DMR: Working Talkgroup without programming channel

 Use manual dial to use a Talk Group

In most DMR radios with keypads, there would be an option to dial Talk Group and work on a repeater or hotspot. Thid avoids the need for updating codeplug. The channel should have Receive Talk Group List (that contains the dialed TG) assigned or Digi Monitor (Promiscuous mode) enabled. The later is easier when working newly discovered TGs.

Anytone Setting

In Anytone DMR radios (Hand held or Mobile) use this option in code plug. In Optional Settings, under Digital Func, select the hold time interval to Infinite.

Alinco Setting

In Alinco DMR radios (Hand held or Mobile) use this option in code plug. In Optional Settings, under Digital Func, select the hold time interval to 30 min (max available).

Invoking Manual Dial

Long press key 0 to get into manual entry mode. Cycle Talk Group or Private Call using key #. Press PTT to set and transmit.

GPS Roaming Zones on Anytone 878UV

GPS Roaming

Anytone releases frequent firmware updates for its most popular radio - the Anytone 878UV DMR hand held radio, mostly feature additions and bug fixes. I have not seen any other radio getting the extent of new features as this radio. Another testimony that the underlying hardware is future proof, having plenty of cpu cycles on demand.

One of the recent feature addition was GPS position based roaming feature, which basically switches the Zone based on the user position. A lot of use cases are possible, one of which is selecting the local repeaters automatically based on the location. 

 VU Repeater Zones

I made zones for the various VU repeaters and grouped them so they can be auto selected based on the location. Repeaters with wide coverages are included in multiple zones.

I tried it and it works very well during the initial testing on a road trip.

Code plug including the GPS roaming settings can be found here:

https://github.com/bejoysat/amateurradio/tree/master/digital/Anytone

The repeater channels start from 200. Zone starts from 20. This way, it will not conflict with your existing codeplug. You may use MS Excel or OpenOffice to merge the data. (Export current codeplug -> Merge -> Import again)

Further reading:

1. https://theblackmoor.net/anytone-878-gets-firmware-upgrade/