- HOA Antenna Restrictionsby Mike – NO7RF
The good news? Congress has bipartisan bills (H.R. 1094 and S. 459) called the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act that would give us the same antenna rights that TV and internet users have enjoyed since 1996.
While not specific to DMR, all hams can benefit from passage of these bills now in the Senate and House. Whether you live in a HOA community or not, please consider filling out and sending the ARRL’s simple click and send letter to your congress person and senators.
Use this link below to go to the ARRL page, fill in the simple form and send it off. Please do this ASAP!!!
https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ - Account Registrations Disabledby System Admin
PNWDigital is no longer approving new web accounts.
There is really no need to have a web account as our website is 98% open to the world. Our IO Groups membership and support groups are unchanged, still active and required for some services.
Most likely all accounts and the entire user module for the web forum will be discontinued in the future. Existing user accounts will no longer be supported. The SPAM bots are hammering away at the site and by ultimately closing down registrations and the forum will eliminate a significant security opening.
- New Secure Server Changes (HTTPS-HSTS)by Web-Team
As of 6-10-25, PNWD has implemented new secure certificate support. With the recent tightening up of the HSTS handling of secure certificates in the Chromium browsers, many of our web pages and bank-end servers were not being passed by these browsers. That effectively broke or blocked many of our pages.
All of the c-Bridges are now using the https without the :42420 port extension. The links are now simpler and more secure but you will need to update your bookmarks or favorites.
That has been addressed with the new changes. All our pages under pnwdigital.net should now work with all browsers. We are now updating our web pages to make all our link (URL’s) to the secure pages. Some of our links may not work with you use http (no s) or use the old :42420 port for our c-Bridge pages until we get them all updated.
Please keep in mind that you may need to add the ‘s’ and/or delete the :42420 port in some of the current links. If you have bookmarks in your browser, they may or may not still work, but should be updated.
You should no longer get unsecure page warnings from your browser when going to our web pages or servers.
A big THANKS to Dave, W7NCX and Steve, N9VW for the work over the past two weeks to implement these needed changes.
- Vu Audio Leveling, Version 2by Dave – W7NCX
Vu Audio Leveling, Version 2
A few years ago, we designed the Vu Audio Levels page (Vu Version 1 or VuV1) as an accessible tool for system users to visualize audio levels. Sometimes it worked well, and some found it inaccurate. From this, came the idea of adding the pre/post bumpers to the Parrot echo service. This allowed users to compare their playback audio to that of Duff, WA7BFN, who graciously recorded the announcements for us. That also had challenges. Some radios have Receive Audio Leveling, negating the audible differences if levels were off, and it also didn’t quantify the change needed, or allow easy comparing of various levels.
Today, we are announcing Vu Audio Leveling Version 2 (VuV2). Here’s a few of the features:
· “Loudness” based upon a standard
· One “Loudness” result, rather than “Average” and “Peak” values
·
VuV1 measured the audio levels by calculating the RMS, with some smoothing over peaks, and some filtering of silence. VuV2 uses, LUFS – Wikipedia, which is an ITU standard used by many broadcast services, including TV, Radio, and podcast services. “Integrated VUFS” has good statistical correlation to the VuV1 Average level, and will become our new Vu calculation. We are hopeful it will more accurately measure audio than the method used with VuV1.
With Vu V1, it was never really clear if someone should set their levels based upon the average or peak levels, or maybe some combination of the two. Vu V2 simplifies that choice. It has been running in the background, and our current average Integrated LUFS is -29. The initial ranges are as follows:
Very low Below -35
Low -35 to -31
Normal -31 to -27
High -27 to -23
Very high Above -23
The visual meter is also redesigned to be a linear bullseye, based upon the above ranges, with red-yellow-green-yellow-red areas. Our target values are different from those of the various broadcast services, just as they have variances themselves. If we all adjust towards -29, our system will sound better, and many of us are already there, as -29 is our average value.
Give it a try! Make a Parrot call then browse to https://pnwdigital.net/services/levels.php and see your audio level.
- NEW: Consolidated CallWatchby Mike – NO7RF
Dave, W7NCX has created a nifty tool that combines all our CallWatches into a single page. There are a number of custom settings that each user may set for their browser to further enhance this new service.
Please give it a try:
ccw.pnwdigital.net:5000June 1 2025-Updated link: https://pnwdigital.net/ccwUp
We strongly suggest you explore and customize your settings. This new tool will help offload the support for many CallWatch by each c-Bridge, so we will slowly cutback on CallWatch support. If you get kicked off of CallWatch just move to ccw
This is likely a temporary URL, so if you find it not working be sure to check our Signal group or the IO Groups for the latest info. - UPDATE: Methow Valley Repeatersby Mike – NO7RF
The Winthrop repeater will be at end of live by end of April 2025 or maybe into the first week of May as the site will be sold and will no longer host the repeater and Internet.
