7 REASONS WHY DIGITAL IS BETTER THAN ANALOG FOR HAM RADIO 

To each his own!

@@K0LWC Yeah I agree. I was always a die hard Analog fan. But in recent times it seems more and more hams are moving over to DMR, I know its not end to end radio, but you always have HF for that, which lets be honest can be much more exciting then just linking up with someone across the globe over the internet.

Yeah I just kind of got back into the Hobby and I'm going to get my license for the first time but all this digital stuff doesn't make sense to me in the sense of ham radio it's kind of moving away from what radio is

You're exactly right................

Is it intelligible? Obviously not

Forum and Brim Digital isn’t that different than analog in local use.

I use digital for simplex.

Analog may also require infrastructure. Digital could also work without infrastructure... The use of infrastructure is independent of analog/digital

@@galax574 true .. just seems that most use it with internet ..very little rf ..like skype lol

@@shockadellick Think Apple Watch “WalkieTalkie mode”. Lol.

I agree that the fragmentation has been challenging, but it's one ham radio operators are beginning to address. One of the hot trends now is multiprotocol gateways. In fact, we have one of those here in Colorado. You can access the "talkgroup" by using DMR, P25, NXDN, D-Star or even analog - all tied into one common link. It's great to bring together all digital protocols instead of having small factions. It's really fun to see what hobbyists are doing to experiment with briding protocols together.

I agree the dependency on internet is useless in Emergency situations. I hope there becomes a standard for Digital as the Army, police etc have switched and can operate independent of infrastructure. Why can’t we have the stake standards for HAM, with the exception of encryption of course

But you don't have to prefer one over the other. Having both covers all your bases, end of story.

@@3asyrider75 Irrelevant, since we will still have analog in emergency situations.

@@dangerous8333 They are phasing out analogs in Canadian forces. The digital encryption is far better then the old analogue encryption. They operate completely independent of the communications infrastructure. Not to mention our equipment must be to the NATO standards. I was in CF signals

This is also true in the fpv Drone community.

​@@dangerous8333 it got better, but yes

Thanks, Bill! The audio quality to the ear is not for everyone. It is a bit subjective.

yes, better audio is analog

Not in the fringe. Natural and static noise.

@@carlsanti341 Don’t confuse audio quality with signal strength. That’s where people get crossed up here. Put your thinking cut back on and use your analytical skills.“Now Winston, how many fingers am I holding up?” LOL.

@@K0LWC I love it when people try their damnedest to try to make science subjective. That’s a crock. The only subjective part is the decision to go with it or not. OK? You’re trying to tell someone who doesn’t like a certain thing that they are XXX O phobic when it’s not the case… It’s simply a choice and a decision. Too much contention and arm twisting going on here and way too much salesmanship hype getting pushed here. Not everyone can tell when they’re being pitched. But after they’ve been had, that good ole buyer’s remorse sets in and it doesn’t feel good, does it kids!

You get used to it after a little while and you begin to hate the hiss and hash of analog. 73

@@K0LWC might take me a while but thanks.

Audio quality is crap.Cant beat the natural sounds of analogue.

@@K0LWC 😹😹 For me I can't enjoy talking on my old Yaesu ft-411 unless hiss and hash is there,but also we can't deny that digital radio has ecxellent benefits at least you have privacy with your girlfriend 😉

@@K0LWC No.

Also a broadcaster here. Thanks Mike for explaining why it’s not obvious to people who are getting gaslighted by the profiteers here. In essence, I replied to the OP earlier with this remark: “ Why must you stir up debate between groups when you’re not going to give an inch in the first place? You’re not contributing to a friendly community. It’s like divisive social media … not the professional and respectful camaraderie most of us experience still with ham radio.”

@@radiotvgod I guess that is why they call it Amateur Radio? 😁

@@mikehemeon2473 I’ve always felt we sell ourselves short by that label. I’d rather be called a HAM any day than an amateur. When representing ourselves to the public this upcoming Field Day, keep that in mind.

