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crawler#976
09-07-2007, 03:33 PM
My personal policy is as follows:

I usually key up and say: "KE7IXX would like to access the IRPL node in appoximately 60 seconds. Is there any outstanding traffic on this repeater?"

I listen for the full minute, and if it's clear, say:

"This is KE7IXX controlling IRPL Node (XXXX) in (XXXXXXXX)" and while still transmitting type in the node number and then release the key.

After the node connects, pause and listen for traffic on the node freq. When clear, make your call.

Remember to pause before speaking - key up wait for one or two seconds before speaking to allow the connections to be made.

Also, wait for any squelch tails to drop before keying up after the last transmission.

When you've completed your call always thank the node owner for the useage before closing, even if you are part of the club that owns the node. While still transmitting type in 73, and release the key.

More info - excerts from:

http://www.narri.org/IRLP.html


IRLP OPERATING GUIDELINES

Listen to others use the IRLP to get the hang of it. Here is a few DO's and DON'Ts:

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

DO hold your microphone PTT for one or more seconds before talking to allow all systems time to connect.

DO NOT try to make or break connections unless you are an authorized control operator.Those who control must identify themselves as controlling before sending DTMF command tones and return the node to the connection state you found it in, i.e., idle or connected to a node or reflector. Always ask if someone is using the connection before you change it.

DO NOT rag chew locally on a reflector or on a node connection. When the IRLP system is busy keep QSOs to 5 minutes or less.

DO pause for at least three to five seconds before talking after the node connects to a reflector to make sure you will not talk over a QSO in progress.
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Node-to-Node Connections

Direct one node-to-another node or one node-to-many via a connection to a Reflector. Direct connect Node-to-Node 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 “A” or “B” will be told by a wave file recording that: "The node you are calling is currently connected to call sign or node number".

2) Node-to-Reflector Connections

The IRLP system has a hand full of servers called "reflectors" that allow for many nodes to connect together for nets, special activities or HF style QSOs. When a node is connected to a reflector it hears all the audio streams that are sent between the nodes that are connected to the reflector. Nodes will come and go freely to the reflectors, however, some node owners will leave their nodes connected to a reflector as a gateway for the local area.
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WESTERN REFLECTOR OPERATIONS POLICIES

These operating procedures are provided help assure your enjoyment of the Western Reflector. Please pause for three seconds before talking upon connecting to any Western Reflector channel to allow the audio streams to reach your node, and to make sure a QSO is not in progress, before you start talking. Pause between transmissions to allow others into QSOs and key up for a long second so others will have chance to hear all other. Quick keying is not the sign of a good reflector user.
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CURRENT USES OF THE W7AOR WESTERN REFLECTOR 925X CHANNELS 0 - 9

You are welcome on any of the Western Reflector channels. However, public service activities, or emergency traffic have priority over casual traffic on any channel. If a controlled net is in progress follow the direction of the net control station.

Channels 0 -9

Channel 0 (Main Channel) - 9250 Calling and QSOs

Channel 1 - 9251 Linking and QSOs

Channel 2 - 9252 Special Feeds - Listen Only

In the past NASA Audio Feed was active during Shuttle Missions and Space Station activities.


Channel 3 - 9253 Open QSO QSO and linking channel. California Activities and Emergency Services

Channel 4 - 9254 Hawaii–Pacific Rim Linking, Special Activities and Emergency Services.

Various nets and interconnections relating to the Hawaii-Pacific Rim are found on this channel. Guam conducts a wide area net on a weekly basis.

Channel 5 - 9255 Special Activities and QSO's.

High Altitude Arizona Balloon Launches Hear cross band repeaters activity via 9255. See Contact Jack W7JLC at Node 3182 or by e-mail jscra@cableone.net for more information. The webpages are: http://www.ansr.org and http://www.kd7lmo.net and the yahoo groups is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ballooning.

Channel 6 - 9256 Calling and QSO

Channel 7 - 9257 Calling and Nets.
This channel is used by American Red Cross, the Disaster Communicators Forum (DCF), and RACES organization residing outside Nevada (Nevada uses 9258 and *NV-GATE*.) The DCF and ARC uses 9257 and Echo link Conference Server *DCF-ARC* 336037 to link communicators together before, during, and after disasters. This is to augment local communications with communicators outside the effected areas.

In the past various individuals and Amateur Radio organizations have come forth to provide emergency response communications where it was needed. Those affected by a disaster deeply appreciate the dedication and effectiveness of ham radio operators. Recent disasters have reaffirmed the need for ham radio operators to augment governmental operations.

