RATS DMRVA Codeplugs

A DMR codeplug is a complete configuration file for a radio, containing all of the contacts, channels, zones, and other settings required to access DMR talk groups.  Codeplug file formats vary by manufacturer and occasionally by model.  As different radios have various channel selection mechanisms and bank capacities, different RF band support, and other variations in capabilities and programming, proper code plugs are essentially unique to each model of radio.  Many users prefer to start from a pre-built codeplug since it can sometimes eliminate many hours of tedious programming which may not be fully understood.

As of August 2022, DMRVA no longer furnishes pre-built codeplugs for its network.  In December 2023, RATS stepped up to fill the gap by offering codeplugs for a handful of models which can be converted to support many other radios using a conversion utility.  You will find those codeplugs on this page.

These codeplugs are the result of a volunteer effort by a few RATS members.  All inquiries regarding these codeplugs should be directed to codeplug-request@rats.net. 

As of February 1, 2025, all of our codeplugs are being offered to the general public.  No RATS membership is required.

General Information

The RATS DMRVA Codeplug Project offers starter codeplugs for the full DMRVA+HEARS network of over 30 repeaters in Virginia.  Two master codeplugs for the Connect Systems CS750 (monoband) and CS800D (dual-band) can be converted to support dozens of different radio models using the free N0GSG DMR Contact Manager.  These radios can also use our collection of specialty and add-on codeplugs for surrounding DMR networks including NCPRN, Interstate, NC4ES, HEARS-NC, and selected Brandmeister systems in the Hampton Roads area.

For around a dozen non-Motorola models not supported by N0GSG, we have our LTD codeplug series that includes all of the repeaters in the Richmond Metro cluster (Richmond, Beaverdam, Farmville, Goochland, Middlesex, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan).

Motorola users can start with our XPR7550e codeplug, which can be easily converted to work with just about any other Motorola DMR transceiver using the new Motorola CPS 2.0.  This codeplug includes the full DMRVA+HEARS network as well as selected Brandmeister systems in the Hampton Roads area.

Here are a list of all the channels in our non-Motorola (Full/LTD) and Motorola (Moto440) files, a list of all zones we offer, and a map of included repeaters.

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.

Please take note of the following important caveats applicable to all files:

• 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!

About Codeplug Versions

Codeplug packages are named with both a DMRVA talkgroup matrix version and a release date.  Talkgroup matrix version numbers are a product of the RATS Codeplug Project.

• DMRVA1.0  (old) - pre-December 2023.  Assigned to all codeplugs created prior to the December 2023 DMRVA+HEARS partnership and talkgroup changes.  These codeplugs will contain many invalid/retired talkgroups.  Several member-contributed codeplugs use the DMRVA1.0 lineup.  Includes legacy DMRVA-maintained codeplugs.

• DMRVA2.0  (old) - December 2023.  Initial DMRVA+HEARS repeater lineup and talkgroup changes.  This was the first major change to talkgroup configurations on the DMRVA system in over a decade.

• DMRVA2.1 (old) - April 2024.  South Boston (SBO) frequency & color code changes.   Some DMRVA2.0 codeplugs included this change but did not get a new version number due to an oversight.

• DMRVA2.2 (old) - June 2024.  Adds new Goochland (GCH) zone in LTD and Full codeplugs.  Adds Portables (POR) to LTD codeplugs.

• DMRVA2.3  (old) - August 2024.  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.

• DMRVA2.4  (Current) - February 2025.  Adds Middlesex/Topping (MDX) zone to LTD and Full codeplugs.  Adds Franklin County/Thornton Mountain (FKN) zone to Full codeplugs.  South Hill (SOU) repeater frequency change.

Incremental update files have been discontinued.

Channel Naming Conventions

RATS codeplugs are designed to provide a consistent layout across all supported radio makes and models.  One of the many little details we have obsessed over is the use of clear, consistent channel labels in all of our codeplugs.  Channel labels consist of a 3- to 5-character site (or zone) identifier, followed by the talkgroup name.  If you are developing your own codeplugs for distribution, you are strongly encouraged to respect existing site IDs.

DMRVA Zones

Many DMR systems have standardized site IDs, usually 3 characters.  The DMRVA site IDs found in the RATS codeplugs (for the most part) date back to the DMRVA-hosted codeplugs that have been circulating for over a decade.  As the primary codeplug maintainer for the DMRVA network, we have taken the liberty of establishing site IDs for new systems as they have joined the DMRVA network.  Some examples of DMRVA site IDs are RIC (Richmond), NKC (New Kent County), and LX1 (Lexington #1).  Here is a full list of DMRVA site IDs.