DMR basics

[KF0RKA]

Hi all! Brand new to DMR and it feels like drinking from a firehose but I love it! I got my first radio (TYT MD-380) and set up my code plug. I am connecting to a local repeater here in Columbia, MO (K0SI). Parrot works with no problem but it's the talk groups I'm having issues with. When I select a TG I cannot hear the conversation even though the Brandmeister hoseline shows there are 2 people are talking. I think I understand the concept of static versus dynamic TG's. Is it not possible to listen to a TG without having to key up first? I looked on Brandmeister and couldn't find any information for TG's that specify whether they are static or dynamic.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[KE5MC]

Maybe the selected TG is on the wrong time slot. Promiscuous mode allows a radio to monitor all traffic on a specific frequency, regardless of the talk group or time slot. Not sure if the 380 has that function. If it does it should show TG and TS you are hearing on the display. Good way to sort out TGs not programmed and/or TS in use.

 

[popnokick]

Hi all! Brand new to DMR and it feels like drinking from a firehose but I love it! I got my first radio (TYT MD-380) and set up my code plug. I am connecting to a local repeater here in Columbia, MO (K0SI). Parrot works with no problem but it's the talk groups I'm having issues with. When I select a TG I cannot hear the conversation even though the Brandmeister hoseline shows there are 2 people are talking. I think I understand the concept of static versus dynamic TG's. Is it not possible to listen to a TG without having to key up first? I looked on Brandmeister and couldn't find any information for TG's that specify whether they are static or dynamic.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

K0SI is a Brandmeister network repeater and normally those repeaters do not restrict TG usage. However, you must ensure you have the correct timeslot (1 or 2) set in your codeplug. Without that being done the only way you'll hear something is if you have your MD380 set for promiscuous mode (digital monitor) as has been suggested. Regardless, you should ensure each TG you use on the K0SI repeater is set to use the correct timeslot. Here's more info specific to K0SI -
https://www.mo-dmr.com/bm-repeater-info.php?dmrid=310018&callsign=K0SI&slot=1&freq=444.4250

 

[KF0RKA]

Thank you for the replies! Based on the link I see that only MO TG's are listed with their TS's. Is there a reference guide for all of the TG's that I may want to add? I researched promiscuous mode for the MD380 but that it looks like you have to install special tools and/or updated firmware to get that to work, I'd rather leave the radio stock. I knew the risk going in that buying a radio that was released almost 9 years ago would be a gamble as far as features go. The MD380 was cheap so I'll probably keep it around for simplex and get something a little newer. Would the AnyTone AT-D168UV get me to where I need to be?

Cheers!

 

[bharvey2]

If you look up the repeater you're using on Brandmeister, you should be able to see which TGs are being used on the repeater and verify which timeslot those talkgroups are using. It might be that you're trying to monitor a TG that isn't available or is rarely used on the repeater. To test, program up one of the published TGs from the repeater's Brandmeister page ( a static one would be best) and call out on that TG on your radio. You should be able to see yourself in the repeater's Last Heard pane. You could then try the same with a dynamic TG. Keep in mind though that the repeater owner may not want to host particular talkgroups on the repeater. There are some in my area that wish to limit their repeaters to certain TGs and on specific slots. Respectful of their wishes, I've set up my own hotspot so that when I'm home, I can use whichever TG I see fit.

 

[KF0RKA]

Wow, I didn't realize that. I was under the assumption that I would be able to reach any TG on my local repeater. I just looked and most of the groups I was trying to reach are blocked. Time for a hot spot I think. Any recommendations?

Cheers!

 

[bharvey2]

Wow, I didn't realize that. I was under the assumption that I would be able to reach any TG on my local repeater. I just looked and most of the groups I was trying to reach are blocked. Time for a hot spot I think. Any recommendations?

Cheers!

The first hotspot I ever purchased was an Openspot. (Their first edition) As I recall, it was the only game in town for an off the shelf solution. I think they up to at least version 3, perhaps 4. Very reliable for sure. These days I'm using a PiStar. They're one of the cheaper alternatives but they do take a little expertise to set up. (Loading an operating system on a Raspberry Pi and the as well as some specific user and network information) Tutorial on the web are abundant so if you're game, and can follow along, you shouldn't have any trouble.