As long as your local repeater has power. DMR can be used without repeaters to talk anywhere in the world, I use hotspot.

@@carlsanti341 so it is skype. A radio through a cable ? C'mon, this not ham radio.

@@carlsanti341 Depends, internet takes power, your hotspot takes power. Not an effective SHTF solution, be it a hurricane, tornado, flood, freeze. Just saying.

The issue isn't the radio's capability, it's the issue of uploading data. Anyone who has gotten used to the ease of CHIRP isn't really interested in playing with CPS that is unique to every radio.

In a grid down situation there will not be a working internet so DMR will have no advantage over analog.

Absolutely, Michael! Ham radio is a great hobby to meet a variety of new people that share the same interests as you.

@@K0LWC ki4zqy is my call sign

Hey Michael, do police officers monitor Ham or CB? Thanks

Yep. And when the digital signal drops off completely... I often can still hear the analog signal enough to get the message. I like all the modes. Play with analog, C4FM & Wire-X, DMR, and P25 since we have some repeaters. The digital modes are all 'cool' and I have a blast experimenting and using each... hard to beat good old analog and not needing the infrastructure the digital modes need to...... well.... work at all. Guess I'm a crusty old ham in denial - or just experienced enough to understand the differences.

@@guitodd Yeah that's how analog works vs digital. The only benefit as of now is clarity. It's the same in the fpv Drone world. Digital is clear, but it drops unexpectedly. Analog is noisier and gets even noisier before it drops.

Cell phones use RF. 🤷🏻‍♂️

@@K0LWC and they need cables and servers at some points. the same for dmr . ham radio ? lol .

In the final episode: why DMR actually was better after all (disaster edition)

Nailed it! Fly low though… You’re about to get trolled by the thin-skinned OP. Shields up! Lol.

Yes, that is true. Some people enjoy the challenge of trying to pull signals from the noise, I've certainly done my fair share. The performance aspect of digital is hard to beat.

What makes it fragile?

While the range argument is flawed (see the graph in the video again), the biggest myth that persists is that digital is dependent on the Internet. Yes, there is a lot of linking that is done via the Internet currently, but DMR can function as a standalone repeater and preserve many of the advantages discussed in the video. Or, the data connections can be made via other methods not using the Internet. In fact, we have a linked system like that on the DMR-MARC network here in Colorado. A local DMR repeater is no less rugged than analog, and it performs better and carries more advantages.

@@K0LWC Yes, I realize that it can be a standalone repeater with no Internet connection. My counter-argument was that since many folks don't have DMR radios that the biggest selling point is that it is connected and that you can talk to other people all over the world. As you progress in this hobby you'll soon realize that none of my arguments or your arguments really matter. Digital communication is based on analog principals. It's all about modulation and encoding. Analog will always be a preferred mode for HAMs because it's simple, easy, and does the trick. Although DMR may be the new hotness right now, it will follow suit and take its rightful place among some other of the digital modes. It's useful, and I have a DMR radio... but in the end, it's just another mode much like D-STAR and Fusion.

I have never heard a poor digital signal. But analog yes, weak signal sounds weak ,where digital scores. It's communications, does it matter what method it uses as long as it's efficient and provides clear communication . DMR appears to be the best so far in terms of audio quality. Travelling around the uk shortly, so hoping to be on dmr with this new radio I have. I still have to overcome the file error read, otherwise a brand-new rig useless. Under warranty.

What's the likelihood of a simplex contact on DMR?

@@K0LWC ham since 2005 but new to DMR. What can j expect on simplex with it? Also, I'm near the Adirondacks so we have similar terrain. That being said with a 5 watt ht what can I expect in hitting a repeater?

Okay Boomer.

At least you’re open to experimenting!

eye roll

Good point. And the people saying it works without internet are referring to internet outages, not a grid down for years or forever situation.

Don't see what I edited.