See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DISASTER_COMMUNICATORS_FORUM/ This forum is for those who recognize the need to share information. including lessons learned, discuss preparedness planning and disaster relief coordination. It is intended that all organizations involved in preparedness and response, including, but not limited to ARC, ARES, RACES, FEMA, Sky warn, Salvation Army, ERC, and Homeland Security will participate in the Disaster Communicators Forum (DCF) for the betterment of the whole.

See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VoIP_American_Red_Cross_Communicators_Net/ for net information and group communications.

Channel 8 - 9258 Calls and Nets

Ref 9258 (Channel 8) is linked to Echo link Conference Server NV-GATE (152566) and thus allows IRLP nodes on Channel 8 to talk to Echo link nodes on NV-GATE. The NV Section ARRL ARES-Skywarn uses this channel for nets.

Nevada ARES/Skywarn Net Every Wednesday at 7 PM Pacific Time. This net is for all parties interested in Skywarn activities. Other ARES business may follow Skywarn. All check-ins provide a weather report for practice and are able to check equipment.

Nevada State ARES/RACES Net Every Thrusday at 7 PM Pacific time. For the leasdership and all intersted parties.


Channel 9 - 9259 Reserved for ERC-ECS Nets. Not open for QSOs.
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adventureduo
09-07-2007, 03:43 PM
Great information, can we make this a STICKY?

pismo62
09-09-2007, 12:26 AM
Great info. I was able to connect to the west. ref. today. I look forward to meeting the group.

pismo62
09-09-2007, 07:58 PM
A question for anyone who knows about reflector use.

If you conect to lets say 9250 and then decide you want to connect to 9251. Do you have to disconnect from the node and start again, or is there a way to re-key in the next channel?

Thanks in advance

bc_fjc
09-10-2007, 04:46 AM
A question for anyone who knows about reflector use.

If you conect to lets say 9250 and then decide you want to connect to 9251. Do you have to disconnect from the node and start again, or is there a way to re-key in the next channel?

Thanks in advance

I have tryed to switch but it didn't work... So I think the answer is to disconnect and reconnect to the other node, Plus you will then be following the guidelines on how to use a node/reflector...

crawler#976
09-10-2007, 01:24 PM
Yes, you must terminate the link. Think of it as opening a web link - because that's essentially what you are doing.

Ursidae69
09-12-2007, 07:33 PM
I am still planning on making the connection to the western reflectror via a repater on Sandia Crest in Abq and I have a newb question. If I get this to work and I get connected, I'm no longer broadcasting off the local repeater right, at least out where the local hams can hear?

If I am having a QSO about fridges or whatever from Sandia Crest through the reflector, is it being repated locally? If not, then once I'm in a node and no longer repeating out locally, then can the repeater still work for local traffic?

I'm having a hard time wording the questions because I'm confused about some of the details.

Thanks.

crawler#976
09-12-2007, 08:11 PM
Chuck, anyone that can hear your local repeater will be able to hear and participate in the conversation you link to via IRLP. The repeater works exactly as it did before, but is linked to another location via the internet.

That's why it's important to follow the procedure above:


First I listen for any traffic. Then, I make a call announcing that I'd like to access the IRPL node, and if there is any outstanding traffic.


This lets folks know you're going to be using the repeater for a period of time.

I usually key up and say: "KE7IXX would like to access the IRPL node in appoximately 60 seconds. Is there any outstanding traffic on this repeater?" I listen for the full minute, and if it's clear, proceed from there.

Even tho I'm a club member of the nodes/repeaters I use ($20.00 a year for three local groups is no big deal, right??? They have to pay for the equipment and internet access somehow... YARC just bought a Kenwood 2M 60W repeater for a little more than $1100.00 for our use - that's a lot of $20.00 dues.) I don't want to be an airwave hog, and being courteous is key to being able to use the equipment...

Mark

Ursidae69
09-12-2007, 08:22 PM
Thanks Mark,

I've always been the kid who didn't raise his hand in class. So, having my chat beamed halfway across NM is a mental hurdle for me. :oops: I do plan to try it out though at some point. From my house it is ~60 miles to the repater, I will probably have to wait for a trip to Abq to test this out.

Thanks.

Chuck...



Chuck, anyone that can hear your local repeater will be able to hear and participate in the conversation you link to via IRLP. The repeater works exactly as it did before, but is linked to another location via the internet.

That's why it's important to follow the procedure above:



This lets folks know you're going to be using the repeater for a period of time.

I usually key up and say: "KE7IXX would like to access the IRPL node in appoximately 60 seconds. Is there any outstanding traffic on this repeater?" I listen for the full minute, and if it's clear, proceed from there.

