I use D-STAR Digital Data on 1.2 GHz for my Winlink RMS Packet CMS connection, 24/7. The Pactor 3 mode that I use for Winlink HF forwarding is proprietary. But nobody else has come up with anything near as good (yet). So a lot of hams use it because it does the job well. We use D-STAR DD 1.2 GHz as a backup to the local internet connection for EMCOMM at the EOC and I do the same at home, too. WebEOC for example. D-STAR is another tool in the box, another readily available method that might be better in a particular circumstance. Why limit myself by not having a set of metric sockets for my wrench?
But to the subject how about some D-STAR DD on the satellites? You would need to figure out a way around the L-band downlink e.g. a receive converter from another band or something... Maybe not necessarily (easily) feasible but nonetheless perhaps a thought path to other digital ideas for satellites. Both data and voice. These are just more fun things to think about!
By the way, did you know that the MCU on the Fox-1 satellite is proprietary? ;-)
Jerry N0JY
On 11/11/2013 9:22 AM, Rob wrote:
I have no doubt some form of voice over data will be the norm someday but I have doubts that will be D-STAR in it's current form. If it switches to a non-proprietary protocol ... or the patent on AMBE expires then maybe.
... but Amateur Radio isn't about just buying some vendors latest gadget like it's the latest iPhone .... it's about experimentation or more accurately:
Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute
to the advancement of the radio art.
Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which
provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art.
Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of
trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
(source: Title 47 CFR Part 97.1)