DMR, D-Star and Fusion MMDVM linking system

htperry

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Carolina Link System

There's this digital voice radio linking system here in Charlotte/NC that cross-connects DMR, Dstar and C4FM. It works very well with any combination of the supported modes. I understand P25 support is coming. I've used it via DMR and D-Star, by repeater and hot spot.

If you use DMR talk group 31254 (sometimes labeled XRF054)
or D-Star REF054C
or YSF Reflector "US BM TG 31254/Carolina Link" or via FCS003/33
.... they are all linked together.


You can talk with any of these digital voice radios to anyone on the same mode or cross into the other modes.
 
Got an email about the link system use the 19th evening for the digital Net - FYI below.

"A note about the upcoming special version of the NC & Friends D-Star net. Next Tuesday, Dec 19 we will have the second edition of the NC Multi-Mode net. Please share this with your DMR/Fusion friends so they can join us!

Notes from Steve (K4SQI) on linking for this net: This will be multi-mode version of the net. What does that mean & how are we going to accomplish this? This net is on REF054C on D-Star. For the special edition of the net, I'll be linking the Carolina Link to REF054C instead of it's normal home on DCS054B. So for DMR, please continue to use the BM TG 31254 via any repeater/hotspot connected to the BM Network. For C4FM, you can connect to the Carolina Link in all the same connections as well:

YSF Reflector: "US BM TG 31254/Carolina Link"
FCS003/33 "Carolina Link"
Wires-X node #43008 (K4SQI-ROOM)

On D-Star please link to REF054C instead of DCS/XRF 054B."
 
I been listening to one tagged D-Star connect on one of the Charlotte DMR machines from Western Davie county. Big footprint on this machine. I think I've heard in Statesville too.

Thanks for the heads up HT Perry! I didn't know any details till your post. I see Steve's name coming up too. I'll have to try it on my XPR4550 base radio.
 
Explanation of the Carolina Link System from Steve K4SQI

How the Carolina Link came to be:

The last couple of months, I've been working on a new project. It's called the Carolina Link. The Charlotte Digital Radio Group has always been one of the leading groups here in NC in experimentation with Digital Technology. They have repeaters for everything! They're just a bunch of guys & gals who love this stuff. The GARA Club, in Greensboro was one first groups to put their D-Star Repeater on the network. It easy to see how I ended up being closely tied to both groups & how this idea grew over night to what it is today.

So the idea was simple, how can we tie all of this digital stuff together so it doesn't matter what radio you use, you'll always have one place in the Carolina's to talk with everyone despite what radio they use. We want this place to be a welcoming & encourage people to use the link! We don't have a "Net Nazi." Enjoy the link, we just ask that you leave some space between transmissions in case someone else needs/wants to jump in. Simple enough right?
wink_smile.png


How do I access it?

First & foremost, we use the BrandMeister Network as the hub for 3 full time links between each of 3 modes. DMR, D-Star, & Fusion (C4FM).

On DMR you can connect to the link from any BrandMeister repeater or hotspot on BM TalkGroup 31254.

On Fusion (C4FM) you can connect to the link via our YSF Reflector "US BM TG 31254/Carolina Link" or via FCS003/33. We have a RF bridge between these two links. The YSF Reflector has a full time link to the BM Network. We've recently added a Wires-X Node! You can connect to the Carolina Link via the K4SQI-ROOM (#43008).

D-Star is where things get interesting. We actually have multiple ways to access the link. Why? First, we have a full time link provided to our XLX Reflectors on XRF054C/XRF264C. This link is also provided by the BM Network. This link has a couple of issues, though. When you're on D-Star talking over to DMR/C4FM you're going to be at least 2x louder than those on talking on DMR/C4FM. When you're talking on DMR/C4FM, your audio going back over to D-Star is going to be 1/2 of those talking on D-Star. So be forewarned, you'll be adjusting your volume quite a bit. So that's where most of my time has been spent the last few months. Trying to create a better bridge between D-Star<->DMR/C4FM.