I have nothing to say if you associate DMR with MMDVM hotspot. DMR (and other radio protocols) CAN work without internet. You can do simplex and repeater channel for almost all radio protocols. Do more preparation before commenting.

@@galax574 you lose all credibility when you insult people. We are just having a discussion. I learned something from your second comment, but why be a dick? You have more knowledge than some of us, share it or don’t share it. Calling people names right off the bat...screams insecurity. You can be better! Thank you for the knowledge on DMR simplex

@@PartisanPapa Sorry about that.

nobody can seem to answer that..cell phones and internet go down...thats all the digital right?

Yes. DMR can still be used like a traditional repeater. Regardless of that fact, RF is still involved.

Yes, it is. In addition to the above, the "this isn't real ham radio" logic was initially applied to HF Digi modes like PSK31, RTTY, hell I heard some folks say the name for operators who don't do code every other transmission

Is there a difference between an analog and a digital strength and distance of the signal or are they equal?

People often confuse digital to mean relying on the Internet to link stuff together. Digital repeaters still offer advantages in EMCOMM situations, look no further than being able to have two simultaneous conversations on one system with DMR and their time slot system.

Ham would be the best alternative, specifically analog 2M (VHF). Obviously, you’d need a license we for that. DMR is still ham radio, just a different mode and does require a license.

Sounds like you’ll need a mobile radio for that kind of coverage. Any cheap 2m mobile radio will work, it’s all about the antenna.

Exactly. Dont get me wrong, I like digital, but analog has some significant advantages over digital. Dont really understand the “better than the other” mentality anyway. There is room for both 😁

About the same. Maybe better range.

Commercial gear is great and rugged, but I agree the Chinese gear is much better for the ham radio community.

Search “JumboSpot” on EBay and Google, you’ll find plenty of those Chinese hotspots for under $100. They work well enough, but can be more problematic than other higher quality hotspots.

I’m not sure if this was meant to be serious or not...

@@K0LWC Hi Hi!! You got it! From one ham to another, as long as you are active and interested in a amature radio, it doesn’t matter what mode you use as long as we keep ham radio alive and relevant! You being a young ham, I applaud you for making these videos so maybe we can get more and more younger people to get interested and licensed in the greatest hobby ever! I wasn’t kidding about CW being the best and original digital mode! Hope to work you on the bands and 73s K9TDW

@K9TDW, I completely agree with you. I do think that getting more people into the hobby is a great thing and there does seem to be a huge divide between those who use analog and the digital guys. As you said, analog just works. Also, DMR radios are built for DMR and often have analog added. YSF and D-Star radios are built by companies who are making an analog radio and adding digital. There is no comparison when you use a Yaesu or Kenwood/Icom radio for analog vs. the analog on a DMR radio. Finally, he needs to understand more about analog. You can vary the bandwidth on analog and ultimately use less bandwidth on analog...everything has a trade-off. One more thing. D-Star and YSF are far, far easier to use than DMR. They all use similar infrastructure but DMR was developed for commercial use (think Costco, etc. where you communicate simplex on locked-down channels). It is far, far harder to program and be successful with. To get going with YSF, you input your call sign and you are talking. DMR can take hours at best and days for those who are having trouble with it. Yes, I know you can upload someone else's DMR codeplug and be "on the air" faster but generic codeplugs are just that...generic. Sorry for rambling. Ultimately, HAM radio was developed for people who like to build/experiment/and don't have to be tied to infrastructure. Digital takes all of that away (please don't confuse this with HF digital). I have had fun with YSF and been successful but frustrated by DMR. Not much beats typing in an analog frequency and talking... 73!

Thanks, Dave!

DMR radios can do analog and digital like the Baofeng. Best of both worlds. And with a 3500mah battery.

Yea, it can.

Antycyponek You seem misinformed.

Yaesu is fusion, D-Star is open source and found on Icom radios and a few Kenwood, and DMR is a Motorola protocol you find on Motorola, Hytera and Chinese manufactured radios. I prefer fusion and DMR over D-Star.

