Howdy folks,

This is my first question posting in this network so forgive me if I get this in the wrong area;

I've just gotten back into Amateur Radio, bought myself a cheap-o Chinese Baofeng UV-5R which is happily TX/RX to a local repeater that is also
connected to EchoLink and Allstar.

I am interested in getting a DMR so that I can learn this and use it with a local DMR repeater, however I haven't got the foggiest idea about DMR,
Analogue is all I have ever used so wanted to get some ideas and opinions
about it, what I can do with it along side normal voice comms etc.

I have been playing with an idea about hooking up my BBS to a radio at some point when I learn enough about it, with a good TCP/IP stack so that I could potentially call my BBS via Packet radio, which if I understand correct isn't necessarily a DMR thing, but wondered if DMR would make things easier /
quicker / better, etc.

Basically what I want to do is suck all the knowledge out of everyone here
and assimilate it all =)

Thanks for letting me into your network. Looking forward to hearing all your ideas etc.

---
|14Best regards,
|11Ch|03rist|11ia|15n |11a|03ka |11Me|03aTLoT|11io|15N

|07ÄÄ |08[|10eml|08] |15ml@erb.pw |07ÄÄ |08[|10web|08] |15www.erb.pw |07ÄÄÄ¿ |07ÄÄ |08[|09fsx|08] |1521:1/158 |07ÄÄ |08[|11tqw|08] |151337:1/101 |07ÂÄÄÙ |07ÄÄ |08[|12rtn|08] |1580:774/81 |07ÄÂ |08[|14fdn|08] |152:250/5 |07ÄÄÄÙ
|07ÄÄ |08[|10ark|08] |1510:104/2 |07ÄÙ

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/02 (Linux/64)
* Origin: The Quantum Wormhole, Ramsgate, UK. bbs.erb.pw (432:1/137)

Hi MeaTLoTioN!

31 May 2019 12:53, from MeaTLoTioN -> All:

I am interested in getting a DMR so that I can learn this and use it
with a local DMR repeater

It is a good option.
I also have a pi-star local DMR/C4FM/D-Star repeater. (cheap hat for a cheap RPi)

DMR is much more complicated than analog.
You have 2 slots, color codes, reflectors, ....
But it is a nice technology and price/performance is quit nice!
Best to google a bit around, and read some.

I have a TYT MD-380 and a Baofeng RD-5R (Attention NOT(!!!!) DM-5R that is not fully DMR compatible!)

Both are nice HTs.
The TYT is slightly more expensive, but better built and they have custom firmware. (but are single band)

The RD-5R has minimalistic firmware and not very convenient, but it has the basic analog/DMR features, is dual band and is compatible with all the UV-5R accessories.

I haven't looked at the available devices, but the MD-380 is a really, really good HT if you do not need 2m support.

My 2 cents ...

CU, Ricsi

... The truth shall make you free, but first it shall piss you off.
--- GoldED+/LNX
* Origin: How do you know it's summer? The rain's warmer... (432:1/105)

On 02 Jun 2019, Richard Menedetter said the following...

Hi MeaTLoTioN!

31 May 2019 12:53, from MeaTLoTioN -> All:

I am interested in getting a DMR so that I can learn this and use it with a local DMR repeater

It is a good option.
I also have a pi-star local DMR/C4FM/D-Star repeater. (cheap hat for a cheap RPi)

DMR is much more complicated than analog.
You have 2 slots, color codes, reflectors, ....
But it is a nice technology and price/performance is quit nice!
Best to google a bit around, and read some.

I have a TYT MD-380 and a Baofeng RD-5R (Attention NOT(!!!!) DM-5R that
is not fully DMR compatible!)

I was actually thinking about getting the RD-5R as that does Tier 2 DMR where as the original DM-5R was a flop, at least that is what I read before, so
good to know someone with the RD-5R should I invest in one sooner or later.

