You can watch the network in action at:
RADIO ID
Each radio used on the DMR network is programmed with a unique user ID number.
You MUST register your radio for it to work correctly.
ID numbers are managed centrally, and may be obtained here.
The user ID database may also be found at the same link.
TRANSMIT AUDIO LEVELS
Some equipment tends to have over driven audio on tx, and some have low modulation – it is very important that you check your transmitted audio for the correct level.
Use the Parrot to check your audio level – see below.
Motorola equipment with the latest firmware can be run with audio AGC on.
GPS POSITION
DMR equipment is often fitted with an inbuilt GPS receiver, with the facility to transmit GPS position over the network.
This function is not supported by the DMR network, and must be OFF.
LEAVE A BREAK
The VKDMR network has many repeaters and links. Please leave a break of at least 4 seconds between overs, no matter which talk group you are on and whether on a repeater or hotspot. This will allow other users enough time to disconnect from the talk group or break in to your QSO.
COLOUR CODES, SLOTS AND TALK GROUPS
The DMR system uses 15 “colour codes” which function in a very similar fashion to CTCSS tones on analogue repeaters. A radio programmed with one colour code will not be able to transmit on a repeater programed with another.
All VK-DMR amateur repeaters use colour code 1.
As discussed previously, each DMR repeater has two slots, and each slot has a number of talk groups.
Australian DMR repeaters use the following slots and talk groups – these need to be programmed into your radio.
TGs in blue are user activated.
| Slot 1 | Slot 2 |
| TG1 – worldwide | TG505 – all VK repeaters and hotspots |
| TG13 – worldwide English | TG3801-8 – state based TG (trailing number=call area) |
| TG113/123 – User activated chat channels world wide – used for DX | TG9990 – Parrot (use slot 1 for hotspots) |
| TG3809 and 3810 – chat channels | |
| TG8 – keys repeaters in defined groups – i.e. all Sydney, FNQ, all Melb, etc. | |
| TG9 – keys your local repeater only | |
| TG30 – JOTA | |
| TG5 – nets/broadcasts only | |
| TG3 – US wide | |
| TG310 – US “TAC 310” | |
| TG133 – US wide | |
| TG53 – chat channel | |
| TG153 – South Pacific |
The TGs are explained in detail below.
TIME SLOT 1
Time Slot 1 – TG1 = world wide calling – keys EVERY DMR repeater on the worldwide MARC/DMR+ network
Time Slot 1 – TG13 = worldwide English calling channel. Keys every repeater on the United Kingdom Phoenix DMR network, and most of our repeaters.
Time Slot 1 – TG53, TG3809 and TG3810 = user activated chat channels for VK repeaters. 3810 is intended for WICEN, but may be used for normal ops when WICEN is not using it.
Time Slot 1 – TG113/123 = international user activated chat channels. Normally used after a call on TG1 or 13. Be aware that these channels are used internationally….
Time Slot 1 – TG9 = Keys your local repeater only
Time Slot 1 – TG30 = Used for JOTA. May be used for general comms at other times.
Time slot 1 – TG5 = VK wide – keys all repeaters – used for nets and broadcasts only.
Time slot 1 – TG3 = US wide
Time slot 1 – TG310 = US “TAC 310” – technical TG
Time slot 1 = TG133 = US wide
Time slot 1 = TG153 = Sth Pacific – also keys many ZL repeaters
User activated TGs are activated by pressing your PTT for about 2 seconds with the TG selected. Only repeaters used in the QSO are connected.
Time slot 1 – TG8 keys repeaters in defined groups. This TG is programmed for each repeater and can not be changed by users.
The TG8 groups are as follows:
| TG8 Group | Repeaters linked |
| 1 – VK7 | Launceston, Hobart |
| 2 – Sydney, W and N NSW | All Sydney, Orange and Grafton |
| 3 – Southern VK2 and VK1 | Highrange, Goulburn, Yass and Canberra |
| 4 – Nth VK3 | Shepparton and Mt. Wombat |
| 5 – VK3 | Remainder of VK3 |
| 6 – SE Queensland | SE VK4 |
| 7 – FNQ | Atherton |
| 8 – VK5 | VK5 |
TIME SLOT 2
Time Slot 2 – TG505 = All VK repeaters.
505 keys every VK repeater and connected hotspot.
505 is fine for short QSOs. As per normal repeater practice, please leave a break between overs for other stations.
If you want to have a longer QSO, please QSY off 505 to leave the channel free for others.
It is also suggested that you QSY to a slot 1 TG if possible, as this leaves slot 2 free for other stations to call on 505
If 505 is busy:
- TG9 on slot 1 can be used to work another station on your local repeater only.
- TG8 on slot 1 is available for repeaters in a group.
- TG3809/3810 or 53 on slot 1 can be used to connect individual repeaters together.
Time Slot 2 – TG3801-8 = State/Territory based TG, where the trailing digit is the VK call area – keys all repeaters in that State/Territory only. Can also be used from another state – use the TG for the state you wish to connect to – i.e. 3802 for VK2, etc. However, 380x does hold up slot 2 for all repeaters in a state – this prevents other stations in your state from calling on 505. The inter-state link disconnects automatically if there is no activity for 15 seconds.
Time slot 2 – TG9990 – Parrot – repeats your signal back to you – used to check your audio. See https://vkdmr.com/parrots/