Did you know your IC-2820 should have the ability to cross-band repeat on D-Star, making it a simple HotSpot?

Did you know your IC-2820 should have the ability to cross-band repeat on D-Star, making it a simple HotSpot? There is a UHF D-Star repeater some 20 miles away. My home is below the crest of a hill, so I erected an antenna in my attic. I cross-band repeat to VHF and I am able to chat using my IC-V82. Here is how you set it up:
First Step on the 2820:

Hit the function (F) button twice to take you to the DV menu.

Hit the Menu Button on the Right side of the rig.

Scroll to the DV Set Mode and press the lower round knob on the bottom left

Scroll down to the Digital Monitor entry, and make certain it is set to "AUTO"
Second Step:

Dial in the desired VHF frequency (of your repeater or your desired crossband frequency) and set the mode to FM (Not DV, nor FM-N!). Set the offset (DUP+ or DUP-)

On the right side, set your frequency to the UHF frequency (of your desired crossband frequency, or your repeater). Make sure you set the appropriate Duplex mode (DUP+ or DUP-)

Also make certain to set the mode to FM.
Last Step:

This can be a bit tricky until you get the hang of it. To start crossband mode, press the two main tuning knobs and the function button (F) simultaneously. If you did it correctly, the lock symbol on the right side of the display will flash. Make certain the squelch is "just at" the closed setting with no signal present.
On your Handheld:

Set the VHF frequency if you are crossbanding to UHF, or visa versa. Also set DV mode. Make certain to enter the opposite offset duplex that you set on the 2820. Set all other settings as if you were connecting directly to the repeater. I recommend you store these entries into memory.


That's it!