For those of you who are D* users, we now have an XLX Multimode Reflector online.  The following is what we have available so far: (link to our live Dashboard)

Our reflector is: XLX915, XRF915 and DCS915. Protocols available on all modules. So, if you want to use DPlus or DExtra or just plain old DStar, the choice is yours.

The following modules are (or soon will be) set up…

DStar ONLY: A – International  D-Emergency

Here’s where it will get interesting. Our dedicated BM Talkgroup, 31425, is currently linked/bridged to YSF/WiresX, Allstar and EchoLink. The voice protocol of all of these is similar enough that the Brandmeister masters where these links are set up can do the Transcoding of the voice data, ergo, they can all understand & talk together. Where DStar is concerned, especially where it relates to our new XLX Reflector, It is no sweat to set up any of our 26 modules for a single protocol, i.e. DMR<–>DMR, YSF<–>YSF, DStar<–>DStar, etc…

However – DStar voice data is a bit different from other modes. In order to talk to a DStar radio from a DMR radio, or Yaesu Fusion radio, or the other way around, our reflector needs hardware devices known as Transcoders. Two channels are needed for each translation module. So, in our case, bridging TG31425 to our XLX915P WITHOUT transcoders allows Dstar people to JOIN the module, but all they hear is R2D2, and all DMR people in the module would hear from D* people is R2D2. Now… Transcoder hardware is BIG $$$. They all use a Chip made by FTDI, using a protocol known as AMBE. Let’s just say, for arguments sake, that each ‘Channel’ costs around $100.  The Kings Of Digital XLX313 4K Transcoding reflector modules A-F have 2 channels each dedicated to transcoding. That is 6 modules X 2 Channels each.  They use a device known as a DVS-USB3012, which costs $1,499. They are a HUGE group of folks who run MULTIPLE Reflectors, constellations, nodes, repeaters, etc. And this is just on ONE of their reflectors. So, you can see how it all adds up monetarily. I do not have that kind of money to do that. I have, however, sprung for 2 DVThumb devices, which will arrive (hopefully) in the next couple of weeks. I will connect them to our XLX915B module, and all will be good for DStar users to join our constellation.

So, that is where we stand at this point, September 1st 2018. Please be patient with me, as I knew absolutely NADA about Dstar, Reflectors, XLX/XRF/DCS 1 month ago. On top of all that, the XLX server that I set up is LINUX, which I have not worked with since the 1990’s. That, in and of itself, is a re-educational nightmare. AND- get this: At the end of September, I need to relocate ALL my gear, computers, radios, nodes, servers etc. since it is all in my RV at the campground, which closes mid-October. So it all needs to be moved back home and changed over to a different static IP address. Why am I doing all this? Because I LOVE you guys…

Take care, see you on the air!  73 de KC3LEE