Author Topic: Network question for New DMR user  (Read 556 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline eastrader

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 5
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Old ham since the 70's
  • Location: North Texas

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Avatar Level 2 Combination
Network question for New DMR user
« on: November 01, 2019, 09:50:08 pm »
As a new user to DMR radio, I have a question about TGIF and BrandMeister networks. The reason is that my Texas talk group can be heard on BrandMeister but I can not connect through TGIF even tho they both show up in the list. Second, what is the advantage or limits between the two networks? I am ok on TGIF had a few Qso's on there before I traveled out of the country and now trying to see how to connect back to everyone. Thoughts, idea's? 73's N5XIE - Ed

Offline WB3IHY

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 126
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Location: Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    • QRZ Profile
  • Call Sign: WB3IHY

  • Total Badges: 18
    Badges: (View All)
    Fourth year Anniversary Third year Anniversary Level 4
Re: Network question for New DMR user
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2019, 07:35:55 pm »
Hi Ed,

It's important to understand that both networks are completely separate.  Therefore, a "Texas" talkgroup on Brandmeister will not be heard on the "Texas" talkgroup on TGIF and vice versa.

As for advantages/limits? Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but here's how I would answer those questions:

Brandmeister has been around longer than TGIF.  As a result, it has greater name recognition, more established links around the world, and as may be expected, a much larger user base.  It's one of the first DMR networks most new DMR operators encounter.  It's easier to find someone across the planet to talk to.

But this has also resulted in them being somewhat of the "establishment" of the DMR world.  They tend to "run a tight ship." And, sometimes that's understandable and necessary because improper operation/procedures can affect linked systems on a grand scale.  But sometimes rookie mistakes are not well tolerated.  Running afoul of the wrong admin could get you banned from their network.

TGIF has only been around for about a year now.  Accordingly, it has less name recognition, less repeaters/linked systems carrying it, and less users.

But it has a much more open feel to it.  Not as many rules to follow.  Many more friendly operators and admins that are willing to help you get comfortable with the network and your equipment.  Rookie mistakes are expected and, therefore, tolerated.  In fact, the admins were former users of Brandmeister who "ran afoul" of their admins...so they strive not to recreate that situation for anyone on TGIF.

Again, these are strictly my opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Brandmeister, TGIF, or their respective admins/user base.

Offline eastrader

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 5
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Old ham since the 70's
  • Location: North Texas

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Avatar Level 2 Combination
Re: Network question for New DMR user
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2019, 07:18:58 am »
Thanks for the help, I'll finish my codeplug and update my pi-star for TGIF.
73's
N5XIE (in Belize waiting on my call sign)

 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
3 Replies
286 Views
Last post July 11, 2019, 01:58:38 pm
by ke5cdk
1 Replies
682 Views
Last post April 15, 2020, 12:41:52 am
by ke5cdk
2 Replies
299 Views
Last post March 11, 2024, 12:24:58 am
by AI7HL
0 Replies
361 Views
Last post January 31, 2022, 07:29:05 pm
by kf4bog
1 Replies
72 Views
Last post January 27, 2024, 07:42:13 pm
by WB3IHY

TGIF Network - Thank God It's Friday!