DMR for Preppers - Range Field Test - Motorola XPR6550
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- In this video, I'll share with you my view of where DMR fits into a communications plan for preparedness. We'll use a pair of used Motorola XPR6550 radios for this field demo. The 6550 is part of their commercial DMR implementation called MOTOTRBO. We'll start with the DMR basics in the next video.
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* HovAlpha 26" Electric Fat Tire Bike: www.hovsco.com/TheTechPrepper
* Camo Net: amzn.to/3MiFiJV
* Panasonic FZ-M1: amzn.to/46DFqvH
* XPR6550 Radio: eBay
* XPR6550 Charger: amzn.to/3ZR9MrD
* XPR6550 Programming Cable: www.ebay.com/itm/163616503590
0:00 Introduction
1:07 Gear Overview
1:50 Second Range Test
3:33 Camo Netting
5:01 Fourth Range Test
5:47 DMR for Preppers
11:52 Blooper
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#thetechprepper #dmr #prepper #mototrbo #motorola xpr6550 - Розваги
Just to clarify. When I send a message from my field computer, the text that is returned and displayed to the client is an actual over-the-air radio response and acknowledgement from the remote station. This distance server echos back whatever I send it. I'll clarify this in a later video. So, I knew in real-time when I was within radio range. The application will be considerably evolved by the time we do a deep dive on how all this works later in the series.
The two things that bother me here.. are the out-of-spec address space you're using, and goddamned Java in a world where so many better options exist. Have fun brother, will keep up and check-in where I can!
@@Sansui350A That address space is based on what Motorola has configured by default. I'm a Java developer by trade. I am not a Node guy. I plan to write the networking applications C as well. People can implement whatever they want. This is just straight UDP/IP or TCP/IP networking.
Thanks for bringing reality-based prepping 😄
You're welcome. I literally grinned ear to ear. I was not planning on making this video. I told my wife: "Hey, babe - I'm just going to take an offroad bike ride, capture some b-roll and run some equipments tests. No video today" I hope you enjoyed it.
This is going to be a good series. Looking forward to it, especially with the Anytone 878.
We're going to take it slow. The next video will be around drawing an analog analogy to DMR and programming the AnyTone for analog use. I have my reasons for starting here. Stay tuned.
You know it's been a good day when you double-flat and you're still smiling on the walk home. Thanks for keeping us in the loop on the experiment!
It's part of the game. The desert is unforgiving. There is no point in getting upset.
You should try running your tires at a higher PSI. Less comfortable ride, but handles sharp rocks better
@@danestevens1 Great advice. I'll try that. I am actually running Tannus Armor now. We'll see how that works out.
Another great video. I love these impromptu videos. I look forward to the DMR series.
Glad you like them! These ad hoc videos are really fun for me. More DMR coming!
Good stuff, Gaston! I'm looking forward to this series! Thanks for doin' whatcha do! 🤠
You're welcome. This was a fun one for me as I had no intention of making a video. So, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Four more videos coming on DMR.
Right on. I dig this series. I look forward to the anytone video since my btech is basically the same. Thanks for the content, brother. 🤙🏽
Awesome, thank you!
Great video! DMR is an excellent option for disaster comms. We would love to collaborate on some ham radio information for your viewers. It is the BEST option for SHTF situations 📻
THIS use of communication, relying on radio alone, and building a secure network, is the ultimate objective of TTP. This is so exciting, using simple connections and ruggedized equipment to maintain coordination between individuals and groups during potentially difficult times.
Bingo. That is exactly the plan. Effective, field-ready, and simplicity of setup and use is the overarching objective. Stay tuned for the next iteration of the software. Spoiler alert: There's a new 400 MHz directional antenna kit in the works to improve the range of this capability.
The Moto radio you have there is a solid piece of kit. In the UK, they are badged as DP3600, ive got a handful of them along with the DP3400 (no keypad/screen) as well as a DP4801 (GPS, Keypad etc.) Very powerful radios, with both analogue and DMR support. Keep at it bro!
Outside the box thinking, love it. 👍
There are more developments on this system. Stay tuned. I have real-time mapping and tracking of stations almost completed. Have a good one!
