You’re a godsend. I’m a prepper in north Sprigfield too but my coms have been a slow work in progress. Your videos have been invaluable to me. I’m getting an icom 5100 in a couple weeks. Very excited to improve my families preparedness. Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Rick, welcome to D-Star, and you will enjoy your'e 5100 on analog too, they are really sensitive so make sure you have a great antenna to go with it. Please join the 5100 Facebook page, you will find a lot of support there 73 Pete VK3TQ
I was wondering about the usefulness of GPS modules in those radios but it now makes perfect sense. The nearby repeater finder seems like a great feature in those newer radios.
Try checking out the D-STAR dongles. I don't have one but I know allot of guys who do and they love them. You connect them to the internet, they connect to a reflector then you connect to the dongle with your D-STAR HT.
This 4 yo video saved a ID-31 from the heap. FINALLY a video that showed me how to connect to D-Star. Now if I can figure how-to call someone ... I know he demo'd in video ... I just need someone to call ... 8(
I got a EchoLink link and i can Link with others repeaters but boy this is better than Echolink i'm going to buy the ID 5100 and give it a try hey Commsprepper thanks for the demonstration
Great video. One question , what the heck are “best 73’s”? By definition 73 means “best regards”. It is so awkward to hear anything other than simply seven-three or seventy-three. Ha ha. :)
Nice rig :) I still have my 880H that I bought in 2013 at the Richmond Frostfest. I like the display on the 5100. More to see than on the 880H. I would like Icom to make a DMR mobile with FM and DSTAR as well and have it looking like the 5100A :) 73s de WB4UR
Hi Sean interesting observation, I was the exact opposite, found the 5100 on the dash a little big and too much info, the 880 is good and the rxed calls easy to read, while in traffic, what go you think guys
Love your videos sir. Question, what's the difference between linking a reflector and a gateway? I understand the linking of either one but why would one choose a reflector over a gateway or visa versa? What makes them different. Thank you.
Gateway is a box connected to a repeater (link to Internet). A reflector is like a "conference call bridge" that provides ports for Gateways to connect to. For example, the gateway boxes on repeaters A, B, and C would use the Internet to connect to reflector X. Now all the traffic on repeaters A, B, and C are merged via reflector X. Connect to a reflector and you get access to all the repeaters connected to the reflector. Clear as mud?
@@Commsprepper I think I got it. So connecting to a reflector, I would have more of an audiance per say with it being tied to multiple gateways (repeaters). And If i decided to just conect to a specific gateway, my audiance would only be the ones listening to said gateway?
Thanks for the update! I'm a newbie and I've recently passed my tech exam up here in the Berkshires of MA. Have yet to get my callsign issued but I've been following you since I'm interested in Dstar. Am I correct to assume that I cannot connect to dstar reflectors unless my callsign is register? I recently picked up an ID51 HT.
Congratulations on your ticket! Yes - you will need your call sign to register with D-STAR system. I am not sure if you will be able to hit the repeaters around your area with only a five watt handheld. From my limited (three day) experience 50 watts is what's needed.
I like and use D-Star/Fusion/DMR, but hoping to make use of it in an extreme emergency situation is optimistic in the extreme. Assuming, the local D-Star repeater or RF Gateway still has power or is running on backup batteries, and assuming the broadband/Internet link at the repeater or RF Gateway is powered up and running, and assuming the local and regional internet servers and interconnections are powered up and running, and assuming the D-Star address servers are powered up and running, and assuming the destination side of all of these are also powered up and running and assuming that everything is able to still connect over the internet without horrendous lag from all the people who will just be relying on connecting via their iPhone or PC.... That's a LOT of assumptions. You then have to deal with the simple fact that D-Star is an unregulated system. Imagine the chaos as multiple disorganized, and possibly desperate, parties, all try to interconnect D-Star Repeaters or RF Gateways. Not saying getting people to cooperate on channel sharing can't be done, but just getting people to cooperate on channel usage across interconnected systems will be a nightmare, and all the time the uncooperative people are jamming up the repeaters and internet gateways, those backup batteries are being drained. So even if you wait patiently, you may lose the repeater or Gateway when the (probably not changed in five years) batteries give up from the sudden extreme work load. It pains me to say it (I like digital/internet linked communications), but we are better off relying on good old HF for backup and emergency (DX) comms. Analog and digital are fine for local use and RF (microwave links, or cross banded) interconnected repeaters, but once you touch the internet, all bets are off. Not to say we can't use internet connected comms in peace time though, just don't include it in any sort of emergency back up plan. It's just too reliant on unreliable infrastructure.
