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Accessing DMR talkgroups from a Network Radio.

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Brandmeister and TGIF simultaneously on the Go

I love using my RFinder HCP-1 hotspot wherever I go. First, because I can easily use Brandmeister and TGIF Talkgroups without making any changes on the hotspot and second, due to its internal battery, I can operate it for more than 5 hours, regardless where I am – using the Wifi connection tethered from my smartphone. It even works as a power bank, in case I need some power juice for my smartphone.

I can program 3 different networks ready to be used. I have Brandmeister, TGIF (legacy) and TGIF (prime).

The RFinder HCP-1 hotspot is PI-star based, with a MMDVM. All you have to do, is to program it as a DMR gateway. Then, go to Configuration > Expert and click on Full Edit > DMR GW.

When I want to use a Brandmeister Talkgroup, I just use the regular TG. I mean, I if want to call TG 91, I just use TG91.

If I want to use TGIF (Legacy) and need to use TG 777, I dial TG5000777 Basically, I need to start with ‘5’, pad with ‘0’ until I get a total of 7 digits.

If I want to use TGIF (Prime) and need to use TG 31039, I dial TG4031039 Basically, I need to start with ‘4’, pad with ‘0’ until I get a total of 7 digits.

All I need to do, is to program my radio with the different TGs. BM is always default, TGIF Prime starts with 4 and TGIF Legacy starts with 5.

This can also be used for DMR+ networks. It’s always the same principle.

Fill it as follows: (you need to change your Brandmeister and TGIF passwords, DMR ID, etc:

[General]
RptAddress=127.0.0.1
RptPort=62032
LocalAddress=127.0.0.1
LocalPort=62031
RuleTrace=0
Daemon=1
Debug=0
RFTimeout=20
NetTimeout=20

[Log]
DisplayLevel=0
FileLevel=1
FilePath=/var/log/pi-star
FileRoot=DMRGateway

[Voice]
Enabled=1
Language=en_GB
Directory=/usr/local/etc/DMR_Audio

[Info]
Enabled=0
RXFrequency=439995000
TXFrequency=430995000
Power=1
Latitude=SELECT_YOUR_LATITUDE
Longitude=-SELECT_YOUR_LONGITUDE
Height=0
Location=”Estoril”
Description=”Portugal”
URL=https://www.network-radios.com

[XLX Network]
Startup=950
Enabled=0
File=/usr/local/etc/XLXHosts.txt
Port=62030
Password=passw0rd
ReloadTime=60
Slot=2
TG=6
Base=64000
Relink=60
Debug=0
Id=ENTER_YOUR_DMR_ID
UserControl=1

[DMR Network 1]
Enabled=1
Address=193.137.237.12
Port=62031
Local=62037
TGRewrite0=2,9,2,9,1
PCRewrite0=2,94000,2,4000,1001
TypeRewrite0=2,9990,2,9990
SrcRewrite0=2,4000,2,9,1001
PassAllPC0=1
PassAllTG0=1
PassAllPC1=2
PassAllTG1=2
Password=”ENTER_YOUR_PASSWORD”
Debug=0
Id=ENTER_YOUR_DMR_ID
Name=SELECT_YOUR_BM_MASTER

[DMR Network 2]
Enabled=0
Address=168.235.109.210
Port=55555
TGRewrite0=2,8,2,9,1
TGRewrite1=2,80505,2,505,1
TGRewrite2=2,80800,2,800,100
TGRewrite3=2,83801,2,3801,8
TGRewrite4=2,89990,2,9990,1
TGRewrite5=2,80001,1,1,9999
TGRewrite6=2,80001,2,1,9999
PCRewrite0=2,84000,2,4000,1001
Password=”PASSWORD”
Debug=0
Id=ENTER_YOUR_DMR_ID
Name=DMR+_IPSC2-QUADNET
Options=”TS1_1=1;TS1_2=2;TS1_3=3;TS1_4=13;TS1_5=133;TS1_6=235;TS1_7=315;TS1_8=320″

[DMR Network 3]
Enabled=1
Id=ENTER_YOUR_DMR_ID
Name=TGIF_Network
PCRewrite1=1,5009990,1,9990,1
PCRewrite2=2,5009990,2,9990,1
TypeRewrite1=1,5009990,1,9990
TypeRewrite2=2,5009990,2,9990
TGRewrite1=1,5000001,1,1,999999
TGRewrite2=2,5000001,2,1,999999
SrcRewrite1=1,9990,1,5009990,1
SrcRewrite2=2,9990,2,5009990,1
SrcRewrite3=1,1,1,5000001,999999
SrcRewrite4=2,1,2,5000001,999999
Address=tgif.network
Password=ENTER_YOUR_TGIF_LEGACY_PASSWORD
Port=62031
Location=0
Debug=0

