So what is D-STAR?
D-STAR stands for Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio. D-STAR is a digital voice and digital data protocol standard for amateur radio. In addition to the over-the-air protocol, D-STAR also provides specifications for network connectivity, enabling D-STAR radios to be connected to the Internet or other networks. D-STAR is the result of research by the Japan Amateur Radio League which was funded by the Japanese government.
Click here for a CQ VHF Magazine article on D-STAR: CQ VHF Article
D-STAR Equipment
Equipment availability is somewhat limited at this point. Icom is the only manufacturer currently marketing D-STAR radios in the United States, although rumors suggest that Kennwood will introduce a D-STAR transceiver to the US market sometime in 2008. According to several internet reports, the Kenwood TMW-706 D-Star dual-band transceiver has been available in Japan since 2006.
Icom IC-2200H -- 2m Band Mobile
Icom IC-2820H -- 2m / 70cm Dual Band Mobile
Icom ID-800H -- 2m / 70cm Dual Band Mobile
Icom ID-1 -- 1.2 GHz Band Mobile
Icom IC-V82 -- 2m Band HT
Icom IC-V1 -- 2m Band HT
Icom IC-U82 -- 70cm Band HT
Icom IC-U1 -- 70cm Band HT
Icom IC-91AD -- 2m / 70cm Dual Band HT
Kenwood TMW-706 -- 2m / 70cm Dual Band Mobile (20 watt version)
Kenwood TMW-706S -- 2m / 70cm Dual Band Mobile (50 watt version)
Where is D-STAR Available?
Unfortunately there are only a few operational D-STAR repeaters in Pennsylvania at this time. The resources here include a list of D-STAR repeaters in Pennsylvania and a link which shows recent activity through gateway connected D-STAR machines. D-STAR Repeaters in Pennsylvania. D-STAR Repeaters - Recent Activity Map
D-STAR Videos
Here are some D-STAR videos which will allow you to see D-STAR in operation:
D-STAR Introduction
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) using D-STAR
