Welcome to the Christchurch Digital Radio System

A network for advocacy organizations, non-profits and hobbyists

The Christchurch Digital Radio System is a project to build a low-cost trunked P25 digital radio network within Christchurch. The network is aimed at advocacy organizations, non-profits and hobbyists to provide a secure communications network within the UHF commercial C-band.

The CDRS provides coverage across all of Christchurch Central, and in the future, all of Canterbury. Radios automatically roam to the best site seamlessly, allowing connected communications outside the range of standard two-way radios

This website contains all publicly available information on the network. Please feel free to look around

Equipment Compatibility

Generally any P25 phase 1 + trunking capable radio should work. Your radio must support the following features:

• P25 phase 1
• Trunking capable
• Link layer authentication (LLA)

Your radio must either be 400-470mhz, or 450-520mhz.

Other recommended features to have include:

• AES-256 encryption
• Full keypad (required if you want to use text messaging or free-dialing private call)

For easy keyloading, we recommend Tait TP9100 or TP9400, as they can be keyloaded through software. Motorola XTS/APX requires a KVL or keyloader, and the correct adapter, which can be tricky to find.

Use Cases

General network use cases:

Event communications

For large-scale events where staff are spread out, the CDRS is the perfect solution, as coverage is extended beyond the range of standard two-way radios.

Secure voice

Voice and data over the air can be encrypted if required, and all communication between sites and the system controller are always encrypted with AES-256.

Private/personal use

The network's low entry fees compared to other major network providers in New Zealand make it easy to set up wide-area communications for any purpose you may need it for.

Fees and Pricing

All current pricing information

Standard rate

There is an admin fee for every radio to be activated on the network, as well as for creating new talkgroups. There is currently no ongoing monthly fees for service.

By default, radios programmed for organizations will not have any system-wide talkgroups programmed in. Other add-on channel sets that can be added to the radios include PRS and/or licensed conventional frequencies.

Pricing table for all commercial services

Backing

We are currently setting up a Give a Little page, check back soon for more information!