Digital Voice and Data ICOM D-Star The Cutting Edge? California Yacht Club Radio Amateur Group June 14, 2008 www.papasys.org

The PAPA System www.papasys.org 1

CONTENTS About D-STAR D-STAR Benefits D-STAR Radios Key Benefits Why D-STAR D-STAR Benefits D-STAR Radios Stand alone system operation Gateway (“Linked”) system operation RF configuration of repeaters Resources Conclusion www.papasys.org

WHAT IS D-STAR Digital – Smart Technology for Amateur Radio ICOM’s implementation of JARL open standard for UHF/VHF digital voice and data communications 2 Meter, 440 MHz and 1.2 GHz Consists of radios, repeaters, and (optional) Gateway hardware and software Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) with forward error correction “New” Modulation Scheme RF aspects remain unchanged (RF is RF) www.papasys.org 3

WHY D-STAR Why Not D-STAR? Something in it for everyone Gateway and PC for Data Commx , Programmer , and Networking Interests RF for the Antenna and RF System interests “Rag Chewing” on Local and Gateway Repeaters Amateur Radio allows experimentation An experiment that seems to be working More Elegant and targeted form of networking than IRLP or EchoLink Must know users QTH and node number at that QTH D-STAR only requires knowledge of person’s call sign D-STAR Replace Analog FM??? Akin to AM to SSB on HF in the 50’s and 60’s Not to worry – D-STAR and Analog will co-exist for a long time www.papasys.org

KEY BENEFITS Digital Quality Voice Communication Simplex Or Via Repeater Coverage On 440 Equal To Or Better Than Analog 10% To 15% More Range – Try It And Report Back Audio Quality Is Consistent Nationwide Routed Call Sign Calling Via Gateway No Need To Know QTH Of Target Key-up Networked D-STAR Machine And The World Knows Your QTH Data Transmission Low-speed Data On UHF and VHF Wideband Service Is Available On 1.2 Ghz With Up To 128K Baud Rates Wireless Internet Access Via Router Available (1.2 GHz) Part 97 Presumably Applies To Content www.papasys.org 5

Additional Benefits Multicast Capability Extensive support via forums and user groups Lower RF bandwidth requirements (6.25 KHz vs.16 KHz) Digital messaging in Digital Voice mode i.e., works on 2M, 440 or 1.2 GHz) Location services (e.g., D-PRS/APRS) IP compatible, OPEN JARL standard Probably between 500 + repeaters on the air (Internationally) Approximately 500 Gateways Approximately 20000 (???) Registered users Gateway users each day – estimated 600 to 700 + www.dstarusers.org 15 – 20 repeaters in Southern California Multicast Capability www.papasys.org 6

D-STAR REPEATERS – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Pocket Auto Patch Association (PAPA) Oat Mtn (Gateway) KI6JKA (447.200-) Saddle Peak (Gateway) KF6BQK (449.080-) Palomar WB6YES (449.860-) Woodson Mountain KI6KQU (447.840-) Crest Line Online now Mt Otay Ed Kane, W6ONT; Cecil Casillas, WD6FZA www.papasys.org

D-STAR REPEATERS – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA con. South Orange ARA (SOARA) K6SOA Laguna Beach (1000’) Full Stack w/ Gateway 146.115+; 445.660-; 1282.600-; 1299.900 MHz Brian Roode, NJ6N; Howard Brown, KG6GI Independent Radio Club Contractor’s Point — WA6IRC) (Gateway) Full Stack 145.605-; 446.870-; 1282.650-; 1299.700 MHz Blue Ridge — W6CPAR (No Gateway) 145.585 -0.600 MHz; 446.87 – 5.000 MHz Leon Brown, KC6JAR; Ken Chafin, W6CPA Dennis Hughes, KE6RYZ Keller Peak KC6RYZ Gateway 145.595- www.papasys.org

