How to Set Up DroidStar DMR with BrandMeister

Prerequisites

• A valid HAM license. Brandmeister is a HAM service so you must have a HAM license to use it.

• An Android device (or iOS / desktop version where available) with internet access.

• Valid DMR ID, typically obtained through RadioID.net.

• BrandMeister account (SelfCare), with hotspot / security credentials.

Step 1: Registering Your DMR ID & BrandMeister Account

• Go to RadioID.net and follow the process to register and receive your DMR ID if you don’t already have one. 

• Create / log in to your BrandMeister account. Under SelfCare, ensure your account is fully activated. 

• In BrandMeister SelfCare, set up your Hotspot Security Key (sometimes called “TGIF Pass” in DroidStar settings) if your station will use a hotspot or apps like DroidStar.

Step 2: Install DroidStar

• It looks like you can obtain it on Android from the Google Play Store, or on iOS / Mac via TestFlight where supported.

• The APK I used to install mine is available to download from our Files section.

Step 3: Getting Vocoder Files (if needed)

What is a Vocoder in this Context?

A vocoder in DroidStar is a digital codec file required for certain voice modes (especially digital voice). Some versions of DroidStar / platforms may require manually installing these vocoder (codec) files; others come pre-bundled.

Downloading & Installing the Vocoder

• Navigate to https://kapihan.net/connect/resources/files/droidstar-vocoders.php.

• Locate the relevant vocoder file(s) that match your platform.

• Tap-and-hold, then copy the file address URL for the vocoder file.

• Go to the Vocoder input field in the Droidstar settings and paste the value.

• Then tap "download" to install.

Step 4: Configuring DroidStar for BrandMeister DMR

With your DMR ID, BrandMeister credentials, and vocoder ready, configure DroidStar as follows:

• Callsign - Your amateur radio callsign. 

• DMR ID - The number you got from RadioID/BrandMeister. 

• ESSID - If you will use more than one device or hotspot, set a non-zero or unique ESSID. 

• Password / TGIF Pass - This is the Hotspot Security Key from BrandMeister SelfCare (or from TGIF.network if that is used in the app settings). Do not assume it's your website login password unless they are the same. 

• Host - Choose a BrandMeister server close to you. For example, USA servers are BM-3101, 3102, 3103 etc. 

• Talkgroup (TG) - The talkgroup you want to join / transmit to. Common ones are local, or specific nets. 

Step 5: Finalizing & Connecting

• In DroidStar, go to Settings → Update Hosts (so that DroidStar has up-to-date BM server info). 

• Also Update ID Files if the option is present (often includes talkgroup info, etc.). 

• Return to main screen, select Mode → DMR. 

• Choose the BrandMeister host (for your region). 

• Enter the talkgroup ID you want to use. 

• Press Connect. Once connected, speak using the “big blue button” (or the mic button) to transmit.