The current second way to access the Carolina Link is via XRF054B (or DCS054B). This second bridge provides much better audio conversion over XRF054C, but it has one small caveat, Call Sign information does not cross between modes like you would see if you use DMR/C4FM. You'll see my call sign, K4SQI when using this bridge. It'll show up as K4SQI /LINK with the message of Carolina Link. Right after you see the mesasage Carolina Link, if you continue to look at the INFO Message on D-Star, you'll then see a line similar to this: "DMR K4SQI 31254/2." This will give the call sign of the person talking on DMR/C4FM & let you know they are talking on BM TalkGroup 31254/Time Slot 2. This bridge is currently ran on an ODroid C1 using a PIDV & an original Blue DV-Dongle. This bridge is the second bridge we've used on XRF054B and it works really well compared to the first bridge.

In the past few days, I've finally created our third D-Star/DMR Bridge using the new XLXD Reflector 2.0 software that supports transcoding on the fly between D-Star/DMR using two of the original ThumbDV's. This was an experiment because the ambed software that does the conversion don't support the original ThumbDV's because of the baud rate. It turns out though, the setup works really well! If you're curious to test this bridge out now, feel free to connect to module A on XRF/DCS 554 on D-Star or DMR. Soon, this new bridge will be connected to XRF054A/XRF264A. In the future, this will be the only way to connect to the link from D-Star. Making life easier for everyone.
omg_smile.png


So there you go, that's how you connect to the Carolina Link. I've scaled down a lot of the story getting all of this work, but needless to say it's been interesting, even frustrating at times. I know a lot of people will say that I've done all this great work getting this stuff working, but I have to be honest. If it weren't for the support & help from a lot of great friends, this would've never came to light. First & foremost, I have to thank Steve KA4YMY, Roland W9HPX, Ray KI4UDZ, Mark W4BOG, Ken KC4YOZ, Mike W3TWG, Jesse K4AX, Scott ND4L, Gene NC1L, Doug W4DGB, Bill KC8YQL, Pascal VA2PV, Steve N4IRS, Corey N3FE, and Mark N2NUO. These guys have all supported me whether it be donating hardware/borrowing hardware for testing, answering a ton of questions, helping test different ideas, or helping me get things setup. So before I take any credit, my thanks goes out to all of them! There's been a great deal of others who've helped along the way with testing the link as well, including Cameron AJ4TW, Elaine KE4YYJ, Dave N4CWZ, Patrick K2CPR, Patrick N4QDK, Bill W4YX, John W4DX, "The OHIO Boys," Adrian VK4TUX and David AJ4TF just to name a few. Thanks again to everyone! If you have any questions on using the link or how we have it setup, please feel free to drop me an email or give me a shout on the Carolina Link. I'm usually close by when I'm not working. 73 de K4SQI!
 
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Pretty cool Howard. It's good the hams are trying to restore interoperability where the manufactures broke it. Thanks for putting this on the forum. That said it's been so long since I turned my dmr radio on I have completely forgotten how to program it. It will probably take me 5 days to figure out how to get in the net.
 
I have been listening to this via the Hood Road Hytera repeater in Charlotte, NC . There is a Gaston county club machine too ,but I'm not sure of the frequency and color code one the Hytera network.

444.025 (+5 MHZ) Hood Road ,Charlotte, NC CC 1 Time slot 2
D-Star Connect 31254 (in my codeplug )
I'm planning on changing to the alpha tag.
 
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From the link system creator -

Here's the list of repeaters & what mode is connected to the Carolina Link as I know it.

DMR:
Cary, NC : BM DMR TG 31254, Time Slot 1
Burlington, NC : BM DMR TG 31254, Time Slot 2
Charolotte, NC, : BM DMR TG 31254, Time Slot 2
Albermarle, NC : BM DMR TG 31254, Time Slot 2

Any other BM DMR Repeater/HotSpot can key up on it.

D-Star:
Charlotte, NC: KI4WXS-C Only one linked full time.

Any repeater/hotspot can connect via DCS054B or XRF054B

Yaesu System Fusion:
Mt. Airy, NC: W4DCA via Wires-X
Charlotte, NC: Both the KI4WXS & the KA4YMZ repeater via Wires-X

Any other repeater with Wires-X can connect to the system via my Node #43008 or via a hotspot
connected to the YSF Reflector or FCS003/33
 
Thanks Howard,

Just starting to use DMR some. I have the new Anytone dual band DMR. Lots I do not know still, and have made very few contacts. I am in Albemarle. This should help.

73 Clyde
 
Just starting to use DMR some. I have the new Anytone dual band DMR. Lots I do not know still, and have made very few contacts. I am in Albemarle. This should help.