Both are nice HTs.
The TYT is slightly more expensive, but better built and they have custom firmware. (but are single band)

The RD-5R has minimalistic firmware and not very convenient, but it has the basic analog/DMR features, is dual band and is compatible with all
the UV-5R accessories.

I haven't looked at the available devices, but the MD-380 is a really, really good HT if you do not need 2m support.

Budget isn't really technically an issue, I mean I don't mind spending a bit more to get something a bit better, but I would rather buy something "disposable" to mess and learn with before choosing the "right" radio for my needs.

My local DMR repeater is on 2m: https://www.ukrepeater.net/my_repeater.php?callsign=gb3ki

I will probably bite the bullet so to speak and purchase a RD-5R when I get paid next, they're under 100 pounds which I think is pretty reasonable, but I will still be spending the next couple of weeks checking out other equally capable units before I go for it.

My 2 cents ...

... are always appreciated =)

CU, Ricsi

---
|14Best regards,
|11Ch|03rist|11ia|15n |11a|03ka |11Me|03aTLoT|11io|15N

|07ÄÄ |08[|10eml|08] |15ml@erb.pw |07ÄÄ |08[|10web|08] |15www.erb.pw |07ÄÄÄ¿ |07ÄÄ |08[|09fsx|08] |1521:1/158 |07ÄÄ |08[|11tqw|08] |151337:1/101 |07ÂÄÄÙ |07ÄÄ |08[|12rtn|08] |1580:774/81 |07ÄÂ |08[|14fdn|08] |152:250/5 |07ÄÄÄÙ
|07ÄÄ |08[|10ark|08] |1510:104/2 |07ÄÙ

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/02 (Linux/64)
* Origin: The Quantum Wormhole, Ramsgate, UK. bbs.erb.pw (432:1/137)

On 06-02-19 12:53, Richard Menedetter wrote to MeaTLoTioN <=-

DMR is much more complicated than analog.
You have 2 slots, color codes, reflectors, ....
But it is a nice technology and price/performance is quit nice!
Best to google a bit around, and read some.

DMR is pretty good, really. I certainly like the price/performance point, which is better than any of the other DV offerings. I have D-STAR (because it was the first available) and DMR (affordable entry) here.

I have a TYT MD-380 and a Baofeng RD-5R (Attention NOT(!!!!) DM-5R that
is not fully DMR compatible!)

Both are nice HTs.
The TYT is slightly more expensive, but better built and they have
custom firmware. (but are single band)

I haven't heard too many reports of the RD-5R, other than conformation that it is fully Tier-II compliant. The MD-380 is highly regarded and excellent bang for the buck. Something like that will probably be my next DMR radio. I have a couple of Hytera PD-362s. Good little radios, but fairly basic. However, I did get them for the "right price", as I won them in a Facebook competition that Hytera were running a few years ago. :) If I didn't already have the PD-362s, I'd have definitely gone with the MD-380.

The RD-5R has minimalistic firmware and not very convenient, but it has the basic analog/DMR features, is dual band and is compatible with all
the UV-5R accessories.

The ideal radio for me donly needs DMR on 70cm. 2m is basically analog here, though there is a little D-STAR on that band, alongside 70cm.

I haven't looked at the available devices, but the MD-380 is a really, really good HT if you do not need 2m support.

From what I've read, I'd agree.


... In every revolution, there's one man with a vision. Kirk, stardate unknown === MultiMail/Win32 v0.49
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* Origin: Freeway BBS Bendigo,Australia freeway.apana.org.au (432:1/101)

On 06-02-19 20:13, MeaTLoTioN wrote to Richard Menedetter <=-

I was actually thinking about getting the RD-5R as that does Tier 2 DMR where as the original DM-5R was a flop, at least that is what I read before, so good to know someone with the RD-5R should I invest in one sooner or later.

That's correct. The DM-5R was a poorly conceived and non Tier II compliant piece of junk, with the potential of causing QRM to the alternate timeslot, when used on a repeater. The RD-5R is said to be quite good. If you go Baofeng, definitely go for the RD-5R.

