I bought two of them. My wife brings one with her when she takes the dog for a walk. I set it to Digital DV and her position is always transmitted and I know exactly where they are and how far from my radio. I also love the feature where the radio gives me a list of all repeaters nearby based on my GPS coordinates. Also, the D-star comms can't be intercepted by an average Joe with a scanner. The digital transmission sounds like white noise.
CP - Very Cool. Based on your video I can see where this could be extremely useful in Emergency operations. My little brother in NC is a firefighter and a HAM and I ma sure he is going to be very interested in the ICOM ID-51A and the D-STAR functions that you are showing. Keep up the great work.
Commsprepper - Great vid as usual. Easy to follow...especially for someone like me just getting into HAM radio. All my gear is used Yaesu products and while I can send digital with them its complicated - at least for me...looks like I need to start saving my nickles and dimes and switch to ICOM D-STAR products. .
+Blue 823 Wait til I get the text messaging video posted - the app is great. The digital modulation mode is also very cool and adds a layer of... complexity... that weeds-out the $30.00 dollar radio users.
I'm looking at getting a new mobile dual-bander, and it's gonna have to be one of the digital offerings (ID-5100A or FTM-400D). Do you have any experience with System Fusion as opposed to D-Star? If so what are your impressions. I realize Yaesu's product are lagging in acceptance compared to D-Star. Thanks in advance and for this series - it's filling me in on Icom (never owned one).
+combatjm89 I have not worked with Yaesu's fusion so I cannot comment on it's capabilities. What I can say is I do like the RS-MS1A app and ability to use Android devices should the grid go down.
+Brian Meyer Really - I will have to try that. I'm guessing you are D-STAR users? This is new to me so I have allot to learn. I do like this radio and it's features. Nice having it all in one package vice my kluge of analog methods shown in other videos.
Thank you. I do have a question. I have the the ID 51 A plus and have used it for international QSO on Dstar. I have he data cable and have the RS-MS1A down loaded on an android device. For some reason however when I connect the android device and my 51 it says (the software on the android device) says that it is not connected or the 51 is not there. Would you have any suggestions how to remedy this. KB3RMT Chris Owens
Commsprepper - Just a quick followup question. So can I use this radio to send digital to a non-D-STAR radio? I mean if I have my Yeasu set up to receive digital signals you should still be able to send me email/photos etc...correct?
+Commsprepper - So this is useful only if the other person has a ICOM with D-STAR. RATS! I teach C.E.R.T. Classes for my city. The potential for this radio in a disaster situation would be invaluable. But trying to get everyone to buy one brand of radio impossible. Oh well, in time maybe D-STAR will become the standard.
Yeah, I think that's what +Corrosive was referring to by "proprietary" in his earlier comment. Icom is the only brand to use DSTAR if I'm not mistaken. It may be open source; but so far Icom is the only one that has picked it up that I'm aware of. Don't get me wrong, the ID-51A does look to be a pretty snazzy radio. It's just outside my particular price range. I do think that the sending of images that way is pretty slick though. Thanks for sharing, Hank!
Can you make a video using the ID-51A connected to an Android device as an access point? Then use a second DSTAR radio to access an XRF xreflector via the ID-51A access point.
Thanks Commsprepper. Another good video. Quick question from a newbie. What tablets are best for this? Also which cable do I need to connect radio to tablet? Thanks. p.s. where can I purchase some of your morale patches? Cheers, -Cory
Cory, I don't have the cable with me but if you look at the product brochure on Icom's website the USB cable is listed in the accessories section. I don't sell the patches but I'm about to announce a 13k subscriber contest give away and the patches are the prize. Should have that video up in a week. Hank
is it correct that a d-star repeater would support this as well? I'm thinking of an EOC/command center wanting to TX maps to deployed team members possibly beyond reliable HT simplex range
In SHTF who will be enforcing the rules? Also, have you ever wondered why that rule even exists? Maybe I'm too cynical, but I don't like the sounds of that; sounds like a first amendment violation to me.
+DocLarsen44 When asked the "enforcement" question I always say "the enforcement and fines come after the SHTF events." Even during the WROL of hurricane Katrina the enforcement and penalties followed. As for encryption, the Amateur radio service as structured and chartered has always been non-commercial with the goal of promoting community service, education, and the advancement of radio knowledge. Keeping communications in the open ensures that operations are consistent with these goals. Permitting encryption in the Amateur radio service would turn it into a private communications service. Folks wanting encrypted radio communications can get licensing in other radio services (i.e. business band). I agree with the no-encryption rule in Amateur radio, open communications permits peer review and policing - ensuring we have access to free frequencies. Permit encryption and we could not afford the FCC fees.
+Albator88 seems someone does not like most of my videos. Most of my videos have one dislike within an hour of posting. Not sure who does not like the videos. it would be nice if they left feedback. Perhaps I could adjust and address what they don't like.
