Linking Options at GB3OA

Basic Repeater

GB3OA runs on a Yaesu DR-2XE. If you’re within range of the repeater, you can use basic analogue or C4FM and hold QSO’s with other amateurs who are also within the coverage area of the repeater. Things don’t get simpler than this. Arguably this is not real linking, other than providing the ability for two stations who cannot hear each other directly to communicate!

Wires-X (within GB3OA’s coverage area)

In addition to the above, GB3OA is also connected (on site) to a Yaesu HRI-200 with a PC and an internet connection. This enables the use of Wires-X. It’s not the intention of giving a Wires-X tutorial here, there are many good ones available elsewhere, but suffice it to say users can make full use of the Wires-X features of the repeater. The repeater will normally be linked to Wires-X room SW-LANCS (05239). If you wish to connect elsewhere, simply disconnect the repeater and connect it to wherever you wish. Once you have finished, please remember to disconnect so that the repeater may automatically re-join room GB-SW-LANCS. Similar to the basic repeater operation, using Wires-X on the repeater also means (obviously), you need to be within range of the repeater. Please be aware that to use the Wires-X on the repeater, you must be using C4FM.

Linking to GB3OA / GB-SW-LANCS

Wires-X

There are two scenarios here. The first is that you’re within RF range of a node or repeater (which support Wires-X) and you wish to connect up to GB3OA / GB-SW-LANCS. Simply use your radio and join the Wires-X room GB-SW-LANCS number 05239. GB3OA will usually be connected there. The second is if you have your own Wires-X ready station at your own QTH. The simplest set up is what’s called Wires-X Portable Digital Node, the details of this can be seen here. Alternatively you may have a more traditional node set up using an HRI-200. Details of how to set this up can be found here. Whichever set up you have, just connect it to Wires-X room GB-SW-LANCS (05239).

Hotspot – C4FM (YSF Reflector)

A YSF reflector (GB-SW-LANCS) has been created for those with C4FM radios that have neither a local node nor a repeater with Wires-X they can access. Instead, set up a hotspot in YSF mode and arrange to hook it up to YSF reflector GB-SW-LANCS (number 11704). There are many tutorials available on the internet on how to set a hotspot up. Just so users are aware, since Yaesu do not allow any access to the Wires-X network other than with Wires-X equipment, the connection between the Wires-X room GB-SW-LANCS and the YSF reflector GB-SW-LANCS is achieved using an RF bridge utilising both a Wires-X node and a hotspot both on dummy loads. If you want to see the dashboard associated with the YSF reflector, you can see it at https://ysfreflector.gb3oa.org.uk