Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)INTRODUCTION TO DMR
Don Price – KB5VP
AgendaThis is an introduction (not radio programming) to operating amateur radio DMR. Minimum needed to start having fun!Covers the use of repeaters which are connected via NEDECN C-Bridge serviceTo be covered:
Status of DMR
Getting started in DMR
DMR Talk Groups
DMR Zones
Scan Groups
Useful and interesting DMR tools and information resources
What is DMR - Digital Mobile Radio100% digital only radio communications over the VHF, or UHF frequencies.
Based on open public standards world wide accessible to any manufacture
Technology is extensively used through out the world
Authorized by the FCC for amateur use ~5 years ago.
Growing in use by amateurs around the world.
Supports Voice, Text, and Data over VHF and UHF
Most repeaters are linked over the Internet and world wide accessible
DMR Summary – Registered UsersUnited States 9,100World Wide 20,263Germany 2,844United Kingdom 1,775
DMR Subscribers by State35 UNITED-STATES ALABAMA
324 UNITED-STATES ARIZONA
80 UNITED-STATES ARKANSAS
965 UNITED-STATES CALIFORNIA
575 UNITED-STATES COLORADO
338 UNITED-STATES CONNECTICUT
4 UNITED-STATES DELAWARE
5 UNITED-STATES DISTRICT-OF-COLUMBIA
554 UNITED-STATES FLORIDA
111 UNITED-STATES GEORGIA
1 UNITED-STATES GUAM
113 UNITED-STATES HAWAII
16 UNITED-STATES IDAHO
397 UNITED-STATES ILLINOIS
349 UNITED-STATES INDIANA
28 UNITED-STATES IOWA
112 UNITED-STATES KANSAS
21 UNITED-STATES KENTUCKY
6 UNITED-STATES LOUISIANA
31 UNITED-STATES MAINE
120 UNITED-STATES MARYLAND
197 UNITED-STATES MASSACHUSETTS
502 UNITED-STATES MICHIGAN
32 UNITED-STATES MINNESOTA
12 UNITED-STATES MISSISSIPPI
86 UNITED-STATES MISSOURI
9 UNITED-STATES MONTANA
73 UNITED-STATES NEBRASKA
244 UNITED-STATES NEVADA
116 UNITED-STATES NEW-HAMPSHIRE
277 UNITED-STATES NEW-JERSEY
DMR Subscribers by State37 UNITED-STATES NEW-MEXICO
580 UNITED-STATES NEW-YORK
589 UNITED-STATES NORTH-CAROLINA
262 UNITED-STATES OHIO
184 UNITED-STATES OKLAHOMA
7 UNITED-STATES OREGON
147 UNITED-STATES PENNSYLVANIA
12 UNITED-STATES RHODE-ISLAND
303 UNITED-STATES SOUTH-CAROLINA
2 UNITED-STATES SOUTH-DAKOTA
142 UNITED-STATES TENNESSEE
295 UNITED-STATES TEXAS
55 UNITED-STATES UTAH
22 UNITED-STATES VERMONT
168 UNITED-STATES VIRGINIA
94 UNITED-STATES WASHINGTON
40 UNITED-STATES WEST-VIRGINIA
93 UNITED-STATES WISCONSIN
56 UNITED-STATES WYOMING
New England Repeaters*
1JCL-Coventry
W1LAS-Prospect
G2K-Bridgeport
1JCL-Colchester
K1JCL-Killingly
W1NLK-Norwalk
1OFJ-Northford
A1HCX-Seymour
KA1OAN-Northampton-U
K1IMD-Mattituck
WA2VNV-Selden
K1DQ-Shapleigh
W1IMD-Portland
AE1C-Southboro-V
KA1QFE-Northampton-V
N1IW-Chelmsford
KE1V-Reading
W1JFR-Walpole
K1XML-Marblehead
K1LVA-Malden
NE1B-Eastham
K1QVC-Derry
K1MOT-Hudson-U
K1RE-Gilford
K1OX-Bow
K1OX-Chester
K1JC-Sanbornton
W1RCF-Manchester
W1IMD-Sargents Purchase
W1WNS-Madbury
K1MOT-Hudson-V
KM3T-Amherst-U
AE1C-Southboro-U
K1RE-Boston-U
W1BOS-Boston-U
N1IPA-Topsham
WR1VT-Brattleboro-U
W1LH-Calais
W1UWS-Mt. Ascutney-U
W1IMD-Pico Peak-U
K1RE temporary for Wunder repair
* http://nedecn.org/
Other interesting DMR infoVermont has gone from 0 to 3 DMR repeaters in 2015!
