Thinking about getting into DMR.

[jwilkers]

That's OK. 
One other point to make. You don't really need a unique DMR ID to use DMR. FCC doesn't require it, and it's not a substitute for ID'ing using your call sign. So if you're not in the official database all anyone sees is garbage. Not to mention spoofing DMR ID's. Yeah people do that and since it's not illegal the FCC couldn't care less. 
For those than want to register and get a DMR ID this is the place.
https://radioid.net/
I also have a NXDN ID too BTW through this site.
I also believe people use their DMR ID as the digital ID for P25. 

You require a DMR ID to access amateur radio networks.

Sent from my SM-S911U1 using Tapatalk

[OffRoaderX]

57 minutes ago, jwilkers said:

You require a DMR ID to access amateur radio networks.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but there is a whole lot more to DMR than H.A.M.S radios networks.

[WRUE951]

1 hour ago, jwilkers said:

You require a DMR ID to access amateur radio networks.

Sent from my SM-S911U1 using Tapatalk
 

for the most part, i have learned to ignore my assigned DMR ID and rely on my unique ID i made up..  As long as it gets programed in all the radios in your group, good to go and harms no one.  

[Lscott]

1 hour ago, jwilkers said:

You require a DMR ID to access amateur radio networks.

As I mentioned it doesn't have to be unique. Using some made-up ID works, which defeats the purpose of having a DMR database in the radio. I've done the later accidentally, used the wrong ID when programming my radios. That happened when a guy on an out of area repeater noticed my call sign didn't match the call sign that showed up on their radio. Oops.

[WRUE951]

2 minutes ago, Lscott said:

As I mentioned it doesn't have to be unique. Using some made-up ID works, which defeats the purpose of having a DMR database in the radio. I've done the later accidentally, used the wrong ID when programming my radios. That happened when a guy on an out of area repeater noticed my call sign didn't match the call sign that showed up on their radio. Oops.

Yea,, when you are interested in only those in your group..  Who cares about those 'other' guys?  

[WRYS709]

2 hours ago, WRUE951 said:

Yea,, when you are interested in only those in your group..  Who cares about those 'other' guys?  

Yeah, I have to agree: seems to turn DMR into GMRS and not in the broader spirit of Ham Radio.

But to each, their own...

[BoxCar]

DMR IDs are only sent from/to whomever you contact. Most of the CPS requires an ID but the only purpose is to identify units on the same network.

[GreggInFL]

What's the best way to learn DMR? This question from some holding a GMRS license only.

Randy, you have a channel?

[Lscott]

13 minutes ago, GreggInFL said:

What's the best way to learn DMR? This question from some holding a GMRS license only.

Randy, you have a channel?

You can start by looking through the attached file.

Amateur Radio Guide to DMR.pdf

[nokones]

I have a couple of Motorola DMR radios with several DMR repeated and simplex channels programmed and not one of the have any HAM channels programmed in them. One main reason why I don't is because I am not a licensed HAM and I don't care to be a HAM.

[WRYS709]

2 hours ago, GreggInFL said:

What's the best way to learn DMR? This question from some holding a GMRS license only.

Randy, you have a channel?

Remind me again: what DMR radio are you wanting to learn to program?

[WRUE951]

buy a cheap Baofeng DM32 and get your toe's wet.  This radio, for the price, is pretty decent..  I'm not a fan of it's encryption, which works but only for short distances but the Analog, DMR, Talk Groups and Zones make it an enjoyable radio to use.  The huge battery will eaily get you a few days of use between charges as well.   

[GreggInFL]

On 8/31/2025 at 7:20 PM, nokones said:

I have a couple of Motorola DMR radios with several DMR repeated and simplex channels programmed and not one of the have any HAM channels programmed in them. One main reason why I don't is because I am not a licensed HAM and I don't care to be a HAM.

Okay, but on what service can you use DMR without a license? The only one I'm aware of is PMR446 in Europe.

[GreggInFL]

On 8/31/2025 at 8:35 PM, WRYS709 said:

Remind me again: what DMR radio are you wanting to learn to program?

I have a Baofeng DM-32UV, still in the box. I intend to configure the analog side for GMRS. I'll RX only on the digital side for now, but would like to know what I should be listening to. It's not a matter of how to program it, it's a matter of what to program, i.e. what should a DMR newbie be listening to? Is there a recommended beginner code plug?

[nokones]

6 minutes ago, GreggInFL said:

Okay, but on what service can you use DMR without a license? The only one I'm aware of is PMR446 in Europe.

With the exception of CB Radio, FRS, Marine and Aviation in the United States, and IMS Spread Spectrum, I believe all services require some type of Station or Operator license.

[GreggInFL]

1 minute ago, nokones said:

With the exception of CB Radio, FRS, Marine and Aviation in the United States, and IMS Spread Spectrum, I believe all services require some type of Station or Operator license.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. You stated you have Motorola DMR radios but don't have a HAM license. So on what service are you using those radios?

[nokones]

1 minute ago, GreggInFL said:

Sorry, I wasn't clear. You stated you have Motorola DMR radios but don't have a HAM license. So on what service are you using those radios?

In the DMR mode the Part 90 Industrial/Business Radio Service

[GreggInFL]

2 minutes ago, nokones said:

In the DMR mode the Part 90 Industrial/Business Radio Service

Got it. Thanks.

[WRYS709]

8 minutes ago, GreggInFL said:

I have a Baofeng DM-32UV, still in the box. I intend to configure the analog side for GMRS. I'll RX only on the digital side for now, but would like to know what I should be listening to. It's not a matter of how to program it, it's a matter of what to program, i.e. what should a DMR newbie be listening to? Is there a recommended beginner code plug?

You need a codeplug specifically configured for your DM-32 and the DMR repeaters in your area.

Since the DM-32 is relatively new and each radio's codeplug is different (except for OpenGD77, which are interchangeable), you need to contact some Ham or Ham Club in your area that has a DM-32 and has written a codeplug.

When I was "younger" I used to look forward to these challenges to help strangers; now not so much, especially for radios that I have little or no respect for.

[Lscott]

2 minutes ago, nokones said:

In the DMR mode the Part 90 Industrial/Business Radio Service

You're lucky because you can use encryption too. Keeps the scanner kiddies away.

[SteveShannon]

20 minutes ago, GreggInFL said:

I have a Baofeng DM-32UV, still in the box. I intend to configure the analog side for GMRS. I'll RX only on the digital side for now, but would like to know what I should be listening to. It's not a matter of how to program it, it's a matter of what to program, i.e. what should a DMR newbie be listening to? Is there a recommended beginner code plug?

Gregg,

I would be happy to help put together a codeplug for you/with you. You can listen to DMR on amateur radio. 

[GreggInFL]

10 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Gregg,

I would be happy to help put together a codeplug for you/with you. You can listen to DMR on amateur radio. 

That would be fantastic, Steve. Generous as usual. Thank you.

Let me get the software up and running and I'll check back.

[nokones]

1 hour ago, Lscott said:

You're lucky because you can use encryption too. Keeps the scanner kiddies away.

And we are using encryption on some of the Talk Groups.

[Lscott]

4 hours ago, nokones said:

And we are using encryption on some of the Talk Groups.

DES256, AES256/128, RC4? Do you need to use a special “key loader” for the keys?

[nokones]

10 hours ago, Lscott said:

DES256, AES256/128, RC4? Do you need to use a special “key loader” for the keys?

The encryption is AES256, providing the radio has the entitlement.  I do not need anything special to load the key into my XPR5550e and XPR7550e radios. I just enter the encryption key with the CPS. The key I have to use is well over and I mean alot well, over 50 characters.