Welcome to the Valley VOIP page!

Help keep our great systems up and running!

All of our repeaters and systems are open to all Hams but it does cost to keep it going.

 E.A.R.T.H  is a 501c3 non-profit corp.

Please Click below and Donate Today

Want to join the club or Pay dues? Click below.

I won't spend a lot of time telling you about these services, as you can read about them straight from the horse's mouth by clicking on the names below. I will say that thanks to a lot of hard work (and donations) we will be bringing these services to our Valley.

To view a nodes coverage map, click on its node number below...

9-15-03

Wires node 1242 on Line! (a map will be on line soon)

The much talked about Yaesu WIRES-II system went online today using the 147.320+ Pl=82.5 repeater. Want to read about wires? Click this link Wires  The RioLink Tech. committee is toying with the idea of placing another WIRES system on the east side of the valley or tie it to the RioLink system. 

Email us and let us see your thoughts: RioLink

3-12-03

IRLP Node# 3707 on line!

After much anticipation, the 146.960 repeater / voter system was setup with IRLP. This repeater has no tone access and uses the normal minus 600 khz offset. Sponsored by both the E.A.R.T.H and Texas South most ARC ( TSARC ) clubs, we have three of the eight receiver sites in full operation. The Repeater is linked by a UHF connection to the internet access point.

12-26-02

IRLP Simplex node# 3399 went up today!

The N5SIM node# 3399 147.420, tone 82.5 is running with an Intel P500 Linux box 128meg ram and Linux 7.3. A cable modem through a linksys MR-314 router and linksys hub are used for connection to the Internet. The RF side is a Kenwood VHF mobile running at 50 watts to a Diamond VHF base antenna at 45 ft. The computer, router and hub all use a APC-500 UPS for AC stability.

10-27-02

IRLP node# 3657 went up today! 

KC5NLO repeater 444.100 tone 114.8 is running an Intel P100 64meg Linux Box with RED HAT 6.2 and a cable modem IP connection through a LinkSys Router. The 444.100 repeater is connected locally to the IRLP box using the CAT-300dx controller, remote base board and a GE Master ExecII running 50 watts in Alamo TX. The computer, modem and Router have AC backup power to prevent glitches.

Please click on the IRLP link to read all about this great system. 

How to use IRLP

To view the full IRLP  Guidelines click here 

Rule #1 Wait at least a full second AFTER you key up then talk or enter codes. This gives the system time to come on line so every one can hear you.

Rule #2 Always listen first, then ask if the system is in use.

Rule #3 Disconnect when you are done.

You must first choose whether you want to connect directly (you to another node only) or to a reflector and have a round table QSO with other nodes.             Direct is easy, just listen to see if the system is in use, key up, ask if the system is in use, then type in the node number you want to connect with. 

Example: you want to connect to Corpus Christi, key up and enter 3 4 9 9 unkey. When you wish to disconnect, just key up and enter 73. 

Click here for a node list

REFLECTOR USE
With reflector use the first thing we must all remember is to leave a gap between transmissions.  Having said that this is a good time to list the three main rules when connected to a reflector:

1. Pause

2. Pause

3. Pause

Due to the slight increase in delays created by multiple Tone Squelch radios in the links between the repeater and IRLP link radio, a slight change in our normal operating procedures is required with IRLP. 

By leaving a pause between transmissions it ..... 

• allows users on other nodes a chance to check in.

• allows other nodes time to send touch-tone commands to drop their node.

The most important guideline to remember is leaving a pause after pressing the PTT button as well as between transmissions.  

To view the full IRLP  Guidelines click here

 EchoLink

 EchoLink is now available on the RioLink System. Served by N5SIM from Texas 2-Way on a Intel P-400 64 meg and a cable modem IP connection through a LinkSys Router. The Modem, Router and Computer have AC backup to prevent failure. Radio link is via  Vertex VX-2000 UHF radio.

For this system, keep the same rules in mind as with IRLP. 

Rule #1 Always listen first, then ask if the system is in use.

Rule #2 Wait at least a full second AFTER you key up then talk. This gives the system time to come on line so every one can hear you.

Rule #3 Disconnect when you are done.

You must use an "A" preceding any codes on EchoLink on our system. Example: key up and enter "A13686" this will connect you to the Corpus Christi EchoLink system. To end the connection, use "A#"

 If you hear someone calling from a far away place, just answer them as you would with a local station. If you know the node number of a station on EchoLink, then just key up, ID and enter "A" and the number from your radio key pad. Remember to expect some delay in a conversation with a station on this system. To end a call just key up, ID and enter  "A#"

Click here for a node list

Our hope is that the systems will keep all of us in contact for fun and to assist in an emergency.

Check back soon to see the progress.

Want to try  Echo Link on your computer...

Down Load Echo Link Software here!

Setup a IRLP Node...

ORDER IRLP here!