[HCRA] IRLP Node Resurrected - NEW PL TONE

[kx1x@arrl.net]

After being down for almost a year, and thanks to George, KC1V's donation of a computer, the IRLP node 7270 in South Hadley is back on-the-air. I was also able to adjust the audio, and find the ground loop that was causing a loud buzz on the audio output of the node. 

The IRLP node is sponsored by the HCRA, but use of the node is open to all licensed amateurs regardless of club affiliation. We encourage the use of the IRLP node, especially with new hams, to get the most out of this great hobby. 

The IRLP node listens quietly on 146.460 Mhz (PL 123.0). This is a simplex machine (no repeater offset). Do not 'kerchunk' the node and expect to hear a courtesy tone in response, like you might from a repeater. Please also remember that, even though you are just pushing numbers on your keypad, that you MUST identify these transmissions. Please get into the habit of announcing your callsign before opening the node. The IRLP node also transmits a 123.0hz PL tone, so you can use the TSQ function of your radio with IRLP. 

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW PL TONE: 123.0 There is a repeater in NY that listens on 146.46 with PL 114.8, and when there is enhanced propogation the IRLP node interferes with that repeater and vice-versa. 

If after setting up your frequency and PL tone, you would like to try a test, and get a response from the IRLP, you can (first identify, then) try pressing *511 which should respond with the time and identify the node. 

The antenna is a 2m Ringo Ranger only up 25'. The power is currently set to 25w due to a power supply problem, but if you can hear it, you can work it. The node has good ears to the West/Northwest (Westfield, West Springfield, to Northampton) and East (Ludlow, Palmer, Brimfield) . 

For more details on how to access and use the IRLP node, please see: 
http://www.hcra.org/irlp.htm 


Please solicit and forward any audio comments to: kx1x at arrl.net 
One of the hardest things to do is to tweak the outgoing audio, I have to rely on critique from remote stations. 

Thanks, and have fun! 

'73 de Kx1x