How To Write a DMR Codeplug in 2021 | DMR Codeplug Programming

[@mricca123]

Fan of your videos … recently got into DMR with a 878UVII Plus and found this video when working on my code plug. This method is genius, only mod I did was to name my TG’s to include the TG number so when I see someone talking it’s a bit easier for me to find that TG as I have yet to memorize the TG numbers and names. Keep up the great work.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@borayurt66]

I got my first DMR radio in 2019. It was a Vertex EVX-539, which is a professional radio, not actually intended for amateur use. All the resources I could find on how to make your own code plug back then didn't make sense to me so I came up with my own logic, which was to create the channels based on repeaters, NOT talk groups. Much easier to use, simply logical. I am using an AnyTone now, but I still stick to this approach. I am surprised why this is not the way most people use. Good Video.

[@arayboomer]

Jason, this is the most helpful video on KZbin. 😆 This makes me realize how bad my borrowed codeplug is. Time to make it mine and trim the fat. How convenient that I have an 868 and MD-UV390. You da man!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

you need to get that fixed Aaron LOL ;)

[@RimdarRanch]

New to the DMR World. I'm not saying it's the right way to program a Code Plug, but this works for me. A) the first 100 "channels / lines" I have set aside as Zone 1 - Analog use. B) the next 200 "channels / lines" are set aside as Zone 2 for Digital Repeater Talk Groups. Zone 3 has 100 "Channels / lines" setup for Talk Groups using my "Shop" DMR HotSpot. Zone 5 has 100 "channels / lines" setup for Talk Groups using my Office DMR Hotspot. And, Zone 7 has 100 "channels / lines" setup for Talk Groups using my Truck DMR HotSpot. When I add new Talk Groups I add them to Zones 3, 5, and 7 so all my Hotspots are setup the same. Within each Zone I have setup 1) Disconnect. 2) Parrot. 3) all the Statewide Talk Groups, 4) and then additional Talk Groups. All the Talk Groups are setup to use the BrandMeister Network . Again, there might be better ways, but this works for me. All done by a first time user.

[@HamRadio2]

If it works for you, then it is the right way.

[@RossDaniel-san]

This is great! I honestly don't know why this isn't how the programming of talk groups was intended to be. In fact, it should be a separate dial or Up/Down hot key that cycles through whatever talk groups you have programmed, regardless of whatever channel you are on. I also feel like there should be an option that if you are on monitor mode, and your get a squelch breakthrough on whatever TG and you hit a key within X time, it automatically swaps you to the last received TG so that you can quickly and easily respond, especially while mobile or driving. It boggles the mind this is not basic functionality of any decent DMR radio.

[@ssrrocks22]

I have to say after owing my Anytone 878uv for over a year now this is the first time It makes sense. I agree, more often than not I am only listening to a few talk groups. It makes a lot of sense the way you have programmed your 878UV. Thanks for the great idea.

[@d3w4yn3]

Just starting to build my own code plug, after getting my call sign on Monday!!! This was an excellent video for me to see because if I hadn't seen this, I'd be creating hundreds of channels doing this the conventional way!!! Maybe you saved hours of my life!!!

[@toddsamuelson4752]

Great Video!! The way you showed how to program in this video is exactly how I program my DMR radios. I have all of the talk groups already programmed and all it takes is a couple of button pushes to select a different one if I want to talk back.

[@HamRadio2]

You're welcome!

[@JustLearning]

Thanks for the video. When i first started using DMR, I added the same typical talk groups to my local repeater frequency but also did the same for repeaters in areas I would visit. I had about seven different repeaters with the same talk groups listed on them on different frequencies. But now I have one list of talk groups set to one frequency that I connect to my hot spot. I do not use DMR repeaters so I do not have to deal with repeater owners. I totally bypass repeaters.Oh, I do have one repeater on my 868 just in case. The downside to just using a hot spot is you need to have WiFi to use it. But at home I use my home WiFi and on the road I use my cell phone. Also some repeater owners do not want you to change the Talk Group they have it on.