@@K0LWC Thanks

Try to find three 5 watt walkie talkies with voice inversion / beat shift "scrambling". Don't spend too much on overpriced mid-tier consumer items pushed on the internet videos. Tell YT not to recommend those channels.

Mom will hate it and never want to use the things.

Slightly better than analog, terrain is everything.

No, it’s still RF - it’s just a digital endorsed signal instead of analog.

The one eyed man in the community of the blind. Thank you for the truth sir. And for sharing your experience in the real world. Hard to duck that big sales pitch from the manufacturers, ain’t it! It’s everywhere it’s everywhere. (Anybody remember chicken man?).lol

I think I read something on that radio. Someone said the firmware numbering doesn’t match the radio, or something like that.

Thanks for watching!

Yes, it can.

@@K0LWC I'm Realy New to Ham radios. Any Chance you could point me to a RU-vid Vid for a D878. I've searched Hi and Low.

Rotor What are you wanting to know or learn about the D878?

@@K0LWC Here is a scenario for a Possible RU-vid Video that Noboodys Done Yet for AnyTone 868 878 or any other DMR Radio for that matter: Digitally encrypted Walkie-Talkies, short-range private group communications using 2 or more radios. Say for at the lake, hunting, hiking or motorbiking, snowmobiling with 878 bluethooth PTT on handlebars (Sweeeet). I’ve tried to do it but its over my head. I get stuck on the Radio IDs, Talk Groups, and Dig Contacts.

@@rotor676 We hams are not allowed to encrypt our comms.! You may want to get a copy of the rules for the amateur service. Talks about that in there.

www.arrl.org/getting-licensed

@@DavidS-iw4ei thank you very much I appreciate that.

@@dennisburke199 Also check out www.hamtestonline.com You can also find study guides on amazom and ebay. I like Gordon West.

@@DavidS-iw4ei thanks again. ;-) I have too many projects going on lol! I built an old dreamcast to pc serial transfer cable, putting OpenBSD on my mini pc and working on setting up a radio station on raspberry pi zero.

Google up a local Ham club (perhaps facebook) ask if there are any courses in town. I'm in Pensacola and right now there is a course at Pensacola state college. Tuition was $20 something. There are also online courses you can purchase.

I don’t think comparing amateur radio to volunteer firefighting is even remotely fair. It’s mostly a hobby with some service elements. I agree we can and do help out, but it’s so rare that the comparison is a bit off.

@@K0LWC It isn't a matter of fairness. It is the way that the FCC defines it. One of the major reasons that we exist is because we are a "service" and one of the major justifications for the large segments of the radio spectrum that we occupy. Amateur radio is authorized more band with than any other user outside of the US government. Yes there is a hobby component to it but we justify ourselves as a service. §97.3 Definitions. (a) The definitions of terms used in part 97 are: (1) Amateur operator. A person named in an amateur operator/primary license station grant on the ULS consolidated licensee database to be the control operator of an amateur station. (2) Amateur radio services. The amateur service, the amateur-satellite service and the radio amateur civil emergency service. (4) Amateur service. A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.

Encryption is indeed becoming more common, not just for public safety for even your average business.

@@K0LWC Even the road commission is encrypted .

You can always set your radio to monitor so you hear any and all traffic on the timeslot, it’s just a radio setting. You can also private call someone direct regardless of where they are TG-wise.

K0LWC I have Wouxun KG-UVN1 and I think monitoring doesn't work in this model. When I set RX group to "none" it receives nothing. I should buy Tyt 😉

Great questions, and welcome to the hobby! I don’t think the ISS currently has DMR gear on board, but there are talkgroups on Brandmeister DMR that rebroadcast NASA comms. DMR radios are all usually analog and digital in one radio, so you can do either mode from one radio and mix and match what you listen to or use in your area. We’re seeing digital (DMR) grow in the ham hobby and much of the conversation that was once on analog repeaters is transitioning to DMR and other digital formats, just like public safety and other businesses who use radio comms. Some of the coolest projects occurring are bridging digital protocols together (P25, DMR, YSF, etc.) with analog bridged in all in one spot. Given your programming background you’ll enjoy DMR! Don’t worry, your DMR radio will also have analog capability! I highly recommend the AnyTone 878 as your frost radio. 73

