Participating in the SBE IRLP HAMnet
SBE has another way for Amateur Radio Operators who are members to communicate utilizing the Internet Repeater Linking Project or “IRLP” and a local Amateur Radio repeater. And we have just added a new feature for the net either for hams or SBE members who may not be amateur operators. We are now STREAMING the net online for those who can’t get on the radio thanks to WAØTKO in Denver, at http://denver-sbe-net.ham-radio-op.net. This is a great opportunity to listen in if you are not a HAM but an interested SBE member.
This Amateur Radio net, called, “The SBE IRLP HAMnet,” is a great way for broadcast engineers and other amateurs (any and all are welcome) to contact one another, share technical information, discuss broadcasting techniques and get the latest information on SBE programs and activities. IRLP HAMnet joins the long-running “HF” SBE HAMnet, as official functions of the Society of Broadcast Engineers.
The IRLP is a method of connecting different repeaters across the country and the world via the Internet. An amateur operator, using a repeater connected to the internet via an IRLP link uses a 4 digit node number to connect to another repeater across the US or in another country. Amateurs regularly use the IRLP to talk to other hams around the world via their VHF or UHF radios thru a local repeater.
Jack Roland, CBRE, who developed the idea of using the IRLP as a way to get SBE members together, said, “We came up with the idea for this net because the SBE HF shortwave “Chapter of the Air” is not always accessible by “HAMS” who cannot erect HF antennas and because of the HF band’s susceptibility to HF radio propagation characteristics.”
The SBE IRLP HAMnet is based in Denver using the WA2YZT UHF/VHF repeater system, IRLP node #3286, on the first and third Saturdays of each month at 11:00 am, U.S. Mountain Time, 1:00 pm Eastern Time.
Here’s how you can participate. The SBE IRLP HAMnet control station begins the net by bringing up the Great Lakes Repeater Group Reflector IRLP Link on the local Denver WA2YZT repeaters, (for local Denver HAMS, the repeater is on 146.805 or 447.175, -600 kHz offset, 186.2pl tone). Then, you identify the local IRLP repeater in your area and, unless it is a closed club repeater, simply tone in, node number 9615. This will connect you to the Great Lakes Repeater Group Reflector and the SBE IRLP HAMnet. A Reflector IRLP link can handle many different nodes connecting together for one big group connection. For more information about the net and how to participate, go to www.qsl.net/ke0vh/SBEhamnet.html or, you can contact Jack Roland, KEØVH, net control at ke0vh@qsl.net.