[@GordonHudson]

Last time I did it i did it in raw XML in a text editor! Just getting back into DMR and looking at other options. We have NXDN repeaters here now too, so thats four separate digital standards. GM4SVM

[@ManuelPinner]

I use my computer to scan all dmr repeaters with SDR Uno Solfware with DSD Plus Solfware, on my Alinco DJ-MD5X I use digimoni mode to listen to both time slots,

[@montebellon643]

Great video Jason. This is almost exactly how I have done it for about a year now. Makes it easy to add a DMR repeater on the fly without a pc since all the talk groups are already on the radio. I just need to build a better complex talk group list. Also I separate analog channels to a zone called analog. Then add repeaters to zones by county name

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it helped

[@w9lw63]

Jason, I thought of one disadvantage to your idea that might be worth considering. On repeaters on c-Bridges (vs. repeaters on Brandmeister), IME, a given talkgroup is supported on a single timeslot. So, to take your example, if I want to switch to TAC 310, I have to remember whether my local repeater supports TAC 310 on slot 1 or slot 2. In my case, my local c-Bridge repeater supports 310 only on slot 2 (which I had to look up as I wrote this, because I didn't remember!). If I forget, and choose 310 while the radio is set to a channel on slot 1, the radio will act normal (talk permit tone, etc), but I'll never connect to 310. So, I'd need to carry with me a list of all the talkgroups that repeater supports and which timeslot I must use with each. This, of course, is not an issue on Brandmeister repeaters that support any talkgroup on any timeslot.

[@daveluna3397]

You can set certain channels to monitor certain "receive groups". It's an extra step, but that helps compartmentalize.

[@mslayne001]

Hi I am new to ham radio and just got a 878uv 2 plus. . I think, if you use the digi moni in settings and set it to both channels, the radio will monitor slot 1 and 2 at the same time.

[@ManuelPinner]

I'm a Ham for over twenty years and got me a Alinco DJ-MD5X, like the Quality of the Japanese Brands, Code Plugs are very Easy to do once You get over the Learning curve,

[@mikeirwin-dc6gh]

JASON YOUR DOING GREAT JOB I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

[@davidrothman187]

Hi .. your presentation made sense and I wanted to try it but the links are bad ... Any way to get a revised link? thanks in advance N3SRZ

[@RadioNest]

Make PF3 Long Press start Manual Dial ... if you know the TG number you don't have to fuss around in the menu !! (I also Long Press PF1 to change the Time Slot).

[@HamRadio2]

That's a good idea

[@craigh714]

You can basically do this with any two channels as long as they are on the two TS's.....and dynamically dial up a TG... I think better yet is doing this in the Roam sections.....The Papa system codeplug has this and it makes a ton of logical sense. As you roam between repeaters, you will NOT lose the TG you are on with this setup. But yes, this is a great topic on how to tweak the damn CPS to make it do what we want!

[@daveluna3397]

I'm really green to HAM, but I thought that was the beauty of DMR? One repeater, long list of forums to tap into. Doing the two timeslot trick at the same time is clever. I only stuck to dual monitor.

[@genebodenberger]

I am trying to make a code plug that I can use and also have the same code plug in my Dad's radio so he can use the plug too. He is no slouch, he has been a licensed and very active Ham since the 50's. This DMR thing just eludes him. You have given me some great ideas on how to tell him how to switch between talk groups easily. He is on a hot spot, so it should be fairly easy. Thanks.

[@benzeitz6806]

Informational my friend, thanks for sharing. Still trying to understand code plugs and potential variants. 73

[@jefff3739]

Great tuitorial, keep up the good work, Thanks buddy. 👍

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it helped

[@gregloader9245]

Hi. Completely new to Ham radio and just received my call sign. I have been provided with a DMR HT to try out but have no idea how to make an actual contact. Have about 3 DMR repeaters in my area which I have successfully added into the radio and added in a couple of talk groups. Wondering if you have already done or will be in the future a video showing the procedure to make a voice call. Using a Baofeng CH-6DMR and can connect a call to the repeater but no idea what to expect after that. Great channel by the way. Have already watched a ton of your videos.