[DMR Network 4]
Enabled=1
Id=ENTER_YOUR_DMR_ID
Name=TGIF_Network_Prime
PCRewrite1=1,4009990,1,9990,1
PCRewrite2=2,4009990,2,9990,1
TypeRewrite1=1,4009990,1,9990
TypeRewrite2=2,4009990,2,9990
TGRewrite1=1,4000001,1,1,999999
TGRewrite2=2,4000001,2,1,999999
SrcRewrite1=1,9990,1,4009990,1
SrcRewrite2=2,9990,2,4009990,1
SrcRewrite3=1,1,1,4000001,999999
SrcRewrite4=2,1,2,4000001,999999
Address=prime.tgif.network
Password=ENTER_YOUR_TGIF_PRIME_HOTSPOT_PASSWORD
Port=62031
Location=0
Debug=0

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Steve Jobs’ contribution to Network Radios

by Chris G7DDN

Aha! I thought that title might grab your attention!

Back to the future – 2007 style

Cast your minds back, if you will, to the launch of the very first iPhone in 2007. You can still watch this on YouTube.

The master of presentation that was the late Steve Jobs initially introduced this truly revolutionary device by trying to deceive his audience.

He tried to persuade them into believing that Apple was actually launching three separate devices.

He kept repeating them over and over – “an iPod, a Phone, an Internet Communications device – an iPod, a Phone, an Internet Communications device”.

Eventually the audience cottoned on to the fact that he was playing with them, referring to one device for all these uses.

Technology geeks call it “convergence” and the iPhone is arguably the icon for all converged devices.

Convergence is here to stay!

And here we are 11 years on and convergence is well and truly here!

Watching TV?

No TV required – mobile device for that

Playing a game?

No gaming device required – mobile device for that

Running your business?

No PC required – mobile device for that

Listening to the radio?

No radio required – mobile device for that

Communicating with your friends?

No texting needed – Social media on the mobile device for that

Video Calling?

No PC required – streaming on the mobile device for that.

Taking a quality photo?

No camera required – mobile device for that

Weather Forecast?

No need to wait for that on the TV – there’s an app on the mobile device for that

Latest News?

At your fingertips from a variety of sources on the mobile device, of course!

Instant alerts for the latest goals from your team?

Flashes up on your mobile device within seconds of being scored

I could go on and you know all the above to be true in your own experience.

And Radio is exempt from this? Maybe not!

Did anyone ever truly believe that PTT communications of the type used by radio hobbyists was going to remain outside of the converged world?

The rise of apps like Zello and IRN on Teamspeak is just a totally natural evolution of what has been happening in the rest of the world for many years. Radio hobbyists can fight against it, but it has, in truth, already happened…

The Rise of Network Radios

The rise of the Network Radios phenomenon is currently seemingly unstoppable.

The suite of Channels on Zello called “Network Radios” (the ones owned by G1YPQ) has over 4000 subscribers, over 2000 trusted users and is rarely quiet.

It’s buzzing nearly all day with radio enthusiasts, hams and unlicensed users, from around the English-speaking world, all communicating in ways reminiscent of the old days of Top Band and 2 metres.

It’s a well-moderated environment too, safe therefore and a great place to take your first steps into a new hobby.

Or perhaps a place where you can “chew the fat” with other radio-minded enthusiasts, a place to talk over your progress learning CW or problems you are hitting making that new antenna, or maybe even finding your way around the Android OS and some of the hidden gems in the Zello software.

Have you tried it?

If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?

If Steve Jobs were still on earth, I am sure he would have been very proud of his “converged world” – and who knows, he might have even been “on the air” on Network Radios with the rest of us!

© Chris Rolinson G7DDN

27 August 2018

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What have the Romans ever done for us?

by Chris G7DDN

Ah! The immortal line from Monty Python!

Well among many innovations, one that the Romans did do for us was to redefine our road system.

A revolution in road design

Goodness knows what roads were like before the Romans brought their new technology to bear, but it seems they may well not have even been very straight!

The Romans understood however that the quickest way from A to B was in a straight line; that is why the remains of their roads criss-cross Europe, whether or not there were hills in the way, so it seems.

