DMR is a digital mode, so owning a DMR-compatible radio is required. Before you can use the radio on a repeater, you must obtain a DMR ID (see below).

DMR radios typically cannot be programmed for DMR use from the front panel. Instead, you will need programming software to create a code plug, which is then uploaded to the radio. Below, you’ll find the required parameters for creating a code plug.

A DMR ID is a unique identifier assigned to you and your callsign. It is programmed into your radio and transmitted to the network whenever the radio transmits. This ID identifies you on the network.

You can obtain your DMR ID from RadioID.net.

A Color Code for a DMR repeater functions like a PL tone for an analog repeater. There are 16 color codes (0–15). To access the repeater, your radio must be programmed with the correct color code.

DMR repeaters and networks use talkgroups, which are ID codes transmitted by the radio. These codes are accepted by the repeater and retransmitted to other radios on the same channel or across linked systems. For example, Tac-310 is a popular talkgroup ID used to transmit messages to radios set to receive it.

Radios must have the appropriate talkgroups programmed into their memory channels. Each channel represents a talkgroup, such as:

• Memory Slot 1: Tac-310
• Memory Slot 2: Tac-311
• Memory Slot 3: Tac-312

RepeaterBook tracks the talkgroups available for each repeater.

A C-Bridge serves two main purposes:

1. **Local Clustering**: Connects up to 15 repeaters into a hub, referred to as **IPSC networks** on RepeaterBook.
2. **Network Connectivity**: Links clusters of repeaters to additional clusters worldwide.

The C-Bridge functions as a database manager, master control hub, and gateway, determining which talkgroups are available to specific networks and repeaters. RepeaterBook tracks C-Bridge assignments where available.

DMR radios require a Code Plug to function. Code plugs define the repeaters, talkgroups, and other settings for the radio. Each manufacturer uses its own format, so code plugs may not be compatible across different brands. While code plugs allow for significant customization, they are time-intensive to program.

DMR-MARC (Motorola Amateur Radio Club Worldwide Network) is one of the original DMR network coordinators. It remains popular and reliable within the amateur radio community.

The BrandMeister Network is a worldwide digital repeater network built by hams and software engineers. It consists of master servers and peer repeaters globally, offering robust connectivity.

RepeaterBook integrates data from two key APIs to enhance repeater records.

RadioID.net manages a complete database of DMR IDs. RepeaterBook queries this database in two ways:

• By repeater callsign and frequency to retrieve the DMR ID.
• By DMR ID to gather the color code and IPSC network information.

RadioID.net rules require registrants to use their own callsign when requesting a DMR ID, which may differ from a repeater's callsign. If a DMR ID is manually entered into RepeaterBook, it is used for API queries to retrieve additional data.

The API is automatically queried when a new DMR repeater is added or an existing repeater is edited. This process updates the repeater's color code, DMR ID, and IPSC network on RepeaterBook.

The BrandMeister Halligan API provides real-time static talkgroup settings for repeaters connected to the BrandMeister IPSC. This data is displayed on the repeater's detail page but is not stored in RepeaterBook's database.

To update static talkgroups, repeater managers must modify their settings on BrandMeister.network. Alternatively, repeater managers can request to become Repeater Record Custodians to self-manage talkgroup data on RepeaterBook.

RepeaterBook displays:

• Priority Description (from BrandMeister)
• Description
• Static Talkgroups

• RepeaterBook DMR Directory
• ETSI DMR Standard
• DMR for Dummies