On this page, you will find answers to most all frequently-asked questions. However, if you don't find the answer here, please feel free to ask our customer support (please click CONTACT US ), and we'll do our best to answer it!

28th.Oct.2002.

[ Interconnection Questions | Initial Setup Questions | Operational Questions ]

Interconnection Questions

What cables are included with the WIRES-II Kit?

The WIRES-II Kit includes the HRI-100, Software, and cables for connecting to your computer's Sound Card and RS-232C lines. You also get a Data cable for connection to your transceiver or repeater. If you are connecting to a transceiver with a standard DATA jack (6-pin mini-DIN), just wire it up as though you were connecting the transceiver to a 1200-bps Packet TNC. If you are wiring to a repeater, or are having difficulties please ask our customer support (please click CONTACT US ), as we probably have interface instructions for your repeater's controller, or other technical advice that may help you.

	At different times, I have installed WIRES-II both for Dial-Up and LAN systems. Will there be a problem?
No. . .different Icons will appear on your computer's Desktop; just select the appropriate Icon, and double-click on it.

	May I use a "wall wart" that I own to power the HRI-100?
Generally, we recommend the use of a well-regulated 13.8-Volt power supply. However, the Yaesu NC-72B/C Battery Charger/AC Adapter, used with the VX-5R, VX-7R, VX-110/150, etc., will work very well to power the HRI-100.

---

Initial Setup Questions

	The "HRI-100" box on the WIRES Main Screen lights up. What is wrong?
There is some sort of connection or other problem in communication to the HRI-100. Is the HRI-100 turned on? If not, check its power source. Check to be sure that the Serial Cable is securely connected, and that the COM Port number is set up correctly. If you modify a setting, be sure to click on "WRITE" to send the new setting to the HRI-100, and restart the WIRES software.

	On the WIRES Main screen, the HRI-100 "Error" indicator lights up in red.
This generally indicates that some parameter in the setup area is not configured correctly, or that the HRI-100 did not receive the configuration data. Click on the "HRI-100 Information" tab on the left side of the Setup screen, then verify the settings. Make the necessary change(s), then be sure to click on "WRITE" to send the corrected information to the HRI-100, and restart the WIRES software.

	The "LOCAL" indicator continuously lights up, regardless of the status of incoming signals on the radio or repeater.
This indicates that there is a problem in recognizing the Squelch Status in the radio or repeater. Try going to the "General Setting" tab in the File-Property area, and change the "BUSY" setting from LOW to HIGH, or vice-versa. Then be sure to click on "WRITE" to send the corrected information to the HRI-100, and restart the WIRES software.

	My transceiver (repeater) is continuously transmitting.
This indicates a setup problem. Go to the File-Property area, and look for the "PTT" item in the "General Setting" folder. If it is set to HIGH, try setting it to LOW, or vice-versa. Then be sure to click on "WRITE" to send the corrected information to the HRI-100, and restart the WIRES software.

	I am unable to register my Server I.D. Number.
If you are getting "SERVER OR ID NOT FOUND" or a similar error message, be sure that you have the correct I.D. Number digits, and after entering them, be sure to click on "ID ENTRY" (if you do not, the registry will not go through). Also, if you are using a firewall in a router, you may have to modify some of the settings in order to allow data to pass to the WIRES Server.

	I am unable to register my Server I.D. Number.
If you are getting "SERVER OR ID NOT FOUND" or a similar error message, be sure that you have the correct I.D. Number digits, and after entering them, be sure to click on "ID ENTRY" (if you do not, the registry will not go through). Also, if you are using a firewall in a router, you may have to modify some of the settings in order to allow data to pass to the WIRES Server.

	The contents of the "Property" folder that I sent are not being properly received by the HRI-100.
Be sure to click on "SAVE" or "WRITE" (depending on the folder) before exiting.

	Where do I find a list of registered Nodes?
The Node list is found on this Home Page; just click on the "WIRES-II I.D. LIST" tab, then select the geographical area of interest.

