Please READ the general guidelines before initiating your first IRLP call on the system.  There are some specific instructions you will need to adhere to so that the entire system isn't adversely impacted.

  On the WA3UMY 443.05 MHz remote base repeater system, using IRLP couldn't be easier:

  1) Check out the IRLP status web page to see what nodes are available and what their current operational status is (if you have access to the Internet).  If not, print out a paper copy and keep it with you for ready reference.  (NOTE: new nodes are coming on-line daily so be sure to print out a new listing every few weeks to remain current).

  2) Key up the repeater, identify yourself, and say that you are initiating an IRLP node connection.

  3) You will be entering a 5-digit number to make the connection.  The enable code consists of the letter B followed by the 4-digit node number ... just enter the complete 5-digit number consisting of BXXXX, e.g., to connect to the Indianapolis Reflector, you would enter B9200 on your touch-tone keypad with your transceiver keyed. Then unkey.

  4) Within a few seconds, you should hear a recorded voice prompt confirming your connection request and then you will be connected to the selected node.

  5) Wait a few seconds to ensure you won't be doubling with anyone on the selected repeater system, then identify yourself and give your location.

  6) Always ensure that your wait at least ONE FULL SECOND after keying your transceiver and before you talk to allow the remote system to key up before you begin talking.  You must do this at the start of each transmission.  Just slow down a little from what you would normally expect to do in a conversation and everything will be fine.

  7) When you are finished, announce that you are closing the node connection, then enter a 3-digit number to disconnect.  The disconnect code consists of the letter B followed by the digits 73.   (NOTE:  the universal IRLP disconnect code is 73.  On the WA3UMY repeater, you must precede the 73 with a letter B to preclude code conflicts with the radio remote base system),  e.g., to disconnect from the Indianapolis Reflector, you would enter B73 on your touch-tone keypad with your transceiver keyed.

  8) Within a few seconds, you should hear a recorded voice prompt confirming your disconnect request and then the connection will be dropped.

  9) That's all there is to it!

  A couple of other notes:

  1) You may hear a recorded voice prompt on the repeater from some strange place followed by someone asking if anyone is around.  That is a connection request to the WA3UMY repeater from another IRLP node site.  All you have to do is talk!  Greet them warmly and begin a new friendship.

  2) If there is no local node activity for a period of 5 minutes, the node connection will automatically be terminated.

  3) If you make a node connection request and it fails for any reason, you will hear a voice prompt error message advising you what the problem was, e.g., the requested node is off-line, the Internet connection has been lost, etc.

  4) If you connect to a reflector (e.g., the Denver Reflector), you will only be able to enter the disconnect code during pauses in the conversation... you cannot disconnect while someone is talking.  That's the reason for the courtesy delay of several seconds after one person stops talking and the next begins.  Also, if there is no local node activity while connected to a reflector for a period of 15 minutes, the node connection will automatically be terminated.

  5) For test purposes or to hear what you sound like through the system, you can enable the Echo Reflector.  Using your keypad, enter B9990 and wait for the connection message.  Key up and make a short transmission no longer than 10 seconds in length.  Unkey and you will hear your audio streaming back to  you from the Echo Reflector in Toronto.  To disconnect from the Echo Reflector, enter B73 on your keypad.

  5) If you experience any problems, let Pete (WA3UMY) know about them so we can ensure the system remains operational.  If you need help, please do not hesitate to give a call on the repeater and someone will usually come on the air to assist.