Is DMR Radio REAL radio?


Is DMR radio REAL radio?


As Digital Mobile Radios (DMR) gain in popularity, there are some that question whether or not DMR radios are real. Most DMR radios offer Digital and Analog (FM) for accessing your favorite local repeaters. Radios like the Radioddity GD-77 offer VHF/UHF. So why does this question come up at all.


 

 

 

Ham radio operators.


Ham radio operators over the years have found a niche that they are comfortable in, and then stagnate in that mode. Whether it be Digital computer communications, or SSB HF. Their are always those that are going to balk at the new modes coming out. This happened throughout the history of Amateur radio. If it wasn't for the advancement we have made, we would still be using spark gap generators.


My QTH is DEAF!


I have always enjoyed CW operations, using ancient transmitters and receivers. These tube type radios are fun for me to operate. Would those be considered real radios. DMR radio DO operate on the Amateur Radio bands, transmitting a digital signal to a hotspot or repeater. The only difference is the distance the signal travels. A hotspot set up at your house may be a few feet away from you. A repeater may be up to 60 miles away. With my DMR radio I can enjoy local conversations on the Analog repeaters, and talk to friends worldwide on the DMR system.

In my current situation, I find that the HF bands are not usable at all. The noise levels are S9 plus most days from 80M all the way up 6M. This makes VHF/UHF my only option if I want to be active on the ham bands. DMR radio is a perfect solution for me. I can monitor on TAC 310 when I want to hear chatter from all over the US, and sometimes Worldwide. When I want to talk with someone locally, I can still go to a local repeater. I have access to Talk Groups from the PNW region, as well as anywhere else in the world.


So, is DMR radio REAL radio? Leave a comment and let me know what you think of DMR Radio.

If you are interested in getting into DMR radio, be sure to check out great deal on DMR radios HERE!!

Comments

The Big Guy said…
Of course it is "real" radio. That thing I am holding in my hands is ... a radio! I am communicating over the electro-magnetic spectrum. So, is it "real radio"??? Well, of course it is ... only better because it is clear, reliable and allows easy voiuce com worldwide. Simpole solution to the conundrum - if you don't think it's real, don't use it. Whats the question again?

KD2KHB
August 3, 2021 at 10:05 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What should my Admit Criteria be set to?

Image
What should my Admit Criteria be set to on my DMR Radio? Great question, and I am glad you asked.  I will give you what I like to call the Best Practice. Typically there are Three options in the Programming software for Admit Criteria on most if not all DMR radios. Let's take a look at the three options, then we will break down each one. Always Channel Free Color Code Always: If you set your admit criteria to Always, what this is gonna do is set your radio so you can key the mic at any time, regardless of other traffic or conversations (QSO's) that may be in progress. Selecting this option would NOT be a Best Practice.  A courtesy Amateur radio operator is not one who wants to deliberately talk over the top of someone else.  This would remind me of the old CB radio days when you had the "Big Strapper's" out there that would like to key up and say "Squish" Yes, I am an old CB'er, but no, I was not one of those people.
Read more

The Wouxun KG-UVN1 Update...DMR User Database Now Supported.

Image
The Wouxun KG-UVN1 now supports the DMR User Database. Hello DMR Fans, Rick here, KG7GUO for DmrShack.com.  I have some very exciting news for you. Wouxun has updated the Firmware for the KG-UVN1 and the Programming Software, I am pleased to announce, the KG-UVN1 now supports the DMR User Database. It will now allow 160,000 DMR User Contacts, and 10,000 TX (Talk Group) contacts. This is an awesome update. To make this possible, they reduced the record time for recording call audio from 8 hours down to 2 hours, which is not a big deal, because how often do you need to record your calls anyway?  I don't ever have a need to use this feature, but some may like it. This update pretty much makes the UVN1 my favorite radio of the radios I own. The import process is pretty simple and straight forward. From the programming software, simply click on program and select Dmr Database. Click on Import and select the file you want to import.  I
Read more

Meet The Wouxun KG-UVN1 DMR Dual Band Hand Held, A Review By KG7GUO

Image
Well Hello DMR Fans, Rick here for DMRShack.com. Last time, we took a look at the Wouxun KG-D901 , today we are looking at the KG-UVN1. The KG-UVN1 is the Dual Band Hand Held DMR Digital radio from  Wouxun . Lets start with a quick look at the highlights of the radio taken from the  Wouxun  website: 3072 Channels 1024 Contacts 255 Receiving Groups 250 Zones 16 Scan List Radio ID Radio TX Contacts Dual Band and Dual Display Radio Color Code Support Frequency Mode Program Key Digital Voice Encryption Emergency Alarm VOX Function Priority Channel Scan TX Designated Channel Low Battery Power Off One Touch Access / Talk Around Radio Program Password Menu Encryption or Menu Hide Power Save Mode Group Scan Tail Elimination Text Message Radio Disable or Enable Lone Work ARTS Function Flash Light Call Alert CTCSS Encoding and Decoding , Support Non Standard Digital Channel Recording , Continuous Record 8 Hours Play Recording File Customized Ra
Read more