D M R
Digital Mobile Radio : Ham Radio Style
Connecting To GCARC And LOCAL Talk Groups On KD2LNB Repeater
By Jon Pearce, WB2MNF
Several members have asked for detailed instructions about connecting to the new KD2LNB repeater at Rowan University. Here are instructions for using the OpenGD77 radios supported by GCARC for this operation. For more information refer to the W2MMD Skunkworks website at skunkworks.w2mmd.org on the Projects > DMR page.
General Prerequisites
Obtain a DMR ID :
For OpenGD77 Radios (e.g., GD-77, DM-1701)
Verify OpenGD77 Firmware :
Connecting KD2LNB Repeater to Worldwide Talk Group (TG 91)
By Jon Pearce, WB2MNF
Several members have asked for detailed instructions about connecting to the new KD2LNB repeater at Rowan University. Here are instructions for using the OpenGD77 radios supported by GCARC for this operation. For more information refer to the W2MMD Skunkworks website at skunkworks.w2mmd.org on the Projects > DMR page.
General Prerequisites
Obtain a DMR ID :
- If you don’t have a DMR ID, register on Brandmeister by first obtaining an ID at RadioID.net with your amateur radio callsign, then link it to a Brandmeister account at brandmeister.network.
- GCARC Talk Group : TG 2 on Timeslot 2 (TS2, private talk group).
- LOCAL Talk Group : TG 9 on Timeslot 2 (TS2, private talk group).
- Worldwide Talk Group : TG 91 on Timeslot 1 (TS1, dynamic talk group).
- Parrot Talk Group : TG 9990 on TS1 (dynamic talk group, for testing audio).
- Other talk groups may be added and used on TS1
For OpenGD77 Radios (e.g., GD-77, DM-1701)
Verify OpenGD77 Firmware :
- This guide assumes your radio has the OpenGD77 firmware installed. If not, visit the GCARC Clubhouse on a Saturday morning for assistance with installation.
- Get the OpenGD77 CPS software from opengd77.com.
- Open the OpenGD77 CPS software.
- Add GCARC (TG 2), LOCAL (TG 9), Parrot (TG 9990), and Worldwide (TG 91) as contacts.
- For each: Set “Contact Name” (e.g., “GCARC,” “LOCAL,” “Parrot,” “Worldwide”), “Call Type” to “Group Call” for GCARC/LOCAL/Worldwide and “Private Call” for Parrot, and “Call ID” to the respective talk group numbers.
- Under “TG Lists,” create a list named “KD2LNB TGs.”
- Add GCARC (TG 2), LOCAL (TG 9), Parrot (TG 9990), and Worldwide (TG 91) to this list.
- Add two channels for KD2LNB :
- Channel 1 : “KD2LNB-TS2” (frequency 440.10625 MHz, CC1, TS2, TG List “KD2LNB TGs”).
- Channel 2 : “KD2LNB-TS1” (frequency 440.10625 MHz, CC1, TS1, TG List “KD2LNB TGs”).
- Write the codeplug to the radio.
- Select the “KD2LNB-TS1” channel.
- Use the radio’s large knob to select TG 9990 from the TG List (or manually enter 9990 via numerical entry).
- Key up and speak a short test message (e.g., “This is [your callsign] testing”). Parrot will echo your transmission, allowing you to verify audio quality and connectivity before proceeding.
- After testing with Parrot, you can connect to the LOCAL (TG 9) or GCARC (TG 2) talk groups on the “KD2LNB
- TS2” channel, or to Worldwide (TG 91) on the “KD2LNB-TS1” channel if you want to converse with stations around the world.
- Use the large knob to select the desired talk group from the TG List and key up to dynamically activate it on Brandmeister (active for ~15 minutes).
- If hearing unwanted talk groups, use the Quick Menu (red button near the antenna) to set the DMR Filter to “TG,” ensuring only the selected TG List talk groups are received.
Connecting KD2LNB Repeater to Worldwide Talk Group (TG 91)
- TG 91, the Worldwide talk group, connects you to DMR users globally, enabling communication with operators across continents. It’s ideal for DX (long-distance) contacts, networking with hams worldwide, and participating in global nets, offering a broader reach than local or regional talk groups like GCARC or LOCAL. Since the radio is using 70 cm it’s also accessible to Technician class licensees.
