DMR DSTAR FUSION Head To Head - Which One Is Best? | K6UDA Radio

If you are considering trying out one of the digital voice modes but don't know where to start, WATCH THIS VIDEO before you buy one. We're going to discuss DMR, D-Star and (C4FM) Fusion modes. Which one is best, and which one is best for you.
I'm going to dispel the age old myth of sound quality between the three, look at the radio designs, talk about price. This is what you need to know getting started on your journey into digital voice radio.

[davidobrienirl]

As a new HAM (Saturday 1 August 2020), I am now doing equipment research for handhelds, for automobile, and for my homes. I found that Bob helped me out with his opinion on the Kenwood brand radio. Thank you, sir!!! :-)

[Doonit_hard_way_since_]

Much of the choice comes down to what system is favourable in your area. Personally, I like D-Star best, but all of the local repeaters are Wires-x. Makes the point of which I prefer a bit mute.

I found DMR to be frustrating, it's great if you stay home, and a disaster for travel. So many of the repeaters don't have their information listed properly, or only partially listed. Not user friendly at all.

[bluffcitytech]

I love how honest and up front you are on the subject. I have avoided buying any digital radios because of the confusion from everyone else.

[demizer]

Out of all the videos out there on the subject, this one actually got to the point best. Since I had already invested in some yaesu's that were not fusion radios, I went ahead and went all out and went fusion when I decided to dip my toe into the water. So far so good and you're right, fusion is the "cheapest" to get into out of the big manufacturers.

[STRJOE]

Fusion works well...and the AMS mode is great on fusion. It will let analog or digital contact you

[crwalker]

I'm a new tech and have been diving into SOTA, APRS and just familiarizing myself with connecting to repeaters and making contacts. As a new HAM, I find the information/option overload is the biggest initial hurdle. These types of videos are awesome to help prioritize! I have a Yaesu FT3D, but haven't even tried Fusion yet. I feel less FOMO after watching this. I already have plenty of chat groups. I think my time is best spent exploring different antennas with what I have. Thanks!!!

[christopherpuleo]

I know this video is a couple years old now, but the info is spot on. I switched careers several years ago and went into communications. Having gotten a first hand look at LTR, NXDN and DMR in a commercial venue it was natural to want to play with DMR as a ham. Your summary of DMR being designed around enterprise application is spot on. It's not like as hams we don't have a habit of using commercial equipment, but for hams that can be limiting, . It doesn't allow agility and adaptation to operating(especially travel, as you noted). The commercial setups are designed to be setup and then given to folks who only need to use the device on only one or just a handful of channels.
The other thing that kept me from getting seriously into DMR is the local DMR group. Yes, they've got a whole huge network of repeaters, but their onerous rule set, operating limits and apparent attitude regarding their system, means you might as well not use it, and I know more guys that've stopped DMR use because of it. I heard such bad reports about the group I stayed away from D-Star and Fusion thinking it had something to do with digital modes all together.
I've finally started playing with D-Star and I'm finding that mode to be much more ham friendly, especially with a new ID4100 in the truck making it so easy! I haven't tried Fusion, but if Yaesu has made it that easy it might be worth a look too.
I think If I had it to do over, I would've left my DMR experience at work and concentrated solely on D-Star or Fusion for my hobby and/or Emcomm use. Yes, the initial cost of some DMR radios is cheap but I think the other modes will have a more longevity for me in the hobby.
Thanks for the vids!
73
KX3A

[vkfbab]

I've seen Dstar audio quality differ from radio to radio. I did an on air simplex test. FM, P25 and Dtsar on IC7100. Performance was in the order listed. However P25 out performs analogue when you have weak signals. When we had weak signals we couldn't hear the P25 when tuned to FM but P25 radios were able to demodulate the audio.

[TheSmokinApe]

I think your dmr radio might be part of the experience. I can take my BTECH DMR-6X2 anywhere there is a DMR repeater and program it from the front panel in seconds. Also, it works fine on analog FM.

[shandybrandy]

One of the best videos in the Internet that brings immense clarity on different radios in the digital platform. I guess now have to first survey the repeaters in my country and then take a final call whether to go for a DMR, DSTAR or a Fusion handy. Really appreciate all your efforts in creating these videos and making it simple to understand.
Greetings from Bangalore, India.
73s
VU3TQT

[cossiedriverrs]

Don't forget, if you have a Shark hotspot, a DMR radio will allow you to work Fusion as well, because the Shark transcodes. Equally, a Fusion radio can access DMR via the Shark. No transcoding available to/from D-Star though... D-Star to D-Star through the Shark is fine.

[jamiegolden]

I recently picked up a Yaesu FT-70D at a Ham flea market for a hundred bucks. It's my first foray into digital amateur radio of any kind, and I have been pleasantly surprised by System Fusion's ease of use, especially after having attended a DMR presentation at a ham club meeting. Getting on a local WiresX repeater was easier than getting on the local analog repeaters and I was pleased to be able to participate without having to buy a Hotspot. This video seems very well considered - thank you.

[whirledpeas]

I have the MD380 and a SharkRF Openspot and use my phone and a TP Nano for WiFi, battery pack for portable use.I can do DMR, FCS, and WiresX. The analog part of the MD 380 is great no complaints. Cheap way to go

[drnv]

I would say, what is best depends on what you plan using the most, the Kenwood is a great choice if you want to use all three bands, talk on D-star, use aprs & packet and want to listen to shortwave radio with it, if all you want is FM analog on vhf/uhf, then you probably don't need the extra cost to operate D-star and listen to shortwave and or use the 220 mhz 1.25 meter band. More of a preference as to what you want for capabilities vs. what you will actually use on the radio. 73's

[kkdj]

Best video on digital voice I've seen. Thank you Bob for a fair assessment of them all. Here in Iowa DMR is prevalent, but for me being in a rural setting, I have all three and use a hotspot for them. It's a hoot to listen to folks all over the world on any of these modes. Thank you for this video... enjoyed the quip about other languages... LOL.

[lukeoid]

Hey Bob. I had a blast talking with you last night. So glad to meet you. I was itching to see this. Great job!!

[opticalmanjeffkeokro]

Thanks Bob, great video. I started out with DMR and wrote my own code plug which was a experience. I then found a used Icom ID 51a and began getting acquainted with D-Star. Then at club last month we had a presentation System Fusion C4FM. So... I bought a Yaesu FT5 dr. Still working on the setup for Fusion but it is exactly as you said they all can do about the same thing at the end point. Glad to hear you explain it is very easy terms for all of us.
73 Jeff KE0KRO.

[edhillseo]

K6UDA, this the best explanation of the price, quality and usage of the 3 digital radio systems. Thanks for building an excellent video that helps radio users to make their decision.

[neilspector]

So true the choice is a matter of personal preference. I have all three and here is what i have managed to derive. DMR is popular now but even the high end HT are either super expensive Motorolas or made in China. Yeasu System Fusion is really easy and the FT 70 is alot of bang for you buck. D-Star is my personal favorite because of the ability to locate near by repeaters by your GPS location. Also D-Star is the most popular in my area. The Icom 51plus two is my current EDC.

[Billybob-qqdy]

Thanks for another great video and thanks for the QSO yesterday. I started with D-Star and then bought a DMR radio. Of the two I enjoy D-Star the most. After watching your video. Now I’m tempting to try Fusion. Thanks again.
Billy N5DEA