D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio) is a digital voice and data protocol specification for amateur radio. The system was developed in the late 1990s by the Japan Amateur Radio League and uses minimum-shift keying in its packet-based standard.
The KC9LKZ Repeater gateway uses a Linux base computer that runs special software. All four repeater modules are connected together and to the PC. The computer has a DSL line to the internet.
The D-STAR Calculator is the best tool to use to configure your radio with MADOG gateway feature in order to access reflectors, test your audio, and the status of our repeaters.
The system first took off in 2006 when we acquired a first generation 1.2 GHz and controller combination. In 2007, we bought the 2M and 70CM modules. The 440MHz unit was first installed and in the summer of 2008, the gateway was installed. In early 2010, our first generation 1.2GHz developed a firmware glitch and would not us let install the 2M module. Due to this problem and in contact with ICOM, there was no recovery for the problem.
In 2011, we purchased a 2nd generation controller, 1.2 GHz Data and voice module. With the new purchase, we were able to finally install the 2M module.
The KC9LKZ is a fully functional system with a gateway. We hope that you enjoy the system and join in on the various D-STAR nets that take place.
On March 16, 2014, the Milwaukee Area Digital Operators Group (MADOG) and the Milwaukee Radio Amateurs’ Club (MRAC) partnered together to demo the Yaesu “System Fusion” repeater.
“System Fusion” is Yaesu’s version of digital communications, offering repeater owners the ability to provide a repeater that can be used by both analog and digital users separately. It has the ability to automatically switch modes depending on the type of signal received. Additionally, there is another repeater mode available in which digital users can talk into the repeater and transmit as analog for all users to hear.
Analog users will hear what sounds like static. This noise is the digital signal being transmitted by the repeater. We recommend users program a tone squelch of 127.3Hz into their radios.
You can reach us at info@milwaukeedigital.org.
73’ s and thanks for visiting!
