IRLP, Echolink, and going portable with Nano-Node! Phil Sohn, K7APS

Agenda A little bit about me What is IRLP and how do I use it? What is EchoLink and how does it compare? What about all the other VoIP ham solutions? Nano-node: what’s great and what are some limitations? Other portable VoIP solutions. Demo

About Licensed since 1993 (KE6CRR) Technician, then Tech Plus Upgraded to Extra in 2008 when my wife and sons got their license through LWHC. Mostly I like to tinker, build, and experiment. FM (UHF, VHF, 1.2 GHz), HF (mostly digital), D-Star, Fusion, Raspberry Pi Lake Washington Ham Club & Woodinville ARES Group Active with the Scouts Running JOTA events every year since 2008 At one point I taught almost 5% of the radio merit badges in the country Vice Chair of the Council’s Shooting Sports Committee philsohn@alum.mit.edu

IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) Links repeaters over the internet. All traffic must start on RF. Both full duplex and simplex repeaters. Started in 1997 to link systems across Canada Custom hardware. Software runs on Linux. Currently almost 3,000 nodes. 1,772 active. 38 countries. (2,191 in the US) Lots of info on www.irlp.net

Links, Repeaters, Reflectors Link: Simplex Repeater: The repeaters we all know, or maybe a more local one Reflectors: Many links and repeaters connected together

Using IRLP Can connect to either a repeater (xxxx) or a reflector (9xxx). Many repeaters can connect to the same reflector. Find a close repeater using your favorite repeater directory. Make a call: Listen for activity on the repeater Identify yourself and the node you wish to call DTMF: 4 digit node number (i.e. 3978 for K7LHW) Listen for about 10 seconds (the repeater might already be in use.) Be sure to wait 1-2 seconds after pushing PPT. “73” Disconnects. Repeater owners can change the default commands. (0 gets status, usually)

EchoLink Started in 2002. More than 200,000 validated users in 151 (of 196) countries. 3 Node types: -R: Full Duplex Repeater -L: Half duplex (no suffix): Software Basically the same features as IRLP with the addition of non-RF endpoints. (i.e. PC, Mac, and iPhone and Android.) Requires a valid license to get an account. Can also set up conference channels. (Great way to have topic specific reflectors.) Lots of info on www.echolink.org

Using Echolink There are two different ways Use a repeater. Basically the same as IRLP with longer node numbers. Might use # to disconnect Use a computer or smart phone Install the software Register and valid your license Call using the software

Other VoIP Solutions Analog Modes: Digital Modes: All-Star: Similar to Echolink functionality. Uses a more modern code, open HW. WIRES-II: Yeasu proprietary mode. Really only used in Japan. <100 active nodes. iLink, eQSO , CQiNET (open source) Digital Modes: D-Star: Adds callsign routing, but be careful. Fusion: Better audio than D-Star DMR: More open standard(?) Connecting them together?

Nano-Node Echolink & IRLP client and radio in a small package Almost completely plug & play. Web interface. $495 They also make AllStar & D-Star/DMR/Fusion/P25 solutions.

Big Problem: Static IP, Firewalls, and VPNs All solutions require other users to send info to your IP address Ways to solve this: Software routing ala Echolink Static IP Firewall DMZ VPN

Other Portable Node Options Micro-Node (maker of Nano-Node) makes the best plug & play options Echolink & IRLP – No other off the shelf units. Rolling your own is complicated. D-Star DV Dongle ($190) DV-Mega ($129) or $265 or $315 w/ Raspbery Pi DV4Mini $130 D-Star, Fusion, DMR, P25 PC or Raspbery Pi

Demo Cell Wi Fi RF

Thank You! Feel free to give IRLP or Echolink a try. You can reach me at IRLP: 3788 Echolinnk: 98077