[@mossup-]

This is how my TYT MD-UV380 is set up but I have to go back into contacts and select the TG again for every time I key up the PTT, not sure if there is something else I need to do so it can be set permanently. I have yet to find A better way to deal with all the information, wish they would make this easier 🥵

[@HamRadio2]

You shouldn't have to change it every time before you PTT. You will have to change it every time if you change the TG, then change channels or power the radio off, then back on. But each time before PTT? That sounds like a bug.

[@chrisw37]

How would you recommend programming this way on a TYT MD9600 DMR?

[@HamRadio2]

Not really - choosing TGs on the TYT radios isn't as easy

[@K1STG-Fred]

I like the idea, I’ll have to try it out with my older TYT since that one needs a new codeplug. The way I’ve been handling analog repeaters in my Anytone is I create a zone for each area in the codeplug. For example, Bay Area 2M FM, Monterrey FM, Sacramento FM, etc. And then a zone for linked systems like CARLA with every node.

[@ADV357]

Hi, Video is great, Thank you. But! I have Md-UV390 TYT Radio and I did same things many times, the problem is that I do not hear all groups on a channel I put on the Groups. I made the same thing .. Channel 1 Talc group 1 , Channel 2 Talk group 1. And Talk group 1 includes all the Timeslots on this channel (Color code is the same). But i do not hear all the timeslost. Please help me!

[@darennerad5976]

Jason how do you get your talk group and zone to cycle thru like that. i have looked thru the settings and cant make mine behave like yours. Thanks in advance and 73s Daren KD0OPS

[@dkloss29]

Can I use that template to modify the repeaters for a ailunce HD1?

[@HamRadio2]

I am not sure if the HD1 is supported by N0GSG or not.

[@dkloss29]

@@HamRadio2 oh yeah I checked it isn’t supported totally different format thanks for the reply

[@guysmiley1242]

Is there a way I can block my radio from receiving signal from a static talk group (3100) on my local repeater? I have promiscuous mode off so I don’t hear it, but the rx light is constantly coming on. Thanks in advance!

[@HamRadio2]

Not any further than you already have

[@williamwise9337]

Signed up through the link but never received the link emailed for the code plug?

[@Tom-qx5nl]

Can you do something on the Radioddity GD-AT10G, it looks exactly like that Anytone radio

[@HamRadio2]

I have that one and will release a video soon. The biggest drawback on that model is that it's monoband.

[@Tom-qx5nl]

@@HamRadio2 Is there a way to disable the "Alarm Setting" or is it disabled when in the "Amateur Mode"? I'm experimenting between those settings to see if that alarm issue is only present in "Professional Mode". Any info you have on it would be appreciated, Thanks.

[@iluvchocolate]

Great Vid, I have not received the confirmation email using two different email addresses. I check the junk folder also and the confirmation link also not there. Any ideas on how to get the confirmation link? Thanks

[@redmist5166]

Hey Jason. I'm a fireman and want to program fire and police frequencies in my 878. RX works but TX doesn't. They are analog and in the 155-160 range. I changed the work mode to professional but no joy. What's the trick?

[@freddiestoner8144]

Jason, always enjoy your videos. Been kicking this around in my head. So awesome to see it setup this way. Haven’t tried to get the template, just going to roll my own based on this method. It will be much easier to add repeaters as I travel without having to put in hundreds of channels. Looking forward to the next one! John KC4MEC

[@HamRadio2]

The template is just talkgroups - you add your own repeater info from there. Up to you, it was just meant as a starting point.

[@Mottersmotters]

Still learning DMR and code plugs. Great video Jason. Happy new year 🎉 Stay safe 😷. Motters M7TRS 73's

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@WayneRailman9]

Thanks Jason excellent video, am relatively new to DMR and a great friend talked me through this set up of the code plug. I have been using this "compressed" or smaller code plug for awhile now and it works excellent. Thanks also to VE7DLC...thanks again Jason. de VE3OHS

[@DOA62]

I am just starting out with Ham Radio and DMR, could you do a dumb version of code plus? Like what they are first and why you need or want to use them?

[@bauera2b57]

Jason great Video and advice. However, i Have an Retcvis RT84 and Have been unable to get the talk groups to change like you did with the Anytone. Any thoughts?