The Grizzly repeater will remain in service a bit longer but also will be removed by July 2025.
The Mazama Repeater will remain in service indefinitely. It will be the only active networked DMR repeater remaining in the Methow Valley.
- Bridgewatch – A Different Viewby Mike – NO7RF
This post is primarily a reminder that Bridgewatch exists. It is a supplemental program that enhances Callwatch and Peerwatch. Just take a look and you may just wonder why you don’t use it as your primary tool to see the active talkers and the caller history.
Bridgewatch has a multi-color display, pie charts and hotlinks for callsigns, Radio ID’s and Talkgroups. Extensive filters are available as well as other options.
Try this simple URL: (or just: pnwdigital.net/bridgewatch)
https://pnwdigital.net/bridgewatch/?filter=PNW
This URL provides an entry level view for the PNWDigital network without the clutter from other DMR networks.
While Bridgewatch is not a complete replacement for Callwatch, it is close. Try using it during a net, it really demonstrates the value of this tool. Then explore the options and different display levels for both users and talkgroups.
Bridgewatch was created by Ben, K7DMG (k7dmg@protonmail.com) years ago and honestly he deserves kudos for a wonderful, though likely underused contribution to our network toolbox!
- Signal Groups for PNWDigitalby Mike – NO7RF
We use Signal for both back-channel and “front-channeling”. Signal is an encrypted, secure chat/test/video app (iOS, Android/Windows) that is free to use. PNWD has a number of groups that can support the membership.
Signal does not send the PNWD admins an Email notice and we most likely will not see your request to join as we must manually check for new request. To overcome this “wrinkle”, please send us an Email to signal@pnwdigital.net to let us know that you have requested access. It is very helpful to include the following info; Call Sign, Name, Which group(s) you are interested in. and any other details for your inquiry/follow-up/join request
Members may join several different groups of interest. The list below may be of interest.
- PNWD: System Issues
- If there are system problems that are of a priority nature, please report them here. You may still use tech@pnwdigital.net or our other normal channels if you wish.
- If you have general questions, please use the normal channels.
- PNWD: Members Bar & Grill
- Members of PNWDigital DMR who wish to stay current or otherwise involved without the drudge of Email…or simply, Name your Poison!
- More of a social or light hearted chat group.
- PNWD: APRS
- APRS-SMS-Gateway to DMR Project
- PNWD: Web IO Zoom
- PNWD Support group for Website, Groups.io and Zoom
- PNWD: System Issues
- Talkgroups and their Appearances on Each Repeaterby Mike – NO7RF
Thanks to the work by Marc, KK7LMP, we have a comprehensive network visualization page (newly updated) that brings together the data storehouse and few hardcoded web pages. This Viz page is worth taking a look at and dive beneath the primary page or elevation charts and repeater map pages. There is a ton of data, some of it not displayed in any other way on our website. It helps me as the system manager, at times, to see coding errors or simply poor planning or implementation in how our talkgroups are managed across the entire DMR network, more especially as the network has grown and changed over time.
https://pnwdigital.net/talkgroups-appearances-viz/Documentation is available if you wish to really explore how to better use the capabilities of this project.
For example, lets illustrate something obscure, not easy to find on any other page.
- You want to know which repeaters carry Idaho ARES; just 4 in Idaho, no surprise
- SNARS; 10 repeaters, a bit of a surprize for an obscure TG
- Which repeaters carry ARRG fulltime; only 2, 7 others are PTT on the I-84 group
- Coding mistake; TAC 1 on Elephant Mtn was FT (all TAC’s should be PTT)
- Now corrected to part time. I was surprised that it hadn’t been reported.
- Which is our highest repeater on the network; Whistler Mtn in British Columbia
- Repeaters: Bellingham UHF & Yakimaby Mike – NO7RF
The Yakima repeater is back on network as of Thursday.
The Bellingham UHF repeater was dead and now replaced. It is also back online.
Nice end to the 2024 Repeater Season! That leaves us down to 2 repeater still offline, Seattle Metro still pending and CdA Idaho, likely to be lost. Any others, PNWD has no direct control.
- Repeaters: Bellingham UHF & VHFby Mike – NO7RF
The 2 repeaters and PDU went off-line on October 9th. Site visit made on the 16th. Discovered that the PDU and UHF repeater had a blown power supply.
