WJ5J - The Ham Association of Mesquite

So I wonder how many folks in HAM are D-Star users. I know Craig (KV5E) and Bob (KF5HGU) are users. Any others out there? The repeaters seem very quiet, perhaps it's the holidays. I usually monitor NT5RN-C and W5FC-C. Not a lot of activity. I took my IC-2820 out of the truck and put it in the house so I could use it more.....

Jeff - N5LOC

You're right. I've been a radio guy for a long time now but the D Star gear is initially pricey, it requires a registration process to get on the air with what you have purchased, and then there are so few folks with the radios that you wind up saying good morning to the same station each morning and that's about it. Part of the problem is that when it is explained to a group, it quickly begins to blow over heads----it's just different from traditional radio and folks lose a point of reference without having one in their hands to use.

Personally, I am open to learning more but much of what I have read assumes the reader is already knowledgeable about D Star. Someone needs to create a Dummy's Guide to D Star!!!

Gary
AB5RM

I will have to say that repeater usage is lower across the board. not just digital by any stripe.

Mesquite used to have a lively drive time, but that has died. I rarely hear any traffic and when I do it is net related.

I find more technically oriented discussions on digital, and there are fewer of the less than exemplary ops there.

Craig

DStar is a mode that you can "roll your own" if you want to experiment, or buy commercial equipment.

I own P25, DMR, dPMR, and other digital radios. None of them "win" over the other, just all bring something to the table to play and experiment with as a hobbyist.

Please do not get sucked into the dogma that only one mode is worthy of consideration if you want to learn new things.

Craig