D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio) is a digital voice and data protocol specification developed as the result of research by the Japan Amateur Radio League to investigate digital technologies for amateur radio. While there are other digital on-air technologies being used by amateurs that have come from other services, D-Star is one of the first on-air and packet-based standards to be widely deployed and sold by a major radio manufacturer that is designed specifically for amateur service use.
Other non-digital voice modes such as amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and single sideband have been widely used since the first half of the 20th century. By comparison, digital D-STAR signals offer clearer signals and use less bandwidth than their non-digital counterparts.[1] As long as the signal strength is above a minimum threshold, and no multi-path is occurring, the quality of the data received is better than an analog signal at the same strength.
D-Star compatible radios are available on VHF, UHF, and microwave amateur radio bands. In addition to the over-the-air protocol, D-Star also provides specifications for network connectivity, enabling D-Star radios to be connected to the Internet or other networks and provisions for routing data streams of voice or packet data via amateur radio callsigns.
D-Star General information from ICOM.
D-Star Repeaters
DplusMon by NJ6N (D-STAR Usage Monitor)
DStarUsers.org
DStarInfo.net
jFindu.net
SOARA D-STAR Page South Orange Amateur Radio Organization
K6SOA (SOARA) Repeater System Status
WA6IRC D-STAR Page Independent Radio Club
D-Star Transceivers
 | ID-1 1200MHz Digital Transceiver.
ID-1 |
 | ID-880H VHF and UHF Digital Transceiver.
ID-880H |
 | IC-2200H 144MHz FM (D-Star optional).
IC-2200H |
 | IC-2820H Dual Band FM Transceiver (D-Star optional).
IC-2820H |
 | ID-31A 440 HT with built in GPS.
ID-31A |
 | IC-80AD 2M/440 dual band HT
IC-80AD |
 | IC-91A 2M/440 dual band HT
IC-91A |
 | ID-92AD 2M/440 dual band HT
IC-92AD |
 | IC-9100 HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver (S-Star optional) |
 | D-STAR Repeaters
ID-RP2C (Repeater Controller) hide...
With the capability of handling up to four RF modules, ID-RP2C repeater controller is the cornerstone of the D-STAR repeater system. This includes basic in-band as well as crossband operation between any of the four digital voice RF modules. In addition to basic control of the RF modules, the RP2C also provides linking capabilities through the Internet and future 10GHz backbone products.
ID-RP2D (23cm Data) hide...
One of the most powerful functions of D-STAR is the ability to move data. The ID-RP2D provides an access point with a data rate of 128kbps. Depending on the system setup, the 128kbps is perfect for setting up an e-mail and/or file server for EmComm support. It's also perfect for the connecting to the Internet or web applications and support.
Whether you use the 128kbps for e-mail or file servers, connecting to an Internet source via a router will give you the capability of checking out the radar from the National Weather Service or National Hurricane Center.
ID-RP2V (23cm Voice) hide...
Finally a commercially available legal crossband repeater! With proper callsign programming in any D-STAR compatible mobile or portable, the Icom D-STAR repeaters will automatically route your signal to any other RF module connected to a common RP2. With simple repeater commands, you can direct your communications through any of the RF modules.
ID-RP2000V (2M) hide...
This VHF digital voice repeater opens the way to use the D-STAR repeater system in the popular 2m band with the ID-800H, IC-91AD and other D-STAR compatible radios. It also provides cross band operation with 144/440/1200MHz bands.
ID-RP4000V (70cm) hide...
The RP4000V, a UHF digital voice repeater, uses the D-STAR repeater system in 70cm bands. It also provides cross band operations with 144/440/1200MHz bands.
|
 | DV Dongle DVDongle.com
http://opendstar.org for Windows, Lenix, and Mac software
DV Dongle Buy it at Ham Radio Outlet
DV Dongle Buy it at Amateur Electronic Supply
DV Dongle Buy it at Universal Radio
|
 | Digital Voice Access Point (DVAP) Dongle
|
References:
D-STAR Technical Specifications
D-STAR Uncovered
Nifty E-Z Guide to D-STAR Operation $13.95
D-RATS A communications Tool for D-STAR
Enabling GPS Position Reporting through D-STAR
DStar TV dstartv.com
D-StarLet A web-based text messaging application
DStarMonitor User's Guide
D-TERM Chat Software for D-STAR
D-STAR on Wikipedia
D-STAR QSO Party Rules (2011)
