VA3XPR Toronto's Digital Ham Radio Repeater Connection
Starting January 1, 2013, the VA3XPR repeater will become the first amateur radio repeater system in the greater Toronto area to support digital voice communications using the Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) standard used by Motorola’s MotoTRBO technology. This will allow DMR capable radios, which are made by number of manufacturers such as Motorola, Vertex Standard, Hytera and Harris, to communicate through the VA3XPR repeater for either local communications, or to global network of other DMR users using similarly capable repeaters. The benefits of using digital voice communications using DMR include:
- Crystal-clear audio without background noise or static;
- Integrated voice and data applications on one device;
- Up to 40% longer battery life.
By leveraging the DMR standard, the VA3XPR repeater will be able to offer two simultaneous digital voice channels for use in the downtown Toronto area. One channel intended for local communications and the other for global communications, similar to the use of IRLP and EchoLink on traditional analog repeater systems. It is important to note that with this change, the VA3XPR repeater will continue to operate on 441.950 MHz in analog with IRLP and EchoLink connectivity. The digital voice mode for VA3XPR will be available on another UHF frequency, which will be announced in the coming weeks and the two systems will operate independent of one another. Since most DMR radios will support both digital and analog operation, owners of these radios will be able to use them on any of the many UHF DMR repeaters found around the the globe, plus any typical UHF analog repeater.
For more information about DMR and MotorTRBO digital voice communications, please check out the following list of frequently asked questions here.
To hear an audio sample of DMR digital voice communications, click here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you’re are interested in getting involved with DMR or have additional questions, please contact:
Don Trynor, VA3XFT
VA3XPR Repeater Sponsor
va3xpr@gmail.com
