Frequently Asked Questions

Configuration Questions:

Do I have to register on each Repeater Gateway I want to use?

No -- and if you do it may cause problems with you using any Gateway.  When you register on any one single Gateway the information is propagated to all the D-Star Gateways throughout the Network.

Can I use the Gateway as soon as I enter my new user information?

Not immediately -- All Gateways require that the local Administrators approve all users, and this may take only minutes or hours, so go back and check often. If you think the Administrator has missed it you can always send an email to them.  Also, if the local Administrator doesn't recognize your call sign they may send you an email to verify your information.

I have been approved by the local Administrator but still can't use the Gateway.

There are two steps involved in using the Gateway.  The first is to enter your user information, and then when the local Administrator approves it you must go back in and setup an IP address -- see the "Gateway Signup'  page for more information. 

We heard a couple of DV Dongle users on the repeater but we couldn't get back to them.

Dongle users are not on RF but coming into the repeater via the Gateway, and the only ones they can hear and communicate with MUST have the Gateway callsign in RPT2 --- Many local users setup RPT2: as *NOT USED*, and this won't work except locallly.

If you want to communicate with Dongle users OR any RF station coming into the local Gateway reprogram your local repeater memory to have the "G in RPT2:  Locally I have RPT1: as 'W3OI _ _ _ C' (for VHF) and then RPT2: as 'W3OI _ _ _ G'.  

I also have another memory setup for the UHF side with RPT1: as 'W3OI _ _ _ B' (for UHF) and then RPT2: as 'W3OI _ _ _ G'.  

Don't forget to press the RX>CS or R>CS to finish the connection...

How come nobody responds to me when I make a CQ call on a remote Gateway?

Just like when you are on a regular FM repeater and throw out your call, there may not be anyone listening on the repeater at the moment to come back to you. But on D-Star -- even if they are listening -- it takes a couple of steps for them to actually respond. 

When you make a CQCQCQ call to another gateway speak slowly and clearly. State where you are located AND WHICH GATEWAY AND BAND MODULE YOU ARE ON. Wait a few moments so anyone around can find their radio and/or mic, and then REPEAT THE INFORMATION ONE MORE TIME. 

Why? Well, most people are not sitting with fingers on the PTT waiting for a call. Even if they were, until they know how to program UR on their D-Star radio, they can't get back to you. Some people use call capture, and SOME DO NOT, so they need to put your callsign and maybe  your band-module into their radio.  This can take time -- give them a minute or two before you QSY even if you think have given enough information for them to get back to you -- very few people can respond as quickly as you may think.

Remember this is all new, and many of us are still learning how to respond to Gateway users and push the appropriate buttons and then enter your callsign and repeater callsign ...so give everyone some time to do it.....

General D-Star Questions:

Does D-STAR only work on 1.2 GHz?

Low-speed DV D-STAR voice and data works just fine at 144 and 440 MHz. 1.2 GHz supports the bandwidth needs of high-speed DD data. Choose the technology that satisfies your needs.


Is there no difference between D-STAR and packet?

Even D-STAR’s lowest speed is competitive with the highest-performance packet systems available today.  D-STAR’s simultaneous digital voice and data at 4800 bps is beyond the capability of any packet technology. High-speed D-STAR systems are ten times faster than the highest packet speeds.


Is D-STAR just like a digital party line?

The ability of D-STAR repeaters to route data and digitized voice worldwide sets it far apart from a simple party line. Sophisticated D-STAR controllers and gateways implement modern telecommunications functions in an amateur package.


Will I be locked into Icom equipment forever?

While Icom is the first manufacturer to support D-STAR, any manufacturer or amateur can use the JARL standards to create equipment – transceivers, repeaters, and gateways – compatible with the D-STAR system. As the D-STAR system grows, look for other manufacturers to join the fun.

Is D-STAR a replacement for broadband home Internet?

D-STAR can connect a user to the Internet, true, but all of the amateur radio restrictions on commercial activity still remain in place. D-STAR will provide the tools for a lot of great amateur innovation, but it’s not intended to replace Internet providers.


So, I can use my ID-1 radio and Internet connection to buy something on ebay?

You can physically do it -- but should you??? Why would you want to waste the D-Star network bandwidth for this -- also, doesn't part 97 of the FCC regulations say something about 'pecuniary interest'?

You are still on Amateur Radio and governed by Part 97, so don't do anything that violates the regulations -- Checking the news on MSNBC or CNN, or checking a callsign on QRZ.com are okay, but don't do anything that involves money exchange.

But again -- don't waste D-Star bandwidth for this kind of stuff -- use your normal ISP dialup or DSL provider instead.

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