Quickest way to monitor DMR with your SDR? Simple DMR for SDR# installed in under 5 mins!

[@SDWNJ]

By the way, the installation procedure shown here is doing it the hard way (or at least it is in the current version of SDR#). All you need to do is to extract the zip file into the plugins directory (it will create a new sub-directory there) and SDR# will detect it and make it available. That said, I appreciate the spotlight on the plugin.

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks for that. There have been a few changes lately with the software and the video is already a little outdated. Appreciate your input!

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Extract to plugin or plug in yellow file :Thanks

[@brentdonnelly1402]

@frugalradio if hypothetically speaking someone i know has reverse engineered code for software using the mc4 protocol , a mixture of Base64 and AES256 algorithm ....Could this be implemeted in decrypting DMR which is not in the clear do you think?

[@FrugalRadio]

@brentdonnelly1402 I have no idea. I've never tried to decode encrypted signals, and don't know any of the theory behind it.

[@chriscasmaer9142]

Just got an SDR receiver and your directions were perfect, so happy to have DMR added to this device! THANKS!!

[@alfiemcafee5188]

Love your videos. Have you tried the Tetra plugin for SDR#? I’ve installed it but like a lot of others, I can’t get any audio.

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi Alfie. No, I have run a Tetra plugin from SDR#, which I linked up with Tetra Trunk Tracker so I could follow the active talkgroups. It worked well. With me not being in Europe now, I don't have Tetra nearby. I might have a video of it working though...

[@jtc51]

As always thank you for a great video. Nice to have someone like you to delve into this interesting hobby.

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks for your continued support John!

[@kmkessler]

I've watched all 8 of your 2020 SDR guide, and I enjoyed them, and learned some new things. Thank you. I do have a suggestion, which is really illustrated with this video. I'm new to the whole SDR thing, and I had no idea what DMR is. In fact a common theme in your SDR Guide is "If you want to listen to [some acronym for some protocol], you do this...". If your target audience is HAMs who want to learn SDR, you are probably working at the right level, but if you are interested in a more beginner audience, you might want to take minute to describe what DMR is, who is using it, and where you might find some of it on the dial. I googled DMR, and it is certainly not a subject you could give any sort of thorough coverage in a 5 minute video, but a 1 minute summary, and maybe a link to find out more about it would be helpful to people like me. This comment is not meant to be a criticism or anything, I just think you deserve more subs, and dumbing down the HAM side of the subject may help you in that area. And these videos could provide an inexpensive entry to the Amateur Radio hobby which is a good way to get some new blood into an avocation which could use some new blood.

[@FrugalRadio]

@kmkessler, thank you so much for your comments. It certainly is easy to slip into acronyms that long time users would know, and beginners would not. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I will try to remember that not everyone knows what these acronyms are. Perhaps they warrant a quick video of their own! Your comments are received with grattitude and thanks for an important reminder 🙂

[@betabilly]

Simple DMR and Simple APCO are working on SDR# Studio 1904! Found a saved install on a SD card that I was about to format. Running it on a Windows 11 mini pc right now. Listened to taxis all last night! Both plugins were install a year ago on a Windows 10 laptop. Glad I found that SD card! Yeah, and before last night I was seriously thinking on splurging a pile of $$$ on a digital scanner.

[@FrugalRadio]

Great to hear they are working still!

[@betabilly]

@@FrugalRadio Yep. Kind of given up on Simple DMR because it's obviously not supported anymore and the website went south about the time of the Ukraine invasion.

[@Tony.Tony.Tony.]

Where can I find the Simple APCO plugin for SDR#? I can't find it anywhere.