Great to know, I see several uses for this after the net collapses. How secure are these transmissions.... can they be intercepted by others with the ICOM, or similar, ap? Thanks for posting. Brum
+Brumfield These radios are not "secure" like encryption. Encryption is not permitted in Amateur radio. Currently you would need a D-STAR equipped radio (or scanner) to receive the D-STAR digital transmission.
+TheMountainRN The radio has five power settings that you can use to address duty-cycle concerns. As with all data modes you want to use the least amount of power needed to achieve comms.
+Appalachian Freedom Outdoors It's a cool radio. The texting and GPS features are also kool. Plan to make videos showing that at the retreat this weekend.
Two Questions can this be done using the dstar repeaters, for example can you send an image to someone in another state? can you use any frequency for this?
+vaughnburrows I am not sure if this will work through D-STAR repeaters. I am new to this and have asked my Elmers this very question (waiting for a response). As for the frequency - what you can use depends on the band your are operating in. The ARRL has band-plans for both the 2m and 70cm bands. In this video i was using the simplex section of the 2m band. www.arrl.org/band-plan
Commsprepper Why is this not for repeaters? Other than perhaps being annoying, is there a feature that disables this on repeaters? I'd love to see a reflector that is used primarily for sharing photos with anyone else in the reflector.
they really should have used lossless compression like PNG for that, for images, maps especially, it would result in no noticeable degradation of image quality and would cut down the transmission time by more than 50%
+Tyler Watthanaphand I'm not 100% sure of this but I recall that compression is not permitted in Amateur radio because it can "obscure" the message like encryption - which is not permitted in Amateur radio. This is the reason (I believe) why Pactor 4 has not yet been approved in the U.S.
+Commsprepper I gave it a second thought, then I realized that if they compressed the entire image, then sent it along, one little error or drop out in signal would ruin the entire image. So compression isn't well suited for radio. That's why that app sends the image in small chunks. Compression is permitted in amateur radio, as long as it doesn't require a key to make it readable. Codec2 and FreeDV use high amounts of compression to get voice over a very small HF channel.
I would much rather stick with classic SSTV at this point, Icom charges too much for their over priced proprietary modes not to mention most people won't have a radio capable of receiving anything from these rigs.
+Corrosive D-STAR is not proprietary. It's open source and was developed by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL). Icom was the first to adopt the standard. From a prepping perspective (in my opinion) the price is fair considering all the features in the radio (i.e. GPS). Preppers spend far more money on other aspects of prepardness - why skimp on the communications aspect?
Cool demo ! Thanks for sharing . Im glad to see that manufacturers are using android apps - A tablet or phone is lighter than a laptop !
+SurvivalComms I am working on a video showing the text messaging now.
I bought two of them. My wife brings one with her when she takes the
dog for a walk. I set it to Digital DV and her position is always transmitted and I know exactly where they are and how far from my radio. I also love the feature where the radio gives me a list of all repeaters nearby based on my GPS coordinates.
Also, the D-star comms can't be intercepted by an average Joe with a scanner. The digital transmission sounds like white noise.
D-STAR is very cool stuff.
That's amazing! This could come in very handy.
+metaltrooper62 oh yes... This radio (all D-STAR units) is packed with all sorts of relevant prepper features.
Thank you Commsprepper. An outstanding video for newbies and former HAMs... a keeper for sure.
+Wes41 Thanks Wes.
CP - Very Cool. Based on your video I can see where this could be extremely useful in Emergency operations. My little brother in NC is a firefighter and a HAM and I ma sure he is going to be very interested in the ICOM ID-51A and the D-STAR functions that you are showing. Keep up the great work.
+strong002 Maps are a powerful tool.
That's was faster than I expected,very nice.
+James Sells They are amazing radios. Things just work and work well.
Commsprepper - Great vid as usual. Easy to follow...especially for someone like me just getting into HAM radio. All my gear is used Yaesu products and while I can send digital with them its complicated - at least for me...looks like I need to start saving my nickles and dimes and switch to ICOM D-STAR products. .
+M. P. Path Does Yeasu have an app?
+Commsprepper - None that I can find.
Now that is freaking awesome.... would be great for deep forest search and rescue or anything where there is no cell signal...
+Blue 823 Wait til I get the text messaging video posted - the app is great. The digital modulation mode is also very cool and adds a layer of... complexity... that weeds-out the $30.00 dollar radio users.
I'm looking at getting a new mobile dual-bander, and it's gonna have to be one of the digital offerings (ID-5100A or FTM-400D). Do you have any experience with System Fusion as opposed to D-Star? If so what are your impressions. I realize Yaesu's product are lagging in acceptance compared to D-Star. Thanks in advance and for this series - it's filling me in on Icom (never owned one).