Clyde, @georgel has the new Anytone 868UV. If that's what you have, there's a new firmware update v2. 19 you should look into. It fixes an issue with initial key up obliterating both time slots for about 150ms. That can be very disruptive on repeaters. Let me know when you think you will be on talk group 31254 and we'll sked a QSO.
 
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Thanks Howard, I did update the firmware. I do like the radio. Hope we can talk soon.
 
I checked into this net last Tuesday. It was really cool to hear all 3 modes, D Star, DMR, and C4FM talking together.

They took check ins grouped by mode, but after check ins, a few participants came back for comments on a different mode. It was really fun.

I know Steve K4SQI here in Greensboro. He is a super nice guy.
 
I've somehow talked myself into three more digital radios in the last few weeks. I've got the FT-70DR coming Tuesday. Great deal on a certified repack at MTC radio. $148 shipped. They tried to deliver Friday but no one was here to sign. Now they've even dropped the brand new FT-70DR to $179

https://www.mtcradio.com/yaesu-ft-70dr-c4fm-fusion-dual-band-5w-ht-transceiver/

I also got a used Icom ID-51A + for a fair price and then scored a Yaesu FTM-3200DR used for $100. I really like the simplicity of the 3200. It reminds me of the old FT-1900R but with a front firing speaker.

I don't own a DMR radio yet. A friend loaned me a CS-700 for a month but it was pretty quiet.

Merry Christmas to everyone!
 
I don't own a DMR radio yet. A friend loaned me a CS-700 for a month but it was pretty quiet.

I don't have a Fusion radio, but might like one. I find DMR and Fusion are superior audio quality, with D-Star a distant last. I can use my OpenSpot to talk on DMR, D-Star and Fusion. I find DMR is clearly more busy, especially on the worldwide talk group, nationwide and TAC groups.

My issue is that I have a particularly good HT, the Kenwood D74, but don't enjoy D-Star, so end up on my $90 TYT radio to enjoy DMR. Even when portable, the DMR seems to have better geographical coverage here. Our D-Star repeaters in the CLT area just aren't good compared to DMR. So, I'm disappointed in D-Star, can't stand the poor audio quality and wish Kenwood would somehow add DMR support via firmware update, to an otherwise fantastic radio.

I'm on the Carolina Link frequently these days. It has reinvigorated my interest in digital radio.
 
I don't have a Fusion radio, but might like one. I find DMR and Fusion are superior audio quality, with D-Star a distant last. I can use my OpenSpot to talk on DMR, D-Star and Fusion. I find DMR is clearly more busy, especially on the worldwide talk group, nationwide and TAC groups.

My issue is that I have a particularly good HT, the Kenwood D74, but don't enjoy D-Star, so end up on my $90 TYT radio to enjoy DMR. Even when portable, the DMR seems to have better geographical coverage here. Our D-Star repeaters in the CLT area just aren't good compared to DMR. So, I'm disappointed in D-Star, can't stand the poor audio quality and wish Kenwood would somehow add DMR support via firmware update, to an otherwise fantastic radio.

I'm on the Carolina Link frequently these days. It has reinvigorated my interest in digital radio.

I totally agree. The D Star audio is awful in comparison. I got into D Star pretty early before DMR was around. I do enjoy the linking capabilities, but I've sold quite a few D Star rigs out of boredom (usually for gun money haha.)

I did find D Star very useful for a presentation I did a few times in the past at a local elementary school Technology fair. The kids totally light up when they hear a VK or any strong accent. External speaker was a must though.

That Kenwood D74 looks awesome. How do you like it?
 
On another note, the Fusion radio has been more fun than I expected. Great audio.
The DR button has come to be known locally as a "filter." There is a local ham here, God bless him, who has truly monopolized the repeater the last few years. I actually like him a lot, but he over used the machine and came back to any ham who gave their call sign, and in turn ran quite a few hams off to other modes.

The DR "filter" has been a way to talk without worry as this guy has no interest in digital. I hate for any mode to exclude people, but the AMS feature has been a way to add some variety to the repeater while still allowing analog users to key up any time they want to. It's almost like having a second frequency.
 
That Kenwood D74 looks awesome. How do you like it?

It's a fantastic radio, except for the lack of DMR. The feature set is fantastic. In addition to being tri- band, it's digital, APRS, GPS and TNC. Very well built and a beauty. Kenwood needs to add DMR via firmware update.
 
