Dual Capacity Direct Mode
Dual Capacity Direct Mode (DCDM) is a feature available in all second generation MOTOTRBO radios; which allows two slot operation on simplex. DCDM is also known as 6,25 kHz Equivalence Direct Mode (6.25e DM) and provides additional spectral efficiency by supporting up to two simultaneous Direct Radio-to-Radio Mode subscriber calls within a 12,5kHz allocation of spectrum.
Users, migrating from analogue to digital; can gain the benefit of two-timeslot operation without a repeater thus doubling their system capacity. It also increases the total number of users supported on a 12.5 kHz channel with no degradation in performance.
In DCDM, radios automatically and cooperatively select a Channel Timing Leader for the RF Channel (regardless of slot). This provides all radios on the same frequency with Direct Mode Channel Timing signaling communication, this signaling is communicated using the “All Site” Color Code (15).[1]
Configuration
In the CPS, there is one major setting relating to DCDM: the Timing Leader Preference. There are three choices: Preferred; Eligible and Ineligible. A likely candidate for Preferred would be a base station because it doesn’t leave the channel; is connected to the mains (or a large battery) and has better coverage on simplex.
One of the radios with the higher leader preference setting (usually Preferred) is elected as the Channel Timing Leader and if that leader leaves the channel, the system selects a new leader. The Channel Timing Leader periodically announces the Channel Timeslot Structure using special Beacons (a 600ms transmission every 4,5 minutes). If the timing is accepted, it is then re-transmitted using “Forced Propagations” to the next lot of radios further away from the leader.[1]
Useful Information
- Should interoperate with other makes of DMR radios – if those radios also support it.
- Only allows two timeslot operation on simplex, nothing else.
- Radios that are on the verge of the operational are can propagate synchronization to radios that are out of range of other radios.
- Not supported on the first generation MOTOTRBO radios.