How does DSTAR work?

A popular question to [e-mail]… how does DSTAR work? Today we work it out!

[@stevemunro8559]

Great video Jonathan but can you please just run a blade down the ceiling brickwork joint ? That expanding foam is killing my O.C.D. 🙂

[@M0JSX]

Thanks Steve. I’ll get on it for you!

[@jimsime1]

😂

[@mccooperman]

Excellent information… really easy to understand…I’ve learn’t a fair bit 👍…I think the explanation of the use with older type radios fills in the blanks … literally. Thank you again Jonathon👍

[@M0JSX]

Thanks Dave, glad I could help

[@kd5dcj1]

Good lord, I thought DMR was complicated lol.

[@M0JSX]

It is!

[@andrewmoulton2988]

Been a DMR, YSF, and Wires-X user, but just got my new ICOM and didn't have a clue how D-Star worked. You made it easy :) Great video. thanks from KG4AFY!

[@M0JSX]

You’re welcome Andrew. Thanks for your comment. 73!

[@K6TJO]

One of the best explanation of this topic on KZbin and I have watched a lot of them trying to understand this thing. I will be building a hot spot as well and would like to see your video

[@M0JSX]

Thanks T JO. It’s in the pipeline. 73!

[@chrisb012]

This is a great ‘how to’ video. Just got my ID-52 yesterday with my zumspot from your old haunt, and then followed your video on where to go and how to get started. Loving that I can talk to people all over the world just using a HT! Great work, thank you and 73 de M7LGC.

[@M0JSX]

Thanks Christopher. I’m pleased you’ve got on DSTAR, hope to bump into you one day

[@richardpowell723]

An interesting question with a great explanation. Thank you M0DSK

[@M0JSX]

Thanks Richard

[@anthonyshort8957]

Just getting started - this was super useful. Thank you.

[@tekelbury]

Great summary of the current top handhelds. Looking forward to seeing the new Kenwood and ID-50 when they are in the shop.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I still don't have a full understanding of D-Star, at least as far as programming my Kenwood D74 to use it, but I'm getting there. A very good video. Thank you.

[@Tsachyl]

Great clip. Short & right on target. Now waiting for a video on building a hot-spot based on MMDVM simplex (or even duplex) and putting it all together.

[@M0JSX]

I may well make that the next video. Been asked for that a few times of late.

[@M0RMY]

Exactly what I was requiring. Thanks mate

[@M0JSX]

Thanks Tom!

[@Davidm-M0TPT]

Nice one matey keep them coming all interesting stuff :)

[@M0JSX]

Thanks David

[@KL3NCH]

Cheers Jonathan. I was waiting for this one since you announced it was in the pipeline. I have an ID-4100 and although I concede that the 705 looks as though it makes things a lot easier to achieve, the ID-4100 is frequently a nightmare of stabbing at buttons! An old head plus "new" tech. is a dangerous cocktail ...

[@M0JSX]

Thanks for you comment Dippy. Unfortunately the ID-4100 breaks the mould a little in terms of ease of use. I’m not sure Icom really thought about the user experience too much when they designed it. Still a lot easier than the IC-2820 and predecessors! 73!

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

So that's how it works, thanks!

[@DucatiMTS1200]

Super explanation Jonathan. Thanks for doing the video. 73 de GI8WFA.

[@M0JSX]

Thanks William. 73

[@raydavidsonm0ray.777]

Hi again Jonathan, Many thanks for another Great video. This time though I am still just as(if not more than) confused over getting my rigs active on DSAR. I have an IC7100, an IC92E (with the GPS Microphone, , , , , & an IC2820 with the GPS Aerial kit. I am at a TOTAL LOSS, And I want to use DSTAR with all 3 radios, depending whether in in the car, (IC2820) out on foot (IC92E), or at home in doors (IC7100). I purchased each rig New from your previous employers BRILLIANT Emporium. Now having watched this video, I find that I have to pay out even More money in order to use the IC7100 on DSTAR, 😞. Are you please, , , , , Petty Please, , , , , , likely to be doing any more videos on this subject. I don't (yet) have a Hot Spot (whatever they are) of any kind, but I know that when I'm in the Herne Bay area close enough to the ICOM place, I should be able to get into something on DSTAR. I've been informed that my 92E is fully programmed & ready to go by one of the engineers from inside the said building, & I heard a USA contact come back to the engineer at the time of my visit to there. Think of me as a Thicko, or even call me Thick, but I really DO need Hands On Face to Face Step by Step teaching with all this . I know that I am missing out BIG Style here, and I simply cant grasp any of it yet, Which may sound very strange coming from someone who is Computer Literate, and I'm also an instructor for the Foundation & Intermediate Licence Exams. I am also fully prepared to travel withing 100 miles for full Hands On Tuition with these 3 rigs. Kind Regards, Ray,, M)RAY. JO01II.

[@M0JSX]

Hi Ray. Watch the HamRadioNow video from around 5 years ago on DSTAR. Very useful. 73!

[@japanham5973]

Call sign routing, the original intention of D-Star, works great and is very versatile. You simply have to read the manual, try it and then decide that sitting on a reflector all the time is not all that D-Star can do.... DR mode also makes call sign routing a breeze...

[@M0JSX]

You’re right, but it isn’t where most traffic is directed these days. 73!