I like the chat room concept of Fusion, but find Fusion and WiresX being separate confusing. I'd like a C4FM radio, too. The new DV4Mobile may be the answer to our prayers.
 
Yaesu FT-70DR showed up in the mail today. $148 shipped from MTC. I'm very impressed so far. I got the software and the drivers downloaded and worked on programming a bit. Cable included.

Good loud audio. Very simple layout. I had a QSO with a few guys locally. The VW (wide) mode sounds really great. Closest thing I've heard to true analog. Narrow is a bit more "digital" sounding but still far superior to D Star and about equivalent to DMR.

If you want a cheap way to C4FM, this seems like a good route unless you need GPS, APRS, dual rx, etc but it's a big price jump to the FT-2DR.
 
Clyde, @georgel has the new Anytone 868UV. If that's what you have, there's a new firmware update v2. 19 you should look into. It fixes an issue with initial key up obliterating both time slots for about 150ms. That can be very disruptive on repeaters. Let me know when you think you will be on talk group 31254 and we'll sked a QSO.
Two new updates have just been released for the D868UV. Firmware 2.20 and the matching 1.20 programing software, along with Baseband IC Update 3258. The Baseband Update fixes a time slot conflict and is a separate update from the firmware update and handled differently. It apparently flashes some different hardware in the system. Info is available on the Connect Systems site or Import Communications site.

http://www.connectsystems.com/software/software D868UV.htm

http://www.wouxun.us/category.php?category_id=90
 
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I just saw this @georgel

" ...issues with D868UV locking-up / freezing when receiving a PRIVATE CAŁL on both radio versions with FIRMWARE 2.20 & 1.20. Anytone has fixed the issue and will release new FIRMWARE 1.22 & 2.22 today"
 
I just sat down to try and figure this out but so far no luck.
I think I got the Hood Rd repeater that ES44AC mentioned programed with this info 444.025 (+5 MHZ) Hood Road ,Charlotte, NC CC 1 Time slot 2
I hit PTT and signed but didn't get a response.
Is there a daily or regular net I can use to confirm that I'm at least hearing the repeater?
 
I just sat down to try and figure this out but so far no luck.
I think I got the Hood Rd repeater that ES44AC mentioned programed with this info 444.025 (+5 MHZ) Hood Road ,Charlotte, NC CC 1 Time slot 2
I hit PTT and signed but didn't get a response.
Is there a daily or regular net I can use to confirm that I'm at least hearing the repeater?
You're not going to get a response ID or beep like an analog repeater. And you're not always going to find someone on. Did you receive and error sound/notification saying the repeater was not found?
Which talk group did you configure for? Try the Parrot talk group 9990 on slot 2. It's used to echo back your transmission, similar to the Echolink test server. That way you can tell if you're getting in and how well. (Assuming it's working.)


This is Hood Rd. KM4BRM This IS a Brandmeister repeater.

Name, Time Slot, Talk Group ID

Worldwide All Language 1 1 Full-Time
North America 1 3 Full-Time
Local 1 9
Worldwide English 1 9
North America 1 93
English 1 1 913
European English 1 923
Emcom US 1 9911
Hytera USA Reflector 1 31089 Full-Time
Regional 0 1 31090
Regional 1 1 31091
Regional 2 1 31092
Regional 3 1 31093
Regional 4 1 31094
Regional 5 1 31095
Regional 6 1 31096
Regional 7 1 31097
Regional 8 1 31098
Regional 9 1 31099
Local 2 2
TAC 310 2 310
TAC 311 2 311
TAC 312 2 312
TAC 313 2 313
TAC 314 2 314
USA - Nationwide 2 3100
Alabama Statewide 2 3101
Alaska Statewide 2 3102
Arizona Statewide 2 3104
Arkansas Statewide 2 3105
California Statewide 2 3106
Colorado Statewide 2 3108
Connecticut Statewide 2 3109
Delaware Statewide 2 3110
Washington, D.C. Statewide 2 3111
Florida Statewide 2 3112
Georgia Statewide 2 3113
Hawaii Statewide 2 3115
Idaho Statewide 2 3116
Illinois Statewide 2 3117
Indiana Statewide 2 3118
Iowa Statewide 2 3119
Kansas Statewide 2 3120
Kentucky Statewide 2 3121
Louisiana Statewide 2 3122
Maine Statewide 2 3123
Maryland Statewide 2 3124
Massachusetts Statewide 2 3125
Michigan Statewide 2 3126
Minnesota Statewide 2 3127
Mississippi Statewide 2 3128
Missouri Statewide 2 3129
Montana Statewide 2 3130
Nebraska Statewide 2 3131
Nevada Statewide 2 3132
New Hampshire Statewide 2 3133
New Jersey Statewide 2 3134
New Mexico Statewide 2 3135
New York Statewide 2 3136
North Carolina Statewide 2 3137 Full-Time
North Dakota Statewide 2 3138
Ohio Statewide 2 3139
Oklahoma Statewide 2 3140
Oregon Statewide 2 3141
Pennsylvania Statewide 2 3142
Rhode Island Statewide 2 3144
South Carolina Statewide 2 3145
South Dakota Statewide 2 3146
Tennessee Statewide 2 3147
Texas Statewide 2 3148
Utah Statewide 2 3149
Vermont Statewide 2 3150
Virginia Statewide 2 3151
Washington Statewide 2 3153
West Virginia Statewide 2 3154
Wisconsin Statewide 2 3155
Wyoming Statewide 2 3156
Parrot 2 9990
XRF054 C 2 31254 Full-Time
 