VHF repeater is back online and now working normally.
The PDU and 28 volt power supply will be replaced and returned to service in the Spring of 2025 after snows clears out.
- Radioddity DB25-D Community Codeplugby Mike – NO7RF
PNWDigital is now supporting the Radioddity Mini Mobile DB25-D radio. The radios small size is its greatest redeeming feature.
We have posted it in /Files and it is current with all Zones and Repeaters. As we currently update the codeplug manually, updates are not likely to be frequent. Also, considering this is a nitche radio with very few members having this radio, don’t expect that to change any time soon.
We are using CPEditor, authored by David, MM7DBT. We are not using the Radioddity CPS.
- Repeaters – Blue Ridge California &Baldi 900by Mike – NO7RF
The Blue Ridge DMR repeater site in CA burned in the Bridge Fire and will not be replaced.
The Tacoma Baldi 900 Mhz repeater was removed from the site due to lack of use, needed rack space and the switch to LTE data for the other 3 repeaters remaining there.
Both repeaters have been delisted from the ACB updates, repeater listing and repeater map.
- Baldi Repeater Site Updateby Mike – NO7RF
On Saturday 9-7-24, a new VHF repeater and VHF antenna was installed. We expect VHF coverage to be improved.
The 900 Mhz repeater was removed due to lack of use and the pending switch to LTE for the VHF, UHF and 220 repeaters.
A LTE Dish will be installed next trip and the repeaters will be switched over to LTE rather than the current HamWAN operation. We hope that the connectivity will be much improved.
- Updated: Anytone D168UV HT Release Infoby Mike – NO7RF
Soon this HT will be released. It is much like the 878 but without GPS and Bluetooth. MAP is $199.
It is a bit smaller and has some enhancements such as USB-C power, battery recharge and programming, 2 batteries and 2 antennas. Do not confuse this model number with the single band, no display radio. This is dual-band (no 220 Mhz band) with display screen.
It also will load the 878 codeplug directly. Current beta CPS loads the 878 very near perfectly using a complex donor codeplug.
The brochure and other information is available via the URL above. Release in September 2024. Contact Bob at LGR for more information or purchase.
Here’s the latest as of 8-30-24
Here is the latest update on the AnyTone New handheld radio AT-D168UV dual-band status update.
Anytone officially released the new DMR handheld radio AT-D168UV, here is the brochure, user manual, and the difference compared with D878UV. AT-D168UV is an entry-level radio without installing GPS and Bluetooth, it is smaller in size and less expensive than 878. The D168UV will come with two antennas (1 short and 1 long), and two batteries ( 1800mAh and 2500mAh).
AnyTone plant to limited production starts early Sep or Mid Sep 2024 then full production in Oct 2024.
“Pros and cons”
Pros
1) Lightweight and a little smaller than 878.
2) USB-C port for programming and charging on the radio.
3) RX audio AGC (auto gain control)
4) TX/RX AGC Mic (auto gain control)
5) TX/RX Noise Cancellation.
6) Digital or Analog recording 4hours
7) QDC1200 signalling
8) Better display layout to read.
9) comes with 2 batteries
10) comes with 2 antennas (stander and high gain antenna)
11) entry-level at a more attractive price. (MSRP US$199.00)
Cons
1) No GPS and Bluetooth module.
2) No Analog APRS RX
3) Less user-programmable button4) AT-D168UV is VHF:5/2.5/1/0.2W UHF:4.5/2.5/1/0.2W instead 7W like 878.
FAQ
Q. Is D168UV using the same CPS as D878 or D578?
A. No. D168UV has its own CPS version.Q. Can D168UV use D878 or D578 codeplug?
A. Yes and No. D168UV CPS can open 878’s codeplug but not 578’s codeplug.You can always use import and export to convert the codeplug.Q. Can I use the smart USB-C charge (fast charger) to charge the new 168UV?
A. No. The 168UV uses a USB-A to USB-C charging cable (It comes with the radio package)Q. Can I TX/RX while charging the radio by USB-C port?
A. Yes. According to the AnyTone.
Q. Is the 878 battery compatible with AT-D168UV?
A. No. 878 battery is not compatible with 168UV.
Q. What is new on the D168UV?
A. Affordable, entry-level, Lighter, easy-to-read display.Q. Any new features?
A. RX audio AGC (auto gain control), Auto Mic gain (Digital/Analog), TX/RX noise cancellation,Q. When this new D168UV will be available?
