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

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 The confusing numbering used for the old reflector system (TG9) is obsolete.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

DMR UK Core talk groups

REVISED TALK GROUPS
There will be several changes to talk groups affecting

TG8, TG2350, TG2351, TG2352, TG2353, UK Wide & Direct Dial
As of the 28th December 2015 the new Talkgroup structure has now been implemented. However the new regional groups will not be linked to TG8

This is to allow users time to update their code plugs and test them on the new talk groups

Talk groups TG8, TG2350, TG2351, TG2352, TG2353 & Direct Dial
are still available, but will be switched off on 31st January 2016
AS A GUIDE THE REVISED TALKGROUP LISTINGS SHOWN BELOW ARE NOW CONFIRMED AS OPERATIONAL

FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE LINK UNDER THE FULL TG LIST TAB AS WELL AS AGAINST EACH REPEATER LISTING UNDER THE REPEATER TAB

Despite the talk group restructuring having been completed, there could be some “fine tuning” to be done over the next month (and beyond) as Keepers can request additions and removals. We will keep posting updates on the relevant pages on this site as well as via the Facebook page and Twitter. Also via our weekly newsletter

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An update from the c-Bridge Admins

** As of 09/01/2016 the process mentioned below has now been completed and hold-off timers are now operational on all wide area talkgroups **

As promised we have started adding hold-off timers to the wide area talkgroups on Timeslot 1. This has already been implemented on the new regional 8xx groups on Slot 2.

‘Wide Area’ means TG1, TG2, TG13 and TG235. As has always been the case these 4 talkgroups will still normally be heard on all repeaters. Users can continue to use them as they always have.

If a repeater user makes a transmission on one of the user activated talkgroups (TG80, TG81, TG113, TG123, TG119, TG129) or local TG9 then the 4 wide area talkgroups will be turned off on that repeater for 10 minutes (5 minutes for TG9). This will allow a user activated or local QSO without the risk of being interrupted by the wide area groups.

The wide area talkgroups remain active and usable on all repeaters not involved in the user activated QSO. Any of the wide area talkgroups can be reconnected immediately without having to wait for the timer to expire by keying up on that talkgroup.

A similar scheme will be implemented on the slot 1 special talkgroups such as 803. TG1 and TG235 are currently working as above. TG2 and TG13 will follow shortly

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TALK GROUP 8xx (ROAMING)

Repeaters will be assigned a “home” region which is always on and is based on the repeater location. Secondary regions are available as a User Activated option. The reasons for the change include (1) it allows linking of repeaters with coverage in multiple regions (2) allows for qso’s to continue should a user go into the next region subject to availability on the next repeater (3) allowing the split of regions such as SE England which has grown to big for TG8

TG800 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE

TG801 – METRO EAST (HERTFORDSHIRE / EAST LONDON / ESSEX / KENT)

TG802 – METRO WEST (CENTRAL & WEST LONDON / SURREY / SUSSEX)

TG810 – SOUTH WEST ENGLAND (THAMES VALLEY / BRISTOL CHANNEL / SOLENT)

TG820 – NORTH WEST ENGLAND

TG830 – MIDLANDS

TG840 – EAST OF ENGLAND

TG850 – SCOTLAND

TG860 – NORTH EAST ENGLAND

TG870 – WALES & MARCHES

TG880 – NORTHERN IRELAND

TALK GROUP 2350 – 2353 (SPECIAL LINKS)

These groups will change talk group number – their function remains the same – their new TG number basically puts them within a “regional” block

The repeater listing will show “current special links” and “revised special links”

TG803 – Replaces TG2352 (GB7AK, GB7EP, GB7EX, GB7HR, GB7IK, GB7LO, GB7NS & GB7SE)

TG821 – Replaces TG2350 (GB7HM, GB7FW & GB7LP)

TG822 – Replaces TG2353 (GB7BR, GB7CA & GB7PN)

TG841 – New Talkgroup (GB7DS & GB7MK)

TG862 – No change to this talk group (GB7HS, GB7HX, GB7LE, GB7MR & GB7TD – M62 MOTORWAY)

TG871 – Replaces TG2351 (GB7HM & GB7PN)

UK ONLY USER ACTIVATED UK WIDE

To help with nation wide QSO’s especially as direct dial is suited for one to one QSO’s, two UK Wide User Activated talk groups are being implemented.

TG80 – UK Wide User Activated 1

TG81 – UK Wide User Activated 2

DIRECT DIAL (TG901 – TG940)

All direct dials will be removed from the network as part of the change and the UK Only User Activated Talk Groups can be used in it’s place.

USER ACTIVATED TALK GROUPS

The c-Bridge admins are working to add “hold off timers” which will assist users of these talk groups to hold on to the talk groups by inhibiting the other talk groups from taking the slot if the User Activated Talk Group is in use on a repeaters. This will be a new function that will be worked on to make using the UA talk groups easier for all.

CC-3 dot NETPaul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46

Yaesu DR-1XE FM/C4FM relay 2m / 70cm

Yaesu offers you the dual mode repeater

Yaesu DR-1XE

Yaesu DR-1XE

for a smooth transition from traditional FM mode to digital C4FM modulation. This relay is capable of both operation modes, the automatic mode select (AMS) recognizes the signal as C4FM digital or conventional FM and then the DR-1XE repeater retransmits the signal using the preset communications mode. This makes operating in FM as well as C4FM with only one relay possible.

The DR-1XE relay is shipped as a professional 19″ system, an extrnal power supply (13.8V, 15A) is required. The repeater can be used either on 2m (144-146MHz) or 70cm (430-440MHz). Programming is done very comfortably via a large, coloured touch display on the front. With that you can program ‘Id’ (call sign), transmission and receiving frequency, transmission power (5, 20 or 50W), CTCSS, squelch and the automatic modulation select (AMS). Frequencies can be adjusted in 5 or 6.25kHz steps.

The device requires 13.8V, max. 15A for operation. The DC cable is included. The repeater has an internal loudspeaker for local checking, also a microphone can be plugged in for testing the transmitter.

Yaesu DR-1XE Repeater rear sideZoom
The DR-1XE repeater has no diplexer built-in, but needs be added externally. On the rear side there are separate connectors for transmission and receiving antenna available. The transmission power can be adjusted to 5, 20 or 50W. The relay identifier can be transmitted via voice or CW output in adjustable time intervals to meet regulatory requirements for automatic operating units.

DR-1XE includes in delivery:
DR-1XE relay in a 19″ chassis
DC cable
English manual
SCU-20 PC-ACC cable (USB)Paul L | MØFOX | Chesterfield UK | IO93HE | Icom IC-7800 | Yaesu FT-980 | FT-902DM | WAB SK46