I just got mine in today and I'm a little more than disappointed. The speaker output is so quiet I have a hard time hearing it unless it's turned up all the way. However, if I have it on FM Radio Broadcast, ie, 95.7fm, I have to turn it down because it is so loud. Does yours have the same issue or do I have to send this thing back?
Most excellent video! Made it super easy for this old dog to download and install the repeater list in his brand spanking new ID-51A Plus -- my FIRST D-Star radio. Now all I have to do is learn how to use the D-Star repeaters effectively. I do have a question. When I opened the 'Near Repeater' list in the radio, I got the dual listing (one UHF, one VHF) for the repeaters, but the repeaters do not have 'B' or 'C' next to them, nor were the two bands grouped together for the same location. What I had was two separate listings. Example: there are two listings for San Diego, but they are separated by the two listings for Coronado. In the video, the listings came up together sequentially. Nor do I have the date showing under the repeaters when I switch to DR mode. The process seemed simple enough and went exactly as the video shows, but I've got these screwy listings and no date. All this begs the question: What did I do wrong (I presume it's me!)? Can anybody set me straight? Thanks, and 73's!!
Try formatting the SD card, factory reset the radio, then reload the SD card from dstarinfo.com and re-import into the radio. The new repeater feature will only work after you have a GPS lock.
A great application of this would be preformatted comms plans for different tasks. Like an event card or a travel card etc. If you were working with a team or group and everyone used the same radio. If I understand correctly they use .csv files - you can write your own. Its much easier to issue cards than clone radios.
Great Video. I wish you or someone could add the additional step for adding a Repeater setup for working with a personal Hotspot. This information is not straight forward setting it up in memory and radio required selection.
+strong002 CP - I was able to easily follow your video and get the ICOM ID51A Plus loaded and online. Thank you again so much for the easy to follow videos. Keep up the great work... P.S. I just bought the ICOM ID-5100A for my truck and I look forward to follow your other series on it.
For the Cvs list I do a lot of traveling, different states, counties and what not. Is there one master list with everything or do you have to download the Cvs file by areas or regions
The DSTAR website isn't working properly. I tried to download and I keep getting an error. And mine didn't have a repeater list as I bought it used. So now I have to wait till they fix it to get into DSTAR.
+arthurbrown13 its a great product. It also shines in simplex. The next video will cover making and loading off-line maps and loading them into the Android app RS-MS1A. Very cool tool if grid goes down or customs search and rescue missions.
One more question, if I may. In scrolling through the repeater list that downloaded, it appears I didn't get each frequency. Example: KW6HRO repeater call sign in San Diego has 3 listings on the .CSV file that downloaded. One UHF (B), one VHF (C), and one Gateway (G). In my radio, however, only one shows up as a choice -- the 'B'. I do not have the other two (G), (V). Plus, there are several other San Diego D-Star repeaters on the .CSV list but none of them show up in my radio. Is this a corrupted file or did I screw this up somehow? I'm pretty convinced it's me. I want to get this right and be able to make full use of the D-Star repeaters. Thanks again for any help!
I’m not that into digital mode, but I love that internal directory and all of that info on the display. Anyone know of an analog radio with a display that allows that much info (more than just freq/callsign)?
I only wish the updated list was more accurate. You'll want to check your csv file for dupplicates (not too many but a few) and some anomalies that are clearly errors. I've also seen repeaters removed but still active. Always backup your radio before making changes.
I watched this and opened it on my mac like you did.. everything like you did and it does not work. spent at least an hour tring..... Darn Mac when I opened it changed the file to a numbers file... :-D at least I learned something.. Thank you for this video.
I just bought a icom id-51a first edition. The previous owner must have done a full reset. How do I put everything back into the handheld just like you would have received it from the factory??
Hi, I'm new to this HAM stuff. I just got an ID-51A Plus. Just curious, if you have to enter your zip code to get the repeater list in your area, why do you need a GPS to tell you what is close? I purchased this radio for emergency communications when I travel between Tucson and Salt Lake. I was hoping this would be strictly GPS. Do I need to download a new list for all the major zip codes along my route? Thank you in advance, and thank you for this video.
Your location information is used when downloading the current list from www.dstarinfo.com. Once that file is loaded in your radio the GPS is used to find what is near you.