HF radios and operations for emergency purposes are will represented on the channel here. VHF and D-STAR ops are just another tool in the tool box. There are plenty of localized emergency scenarios where D-STAR and its gateway functionality could apply. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
I can't really comment as I don't have any Yessu digital products. However, from what I have been told the Fusion system does have the repeater connections like D-STAR. All this said, I have been very happy with the D-STAR product line.
Much more D-Star and DMR infra-structure, You may be told there are many Fusion repeaters around but MANY are not internet assisted to link out to rooms and constellations as they were only replacements for Fledgling analog repeaters. D-Star is worth it , easy to use and program, unlike DMR, but you can get on DMR cheaply if you buy chinese handhelds and have a DMR repeater in your area or a hotspot. Been doing digital for 13 years D-Star is my pick
Have you tried DMR and compared it to D-Star? I personally have a hard time investing the amount of money required to get into D-star when most DMR radios are cheaper and IMO sound just as good
I have not used DMR so I cannot say. I can say that the back-end network support and andriod app drew me to DSTAR and I have been pleased with its performance.
If you buy a chinese DMR hand held buy two, just to cover the one that goes faulty. I have now bought three and have one working one. I have thrown my Baofengs out in the trash. Interestingly I purchased a Icom U82 UHF hand held in 2007, still going strong, a IC 92AD in 2008 going great and a IC 910 and an IC7600 in 2010 All still going great. With DMR the only way to go is Motorola You get what you pay for
Yes the receiving repeater that is connected to the Albany repeater as they are both connected to the same reflector, so convo will be heard in both areas or why not just disconnect the reflector when you want to use it locally and connect it back up when finished. The D-Star people are very tolerant In Australia most D-Star repeaters sit on 23C, but nearly all can be disconnected and moved to other reflectors like 1C or 30C, or a constellation reflector like DCS389D which is multi protocol. My advice is just do it you wont break it. The biggest thing if the repeater is connected to a WORLD WIDE reflector please do not auto send GPS data It t is not accepted ettiqute and even more so if the station is unattended. Many stations in the past have broken the international D-Star net, by incorrect settings on their radio
Yes. Dave has an ID-5100A and was using the D-STAR VHF repeater in Alexandria Virginia. That repeater is connected to the 62C reflector. What I did was connect the Albany repeater to the same reflector and that's how we made the connection.
@@brucewayne-cave Not really. A reflector is more like a “conference bridge” or virtual room. Each repeater or hotspot can connect putting you in the same “conference room” so you can all talk. When finished you disconnect. It is also possible to talk dstar simplex without using any reflectors. It is just an added feature to help people gather in one place over the air regardless of physical location. Sort of like using Zoom or Webex on your computer.
The concept sounds good but the traffic would be too much. D-STAR is the next best thing because you can selectively bring up any 2m/70cm/1.2g D-STAR system as needed globally.
Ok I knew you have to have a license to transmit. But didn't know what class license could operate on D-star. Thank you for the quick answer. I am gonna sell my whislter 1098 to help me buy this radio and get my tech license. What is the difference between the ICOM id 5100 A and the ICOM 5100 E ? Local agencies here went to encrypted channels and the police scanner is useless now. I need a new hobby.
Dstar is cool but its a step away from what ham radio is intended for....With dstar and echolink and IRLP your using infrastructure to make a contact.....I will never go digital for a few reasons 1. The 1% error rate is unacceptable 2. Limited range. digital you got it or you don't. Analog you can hear someone in the static and still get the contact. 3. You are making it easier for big brother to monitor your comms. 4. APRS is like having a lojack on yourself at all times. I will stick to HF to make long range contact and vhf/uhf for local contacts.......
