Last Updated October 7, 2001
Additional IRLP Info
	How It All Got Started by VE7LTD
	IRLP Technical Overview by VE7LTD
	Some IRLP Node Owner Stories
	The I.R.L.P. FAQ Page
	Official www.IRLP.net  Web Site
	IRLP Myths Debunked by Pete VK2YX
	Node Status in Real-Time
	LISTEN TO IRLP LIVE
	N4NEQ Node User Info
	BSRG Home Page

Thanks to Dave Cameron VE7LTD, Amateur Radio is receiving a new breath of life through his Internet Radio Linking Project.   Many repeaters around the world that were next to empty are now alive and well with radio amateurs now speaking with other hams around the world.

As with any new technology, it does take some time to adopt to operating procedures that differ from conventional FM repeater use.  This work in progress can serve as a guideline for those wishing to use their local IRLP enabled repeater node.

PLEASE NOTE:
The following guidelines may differ from those provided by your local node operator.  These notes are only a guideline and at no time should take precedence over the wishes of your local node sponsor.  Feedback on suggested changes or additions to this document is requested via info (at) bsrg.org

COMMON MODES
There are two connection modes for an IRLP connection.  Direct one-to-one or, one-to-many via a Reflector.

Direct connect is just like it sounds where node "A" connects direct with node "B".  In this mode the two nodes (repeaters) are interconnected and no other IRLP connections are possible.  While "A" and "B" are connected, anyone attempting to connect with either node will be told by a  recording that - "The node you are calling is currently connected to callsign"

 The most common IRLP connection in use today is via the Denver reflector (Ref 2).  A reflector is a Linux Computer that is not connected to any radio but rather sits on lots of bandwidth capable of allowing the multiple linking of repeaters by streaming audio back to all nodes that are connected.  At any given time there are usually 6 to 10 repeaters around the world interconnected via the reflector.   You can always check who is connected to the reflector by visiting http://status.irlp.net and looking for nodes connected to REF 2.

REFLECTOR USE
With reflector use the first thing we must all remember is to leave a gap between transmissions.  So this is probably a good time to list the three main rules when connected to a reflector:

1. Pause

2. Pause

3. Pause

Similar to the three rules when home hunting: location, location and location. 

Due to the slight increase in delays created by multiple Tone Squelch radios in the links between the repeater and IRLP link radio a slight change in our normal operating procedures is required with IRLP. 

By leaving a pause between transmissions it ..... 

• allows users on other nodes a chance to check in.

• allows other nodes time to send touch-tone commands to drop their node.

Leaving a pause after pressing the microphone button and between transmissions is the most important guideline to remember.  

MAKING A DIRECT CONNECTION
First of all listen on your local machine before transmitting and then ask if the repeater is currently in use.  Assuming all is clear, identify your self and give the node you are calling.  Example:  "VE3xyz for the Sydney node" - - then enter the ON code for the node and release your PTT.  Your local repeater should come up with a carrier as it waits for the connection to be established.  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.

After hearing the confirming voice ID wait at least 15 seconds before transmitting as.......

• The repeater may be in use, and your entry may have occurred between transmissions.

• The voice ID of your node is longer than the voice ID of their node, and the connection is not made until the ID is fully played.

• Their computer may be slower, and hence take longer to process the connection than yours.

Press and hold the microphone PTT for a second and then announce your presence and your intention.  Are you calling someone specifically or just looking for a QSO with another ham in that city.

If no response is heard, announce your call and your intent to drop the link and then touch tone in the OFF code.  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 many countries who may be connected to the reflector.

Some nodes are configured so you cannot connect with them if the repeater is active.  In this case you will receive the message "The node you are calling is being used locally"  If you receive this message wait 5 or 10 minutes and then try again.

Should you stay connected to a node and there is no activity for 5 minutes, the connection will time out and automatically disconnect providing voice IDs to both nodes that the other node is disconnecting.

CONNECTING TO THE REFLECTOR
As above listen to your local machine and then announce your intention for the Reflector before keying the Reflector 2 Link ON command.  When you hear the confirmation ID always WAIT at least 15 seconds before transmitting as you are most likely now connected with many repeaters and a QSO could be in progress.  If after 15 seconds you hear nothing, identify yourself and indicate you are listening to the Reflector  from "City and, Prov./State, Country". With the world wide IRLP activity your local repeater now has world wide coverage thus the suggestion to better detail your QTH.

Don't be in a hurry to hear someone come back to you.  You may have to do a bid of pleading from time-to-time to un-lodge someone from whatever they are currently doing. 

Connections to the Reflectors DO NOT time out with no activity so it is not unusual for repeaters with minimal traffic to stay connected to the Reflector for extended periods of time. 

If you are new to IRLP you should always consult with your local node sponsor to confirm the local guidelines on reflector connections in your area.

If you hear or wish to engage in a prolonged rag-chew (long discussion of a local nature) on your local repeater you may, out of courtesy to other node listeners, wish to drop the reflector.

ERROR MESSAGES
From time-to-time you may receive error messages when attempting to connect with a node or reflector.  The most common ones are:

"The node you are calling is not responding, please try again later"
 This is caused by a loss of internet connectivity to one end of the call attempt.

"BEEP Error- The call attempt has timed out, the connection has been lost"
This error occurs when a node is OFF-LINE.  Some nodes such as in the UK use dial-up connections and then, only for short periods.  Also there may be temporary net or node problems.

"The Connection Has Been Lost"
If the internet connection drops, this error message will be heard.  I found this out when I accidentally kicked out my network cable while working around the node computer.

DO'S and DON'TS
In summary then a few do's and don'ts

• DO pause between transmissions to let other 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 NOT rag-chew on your local repeater while connected to the reflector.
• DO pause for 10 seconds or when entering the reflector before talking.

SUNDAY NETS
Every other Sunday an IRLP net is held inviting check-ins from around the world which is an excellent chance to hear IRLP at its best.  To participate in the net there must be a local net controller for your node otherwise you will only be able to monitor. 

A few guidelines which will be enforced by the Central Net Controller will be

• Do not connect your local node to the net during net times unless someone is acting as a local net controller.

• Do not make calls directly to other stations during the net.

• Above all NO local conversations during the net while connected to the reflector.

• Do not attempt a call unless your local net controller has you as a pre check-in.

• Disconnect our node if any local interference is present.

• Keep your check-in short and to the point. Remember that several hundred others may be waiting for a chance to check-in as well.

Check the Official IRLP Net web page at for details on schedules

OTHER TIPS