment, gardening etc very rarely does it get interesting past that

[@KC1PDW]

I FT-3dr running a pi-star raspberry pi zero. i would like to see videos on setting up repeaters for 10 meters and yaesu and dmr for my area. thank you for your videos they help a lot. and HRCC , K8MRD,KM4ACK

[@jens_voigt]

get one of each D Star, YSF andDMr and using all thank you for your great video

[@swedesspeedshop2518]

So listen to these guys talk and get what you want . Got it 👍

[@dennismarble3591]

I really appreciate and enjoy your videos. Not on yet take my technical exam 3/25. Please keep making videos.

[@QRPadventures]

Well, did you pass?

[@dennismarble3591]

@@QRPadventures Yep, first to finish and 100% correct. I joined a club and hope to get some Elmer experience soon.

[@earlsimmons5497]

I agree with you regarding DMR. I haven't used YSF but have both dstar and DMR and like DMR much better.

[@domgiampietro6005]

Good info; being a "late bloomer" into digital, its great to finally learn the difference btw the various modes, as I dive-in with my new AT578Pro. All your videos are fun to watch too! Thanks. KF7VIB

[@tucker442]

A couple questions, why do I have to have a separate license for DMR? I’m sure you know. What kind of range does DMR have as compared to 11 m a.m. or FM. What happens if people are on DMR talking and none of them have a license. Why should I have to get one even though I already have an amateur Radio license

[@HamRadio2]

You don't. Your amateur radio callsign covers all types of transmissions on the amateur radio frequencies

[@tucker442]

Thank you I was told I had to get a separate license and it cost $35. I thought that was insane.

[@hbryant1971]

P25 was "introduced" in 1994 with Motorola Astro for LAPD. The audio is quite "funky" due to old CODECS. 28 year old technology which is still the public safety standard today.

[@Porty1119]

Modern P25 radios use the same AMBE vocoder used by DMR. Phase 1 (FDMA) sounds better than DMR, Phase 2 (TDMA) sounds about the same as DMR, but with superior noise cancellation due to the target market.

[@mac98sho50]

I have both DMR and YSF. I do have repeaters for both near me, but I mainly use hotspots mainly. I have been hanging on Fusion more lately than DMR.

[@joeblow8593]

DMR sounds really good on your video. I have both D-Star and C4FM Fusion. Never really used either much

[@ManuelPinner]

You can get Icom and Yeasu DMR Radios to, I have a Alinco DJ-MD5X DMR and a Yeasu FT5D HT, use these with My Open spot 4! Getting the ICOM ic 52,

[@rider275]

I am new to HAM radio. I located a DSTAR repeater near me. Are there older DSTAR radios that you would recommend? Thank you.

[@Gravelbomber]

DMR is huge in Illinois, especially the Chicago area. You can go pretty much anywhere and be in range of at least 1 DMR repeater...with an HT. I was trying to decide what to get next, and ended up getting the openspot 3, instead of another radio. KC9OSX

[@ricks729CavemanTV]

I’m new and still studying. Do you need a hotspot to use any of the modes you are talking about? DMR,DSTAR,YSR

[@N9IBZED]

I am in an area where I need to use a hotspot because I don't have any repeaters in my area that that I can hit reliably I have an AnyTone 878 that I use with my hotspot now but want to try something else out that is easier to program and or if need be change settings from the radio without using programming software so am trying yo choose between dstar and YSG i can only afford to get one radio but can't figure out which yo get which would you get if you wrre in my position and why

[@daviddurflinger3104]

I am a fusion man, and have hooked up with dmr people from my old club, going to set up a room with a hri200 and go wires x .

[@scottdavies844]

De : Af4jw ham since the mid 90s. Kf4poa my wife stated I need it get back in ham. Both are hts and vhf/uhf yaesu rigs are ... fubar. I was looking at the the yaesu 70dr at HRO , we were both at the counter and she slid the kenwood th-d75a to me. And said I really need this one.... is/are and books or youtube vids. On digital radio. Unfortunately d star is used in Orlando about 60 mils from Zephyrhills as the crow flies. The Zephyrhills ops use fusion. I am confused you talk about hot spots. Do I have to use a computer and the ht to talk.

[@ManuelPinner]

Here in New York City have Lots of DMR Repeaters,

[@HarryHydro]

Ever play with DV 700D mode on hf 14.236? That’s USB, not FM, but I’ve had clean audio - if you call it that - on signals that barely move the needle. I’ve been trying to compare that to DSTAR on HF.

[@HamRadio2]

Haven't done that, no

[@DineroyvidaenLA]

Which system would be better if I am planning to be full time living in an rv traveling throughout the country and going to Alaska, Baja eventually.. thank you

[@moyewZIQ]

Hi Jason, my wife just bought me a Yaesu FT5-DR for Christmas and it is on the way from HRO / Plano TX. I am sure I will like it and would appreciate any info you could show on the Yaesu. 73, N5ZIQ Moye- Houston.

