Category Archives: DMR Radio

FreeDMR is a DMR Network for Amateur radio users around the world

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On the 9 November 2020, the birth of a new way of working with DMR was born.
A network name was devised and was called FreeDMR.
FreeDMR is the freedom for Repeater, Gateway Keepers and some Hotspots to have full control, instead of being told what has to go where.
We look forward to a great and bright future.

FreeDMR is a DMR Network for Amateur radio users around the world.

FreeDMR is currently looking for OpenBridge connections to connect to a rapidly growing system.
Open Source is here! FreeDMR – Open networking – Reaching out to the World.

Some features include:
Client configuration sent via Protocol Options line.
Dial-a-TG. All talk groups shifting via Private Call on Slot 2.
Voice idents. The repeater’s or hotspot call-sign is (spoken) every 15 mins.
Enhanced OpenBridge via Improved bridge protocol.
Loop detection & handling on the FreeDMR Network.
More features to come.

The FreeDMR Server.

The new system is derived from HBlink and is fully-open source and available on GitHUB. The server software allows the implementation of features as we would like to see them, making the software completely customisable to your needs. This also allows the response to issues and bugs more effectively. This system is bridged to other Servers, providing a frontend system with enhanced functionality. It also enabled repeaters to be able to communicate even if a Server upstream is down. An overview of the added functionality is below. Note, all of this functionality is optional and configurable.

FreeDMR UK.

FreeDMR UK (The UK Network)

Enhanced Talk Groups (dial-a-tg)

Implementation of an enhanced version of a low level talks group, including all of the voice announcements, timeouts etc. The confusing numbering used for the old reflector system (TG9) is obsolete. Instead, you can simply manual-dial a private-call to any talk group number to have it routed to Talk Group 9 on Time Slot 2 on a FreeDMR repeater. This also works on Hotspots if you decide to use it. There is control of the timer and fallback to the default Talk Group (Reflector) as before. Another abbreviation of a Enhanced Talk Groups or Reflectors as they were known is “Dial-a-TG”.

Single mode.

Only allows a single Talk Group to be routed to a Time Slot on a repeater/hotspot at one time, whilst the Time Slot is active. Even if several static Talk Groups are set up on the slot. As soon as a Talk Group is keyed up, only that single Talk Group is routed to the Time Slot until either the timer expires or another Talk Group is keyed up, which then replaces the first one. This is similar to Hotspot behaviour on other networks. This works even between Dial-a-TG (TalkGroup 9) and other TalkGroups.

Voice idents.

Optionally, (set in Options) a 15 minute voice ident in DMR can be set on Time Slot 2. The repeater’s or hotspot call-sign is (spoken) “sent” via “All Call” for optional voice ident. “This is CALL-SIGN FreeDMR”

Things it doesn’t do.

Currently we have not implemented:

  • Private calls that transit the network (PC on the current repeater still works)

Accreditations.

FreeDMR Server Software by Simon Adlem G7RZU.
Dashboard Monitor by Waldek SP2ONG.
Options Calculator by Jim Nessen K6JWN.
Some images and FreeDMR Network logo’s by José Melo.

Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46

Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus Digital Handheld Radio

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ANYTONE AT-D878UVII “PLUS” DMR HAND HELD

Anytone AT-D878UV11 PLUS BLUETOOTH Digital DMR Dual-band Handheld Commercial Radio with Roaming and GPS VHF/UHF Dual-band Digital/Analog Part 90 DMR commercial transceiver with 1.77 inch colour TFT display and GPS.

New AT-D878UV11 Plus model includes DMR Roaming, faster processor and larger memory for future enhancements. Ideal for Fire, Search & Rescue, EMS, Police, Sheriff, Forestry and Security operations. Frequency coverage 144-146 / 430-440 MHz.

Includes USB Programming cable.