[@gertjandembele6583]

Thanks great video and it works great here I hope a Simple Tetra plugin will be released as well

[@FrugalRadio]

Glad it is working for you. Interestingly, Vasili released a Tetra plugin for SDR# almost 2 years ago. You can read about it at www.rtl-sdr.com/sdr-tetra-plugin-now-available-at-rtl-sdr-ru/

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Hi -I have no plug in xml

[@snekooei]

Wow, thank you! Tried on 1889 version of SDRsharp. When enabled, for one channel that I had also decoded by DSD plugin, "DMR" and "voice" are shown, the digital voice is muted, and the decoded voice is heard. But for the other channels that I am pretty sure are voice (the signal is intermittent), only "DMR" without "voice" is shown, the digital voice is muted, but nothing is heard. Sometimes by playing with bandwidth some strange sounds are heard! Any thoughts?

[@thomas9805]

Thanks for the video. BTW, do i need to install Virtual Cable first?

[@FrugalRadio]

Lol, I don't remember now as I typically use a different solution. If I didn't mention it in the video, then you don't need it.

[@slosolo2]

I've ordered my first SDR an RTL-SDR blog dongle, it will be here this Saturday. I've been watching your SDR series and am eager to get started. Ultimately I'll be trying to use a pair of these to track the local public safety P25 systems but thought I'd start frugally and get one set up before I purchase the second sdr. I've enjoyed your content so far and look forward to more.

[@FrugalRadio]

Great to hear you're moving forward. SDRs are a great way to enjoy monitoring P25. 2 dongles certainly makes it easier, but you can definitely get started with 1. I'm sure you'll soon catch the Software Defined Radio bug. Welcome to the club 😃

[@cptfbi]

Use SDRtrunk for p25

[@thegadgetemporiumaustralia8509]

@@FrugalRadio I'm a newbie to all this. Would you be kind enough to explain what I would need here in australia or how to set it up? We operate on regional mobile radio and both phase 1 and 2 of P25. Thanks!

[@FrugalRadio]

As with most computer related things, there are multiple ways to accomplish monitoring P25. Check out this video for one method. You'll just need a computer, basic antenna, and software like DSDPlus Fastlane. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bInHemuaoZd-jdE

[@AlessandroVerona-mw7op]

Nice video but unfortunately the website for the download is now unavailable any idea where I could get it?

[@lazyspeaks2362]

Hello! Unfortunately the official site is blocked and the link doesn’t work as well. It would be great if I could upload a file somewhere to compare with dsd+. Thanks!

[@robertharley4518]

Came across your series tonight and will be watching for sure. My goal is to get truncked FRM for fire up and running. I have a not so frugal RSPdx model and finally hooked it up tonight. Aside from what you run have you tried Open Ear software? If so, what do you think? Great video and I expect excellent series. Bob

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi Bob, I'm glad you've found the channel, and hope the content is helpful to you. The RSPdx is a great SDR. I have the lower end RSP1A and I find out quite impressive for the price. The dx has even better performance. No, I haven't tried Open Ear. I was already decoding DMR & P25 with other software. But I might try it out on Pocsag to see how it does as I currently use a much older program for that mode. Is the correct version of Open Ear worth playing around with?

[@robertharley4518]

@@FrugalRadio Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not sure as I haven't got that far into the whole project but I will probably try it because of the automatic searching from control to all user frequencies. Ill let you know.

[@daneast]

Anyone know what the min / max slider is used for in this plugin? Same for the Simple APCO plugin (same author, same slider is there).

[@tonydavidson4719]

Great installation thanks. I have seen a few of your videos but i can't seem to find one that suits my needs. I have downloaded the very latest version of SDR# (1919) and the Frequency Manager-Scanner Plugin. I can't seem to figure out how to set band scans to a group and add steps. At the moment i can select a scan range but no steps & can't save it to a group. So If and when you have time i would appreciate your input please. Many thanks Tony (UK)

[@ChristopheYamaha59]

Hello great video. Can you please send me the DMR file as the link is dead. can't find it on the internet Thanks in advance

[@betabilly]

Yeah, the download link has been dead since the mess in the Ukraine started. I hope the author is still ok. Having tried to get the plugin to work on numerous occasions without success, I finally managed to get it working in Sharp# version 1904.

