[Waverley ARS] IRLP instructions

[Brad Crowe]

IRLP takes a little time and some practice to 
master, so I put together some directions on how 
to use it, hope this is of use.  Will someone 
please let me know if there is any errors or how 
to make these instructions clearer.

73 Brad VK2CEC

=+=+=+=+=

Below is a step by step guide for making an 
Internet Relay Linking Protocol (IRLP) contact 
using the WARS VK2BV 70cm Paddington 
repeater.  This repeater is on 438.575 MHz (-5MHz 
offset).  A 123 Hz CTCSS tone is required to open.
a)      Obtain the four digit node number of the 
IRLP Node/repeater that you wish to access.

         Hints:          (i)  Search this 
link   http://www.irlp.net/  to find a list of 
all the nodes, their locations, frequencies 
etc.  (although you only need to know the node number)
         (ii)  It will pay to be conscious of the 
local time at the node that you wish to 
access.  It is unlikely someone answer your call if it is 3am their local time.
b)      Ensure your transceiver is setup to operate the above repeater.

c)      You will need to have a microphone (or 
hand held transceiver keypad) that is DTMF 
capable and enabled.  An alternative is to hold 
some other DTMF device close to the microphone - 
some people have successfully used a mobile 
phones keypad to produce the required four DTMF tones.

d)      Assuming that you have decided to try 
working Node number 8200 (one of the IRLP nodes 
in Tokyo, Japan) you should do the following steps:

·       listen to ensure the Paddington 70cm repeater is not in use.
·       press the PTT transmit button
·       wait for 1 to 2 seconds then press the 
four digit node number (eg  8200 for Tokyo)
·       release the PTT and listen for the 
message from the IRLP system.  You may get an 
error message or a message indicating a successful connection.
·       listen for about 10 seconds to ensure 
that the repeater of the node you have just 
opened is not in use.  Then announce yourself by 
clearly stating your call-sign, city and country 
(if it is an overseas node).  Speak clearly as 
people on the other end may not be familiar with your accent.
·       when you have finished using the node, 
announce your call sign again saying that you are closing the node.
·       press the PTT wait 1 to 2 seconds and 
then press 73, then release the PTT.  You will 
hear a message that the node is closing.
·       enter details in your station logbook

SUMMARY
1.      “This is <callsign> accessing IRPL”, then send DTMF
2.      Wait for link up message then listen, 
listen, listen then announce yourself.
       3.   It's a good idea to announce your 
location as in “<callsign> Sydney, Australia”
       4.        When finished “this is 
<callsign> closing IRLP link”, send DTMF digits 73.

DO'S and DON'TS
In summary there are a few do's and don'ts:

DO pause between transmissions to let others in or to enter DTMF command.
DO identify before sending DTMF command tones.
DO hold your microphone PTT for about 1-2 seconds 
before talking to allow all systems time to rise.
DO pause and listen for 10 seconds or more when connecting before talking.
DO NOT ragchew on your local repeater while connected to a reflector.
DO NOT start or plan a Net on a reflector without 
pre-authorization from the reflector owner

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://us.cactii.net/pipermail/members/attachments/20070202/2bfbb6a9/attachment.htm