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Blaine DMR Clinic
June 17, 2017
PNW DMR Network
Fun Stuff with DMR
Mike Shirley, No7RF
“c-Bridge and Networking, SME”…sorta
[email protected]
Power Point Credit: Brad Estill, N7ER & Andy Ruschak, KK7TR
MotoTRBO (DMR) Networking
The c-Bridge is the networking device that provides
the behind-the-scenes magic. Talkgroups are it’s
linchpin to directing it’s power.
“The C-Bridge” was released in 2011, 2 years after Motorola released IPSC network
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First released in a desktop FF; now in rackmount and VPS hosted platform
The c-Bridge can connect up to 50 TRBO repeaters into It’s own larger network
It can network up to 100 talkgroups to many other c-Bridges
It also allows the segmentation of repeaters into their own managed networks
independently or collectively with other managers
• Provides the flexibility to manage talkgroups between repeater.
TRBO Early Days
A DMR talkgroup is a “virtual” channel on the DMR system.
• Controlled by the c-Bridge, the talkgroup tells the c-Bridge how to handle your
call
• Can go either local (one repeater), or be routed to (potentially) every repeater in
the world.
• Most talkgroups have a limited distribution between repeaters – refer to Matrix.
• Because of this, tis important to understand who you want to talk to and which
talkgroup to use to minimize the “footprint” of your conversation.
• Most national and international talkgroups are carried on TS 2. Local and
alternate TG’s carried on TS 1.
• The PNW DMR website has a talkgroup matrix shows the supported talkgroups
on the system, and how the c-Bridge manages them.
DMR Talkgroups
By the use of a special router called a c-Bridge, these limitations are
relieved.
• Distributed by Rayfield Communications
• “C-Bridge” creates a new network that can link it’s repeaters into the IPSC
network, greatly expanding the capacity and reach of the limited IPSC system. It
also allows the segmentation of repaters into their own “managers”, and gives
them the flexibility to manage talkgroups separately from other repeaters.
DMR Talkgroups
A DMR talkgroup is a “virtual” channel on the DMR system.
• Controlled by the c-Bridge, the talkgroup tells the c-Bridge how to handle your
call
• Can go either local (one repeater), or be routed to (potentially) every repeater in
the world.
– Dstar comparison – could be like being able to PTT and bring up different reflectors.
• Most talkgroups have a limited distribution between repeaters – refer to Matrix.
• Because of this, very critical to understand who you want to talk to, and which
talkgroup to use to minimize the “footprint” of your conversation.
• Most national and international talkgroups are carried on TS 2. Local and
alternate TG’s carried on TS 1.
• The PNW DMR website has a talkgroup matrix shows the supported talkgroups
on the system, and how the c-Bridge manages them.
DMR Talkgroups (cont’d)
• Important talkgroups are carried full-time on the
system/repeaters.
– For the PNW, that’s usually Local 1 and 2, PNW 1 and 2, and WA 1 and 2 (not
all inclusive, OR and BC repeaters have different priorities.
• Less important and national/international talkgroups can be
brought up temporarily by doing a PTT on the talkgroup and
activating it (c-Bridge determines how long it’s active, and when it
goes intactive again). The talkgroup matrix spells out the rules.
• Depending on your radio set up, you may be able to hear all
conversation on any talkgroup on the time slot you are sitting on
(called “RX Groups” or some kind of open channel monitor on
some radios). RX groups are kind of like a PL decoder on your
radio, but could have up to 16 or more opportunities to listen.
Highly recommended to have RX groups in your radio, so you know
when there is activity on a time slot – and not “accidentally” PTT a
different talkgroup and de-activate the current connection.
My Fav DMR Radios
This guy’s preferred list of Client Radios
• Motorola MotoTRBO, including all original generation 1 HT’s and mobiles
• BFDX CS-580 (price point $110-$139)
PNW DMR website
Since most of you are in the PNW, I will direct
you to the PNW DMR website:
http://www.trbo.org/pnw/index.html
Run by Mike Shirley, NO7RF. Extensive local information on the
PNW-DMR system. The first place to go for answers. Also has a
Yahoogroup signup link.
Other supporting people
Other Websites:
www.dmr-marc.net
www.trbo.org
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THANK
YOU !
Mike
Shirley
NO7RF
Blaine DMR Clinic
June 17, 2017
PNW DMR Network
Fun Stuff with DMR
Mike Shirley, No7RF
“c-Bridge and Networking, SME”…sorta
[email protected]
Power Point Credit: Brad Estill, N7ER & Andy Ruschak, KK7TR