Echolink & IRLP [FR]Extract from Wikipedia
EchoLink is a computer based Amateur Radio system that allows radio amateurs to communicate with one another using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology on the Internet for at least part of the path between them. It was designed by Jonathan Taylor, a radio amateur with callsign K1RFD.
The system allows reliable worldwide connections to be made between radio amateurs, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio's communications capabilities. In essence it is the same as other VoIP applications (such as Skype), but with the unique addition of the ability to link to an amateur radio station's transceiver.
The Internet Radio Linking Project, also called IRLP, is a project that links amateur radio stations around the world by using Voice over IP (VoIP). Each gateway consists of a dedicated computer running custom software that is connected to both a radio and the Internet. This arrangement forms what is known as an IRLP Node. Since all end users communicate using a radio as opposed to using a computer directly, IRLP has adopted the motto "Keeping the Radio in Amateur Radio".
Wikipedia Encyclopedia
Echolink #255571
VE2RMP the VHF repeater on 146.760- is connected to the Echolink System Node # 255571. Bob Washer VE2ASN runs the link from his house.
The node can be accessed from your computer using the connection VE2ASN-R, or from the repeater using DTMF tones and access code, plus the node number you wish to reach.
Bob has been a ham since 1954 and has been a very active and supportive user of the repeater. He took it upon himself to learn about Voice over IP and connected an old Marcom to a NoMic unit which then connects to a computer in his house then out onto the internet. He has spent many hours configuring and testing the audio levels in and out. Our Echolink is used a fair amount.
You can also hear Bob on 7.055 where he is Net Controller on the Trans-Provincial Net every Wednesday at 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
At left, Bob's shack in 1954 when he first became licenced with the VE2ASN call sign. He had a 300 watt transmitter on the right an 813 was in the final. The receiver was a Hammarlund HQ129X.
At right, Bob's Shack today. He has a Kenwood 440S with a MFJ antenna tuner.
A TM-2550A on the top shelf to the left and a 2 meter Marcom Radio which he uses for the Echolink. The antenna is a G5RV at 35ft. The 2m base antenna is a Ringo Ranger.
IRLP #2006
This IRLP node can be found on VA2RMP, our UHF repeater and is operated by VE2YU Cliff Sutton from his home. He purchased the IRLP Board in Dayton 2005 and installed it into an old IBM Aptivia computer which is running Linux. IRLP differs from echo link in the sense that you can only use a radio transmission to access an IRLP node. Cliff is using a Motorola Radius M120 on UHF which was donated to The Groupe Radio VE2RMP Radio Group by Bruce VE2GZI and also has configured a Motorola VHF Radius donated by Claude VE2YI. The hopes are once we complete the install at our new site that we can link the IRLP to the UHF and VHF depending on which repeater the user is on.
To access an IRLP node you need only to enter in a valid IRLP node number to connect. Cliff had to learn about Linux and to learn to adjust the audio levels in and out. The node is listed on the IRLP website under VA2RMP the UHF repeater.
At left, the two link radios in Cliff's shack. These are connected to the linux computer which is connected to the internet and the antenna is a 3 element yagi at about 40 feet facing the repeater site.
At right, Cliff sitting in his shack. He has been a licensed Amateur Radio operator since 1988. His original call was VE2SUT. Equipment is an Icom 756 ProIII, Henry 2K3 amplifier and a TA33 Tribander for HF and an Icom IC910H for VHF and UHF.