[@japanham5973]

@@M0JSX If the mode and method were explained and demonstrated more at hamventions, club meeting and.....by KZbinrs ....it might be used more and enjoyed more. Calling something "Clunky" and "but that is not how D-Star "works" now..." is misinformation, in my opinion, even if unintentional. I am not trying to bad mouth anyone, just speaking from actual daily experience. Call sign routing still works very well, especially with the DR mode, and is used throughout Japan everyday. It would be used more around the world if properly explained and demonstrated...and encouraged. Sitting on a local repeater, linked to the same reflector day after day....what is different between that and simply a linked FM repeater system? What has been your experience when you want to do a little bit of rag chewing on the repeater with a friend.... Do you do it with the reflector still linked, unlink it for the time you talk, ( and always remember to re-link it to the exact same reflector/node that was connected before your call!!) or do you just not want to face the wrath of other hams sitting on the repeater/reflector and give your friend a cell call...or go on a different mode?

[@M0JSX]

@@japanham5973 I look forward to your video explaining the benefits of callsign routing and proving to me that it isn’t clunky. When I have used it, I found it to be very clunky. 73.

[@japanham5973]

@@M0JSX Where is your video showing in detail that the mode is clunky? You did test and make a video to come up with your claim, right?

[@M0JSX]

@@japanham5973 my video is based on my own experiences. My videos are only ever my personal opinions and if I describe anything as ‘clunky’ that’s the experience I have had. If you wish to prove me wrong, you are welcome to do so. Have a good day 😊

[@timmbo6691]

Hi Port D is for DD.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Jonathan fantastic job thanks very much 73 from kb2uew

[@M0JSX]

Thanks Alvaro

[@marcoplacidi9975]

Very interested video Jonathan I still prefer c4fm lol . Good job mate

[@M0JSX]

It is each to their own Marco. I have t used C4FM for any length of time. I’m sure it is also a good system. 73!

[@theend5304]

Icoesu or Yaecom

[@bruceroaf5750]

Hi Jonathan I am looking for the weather channel on the 705 the nifty booklet says it is in quick followed by WX but is this only for USA 705 radios ? All the best Bruce

[@M0JSX]

Hi Bruce. I believe so. 73!

[@bruceroaf5750]

@@M0JSX Thanks for the quick reply Jonathan

[@TimothyBath]

I have no problem linking to a reflector. Like Ref030C. Now when i look at the Reflector information page i see I’ve linked and am on C. But I see very more entries were it list them as just listening with nothing indicated as to what mode they are connected to. I also see what seems to be conversations happening on the reflector these individuals that I am not hearing. What am I missing?

[@M0JSX]

I’m not sure I follow fully. However if you are shown as connected on the info page then I would say you are connected just fine. Have you looked at the last heard page to check on activity?

[@lmaoroflcopter]

I understand the 705 can do "terminal mode"? Any chance you can do a video on that? Thinking it'd be handy when I just dont have access to a repeater (dont have a hotspot yet either 😢) but im completely new to DV modes and lost in the menu's of my new 705.

[@M0JSX]

Hello! I’ll be honest that the terminal mode on the Icom radios is a little half baked. Check out Doozy for connecting your 705 to the reflectors via a usb cable to your windows pc. There are a few videos on the subject on KZbin (including one presented by me at my former employer)

[@lmaoroflcopter]

@@M0JSX thanks, will take a look!

[@arthurtwoshedsjackson6266]

Trying to work out the correct letters after entering your callsign. Would it be M1ABC../B ? Trying to set my radio up for GB3ML to an access it via RF. Thanks

[@M0JSX]

Okay. So the MY field would be your callsign with anything after the / that you fancy. RPT1: GB3ML B and RPT2 GB3ML G. The UR field is most commonly CQCQCQ to propagate your transmission to the network, but it is also the field used to control the repeater, for instance REF001CL will tell the repeater to connect to Reflector 1C. Hope this helps

[@the1spyderryder]

To be honest, Dstar and most other digital modes is nothing less than a PAIN in the butt!

[@M0JSX]

It takes some time to get used to. But it can be fun

[@vw183iltis]

DSTAR should have become DSTAR 2 around 2009 or earlier . It has fundamental problems the main one is the data header if this is lost due to propagation or another ham trying to join a QSO an over is lost as the system won't recover. It is rare to have a QSO without a big gap . Icom have just ploughed on with this hopeless mode on its very expensive radios . P25 is now my preferred mode .

[@BradShoemakers]

Or I press the Fusion button and choose a node. I much prefer the menu of the Icom radios but a 20 minute video to ‘simply’ outline how to connect? Icom needs to fix this - they are far better than Kenwood but come on. I will be getting a 705 and was hoping your video would make it yaesu clear. Sorry - you did as well anyone could

[@dangruner5926]

Doesn’t one get the feeling that these digital modes are all unnecessary over complicated? Not to mention the three main systems which are (directly) incompatible with each other… A mess..!

[@ManuelPinner]

I try this Software don't Work,

[@M0JSX]

Which software?

[@M0JSX]

Which software?

[@ManuelPinner]

@@M0JSX the Android version of this Dude star don't Work!

[@EarlGray_kd7sjt]

I would love to see a Hotspot set up video. I found this video VERY informative and helpful. Thank you and 73 from Sacramento California USA. de KD7SJT