Coverage is a good 1/3 of the state or more
Near solid coverage from MA border to north of WRJ on I-91
Near Solid coverage from WRJ to Exit 8 I-89
More in the works in Vermont!
DMR conceptsINTRODUCTION TO CONCEPTS AND GETTING STARTED
TerminologyCode Plug (CP)
Digital radio requires more information than a tradition analog radio. This programming gives the operator new features and muchgreater flexibility when operating, and use resource efficiently. In the early days to program a radio, the radio shop would use a memory stick called a Code Plug, which was inserted into the radio, to program the features. Today this programming is done on our laptops using specialized programs provided by the radio manufacturer. The program file in the radio is now referred to as the Code Plug (CP)
Code Plug Software (CPS)Customer Programming Software program provided by the manufacturer of the radio to create a Code Plug file and program the radio. Each CPS is unique to each manufacture and often unique to each radio.
Talk Group (TG)A virtual radio channel on a DMR repeater or radio. IE: Vermont State Wide TG
ZoneChannels on a radio are organized into Zones. A Zone is selected to access the Talk Groups (TG) stored in the zone.
Scan Group (SG)CPS allows the operator to define different Scan Groups and what TG are defined in the group. When the Scan Group is selected and scanned those TG are monitored.
TerminologyTalk Around
Same as Simplex on analog radio.
ChannelA definition on a DMR radio which contains all the required data (TG, CC, TS, freq) to use a TG on a specific repeater or mode. IE: TG3. One Channel is normally defined for each TG defined on a specific repeater.
ContactsA directory on a radio which contains the definition of each TG numeric value, or definition of amateur radio calls signs and the subscriber ID assigned.
Color Code (CC)Coding of the repeater Time Slide for frequency sharing.
Getting startedAmateurs must register with the central DMR database to obtain a Subscriber ID. An amateur cannot operate a DMR radio without the Subscriber ID.
http://www.dmr-marc.net/cgi-bin/trbo-database/register.cgi
Each radio must be defined with a subscriber ID.
Amateurs normally will not register no more than two IDs.◦ 1) Portable radio◦ 2) Mobile radio
Encouraged to register up two subscriber ids per call sign only.
Radios with the same Subscriber ID – only one can be in use at the same time.
ate
Subscriber ID number structureriber ID is structured some what like worldwide phone numbers
3150007
Unique assigned number
State
United States
North America
DMR RepeaterAssigned to a coordinated frequency pair on UHF, or VHF.
Each repeater is configured to support around 8 different channels (Talk Groups). Sometimes more.