+combatjm89 I have not worked with Yaesu's fusion so I cannot comment on it's capabilities. What I can say is I do like the RS-MS1A app and ability to use Android devices should the grid go down.
Thank you for showing how to do it. Your instructions are easy to follow. Saved me time to read from the manual :). 73's VE3ITU.
great video, when using the pic transmission you can use voice mode too, it slows the transmission of the image a bit.
+Brian Meyer Not sure - good question. I will research that. I suspect in the radio-to-radio mode it's limited to voice or data.
+Commsprepper no no, you can do voice while transmitting an image.
+Brian Meyer Really - I will have to try that. I'm guessing you are D-STAR users? This is new to me so I have allot to learn. I do like this radio and it's features. Nice having it all in one package vice my kluge of analog methods shown in other videos.
+Brian Meyer Are you on D-STAR? If so, would you be willing to test with me while I make a video?
+Commsprepper emailed reply
Thank you. I do have a question. I have the the ID 51 A plus and have used it for international QSO on Dstar. I have he data cable and have the RS-MS1A down loaded on an android device. For some reason however when I connect the android device and my 51 it says (the software on the android device) says that it is not connected or the 51 is not there. Would you have any suggestions how to remedy this. KB3RMT Chris Owens
Not sure. I know that some folks have had problems different chip sets in their Android devices. Do you have another device you can try?
Commsprepper - Just a quick followup question. So can I use this radio to send digital to a non-D-STAR radio? I mean if I have my Yeasu set up to receive digital signals you should still be able to send me email/photos etc...correct?
+M. P. Path Unfortunately no. Yeasu uses a different digital standard from Icom. Both are non-proprietary but they are not comparable.
+Commsprepper - So this is useful only if the other person has a ICOM with D-STAR. RATS! I teach C.E.R.T. Classes for my city. The potential for this radio in a disaster situation would be invaluable. But trying to get everyone to buy one brand of radio impossible. Oh well, in time maybe D-STAR will become the standard.
Yeah, I think that's what +Corrosive was referring to by "proprietary" in his earlier comment. Icom is the only brand to use DSTAR if I'm not mistaken. It may be open source; but so far Icom is the only one that has picked it up that I'm aware of. Don't get me wrong, the ID-51A does look to be a pretty snazzy radio. It's just outside my particular price range. I do think that the sending of images that way is pretty slick though. Thanks for sharing, Hank!
Can you make a video using the ID-51A connected to an Android device as an access point? Then use a second DSTAR radio to access an XRF xreflector via the ID-51A access point.
Thanks Commsprepper. Another good video. Quick question from a newbie. What tablets are best for this? Also which cable do I need to connect radio to tablet? Thanks.
p.s. where can I purchase some of your morale patches?
Cheers,
-Cory
Cory, I don't have the cable with me but if you look at the product brochure on Icom's website the USB cable is listed in the accessories section. I don't sell the patches but I'm about to announce a 13k subscriber contest give away and the patches are the prize. Should have that video up in a week. Hank
+Commsprepper Thanks. Any pure android tablet will work? What tablets did you use in the video? Thanks.
+iamcoryhughes I got the cheapest one they had at Walmart
is it correct that a d-star repeater would support this as well? I'm thinking of an EOC/command center wanting to TX maps to deployed team members possibly beyond reliable HT simplex range
+Sean Yunt I believe it will but I will have to confirm that. I need to find someone else in the area to experiment with.
The ability to do this via DStar repeaters would be great and not just simplex. I have the BT in my 5100 mobile.
Will this setup work with the Icom.IC-7100?
awesome. technology that looks useful
+Roy Amberg This is just the tip of the iceberg - this radio is packed with useful features. next video will show the text messaging. Hank
A picture is worth a thousand words (at least.) The one question I have is, "do the radios have the ability to encrypt/decrypt transmissions?"
+DocLarsen44 Sorry but no encryption. Encryption is not permitted in Amateur radio.
In SHTF who will be enforcing the rules? Also, have you ever wondered why that rule even exists? Maybe I'm too cynical, but I don't like the sounds of that; sounds like a first amendment violation to me.
+DocLarsen44 When asked the "enforcement" question I always say "the enforcement and fines come after the SHTF events." Even during the WROL of hurricane Katrina the enforcement and penalties followed. As for encryption, the Amateur radio service as structured and chartered has always been non-commercial with the goal of promoting community service, education, and the advancement of radio knowledge. Keeping communications in the open ensures that operations are consistent with these goals. Permitting encryption in the Amateur radio service would turn it into a private communications service. Folks wanting encrypted radio communications can get licensing in other radio services (i.e. business band). I agree with the no-encryption rule in Amateur radio, open communications permits peer review and policing - ensuring we have access to free frequencies. Permit encryption and we could not afford the FCC fees.
