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Reflector 9200
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IRLP - Keeping the Radio in Amateur Radio |
| Monitoring Requirements | All nodes connected
to Ref9200 are expected to be monitored at all times while connected to
the reflector. Please do not disable inactivity timeouts and leave your
node connected to the reflector for extended periods. Nodes left connected
for 1 day or longer on the status page are suspect, thus are subject to
bad opinions and may be blocked. CTCSS or DCS squelch on your repeater
is strongly encouraged, urged and begged for.
Special Note for Operators
of Simplex Nodes
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| Repeater Hang Time and IDs | If your node is linked to a repeater, there must be NO (as in zero) repeater hangtime allowed to pass through to IRLP nor anything resembling a courtesy tone. This means set it to zero, not 500ms or even 100ms. If you are using a keyed CTCSS approach to solving this problem, make sure your tone encoder/decoder combination drops as fast as possible. No repeater IDs or controller messages are allowed at all, unless they are under a user transmission. This requirement is very important on a busy reflector like 9200, remember that any IDs or hangtime that leaks through, completely block the reflector from other users. If there were thirty nodes connected and each one ID'd across the reflector every 10 minutes... well, you get my drift. |
| Pulsecheck and Readinput | Remember your utilities: pulsecheck and readinput are your friends. Please check your node with the 'readinput' command before connecting anywhere, especially the reflector. Any strange or fluctuating activity must be fixed before using your node. Please use the 'pulsecheck' program with your node in its final configuration with all links up and operational. |
| No Cross-Links to Other Linking Methods | Cross-links to other linking programs (echolink, eQSO, etc.) or even other IRLP reflectors are prohibited. If your node is capable of cross linking to something else, please disable that capability before connecting to Ref9200. If you have a special exception request contact K9DC either on Node 4730 or via e-mail. |
| Avoid Local Traffic | Please advise your users to disconnect your node if a local conversation becomes extended. Short local greetings are okay while connected, but do not tie up the reflector with a 10 minute local QSO. |
| Pause, Pause, Pause | The three most important rules for successful reflector contacts. Please leave plenty of space between transmissions. For many nodes, the only time control ops can get in to disconnect is between transmissions. Also remember to key up and wait for a half second or so before speaking. The exact amount of delay varies by node and linking technology, but PTT across IRLP is not as fast as local carrier squelch simplex. |
| On Being Blocked | All reflectors
have a management function that allows reflector operators (affectionately
known as 'cops') to block a node that is causing a problem for connected
nodes. This is a necessary function in order to have a reasonably clean
place for nodes to connect. No one would use it if it was just a place
to collect international intermod, courtesy tones or IDs.
Blocks are NEVER personal, nor should they be considered punitive in any way. Every PTT across a reflector is logged by node number. If we hear something bad, a glance at the reflector console tells the operator exactly what node number the problem is coming from. It is then a simple command to block that node. An e-mail message is automatically sent to the registered contact advising of the block and why it was invoked. |
| Blocked? What to Do. | If your node has been blocked, please reply to the e-mail you received, advising the problem has been corrected and how or what action was taken, if appropriate. Please quote the complete message you received in your reply. If the block was for some temporary condition, such as local traffic, a reflector cop may remove the block without being asked once your node has disconnected, but we often forget, so the reply is important. |
| Operating Tips & Bits | Remember the PAUSE
PAUSE PAUSE procedure described above.
When first connecting, remember you may be dropping into a conversation in progress, so wait 30 seconds or so before transmitting to avoid interrupting a QSO. Resist the temptation to break into a QSO unless invited or the conversation is obviously open. It is rude to interrupt an eyeball QSO, it is rude on the radio too. "I-Layer" propagation always provides a good path, so there is no need to hurry to work the "rare one" before the band dies out. Calling CQ is a great way to solicit a contact. Every Ham knows what that means. If you are specifically trying to make a contact, be sure to make that fact known in your call, especially if you are demonstrating IRLP. All Topics of conversation within the realm of "Good Amateur Practice" are allowed. There are no specifically prohibited topics, but remember you have an international audience thus your conversation will be heard worldwide. If you are discussing IRLP operating procedures or practices, remember that node access and policies vary considerably based upon local requirements. When disconnecting from Ref9200, it is not necessary to announce that fact to everyone connected. In fact, a disconnect announcement can be disruptive if you are sneaking in between transmissions of a QSO you are otherwise not a part of. Just bleep in your code and be gone. If you are fortunate enough to have a full duplex control connection, it is actually completely silent if you disconnect on top of another transmission. |
| Sub-Channels
9201 - 9209 |
Use of Reflector sub-channels is encouraged. You do not need specific permission to use any of them. Current channel assignments below. |
| 9200
General ragchew (it has a life of its own)
9201 Not currently dtmf dialable, but available 9202 Open and available 9203 Open and available 9204 Wisconsin linking and special events, otherwise open and available 9205 Open and available 9206 Open and available 9207 Open and available 9208 Open and available - GSM low bandwidth codec 9209 Open and available - GSM low bandwidth codec |
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| Who's who | Reflector Keeper: Dave Gingrich, K9DC
Helper Reflector Cops: WW4M, WY0X, N0PSR, VE7LTD |
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Enjoy IRLP and please "Pass the Word" If left menu bar is not visible, click here |
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last
updated
December 31, 2007 | ||
