Yaesu System Fusion Frequently Asked Questions
What is System Fusion?
System Fusion is a digital communications methodology for voice and data communications, including pictures. It utilizes a customized – yet open – standard that utilizes C4FM FDMA – an advanced form of audio frequency shift keying (AFSK).
Is it like D-STAR?
It is like D-STAR - in that it is a digital methodology designed by hams, for hams. Other common digital methodologies used by hams, such as DMR, NXDN and P25, are borrowed from commercial Land Mobile Radio products. None of these are directly compatible with any of the others. While there are some proprietary elements to each, they all have published specifications, so that third-party developers can produce hardware and software for each.
D-STAR uses GMSK encoding, different than the C4FM FDMA designs of all but DMR – which uses TDMA. The networking aspects of System Fusion remains to be unveiled, but it is possible that the linking and networking of an increasing number of repeaters will be implemented in a manner similar to the reflectors that support D-STAR.
Also like D-STAR, the sound of digital voice is similar, although most users feel the clarity and fidelity of System Fusion is an improvement over D-STAR.
The list of comparisons could go on in some lengthy detail, far beyond the scope of this page. Your personal research is encouraged.
Yaesu’s DR-1 System Fusion repeater isn’t even on the market yet. How did the Wildrose Group get one?
Our DR-1 repeater represents an opportunity that has been cultivated over the past 5 months. Yaesu is conducting beta testing field trials of the repeater and encouraging progressive clubs like ours to be a part of the process. The testing is open-ended and will continue as we submit feedback and product review information. The long-term goal is to either keep this unit or acquire a new one, when the opportunity presents.
Do you have any pictures or descriptions of what’s inside the repeater?
As a part of this opportunity, Yeasu is very interested in getting information directly from the contact person at each testing site. It is not interested in having rumor or conjecture floating about, nor does it want to have pre-production pictures made public, when the final configurations are subject to change. Thus, a part of this test is that the contact person must agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Adhering to this is simply respectful of the opportunity we have. At some future time, such additional information and images will be made public.
In the meantime, there is a substantial amount of information available on the product line and detailed specifications about System Fusion – posted on Yaesu’s web site.
What radios are System Fusion capable and where can I find them?
Yeasu produces two transceivers, which have been on the market for some time. The FTM-400DR is a dual-band mobile that features a color screen. It can display a variety of information regarding frequencies, GPS information, location of other digital stations, plus pictures and more. The FT-1DR is a dual-band portable that has many of the same features, without the color screen.
Both units can accept the optional camera microphone and be used to transmit pictures. Also, both support “good old” analog FM communications as well as digital.
These products are available from amateur radio retailers, such as Radioworld in Toronto. Currently, there are special pricing promotions in effect.
Can I use any 2M FM amplifier if I want more power from the FT-1DR?
If you purchase the portable and want to start using it as a mobile, you’ll be happy to know that any Class C (FM/CW) amplifier with an input in the 5W (or less) range will work just fine. Many of us have at least one of these at home, so that may make the FT-1DR even more attractive, for the budget-conscious ham. For any mobile use, please configure things so that your eyes can stay on the road.
When someone is using the digital mode on the repeater, I hear sounds like a high-speed modem. Is there some way to silence that sound?
All recent transceivers have a “tone squelch” or “CTCSS tone decode” option that can be enabled. When the repeater is used for FM, a tone of 131.8 Hz is transmitted – the same as the one required to access it. Setting this function on your radio(s) will silence the audio until it receives a signal containing that tone.
I don’t want to interfere, but if I can’t hear the digital transmissions, how will I know when the repeater is being used?
In addition to listening for the frequency to be clear before transmitting, look at your activity indicator. It may be a light, meter display or both. If you haven’t seen or heard anything for a few minutes, it’s a safe bet that the repeater isn’t in use.
Is there a commonly used simplex frequency for digital use, when I don’t want to use the repeater or it’s being used already?
I have noticed other groups using 147.525 MHz. Will monitor and check with the Alberta frequency co-ordinator and see if this is an OK frequency to use for C4FM FDMA simplex activity.
Are there other System Fusion repeaters in the area or is this the only one?
As of this writing the Wildrose Amateur Radio is the only group to have a System Fusion Repeater in Alberta.
I understand that my callsign is sent as a part of every transmission. Does that mean I don’t need to verbally ID?
As with D-STAR and all other digital voice methodologies we use in amateur radio, your call is sent with each transmission. The receiving radios will display this (and other) information, so you don’t “need” to verbally ID in order to comply with regulations. However – as a courtesy to others – it is good idea to ID as you normally would. This keeps you in practice for non-digital voice modes and keeps others from having to look at their radio displays – especially when driving.
Some of these new terms and abbreviations are making my brain hurt, plus I have other questions. Where can I get the answers?
Along with the web sites mentioned and other resources that are searchable on the Infobahn, you are also welcome to ask them here via email. Contact Dale VE6CPK or Mike VE6AMC
Additions to this list will be made as time progresses.
Please enjoy the Wildrose Amateur Radio newest digital repeater VE6RPT and give System Fusion a try!
