SDS100/SDS200: got the DMR upgrade, love it, and it got me to thinking :)

[N9NRA]

Hey all, well, i got the DMR upgrade for my SDS100 scanner, really like it (next snag will be the NXDN upgrade), now that i have the DMR upgrade i got to thinking on something i`ve had in my head for a while, a suggestion for another upgrade, how about one to allow/enable the ability to coy DSTAR (via an upgrade key like is done now). I could see one thing that might not allow this to work and it`s techinical, that is the fact that whild scanners can handle numeric ID`s just fine, a DSTAR transmission`s ID is the callsign of the amateur that is transmitting, and the scanner might not be able to handle decoding/displaying the call sign properly, would that be right? still, it would be a great thing and one that i`d snag in a hartbeat. Another one would be an upgrade to allow for copying YSF (system fusion) as well. Thoughts? N9NRA

 

[hill]

Don't ever see that occurring with thesee scanners main function being public safety monitoring.

If hams want to monitor a ham radio only digital modes they need to purchase a radio that does that mode.

 

[dmfalk]

Actually, it's meant for far more than public safety.

The only analogue mode it won't do is SSB.

It's unlikely to see D*STAR or C4FM modes. There's only so much memory in the firmware. I don't think callsigns would be a limit, though.

There's already dPMR code in the firmware, but the limitation has to do with licensing in North America. That's one I'd like to be rectified.

Definitely get the NXDN key. Very worth it.

Might recommend getting the waterfall, too. Useful at times, and good with snooping around the bands.

 

[K9KLC]

Not gonna happen so don't hold your breath. There are higher end receivers that will receive D-Star as well as some other digital modes, but. if you want D-Star get the right radio, Yaesu's version of C4FM again, get the right radio.

 

[n1chu]

Shark RF has a hotspot called the “OpenSpot” for ham gear. It allows me to use the internet to reach my local DMR repeater from anywhere as long as I have access to the internet. It requires I use my iPhone smart phone which accesses my digital cellphone connection. I can now leave my local DMR repeater coverage area and still connect to it. It also allows for cross-banding between DStar, C4FM (Yeasu Fusion) and DMR. It requires a ham digital transceiver that is capable on any one of those digital modes but it allows you to cross band into one of the others. The OpenSpot isn’t cheap but it does give you what you seek.

 

[K9KLC]

Shark RF has a hotspot called the “OpenSpot” for ham gear. It allows me to use the internet to reach my local DMR repeater from anywhere as long as I have access to the internet. It requires I use my iPhone smart phone which accesses my digital cellphone connection. I can now leave my local DMR repeater coverage area and still connect to it. It also allows for cross-banding between DStar, C4FM (Yeasu Fusion) and DMR. It requires a ham digital transceiver that is capable on any one of those digital modes but it allows you to cross band into one of the others. The OpenSpot isn’t cheap but it does give you what you seek.

Ya this method works as long as you are into the hotspot thing and understand what is or is not happening there. This is just me, but the minute you have to add internet to the mix, it's not "listening live". That being said, a lot of people use them, and if you only have one digital radio and wish to pursue the various modes as a ham radio op, using "internet HF" (as my son calls it) you can get into the more common modes for ham radio.

 

[N9NRA]

Hey thanx for the answers, i was thinking that (a DSTAR upgrade not happening), it was just a thought i had in my head . And yes, i am definitely getting the NXDN key (and maybe the provoice one too, we`ll see). Thanx for the help! N9NRA

 

[gary123]

My next paid upgrade wish would be P25/NXDN Over the air alias decode. I would also like to see some of the DMR modes expanded and TIII data decoding improved.

I find myself in agreement with the membership, Dstar just is not popular enough to rate the R&D to add it to the FW. If you really would like DStar there are quite a few ham radios that offer that mode.

 

[Trucker700]

I wouldn't suggest spending money on ProVoice unless you have a system in your area that you know uses it. It is being phased out in most areas of the country.
James

 

[dmfalk]

In my case, as I bought my SDS100 used, the previous owner bought all the upgrades, so I have ProVoice as a "just in case" matter, and that's the only reason I'd ever suggest getting it, as in you'll never know. The only upgrade I paid myself was the Waterfall, which is useful, but not required.

But yes, with both DMR and NXDN, even in a rural place like where I'm from, they're actually used around here.

And our local hams have largely ditched D*Star and C4FM for DMR and P25, whenever they're in the mood for digital.

Happy scanning!

 

[Trucker700]

I had.a similar experience when I purchased my SDS100. I bought it from a gentleman in Glendale, Arizona who had bought all three upgrades for it. I used it in an 18 wheeler for several years before retiring. I don't recall ever noticing any ProVoice activity in any of the states I traveled through.
I still have the SDS100. My favorite thing to monitor is Airband and MilAir. But, I cannot bring myself to part with the SDS100.
James

 

[StoliRaz]

Definitely get the NXDN key. Very worth it.

Depends on where you live and what you're interested in listening to. I have it on my 436hp, but the NXDN systems I though I'd listen to more are fairly dead. I kind of regret getting it now

 

[dmfalk]

Depends on where you live and what you're interested in listening to. I have it on my 436hp, but the NXDN systems I though I'd listen to more are fairly dead. I kind of regret getting it now

Where I am, some itinerant businesses, a trunking system and a local tribal rancheria all use NXDN. A local transit service uses DMR. You just never really know what you'll find.