New TMS/SMS-services

Jens, do1jg, implemented some new BrandMeister services. Now it is possible to request your own or another stations APRS position (with complete postal address!) via TMS/SMS. Also weather reports for the own or another location can be requestet, and the METAR airport weather can be retreived with the ICAO airport designator.

All services are triggered with command to 262993. The radio must be configured for TMS/SMS usage, and the dashboard must be set at https://brandmeister.network/?page=selfcare for the correct radio type. When the repeater info command RPT to 262994 already works, nothing needs to be done.

A small overview is available with sending the the command HELP. All commands are not case sensitive. The doumentation in our B;262-wiki is not yet translated, only in German: http://wiki.bm262.de/doku.php?id=servicenummer.

Jens really did a fabulous job with these features. They are not only gimmicks but hae a real use case. IT is quite impressive what happens when someone knocks on the BM door, “hey, I have an idea”. Interfaces are supplied, configurations and functionalities in the network are adjustes or even extendet (when needed), and this way our small team builds new features in amazingly short time. My first reaction two weeks ago with the first demo was, “How awesome is this – WTF?!”. Then a small user base tested and gave feedback, had lots of ideas and suggestions. Jens took this all into account quite straight, and with every test the features became better.

We expect that the project is not yet finished. The concept is open and flexible enough to improve and extend the functionality quite a bit.

Have fun with this!

Ralph, dk5ras, for the German BM262.de-Team.

From Cory Sickles, our General Manager, at Yaesu USA –

When discussing technical information, details can easily be blurred, especially when painting with the proverbial “broad brush”. In addition – after countless interviews over the years – I know personally just how easy it is to have a well-meaning reporter unintentionally twist your words into something you didn’t actually say. With that in mind, some misinformation spread over the weekend, concerning the DR-2X repeater, plus WIRES-X. While my responsibilities do not extend beyond North America, I hope to correct the confusion.

WIRES-X can work with the DR-2X and has been tested with a remote node configuration. Therefore, it is inaccurate to say that it won’t work with the DR-2X. Test results have not been released regarding WIRES-X in a direct connection configuration, so I will not comment on that possibility at this time. When I have additional FACTS regarding this, I will share that information, as well.

So to recap:

1. The DR-2x will work in the stand alone node fashion meaning over the air.
2. Direct connection of the HRI-200 to the DR-2x test results have not been released.

Thank you to everyone for your patience in regards to the answers for this issue.