Budget isn't really technically an issue, I mean I don't mind spending
a bit more to get something a bit better, but I would rather buy
something "disposable" to mess and learn with before choosing the
"right" radio for my needs.

Understandable. :)

My local DMR repeater is on 2m: https://www.ukrepeater.net/my_repeater.php?callsign=gb3ki

Hmm, different to Australia, where 70cm will pretty much get you all of the DMR repeaters in the country. 2m DV in general is a fairly uncommon beast here. Local convention strongly favours 70cm.

I will probably bite the bullet so to speak and purchase a RD-5R when I get paid next, they're under 100 pounds which I think is pretty reasonable, but I will still be spending the next couple of weeks
checking out other equally capable units before I go for it.

Keep us posted on how you go.


... He does the work of 3 Men...Moe, Larry & Curly
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On 05-31-19 12:53, MeaTLoTioN wrote to All <=-

Howdy folks,

This is my first question posting in this network so forgive me if I
get this in the wrong area;

I've just gotten back into Amateur Radio, bought myself a cheap-o
Chinese Baofeng UV-5R which is happily TX/RX to a local repeater that
is also connected to EchoLink and Allstar.

Cool, they're not a bad radio for the price.

I am interested in getting a DMR so that I can learn this and use it
with a local DMR repeater, however I haven't got the foggiest idea
about DMR, Analogue is all I have ever used so wanted to get some ideas and opinions about it, what I can do with it along side normal voice
comms etc.

DMR is a different beast. The bulk of the traffic is networked, carried by talkgroups on various networks. I know of at least 3 networks:

DMR-MARC
Brandmeister
DMR+

You need some means of accessing those networks (local repeater or a hotspot). You will also need a DMR ID, which you can get from DMR-MARC. That ID will correspond to your callsign and you will need to program it into your DMR radio. Most users will only need one ID (it is possible to have multiple IDs per callsign, but it's usually overkill).

I have been playing with an idea about hooking up my BBS to a radio at some point when I learn enough about it, with a good TCP/IP stack so
that I could potentially call my BBS via Packet radio, which if I understand correct isn't necessarily a DMR thing, but wondered if DMR would make things easier / quicker / better, etc.

You would need a special theme to do packet radio. It's possible, though a packet style BBS would be a better fit. Packet BBSs won't work with hotkeys. Commands are needed, because on packet terminals, you have to press <enter> to send data. You will also need to enable local echo, otherwise you'll be typing blind. :)

I have a block of 44.x IPs for amateur radio use, though I haven't yet put them on air. They are only deployed on the LAN here so far. I have allocated a block and configured a couple for radio use, but I haven't connected a radio to my (working) gateway or setup a mobile station yet.

Life seems to get in the way, especially now that my sporting interests are taking up a lot of time. :)


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Hi MeaTLoTioN!

02 Jun 2019 20:13, from MeaTLoTioN -> Richard Menedetter:

I was actually thinking about getting the RD-5R as that does Tier 2
DMR where as the original DM-5R was a flop, at least that is what I
read before, so good to know someone with the RD-5R should I invest in
one sooner or later.

Indeed ... RD-5R works and you can feel free to ask, if I can answer I will. But it is very cumbersome.
Eg. when getting a SMS you can scroll the cursor only one place to the left/right.
It takes ages to go to the end of a long SMS.
(On other mobiles you can scroll one line per button press.)

Also on the RD-5R you can have up to 256 Contacts.
On MD-380 you can download the complete DMR database into the memory.

RD-5R is a nice second device.
I (personally) would not use it as my sole DMR device.

My local DMR repeater is on 2m: https://www.ukrepeater.net/my_repeater.php?callsign=gb3ki

Interesting ... as here all DMR repeaters are on 70cm.
You can get a 2m version of the MD-380 ... but I think that it has less flash, and is not compatible with the custom firmware :(

I will probably bite the bullet so to speak and purchase a RD-5R when
I get paid next, they're under 100 pounds which I think is pretty reasonable, but I will still be spending the next couple of weeks
checking out other equally capable units before I go for it.

