Digital Modes
Amateur radio in 2026 is more digital than ever. Whether you’re ragchewing on DMR, chasing rare DX via FT8, or linking globally through D-STAR, there’s a digital mode for every operator. Here’s everything you need to get on the air digitally from the Longmont/Boulder area.
📱 DMR — Digital Mobile Radio
DMR is a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) digital voice mode that allows two simultaneous conversations on a single frequency using Time Slot 1 (TS1) and Time Slot 2 (TS2).
DMR Networks
- BrandMeister — The largest global DMR network. Most Colorado repeaters are BrandMeister-linked. Great for ragchewing and DX contacts. brandmeister.network
- TGIF Network — Talk Group Interest Forum, known for a friendlier atmosphere and less busy talkgroups. Popular with QRP and handheld operators. tgifnetwork.com
- DMR-MARC — Motorola Amateur Radio Club network, one of the original DMR networks. More selective talkgroup structure.
Key Colorado DMR Talkgroups (BrandMeister)
| Talkgroup | Name | Slot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 310810 | Colorado Statewide | TS2 | Most active CO talkgroup |
| 3108 | Colorado Regional | TS2 | Front Range area |
| 91 | Worldwide | TS1 | Global calling |
| 93 | North America | TS1 | NA general calling |
| 3100 | USA Nationwide | TS1 | Monitor for calling activity |
| 98975 | TAC 310 (Colorado) | TS2 | Tactical, less busy |
DMR Radio ID
To operate on DMR, you need a Radio ID — a unique 7-digit number tied to your callsign. Register free at radioid.net. Takes about 24 hours for approval.
Programming Your Radio
Use CHIRP for analog, or your radio’s CPS (Customer Programming Software) for DMR. Colorado codeplugs are available from the RepeaterBook community.
⭐ D-STAR — Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio
D-STAR is ICOM’s digital voice and data system, operating on 2m, 70cm, and 1.2 GHz. It supports worldwide linking through the D-STAR reflector network and individual callsign routing.
D-STAR Highlights
- Route calls directly to another ham’s callsign — even if you don’t know which repeater they’re on
- Send slow-speed data alongside voice (DPRS position reporting, short messages)
- Link to any D-STAR reflector worldwide via internet
Colorado D-STAR Nodes (Near Longmont)
- WB0Q B — 449.650 MHz, Boulder (check dstarusers.org for current status)
- K0RGT B — Denver metro area nodes
- Check DSTARInfo.com for an updated Colorado map
Getting Started with D-STAR
- Register your callsign at dstarusers.org
- Program your callsign into your radio (MYCALL, URCALL, R1CALL, R2CALL)
- Monitor the local repeater and announce your callsign
🖥️ Weak Signal Digital Modes (FT8, FT4, JS8Call)
FT8 revolutionized HF radio. It can complete contacts with signals 15–20 dB below the noise floor — meaning you can work DX with a simple wire antenna and 10 watts.
FT8 Dial Frequencies (USB)
| Band | Frequency (MHz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 160m | 1.840 | Night use |
| 80m | 3.573 | Night use |
| 40m | 7.074 | Day & night |
| 30m | 10.136 | Very popular |
| 20m | 14.074 | Most popular HF band |
| 17m | 18.100 | Good DX |
| 15m | 21.074 | Solar max: excellent! |
| 10m | 28.074 | Opens worldwide at solar max |
| 6m | 50.313 | Magic Band, summer E-skip! |
| 2m | 144.174 | Weak signal VHF |
Software for FT8
- WSJT-X — The standard for FT8, FT4, JT65, WSPR
- JS8Call — FT8-based but allows freeform messages; great for emergency comms
- GridTracker — Live map of FT8 contacts (excellent for visualizing propagation)
🔗 EchoLink — Internet-Linked Voice
EchoLink allows licensed amateurs to connect to repeaters worldwide via the internet. LARC’s W0ENO repeater is EchoLink-linked as W0ENO-R.
- Download: echolink.org
- Verify your callsign once, then connect to W0ENO-R from anywhere in the world
- Great for traveling ops who want to check in to LARC nets
📡 APRS — Automatic Packet Reporting System
APRS transmits your position, weather data, or short messages over 144.390 MHz (national APRS frequency in North America). Used heavily during Field Day, POTA, and SOTA activations.
- Track stations at aprs.fi
- Send messages and track mobile stations in real time
- Tigertronics SignaLink or Digirig are popular sound-card interfaces
Questions about digital modes? Bring them to any LARC net or meeting — our members have experience with all of these. You can also reach out via our Contact page or the Elmer Support program.
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