Internet linking of repeaters - operating an IRLP node

The Internet Radio Linking Project is very easy and intuitive to use, the system gives messages about each action - when you link, when you unlink, when the node you are calling is busy, in use, or offline, etc. Please make sure you listen carefully to the voice prompts so you know what is happening.

To use the system you need a radio with DTMF capabilities, and you need to have a good signal into the repeater. Once you have met these requirements you are nearly set to go. Your next step is to listen to the repeater for a while, get into the swing of how the system works.

To find the Node number of a particular IRLP node, check the IRLP status page. Every node is listed here, with its node number.

If you are wanting to call an EchoLink node, the node numbers can be found on the EchoLink status page. To call an EchoLink node, you must prefix the EchoLink node number with a star (*)

ALWAYS before speaking or transmitting please LISTEN to ensure the system is not in use. If nobody appears to be using the repeater, check the current link status by sending DTMF #0

This will announce whether the node is currently connected to another station, Idle, or Offline. If the node is linked, and nobody is using it, you can bring it down by sending DTMF 73

Announce your callsign followed by the DTMF digits for the node you are calling. This will bring up an IRLP link.
Once the link has been established, call as you normally would over the repeater.

It's not HF, so there is no need to put out a long winded CQ call !

DTMF 73 is used to bring down the link once you have finished your QSO.

After bringing down the link, please announce your callsign.

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia, Westlakes ARC