Linking DStar to Reflectors & Gateways with ID5100 (2018)

Get a new digital ham radio for your mobile amateur radio needs? Wonder how to set it up and make that first digital contact? In this video I show you how to link and unlink to a gateway and reflector in addition to the cq cq cq feature. I make a contact with Tony K9ARV in Florida from my mobile DStar ham radio while in my driveway of Southern California using a few watts and digital features. I show you how to connect a local digital repeater to the gateway, also known as the internet, in order to link two digital repeaters to one another through the internet to make a ham radio contact with ease. An important step in using the digital DStar ham radio, is to understand how it works and the etiquette involved. Like all things on amateur radio, you need to listen before connecting the various machines and I would suggest taking it a step further to inquire or ask the user base before linking if anybody has objections to the linking for a SHORT period. There are many reflectors and digital repeaters across the world to explore so give it a try and don't be shy about pushing the PTT and making a contact with somebody else. After all, we got our ham radio licenses to talk to one another and USE them. Have fun!
You can follow me on my Twitter & Instagram pages via @kg6hqd
Check out my website www.kg6hqd.us for more "HQD" gear and other content.
73 - KG6HQD

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Wondering how to link your DStar radio to reflectors and gateways? I had the same question so made this to help others once I learned. Also, if you are on DStar do you have a high or low activity level in YOUR area? I've been joking a bit about calling it Dead Star due to the lack of activity so if you have a DStar radio then come find me and let's chat! What's your favorite part of digital ham radio?

[@gentleb]

Thanks! Just started with DSTAR spent so much mental energy trying to understand this , thanks for breaking it down!

[@AugustaDrone]

I have watched several videos and read much about how to use DSTAR on my new 5100. Your video was the first one that actually showed how it works and how to use it in a way that I as a noob could understand. Thank you for this video!

[@HarleyRider503]

I agree. I just bought the same radio.

[@Nathan-lq8id]

Jerry, thank you so much for this video. I know this video is 3 years old now, but k just recently got the 5100 and am getting into DStar…your video was and has been one of the most effective videos in teaching me about all different aspects of DStar, that I have had questions about. Looking forward to seeing your other videos as well. Nathan, NN7LE, Phoenix!

[@brianbarnes3393]

FINALLY! Someone has made an actual instruction on D-Star that explains how to communicate. Just purchased a 5100A and about gave up on getting any instruction that made sense. Still plenty to learn, but things actually make sense after watching this. Thanks Jerry!

[@TinyTJ04]

This is the best d-star "how-to" video I've seen! Thanks so much for making this. I'm just getting to know D-star and my ID-5100.

[@Foxsoup]

Absolutely awesome video! Thank you for putting this together - as a complete D-Star noob it’s been essential to see the processes of linking/unlinking (etc.) in action. You’ve made it very simple and I think the 4100 will be a small but mighty addition to my car. Fingers crossed for some more content from you soon!

[@MAGA-Brad]

First video Ive seen that reminds people to be polite when it comes to wanting to change reflectors and making sure no one else is using it or has plans to link somewhere else.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Once I learned how those systems worked it made perfect sense. I really think most people may not understand those little nuisances. Thanks for the comment Brad 👍🏻

[@RobPetty622]

Really miss Tony K9ARV and his videos. Great video on D star.

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Excellent Video this really helped me understand Gateway and Call sign Routing I will now make a Video using my New ID-52 .

[@klondo]

Thinking about buying a 5100, thanks for the video

[@mrmarciano1628]

radio eaasy to learn on cause screen shows and tell everything...i learned on this,1st radio. then was easy to program learn how the other radios function with less EVERYTHING . ti was new and just got my callsign and wanted to see more while trying to connect

[@akhan3682]

not only did you do a great job of clarifying a lot of the DStar stuff quick and to the point, what you said is pretty mucn on-point; There is no real need for HF if you can use digital - I have both DMR and DSTAR Thanks!!