When you format the card in the radio it sets up the file structure. You need to go to dstarinfo.com and download the csv file from there. Take that downloaded csv file and copy it to the folder Hank shows in the video. You're skipping a step.
@@christophersanders4152 No, they're not. He is using the id51 plus and they have the 51. from the site The newer radios, ID-80, ID-880, ID-31, ID-51, ID-7100 support DR Mode and you should use the Icom Software and import the Repeater List. The newest radios, ID-51+ and ID-5100 support DR mode and CSV Import from the radios. You can use the Icom software and import the Repeater List or place the Repeater list on a SD card and import directly into the radio. hope that helps
best part about downloaded repeater lists is if you travel you can get repeater lists for many different zip codes and save them to the SD and import when you travel to those cities.
The downloads are centered around the zipcoad you enter. As there are a limited number of menory slots available it will download the nearest 500 repeaters (available DR memory slots) You can set the % of FM analog repeaters, default is 20%. So if you went to say cincinnati ohio, you wouldnt have any FM analog repeaters in your DR. So before i travel i get a lists for cities I'm driving through. I recently drove to orlando, i downloaded, Knoxville, Memphis, Atlanta, and so on. I'd name the csv file the city name and put all of them on the sd card and import as i lost repeater coverage. Now a single update will get every dstar repeater prob in the US because by default 80% of your downloaded list is Dstar repeaters. Call if u have questions.
@@73BDM I was wondering about the coverage as well. Good idea to download different csv files for different geographic areas considering the memory slot limitations.
Outstanding Video ! I cannot wait to get mine. Could you do a video on the differences between a Reflector vs Repeater? How far can you hit a repeater with the stock antenna? I am about 8-9 miles from the nearest D-Star repeater; and I am a bit nervous.
+Bruce Wayne I will do a reflector video. But for now, a reflector is a computer server that acts like a conference call bridge that links several repeaters together over the Internet. A repeater is a set of radios with independent transmit and receive frequencies, that listens on one frequency and re-transmits that information on another frequency from a location with a better vantage point (i.e. radio tower or tall building). This allows stations that are disadvantaged by power, antenna, or location issues to leverage the better position of the repeater and increase communications coverage. As for your range question - I cannot answer that. Too many local variables to know (i.e. your elevation, surroundings, the repeaters elevation, it's surroundings).
Commsprepper Great !!! I will look forward to the video. I am a Technician Level and understand normal repeaters. It is just the reflectors that I am very unfamiliar with; and I have not found a good 101 foundational video on D-Star reflectors as of yet. Ex: are they only accessibly via a D-Star repeater or Dongle, is it a different process/address to hit a reflector vs a distant D-Star Repeater; or is that the wrong mindset; can I hit a distant specific D-Star user directly, in a virtual simplex mode? Do these conference bridges/room reflectors allow everyone to hear/chat with each other; or is it simply an IP node/junction for routing? Also since D-Star repeaters are the only repeaters you can use with D-Star mode; are the TX/RX range expected to be greater, due to the bandwidth and clarity.
+Bruce Wayne Checkout dstarinfo.com, there you will find the reflector list. Reflectors are like the hub of a wheel on the Internet. The spokes are the connections to different repeaters and DV-Dongles. In my area there are five repeaters connected to the 62C reflector, so everything heard on one repeater is heard on all repeaters and dongles. However, this is only the case if you set the RPT2 field in your radio to the repeater's call sign with a G in the eighth position for Gateway. For example my local repeater setup UR Call = CQCQCQ RPT1 = W4HFH C (the c is for the VHF repeater) RPT2 = W4HFH G (the g is for gateway and tells the repeater to also route my signals to the internet/reflector connected to the machine. If the RPT2 = W4HFH C then my signal is only heard on the repeater and not routed to the Internet also.
Commsprepper Much thanks, I suspect it will become clear once I start tinkering. It is not unlike describing a purple alien vegimatic device from Europa; makes better sense once one visits Europa. Thanks I have been to that link before, will investigate further. Can you connect to a repeater without connecting to a reflector? Can you ping someone privately, in a virtual simplex D-Star to D-Star?
+Marc Brown Not sure I understand the question. You do not have to run in D-STAR mode, the radio is also a traditional analog radio. The GPS feature allows the radio to select the closest repeater based on location from the repeater list.
