KE7FTE, N7QQU and W9ERT show us the “drag and drop” flexibility of the Icom D-STAR System. Offering reliable exchange of large image files, email, word-processing and other files that emergency responders and served agencies find invaluable.

Stephen Marshall, WW4RX, explains who are MC ARES and what the Amateur Radio Emergency Service serves.
Video Rating: 0 / 5

25 replies
  1. othrower74
    othrower74 says:

    The only thing I see as a problem is what about security? You know passwords and things of that nature. If this is over the radio then anyone can pick up the data.

    Reply
  2. W7NWH
    W7NWH says:

    That is correct! If you wish to keep things secure you must use a commercial carrier. The fact that it uses a rather hard to obtain codec and is digital provides a high degree of security inherit in the system. However, you must assume that on ham radio that nothing is truly “secure”. That’s just the way it is. My suggestion is don’t go anywhere using such a system that might compromise your security – bank accounts, etc. This is HAM RADIO – not a free service for the general public!

    Reply
  3. W7NWH
    W7NWH says:

    One big difference HAMS can use greater power with a upside of distance and robustness. Hams can use up to 1500 watts of power. Where your local wireless network is measured in millawatts to watts. With high gain antennas and lots of power ranges can exceed 50-80 miles. And that’s peer to peer! Try that with your wireless LAN! Idea is this can provide emergency backbone for a LAN that is down in an emergency. Not super fast, just robust and proven!

    Reply
  4. cjohnweb
    cjohnweb says:

    I have a website for California ARES members and I am in the process of setting up a system where packet radio communications are recorded real time to the website. I think that incorporating the web server and website with a wireless system like this would be extremely beneficial in the event of an emergency. What does something like this cost? What components are involved aside from radio? What else is it capable of doing? Does the PC registered it as an internet connection?

    Reply
  5. VO1XH
    VO1XH says:

    Great video guys,D-STAR will be set up here in St.John’s Newfoundland in the near future and from all the demos and videos I have seen it will give hams such as myself who are involved with ARES A lot of flexibility.73,good luck, Don,VO1XH ARES A.E.C

    Reply
  6. rockytop441
    rockytop441 says:

    great job guys,could you tell me where I can get the bumper sticker that you have that says”radio communications” our club would love to get some of these for our radio van and vehicles.please let me know
    thanks again

    Reply
  7. lu6jku
    lu6jku says:

    seria bueno ver tantos equipos en una situacion de emergencia.
    es una demostracion del dinero que hay en otros paises.
    saludos

    Reply
  8. K9FON
    K9FON says:

    Too bad D star is being wasted on ARES. I myself have no use for ARES. I do storm spotting, but as far as being involved in ARES forget it! Most of the ARES guys here are power hungry assholes who think they are important in some lame way. They treat the police, fire, and EMTs like crap.

    Reply
  9. blackowl6
    blackowl6 says:

    I really am interested in this technology and look forward to future advancement in knowledge of these systems,so as to be of real service to society and to help deal with hi-tech issues in the future………..JASON…………..

    Reply
  10. Senegal01
    Senegal01 says:

    Having my CSCE and waiting for my call sign to show up on the FCC page is giving me more gray hair! Then the hunt for a radio system, and so many out there, but I really like this D-STAR system………let the fun begin……

    Reply
  11. kvesterling
    kvesterling says:

    Uhh, regarding the security concern question above. Nothing is preventing you from using some semblance of Layer 3 VPN encryption across the D-Star network, so you have the flexibility to be as secure as you need to be. As far as the comment about the codec providing security, I say this, “Security through obscurity is not security, it’s merely an obstacle.”

    Reply
  12. W7NWH
    W7NWH says:

    @kvesterling – you bring up an interesting point – but not sure if legal for hams to do so? We’re not allowed any codes or cyphers in our communications so even if it is possible? But excellent point if an official wants to make credit card purchases, etc. I can see the need for encryption in disasters, or while under duress, etc.

    Reply

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