Digital voice and hotspots

Digital voice (DV) is how many new Technicians end up talking around the world from a handheld: through a local repeater or a small hotspot on the desk, linked over the internet to a talkgroup or reflector. It's real amateur radio, it's a good way to meet people, and there's a lot to set up. This page sorts the four common systems, explains hotspots, and is clear about one thing: these internet-linked contacts don't count toward park or summit activations.

Independent guide, not affiliated with any network, manufacturer or program named here.

Digital voice v1.0 · written 2026-10-08 · network and rule details checked as of Oct 2026

Do DV contacts count for POTA?

WWFF global rules (v5.10, §3.10) also exclude repeaters, IRLP and EchoLink. SOTA doesn't accept repeater contacts either. You may use a repeater or talkgroup to arrange a direct contact. POTA's rules say so explicitly, but the QSO you log has to happen direct. Don't relay calls or reports for anyone (POTA's relay rule). Rules checked 2026-10-08 on docs.pota.app. Comparison: Programs.

The four systems

The systems don't talk to each other over the air. A DMR radio can't hear a Fusion signal. Before you buy, find out which system your local repeaters and club actually use: RepeaterBook lists the modes, and Clubs & Elmers can tell you what's busy.

DMR in practice

DMR has the most moving parts:

1. Get a DMR ID at RadioID.net. It's free and tied to your license. RadioID began annual verification on July 1, 2026: each year on your account anniversary it emails you, and IDs that aren't confirmed are deactivated and eventually reassigned (BrandMeister news, checked 2026-10-08). Answer that email.
2. Build a codeplug. That's the radio's configuration file: channels (frequency, color code, timeslot), talkgroups (contacts) and receive groups. Most people start from a local club's codeplug and edit it with the radio's programming software.
3. Learn the talkgroups. A talkgroup is a virtual channel on a network: worldwide, national, state, regional or topic. Some are "static" (always on a repeater) and some are activated when you key up. Each network publishes its own list. The same number can mean different things on BrandMeister and TGIF.
4. Listen before you key up. Leave a pause between transmissions, because linked systems take a moment to switch. Give your call sign. Don't rag-chew on a busy national talkgroup. Move to a less-used one.

Encryption is not allowed. Many DMR radios have privacy or encryption features from the commercial world. On amateur frequencies, transmissions encoded to obscure their meaning are prohibited by 47 CFR 97.113(a)(4). Leave encryption off.

D-STAR, Fusion and M17 in a sentence each

• D-STAR: program your call sign into the radio, use the repeater's settings, and link to reflectors. Many Icom D-STAR radios can find nearby D-STAR repeaters by GPS, and D-STAR carries low-speed data and GPS position alongside voice.
• System Fusion: Yaesu radios switch automatically between analog FM and C4FM digital on many repeaters. WIRES-X connects repeaters and home nodes into rooms.
• M17: open protocol with an open-source voice codec (Codec 2), small and fast-moving. Good if you like tinkering, with fewer people on the air than the others.

Hotspots

A hotspot is a tiny personal repeater: a Raspberry Pi-class computer with a small radio modem board (MMDVM-style), putting out a few milliwatts around your house and linking your DV handheld to the networks. It's how people with no DV repeater nearby get on.

• Software: WPSD is the actively maintained hotspot suite in 2026. It supports DMR, D-STAR, Fusion (YSF), P25, NXDN and POCSAG. The older Pi-Star image is still widely installed.
• It's your station. You're the control operator and responsible for what it transmits, including identification and staying on frequency.
• Pick a sensible frequency. Use a simplex frequency your local band plan sets aside for this, and stay out of the 435–438 MHz satellite segment. Hotspots parked there interfere with satellite uplinks. Check your local frequency coordinator's plan.
• Hotspots are not POTA tools. A hotspot QSO from a park doesn't count (table above). A hotspot in the car can still be handy for asking a friend to call you direct.

Linking analog FM: EchoLink, AllStar, IRLP

• EchoLink links stations and computers over the internet. It validates your license before you can use it, and reports more than 350,000 validated users.
• AllStarLink links repeaters, remote bases and hotspots with VoIP (built on Asterisk). Many repeater groups run it.
• IRLP links repeaters through dedicated nodes.

Same rule for parks: an EchoLink, AllStar or IRLP contact is a repeater contact.

Habits / gotchas / checklist

• Check what your local repeaters run before buying a DV radio.
• DMR: get a RadioID, answer the yearly verification email, and leave encryption off.
• Use a club codeplug as a starting point. Back up your own before editing.
• Hotspot: low power, a band-plan simplex frequency, not 435–438 MHz.
• Park day: DV through repeaters or hotspots is for coordinating. The QSOs in your POTA log are direct.
• Pause between overs on linked systems, and identify.