We set up a small Lab and did a bit of testing to show you what can be done and created a few short video examples.
Be aware upfront, these features can be added and removed from each individual radio by using the CSP programming software.
Basic configuration
We have set up 4 radios, one manager and 3 which are in different work groups.
A manager needs to be able to speak to each work group and each individual and call everyone if needed.A manager also has advanced features such as radio check, remote monitor and kill / retrieve.
Users can communicate in their own groups between each other, they can receive a call to the group and a call to everyone or a direct call. They can make a direct call to a user as well,
Basic Opperation
Here we show the manager calling each group in turn. each radio gets the message and logs a missed call. When you click on OK it shows who was calling you and you can respond back directly to them.
We then show the everyone call, where the manager radio calls to everyone and all radio's regardless of group will receive the transmission. They can respond direct, or change the channel on the radio to broadcast to every as well. Useful in urgent situations (fire alarm or other emergency)
Advanced features
In this first part we discuss radio detection, remote monitoring, kill and revive features.
Radio detection, simply sends a digital signal to the destination radio to see if it is responsive.
You get either an OK or a fail. The remote radio user is unaware of this request as nothing is seen on screen or heard.
Remote monitoring, sends a signal to the destination radio and forces it to key up the transmitter and transmit for 10 seconds. This allows you to hear what is happening on the remote users side.
Again this is not noticeable on the remote radio screen or audio, even the LED TX light stays green.
Kill and Revive, This is another digital signal sent to a specific radio ID and will render the radio useless, not able to TX or RX or get into the menu. Revive brings the radio back to functioning as expected.
SMS / Text Messaging
DMR allows up to 32 characters to be sent as a text message between radios.
Just like your mobile phone this can be really useful when a voice contact is not required.
You can share quick updates, request a phone call or share an e-mail address, or deliver address / next call.
Text messages can be sent from one to one, one to group or one to everyone
The video demonstrates one to all message being sent and also one to one.
Emergency Alarm DMR feature
Here we have a quick demonstration of the emergency alarm feature.
We have set this up to be as loud as possible on both radios.
Note the sending radio can be set to stay quiet (I'm in danger, enemy is close, need help) but don't want your radio making any noise.
2 Radios one in the Reception group and one in the Cleaner group.
Pressing and holding the button on the side for 1 second activates the alarm, all radios in range will see the red alert message and the DMR ID of the radio sending the message
The screen flashes between channel red alert and User ID
GPS Set Up and use
Encryption
The last feature we will take a quick look at is the aility to encrypt you voice and data.
We use a free piece of software called DSD Plus, this will happily decode DMR signals which are not encrypted.
First video shows a simple test decode (no encryption
Our Second video is after the encryption is set up on the radio (very simple) and all you hear is noise.