- Brandmeister Dynamic Connection: KD2LNB supports dynamic talk group connections on Brandmeister. Keying up on TG 91 links the repeater to the Worldwide talk group on TS1.
- Connect to TG 91 :
- TG 91 is already in the “KD2LNB TGs” TG List from the codeplug setup.
- Select the “KD2LNB-TS1” channel on TS1.
- Use the large knob to select TG 91 from the TG List (or manually enter 91).
- Key up to link KD2LNB to TG 91 (active for ~15 minutes on Brandmeister)
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Reviewing The Baofeng DM-32UV Low-Cost DMR Radio
By Jon Pearce, WB2MNF I recently tested the Baofeng DM-32 UV DMR radio within our DMR infrastructure, including our hotspots on 447.500 and the KB2LNB DMR repeater on 440.10625. This budget-friendly radio, available for around $48.91 on AliExpress (https://www.aliexpress.us) (excluding shipping) or at a discount from Banggood (https://usa.banggood.com) using the coupon code in the Tech Minds YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnp597Xv8Yc), offers impressive features for its price. Its large, heavy build feels sturdy, and it stands out with USB-C charging and true AM reception on aircraft bands - features rarely found in other DMR radios. I ordered mine from Banggood, and it arrived in just a couple of weeks, making it a convenient option for Club members looking to expand their DMR capabilities without breaking the bank. The radio performed reliably with my hotspot and the KB2LNB repeater, delivering clear audio and stable connections, aligning well with our goal of creating a broad, accessible DMR communication network. However, the DM-32 UV has some limitations that may affect its appeal for members accustomed to our Club’s OpenGD77 firmware standard. Unlike many of our radios, it’s not compatible with OpenGD77, requiring users to program their own code plugs using a distinct CPS interface, which could be a learning curve for those used to the consistent programming format of OpenGD77-compatible devices. This, combined with |
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its bulkier design, might deter some users despite its low cost - about two-thirds the price of other DMR radios. Still, for members seeking an affordable entry into DMR with unique features like USB-C charging and AM aircraft band reception, the DM-32 UV is worth considering.
Important Message For BrandMeister USA Hams Using a Radio ID Starting With 1
The BrandMeister DMR platform is a constantly evolving system, requiring regular optimizations and maintenance to ensure its efficiency, reliability, and alignment with global open standards (https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/opb/sp/T-SP-E.212B-2018-PDF-E.pdf).
As part of these ongoing efforts, we are addressing an issue that arose seven years ago regarding the assignment of improperly numbered Radio IDs. As announced at that time (https://news.brandmeister.network/using-correctly-formatted-user-mcc-id-on-brandmeister), BrandMeister stopped importing invalid Radio IDs and requested that hams with such numbers obtain a new, properly formatted Radio ID.
To facilitate operations, scripting, and automation on BrandMeister, we are now starting the complete removal of Radio IDs that do not comply with the internationally recognized MCC (Mobile Country Code) numbering system.
If you currently have a device connecting to BrandMeister with a Radio ID starting with the digit “1”, please read the following carefully :
IDs are issued by Radioid.net (https://radioid.net), if you have an ID starting with 1, you need to log into your RadioID account and open a ticket requesting that your ID number be replaced with one starting with 3 Jan 28th update. RadioID added a feature to “auto-magically” convert your 1xxxxxx (1n) ID to the 3xxxxxx (3n) format :
For assistance, you may contact RadioID support at : https://radioid.net/support
The BrandMeister DMR platform is a constantly evolving system, requiring regular optimizations and maintenance to ensure its efficiency, reliability, and alignment with global open standards (https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/opb/sp/T-SP-E.212B-2018-PDF-E.pdf).
As part of these ongoing efforts, we are addressing an issue that arose seven years ago regarding the assignment of improperly numbered Radio IDs. As announced at that time (https://news.brandmeister.network/using-correctly-formatted-user-mcc-id-on-brandmeister), BrandMeister stopped importing invalid Radio IDs and requested that hams with such numbers obtain a new, properly formatted Radio ID.
To facilitate operations, scripting, and automation on BrandMeister, we are now starting the complete removal of Radio IDs that do not comply with the internationally recognized MCC (Mobile Country Code) numbering system.
If you currently have a device connecting to BrandMeister with a Radio ID starting with the digit “1”, please read the following carefully :
- 7-digit personal radio IDs starting with 1 (such as 1030512) will stop working on BrandMeister after January 1st 2026. If it is inactive for more than a couple of months, it will be purged sooner.
