[GCARC] Tech Saturday Tomorrow - Getting On the Air with DMR

[Jon Pearce]

Join Us Tomorrow for a DMR Radio & Hotspot Setup Work Session!
Date: March 08, 2025 - 9 AM
Location: The Clubhouse
Goal: Get your DMR radio running with OpenGD77 firmware, program it with local settings, and optionally set up a hotspot using WPSD software.
Agenda & What to Bring:

  1.  Programming Your DM1701 Radio with OpenGD77 Firmware
     *   If you haven’t installed the firmware yet: Bring the following:
a. Your DM1701 radio
b. Programming cable
c. Laptop (with charger)
d. (Optional) OpenGD77 firmware files – download them ahead of time from skunkworks.w2mmd.org (Projects > DMR) or Stan WA2JRZ’s Crosstalk article sources. Files will also be available onsite.
     *   What we’ll do: Install the CPS software on your laptop and load the OpenGD77 firmware onto your radio.
     *   Note: If you have a different radio model, bring the correct firmware files for it—we’ll only have DM1701 files onsite.
     *   Already programmed? Skip to Step 2.
  2.  Loading Local DMR Settings
     *   We’ve prepared standard CSV files with programming for local DMR functions (a “codeplug”).
     *   What we’ll do: Import these into your radio using the CPS software’s “Import CSV” command, ensuring all participants have consistent settings.
     *   Get a head start: You can download the CSV files from skunkworks.w2mmd.org (Projects > DMR) and import them into your radio before the session if you’d like to start early.
  3.  Using Your Radio with Hotspots
     *   What we’ll cover:
a. Connecting to simplex and duplex hotspots
b. Testing with the “Parrot” command
c. Creating a “dynamic” talk group connection from your radio
d. Disconnecting from a talk group
e. Setting up a permanent “static” talk group on your hotspot
f. Differences between simplex and duplex hotspots
  4.  Setting Up Your Own Hotspot (Optional)
     *   What to bring:
a. Raspberry Pi (Pi 3, Zero, or 4) with USB power cord (USB-micro for Pi 3/Zero; USB-C for Pi 4)
b. MMDVM modem (simplex or duplex)
c. Micro-SD card for the hotspot
d. (Optional) USB SD card programmer (a few extras will be available)
e. Laptop with Raspberry Pi Imager installed (download from raspberrypi.com/software)
f. WPSD software downloaded from w0chp.radio/wpsd/
     *   What we’ll do: Flash the SD card, install, and configure WPSD software to get your hotspot running.

Outcome: By the end of the session, you’ll have a fully functional DMR radio compatible with local repeaters and standard hotspots. If you’re setting up a hotspot, it’ll be operational too!