What is WIRES-X?

WIRES (Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) is an Internet communication system which expands the range of amateur radio communication. For WIRES-X, an amateur node station connecting to the Internet is used as the access point and connects the wireless communication to the Internet. Users’ stations can communicate with other amateur stations all over the world using a node within the radio wave range.

WIRES-X Features

WIRES-X supports the C4FM digital and the clear and crisp voice technology enables high sound quality. By repeating C4FM digital data as it is via the Internet, users can enjoy clear voice communications even if they are thousands of miles away each other. Utilizing the digital communication, the WIRES-X operation is simple, easy and user friendly. Varieties of the new functions as well as voice communications expands opportunities for enjoyment of ham station operation.

Smart Access Functions

WIRES-X automatically connects to nodes and rooms via the Internet. No more need to verify connection IDs or transmit cumbersome DTMF connection codes. Information about nodes and rooms is exchanged via C4FM Digital signaling. Thanks to automatic reconnection to the previous contact, all you need to do is press PTT and start talking. Easily search for new nodes and rooms, and initiate communication promptly when you find an ID that captures your interest.

Activity Monitor Function

Currently active nodes and rooms can be searched in real time, and viewed on the display of your transceiver. The display list is sorted according to the number of stations currently connected to the room, in other words by popularity. This lets you quickly find other active stations to communicate with. Node owners can freely create a room ID using letters and numbers. The ID works a bit like the name of a person. Easy to understand, meaningful names, unique names, memorable names… all are possible and can be used in a targeted search. A history of previous nodes and rooms, and a memory function with five categories makes it a snap to find and connect with a particular ID.

News Station Function

News bulletins (messages, images, voice memos) can be freely uploaded to nodes and rooms. Other users can download the saved news information. For example, sharing traffic information or other local news, or sending a snapshot of a meeting place to fellow operators, as well as a myriad of other uses are possible. It does not matter whether someone is nearby or in a country far away. WIRES-X offers a way to overcome barriers of distance, time, or even language. Welcome to a world of previously unheard-of possibilities for connecting and communicating by way of Amateur Radio and the internet.

Preset Search Function

Search and connect to local node stations with a simple button touch. The system will automatically obtain node station information and setup the required frequency and digital code parameters. Wherever there is a WIRES-X local node station that is reachable by Amateur radio, complicated connection operation steps are no longer necessary. Node station ID, city name, as well as distance and bearing are indicated on the display of the transceiver, and can be checked at a glance. * Now you can communicate worldwide with ease and confidence. (* Only if published by the node station)

Other Notable Features

Digital/Analog Mutual Communication

WIRES-X of course also supports traditional analog FM users. Not only can analog FM stations have a QSO with each other, WIRES-X also permits C4FM Digital stations to communicate with analog FM stations. WIRES-X is an FM friendly digital solution, because Amateur Radio should always allow operators to communicate freely all over the globe.

Node Setup Is Easy With WIRES-X

Establishing the connection between the HRI-200 and a computer is quick and simple, requiring only a single USB cable. Support for USB bus power means that an additional external power supply is not needed. Opening ports in the router also can be done with a simple setting in the WIRES-X software, using the UPnP function. (May not be supported by some routers.) Working your way through complicated router settings is a thing of the past.

Using WIRES-X For Internet Connected Communication

Just by accessing a local WIRES-X node using a C4FM digital transceiver, you can enjoy the C4FM digital communications such as the high-quality QSO and news function with stations located far away including overseas stations via the Internet as shown in the illustration below. Using a C4FM digital transceiver enables a very simple access operation by following the on-screen instructions. Digital functions are not available on an analog FM transceiver, however, an audio QSO can be performed with an analog FM station or a C4FM digital station via WIRES-X.

To use WIRES-X, the transceiver firmware must support WIRES-X. For updating information of the firmware, visit the following website. Download the firmware supporting WIRES-X.

Click here to download the FT1DR/DE files Click here to download the FTM-400DR/DE files

Searching For a Node Nearby

Using the preset search function for searching. With a C4FM digital transceiver, an accessible node nearby can be found easily. Just pressing and holding the DX key transmits a search signal at the current frequency or using preset search channel. When a node is found, the operating frequency is switched to that of the node automatically, and the node ID and city name will appear on the screen since the node automatically transmits the ID information in return on receiving the search signal.

The user ID and the city name of the detected node will appear on the screen.

Looking For a Node From the ID List on Our Website

From the active ID list on the WIRES-X website, find your desired node. Just by setting the transceiver at the frequency of the node you found, then pressing and holding the D key, the preset search function will search the local node automatically. After the node ID and the city name appear on the screen, you can use the node station. When using an analog FM transceiver, find an analog station from the active ID list, then set the transceiver at the frequency of the node.

If Node Cannot Be Found Nearby

If there is no accessible node nearby, why don’t you open a node? A WIRES-X node can be opened easily by configuring the settings such as the Internet setting and initial setting. Becoming a node owner, enjoy communications more with your fellows using the most of WIRES-X. Click here for the instruction to open a node.

Find the Node or Room You Want To Connect To

IDs of active nodes and rooms can be searched from the C4FM transceiver via the local node.

For searching a node or room, the useful and practical methods are available.

Finding a Node or Room From a Connectable ID List

Displays the list sorted in descending order from the room with the most number of activities (the most nodes connected).

Searching a Node or Room ID By Keyword

This is useful when you know part of the ID. Enter the keyword you want to search by directly. The IDs partially matching the entered keyword will be found.

Connecting To the Most Recently Connected Node or Room

When the local node does not connect to another node, the node or room your transceiver most recently connected to will appear. Select the node or room and start a QSO immediately.

Recalling the Registered Node or Room

You can register IDs of your frequently used nodes and rooms sorting into 5 categories. Up to 20 nodes and rooms can be registered in total in each category, and you can recall them to connect to.

Connecting To a Node or Room From an Analog FM Station

When using an analog FM transceiver, look for the analog node station or room you want to connect to from the active ID list and transmit the 5-digit DTMF ID for a connection.

Enjoying Communications and the Latest News

When you successfully connect to your desired node or room, you are ready to enjoy communications with the high-quality WIRES-X digital sound. Furthermore, with the news function, you can upload/daownload messages, images and sound to/from the connection destination (node or room) as well as the local node. This new feature, that enables the sharing of such digital data with other WIRES-X users all over the world, expands opportunities for enjoyment of ham station operation.

HRI-200 Interface Specifications

• Supply Voltage: USB Bus Powered, DC +5.0 V ± 5 %, Negative Ground)
• Case Size (WxHxD): 4.4″ x 1.0″ x 5.2″ （w/o knob & connector）
• Weight(Approx.): 11.9 oz (340 g )

I/O Connections

• Mini DIN 10pin (RADIO 1, RADIO 2)
• 3.5φ Audio OUT (MONITOR)
• USB B Type