K3BAY IRLP Node 4737 145.540 MHz (Simplex) PL 107.2

What is IRLP?

IRLP operates a network of dedicated servers and "nodes" offering very stable worldwide voice communications between hundreds of towns and cities. All this with unsurpassed uptimes and the full dynamic range of telephone quality audio.

The Internet Radio Linking Project or "IRLP" provides a simple, easy and economical means of linking amateur radio stations around the world via local repeaters, usually 2M or 70cm, and using the Internet as the communication backbone.

IRLP allows Technician class licensed operators to talk around the world.

IRLP allows any licensed class operator to use their 2 meter or 70cm rig to connect to other repeaters or simplex nodes anywhere in the world.

IRLP can be connected to a single node, for a one-on-one communication, or to a reflector, which is connected to many nodes at one time.

IRLP can be accessed while traveling, simply find a node in the area you are visiting and you have a link to communicate back home.

IRLP Node require nothing more than your radio's ability to output DTMF codes.

How does it work?

Basically, IRLP uses "Voice over Internet Protocol" or VoIP, custom software and hardware to connect repeaters or "nodes" to the Internet. When you activate a "node", the repeater you're using interfaces with the Internet to other "nodes" (repeaters) around the world.

You can "dial up" a specific IRLP node or you can connect to the system at large and any repeater connected to an IRLP node will hear you and broadcast your signal. If someone wants to talk to you they will.

How do I use IRLP?

Using IRLP is pretty simple but there are several rules you must follow:

MAKING A DIRECT CONNECTION

1. Listen on your local repeater for at least 30 seconds before transmitting and then ask if the repeater or simplex freq is currently in use.

2. If the repeater is not in use, identify yourself and give the node name or number you wish to call.

Example: "K3BAY connecting to node 5390" - - then using the keypad on your microphone, enter the "ON" code for the node (the node number) and release your PTT - more on this later.

Your local repeater or simplex freq should come up with a carrier as it waits for the connection to be authenticated. This can take a few seconds of dead-air so don't be concerned.

When the connection is confirmed, the voice ID of the destination node will be transmitted back to you as well as your nodes voice ID to the other repeater.

NOTE: If your node is already connected to another node or reflector, a greeting will play saying; - "your node is currently connected to...ID of the connection") In this case confirm if anyone desires the connection to remain up before dropping by using the OFF code..

4. If no response to your call is heard, announce your call again and your intent to drop the link. Using the keypad on your microphone, enter the "OFF" code ("73").

NOTE: It's not a good idea to transmit touch-tone commands without first giving your call-sign. Not only is this courteous it is a regulatory issue in some countries who may be connected to the reflector.

5. DO'S and DON'TS

DO pause between transmissions to let other stations in or others to enter DTMF command.

DO identify before sending DTMF command tones.

DO hold your microphone PTT for about 1 second before talking to allow all systems time to rise.

DO pause for 10 seconds or when entering the reflector before talking.

DO NOT rag-chew on your local repeater while connected to the reflector.

DO NOT start or plan a Net without pre-authorization from the reflector owner

6. Caution: The information above should be considered as a simplistic introduction to the IRLP. You can find more detailed information about the IRLP including a list of available nodes, freqs, PL tones, their status, location, etc. at: http://irlp.net

Using IRLP Node 4737

To use Node 4737 (owned and operated by K3BAY) follow these directions:

a. Set your frequency to 145.540 - Simplex (no offset)

b. Set your PL tone to 107.2 - You will not be able to activate the node without a PL.

c. Bring up a specific node. Let's say you want to bring up Node 5390 - The Boulder Armateur Radio Club in Boulder, CO.

(1) Announce that you will be bringing up the node - Key your microphone, give your call sign and say "bringing up node 5390"

(2) Using your DTMF keypad on your microphone, press the PTT button and enter "5390" - You will hear a "link on" message if the connection is successful. You might also hear a message that says the node is in local use. This is similar to the busy signal on the telephone.

(3) Pause for 10 seconds

(4) Announce your presence by saying "AA3RR is listening". If you're lucky someone will respond to your call.

8. Node 4737 is located in Pasadena Md. and has coverage for about a 20 mile radius. Please feel free to use the node. .