- 6-digit repeater radio IDs starting with 1 (such as 102765): while we don’t have a set date for deprovisionning these IDs, we are urging sysop to migrate to a 31xxxx ID as soon as possible. If the repeater is offline for an extended period of time, it will be purged and will require a new properly formatted ID to re-connect.
- 5-digit CAP+ IDs will stop working on BrandMeister by June 1st 2025.
IDs are issued by Radioid.net (https://radioid.net), if you have an ID starting with 1, you need to log into your RadioID account and open a ticket requesting that your ID number be replaced with one starting with 3 Jan 28th update. RadioID added a feature to “auto-magically” convert your 1xxxxxx (1n) ID to the 3xxxxxx (3n) format :
- Login to your RadioID (https://radioid.net/login) Dashboard
- Click on the 1n ID.
- You will then see a button to Convert to 3n. Click it.
- Once done, you will be returned to your dashboard and have a new 3n ID.
For assistance, you may contact RadioID support at : https://radioid.net/support
Flashing The OpenGD77 Firmware Onto A Baofeng DM-1701
By Stan Slachetka WA2JRZ
Note - this was originally an email sent to Jon Pearce WB2MNF, who reorganized it for CrossTalk.
I was able to flash the GD77 firmware onto the Baofeng DM-1701, with some exploring and adventures before it worked.
Much of it had to do with working in Windows 11 and also having to fill in a few of the "blanks" to identify all the software and files that I needed to download to make things work.
First, thanks to Chris for clueing me into the need to right click on the CPS installer file to be able to correctly open and run the file. Here is the error message I was getting : See Figure 01
I needed to right click on the file and then click on "Always keep on this device" and then confirm that I wanted to trust the file before it loaded as an executable file. I assume someone running Windows 10 wouldn't have this problem.
My first mistake was to use the following link : [HOWTO] Flash the OpenGD77 firmware (new procedure) - OpenGD77 (https://www.opengd77.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1770)
This one told me only part of the story that I needed to know. I should have used the following link provided in one of your emails : TYT MD-UV380/390 / RT-3S / DM1701 Installation information - OpenGD77 (https://www.opengd77.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2380)
Not only did I need to download the CPS installer, but I needed to download two additional files : the DM1701 and the MD9600 V5 "donor" firmware"
OpenGD77 installation (from the DM1701 installation information link above) :
Both firmware files need to be available on your computer. (This is not obvious from some of the YouTube videos that are available online) The files need to be extracted from the Zip folders downloaded from the referenced links and copied onto your computer. I set up a DMR folder for all these files. Note that if you move the files you will need to find them again.
The firmware loader is accessed in the "Extras" drop down menu in the CPS program.
Hint : However, to be able to select the DM-1701 in "Firmware loader" in the "Extras" drop down menu you need to make sure you select the second drop down item in the Radio type drop down menu : See Figure 02
Once you open the firmware loader dialog box, you have to click on "Select official firmware (donor) file". If you don't have this file available on your computer, the Firmware Loader dialogue box will show only [ FM] and not [ +DMR]. See Figure 03.
The "Select Open firmware file & update" button will be grey until you select the donor file. Assuming that you found and selected the donor file on your computer, you will get the following message : See Figure 04.
You can now click on the "Select open firmware file & update" button and find and select the DM1701 firmware you downloaded.
When searching for the OpenDM1701.bin file you need to make sure you select "Legacy firmware files" from the drop down menu in the lower right corner of the dialogue box, otherwise, you won't see the file when you search in the OpenDM1701 folder. (No one mentions this in any of the instructions!). See Figure 05
Assuming that you have followed these steps and have the DM-1701 radio connected to the computer you should see the firmware update and then get the following on Figure 06
Ah, yes...connecting the radio to the computer. I found some additional issues.
At first I was continuing to get the error message that the radio was not connected or in DFU mode even though I had it in DFU mode and it was connected to the laptop with the programming cable.
Checking around, I found out that I needed to install the correct driver for the radio. Without getting into too much detail about that search, I was able to find a Windows 10 version of the driver. I loaded the 64 bit version yet still could not find the radio in my Device Manager.
I can get into more detail about that if someone needs assistance with the driver issue.
