Ahh... the reason I asked is because in the narrow signal strength range between no audio and clear digital audio, human voice sounds like R2D2 and is referred to by that term. It's like when Digital TV pixelates due to weak signal, right before it goes away. The only reason I'm into D-Star is because I won an IC-91AD as a door prize.

I'm not doing much with Ham Radio at this point, but the D-Star technology does look pretty interesting.

Perhaps when others besides Icom start manufacturing D-S compatable radios, the usage will spread and prices will come down. Right now I'm pretty happy with cell phone and wireless web via cell card.

With an avatar of R2D2, I have to ask if you're into D-Star?