D-Star from Android tablets and phones

Until this was mentioned on Southgate News I was unaware of this app. Apparently you can use an Android device to connect into D-star networks using some software called "Peanut". This may be useful to some, especially if your nearest D-star repeater is out of range. You can also use Peanut on a Windows machine with an Android emulator.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/january/android-peanut-app.htm#.XEXNcfZ2u00

D-STAR zzzz

D-STAR is ICOM's proprietary digital modulation system. Sadly, it leaves me cold. OK, each to their own, but I just can't get exited over it or Yaesu's equivalent. I suspect this will play out like the VHS and Betamax video war in the 1980s. In the end one system will win and be adopted. Until then, thank you, I'll just watch.

New ICOM D-Star dual-band handheld

ICOM has announced a new digital dual-band 5W handheld that as well as conventional FM supports D-Star both over the air and via a PC, tablet or similar. It has built-in GPS as well as a slot for a micro-SD card. To me, it seems expensive but it is a "state of the art" dual-band handheld with GPS.

See http://www.icomuk.co.uk/ID-51E-Plus2/Handheld_Amateur_Radio_Ham

D-star Cubesat

Southgate Amateur Radio News has a report today of a D-star transponder on a Cubesat. I ahve to admit that I am not "turned on" by these digital modes. It seems to me we are in for a standards war in the coming years. I am happy to sit this one out until the punters decide on one. System fusion, C4FM, D-star, DMR?? Others? Who cares!

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2016/april/dstar_satellite_to_launch_from_kourou.htm#.VwTc_L6LWzk.