papa s y s t e m g e t t i ng s tart e d w i t h p 25

PAPA SYSTEM GETTING STARTED WITH P25Getting Started with P25 2

System Overview 2

Configuration 3Motorola Radio Configuration: Repeater Access 3

Task 1 & 2: ASTRO System 4Task 3: Personalities 5

P25 Personality 5Analog Personality 7

Task 4: Channels 8Repeater Configuration Summary 10

Codeplug Pro Tip 10Radio Configuration: Hotspot Access 11

Kenwood Radio Configuration: Repeater Access 12Task 1: Create Personal Systems 14Task 2: Create Talkgroup List 16Task 3: Channels 16Codeplug Pro Tip 18

Setting Up a Hotspot for P25 19

Acknowledgements 20

More Information... 20

Getting Started with P25To step into the world of P25, at minimum you will need a P25 capable radio. If you arein range of a PAPA P25 repeater simply configure your radio as detailed in thisdocument and you are good to go.

Not within RF range of a PAPA P25 repeater? No problem. You can still enjoy P25 withyour radio and a device running pi-star, or some other multi-mode setup that allows youto receive and transmit. For information on the ZUMspot and pi-star, please see PAPA’sZUMspot/Pi-Star document.

System OverviewP25 is an open digital voice standard and P25 radios are available from a variety ofvendors. The technology is commonly referred to as P25, Project 25 or APCO-25.ASTRO is a trade name of Motorola describing their P25 product line. When you arelooking for radios, you may see any of these names. P25 is the digital communicationsstandard used by first responders in the US.

PAPA has P25 repeaters at 4 of our high level sites:● Saddle Peak (A04)● San Marcos Peak (A09)● Mt. Woodson (A15)● Pleasants Peak (A22)

These repeaters are networked together via the PAPA Chat talkgroup (TG 31077).Similar to DMR, other talkgroups are accessible by keying up on the appropriate P25talkgroup. Unlike DMR, P25 (Phase 1) does not have two time slots.

Other talkgroups you may want to explore include the following.The full list as availableat http://www.pistar.uk/p25_reflectors.php.

● 10100 - Worldwide● 10200 - North America● 10300 - Europe

PAPA maintains two P25 reflectors. These reflectors work in much the same way as aD-STAR reflector. This means repeaters and hotspots can connect to the reflector andtransmit traffic to any other connected device. The P25 PAPA Chat reflector usestalkgroup 31077 to tie together the PAPA P25 repeaters.

PAPA also maintains a P25 transcoding server. This allows for a conversion betweendigital modes and analog. The P25 PAPA Bridge reflector uses talkgroup 31078 and isconnected to the transcoding server allowing P25 traffic with the PAPA analog system.

PAPA System P25 Getting Started © 2021 PAPA System 02/27/2021 of 20

https://www.pistar.uk/index.php

http://papasys.com/dmr/resources/DATA/docs/ZumSpot_Pistar_KC6N_20180120.pdf

http://papasys.com/dmr/resources/DATA/docs/ZumSpot_Pistar_KC6N_20180120.pdf

http://www.pistar.uk/p25_reflectors.php

ConfigurationThis document will focus on setting up your P25 radio to access PAPA P25 repeaters. Italso covers setup for accessing a Pi-Star or similar hotspot to interface with the PAPAP25 Reflectors. Reflectors allow you to use your P25 radio to access the networkedPAPA System P25 repeaters as well as PAPA analog repeaters, PAPA D-STAR XRF012and the PAPA Bridge DMR talkgroup. We will use the Motorola XTS-5000 and KenwoodNX-5300 portable radios in our programming examples. For programming details pleaseconsult your radio and CPS documentation.

Motorola Radio Configuration: Repeater AccessAs with any radio, there are several parameters to configure for repeater access. If youhave programmed a DMR radio, many of the following concepts will be familiar. UnlikeDMR, there are no timeslots to program for P25 (Phase I).

Building The CodeplugIn addition to transmit and receive frequencies, your radio will need several P25 specificsettings. The order in which you define these settings is important.


Task 1 & 2: ASTRO SystemWe will start with Task #1 by defining ASTRO System 1. Use your existing DMR ID toidentify your radio on the network. A DMR ID can be obtained from the RadioID websiteat https://www.radioid.net/register#!

