[aprssig] Mobile Packet Range

[AE5PL Lists]

This is off-topic from APRS, but I could not let this hearsay go unchallenged.  D-STAR digital voice does, in fact, have equal or greater range than equivalent FM configurations.  The reason is simple: it is a less complex signal occupying a smaller bandwidth.

Unlike AX.25, D-STAR is not packet based.  The DV voice data stream carries forward error correction which overcomes much of the single and multi-bit flutter that will stop an AX.25 UI packet.  I am not promoting D-STAR or disparaging AX.25 here; IMO, both have their uses and place (and yes, I use both daily).  The conclusion you made is apples to oranges and is an incorrect extrapolation of what Bob said to a completely unrelated technology.

73,

Pete Loveall AE5PL
pete at ae5pl.net

> From: Ken H>
> Posted At: Saturday, September 15, 2007 7:14 AM
> Subject: Re: [aprssig] Mobile Packet Range
>
> Thanks for the info Bob - I remembered reading that and wondered if it were still true.  I guess that's why they are 
> finding that D-Star doesn't have the range first promised?  At a D-Star seminar last yr there were saying the D-Star 
> range would be greater than a comparable voice FM repeater, but I am hearing lately they are finding that not to be 
> true... range is a good bit less.