DMR so far

I have had DMR for almost a week. A big thanks to Dan, KC8ZUM, for helping me get started with a simple code plug (radio programming) that got me up and running on one local repeater. It helped me understand and learn to program these DMR radios.

I have now programmed in all the Ohio DMR repeaters and posted my code plug on the CSI DMR radio groups on Yahoo in order to help others. I will continue to program in repeaters in other states as I get time. Frankly, DMR programming is a bit laborious.

In any case what I can say is that DMR has advantages and disadvantages to other digital voice modes. When I get some time, I intend to create a spreadsheet outlining the pros and cons as I see them.

Here is my biggest disappointment. It is hard to find anyone on the radio to talk to. The North American timeslot I was told is the busiest. It is very quiet. For a mode that proponents claim is exploding with growth, it is awfully quiet. I've even called on the Worldwide and Worldwide English timeslots without success. Called on local, not a soul responds.

Now I have had a few conversations on North America, but if I were creating my own impressions of DMR on use alone, my guess would be that only 20 to 30 people even owned a DMR radio.

Where is everyone? Maybe I just cannot hear them over the sounds of crickets chirping.
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