Lightning Quick DStar QSY command storage in the ID 51 (and several other Icom DStar radios)!

Up to 200 commands at your fingertips for quick QSY to REF, XRF, DCS, and XLX Reflectors and Gateway Repeaters!

[@BrianBoulden]

This is fantastic. I’ve been trying to figure out how to do Gateway CQ for over a year. This is the only place that addressed how to do it with a Pi-Star. Again Thanks!

[@vampolascott36]

Mind blown! Thanks so much. I always thought I could only access reflectors with my OpenSpot.

[@k9wlwradio309]

DStar is so far the only digital mode where you can connect repeater to repeater or hotspot to repeater. Here is where it can get interesting. In my examples I connected to the repeaters active over the air rf module. If you look at the repeater directory online you will see which modules, A,B,C, or D that are usable. What is interesting is you can connect to the other modules that are not listed in the directory. For example, in Jackson, TN there is the NT4MC C module 2 meter repeater. It only has the one over the air module for 2 meters. However, you CAN connect your hotspot to NT4MC A, NT4MC B and NT4MC D and QSO off the air with another hotspot user also connected. Even though there is no RF output heard there, it is usable through the internet. In fact, you can connect to the repeaters E module for an echo test. So all gateway connected DStar repeaters are like miniature reflectors on the internet. They can't handle massive users like reflectors but they work! Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment!

[@vampolascott36]

@@k9wlwradio309 There is only 1 DStar repeater in Nebraska that is connected to the internet. (as far as I'm aware of anyway). I used what you taught me to connect directly to that repeater this morning from my OpenSpot. I also found that I was seen on the 2C reflector when I connected. The DStar repeater in my home town of Kearney, NE is operational but not connected to the internet. I talked to the custodian and he told me there are issues with the public service entity that is hosting the repeater space on that tower, and he is working on finding a new spot for that repeater.

[@k9wlwradio309]

@@vampolascott36 unfortunately, not every Dstar repeater is connected to the internet gateway. Repeaters do take a lot of hard work to maintain and keep fully functional. Plus there are added monthly costs to keeping them connected to the internet. Tower space is real estate in that most towers charge rent to users. Sometimes we hams get lucky and a local tower owner will let a ham repeater onto it rent free, but if the sell the tower it goes to a new landlord. For good or bad, the internet will become more commonly used and repeaters will slowly disappear. Hotspots are clearly making repeaters less used. I dont think that all repeaters will go away, but hotspots are hard to beat for flexibility. 5 digital voice modes in one hotspot is incredible. On the plus side, I have personally talked to many elderly hams, some even is assisted living that are learning to use hotspots to stay on the air and QSO. For that reason I am very happy to assist them with the new hotspot technology so they can enjoy the hobby in there final years. I am very pleased to see senior hams on DStar, Fusion, and DMR. I hope the internet gateway modes also attract new younger Hams to the hobby.

[@DJBlackhawk]

Howdy neighbor, I’m still on an IC-91AD for the occasional DSTAR rag chew otherwise I’m on WiresX or HF but it’s cool to see how far these radios have come compared to typing out every single field! Lol Thanks and 73 DE KK4MND

[@k9wlwradio309]

Yes, the DR mode, with its attached menus sure save MR memory channels from being gobbled up too!

[@1OFGODSOWN]

I am now subscribed to your page.I know that you were a Huge help with getting my ID-51A Plus 2 with my Shark OS1 & I owe you very much. 👍 W4KVW 🎙

[@k9wlwradio309]

I am glad to have helped. I really recommend adding a small pi-star hotspot to your collection. That way you can dedicate one to D-Star and one to DMR and have both radios chattering away at the same time! Here is a link to one fully assembled and ready to program on Amazon. www.amazon.com/AURSINC-Hotspot-Station-Digital-Support/dp/B088PPDRT7/ref=asc_df_B088PPDRT7/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459618551949&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9208066430592182463&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012064&hvtargid=pla-983817891274&psc=1

[@dmkays]

ur tips are best I found for using d-star. tks es 73.

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thanks for watching, and I appreciate your comments!

