IC-R30 Digital Modes: D-STAR, P25, dPMR, NXDN & DCR

Summary: How the IC-R30 receives digital voice modes: digital squelch codes, the descrambler and decryption functions, the receive history log and the digital audio settings.

The Digital Modes

The IC-R30 receives D-STAR (DV), APCO P25 (Phase 1), dPMR (Tier 1 and Tier 2 Mode 1/Mode 2), NXDN (NXDN-VN and NXDN-N) and DCR (Digital Convenience Radio). Digital modes are selected with [MODE] and are available on the A band (1300 MHz and below) and the B band. A digital mode can’t be used with another digital mode on the other band in Dualwatch (DV/DV isn’t available), and the SUB band is muted in digital modes (except D-STAR on the Dualwatch screen). The voice coding is AMBE+2 technology licensed to Icom; see IC-R30 Safety, Battery Cautions & Compliance.

If an FM signal arrives while in a digital mode, the digital mode icon and “FM” alternate. Digital Set, Digital Monitor decides what [SQL] does in a digital mode: Auto, Digital or Analog.

Digital Squelch (D.SQL)

Push [QUICK], choose D.SQL, then the code. The squelch opens only when the signal carries a matching code:

• D-STAR – CSQL: codes 00-99
• P25 – NAC (Network Access Code): 000-FFF (hexadecimal)
• dPMR Tier 1 – COM ID (Common ID): 1-255
• dPMR Tier 2 – CC: 0-63
• NXDN-VN and NXDN-N – RAN (Radio Access Number): 0-63
• DCR – UC (User Code): 1-511

The code type shows under the receive mode.

Descrambler and Decryption

Only for signals you’re entitled to receive, and where you have the key:

• Descrambler (SCRAM) – dPMR Tier 2: enter the key, 1-32767 (Quick Menu, SCRAM, ON).
• Decryption (ENCR) – NXDN-VN, NXDN-N and DCR: enter the key, 1-32767 (Quick Menu, ENCR, ON).

“SCRM” or “ENCR” shows on the display. Fast Unmute (NXDN) (default ON) releases the mute without checking the key, so the start of the audio isn’t cut off.

RX History

Calls received in a digital mode are stored in the RX History, up to 50 entries (the oldest is deleted when a 51st arrives) and kept when the receiver is off. MENU, RX History, choose an entry; in D-STAR push [QUICK] for the details. [QUICK], Delete removes it. The history shows the date and time, frequency, mode, code, and the caller and called IDs:

• D-STAR: caller and called call signs, message, the repeater call signs, and D-PRS icons (GW for a call via the internet, GPS, OBJ, ITEM, WX, UP for uplink). The detail screen shows position data if it’s included (compass direction, latitude and longitude, grid locator, altitude, distance, course, speed, time stamp, symbol, and for weather stations temperature, rainfall, wind and pressure). You can Add To GPS Memory from the detail screen.
• P25: NAC, caller ID, called ID with call type (ALL, IND or GRP).
• dPMR: Common ID (Tier 1), or identification number and caller/called IDs (Tier 2).
• NXDN: RAN, caller and called unit IDs and call type. DCR: user code and caller/called IDs (only the user code if the call isn’t an individual one or the transmitter isn’t Icom).

RX History Log (Digital Set, default OFF) also writes the history to the microSD card as a CSV file in the RXLog folder.

Other Digital Settings (Digital Set)

• Bass, Treble (Cut, Normal, Boost) and Bass Boost (OFF/ON)
• Separator/Decimal and Date for the CSV files (see IC-R30 microSD Card: Backup, CSV Import/Export & SD Card Mode)
• RX Record (D-STAR RPT): ALL (up to 50 calls) or Latest Only
• D-STAR EMR AF Level (default 19; 0 disables): the volume used for an EMR call, or the volume control level if higher
• Display, RX Popup (OFF, Normal 3 seconds, RX Hold, Hold), P25 RX ID Display (Dec or Hex) and RX Backlight (OFF, Digital Mode, ALL)
• D-STAR RX Call Sign SPEECH: OFF, ON (Kerchunk) or ON (All)
• D-STAR Standby Beep (Sounds, default ON)