D-STAR

D-STARD-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio) is an FDMA and GMSK digital voice and data protocol.

Digital voice modulation uses less bandwidth than older analog voice modes such as amplitude modulation, and frequency modulation. The quality of the data received is usually better than an analog signal at the same signal strength. Digital modulation is easier to route and distribute.

D-STAR compatible radios are available for VHF, UHF, and 1.2 GHz amateur radio bands. In addition to the over-the-air protocol, D-STAR also support network connectivity, enabling D-STAR radios to be connected to the Internet to stream voice and data communications.

W4VO D-Star Repeater Links

-   W4VO D-Star Last Heard 
-   D-Star Reflectors    
-   D-Star Reflector 30

Getting Started

You can use your new D-STAR radio for communication over the D-STAR network with our registering.  However to use a dongle, DVAP and control the gateway - you must register.  If you are considering a D-STAR radio go ahead and complete your registration. This link will provide you

To register your call sign with the D-STAR network go to D-Star-registration.  You should only register on one site - multipliable registrations can create problems. 

Dstar Online resources:

  • The D-Star Info - www.dstarinfo.com - site has radio specs, reflector information, D-STAR conferences and forums, nets schedules, apps and devices, updates for radios with repeater databases, and a D-STAR calculator.

  • D-STAR Uses - www.dstarusers.org - shows the most recent D-STAR users activity, a repeater directory, and radio programming videos.

This link will provide your with W4VO Programming Details




W4VO D-STAR Controller and Repeater



D-STAR Repeater Controller

D-STAR 145.380 VHF Repeater

 


W4VO 146.94 Mastr III

D-Star 440.625 UHF Repeater
     (not shown in photo)

D-STAR Gateways

The D-STAR gateway is a Linux based computer that run the D-STAR gateway, D-STAR plus, and Monlink software. The D-STAR gateway connects to the D-STAR repeater controller and to the Internet. The gateway controller the repeater and directs connections to and from the gateway and DStar network. DStar Reflector. The D-STAR controller also interfaces with four D-STAR repeaters - VHF, UHF, 1.2 GHz voice, and 1.2 GHz data.



D-STAR Reflectors

The reflector is a web server located at a data center with a high-speed Internet connect.  The reflector accepts connections from D-STAR gateways and DV devices - like Dongles and DV access points. It then redistributes the information to all connected gateways and devices.  Each reflector has several modules - A, B, C, D, and E  Example REF030B.  and redistributes DV information to all stations connected to a module. It acts as a digital repeater or voice bridge. The difference is that the reflector's inputs and outputs are digital rather than RF, with the DV to RF conversion happening remotely.

Reflector have be enhanced by adding a dashboard page that is available on the web. The dashboard will list all the inbound and ongoing reflector’s links - plus individual  connections.  The primary Georgia reflectors are REF030B and REF030C.

www.dstarinfo.com/reflectors.aspx

D-Star Repeaters
This link will provide you with a list of current D-star and FM repeaters.  www.dstarusers.org/repeaters.php
 
The D-STAR Web Calculator is an easy guide that will show how your radio should be programmed/   www.dstarinfo.com/RepeaterDownloads.aspx


D-STAR Radios examples

ICOM ID-5100 ICOM ID-5100

50W output power on both VHF and UHF bands
Intuitive touch screen operation
V/U, V/V, U/U Dual receive
DV/FM Repeater list function
Dplus reflector linking
UT-133 Bluetooth® unit (option)
DV and FM repeater search function
GPS location

Basic radio operations

For radios with a “DR” mode: you will want to select your repeater, Link to Reflector, and then  30 C.
If the gateway is already linked, you may have to unlink it first.  In the web calculator, for Function, select Unlink.

Once linked, you will have to switch UR in the radio to “CQCQCQ” otherwise you will not be heard on the remote system.  In the web calculator, for Function, select Local Repeater with Gateway.  Then select the same module for Destination Module as the Source Module.  DR radios select Use Reflector.

ICOM 51A Plus

Dual Band UHF and VHF
Faster data transfer in DV mode
RS-MS1A Android™ application (optional OPC-2350LU cable required)
Additional Dplus reflector link commands
DV and FM repeater search function
GPS location
Near DV and FM repeater search and scan
Enhanced D-PRS functions
Dual Band UHF and VHF

Digital Voice Dongle (DV DNGL)DV Dongle website

DV DongleDigital Voice Dongle


Internet Labs PC Digital Voice Dongles connect to your Windows PC or Intel-based Mac via a USB port and provide an access point for use with D-STAR reflectors.
  If you can’t reach a D-STAR repeater and do not have a D-Star radio, use one of these devices with your computer to connect into the D-STAR network.

Digital Voice Access Point (DVAP)

DVAP Dongle         Digital Voice Access Point Dongle - VHF or UHF

Internet Labs Digital Voice Access Point Dongles connect to your computer and provide a 2 meter or 70 cm Access Point for your D-STAR radio. The DVAP is a 10 mW digital transceivers units will work with your D-STAR radio all around the house with the included stub antenna. Attachment to a better antenna will yield extended coverage.

Using a DV Access Point Dongle, an Internet connection and a D-STAR transceiver, a user may connect to, and communicate with, D-STAR gateways and reflectors . The DVAPTool application used with the DV Access Point Dongle may be installed and run on Microsoft Windows, Mac, or many flavors of Linux.

You’ll need to install the FTDI drivers - www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm and download the application for your OS from the DVAP website - www.dvapdongle.com The installation instructions are included with the DVAP. The DVAP can also be used with the Raspberry PI.