NXDN (aka NEXEDGE for Kenwood, and iDAS for Icom), is gaining traction on the amateur radio bands, thanks to the hard work of a few software gurus around the country. They have managed to build a software solution, that overcomes the 15-site limit that is built into Icom’s (and probably Kenwood’s) linking hardware. Thanks to their efforts, NXREF, a worldwide reflector for NXDN users, has been running for about three months. At the present time, there are about a dozen repeaters on the network, in the USA, Canada, and even Turkey. Plenty more are on the way.
Not only does NXREF carry voice traffic across the network, but it also allows for GPS-equipped radios, to be gated to the APRS network. These users are automatically given an SSID of 6. As long as the radio is programmed to transmit GPS data, the network does the rest.
Currently, there are no NXDN repeaters in the Richmond area. However, there are a few resources available to you, should you be interested in learning more about the technology, and the work that’s taking place:
First, there’s a WordPress site, at www.nxdninfo.com. This page will contain the most up-to-the-minute information about new repeater sites, and further development of the linking technology.
Second, there’s a Google Group, called NI4CE NXDN Users. Despite its name, the group hosts discussions from NXDN users worldwide. All are welcome.
Finally, you can hear it for yourself! NXREF is also streamed at http://w7qo.dyndns.org:8000/NXDN.mp3. It’s receive-only, but it will give you an idea of the type of traffic that goes across the system, as well as the voice quality. It’s not always busy, but listen in when you get the chance.