He’s finally flipped!

Now what on earth is G7DDN going on about now? Has he finally lost his marbles? Well maybe you think I already have(!), but surprise, I see a parallel here with Network Radios.

Let me explain…

The Issue of Competition

When Amateur Radio was in its full pomp, the “competition” such as it was, was unimportant and even irrelevant.

Phone calls to foreign countries were inordinately expensive; Ham Radio was worth getting into if only from a financial point of view, but you also had the thrill of sending signals worldwide…

CB radio was, in the UK at least, first illegal, and then, once legal, limited to 11m FM and 4 watts output – hardly anything to be concerned about when the next door 10m Ham Band could transmit 400 watts of SSB or CW.

446MHz licence free radio at 500mW was no match for 70cms with 400 watts power and repeaters and satellites.

This is one reason Hams did not take their callsigns and procedures onto 11m and 446MHz for example. It did not make sense to do so.

The Path of Least Resistance

People naturally took the “path of least resistance” – a little like electrons!

The problem in 2018 is that there is “competition” for the hobby and it’s big gun competition!

The internet allows anyone, at no cost, to colour video call worldwide.

You can imagine your 14 year old child or grandchild doing this, while you might be sitting in your shack, grumbling about the lack of conditions on 20m or lack of activity on 144MHz.

Is it any wonder ordinary people don’t “get” Ham Radio in 2018?

What they do, like all of us, follow the easiest path to get the job done.

It grows and grows…

Now the growth of the Network Radios movement worldwide is astonishing, but on one level unsurprising.

It is, finally, with Network Radios, fairly painless to make contacts across the world, whatever the state of the Ionosphere.

After all if you are using the Internet as propagation instead, you don’t have to worry about things like the K-Index or the state of the sunspot cycle. (Fun though that is in its own right!)

And I am not decrying “traditional” Ham Radio by the way; I still use it regularly.

What I am saying is you cannot blame folk for travelling the “straight road”, the path of least resistance, if indeed what they want to do is communicate with like-minded radio enthusiasts.

It’s too easy!

After I gave a talk on Network Radios at a club recently, one gentleman remarked, “Well, this is all great, but the trouble is, it’s all too easy!”

True enough – but is that enough of a reason to dismiss it?

Sometimes, in any hobby, don’t we want things to be just a little easier?

Isn’t a 6 mile bike ride on your Dutch bike to see your friend on a Wednesday a nice change from that 80km sprint you do every Saturday on your racing bike with your local club?

The Convenience Factor

Sometimes, I like to chat with VK stations on Network Radios, rather than stay up all night trying to work them for a few moments on 80m.

Yes there is a thrill doing that that cannot be had with Network Radios, but there is also a satisfaction that comes with making radio friends in Australia with who I can regularly chat – and you don’t get that on 80m.

It is simply “horses for courses”.

‘Both and’, not ‘either or’…

No-one is suggesting that Network Radios will replace traditional Ham Radio – frankly it cannot do that.

But, you know, no-one I know is actually suggesting that.

Yes, it is new(-ish), yes it is different, yes it is convenient, and by gum, is it fun!

And, unless I am mistaken, people take up a hobby to have fun, above all.

And I cannot see anything wrong with that!

Hail Caesar!

Chris Rolinson G7DDN

30th July 2018

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

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Win a FREE Transceiver

Learn how to win a FREE mobile network radio! It could not be easier! This is a sweepstake for a brand new Anysecu 3G-W2 – The mobile network radio with the biggest display, for easy mobile usage! What are you waiting for?



Terms & Conditions

This is your great chance to win a free network transceiver – the Anysecu 3G-W2

You don’t have to buy anything. All you have to do is to register in our newsletter and you get a free entry to the sweepstake that will occur on the 30/06/2018.

We will contact the winner by e-mail so make sure you add our e-mail address to your contacts so it will not end up in the spam folder. Our e-mail address is info@network-radios.com

But you can increase your chances to win, by earning additional free entries to the sweepstake! See how you can get extra entries:

Once you register, you will get your unique code and you just need to share with your friends. Look how you can increase your chances:

Each referred signup +100 entries
Share on Facebook +10 entries
Share on Twitter +10 entries
Share on Google+ +10 entries
Share on WhatsApp +10 entries
Share on Pinterest +10 entries

Just register below. Once you do it, you can check how many entries you have accumulated! Good luck!

Also read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy

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10% Discount on all Radios

Subscribe our Hamradio Newsletter and earn 10% discount on your next purchase!

