[Dstar] D-Star and emergencies

[Matt]

Hi Peter, agreed that the range of DSTAR is better than analogue FM at the 
same power levels. I have a very difficult simplex path to a mate of mine 
when operating from the parents place in Melbourne. I always have problems 
using analogue, but when we went to DSTAR, no problems, made it through 
without an issue.
There seems to be a fair amount of DSTAR bashing - I wasn't around when FM 
was introduced, but would imagine some of the hysteria experienced then is 
probably similar to that with the new mode DSTAR. The biggest stumbling 
block I see with DSAR is the cost of the system compared to the more 
numerous analogue "hand me down" systems we amateurs often put into service, 
but until the volume of sales increases, I guess that there is not much 
slack to move in that area. Congratulations and thanks to Icom for all the 
assistance they have provided with DSTAR to the VK amateur scene.

cheers


Matt
VK8GMT/2

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Willmott" <peterw at icom.net.au>
To: "Dstar Digital Radio Mail List" <dstar at lists.wia.org.au>
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 3:59 PM
Subject: FW: [Dstar] D-Star and emergencies


>
> To all on list,
>
> Not understanding the common thread on, D-Star and emergency
> communications
>
> I don't understand the comments made, as D-Star is the fastest growing
> mode in the US. It is the most popular choice for amateur radio civil
> emergency networks in the US.  Its feature set, and most importantly, to
> act as a carrier for different software packages makes D-Star a very
> effective tool to assist served agencies in times of disaster.
>
> Never before, has there been so many Government grants issued after
> watching the features, benefits and SOLUTIONS provided by D-Star in
> action..in the present!!!
>
> Digital transmission will go 10-15% further than analogue, we have
> tested and tested this time and time again. Compressing power in to a
> smaller bandwidth works.... no broadcast audio, but it works !!
> VK3RWN only needs HALF the power to achieve the same results as VK3REC,
> same location, feedline and antenna
>
> Another thread..... don't understand ...At an EOC, an Emergency comms
> operator would normally use a noise cancelling microphone and
> headphones, as a part of a standard procedure...or just common sense
> ???.
>
> In Addition,  an EOC is NOT going to place a portable repeater in the
> middle of a fire ground.  Or any other place in a critical incident
> where it may be damaged... or run out of power......Common sense ?????
>
>
>
>
> Peter Willmott
> Icom