Icom ID-31A Dstar Radio

[@bubbarob1978]

Yup..very helpful...thanks for taking the time to reply...I think I'll give D-star a whirl. Rob

[@robertsez]

Thanks, Jim, for the great video. I have an ID-31A on order. In the rapidly-changing world of D-Star, how difficult is it to update or revise the list of repeaters on the handheld? Will ICOM (or others) provide periodic updates? Can these be transferred from the SD card to the radio? Is the SD card format compatible with my laptop, which also has an SD card slot? In addition to the standard repeater list, are there also wildcard channels that I can add D-Star repeaters of my own choice?

[@judsonkring464]

Enjoyed your review! Thank you for posting.

[@bubbarob1978]

Jim, When you use a local repeater to connect to a reflector, does anyone using the same repeater hear your conversation on that repeater or is is private to only your radio? What would stop another HAM from unlinking the repeater and going to another one with his radio, other than proper HAM courtesy? I know when you use the DV Dongle, you have a private connection since you're using your own computer but I'm guessing this is not the case when using a repeater within range of your handheld?

[@Tabbyf]

what is a reflector? why do I need to link/unlink? Can you please explain. I just got the ID31a last week and i'm lost with all these new lingo. Thanks.

[@JimWeslager]

When you use a local repeater to connect to a reflector, does anyone using the same repeater hear your conversation on that repeater or is is private to only your radio? Anyone listening on the local DSTAR repeater can hear your conversation.

[@JimWeslager]

I know when you use the DV Dongle, you have a private connection since you're using your own computer but I'm guessing this is not the case when using a repeater within range of your handheld? Exactly! When using the local DSTAR repeater, your conversations can be overheard. However, with the use of the DV dongle, that transmission is between your handheld and your computer, which is in effect, private. Hope that helps & 73's Jim (K3WR)

[@JimWeslager]

What would stop another HAM from unlinking the repeater and going to another one with his radio, other than proper HAM courtesy? Another amateur radio operator could unlink the local DSTAR repeater from the reflector you are using. However, good operating practices should manage this situation.

[@Cheeseoverdose]

question - i have this radio. it doesn't seem to have the repeater list on it. i've put a repeater list on the SD card, and I still can't find it. What have I missed?

[@JimWeslager]

Nat.han, have you checked out this website www.dstarinfo.com/RepeaterDownloads.aspx That site may have the info you need

[@JimWeslager]

There are lots of great sources of information for these questions. Unfortunately these comments can not contain links to websites, however, Google " proficia dot com tampadstar " for some good information