A. The initial shipment starts mid-Sep 2024, with full production in Oct 2024.Q. Does AT-Options work for D168UV?
A. yes. but not 220 bands.
- OpenGD77 Projectby Mike – NO7RF
We are mushing ahead with support for this project and published our first codeplug this morning. Greg AC7RX is spearheading the effort and I’m mucking it up with my own boogers.
This project consists of replacement Firmware and CPS that is radio agnostic. So our codeplug can drop into many different radios. So far we have tested the codeplug in the GD-77 and the TYT UV-390 HT’s and it works great. It really makes it extremely easy to program a DMR radio. Much simpler than the Anytones. But then it is not quite as feature rich.
Nice to have 1 simple codeplug that can drop into many different radios.
The codeplug and information are in: https://pnwdigital.net/files/ under codeplugs.
Bob sells the UV-390 already flashed with OpenGD77 for $99 delivered. Great way to get a nice go-box or glovebox back-up radio with a 3,200 USB-C battery. This certainly can be a decent entry level radio as well though we like the Anytone line more.
- 220 Mhz 40 Watt Amp for HT’s, analog or DMR Reviewby Web-Team
Miklor published a review on this BTECH amplifier. It is available on Amazon for $138. This is a single band only, specifically for 220-225 Mhz. 6 watts in is 39 out. Hand mike included.
Might be handy for those of you using our 220 DMR repeater on Baldi. Perfect for use with the TYT 220 HT. SMA-Male input, SO-239 output. K1 Mic support.
BTECH also makes UHF and VHF version.
UPDATE: It may be that DMR Tier II mode is not supported in the 220 version, research that or stick with the UHF/VHF versions if you want more power out of your handhelds.
- CPS & Codeplugs are Located on the Websiteby Web-Team
The official files for radio programming are located at: https://pnwdigital.net/files/
We try to keep both the Anytone 578, 868 and 878 codeplugs current with the latest FW/CPS releases from Anytone. So check here first before looking elsewhere, including our own IO Groups.
While we do have older revisions in our IO Groups, the very latest files are hosted on this website and some files are updated nightly.
We also have general and miscellaneous files and documents, guides and other helpful information for new users and long-timers too.
- Reminder: Long QSO’s should move to a TAC Talkgroupby System Admin
If you find yourself participating in a long conversation that is essentially only between you and 1 or 2 other hams, it would be considerate to weigh moving off to a TAC talkgroup. This is especially so when you may be using a primary or full time talkgroup.
The TAC series of talkgroups were created with this exact situation in mind. This approach helps to keep the network resources mostly available for other users. So if your conversation may be of marginal interest to the wider ham community who may be monitoring our full time talkgroups, please consider a TAC talkgroup.
If you wish to stay on a full time TG, please be considerate, allow time for others to break into the conversation or break out of the TG for those who may not interested. Be kind, possibly, try inviting others to join in or offer up the talkgroup periodically. If there are lurkers, they can key into the TAX and continue to follow the QSO.
Our talkgroups and repeaters are shared resources and the TAC’s can greatly reduce the resources needed to support long QSO’s while maintaining the smallest footprint necessary. We do not really have any time limits though you might find that 10 minutes is a good “demarc” if you wish to be courteous to the membership who may be in the wings.
- First Ham Linked DMR Repeaters Demo – Field Day 2009by Web-Team
As Field Day 2024 approaches, I remember back to Field Day 2009, 15 years ago to the early days of Ham DMR. We had QSO that possibly sparked the beginning of Amateur Radio DMR adoption. Back then it was Motorola’s MotoTRBO client radios and repeaters only. There was no DMR-MARC, Brandmeister, Hotspots or inexpensive Chinese radios. More importantly to DMR growth, there was no linking options for DMR repeaters.
Motorola had just released firmware (V3) that supported IP linking (known as IPSC). On that Field Day 3 hams who owned those early dealer demo package repeaters (XPR-8300’s) updated the repeater firmware and planned to link the 3 repeaters together to form the first Ham DMR IPSC network. The 3 repeaters were set up temporarily in a shop, a bedroom and a kitchen in California and Iowa. It was a success as well as 15 years later with some 200,000 hams with registered radio ID’s All 3 of us are still active in DMR but have gone our separate roads.
On June 27, 2009, Field Day, we had the first HAM DMR linked Motorola MotoTRBO repeaters QSO in the USA if not worldwide. The there hams involved and in the audio recording are;
- WA6NVL, Ray in Los Angeles CA
- WB0VHB, Randy in MT Union Iowa
- WB6WUI (now NO7RF), Mike in Costa Mesa CA
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