DMR on the MD-380

DMR on MMDVM Hotspot

I have been playing with the MMDVM hotspot and the TYT MD-380 for a while.

MD380Tools

Wanted to try the MD380Tools firmware and installed a pre-built binary found here: http://md380.org/releases/daily/
https://github.com/KD4Z/md380tools-vm

Volume bargraph disappears 

First thing to note was the volume bargraph missing. Nothing is displayed when the volume knob is turned. Apparently this is not enabled by default and the firmware has to be built after enabling this option. Will do it in another day. 

Instruction here:

https://github.com/KD4Z/md380tools-vm/raw/master/MD380tools_VM_installation_3.08.pdf

Squelch problem

The new firmware (MD380Tools) seemed to work fine. But there was a problem with the audio muting after a while. Found from the MD380 FB group that there is a tweak to be done to get the "squelch" opening.

Followed this tech note and wrote custom values to the radio.
https://github.com/KD4Z/md380tools-vm/blob/master/Version_5_Hardware_with_MD380tools_firmware.pdf

Fixed BER

Finally the BER reported was slightly high (around 0.3%). Followed this post to get the TX/RX offsets changed.
http://www.k9npx.com/2019/02/hotspot-offset-calibration.html

Morse training tools

Online Tools

Lcwo.net

A very nicely built tool to learn code in a structured way. It is based on Koch training and all the settings are saved online in the user profile. The progress of the training is also stored online.

 

Link: lcwo.net

CWops Morse Code Trainer

A very nice online trainer from Stephen C Phillips

 

https://morsecode.scphillips.com/trainer.html

A very interesting QSO Trainer is also available. 

PC based Tools

G4FON Trainer

The "original" Koch trainer for the PC. Has all the different settings for simulating a real world environment including QRM, chirp, etc.

 

http://www.g4fon.net/CW%20Trainer.htm

Chuck Adams K7QO Code Course 

Chuck has an excellent manual for the course and a complete cd (in ISO format) containing the course material.

https://www.kkn.net/~k7qo/

Morse Runner

A Windows based sofware that simulates a CW qso. One has to "call" CQ and a response is simulated from multiple stations. QRN, QSB, QRM can be simulated that feels unbelievably real world.

 

http://www.dxatlas.com/morserunner/

Pileup Runner

Windows based software that simulates CW pileup with waterfall interface.

 

http://www.dxatlas.com/PileupRunner/

 RufzXP 

An excellent training software for improving the code receiving, especially call signs.

 

http://www.rufzxp.net/