Thinking about getting into DMR.

[WSAA635]

Been kicking around the idea of picking up an inexpensive DMR radio to put OpenGD77 on to play with. I'm hitting the YouTubes watching videos to learn what I can before I buy anything. Just wanted to see if anyone else had thought about or was actually using DMR and what they thought about it.

[WRYS709]

You do realuze this is a Ham Radio digital mode not allowed on GMRS?

[WSAA635]

28 minutes ago, WRYS709 said:

You do realuze this is a Ham Radio digital mode not alliwed on GMRS?

I've just now saw the you need a HAM license to use DMR. 

[OffRoaderX]

8 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

I've just now saw the you need a HAM license to use DMR. 

I dont not have a H.A.M.s radios license and yet I still use my DMR on my legally and partially private allocated frequencies vested to me by the authority of my FCCs Business/LMR license, which is two-steps above a H.A.M.s radios license.

[AdmiralCochrane]

7 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

I dont not have a H.A.M.s radios license and yet I still use my DMR on my legally and partially private allocated frequencies vested to me by the authority of my FCCs Business/LMR license, which is two-steps above a H.A.M.s radios license.

Is your use of your Business/LMR license essentially the same as others use GMRS other than the limitation to your assigned frequency?

[WRYS709]

20 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

I've just now saw the you need a HAM license to use DMR. 

Get your Tech license and explore worldwide communications from your easy chair using DMR!

This radio, the DM-32, appears to be a big bang for the money; see Randy’s video:

https://youtu.be/nl4B0FPMkKc?si=vc4zSyb5Gnz5PP7W

[OffRoaderX]

10 minutes ago, AdmiralCochrane said:

Is your use of your Business/LMR license essentially the same as others use GMRS other than the limitation to your assigned frequency?

I am permitted up to 100 watts, I can do any flavor of analog, digital and/or encryption I want, I can link my repeaters, I can use whatever offsets I want for those repeaters, and I can crossband my repeaters using my assigned VHF frequencies, and, i am the only one using all my frequencies within radio range (except for one of them has a small business several miles away).

And i do it allll baybee!

[WSAA635]

I'm honestly only looking at radio as a communication device and not a hobby. That's why I got my GMRS license and didn't bother with HAM. Now that Shaw Butte Repeater is back up I'll have enough range for around town. I just thought it be nice to get more range with DMR.

[Davichko5650]

25 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

I which is two-steps above a H.A.M.s radios license.

Perhaps, pehaps not, but definetley a couple step above it in cost.

[WRYS709]

16 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

I'm honestly only looking at radio as a communication device and not a hobby. That's why I got my GMRS license and didn't bother with HAM. Now that Shaw Butte Repeater is back up I'll have enough range for around town. I just thought it be nice to get more range with DMR.

Dont close the door on a Tech license and DMR. It opens up the world to you as well as point to point communications without regard to the inconsistencies of propogation. 

Keep an open mind. 

Many do not like to see GMRS as Ham-lite!

But I understand your personal use of GMRS

[AdmiralCochrane]

57 minutes ago, OffRoaderX said:

I am permitted up to 100 watts, I can do any flavor of analog, digital and/or encryption I want, I can link my repeaters, I can use whatever offsets I want for those repeaters, and I can crossband my repeaters using my assigned VHF frequencies, and, i am the only one using all my frequencies within radio range (except for one of them has a small business several miles away).

And i do it allll baybee!

No, I meant: Who do you talk to?

[WSAA635]

1 hour ago, WRYS709 said:

Dont close the door on a Tech license and DMR. It opens up the world to you as well as point to point communications without regard to the inconsistencies of propogation. 

Keep an open mind. 

Many do not like to see GMRS as Ham-lite!

But I understand your personal use of GMRS

The test is what stops me from a HAM Tech license. I've never done well on tests even if I knew all the information. I just can't put the info on paper when the time come to take the test. 

[SteveShannon]

32 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

The test is what stops me from a HAM Tech license. I've never done well on tests even if I knew all the information. I just can't put the info on paper when the time come to take the test. 

Ask for the test to be given orally. 

[WSAA635]

That would even be worse. Written or oral, either way my brain locks up and the info isn't available for output. 

