How to Cross Band on DStar using a Icom 2820 and a Digital Handheld?

 

 
 
First in the Digital Setting Menu make sure that Digital Monitor is set to Auto.
Any other setting will not work.
 
On the left side dial in the VHF repeater frequency and leave it in FM mode, not
FM-N mode. On the right side dial up a UHF frequency (**NOTE this frequency
must have a offset - simplex will not work) and also leave this in FM mode. Set
other settings like power and squelch to what you need then put the radio into
cross band mode. (Squelch settings I would set to Max, see below for comment)
 
How to put the radio into cross band mode:
 
Hold in the two main band knobs and then push and hold the function key until
the radio beeps. You should then see the lock symbol flashing, this indicates
you are in cross band. To get out of cross band simply push and hold the
function key for a second or until the radio beeps.
 
Now with your hand held program in the UHF offset frequency that you selected on
the 2820 and put it into DV mode. Program all other parameters just like you
would normally do for DSTAR. You can certainly store the info in a memory
channel for quicker setup.
 
I had another ham do the same, we had 2 hand helds 2-2820's the repeater with no
compromise at all. You really cannot tell that there is any repeating going on
besides the repeater itself.
 
Before walking away from your vehicle you can do a ECHO test to make sure that
you have a good signal to the repeater and have no R2-D2. Being that DSTAR has
no hang time as do most FM repeaters you can access the DSTAR repeater just as
quick as the next person. I'm sure if one wanted to do this in reverse from
VHF to a UHF repeater the same procedure would apply.
 
Squelch Settings:
 
I have found one issue so far and that is to make sure your squelch levels are
set accordingly. If local noise were to key your radio an FM transmission would
be made on the repeater input. This will not key a DStar repeater but having a
signal on the input may prevent other users from working the repeater. Some
more experimenting may be required to solve this issue. So far for me I have
had no issues, I usually make sure my squelch settings are set at max on both
sides. Volume does not matter where it is set at.
 
Followup:
Tonight I had the 2820 all in Simplex mode and Narrow FM, Worked Well. I believe unless you are cross banded into a Repeater (and needing the RPT1 & RPT2) all simplex will work fine. I really see NO reason this can't work via any Mobile VHF/UHF that can cross-band. Now the HT I use is the IC-92AD, and it must be set for what you are doing as the IC-2820 is just passing. I have a X-Band Memory set to 445.800 - (Minus Offset to 0.000 Zero)
Mycall: CQCQCQ
RPT1: K8DXA-C
RPT2: K8DXA-G
But for Simplex, just the Standard CQ works fine, and no Offset needed.. Narrow FM seems to work a bit better also..
So for Simplex, No Offset anywhere
Mycall: cqcqcq
RPT1: (empty)

RPT2: (empty)

 

Jeff-N8NOE