The IRLP connectivity via the 443 Repeater is now in place in Phase 1 of integration as of May 4th, 2002. The IRLP connectivity is being provided by an RF Link to the N2CKH/R hub in Lakewood. At present this is a dedicated link to the 443 repeater system only, however, in the near future this will change to an Open Linking Hub connection that other repeater ssystems in Ocean and Monmouth counties will be able to link into as well.
At present, during Phase 1 integration of IRLP, only a Control Operator will be able to enable and disable the 443 repeater for IRLP mode operation, however, any user will be able to make and break connections to other nodes and reflectors using the IRLP control codes.
The IRLP connection is currenlty configured with a 20 minute activity timeout. So after a full 20 minutes of NO activity over the IRLP connection the system will automatically disconnect. In the future this will be increased to 30 minutes. For IRLP Special Events and for future Emergency Management use or IRLP this timeout can easily be overridden by a Control Operator as required.
When a Control Operator places the system controller into IRLP mode the repeater during Phase 1 integration will seem rather like operating on simplex rather than a repeater at present. There will be NO hang time, courtesy tone, voice messages etc., thus the normal personality of the repeater will not be present. This is necessitated by the lack of controller features in the current controller and the requirements of not sending this type of content out over an IRLP reflector.
Also note, if the 443 repeater is NOT in IRLP mode, a connection from another node calling into 443 can still be made and all the bells and whistles will go out to the connecting node until such time a control operater places the system into IRLP mode. So basically, at times, we will be in an IRLP Node to Node connection and the personality of the 443 repeater will still be in effect.
As stated above, when the 443 repeater controller is in IRLP mode during Phase 1 integration the operating characteristics of the repeater will be very different from normal operation, there will be no Voice ID or Brag messages and there will be no hang time on the repeater and no courtesy tone on the repeater itself, although one will be programmed on the IRLP server during a connection in the near future.
So basically, if the repeater is NOT in IRLP mode, request a Control Operator to place the machine in IRLP mode, if no control opertor is availabe or if they are not in a position to keep an ear on the activity then you will not be able to have an IRLP session unless a remote IRLP node connects to our node, number 728.
The pictorial of the N2CKH/R hub below is a screen capture from an MS-Power Point presentation created for use at local area radio clubs and schools. It shows what is planned for the hub at Lakewood as well as how other repeater systems (including 443) can link into the hub where "Any Band-Linked Repeater's" is labeled.
When the open RF linking is in place, through the 443 repeater a user will be able to communicate with other repeaters in Central NJ on other bands that are also linked into the hub or to any IRLP node or IRLP Reflector or a combintion thereof.
To 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 enabled by another user and you join in or if someone else brings it up for you, do not be shy, just ask a user or control operator.
The 443 Repeater system will be programmed for Day and Night operation with certain pre-programmed limitations at night.
At certain times of the day/days of the week (schedule to be determined) various special activities will be programmed such as Amateur Radio News Line transmissions via the Internet and other such dissemination of the latest word in Amateur Radio.
The 443 Repeater will provide IRLP access on demand and will not be left in a continuously connected mode. However, please note that since IRLP connectivity is via an RF link, and at times the RF Link may be programmed ON, should a user of the N2CKH/R linking hub enable IRLP then the acitivity will also be on 443. As such, if no one on 443 is using the IRLP a user can simply drop the RF Link.
We ask that you always listen for a while before transmitting after a connection to the link is made as another system may already be linked in and an IRLP connection or other QSO may already be in progress.
Join in a conversation or start one yourself.
If you find that the system is connected to a node that you are not interested in, ask if anyone on the system minds if you change the IRLP connection. If no one objects then drop the connection and make your desired connection.
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 443 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.
Please remember that in the future as the N2CKH/R hub activity grows, the IRLP connection will be accessible via what ever additional RF connections (more repeaters and on more bands) 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:
For IRLP access codes and IRLP operation see the User Codes section of this web site.
When you have the codes, remember not to discuss these codes over the IRLP.
The IRLP connect and disconnect codes can only be used IF the system has been placed into IRLP mode by a Control Operator. If you wish to use IRLP and 443 is not in that mode simply make a transmission and request assistance.
To send us e-mail Click Here.
AERIALS, Inc.
U.S. Post Office Box 8
Morganville, N.J. 07751-0008