connecting to reflectors

[WG2S]

Can I connect to any reflector simply by putting the reflector number (e.g., REF001C) in the "YOUR" field or are certain repeaters only able to connect to particular reflectors and/or on certain bands?  For example, if I'm registered with a repeater can I connect to REF001C on whatever band (A, B or C) my radio and the repeater can bring up?

WG2S

[n5ebw]

I don't remember exactly how it works with "callsign routing" and reflectors, but the short answer is "no" (unless you connect with a dongle).

The long answer is that you can callsign route to the reflector, but because there is not an established link with a reflector back to you so there is no path for the audio.

Some gateways allow user linking, others do not.  My advice would be to give it a shot and see if yours does, just make sure you unlink when you are done.

To link, you'd set URCALL to REF001CL (replace C with the node you want to link to)
To unlink, set URCALL to <space><space><space><space><space><space><space>U (7 spaces and a U)

[w7gh]

Hi all,

I'm researching D-STAR as best I can while I scrape the money together to buy a radio.  (Yes, I know about dongles.)  I'm trying to work out how the system works.  I have the Nifty book on order; in the meantime, it's surprisingly difficult to assemble all the pieces to make the big picture.  I'm not worried though because I'm sure that the friendly folks in these forums will straighten me out quickly.

So here's my question: is dplus what makes reflectors possible?  And what is a reflector anyway? Is it just another rack-mounted computer in a server room, or is it connected to a repeater controller?