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Welcome to our page about C4FM and resources. Here, you’ll find details on our C4FM repeater and how to get started with C4FM (Constant Envelope 4-Level Frequency Modulation) and WIRES-X equipment.
Our Yaesu DR-2X repeater, 449.240 MHz negative offset, no PL, Digital Narrow, DG-ID Tx 02 Rx 02 offers digital voice access globally on Wires-X. The digital audio quality is excellent!
Local radio traffic is on DG-ID Tx 01 Rx 01.
C4FM is known for its great sound and ease of use. Unlike DMR and D-Star and other modes, C4FM if the bit error rates (BER) goes over 3%, the signal drops out, ensuring clear communication. C4FM has a similar range to analog transmission of the same power and frequency, but stays clear to the end of the range, unlike analog, which gets noisy all the way to the edge of its range.
Club members can connect the repeater to rooms worldwide for up to 60 minutes at a time on Wires-X. Afterward, we ask members to return to the club’s room, 00080, to allow others to use the system. For a no-time -limit operation on Wires-X, set up your own Portable Digital Node (PDN) at home with compatible radios.
We use “DN” (Digital Narrow) mode on the repeater. You can connect with other hams without needing a big antenna or expensive equipment. Using Wires-X, it’s possible to speak with hams from around the world with a handheld radio. Most of the valley can access this repeater with a 5-watt handheld Yaesu radio. We have had reports that users have talked through our repeater from Yucaipa to Mecca Beach.
Digital NETS
Desert RATS GM: 1st & 3rd Mondays @ 7:15pm PT DG-ID 01
Desert RATS Voice: 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 7:30pm PT DG-ID 02 *
* Members out of the area can log into this net by connecting to another repeater capable of Wires-X and selecting the Wires-X Room 00080 on 2nd & 4th Mondays. Similarly, access via a Portable Digital Node (PDN) by connecting to Room 00080. OUR WIRES-X ROOM IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM HOTSPOTS
If you have an FTM-300 or FT-5D and are using the RT Systems programming software, or if you have an FT-70D, there are specific instructions for how to effect the changes in our Document Library here.
(Note: you must be a member and have an online account to access our Document Library page. If you are not a member, you can join up here. If you are a member and do not have an online account, you can get one here.)
How to Access Wires-X Rooms Using The Repeater
1. Access the Wires-X Menu: Press and hold the “Dx” button on your Yaesu C4FM radio.
2. Search for Rooms: Use ‘Search & Direct’ to find rooms by name or select “ALL” to view rooms with the most participants.
Disconnecting and Returning to the Club Room
Some radios allow you to disconnect easily by pressing the “*” asterisk key for 3 seconds while on the ‘handshake’ screen. Check your radio’s manual for specific instructions.
Alternatively, return to the club room by selecting it from “SEARCH & DIRECT” and typing “des” to find it.
Using FT-70D
- To access the Wires-X Menu: Press the “F menu” button followed immediately by the “AMS” button for 3 seconds.
- To connect to a room: Turn the knob counter clockwise twice untill “En #” is in the display. Then enter the 5 digit room number for the room you want to connect to. Then press AMS again.
To Disconnect from a room, press the “BAND” button for 3 seconds.
To return to non-Wires-X operation: Press the “MODE” button for 3 seconds.
*** Download your radios manual for other features and details on radio operation. ***
We host our C4FM check-in net every Monday at 7:30 pm Pacific Time on 449.240 (negative offset). Feel free to join us from anywhere. Members outside the area can join by connecting to another Wires-X repeater and selecting Room 00080. You can also connect via a Portable Digital Node (PDN) to Room 00080. Wires-X is not available on hotspots.
For questions regarding the Desert RATS C4FM system, or for comments or suggestions? Let us know what you think!
Please scroll down for other C4FM nets, or visit our “Nets that cover the Coachella Valley” page for local analog NETS
More information on the repeater is available here.
Digital NETS
Several digital NETS are available. Here is the current List:
Members out of the area can log into this net by connecting to another repeater capable of Wires-X and selecting the Wires-X Room 00080. Similarly, access via a Portable Digital Node (PDN) by connecting to Room 00080.
Wires-X nets we connect to each week
These NETS are available through our 70cm C4FM Repeater (449.240 MHz negative offset no PL, DN DG-ID 02):
Net Name: Fusion Technical NET
Time: Mondays @ 5:30 PM
Location: MN Wis Room 21493
Comments: All Things Yaesu System Fusion
Net Name: Astronomy Net
Time: Tuesdays @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Skyhub Link Room 46361
Comments: Hosted by Burness KIØAR. Not only great astronomical information but interesting subjects related to all things in the heavens!
Net Name: Digital Learning NET
Time: Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM
Location: Colorado Digital Room 43674
Comments: Covers DMR, D-Star, Fusion
Net Name: “Let’s talk digital”
Time: Thursdays @ 6:00 PM
Location: Kansas City Wide room 28054
Comments: With Bucky WØSUN & Friends Topics: All digital voice modes
C4FM and WIRES-X Resources:
General WIRES-X Background Info:
- The WIRES-X Bible Is available here. (PDF)
- The Yaesu WIRES-X Web page is here.
- Great Video on setting up WIRES X
- Listen in on some of the WIRES-X channels from your web browser
WIRES-X Portable Digital Node (PDN) Setup:
Radio Specific Resources:
- Video of a Yaesu FTM-400 radio setup is here. (Note: Our repeater uses DG-ID Tx 00 Rx 00)
C4FM and WIRES-X Resources:
General WIRES-X Background Info:
- The WIRES-X Bible Is available here. (PDF)
- The Yaesu WIRES-X Web page is here.
- Great Video on setting up WIRES X
- Listen in on some of the WIRES-X channels from your web browder
WIRES-X Portable Digital Node (PDN) Setup:
Radio Specific Resources:
- Video of a Yaesu FTM-400 radio setup is here. (Note: Our repeater uses DG-ID Tx 00 Rx 00)
Downloads
Yaesu Digital Communications Guide (PDF):
