Search for:

Etiquette on DMR systems

Recently we have received several inquiries about how to best utilize the system, especially in the context of hotspot usage that ties up 25+ repeaters.  We wrote about this earlier in the year as well.  The major scenario is extended use of VA Statewide which is set full time to repeaters on several networks (DMRVA, AWSVirginia, K4USD, Brandmiester and potentially others).

We will work on some updated recommendations for how to best utilize the DMR network in Virginia but please recognize that your actions (and transmissions) travel well beyond your local repeater and/or hotspot.  Until then, please review the talkgroup etiquette page for some basics.  Please also be reminded that most of the resources on the network (repeaters, linking hardware, software etc) are privately owned pieces of amateur radio gear.

DMRVA supports upcoming JOTA activities

Jamboree-on-the-Air | Boy Scouts of AmericaThe DMRVA portable repeater will be deployed and operational in Hanover county soon to support the upcoming Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) activities from October 16 to 18, 2020.  There will be an HF station as well as other activities.  Using the callsign K4B, the Heart of Virginia counsel Battlefield District will operate from 13905 Hanover Quarter Rd Hanover VA23069.  If you are in the area and want to offer your assistance, please contact KJ4NPB who can also provide full details on the configuration of the portable repeater, but listen for them on TG 907 primarily as well as other places.

8/4 Maintenance Window

One of our hosting providers has a scheduled maintenance window the evening of August 4th, beginning at 9pm. Some network services may be intermittent or unavailable during this time.

New codeplugs have been posted

Updated codeplugs have been posted on the downloads page to use for programming your radios.  Here is a summary of the changes – updates include Carters Mountain repeater with DMRVA TG lineup, Beaverdam repeater zone was updated to include DMRVA TG line up, minor edits to South Hill repeater TG to ensure VA StateWide Time Slot was set to “2”. Thanks to Joe, WB4EOT for his dedication and attention to detail in preparing these files.

Virginia DMR pioneer Bob Spindle, W4YP SK

In 2008 – 2009, W4YP was one of the first amateurs in Virginia to begin experimentation with DMR and put up the first DMR repeater in the state. Located on Bull Run mountain in Haymarket, his repeater provided many in northern Virginia their first taste of digital radio. Bob proceeded to mentor myself and others as we tried out the mode, put up repeaters and spread the word to others. Bob continued to be active as a repeater owner/operator and advocate for various digital modes for many years until his death just a few days ago. His obituary is located at this link.

Please Welcome the KF4UCI Repeater

There is a new DMRVA-affiliated repeater in the Charlottesville area! Please add the KF4UCI repeater to your codeplugs. The frequency is 444.9875 +5, CC1. It carries the standard talkgroup lineup, with 27500 (Local) being standalone and not linked to any other repeaters.

The repeater is on Carter Mountain and should provide excellent coverage of Charlottesville and the surrounding area.

If you hear Elmer on the air please thank him for putting up this repeater.

South Hill repeater joins DMRVA network

The K4MJO repeater on 444.7875 MHz has come online this week with the DMRVA network. This repeater brings coverage to the Mecklenburg County area include I-85 and route 58.  As you can see, the repeater has some interesting  neighbors!

 

This repeater has been on the air for the last five years and we have been involved in supporting it while it was attached to a neighboring DMR network. All of the TG’s that were previously available are still

available (PRN TG is now PTT) and the standard DMRVA talkgroup lineup is available for users.

Please welcome the trustee (Sammy, K4MJO) to the network if you hear him on the air.