MMN (@mmn)

Any #DSTAR users in here? I've been having fun using it with local hams. I usually start by monitoring 146.520 and when I strike up a conversation with someone with an Icom or Kenwood radio with D-STAR, I ask if they would like to try D-STAR simplex. It's easy to set up (and monitor). Just tune to the national D-STAR simplex calling frequency. For 2m that is 145.670. Set offset to none. Set mode to DV. Note: Don't worry about RPT1, RPT2, and UR call signs when working simplex. More info can be found here: http://www.dstarinfo.com/first-steps.aspx Anyway, people seem to have a great time checking it out and many comment that they wished they knew more about D-STAR since it's built into their radios. Once you set your GPS coordinates it can give you heading and range to other D-STAR users - which seems to be helpful to folks running beam antennas that can be aimed. I'd also recommend checking out D-RATS, an open-source project that lets you stand up a sort of D-STAR BBS on a repeater or simplex. Could be handy if setting up camp in the wilderness.