As always good video and by the way who doesnt like your video????
+Albator88 seems someone does not like most of my videos. Most of my videos have one dislike within an hour of posting. Not sure who does not like the videos. it would be nice if they left feedback. Perhaps I could adjust and address what they don't like.
+Commsprepper Can't please them all. Great demonstration. Keep up the good work.
Great video.
+radiosification Thank you.
Great to know, I see several uses for this after the net collapses. How secure are these transmissions.... can they be intercepted by others with the ICOM, or similar, ap? Thanks for posting. Brum
+Brumfield These radios are not "secure" like encryption. Encryption is not permitted in Amateur radio. Currently you would need a D-STAR equipped radio (or scanner) to receive the D-STAR digital transmission.
Thanks, I appreciate the info. Brum
How are they handle all this transfert will duty cycle and all?
+TheMountainRN The radio has five power settings that you can use to address duty-cycle concerns. As with all data modes you want to use the least amount of power needed to achieve comms.
Fantastic!
+Appalachian Freedom Outdoors It's a cool radio. The texting and GPS features are also kool. Plan to make videos showing that at the retreat this weekend.
Outstanding app! Do they make an iPad app for this?
No they do not.
Two Questions can this be done using the dstar repeaters, for example can you send an image to someone in another state? can you use any frequency for this?
+vaughnburrows I am not sure if this will work through D-STAR repeaters. I am new to this and have asked my Elmers this very question (waiting for a response). As for the frequency - what you can use depends on the band your are operating in. The ARRL has band-plans for both the 2m and 70cm bands. In this video i was using the simplex section of the 2m band. www.arrl.org/band-plan
+Commsprepper Thanks a representative from icom did a video on this and it can be done using the repeaters
Ok, thats slick. Thanks for sharing buddy!!
73's N0BPS
+Brian Streufert Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
do you know if the hf star radio can do this as well the new ic-7100????
+The Recon Prepper The IC-7100 is D-STAR ready and you can use it on the HF bands.
How do you link the radios together? Is it just setting both radios to the same frequency and would this work over a repeater?
This mode is not for repeaters. Simplex between radios.
Commsprepper Thank you
Commsprepper Why is this not for repeaters? Other than perhaps being annoying, is there a feature that disables this on repeaters? I'd love to see a reflector that is used primarily for sharing photos with anyone else in the reflector.
Outstanding
Thanks
Do you need an amateur radio license to send photos and text with these?
yes
Commsprepper thanks for the reply. I figured that was the case. More motivation to get my license!
they really should have used lossless compression like PNG for that, for images, maps especially, it would result in no noticeable degradation of image quality and would cut down the transmission time by more than 50%
+Tyler Watthanaphand I'm not 100% sure of this but I recall that compression is not permitted in Amateur radio because it can "obscure" the message like encryption - which is not permitted in Amateur radio. This is the reason (I believe) why Pactor 4 has not yet been approved in the U.S.
+Commsprepper I gave it a second thought, then I realized that if they compressed the entire image, then sent it along, one little error or drop out in signal would ruin the entire image. So compression isn't well suited for radio. That's why that app sends the image in small chunks. Compression is permitted in amateur radio, as long as it doesn't require a key to make it readable. Codec2 and FreeDV use high amounts of compression to get voice over a very small HF channel.
+Tyler Watthanaphand Thanks for the info. Do you know what the Pactor 4 hangup is? FCC has still not approved it.
+Commsprepper I found some stuff regarding Pactor 3, maybe it's the same issue?
apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7521098786
+Commsprepper Looks like it specifically has to do with the symbol rate allowed by the FCC on certain bands. www.eham.net/articles/31263
Works on my phone but not tablet. Cant even upzip driver on tablet any advise?
+Jeff Daugherty call Icom tech support
What Android Tablet are you using?
It was a cheap RCA tablet from WalMart. I think it was $35.00 bucks.
hot damn. how far they reach
+Roy Amberg The ID-51A Plus radio is a five watt unit. Line of sight between radios. Range would depend on geography and antenna type/height.
Was this in digital mode or analog?
D-STAR digital mode.
I would much rather stick with classic SSTV at this point, Icom charges too much for their over priced proprietary modes not to mention most people won't have a radio capable of receiving anything from these rigs.
+Corrosive D-STAR is not proprietary. It's open source and was developed by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL). Icom was the first to adopt the standard. From a prepping perspective (in my opinion) the price is fair considering all the features in the radio (i.e. GPS). Preppers spend far more money on other aspects of prepardness - why skimp on the communications aspect?
Can you do that on the Kenwood TH-D74A
I don't know I don't have any Kenwood gear.
Technology is making thing to easy lol
+TheMountainRN It's a very cool product line for sure! The ability to send pics and maps is a powerful emergency preparedness tool.