PMR446, Digital PMR446 and dPMR446 use, settings and popularity in the UK.

[Lscott]

It looks like I will likely be making a business trip to the UK in the next few weeks or month. I was considering taking one or two of my HT’s with me on the trip. I’ve researched what I need to have for Ham operation. However their license free service, PMR446, appears to be very popular.
 

The sticking point is there are two different digital modes used, DMR tier 1 and dPMR. That’s in addition to narrow band FM. Neither are compatible with the other.  

My dilemma is which of the two digital modes is used the most? If it’s DMR I can use my NX-1300. I’ve been doing some research and it seems to be DMR, but that’s based on the availability of the radios I see being sold. If it’s dPMR I’m out of luck, though it is similar to NXDN but uses a different protocol, in which case I would likely use FM. 

 

PMR446 White Paper.pdf D-PMR446.pdf