IRLP net returns April 12

In December 2016, the monthly IRLP [Internet Radio Linking Project] net was suspended due to a lack of widescale participation. Since then the TALARC board has looked at options, and made a determination for return of the net with a change that is expected to be more accommodating and thereby increase participation.

Beginning in April the IRLP net will operate on the second Wednesday of the month, mid-week and in the evening. The return of the net is set for Wednesday, April 12, 9 p.m. EDT, on IRLP Node 9735.

The reinstatement of this net comes with a nice enhancement: the 9735 IRLP node is bridged to the *CROSSRDS* EchoLink conference node. This allows the two different modes of communication – IRLP and EchoLink – to operate as one net. As such, those calling in to the Wednesday night net via the *CROSSRDS* EchoLink conference node will hear those calling in on IRLP node 9735, and vice versa.

NOTE: Adding of the *CROSSRDS* EchoLink conference to IRLP operations is just that, an addition. It is not a replacement for the *FMCA-ARC* EchoLink conference net that operates on the second Saturday of the month at noon Eastern.

To those who are limited by their equipment or by HOAs that restrict antenna arrays, IRLP is a means to reach out, virtually around the world, to other ham radio operators. An inexpensive VHF rig and close proximity to an IRLP repeater is pretty much all you need to access IRLP. It was this thought – ease of access – that moved the TALARC board to establish this net when the club was formed. Information about IRLP is at www.irlp.net.

For those who may be even more restricted by their equipment or by residential rules, EchoLink is a good alternative in amateur radio communications. The equipment required for EchoLink is simple: a PC, a tablet or a smartphone; any of the three can work. EchoLink software is free and can be downloaded to most platforms that include iOS and Android software. Information about EchoLink is at www.echolink.org.