Roaming : Built-in DMR Repeater Roaming feature
APRS / GPS Capable : DMR-APRS and Analog TX RX APRS Capable (GPS)
VHF/UHF Dual Band : Monitor two bands at the same time (V+V, U+U & V+U)
Digital DMR and Analog: Features both DMR digital and analog modes on any channel.
High Power Output : 6.0W, 4.0W, 2.5W, 1.0W selectable TX power output
2 & 5 Tone Paging Includes built-in : 2 Tone and 5 Tone Paging feature
Programming Cable : Includes USB Programming Cable, free software available for download.
Color TFT Display :1.77 inch color TFT screen for Day or Night operation. User changeable display and font colors.
Roaming : New Built-in Roaming Feature
APRS (GPS): DMR-APRS and Analog APRS Capable (GPS)
Processor :Faster Processor over the D868UV
Additional Memory: Larger Memory for Future Enhancements TFT Display Background Display and Font Colors are User changeable
Digital Monitor :Monitor One or Two Timeslots
Zone Select :Selectable Zones from Keypad
Auto RX Mode Receiver : Auto Selects to incoming Digital or Analog Signal
GPS : Built-in GPS feature
Memory Channels: 4,000 channels
DMR Talk Groups : 10,000
Digital Contacts: 500,000 (complete worldwide database from DMR-MARC)
Power Levels : 4 programmable power levels: 6/4/2.5/1 Watt Transmit Power Levels.
Zones : 250 zones, up to 250 channels per zone.
Display: 1.77 inch color TFT Screen with selectable dual channel or single channel display.
Battery: Operate 35+ hours between charges with the supplied 3100 mAh lithium ion battery in the power saver mode.
Bandwidth : 12.5 / 25.0 kHz Analog, and 12.5 kHz DMR
Import/Export :Enhanced CPS allows direct input and export of channels, digital IDs and talkgroups.
DMR Compatibility: Supports both Tier I and Tier II operation, making it compatible with DMR repeaters that utilize two-slot TDMA technology.
Amateur Radio: Also operational on amateur radio DMR networks and analog frequencies. Software importable worldwide amateur contact database.
Programmable : FCC 47CFR90.203 requires the keypad locked in the shipping configuration. Software keypad unlocking and re-programming are available with the included USB Programming Cable.
Speaker Connection :2-pin style Kenwood/Wouxun type earphone and speaker mic connection for a variety of accessories.
Quiet Tones :CTCSS/DCS tone squelch with split tone and custom tone capability.
Frequency Range : 144-146 / 430-440 MHz RX/TX
Includded Accessories, manual, BT PPT switch, PC cable, battery, charging cradle, carrying strap, antenna, belt clip

AnyTone AT-D878UV GPS

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Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS BLUETOOTH Digital DMR Dual-band Handheld Commercial Radio with Roaming and GPS VHF/UHF Dual-band Digital/Analog Part 90 DMR commercial transceiver with 1.77 inch colour TFT display and GPS.

New AT-D878 model includes DMR Roaming, faster processor and larger memory for future enhancements. Ideal for Fire, Search & Rescue, EMS, Police, Sheriff, Forestry and Security operations. Frequency coverage 140-174 / 400-480 MHz.

Includes USB Programming cable.

  • Roaming : Built-in DMR Repeater Roaming feature 
  • APRS / GPS Capable : DMR-APRS and Analog APRS Capable (GPS) 
  • VHF/UHF Dual Band : Monitor two bands at the same time (V+V, U+U & V+U)
  • Digital DMR and Analog: Features both DMR digital and analog modes on any channel. 
  • High Power Output : 6.0W, 4.0W, 2.5W, 1.0W selectable TX power output
  • 2 & 5 Tone Paging Includes built-in : 2 Tone and 5 Tone Paging feature 
  • Programming Cable : Includes USB Programming Cable, free software available for download. 
  • Color TFT Display :1.77 inch color TFT screen for Day or Night operation. User changeable display and font colors.
  • Roaming : New Built-in Roaming Feature
  • APRS (GPS): DMR-APRS and Analog APRS Capable (GPS)
  • Processor :Faster Processor over the D868UV
  • Additional Memory: Larger Memory for Future Enhancements TFT Display Background Display and Font Colors are User changeable
  • Digital Monitor :Monitor One or Two Timeslots
  • Zone Select :Selectable Zones from Keypad 
  • Auto RX Mode Receiver : Auto Selects to incoming Digital or Analog Signal
  • GPS : Built-in GPS feature
  • Memory Channels: 4,000 channels
  • DMR Talk Groups : 10,000
  • Digital Contacts: 150,000 (complete worldwide database from DMR-MARC)
  • Power Levels : 4 programmable power levels: 6/4/2.5/1 Watt Transmit Power Levels.
  • Zones : 250 zones, up to 250 channels per zone.
  • Display: 1.77 inch color TFT Screen with selectable dual channel or single channel display.
  • Battery: Operate 35+ hours between charges with the supplied 3100 mAh lithium ion battery in the power saver mode.
  • Bandwidth : 12.5 / 25.0 kHz Analog, and 12.5 kHz DMR
  • Import/Export :Enhanced CPS allows direct input and export of channels, digital IDs and talkgroups.
  • DMR Compatibility: Supports both Tier I and Tier II operation, making it compatible with DMR repeaters that utilize two-slot TDMA technology.
  • Amateur Radio: Also operational on amateur radio DMR networks and analog frequencies. Software importable worldwide amateur contact database.
  • Programmable : FCC 47CFR90.203 requires the keypad locked in the shipping configuration. Software keypad unlocking and re-programming are available with the included USB Programming Cable.
  • Speaker Connection :2-pin style Kenwood/Wouxun type earphone and speaker mic connection for a variety of accessories.
  • Quiet Tones :CTCSS/DCS tone squelch with split tone and custom tone capability.
  • Frequency Range : 140-174 / 400-480 MHz RX/TX

Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46

Shark RF OpenSPOT 3

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The openSPOT3 is a battery powered, portable, standalone digital radio internet gateway (hotspot) designed mainly for amateur radio. You can talk with others on digital radio networks by using an openSPOT3, Wi-Fi internet access, and your digital transceiver.

Compatible digital radio protocols and networks

  • DMR (BrandMeister, DMRplus, DMR-MARC, Phoenix, XLX, TGIF)
  • D-STAR® (DCS, REF/DPlus, XRF/DExtra, XLX)
  • System Fusion®/C4FM (FCS, YSFReflector)
  • NXDN® (NXDNReflector)
  • P25 (P25Reflector)
  • POCSAG (DAPNET)
  • APRS® messaging and location data forwarding (APRS-IS)

Supports cross modes with built-in hardware transcoding (example: talk with your D-STAR® radio on DMR, and with your DMR radio on D-STAR® networks).

See the product specifications here.

Key features

  • Built-in Li-ion battery with 10 hours of operation (can be extended by turning on additional power saving)
  • Built-in hardware transcoding* for the best voice quality in cross mode operation
  • Built-in extended range Wi-Fi and radio antenna
  • Built-in beeper with audible status tones
  • Web-based easy and fast Quick Setup
  • No additional hardware required, works out of the box without a computer
  • All accessories included you need to have the openSPOT3 up and running (USB-C cable and 120V/230V USB power supply for charging)
  • Designed for 24/7 continuous use even in your vehicle with extreme fast bootup and USB power supply tolerance
  • User manual available online
  • 2 year warranty** with official support in email / community forum
  • Web interface for configuration and monitoring
  • HTTP/WebSocket API with documentation for developers
  • Create your own private radio network using our open source server application

Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46

Hytera launches latest DMR handheld radio PD985

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Hytera, a world leading solution provider of Professional Mobile Radio communications, has launched its latest DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) handset, the PD985, the flagship professional device at the top of a strong DMR portfolio. The PD985 offers an exceptional audio experience through noise cancellation technology, as well as boasting new features including full duplex calls (*) recording capability via Micro SD card (*) Bluetooth 4.0 for audio or data (*) and single frequency repeater to increase coverage(*). The PD985 will be available in UHF (350-527Mhz), with a VHF version to follow in 2017.

“We are proud to announce the launch of the PD985” said G.S. Kok, Senior Vice President of Hytera. “The PD985 is a significant addition to our existing DMR radio portfolio. We have succeeded in adding a series of cutting-edge innovations and designs into this new model to make it a full-featured radio to satisfy our customers’ increasing demand in terms of functionality and user experience.”

The addition of the PD985 positions Hytera with the most complete DMR radio portfolio to meet diversified requirements, from simple, reliable and cost-effective handsets (PD3 and PD4 series) to rugged and feature-rich solutions (PD5 and PD6 series), up to the high-end, professional systems radios (PD7, PD9 and X1 series). The whole portfolio offers display and non-display, GPS and non-GPS, UHF and VHF versions to allow customers to select the best handset for their daily operation and mission critical scenarios.Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46