[@melangiehayden4167]

Thanks for a fine video. DSTAR take the place of HF? NOT EVER IN A MILLION YEARS FOR ME! LOL ...73

[@kj4ddm]

Thanks for the info and etiquette for D-Star...just ordered the 5100 and this was very helpful. Thumbs and Subscribed! 73

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thank you sir! 👍🏻

[@EdwardGriffin]

Great video especially showing the UI of the radio while explaining the actions. The 5100's menus are even easier to use than the ones on my older 7100. Knowing that the first 6 characters of commands are for callsigns or reflector names, the 7th character is for the module, and the 8th is used for the command action (L=Link,U= Unlink,E= Echo,I= Info) can be helpful if you radio lacks the menu options, and you need to issue the command via direct entry. You can enter frequently used callsigns or repeaters or actions into a memory on most radios for easy recall as an alternative way of accessing them besides the CD, CS, DR, and history options. Knowing how to direct enter them is good for seldom used or on the fly connections. 73

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

So many ways to accomplish the connection and play radio. It’s still a new mode for me but I totally dig it so far. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jadue42]

Very helpful! Thank you for the excellent video.

[@HarleyRider503]

Thanks, I just bought the same radio Icom ID-5100 from HRO in Anaheim as I am in Apple Valley just up the 15. New to D-Star so still learning and have not made my first qso yet.

[@sbadolian]

Excellent demo! New subscriber for ya! looks like we’re neighbors

[@MidFiMan]

I appreciate your ministry. Big help.

[@MidFiMan]

What's the difference between using a Reflector and a Gateway? @KG6HQD

[@S_e_a_n]

Thank you for the video Jerry. I'm new to D-Star and this helped out! 73 - KM4SFF

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Glad it helped Sean. FYI, I’m looking into the Tampa area for relocation so I hope we connect more. I am very active on Twitter too and a bunch of us from here are hanging on REF12A so if you hear us please jump on in. 👍🏻

[@juanramonlizarraga]

Excellent. Regards from Argentina

[@seaningram3285]

Now I see what I missed out on by not getting the 5100. I still have the 880H. Still works, though. I just don't use it much anymore since I got the Yaesu Ftm400xdr in 2019.

[@xxfaction6xx]

Great stuff! Thank you very much

[@Spikey1968]

great video from a new 9700 owner who was thrown under the bus lol but getting there thx matey :D

[@AD6DMDennis]

Great stuff! Thanks for the cool tutorial.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Dennis. Are you on DStar?

[@AD6DMDennis]

Yup. I have known how to link to normal D-Star reflectors and stuff, but at first I thought folks were on XRF reflectors and that took some figuring out. Like you said, it's Dead Star right now. Maybe we can change that up.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Ya, it's one of those things, I think, that once you learn it then it makes sense but until then it's a bit frustrating. Which machine or reflector do you hang out on?

[@AD6DMDennis]

I don't have a hotspot so I am normally on W6CX Concord (Mount Diablo). That repeater is default linked to REF014C.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Ok, I’ll try linking up to you so we can chat, unless you’re still holding out for a SOTA QSO as the first time?

[@WJ6FRadio]

Great video! A lot of great info in this video! I use the same Sierra Peak machine and sometimes Papa System.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks @videosByDPF! What's your call sign if you don't mind sharing so I know when we are chatting on the air if you don't mind.

[@WJ6FRadio]

KG6HQD Jerry good afternoon. Call sign is WJ6F. Just ran across your channel and subscribed!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Craig good to see you here. You and I got to chat a little bit on the local system before I got cut off going over the 241. Glad you found me and sub'd back for sure. Thanks and you have quite the channel with lots of great info.

[@WJ6FRadio]

I do remember that QSO. The 241 does have some dead zones. Thanks for the compliment and sub. Hope to upload a new video tomorrow afternoon.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Likewise on the Sub

[@r188ops8]

Hi Jerry, Great explanation of how to do it that I have seen on YT. I have an ID-51E Plus 2 HH, unfortunately I'm too far away from my 'local' DSTAR repeater to get access to it at the moment using the normal rubber duck or an high gain rubber duck (Nagoya NA-771). I've just ordered an ID-5100 and should hopefully have it in a week or so and can get it set up in the car and hit the repeater with that. Who knows, maybe get to speak with yourself and Tony if it works :-)..............Paul (M6OPV)

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Paul, thanks for the feedback and glad it helped. Look forward to making contact with you once you get that ID5100 dialed in. 73 👍🏻

[@o00scorpion00o]

On the Road I use the Openspot 3 and my Anytone 878 UV+ connected to my car audio system for much better sound quality. I have the Anytone set up that I can use DMR, D-Star and Fusion all from the 878, pretty neat, and all made possible by the Openspot 3. Due to local cliques and nonsense related to repeaters I just use the Anytone 878. When home or stationary I use Blue DV for Android or Windows connected to my DVMEGA Globetrotter which means I can connect to D-star, DMR and Fusion from my phone or laptop from anywhere in the World with no dongle and with much better TX/RX sound quality. You can use the cheaper DVMEGA DV Stick 30. Blue DV for Windows is amazing.

