D-STAR is a new Amateur radio system which offers digital voice and data communication. It connects repeater sites over microwave links and the Internet and forms a wide area ham radio network. The D-STAR system provides a new capability and functionality to the ham radio world and increases the efficiency of emergency communications.
128kbps Digital Data And 4.8kbps Digital Voice Communication The D-STAR system provides not only digital voice (DV mode) communication but also digital data transmission (DD mode). It can exchange various data files such as graphics, images, etc, at 128kbps.
Multiple repeater links by radio and the Internet provide long distance communication to virtually anywhere.
Internet Applications AvailableThe D-STAR system uses the TCP/IP protocol, so when connected with a PC, web, e-mail and other Internet applications are available.
Wireless Internet AccessNo matter where you travel within the D-STAR network, you can access the web, e-mail, text messages and multimedia messages.
In DD mode, the ID-1 can transfer data directly with another ID-1 without the use of a repeater. This is useful for establishing a simple network where a D-STAR repeater does not exist or D-STAR services are not required.
Out in the field, fast emergency information is the key. Send pictures and weather charts to or from a remote location with the ID-1. “A picture is worth a thousand words”, and efficient send/receive opens up your repeater for other emergency communications.
The D-STAR repeater system is composed of a repeater controller, 1.2GHz digital data repeater, 1.2GHz digital voice repeater, 70cm digital voice repeater, 2 meter digital voice repeater, 10GHz microwave relay and the Internet gateway PC. Since the signal is digital, no information is lost due to conversion and multiple repeater relays are possible in this system. The D-STAR system repeater can perform 3 relay functions as shown in the following figures.
The D-STAR repeater operates similar to an analog repeater. D-STAR repeaters can be set up as "stand-alone" or linked to relay communication in 1.2GHz, 70cm and 2 meter bands.
When D-STAR repeaters are connected via 10GHz microwave, the D-STAR system transfers received data to another repeater site. You can also make a CQ call to a specified repeater area.
When D-STAR repeaters are connected with the Internet gateway, the D-STAR system relays the received data over the Internet. Microwave links and Internet gateways can be combined even during one contact. Your message will get through to anywhere in the D-STAR system.
Useful Callsign FunctionsD-STAR radios embed your own and the called station’s callsign in your transmission. When you input “CQCQCQ” as the intended station, you can make a CQ call in the area. The calling station’s ID is displayed on the received station and a newly received callsign can be automatically stored in the memory.
When you require the attention of all stations in the area, the Enhanced Monitor Request (EMR) mode operation allows the caller to bypass the CSQL and DSQL setting of the receivers station. During EMR mode operation, all receiving stations will hear your audio, even though they may be muted.
Short messages of 20 characters max. can be sent in DV mode operation. DV mode supports 950bps (approx.) data communication.
D-STAR radios also operate in analog FM mode, allowing you to communicate with an analog FM transceiver. In FM mode operation CTCSS tone squelch and pocket beep functions are available for quiet stand-by.