	Although I registered for operation both on SRG and FRG, the Nodes do not appear on the left side of the WIRES Main Screen.
Be sure that your Node I.D. numbers are recorded correctly on the SRG/FRG Setup page, and by all means be sure to click on the "SAVE" button to save the data.

	Is it possible to operate via a router on my network?
Yes! You'll need to set the router up for NAT or to masquerade a static IP. The port and protocols for TCP/IP and UDP or 40000-5000 (or "all release") will need to be done. Check your router's instruction manual for details.

	I still cannot get my router to work.
On the WAN side, set it up for a Global IP.

	Can I use WIRES-II via a cable TV line?
Yes, if a Global IP address can be granted from the provider, it will work fine.

	Is a fixed IP needed?
No.

---

Operational Questions

	During an incoming transmission, it quickly breaks off. What's going on?
Try increasing the value of the "TX-OFF DELAY" parameter in the General Setting folder. The initial value is 500 ms. Also, be sure that the sampling rate of the sound card is 8 kHz (consult your sound card manual).

The incoming voice signal is breaking up, or just plain inaudible.

If you are using a router, there is probably a problem with the IP masquerade, the virtual server, fire wall, or similar. You need to set the TCP/IP port to 40000-50000. If you're not using a router, there may be a collision with your personal firewall in your virus protection software. Try turning the firewall off temporarily to verify this possibility. Another possibility is that the plug in the cable set may not work with your sound card connector; try using a mono-to-stereo converter if the previous suggestions don't work.

	I am able to call from my node to another node, but he is unable to initiate a QSO in the opposite direction.
This is almost always a firewall problem, discussed previously.

	When calling, there is no response from the other party, and I get the message "MCU Call Canceled" on the WIRES Main Screen.
This indicates that the other Node, for whatever reason, is not logged on (either the Dial-Up link is not established, or the Node computer is down, etc.).

	When calling, I get no answer, and I get the "Socket Connection Canceled. . .Code = 0" message.
This indicates that the Node you are calling is "busy," and WIRES will not attempt to over-ride a conversation.

	When calling, I get no answer, and the Main Screen of the WIRES software indicates "No answer from call PC."
There is a possibility that the other Node is experiencing communication difficulties through a firewall, as described previously.

The incoming voice level from the other Node is very low.

Try varying the setting of the INTERNET PC AF LEVEL to a higher value. There actually is a fairly limited range within which the level is optimal. If you are having difficulty setting levels, send an e-mail to WIRES@vertexstandard.com, and they'll send you a simple software program that helps you adjust levels in seconds. Also, try varying the ON AIR PC AF LEVEL, as it may be involved, as well, for situations where the incoming level is too high or too low.

I am hearing a QSO on my repeater that doesn't seem to involve anybody in my local area (both stations are across the continent). How is this possible?

It is likely that your repeater Node was paged in a "Group Call" mode (in SRG, using the [A] DTMF key, and in FRG, using the [B], [C], or [D] key). When this happens, all Nodes on the Group Call list will be linked. This can be very convenient if all the Nodes enjoy surprise links to the world, but generally one should only do a Group Call in an emergency. If you have made a Group Call accidentally, both stations should exchange Node numbers, then drop the link (using the [#][9][9][9][9][9] or [#][9][9][9][9][D] command) and carry on their QSO after re-establishing a direct link.

In the middle of a QSO, the link cuts out.

This probably is due to the setting of the Time-Out Timer in WIRES-II. By default, we have set this to 5 minutes, but it may be changed in the setup menu in the File-Property area, under General Setting. The time period may be extended freely. But remember that both sides of the link need to increase their setting, because if one Node is set to time out at ten minutes, and the other Node at five minutes, the link will drop at five minutes! Remember, though, that you are typing up your local repeater, so don't forget the basics of common courtesy, and keep your transmissions short!