Services◦ Voice◦ Text (Some limitations)◦ Call alerting (Some limitations)
Pause for Questions
W1UWS - Talk Groups1,000+ World Wide (WW)* World Wide calling frequency
500+ World Wide English (WWE)* World Wide English only calling frequency
100+ North America (NA) Mexico, United States, and Canada
50+ North East Region (N East Region) PA, NJ, NY, CT, VT, RI, MA, NH, ME
50 New England Wide (NE Wide) CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME, New Brunswick
30+ New England Region (Region North) RI, MA, VT, NH, ME
3 Vermont State Wide (VT) State of Vermont
15+ New Hampshire State Wide (NH) State of New Hampshire
15+ Massachusetts (MA)* State of Massachusetts*
25+ Southern New England(Region South) RI, CT**
1 Local W1UWS Only
1 Parrot Record and Replay
2+ TAC 310* Tactical 310* (Ragchew)
TT Channel (OnDemand) Only in used when demanded on repeater – 5 min timer ** Future PTT Demand C
Geo A
Wide AreaRegional/Lo
Other Vermont Repeaters Talk GroupsWR1VT – Brattleburo◦ Same as W1UWS Except: MA fulltime channel
W1IMD – Pico Peak◦ Same as W1UWS Except: NH PTT, No MA
DMR Operating ConventionsUse the smallest area (Talk Group) needed to support communications
On very wide channels (Talk Groups) call and move to smaller area. (WW, WWE, NA)
Announce yourself – Do not Ker’chunk the repeater◦ You subscriber ID is transmitted on every transmission◦ Seen on every radio monitoring the Talk Group◦ Seen on every web site monitoring the network◦ Logged into the network logs.
Never Call CQ
To announced yourself:This is <your call sign> monitoring < Talk Group>
◦ For those scanning it is best to announced your Talk Group so that others can find you.
Other Operating ConventionsTo make a call to another station
N5ITU this is <your call sign> on North America.W1RFQ this is <your call sign> on Region North
To test or check your radio
This is <your call sign> for a radio check on Local.
To Transmit on DMR Repeater1. Select the Zone you want to use.
2. Select the channel (Talk Group) you want to use
3. Press the PTT
4. Wait for the confirmation tone that you have the repeater
5. Make your transmission
6. Release the PTT
7. Hear the confirmation tone – end of transmission (optional)
Notes:Transmission are done on one channel (Talk Group) at a time. No encryption is used – encryption prohibited by FCCNo private calls – others cannot use the repeater time slot when private calls used
Demonstrate a DMR transmissionUSE THE NETWORK MONITOR
Pause for Questions
Other concepts unique to DMR
Zones and Talk Groups
Comparing Analog FM to Digital DMRANALOG FM REPEATERS
One repeater one channel one frequency
Most often repeater stand-alone, not linked
If linked may require link to be brought up.
No hierarchy or repeater not organization by purpose – wide open for any use and fixed geography
DMR DIGITAL REPEATERS
One repeater and one frequency
One repeater many Talk Groups (Channels)
Most DMR repeaters are linked via Internet
Operating across repeaters is seamless and automatic
ONDemand PTT Talk Groups easy to bring up
Talk Groups can be dedicated to one purpose◦ IE: language, Events, Public Service, etc.
Talk Groups by design◦ Can be limited by geography◦ Or, not limited by geography
Can roam across states and access the same Talk Group
Talk about ZonesMost radios arrange access around ZONESZone are much more flexible on DMR than memories used oAnalog FM repeaters◦ More options to arrange by repeater, geographical area, and by
Group purpose.
Zones – A group of channels (Talk Groups). ◦ Zone – 16 memories – which you organize◦ Radio can support from 1 to over 50 zones. Dependent on mem
Organized and defined by the radio programmer – independthe repeaterZones can be designed for a single purpose ◦ By language◦ Purpose – Skywarn, Events◦ By geography or coverage area
More on ZonesDefining Zones◦ One Zone can be assigned to one repeater to cover all the Talk
Groups on the repeater (More Traditional)◦ One Zone can cover one Talk Group but over many different
repeaters (Roaming)◦ One Zone can cover one type of repeater
◦ IE All analog repeaters in one zone
◦ One Zone can cover all conventional simplex frequencies
Radio ChannelsTalk Groups in the radio are defined in the channel.
A Channel contains all the data need to◦ Use a Talk Group (TG)◦ On a specific frequency and frequency split◦ Channel Band◦ Scan Group◦ Color Code (CC)◦ Time Slice (TS)
Channel Name◦ Every Channel is given a name◦ Name refers normally to the TG defined in the channel.