Your DMR ID will go in the Individual ID field under ASTRO System 1.

P25 uses the concept of “Talkgroups” to organize conversations. At a minimum, youwill need to program the PAPA CHAT (TG 31077) and PAPA Bridge (TG 31078)talkgroups. PAPA CHAT will allow you to talk to all PAPA P25 repeaters on the network,while PAPA Bridge will allow you to talk to the PAPA analog repeater network.

Task #2 is to enter these talkgroups into ASTRO Talkgroup List 1. We will use theseentries later in our Personality definitions.


https://www.radioid.net/register#!

Task 3: PersonalitiesA “Personality” defines radio parameters other than frequency, such as mode, squelchtype, scan list to use, etc. For P25, the Personality is where we define the P25 mode(ASTRO), talkgroup and “Receive Unmute Rule” (when the squelch opens).

P25 PersonalityFor a P25 Personality using the PAPA CHAT talkgroup, define the following in thisorder:

1. RX Options > Rx Voice/Signal Type: ASTRO2. ASTRO Talkgroup Options: Talkgroup List 1, Talkgroup ID 1

○ In our programming example, Talkgroup ID 1 in Talkgroup List 1 is definedas 31077, PAPA CHAT.

3. ASTRO > ASTRO System: 14. ASTRO > Digital Modulator Type: C4FM5. ASTRO > RX Unmute Rule: Selective Squelch (so only the selected talkgroup

is heard)


Analog PersonalityTo create a Analog Personality define the following:

1. RX Options > Rx Voice/Signal Type: Non-ASTRO2. TX Options > Hot Keypad: Select for sending DTMF with the keypad.

Do not set your radio for mixed-mode (P25 and analog) receive when using PAPAP25 repeaters.

If your radio is enabled for “Front Panel Programming” (FPP), you will need to define apersonality for each channel. 45 channels would mean 45 personalities in anFPP-enabled radio.

Non-FPP radios can share personalities. In these radios define a personality for:● Each talkgroup you desire● Analog repeater use● Simplex analog use● Simplex P25 use

You can granulate your personalities by transmit power level, scan lists, DTMF, or any ofthe tab options shown in the Personality.


Task 4: ChannelsAt last… something familiar! The Zone Channel Assignments are where we define ourfrequencies and Network Access Code (NAC). The NAC is to P25 what PL is to analog.

PAPA P25 Repeaters

NAME Frequency NAC Location

A04 445.720- 4CD Saddle Peak

A09 447.300- 4CD San Marcos Peak

A15 446.320- 4CD Mt Woodson

A22 446.360- 4CD Pleasants Peak

We will associate a Personality with each Channel.Remembering that Personality 1 isour PAPA CHAT talkgroup personality, we will select it for Channel 1.

We will define the receive and transmit frequencies as well as the NAC for this channel.There are LOTS of parameters, so scroll to find your choices.


For our A04 (Saddle Peak) PAPA CHAT Zone Channel, define the following:● Channel Name: CHAT● Personality Type: Conventional (Cnv)● Personality #: 1 (Remember, this is where the talkgroup is defined)● Receive Frequency: 445.7200 (For A04, the PAPA P25 repeater on Saddle Peak)● Transmit Frequency: 440.7200● Tx Network ID: 4CD (This is our transmit NAC)● Rx Network ID: 4CD (This is our receive NAC)

For our A04 (Saddle Peak) PAPA Bridge Zone Channel, define the following:● Channel Name: Bridge● Personality Type: Conventional (Cnv)● Personality #: 2 (Remember, this is where the talkgroup is defined)● Receive Frequency: 445.7200 (For A04, the PAPA P25 repeater on Saddle Peak)● Transmit Frequency: 440.7200● Tx Network ID: 4CD (This is our transmit NAC)● Rx Network ID: 4CD (This is our receive NAC)

For our PAPA 04 (Saddle Peak) analog Zone Channel, define the following:● Channel Name: PAPA 04● Personality Type: Conventional (Cnv)● Personality #: 3 (This is our analog repeater personality)● Receive Frequency: 445.4200 (For PAPA 04 on Saddle Peak)● Transmit Frequency: 440.4200● Receive Squelch Type: PL● Receive PL Freq: 141.3● Transmit Squelch Type: PL● Transmit PL Freq: 127.3

