If you use D-STAR, you are probably accustomed to linking your hotspot or repeater to the same old REF reflectors–most notably REF001 and REF030 (usually Module C).

But what many users don’t realize is that these classic reflectors run on DPlus, a closed-source, proprietary protocol. The network administrators and the closed "US-Trust" registration system behind them have a long history of gatekeeping. They refuse to cooperate with open-source digital voice developers (including projects like WPSD and MMDVMHost).

This closed-minded, anti-cooperative attitude fragments the amateur radio hobby, stymies development, and holds us back. Because of this lack of cooperation and the hassle of dealing with closed ecosystems, I may even drop support for DPlus (REF reflectors) entirely in WPSD in a future release.

It is time to steer your traffic away from these closed gatekeepers and move to modern, open alternatives.

The Open D-STAR Landscape: DExtra (XRF) and XLX

Instead of being locked into a closed network that requires bureaucratic registration, the open-source amateur radio community has built better, friendlier alternatives:

• DExtra (XRF): An open, lightweight, and modern D-STAR reflector protocol. It was designed from the ground up to be open and accessible, allowing anyone to host a reflector without begging a central authority for permission or registration.
• XLX (Multi-Protocol): The current gold standard of open-source digital voice reflectors. XLX reflectors are "universal translators" that simultaneously support D-STAR (via DExtra, DCS, and even DPlus protocols), DMR, and YSF (Yaesu System Fusion).

Best of all, XLX and DExtra reflectors do not require registration on the closed D-STAR Trust system. They are open, welcoming, and easy to connect to.

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Why Open Reflectors are Better for WPSD / MMDVM Users

When choosing where to direct your traffic, remember the technical and philosophical advantages that the archaic DPlus architecture simply cannot offer:

• True Cross-Mode Transcoding: On a properly equipped XLX reflector, a ham with an Icom D-STAR radio can natively talk to a ham running a Yaesu Fusion radio or a DMR HT. The reflector handles the vocoder translation in the cloud using AMBE hardware chips. (Note: Not all XLX servers support cross-mode transcoding. These AMBE vocoder chips cost actual money, and since most ham radio users donate squat, many server operators choose not to pay out of pocket to transcode D-STAR.)
• No Rigid DPlus IP-Ban Tripwires: Legacy DPlus is notorious for aggressively IP-banning hotspots if they key up with a slightly misconfigured text string, send a stray packet, or experience a minor connection hiccup. Modern open protocols (DExtra, DCS, and native XLX) are robust and won’t lock you out over minor packet discrepancies.
• Bypassing the Gatekeeper "Trust System": REF reflectors force users through a manual, archaic, and gatekept registration process with the D-STAR "Gateway Trust System." XLX and XRF reflectors bypass this nonsense entirely. Newer hams can plug in their callsigns, link up via WPSD, and start talking immediately.

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Active & Popular Open Reflector Alternatives

If you want to move away from REF001 and REF030 but still want active, high-traffic rooms to chat or listen to nets, here are the top open-source alternatives to connect to instead:

1. XLX212 (The "Kings of Digital" Constellation)

• Protocol: XLX
• Focus: North America / International
• About: One of the most popular open-source digital voice hubs in the world. Module A is persistently cross-linked into a massive "constellation" of other reflectors (including XLX313, XRF002A, XRF310A, and XRF555A). It is heavily populated, cross-mode, and constantly active with international and US traffic. It utilizes high-end hardware transcoding, making it incredibly stable for hotspot users moving between D-STAR and DMR.

2. XLX020 (Mid-Atlantic & Beyond)

• Protocol: XLX
• Focus: US East Coast / International
• About: Originally born out of the New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania regional scene, XLX020 has grown into a massive national and international hub. Modules A and C are highly active hubs that bring together D-STAR, DMR, YSF, and even PA7LIM’s Peanut app. The admins actively support advanced features like Wires-X passthrough via WPSD and terminal-mode operation.

3. XLX002 (The FreeSTAR Network - UK/Global)

• Protocol: XLX
• Focus: United Kingdom / Global
• About: Based out of the UK but pulling global traffic, FreeSTAR is the gold standard for massive English-speaking traffic outside the US cloud. It acts as a massive multi-mode reflector bridging D-STAR, YSF, and DMR seamlessly. It is extremely well-maintained by modern open-source advocates–a fantastic place for users who want to ragchew across different radio platforms without rigid legacy rules.

4. XLX013 (East Coast High Adventure Club)

• Protocol: XLX
• Focus: US East Coast / Worldwide
• About: A powerhouse reflector hosted in the US that stays continuously busy. It plays host to various digital nets, regional cross-links, and active daily chatter. XLX013 is highly accommodating to experimental software images and multi-mode hotspots.

5. XLX021 (The Pegasus Network - Europe/International)

• Protocol: XLX
• Focus: Europe / International
• About: For users looking for massive European or multi-lingual traffic, XLX021 is one of the busiest networks on the planet. Centered in Germany but bridging traffic worldwide, it handles a staggering number of concurrent connections across D-STAR, DMR+, and C4FM.

6. XRF757 (QuadNet Module A)

• Protocol: DExtra (XRF)
• Focus: Multi-Mode Worldwide
• About: Part of the famous QuadNet array. XRF757 Module A is a massive routing hub that bridges D-STAR, DMR, and YSF. It remains an excellent choice if you want to connect with a global audience across different digital voice modes.

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Vote With Your Hotspot

Every time you link your hotspot to REF001 or REF030, you are supporting a closed, gatekept network that refuses to work with open-source developers.

Vote with your hotspot. Switch your default startup reflector in WPSD to XLX212 A, XLX020 C, XLX002 C, or XLX013 C. Let’s build a truly open, cooperative, and decentralized digital ham radio network.