[@HamRadio2]

The Anytone is much more versatile than other brands/models of DMR HTs.

[@iluvchocolate]

Great Vid, I have not received the confirmation email using two different email addresses. I check the junk folder also and the confirmation link also not there. Any ideas on how to get the confirmation link? TIA

[@TheNoCodeTech]

#MNHR Team replay for the win. Great video man.

[@MrDonNelson]

Where did you get that hat made?

[@HamRadio2]

I have a local place that prints these for me

[@SymoTube]

Yep, I'm relatively new to DMR, but with my BTech 6x2, this is pretty much how I programmed my radio from scratch, basically just not knowing any better. I was trying to figure out why most of the videos I've been watching that it seemed like most people programmed a ton of channels for all the TGs on a repeater. Maybe due to limitations of earlier radios? Keep up the great videos! 73s

[@cryptocandyland3699]

Jason... for those of us that cant swing the $740 price tag of the Bridgecom Package that comes with the "Super Codeplug" (50 statewide talkgroups, 78 BM Network Talkgroups & the 7 NOAA channels), can you give some guidance on where to collect this information to program? I've done some research and it's incomplete... I'd even be willing to pay for the Super Codeplug alone... just dont need the package. Maybe you can do a Super Codeplug video, if Bridgecom would be cool with that. Thanks... Ken

[@HamRadio2]

Yes I am working on something like that now.

[@cryptocandyland3699]

Can't wait... thanks in advance!!!

[@augmar3826]

Any chance you could add a link on your "talkgroup download" page with a csv file? I have a BTECH DMR, and don't use your .dcf file format. Thank in advance!!

[@mikefischer8706]

Hi Jason, covert Thank you, 73s Mike - KE8PWV

[@mikefischer8706]

Wow - So that last message didn't work so well.... Is there a way to convert the download talk group file to Text or better yet a CSV file? I am using the TYT codeplug editor the file you offered in the pointer here is not being read by the editor... Thank you, Again - 73s

[@JHunt1009]

I get the DCF file but the software doesnt find it when i try to import it. Any idea what im doing wrong? using an 878

[@HamRadio2]

Make sure you are using the latest version of the software, and just open the file. Don't use Import.

[@RLTPhoto]

@@HamRadio2 Getting an file error msg using V2.0

[@cryptocandyland3699]

Jason... I tried to DL that free codeplug link a few days back and never got the subscription confirmation via email after filling out the info on your tinyurl link. How else might i get to that page? TIA Ken - K0CCT

[@HamRadio2]

I had problems with it at first, but those should all be resolved. Try it again and let me know

[@cryptocandyland3699]

@@HamRadio2 Tried again... still not getting that email. Any place i can email or DM you? I didn't wanna call you on your cell... not cool... lol

[@jamesstevens479]

I'm having trouble downloading the codeplug. I've received the confirm email, but when click on download nothing happens. Thoughts?

[@jamesstevens479]

Great concept and video by the way! I appreciate what you do fir us!

[@HamRadio2]

Check the permissions of your browser and/or your spam folder.

[@jamesstevens479]

@@HamRadio2 that worked! Thank you again, I love watching and learning from your fountain of DMR knowledge!

[@OVCArchion]

I had to right click and open in new tab.

[@55ting55]

I've tried to do this on TYT UV380, but I can't make it to work

[@HamRadio2]

It'll be much harder with other radios

[@Brianflys]

Hi Jason. Your videos are awesome and really help cut a path through the forest of DMR. My question is your talk groups file. I have the latest D578UV CPS version from the Anytone site (don't have the radio yet from RandL... it's being shipped). But when I try to open your Talkgroups.dcf file (open, not import) using the D578UV program, I get a "file error" message box. I thought opening the dcf file would avoid a conflict between the 878 and 578 radio models. Guess not.

[@HamRadio2]

Dcf files just allow it to be used with the N0GSG contact manager. You should be able to import back and forth with that program for multiple radios

[@mneiner]

Great idea! I think you are definitely on to something there.....

[@MikieLAX]

What if your DMR radio does not let you switch Talkgroups on the fly? Can your system still work?

[@HamRadio2]

Probably not. This will only work for the later-model and higher featured radios.