Even tho I'm a club member of the nodes/repeaters I use ($20.00 a year for three local groups is no big deal, right??? They have to pay for the equipment and internet access somehow... YARC just bought a Kenwood 2M 60W repeater for a little more than $1100.00 for our use - that's a lot of $20.00 dues.) I don't want to be an airwave hog, and being courteous is key to being able to use the equipment...

Mark

pismo62
09-12-2007, 09:44 PM
Mark this is great advice. I didn't relize I took over the repeater when I linked up.

1leglance
09-13-2007, 03:20 AM
guy yes you have switched the repeater but if another ham comes along and hears silence they can key "73" then connect to some other node...
so it isn't as if you have total control and of course as always everything you say can be heard and responded to locally as usual.
The nice thing is that if there are a number of expo members in your area only 1 of them has to connect the node, the rest can just use it

Cabrito
09-15-2007, 04:59 PM
One of my local repeaters does Node 3057 - will this be connecting to the 9250 reflector? I can't seem to find a local SF Bay Area repeater that says it connects to the 9250 node. I think i might not be totally grasping the concept..

I want to try to connect to the 9pm net tonight from the W6PX Concord, ca repeater.

dbregman
09-15-2007, 06:00 PM
One of my local repeaters does Node 3057 - will this be connecting to the 9250 reflector? I can't seem to find a local SF Bay Area repeater that says it connects to the 9250 node. I think i might not be totally grasping the concept..

I want to try to connect to the 9pm net tonight from the W6PX Concord, ca repeater.

3057 is the node I use to connect some times - it seems to be busy though as it is connected to a wide are repeter network (WINS).

here is a lost of local nodes you can use:
8730 K6KYA CA 444.8500 114.80 2.85
3115 KB9EWP CA 147.5700 114.8 8.39
3219 K6JSI CA 441.6500 100.0 11.36
8410 WB6TC CA 147.2100 100.00 13.54
3206 K6MFG CA 442.5250 88.5 19.23
7540 W6CBS CA 441.6125 100.0 20.49
8240 KR6WP CA 440.0750 114.80 21.58
3780 WR6HM CA 444.9000 91.50 22.45
3173 K6IB CA 434.3000 85.4 24.35

All of them can connect to 9250 - the western reflector. For status info for each node or more detail check out www.irlp.net go to node info and do a node search by zip code.

Hope this helps. I am still learning the in's and outs of IRLP. Let me know if you need any more info.

Cabrito
09-15-2007, 06:19 PM
Thanks dbregman!
Thats exactly what I needed.

bc_fjc
09-16-2007, 12:31 AM
Thanks Mark,

I've always been the kid who didn't raise his hand in class. So, having my chat beamed halfway across NM is a mental hurdle for me. :oops: I do plan to try it out though at some point. From my house it is ~60 miles to the repater, I will probably have to wait for a trip to Abq to test this out.

Thanks.

Chuck...

If you are using 100W VHF you should be able to make contact if you are in a higher area... I have connected several times from about that distance when on the trail.

Ursidae69
09-16-2007, 11:36 PM
If you are using 100W VHF you should be able to make contact if you are in a higher area... I have connected several times from about that distance when on the trail.

Indeed you are right. I was at a higher elevation last Wednesday night and tried and hit the repeater without trouble.

Cabrito
09-24-2007, 10:20 PM
So when you are connected to the node will any person using the repeater be going thru the IRLP connection? Also after I enter the node# once I can just transmit normally until finished and then disconnect?

crawler#976
09-24-2007, 10:33 PM
That's correct - everyone who's on the repeater is connected to the node. You are the "controlling operator", and are responsible for disconecting the node.

MossMan
10-10-2007, 06:52 PM
My personal policy is as follows:

I usually key up and say: "KE7IXX would like to access the IRPL node in appoximately 60 seconds. Is there any outstanding traffic on this repeater?"

I listen for the full minute, and if it's clear, say:

"This is KE7IXX controlling IRPL Node (XXXX) in (XXXXXXXX)" and while still transmitting type in the node number and then release the key.

i'm guessing the blue would be the physical location?


After the node connects, pause and listen for traffic on the node freq. When clear, make your call.


So once I'm controlling the node on my local repeater, how do I connect to 9251? or "make the call"?

Cabrito
10-10-2007, 07:17 PM
So once I'm controlling the node on my local repeater, how do I connect to 9251? or "make the call"?

I was confused about this until I tried it. You will punch in 9251 while you are keying the mic and you will connect directly to the reflector thru your local IRLP repeater-

And yes the blue was your location.

