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DIGITAL RADIO

Both digital voice and digital data modes are used in amateur radio.


Digital voice modes transmute speech into data form usisng voice encoders (vocoders) before transmitting it. Advanced Multiband Excitation (AMBE) technology is utilized by most digital voice systems. The AMBE vocoder significantly reduces the bandwidth of the digital representation of the voice transmissions. 


Common Digital Voice Protocols:


D-STAR (Voice) - Open specification with proprietary vocoder system available from Icom, Kenwood, and Flex Systems.


DMR – The term DMR comes from “Digital Mobile Radio”. In addition to its use in amateur radio, DMR is also used by commercial entities and public safety services. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology is utilized.


System Fusion – A Yaesu proprietary system using C4FM 4-level FSK (4FSK) Technology


Digital data modes provide for enhanced security,  better range, weak signal functionality, automatic logging,  and the ability to transmit a large amount of data in a short period over a very narrow bandwidth. The most popular digital mode in ham radio and among our Club members today is FT8.


Common Digital Data Protocols:


D-STAR (Digital Data) - A high speed data-only mode.


Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) Modes (Several Variations)

FSK441

JT6M

JT65

FT8

Olivia MFSK

JS8

Radioteletype (RTTY)

WSPR 


Phase-shift keying:

31-baud binary phase shift keying: PSK31

31-baud quadrature phase shift keying: QPSK31

63-baud binary phase shift keying: PSK63

63-baud quadrature phase shift keying: QPSK63


Packet Radio – (AX25)

Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) (See the APRS Page On This Website)

PACTOR (AMTOR + packet radio)

Winlink (Packet, Pactor, Winmor, ARDOP, VARA, and direct between radios)

DIGITAL RADIO INFORMATION ONLINE

Winlink 2M guide for local access to KQ4DKA-7 by KB9V

An introductory guide to digital modes for HAM operators by KB9V

Meshtastic

Slide Deck by  Jeff Schmidt N5MNW- Schertz Hamfest July 2024 

Getting Started with HAM Radio Digital Modes 

DMR For Beginners - HAM Radio - TheSmokinApe

Get Started with FT8 - An Introduction for Beginners


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