Essential Information shown here
Each CPS will be arranged differently
Some radios can import Channel Definitions
DMR Zones by all Talk GroupsOne repeater ---- Many Talk Groups
W1UWSZone
W1IMDZone
WR1VTZone
– W1UWS Mt Ascutenyalk Groups 1 - 16
– W1IMD Pico Peakalk Groups 1 - 16
– WR1VT Brattleburoalk Groups 1 - 16
WWWWENANE USNew England WideRegion NorthVTNHMALocal
TAC 310TAC 311Parrot
WWWWNANE UNewRegiVTNHMALoca
TAC TAC Parr
WWWWENANE USNew England WideRegion NorthVTNHLocal
TAC 310TAC 311Parrot
DMR Zones by same Talk GroupOne Zone ----- Many Repeaters & Talk Groups
VTZone
NHZone
REG NORZone
– Vermont State Widealk Groups 1 - 16
– New Hampshire State alk Groups 1 - 16
– New England Regionalk Groups 1 - 16
W1UWS VTW1MD VTWR1VT VT
K1MOT NHKM3T NHMT WSH NHK1RE NHAE1C NHW1UWS NHW1MD NHWR1VT NH
K1KMMTK1AEWNWWAGK1K1K1NIW
DMR Zones for same type of repeaterOne Zone ----- By Repeaters type
SimplexZone
AnalogZone
EventZone
– Simplexalk Groups 1 - 16
– Analog FM alk Groups 1 - 16
– Special Eventalk Groups 1 - 16
446.075D433.450D441.000D446.500D446.000S
W1IMDW1BOSN1DASW1FNKA1UAGKU1RW1ET
44
UWS W1IMDPIC
WR1VTBRAT
MT WSH K1MOTHUD
AE1CSBOR
W1BOSBOS
NE REG VT STATE
NH STATE
ME STATE
FM
W WW WW WW WW WW WW W1UWS W1UWS W1UWS
WE WWE WWE WWE WWE WWE WWE W1IMD W1IMD WR1VT
NA NA NA NA NA NA WR1VT WR1VT W1IMD
US NE US NE US NE US NE US NE US NE US K1MOT K1MOT
WID NE WID NE WID NE WID NE WID NE WID NE WID AE1C MT WSH
GR
REG NOR
REG NOR
REG NOR
REG NOR
REG NOR
REG NOR
MT WSH W1BOS
310 TAC310 TAC310 TAC310 TAC310 TAC310 TAC310 AE1C
CAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCALROT PARROT PARROT PARROT PARROT PARROT PARROT
VT VT NH NH NH MA
NH NH MA MA NH
MA NHEMER
hat could be define on a typical radio
Demonstrate Talk Groups USE THE PEER WATCH
NW.NEDECN.ORG PEER
Pause for Questions
Scan Groups
Scan ListUse to define what Talk Groups are scanned when scan button pressed
Scan list are defined and controlled at the radio – nothing in the repeater
Most radios support multiple scan lists
Scan list function and behavior will vary across radios - features
Most common scan list – Scan all the Talk Groups on a repeater. ◦ The scan list would match the Talk Groups in the Zone
Other common Scan List used◦ Scan all the Talk Groups defined in a Zone◦ Only scan DMR Talk Groups (exclude analog and simplex (Talk Around))◦ Scan only Wide Area Talk groups – avoid listening to nonsense chatter
Zone and the Talk Groups in the zone
Scan only Wide Area
Scan all Talk Groups – Exclude Simplex (Talk Around)1
2
Examples of Scan List (Group)
Scan all Talk Groups – Exclude Simple (Talk Around)
me type of Talk Group is defined in a zone then scanned.