This exactly what ham radio is intended for! It is to experiment with radio!! There's a lot more out there then just analog voice.. there is Pactor, Rtty, Psk31, fsk133, Jt65, jt6m, olivia, mt63, and ton of others in fact Morse code is the original digital data mode. People need to get out explore and experiment! Ask questions and find out why! This hobby has more to offer then you think! Don't let people like this stop you from experimenting! Go out on your own and find out for yourself! Leave the naysayers behind! Viva la radio experimenting revolución!!!!!
+Chris Parrish oh heck ya I didn't mean to imply it's not awesome to play with and have fun with I was just pointing out the drawbacks of digital as a matter of fact I'm saving for a pactor 4 modem but again I can fall back to analog as well .....shoot don't listen to me have fun but remember if you smell bacon burning your holding the soldering iron wrong 😂
You’re a godsend. I’m a prepper in north Sprigfield too but my coms have been a slow work in progress. Your videos have been invaluable to me. I’m getting an icom 5100 in a couple weeks. Very excited to improve my families preparedness. Thanks so much for your help!
Thanks for the comment and channel support.
Hi Rick, welcome to D-Star, and you will enjoy your'e 5100 on analog too, they are really sensitive so make sure you have a great antenna to go with it. Please join the 5100 Facebook page, you will find a lot of support there 73 Pete VK3TQ
I was wondering about the usefulness of GPS modules in those radios but it now makes perfect sense. The nearby repeater finder seems like a great feature in those newer radios.
Nice, I really have to break down and buy a digital rig, in my area there are no digital repeaters, but in Vegas there are lots. Thanks!
Try checking out the D-STAR dongles. I don't have one but I know allot of guys who do and they love them. You connect them to the internet, they connect to a reflector then you connect to the dongle with your D-STAR HT.
Great video! I’m getting this for my pickup truck.
this is good to know great job. I wish all the companies Yaesu Icom Kenwood would get together and make one type like the D Star
Agreed - it would be nice to have one digital platform. But for now - I like D-STAR because of the back-end repeater support.
Bruce Reich you and everybody else
This 4 yo video saved a ID-31 from the heap. FINALLY a video that showed me how to connect to D-Star. Now if I can figure how-to call someone ... I know he demo'd in video ... I just need someone to call ... 8(
glad it has helped.
great video. Thanks 73
I'm a Yaesu guy, but that is one beautiful rig
I was a Yaesu guy too but really like the D-STAR network.
I got a EchoLink link and i can Link with others repeaters but boy this is better than Echolink i'm going to buy the ID 5100 and give it a try hey Commsprepper thanks for the demonstration
That was sooooooo Awesome!!!
Thanks. It's great when things come together for a video.
Great video. One question , what the heck are “best 73’s”? By definition 73 means “best regards”. It is so awkward to hear anything other than simply seven-three or seventy-three. Ha ha. :)
Great video
Thanks
Nice rig :) I still have my 880H that I bought in 2013 at the Richmond Frostfest. I like the display on the 5100. More to see than on the 880H. I would like Icom to make a DMR mobile with FM and DSTAR as well and have it looking like the 5100A :) 73s de WB4UR
Hi Sean interesting observation, I was the exact opposite, found the 5100 on the dash a little big and too much info, the 880 is good and the rxed calls easy to read, while in traffic, what go you think guys
....and Sean.... Icom...DMR I can assure you, it will never happen.... Im ex Icom in VK, if you want a second opinion ask Ray Novak
Love your videos sir. Question, what's the difference between linking a reflector and a gateway? I understand the linking of either one but why would one choose a reflector over a gateway or visa versa? What makes them different. Thank you.
Gateway is a box connected to a repeater (link to Internet). A reflector is like a "conference call bridge" that provides ports for Gateways to connect to. For example, the gateway boxes on repeaters A, B, and C would use the Internet to connect to reflector X. Now all the traffic on repeaters A, B, and C are merged via reflector X. Connect to a reflector and you get access to all the repeaters connected to the reflector. Clear as mud?
@@Commsprepper I think I got it. So connecting to a reflector, I would have more of an audiance per say with it being tied to multiple gateways (repeaters). And If i decided to just conect to a specific gateway, my audiance would only be the ones listening to said gateway?
