Hardware Chat

Echo link… all that's needed is wifi and lappy, software etc is free and restricted to amateurs only.

That way it will give time for Icom's latest kit to filter through the market, and see what the take up will be.

Also what will happen in the way of DMR, there have been major steps in the digital mode over the last six months, but trends come and go quickly and as of yet none of the major players have really laid their cards on the table.

I'd wait and see…

73's Pete

A little while ago a local amateur saw my callsign on one of the DMR repeater logs and got in touch with a similar question...

I've put my thoughts online here: https://m0nfe.com/articles/getting-into-dmr.html

DMR is certainly workable from a flat (I'm in the same landlord situation), relatively simple to operate, and you can definitely work the world, but being almost all 70cms, you'll need a pretty local repeater to get in with the 'rubber duck.'

Otherwise, Pete's solution is a good one — forego RF at home and connect into the many RF gateways and repeaters of EchoLink :)

73, Nick

Hi

I use Echolink and DSTAR.
Echolink is fun. It's also free, of course, if you have a 2/70 HT, smartphone or PC. These days I use my iPhone echolink app. Some of my QSOs have been interesting, often to far flung parts of the world. MB7IDA has good coverage and is a 2m echo link node.
DSTAR is better, but there is the price. Especially if you are out of range of a DSTAR repeater, and you need a DVAP setup. If I had no antenna options, this is what I would choose. It's a bit fiddly to setup but once you are connected, it's plain sailing.
I have no experience on DMR.

Have you considered an internal antenna? Or a 'stealth' antenna? Or a removable balcony/window mounted antenna?
Alternatively, you could go remote-control http://www.remotehamradio.com

R

Hello Paul.

Have recently been trying DMR via my local repeater GB7SE with very good results, there's also a fair bit of activity.

From a high spot in Kent (Shorne Country Park)I could easily connect to GB7EX, GB7SE, GB7IK, GB7WL & GB7NS using a 3W Hytera PD365. So far, very impressed.

73 de Clem

Hello All,

Have you considered a stealth antenna , all that is needed is Some form of small antenna preferably a dual band that will give you access to any local repeater on 2m/70cms. also an indoor small yagi pointed at the repeater of your choice through the window will work well.
how about an antenna in the loft, I know of someone that uses a folded dipole in the loft for DMR and that works very well.
An antenna on a telescopic of collapsible mast in a garden or balcony (if available) would also work and can be lowered and or put away when not in use thus keeping Mr nasty landlord happy.
There is always an option even if you have to resort to an indoor antenna!!.
Better to actually Radiate a signal that to be all internet based

By the way im using DMR and i find it very good ( having swore blind never to get involved with these digital box's) several local repeaters to use with good signal and coverage.

Personal choice my way is to go with DMR , I like it as it's different to the one choice of manufactures you have with Dstar.
several Different choices of handheld or mobile radio out there and much more on the way.
Repeaters coming on line almost every month now !

Enjoy !!

Guys thank you all for your replies on this thread. I have treated myself to a TYT MD-380 which i s a DMR handheld. So far I haven't had a lit of spare time to play but I have had QSO's with Malta, Australia and Canada. All on 70cms and clear as a bell. I am very impressed. These radios are available from about £165 and I am going to write a review for Essex Ham. I can heartily recommend.

i will listen out for you Paul
My local Repeaters are GB7SE,GB7EX AND GB7IK all of which i can work through.....enjoy !!