MossMan
10-10-2007, 07:27 PM
I was confused about this until I tried it. You will punch in 9251 while you are keying the mic and you will connect directly to the reflector thru your local IRLP repeater-

And yes the blue was your location.

Ok. So I tune into my local repeater frequency; check for traffic and state my intentions; key up and punch in the node #; then once I'm controlling that node - key in the 9251 #, and that's it.

I'm going to make some test runs when I can. Thanks for the help.

Cabrito
10-10-2007, 07:37 PM
Ok. So I tune into my local repeater frequency; check for traffic and state my intentions; key up and punch in the node #; then once I'm controlling that node - key in the 9251 #, and that's it.

I'm going to make some test runs when I can. Thanks for the help.


No that is not it. That is what I thought at first but it's not how it worked for me.
I tune to the local repeater - check for traffic and state my intentions - then Key up punch in 9251 and then that repeater is patched to the reflector -

The local node# for a repeater is what you punch in if you are trying to get to it from another repeater thru IRLP. Or so I understand -

BogusBlake
10-11-2007, 04:16 AM
No that is not it. That is what I thought at first but it's not how it worked for me.
I tune to the local repeater - check for traffic and state my intentions - then Key up punch in 9251 and then that repeater is patched to the reflector -

The local node# for a repeater is what you punch in if you are trying to get to it from another repeater thru IRLP. Or so I understand -


yep.

You don't dial your local node number- only the number of the node you're connecting to.

crawler#976
10-11-2007, 01:25 PM
i'm guessing the blue would be the physical location?

Correct, the blue would be the location of the node you are controlling. IE: "This is KE7IXX controlling IRPL Node 9251 on the Western Reflector."


So once I'm controlling the node on my local repeater, how do I connect to 9251? or "make the call"?

By typing in the node number on the mike keypad while transmitting.

Mark

MossMan
10-11-2007, 02:57 PM
Do I need to do anything about tones? I'm assuming I need to hit the "internet" button on the radio before typing the code? Sorry for the newb questions. I am reading the manual before I try it.

crawler#976
10-11-2007, 03:27 PM
Mossman, what kind of radio are you using? I might be able to help you with the programming steps if it's one I'm familiar with.

You don't need the internet button - that's only there if you are setting up your own node at home.

The only tone you need is for your local repeater. Your local node, #4873, on the frequency 145.43 requires a tone of 107.20 to operate properly. When you set up your radio to transmit on that repeater you need to set the ENC menu to 107.20 so that the transmitter will pass your call thru.

Mark

MossMan
10-11-2007, 05:15 PM
I'm using and ft-2800. I've got the repeater dialed in with the correct tone so it sounds like I should be in good shape.

crawler#976
10-11-2007, 05:27 PM
Great! You're ready for the net meeting! Give it a test prior - you might not hear anything on 9251, so try 9250 instead.

MossMan
10-11-2007, 06:27 PM
I just gave it a test run and it tells me something like, "you're not allowed make calls" or "that node is not receiving calls." :( I can't remember which. I sent an email to the owner of the repeater yesterday to make sure it's ok to try and access the node but haven't heard back yet. Do you normally need an access code or something?

Cabrito
10-11-2007, 06:32 PM
I just gave it a test run and it tells me something like, "you're not allowed make calls" or "that node is not receiving calls." :( I can't remember which. I sent an email to the owner of the repeater yesterday to make sure it's ok to try and access the node but haven't heard back yet. Do you normally need an access code or something?


were you punching in the repeaters local node or the 9251 node?

MossMan
10-11-2007, 06:46 PM
I was punching in 9251. I just found this on the repeater/node website:

Because Of Echolink And Wires On This Node Reflectors Are Blocked

:(

crawler#976
10-11-2007, 07:31 PM
hmmm

The only other node is #8550 in Buckhannon, WV. I don't know anything about the topography in WV - is that within range for you? Looka to be a long way by road, but line of site could be different...

MossMan
10-11-2007, 07:52 PM
Yep, it's a long way, even as the crow flies. Plus WV is very rugged. Not sharp and pointy like the Rockies but steep and hilly nonetheless. There's nothing flat and straight road exists only stretchs of a mile or less, unless you're in the far west part of the state towars the Ohio River. Buchanon is just about dead center of the most mountainous part of that state. I should be able to hit it from our place in Canaan Valley but I'm not up there very often. Oh well.

crawler#976
12-05-2007, 12:53 PM
bump!!!

crawler#976
02-06-2008, 12:07 AM
bump for sticky if possible!

Ursidae69
02-06-2008, 04:01 AM
bump for sticky if possible!