[@johnlagreca6288]

Nice job. Thank you for the video. Is there any way it can decode the data on the transmission (i.e. color code, contact ID, etc.)?

[@FrugalRadio]

Not with this plugin. But software like DSDPlus provides all this information, and is better suited to monitoring trunked systems.

[@timbit7845]

Thank you just what I was looking for

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome.

[@FrugalRadio]

Indeed. Sometimes all a guy needs is a quick way to resolve the audio!

[@SolgerLemp]

i've been looking for so long but never found any tutorials on how can i decode DMR from my analog handheld connected to the pc

[@humaxf1]

Will definitely give this a go later. Is it possible to pipe the decoded audio through a virtual cable to zello? Downloaded the latest sdr#. Haven't delved into it fully but some handy new features like easy access to freq step.

[@FrugalRadio]

I didn't give that a try, but my guess is that it would work just fine by selecting your Virtual Cable as the audio output in SDRSharp. Let us know how you get on!

[@humaxf1]

@@FrugalRadio Have the plugin installed and working. Works straightaway on simplex compared to dsd which seems to take a while to 'warm up'. Will test virtual cable --> Zello later.

[@FrugalRadio]

Great news!

[@Kaptainkneemow]

Running version 1811 but can not get Simple DMR to work. The plug in pops up, I click enable but no audio from any signals. Using NFM mode with Quad sampling. Am I doing something wrong?

[@FrugalRadio]

I'm not sure. Others have reported it not working on the newer versions of SDR#, but I haven't tried it.

[@Kaptainkneemow]

@@FrugalRadio what version are you running on which it works? Thanks

[@FrugalRadio]

1784 is the version I have with it running.

[@djvaliro]

seems this file isnt available anymore at that link .. does anyone have it? THX

[@rbridge4090]

Every so often I really hate myself for being a Linux zealot. If only I bring myself around to install Windows then I too could consider 50MHz and upwards worth anything other than mysterious buzzes and beeps. You guys have got it so good for VHF/UHF. I'll content myself with CW, SSB and digi-modes on HF. ;-)

[@FrugalRadio]

Oh HF is a world of entertainment on all its own. I have spent very many hours below 30 MHz!

[@Goondoon1972]

Followed the instruction to the letter and nothing. Plugin never shows up.

[@FrugalRadio]

If you are using a newer version of SDR#, the plug-in may appear in a different location. Try clicking the 3 line menu. Make sure you also edit the XML file appropriately. Hopefully you get it to show up!

[@GregCeeVideo]

Hey loving your channel however I followed install advice to the letter and it crashes my SDR# ver.1811 every time - frustrating!

[@FrugalRadio]

The version of SDR# has now changed. I'm not in control of that I'm afraid. I haven't tried adding the plug-in to 1811.

[@61pickgun]

The software doesn't work with RTL SDR v 1.0.0.1787 USB version.

[@FrugalRadio]

Thanks for the report. There is a new version, 1788 now. I haven't tested it on that version either, so if anyone has, feel free to report if it is working or not.

[@SirThunderPants]

Hello all, I'm new to SDR's. I purchased SDRplay's RSP1A but would very much prefer to start using SDRsharp. ( I understand that SDRuno is very good, but I'd like to start with SDRsharp ). I'm so far, unable to get the software to recognize my SDR. Can anyone help? Thank you very much.

[@FrugalRadio]

Unfortunately SDR# is programmed not to work with SDRPlay devices.

[@garyturnbull6218]

Followed your instructions exactly. Downloaded the zip file, extracted it, added the dll files to my CDRSharp directory and added the magic line to plugins. From menu, I was able to see the Simple DMR plugin and was able to open it and click on "Enable" But the plugin would not decode known DMR transmissions. They still sounded like DMR digital transmissions.

