Wires-X & System Fusion

A very brief explanation of the difference between YSF and Wires X. They are NOT the same!
YSF

YSF is a different network than Wires X and only work together when we bridge a YSF server to our Wires X room 40324 Texas SADRC network.  They would never work without this bridge.

YSF is software written by hams for amateur use and is open-source technology.  The software is not updated often if at all.  YSF is not produced, maintained, or managed by Yaesu.  It works flawlessly on it’s own network but issues can arise when bridging to other networks especially Wires X.

Our SADRC YSF server is located in NY and operates on the cloud using a high-speed network. 

Wires X

Wires X is Yaesu’s proprietary software that provides several enhancements in audio and signal enhancement. The software is written, managed, and maintained in Japan by Yaesu.

The network is optimized for use with Yaesu’s latest technologies advancements.  Updates are made fairly frequent.

Wires X Preferred

When possible, we prefer for you to consider using a Yaesu PDN (Personal Digital Node) over a MMDVM (Multimode Digital Voice Modem), etc.  This is a direct connection to Wires X software and servers.

The following models are capable of being connected to Wires X directly:

FT1, FT2,  FT3, FT5, FTM 100, FTM 200, FTM 300, FTM 400, FTM 500, and FTM 510 series radios can all be connected to a tablet or computer and run off of Wirex X software.  You can use these radio’s to operate as a RF simplex node or by simply using the radio direct without RF.  Wires X software and servers will always provide for the best connection for your Yaesu equipment.

Is it Difficult to have your own Wires X Connection?

No!  You must apply for a Wires X ID on Yaesu’s site.  You will need the radio ID from the radio, your call sign, and some basic information.  Generally, it takes less than 10 days to receive your Wires X.  You can then input your Wires X ID into your Wires X software and operate your radio worldwide.

Is YSF/Still a good option?

Yes,.  I personally use YSF which is connected to our SADRC Wires X network when I travel.  I use Shark RF units only as they automatically correct the BER and I don’t have to adjust it. Are Shark RF units perfect?  No, but in my experience, I prefer it as the Shark units automictically correct the BER regardless of the mode you operate.  The software is updated regularly for all modes, and it happens automatically unless you tell it otherwise!  This is my own personal preference but many prefer to experiment with the latest MMDVM units.  There are some high end MMDVM units on the market now and perform exceptionally well!  They are getting better all the time.

BER Rate

Please make sure your BER (Bit Error Rate) is below .05 when operating on YSF when on Yaesu Wires X networks. The Wires X network does not allow signals generally to pass through their servers with a high BER or poor connection.  
History

When Yaesu discontinued their DR1 repeater years ago, they made several updates and came out with their DR2.  This model is much more reliable and can operate a full 50 watts where the DR1 had early failure . When they came out with the DR2,  they made changes to their internal hardware on the repeaters and servers.  The new specifications tightened their BER using FER for a better experience while on the Wires X Network. There were many improvements, not just the ones mentioned here.

Although these improvements have enhanced the user experience, it made it more difficult for ancillary units with bad packets (high BER rate) signal to be passed through the network. This can happen when running a high Bit Error Rate (BER).  Yaesu uses Forward Error Correction (FER) that looks for bad packets and corrects the signal, so you generally don’t hear a bad signal.  Wires X Forward Error Correction (FER) does delay the signal on purpose, so it has time to resolve a weak signal to the end user.  When it hears a bad packet from an ancillary device, it has a tendancy to lose its mind and can loop the audio.  It basically doesn’t understand the CODEC and scrambles the signal.

YSF

If you’re new to digital, I just want to make you aware of this.

Please make sure you properly adjust your equipment when on any digital network.  Yaesu does not guarantee their equipment to work with any ancillary devices.

Are other units that are not Shark RF bad?  No!  You have to manage the equipment and make sure it’s basically tuned for the mode you’re using.  On older units (possibly newer units), if you switch from DMR to YSF for example,  you may have to manually change the BER and go to the advanced mode to do this.   Consult the directions on websites for your particular equipment and software version.  There have been many advancements in technology.  There are hundreds of devices out there with different levels of software.  Shark RF builds their hardware and software to automatically handle these tasks.

What happens if I have a high BER rate and why should I care?

A bad packet signal coming through ancillary devices (any non -Wires X) can lock up repeaters and cause latency or a delay of a repeater .   When that happens, multiple repeaters can repeat the last 3 minutes of a transmission and cause the network to collide with 2 different conversations happening at the same time!  Some of you may have heard a syllable repeater over and over for up to 3 minutes due to a bad packet.

I don’t have a solution other than to make sure you are using the latest operating hardware and software for your device, have a reasonably good connection, and to be sure your BER (Bit error rate) is low.  

I am consulting other groups around the county to see if XLX or other platforms may work better for us. 

We were on the FCS 3 network for years however, it was relocated from Canada to Germany, and it adds about 2 seconds delay into the network here in the US.  There is zero advantage to adding another mode just to cause added latency.  We have discontinued this network.

4 Second Rule between transmissions

Please remember to wait 4 seconds between every transmission allowing all of the repeaters and networks time  to drop.  This allows time for other stations to join the conversation.  If you key up immediately after the other signal drops, others won’t be heard and be recognized to join the conversation.  This is considered bad etiquette and form!  This is true of all VOIP networks, not just C4FM.