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

Very cool when I get my ticket I'll be lucky to use a cheap mobile or an tm281a

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

We all start somewhere Dan so get that ticket!

[@lanceriffle4841]

Helped alot. Probably watch it 2 or 3 times. This stuff is far from clear coming from an FM world. Have a 31A but looks like everything is the same except for the screen size. Still struggling with setting to the openspot2 but some of the operation of the radio is starting to come together.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

cool, glad it helped

[@RobDTom]

Cool. I'm in Riverside and I can connect to those Santiago Peak repeaters with my Baofeng. Looking for a dedicated mobile radio for the Jeep. Trying to decide between the Icom 5100 and the Yaesu FTM-400XDR

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I have both of those and I would for sure do the Yaesu FTM-400 especially in a Jeep with limited space. I also think APRS is more useful than DPRS while in the backcountry but that’s just my opinion. Both are great radios but the Yaesu offers more.

[@RobDTom]

KG6HQD Jerry thanks for the reply!

[@KI4CFSHamRadioMartinBrossman]

Thanks so much!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Welcome 👍🏻

[@reproduco]

Great and helpful video. I am a newbie. So when would I want to link to a reflector vs link to a gateway? Seems like you accompished the same thing both ways, but when would I want to use one over the other? Thanks!

[@kd7dgkontheair]

Sadly, Jerry became a SK on 25 SEP 2022. Rest easy, Jerry.

[@garberinc]

I’ve watched other videos. But just now saw this message. How sad. What the heck happened?

[@kd7dgkontheair]

@@garberinc not sure, but his obituary can be found on the internet. He was young, only 50 years old.

[@K1DTC]

What mount is that? Great video. I just got one and had been using a 7100 which is a little different thanks!

[@ryanroberts4671]

Awesome video! Is the Echolink system capable of doing something similar? Meaning linking 2 repeaters via a mobile or ht? Thanks!

[@mikeramsey9747]

My closest D-Star repeater is almost 60 miles away, I'm tossing between the 5100 and the FTM 4000

[@aigtrader2984]

Jerry, I love your videos and I am also using the same machines as you. I had one question regarding your unlinking? Are you saying that you don't need to send the unlink command? When you go to CQ it does it automatically am I reading that right? Because I used to link and then unlink as separate actions. I may have to chalk this up into the learn something new every day category but I am of the belief that you have to unlink of the reflector before going to Local CQ. Am I wrong on this? 73's N6JRA

[@jeffbanes2223]

Jerry, good video! I have an id 5100 as well as ic 9700. I can't seem to get the gateway cq to work it only stays on 20 a. Any advise? I am newer to the hobby so not sure what I am doing wrong

[@darylw-m9549]

Thanks for the videos Jerry. One of the reasons I was attracted to D-Star was linking repeaters and popping out on the air at some new place in the world that I picked on the map. Then I found most people just use reflectors, which is a bit less interesting to me. That's why it was great to see your demo of linking repeaters to talk with someone within range of the Tampa repeater. I'm concerned about trying it myself though, in case I conflict with a conversation on the remote repeater, that I can't hear. How do you avoid that? 73 - Daryl VK3MCB

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Daryl, I'd suggest making the connection and listening for a bit to see if you hear a QSO underway. If nothing then drop your call and see what happens.

[@darylw-m9549]

Thanks for the reply Jerry. I had read it wasn't possible to listen to the remote repeater, but I think the article was talking about call sign routing. Then I read more about DPlus linking, which I believe allows monitoring of the remote linked repeater. So yes I will try that out. Thanks again!

[@jasonbour5393]

What is that mount? I do not have dashboard space for my 5100, and I do not want to put it on the actual dash for the sun to hit. K4JBB. Great video.

[@o00scorpion00o]

I've just got into dmr and programming the radio can take weeks its ridiculous, what are talkgroups called on dstar ? And how do you program them is it like dmr ?

[@EvergreenOG]

I’m having a heck of a time trying to get linked up. I’m located in sarasota. Any advice?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

What are you trying to link to? There’s a couple “hidden tips” on these... your call sign must be entered in the “My Call” and don’t forget the Dup - with a zero offset on some settings too. I’d need a little more info to help pin it down though.

