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[N4SRN]

https://nediv.arrl.org/2022/12/12/amateur-radio-operators-using-dmr-assist-in-nh-rescue/

What is meant by "Monitor your local State DMR channel for helping others nearby"?

Bret/N4SRN

[WW5F]

Oh my....  That's quite a question.

The quickest answer to your question is, "Monitor the frequency, time slot and color code of a DMR repeater within your range linked to other DMR repeaters across the state associated with the same talk group."

But, sorry, that question alone indicates you know nothing about DMR.

First, as a ham, learn the DMR standard.  Need to be a little computer/internet/packet/frame/encapsulation/CODEC/time division multiplexing smart to begin.

https://www.dmrassociation.org/dmr-standards.html

Parts 1, 2.  Don't worry about the data protocol right now (part 3).  And don't worry about part 4.  Hams don't do trunking yet.

And keep in mind this is the standard implemented by your radio and the instructions on how to program your radio to meet this standard may use different terminology.

If you are just an appliance operator, go to your local club and ask this question.  Find the nearest DRM repeater and who put it up and ask them.  They'll be able to give you the best answer.

Then you're next logical question will be, "Where do I find a code plug for my radio with this in it?"  Again, whoever put up your nearest DMR repeater will be able to answer THAT question, too.

Sorry.  I know you're looking for a place to begin.  I hope I gave you what you need.

[AI5BC]

If you read the link is another pitiful attempt by ARRL to say they still have relevance in emcom. Read the article, it is laughable.  Story goes some elderly man goes walking in the cold, gets lost, his cell phone battery dies, but happens to have his DVR HT with him. Calls for help, and was dang lucky anyone was listening, and a local ham tried to help. He couldn't tell anyone where he was and was lost in a general area. Local authorities could not find him. He ended up walking out onto a road and flagged down help.

Pitiful sales job.

[N1IG]

https://nediv.arrl.org/2022/12/12/amateur-radio-operators-using-dmr-assist-in-nh-rescue/

What is meant by "Monitor your local State DMR channel for helping others nearby"?

Bret/N4SRN

Maybe they really mean to monitor your State's TalkGroup, on whatever repeaters it appears on.

NH is TG 3133.

https://www.ham-dmr.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BrandMeister-Talkgroup-List.pdf

[K5LXP]

One advantage I can see for DMR vs FM is if you can hit a DMR machine you can likely access any talkgroup around the world, reaching someone that's listening, somewhere.  On FM if no one is monitoring to hear your call, you're done.  While DMR has grown in popularity a lot in the past few years, at least around here FM is still king in terms of repeater coverage.  Once you get out into the hinterlands your odds of hitting a DMR repeater are much less than FM, if at all.

The article tries to sell the idea that DMR coverage is better in their area than cell phones.  There's actually some truth to that around here, though DMR isn't usually what I hear.  I've been hiking in many areas that I can get into one or more mountaintop repeaters and my phone is "no bars".  The idea that DMR batteries last longer than analog is hooey, DMR is FM with a codec.  The rest of it is common sense - telling someone where you're going, carrying spares and essentials.  My day pack even has a signal mirror.  All it takes is making a wrong turn on an unfamiliar trail or twisting an ankle and a leisurely hike turns into an adventure.  I've been a ham long enough to know that ham radio *could* save the day but carry the other stuff anyway "just in case".

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM

[WC4R]

N1IG got it right! Every state has a DMR talk group. Most repeaters in the state will be connected to that TG. In Virginia it is 3151. Other talk groups in the state normally are a subset of that as a prefix. Example: Virginia Hampton Roads is 315115 and 315116.

[KK2DOG]

I can't monitor my states DMR channel since I don't use DMR.

[WW5F]

I don't do DMR either.  But sometimes I see what's happening on the Brandmeister network here:

https://hose.brandmeister.network/

Texas talk group is 3148 is inactive right now.

[K4CQO]

The reference is referring to DMR simplex frequencies -- to be used in a manner similar to other FM emergency frequencies.

The simplex frequencies are 441.0000 and 145.7900 with a appropriate 99 TG, TS 1, CC 1 setup.

These are used for radio to radio communication and do not use a repeater between them.

Some of the comments about the likelihood of those frequencies being monitored is valid, but as far as I know, there is no state by state difference on which of the simplex DMR frequencies should be used.

[N4SRN]

Yes, N1IG addressed my question. I have and use DMR on my radio(s) and wasn’t sure if local statewide DMR meant the DMR repeater with my best RX/TX that had my NH Statewide TG 3133 or something else. I guess that was obvious to most others than me!

When I hike the NH woods, my radio is a backup tool. If I get lost and need it, it must be that my GPS, map and compass have fallen in the river and washed away. As a tool to help another lost/injured hiker - sure. If they can’t walk out with me, I’d help them the best I can and call for the cavalry.

Bret/N4SRN

[K5LXP]

What makes this suggestion somewhat problematic is that not all repeaters may not have "statewide" as static, or allowable as dynamic.  With no RF channel feedback of what talkgroups a particular repeater is capable of operating, it's hit or miss if one can hear or access a given talkgroup on a DMR repeater.  Part of that is the silliness of Brandmeister admonishing users to limit their time on statewide talkgroups, creating a mishmash of "TAC" groups.  Generally sysops will have or allow state TG's on one time slot or the other, but in my travels the configuration of repeaters is highly specific.  It's not like you're going to use your phone to access the Brandmeister dashboard to see how your local machines are configured so you know it can work for your emergency call.  Maybe a "better" SOS TG standard might be established, which will repeat/route no matter what.  Then I wouldn't even have to remember what state I'm in.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM

[N4SRN]

https://nedecn.org/

Pretty well organized in New England, I discover!

Something referred to as Wilderness Protocol I hadn't heard of before.