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If the repeater hears you and your radio registers with the repeater, you will hear a high pitched "chirp" once from your radio while you hold the PTT. It's not a tone transmitted back by the repeater, it's a chirp your radio makes while keyed saying the repeater acknowledged you. If the repeater doesn't register your radio, you will hear a "bonk" once, low tone. You should hear one or the other.
 
I get neither chirp nor bonk. I was hoping there was a regular net and I could tune in figuring I'm more likely to hear the repeater than be able to hit it from my QTH.
These are my settings
Hood Rd setup.JPG
 
World Wide 1 is on slot 1 in that repeater. It looks like you're configured for World Wide 1 on slot 2. So, that's likely why you're not hearing anything.
Try putting your radio into promiscuous mode, if you can. Remember, most of the talk groups require you to key up the repeater every 15min to keep the talk group open. So, if you're not reaching the repeater to key it up, you won't be able to listen to those talk groups, like TAC310, for example. However, World Wide 1 is full time, as are North America 3, Hytera USA Reflector 31089, NC Statewide 3137 and XRF054 C 31254. Configure for one or more of those on their respective time slots and you should be able to listen without the key up. XRF054 C is the cross-link to D-Star.

Here is net info on the Hood Rd. repeater:

Thursday 22:30 Hytera North America Net - Hytera TG 31089

31089 is on time slot 1 and it's full time, so you should be able to listen, if you're in range.
If you're in Ft. Mill, unless you're running an outside antenna, you're probably out of range. N4GAS on Spencer Mountain is another Brandmeister/Hytera repeater that you might be able to reach. and of course the Rock Hill DMR repeater is available and local to you, but it's a PRN repeater. So, TG selections are limited.
 
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New Talk Group number for Carolina Link system -

Morning everyone! I hope everyone is doing well today! Just a quick FYI....Today, is moving day for the Carolina Link!!!!!!!!!! XLXD054 got a complete OS/Reflector update earlier this morning. A huge thanks goes out to Mark, W4BOG who's been crazy busy with work, his big move,etc for giving me access to the XLX Reflector so I could get things updated. So what does all this mean? Today, once I can get up w/ Mark, N2NUO all the internconnects going to the YSF Reflector, XRF/DCS054C, & DCS/XRF554A will be removed and will be migrated to our new home on BM TG 31374 which has the proper name of the Carolina Link. TG 31254 will be cleared & returned to the pool of TG's for MA. This is a huge move for us. After today, things will be greatly simplified and we will no longer need all the additional bridges on DCS/XRF054B & C or the need for DCS554/XRD554A.

After today, this is how you'll access the Carolina Link on DMR & D-Star.

BM DMR with any Repeater/HotSpot the new Talk Group is 31374

All D-Star connections should be moved to DCS054A. XRF054A will work, but remember the DCS connection works better.

Please note there will be some connection drops today as things are moved over. Once everything is moved, I'll send out a second email letting everyone know the move is complete! 73 de K4SQI!

Steve, K4SQI
 
I now have a worldwide Brandmeister Talk Group on the topic of Drones. It is active on 31651. Any hams with DMR and interest in drones feel free to talk it up.

Drones Talk Group.jpg
 
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