1. IRLP, Echolink, and going portable with Nano-Node!
Phil Sohn, K7APS

2. Agenda A little bit about me What is IRLP and how do I use it?
What is EchoLink and how does it compare?
What about all the other VoIP ham solutions?
Nano-node: what’s great and what are some limitations?
Other portable VoIP solutions.
Demo

3. About Licensed since 1993 (KE6CRR) Technician, then Tech Plus
Upgraded to Extra in 2008 when my wife and sons got their license through LWHC.
Mostly I like to tinker, build, and experiment.
FM (UHF, VHF, 1.2 GHz), HF (mostly digital), D-Star, Fusion, Raspberry Pi
Lake Washington Ham Club & Woodinville ARES Group
Active with the Scouts
Running JOTA events every year since 2008
At one point I taught almost 5% of the radio merit badges in the country
Vice Chair of the Council’s Shooting Sports Committee

4. IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project)
Links repeaters over the internet. All traffic must start on RF.
Both full duplex and simplex repeaters.
Started in 1997 to link systems across Canada
Custom hardware. Software runs on Linux.
Currently almost 3,000 nodes. 1,772 active. 38 countries. (2,191 in the US)
Lots of info on

5. Links, Repeaters, Reflectors
Link: Simplex
Repeater: The repeaters we all know, or maybe a more local one
Reflectors: Many links and repeaters connected together

6. Using IRLP
Can connect to either a repeater (xxxx) or a reflector (9xxx). Many repeaters can connect to the same reflector.
Find a close repeater using your favorite repeater directory.
Make a call:
Listen for activity on the repeater
Identify yourself and the node you wish to call
DTMF: 4 digit node number (i.e for K7LHW)
Listen for about 10 seconds (the repeater might already be in use.)
Be sure to wait 1-2 seconds after pushing PPT.
“73” Disconnects.
Repeater owners can change the default commands. (0 gets status, usually)

7. EchoLink
Started in 2002.
More than 200,000 validated users in 151 (of 196) countries.
3 Node types:
-R: Full Duplex Repeater
-L: Half duplex
(no suffix): Software
Basically the same features as IRLP with the addition of non-RF endpoints. (i.e. PC, Mac, and iPhone and Android.)
Requires a valid license to get an account.
Can also set up conference channels. (Great way to have topic specific reflectors.)
Lots of info on

8. Using Echolink There are two different ways Use a repeater.
Basically the same as IRLP with longer node numbers.
Might use # to disconnect
Use a computer or smart phone
Install the software
Register and valid your license
Call using the software

9. Other VoIP Solutions Analog Modes: Digital Modes:
All-Star: Similar to Echolink functionality. Uses a more modern code, open HW.
WIRES-II: Yeasu proprietary mode. Really only used in Japan. <100 active nodes.
iLink, eQSO , CQiNET (open source)
Digital Modes:
D-Star: Adds callsign routing, but be careful.
Fusion: Better audio than D-Star
DMR: More open standard(?)
Connecting them together?

10. Nano-Node Echolink & IRLP client and radio in a small package
Almost completely plug & play.
Web interface.
$495
They also make AllStar & D-Star/DMR/Fusion/P25 solutions.

11. Big Problem: Static IP, Firewalls, and VPNs
All solutions require other users to send info to your IP address
Ways to solve this:
Software routing ala Echolink
Static IP
Firewall DMZ
VPN

12. Other Portable Node Options
Micro-Node (maker of Nano-Node) makes the best plug & play options
Echolink & IRLP – No other off the shelf units. Rolling your own is complicated.
D-Star
DV Dongle ($190)
DV-Mega ($129) or $265 or $315 w/ Raspbery Pi
DV4Mini $130
D-Star, Fusion, DMR, P25
PC or Raspbery Pi

13. Demo
Cell
Wi Fi RF

14. Thank You! Feel free to give IRLP or Echolink a try.
You can reach me at
IRLP: 3788
Echolinnk: 98077