According to the available YouTube videos the radio was supposed to appear as STM Device in DFU Mode under Universal Serial Bus Controllers but no luck. Out of curiosity, I switched the programming cable from the USB port on the left side of the laptop to the one on the right side and eureka! it appeared not under Serial Bus Controllers, but as OpenGD77 in Com4 under Ports. Not sure why that worked as they are both USB 3.0, but I am glad that it did. See Figure 07
I was then able to flash the radio. I'm not sure if I actually needed the driver, but it did work.
By Stan Slachetka WA2JRZ
Note - this was originally an email sent to Jon Pearce WB2MNF, who reorganized it for CrossTalk.
I was able to flash the GD77 firmware onto the Baofeng DM-1701, with some exploring and adventures before it worked.
Much of it had to do with working in Windows 11 and also having to fill in a few of the "blanks" to identify all the software and files that I needed to download to make things work.
First, thanks to Chris for clueing me into the need to right click on the CPS installer file to be able to correctly open and run the file. Here is the error message I was getting : See Figure 01
I needed to right click on the file and then click on "Always keep on this device" and then confirm that I wanted to trust the file before it loaded as an executable file. I assume someone running Windows 10 wouldn't have this problem.
My first mistake was to use the following link : [HOWTO] Flash the OpenGD77 firmware (new procedure) - OpenGD77 (https://www.opengd77.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1770)
This one told me only part of the story that I needed to know. I should have used the following link provided in one of your emails : TYT MD-UV380/390 / RT-3S / DM1701 Installation information - OpenGD77 (https://www.opengd77.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2380)
Not only did I need to download the CPS installer, but I needed to download two additional files : the DM1701 and the MD9600 V5 "donor" firmware"
OpenGD77 installation (from the DM1701 installation information link above) :
- Download and install the latest OpenGD77CPS from here : https://www.opengd77.com/downloads/PC_CPS/Latest
- Download the latest firmware version from here : https://www.opengd77.com/downloads/MDUV380_DM1701/Firmware/2dc33f6bcb4936c047a4f65ef3daf80f95ffbc0e
- Look for the following Zip folder : OpenDM1701.zip
- In the extracted folder, look for the following file : OpenDM1701.bin
- Download the official MD9600 V5 firmware, as the 'donor' from here :
- https://www.passion-radio.com/index.php ... chment=760.
- Look for the following Zip folder : 210525 MD-9600 V4 firmware for PLL2571
- In the extracted folder, look for the following file : MD9600-CSV(2571V5)-V26.45.bin
- https://www.passion-radio.com/index.php ... chment=760.
Both firmware files need to be available on your computer. (This is not obvious from some of the YouTube videos that are available online) The files need to be extracted from the Zip folders downloaded from the referenced links and copied onto your computer. I set up a DMR folder for all these files. Note that if you move the files you will need to find them again.
The firmware loader is accessed in the "Extras" drop down menu in the CPS program.
Hint : However, to be able to select the DM-1701 in "Firmware loader" in the "Extras" drop down menu you need to make sure you select the second drop down item in the Radio type drop down menu : See Figure 02
Once you open the firmware loader dialog box, you have to click on "Select official firmware (donor) file". If you don't have this file available on your computer, the Firmware Loader dialogue box will show only [ FM] and not [ +DMR]. See Figure 03.
The "Select Open firmware file & update" button will be grey until you select the donor file. Assuming that you found and selected the donor file on your computer, you will get the following message : See Figure 04.
You can now click on the "Select open firmware file & update" button and find and select the DM1701 firmware you downloaded.
When searching for the OpenDM1701.bin file you need to make sure you select "Legacy firmware files" from the drop down menu in the lower right corner of the dialogue box, otherwise, you won't see the file when you search in the OpenDM1701 folder. (No one mentions this in any of the instructions!). See Figure 05
Assuming that you have followed these steps and have the DM-1701 radio connected to the computer you should see the firmware update and then get the following on Figure 06
Ah, yes...connecting the radio to the computer. I found some additional issues.
At first I was continuing to get the error message that the radio was not connected or in DFU mode even though I had it in DFU mode and it was connected to the laptop with the programming cable.
Checking around, I found out that I needed to install the correct driver for the radio. Without getting into too much detail about that search, I was able to find a Windows 10 version of the driver. I loaded the 64 bit version yet still could not find the radio in my Device Manager.
