Digital Modes · D-STAR / D-RATS
D-STAR & D-RATS
D-STAR is ICOM's digital voice and data mode. Cherokee ARES uses reflector REF003A for D-STAR voice, and D-RATS chat on our #CCARES channel for typed check-ins and messages.
🎙️ D-STAR voice — REF003A
Link your D-STAR radio, repeater or hotspot to REF003 module A. When a net announces D-STAR, check in on REF003A; Net Control logs the stations heard there.
REF003 Live Dashboard💬 D-RATS chat — #CCARES
D-RATS (D-STAR Repeater Application for Text and Status) is a chat and messaging program. Our channel is #CCARES on the NWGA-ARES Ratflector. During a net, typing a message on #CCARES checks you in.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Ratflector address | nwgaares.ratflector.com port 9000 |
| Channel | #CCARES (spelled exactly) |
| Port name | Anything you like — what matters is the address |
- Install D-RATS and set your callsign (D-RATS → Preferences).
- Add a network port to
nwgaares.ratflector.com, port9000, and turn it on. Turn off any other ports so chat doesn't go out on the wrong one. - Join the channel: Join Channel → CCARES. A #CCARES tab opens.
- During the net, type a short message on the #CCARES tab (for example your callsign and name). That's your check-in.
Check the spelling of the channel: a tab like #CCARERS is a different channel, and messages there are not seen by Net Control.
🎓 Training
- D-RATS Installation and Digital Check-In via Chat — Cherokee County ARES
- D-RATS Introduction and Training — GA-ARES
- Training Classes — more classes on this site
