[HCRA] IRLP functionality returning

[John J. Pise, Jr.]

Since the hard disk crash last week, I've been working toward returning
functionality to the IRLP node.  The IRLP network people have also been
working on increasing the functionality of the entire IRLP system.

In the IRLP network, the reflectors now have up to 10 different channels

that are selectible by DTMF keys when logging in.  These channels will
soon be designated for special interests, like a "fishing ragchew
channel",
a "kids channel", a "new ham channel", a "technical talk channel",
etc...
    The "syntax" change to make this happen is simple.  There are no
more
"0=on and 1=off" codes.  If you want to go to channel 8 on reflector
950, then you would press on your DTMF keys:  9508.  This happens
to be the channel that the "IRLP for Kid's net" will be meeting tonight
at 9:PM.
    Right now, most action still happens in the "main channel".  You'll
find
the regular rag-chews on the Indiana reflector (main channel), 9200.

    Taking the connection down is what has changed, somewhat.  Right
now,
if you try to take down the 920 reflector using 9201... it'll work, but
you'll
get an announcement that it soon will not be working.  That is because
soon,
9201 will be "channel 1" on the 920 reflector.
    The new way to bring down link, is a way we've been doing it for
months.
To bring down the link, you now press  #73.  This will work for any link

that is currently active on the node.

Locally,  announcements are back online.  Soon the apache server will be

back in service, with as many pictures and back issues of ZB that I can
find to
put up there.

Please be sure that noone else is using the link when you begin a QSO or

shut it down.  I was listening to a conversation the other day on the
way
home from work (I had just turned the node on, not 5 minutes before),
when someone took down the link, and switched it to a reflector where
there
was no traffic.  They called once or twice, then left the link on the
quiet reflector.  Remember that this is a simplex node,  you might not
hear
the local traffic!!!

Most of all --   use it!!!  It is there for everyone to use.  With your
2m radio
in the car you can work every corner of the world.  Another free service

from the Hampden County Radio Association!

146.46 Mhz Simplex (from South Hadley),   114.8 PL tone

'73 de Kx1x,
John J. Pise, Jr.