The NF9K DMR Repeater is now connected to the Hytera DMR Network! It is a bit different that the normal approach, however DSTAR users will find some similarity in how it operates. I’m still doing some fine tuning but here is a quick summary of how it’s currently configured.
On Time Slot 1, TG #9 is used for voice traffic. I completed two QSO’s last night. Audio quality was fantastic. One of the QSO’s was another Motorola repeater and the other as a Hytera repeater. I was not able to detect any difference in audio between the two.
The Hytera DMR Network utilizes reflectors (ala DSTAR?). When a repeater connects they are placed on a default reflector, however a user can change that reflector from a radio by using a talkgroup to trigger the connection. Again very similar to the URCALL field in DSTAR. Here is what is currently running on my repeater, again all on Time Slot 1:
TG #4000 – Unlink. This will disconnect TG #9 from whatever reflector it is currently on.
TG #4601 – Georgia Reflector
TG #4603 – Texas Reflector
You simply PTT on one of the reflector TG’s and then switch back to TG #9 for the voice traffic. The 4000, 4601 and 4603 TG’s are only used for activation of or connection to a given reflector. No voice traffic crosses those TG’s.
Try it out and let me know if you have any questions/issues. The base configuration as it is will likely not change much, beyond adding some additional reflectors. I will post updates when that happens.
The magic sauce behind this interoperability is a linux application that bridges the two dissimilar networks.
Very cool stuff.
