D-Star

[Sjinndoawi]

What is everyones take on D-Star? I am playing around with the idea of getting this logic board(UT-118) for my 2500 but my gut feeling is i really dont need it. What Radio manufacturers support this protocol besides Icom? Is it going to be worth spending the (215.00)? Is it going to be around for awhile? Who else besides HAMS will use this D-Star?

Any idea's would be great

Great

[N_Jay]

You should be able to find out of anyone is using it in your area?
Did you check the ham clubs?

No one other then ham uses it.

[trace1]

Originally Posted by Sjinndoawi

What is everyones take on D-Star?

As an Amateur Radio Operator and D-STAR user I really like it.

Originally Posted by Sjinndoawi

I am playing around with the idea of getting this logic board(UT-118) for my 2500 but my gut feeling is i really dont need it.

If all you're going to do is to monitor only then you're probably right.

Originally Posted by Sjinndoawi

What Radio manufacturers support this protocol besides Icom?

There was a Kenwood model that was shown at a Japan Ham Show a few years ago, although it looked like nothing more than a re-branded ICOM ID-800 and as of yet has not been released here, but you just never know if and when any of the others will join in.

Originally Posted by Sjinndoawi

Is it going to be worth spending the (215.00)?

If all you're going to do is to monitor only then probably not.

Originally Posted by Sjinndoawi

Is it going to be around for awhile?

Most likely.

Originally Posted by Sjinndoawi

Who else besides HAMS will use this D-Star?

As of now it seems to be only HAMS and probably will always be only HAMS.

[detroit780]

Originally Posted by Sjinndoawi

What is everyones take on D-Star? I am playing around with the idea of getting this logic board(UT-118) for my 2500 but my gut feeling is i really dont need it. What Radio manufacturers support this protocol besides Icom? Is it going to be worth spending the (215.00)? Is it going to be around for awhile? Who else besides HAMS will use this D-Star?

Any idea's would be great

Great

Go to D-StarUsers.org Your Source for D-Star Digital Amateur Radio Information!

Sort by state. Are there any repeaters in your area? If so:

The voice quality is really good and the mode can be a lot of fun. We have 5 repeaters in my county and several of us chat to and from work everyday. We have the 2020's with GPS so it's pretty cool to bring up the GPS screen and see your friends callsign and position and heading. Pretty neat to watch when you are chatting with someone 6,000 miles away too through the internet connection.

I've chatted with England, Italy and Japan. Of course this isn't unique to D-Star but it cool. Seeing the party you are talking to callsign is pretty cool too.

About 1 1/2 years ago I counted 150 repeaters in the US on dstarusers.org 6 months ago there were over 400 so it is growing by leaps and bounds.

Icom is the only company currently making D-Star and it really doesn't look like others are interested but the repeater base is still growing fairly quickly.

Unless you have a local repeater that is D-Star it isn't worth the money. If you have a local repeater and there are users on it. Contact one and ask to listen to his radio and get a demo.

Les

[wayne_h]

Do you have a lot of P25 in your area? Since you can only run the P25 board or the D-STAR board I would go with whatever you use more.

[Sjinndoawi]

Thanks guys for all your input,

[SOFA_KING]

I just took the D-STAR plunge. I wanted to get it while the special on the IC-91AD was still going (ends this month!). I have heard many good things about it. I have P25 now but did not have D-STAR. And there are both types in the area, so this will be good to have. The price was right, so I finally went for it. Can't wait to get it!

Phil