[Dstar] simplex node

[Tony Langdon]

At 05:50 PM 2/21/2010, you wrote:
>Thanks Tony
>
>That answers a few questions. I think I want a G2 compatible gateway.

Cool. That would be useful up there.

>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.

Yes, it's sort of evolved, and most of us have moved along with 
developments in D-STAR.

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

Exactly (see above).


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

Indeed, that would be useful.


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

Yep, that's what they're using.  For you, I'd suggest the following:

1.  Get the hardware and test.

2.  Install a Hotspot, and get used to the DPlus network.

3.  Get a repeater callsign/frequency

4.  Get the G4ULF software installed, and get setup as a fully G2 
compliant gateway.

The G2 network is very quirky, and the repeater callsign will also 
have the added effect of being a stable callsign, dedicated to the 
system.  VK4RWN had all sorts of issues when it had to change 
callsigns a while back.  Hotspots don't have this difficulty, but you 
really need to have the callsign all ready to go for a G2 system.

I strongly suspect using your callsign with suffix M won't work for a 
G2 system, but I could be wrong.

73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL
http://vkradio.com