WIRES-II allows every-day local communications, using hand-held or mobile transceivers, to expand into worldwide communications opportunities, using the magic of Internet linking. Using simple DTMF commands, you can communicate with other WIRES-II nodes throughout the world, with outstanding audio quality.

Operating on an FRG Node

If your local repeater (or local station) has been set up as a WIRES-II FRG Node, operation is extremely simple.

Just go to the WIRES-II Home Page, and consult the "WIRES-II I.D. List" by clicking on the tab on the left side of the Home Page. Now click on the geographical area of interest to you. When you find a Node that is of interest, jot down its I.D. number.

For example, to call node #1101D in California, close the PTT switch on your transceiver, then key in the [#][1][1][0][1][D] DTMF digits from your keypad. A link should be established, and you can just make a call as though you were operating on a regular repeater.

When your QSO is over, be sure to send the "disconnect" signal, which is either [#][9][9][9][9][9] or [#][9][9][9][9][D].

During your QSO, it is possible that the other station may seem to disappear. If this happens, it is possible that the other station's Time-Out Timer may have terminated the link. Wait a few minutes, and try again, but do not immediately try to re-establish the link. When making an initial QSO, it is recommended that you keep your transmissions short until you come to know the Time-Out Timer settings for the other station.

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Operating Reminders for WIRES-II

*	Remember that the Node you are calling may be in a dramatically different time zone from yours, so if you don't get a response, be sure you're not calling in the middle of the night!
*	The [A], [B], [C], and [D] DTMF keys are used for Group Calling within WIRES-II. So if you hit one of these keys, you may be calling as many as ten Nodes at once (consult your Node administrator for details). If possible, find out the I.D. Number of the Node that is responding, so you can call that Node back directly (so as not to tie up multiple stations unnecessarily)
*	Note that some Nodes may not accept Group Calling.
*	When communicating via WIRES-II, be sure to use the "disconnect" signal (either [#][9][9][9][9][9] or [#][9][9][9][9][D]).
*	If your transceiver does not have DTMF capability, you may still be able to communicate via WIRES-II. For example, if someone your repeater is engaged in a QSO, you may "break in" just as you would during any other type of repeater QSO (use common courtesy, as always!). However, SRG operation generally will not be possible without a DTMF-equipped transceiver.