Wires-x operates in a similar fashion to EchoLink or IRPL. You can connect to different rooms and chat around the world.
One main difference is you must use a HRI-200 interface and with wires-x and a fusion radio you can access voice memos, text messages and photos.
It does require a computer and internet for connecting.
The antenna I chose is a arrow style JPole and only about 15 feet off the ground.
I setup my node on 445.5625.
The radio is a FTM-100DR.
I am using the Yaesu HRI-200 interface.
When the FTM-100DR is connected to the HRI-200 it becomes a dedicated link and cannot be used for anything else.
I use an HT to access to the node.
I am running Team Viewer to remote control the computer when I am away.
The computer has to run the wires-x software and once installed it will always run. If you close it, it will restart. You may be able to kill it but I suspect this for a clean power up after a power failure.
I use a Dell Dimensions 3000 mini computer dedicated to the purpose of keeping the node alive. It is running on windows 8.1
Computer Dell Inspiron 3000 mini:
http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-3050-micro-desktop/pd?oc=fdcwsak101w10&l=en&s=dhs&ST=pla&dgc=ST&cid=298726&lid=5704714&acd=123098073120560&ven1=FDCWSAK101W10:51916301508:901pdb6671:c&ven2=:&ven3=575203407952419381
Radio FTM100DR:
http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=72326
Interface HRI-200:
http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=71938
HT for around the house f1xd:
http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=72593