I do not have a digital radio or hotspot but would like to play with DMR. How can I accomplish this?
No problem at all. You do not need a DMR-, Digital Radio or HotSpot to use the various VHF/UHF digital radio modes. I am not going to go into detail here as there are already several posts on this Blog that answer this question. I will however provide the links to these posts if you perhaps missed them:
Another way to use Digital Radio Modes if you do not have an RF Radio = DroidStar
ZS1I DMR Bridge now permanently linked to the GRHub Network, Mossel Bay
DMR Bridge now active in the Garden Route Area and "test driven" by Majorke ZS5V from KZN.
I would however like to provide feedback regarding activity on the ZS1I DMR Talk Group, ZS1I GRHub Network, the ZS1I DMR Bridge and using DroidStar for VHF/UHF Digital Radio Modes.
NEW!! ZS1I DMR Talk Group (TG 65511)
I have setup a new DMR Talk Group - TG 65511. This talk group serves the following purposes:
Note: Please note that if you do use this talk group your broadcast / tests will also be heard on the ZS-Link-, GRHub- and AREDN Mesh Network.
This talk group (65511) is open for any radio amateur to use. It is NOT there for private use!
ZS1I GRHub Network
I am grateful to report that the GRHub Network functions very well despite Loadshedding and Internet Outages. I added several automated services lately to enhance the network. I would also like to thank all those who use and connect to the ZS Link and GRHub Network. A special word of thanks must go to all the repeater owners/custodians/clubs, RF link stations, node owners and individual network owners who forms the backbone of the ZS Link Network in South Africa. Let's not forget those who work behind the scenes to maintain and extend the ZS Link Network, Repeaters and Nodes. Without your dedication and participation this network would have collapsed long time ago. Activity on the ZS Link Network in South Africa is rife. I thank you all!!
ZS1I DMR Bridge
This bridge has been a useful addition the the GRHub Network and hopefully to the ZS Link Network. It is now permanently linked to the network. The ZS1I DMR Bridge is now the gateway to some who cannot afford to buy a digital radio, hotspot etc or might "want to get their feet wet first." There are ways and means to use DMR and other digital radio modes without a radio or hotspot. I indicated before that you can use your analog VHF/UHF radio to work digital radio modes via the ZS1I DMR Bridge. I am so grateful to those who made this possible by writing software and creating applications for this purpose.
DroidStar to the rescue!
There are some radio amateurs that does not have radios and equipment to use the digital radio modes. On the other hand some might first want to play with DMR to see what it is all about and whether it is worth buying such equipment. Well you do not need to buy a digital radio to use the VHF/UHF digital radio modes. DroidStar came to the rescue! I am grateful to report that DMR activity is daily on the increase in the Southern Cape and other parts of South Africa.
My article available HERE hopefully resulted in creating interest in this regard. Further information was also made available on the Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group. I would like to thank each and every person that provided help and information on this group to assist new users of VHF/UHF digital radio modes. The Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group really rocks! Thank you to all those who post interesting information on this Group.
I would like to welcome the following radio amateurs to the VHF/UHF digital radio modes:
Enough for now.
Finally: I would once again like to invite clubs and radio amateurs to use and keep on using the ZS-LINK and GRHub Network if they so wish. These networks are not a private, club only or special allocated network venture. It is open for general use by any radio amateur.
Thank you to those who support and use the ZS-Link Network
regularly. Highly appreciated!!
NEVER FEAR THAT YOU ARE "TYING UP THE NETWORK SYSTEM" - IT IS THERE TO BE USED AND ENJOYED!!