Good experiment. I set up an XPR 6500 and XPR 3500 for point to point. DMR code plugs are a piece of cake compared to the CPS software from Motorola, not to mention them hammering the consumer on the software cost. For me, the juice wasn't worth the squeeze because I don't have anyone in my AO to tx/rx on the other end.
I was batting 500 on this one and made 2 out of the 4 contacts. I was in two valley for the ones that failed, so it was more an RF/physics issue than a problem with UDP/IP over DMR. I think point-to-point DMR is the right role for these radios. Cheers to a former Motorola user. CPS is now free.
The CPS software that keeps coming up when searched is the 2.0 version. From what I can tell, they are saying it doesn't work with this radio. Can you confirm or point me in the right direction for the software?
I am using CPS 16 with the XPR6550. This is available from Motorola for free now.
This going to be a fascinating series! I have a tyt md-380 configured in the usual ham way, but it doesn't get much use.
Hope you enjoy the upcoming series.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Flat tires! Ugh. Thanks for the new update, looking forward to learning more about this
I can't complain. I went 500 miles without a flat. Thanks for catching the new video. Cheers.
I use a Baofeng DR-1801 DMR HT with basic 32 bit voice encryption, allowing less chance of casual eavesdropping. For AES256 encrypted text messaging I use Meshtastic. LoRa ISM band, license free (915Mhz in the USA). Bonus is every Meshtastic radio is a repeater. Private channels with pre shared keys can be setup and GPS can be used.
Awesome
Awesome! Since we last talked, I got a working PPP/SLIP connection between a Windows PC and an EFJ VP6000. Just need to tweak some things to get it going over the air, then I should be able to attempt integrating a LAN messenger.
Nicely done. I was on the fence about going with EFJ or Motorola. Do the EF Johnson radios have the same networking feature as the Motorolas?
@@TheTechPrepper IP packet data is a P25 standard. Setup will be different, but the two brands should be fully compatible in operation.
Hello, I would like to offer a suggestion for the tire issue. Switch to the tubeless system and insert pool foam noodles inside them during the installation process. It will substantially help when dealing with this type of problem with flat tires.
Looks like I might need to get a DMR radio. Got YSF and D-STAR capability, which is nice to have. Mostly used on reflectors when weather isn't that great to work HF at night.
We got a local 70cm C4FM machine, but with really limited usage. The best D-STAR machine I can hit is 70 miles to the south of me, but in a high RF environment. That lead me to use hotspots.
As far as I know, I'm the only ham in my county with D-STAR capability. There's a few with C4FM capability. No one that I know of has DMR as of yet. I'd be interested in using either mode for simplex use and packet radio. Worst case scenario, having a a digital radio can come in handy.
Wow this is the first video I’ve seen from your channel. It has everything; nice rugged outdoor landscape, a real mission objective, lots of technical comms info. Like the bike stashing too.
What do you think about mesh capability? I believe I read the Anytone (or maybe some other DMR brand had that capability and it seems like it would be invaluable in some circumstances (maybe not secure) but a good way to extend range capability.
Welcome. This channel is about practical communications and testing. It's nice to bridge with my love for the backcountry. Mesh has been on my to-do list for three years. I have not jumped into it, so no comment at this point.
I always lol @ Baofeng Army. It's okay for day-to-day use and for starting out, but anyone wanting to take this serious, they need to get away from it. For me, I have them for use if I need to hand them out like hunting season, and if stuff pops off, I have plenty for barter.
Have you tried Slime yet? It's what use if I'm far from my vehicle or home, and I don't feel like changing the tube. However, I find it a hit-or-miss.
I was running Muc-Off in both tires. It's very similar to Slime. This trail was fairly rough, so I'm not too surprised.
My first radio was a Baofeng UV-5R. They're good starter radios, but you'll grow out of them quickly if you stick with amateur radio. I keep them for the same reasons you do.
