About Us

The Weston Mountain Digital Radio Association is a relatively small group of Amateur Radio enthusiasts who own, and/or support a system of VHF & UHF repeaters located in both North Eastern Oregon and South Eastern Washington. For the most part these repeaters operate primarily in Yaesu System Fusion C4FM digital voice mode and are linked together as part of the Wires-X network through the NE-OREGON room. Each repeater is owned, operated, and supported by individuals with the principle idea of their systems remaining completely open, and autonomous. This, while adhering to the rules and regulations as set forth by the FCC, general standards of good operating practices, and mutual respect for one another. The Weston Mountain Digital Radio Associations purpose is to set policy, establish guidelines, and watch over the system in general.

At the core is a strong desire to learn, and experience the technology involved in digital voice communications, while teaching others as they too enjoy the use of the system. In doing so, also having the unique opportunity to meet other Ham’s from around the world and share in the diversity of our many cultures.

There are currently six repeaters in our group located along the historic Oregon Trail. Four of the repeaters are linked via Wires-X providing a combined coverage of approximately a 140 mile area. This area encompasses portions of both North Eastern Oregon, and South Eastern Washington. The remaining two repeaters are analog FM, and although currently stand alone repeaters, they provide excellent coverage over Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern Washington.

These are open machines, and users are encouraged to explore and have fun. All we ask while you’re on our system is that you adhere to FCC rules & regulations, the normal accepted guidelines of repeater use, and above all be considerate of others on the system. As part of the normal accepted guidelines of repeater use, we ask that folks abide by what we refer to as “The Three Don’ts.” You can find these under the Policy and Guidelines tab on this web site.

As a rule, there are no local nets permitted on our system. Additionally, our system isn’t permanently linked (RF, or otherwise) to any other system(s) outside of our own group. First and foremost this is done in order to ensure that our system remains completely unaffiliated, and autonomous. Additionally this policy ensures that our system is available on a more frequent basis for users to enjoy. You will find an exceptional group of diverse and good humored individuals in the NE-OREGON room itself from not only NE Oregon, SE Washington, but also the Salem OR area and surrounding Willamette Valley, along with the Bend Redmond area of central Oregon. In addition to those we have a host of others using Hotspots to connect via YSF reflector #24415. All that said, you might just want to stick around, kick your feet up, and enjoy some great conversation with the locals.

Always keep in mind that digital voice communications is still relatively new to Ham Radio, so for most of us this is a learning experience. That said, always remember that “Patience is a virtue, and knowledge is a gift to be shared.”

In the meantime, have fun, and thanks for checking us out. We’re a small group, but a good group, with a good sense of humor and a deep appreciation for this wonderful hobby that keeps bringing us all together as friends. Hopefully we’ll get to meet on the air soon!