MichiganOne DMR Tech Net

Join us on the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net as we make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) easier to understand and fun to use!

The MichiganOne DMR Tech Net is heard on BrandMeister Talkgroup 31266 (MichiganOne Nets channel) Monday night, starting with check-ins and comments at 7:30 PM ET, followed by the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net portion after that.

Join us on Monday, January 26 as we discuss using DMR for POTA, SOTA, LOTA, JOTA, and YOTA

The MichiganOne DMR Tech Net starts at 7:30 pm with the check-in portion for your comments.
We switch over to the technical segment (we estimate 7:55 pm – 8:10 pm ET), after all check-ins, comments, and re-checks are completed.
The MichiganOne DMR Tech Net NCS schedule is:

• Jan 26      Steve        KC8WXM
• Feb 2        Rick           AD8KN
• Feb 9        Curt           KFØCQN
• Feb 16      Brad          KE8WNV

You can chat with the MichiganOne Tech Net team on TGIF talkgroup 31268, the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net channel or BrandMeister talkgroup 31266, the MichiganOne Nets channel.

Join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team on Telegram. Just search for “DMR Tech Net.”  To download Telegram, go to: https://web.telegram.org and/or https://desktop.telegram.org/

Join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team on Discord:  To join us, click this link: https://discord.gg/EV82GNuCaS.  To download Discord, go to https://discord.com.

If someone else forwarded you this newsletter, why not subscribe now?  It’s easy to join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net email distribution list.  Send an email to: [email protected]t with your name and callsign. That’s it!  If you need to unsubscribe, follow the previous procedure but put “unsubscribe” in the subject line.  We will miss you!  To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://michiganonedmrtech.net/

These are the articles posted over the past week on https://michiganonedmrtech.net

• January 26 we discuss using DMR for POTA, SOTA, LOTA, JOTA, and YOTA
• The America 250 Worked All States Operating Event
• What is POTA? Parks on the Air Ham Radio
• Ham Radio saves LIVES! (including DMR….)
• Audio replay & transcription of tonight’s topic: DMRmap.app with Bobby KY4HAM
• Digital Modes Talkgroup/Reflector list from WØCHP
• NXDN for beginners: why it works and why few hams use it
• What is aperature?
• Bobby KY4HAM explains DMRmap.app and how to use it

Using DMR for POTA, SOTA, LOTA, JOTA, and YOTA

Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) isn’t always the first mode people think of for Parks on the Air (POTA), Summits on the Air (SOTA), Legions on the Air (LOTA), or youth and special events like JOTA and YOTA. HF voice and CW still dominate many activations. However, when used correctly and ethically, DMR can be a powerful tool for activations, coordination, outreach, and education.

This article explains where DMR fits, how to use it properly, which talkgroups are commonly used, and how to stay within program rules—with special emphasis on Michigan‑friendly networks like Mi5.

1. The Big Rule: What Counts as a Valid Contact

Before talkgroups, networks, or codeplugs, remember this principle:

A valid POTA, SOTA, LOTA, JOTA, or YOTA contact must involve RF on both ends.

• ✅ RF → Repeater → Network → Repeater → RF = Valid
• ❌ RF → Network → App / hotspot‑only = Invalid

Internet‑assisted spotting and coordination are allowed. Internet‑only voice paths are not.

2. How DMR Works in the Field (Quick Refresher)

Most DMR QSOs use:

• A handheld or mobile radio
• A local or regional repeater
• A talkgroup carried over a network (BrandMeister, Mi5, TGIF, FreeDMR)

DMR works best when the network footprint matches the activation goal. Smaller is usually better.

3. POTA (Parks on the Air) and DMR

Why DMR Works Well for POTA

• Many parks are near towns
• Repeater coverage is often available
• Fast QSOs help reach activation minimums

Recommended Operating Method

1. Use a local or statewide talkgroup
2. Announce clearly:

“KC8WXM activating Parks on the Air from [Park Name], reference K‑XXXX, listening.”

3. Move to a TAC or Event TG if traffic builds

Common POTA‑Friendly Talkgroups

BrandMeister

• TG 3181 – POTA (community‑recognized)
• Statewide TGs

Mi5 (Michigan‑Focused)

• TG 31261 – Statewide‑1 (excellent primary)
• TG 31263 / 31264 – Event TGs

TGIF / FreeDMR

• State or regional talkgroups

4. SOTA (Summits on the Air) and DMR

Reality Check

SOTA is where DMR is most limited:

• Coverage can be spotty
• Battery life matters
• RF validity is closely scrutinized

Best Practices

• Use DMR as a secondary mode
• Prefer local repeaters only
• Avoid wide‑area or global TGs

Recommended Channels

• DMR simplex (where feasible)
• BrandMeister TG 973 (community SOTA TG)
• Local repeater talkgroups

Example call:

“KC8WXM on a SOTA activation, summit W8/MI‑XXX, listening.”

