AB7CQ & N7RPT

email: ab7cq@ebidpal.com

Tombstone, AZ 85638

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Yaesu DR-2X Repeaters & Henry Radio AMP Powered

 WIRES-X Usage Info Update

04/08/2022

Notice To WIRES-X Users

When using the AB7CQ WIRES-X repeater please keep in mind that the repeater is still a shared repeater for local conversation, it serves two purposes, local conversations and WIRES-X real time VOIP communication contacts, it's not to be used as a scanner for monitoring entertainment, and it's not a community node, or linked node like America-Link, Texas Nexus, Kansas City Wide, and ALLJA nodes.

Users have a responsibility to disconnect from WIRES-X when finished with their VOIP communication contacts so local users can use the repeater. This system is not intended as a permanately linked Community Node or NEWS SERVICE, to other nodes. Any user/node that's unwilling to abide by the above user etiquette will be added to the "Node User" reject lists. Another words "BLOCKED from WIRES-X access on this WIRES-X repeater.

This measure became necessary because of improper WIRES-X use by some WIRES-X users who fail to exercise user etiquette when using a WIRES-X repeater, including connecting and disconnecting.

Making WIRES-X contacts is great, listening for awhile to see who is on is fine, but making contacts is what’s encouraged (communicating), not just using it for personal background entertainment. WIRES-X repeaters around the country are now finding it necessary to implement Wires-X etiquette procedures. Here are some of the reasons this has become necessary.

1. Many users fail to, or are don't understand how to disconnect from a WIRES-X repeater after use, as a result the repeater node is locked in re-transmitting all activity from community nodes like America-Link 24 hours a day unless a WIRES-X control operator intervenes and shuts down the link;

WIRES-X users must keep in mind that digital/analog control codes for connecting to, disconnecting from America Link, a WIRES-X repeater node, or personal node require a window of time for these control packets to complete. The problem becomes increasing apparent when operators fail to allow a sufficient window of time between communications between users for these commands to be recognized and completed;

2. Make sure your connection to a WIRES-X node is "solid", if not, you stand a good chance that your digital/analog commands will not be recognized by the node, or repeater, and you will not be able to connect to, or disconnect from a WIRES-X node, this is especially true for mobile users;

3. When a user fails to disconnect from the node, it places an enormous burden on the repeater equipment locking the repeater in a constant state of re-transmission of all activity generated from a community node like America-Link, there can be anywhere from 100 - 200 nodes connected. Also, all local transmissions on the local repeater are now being re-transmitted to America-Link causing interference to America-Link. Proper Wires-X Etiquette/Protocol must be observed;

4. When a WIRES-X repeater is left in this state, it prevents local hams from using the repeater for local communications;

5. Many hams, inexperienced or otherwise, fail to break from time to time during their conversations, never allowing other users an opportunity to contact other WIRES-X users on these nodes;

6. Of even more concern, every Saturday “SKYHUB” runs an America Link International Wires-X Round Table NET, this net will continue for hours, it’s nearly impossible for a user to disconnect from America-Link and release the local repeater for local communications. I’ve personally had repeater users that have not been able to disconnect, there wasn't sufficient time for the users commands to be recognized, I had to intervene using the control console to shut down the link, a window of time is required for control commands to be recognized;

7. America-Link is a reflector, in many ways a node like 146.520 simplex, “a calling frequency” to make sort term communication contacts (5 - 10 minutes), they should not be used for rag chews of long duration, that type of activity belongs on an alternate personal WIRES-X node, WIRES-X repeater nodes are not scanners intended for personal entertainment. Lastly, WIRES-X is a great communication system for hams to communicate with each other around the world and make contacts, the keyword here is: COMMUNICATE.

The problem is that many users don’t communicate, they use America-Link as a personal entertainment scanner and “never communicate”. If one wants to engage in scanner entertainment, then by all means do so, but do it with a scanner, not through a repeater.

If you setup your own personal WIRES-X node you can do as you please, but WIRES-X repeater nodes should be used for short term communication contacts, not rag chews.

If you feel that my approach is not in line with the heart and minds of amateur radio, then by all means invest your own financial resources, set up a repeater and personal WIRES-X node, and keep it all working smoothly.

Ask a fellow ham you know, or if you belong to a club, ask one of the club members for assistance on how to use WIRES-X, and READ THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH YOUR RADIO ....... DUH!

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