Yaesu DR-2X Repeater with IMRS Option (Lan Card)
The Yaesu DR-2X is a VHF, UHF, or Uni-directional Crossband repeater that operates with a frequency range of 144 – 148 MHz and 430 – 450 Mhz. It is capable of 50/20/5 watts of power and is programmable from the front of the repeater. The repeater can operate in C4FM/FDMA using what is known as the protocol of Yaesu System Fusion. (Yaesu System Fusion is an open protocol as a CAI.)
The repeater offers the option to utilize an add-on option known as MRSL (Multi-Site Repeater Linking). The board and technology are referred to as IMRS (Internet-link Multiple Repeater System). This board utilizes linking DR-2X repeaters together, in Digital Voice (DN or VW mode), only requiring an IP connection to the repeaters.
IMRS Technology/Operation –
The technology utilizes a combination of DG-ID’s to have the DR-2X route the digital voice audio either: locally, via a one-way connection to certain repeaters, or via a two-way connection to certain repeaters. The DG-ID’s are set-up via the front of the DR-2X in the menu system while the IMRS board requires programming with a micro-USB cable and the (free) configuration software for the IMRS board.
When the repeater receives a digital signal it will check the DG-ID to see if it matches either the LOCAL, RPT GROUP, or GROUP entries in the DR-2X DG-ID menu system. If it does match a correct DG-ID in one of the three categories it will pass the signal out to the IMRS board. Once the IMRS board has the signal passed to it the corresponding IP address will have the digital voice signal passed to it.
The DR-2X is the only repeater capable of usage of IMRS and can only be used in a DR-2X if an HRI-200 is NOT connected to the same repeater. If a WiRES-X feed or connection is done via RF then IMRS can still be used in the DR-2X.
Understanding the Different Categories for DG-ID –
The DR-2X can be programmed with a DG-ID in one of three categories:
LOCAL – This DG-ID will allow a digital voice signal to be received and repeated through RF
only and will not be utilized by the IMRS board. The usage is intended for local users of digital voice that do not wish to have connection to other repeaters. Please note that only one DG-ID can be selected for a LOCAL DG-ID.
RPT GROUP – This will allow a DR-2X to allow the DG-ID(s) in this field to initiate a one-way connection from the repeater being accessed to the repeater with the DG-ID that is being used. The usage is intended for one way connections and not two-way or for using your DR-2X as a remote receiver, in digital, for another DR-2X. Please note that a single or multiple DG-ID’s can be programmed into this field. However, these DG-ID’s must correspond to the DG-ID’s programmed into other DR-2X’s.
GROUP – This will allow a DR-2X to send digital voice traffic to other DR-2X’s or receive digital voice traffic from other DR-2X’s. The usage is a traditional sense for repeater linking in that it can be established in either direction. Please note that a single DG-ID can be programmed via each GROUP and not multiple. The DG-ID must be the same in each DR-2X for a connection to be made to or received by the DR-2X’s. However, they do NOT need to be the same GROUP #. In other words, if one DR-2X uses GROUP 1 with DG-ID 10 any other DR-2X can program DG-ID 10 into it but it does not need to be GROUP 1.
Usage of DG-IDs within a System –
DG-ID planning should take place when a system is being used with multiple repeaters or connecting to a system. DG-ID’s and how they are used will dictate on how repeaters may be connected to each other. Duplication of the DG-IDs between repeaters can only be done for the LOCAL DG-ID as usage in RPT GROUP or GROUP will result in either one-way or two-way connections between repeaters.
Not all repeaters must use the same DG-ID and can be set-up for all, a group, or select few repeaters for connectivity. Example: Repeater A, B, and C will be connected via IMRS with the following set-ups:
Repeater A: LOCAL – 01; RPT GROUP – 02, 03; GROUP – 11, 31, 99
Repeater B: LOCAL – 02; RPT GROUP – 01, 03; GROUP – 11, 21, 99
Repeater C: LOCAL – 03; RPT GROUP – 01, 02; GROUP – 21, 31, 99
Repeater A can do the following: talk LOCAL with 01, one-way connect to Repeater B with 02, one-way connect to Repeater C with 03, two-way connect with Repeater B only with 11, two-way connect with Repeater C only with 31, and connect to both Repeater B and C (at the same time) with 99.
Repeater B can do the following: talk LOCAL with 02, one way connects to Repeater A with 01, one way connects to Repeater C with 03, two-way connect with Repeater A only with 11, two-way connect with Repeater C only with 21, and connect to both Repeater B and C (at the same time) with 99.
Repeater C can do the following: talk LOCAL with 03, one way connects to Repeater A with 01, one way connects to Repeater B with 02, two-way connect with Repeater A only with 31, two-way connect with Repeater B only with 21, and connect to both Repeater A and B (at the same time) with 99.
DG-ID access when used with IMRS Connecting –
When a DG-ID is used to access the repeater that DG-ID will force the repeater to operate in the manner that it is programmed. Example: LOCAL is LOCAL, RPT GROUP is one-way, etc. That same DG-ID that is received is the same one that will be transmitted by the repeater. Therefore, if DG-ID 10 is received by the repeater the repeater will also transmit DG-ID 10.
While the IMRS TOT is active ANY OTHER DG-ID that is programmed into the DR-2X will be able to be used but the repeater will still only transmit the DG-ID that was used to key-up the repeater. Example: DG-ID’s 01, 10, 20, 30, 55, and 99 are programmed into the repeater regardless of LOCAL, RPT GROUP, or GROUP. IMRS TOT is set to 30 seconds in the repeater. If DG-ID 55 keys up the repeater it will transmit DG-ID 55. The DG-IDs of 01, 10, 20, 30, and 99 will still access the repeater but all of those will act like DG-ID 55 is being used.
Settings up a DR-2X (with IMRS) for a YCS Connection –
When connecting a DR-2X with IMRS (utilizing the LAN Card) a few settings must be made for proper and effective operation:
1.) DG-ID Selection – This will be based upon the list of active DG-IDs on the YCS server. Based upon what is programmed into the DR-2X under the GROUP will determine what will come across the DR-2X.
2.) IMRS TOT – This should be set to 0 if multiple DG-IDs are used (due to the DG-ID operation).
3.) Other DR-2X Connections – While this is possible with a connection to the YCS server shared DG-IDs and routing will be impacted. If you have a DG-ID of 70 linking DR-2X repeater A to B and A connects to the YCS server DG-ID 70 will go out to the YCS and repeater B. However, when repeater B uses DG-ID 70 it will not go out to the YCS if the IP address is not in repeater B.