[@georgesalinas7206]

Interesting concept in code plug programing. I will probably try that. Greetings from South West Texas and the Blue town repeater. KD4FJ

[@gbwall63]

The link to the DMR Codeplug Talkgroup does not work. It requires you to sign in with name, email and call sign and then sets up a web hosting account for you but, ultimately, the DMR Codeplug Talkgroup file is nowhere to be found.

[@HamRadio2]

I just tested it and it works fine. You are just signing up for my email list and you get a link to the codeplug after.

[@gbwall63]

@@HamRadio2 Glad it works for you. I've tried it several more times, each time I only get a screen that says "You're subscribed" and that's the end of it. No email after an hour. No link.

[@HamRadio2]

It works for more than a dozen people also, I can see then downloading it

[@Tonylovesjazz]

Hope this helps...I had to hover my mouse over the 'Click here to download'. Then right click and select, 'Copy link address'. Then pasted into browser and then hit enter. 73's

[@charliejdm]

my only grip is that the word hotspot is used in the wrong context. A hotspot is what connects to the internet. A pi-star, zumspot, open spot is what the radio communicates to and then to the hotspot.

[@axemanarbor]

Unable to download your lists . Leads to error 404 page

[@Eric-zb6nv]

I can't make my Anytone 878 DMR HT work with my Open Spot 3. I've tried for days. I hate DMR as a result. My FT 2DR? No problem.

[@HamRadio2]

I use mine every day

[@chrisweihrauch]

I tried to download your talkgroup list but got an 404 error.

[@HamRadio2]

I'm aware of a problem and I'm working on it

[@s8ultra732]

No need to put parrot and disconnect?

[@HamRadio2]

Those are in my codeplug, yes

[@n0ukf]

After filling in your web form for the codeplug talkgroup list I am seeing nothing happen.

[@HamRadio2]

You're sent another email to confirm your address and it'll have a link.

[@n0ukf]

@@HamRadio2 ANOTHER email? I haven't received a first one. I get no response to clicking the submit button on the form. Shouldn't it at least confirm the submission click?

[@HamRadio2]

2 emails total. The first one is the submission confirmation. The 2nd one has the link

[@n0ukf]

@@HamRadio2 still no emails, and I looked at least a couple times in my junk folder. No errors either from the form. OK, disabling Adblock Plus let it work.

[@n0ukf]

Now how do I use it for TYT radios?

[@CinematicTouchProductions]

I i thought you were here to help and answer questions, I asked you a question the other day never received an answer

[@HamRadio2]

Where?

[@CinematicTouchProductions]

@@HamRadio2 i asked two questions in two of your other videos, it no big deal.

[@HamRadio2]

@@CinematicTouchProductions Your comments make it seem to be a big deal. But honestly I do not ignore people at all....I DO get lots of comments in livestream chats and YT comments on all my videos, and I try to answer all that I can, but sometimes it gets overwhelming and I miss some. Feel free to email me anytime you'd like, I am good on QRZ

[@CinematicTouchProductions]

@@HamRadio2 I have the gmrs but studying for the amateur license. And I watch yours and others videos and trying to soak up all the information I can. I don't just want to learn the answers just to pass and get a license and run. I really want to learn everything I can about it, get my license and have enough knowledge to help the next guy who may have interest and ask me a question that I may be able to answer and help. I took a real genuine liking to this Ham radio world

[@HDCowboy]

I'm totally new to this, just ordered a D878UV II Plus, aint even received it yet, but working on learning how to create my own code plugs, and just downloaded your file, but it's a .dcf file, and as far as my understanding goes the Anytone uses a .rdt file for it's code plug files! What the heck do you do supposed to do with a .dcf file? Tried to open the file with the D878UVII programing software but it wont load it, it get's a ""file error" message, even went as far as re-naming it with the .rdt file extension, but it still dont work! I dont get it!

[@HDCowboy]

Ok finally figured it out how to load a .dcf file into the Anytone software (just got to change the file type from .rdt to .dcf in the popup menu) but your talkgroup file gives me a "file error" message

[@RLTPhoto]

@@HDCowboy I'm getting the same error msg when trying to open. It will not let me import because its not a CSV either.