[@allanmacuser]

thank you so much for the help in these last videos l did send you a email but just to add it to here Hi Francis may l first say a very happy Christmas to you and your family. Francis may l just tell you a little about myself, you see l have not been on the air on ham radio for over 35 years and just by accident my son bought me a icom id-51 plus 2, OMG how things have change over these past years. I did struggle getting to grips with how the radio works, nothing like l l was used to. Anyway l want to send a big thank you to you for the help you have given to me in your video regarding the hotspot which l now own. My problems is since having stroke and been left disabled l find it hard to remember things l have just read in the manual, but thinks to you amazing videos l have now got my head sorted. Kind regards Allan Sharman G6TMO Stoke on Trent UK

[@migperk]

Your videos are extremely helpful. Thank you very much. Question: Using an OpenSpot2 or 3, are you able to change profiles using the "your call sign option?" And, on another note, with the OpenSpot3, can you enter a your call sign memory that will directly let you change to a YSF or DMR mode? I saw you do this in your THD74 video, and I wondered if this will also work with the ID51?

[@k9wlwradio309]

The profile changing is done best from DStar radio with DTMF commands. I will make a video to demonstrate soon. The crossmoding from ID 51 is in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIOZqIiuZqd6iZo

[@F41Driver]

Just what I needed to put reflector memories into my ID-52. Similar process, just don’t have to go into the menu system. Thanks!

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thanks for watching! I am glad it helped you in storing your favorite reflectors!

[@georgesalinas7206]

Thanks for your patient videos and instructions. KD4FJ

[@jtrehern]

Thank you so much for your videos. They have been invaluable. 1 question I have is when you see a "room", for lack of a better word, such as 29A. Is that REF029A when programming the radio?

[@k9wlwradio309]

29A is a reflector number of 29 with the A module. In DStar each module, A,B,C, etc is a different room if you will. There are 4 different types of reflectors. The oldest and most commonly used are REF reflectors. To link to REF029A you keyup the link command of REF029AL. The L links you there. There are also XRF, DCS, and XLX reflectors. Sometimes these other reflectors have modules A through Z.

[@danceplus2697]

Excellent video

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thank you for watching and for your comment. I hope it helped you!

[@davidedger3935]

Simply excellent. Thank you.

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thank you gor your comment!

[@markgriffin2285]

Thanks for a great video!

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy DStar!

[@ghostmandka5498]

This is awesome, thank you! Quick question though, where is this in the radio? I use RT Systems and download the radio to the software and can't find where it is. I'd like to program them all from there instead of every single one by long hand like you do. 73

[@k9wlwradio309]

I don't have the software, but I am guessing there is a listing somewhere in the software called "Your Call Sign". That's the menu it is known as on the radio.

[@Steve_W5IEM]

I believe it is in the D-STAR Settings section on the software. I have deleted all of the REF reflectors from the section and have 38 pages of XRF and DCS reflectors stored. Bonus tip - you can use Microsoft Excel to set these up and then copy/paste them into the RT Systems software in the D-STAR Settings section.

[@k9wlwradio309]

@@Steve_W5IEM that is good information to share! Since I do not have the software, I appreciate your filling it in for other viewers!

[@lonniegorsline9325]

What version of the ID-51 do you have? I have the ID-51A Firmware version CPU 1.01 and DSP 1.00. I don't get some of the same menu options that you are getting. For instance I don't have the option to select the REFLECTOR option that you show in your video.

[@k9wlwradio309]

I have the ID-51 A plus 2. Their last version. On the older models like yours, you have to program the Use Reflector CQCQCQ, Unlink, Echo, and Repeater Information commands manually or in the Your Call Sign section like I described in this video. In fact, you have to store your link to Reflector and link to repeater commands there also. The ID-51 has room for 200 commands stored there. Be on the lookout for the upcoming ID-52. It will not only have all the Reflector commands built in, but it will also have random access menu options built into the radio that will allow you to directly link to REF, XRF, DCS, and XLX reflectors. It will also have room for 2500 DR memories, 300 Your Call Sign memories, and 1000 MR memories. That and being able to utilize simultaneous DV mode on the A Band and B Band are going to make it quite a handheld!