I can get into more detail about that if someone needs assistance with the driver issue.
According to the available YouTube videos the radio was supposed to appear as STM Device in DFU Mode under Universal Serial Bus Controllers but no luck. Out of curiosity, I switched the programming cable from the USB port on the left side of the laptop to the one on the right side and eureka! it appeared not under Serial Bus Controllers, but as OpenGD77 in Com4 under Ports. Not sure why that worked as they are both USB 3.0, but I am glad that it did. See Figure 07
I was then able to flash the radio. I'm not sure if I actually needed the driver, but it did work.
DMR Links Of Interest
W2MMD Clubhouse Hotspot #01 :
- Receive on 442.500 MHz
- Transmit on 447.500 MHz
- Low Power
W2MMD Clubhouse Hotspot #02 :
- Transmit & Receive on 432.740 MHz
- Low Power
Len Rust, W2LJR's DMR Presentations
Club Member DMR IDs |
|
|---|---|
| Name/Callsign | DMR ID |
| W2MMD Clubhouse | |
| Michael Andrescavage N2ICV | |
| Lance Appel KE2UC | |
| Joshua Boylan KE2FSC | |
| Alex Calabrese WA2ADS | |
| Chuck Capasso WB2PGE | |
| Matthew Carango N3QB | |
| Todd Cecilio KA2YNT | |
| Anthony Cerami N2OAC | |
| Mark Clark N3QMJ | |
| Norm Coltri K2NRC | |
| Holden Correia-Fisher KD2JPV | |
| Michael Covaleski N2MMC | |
| Walter Coward WX2E | |
| Bob Demola KD2GFL | |
| Doug Dersch KD2VQA | |
| Thomas Distelcamp Sr KC2GYC | |
| Glenn Dougherty N2YIO | |
| Adam Duncan W3DUN | |
| Herb Dyer KT2Y | Harry Elwell AD5TT |
| Misael Fernandez Jr KE2EBL | |
| James Foster W3JNF | |
| Karl Frank W2KBF | |
| Glen Guenther KE2BUO | |
| Melissa Guenther KE2BWZ | |
| Deirdre Anne Hebert AD2GQ (AB1ST) | |
| Gary Hewitt N2WHV | |
| Chuck Lanard KD2EIB | |
| Darren Malone KD2ALQ | |
| Gary Mirkin WA3SVW | |
| John Murrow KD2NHK | |
| John Newman WB4YLM | |
| Phil Nunzio WA3RGY | |
| John O'Connell K2QA | |
| Robert Pantazes W2ARP | |
| Sheldon Parker K2MEN | |
| Jonathan Pearce WB2MNF | |
| Michael Pecorini K2MRP | |
| Michael Pentimall KC3VTF | |
| John Price III KD2QYC | |
| Chris Prioli AD2CS | |
| Michael Resnick N2WOQ | |
| Frank Romeo N3PUU | |
| Len Rust III W2LJR | |
| Len Rust IV K2LJR | |
| Dave Sheppard W2PAX | |
| Cory Sickles WA3UVV | |
| James Simeone KC2AOF | |
| Stan Slachetka WA2JRZ | |
| Court Smith KD2SPJ | |
| Jackson Snyder AI2D | |
| Rich Subers W2RHS | |
| Brett Waller K2BKW (KC2UXQ) | |
| Matt Wilson K2MFW | |
| Bill Wood KD2OSJ | |
| Jim Wright N2GXJ | |
| John Zaruba Jr K2ZA | Updated May 16, 2025 |
DMR Configuration Sequence
1. Obtain and Configure DMR ID : https://www.radioid.net
2. Download Contact List : http://www.dmrcontacts.com
3. Identify Repeater or Hotspot : https://www.repeaterbook.com
4. Define Talk Groups
- Numerical ID
- Text Name
- https://brandmeister.network/?page=talkgroups
5. Create Channel
- Select Number
- Assign Name
- Select DMR ID
- Assign Frequency
- Transmit
- Receive
- Bandwidth
- Power
- DMR Mode (Simplex/Repeater)
- TX Permit (Channel Free)
- Assign Talk Group
- Assign Color Code
- Agreed Upon with Other Users
- Assign Time Slot
- Agreed Upon with Other Users
6. Create Zone
7. Add Channels to Zones
8. Configure Features
9. Upload Code Plug
10. Upload Contact List