(Note: To sign up for our DigiRATS informational emails, please click here.)
Welcome to our page about C4FM and resources. page. 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, DG-ID Tx 00 Rx 00) offers digital voice access locally and globally on Wires-X. The digital audio quality is excellent!
C4FM is known for its great sound and ease of use. Unlike DMR and D-Star, C4FM handles bit error rates (BER) better. If BER goes over 3%, the signal drops, ensuring clear communication. C4FM has a similar range to analog but stays clear to the end, unlike analog, which gets noisy at the edge of its range.
Club members can connect the repeater to rooms worldwide for up to 60 minutes at a time. Afterward, please return to the club’s room, 00080 to allow others to use the system. **Keep in mind everyone on the repeater will hear your conversations when connecting through the repeater. For a no time limit operation, setup your own Portable Digital Node (PDN) at home with compatible radios.
We use, as most do, the “DN” (Digital Narrow) mode. You can connect with other hams without needing a big antenna or expensive equipment. Most of the valley can access this repeater with a 5-watt handheld Yaesu radio.
Want to connect with friends in the EU? Try room 41755 for the Northwest Fusion Group in Fleetwood, UK. Or for the busiest room around, join America KC Wide (room 28054), which often has 90 people in it from around the US and beyond.
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:
Desert RATS Weekly C4FM / WIRES-X NET
Time: Mondays @ 7:30 PM
Frequency: 449.240 MHz negative offset no PL
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 00):
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):
