This page is intended to debunk some of the myths surrounding IRLP by Pete VK2YX

• IRLP is designed PURELY to link repeaters.  It is not intended to link Internet users (with headsets) to a repeater.  Products such as IPhone do a great job in this area.

• How secure is IRLP from the internet ?  IRLP is extremely secure as it uses PGP authentication to validate nodes.  This ensures that an unknown user to the IRLP network can not connect to your node.  The Bank of England is safer !

• Can I run it on a dialup connection ?  As discussed elsewhere, yes you can.  As the ADPCM codec is utilised by 99% of the IRLP nodes, it is better if you do not use the reflectors.  The audio quality is fine and the system behaves normally.

• Do I need to know Linux ?  Well its certainly best if you know how to install Redhat 6.2 on a machine and compile a Kernel.  If you don't know how to, I'm sure there is someone in your local club that can help.  Once the node is installed, you need not touch it as the major housekeeping roles are performed by automated tasks within the IRLP scripts.

• Does it use VOX ?  No it doesn't.  the IRLP hardware as supplied by David Cameron control the Link Radio and takes input also from the radio.  David has produced a product that controls the radio by solid control signals so there is no more lag, random tripping or any other nasty business that can trip the PTT.

• How do I drive an IRLP node ?  You will need to liase with the node sponsor to obtain the IRLP codes.  You simply then key the digits in and your node will do the rest.  Audio feedback is provided to ensure the end user knows what's going on.

• Should I put the IRLP node on a busy repeater ?  This will be a matter of choice.  For many, IRLP is not there to generate useless traffic.  it is designed to link repeaters when the user requires it to be linked.  There are a number of timers in the IRLP software to ensure there is no needless traffic.

• Tell me about the timers !  If the link is inactive from either end, it will disconnect in 4-5 minutes.  So if the users forget to shutdown the link, it will automatically disconnect.  This is not so for the reflectors so its important there is always someone around to shut the link down if reflectors are being used.

• Can remote nodes gatecrash local conversations ?  If your local node is busy ie : people are talking locally, the distant IRLP node trying to connect with receive a message indicating the node is being used locally.  However in saying this, there are instances where in mid conversation, one local station unkeys his/her radio and it just so happens that the remote station initiates a call, the remote call WILL break into the conversation.  The local IRLP system monitors the Link Radio's "Carrier on Squelch" so if the squelch is open, a busy signal is sent.

• Do I need to mute out Idents and courtesy tones ?  If you want to run a top notch node, yes you should.  On a point to point link, it is not so much an issue as when you join a reflector with a large number of users.  The idents and hangs are just plain annoying.  Install CTCSS, you've gone this far with your node...

• Once my node is installed, can I get support ?  The IRLP owners mailing list is full of many people keen to support you in keeping your node running.  The IRLP network is growing weekly and all of the nodes are keen to see new stations coming on-line.  Generally once a node is installed, it should run error free.

• Will IRLP fade my curtains ?  Don't laugh, there is a genuine fear amongst some that IRLP is just plain no good.  I've been accused of de-sensing the repeater, turning on the node over a conversation and other amusing activities.  IRLP stands for innovation.  It is up to individuals to make an informed decision, once they have all the facts.

• Is this the End of Amateur Radio ?....Far from it, we've only just begun