Dayton Hamvention DMR Forum May 16, 2014 Mike Swiatkowski, AA9VI

 Superior RF performance ◦ Modern error correction, less loss of sync and “R2D2” ◦ Very immune to multipath issues that analog and older digital technologies suffer. ◦ Great audio response  Affordable ◦ Multiple portable/mobile manufacturers ◦ Tiered options (size, features, durability, cost) ◦ Competition means better prices for you  Extended battery life (19-34% savings over FDMA, 40% over analog)  Roaming provides less distraction, hands free channel changes ◦ Similar to cell phone tower to tower roaming. ◦ Accomplished with talkgroups (like reflectors) ◦ Extensively used in NorCal, New England, Chicagoland  2 different voice channels from one repeater (TDMA)  Easier than scratchy analog for those with hearing aides.

 Lower Infrastructure costs MotoTRBO Plug and Play -Power supply -Network adapter -Controller -No need for linux box  More Spectrum Efficient than older 6.25 (4 voice channel example). Note guard bands. VCGBVCGBVCGBVC GBVC 4x x12.5 = 62.5 kHz 2x x12.5 = 37.5 kHz

 Hams adapted the MotoTRBO commercial DMR product for amateur radio. Established in 2009 as an international MotoTRBO DMR repeater network. Originally 6 members in USA and Germany. Currently the largest ham DMR network worldwide.  We are a RADIO network. You need a MotoTRBO repeater and any DMR Tier II portable or mobile to join the network. Remember you get what you pay for when you purchase a radio. Choose wisely. Some budget radios are having issues.  Many RF industry experts use the system. A great place to learn..

 Our primary goals are Simple Programming and Reliable Communications. We embrace the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) methodology to reduce issues and help new users become acclimated easier.  We also embrace Local-Regional-National- International connectivity. Balanced between your two time slots.  No IRLP, Echolink, analog, IRLP, Allstar, D-Star, NEXEDGE or Hytera repeater access. ◦ Manage capacity ◦ Excellent Reliability is maintained by a common infrastructure ◦ Volunteer time is finite.

 We are now in 20 countries with over 350 repeaters and 3000 users. All of this growth since 2009.

IL Mast Peer1 Peer NH Mast Peer1 Peer FL Mast Peer 1 Peer ON Mast Peer 1 Peer 7 M1E P1E - Every master and peer share the same talkgroups unless a slot IPSC is disabled - Peer/Master eliminates need for on-site controller. Easily links repeaters with common interests. (i.e Chicago, N. NewEng, Toronto, DC/VA/MD, Phoenix) - Granularity accomplished my adding a new master - Europe = SmartPTT, rest of world using C-bridge at this time - Rack mount linux box used to route calls between repeaters and bridges Example: TS2 TG2 on ON master passes only to ON master and peers TS2 TG2 on FL master passes only to FL Master and peers However, we map TS1 TG3 to go to all masters and peers

 The C-bridge are the main controllers on the network. SmartPTT is used in Europe.  The bridge will support 75 master repeaters.  The bridge connections (supergroups) are asymmetric. Working with developers to make them symmetric. We can prioritize talkgroups.  Too many talkgroups = call collisions, confusion, more difficult to scan, and prevent roaming. We keep it simple yet flexible. origindestination Note: All DMR-MARC originated talkgroups are connected 24/7. (switch 2 closed)

 Improved C-bridge => More regional repeaters, more “local” talkgroups. Less congestion.  Statewide and Provincial talkgroups  Multi-Language talkgroups ◦ English, German, French (new), Spanish, Portuguese (new), Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Italian, Cantonese  Regional Talkgroups ◦ Intra-region only ◦ Encourage you to move off NA talkgroup to regional or Local when possible ◦ Available to DMR-MARC and Bridge partners

 Contacts Generator allows you to generate a list of users from the last 30 days to put into your radio so you can see Name and Callsign. Thanks KD8EYF and VE9???  Lots of growth in New England, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, Ontario in 2013  Coming soon – automated ID system  Working through UDP throttling (Cogent/Verizon/AT&T traffic management issues similar to what Netflix has)

 MOST users should disable the AGC on their radios. We have noticed a substantial improvement in audio quality since people have been doing this.  Check audio level and hear recorded audio  TS1, TG min time out. Visit dmr- marc.net follow directions.

 DMR-MARC is the stable network. DMR Sandbox is the experimental network.  New features are regression tested on the sandbox before they are allowed on the stable network.  Current projects we could use help on: ◦ FCC complaint TRBO-APRSIS position software ◦ Automated text messages for severe WX ◦ Contact list expansion and callsign aliasing ◦ Front panel programming ◦ Inexpensive access points and dongles  Rules: ◦ No commercial development. Amateur use only. ◦ All repeaters, subscribers, and tools must have registered IDs ◦ No connections to national/ international DMR-MARC, DCI, Hytera DMR talkgroups. ◦ Allstar, D-Star, IRLP, Ehcolink patches are acceptable. ◦ Configuration changes on sandbox managers can change at any time. ◦ No one gets mad at anyone – this is meant to be a place where we can play around and mess stuff up. ◦ Everything you do must be LEGAL. No copyright, terms of use violations.

 Worldwide User net on Talkgroup 1, slot 1 at 12 noon ET/11c/9p every Saturday AM  Technical net on Talkgroup 3, slot 1 at 9pm ET/8c/6p  New users encouraged to join the nets and ask ANY question. We‘re here to help.

 Before your first transmission visit dmr-marc.net and do the following: ◦ Obtain a registered ID for your radio (Do not use 1. Do not make up your own ID. We will block you from accessing the network). ◦ Disable AGC in your radio ◦ Visit the MOTOTRBO Yahoo group Files section for programming examples. We have dozens there. ◦ Read the dmr-marc.net website to see how things work  Do not key up on TG1 or TG3 and blow into the mic. Hundreds of people do not want to hear this. Use a local talkgroup or the audio test talkgroup.  You must identify with voice per FCC rules.  Whenever possible move to a regional or local talkgroup.  Do not invent talkgroups. Use the predefined ones on website.  Visit the MOTOTRBO Yahoo group to ask questions. Please stay on topic.

 Stop by our booth: BA0449 (near ARRL)  Local repeater is Thanks W8AK.  We hope to welcome you to our network soon!