@@K0LWC thanks for the quick reply! Now you have me going. I use the P25 at work (so you can probably guess what I do) and pretty familiar with Talkgroups/Zones, which we use as we travel from region to region. We have a Trunked system in the more popular area that makes it very convenient to chat with someone way beyond what our older VHF/UHF channels would go even with repeaters. Thanks for the info.

Both.

Yes, it’s still a repeater whether networked or not.

Explain. Even if it does work on a repeater without the internet (fill me in, because I don't get it), you are limited to the range of the repeater and how long a generator will keep it running in an emergency. I can talk world-wide with HF with a radio, wire antenna and a battery. Can digital? Digital is NOT better, simply different. Please, inform and don't tear down something you don't seem to understand.

I think the name is confusing people because is sounds like multiplexing when you say time slots but really its kinda like upper and lower sideband where each radio is using half the bandwidth of the channel. I think maybe these radios support both reduced bandwidth and actual timeslot and people may be confusing them with each other.

Thank you, Chris!

Digital doesn’t mean Internet connected. It does have that, but digital offers advantages even when no VoIP linking is being used.

Using an HT via repeater or hotspot using cell phone as a modem. There are also mobile radios available. Check and see if you have a DMR repeater in your area.

@@K0LWC thanks bro I'll be looking at it

Can analog scanners listen to the same things as a digital scanner ??

Yes, but it requires setting static talkgroups and using a personal hotspot.

What do you mean by “callsign” based?

Always has been

@@K0LWC Where do I enter my callsign into my DMR radio ? Oh....you don't. Where do I enter my callsign into my P25 radio ? Oh, you don't. Digital is better ? Bullshit. DMR, all you ever hear is "does anybody have codeplug because I can't be bothered to learn my own radio". The complexity of trying to adapt a commercial standard to ham use is just a major kludge job. DSTAR isn't much better. The only digital mode that is ham and user friendly is Fusion.

de NØWAR

Very different things, both equally great!

Maybe a couple months?

Yes.

the hobby has been picking up steam recently. also look into gmrs there is quite a bit of activity there often run by hams.

Yes. People think digital means Internet, that’s not what it means. Digital holds advantages over analog with no VOIP linking factored in.

Whack, whack “Pleeze suh, I want some moah” Sheesch.

I don’t hear a counter argument, likely because it’s difficult to form one.

@@K0LWC As a logician I am quite capable for formulating an argument. What I provided was an opinion. Cheers!

Digital is the future of VHF/UHF just like we see happening in business/public safety. Analog will never fully go away, but it will flip. Digital will be most repeaters with a few legacy analog machines.

So it’s 🚕 radio!?

The number grows month by month. I've gone to DMR myself and quite enjoy it.

DMR started in Europe, but is taking over the world.

Analog sucks more than DMR.... 🤣

@@K0LWC That's a shitty answer. I guess you must like hearing "Does anybody have a codeplug?" over and over again.

I guess ignorance really is bliss for you. Educate yourself...it's obvious that your thinking is digital too...we don't live in an black & white world of absolutes. You have an opinion... that's great. It doesn't mean it's accurate for all situations. Educate yourself a bit more on analog...you may still prefer digital but your opinion doesn't make it better. It just makes it better for you. Be nice, please

One of the coolest things going on is the ability to bridge different digital protocols all in one talkgroup. (P25, NXDN, DMR, DSTAR, YSF, etc.)

We can't agree!

@@K0LWC Why must you stir up debate between groups when you’re not going to give an inch in the first place? You’re not contributing to a friendly community. It’s like divisive social media … not the professional and respectful camaraderie most of us experience still with ham radio.