ExPo Radio Chat

[Andrew Walcker]

I have noticed a lot of ExPo members acquiring their Amature Radio License recently and was thinking it might be kind of cool to set a time for ExPo chat.

I got my license last November and have barely used my radio since most people I know are still on CB. I made contact with the local ham club, but did not really take to that scene. I would sure like the opportunity to become better acquanted with my equipment and learn the ins and outs of talking on the air waves. Anyone want to take this idea and run with it?

 

[DaktariEd]

That would be a great idea....I'd like to try.
I haven't the foggiest idea how to do it, though!
Anyone else know how?

:sombrero:

 

[whitethaiger]

...
Anyone else know how?

You could look for repeaters in your area and see if you can hit them. Once you found a repeater you could post here and others in your area could check if they can get that repeater also. We've played with that a little down here in San Diego.

Then there are linked repeaters. I've no experience with those, I think crawler looked into that a while back and probably still has some info.

Playing with repeaters will also make you learn more about your radio with offset, PL tones, etc. :sombrero:

 

[\\'anderer]

This sounds great. I usually visit the winsystem (winsystem.org). with all the linked repeaters we could all talk. This is a busy network though. We may also want to find some other linked repeaters. I will look at my repeater directory.

 

[adventureduo]

I talked for the first time tonight on 2 Repeaters. Sierra Peak and Catalina. Also, i hit Big Bear from Lakewood (probably a good 80 miles) and loaded about 5 repeaters into the radio with the help of my buddy. All the tones are loaded in and they come up by name now. It's pretty sweet.

We could get a socal area thing going.. but as far as getting out to you Ed, that would be almost impossible without 'linked' repeaters. Your way too far for a local repeater to hit. Most linked repeaters are club/member/fee usage.

The win linked system is for 440mhz and 70cm and you need to pay $120 a year to use it (you can test drive it for free). It's not for 2 meter, so i wouldn't be able to use that. Im strictly 2 meter for now.

Dang i've learned a ton in the last 3 weeks! I actually sound like i know what im doing... a little!

 

[Clay]

http://www.echolink.org/

Looks like everyone is pretty much a Tech here? This might be the only way other than locals chatting. I'm a Tech too.

 

[DaveInDenver]

IRLP is probably the best way to get ExPo people into a net. I think Scott and Chris used it a bit on their arctic trip to talk to maybe Mark down in AZ? Anyway, there are handful of very active nodes. It would be easy to link Denver, Phoenix, LA or just about any other city through the Las Vegas reflector.

http://www.irlp.net/

 

[Mlachica]

sounds like fun. I need to get a radio first though. I miss my icom v8000 :smilies27

 

[DaktariEd]

We could get a socal area thing going.. but as far as getting out to you Ed, that would be almost impossible without 'linked' repeaters. Your way too far for a local repeater to hit.

 

[Desertdude]

Ed, I amost spilled my Tea at Starbucks looking at that sad face :coffeedrink:

 

[adventureduo]

lol Sorry Ed ,that was a funny pic though.

As far as IRLP goes... it's whole 'nother ball of wax to learn. I need to learn how to use my HAM normally first before i can jump into that. I would say most of us that just got their license would feel the same. Plus, you'll need a computer and possible software. It's like a hobbie for some in itself.

 

[crawler#976]

IRLP is probably the best way to get ExPo people into a net. I think Scott and Chris used it a bit on their arctic trip to talk to maybe Mark down in AZ? Anyway, there are handful of very active nodes. It would be easy to link Denver, Phoenix, LA or just about any other city through the Las Vegas reflector.

http://www.irlp.net/

I tried to hook up with them, but missed an e-mail from Chris with an updated time. I was able to open the repeater in Whitehorse, but never got a response.

I've been researching a useable 2M IRLP link for San Diego and LA, but haven't made any contacts yet. Most of the active IRLP links seem to be in the 440 band. We used to have a dedicated 2M link in the Phx area - the CalZona system. I've got the info on the AZ side via the ARA (Arizona Repeater Assc.) but haven't been able to get anything on the Cali end. Haven't tried the link yet - I have to drive 40 miles south to a high point to hit the repeater...

Unfortunately my local 2M node doesn't allow the use of reflectors, so I'm outta luck there too.

Mark

 

[Andrew Walcker]

********!!! :jump:

Don't worry Ed, with all the smart people on this site somone will figure out something!

 

[crawler#976]

...

As far as IRLP goes... it's whole 'nother ball of wax to learn. I need to learn how to use my HAM normally first before i can jump into that. I would say most of us that just got their license would feel the same. Plus, you'll need a computer and possible software. It's like a hobbie for some in itself.

ya don't need a 'puter or software - that's only required if you want to have your own node.

as I posted in another topic, and slightly modified for this one:

To use a repeater with an IRLP node:

1. Identify a local repeater on the IRLP list, and a node you'd like to contact.

http://status.irlp.net/statuspage.html

2. Listen for any traffic. If no traffic is heard, Key up and ask if there is any outstanding traffic, and say you'd like to access the node. After a pause for traffic, announce your call sign and say:

"This is {your call sign here} controlling" and while still transmitting type in the node # you are trying to reach (like #1268 in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory) Release the transmit key and listen for the node to come on line. Once the node is active, make your contact call and see if anyone answers.

Once your done with your conversation, announce "Closing Node", and while still transmitting type in "73". Release the transmit key and listen for the node to close.

...it's that simple. Really!

The only thing you must remember to do is pause a bit after you key up to allow for the slight delay in connection. If you don't, the other party may lose the first word or two of your sentance.

Mark

 

[adventureduo]

Thanks Mark! That was a great explanation! I hadn't a clue apparently. I was under the assumption that you had to use someone's computer that you know... i didn't know people left their systems wide open like that. Still learning!