Very nice and clear Hank.
73 Bob W1RPG
Thank you. And thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Hank
Thanks for the update! I'm a newbie and I've recently passed my tech exam up here in the Berkshires of MA. Have yet to get my callsign issued but I've been following you since I'm interested in Dstar. Am I correct to assume that I cannot connect to dstar reflectors unless my callsign is register? I recently picked up an ID51 HT.
Congratulations on your ticket! Yes - you will need your call sign to register with D-STAR system. I am not sure if you will be able to hit the repeaters around your area with only a five watt handheld. From my limited (three day) experience 50 watts is what's needed.
Do you still recommend this or do you recommend a more revised model?
I think you just sold me a radio.
I think you will be happy.
I like and use D-Star/Fusion/DMR, but hoping to make use of it in an extreme emergency situation is optimistic in the extreme.
Assuming, the local D-Star repeater or RF Gateway still has power or is running on backup batteries, and assuming the broadband/Internet link at the repeater or RF Gateway is powered up and running, and assuming the local and regional internet servers and interconnections are powered up and running, and assuming the D-Star address servers are powered up and running, and assuming the destination side of all of these are also powered up and running and assuming that everything is able to still connect over the internet without horrendous lag from all the people who will just be relying on connecting via their iPhone or PC....
That's a LOT of assumptions.
You then have to deal with the simple fact that D-Star is an unregulated system. Imagine the chaos as multiple disorganized, and possibly desperate, parties, all try to interconnect D-Star Repeaters or RF Gateways. Not saying getting people to cooperate on channel sharing can't be done, but just getting people to cooperate on channel usage across interconnected systems will be a nightmare, and all the time the uncooperative people are jamming up the repeaters and internet gateways, those backup batteries are being drained. So even if you wait patiently, you may lose the repeater or Gateway when the (probably not changed in five years) batteries give up from the sudden extreme work load.
It pains me to say it (I like digital/internet linked communications), but we are better off relying on good old HF for backup and emergency (DX) comms. Analog and digital are fine for local use and RF (microwave links, or cross banded) interconnected repeaters, but once you touch the internet, all bets are off.
Not to say we can't use internet connected comms in peace time though, just don't include it in any sort of emergency back up plan. It's just too reliant on unreliable infrastructure.
HF radios and operations for emergency purposes are will represented on the channel here. VHF and D-STAR ops are just another tool in the tool box. There are plenty of localized emergency scenarios where D-STAR and its gateway functionality could apply. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
What do you think of Yaesu's Wires-X? I'm shopping for a new 2m/70cm and trying to decide if D-Star is worth it.
I can't really comment as I don't have any Yessu digital products. However, from what I have been told the Fusion system does have the repeater connections like D-STAR. All this said, I have been very happy with the D-STAR product line.
Much more D-Star and DMR infra-structure, You may be told there are many Fusion repeaters around but MANY are not internet assisted to link out to rooms and constellations as they were only replacements for Fledgling analog repeaters. D-Star is worth it , easy to use and program, unlike DMR, but you can get on DMR cheaply if you buy chinese handhelds and have a DMR repeater in your area or a hotspot. Been doing digital for 13 years D-Star is my pick
Have you tried DMR and compared it to D-Star? I personally have a hard time investing the amount of money required to get into D-star when most DMR radios are cheaper and IMO sound just as good
I have not used DMR so I cannot say. I can say that the back-end network support and andriod app drew me to DSTAR and I have been pleased with its performance.
If you buy a chinese DMR hand held buy two, just to cover the one that goes faulty. I have now bought three and have one working one. I have thrown my Baofengs out in the trash. Interestingly I purchased a Icom U82 UHF hand held in 2007, still going strong, a IC 92AD in 2008 going great and a IC 910 and an IC7600 in 2010 All still going great. With DMR the only way to go is Motorola You get what you pay for
could the same thing have been done through a hot spot?
No
@@Commsprepper Why not? Just trying to clarify what can and can't be done via hotspot. Thanks
What antenna are you using if its not a hot spot.
Antenna on the roof of the car.
So nowwww... can people near you on that Albany hear both sides of your convo?