Get up to date with the latest amateur radio news! Don’t miss the exciting news about Network Radios and the new Digital Modes, like DMR, D-Star and others. We are waiting for you! 🙂

 

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What is PTT4U?

What if you could have a network of handheld and mobile radios with global coverage? Forget about expensive repeaters and licenses. Everything will work via the cellular 3G/4G network.

Either you want 1-to-1 or 1-to-many radio communications, this is for you.

No range registrictions. If you have cellphone coverage, you are connected! This means that each radio can be in different countries, and you are still in touch with your co-workers.

What distance do PTT4U radios cover?

There is no limit. As far as you have GSM/3G/4G or WiFi(Android models) signal you will be in reach. This means that you are only dependent on the cellphone carrier service, or a WiFi hotspot.

Why is this better compared to traditional walkie talkies?
Traditional two way radio will always be limited by distance and interference. As we work with a digital connection that relies on cellphones carriers, you will always experience loud and clear interference-free communications. Besides, you don’t need to invest in expensive radio infra-structures, like repeaters, towers, antennas or leasing sites.

Who can benefit from PTT4U?
Taxi & general transportation companies, law enforcement, private security guards, construction sites, logistics, box movers, agriculture industry, and anyone else how needs 2-way professional radio communications without range restrictions.

I need to cover a wide area and in multiple locations. Do I need a set of repeaters and antennas?
No. Our service uses the network of the GSM/3G/4G carriers. You don’t need to invest on any network infra-structure, besides the mobile or hand-held radios.

Does it work on any country?
As far as you have internet access (via 3G/4G or WiFi) then you can use our system, regardless the location.

Can the users talk between them, if they are in different countries?
Yes. Any user can talk to any other user, regardless the location.

Can I use my PTT4U radio as a normal telephone?
All our android based radios can make and receive phone calls and SMS/texts. The non-android based models can not be used as phones.

Can I use any SIM card?
Yes, you may use any GSM SIM Card. All our radios are SIM unlocked and compatible with any GSM/3G/4G/LTE Network.

Do you supply the PTT4U radios with a SIM card?
No. You should insert your own SIM card.

What comes with each radio?
Every radio package includes the radio, a charger, battery, antenna, belt clip and usb cable. The mobile radio still brings a mounting bracket, microphone and an external GPS antenna.

Do PTT4U android radios require a SIM card for WiFi strict usage?
No. If you just want to use a WiFi signal, then a SIM card is not required.

Can I use my own android smartphone with this service?
Yes. You just need to install our PTT4U application on your smartphone.

Can I use PTT4U radios with CDMA carriers, like Verizon in the US? 
No. All our radios require a GSM-based carrier. Our 4G/LTE radios can not be used with Verizon, because they require pre-approval of each device on their network.

Can I use the PTT4U radios with AT&T or T-Mobile, in the US?
In the US, our radios will work fine with AT&T and T-Mobile. In Europe, Australia and Africa will also work without issues.

Can I use PTT4U radios when I am off-grid, at sea for example?
You need an internet connection to use our radios. You may use a satellite hotspot like this one that will give you global coverage, even off-shore.

What happens if I don’t have internet?
If you can’t get 3G or WiFi then sadly it will not be able to connect to our network. However, you still might be able to use it as a normal phone if you get enough GSM 2G signal.

What is the function of the SOS button on the radios?
The SOS button will send an alarm to all users, showing the location of the user who pressed the SOS button.

How much data do PTT4U radios require in a month?
For a regular use, 500 MB data plan will be enough. In extreme conditions, where communications take place for long periods, 1 GB data plan may be required

Do you offer a dispatch system?
Yes, you can install our dispatch system on any Windows PC and contact any users, check their position on the map, speed, send personal messages, make private and groups calls.

Can I check the GPS location of the users?
Yes, you can check realtime location of all users and check their tracking too.

Can you define talk rights, and profiles permissions for each user?
Yes, all those details can be set.

Can PTT4U radios make private and groups calls to other users?
Yes, you can make both type of calls.

Can PTT4U radios send private messages to other users?
Yes, you can send private messages to any user.

Do I have to subscribe to any service to use PTT4U?
Besides having a data plan with your cellphone carrier, you need to subscribe our PTT4U yearly subscription.

How much do I pay for the PTT4U subscription?
Our yearly subscription price per radio can be checked here.

Why not just use a phone to talk to each other?
Our state-of-the-art network is almost instant, less than 1 second to the point of pressing the PTT on one radio to your voice coming out the other one or ones, plus you can talk up to 10000 at the same time, ideal for communications to field workers or patrol staff.