D-STAR REPEATERS – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA con. Ray Wunno, KE6LE Rancho Palos Verde KE6LE 449.820- No Gateway Ray Waldemar, WA6NVL Dave Leeper K6DWL El Monte K6DWL Frequency Not Noted Gateway HRO Anaheim 1282.55 - Gateway Palm Springs 447.14 - Gateway K6IFR www.papasys.org

D-STAR RADIOS www.papasys.org

D-STAR Radio Capabilities D-STAR Radios Modes Radios work in both digital and analog modes and dual banders are available AM, FM, FM-N, and Digital Voice (DV) DV Dongle Station Identification is Automatic in DV “Built” Into Each Digital Signal Sent Meets all FCC Identification Requirements Can Send Simultaneously (and Display on The Radio) Your Name, GPS Position, and Text Message in the same Data Stream at 2400 Baud At 2X Packet Speed www.papasys.org

DV Dongle AMBE Dongle – Provides AMBE 2020 interface between a radio and computer through USB port. Computer can monitor and process baseband packet stream Many more uses www.papasys.org

Initial Start-up Screen Dv Dongle PC SCREENS Initial Start-up Screen Connected Screen www.papasys.org

D-ECHO Authored By: Robin Cutshaw, AA4RC The repeater will record your transmission and play it back upon un-keying. The application is invoked by entering repeater call-sign and ‘E’ into the UrCall field (e.g. KF6BQK E). www.papasys.org

GPS Operation www.papasys.org 15

Low-Speed Data IC-91AD/92AD IC-80AD ID-800H IC-2820 Data, PC Programming Cables IC-91/92AD & IC-2820 Same Cable used for Both Radios ID-800H PC Programming – OPC-478 or OPC-478U Data – OPC-1529R Any Terminal Program should work ID-91AD Software includes Terminal Prog D-CHAT by NJ6N (Quite “User-Friendly”) www.papasys.org 16

D-STAR CHAT Authored By Brian, NJ6N Runs on Windows Enables text based communications between multiple stations simultaneously. Runs on repeater, through the gateway, or on simplex frequency. Customizable Can send periodic QST message. Filters GPS data from the message stream. Has 7 quick send text message slots www.papasys.org

Radios Now Available ID-1 1.2 GHz Mobile (10 Watts, High Speed Digital Data, Digital Voice, Analog Voice) -- $900 ID-800H 2M/440 Mobile (55 Watt VHF/50 Watt UHF Digital Voice and Data, Analog Voice -- $550 IC-2200H 2M Mobile (65 Watt VHF Digital Voice and Data -- $290 with optional digital module IC-V82/U82 2M/440 HT (Digital Voice and Data) -- $390 with optional digital module IC-91AD / IC-92AD / IC-80AD 2M/440 HT (Digital Voice and Data, Analog Voice) -- $400-500 with digital module IC-2820 Dual Band Mobile (Analog and Digital) -- approx. $860 with optional DV module Home brew 2-meter demonstrated at Dayton 2007 DV Dongle approximately $190 18

COMMUNICATING WITH D-STAR RADIOS www.papasys.org

Getting Started Local Repeater Usage No Squelch Tails Or Courtesy Beeps From Repeaters But You Do Get A Status Read Back! Ur* Or Ur? Usually Means You Did Go Through RPT* Or RPT? Usually Means You Did Not Go Through Local Repeater RPT* -Try Again Gateway Ops RPT* Check Your Routing Calls RPT1 & RPT2 Or Local Gateway Could Be Down Remote Repeater Could Be Busy Short Transmission From The Repeater About 1 Second After Unkeying Be Conscious Of How Close To The “Cliff” you Or Other User May Be www.papasys.org

PROGRAMMING USER’s RADIO Lots of Memory Channels Many Setups – Organization Of Channels & Names Programming Software Strongly Recommended When You Begin To Program For Gateway Usage You Don’t Want To Program Calls While Driving ! www.papasys.org

