D-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 supports network connectivity, enabling D-STAR radios to be connected to the Internet to stream voice and data communications.

W4VO D-Star Repeater Links

- D-Star Last Heard 
- W4VO D-Star Last Heard
- D-Star Reflectors    
- D-Star Reflector 30
- D-Star Nets
- D-Star LMRC and SouthEast Link Nets

Getting Started

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

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. 

D-Star 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

D-Star Net procedures. D-Star nets use the Quick Key format to check in. Key your radio or dongle for one second only when the frequency is clear, space your call. Tailgating will cause your transmission not to be heard. Wait one full second after the beep before transmitting. Net Control will acknowledge all quick-key check–ins seen. If your station is not acknowledged, be patient, Net Control will ask for additional check-ins.

Icom’s DR mode (Digital Repeater mode) is a feature found in some Icom radios, particularly those designed for D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio). Let’s explore how to use DR mode:

1. Updating Repeater Memories:

   • DR mode simplifies the process of accessing D-STAR repeaters. First, ensure your radio’s DR memories are up-to-date. Follow these steps:
     • Download a .csv file for your region and radio model from D-STAR Info. You’ll need an SD card (8GB is sufficient) that fits your radio.
     • Format the SD card in the radio to create the necessary file structure.
     • Place the card into your PC’s SD card reader and visit the D-STAR Info website.
     • Select your geographic area and radio model, choose the number of empty memories you want, and add any unique data (such as your hotspot) if desired.
     • Copy the file to the SD card’s Csv folder.
     • Insert the card back into your radio and select Import / Repeater List from the SD card menu.

2. Activating DR Mode:

   • To activate DR mode, press the DR button (on some radios, it’s a long press).
   • You’ll see a screen with a TO area (top) and a FROM area (below).
   • Navigate to the FROM area and press Enter.
   • You’ll be taken to the FROM SELECT screen, where you can choose your desired repeater.

3. Near Repeater Selection:

   • If your GPS is turned on and has a good location, scroll to Near Repeater and press Enter.
   • On the NEAR REPEATER screen, select ALL, DV, or FM and press Enter.
   • You’ll see a list of nearby repeaters listed in order of proximity.

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 controls the repeater and directs connections to and from the gateway 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 Linix web server located at a data center with a high-speed Internet connection.  The reflector accepts connections from D-STAR gateways and DV devices - like Dongles, DV access points, and hotspots. It then redistributes the information to all connected gateways and devices 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. Each reflector has several modules - A, B, C, D, and E  Example REF030B.

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 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 Access Point (DVAP)

         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.

SharkRF openSPOT 4

The openSPOT4 Pro is our latest battery powered, portable, standalone digital radio internet gateway (hotspot) designed mainly for amateur radio use. You can talk with others on digital radio networks by using an openSPOT4 Pro, Wi-Fi internet access, and your digital transceiver.

It includes a new CPU and a completely Wi-Fi module, which means both the web interface and update downloads are blazing fast. The built-in battery has a larger capacity, and the device can work much longer than our previous battery-powered models thanks to the new hardware and optimized software. openSPOT4 – SharkRF

Hotspot

• MMDVM hotspot supports D-STAR DMR YSF P25 NXDN POCSAG, enables the different mode of digital two way radio to communicate with each other (YSF2DMR / YSF2NXDN / YSF2P25 / DMR2YSF / DMR2NXDN) and works great with UHF 430~450Mhz.
• Upgraded hardware: the raspberry pi Model 2B support wired connection to the router directly and the wifi module support connecting wifi in wireless mode.
• Power Supply: 5V, Mobile charger or a USB cable connected to your computer or laptop.
• Pi-STAR Download