[@DieselRevered]

I am so confused! I just got an Anytone and I am super lost. This is so difficult I might just skip DMR.

[@stephenplatt5048]

Don't give up! My advice is to download a pre-made codeplug for your radio and area first. Once you do that and upload to your radio (I see on QRZ you're in Ft. Worth; I'd bet someone has written a codeplug for north Texas for your Anytone you can find online somewhere), and you see how it's done on your computer, things will click in your head. You'll then know how to make changes in the future. Having a CPS and downloading a file for my radio (TYT MD380) really helped me understand how programming a DMR radio works. I agree, it's really complicated, to me unnecessarily too complicated! Once you have the codeplug in your radio, you'll be glad you hung in there! 73, KC4JGC

[@DieselRevered]

@@stephenplatt5048 I finally got it working! Turns out I had to download from the radio each time I wanted to change anything on the codeplug or it wouldn't work.

[@stephenplatt5048]

@@DieselRevered Weird but I'm glad you figured it out and have it working!

[@Tonylovesjazz]

The codeplug link is ridiculous. To many hoops to jump through. Thanks and Best Regards.

[@HamRadio2]

2 clicks is too many hoops? Ok. You can certainly build your own, mine was just a template to get you started.

[@Tonylovesjazz]

@@HamRadio2 I had to create an account. Validate. Asked for my personal info...ect. Ultimately, it just didn't work. I'd love to have your codeplug if you find another option. Thanks. 73's

[@HamRadio2]

Try it again now. For some reason the link wasn't working for some people but it should be fixed now

[@Tonylovesjazz]

@@HamRadio2 I finally got it. I had to hover my mouse over the 'Click here to download'. Then right click and select, 'Copy link address'. Then pasted into browser and then hit enter. 73's

[@darthnael]

Hey man, I appreciate you providing the codeplug, however I'm having issues downloading the codeplug. I've done the signup, got the email, clicked the link, but nothing happened after that. I just get a login to the email website. Not sure how to get access now. I'd appreciate any help you have. KK4OXZ

[@HamRadio2]

Someone else mentioned that but I've had more than a dozen people download it. Let me check on it this afternoon.

[@HamRadio2]

Try it now

[@darthnael]

@@HamRadio2 It works now! Thank you!

[@jjjh20man]

Great idea man I love it. I have an md-380 I had to program each channel with the TG for all my local repeaters. This will save me tons of time. Im going set up my anytone ht soon. KN6SBR

[@fransahm1956]

Use Zello and do the same thing much easier.

[@HamRadio2]

Not the same

[@rtcy2008]

rtsysmtemsinc is coming out with their software for the 878's so much easy

[@RKONeilJr]

way over my head!

[@johnforeman2034]

I hear that. Completely lost. Dont have a dmr yet but looking for my first dmr radio to give it a shot. I need a good dmr video to learn first though. And a license. A license would help too lol.

[@carson3210]

Rather confusing discussion

[@HamRadio2]

DMR confuses lots of folks, that's why I make these videos

[@carson3210]

Jason, it was your delivery that was confusing. You jumped right into your plug without explaining what DMR is..

[@HamRadio2]

@@carson3210 I have 1/2 dozen other videos that explains what DMR is. That wasn't the purpose of this video. This video was to show you how to build a Codeplug for those folks who are interested in doing so and know what a Codeplug is.

[@carson3210]

Ham Radio 2.0 Thank you Jason. I appreciate all the hard work you do on your web site. I will seek out your other videos to better understand DMR.

[@jointchiefz]

Why don’t any of the Ham guys get to the point? This is so confusing! Outline and deliver. There is almost 80% talking before the directions start. This is something that could have been accomplished in 6 minutes, but you turned this into 15 minutes that have the steps so spread out that code plug takes forever to happen.

[@HamRadio2]

Believe it or not, I didn't make the video for only you. I made it for everyone. DMR is not confusing, so, "why don't more Hams get it???" We can play that game all day, I guess. The point is that I took my time to explain the steps I was doing and why because if I hadn't, someone like you would complain about that also.

[@johnszczepaniak8679]

you go too fast