Internet Linked Stations
An increasing number of repeaters and other stations are now being linked to the internet either via Echolink or IRLP. Access is usually by CTCSS tone or, in some cases, a 1750 toneburst. Insofar as the island of Ireland is concerned a list of linked stations and repeaters together wirh the appropriate operating frequencies, access codes and repeater shifts may be found by clicking here.
Before attempting to use any linked station there is one very important point to bear in mind in relation to VHF/UHF operation. As these are full 12.5kHz stations your rig must be set to narrow deviation otherwise your audio will be unreadable due to distortion and clipping.
As far as 10 metre repeaters are concerned, Narrow FM should be used but for 6 metres, FM is employed and access is by CTCSS code only.
It is recommended you store all the parameters required for working linked stations into memory for ease of future operation. You should first select the desired frequency on the VFO then, in accordance with the instructions contained in your rigs handbook, add the approriate shift, access tone and required power level. Only when all the necessary parameters have been set, should you write these to the selected memory. This proces should be repeated for each repeater or linked station you plan to use.
Remember to leave a 5 second gap between overs when using a linked station so that all stations in the linked circuit can reset themselves.
Finally, please do not monopolise the link, the facility is there for everyone to use, not a selected few.
Updated 13 June 2010 21:35:57 GMT