+ertonyrn yes
Yes the receiving repeater that is connected to the Albany repeater as they are both connected to the same reflector, so convo will be heard in both areas or why not just disconnect the reflector when you want to use it locally and connect it back up when finished. The D-Star people are very tolerant In Australia most D-Star repeaters sit on 23C, but nearly all can be disconnected and moved to other reflectors like 1C or 30C, or a constellation reflector like DCS389D which is multi protocol. My advice is just do it you wont break it. The biggest thing if the repeater is connected to a WORLD WIDE reflector please do not auto send GPS data It t is not accepted ettiqute and even more so if the station is unattended. Many stations in the past have broken the international D-Star net, by incorrect settings on their radio
Hank was your friend also on a D-Star radio, or a local U/VHF repeater?
Yes. Dave has an ID-5100A and was using the D-STAR VHF repeater in Alexandria Virginia. That repeater is connected to the 62C reflector. What I did was connect the Albany repeater to the same reflector and that's how we made the connection.
Is it acceptable to think of a reflector as a 'patch cable'; between two D-Star repeaters?
@@brucewayne-cave Not really. A reflector is more like a “conference bridge” or virtual room. Each repeater or hotspot can connect putting you in the same “conference room” so you can all talk. When finished you disconnect. It is also possible to talk dstar simplex without using any reflectors. It is just an added feature to help people gather in one place over the air regardless of physical location. Sort of like using Zoom or Webex on your computer.
it would be great if you could get all the 2 meter repeaters linked together and you could talk all around the world on two meters
The concept sounds good but the traffic would be too much. D-STAR is the next best thing because you can selectively bring up any 2m/70cm/1.2g D-STAR system as needed globally.
Does anyone know if I have a technician license can i use this radio ?
Technician class FCC Amateur radio license is required to use this radio.
Ok I knew you have to have a license to transmit. But didn't know what class license could operate on D-star. Thank you for the quick answer. I am gonna sell my whislter 1098 to help me buy this radio and get my tech license. What is the difference between the ICOM id 5100 A and the ICOM 5100 E ? Local agencies here went to encrypted channels and the police scanner is useless now. I need a new hobby.
Too bad there arent many dstar repeaters near charlottesville, va
But easily mitigated with an fairly inexpensive pi-star Hotspot
Or can they not since you are pushing through gateway/reflector
+ertonyrn the reaper is passing the traffic to the gateway.
Want to bet he called him first
Digital is always full quieting lol
Glad you got laugh. Thanks for stopping by to watch and comment.
@@Commsprepper Yep all digital R2D2 / C3PO Gotta love it
You guys sound way too uptight. Relax and have fun with it. Nice demo otherwise.
Thanks.
Dstar is cool but its a step away from what ham radio is intended for....With dstar and echolink and IRLP your using infrastructure to make a contact.....I will never go digital for a few reasons 1. The 1% error rate is unacceptable 2. Limited range. digital you got it or you don't. Analog you can hear someone in the static and still get the contact. 3. You are making it easier for big brother to monitor your comms. 4. APRS is like having a lojack on yourself at all times. I will stick to HF to make long range contact and vhf/uhf for local contacts.......
For APRS, you control the accuracy of the GPS coordinates sent, or can even send/receive messages without sending coordinates.
This exactly what ham radio is intended for! It is to experiment with radio!! There's a lot more out there then just analog voice.. there is Pactor, Rtty, Psk31, fsk133, Jt65, jt6m, olivia, mt63, and ton of others in fact Morse code is the original digital data mode. People need to get out explore and experiment! Ask questions and find out why! This hobby has more to offer then you think! Don't let people like this stop you from experimenting! Go out on your own and find out for yourself! Leave the naysayers behind! Viva la radio experimenting revolución!!!!!
+Chris Parrish oh heck ya I didn't mean to imply it's not awesome to play with and have fun with I was just pointing out the drawbacks of digital as a matter of fact I'm saving for a pactor 4 modem but again I can fall back to analog as well .....shoot don't listen to me have fun but remember if you smell bacon burning your holding the soldering iron wrong 😂
But, you stated clearly "I will never go digital", and then back peddled.