DMR is often best used for self‑spotting and coordination, not high‑volume SOTA QSOs.

5. LOTA (Legions on the Air) and DMR

Why DMR Is a Natural Fit

• Legion halls are fixed locations
• Urban repeater coverage
• Outreach‑friendly environment

Recommended Talkgroups

Mi5

• TG 31261 – Statewide‑1
• TG 31263 / 31264 – Event TGs

BrandMeister

• Statewide TGs

Example call:

“KC8WXM activating Legions on the Air, LOTA‑MI‑###, listening.”

6. Youth and Special Events on DMR

JOTA – Jamboree on the Air

JOTA introduces Scouts to amateur radio through supervised, educational contacts.

BrandMeister JOTA Talkgroups

• TG 907 – JOTA Primary
• TG 9071–9078 – JOTA TAC channels

Best practices:

• Speak clearly and slowly
• Avoid jargon
• Model good operating habits
• Encourage Scouts to talk about their troop and activities

YOTA – Youth on the Air

YOTA supports young licensed amateurs and mentoring activities year‑round.

BrandMeister YOTA Talkgroup

• TG 918 – YOTA

Adults should support—not dominate—QSOs and encourage youth participation.

7. Mi5 Network: Michigan‑First DMR Operations

The Mi5 Network is a Michigan‑centric DMR network well‑suited for:

• POTA activations
• LOTA events
• MichiganOne DMR Tech Net
• Technical and educational QSOs

Mi5 Talkgroups

Mi5’s regional focus makes it ideal for RF‑to‑RF‑friendly activations.

8. Network Comparison (Quick View)

Many operators keep multiple networks in their codeplug and choose based on the event.

9. Codeplug & Equipment Tips

Before activating:

• Program local repeaters
• Add statewide, event, and TAC TGs
• Include DMR simplex
• Label channels clearly (important for youth operators)

Carry spare batteries and reduce power when close to repeaters.

10. Logging & Validation

Log DMR contacts like any other:

• Callsign
• Date/time (UTC)
• Mode: DMR
• Band: VHF/UHF

If questioned later:

“Both stations accessed the network via RF.”

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hotspot‑only QSOs
• Calling CQ on global TGs
• Long ragchews during activations
• Forgetting to announce references clearly

Summary

DMR is a valuable tool for POTA, LOTA, JOTA, YOTA—and limited SOTA use—when used responsibly.

Key takeaways:

• RF must be used on both ends
• Smaller talkgroups are better
• Mi5 is an outstanding Michigan option
• Event TGs support coordination, not shortcuts
• DMR excels at outreach, education, and local engagement

Used properly, DMR strengthens activations, builds community, and helps bring the next generation into amateur radio.

🎓 MichiganOne DMR Tech Net Quiz

1. What must be true for a DMR contact to count for POTA, SOTA, or LOTA?
2. The activator must be portable
   B. The talkgroup must be event-specific
   C. RF must be used on both ends
   D. The contact must be logged immediately

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A valid contact requires RF on both ends. Internet-only voice paths do not count.

2. ---

   Why are personal hotspots generally not valid for activations?

3. They remove RF from one end of the contact
   B. They are not FCC compliant
   C. They use too much power
   D. They cannot use talkgroups

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hotspots often create RF → Internet → Internet paths, which are not valid QSOs.

3. ---

   Which type of activation is DMR best suited for?

4. Wilderness SOTA operations
   B. HF contesting
   C. Satellite operations
   D. Urban POTA and LOTA activations

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Reliable repeater access makes DMR ideal for urban and fixed-location activations.

4. ---

   What is the primary goal of JOTA (Jamboree on the Air)?

5. Contesting and awards
   B. Introducing Scouts to amateur radio
   C. Emergency communications training
   D. DX operations

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: JOTA focuses on education, youth engagement, and supervised learning.

5. ---

   Which BrandMeister talkgroup is commonly used for Youth on the Air (YOTA)?

6. TG 907
   B. TG 973
   C. TG 3181
   D. TG 918

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: TG 918 is designated for YOTA activities and youth-focused QSOs.

6. ---

   When using DMR for SOTA, what is the best practice?

7. Use global talkgroups
   B. Use hotspots to reach more chasers
   C. Use DMR as a secondary mode with local coverage
   D. Avoid identifying the summit

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: DMR works best as a secondary mode using local repeaters or simplex where possible.

7. ---

   Which Mi5 talkgroup is used for MichiganOne DMR Tech Nets?

8. TG 31261
   B. TG 31263
   C. TG 31266
   D. TG 31269

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: TG 31266 is dedicated to MichiganOne DMR Tech Net operations but is open to all DMR users.

Quick-Reference: DMR Talkgroups by Event