[Dstar] simplex node

[Jack]

Thanks Tony

That answers a few questions. I think I want a G2 compatible gateway.

I have been reading everything I can find on the subject, but I have to say, 
its the hardest subject to research I've encountered yet. I tend to decide 
on a radio related project when i know very little about it, and I enjoy the 
learning experience. But D-star info is a little difficult to follow. eg 
there is 100 websites that tell you how to set the callsigns in your radio, 
and none that explain G2 and DPlus.

And the good info I have seen, assumes a level of knowledge of previous 
developments.

I guess its all a bit new. Someone will write "the dummies guide to D-star" 
before to much longer.

My plan was inspired by reading about the MB6AM simplex gateway in the UK. I 
understand they used specially written software, maybe G4ULFs.

cheers
Jack
VK2CJC / MM0AXL
www.qsl.net/vk2cjc



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tony Langdon" <vk3jed at gmail.com>
To: "Dstar Digital Radio Mail List" <dstar at lists.wia.org.au>
Sent: Sunday, February 21, 2010 5:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Dstar] simplex node


> At 04:29 PM 2/21/2010, you wrote:
>>Hi Richard
>>
>>Thanks for the info.
>>
>>Please excuse me for asking dumb questions. I am just starting to learn 
>>about the subject. I dont actually have a D-star radio and I'm not yet 
>>registered on the network. I really want to try D-star but I live in a 
>>rural area where radio hams exhibit the most disgusting levels of lethargy 
>>I've ever witnessed in people who describe themselves as enthusiasts. So 
>>no D-star repeaters here and the only way I'm going to have anyone to talk 
>>to (digitally) is if I provide my own internet connection. Hense the 
>>desire to build a simplex node.
>
> Good on you, way to go.  Well, if you go down the Hotspot route, then 
> Richard's advice will work well.  You would need to register on a gateway, 
> probably one of the VK2 ones.  Then you'd need to setup two terminals, 
> which would be
>
> VK2CJC <space>  - this one would be for your radio
> VK2CJC N - this would be for the Hotspot.
>
> Of course, you'd need a D-STAR capable radio to use it! :)
>
> However, as I said, it's possible to go even further and gain full access 
> to D-STAR's facilities, using the same node adapter hardware, but a Linux 
> based software package by David Lake G4ULF.
>
>>
>>anyhow......
>>
>> > If I understand correctly what you are referring to is a D-Star
>> HotSpot or D-Star Access Point as described here 
>> <http://www.w9arp.com/HotSpot/>http://www.w9arp.com/HotSpot/
>>
>>Yep, thats what I was thinking of. Or more precisely, one of these 
>><http://www.dutch-star.nl/node_adapter/>http://www.dutch-star.nl/node_adapter/
>
> Yep, that's functionally equivalent hardware.
>
>>
>>Question, what does it mean by-
>>Q: Does callsign or slash routing with with D-STAR Hot Spot?
>>N: NO - D-STAR Hot Spot talks to DPlus. Callsign and slash routing are not 
>>supported by DPlus.
>
> You need to do a bit of study on D-STAR.  There's some information on 
> www.dstar.org.au, but in short, there are two main sets of features. 
> First are those that are native to the Icom implementation (current 
> version known as "G2").  These features are the ones outlines in Icom 
> radio manuals, which are:
>
> To route to a specific station, you need to configure your radio with your 
> callsign, the callsign of the station you wish to reach, and the local 
> repeater port and gateway used to enter the D-STAR network.  This system 
> is "stateless" (i.e. there's no concept of connection or disconnection), 
> and the other end needs to route back to you, for 2 way communication to 
> proceed.
>
> The second set of features is created by the DPlus add on, which is on all 
> Australian gateways.  This feature set enables IRLP like linking between 
> gateways, as well as reflector linking (analagous to IRLP reflectors). 
> Unlike the G2 routing, DPlus links do have connect and disconnect 
> commands, and there is no need to route back to the other end to reply. 
> You simply have your radio set to use the local repeater and gateway, but 
> with no specific destination (i.e. UR = CQCQCQ).
>
> The DVAR Hotspot enables your node adapter to use the second (DPlus) set 
> of services to link to gateways and reflectors.  However, you won't be 
> able to accept incoming traffic easily, as far as I know, but your local 
> users will be able to link to any DPlus capable system around the world.
>
> The G4ULF software, on the other hand, would allow your system to have ALL 
> of the above facilities.  In any case, I'd start with a hotspot, it's less 
> commitment to setup, and gets you a good level of connectivity, and later, 
> as you get to know D-STAR, consider the other option.  Both use the same 
> hardware (i.e. the node adapter board).
>
>>
>>How does DPlus fit into it all?
>
> Hope the above helps.
>
> 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
> http://vkradio.com
>
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