DMR
Digital Mobile Radio, the mode of the future!
Discover the cutting-edge world of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) with the Bowie Wireless Association. DMR represents a transformative leap in amateur radio, leveraging digital technology to enhance communication capabilities. This innovative protocol employs time-division multiple access (TDMA), allowing simultaneous conversations on a single frequency and optimizing spectrum usage. After reading this BWA guide, you'll be prepared to delve into the dynamic realm of DMR, experiencing expanded connectivity options, and the thrill of pushing the boundaries of ham radio in the digital age. Join us in exploring the future of communication through the exciting lens of DMR technology.
Learn About DMR With K3JSJ!
For your convenience, Jason Johnson (K3JSJ) has created a series of videos walking you through everything you need to know to get started with DMR. We recommend watching them as an excellent starting point.
BWA_DMR_Overview_revision2.pdfWhy DMR?
What is DMR?
DMR Examples
Operating DMR
DMR Setup Instructions
Before you can push that PTT button on your DMR radio, theres a bit of online setup that needs to be completed. First and foremost, DMR is operated on the licenced frequencies. If you don't have your ham radio license yet, visit our getting licensed tutorial.
Obtain your RadioID
If you don't already have an official copy of your license, follow these instructions on the FCC website to obtain a copy.
Navigate to https://radioid.net.
In the top right corner of the page, click the "Log In / Sign Up" button. Follow the onscreen instructions to create your account. Make sure you upload your license copy so you can be validated and get a RadioID associated with your callsign.
Once your identity and license has been validated, you will recieve an email saying your RadioID has been assigned.
Login to the RadioID website. Click your callsign in the top right corner and then click the "Dashboard" option. On that page in the table below you will find your new Radio ID!
Create network accounts
Create a Brandmeister Network account.
Create a TGIF Network account.
Configure your Radio
Download your radio manufacturers programming software.
Find connection information (frequency, timeslot, color code, talkgroups) to program into your radio. You can find information about DMR repeaters in your area on RepeaterBook.com.
Decide which Talk Groups you want to use and add them into your programming software.
Create a channel with the required information and add your talk group.
Duplicate the channel and associate with different talk groups if you are interested in talking in more than one.
Add all your channels to a Zone to ensure it appears on your radio.
Save the configuration as a file on your computer. This file is referred to as a "Code Plug."
Write the Code Plug to your radio.
Join our DMR Nets on N3LHD
N3LHD is a repeater the club uses located in Watkins Park, Upper Marlboro.
DMR Lessons Learned
As the club has been using DMR more, we have documented some of our lessons learned. The below document is provided at your convinence. Hopefully it will help you overcome some common pitfalls encountered when using DMR.
DMR Lessons Learned_Jan14_2024.pdf