[@HamRadio2]

It's a great radio and I'm sure you'll enjoy it! I have several videos about that radio on this channel

[@moyewZIQ]

@ Thank you for the quick reply. I watch your channel frequently and I have seen a few on the Ft5dr. I will continue to check. Next time y’all make the trip down I45 to Houston, give me a shout.

[@moyewZIQ]

@Also, we have a an open 70 cm rep. In downtown at 444.0 which is supposed to be YSF. Looking forward to learning more.

[@lawrencecheung73]

Thank you for your informational videos !!! I'm a total "newbie" and I am learning so much from you. Just subscribed !!!!

[@havok4103]

So, good video but what about the features of each? I watched a video showing the dstar can do simplex to a single callsign keeping the signal mute from others, im not aware of the ability for fusion to do that, i think fusion only has groups to join right?

[@n2kto]

I would love to chat with you about a similar type of video but based on what digital mode is best in an Emergency/Disaster. N2KTO

[@NewZealandAmerican]

In the Chicago area APCO P25 which most AMERICAN public safety uses for choice of digital voice is very popular with many Repeaters. Also another voice mode very popular in the Chicago area is "P26" 🤣

[@daveborchard2019]

What are the popular and active YSF and DMR networks equivalent to the active RFC030/C, 30 Charlie?

[@dmb3428]

I need to look more into the different varieties, 2m-70cm seems dead here at times so I have a hard time justifying investing in another rig for it so having a d-star option in addition to may make sense

[@MrRicksho]

have a question for you. i have a raspberry pi 4 that i use exclusively for running hamclock. is it possible to use this Pi and build a hotspot to use Digital voice modes for use on my ft5d radio? do u know the steps for building this?

[@rjlewis3932]

I've been using digital for about 2 years now. First, I've never bothered programming a digital repeater frequncy into my radios. I only use hot spots. DMR is the least expensive and most active, TG 3100 during the day and 91 any other time. I can bridge to the most popular YSF room, America-Link via TG 31656. YSF and WIRES-X is an expensive mess. I use a Yaesu 70D, but sometimes have issues with WIRES-X connectivity. There are 2 secondary rooms, American Ragchew and Alabama Link which are not very busy. D-Star, even 30C and 1C aren't used nearly as much as they were when I first got in to digital. I also use Blue DV Ambe 3000 server wirelessly on an Android device connected to a Thumb DV plugged into a RPi 3W. With that setup, I can access all 3 modes seamlessly without ANY programming.

[@ManuelPinner]

I like DMR, Now I like to Try the other Digital Modes to, Here in New York City, There is More DMR than the other Digital Modes,

[@mhpreach]

From my perspective. I would like to see basics of DStar. The Basicsbof Fusion. The basics of P-25. Been on DMR a number of years both as a user and a two radio tech. Would like to try DStar don’t know what rooms reflectors to go try. I have two DStar icoms have used much.

[@pd3jaghamradio509]

Great video, i love the C4FM WiresX and YSF , but i have them all dmr & Dstar& C4FM 73' from the Netherlands Jason Jan PD3JAG.

[@RicSpivey]

I've been using dmr with a lot of help from your channel. A LOT of help lol. But I'm definitely enjoying it. I have one hf radio (g90) but planning on upgrading to something 100w and I was so close to sold on a ic-7300 but I'm seriously considering an ft-991a because I think I may enjoy ysf more than just hf D-star. That'll probably hold me off for a while... Maybe

[@Rusty-Williams]

The school system I am retired from went with Kenwood NXDN for our business radio system. I was in charge of all the HT's and used the NXDN software to reprogram them. (I got that simply because I was the only ham operator in the school system and only one who knew anything about radios) I got used to the audio sound and from your video DMR and YSF are the closest in the way they sound. YSF is a "little" better than NXDN and DMR is just a "little" bit worse, but not much. I'm thinking of going digital here, but just checking out all three to see which will be the best fit for me. 73 de KB9TMP

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Nice video Jason. I have a request for a show with information about various digital modes. I don’t have a repeater I could get locally to show these. I’d like to use your video that very well explain all of these loads. I’ll be sure to present your channel and put a link in the description to your channel. I live in “the desert of digital” lol. Not a lot of repeaters close by to interface with. I appreciate all you do to help advance the knowledge of the Amateur Radio. You put a lot of work in on your channel. Thank you for all the hours of work you put in. All my best to you and your family Jason, Larry

[@500gwr]

Been using the Anytone 878UVII Plus on the Dallas repeater with a lot of success. Would like a hot spot - looking at the Bridgecom skybridge: waiting for some reviews before I buy.

