Internet Radio Linking Project

WHAT IS IT?

The Internet Radio Linking Project provides a simple and easy system to link radio systems together using the Internet as the communications backbone. The IRLP uses the power of the Internet to link your radio site to the world. 

Each individual radio system linked by the IRLP is referred to as a node. Each one of these nodes is assigned a node ID number.

IRLP is the brainchild of David Cameron, VE7LTD of Vancouver BC.  Back in 1998 Dave became frustrated with the unreliable operation of the Windows based Voice over IP software. All Windows based amateur linking software used VOX and were not secure from non-amateur access. The IRLP network uses a digital switching concept and produces an instant and secure link between licensed repeaters all around the world. The IRLP uses a Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) streaming software called Speak Freely. Speak Freely is very similar to other VoIP software packages (such as Microsoft NetMeeting and VocalTec Iphone) with one difference... It runs under Linux. Linux is the operating system of choice for the IRLP system as it allows the best in reliability, programability, efficiency, and functionality.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT?

With a simple radio, such as a VHF or UHF HT you can talk to other hams around the world. This is great for those who, for whatever reason, can't operate HF. All you need is to be able to "access" another radio which is connected to the IRLP. Many repeater systems now have this capability. You can even set up your own node if desired.

TO SET UP A NODE...

You'll need the following,

COMPUTER... A dedicated Intel based, IBM compatible computer, 486 class or better, running a processor clocked at at least 100 Mhz with soundcard and ethernet card running the Linux operating system.
(Pentium based processors of at least 75 Mhz are suitable also)

INTERNET CONNECTION... DSL or cable connection minimum.

RF HARDWARE... Link radio or repeater (the radio must have a COS {carrier operated squelch} signal)

OTHER HARDWARE... IRLP interface board, misc. cables and connectors.

MORE INFO...

The IRLP interface board, Linux OS, help and everything else IRLP related is available here

VK6 IRLP Page - Node # 620.  ~  KWARC on-line - Operating guidelines and info.

VK6UJ - Node # 650.  ~  IRLP Customizable node list  ~  Raleigh IRLP Project - Node # 426 & 427.

Click on the link below for a handy list of IRLP Nodes in NJ, NY & PA from AERIALS Inc.

NJ, NY, PA Tri-State Area IRLP Node List

Steve, N2CKH owns and maintains one of the very few 6 meter repeaters (N2CKH/R 53.430Mhz -1Mhz PL 131.8hz) in NJ. The repeater is connected to the IRLP system (Node #404). Click here to visit his website for more info on his repeater, IRLP and other good stuff.

Hear the IRLP Live on the Internet - Listen to Reflector 2 via Live365.