 

[KF0RKA]

Coming from a GMRS background DMR is the complete opposite but I'm enjoying the challenge of it. Sounds like the PiStar is the way to go so I'll start checking around.

Thank you all for the help!

 

[bharvey2]

For those used to analog, DMR, like many of the digital modes, is a completely different beast. It takes a bit to get your head wrapped around it but once you get an handle on how the codeplugs are assembled, you should be in good shape.

While I do chat on the local repeaters periodically, I've found that the hotspot is the way to go. Once you get one set up properly, you've got a lot of options and you don't have to worry about tying up someone else's repeater or running afoul of how they intend it to be used.

Lastly, I noticed that you're a new member: Welcome, KF0RKA !

 

[KF0RKA]

Thank you bharvey2! Maybe we'll cross paths somewhere down the road. Off to get a hotspot!

 

[WD4OXT]

Thank you guys for this post. I am also new to DMR. Here in Orlando, I been only able to program one DMR repeater (W4MCO) and few talking groups (TG). This repeater is link to the Brandmeister network which is easy for me to program into the radio (Anytone 878UVII Plus) There are other repeaters that are DMR-SE in the area, but I have not been successful to program it to work. I think definitely, a home "Hot Spot" is the way to go. Again, thanks for your insight and suggestions. 73

 

[KM7BVY]

I'm just getting into DMR myself having had my GMRS license for a year and 9 months and my HAM Tech license for just about a month. I picked up an inexpensive Radtel RT-4D(about $50 bucks on Amazon) to start with since it's a radio my Linux box will actually connect to and started my CodePlug with some local Analog channels(both Calling and Repeater) to see if the radio worked. After I verified that Analog works I added some Simplex DMR channels to the radio and tested that by setting one of my Analog radios to that frequency and keying the PTT on the DMR radio. I heard a "machine gun" sound so that tells me that the DMR Radio is TX'ing. Once I get my 2nd RT-4D tomorrow I'll put the CodePlug into it and give it my 2nd DMR ID so I can see if I can send Voice over DMR.
This is a bit of a learning curve but if you keep with it you can do it. Good luck and have fun.

 

[popnokick]

I also have an RT-4D and I was frustrated and ready to return it when I got it last May. Basic functionality for DMR (compared to my five other DMR HTs) had serious issues. However, I persisted and Radtel has released several updates to both the RT-4D CPS and firmware. Ensure you are using the latest update for each of these and your radio will work the way it is supposed to -
Programming Software for Radio Communication Device

 

[KD8DVR]

I'm just getting into DMR myself having had my GMRS license for a year and 9 months and my HAM Tech license for just about a month. I picked up an inexpensive Radtel RT-4D(about $50 bucks on Amazon) to start with since it's a radio my Linux box will actually connect to and started my CodePlug with some local Analog channels(both Calling and Repeater) to see if the radio worked. After I verified that Analog works I added some Simplex DMR channels to the radio and tested that by setting one of my Analog radios to that frequency and keying the PTT on the DMR radio. I heard a "machine gun" sound so that tells me that the DMR Radio is TX'ing. Once I get my 2nd RT-4D tomorrow I'll put the CodePlug into it and give it my 2nd DMR ID so I can see if I can send Voice over DMR.
This is a bit of a learning curve but if you keep with it you can do it. Good luck and have fun.

You do not need to use your second DMR ID for your second radio. You can have all your radios on the same ID.

 

[jeepsandradios]

You do not need to use your second DMR ID for your second radio. You can have all your radios on the same ID.

Unless you want to talk simplex to the 2 of them. Many LMR radios will not unmute on same ID.

 

[popnokick]

Unless you want to talk simplex to the 2 of them. Many LMR radios will not unmute on same ID.

I have Connect Systems, AnyTone, TYT, Radioddity, Retevis, Radtel, and COTRE DMR radios... mostly HTs, one mobile. All of them have my single DMR ID programmed and I've never had any trouble using DMR simplex between them... all programmed with the same DMR ID. I don't have any Motorola radios. So is this a Motorola thing?

 

[K9KLC]

So is this a Motorola thing?

Nope I do it on several models of Motorola.