I got it for 56 USD including shipping.
It was a promotion back then.

CU, Ricsi

... Consultant: One who steals your watch to give you the time.
--- GoldED+/LNX
* Origin: I'm in total control, but don't tell my wife. (432:1/105)

On 06-11-19 12:00, Richard Menedetter wrote to MeaTLoTioN <=-

Interesting ... as here all DMR repeaters are on 70cm.

Pretty much the same in Australia, AFAIK.

I'm getting rather interested in the MD-380, because of the bang for buck factor.


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I'm getting rather interested in the MD-380, because of the bang for buck factor.

So the MD-380 seems to be more favoured than the RD-5R...

Ok, so seeing as I will need to use both UHF & VHF for DMR here...
comparisons for;

TYT MD-UV380 - œ92.00 GBP
Baofeng RD-5R - œ79.99 GBP


Looks like both radios from a features point of view can do the same stuff, maybe the MD-UV380 has a better menu system from what you guys are saying...

What would make the MD-UV380 worth the extra 15% cost of the RD-5R? or...
What would make the RD-5R worth the extra 13% saving on the MD-UV380?

Budget isn't an issue, I can get the more expensive MD-UV380, but due to my little knowledge in this stuff, and going on what I read in the specs,
they're pretty much the same radio all bar a little software difference in
the menus... I want to get it right first time and not buy one and wish I'd bought the other... if that makes sense.

---
|14Best regards,
|11Ch|03rist|11ia|15n |11a|03ka |11Me|03aTLoT|11io|15N

|07ÄÄ |08[|10eml|08] |15ml@erb.pw |07ÄÄ |08[|10web|08] |15www.erb.pw |07ÄÄÄ¿ |07ÄÄ |08[|09fsx|08] |1521:1/158 |07ÄÄ |08[|11tqw|08] |151337:1/101 |07ÂÄÄÙ |07ÄÄ |08[|12rtn|08] |1580:774/81 |07ÄÂ |08[|14fdn|08] |152:250/5 |07ÄÄÄÙ
|07ÄÄ |08[|10ark|08] |1510:104/2 |07ÄÙ

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/02 (Linux/64)
* Origin: The Quantum Wormhole, Ramsgate, UK. bbs.erb.pw (432:1/137)

On 06-12-19 08:46, MeaTLoTioN wrote to Vk3jed <=-

I'm getting rather interested in the MD-380, because of the bang for buck factor.

So the MD-380 seems to be more favoured than the RD-5R...

Features mainly, especially the ability to store the entire DMR contact list and display callsign of the remote systion, instead of their DMR ID.

Ok, so seeing as I will need to use both UHF & VHF for DMR here... comparisons for;

TYT MD-UV380 - œ92.00 GBP
Baofeng RD-5R - œ79.99 GBP

Looks like both radios from a features point of view can do the same stuff, maybe the MD-UV380 has a better menu system from what you guys
are saying...

Better features - more contacts, third party firmware with more features as well.

What would make the MD-UV380 worth the extra 15% cost of the RD-5R?
or... What would make the RD-5R worth the extra 13% saving on the MD-UV380?

The RD-5R is dual band, isn't it? That would be a big factor for those like yourself who have DMR on both 2m and 70cm. While for me, I only have to consider 70cm. That changes the equation a fair bit.


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The RD-5R is dual band, isn't it? That would be a big factor for those like yourself who have DMR on both 2m and 70cm. While for me, I only
have to consider 70cm. That changes the equation a fair bit.

Ah but the model I found, the MD-UV380 IS dualband! VHF/UHF so 2m and 70cm.

Seeing as though it's like for like, and the MD-UV380 just does a better job
at the same stuff the RD-5R does, then I think I will likely go with the MD-UV380. (dual band version of the MD-380).

