[d-star] d-star repeater system ordered :)

[Erik Jacobson]

Today, I ordered the full d-star system from Radio City.

I don't have an estimated delivery date.

This includes:
* repeater controller
* 2m digital voice (DV)
* 440 digital voice (DV)

and after I send UPC codes from the above w/a sales order to Icom, many weeks
later, I'll also have:
* 1.2ghz digital voice (DV)
* 1.2ghz high speed data (128kbps, DD)

This is sort of an "if you build it, they will come" scenario.

I've personally always wanted to be part of something new but I also have
gaps in my knowledge for working with some of this stuff.  I'm hoping
some interested parties out there can help me with technical details and
understanding of what to do at a real site.  I've already been getting
some great advice from some folks as I contemplated doing this.

For the frist stage, I will get the UHF system going at my house.
I have a 70ft tower and a small UHF repeater today (443.450 114.8).
Trying to get to that site now might help indicate if I'm too far
away from you to play with d-star in the early stages.

I'll drop the d-star UHF piece there for testing when I get it.

When I get the test system going at my house, I hope people will be able
to kick its tires and play with it some so we can get a feel for what it
can do.  Beat on the thing when it's ready and see what it does :)

However, going from that to a possible future better site with lots of
RF to contend with is a big step and this is where I hope some folks in
the community can lend a hand with knowledge.  I haven't had the
pleasure of locating a system on a good remote site before.  However,
I'm eager to learn and listen!

Also, I have no infrastructure pieces for 2 meters or 1.2 ghz.  After 
UHF, my next biggest interest is the 1.2ghz data and voice modules.
So I'm in the market for buying infrastructure pieces and will have to buy new 
if nothing good is around town.  For example, 1.2ghz duplexers and such...  
I think how we'd handle coordination for 2 meters is an open question so I
expect 2m to sit on the shelf for a while.  As you can imagine, the
system was expensive but so are all the pieces you need to make it work.
So if folks have used stuff they're willing to sell or part with that will
save me from buying new, I'm all ears :) 

I don't even have an ID1 radio yet, which would be good to have in
testing :)

I think I'll need to put together a full parts list with some of the
experts when we have a site in mind for locating equipment remotely.

All ideas are on the table.  Let's see where this journey takes us.  I'm
not sure where yet, except a lighter checkbook :) :) :)

Erik / N0SVX