Hello! Thanks for answering. The problem I am facing here is that the ID 51A radio does not recognize the SD card which has 8GB and get for it. I, before spitting it on the radio I formatted the SD card on the PC. But when I put the SD card in the ID 51A radio slot, and I turn on the device, the SD card icon will flash on the display without stopping, and if I go into settings and try to format it, the device says: SD is not in the correct format, and does not accept formatting. With this I can not make the ID 51A radio recognize the SD card, and generate the folders it would need to mount, and update the repeater file in the "DR".
@@Sam-w9des I'd get involved with your local ham club to find out when a dstar repeater may be in the works for your area. If there's not a plan for one then maybe bringing it up would spark some interest in the club raising the funds to bring one online. Other than that a dongle and a raspberry pi is your other option.
have you been able to get the Android software to work? i have tried like crazy to get it to work with my cell phone and Kindle with the OPC-2350LU dongle with ZERO success
I can't get the Micro SD Card to fit into my ID-31A Plus. I purchased a Sandisk Extreme 128GB Microsdxc UHS-1 card with Adapter. Did I purchase the wrong thing? Please help!!!! KB3Z
@@Commsprepper, I know you referenced the download for all of the repeaters on D-Star info. Do you know if there is a download that would give me all of the reflectors and a description of them? The reason I ask is that I have a Hotspot and would like to import the reflectors into the ID-31A Plus. Thanks!!! Mark KB3Z
You can add all FM ANALOG repeaters in your State or area(s) of interest with a direct online write to your RT Systems software.You then import the programming file to your radio. Voila - all DSTAR and all ANALOG repeaters in your area(s) of interest.
A Thank you for the video l was unsure If l was going to buy this one ID-51E PLUS2 or the Yaesu 3d you were a big help in making my mind up. SO if it does not work out l know who to blame lol. anyway thanks all the same Allan Stoke on Trent UK G6TMO
Thank you for taking the time to do this! You are D Star of the show.
Glad it helped.
R Tut I
Mistake sorry.
Just ordered my id-51a plus 2. Thanks for all the videos. I already feel comfortable with the radio and I don't even have it yet.
Glad they are helping.
I just got mine in today and I'm a little more than disappointed. The speaker output is so quiet I have a hard time hearing it unless it's turned up all the way. However, if I have it on FM Radio Broadcast, ie, 95.7fm, I have to turn it down because it is so loud. Does yours have the same issue or do I have to send this thing back?
Follow up: After performing a factory reset and re-installing icom's software, this problem was solved and it is now my favorite little radio!
Great go back to video for refresher on updating repeater list. Thank you for the great video.
Glad it was helpful!
Great tutorial, I used it on mine and it worked perfect!
Most excellent video! Made it super easy for this old dog to download and install the repeater list in his brand spanking new ID-51A Plus -- my FIRST D-Star radio. Now all I have to do is learn how to use the D-Star repeaters effectively. I do have a question. When I opened the 'Near Repeater' list in the radio, I got the dual listing (one UHF, one VHF) for the repeaters, but the repeaters do not have 'B' or 'C' next to them, nor were the two bands grouped together for the same location. What I had was two separate listings. Example: there are two listings for San Diego, but they are separated by the two listings for Coronado. In the video, the listings came up together sequentially. Nor do I have the date showing under the repeaters when I switch to DR mode. The process seemed simple enough and went exactly as the video shows, but I've got these screwy listings and no date. All this begs the question: What did I do wrong (I presume it's me!)? Can anybody set me straight? Thanks, and 73's!!
Try formatting the SD card, factory reset the radio, then reload the SD card from dstarinfo.com and re-import into the radio. The new repeater feature will only work after you have a GPS lock.
Ok tks, great video it's amazing how much technology has advanced, that we can do that.
Thanks for sharing ! If I was an avid repeater user I could definitely see the utility.
+SurvivalComms I understand. I have a mixed bag of subs and try to cover everyone's interests. hank
A great application of this would be preformatted comms plans for different tasks. Like an event card or a travel card etc. If you were working with a team or group and everyone used the same radio. If I understand correctly they use .csv files - you can write your own. Its much easier to issue cards than clone radios.