[@FrugalRadio]

Sorry to hear it didn't work for you. Make sure the DMR frequency you are tuned to is not a trunking control channel. If it is broadcasting permanently it will be a data channel, not a voice channel.

[@williamreyes27125khz]

Same thing until I tried a lower sample rate of 1.92 MSPS and filter bandwidth of 16,000. Now it works.

[@FrugalRadio]

Good tip William, thanks for sharing.

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Thanks Brill

[@FrugalRadio]

You're welcome!

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

@@FrugalRadio Hi quick question my plugin does not end with the word "mxl"

[@FrugalRadio]

There should be an XML file there. Although if you are using a more current version of SDR# it may have changed. This video was made using a version that is no longer current.

[@earthisgoodforeveryone]

can you plz help me as i am not able to decode dmr with this plugin nothing happening also my dmr is running 24/7 not like your when communication then waterfall mine is full time

[@FrugalRadio]

Ah, the clue is that the DMR signal is full time. That means you are receiving the Control Channel of a trunked system. While the Control Channel can carry audio on the second timeslot, it sends a constant stream of data to radios on the network. This plug-in cannot decide CC Data. For that you would need to use DSD Plus or SDRTrunk. I did a demo video showing a system being decoded with DSDPlus Fastlane version, and a separate video showing how trunked systems work. Both of those might be more helpful to you. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZPOpH9orNZ-itk

[@earthisgoodforeveryone]

@@FrugalRadio very thanks i did it it was around it was TETRA very very thanks

[@earthisgoodforeveryone]

@@FrugalRadio Plz make a video showing TETRA decoding plugin separately and any sort of guidance for signal identification as if i was not able to understand what type of signal it is

[@FrugalRadio]

I can't really show a Tetra decode happening because I have no such systems nearby now. For identification of signals, I recommend sigidwiki.com

[@earthisgoodforeveryone]

@@FrugalRadio very nice website very thanks try a video on it plz ❤

[@orphix9001]

i dont get the menus on the left hand side so cant set up my plugin to decode please help

[@FrugalRadio]

A user has written a detailed user guide for the newer versions of SDRSharp. Hopefully you'll find all you need in here. airspy.com/?ddownload=5928

[@jovimolluken5916]

I'm from indonesia, where we buy this DMR and air spy SDR?

[@FrugalRadio]

Check out Airspy.com for official Airspy products. The RTL-SDR v3 dongles ship worldwide from the RTL-SDR store at www.rtl-sdr.com/buy-rtl-sdr-dvb-t-dongles/

[@ManuelPinner]

I have Sdr Angel wich works with my SDR Play DX Receiver, SDR Sharp don't work with these Receivers,

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes that's correct.

[@hamreh]

The ru website is down can you give us the plugin in other site

[@DhruboSarker]

did you find it?

[@Scotscan]

Hey - I will give this a go later on. I've not had much luck with sdruno with dsd+. I've not been able to decode voice on our repeater which is about 16 miles away. I get about a 12 - 15dB signal but doesn't seem to be strong enough. I've been able to decode data within the software just no voice :(

[@Scotscan]

I should add that I am using the sdrplayDX - I'll try with the airspy later on.

[@FrugalRadio]

I think FMPP programs in Fastlane now supports some SDRPlay units. It might be worth reading the notes and giving it a try...

[@samsalloway7412]

This works for me but I still can’t make out the voice. It’s like it’s half decoding it. Any advice ?

[@FrugalRadio]

Hi Sam. Make sure your gain is adjusted appropriately for highest signal to noise ratio. You could also check your VFO is centered on the signal. I would also try decoding a channel from another source - eg a different transmitter site, if you have another one nearby. It could also be that the channel is encrypted, rather than clear. Is that a possibility?

[@samsalloway7412]

@@FrugalRadio thank you for the reply, iv tried different channels and it does the same. iv just finished installing and setting up dsd plus so hopefully that works for me!

[@FrugalRadio]

Good job on getting DSDPlus running. You'll quickly be able to tell if the channels are encrypted with that.

