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 covering both North Eastern Oregon and South Eastern Washington. These repeaters operate in both Yaesu System Fusion C4FM digital voice mode, and analog mode. Our Fusion digital voice repeaters are linked together as part of the Wires-X network through the NE-OREGON room. In the case of analog, repeaters are linked together using Allstar VOIP. In both cases, our repeaters are linked into several other systems throughout the Pacific Northwest providing users with a wide area of coverage from Northeastern Oregon, to Eastern Washington, Seattle, Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Boise, and the Willamette Valley. Each repeater within the W7NEO system 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 generally watch over repeaters within the W7NEO system.

At the core is a strong desire to learn, and experience the technology involved in both digital voice, and analog VOIP 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. Two of the repeaters are linked via Wires-X providing a combined coverage of approximately a 130 mile area. This area encompasses portions of both North Eastern Oregon, and South Eastern Washington. The remaining three repeaters are analog FM, and are linked via Allstar. Combined, they provide excellent coverage over Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern Washington. The sixth repeater is a stand alone GMRS repeater with approximately 60 miles of coverage. Unlike the other Amateur Radio repeaters, our GMRS repeater is a closed system. Simply submit a request for access via MyGMRS.com and it will most likely be approved. 

For the most part, 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.

It is important to us that our repeater system remain completely unaffiliated, and autonomous from other outside organizations that may wish to commandeered our system for their own purposes. Therefore, as a rule, any requests to hold nets on our system are carefully reviewed for determination of value, legitimacy, and overall service to the community, particularly during times of need. It is also made clear that with approval to hold a net on our system is with the understanding that they are to abide by our policies. We pride ourselves on having a system that is both robust and resilient, and hence available in the event of an emergency. However, we do have strict rules with regards to the use of the system during an emergency, as outlined within our Comprehensive Emergency Operations Management Plan located in the Guidelines and Policies section of this website.

You will find an exceptional group of diverse, and good humored individuals from all over the Pacific Northwest both in the WiresX NE-OREGON room, and on the Allstar network via the NE-OREGON Hub (Node #536183). Additionally, we have a host of others using Hotspots to connect via YSF reflector #24415, and Allstar. 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!