raveling in an area this is a method to continue monitoring a Talk Group as you travel
Scan by Talk Group
Talk Groups in the zone different repeater
Talk Groups in the zone different repeater
Talk Groups in the zone different repeater
YOUR RADIO DMR REPEATER
CHANNEL IS A CONCEPT CREATED AND DEFINED ON THE RADIO (LIKE MEMORY ON ANALOG)
CHANNELS ARE NOT A REPEATER CONCEPT
WHEN CREATING A CHANNEL MUST USE THE FREQUENCY DEFINED ON THE REPEATER
FREQUENCY USED IS DEFINED ON THE REPEATER
TALK GROUPS ARE CREATED ON THE RADIO TO MATCH THE REPEATER
TALK GROUPS ARE DEFINED ON THE REPEATER
TALK GROUPS WHEN USED MUST USED THE TIME SLOTS DEFINED ON THE REPEATER
TIME SLOTS ARE DEFINED ON THE REPEATER
ZONES ARE DEFINED ON THE RADIO (LIKE MEMORY BANKS ON A SCANNER)
ZONES NOT A REPEATER CONCEPT
SCAN GROUPS ARE DEFINED ON THE RADIO SCAN GROUPS ARE NOT A REPEATER CONCEPT
WHEN CREATING A CHANNEL ON THE RADIO THE COLOR CODE DEFINED ON THE REPEATER IS USED
COLOR CODE IS DEFINED ON THE REPEATER
Digital Channel
Repeater RX Group
TXContact
DMR Data
Color Code
Slot
TX Contact Name
RX Group
Channel Name
Frequency
Zone
Scan
Pause for Questions
Useful Web Sites
NW.NEDECN.ORG (Minimal Netwatch)
NW.NEDECN.ORG (Peer)
Technical Web Siteshttp://trbo.org/ Fantastic Web Site Full of DMR information
http://DMR-MARC.ORG National DMR Coordinating group
http://NEDECN.ORG New England Region DMR Coordinating Group
http://Yahoo.com Yahoo Groups for your radio manufacture
http://nw.nedecn.org Live status and activing on the DMR network
ETSI reference
ConclusionLearn to make or change your own code plugs.
DMR repeaters are much more busy and active over conventional analog repeaters
Can stay in touch of friends, and home every where there is DMR service
Embrace the new – this won’t be the same as a legacy analog repeater
Support the efforts of local clubs DMR projects, getting others active, and the NEDECN.
Can guarantee you’ll be thinking about many more new radios that you need!
Above all ----- HAVE FUN
AcknowledgementsKM1T – Dave Pascoe
K1JC – Joe Ciarcia
AB1NZ – Sid Johnston
AG1A – Wayne Wagner
K1KQI – Barry Allen
Others whom were great help but my failure to remember
Special thank you to NE1B - Bill BarberI could not have done so much so quickly without his clear answers to my questions and patience to help.
l the errors on these slides are my own
The EndCN Sept 2015 picnic and mming party
ckup Slides
Basic structure of radio programContacts◦ Lists all person and group contacts
Zones◦ Is a group of talk groups (channels) on one repeater
Scan list◦ Is a list of talk groups (channels) which are scanned.
Digital Channel◦ A talk group which has been assigned to one repeater
RX Group◦ A group which contains a receive talk group. Group contains one talk group.
TX Contact◦ A group defined in the contact list
Digital Channel
Repeater RX Group
TXContact
DMR Data
Color Code
Slot
TX Contact Name
RX Group
Channel Name
Frequency
Zone
Scan
Digital Channel
Repeater RX Group
TXContact
DMR Data
5
2
Vermont
VT_State
W1UWS VT
448.475
Zone
W1UWS
Scan
W1UWS
Zone ChannelName
Frequency RX Group TX Contact Slot ColorCode
W1UWS Mt Ascuteny
W1UWS VT 448.475 VT_State Vermont 2 5
W1UWS NH 448.475 NH_State New Hampshire 2 5W1UWS Local 448.475 Local Local 2 5W1UWS
Digital Channel
Repeater RX Group
TXContact
DMR Data
5
2
Vermont
VT_State
W1UWS VT
448.475
Zone
W1UWS
Scan
W1UWS