Great Video. I wish you or someone could add the additional step for adding a Repeater setup for working with a personal Hotspot. This information is not straight forward setting it up in memory and radio required selection.
Followed you step by step and it worked great.. Thank you my friend. 73s
Glad it has helped.
CP - Great Stuff. I am really liking the directory function. Much better the keeping the directory in my pack while hiking.
+strong002 CP - I was able to easily follow your video and get the ICOM ID51A Plus loaded and online. Thank you again so much for the easy to follow videos. Keep up the great work... P.S. I just bought the ICOM ID-5100A for my truck and I look forward to follow your other series on it.
+strong002 nice - waiting for my 5100 now
I used this video to program my radio. Thanks!
Glad it helped.
This was a great video, made it so simple. Thanks
Glad you liked it!
For the Cvs list I do a lot of traveling, different states, counties and what not. Is there one master list with everything or do you have to download the Cvs file by areas or regions
Thank you for this information. It helped me a lot.
You're welcome!
The DSTAR website isn't working properly. I tried to download and I keep getting an error. And mine didn't have a repeater list as I bought it used. So now I have to wait till they fix it to get into DSTAR.
Good video. This feature would be great when traveling.
+arthurbrown13 its a great product. It also shines in simplex. The next video will cover making and loading off-line maps and loading them into the Android app RS-MS1A. Very cool tool if grid goes down or customs search and rescue missions.
I am unable to access the download info. Chrome says the site is "Unsecure". Is there any help for this situation?
How are people only getting local repeaters, I download the list and I get all of them in the USA/Canada no matter what "location" I select.
These are great videos. Thank you. Do you know if ICOM has any plans for for Apple support?
Not that of know of.
Thank you! Very helpful.
Glad it has helped.
One more question, if I may. In scrolling through the repeater list that downloaded, it appears I didn't get each frequency. Example: KW6HRO repeater call sign in San Diego has 3 listings on the .CSV file that downloaded. One UHF (B), one VHF (C), and one Gateway (G). In my radio, however, only one shows up as a choice -- the 'B'. I do not have the other two (G), (V). Plus, there are several other San Diego D-Star repeaters on the .CSV list but none of them show up in my radio. Is this a corrupted file or did I screw this up somehow? I'm pretty convinced it's me. I want to get this right and be able to make full use of the D-Star repeaters. Thanks again for any help!
Sounds like the file you down loaded is jacked up some how.
I’m not that into digital mode, but I love that internal directory and all of that info on the display. Anyone know of an analog radio with a display that allows that much info (more than just freq/callsign)?
You can shift the balance and load the list with more analog than digital repeaters.
I only wish the updated list was more accurate. You'll want to check your csv file for dupplicates (not too many but a few) and some anomalies that are clearly errors. I've also seen repeaters removed but still active. Always backup your radio before making changes.
Thanks for the tips.
I watched this and opened it on my mac like you did.. everything like you did and it does not work. spent at least an hour tring..... Darn Mac when I opened it changed the file to a numbers file... :-D at least I learned something.. Thank you for this video.
thanks i was lost until i found this
Glad it helped.
Any video's using a icom id-51a first edition doing this?
No, sorry I don't have the first addition radio.
How did you get yor keys and buttons lights so bright. I can not get mine that bright. Great video.
+TheChasFred LCD Dimmer setting under display.
I just bought a icom id-51a first edition. The previous owner must have done a full reset. How do I put everything back into the handheld just like you would have received it from the factory??
Does it have the SD card? If not, get one, if it does, update the repeater list on DSTARINFO dot com.
Dumb question time. Why do all my locations display as KM instead of miles when checking repeaters?
Not sure. Could be a metric vice imperial setting.
Hi, I'm new to this HAM stuff. I just got an ID-51A Plus. Just curious, if you have to enter your zip code to get the repeater list in your area, why do you need a GPS to tell you what is close? I purchased this radio for emergency communications when I travel between Tucson and Salt Lake. I was hoping this would be strictly GPS. Do I need to download a new list for all the major zip codes along my route? Thank you in advance, and thank you for this video.
Your location information is used when downloading the current list from www.dstarinfo.com. Once that file is loaded in your radio the GPS is used to find what is near you.
@@Commsprepper Thank you!
