Embedded Files
Master Zone List
Master Zone List
This is a list of all available zones, member-contributed codeplugs excluded.
DMRVA Locals and Metros
DMRVA Locals and Metros
On most DMR networks, the Local talkgroup (usually 9 or 27500) does not leave the local repeater. Hence the name, Local.
Many of the DMRVA network repeaters are arranged into clusters that share a Local talkgroup. We call these arrangements Metros. For example, the Richmond Metro cluster consists of the Richmond, Beaverdam, Goochland, Middlesex, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, and RVA portable repeaters. All of those are linked via the Local talkgroup. A few repeaters do have a traditional, freestanding Local talkgroup. This table shows the current Local/Metro arrangements as of July 2025.
Channel List for RATS DMRVA Codeplugs
Channel List for RATS DMRVA Codeplugs
Here is a channel list for our non-Motorola Full and LTD codeplugs, and here's a channel list for our Moto440 codeplugs. Red text indicates changes in the latest version.
Channel Lists for Specialty Codeplugs
Channel Lists for Specialty Codeplugs
Channel lists for our add-ons and specialty codeplugs can be found on the Specialty Codeplugs page.
Codeplug Navigation
Codeplug Navigation
Our codeplugs are designed with ease of use in mind. When you use RATS codeplugs on all of your radios, you'll enjoy a consistent, familiar channel layout, not only across the DMRVA network, but also when traveling on the neighboring systems supported by our Specialty Codeplugs.
The Local/Metro talkgroup is always in the first channel, followed by the statewide or systemwide talkgroup(s), then TAC channels, then regionals. Echo tests and Clear Timeslot are in the last position. Many codeplugs incorporate an automatic Monitor-All function into the Clear Timeslot channel.
DMRVA system users should become familiar with the arrangement of Local and Metro talkgroups.
Easily move from repeater to repeater as you travel by programming softkeys to act as zone up/down buttons. Most talkgroups are on the same channel in every zone, and most radios stay on the same channel when switching zones.
Channel Naming Conventions
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
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.
RATS codeplugs have a 3- to 5-letter Site ID prefix on each channel to identify the repeater corresponding to a channel (RIC, POW, etc.).
Foreign Zones
Foreign Zones
We offer several codeplugs for neighboring DMR systems. Where established site IDs could be determined from existing codeplugs or other materials, we have respected those IDs in our own codeplugs. We add a 2-character prefix to the foreign zone ID to help identify which system the channel belongs to. For example, ISALX is the ALX (Alexandria) repeater on the Interstate (IS) network.
Analog vs Digital Channels
Analog vs Digital Channels
The 3- to 5-character site ID will be in all-caps for a digital channel, but mixed-case for an analog channel. "SPX 441.0" is a digital channel, and "Spx 446.0" is analog. This convention is unique to RATS-created codeplugs. Many radios do not otherwise indicate the mode of operation, so this label makes it easy to quickly determine whether the channel is FM or DMR.
Page updated
Report abuse