The pictorial of the hub below is a screen capture from an MS-Power Point presentation recently created for use at local area radio clubs and schools.
To begin with you will need an Amateur license, Technician class or higher as IRLP is not available direct via the internet. You will also need an FM two-way radio with sub audible tone encoder (PL or CTCSS) for the given amateur band that you wish to use.
Until the hub is complete, the choices of bands to access IRLP on the system will be limited. It has been on the only available via the 6 meter repeater until recently. It is now avialble on the 447.925 70cm (440) repeater instead of 6m as that provides more user's with access.
The 2nd IRLP node (7280) is available on the AERIALS 443 repeater from the Township of Ocean via an RF link with Lakewood.
As the system grows, on-site 2 meter and 1.25m repeaters will be added to list of bands IRLP will be available from as we upgrade the repeater controllers. Then additional central NJ repeaters will be linked via RF to the UHF linking hub. When the UHF linking hub comes on-line access to any repeater or IRLP node or combinations thereof will be availabe via a single access point (Amateur band).
For 6 meter (52-54Mhz) access an FM tranceiver (20 to 50 watts minimum) to access the N2CKH/R 53.430 (52.430 input) repeater. The rig will also need a CTCSS or PL tone encoder set to 131.8hz. The system always transmits the 131.8hz tone so you can used encode/decode if so desired. The system filters out the PL on recieve after detect so you can run PL all the time. However it will not always be needed, it WILL always be needed for IRLP access though.
It is highly recommended that a minimum of a quarter wave antenna tuned for 53Mhz be used. Those having HF/6m meter rigs with antenna tuners that work on 6 meters will be sorely disappointed in FM application results. The same is true for SSB/CW unless a major Sporatic-E opening is taking place. Remember that for mobile a 6m quarter wave is a 2m 5/8 wave. So your 2m 5/8 wip or baseload 5/8 antenna can do double duty on 6m with a duplexer.
To actually perform command and control of the IRLP you will need a touch tone (DTMF) microphone, a 12 digit is fine for IRLP access. A 16 digit will be needed for full system access.
If you do NOT have a DTMF microphone you can still use the IRLP if it is already enabled or if someone else brings it up for you, do not be shy, just ask.
At present there are nearly 900 IRLP nodes world wide with nearly 20 IRLP reflectors. A connection can be made node to node, like a one-on-one phone call, or multiple nodes to reflector, like a conference call.
In additional, the IRLP reflectors can now support 10 different simultaneous channels of activity. Not all reflectors are making maximum use of these capability as of yet. The Western Reflector in Las Vega, Nevada, node 9250 is however, check out: http://www.narri.org/IRLP.html
There are many dedicated nets such as the IRLP Internation net, IRLP Kids net, Skywarn net, Swap and Shop net and much more.
For a listing of all IRLP nets: click here or click here
For a list of currently connected nodes click here.
For a list of all IRLP nodes click here.
For nice display of all reflector activity click here.
The 53.430 repeater (Node 4040) at certain times of the day/days of the week (schedule to be determined) will be dedicated to continuous IRLP reflector connections, so any ham can tune in almost anytime and work DX. You are welcome to jump in and join a conversation or start one yourself. If you hear the normal Motorola "Blurp" courtesy tone only, the IRLP port has been disabled. During overnight periods or while unattended or for maintenance or service upgrades the IRLP node will be disabled. The node will not be available without a control operator bringing it up and taking it down when done, unless control is handed off to another user that has the codes. Please do not kerchunk or key up without speaking -- this causes major problems, espcially when the node is connected to one of the reflectors. Because the system has global coverage, please avoid local ragchews on 53.430 when the IRLP node is connected. Remember: Anything you do on an IRLP reflector can be heard on the participating linked repeaters around the world.
Always listen for a while before transmitting as an IRLP connection may already be in progress. On the current system a single beep after the courtesy tone denotes the IRLP port is active, this does NOT mean a connection is in progress. However a connection could be in progress with no QSO in progress. So if nothing is heard, you can attempt to make an IRLP connection, if a connection has already been made the system will tell you what node is already connected. If you find that the system is connected to a node that you are not interested in, ask if anyone on the N2CKH/R hub minds if you change the IRLP connection. If no one objects then drop the connection and make your desired connection.
When in the future the N2CKH/R hub grows, the IRLP connection will be accessible via what ever additional RF connections (possibly more bands and other repeater systems) are tied into the hub. Regardless of what port a user comes in on, they will be able to connect to the IRLP.
There are two modes of operation on IRLP, Node-to-Node Operation, like a direct phone call and Reflector Operation, like a conference call. The two graphics below provide the concept visually.
Node-to-Node Opration:
Refletor Operation:
IRLP Operation on N2CKH/R:
ALWAYS listen to the system for a few minutes before any transmissions.
If you here only the standard Motorola "Bluuurp" courtesy tone when the system is kerchunked locally and no "Beep" on the tail the IRLP port is not active. You will need to ask a control operator to enable the port. If you are hearing people talk with callsigns and accents far away from NJ and no courtesy tone then the system is already connected to the IRLP and it is likely that no one locally is in the QSO as there is currently NO courtesy tone on IRLP overs itself.
At present the IRLP operation is set up at present to sign off after a set amount no activity (key ups) on 53.430. So if the system is connected to a node or a reflector and no on transmits in 52.430 then it disconnects after that set time period. This is why I feel safe about leaving the IRLP port on all the time at present. Later I will be setting up fixed windows of automated connection at certain times of the day to a particular reflector or node.
IRLP Connections: (Node - Check the IRLP node list for all node IDs)
IRLP node Connect = xxx0 where xxx is IRLP node
IRLP node Dis-connect = 73
As an example, when the IRLP port is active (Motorola "bluuurp" courtesy tone and beep) to connect to Reflector 920 in Indiana you would:
"State CALLSIGN accessing IRLP reflector 920"
Then hit DTMF tones 9200 and unkey. The IRLP reflector 920 connect message will come up, followed by the Main channel message. You are now live on the reflector.
All the reflectors can now support 10 channels. Thus you can connect to say 920 with
9200 Main Channel
9201 Channel 1
9202 Channel 2
9203 Channel 3
9204 Channel 4
9205 Channel 5
9206 Channel 6
9207 Channel 7
9208 Channel 8
9209 Channel 9
Not all reflectors are making maximum use of these capability as of yet. The Western Reflector in Las Vega, Nevada, node 9250 is however, check out: http://www.narri.org/IRLP.html
To drop the connection to a Reflector or any node you would need to get in when no one on the reflector is currently transmitting and:
"State CALLSIGN dropping reflector or node x"
Then hit DTMF tones 73 and unkey.
The IRLP node disconnect message will come up. You are now disconnected from the noder, however the IRLP port at N2CKH/R is still active. Please do NOT hesitate to ask any questions or make any comments.
Feel free to use and enjoy the IRLP system as it is open for all licensed amateurs.
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Entire contents Copyright © 1999-2001 by Stephen B. Hajducek, N2CKH. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.