[d-star] D-STAR repeater lock-up symptoms

[Doug Reed]

http://www.icomamerica.com/support/forums/tm.asp?m=4740

The problem described in this Icom D-STAR forum message could indicate 
potential problems with D-STAR repeaters, particularly if you are trying 
to run a local net or have another weak-signal D-STAR system on the same 
frequency. Intermod, or other signals such as interference on 145.250 
might cause problems too.

Chances are good this will be solved with a software change in the 
D-STAR controller.


http://www.icomamerica.com/support/forums/tm.asp?m=4176

This forum message talks about noise bursts and squelch issues in D-STAR 
radios and suggests the easiest way to solve them is to use CSQ00 
(squelch code 00) to solve the issue. It sounds like CSQ is similar to 
CTCSS tone squelch in regular radios. The suggestion is that this become 
a national standard CSQ code. Private systems would use a different code.

An interesting observation was that an "open" repeater running without 
CSQ seemed to pass through whatever CSQ code the user was transmitting. 
This would seem to offer the option of "community repeater" type 
operation, but given the other problems reported above, that probably 
isn't a good choice.

In an emergency, the EMR function code works kind of like the old LITZ 
proposal and opens all radios regardless of squelch setting and turns up 
the audio volume. Just the thing to get help late at night, but don't 
wake me unless its an emergency..... :-)


And I also liked the penny fix for the loose volume control on the IC-91 
HT. Evidently a lot of people don't like the loose feel of the volume 
control. The suggested fix was to place a 1/2" by 1/16" rubber O-ring 
under the volume control to add a little drag. Most hardware stores 
include a wide selection of rubber O-rings in the water faucet repair 
parts so it isn't a difficult fix to make.....

We all know what certain "problems" sound like on an analog repeater. 
We're going to have to learn a new bunch of symptoms as D-STAR becomes 
more common.  :-)

73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.