Would you be able to do a set up video for D-prs on the ID-51a radio. APRS for D-star. Many thanks. 8P6RC
Not sure what you are asking for.
When I formatted my chip, it did not ad a "CSV" file into the list. Do you know why? Can I add a CSV file?
+Daniel Carter neither did my ID-51a. i also don't see same options in menu e.g. import/export
same for me
When you format the card in the radio it sets up the file structure. You need to go to dstarinfo.com and download the csv file from there. Take that downloaded csv file and copy it to the folder Hank shows in the video. You're skipping a step.
@@christophersanders4152 No, they're not. He is using the id51 plus and they have the 51.
from the site
The newer radios, ID-80, ID-880, ID-31, ID-51, ID-7100 support DR Mode and you should use the Icom Software and import the Repeater List.
The newest radios, ID-51+ and ID-5100 support DR mode and CSV Import from the radios. You can use the Icom software and import the Repeater List or place the Repeater list on a SD card and import directly into the radio.
hope that helps
Is there a regular schedule of updated repeaters? If not, how often do you check?
I don't think there is a schedule. I usually update if I am going to be making a trip away from the QTH.
How can tell i there is updates
What is their mobile ver. of the 51A?
+buzzsah There are several. The ID-5100 is one of them.
sorry about that, I'm talking about the video with the D-star GPS tracking do I need D-star to do that?
+Marc Brown Ah... you mean the map app with Android? Yes - that is D-STAR specific.
best part about downloaded repeater lists is if you travel you can get repeater lists for many different zip codes and save them to the SD and import when you travel to those cities.
+Brian Meyer Did I get this video wrong? Was the download zip code specific? Hank
The downloads are centered around the zipcoad you enter. As there are a limited number of menory slots available it will download the nearest 500 repeaters (available DR memory slots) You can set the % of FM analog repeaters, default is 20%.
So if you went to say cincinnati ohio, you wouldnt have any FM analog repeaters in your DR.
So before i travel i get a lists for cities I'm driving through. I recently drove to orlando, i downloaded, Knoxville, Memphis, Atlanta, and so on. I'd name the csv file the city name and put all of them on the sd card and import as i lost repeater coverage.
Now a single update will get every dstar repeater prob in the US because by default 80% of your downloaded list is Dstar repeaters.
Call if u have questions.
To answer the question, you're video is 100% correct.
@@73BDM I was wondering about the coverage as well. Good idea to download different csv files for different geographic areas considering the memory slot limitations.
Thank you!
Outstanding Video ! I cannot wait to get mine.
Could you do a video on the differences between a Reflector vs Repeater?
How far can you hit a repeater with the stock antenna? I am about 8-9 miles from the nearest D-Star repeater; and I am a bit nervous.
+Bruce Wayne I will do a reflector video. But for now, a reflector is a computer server that acts like a conference call bridge that links several repeaters together over the Internet. A repeater is a set of radios with independent transmit and receive frequencies, that listens on one frequency and re-transmits that information on another frequency from a location with a better vantage point (i.e. radio tower or tall building). This allows stations that are disadvantaged by power, antenna, or location issues to leverage the better position of the repeater and increase communications coverage. As for your range question - I cannot answer that. Too many local variables to know (i.e. your elevation, surroundings, the repeaters elevation, it's surroundings).
Commsprepper Great !!! I will look forward to the video. I am a Technician Level and understand normal repeaters. It is just the reflectors that I am very unfamiliar with; and I have not found a good 101 foundational video on D-Star reflectors as of yet.
Ex: are they only accessibly via a D-Star repeater or Dongle, is it a different process/address to hit a reflector vs a distant D-Star Repeater; or is that the wrong mindset; can I hit a distant specific D-Star user directly, in a virtual simplex mode?
Do these conference bridges/room reflectors allow everyone to hear/chat with each other; or is it simply an IP node/junction for routing?
Also since D-Star repeaters are the only repeaters you can use with D-Star mode; are the TX/RX range expected to be greater, due to the bandwidth and clarity.
Added more questions (see above) :o)
+Bruce Wayne Checkout dstarinfo.com, there you will find the reflector list. Reflectors are like the hub of a wheel on the Internet. The spokes are the connections to different repeaters and DV-Dongles. In my area there are five repeaters connected to the 62C reflector, so everything heard on one repeater is heard on all repeaters and dongles. However, this is only the case if you set the RPT2 field in your radio to the repeater's call sign with a G in the eighth position for Gateway.
