Digital Repeaters
The Association maintains multiple digital repeaters which use both D-Star and C4FM technologies. D-STAR is a digital voice and data protocol specification for amateur radio. The system was developed in the late 1990s by the Japan Amateur Radio League and uses minimum-shift keying in its packet-based standard. There are other digital modes that have been adapted for use by amateurs, but D-STAR was the first that was designed specifically for amateur radio. C4FM refers to a type of modulation that is used by Yaesu in their amateur digital radios as well as by others. Yaesu has made their radios incompatible with other existing commercial C4FM platforms.
System Fusion (C4FM)
444.450 MHz (+)
Our Fusion System repeater (digital C4FM) set in the digital mode that will permit digital contacts only. It has excellent coverage along the I-95 corridor, reaching out to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the North, Dahlgren to the East, Culpeper to the West, and the 100 mile marker to the South; having an operating radius of approximately 40 miles. It is used for the following nets and special features:
- SARA Thursday Night Net (linked to 145.270 repeater)
- SKYWARN Net (as needed)
- ARES/RACES Emergency Net (as needed)
General D-Star Inforamtion
- The callsign for the D-STAR repeaters is WS4VA.
- Time-out timers are set for 3 minutes on all 4 repeaters.
- There are no courtesy beeps on these repeaters.
- In order to use the Gateway to reach other D-STAR systems, you must have been registered on the D-STAR system. Click here to register.
- Here is the SARA D-STAR presentation. (TBP)
- Here is our Gateway Dashboard. This tells you who the repeaters are linked to.
WS4VA D-STAR Repeaters | ||
Frequency | D-Star Setting | Digital Mode |
145.320 MHz (-) |
WS4VA C |
Voice |
447.275 MHz (-) |
WS4VA B |
Voice |
1282.20 MHz (-) |
WS4VA A |
Voice |
1298.40 MHz DD |
WS4VA D |
Data |
D-Star Gateway |
WS4VA G |
D-Star Commands
Below are some common commands to use on the D-STAR repeaters. In the examples shown, the C port (2 meter repeater) is used. If you are using the 440 repeater, use the B suffix in RPT1, for 1.2 DV use the A suffix. Throughout, the ^ symbol indicates a space in your programming.To record and playback your voice, use the
following command:
UR :
WS4VA^^E
RPT1: WS4VA^^C
RPT2: WS4VA^^G
To check the link status of a repeater, use
the following command:
UR : WS4VA^^I
RPT1: WS4VA^^C
RPT2: WS4VA^^G
The most commonly used command will be to link our repeater with another, or link our repeater with a reflector. To link, use the following commands:
To link with the N4USI 2 meter repeater (port C) from
our 2 meter repeater, as an example:
UR:
N4USI^CL
RPT1: WS4VA^^C
RPT2: WS4VA^^G
For the QSO change to YOURCALL for you and everyone else
is as follows:
UR : CQCQCQ
RPT1: WS4VA^^C
RPT2: WS4VA^^G
To unlink:
UR : ^^^^^^^U
RPT1: WS4VA^^C
RPT2: WS4VA^^G
Linking Notes:
- When linking, the destination port is in position 7, and the link command (L) is in position 8.
- When linking with a reflector, use the same procedure, but use the appropriate reflector in the YOURCALL slot (i.e., REF001CL).
- You MUST change the YOURCALL slot to CQCQCQ after linking. If you leave the Link command in that slot, the repeater will continue to try to link and already linked repeater, every time you key your radio. You will get the message Already Linked over and over.
A Users Manual is in the final phases of development. It will be posted here when ready.
For more information on D-STAR follow these links:
- Icom America. (http://www.icomamerica.com/amateur/dstar/)
- Texas D-STAR Interconnect Team. (http://www.k5tit.org/
- D-STAR Users (www.dstarusers.org)
- D-STAR Monitor (www.nj6n.com/dplusmon)
Repeater Trustee: K3EP
Repeater Technical Committee: K3EP Emmitt, KA7KDA Kelly, AC4IU David and N0RMC Rich. We are looking for some members who are technically qualified and who may be interested in joining the Technical Committee. If you are one, please email K3EP.
This repeater system is expensive to operate. If you are a regular user we request you to join our association or give a donation to help maintain the repeater system.
Old timers and newcomers alike should periodically review this Repeater Etiquette page.
If you hear a problem with the repeater, please contact any of the Technical Committee or a Control Operator. The control operators have the codes to shut any repeater off or turn off the whole system.