Meriden ARC Web Site | Castle Craig Chapter 10-10


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To DMR or not to DMR, that is the question
#1
The DMR discussion at the last activity meeting was insightful. I've been trying to piece the puzzle together since that meeting. Since we have another discussion at this month's activity meeting on the topic I'll probably table a few of the questions below at that meeting. I've been an early adopter of too many technologies over the years and will probably wait until the dust settles on this technology.

Some puzzling questions/observations:
1. CT seems to be ahead of the game with about 26 repeaters active today on UHF and none on VHF, MA with 10 (8 UHF and only 2 VHF), RI with 1 UHF, NY with 21 (3 UHF), 9 in NJ (1 UHF).

2. Connect Systems radios are either UHF or VHF, pick when you purchase. With the disconnect of common bands across Northeast states a dual band radio is really needed INHO.

3. Why did CT pick UHF? Was it due band congestion on VHF? My FM experience with VHF is shorter communication distance verses UHF and more directional.

4. CS700 UHF radio is 20% lower power output than VHF model (FM HT's do the same).

5. CT currently has two networks; CT-ARES and DMR-MARC. I'm still trying to sift through how these Networks and talk-groups work. My interpretation (which is probably wrong), that DMR-MARC can only talk to other DMR-MARC Network nodes, e.g. Wallingford DMR-MARC network could not talk to DCI network in Oregon?

6. I like the idea of the CS-7000 and the protocol update possibilities, proof will be when this device ships how successful it will be.

7. A DMR repeater without cloud connection probably is not a good idea.

8. This is a good reference; http://www.trbo.org/docs/Amateur_Radio_Guide_to_DMR.pdf
73, Steve - KC1SA
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#2
3. Why did CT pick UHF? Was it due band congestion on VHF? My FM experience with VHF is shorter communication distance verses UHF and more directional.

GREAT QUESTION.Smile
From what I have learned, the answer lies in the relative number of repeater frequency pairs that are available on 440 vs 144 MHz bands.

The other issue that comes into play is the typically smaller repeater "footprint" of 440 vs 144 MHz bands.
- This becomes a real issue related to avoiding conflicting with other existing analog repeaters.

So, the logic is not to seek "DX" coverage for a couple of repeaters, but rather to "saturate" the land with many repeaters that are readily accessible.

Hope this helps.

2. Connect Systems radios are either UHF or VHF, pick when you purchase. With the disconnect of common bands across Northeast states a dual band radio is really needed INHO.

YES, I agreeSmile
The industry still early in the development cycle of the product.
One thing the many people do not know is that the single band (440) CS 700 HT is DUAL MODE.
- Meaning that you can use it to contact BOTH DMR AND Analog 440 repeaters.

I understand that a mobile radio is in development, but that it will take time to get to market.

5. CT currently has two networks; CT-ARES and DMR-MARC.
I'm still trying to sift through how these Networks and talk-groups work. My interpretation (which is probably wrong), that DMR-MARC can only talk to other DMR-MARC Network nodes, e.g. Wallingford DMR-MARC network could not talk to DCI network in Oregon?


YES! 2 Networks in CT
- DMR-MARC Network
- CT ARES DMR Network

DMR is DMR.
- Only the listed Talk Groups on the Repeater change. Wink

The CT ARES DMR Network uses some, but not all of the DMR-MARC Talk Groups. It has the ability to disconnect from the DMR Network and operate in isolation during CT Emergency/Disasters. This is not the usual case with repeaters on the DMR-Network.

The end user (you the operator) has the ability to program your radio with a data file ("codeplug") that can have both network repeaters listed and their associated Talk Groups.
You decide where and what you want to access and use.

Hope this helps.
73,
Douglas Sharafanowich – WA1SFH
District Emergency Coordinator, Region 2
CT ARES
[Cell] 203-494-3885
WA1SFH"AT"optonline"DIT"net Cool
........................................................
Website: www.ctaresregion2.org
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