How to Buy a D-Star Repeater

D-Star Radio

D-Star stands for Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio. The technology was first developed by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL). D-Star technology has been widely embraced by traditional “ham” radio operators, and is gaming ground among law enforcement and emergency first responders. Despite these advancements, there is only one company (Icom) that manufactures D-Star radios and repeaters. This makes finding available equipment models a breeze, since there is only one manufacturer to evaluate. Here is how to buy a D-Star repeater.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Telephone

1. 

   Point your web browser to the Icom America website (see Resources below). As the only company to manufacture D-Star equipment in America, this is the most logical place to locate local dealers who will have D-Star repeaters for sale.

2. 

   Click the “Where to Buy” link. You will find this link in the upper right hand corner of the Icom website. Clicking this link will take you to a page where you can locate the equipment dealers closest to your location.

3. 

   Select the type of search that best describes you. If you are a wholesaler or government agency, click the corresponding links, since special equipment and pricing will be available to you. Click the link that reads “Locate an authorized dealer near you” if you are an individual who is interested in privately buying D-Star equipment.

4. 

   Fill out the form to search for a D-Star dealer near you. Enter your zip code and how far you are willing to travel to purchase equipment. For D-Star repeaters, it is usually best to only check the box marked “Amateur.” After you have completed the form, click the “Search” button to find the nearest dealers.

5. 

   Review the list of dealers in your area. Contact them by telephone to ask about the D-Star repeaters they have in stock and how much they cost. This will allow you to compare the inventory of one dealer to another so that you will know who has the best deal. Also ask if they offer a mail order delivery or if you must travel to their location in person to buy the equipment.

Tips & Warnings

• D-Star equipment comes in formats for Digital Voice and Digital Data. Make sure you are buying a repeater that matches your intended use.

Resources

• Icom America