VK3JED IRLP and Echolink Nodes

This page has received hits since September 8 2001

This page describes my own IRLP and EchoLink nodes. Unlike other IRLP nodes, VK3JED has no permanent frequency assignment, and is not a 24x7 service. Instead, this IRLP node is used or made available for the following activities as required:

• Experimentation and development (e.g. SSTV over IRLP, node interfacing techniques, linking between technologies).
• Testing and non-critical implementation (new software additions, testing configuration changes in a controlled environment).
• Special events (e.g. JOTA, public demonstrations of Amateur Radio).
• Emergency use (WICEN, etc).
• Internet linking demonstrations for radio clubs and other interested organisations.

Because some of these activities can be disruptive to normal repeaters or nodes, and may also meet with disapproval from repeater owners or users (e.g. SSTV), I decided to build a node which could meet those needs, as well as gain the ability to host live demonstrations of IRLP in areas where there is no existing IRLP node (as long as there is an Internet connection available). This will give interested parties a better idea of what IRLP is all about, and what it could offer them.

Within its first week of operation, the VK3JED IRLP node participated in the first SSTV over IRLP tests in Australia with great success.

Status update:

March 2002 - The system can be switched to 70 cm, with the aquisition of an AWA RT-85 ex commercial UHF radio. The radio still needs a little more work to remove some residual code left over from its former role. This sometimes triggers and causes the radio to behave strangely. otherwise the system works well on 70cm. A new interface box will be built to allow 2m, 70cm and a second PC to be a part of the node simultaneously.

March 2002 - A clone of the node has been built on a laptop PC. This clone system will be used for public demonstrations of IRLP in areas out of reach of the permanent IRLP nodes.

June 2002 - The VK3JED-L EchoLink node is brought online.

August 2002 - The IRLP node is being used to develop and test some major enhancements to the core IRLP scripts.  

August 2002 - The EchoLink node is testing both Windows and Linux EchoLink software.

VK3JED IRLP Node configuration

The VK3JED node is much like any other node, in that it consists of a PC running Linux and the IRLP software connected to a radio. The IRLP PC also acts as a firewall and access router for other locally connected PCs, and is configured to support many popular Internet applications. A portable version of the node has been built to facilitate easy public and club demonstrations.

Technical Specifications.

This is the configuration of the node as at September 2001 (Shack version).

• CPU - Pentium 200 MMX.
• RAM - 96 MB.
• HDD - 4 GB, of which 2.5 GB is dedicated to Linux and the IRLP node.
• Sound Card - SB 32 AWE
• Network - SMC 10/100 Mbps for cable modem, RTL8029 for LAN.
• OS - Red Hat Linux 6.2 with latest patches.
• IRLP Board Version - 2.01.
• Radio - Philips FM-92A ex commercial radio with 99 channels programmed on 2 metres.
• Antenna - Diamond V2000 (normal QTH only).
• Internet - Broadband cable modem (normal QTH), V90 dialup available for off site use. Other connection options will be added as time permits.

Portable version of the node is as follows:

• CPU - Pentium 100.
• RAM - 40 MB.
• HDD - 800 MB.
• Sound - On board ESS688 PnP chipset.
• Network - PCMCIA NE2000 clone.
• OS - Red hat Linux 6.2 with latest patches.
• IRLP Board Version - 2.01.
• Radio - Yet to be finalised - looking for low power, but modifiable portable.
• Antenna - portable whip
• Internet - Capable of connection to cable, ADSL or LAN via Ethernet, or V.90 dialup modem. 2.4 GHz 802.11b wireless is available as well, using a 15dBi ex Galaxy dish antenna.

Unfortunately, the portable version didn't work out, due to printer port incompatibilities, so the machine has been utilised as a wireless LAN router.

VK3JED EchoLink Node configuration

The VK3JED-L EchoLink  node provides one of the few EchoLink services in Melbourne.  Like its IRLP counterpart, the EchoLink node is an attended part time system running on a simplex frequency (usually 439.075 MHz).

Technical Specifications.

This is the configuration of the node as at August 2002 (Windows version).

• CPU - Athalon XP1600+
• RAM - 512 MB.
• HDD - 40 GB.
• Sound Card - AC76 on board chipset (SB Live! 256 also available, but used for other purposes).
• Network - 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.
• OS - Windows 2000 with latest patches.
• Radio Interface - PSK-31 style interface.
• Radio - AWA RT 85 commercial radio with 99 channels programmed on 70cm.
• Antenna - Diamond V2000 (normal QTH only).
• Internet - Broadband cable modem, port forwarded vis Linux gateway.

More Information.

The following links contain more information on IRLP.

VK3RGL - Victoria's first IRLP Node. Keep up with the latest on the new system being installed.

IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project). The home of IRLP

VK2RBM IRLP Node, one of Australias first!

And for EchoLink

Echolink Software