CQ to another zone

[W1SPA]

I'm new to DSTAR and still trying to figure out my Icom 80AD plus the operational procedures.  Question: While watching the "last heard" update on my PC I see a repeater pop up in another part of the country (or world) and I'd like to attempt a contact in that area.  After entering the repeater info into the 80AD I set the repeater call in UR to make a CQ call on that repeater.  As far as I can tell there is no way to determine if that distant repeater is busy.  Do I just key up and see if anyone comes back or do I verbally announce my presence hoping I'm not stepping all over a local conversation?  What is the proper procedure?

[N5MIJ]

You are correct.  With basic D-STAR, there is no way to listen to a remote system.  One of the linking tools will allow this, if permitted by the local administrators.

Most of us just transmit.  If someone is talking, your transmission won't over-ride theirs.

73,
Jim
N5MIJ

[IK0MMI]

You are correct.  With basic D-STAR, there is no way to listen to a remote system.  One of the linking tools will allow this, if permitted by the local administrators.

what is this tool?
thank you.
73 de IK0MMI
andrea

[n5ebw]

That tool is DPlus.  It gets installed on the gateway of both nodes and if the administrator permits it on both sides, you can do a traffic link.

[IK0MMI]

That tool is DPlus.  It gets installed on the gateway of both nodes and if the administrator permits it on both sides, you can do a traffic link.

thank you.
ciao
andrea