This method of communication involves equipment that makes it necessary for some delays when turning over the QSO to another operator - this operating method requires some patience, especially for those who are use to VOX operations or have a habit of "quick-keying". The best policy is to always remember two important practices... 1. Always direct the QSO to the next operator; be sure that you indicate who is to take the next turn, especially when using a reflector. 2. Leave a gap between each conversation so that control operators can break in, so that another ham can announce a presence or disconnect a simplex node, and to allow for delays in the system to occur.
New Operating Procedure To use the IRLP node on either the VHF or UHF system, simply enter the IRLP Node Number (4 digits) If the code is accepted, the system will speak "IRLP Link ON" and the Node will connect. All codes are entered using DTMF keys on your radio. There may be a PL to bring up the Repeater and/or to access the Node. These tones will be published so that they may be programmed into your radio. To disconnect from a node, enter DTMF 73. For example, to bring up reflector 9210... enter 9210 and un-key. Then wait until the announcement is heard indicating that a connection has occurred. Then, WAIT! Listen for any activity on the node and, only after you feel that no activity is present, give your call and intentions. When connected to IRLP it is useful to announce that you are using node 7700 or 3383 and where you are located... remember, the Internet is "world-wide" as well as "extra-world-wide", in the case of space travel. It is very possible that you will be heard in all parts of the world just as clearly as you are heard at the local repeater. When you finish using a node, just enter the "disconnect" command which is DTMF numbers 73. Keying in 73 disconnects you from the current node and places the repeater system back to normal operating mode. It is a good practice to announce that you are disconnecting from the node you are using (either 7700 or 3383). This lets anyone listening know that you connected through node 7700 or 3383; connected to a reflector, this enables anyone to give you a direct node to node call because you let everyone on the reflector know that you are able to listen to node 7700. Then listen to the repeater for a short while, just in case someone wants to call you direct. Reflector connected node information is available on the Internet at www.irlp.net as well. Remember to listen for the IRLP node connection and disconnect announcement to be sure your have successfully connected AND disconnected from a node. To test your signal into the repeater system and also IRLP system, just enter 9990-9 to connect to the "Echo Reflector" and after IRLP announces that you have connected, key up your radio and make a short test message and un-key. The "Echo Reflector" will echo your test message back over the IRLP system and thereby give you an idea of how well you are into the repeater. What you hear back will be what everyone hears on the IRLP system -- anywhere in the world! PLEASE DO NOT ABUSE THE USE OF THE ECHO REFLECTOR Enter 73 to disconnect from the "Echo Reflector" when you finish the test. New Features on 7700 New features have been implemented on Node 7700 and 3383. 1) Random node selection is made by entering "0000". There is no "real" node with the numbers 0000 so this code is used to tell the IRLP computer to "randomly generate a 4 digit node number and connect. This is a good way to use IRLP to "call CQ" worldwide since you never know which node will be connected. To use this new feature, simply key up on the repeater (145.330 or 444.200) and enter "0000" without the quotes. The computer will look at all the possible nodes in the world, randomly select one that is not busy and connect. Simply listen for a few seconds and if you don't hear anything, call CQ or announce your call and let everyone know that you are listening for a call from anyone at that node. 2) Random Reflector selection is made by entering "0001". There is no "real" node with the numbers 0001 so this code is used to tell the IRLP computer to "randomly generate a 4 digit Reflector number and connect. This is a good way to use IRLP to "call CQ" worldwide since you never know which Reflector will be connected. To use this new feature, simply key up on the repeater (145.330/444.200 or 444.100) and enter "0001" without the quotes. The computer will look at all the possible Reflectors and randomly select one and connect. Simply listen for a few seconds and if you don't hear anything, call CQ or announce your call and let everyone know that you are listening for a call from anyone on that Reflector. REMEMBER... Reflectors may be connected to MANY users, so be sure to listen before talking, then key-up for one second and begin talking. 3) Idle time on the repeater will cause an "auto-connect" to a random Node Reflector. When the local repeater is idle for a period of time, the controller will "auto-connect" to a Reflector. The repeater will also generate a "marker" tone every so often to let you know that it is connected to a Reflector. If you don't hear anything except the marker tone, you may announce your call and announce that you are interested in a QSO. For example, "This is W9PCi Central Point Oregon listening for any call". Reflectors may be connected to many IRLP nodes so you may be heard by a lot of "listeners" on the Reflector anywhere in the world. This is a great way to meet new Hams around the world or just to listen to others using the Reflector. If no one at this end uses the repeater, the connected Reflector will "time-out" in about 10 minutes. When this happens, the repeater will disconnect from the Reflector and stop the "marker" tone returning the repeater back to "normal" use. This "auto-connect" process is repeated periodically during the day whenever the local repeater is idle. If you hear the "marker" tone and want to use the repeater system locally or for some other reason such as select another IRLP node, listen to see if anyone locally is using the repeater. If no one is using the local repeater and you hear nothing or just a conversation from the Reflector, you may enter "73" to disconnect the local repeater from the "auto-connected" Reflector. After the disconnect, the "marker" tone will stop and you may then use the repeater locally for a call or the IRLP to connect to another IRLP node of your choosing. Remember, be courteous and "listen" for a few minutes on the repeater to be sure that no one is actually using the system. If you hear the "marker" tone AND someone talking on the repeater, it may just be a conversation on the connected Reflector. If no one on the local repeater is part of that Reflector conversation, you may enter "73" to disconnect from the Reflector and start using the repeater. If you wish to "join" the conversation on the Reflector, announce your call during the "pause" between turnovers and WAIT to be acknowledged by others using the Reflector. Don't forget to "pause" between turnovers so that others may join in or "disconnect" from the IRLP system - No "quick keying" is allowed when using IRLP. 73's and enjoy IRLP NODE 7700 and 3383 | 
