Participating in the Next Frontier Jim McClellan, N5MIJ Orange, Tx 22 Feb 14
Agenda Introduction Why is D-STAR interesting? A brief history: what is D-STAR? What can we do with D-STAR? How do we do it? What are the implications for Emergency Communications (EmComm)? Discussion / Question & Answer
Jim McClellan, N5MIJ Grew up in Orange Introduction First licensed 1970 WN5FEG Involved with D-STAR since 2003
Why is D-STAR Interesting? It s just a tool
Why is D-STAR Interesting? It s just a tool If you re only tool is a hammer.
Why is D-STAR Interesting? It s just a tool If you re only tool is a hammer. We re all learning together
Why is D-STAR Intersting? It s just a tool If you re only tool is a hammer. We re all learning together It s FUN!
It isn t difficult It s just different!
History JARL owns D-STAR as an OPEN Protocol Designed for the Japanese regulatory environment Special considerations We first got to see it at Dayton 2002 First non-icom system deployed December 03 The Night 5 Dec 03
History continued Version 1 Hardware Considerations Siting Mounting 23cm ONLY No Gateway
History continued Version 2 Hardware Dramatic shift in design Rack-Mount & Modular 23cm ONLY Gateway January 2005 VHF/UHF Fall 2005 Dayton 05 Promo (Remember for later)
Version 1 Version 2
What s Different about D-Star? Digital format & FEC provide better range True 6.25 khz bandwidth True simultaneous voice & data Together, presents a very effective and spectrally-efficient communications tool
Digital Voice (DV) Mode Total of 4800 Baud
What can we do with D-STAR? We visit just like FM Combine functions Voice + Data on D-Star vs FM + APRS Efficiency & Cost User-Directed Calling Like Follow-Me Roaming Anywhere in the network
Important to Remember All user radios are capable of both analog & digital modes you don t lose any capability! Repeaters are digital only
What can we do with D-STAR? (continued) Open Protocol, so we can define & add our own capabilities DStarMonitor & DStarUsers.Org Last Heard Dstar Query DPlus D-RATS Several more 3 rd -Party applications
How does D-STAR Work?
The Magic in D-STAR 4 Call Signs URCALL RPT1 RPT2 MYCALL
Local Conversation What happens here? URCALL RPT1 RPT2 MYCALL N 5 M I J
Local Conversation What happens here? URCALL RPT1 K 5 T I T B RPT2 MYCALL N 5 M I J
Local Conversation per the manual What happens? URCALL C Q C Q C Q RPT1 K 5 T I T B RPT2 MYCALL N 5 M I J
Local Conversation our recommendations What happens? URCALL C Q C Q C Q RPT1 K 5 T I T B RPT2 MYCALL K 5 T I T G N 5 M I J
User Routed Calling K5MEM is in Norman, Ok today URCALL K 5 M E M RPT1 K 5 T I T B RPT2 MYCALL K 5 T I T G N 5 M I J
Repeater Destination Calling What happens URCALL / K 5 P T R B RPT1 K 5 T I T B RPT2 MYCALL K 5 T I T G N 5 M I J
Repeater Linking with Dplus Link Local Repeater to REF033 C (Sunday Net) URCALL RPT1 RPT2 MYCALL R E F 0 3 3 C L K 5 T I T B K 5 T I T G N 5 M I J (Only do this ONCE)
Repeater Linking with Dplus Participate in Linked System URCALL C Q C Q C Q RPT1 K 5 T I T B RPT2 MYCALL K 5 T I T G N 5 M I J
Repeater Linking with Dplus Unlink after net URCALL C Q C Q C Q U RPT1 K 5 T I T B RPT2 MYCALL K 5 T I T G N 5 M I J
OK that s HOW we use it. Now what else can we do with it?
Data in an emergency Why D-STAR? D-RATS Features Chatting File transfers Forms (ICS-213, Radiogram, etc) Positional awareness Email
While there are many communications tools available, D-STAR is the newest tool for both tactical and strategic communications in our emergency communications (EmComm) toolbox, effectively combining voice and data capabilities.
Developed with EMCOMM in mind Initially developed for the Washington County ARES/RACES group in Oregon, D-RATS evolved into a full blown multi-platform EmComm software suite for data communications using D-STAR radios. Once you try it, D-RATS will become the most used tool in your EmComm tool box!
What is it? A multi-platform integrated tool for communicating using D-Star radios. With only a pair of radios a variety of data transmission methods are supported: Instant-message chat Automatic beacon messages File transfers with error detection Structured form GPS position reports
Real-Time Map Overlays EOC s can quickly assign support assets in Real- Time via the DPRS function of D-Star s DV mode and D-RATS map overlays.
Positional Awareness Integrated position reporting Integrated mapping Distance/bearing calculation to any station External GPS support for moving stations Use a D-STAR radio with an integrated GPS or external GPS
Fast, error-free transfer of electronic records Situation status reports Resource requests Patient manifests Pictures of damage Quiet operation Put radio operators directly in an EOC Field stations in noisy environments Integrated logging of messages with times and dates Ends needless chatter Data rather than voice Immediate identification (Call sign & GPS Coordinates)
Email Send and receive email from D-RATS station Any station with internet access can be a gateway Provide gateway access to RF stations with no other infrastructure Easy to setup in an event Requires only an internet connection and email account Contact served agencies or out-of-area stations through the nearest internet node
The Big Deal It s just a tool It s not the tool that s important; it s what you do with it that counts!
Repeaters Opportunities RP2C & Gateway Program $849.95 Voice Module $749.95 Data Module $599.95 http://www.icomamerica.com/buydirectdstar
Presentation Available for Download http://www.k5tit.org
Presentation Available for Download http://www.k5tit.org
Summary & Discussion