IRLP from here in Charleston?

[Robert Bruninga]

I'm curious...
Why IRLP?
Why not Echolink which requires no special hardware?

Bob, WB4APR

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tacos-bounces+bruninga=nadn.navy.mil at amrad.org 
> [mailto:tacos-bounces+bruninga=nadn.navy.mil at amrad.org] On 
> Behalf Of Terry Fox
> Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 2:24 AM
> To: tacos at amrad.org; Terry Fox
> Subject: IRLP from here in Charleston?
> 
> The only IRLP node that I've found here in the Charleston 
> area does not
> appear to be open and generally available.  It's on a 
> repeater downtown,
> which is part of the HEART repeater system for hospital
disaster and
> emergency use.  It is also part of the VOIP Wx net and
Skywarn.  It is
> available by "permission only".  I'm sure me talking with the
DC gang
> would not be considered acceptable.
> 
> So, I looked at the IRLP page, and found that I could buy a
"node"
> hardware & software for $188 (which includes an "optional" 
> $40 donation,
> yeah right).  I can scrounge up an old PC, and possibly a 
> radio, to run
> the node.  For those of you familiar with IRLP, a few
questions:
> 
> 1.  Can I run the IRLP with the computer directly?  Maybe 
> fake the COS,
> and just do my own sound in & out (no actual radios)?  Seems
doable.
> 2.  If not, could I hook up a small radio (with COS mod) to
act as the
> "node" radio (maybe into a dummy load), and use a second HT 
> to actually
> talk/listen?
> 3.  I assume from reading the IRLP info that full-dux 
> (repeater) is not
> required.  What hassles are involved in simplex use?
> 4.  Any legal issues with items 2 & 3 above?  What freqs 
> would be legal?
> 2M and/or 440?
> 5.  What do the IRLP folks have to say about simplex 
> operation and/or no
> actual radio?
> 6.  Would I need local coordination of a freq for just me?  Is
that a
> repeater pair, or just simplex, and how is simplex
coordination done?
> 7.  How about if I added someone else (maybe Mel) who lives 
> only a mile
> away?  I believe I know the answer to this one... yes if any
radiation
> involved.
> 8.  Is it worth it?  If I make a few-hundred dollar investment
to do
> this, are there enough AMRAD people still on the repeater?
> 9.  Any thing else that I'm missing?
> 
> I'd like to catch up with you guys, but I want to be sure it's
> doable/worthwhile before putting the time and money into this.
> 
> Thanks.
> Terry, WB4JFI
> 
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