[@user-un7pk7jm8o]

So every time you want to talk on D star you need to do these steps?

[@davequick3373]

How is the receive sensitivity on simplex frees? Thanks for great video. Plant on the ICOM soon. 73

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hi Dave if say it’s got a great RX. I wish it had an attenuator other than squelch because I tend to get some cross over bleed onto 146.520 from a high level machine about 8 miles as the crow flies from me. The bleed over is NOT from the machine but rather some of the users running massive power on VHF and pointing beams at it to talk in top of other users. The machine is well known in So Cal for that and the user base that usually doesn’t conform well we shall say. Anyhow, other than that my wife is able to pick me up on my HT while deep in canyons doing SOTA & it has very big ears and mouth with the 1/2” hardline and Diamond X510 about 54’ high.

[@mrmarciano1628]

wow...i watch him like often to recap. he has passed?

[@timmbo6691]

Hi Nice Video. In the Routing-Mode you don't have to Unlink something, it's Routing not Linking.

[@aquatone327]

I registered for DStar and got a confirmation email and entered in the space and the Z...Still cannot get a UR? on my 4100..but I do sometimes get an RPT? and don't understand what that means. Any advice?

[@k9yk]

Your transmission at 2:59 to W4RNT B was not a "connection". This is "slash routing". A URCall of "W4RNT BL" would create a DPlus connection.

[@timtoolmantaylor3245]

How far away can you hit a Dstar repeater with a 5100A mobile? The closest one is about 59 miles away 🥺

[@cadiscase]

I keep hearing a "currently busy" message when I try to Link to Any Reflector. The system has been working in the past. Solution ? Thanks !

[@melangiehayden4167]

Maybe I missed it, but how to connect the 5100 to the internet? Is a device or interface needed?

[@user-wq2rk7dr5w]

i cant believe Jerry is now a SK... his videos and spirit was uplifting... very sad

[@paulsmietan5527]

I just learned of Jerry going SK. Fair winds and following seas, Jerry. Rest easy.

[@k6usy]

You are not actually linking the repeaters in this video. You are doing gateway and callsign routing. Linking requires the call sign of the other repeater, the module, then L in the 8th spot. That would actually link the repeater modules to each other.

[@robertkeller9828]

Too much distracting CRAP to have in any mobile rig....Base station? Whatever floats your boat. BS for fast talking, ADHD Gamer Boys. If I want to do digital, which WILL FAIL in a SHTF situation, I have Echolink for FREE on my S series smart phone. Proof that Gen X forward has problems with anything that doesn't have flashy lights and beeps. VHF/UHF is for local contacts. (Use the damn cell phone)

[@larrytaylor7753]

I saw Tony’s end of this video too. Cool getting to hear the receive audio at both ends of a QSO.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

It’s always fun to collaborate with Tony 👍🏻

[@Hogdriver88]

Jerry - thanks for the excellent primer on Dstar and the 5100. Takes away some of the confusion on getting started with it. 73 Gregg KE2SX

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

You’re welcome Gregg now to get more users out there 👍🏻

[@tomsmall2479]

Jerry, Thanks for the video .. I have a 51 A and trying to learn D Star ... This video was very helpful ...Great presentation -

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Tony! Glad it helped you a bit.

[@kg6lvp]

Awesome video as I’ve been eyeing this radio. Thanks!

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Cant give this radio high enough marks. My only issue really was where to mount the large control head. It's kind of a double edged sword, large enough to use and see but makes mobile mounting a challenge in today's modern vehicle cockpits. I think you'll really like it and for me having DStar basically replaces the notion of having HF mobile. Now only one small antenna and I work the world reliably.

[@Robert-jt6eo]

Have been on DStar a long time but am always looking for better understanding of DStar. In the past I used the Blue DVDongle only. That was very easy to use from home but when you get the mobile then it's another story. So thanks for the ongoing lesson about DStar and great video.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Robert for the comment. The hotspots are nice but I don't always have cell service while I'm driving so knowing which machines I can use and how to use them is helpful. 73

[@09keller]

Well done Jerry, and nice 5100 demo! K5TGS

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Tim! You on DStar?