What happens if the server is offline?
That is very unlikely. We have 21 back-up servers, strategically located, hosted by state-of-the-art IDC (Internet Data Centres) in the North & Central America, Brazil, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, and other locations. In case of service degradation, you can count on our highly qualified IT Team expertise plus a decade of experience in the PTT over Cellular (POC) industry.

How can I pay the radios?
You may pay with Paypal or any credit card.

How can I pay the subscription?
You may pay with Paypal or any credit card.

Can I pay the radios and the subscription together?
Yes, using Paypal. We will provide you a recurring bill, where the first charge is the cost of the radio plus the first year subscription fee. You will see this detailed as “signup fee” on each product description. (the radio is included)

Do you offer other payment methods?
Not at the moment.

Can I become your reseller?
Yes, we are looking for resellers worldwide. Please contact us. You can check our list of resellers here.

I need a large amount of radios. Can I try before I buy?
Not at the moment. But you can buy one of our Startup Packages at a discounted price, before you invest in a large quantity of radios/subscriptions.

Can I get a free trial?
We don’t offer such program at the moment. We are very confident that you will love our system anyway.

I need 10 subscriptions or more. Can I get a discount?
Yes, see our discounts here.

If I order today, will I be billed today? And when does the subscription start?
You will be billed in the moment you complete your order. The 1 year subscription will start counting only when you receive the radios and ask us to activate the subscription. Like this, in case you fail the next recurring payment, you still have some time to re-active the subscription, without loosing PTT service.

Can I get a monthly subscription?
No. At the moment, we only offer yearly subscriptions.

Do you offer API access so I can use my own software to check user locations?
Yes, you can have access to an API to use your own geolocation solutions.

Do you offer full-duplex communications?
All our android radios allow regular phone calls, in full duplex. When using radio-like communication with the PTT4U, all communications will be simplex.

Do your radios have dual SIM?
Most of our radios offer dual SIM slot. Check the specs of each radio.

Do you encrypt the communications?
Yes, all communications are encrypted by a proprietary protocol and only the network admin of your organisation has access to the historical data.

I have a large organisation. Can I manage the platform myself?
Yes, you can manage all users, groups, talk rights, etc, accordingly to your own needs.

Is this for me?
Any of the following industries can use our solution:

Transportation
Courier, Taxi, Limo Service, Tow truck, Railway, Airport, Seaport, Light rail, MRT, Logistics

Construction
Constructions Site, Cement delivery, Electrical, Excavating, Plumbing, Roofing

Security Services
Patrol Guard Service, Hotel, Condo, Offices, Factory, Sports events, Education, Fire Service

Hospitality
Restaurant, Hotel, Resort, Shopping mall, Supermarket

Government
Police, Sheriff’s Departments, Public Works, Water Departments

Private users
Many private customers use our service to stay in touch with family and friends

This is really exciting! Is this for real?
Yes, it is. And we have to agree: this is amazing! Get your start-up package today with a discount!

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How to install a SD card in Inrico TM-7 by N5MXI

1. Remove all external screws except the four on the bottom of the radio.

Remove the four bottom screws last. These free the bottom PC board the SD card slot is mounted on. Do not remove SIM screws.

2. Open the radio case as seen below showing bottom PC board and SD slot (red arrow).

3. Remove bottom PCB carefully so as not to damage attached wires and ribbon cable and lay on a flat surface with card slot facing up.

SD card slot cover is hinged. Slide cover in direction of the red arrow to unlock and open the cover.

4. Picture below shows SD card slot opened.

Place SD card onto slot with contacts facing down. Make sure side notch on the SD card matches up with notch of the card slot.

5. Close the cover making sure SD card remains in correct position.

Slide the SD card slot cover in the direction of the red arrow to lock in place.

6. Re-assemble case starting with the four screws holding the bottom PC board then all other remaining screws.

by N5MXI

 

Read more about the Inrico TM-7

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RT4 – Talk like the Pros

With the high quality speaker microphone, you can use the Radio-Tone RT4 like a real pro. The microphone even comes with a 3.5mm socket to connect to an earpiece.

 

TheRadio-Tone RT4 is the state-of-the-art in Android POC Radio. The RT4 is a very robust Motorola-style radio, with a lasting 4600mAh battery

This network radio is fully compatible with the International Radio Network (IRN)

Is this still hamradio? Read this article.