Excellent demo! Looks like mototrbo takes some of the voodoo out of IP-over-radio. Looking forward to your progress here, as I think you're the guy that will finally figure out how us poors can bridge ATAK over affordable IP radios, that is - when you get time to circle back to that can of worms, LOL! BTW, I believe a lot of the TAK ecosystem is heavily Java-based, so ATAK plug-in dev shouldn't be much of a hurdle for ya ;-)
Meanwhile, looking forward to the rest of this series!
Oh yeah, I've also been looking into business band licensing. Will probably go with itinerant freqs. Looks like it's not too difficult if you already have your FRN and have navigated the FCCs terrible site.
Thanks! Personally, I think the MOTOTRBO line nails the "easy of use" factor with their network implementation. This is a considerable improvement for sending data compared to amateur radio. Good luck with your business license. An ATAK plug-in is on the board for next year.
Trying to keep up with you guys! Between you and Julian OH8STN it's very expensive!!! Right now I'm working on building my batteries for my rigs. Different sizes for different scenarios. A complete home solar system, a bit smaller for POTA and the smallest for SOTA and more tailored to your man pack approach! I'm watching your DMR series now. I had originally bought all Yaesu HT's, but wasn't aware that all the repeaters around me are DMR, so I've since sold those. Getting ready to buy an Anytone 878. Now interested in your Motorola's! Of lately, I've been studying NVIS antennas!
I'm a bit of a loner. No club affiliations or other Hams even. I'm mainly concerned with listening around me in close proximity. Scanners, CB, and SW etc...
Dude,those cacti are awesome! Last time I was in the desert was a mock assault on a missile site in the middle of nowhere in Yuma!!! WATCH FOR the RATTLERS !!!
Wohooo ... Gaston became a Biker 💯🎸🎙🤘
I only did it for the Biker Babes. :-)
The business licensing angle is an interesting one. It's got me thinking.
It's an interesting angle. I'll share with you guys how the business license route turns out. Enjoy the food-for-thought.
Me again. can up setup a repeater off these moto’s? Talk about the 1701 option as well. I am having no luck finding repeater option setup for the 1701’s.
Very interesting experiment! Perhaps in the future you can take a small UHF yagi antenna in the field and see how far you can extend the range. I have little interest in DMR hot spots or the local DMR repeaters either, but this application has piqued my curiosity. My problem is there is no one around here for me to communicate with. That walk mode is a lifesaver if you end up having to push the bike, especially when you have all your field gear as well. Nice feature.
I actually could have made this work farther, but I was not about to climb another mountain South of my location. I have a 440 MHz yagi that has been in the garage. That will be a great experiment to test. The station at the house was running a Diamond D130J Discone. It's nice that the XPR6550 uses a standard SMA connector (same as the Baofeng radios).
@@TheTechPrepper Agree with Swamp-Fox with the Yagi. Because of the difference in the ability to transmit over distances, I would prefer to see a VHF version of this set up without the usage of repeaters. I've always considered the use of repeaters for emergency use in an extreme TEOTWAWKI situation say an EMP or grid down situation where the repeater is down hard.
The necessity for a point to point communication in the worst of conditions without the use of repeaters should be what everyone should strive for, which is why I'm so attracted to the use of NVIS for HF and Yagi for low powered but amplified VHF communications.
BTW every time I see one of those E bikes I want one! Could be a real life saver if you injure yourself on the trail and not able to pedal very easily.
@@gregrush6570 I agree with everything. The only downside to the e-bikes is the weight. If the battery dies, these require one heck of an athlete to move from point A to B. However, I am finding the fat tire e-bike to be another asset. It is great to cover more distance without being resource depleted when you arrive.
That set up thst you judt did was done many urs ago
It was a portable computer called the Osborne?
Im happy i found you
I've been around for 3 and half years. Welcome! What type of content brought you here? I mostly focus on offgrid communications, backcountry adventures, and prepper adjacent topics. Happy Thanksgiving.
Have you used your Panasonic tablet and the Motorola CPS programming to program the xpr radios? I use Motorola radios for public service and am looking into something smaller to travel with so that If I have to reprogram on the fly I don’t need my laptop. Thanks great videos!