What is System Fusion?
System Fusion is a digital communications methodology for voice and data communications, including pictures. It utilizes a customized – yet open – standard that utilizes C4FM FDMA – an advanced form of audio frequency shift keying (AFSK).
Is it like D-STAR?
It is like D-STAR - in that it is a digital methodology designed by hams, for hams. Other common digital methodologies used by hams, such as DMR, NXDN and P25, are borrowed from commercial Land Mobile Radio products. None of these are directly compatible with any of the others. While there are some proprietary elements to each, they all have published specifications, so that third-party developers can produce hardware and software for each.
D-STAR uses GMSK encoding, different than the C4FM FDMA designs of all but DMR – which uses TDMA. The networking aspects of System Fusion remains to be unveiled, but it is possible that the linking and networking of an increasing number of repeaters will be implemented in a manner similar to the reflectors that support D-STAR.
Also like D-STAR, the sound of digital voice is similar, although most users feel the clarity and fidelity of System Fusion is an improvement over D-STAR.
The list of comparisons could go on in some lengthy detail, far beyond the scope of this page. Your personal research is encouraged.
Yaesu’s DR-1 System Fusion repeater isn’t even on the market yet. How did the Wildrose Group get one?
Our DR-1 repeater represents an opportunity that has been cultivated over the past 5 months. Yaesu is conducting beta testing field trials of the repeater and encouraging progressive clubs like ours to be a part of the process. The testing is open-ended and will continue as we submit feedback and product review information. The long-term goal is to either keep this unit or acquire a new one, when the opportunity presents.
Do you have any pictures or descriptions of what’s inside the repeater?
As a part of this opportunity, Yeasu is very interested in getting information directly from the contact person at each testing site. It is not interested in having rumor or conjecture floating about, nor does it want to have pre-production pictures made public, when the final configurations are subject to change. Thus, a part of this test is that the contact person must agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Adhering to this is simply respectful of the opportunity we have. At some future time, such additional information and images will be made public.
In the meantime, there is a substantial amount of information available on the product line and detailed specifications about System Fusion – posted on Yaesu’s web site.
What radios are System Fusion capable and where can I find them?
Yeasu produces two transceivers, which have been on the market for some time. The FTM-400DR is a dual-band mobile that features a color screen. It can display a variety of information regarding frequencies, GPS information, location of other digital stations, plus pictures and more. The FT-1DR is a dual-band portable that has many of the same features, without the color screen.
Both units can accept the optional camera microphone and be used to transmit pictures. Also, both support “good old” analog FM communications as well as digital.
These products are available from amateur radio retailers, such as Radioworld in Toronto. Currently, there are special pricing promotions in effect.
Can I use any 2M FM amplifier if I want more power from the FT-1DR?
If you purchase the portable and want to start using it as a mobile, you’ll be happy to know that any Class C (FM/CW) amplifier with an input in the 5W (or less) range will work just fine. Many of us have at least one of these at home, so that may make the FT-1DR even more attractive, for the budget-conscious ham. For any mobile use, please configure things so that your eyes can stay on the road.
When someone is using the digital mode on the repeater, I hear sounds like a high-speed modem. Is there some way to silence that sound?
All recent transceivers have a “tone squelch” or “CTCSS tone decode” option that can be enabled. When the repeater is used for FM, a tone of 131.8 Hz is transmitted – the same as the one required to access it. Setting this function on your radio(s) will silence the audio until it receives a signal containing that tone.
I don’t want to interfere, but if I can’t hear the digital transmissions, how will I know when the repeater is being used?
In addition to listening for the frequency to be clear before transmitting, look at your activity indicator. It may be a light, meter display or both. If you haven’t seen or heard anything for a few minutes, it’s a safe bet that the repeater isn’t in use.
Is there a commonly used simplex frequency for digital use, when I don’t want to use the repeater or it’s being used already?
I have noticed other groups using 147.525 MHz. Will monitor and check with the Alberta frequency co-ordinator and see if this is an OK frequency to use for C4FM FDMA simplex activity.
Are there other System Fusion repeaters in the area or is this the only one?
As of this writing the Wildrose Amateur Radio is the only group to have a System Fusion Repeater in Alberta.
I understand that my callsign is sent as a part of every transmission. Does that mean I don’t need to verbally ID?
As with D-STAR and all other digital voice methodologies we use in amateur radio, your call is sent with each transmission. The receiving radios will display this (and other) information, so you don’t “need” to verbally ID in order to comply with regulations. However – as a courtesy to others – it is good idea to ID as you normally would. This keeps you in practice for non-digital voice modes and keeps others from having to look at their radio displays – especially when driving.
Some of these new terms and abbreviations are making my brain hurt, plus I have other questions. Where can I get the answers?
Along with the web sites mentioned and other resources that are searchable on the Infobahn, you are also welcome to ask them here via email. Contact Dale VE6CPK or Mike VE6AMC
Additions to this list will be made as time progresses.
Please enjoy the Wildrose Amateur Radio newest digital repeater VE6RPT and give System Fusion a try!