I hear you can take the test online, if I did take it that'd be the way to do it so I'd be home in a familiar setting which would help.

[SteveShannon]

41 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

That would even be worse. Written or oral, either way my brain locks up and the info isn't available for output. 

I hear you can take the test online, if I did take it that'd be the way to do it so I'd be home in a familiar setting which would help.

Yes, you can with some VECs, such as ARRL. And just so you know it’s a multiple choice test. HamStudy.org (free) has practice tests that you can take as many times as you want. They come right out of the official question pool so it’s a great way to prepare. 

If there’s anything I can do to help you please feel free to send me a private message. 

[WRXB215]

2 hours ago, WSAA635 said:

I just can't put the info on paper when the time come to take the test

It's multiple choice, you will do fine. Don't sell yourself short.

[WRUE951]

to the OP.. Curious why you think you need OpenGD for DMR?   

[SteveShannon]

3 minutes ago, WRUE951 said:

to the OP.. Curious why you think you need OpenGD for DMR?   

From personal experience it certainly makes programming channels MUCH easier. 

[WSJI648]

16 minutes ago, WRXB215 said:

It's multiple choice, you will do fine. Don't sell yourself short.

Just for the heck of it, and not knowing much at all, I just took the Technician's level test on the freeham website. Failed it. 45%, but that's with ZERO studying or prep. I'm sure that with some effort and prep, OP could do it. Go for it!

 

[SteveShannon]

1 minute ago, WSJI648 said:

Just for the heck of it, and not knowing much at all, I just took the Technician's level test on the freeham website. Failed it. 45%, but that's with ZERO studying or prep.

 

That’s a great way to get past the initial reticence. Good job. Try the free flash cards at HamStudy.org.  For me they were an excellent way to learn the material, not just memorize the answers. 

[WSJI648]

1 hour ago, SteveShannon said:

That’s a great way to get past the initial reticence. Good job. Try the free flash cards at HamStudy.org.  For me they were an excellent way to learn the material, not just memorize the answers. 

I'm only just now dipping my toe in anything past FRS radios. I've watched a few HRCC videos and HAM seems super intimidating....although the allure of being able to talk to the ISS from my backyard is incredibly tempting! 

[WRXB215]

7 minutes ago, WSJI648 said:

've watched a few HRCC videos and HAM seems super intimidating....although

The technical aspect of ham radio is like the cost, it goes from very little to...well no one really knows the limit.

[WRUE951]

2 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

From personal experience it certainly makes programming channels MUCH easier. 

for very limited radios..  I was hoping he is aware of that..  If he was going to get into DMR it sounds like he will need to buy a DMR radio.  My suggestion would be to check OPEN GL website..   

[WRUE951]

2 hours ago, WSJI648 said:

Just for the heck of it, and not knowing much at all, I just took the Technician's level test on the freeham website. Failed it. 45%, but that's with ZERO studying or prep. I'm sure that with some effort and prep, OP could do it. Go for it!

 

you should be able to master the Tech in a very short time...  I would start looking into get your test scheduled..  Some areas are booking aout as far as 45 days..  You got this..   Get her done 

[Lscott]

8 hours ago, WSAA635 said:

Been kicking around the idea of picking up an inexpensive DMR radio to put OpenGD77 on to play with. I'm hitting the YouTubes watching videos to learn what I can before I buy anything. Just wanted to see if anyone else had thought about or was actually using DMR and what they thought about it.

All the digital voice modes have their pro’s and con’s. To start off research what seems to be popular in your area. That way when you buy equipment you’ll have someone to talk with on the air.

Also look for sound samples of real digital voice communications using the mode you’re interested in. Some people have a hard time adjusting to the sound quality. Yes, you read that right, digital voice communication doesn’t sound exactly what you hear with just FM. Some people say certain digital voice modes sound better to their ears than others. That ultimately might really be due to the quality of the pre and post audio processing in a given radio.

When it comes time to buy a radio the choices are reasonably good for some. Others you’re stuck buying new or used commercial radios since those are not manufactured in Ham specific gear.

A lot of us here have various radios doing about every digital voice mode out there. We would be happy to make some equipment recommendations.