---
|14Best regards,
|11Ch|03rist|11ia|15n |11a|03ka |11Me|03aTLoT|11io|15N

|07ÄÄ |08[|10eml|08] |15ml@erb.pw |07ÄÄ |08[|10web|08] |15www.erb.pw |07ÄÄÄ¿ |07ÄÄ |08[|09fsx|08] |1521:1/158 |07ÄÄ |08[|11tqw|08] |151337:1/101 |07ÂÄÄÙ |07ÄÄ |08[|12rtn|08] |1580:774/81 |07ÄÂ |08[|14fdn|08] |152:250/5 |07ÄÄÄÙ
|07ÄÄ |08[|10ark|08] |1510:104/2 |07ÄÙ

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/02 (Linux/64)
* Origin: The Quantum Wormhole, Ramsgate, UK. bbs.erb.pw (432:1/137)

On 06-12-19 12:21, MeaTLoTioN wrote to Vk3jed <=-

Ah but the model I found, the MD-UV380 IS dualband! VHF/UHF so 2m and 70cm.

Seeing as though it's like for like, and the MD-UV380 just does a
better job at the same stuff the RD-5R does, then I think I will likely
go with the MD-UV380. (dual band version of the MD-380).

Cool. I don't know if the third party firmware is available for the dual band version, but sounds like the ideal radio for you. :)


... A Freudian slip - when you say one thing but mean your mother.
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Hi MeaTLoTioN!

12 Jun 2019 08:46, from MeaTLoTioN -> Vk3jed:

So the MD-380 seems to be more favoured than the RD-5R...

Take a look at some youtube videos about the firmware and usage.

RD-5R is cumbersome ...
It is OK for ocasional use ...

You can also try the TYT MD-2017.
It came out after I bought mine ... so I do not know an awful lot about it.

I am not sure if there is a custom firmware for that one, but I think it is dual band.

http://www.miklor.com/COM/Review_MD2017.php

CU, Ricsi

... I took up exercising so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
--- GoldED+/LNX
* Origin: Noah saved animals in the flood by ARCing them! (432:1/105)

Hi MeaTLoTioN!

12 Jun 2019 12:21, from MeaTLoTioN -> Vk3jed:

Ah but the model I found, the MD-UV380 IS dualband! VHF/UHF so 2m and 70cm.

Cool!
Did not know about that one!
http://www.va3xpr.net/tyt-md-uv380-review/

CU, Ricsi

... The 4 food groups: sugar, starch, grease and burnt crunchy bits.
--- GoldED+/LNX
* Origin: Ambition destroys its possessor. (432:1/105)

On 16 Jun 2019, Richard Menedetter said the following...

Hi MeaTLoTioN!

12 Jun 2019 12:21, from MeaTLoTioN -> Vk3jed:

Ah but the model I found, the MD-UV380 IS dualband! VHF/UHF so 2m and 70cm.

Cool!
Did not know about that one!
http://www.va3xpr.net/tyt-md-uv380-review/

CU, Ricsi

Thanks for the links, Ricsi, very interesting. Helping me make
some decisions =)

---
|14Best regards,
|11Ch|03rist|11ia|15n |11a|03ka |11Me|03aTLoT|11io|15N

|07ÄÄ |08[|10eml|08] |15ml@erb.pw |07ÄÄ |08[|10web|08] |15www.erb.pw |07ÄÄÄ¿ |07ÄÄ |08[|09fsx|08] |1521:1/158 |07ÄÄ |08[|11tqw|08] |151337:1/101 |07ÂÄÄÙ |07ÄÄ |08[|12rtn|08] |1580:774/81 |07ÄÂ |08[|14fdn|08] |152:250/5 |07ÄÄÄÙ
|07ÄÄ |08[|10ark|08] |1510:104/2 |07ÄÙ

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A43 2019/03/02 (Linux/64)
* Origin: The Quantum Wormhole, Ramsgate, UK. bbs.erb.pw (432:1/137)