[@BradSnyder1]

This was great information Jerry especially since I'm not familiar with Dstar. 👍🏻

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Brad, I wasn’t either about 3 weeks ago so as I learn things I’ll share them 👍🏻

[@BradSnyder1]

KG6HQD Jerry Ok awesome! Thanks for doing that! 👍🏻

[@douglasdreger3852]

I;ve been having trouble being heard on reflectors through my local repeater. I am going to go try these instructions with my TH-D74A, and will report back. Thanks much. Edit: I just followed your instructions and it worked. I was able to be heard using the 'use repeater' setting, as well as when I set 'direct input URCall' to REF014C. The W6CX repeater on Mt Diablo is linked into REF014C. Thanks again for your help. In both cases the two people making an RF connection to the repeater heard me as well as one other person outside RF range, and everyone heard each other. I think Dstar is a fantastic addition to the radio tool back, and as you point out it is a very good substitute to HF in the vehicle. My next mission is to figure out how to use it with my iphone mobile. The hangup there will be power for the iphone, radio and the openspot2. Lots of cords.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hey Doug, the hotspot is now my go to item for the what’s known as the #JerryNet which can be accessed via any digital mode and made for us by our guys. If you’re on Twitter then you can grab the data and join us but for DStar it’ll be XRF or REF 367A. Be good to hear ya

[@koroba01]

Glad to see this, have a new 5100 due to arrive in 2 days.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

It’s a great radio imo. 👍🏻

[@adrianclark9581]

Great vid very helpful Jerry is the king.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Haha, glad it was useful ... king is quite the stretch

[@reallybadaim118]

Excellent video. This is better than D-Star for Dummies.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks, glad it helped.

[@09keller]

This is interesting. I have been using my 5100 on DSTAR for sometime now, but not the DR mode. Your video really opened up another aspect of DSTAR for me! I tried you examples on a local repeater and it worked perfectly. Can’t wait for the next one now. Thanks for for all the videos you are doing Jerry. K5TGS

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Awesome Tim! I hope you use the linking feature and find me on Santiago Peak machine or by using call sign routing, be sure to use that discriminately though 👍👍What machine do you frequent and I'll try giving you a shout?

[@09keller]

KG6HQD Jerry When at home, like now, I am on the Denton Texas repeater, w5ngu, B, 442.925

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I heard you key up the Santiago machine the other day and I saw your call sign. I tried calling you back but you must have disconnected before I grabbed the mic. I'll try to remember that machine and give you a shout soon.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

I tried calling on this machine today for you but. no luck. I even did Call Sign routing looking for ya but nothing. Maybe you were playing analog then lol.

[@09keller]

KG6HQD Jerry my best time is in the morning and evenings, but we are leaving tomorrow for a ham event this weekend. We will be in my wife’s car so no radio until Sunday afternoon/evening.

[@allanmacuser]

Jerry thank you for the info l have been off the air for 30 years now retired looking forward to getting back in to it regards allan G6TMO UK

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Welcome back!

[@brian.7966]

Thank you for the film..

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks for checking out my channel and the comment 👍🏻

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Thanks Jerry nice videos

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Alvaro! I'm doing one right now on the DPRS and APRS interface. Do you use the ID5100?

[@alvarogaitan2529]

KG6HQD Jerry I am having icom51a

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

That might be my next radio since it works well for some of my pals. Do you find it's similar to connect to repeaters and gateways as outlined in this video?

[@arayboomer]

Nice vid, Jerry. I have been thinking about trying DSTAR. I bought the Yaesu FTM-400 a while back to try digital (fusion) but I also liked that it has analog APRS built in. I'm curious about DPRS. Does it relay digital info to APRS.fi and/or retransmit over analog for locals to receive your packets? I would be bummed if it ONLY shared info with other DSTAR users. Any info on DPRS would be much appreciated. Thanks man.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

It does Ray! I’ll be posting a video later this evening on how DPRS overlays APRS and how to setup the 5100 or other radios to do it

[@JustLearning]

Don't know if you know but when you were linking, unlinking to reflector, instead of pressing the To, just use the dial knob and it will change.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

If I understand correctly, you referring to switching the “To” field from “use” to “link” & back? If so I have figured that out and use that all the time lol... I happened to stumble on that method after this video but you are correct and it is a much faster way to swap things around. Thanks for sharing and helping everybody here too. 👍🏻

[@johnmartin635]

I heard you say you don’t have to worry about antennas anymore, what type of antenna are you using and do you have a hotspot hooked to your phones wi-fi to use this? I’m new to d-star as well , thanks John

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

So my phone turns into a WiFi hotspot which then connects to the pi-star “hotspot” that allows the radio to send and receive RF through the pi-star to the phone’s data/internet. The comments about not worrying about antennas was made toward the fact you can talk all over the world on digital modes and thus no need for huge gawdy RF monster antennas all over your vehicle which isn’t attractive to me nor practical in my opinion. A short 1/4 wave antenna on your mobile rig, or use a HT for that matter and when in close proximity to the pi-star you can and should use very low power so hope this helps explain a little more on what I meant.

