Internet Connectivity

Wires-X Etiquette

General guideline for etiquette regarding the use of Switchable Wires-X:

Connect your radio to Wires-X on the 449.625 repeater to see what room the repeater is on.
If on DENVERSKYHUBLINK, say something to the effect “This is (callsign) is the 449.625 repeater in use?”
If not, (which will be most of the time probably) “Callsign” switching 449.625 to (Room) “America Link”, “TexasNexus”, whatever, etc.
Remember the repeater switches back to “DENVERSKYHUBLINK” after about an hour, so if using it you will have to switch back manually.
PLEASE DON’T leave the repeater locked into another room just for monitoring purposes only. Making contacts is great, listening for awhile to see who is on is fine, but making contacts is encouraged, just using for personal background monitoring is not. If not using the repeater please switch back to “DENVERSKYHUBLINK” but no worries if you don’t as it will switch back automatically anyway after 59 minutes.
HAVE FUN!

See the SkyHubLink web page for more information on the 449.625 repeater.

What is IRLP?

The IRLP is Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) using custom software and hardware. IRLP operates a worldwide network of dedicated servers and nodes offering very stable worldwide voice communications between hundreds of towns and cities.

The IRLP system consists of RF gateways (called nodes) and reflectors. Each node is either a simplex link or a link to a repeater. Each node supports only one connection at a time, but numerous reflectors are available (like EchoLink conference servers) to support roundtables and nets. IRLP node owners purchase and install a custom interface board that comes with a special edition of the Linux software package on which the IRLP software runs. Each node has a 4-digit number, and one node can be linked to another using DTMF codes, similar to EchoLink. IRLP nodes can be customized by writing Linux shell scripts.

More information can be found at www.irlp.net.

What is EchoLink?

EchoLink allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to connect to one another over the Internet. You can use EchoLink to connect your station (or your computer) over the Internet to other amateurs using the same software, and carry on a voice QSO. This greatly enhances the range and utility of mobile and portable VHF/UHF-FM stations, and also allows computer-equipped hams to access distant repeaters directly. You can access EchoLink either with a radio or a computer. If you are in range of an FM repeater or simplex station equipped with EchoLink, you can use DTMF commands from your radio to access the EchoLink network. If you are a licensed amateur with an Internet-connected PC, you can access EchoLink stations directly from your PC.

More information can be found at www.echolink.org.

What is ECHOIRLP?

EchoIRLP allows you to run both an EchoLink connection and an IRLP connection from the node. It’s a configuration that is added to a working IRLP node system. The IRLP node will not allow you to use both modes. The EchoLink side allows only two (2) people to connect. You can connect to many EchoLink nodes using the 145.340 repeater.

What is AllStarLink?

AllStarLink is a network of repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol. AllStarLink runs on a dedicated computer (including the Rasperry Pi) hosted at home, a radio site or a computer center. It is based on the open source Asterisk PBX running an application named app_rpt. App_rpt makes Asterisk a powerful system capable of controlling one or more radios. It provides linking of these radio “nodes” to other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world via VoIP.

More information can be found at www.allstarlink.org.

Having Fun with Remote Nets

Many nets are available via IRLP and Echolink. Some of them are listed in the World Radio Network Schedule, courtesy of John, W2JLD. Members of the Rocky Mountain Radio League receive the codes necessary to connect to IRLP and Echolink nets.

How to connect to IRLP

Once connected, and after hearing the confirming voice ID, wait at least 15 seconds before transmitting as the destination node may be in use and your entry may have occurred between transmissions. Press and hold your microphone PTT for a second, then announce your presence and your intention, such as you are calling someone specifically or just looking for a QSO with another ham. When your QSO is complete, announce your call and your intent to drop the link, then touch-tone in the club disconnect code. Do not transmit touch-tone commands without first giving your callsign.

Some nodes are configured so you cannot connect if that 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, then try again. If you stay connected to a node and there is no activity on your repeater for 4 minutes, the connection will time out and automatically disconnect with a voice ID disconnect message.

The node number for the 145.340 repeater IRLP node is 3350.

How to connect to EchoLink

Tune your radio to the 145.340 repeater. Listen 15 to 30 seconds before transmitting, and then ask if the repeater is currently in use. Assuming all is clear, identify yourself and give the EchoLink node name or number you wish to call (example: “W0ABC for EchoLink node 1234”) — then enter the club connect code and node number and release your PTT. Wait a few seconds for the connection to be established. When the connection is confirmed, the voice ID of the destination node will be announced to you. Once connected, and after hearing the confirming voice ID, wait at least 15 seconds before transmitting as the destination node may be in use and your entry may have occurred between transmissions. Press and hold your microphone PTT for a second, then announce your presence and your intention, such as you are calling someone specifically or just looking for a QSO with another ham. When your QSO is complete, announce your call and your intent to drop the link, then touch-tone in the club disconnect code. Do not transmit touch-tone commands without first giving your callsign.

The node number for the 145.340 repeater EchoLink node is 819116.

How to connect to AllStarLink

Tune your radio to the 145.220 repeater. Listen 15 to 30 seconds before transmitting, and then ask if the repeater is currently in use. Assuming all is clear, identify yourself and give the AllStarLink node name or number you wish to call (example: “W0ABC for AllStarLink node 1234”) — then enter the club connect code and node number and release your PTT. Wait a few seconds for the connection to be established. When the connection is confirmed, the voice ID of the destination node will be announced to you. Once connected, and after hearing the confirming voice ID, wait at least 15 seconds before transmitting as the destination node may be in use and your entry may have occurred between transmissions. Press and hold your microphone PTT for a second, then announce your presence and your intention, such as you are calling someone specifically or just looking for a QSO with another ham. When your QSO is complete, announce your call and your intent to drop the link, then touch-tone in the club disconnect code. Do not transmit touch-tone commands without first giving your callsign.

The node number for the 145.220 repeater AllStarLink node is 53313.

EchoLink for Other Platforms

You do not need a radio to use EchoLink. The network is accessible via apps available for iPhone and Android, as well as via a web browser. More information can be found at www.EchoLink.org. Click on the Download link.