The book is a guide to the D-Star digital voice mode. D-Star is available on Icom and some Kenwood VHF/UHF radios. The book will help you to become familiar with the complex terminology used by the D-Star crowd, purchase and program a D-Star radio, and make your first few calls. It also includes sections on how to configure and use a D-Star hotspot, use a D-Star repeater, and access the reflectors. The book takes a practical approach, providing the information you need to get started with this exciting digital voice technology. Before you know it, you will be able to talk with amateur radio operators all over the world.

Many of the examples in the book are based on my observations using the D-Star equipment that I own. There may be variations between the equipment that I am using and your equipment, and that may mean that some things mentioned in the book don't work or need a minor adjustment. But most of the information is generic and will apply to all D-Star radios, hotspots, and services.

MMDVM (multi-mode digital voice modem) 'hotspots' are very popular accessories. I have included information about their uses and configuration. I cover the new duplex hotspots and the more familiar simplex hotspots, including a section on how to assemble a hotspot from a kit, plus a Raspberry Pi, and an SD card. This is followed by step-by-step instructions for configuring the Pi-Star modem.

The book includes programming instructions for some Icom D-Star radios. The ID-52A, ID-51A +2, IC-705, and IC-9700. Other Icom radios are similar. The instructions provided should cover most D-Star radios, but there might be some minor variations. This section includes programming via the front panel buttons on the radio and using the Icom CS (configuration software).