For example my local repeater setup
UR Call = CQCQCQ
RPT1 = W4HFH C (the c is for the VHF repeater)
RPT2 = W4HFH G (the g is for gateway and tells the repeater to also route my signals to the internet/reflector connected to the machine. If the RPT2 = W4HFH C then my signal is only heard on the repeater and not routed to the Internet also.
Commsprepper Much thanks, I suspect it will become clear once I start tinkering. It is not unlike describing a purple alien vegimatic device from Europa; makes better sense once one visits Europa. Thanks I have been to that link before, will investigate further.
Can you connect to a repeater without connecting to a reflector? Can you ping someone privately, in a virtual simplex D-Star to D-Star?
My ID-51a isn't showing the compass information for people I am talking to. How do I fix that?
I don't have mine with me right now. I know the location feature is buried in the menu somewhere.
Chip?
Thanks a lot man!
Thanks for the comment and channel support.
do you have to use Dstar or can you just GPS?
+Marc Brown Not sure I understand the question. You do not have to run in D-STAR mode, the radio is also a traditional analog radio. The GPS feature allows the radio to select the closest repeater based on location from the repeater list.
Video show where I find folders (Csv, GPS, QseLog, Reply, RxLog, Setting, Voice, VoiceRec, VoiceTx)
You have to do that with a PC.
Hello! Thanks for answering. The problem I am facing here is that the ID 51A radio does not recognize the SD card which has 8GB and get for it. I, before spitting it on the radio I formatted the SD card on the PC. But when I put the SD card in the ID 51A radio slot, and I turn on the device, the SD card icon will flash on the display without stopping, and if I go into settings and try to format it, the device says: SD is not in the correct format, and does not accept formatting. With this I can not make the ID 51A radio recognize the SD card, and generate the folders it would need to mount, and update the repeater file in the "DR".
I don't live near dstar repeaters so if I get the plus 2 radio can I get on dstar with the app or whatever or will I need two dstar radios?
You can get a DSTAR dongle.
Commsprepper so guess that's a no plus lookin at another 200 on top of a 350 dollor radio na guess I'll have to stick with yaesu thanks though
@@Sam-w9des I'd get involved with your local ham club to find out when a dstar repeater may be in the works for your area. If there's not a plan for one then maybe bringing it up would spark some interest in the club raising the funds to bring one online. Other than that a dongle and a raspberry pi is your other option.
Thank you for information. -73-
have you been able to get the Android software to work? i have tried like crazy to get it to work with my cell phone and Kindle with the OPC-2350LU dongle with ZERO success
I have not. I have a Windows box.
I can't get the Micro SD Card to fit into my ID-31A Plus. I purchased a Sandisk Extreme 128GB Microsdxc UHS-1 card with Adapter. Did I purchase the wrong thing? Please help!!!! KB3Z
Looks like it should fit. Do you have the correct orientation?
Yes, I finally figured it out. I new I had the right card when I went out on Amazon and noticed that all the MicroSD cards looked that way.
@@Commsprepper, I know you referenced the download for all of the repeaters on D-Star info. Do you know if there is a download that would give me all of the reflectors and a description of them? The reason I ask is that I have a Hotspot and would like to import the reflectors into the ID-31A Plus. Thanks!!! Mark KB3Z
You can add all FM ANALOG repeaters in your State or area(s) of interest with a direct online write to your RT Systems software.You then import the programming file to your radio. Voila - all DSTAR and all ANALOG repeaters in your area(s) of interest.
Thanks for the tip!
Grate video
liked nice video you the best you number one
Thanks for the comment.
Excellent video! w0xs
+Greywolf3 Thank you.
Can't you just download it from the website straight to the radio?
I want one!😀
Slow down! You are off to the races!!!
A
Thank you for the video l was unsure If l was going to buy this one ID-51E PLUS2 or the Yaesu 3d you were a big help in making my mind up. SO if it does not work out l know who to blame lol. anyway thanks all the same
Allan
Stoke on Trent UK G6TMO
Thanks for the channel support.