PATIENCE PERSISTENCE P&#?* MAIN REQUIREMENT PATIENCE PERSISTENCE P&#?* www.papasys.org

LOCAL REPEATER SAME BAND CALL SIGN ENTRIES Preferred Entrys (First 7 or Fewer Character Positions) “MyCall” The Radio Owner’s Station Call Sign “UrCall” “CQCQCQ”, Repeater, or Individual “RPT1” KF6BQK^B (note the 8 characters) Good Idea to use Repeater Call here For 1.2 GHz Repeater { } For 440 Repeater { } e.g. for Saddle Peak For 2M Repeater { } Raised Repeater Without this Entry “RPT2” No Entry Required B A C A C B “^” = Space or Blank www.papasys.org

D-STAR REPEATER SYSTEM 4 Box System with GATEWAY Shown* Note 1 Module“A” Module “C” Module “B” A B C G * D-STAR System can be Controller , GateWay PC Plus any 2M, 440, 1.2 GHz DV or 1.2 GHz DD Modules Note 1: Analog RF Components (Filters, Cavities, Circulators, PreAmps, etc www.papasys.org 24

RADIO INITIAL SETUP - DV Turn on Radio Set Frequency as for Analog FM (Mt Woodson 446.980 MHz) Set offset (±0.600 MHz for 2M; ±5MHz for 440 ) Decide on the Communication You Want to Accomplish To whom you want to talk Defined by “RPT1” and “RPT2” Enter / Program Call Signs into the Radio Push Buttons, Turn Knobs to Alpha Numeric Entry Areas “MyCall” Always the Radio Owner’s Call Sign (e.g. Cecil uses WD6FZA) “UrCall” Always the Station Being Called (CQCQCQ, Repeater, or Individual) “RPT1” Call sign (& port) of the originating (input) repeater (Local Repeater e.g for Woodson use KI6KQU^A, B, or C) “RPT2” Call sign & designator of the gateway or cross band port Call Routing (Local Repeater e.g for Mt. Woodson use KI6KQU^A, B, C, or G) “^” = Space or Blank www.papasys.org

PROGRAMMING D-STAR RADIOS – CALL SIGN ENTRYS Decide On The Communication You Want To Accomplish Simplex Repeater Local Same Band Cross Band (2M To 440, 2M To 1.2 Ghz, 1.2 Ghz To 440 Mhz Another Part Of The World Via The Gateway (e.G. San Francisco, Atlanta, Australia, Italy) Cross Band (2M To 440, 2M To 1.2 Ghz, 1.2 Ghz To 440 Mhz) Tells You What To Enter Into “Urcall”, “RPT1”, And “RPT2” Blocks Eight Character Positions For Each Block Seven For Station/Repeater Call Signs Character Position Number 8 Is A Switch www.papasys.org

SIMPLEX OPERATION – CALL SIGN ENTRYS Preferred Entrys (First 7 or Fewer Character Positions) “MyCall” The Radio Owner’s Station Call Sign “UrCall” No Entry Required “RPT1” No Entry Required “RPT2” No Entry Required Owner’s Call Sign (“MyCall”)is automatically transmitted each time PTT is pressed Communications can be accomplished with nothing entered for “MyCall”, “UrCall”, “RPT1” or “RPT2” www.papasys.org

Gateway Essentials Registration Required For Gateway Operation Get With Your Local Administrator To Get Registered Registering More Than Once Can Mess UP Gateway Data Base Similar to IRLP Except D-STAR Calls Are Automatically Routed No Registration Required For Local Use Conversations Are NOT Private Both Ends Hear All User Linking / Routing, Not Site Linking User Determines The Route His Transmission Takes Program Your Radio Ahead Of Time For Mobile Gateway Operations www.papasys.org

YET ANOTHER D-STSAR RADIO PROGRAMMING AID http://www.dstarinfo.com/Calculator/DSTAR%20Web%20Calculator.aspx?Source=WA6IRC www.papasys.org