Done. This thread has tons of great info. :26_7_2:

BajaTaco
02-19-2008, 11:24 PM
(Raises hand)

If I want to attend an ExPo net meeting and I am using a 2M VHF radio, where can I find info that will tell me if there are any repeaters in my area that can connect to the Western Reflector node used for the net?

I imagine there are lists of repeaters that might say what can be used. But I am looking for my local area (Arizona) and I can't seem to find info to tell me how to make the connection.

Thanks

[edit: the last time I connected from here, I used 147.56, but I think Mark said that is no longer usable (?) ]

crawler#976
02-20-2008, 12:44 AM
Hey Chris!

I use the "find by zipcode" when searching for info on specific locations.

http://status.irlp.net/IRLPuszip.php

Unfortunately, our local node has changed to 70cm (#3182, W7JLC, 442.3500PL Tone 100.0 ). I'd be glad to come into town for any meetings you'd like to join in!

Mark

BajaTaco
02-20-2008, 05:55 PM
Thank you for the info Mark. I plan to get a dual-bander one of these days (hopefully sooner rather than later).

Hltoppr
07-22-2008, 03:57 PM
Okay...newbie question of the day.

I can hit two IRLP repeaters (FYI Mark...I can hit Prescott's on high power! Grand Canyon, on Bill Wms. Mtn. is the other.).

Once controlling the IRLP node, is there another process to connect to the Western Reflector?

-H-
(Getting there...slowly...hoping to not step on any toes...:elkgrin: )

Paul R
07-22-2008, 04:21 PM
Okay...newbie question of the day.

I can hit two IRLP repeaters (FYI Mark...I can hit Prescott's on high power! Grand Canyon, on Bill Wms. Mtn. is the other.).

Once controlling the IRLP node, is there another process to connect to the Western Reflector?

-H-
(Getting there...slowly...hoping to not step on any toes...:elkgrin: )

After controlling the node (I am assuming there is a code you typed to do this) then you type in the node you want to connect to, 9251 for the node the ExPo net is usually on (you do this by pressing the PTT and keying the numbers at the same time then release the PTT) . It should say that it is connected once you do that.

It will be great to hear you on the future nets, I really enjoyed the one when you talked about all the Wilderness EMT info.

Cabrito
07-22-2008, 04:34 PM
Okay...newbie question of the day.

I can hit two IRLP repeaters (FYI Mark...I can hit Prescott's on high power! Grand Canyon, on Bill Wms. Mtn. is the other.).

Once controlling the IRLP node, is there another process to connect to the Western Reflector?

-H-
(Getting there...slowly...hoping to not step on any toes...:elkgrin: )

Hope this helps -
All you do is key up and punch in 9251 to connect to the Western Reflector and you are in! The system will reply with a message saying that you are connected to the western reflector node 925 (specifically you will be connected to 9251 because that is what you entered) That is all you do. When you disconnect you just Key up and punch in 73 - the system will disconnect.
You have to be on a IRLP capable repeater.
You can just try connecting and disconnecting as a test.

-mg

-mg

Hltoppr
07-22-2008, 05:04 PM
I chatted with a nice guy on the Grand Canyon IRLP repeater last night. I'll try to connect to the WR today....Thanks!!!

Can't wait to join in the fun! :box:

-H-

crawler#976
07-22-2008, 06:55 PM
Hey Andrew!

The Prescott Node #3182 doesn't require a control code to use it, so all you need to do is follow the procedure in the first post:

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=106011&postcount=1

and you are connected to the node!

If I'm acting as net control, the node will already be on, so you should be able to join in without doing anything.

The Grand Canyon node doesn't allow connections to a reflector, so your only option is to get a good signal to the Prescott repeater. I'd bet your line of site from Mt. Elden or up the Snow Bowl road. I get real good reception from all four of the ARA (http://www.w7ara.org/Web/) repeaters on Elden from almost anywhere in the Prescott area.

On a side note, the 147.410 repeater on Elden is now connected to Mt Ord, Pinal Mt., and Greens Peak east of Show Low to form the Rim Link that covers from Casa Grande to Prescott, to the Navajo Res, and into western Tuscon. That's a huge chunk of AZ!

Mark

Hltoppr
07-22-2008, 08:01 PM
Hey Mark! Thanks for the info!

I've been on the 2100 net on 147.140 the past few nights...covers almost all of Arizona!

I tried to give you a shout on the Prescott repeater last night....but don't think I had control of the node...I'll try again this evening.

-H- :sombrero:

burquedoka
09-13-2010, 12:16 AM
Holla folks, I live here in Albuquerque and have yet to connect to our local IRLP repeater (still pretty new ham). Your net on the western reflector sounds like a great excuse to try it out. When do you all gather? -James