Yes, they work fine. This FZ-M1 is running it on the Windows 10 partition.
Cant's wait for the rest of the DMR series! Are you going to try setting up ATAK over the XPR6550?
Thanks. Eventually, I will. I'm going to try writing a small Android application first to test that basic connectivity is possible. I'm need to learn Android development first, then look into what's involved to write an ATAK plugin.
Would love to learn more about DMr from the perspective you are using it . Also how do we go about getting a business license ?
I'll share with everyone how I go about obtaining my license. It's still too early for me to share any details.
Have you tried DragonOS?
But I guess any live 🐧linux with radio software would be good too
If anyone knows a vid to configure this data interface on MOTOTRBO Iwill thx 👍
hi mate how does this DMR stuff impact on your preferences for choice of mobile/ man portable communications?
They compliment those capabilities. I still carry a manpack for HF communication.
I was wondering about tri band use with my UV5R, What kind of range can I or should I be getting using tri band? Can I use NVIS with this
You're looking at line of sight, so just a few miles without a repeater. NVIS is a property that only exists on HF between 2 and 10 MHz. Also, you Baofeng can't do the over the air the networking demonstrated in this video.
I am investigating the DR3000 repeater for the setup option. We need to talk offline
Considering this is an experiment over business frequencies. Are you using the Motorola KVL to upload keys for AES256 or the aftermarket open source Keyloader for AES256?
There is no physical key loader involved here. In my particular case, the key to use will be specified in software by the operator. It will be shared pass phrase. However, I have an XTS5000 and plan to a UCB board and build a physical KVM. This is planned for next year when I explore P25.
@@TheTechPrepper I have been using an Astro Saber now for 6 years, set for analogue but is has a friends repeater in it that operates P25. Unfortunately he has not connected it to the internet so I have been unable to contact him since he is in the Dayton area and I am in the EU for now. Late July I did purchase an XTL5000 from another friend, had to wait a few months for a working programming cable but it’s now programmed and ready to go. It’s a Remote mount setup and I see that it can also do IP data as well utilizing the programming cable that plugs into the GAIC connector on the TIB. The programming cable plugs into a computer to process data, still learning all of the nuances of doing this. Looking at trying to obtain a Keyloader to program keys into the XTL as well as the Astro Saber however the prices are quite steep for the time. For AES programming there is an open source programmer out there, AVOID THE CHINESE CLONES ON EBAY! They are nothing but trouble according to the chat rooms. It will allow me to load AES KEYS ONLY but the Saber is DES-XL only. The Saber will require the 3000+ to reprogram keys as well as the XTL. Trying to find a 3000+ with AES, DES-XL plus one more format that I have not decided upon is a bit out of my range for the time being. Don’t know if you have looked into the CPS for the XTL but there is a definite learning curve to it. Was in the Comms business for almost 30 years and I have had a lot of exposure to various programs however P25 and DMR/ Mototrbo are a whole different breed. Looking forward to more videos on data over digital! 73!
So with a program cable I can use my mobile/base the same way, correct. 4550
Yes, this should work with the entire MOTOTRBO line. I have not tested this with any mobile radios yet.
I'm interested in what software you wrote. An encrypted program, through and encrypted radio. License and sell it, I'll be your first buyer. Got everything else setup. Thanks for the videos! I'm waiting for more.
This program was just a proof-of-concept, but since it worked well with no data corruption and with a decent transmission time, I plan to make a commercial package with plug and play support and a simple user interface that resembles the text messaging application on our phones. Thanks for the support.
Do you need a ham radio license to use DMR radio’s? What would be best bang for your buck radio with good range and battery life?
Yes, you need either an amateur radio license or a business license. I'll cover the radios that I am looking at as part of this series.
You can use the 900mhz ISM band (902-928mhz) on DMR without a license, but you are limited to 1 watt of power and must only use digital. If you want to do dig/analog, use more power, set up a repeater or something like that then you would need a license.
