DMRVA+HEARS Codeplugs

General Information

Full Codeplugs:  RATS is maintaining three official "full" master codeplugs that cover the entire DMRVA+HEARS repeater network.  These are built for the Connect Systems CS750 and Connect Systems CS800D.  These codeplugs are in a format that can be easily converted to support over 40 other radios using the N0GSG DMR Contact Manager.  These files are a starting point.  You will need to perform some further editing to set your radio ID and any additional repeaters, configure various radio settings, build scan lists to your preferences, etc.

Limited Codeplugs:  RATS is also maintaining a small number of "limited" codeplugs that support certain popular radios which cannot be converted using the N0GSG tool.  These LTD codeplugs usually contain only the repeaters within the Richmond Metro cluster (RIC, BEA, GCH, NKC, PBG, POR, POW).

Member Contributed Codeplugs:  Some RATS members have contributed their own codeplugs to this effort.  These codeplugs may not follow the same zone and channel layouts, geographic area, or zone naming conventions of the official RATS codeplugs.  Some may date back to older DMRVA talkgroup lineups and could contain outdated configurations.  Use at your own risk.

Why is my radio marked "do not use on the RATS repeater" in the list of supported hardware?   A very limited number of models commonly exhibit defects that are detrimental to other users of the system.  Some are not true dual-timeslot radios and may interfere with users on the other timeslot.  Others have some serious issues with spurious emissions.  Please do not use these radios on the RATS DMR repeater.  Learn more about these problems.

• Current list of supported hardware & codeplug download links
  
• Channel list for RATS official codeplugs
• HOWTO:  Converting RATS codeplugs with N0GSG

Please take note of the following important caveats:

• You will need to set your radio ID in the codeplug before loading to your radio.
• Unless otherwise noted, codeplugs are designed for use with the manufacturer's official CPS.  Your mileage may vary using third party CPS or conversion tools.
• No private contacts are included in these codeplugs but these may be manually added by the user.
• These files are dependent on the accuracy and completeness of information furnished by DMRVA and the other repeater operators around the region.  If you find an error or other problem in the RATS codeplugs, please send a note to codeplug-request@rats.net.  We appreciate your feedback!

Quick Codeplug Finder

See full details in the Current list of supported hardware & codeplug download links

RATS Codeplug revision history, version numbering, and incremental updates:

Codeplug packages are named with both a Talkgroup Matrix Version and a release date.  When zones are updated with new repeater configuration (frequency, color code, or talkgroup assortment) or when new zones are created, we will offer an incremental update in the form of single zone files that can be imported individually through N0GSG Contact Manager to easily bring a compatible existing codeplug up to the current spec.  If your codeplug is compatible with this process, you can opt to incrementally add new/updated zones to your existing personal codeplug instead of starting over fresh with a whole new codeplug from our latest release.

• DMRVA2.3  (Current) - August 2024 talkgroup lineup.  Adds Farmville (FVL) to Richmond Metro cluster and LTD codeplugs.  Drop Fredericksburg #1 (FB1), and temporarily drop Linden (LIN).  Remove WV Statewide from GCH zone.

As an example, the file CS750-VS4.00.01_DMRVA2.2_Master-20240629.zip is a master (primary) codeplug for the CS750, requiring minimum radio firmware S4.00.01, using the DMRVA 2.2 talkgroup lineup, and last updated and packaged for publication on June 29, 2024.

Codeplug Update Schedule - Effective November 2024

The RATS Codeplug Project will shift from "as needed" updates to a twice-annual update cycle as follows.  For our DMRVA codeplugs:

• Our non-Motorola master codeplugs (CS750, CS800D, XPR7550e) will be updated incrementally as new DMRVA talkgroup matrix updates are published  (no change)
  
• Our non-Motorola LTD series codeplugs will be updated twice annually, in January and July
• Our Motorola series codeplugs (both Full and LTD) will be updated twice annually, in March and October
• Member-contributed codeplugs will be processed and posted as received

For add-ons and non-DMRVA codeplugs:

• All add-ons and non-DMRVA codeplugs should be considered one-time releases.  These will be reviewed and considered for update every 18 to 24 months. 

RATS Codeplug Project - System Map

Master Zone Index for RATS Codeplugs

Add-Ons and Specialty Codeplugs

Links to specialized codeplugs are below.  Some codeplugs are not accessible to the general public.

To use add-on codeplugs, first open your main, working codeplug in the N0GSG Contact Manager software.  Then, go to the Structural Import tab and import the contents of the desired add-on(s).  Re-order your zones as needed.