IRLP Node 6964 VK4BWI

    WICEN 70CM voice repeater network

    South East Queensland, Australia

Welcome to the VK4BWI IRLP site

Brisbane Area WICEN Inc. operates IRLP node 6964 VK4BWI.
IRLP node 6964 is connected to the WICEN UHF voice repeater network which covers the majority
of South East Queensland, Australia.

IRLP stands for the Internet Radio Linking Project. This system links Amateur Radio systems around the world
without the using expensive satellites or leased lines.

The IRLP uses Voice-Over-IP software and the Internet to link radio sites to the rest of the world.
The system uses its own custom interface board and software suite which makes interfacing any radio
system to the world simple and cost effective.

The IRLP runs a large network of dedicated servers and nodes to offer the very best in voice communications.
The heart of the IRLP is its Amateur Radio network which reaches hundreds of towns and cities around the
world, linking them all with a full dynamic range, telephone quality sound.

These pages detail specific information relating to the VK4BWI IRLP system, please consult the main IRLP.net
pages for general IRLP information.

System Information

The VK4BWI IRLP system consists of five UHF (70CM) repeaters and one SHF (23CM) repeaters that cover the
majority of South East Queensland, Australia. This system is accessed by a user on one of the repeaters
issuing a specific DTMF (touch tone) sequence on their radio to "dial" a remote link to another IRLP node.
Similarly, a remote node may also initiate a connection to VK4BWI when one of its users issues the proper
DTMF sequence. Currently the entire IRLP system consists of thousands of such IRLP "nodes" or gateways
which represent areas located in Australia, New Zealand, North America, England, the Caribbean, and Antarctica
to name a few, and these in turn can initiate a connection to any other node.

South East Queensland has several radio repeater systems tied to the IRLP system, click here for details.

WICEN UHF voice repeater network

VK4RZA (438.100 MHz) Springbrook             Coverage area    Gold Coast

VK4RZB (438.200 MHz) Mt Cooth-tha            Coverage area    Brisbane City

VK4RZC (438.125 MHz) Maleny                     Coverage area    Sunshine Coast

VK4RZD (438.050 MHz) Mt Perseverance       Coverage area    Ipswich to Toowoomba

VK4RZG (438.475 MHz) Petrie                       Coverage area    Northern Suburbs

VK4RZB (1273.40 MHz) Mt Cooth-tha            Coverage area    Brisbane City

The above repeaters are linked, 60 second timeout, no tail and require a 91.5 Hz CTCSS tone for access.

WICEN use has priority at all times.

Please click on the map for a larger image

                    Pictures of the repeater sites

Equipment details

PC: P4 3.2G, 1G RAM, 80G HDD
Operating System: Slackware v10.2
Broadband Cable
Custom software

Computer to radio interface board

Rules for using IRLP node 6964 VK4BWI

1. WICEN has priority use of the WICEN network at all times.
    WICEN may use the repeater for emergency communications or training at any time.
    The repeater system has a 60 second timeout facilitate emergency use.

2. Listen on the repeater network for at least 15 -30 seconds first to make sure a QSO
    is not in progress or the network is not linked to another IRLP Node or Reflector.

3. Give your call sign before sending DTMF tones and trying to use the IRLP Node.

4. Assuming all is clear, identify your self and give the node name or number you wish to call.
    Example: "VK4YAR for the Adelaide Hills node", then enter the ON code for the node and
    release your PTT. Your local repeater should come up with a carrier as it waits for the
    connection to be authenticated. This can take a few seconds of dead-air so don't be concerned.
    When the connection is confirmed, the voice ID of the destination node will be transmitted back
    to you as well as your nodes voice ID to the other repeater.

5. Once connected and after hearing the confirming voice ID, wait at least 15 seconds before
    transmitting as the remote repeater may be in use.

6. Use phonetics when first giving your callsign and name over the link.
    Press and hold the microphone PTT for a second and then announce your presence and your intention
    such as calling someone specifically or just looking for a QSO with another ham in that city.

7. Keep overs short, remember the 60 second repeater timeout.

8. Always leave a 2-3 second pause between overs to allow the remote node to unkey and reset the
    timeouts on the remote repeaters, this also allows other users to call in.

9. If no response is heard, announce your call and your intent to drop the link and then touch- tone
    in the OFF code.
    If you stay connected to a node and there is no activity on your repeater for 4 minutes, the
    connection will time out and automatically disconnect with a voice ID disconnect message on both nodes.

10. Do not link and unlink a remote node without saying anything.
      If you are testing a link please say so.

Standard IRLP operating rules can be found here

Operating IRLP node 6964

1. The Internet Radio Linking Project is very easy and intuitive to use; please make sure you listen
    carefully to the voice prompts so you know what is happening the system gives messages about each
    action.

2. To use the system you need a radio with DTMF capabilities as well as 91.5 Hz CTCSS, and you need
    to have a good clear signal into the repeater.
    Please listen to the repeater for a while get into the swing of how the system works.

3. Check the IRLP status page to find the Node number of a particular IRLP node.

4. ALWAYS listen before transmitting to ensure the system is not in use.
    If nobody is using the repeater, you can check the current link status by sending DTMF #0.
    This will announce whether the node is currently connected to another station, Idle, or Offline.

5. If the node is linked, and nobody is using it, you can bring it down by sending DTMF 73

6. Announce your callsign followed by the DTMF digits for the node you are calling.
    This will bring up an IRLP link. Once the link has been established, call as you normally
    would over the repeater network.

7. Keep overs short, remember the 60 second repeater timeout; please advise anyone you contact
    of the short timeout.

8. DTMF 73 is used to bring down the link once you have finished your QSO.
    After bringing down the link, please announce your callsign.

Please let us know of any problems with the network

Thanks

A number of club members have made significant contributions to the WICEN IRLP project since its conception back in March 2007, particular thanks go to Nev VK4TX and Chris VK4ZC.