You have now built a basic Zone containing 3 channels:

1. A04 Saddle Peak PAPA CHAT2. A04 Saddle Peak PAPA Bridge3. P04 Saddle Peak Analog


Repeater Configuration Summary● TASK 1: Configure ASTRO System 1 with your DMR ID

● TASK 2: Add P25 talkgroups to the Talkgroup List

● TASK 3: Configure your Personalities.o You will need a Personality for each unique P25 talkgroup in the

Talkgroup Listo Create Personalities for analog useo FPP-Enabled radios require a separate Personality for each Channel

● TASK 4: Add channels to the Zoneo Set the channel name, Personality, receive and transmit frequencies, PL

or NACo The editable fields will vary depending on the Personality selected

Points to Remember:● Network ID (NAC): Set this to 4CD for PAPA P25 repeater access. Hotspots

typically use a NAC of 293.

● Talkgroups: At a minimum, program PAPA CHAT (TG 31077) for access to thePAPA P25 repeater network. Additional talkgroups can be programmed as well.

● Mixed Mode: Do not set your radio for mixed-mode (P25 and analog) receivewhen using PAPA P25 repeaters.

Codeplug Pro TipYou can easily build yourself into a corner with your codeplug if you don’t plan forsystem expansion. PAPA recommends the following Zones:

● Individual Zones for each P25 hilltop containing the talkgroups you desire● 3 Zones for PAPA analog repeaters reflecting the PAPA PL Plan

○ South Area repeaters○ Central Area repeaters○ North Area repeaters

● A Zone for your Hotspot talkgroups● A “Home Zone” containing your favorite or frequent-use channels

Remembering that Zones are simply a way to store and recall your channels, set yourZones up in a manner that works best for you.


Radio Configuration: Hotspot AccessYour P25 radio will need to be configured with simplex channels for each talkgroup youplan to use with your Hotspot. Select an appropriate simplex frequency and NAC tomatch your hotspot; the default is 293.

For accessing Hotspots it is a good idea to use a low power setting on your radio toprevent overload of the hotspot receiver. Since transmit power level is a function ofPersonality, you will likely need a separate personality for each talkgroup you plan touse with your Hotspot.

The process for configuring Hostspot channels is similar to that for repeater channels,with the difference being the use of a simplex frequency and low power.

Radio & Hotspot Configuration Summary● TASK 1: Done (Configure ASTRO System 1 with your DMR ID)

● TASK 2: Done (Add P25 talkgroups to the Talkgroup List)

● TASK 3: Configure Personalities for low transmit powero You will need a low power Personality for each P25 talkgroup in the

Talkgroup List. Remember FPP-enabled radios require a separatePersonality for each Channel

● TASK 4: Add simplex Hotspot channelso Set the channel name, Personality, frequency, NAC of 293


Kenwood Radio Configuration: Repeater AccessAs with any radio, there are several parameters to configure for repeater access. If youhave programmed a DMR radio, many of the following concepts will be familiar. UnlikeDMR, there are no timeslots to program for P25 (Phase I).

We will use the Kenwood NX-5300 portable radios in our programming examples. Forprogramming details please consult your radio and CPS documentation.

Before getting started you should set the number format to be decimal. This is done byclicking at the bottom of the screen where it shows the comm port and “P25 ID Format”.

Clicking in this area will give you a dialog box that lets you select Decimal orHexadecimal. In this document we are using Decimal values, so this is therecommended setting.


Building The CodeplugIn addition to transmit and receive frequencies, your radio will need several P25 specificsettings. The order in which you define these settings is important.


Task 1: Create an analog and P25 system to associate with channels.Task 2: Create a list of talkgroups to associate with channels.Task 3: Create the Zones and Channels.

Task 1: Create Personal SystemsYou will need two different systems setup in the radio. One for analog channels and onefor P25 channels.

Analog Personal SystemUse the default system to set up your analog system. Open/click Personal, then thesystem name, then System Information. Here you can set the system name and thesystem type, which should be “Analog”. On the Personal Features tab, you can settimeout timers and some other settings.


