MMN (@mmn)

Something to ponder as I've been a part of prepper comms discussions online and in person, I've heard folks down on more modern digital modes because they require a repeater to function. D-STAR isn't like that. Not only do you get most of the features via simplex (National D-STAR Calling Frequency @ 145.670 DV - https://archive.ph/gWkmU#selection-1315.99-1341.76 ) but you can even stand-up a radio based BBS of sorts with the open-source D-RATS ( https://github.com/maurizioandreotti/D-Rats#readme ) tool. This can even be stood up in the middle of wilderness. A base radio could be on a hilltop and other Icom or Kenwood radios with this feature would be able to link in. Also, since the D-STAR standard hasn't changed much over the years, very early D-STAR radios are still perfectly serviceable for D-STAR communications. Newer versions mostly bring an easier to use user experience, and some faster data transfers. While the radio traffic isn't encrypted, it's encoded - so anyone without a D-STAR capable radio will not be able to listen in on conversations. D-STAR radios also allow clear, static-free communication at lower power than analog radios, so one can keep their RF footprint minimal. So, as I said before, even if you prefer the other digital modes, maybe keep an eye out for used D-STAR equipment so you'd have access to these capabilities if the repeater infrastructure became compromised and locked down to only "powers-that-be authorized" users. For anyone wishing to learn more, maybe join the D-STAR group here on Gab: https://gab.com/groups/57627