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Currently, we are carrying out an experiment using some new scripts that Jon, G7PFT has written.

This experiment involves having an IRLP reflector channel as the default mode for GB3FH. This doesn't restrict operation in any way though.

Through the cleverness of Jon's mods to the IRLP code, if you wish to connect to another node, just dial the number as you would normally. The node then silently disconnects from the reflector and connects to the node you dialled. Then when you "73" out of your direct connection, you are seamlessly and silently reconnected to the reflector.

Should you want to have a separate QSO, not on the reflector, just "73" out of the reflector as you would in the usual way and then, after 10 minutes of inactivity, the reflector is re-connected. Sweet!

Now GB3FI has been added to the system. You can select GB3FI for Internet linking by dialling 71 with your DTMF pad. You will hear a confirmation message and you're away! Read below for further instructions.....

As soon as you clear any internet connection, the link is reset back to GB3FH on 50Mhz.

In response to requests from some users, I have done my best to describe below how to use the Internet linking on FH.

Here are some links to information about node numbers to try:

Echolink Node info page

IRLP NODE INFO PAGE

Firstly, you need to make sure your DTMF is working and the repeater can help you out here.

Enter any DTMF sequence prefixed by HASH HASH (or # #) and the controller will read-back what you entered - or what it decoded anyway!
NOTE - Maximum 4 digits at a time in the readback mode.

The system now in use on FH is EchoIRLP. This means that when the system is idle and not connected, incoming connections can come from Echolink OR IRLP.

NOTE - Incoming connections are blocked if the repeater is in use locally. Incoming connections can only proceed once there has been no local activity for 30s.

You can also make outgoing connections to either network. Once a connection is established on one, the node looks busy to the other.

For example if an IRLP connection is made to GB3US on IRLP and someone tries to connect on Echolink, they will get connected, hear a message saying "The node you are calling is busy" and then get disconnected.

FOR IRLP CONNECTIONS:

If its an IRLP node or reflector you want to connect to, just type the number. You will hear the controller re-send your DTMF to the computer and then instantly drop carrier. The internet link will respond if it understood your command.

E.G. To connect to GB3PZ in Manchester ( a real friendly bunch ) type "5 4 5 0"

IRLP has reflectors, like Echolink conferences and their numbers all start with a 9xxx code. To connect to a reflector just punch in the reflector number E.G. To connect to the Western Reflector, key "9 2 5 0"

HINT - each reflector has 10 channels 0 to 9. Any number of stations could be on each channel. Some reflectors carry specific languages i.e. Spanish or French traffic so if you ant to brush up on the local lingo for your next holiday in the sun, try those out!

To find out what nodes are available, where they are and their node number, go to http://www.irlp.net/status.html

FOR ECHOLINK CONNECTIONS:

To connect to another station via Echolink you have to know the node number of the station you wish to call. Then type a hash "#" then the node number of the Echolink station you want to connect to.

E.G. to connect to Colin, GW3WSU's Echolink link, type "hash 1 3 3 2"

Similarly for the ENGLAND conference server, just punch in "hash 7 8 8 9"

To find out what Echolink stations are out there and their node number, go to http://www.echolink.org/logins.asp

DISCONNECTING

To disconnect any connection you have made, either IRLP or Echo, just type 7 3. E.G. " 7 3"

I hope this is the information you need. If you would like more detail or perhaps an on-air demo, please let me know as I would be only too happy to oblige.

All the best

Matt