What Devices Currently Allow Access To Brandmeister Talkgroups?

[JASII]

I currently have an Anytone AT-D878UV, a Rugged Spot hotspot and a DVMEGA Cast, so I have various ways to get on Brandmeister talkgroups. I also downloaded DroidStar recently and have used that. (So, either through a repeater nearby with the Brandmeister talkgroup(s) that I want, radio to hotspot, DVMEGA Cast or Android smartphone with DroidStar app.)

Anyway, are their other small portable devices that have the gateway built into them? What I really want is something the size of either an Android smartphone or amateur radio HT, that will allow me to connect to Brandmeister talkgroups, even if I am out of range of a repeater AND allow direct RF simplex operation on DMR. What are my choices right currently? (I know that I could bring my hotspot with me, but I would much rather have it built in, if possible.)

 

[sallen07]

What I really want is something the size of either an Android smartphone or amateur radio HT, that will allow me to connect to Brandmeister talkgroups, even if I am out of range of a repeater AND allow direct RF simplex operation on DMR. What are my choices right currently?

This is exactly what you are describing ... but it's not cheap!

RFinder B1 HT Radio, Android DMR and FM

RFinder B1 HT Radio, Android DMR and FM RFinder B1 HT Radio, Android DMR and FM This is the device that you have been waiting for! The RFinder B1 is now available for pre-order. Imagine a dual band DMR/FM handheld that NEVER needs a code plug! No

www.gigaparts.com

 

[CanesFan95]

So how come it's called "Brandmeister", anyways? Are they like the purveyor of certain product brand names?

 

[eaf1956]

So how come it's called "Brandmeister", anyways? Are they like the purveyor of certain product brand names?

Brandmeister, TGIF ....Chevy, FORD, DODGE

 

[kd2ugs]

......that will allow me to connect to Brandmeister talkgroups, even if I am out of range of a repeater AND allow direct RF simplex operation on DMR. ...

I think the Rfinder B1 that was noted is probably the best option but do you really want to do DMR simplex? You (and whoever you're communicating with) have to be on the same frequency and the same Timeslot and the same Color code and also be in communications range so what would DMR simplex sans repeater, do for you besides the complicated connection protocols? I'm just curious I like DMR but haven't thought about trying DMR simplex I'm just happy if I hear anything on regular analog simplex

 

[JASII]

...but do you really want to do DMR simplex? You (and whoever you're communicating with) have to be on the same frequency and the same Timeslot and the same Color code and also be in communications range so what would DMR simplex sans repeater, do for you besides the complicated connection protocols?...

I have always been an advocate of having simplex available, in case the repeater/network isn't available. I have a law enforcement background, so I have a tendency to play the "What if" game.

I read an after incident report of what happened in the days following Hurricane Katrina. The repeaters were wiped out. The police radios only had repeaters programmed into them. So, without the repeaters, the radios were essentially worthless.

 

[kd2ugs]

Hi totally agree I thought you were specifically trying to use DMR over simplex as opposed to simplex communications with a DMR radio The already mentioned Rfinder B1 is the only device I am aware of that has a network radio (cellphone tech) and a vhf/uhf dual band radio in a single device that would do what you want.