Two IRLP nodes are currently available in the area.
IRLP node 6000, operated by Peter VK2YX, is accessible on our 2m repeater (146.950MHz -ve offset with a 91.5Hz CTCSS subtone). This node also supports Echolink, and is node 256638. This node will be linked to our 2m repeater in the coming months.
IRLP node 6459, operated by Geoff VK8LDR, is accessible on 436.000 MHz (simplex).
Rules for using the IRLP nodes
These 'Rules' have been adopted by the entire IRLP community, to ensure that you, the user, gets the most from the facilities.
If you cannot abide to these simple requirements, please do not use the system.
1. ALWAYS LISTEN on the repeater first to make sure a QSO is not in progress or the system is not linked to another IRLP Node or Reflector.
2. IDENTIFY YOURSELF before sending DTMF codes and trying to use the IRLP Node.
3. LEAVE A 2-3 SECOND PAUSE BETWEEN OVERS to allow the remote node to unkey and thus reset the timeouts on the remote repeaters, and to allow other users to call in. Even if you are talking to another local amateur, if an IRLP link is active, leave longer than normal pauses. If the node is connected to a reflector, this is especially important, since there can be upwards of 30 nodes connected at once.
4. DO NOT LINK AND UNLINK A REMOTE NODE WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING
This REALLY annoys people on the other end, and is a very good way to get yourself a BAD reputation. If you have no intention of calling anyone, DON'T ESTABLISH A LINK!
5. USE PHONETICS when giving your callsign and name over the link.
The IRLP system is an International network, and some overseas stations are not used to understanding us "Aussies". You will appreciate the need for using phonetics after a few contacts with overseas stations.
Operating the IRLP node
The Internet Radio Linking Project is very easy and intuitive to use, the system gives messages about each action. When you link, when you unlink, when the node you are calling is busy, in use, or offline etc. Please make sure you listen carefully to the voice prompts so you know what is happening.
To use the system you need a radio with DTMF capabilities, and you need to have a good signal into the repeater. Once you have met these requirements you are nearly set to go. Your next step is to listen to the repeater for a while get into the swing of how the system works.
To find the Node number of a particular IRLP node, check the IRLP status page. Every node is listed here, with its node number.
If you are wanting to call an Echolink node, the node numbers can be found on the Echolink status page. To call an Echolink node, you must prefix the Echolink node number with a star (*)
ALWAYS before speaking or transmitting please LISTEN to ensure the system is not in use. If nobody appears to be using the repeater, check the current link status by sending DTMF #0. This will announce whether the node is currently connected to another station, Idle, or Offline.
If the node is linked, and nobody is using it, you can bring it down by sending DTMF 73
Announce your callsign followed by the DTMF digits for the node you are calling. This will bring up an IRLP link. Once the link has been established, call as you normally would over the repeater. It's not HF, so there is no need to put out a long winded CQ call !
DTMF 73 is used to bring down the link once you have finished your QSO. After bringing down the link, please announce your callsign.
Special "Custom" codes
In addition to the standard IRLP codes, Node 6000 also has the following extra codes. These codes are subject to change at any time without notice. Please remember to announce your callsign either before or after sending any DTMF codes.
DTMF ## - to check the time (local time)
DTMF #0 - to check IRLP link status
DTMF #1 - to check latest weather for Alice Springs
DTMF #2 - to check latest weather for Yulara
DTMF #3 - to check latest weather for Curtin Springs
DTMF #4 - to check latest weather for Yuendumu
DTMF #5 - to check latest weather for Rabbit Flat
DTMF #9 - to check latest weather for Penrith, NSW
For the Tech-Heads...
The IRLP node PC is a Pentium 233 with 128Mb RAM, providing IRLP connectivity via an ADSL connection.
The Radio equipment is an ex-commercial Philips FM-828, transmitting 10W into a Diamond X-50. The node radio is equipped with a CTCSS decoder that works in conjunction with the CTCSS encoder at the repeater to allow the repeater ident and tail to be suppressed from the IRLP link.
Thanks
Installing and maintaining an IRLP node takes a bit of work that is not immediately apparent to you, the end user. A number of people have made significant contributions to the Alice Springs Amateur Radio Club IRLP node.