What is D-STAR?
D-STAR is a new ham radio system which offers digital voice and data communication.
It connects repeater sites over microwave links and the Internet and forms a wide
area ham radio network. The DSTAR system provides a new capability and functionality
to the ham radio world and increases the efficiency of emergency communications.
What can the D-STAR system do?
128kbps digital data and 4.8kbps digital voice communication
The D-STAR system provides not only digital voice (DV mode) communication but also
digital data transmission (DD mode). It can exchange various data files such as
graphics, images, etc, at 128kbps.
Your voice and data can reach further than ever
Multiple repeater links by radio and the Internet provide long distance communication
to virtually anywhere.
Internet application available
The D-STAR system uses the TCP/IP protocol, so when connected with a PC, web, e-mail
and other Internet applications are available.
Wireless Internet Access
No matter where you travel within the DSTAR network, you can access the web, e-mail,
text messages and multimedia messages.
Independent network
In DD mode, ID-1 can transfer data directly with another ID-1 without the use of
a repeater. This is useful for establishing a simple network where a D-STAR repeater
does not exist or D-STAR services are not required.
Increase efficiency of emergency communications
Out in the field, fast emergency information is the key. Send pictures and weather
charts to or from a remote location with the ID-1. “A picture is worth a thousand
words”, and efficient send/receive opens up your repeater for other emergency
communications.
PC remote controller supplied
The
controller software is supplied with the ID-1. When the ID-1 is connected to a PC
via a USB cable, most functions of the ID-1 can be controlled from the PC. In DD
mode operation*, you can browse web sites and
send and receive e-mail as if the ID-1 is a 10W wireless network adapter.
* Ethernet port is required for DD mode operation.
Useful callsign functions
The ID-1 embeds your own and the called station’s callsign in your transmission.
When you input “CQCQCQ” as the intended station, you can make a CQ call
in the area. The calling station’s ID is displayed on the received station
and a newly received callsign can be automatically stored in the memory.
Digital callsign squelch (DSQL) & Digital code squelch (CSQL)
The DSQL opens the squelch, only when your callsign is received. When you share
a single callsign with a club or group members, the CSQL function allows you to
set a CSQL code from 00 to 99 and provides quiet stand-by while other members are
talking.
EMR mode operation
When you require the attention of all stations in the area, the Enhanced Monitor
Request (EMR) mode operation allows the caller to bypass the CSQL and DSQL setting
of the receivers station. During EMR mode operation, all receiving stations will
hear your audio, even though they may be muted.
Short message in DV mode
Short messages of 20 characters max. can be sent in DV mode operation.
Analog FM mode operation
The ID-1 also operates in analog FM mode, allowing you to communicate with an analog
FM transceiver. In FM mode operation, the ID-1 has CTCSS tone squelch and pocket
beep functions for quiet stand-by.
Other features
- 950bps (approx.) data communication capability in DV mode
- AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) function*
- S-meter squelch
- Break-in communication
- Programmed, memory and select mode scan
- Stand-by beep
* FM and digital voice only.
Rear View
D-STAR repeater system
The D-STAR repeater is composed of a repeater controller, 1.2GHz digital voice repeater,
digital data repeater, 10GHz microwave relay and the Internet gateway PC. For the
signal is digital data, no information is lost due to conversion and multiple repeater
relays are possible in this system. The D-STAR system repeater can perform 3 relay
functions as shown in the following figures.
Single repeater
The D-STAR repeater operates similar to existing analog repeater. That is a simple
relay of transmit and receive communication in 1.2GHz band.
Microwave link
When D-STAR repeaters are connected via 10GHz microwave, the D-STAR system transfers
a received data to another repeater site. You can also make a CQ call to a specified
repeater area.
Internet gateway relay
When D-STAR repeaters are connected with the Internet gateway, the D-STAR system
relays the received data over the Internet. Microwave links and Internet gateways
can be combined even during one contact. So your message will get through virtually
to anywhere in the D-STAR system.
