can then be received by another radio. This will allow you to communicate with virtually anyone in the
country (or world) as long as they are within range of an IRLP capable repeater.
During a national crisis, it is unlikely that the internet will be disabled by the government. The reason
is the government actually needs the internet for vital national security functions to operate during a
crisis. What this means is the government may shut down cell towers (rendering cell phones
inoperable) or target specific web sites rendering them inoperable (like skype), but the internet in
general will be functional. IRLP communications does not depend on a web site to be operational, but
only requires that the internet be functional. This means that during a crisis, IRLP capabilities will
most likely be available to communicate.
Although it may sound complex, using IRLP is rather quite simple. Each IRLP capable repeater will
have a code (just like a phone number) associated with it. This code can be found in most repeater
directories.
1.
Locate a local IRLP capable repeater node close to you and setup to access the repeater as
shown above (frequency, offset, offset direction, CTCSS tone)
2.
Locate a long distance IRLP capable repeater node close to the location of the person you want
to contact and note the IRLP code for that particular long distance repeater. The person who
you want to talk with will have to setup their radio for the long distance repeater close to them
(frequency, offset, offset direction, CTCSS tone). NOTE: You only need to setup for the local
repeater.
3.
Press push to talk (PTT) and hold it. While simultaneously holding PTT, enter the IRLP code
of the long distance node on the HT key pad. It will sound just like the touch tones on a phone.
NOTE: Only one IRLP code needs to be entered to make a successful connection.
4.
If you are successful, the local repeater node will let you know.
5.
At this point, you can have a normal radio conversation with the person located near the long
distance repeater. The node will stay locked in so you do not have to enter the code every time
you PTT.
6.
To exist the IRLP when done talking, simultaneously press PTT and enter the code “73” on the
key pad
NOTE
: For a list of IRLP capable repeaters see:
http://www.irlp.net
(click on “Active node status”,
click “Up-to-date node list in pdf format” and then select the IRLP report that you want to search for a
IRLP capable repeater node.
NOTE
: There is a method for multiple users to connect using IRLP code for what is called a
“reflector”. This will be discussed in a later update.
