Hello All,
So first off, let's try to keep this on topic. The last thread about "Your favorite digital mode and why" flew off topic rather quickly.
From what I've found so far when it comes to digital voice you have 3 choices:
1. System Fusion - Yaesu proprietary, easy to use, internet connected with wires-x, expensive hardware (HT or Mobile), no registration
2. D-Star - JAIA open source project with proprietary CODEC, ICOM's solution, less expensive hardware, a little more difficult to setup but not bad, requires registration to leave local repeater
3. DMR - Completely open source, available from all the CCM folks, requires registration, very involved to setup, cheapest hardware options
I know the choice may really come down to availability of repeaters in my area. In a 25-mile radius of my home I see the following:
1. System Fusion - 11
2. D-Star - 4
3, DMR - 3
Each is a mix of 2M and 70CM. I've read where Fusion is falling out of fashion across the US, but winning here, so that would be a logical choice, but the cheapest mobile I've found (used) is around $500. More than I want to spend to try this stuff out.
What says the group?
JG