[@samsalloway7412]

@@FrugalRadio Thank you !! its running and its decoding im just having trouble changing to the correct sound output !!

[@FrugalRadio]

Great. You'll get the hang of the inputs and outputs after some time using it. It will also remember your settings between uses.

[@PartyCreate]

Love it Robin!

[@FrugalRadio]

Cheers Tom!

[@grahamscanlan1211]

These guys need to teach SDRuno how to do it….

[@garyturnbull6218]

I followed your instructions exactly. It didn't work. Simple DMR showed up in the plugins list under the menu but it didn't decode known DMR broadcasts when I clicked "Enable" They still sounded like digital signals

[@FrugalRadio]

Sorry to hear this Gary. Thanks for mentioning they were known DMR signals. I would have suggested you check that. Hopefully you've managed to get it working now.

[@tonybalogna123]

Did you figure this out? I am having the same issue currently.

[@sandholmdillon5106]

Will it tell me the color code and talk group

[@FrugalRadio]

I don't remember. Haven't used this plugin since I made the video. I generally use DSD+ Fastlane for monitoring a few DMR trunked systems, and it does show colour code, talk group information and Radio ID data.

[@johnmiller4750]

Great work

[@FrugalRadio]

Thank you.

[@felixthecat1672]

Would this work with sdr++?

[@FrugalRadio]

No, but SDR Angel would provide the ability to decode DMR repeaters. I'm not very familiar with it, but I believe it has a DMR plugin built in.

[@felixthecat1672]

Thanks for the reply!

[@arthurowen9133]

dosent work with my sdr noolec using sdrsharp

[@FrugalRadio]

Is the signal you are receiving in the clear, and not encrypted?

[@MrDwadi84]

Damn thanks! Must try this, but shame that there is no option that i know how to revert Sharp to old view, I do not really like this new one.

[@FrugalRadio]

Yeah, I hear you. I'm struggling to adapt to the recent changes too. That said I'm really happy that SDR Sharp is receiving updates and adding functionality!

[@MrDwadi84]

@@FrugalRadio tested this plugin, works great, but i need external antenna or will try LNA. I have also question about DSD Plus, on your previous tutorial are you using Fast Lane version?

[@joecizin9357]

Simple is Good 😁

[@sivoltage]

Link is dead. Are there any others?

[@DhruboSarker]

did you find?

[@ianvernall1084]

is this still available, sound a good simple decoder

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes, just follow the link in the description. You might want to have the browser translate from Russian to English.

[@betabilly]

Simple DMR is no longer being updated, a lot of previous and latest SDR# versions will no longer support this plugin. I'm convinced that #1904 is to be the last SDR# version the plugin will run on without issue.

[@augustzuanich3338]

The link to the plugin does not work

[@betabilly]

It's been like that since the war in Ukraine started. I was lucky and had a SDR# with the plugin installed from a couple years back ( Ver 1904)

[@DhruboSarker]

@@betabilly how can i get that plugin now?? can you help me with share with google drive? please.

[@daveshephard6055]

link unavailbe now

[@AdventuresInMortality]

What the hell does DMR stand for?

[@FrugalRadio]

Digital Mobile Radio I believe.

[@ravindufernando3313]

NOT WORKING

[@FrugalRadio]

I guess things have changed since I first made the video. It still works on my PC.

[@SolgerLemp]

Hello, it doesn't work

[@FrugalRadio]

Yes, this video was made a few years ago now. There have been many changes to the available software. Some plugins are no longer available, and SDR# has received quite a bit since then as well.

[@Ziplock9000]

Great.. All the plugins and tutorials that are on Russian servers are dead.. Should have made mirrors /sigh

[@FrugalRadio]

Ah - another casualty of war or sanctions I suppose.

[@Ziplock9000]

@@FrugalRadio Yeah mate. A lot of the SDR stuff had gone, plugins and maps