Basic Question

[W1SPA]

If the signal meter is going nuts but I'm not hearing anything when tuned to my local DSTAR repeater I'm assuming it's indicating the repeater is in use and the traffic is a "closed" call - callsign to callsign.  Does digital allow for multiple calls simultaneously on the same repeater or will I be stepping on the private conversation if I key up?

[N5MIJ]

No, this is most likely a problem with the setup of your radio. 

In D-STAR, there are no "private" conversations.  This is just like our familiar FM repeaters - only one conversation at a time, and everyone can listen to what's said.

The most likely culprit is your 'Tone' setting being configured to one of the several Call Sign Squelch modes.  This acts like the old tone squelch in FM.  For example, if I have that turned on, I would only hear calls directed to me, and not be bothered by general conversations.  Of course, there are very few calls directed specifically to N5MIJ.  If I enable that option, I'd miss almost everything, with indications exactly like you describe.

I hope that helps....

73,
Jim
N5MIJ

[W1SPA]

I've checked the squelch settings on my Icom 80AD and I don't have any activated.  I can hear and respond to calls on K4DSO repeater with no problem but the signal meter is almost constantly busy when tuned to that repeater, plus I have blinking FM and DV indicators so I assumed there was traffic that I wasn't hearing.

Thanks for the help.

Steve