Dplus linking HOWTO for K6MDD D-Star
DRAFT June 1st 2008 - k6iam@dseven.org
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Dplus enables the establishment of temporary bidirectional links between D-Star systems, and linking D-Star systems to reflectors, over the internet; a similar experience to IRLP.
Direct connections can be made between a module (e.g. 2m, 'C') on the local system and a module on a remote system. Once that link is established, transmissions on either of the connected modules will be relayed to the other - so users of both modules will hear eachother without needing to specifically "push" (source-route) to that module or its users.
Connections can also be made between a module on the local system and a channel on one of a number of reflectors on the D-Star network. Reflectors act like conference bridges - reflecting traffic heard on any connected module to all other connected modules.
At the time of writing, there are six reflectors in operation in the "usroot" D-Star network - named REF001 thru REF006. Each reflector has multiple channels, identified by letters, e.g. 'C'.
A current popular venue for general discussion is channel C on reflector 001.
As the Dplus software runs on the D-Star gateway, it is important that the gateway be programmed in the "RPT2" field on the radio for successful use of the link, both for establishing the connection and any user wishing to communicate through the link once established.
Linking with Dplus involves special use of the "Your Call" (aka "UR") field to send commands to the Dplus software on the D-Star gateway.
Once connected, you can (and should) set "Your Call" (back) to just "CQCQCQ", and any transmissions you make will be sent to the other linked system(s), provided you have "RPT2" set to the gateway, and you will hear transmissions from all other systems also.
You may wish to make use of the "Your Call" memories in your radio for linking/unlinking commands.
Linking
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To establish a link, make a transmission (key-up) with "Your Call" set to the remote system module you desire, followed by the letter 'L' (for "Link"). When you unkey, you should hear a message confirming that the connection has been established. You should then change "Your Call" back to "CQCQCQ" - otherwise you will attempt to re-establish the connection each time you key up.
For example, to connect the 2m module of K6MDD to the 2m module of the VA7ICM system, set (note: "_" represents a "blank"/space):
Your Call : VA7ICMCL
RPT1 : K6MDD__C
RPT2 : K6MDD__G
and then briefly key up - perhaps stating your intention ("K6IAM, activating link to VA7ICM module C").
Once connected, remember to change "Your Call" back to "CQCQCQ", i.e.:
Your Call : CQCQCQ__
RPT1 : K6MDD__C
RPT2 : K6MDD__G
To connect the 2m module of K6MDD to reflector 001 channel C:
Your Call : REF001CL
RPT1 : K6MDD__C
RPT2 : K6MDD__G
Unlinking
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To terminate a link (either direct or reflector), use the special "Your Call" of "_______U" - that's all blank expect the letter 'U' (for "Unlink") in the 8th position.
For example, to unlink the 2m module of K6MDD:
Your Call : _______U
RPT1 : K6MDD__C
RPT2 : K6MDD__G
Then briefly key up. Remember to revert "Your Call" to "CQCQCQ" afterwards.
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