D-star radios are extremely expensive. Only one manufacturer makes them. Compare the costs of a dual band handheld of D Star at north of £300 versus a radio which is good FM quality such as Wouxun at under £100. Is D Star really worth paying 3 times the price in these tougher economic times? Would it worth considering dual mode repeaters? Just my thoughts to create some discussion. Cheers Stewart G8 YQN
There are plenty of alternatives Icom digital radios if you want to try D-Star, although admittedly not in hand held (yet) format. Have a look here: http://www.gmskmicronode.com/index.html
Hi All As long as there is FM analogue repeaters in the area to serve the majority of VHF repeater users; the D-Star is no real Harm, it is when D-star replaces the prime analogue repeater that it is really damaging to local usage. D-star is EXCLUSIVE and EXCLUDING. Analogue can be just as technical but is INCLUSIVE.