On 17/02/2017 06:09, Ralph Mowery wrote:
In article , rec-radio-amateur-
says...

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Why DMR is succeeding

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 02:33 PM PST
http://wb8nut.com/blog/files/Februar...ue-entry-id-83

A Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

As many of you know, I am a big fan of DStar. Sure it has some limitations,
but for versatility, it is the best for ham radio in my opinion, because it
was designed for ham radio. Fusion can make that same claim, but I do not
see the versatility there.

DMR is a commercial standard adapted to amateur radio. It seems to be the
least flexible for amateur radio, but seems to be growing the fastest at
this point. The reason why is what I will try to answer.


DMR took over just as Microsoft did in the computer years. MS wasnted
about $ 50 and the other company (believe Digital Research) that I
forget the name of wanted about $ 150.

I company can not come out with a system for the population and keep
everything in house. Thatis what happened to D-Star, Betamax and some
of the eairly computer such as Texas Instruments. It also has to be the
less expensive, especially for hams. Copper wire was invented by 2 hams
arguing over a penny.



I'm no fan of DSTAR but how has it been kept 'in-house'? The overall
system isn't Icom's invention, in came out of work done by the JARL.
Icom did build the first kit based on the spec. and Kenwood offered the
odd one or two models.

The high price of DSTAR kit, certainly in the UK, is a large factor. A
DMR handheld can be bought (new) for about £100 ($150) a fraction of the
cheapest DSTAR radio. Unlike the US, surplus DMR kit isn't that common.

An interesting thing to notice: amateurs tend to like 'bells and
whistles' on their radios- memories, flashy displays, ...... which the
manufacturers are happy to 'feed' them. (Look at the new Kenwood DStar
handheld.) However, the cheap DMR radios are the Model T Fords - mass
produced for the wider market and functional. How long before amateurs
notice their don't need a colour display with a built in coffee maker?