[@lonniegorsline9325]

@@k9wlwradio309 Thanks very much for your feedback.

[@erichoward5433]

Another great video. 73s KN4UOT

[@KD4QNA]

Have you used DD Data Mode reflectors on DSTAR? What are they? How do you use them? Example: REF092D, REF062D, REF055D.

[@k9wlwradio309]

I have not done any digital data modes. I have occasionally used voice on some D modules.

[@dennisgraff6571]

That’s awesome !

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thank you for watching!

[@clwydianuk]

There is an equivalent to the your call list on the TH-D74 by Kenwood

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thank you for watching and replying. You are correct about the Kenwood THD74. I also have another video demonstrating how to store your favorite link commands in the D74. Like the ID51, there are also 200 memory slots there. On the Kenwood menu it is called "Individual"

[@davidedger3935]

This is great on my ID51 but i cannot manage to save commands to the your call sign group on my IC705. Would appreciate any help. 73, N3CI

[@k9wlwradio309]

I do not own a 705. I am not familiar with its menu structure. Do you belong to a 705 users group on Facebook? That would be a group that might be very helpful with that question.

[@Steve_W5IEM]

If someone could convince ICOM XRF and DCS reflectors are sticking around and add them to the Reflector/Link to Reflector/Direct Input section it would reduce how much this is needed, but the Your Call shortcut is definitely handy.

[@k9wlwradio309]

Rumor has it the new ID 52 might have added this feature. I am not able to confirm that at this time. I hope the rumors are true! Thanks for your comment!

[@xray9alpha]

Icom must have heard you as the new ID-52 has XRF, XLX and DCS in addition to the REF in the link to reflector direct input!

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

The ID51 (Now the 52) and Dstar is by far the best HT and digital mode out there. The only one I would say could even compare is the Anytone ht and DMR. Yaseu and Fusion don't even come close. In my opinion.

[@k9wlwradio309]

Icom makes good quality products. DStar is my favorite!

[@jeangys]

Thanks de KB1O .

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thank you for watching and your comment!

[@KE4NAB]

Am I able to link to reflectors using only a cellphone on this radio?

[@k9wlwradio309]

If you have a pi-star hotspot you can have it controlled from a mobile app called ircddb remote. It is available on Android or IPhone.

[@KentJonsson]

:-D Tnx sir, for a great video! 73 de SM3LVB

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thank you for watching and responding!

[@denniskimrey4129]

How do you get lower case letters

[@k9wlwradio309]

SD Cruiser, I lost your comment somehow on the channel. If you reach me at [e-mail], I would be happy to assist you.

[@carl-gunnarhillefors7612]

!-{D Thank Francis! Great Work! 73s de Gunnar sm6oer. >>\

[@k9wlwradio309]

Thank you for watching snd your comments!

[@markgriffin2285]

I believe that Icom has software where one can program the radio with all the memories? Kb3z

[@k9wlwradio309]

I know RT Systems also sells software that will do this. In fact, you CAN use the software to program your hotspot DR memory, load your Your Call Sign memories, and even program all your MR memories. The purpose of my videos, is so hams can better understand how the radios actually work, without software. I have talked to numerous hams who become software dependent only to be caught flat footed getting stuck when they don't have their pc with them. I believe it's always good to learn the features and menus of the radio, especially if you are out and about.

[@martensandstrom7343]

@@k9wlwradio309 Absolutely, I agree and have jus started checking your videos. I will study them carefully. Only problem I have left now -I think- is the REF-DCS problem. Going to google the youtube for info on that now :) Thanks again

[@k9wlwradio309]

@@martensandstrom7343 here is an interesting link. www.f4fxl.org/ref-xrf-dcs-xlx-whats-the-difference/

[@martensandstrom7343]

Thank you very much. I think I wrote my message premature, since you later in the video I was watching described it all :)

[@k9wlwradio309]

@Vern Reed thank for watching! I appreciate your comment!