[@oldblindsonny8476]

I am using analog mode but thinking of going either d m r or DSTAR

[@braintrusts]

Josh, I appreciate your videos, but this review only compares the three digital modes when using a Hot Spot and an HT. You left out repeaters and Simplex. Please do the comparisons on Simplex.

[@Knickkknack]

What are the repeaters on cell towers i often see, are those dmr for the maintenance workers?

[@HamRadio2]

Could be anything. Police/Fire, maybe

[@shermdog6969]

Will any of these digital modes work if the grid goes down?

[@HamRadio2]

The modes will work point to point, same as analog, but if the internet is down then they won't work over the hotspots. But as far as that goes, DMR, DSTAR and everything else work in Simplex, the same way that analog does.

[@grampsradio]

I used that very popular ham radio licensing website to memorize the answers to the questions so that I could get an amateur radio licence so that I could practice using ham radio. I took my Technician Exam on one Friday and then my General Exam the very next Friday. I don't know a damn thing about ham radio. All I had to do to get a General Class Amateur Radio Licence was memorize the answers to questions that I didn't even understand. That was easy enough. Now I have a "legal right" to learn how to use Ham Radio. Once I learn how to use it, I will never use it. I wanted the license, simply to be able to "legally" transmit so that I could practice using it, so that in the event of a complete and total long term grid down event, I'd have ham radio knowledge for emergency communications. Now.... I need to know what type of equipment I should buy for that purpose. After I've purchased the proper equipment and learned how to use it, it will all go into a farady cage and there it will stay, until a long term grid down emergency occurs. I would want the ability to communicate regionally, statewide, nationwide and even worldwide. Any equipment advice would be appreciated.

[@stevendrake6831]

So if a family member uses YSF in Ohio, and I use DSTAR in Colorado, we can only talk if one of uses an OpenSpot Shark RF Pro to match the other's digital mode? Can Pi Star now do crossmode communication yet?

[@HamRadio2]

No, Pi-star doesn't cross mode dstar yet. Only the openspot will do that right now.

[@stevendrake6831]

@@HamRadio2 Thank you!!

[@whome9936]

Goodness! I'm a technical editor, new to amateur radio, and I need only read the title of this video to know that ham is lost in acronyms. (I'm not blaming this channel; it's everywhere.) Ironically, a hobby centered on communication has a high barrier to entry because it is bad at...wait for it...communication. Jargon is an impediment to meaning.

[@HamRadio2]

I suggest you start at the beginning. Not every video I post is for someone who is brand new. Being a technical editor wouldn't help you in any field that has its own jargon, terms and acronyms.

[@whome9936]

@@HamRadio2 Yeah. I just edited my comment to indicate I was not blaming your content or channel. Sorry for any ambiguity. I don't claim that being an editor should help me overcome the problem-only recognize it.

[@techwolflupindo]

My question is witch one is open standard and can be used by anyone, including manufactures?

[@HamRadio2]

All of them

[@seandrake7534]

So i take it that they All wont work together? If i have dmr i can't talk to someone with d-star or c4fm

[@HamRadio2]

With the correct hotspot, yes

[@jerry_satcom]

I have at least one radio for all the digital modes (D-Star, Fusion, DMR, P25, and even NXDN), plus a Wires-X node and a bunch of mmdvm’s. (Not to mention a few AllStar nodes too.). Comparing the DV modes isn’t something I really like doing as it’s kind of like comparing oranges and tangerines, but DMR is very cheap to get into (there are many DMR CCR’s), plus if someone new learns DMR first, the other modes will be extremely simple afterwards. Not that DMR is overly complex, but it does involve some simple TDMA multiplexing. Having worked with mux’d supergroup trunks consisting of hundreds of channels before, mux’ing two 6.25 KHz channels (TimeSlots in DMR terminology) is trivial. The downsides to DMR is that there isn’t much dynamic audio range when it’s being funneled through a 6.25 KHz straw. Also, DMR gets its roots from the commercial world in Europe, so using it for amateur use is kind of like putting a square peg into a round hole, same with P25 and NXDN. D-Star and Fusion were created by amateur radio for amateur radio and imo, the reflectors on those modes tend to carry more interesting QSO’s. Try them all out and see which you like. By starting with DMR, if you aren’t sure about Fusion (or P25), you can use crossmode to get a slight feel of their reflectors before investing in an actual radio for them. Yes, there are apps too like DroidStar, but the AQ won’t be as good as a native radio. Also; by having native radios for the modes, you can use them also with just repeaters or even simplex’s. Just because they are digital doesn’t mean they have to be internet linked, it just means they are digital. Have fun and explore them all, but imo, it probably makes most sense to start with DMR if you want to check them all out eventually. I’m now into FreeDV (a HF DV mode).

