The Yaesu WIRES-X HRI-200 (Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) enables Internet to RF communications using internet enabled Voice-over-IP technology. The WIRES-X box is connected to a digital Yaesu radio, then to a PC (Windows only) running the WIRES X software and ultimately to the internet. On setting up, the device has to be connected using the correct cable for the radio it is to interface to, it must be registered online and a small amount of IT configuration is required such as opening ports on your router.

Setting up a WIRES X node

There are several configurations available when setting up a WIRES X system. The usual home nodes are described below:

In both configurations, the WIRES X box is connected to a Windows PC running the WIRES X software. The PC in turn is connected to the router (which has the required ports opened) and then to the internet.

The first option involves a dedicated Yaesu digital radio being connected to the WIRES X box and to an antenna. Another radio (on the same frequency and digital mode), can then connect via RF to this 'node' and therefore the WIRES X system.

The second option involves connecting a Yaesu digital radio by cable(s) to the WIRES X box. The radio then effectively becomes the speaker and microphone for the WIRES X system. This is the tethered option.

Another solution is to connect the WIRES X box to a YAESU digital repeater and to provide a PC and internet connection. Anyone connecting digitally to the repeater using a Yaesu digital radio would then be able to access WIRES X.

What does WIRES X do?

In addition to communicating with high quality audio, WIRES X allows for data to be sent. When a WIRES X system is registered it is allocated an ID. Using this ID, another user can use WIRES X to connect digitally direct to that ID to talk to the user. WIRES X 'rooms' can be set up to allow users with the same interests or geographic location to meet and talk online. These rooms can have additional features such message boards, weather updates, voice messages and even images for those that have equipment capable of sending and viewing them. The list of WIRES X rooms is available here.