About VKDMR
The VKDMR Network is Australia’s largest Digital Mobile Radio network, providing wide-area DMR coverage through more than 50 repeaters nationwide, along with many amateur operators using personal hotspots. At busy times, the network can have more than 250 active users.
VKDMR exists to support reliable communication between licensed amateur radio operators, clubs, community groups and emergency communications users. It is administered by the VK DMR Working Group, a volunteer group of licensed amateurs who supervise and maintain the network for the benefit of the amateur radio community.
National DMR Coverage
VKDMR links repeaters, hotspots and operators across Australia so licensed amateurs can communicate locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Managed Network Links
VKDMR is part of the wider DMR-MARC network and has controlled connections to other DMR networks, including BrandMeister and selected international networks such as CQUK.
Australian IPSC3 Core
The Australian VKDMR core is transitioning to IPSC3, developed locally by Matt Perkins, VK2FLY, to improve routing, repeater handling, hotspot handling and network visibility.
What VKDMR provides
- Local, regional and national amateur radio communication.
- Club activities, scheduled nets and general amateur use.
- Roaming mobile operation across wide-area repeater coverage.
- Hotspot access for users outside repeater coverage.
- Support for community and emergency communications activities, including local WICEN groups.
- Controlled interconnection with approved national and international DMR networks.
- A stable, well-managed environment for Australian DMR users.
IPSC3 network features
The new IPSC3 platform introduces major improvements over the legacy IPSC2 system, with features designed for the way VKDMR is used in Australia.
Handset roaming
Supports roaming between compatible repeaters, allowing mobile users to move across coverage areas with fewer manual changes.
Person-to-person private calls
Direct radio ID calls on TS1 are routed automatically to the repeater or hotspot where the destination radio was last seen within the roaming window.
Scan talkgroup support
Key TG 777 TS1 to place a repeater or hotspot into scan mode. IPSC3 follows active traffic and lets you talk back on 777 without changing channel.
Out-of-band GPS to APRS gateway
Allows compatible radios to send GPS position data through the network for APRS integration without interfering with normal voice traffic.
Correct talkgroup routing
Improved handling of talkgroup selection, camp-on behaviour and automatic disconnection.
Better simplex hotspot handling
IPSC3 knows simplex hotspots only have one talkpath and prevents drag-back to TG 505 or other groups while your selected talkgroup is active.
Parrot and voice feedback
Parrot works on TG 9990 for direct and group calls, plays your audio back, and reads your callsign so you can confirm your radio ID is correct.
Built by amateurs, for amateurs
VKDMR is built and maintained by amateurs, for amateurs. The move to IPSC3 represents the next stage of the network: a locally developed platform designed to improve reliability, routing, roaming and usability while keeping VKDMR open and useful to licensed amateurs across Australia.