Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) is an exciting new mode for Amateur Radio operators, and it brings a completely new concept of using a repeater station. If you are accustomed to using analog repeaters, you will find that operating in DMR mode brings a lot of new concepts and features. Don’t be overwhelmed by these new concepts, as it will soon become clear how to use the repeaters and the network services the more you use and learn about DMR.
The first thing you need is a DMR radio of course. There are many different options of DMR radios, and more are becoming available everyday. You can find DMR radios available from many of these manufacturers: Motorola Solutions, Connect Systems, Tytera (TYT), Hytera, Quantun Electronics, BFDX and more. It basically depends on how much you want to spend. It’s advisable to ask around to see what others are using and make a decision for yourself.
The next thing you need to do is apply for a DMR-MARC user ID. Each user is assigned a DMR user ID that identifies you as a DMR amateur radio operator, and this ID will be programmed into the radio you use. The DMR-MARC group maintains a worldwide database of user IDs, and will assign you an ID that no one else in the world has. You can register for a DMR user ID at the following link. Simply follow the information at that website to obtain your unique DMR user ID.
Once you have a DMR user ID, you are ready to program your radio. Many amateur radio DMR websites offer radio files (also commonly known as Codeplugs) that you can download for your particular radio model. For example: under the “Downloads” section of this website, you can download the file needed for your radio and use it to program your new radio. You only have to add your unique DMR user ID to the codeplug as you do this. In most cases, you are then ready to go make your first DMR contact!
For an explanation of talk groups and their proper usage, see the “Talk Groups’ section of this website.
Western NC DMR Amateur Radio Group 