[@Heartlanddualsport]

Ok, so I am new to the ham radios, I just passed my test this past monday, so still waiting on my call sign, will this radio connect to a normal repeater? I am looking for a radio to put in my jeep and one that I can grow into as I learn more, but I also need one that is not to difficult to learn initially with. can you do direct talking with this radio. with out going through a repeater, like a normal simplex mode? Thanks for any answer, again, still new, looking for something fun and something to grow into as I learn more about the mobile radios. Dale

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Hi Dale - first of all, congrats on passing your test and I hope to hear you on the air one day. Regarding the ID5100, yes it can do regular simplex, work through repeaters, and also has D-star capabilities which means it can lay a track onto the APRS system. The menu is pretty intuitive to me but I have been playing with various ham radios for a long time and have owned iCOMM radios before. Regardless, I think the menu system is easy to understand and this is a high quality rig that TX's on VHF and UHF. You can monitor the air band as well if you are into that (VHF AM). With KZbin and other social media channels available you have plenty of people and information to help you wrap your head around this or any other radio of your choosing so don't be shy about it being highly level. Side note to D-star for me: I have ran HF radios in my truck before but didn't really like the idea due to antenna requirements and it just looks goofy to me. It's also not that practical if you are out in the woods often like I am as those long antennas get hung up on trees and brush etc so the beauty about D-star is for a single radio in your rig, with a decent VHF/UHF antenna, you have the ability to do typical mobile radio ops (simplex and repeaters) and D-star. Think of D-star as internet HF. When you connect to the D-star repeater it's connected to the internet and you can cross connect repeaters from all parts of the world so basically it isn't HF, but does provide an opportunity to use it to talk to people from all over the world so it kind of cheats the RF side of things but gives you same benefits so to speak. I realize you are new to ham radio so if you need me to elaborate more I can but to answer your question, I think this is a great radio that will provide a lot of fun and variety of modes to play on but not too complicated to operate. Keep in mind this is a pricey rig, but it does so much and is a quality built item IMO.

[@Heartlanddualsport]

Thank you so much for the detailed answer, I truly appreciate your willingness to help. Thanks again my friend and have a blessed weekend. Dale

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Good stuff Dale and let me know if I can ever help ya 👍. May God bless you and your family as well 🙏

[@MrLaserdave]

Great video Jerry. Dave KI6FYQ

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

Thanks Dave! Are you on DStar? I'm wondering how many people I'm connected with are on the mode or have the capabilities to do so so we can chat there as a larger group.

[@MrLaserdave]

I'm not. But you and Tony have piqued my interest.

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

So you've had a day to consider it, when you buying your ID5100? 😀😀👍

[@mussieTil]

Jerry, can you connect to repeater direct using hotspot ?

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

So I wanted to try this to be sure and the answer is YES. You can connect to a repeater with a hotspot so long as that repeater is on the internet for the right mode. For example, if you have a hotspot and change the TO field to Santiago Peak from wherever you are (it will show up in your repeater list for DStar) then you can connect to it

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

With dstar do u still have to connect to the internet

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

All digital modes eventually connect to the internet. You can either go through a repeater that’s connected to the internet to swap reflectors or you can use what is known as a “hotspot” which is a device that connects the internet from your house or phone etc and allows you to connect via RF to it. Hope that helps make sense out of it, but in short all digital modes when used beyond the local machine are connected via internet.

[@hondaridgelineenduser5934]

@@KG6HQDJerrySOTA well if that's the thing I gotta get with the program and i can see how older UHF/VHF/HF can still have a purpose

[@KG6HQDJerrySOTA]

For me running a digital mode in my daily driver F150 is a no brainer over a HF setup. HF for me is either portable or from the home QTH these days. The antenna requirements are absurd IMO to be HF mobile and not what I was after. Now, using D-Star or YSF etc, I can talk to my Tech licensed wife no matter where I'm at and stay connected with all my buddies on the local machines or from afar. Just my opinion of course.