Digital Communication Via D-Star

D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio) is digital technology designed for amateur radio use. The system was researched by the Japan Amateur Radio League, and now has become the standard.

ICOM America is the only manufacturer that has incorporated D Star technology in their radios. Kenwood has rebranded ICOM equipment.

D-Star will allow D-Star users to transfer voice and data on 2 meter (VHF), 70 cm (UHF), and 23 cm (1.2 GHz) bands.

D-Star employs five different applications:

1.  Digital Voice (DV) allows you to talk on 2m, 70 cm, and 23 cm. Analog audio modulation is converted into a digital system, which will allow a user to transmit into a D-Star Repeater, or using simplex. Here is a D-Star demo offered by WD6FZA. He compares analog against a digital transmission.

2.  Digital Voice (DV) also will allow an operator to send text messages simultaneously while using voice in the same mode. Here is a demo using D-CHAT, designed by NJ6N.

3.  Digital Voice (DV) will allow a user to send to send current information to another radio, with the use of a GPS receiver.

4.  Digital Data (DD) will allow an operator to actually browse the internet and get access to email. This gives you wireless internet access. A repeater can be used, but is not necessary. But you will need the ICOM ID-1 transceiver.

5.  Digital Data (DD) gives you IP camera. You can send photos or weather charts.

DV Dongle
With a DV Dongle connected to a PC or Mac and used with DVTool software, an amateur radio operator can connect to the international D-Star gateway network and receive/transmit just like a D-Star radio user. Here is a demo.

More Info
More D-Star  information can be found here.