T4B07

AMATEUR RADIO PRACTICES · Operating controls: frequency tuning, use of filters, squelch function, AGC, memory channels, noise blanker, microphone gain, receiver incremental tuning (RIT), bandwidth selection, scanning function; Digital transceiver configuration; DMR code plugs and talk groups

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What is a DMR "code plug"?

AAn adapter cable used to connect a DMR radio to a computer for internet access
BConfiguration data loaded onto your radio to access repeaters and talkgroups
CAn upgrade to DMR programming software provided by the radio manufacturer to accommodate new radio models
DA Coder-Decoder (CODEC) that converts analog voice data to DMR digital data and vice versa

Why DMR radios are not tuned like analog rigs; nearly everything is preprogrammed. A code plug is the configuration file, built on a computer with the manufacturer's programming software and uploaded to the radio, that holds channels, repeater frequencies, color codes, time slots, talkgroup IDs, contacts and zones. Without a current code plug the radio cannot key up the digital repeaters or join the right talkgroups.

Watch out The CODEC answer describes the AMBE+2 vocoder that digitizes your voice, which is hardware/firmware inside the radio and has nothing to do with the configuration file.

Code plug = the radio's settings file, not a cable, not software, not a codec.

HamSandwich explanation, first draft. The question and answers are the NCVEC text.

T4B07

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