[@nathaniallischak3133]

Where does one find which repeaters are in our area?

[@HamRadio2]

I use an app on my phone called RFinder. There's another one called RepeaterBook. RFinder is better for DMR repeaters but both show analog and other types of repeaters near you

[@ColeDedhand]

Waiting to take my Technician/General tests. My reason for going Ham is for emergency communications. From what I can see the digital modes don't have much application for emergency coms. Am I wrong?

[@adamb6646]

Depends what you consider emergency communication. If you're thinking organized emergency communication, like ARES, then you'll want to learn about some digital modes, like winlink. If you just want to be able to chat with friends during a crises, then it doesn't really matter as long as you all have the same mode.

[@ColeDedhand]

@@adamb6646 Since the universal communication method is cell phones and internet, and those will be the obvious way to communicate as long as they are functional, I'd say an emergency is an extended grid-down where those are no longer available. My need in that situation would be local/regional communication. From what I see the digital modes add no capability beyond normal radio. Whenever anybody talks about digital it seems that the ability to use the internet to communicate long distances is what it's used for. So my question is, do any of the digital modes add capability in a situation where there is no internet or cellphone? If not, I won't worry about it and just buy FM radios. As to whether I'd ever be interested in something like ARES, I don't know enough to answer that yet.

[@WananavuTexas]

Try uploading a list of names and addresses over an analog radio to a distant partner...

[@albing1397]

@@ColeDedhand I think that is a fair assessment. While digital modes have a potential for marginally longer range, you never hear digital simplex users. Most wide area repeaters are FM (many linked via RF). DRATS on DSTAR can provide data comms (even without internet), but so can packet (EMCOMM over wider area with digipeaters), but how many are versed and competent in these? WA9RYO

[@adamb6646]

DRATS and packet ARE both digital modes. There's just a lot that isn't practical, or possible, with just voice. Depending on the particular emergency situation, digital modes might be vital, and that's why you see them used.

[@billbeam8069]

What would you recommend as a setup for someone just getting into DMR? I live in Tulsa, OK and I have a couple of DMR repeaters here in town. Bill kd5qhr

[@greggould4275]

COMPLETE Newbie here, wanting to really get into this this year.. I live in a mountain town in Cali. I'm building out a CB station with a President Washington (and will soon get a solarcon a99). I also want to eventually get my HAM license, but, am looking for a good digital HAM radio.. I looked at a map, and the local small airport has a DSTAR repeater (about 1 mile away, maybe less) , and there is an Echolink and Allstar repeaters within 10 miles as well. Is the choice of DSTAR, DMR, etc just settings on a HAM radio, or, would I look for one that specifically can tap into those?

[@HamRadio2]

You need a DSTAR radio to do DSTAR, DMR radio to do DMR, etc. Find out what is near your location and get a radio for those modes and repeaters.

[@MrSparks54]

I have DMR, DStar and YSF, personally I like DMR more than the other digital modes but as you say, they are all good.

[@TheBluntNinja]

What about DMR do you like that makes it top your list?

[@MrSparks54]

@@TheBluntNinja DMR for me is easier to use and seems to be more stable (dgitizes less).

[@drfrequency]

What is the HT that you are using third and last to make the listening to DMR?

[@mykhal]

I was curious too. Looked at other videos, and it seems like RFinder B1.

[@N9IBZED]

I am trying to decide which way I want to go I have DMR right now but because of my bad eyesight and the way I need my computer st up in order for me to be able to use it I can’t use the programming software needed to program my Anytone 878 because the software will not work with my computer and I would like to be able to do my own programming without having to depend on someone else to get it done I do have to use my hotspot because there are no repeaters that I can hit in my area from my location and am now trying to decide on either DStar or fusion I can only afford to get one radio and am not sure which way to go for the next radio purchase also I would like to be able o program it from the front panel in case I am out somewhere and run across something I don’t have in my radio yet so any input would be of great help in making my decision as to which way to go thanks and have a great day

[@donjohnson8779]

do you have video on pi star?

[@HamRadio2]

Several

[@fillmoreranger634]

Newbie question… Can saved frequency settings (channels) be saved with alpha-numeric names? If no, which DV HT’s can label channels with alpha characters?

[@JNET_Reloaded]

will dmr work with them cheap beofang radis yes or no? if not what will thats cheap?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@RodLittle]

DMR works best for me YMMV - so your videos on DMR are much appreciated

[@hbryant1971]

What we HAMS need is a Multi-Mode, Analog, DMR, D-STAR, P25, YSF, NXDN rig offered in HT, Mobile, and Base Station form....

[@hbryant1971]

@RadespotosR Absolutely!

[@QRPadventures]

Its called an OpenSpot 3! Go get one!