LEARNING CURVE
In my September column, I wrote about my first foray into the world of digital radio; more specifically, DMR code plugs, repeaters, and digital etiquette (See September 2019 CQ, p. 62). I also recall writing that I felt behind the DMR learning curve. Although I have advanced my knowledge of DMR, I’m still not a DMR “guru.” Nonetheless, I am happy to share my progress, and based upon reader feedback (thank you, by the way), I’m heartened to know that my article has proven useful to you. This month, I would like to share my DMR openspot odyssey.
DMR 101 Rehash
Before getting into openspots, let’s first look at DMR repeaters. Like their analog cousins, DMR repeaters greatly extend the range of a mobile DMR FM transceiver. Unlike analog FM repeaters that retransmit one operator’s voice at a time, DMR repeaters can carry multiple simultaneous conversations (talkgroups) over its frequency pair. Like analog repeaters, DMR repeaters need to use a CTCSS (continuous tone coded squelch system), also known in ham parlance as a PL® (Private Line®)1 tone. However in the DMR world, CTCSS tones are called color codes. Unlike analog repeaters, DMR repeaters have two time slots that are assigned to talkgroups, which is one of the really attractive features of DMR repeaters.
Talkgroups can be thought of as area-wide clubs with specialized themes. Or put another way, a talkgroup is a method>. DMR talkgroups, I believe, are a major appeal and a driving force powering DMR’s popularity.