P25 Personal SystemWith “System Information” selected, you will see an “Add” icon in the toolbar. Click it toadd a new system. In the dialog box you will select “P25 Conventional”.

Open/click the new system and select “System Information”. Here you will set theSystem Name and the System Type should already be set to “P25 Conventional”. Youwill need to set your radio ID on this page, using your own radioID.

As with analog, “Personal Features” has some settings you can change, but the defaultsare fine.


Task 2: Create Talkgroup ListAs will DMR, you will want to create a list of talkgroups. Here is an example of the pageused to do this. Simply fill out the grid with the talkgroups in which you are interested.

Task 3: ChannelsAt last… something familiar! The Zone Channel Assignments are where we define ourfrequencies and Network Access Code (NAC). The NAC is to P25 what PL is to analog.

PAPA P25 Repeaters

NAME Frequency NAC Location

A04 445.720- 4CD Saddle Peak

A09 447.300- 4CD San Marcos Peak

A15 446.320- 4CD Mt Woodson

A22 446.360- 4CD Peasants Peak

Programming Channels is fairly obvious. You start with a grid view and can accessfurther details on a detail page.


Here you can set the zone name and start adding channels. To complete the channelsyou will need to use the “Channel Edit” tab.

The channel edit page is a little more complex.

● To move between channels use the up/down arrows next to “Channel Number”● To change the talkgroup, use the up/down arrows next to “List Number”● For Squelch Type there are two settings you can use.

○ NAC - This setting will cause your radio to play audio for any signalmatching the NAC. This can be confusing as you won’t know that it’s on adifferent talkgroup than is currently selected.

○ Selective Call - This setting will cause your radio to play audio only if theNAC and talkgroup match.

There are additional settings available here. For example, there are analog settings youcan use if the repeater is set up for dual mode operation (PAPAs repeaters are not).


Points to Remember:● Network ID (NAC): Set this to 4CD for PAPA P25 repeater access. Hotspots

typically use a NAC of 293.

● Talkgroups: At a minimum, program PAPA CHAT (TG 31077) for access to thePAPA P25 repeater network. Additional talkgroups can be programmed as well.

● Mixed Mode: Do not set your radio for mixed-mode (P25 and analog) receivewhen using PAPA P25 repeaters.

Codeplug Pro TipYou can easily build yourself into a corner with your codeplug if you don’t plan forsystem expansion. PAPA recommends the following Zones:

● Individual Zones for each P25 hilltop containing the talkgroups you desire● A Zone for your Hotspot talkgroups● A Zone for the PAPA Analog repeaters● A “Home Zone” containing your favorite or frequent-use channels

Remembering that Zones are simply a way to store and recall your channels, set yourZones up in a manner that works best for you.


Setting Up a Hotspot for P25One of the most popular hotspot configurations is the ZUMspot/Pi-Star combination. Wewill use that arrangement as our basis for discussion. These instructions work for anyhotspot running Pi-Star.

1. Since the PAPA P25 Chat and PAPA Bridge reflectors may not be in your Pi-Starhost file yet, please run an update before starting...just to ensure they show up.

2. Next Up: reboot your hotspot: Click Admin, then Power, then the green Rebootbutton to enable your changes.

3. After the reboot, enable the P25 mode from the Configuration tab, and select“31077” from the P25 Configuration dropdown. Click Apply Changes to enableyour changes. You are now good to go.

Hotspot Configuration Summary● Update your HotSpot: Update and reboot to add the PAPA P25 Chat and PAPA

Bridge reflectors to the hosts file as noted above.

● Configure for P25 and PAPA CHAT (TG 31077): Enable P25 mode and set theP25 Startup Host to 31077.

● DMR ID: Some of the multi-mode hotspots will want you to enter a valid DMR IDwhich can be obtained from the RadioID website:https://www.radioid.net/register#!


https://www.radioid.net/register#!

AcknowledgementsThe PAPA System would like to thank Ted Petrina (W6SAT), Chris Durso (AA4CD),Michael Rickey (AF6FB) andEd Wright (KB6THO) for input to this document.

More Information...For up-to-date information on the PAPA System, visit our web page at:http://papasys.com.

Again, from the PAPA System we thank you for your support of the PAPA System.

73,Cecil, WD6FZA© 2021 PAPA System


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