Now this is what I'm talking about. I have a 6550, may have to pick up a second... I just don't know the back end stuff for it like what commands I need to run. Also, do you have a link for that keyboard? 73
Glad to hear it. I'll share with everyone on BMAC supporters the detailed approach (i.e. commands) as well as some sample applications in November. Here's the iKey keyboard. I believe they're about ~$385 USD. It's worth the price. I bought mine used on eBay earlier in the year for $275 shipped.
Will this work for the Motorola DTR700 ??
I am not familiar with that radio. If it is part of the MOTOTRBO line, then most likely, Yes.
Hello ask you questions? I am learning about Motorola but I’m deaf (can’t hear and can’t speak) I watch your video and I wonder if I can use laptop with Motorola? Can send message or text?
You are better off sending messages directly from the front panel, but it is possible to send messages from a keyboard using commercially dispatcher software. I have never used it as the prices are likely cost prohibitive for more non-business users. The demo I showed using the keyboard is not public yet. I have not timeline regarding releasing anything.
Nice... I have an Anytone D878UVII Plus in the closet! I thought I could do what you are doing with the Motorola. I interested in your efforts. A.J.
Mine was in a drawer for 10 months. ,-)
DMR falls on it's face for complexity and over the Internet is cool till there is no internet. This seems a better solution in a prepping sense. Thanks for the info.
Me again, what repeater equipment are you using?
None. This is all simplex.
What’s the keyboard you are using with that Toughpad?
It's the iKey keyboard for the Panasonic FZ-M1 with the model number ending in C1. I just ordered 30 units from iKey. I will be selling them only to Silver members on the Buy Me a Coffee side in early June. However, you can find these units on eBay as well as through dealers specializing in rugged gear.
Thank you TTP!
Are the Motorola DMR radios dual band? Very interested.....
Negative. The XPR line are all monoband.
@@TheTechPrepper Thanks for reply. Is there a specific model you recommend? Also is the software readily available for messaging and programming?
@@VA7LFD I do not have any recommendations yet as I am just starting to evaluate this. I do not want anyone to waste their hard earned money until I fully commit to a particular radio and software set of software. At the moment, I am writing my own software.
Do you have to have a business license to enable encryption?
Yes, If you plan to transmit encrypted voice or data.
@@TheTechPrepper So you can transmit encryption over the internet and they don't care, but as soon as you do it over the airwaves it becomes illegal? (without the license)
Kinda hard on the ol nads?
I found that out really quickly, especially when the seat is properly adjusted. The "boys" don't care for the fat bike. ;-)
🤣@@TheTechPrepper
Numbnuts
I’m dying to try to replicate your experiments using both a Motorola XPR8400 repeater and a Hytera RD982.
AND… with Hytera PD-982 / PD-782, Motorola XPR-7550e and Especially the AnyTone 878UV series radios.
I don’t have any XPR6550’s, but you’ve already done that.
Thank you!
GREAT concept..
I just bought a pair of 12v 100ah LifePO4 batteries for use as backup power for my repeaters.
I’m wondering if anyone has cobbled together a charging/ATS type solution to power radio gear at a remote location w/ an existing standby natural gas fueled generator.
Do your Hytera radios have the same networking capabilities as the MOTOTRBO line? Good luck.
@@TheTechPrepper I’m fairly sure the Hytera radios can “do networking”…
But that’s only what the sales literature says.
Real World? I’m about to find out. 😆
@@PowderMill There's marketing and then there's the real-world. For example, I recently found out that the APRS implementation on the AnyTone D878 UV II Plus is almost entirely unusable. I can barely even perform the basic functions to check into a weekly net. Their APRS implementation has been overhyped by their marketing department. Good luck!
@@TheTechPrepper It’s the Wild and Crazy world of Chinesium Radios! 🤣
I am STILL struggling hard to update the firmware in the first Hytera mobile radio I purchased around 10 years ago.
I’m donating most of the “spare” radio gear I have to my local volunteer fire department and trying to get all of the radios updated to newer/current versions and trying to ensure they are all on the same version.
Everything worked out well despite the aggravation involved when moving up through the version chart.
You can’t just take a v5.xx.xx and go directly to v.9.xx.xx.
