The 147.55 Simplex IRLP Node
The 147.55 IRLP Node is Helena's Link into the IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) system. The node currently operates on 147.55 simplex.
The IRLP node is located at AC7DE's QTH near the Cathedral within the Helena city limits. The node is open and all members of the Ham Radio community are welcome to use it. That said, AC7DE encourages regular users to become members of the Capital City Amateur Radio club to help give back to the Amateur Radio community in the area.
Instructions on how to operate the IRLP node can be found on the IRLP system pages at http://www.irlp.net. There are several things you will need to know which are specific to our node:
- We are node 3060. Although you don't need to know this to connect to another node, it is good to know if someone asks what node you are on so they can call you at a later time.
- We have added the ability to dial "0" to get the node status. This is a good way to make sure you can get into the node. Dial up 147.55 simplex, wait to ensure that the node isn't in use, and then key up, state your ID and press '0' on your touchtone keypad. If the node heard you, it should respond with the current node status followed by the Node's ID.
- You just need to dial '73' to disconnect. I believe this is the new standard, but for a long time it wasn't.
When operating the node, please ID before accessing the node, so that the operators who are monitoring can tell who is trying to use the node. In addition, not ID'ing is not good Amateur Radio practice and also is against FCC rules.