Gateway Call Sign Entries First Decide With Whom You Want to Communicate To Where You Want to Communicate Preferred Entrys (First 7 or Fewer Character Positions for Call Signs) “MyCall” The Radio Owner’s Station Call Sign “UrCall” “/” Remote Repeater Call followed by an , , or OR The Call Sign of the Individual With Whom You Want to Talk “RPT1” KF6BQK^ , or , or (note the 8 characters) For 1.2 GHz Repeater { } For 440 Repeater { } e.g. for Mt Woodson For 2M Repeater { } “RPT2” KF6BQK^G A B C www.papasys.org / = CQCQCQ “^” = Space or Blank

THE CUTTING EDGE? Not the only digital game in town, but it works out of the box Excellent performance on 440 ISDN rate internet access via ID-1 Transparent call routing throughout the D-Star Network Significant experimentation and innovation is occurring (e.g., home brew radios, openstar.org) www.papasys.org 31

Appendix www.papasys.org

D-STAR REPEATER SYSTEM Stand Alone 4 Box System Shown* Note 1 A C B Module“A” * D-STAR System can be Controller Plus any 2M, 440, 1.2 GHz DV or 1.2 GHz DD Modules Module “C” Module “B” Note 1: Analog RF Components (Filters, Cavities, Circulators, PreAmps, etc) www.papasys.org 33

Local Repeater Cross Band Call Sign Entries A C B As an Example : WD6FZA Communicating Cross Band on the Mt Woodson D-STAR Repeater 440 to 1.2 440 to 2M 2M to 440 2M to 1.2 1.2 to 440 1.2 to 2M MyCall WD6FZA Ur Call CQCQCQ RPT1 KI6KQU^B KI6KQU^C KI6KQU^A RPT2 B A B C C B C A A B A C “^” = Space or Blank www.papasys.org

RESOURCES http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/dstar/default.asp Icom D-Star Home illinoisdigitalham (Yahoo Group, digital radio in general, including D-Star) http://www.hamradio-dv.org/ Digital Radio Audio Comparisons http://www.icomamerica.com/support/forums/ D-Star Forums (ICOM hosted) http://www.arrl-al.org/D-STAR_class_2.pdf DSTAR Radios http://www.icomamerica.com/downloads/manuals.asp Icomamerica manuals downloads (ICOM hosted) http://www.ccdastronomy.org/D-Star (this presentation, in the “about D-Star” section) www.papasys.org 35

http://D-STARusers.org  Provides listing of most recently heard stations, time, reporting node geographical locale and maps of repeater locations. www.papasys.org

DSTAR REPEATER DIRECTORY www.papasys.org

GATEWAY REPEATER CALL SIGN ENTRIES Module“A” Module “C” Module “B” A B C G As an Example : WD6FZA Communicating Through the Mt. Woodson D-STAR Repeater Gateway on The Darwin, AU VK8RAD 2 Meter Box 440 to 1.2 440 to 2M 2M to 440 2M to 1.2 1.2 to 440 1.2 to 2M MyCall WD6FZA Ur Call /VK8RADA /VK8RADC /VK8RADB RPT1 KI6KQU^B KI6KQU^C KI6KQU^A RPT2 KI6KQU^G B A B C C B C A A B A C “^” = Space or Blank www.papasys.org

Gateway Operation 39 www.papasys.org

LINKED REPEATER (GATEWAY) OPERATION KF6BQK B KF6BQK G TALKING TO VK8RF VK8HF VK8RAD G /VK8RADC OR DARWIN, AUSTRALIA San Diego WD6FZA D-STAR Radio Entries = MyCall = UrCall RPT1 = RPT2 = www.papasys.org 40

Call Sign Squelch (DSQL) & Code Squelch (CSQL) Configuration option on your radio If enabled, squelch opens only when your call sign is received Call sign squelch is bypassed if calling station operates in EMR mode Code Squelch (CSQL) Squelch opens only when a preset code is received Programmable codes: 0-99 Code squelch is bypassed if calling station operates in EMR mode www.papasys.org 41

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D-STAR REPEATER SYSTEMS AND RF CONNECTIONS www.papasys.org

RF Configuration (D-10) www.papasys.org 44

RF Configuration (D-1) www.papasys.org 45

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