You guessed it ->
v5.01.01 to v5.02.01 to 5.09.02 and on and on…
Of course you can’t forget the “pre-/\/\otorola” and “post-/\/\otorola” lawsuit versions.
They were forced to remove “stolen IP” features from the radios, which resulted in the “i” series (v9.xx.xx.i” or similar).
The original mobile cost me around $1k w/GPS & programming cable & CPS and another $150 for a DTMF keypad microphone.
It’s still a solid piece of equipment and honestly has the same type of construction and durability that /\/\ is known for.
BUT… it’s gonna be on v.1 firmware forever at this point.
It requires: 16-bit OS and CPS and a special version of intermediary firmware. I tried Win XP and 98se to no avail, then found out that Hytera USA (in Florida) gave up on offering the service because most radios ended up “bricked”.
And… of course… after deciding to give up the hobby (and business), and donating much of my gear.
(after debilitating medical issues knocked my on my butt… Ankylosing Spondylitis)
My entire family and most friends began asking what I have planned for communicating in the upcoming SHTF/WROL/EMP/Bidenomics/ etc. world.
That’s when I discovered AnyTone…. Way cheaper than my normal “go to” brands but decent for the $$.
I don’t use APRS at all, so didn’t notice the flaws. I DID notice the initial boot time is horrendous, it occasionally “freezes”, requiring power cycle, QC-2 decoding is flakey and alerts upon receiving MDC-1200 and MoDat transmissions, and a whole host of other glitches here and there. I’m guessing they won’t ever bother to remedy anything not receiving a ton of bad publicity, but they seem to be a good choice for the spot in between BaoCrap and Top Tier brands.
@@PowderMill That's one heck of a version headache you've been on with the LMR rigs. I am starting to get a taste of that. Glad to hear that your donating your old gear to the fire department. I am planning on doing the same. I am going through the process of joining our local CERT that is sponsored through our fire department.
Don't make me dig out my TYT DMR walkie that I haven't seen is 4-5yrs.
Happy biking.
Take it out. I think I solved my flat issues. We'll see how the Tannus Armour inserts work out.
The big thing that keeps me away from the motos is the programming software and how it's locked down. What do you recommend for someone who wants to try these out who doesn't have a dealer contact?
Motorola is now making their CPS available. Just register for an account. This change happened fairly recently.
Interesting because I’ve created an account and still have difficulty getting the CPS. Even had a woman sending emails about what I was wanting to do and she made it worse. Looks like I’m sticking with AT.
Me again. What are the Motorola DMR repeater options? We need to talk offline. 😊
I'm exploring this early next year. There will be a video when I solve the problem with a reasonable budget.
#fenggang4lyfe
There's nothing wrong with the Baofeng. That's what I started with and still have a pair. There are just other tools that are better for certain tasks. #fenggang4life.
@@TheTechPrepper I'm just joking around. never forget your roots...This is exactly the reason I started following you. Wanted secured comms for whatever is coming our way. I love it dude.
Do you need a license for DMR?
DMR is a standard. To use it on the ham bands you need an amateur radio license, but the entry-level license test is fairly simple. You can also use it on the commercial bands, but that also required a valid business license (paid license).
Ps I’d still call it Columbus Day 😉
Good for you. I'll call it Columbus Day. This scrubbing of history is getting out of control. Have a good one.
i dont see point there's far better cheaper radios that kick out 10watts to do a way better job
Who programmed the radios? moto software not something just anybody should be able to access
I programmed them. I am still learning the CPS and DMR at the same time. It's been a couple of weeks since I started on this LMR journey. I'll take you guys along for the ride.
@TheTechPrepper is the CPS for this radio the 2.0 free version? Does the radio need AES256 unlocked via a purchase through motorola?
@@keivkeivCPS is now free from Motorola, but it take a few weeks. Also, this 6550 does not support AES 256 encryption. I will be adding it myself using some custom software.
Even in the desert you could be robbed. Nice country.
Well, that happened to a neighbor last year. He left his Polaris at the base of a mountain with the keys. Some kids took it for a 60 mile joy ride. It never hurts to secure your gear even in the desert.
@@TheTechPrepper it is sad.