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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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Internet Linking on your local repeater,
what do you think..good, bad or what ?
Posted: Jul 15, 2009
(1322 votes, 107 comments)
by GM4UBJ
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Survey Results
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It gives me a kick to work distant stations with my handheld
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21% (275)
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Its great I use linked repeaters when I`m on holiday to work back home
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10% (128)
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Its a nuisance the repeater`s always clogged up
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5% (69)
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Its not real radio ...its cheating !
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36% (473)
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I avoid using these repeaters
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14% (185)
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Its a step forward which I should use
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13% (167)
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I have aerial restrictions and it improves my radio experience
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2% (25)
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Survey Comments
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interesting but not "DX"
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Echolink has made it interesting to use the local repeater. There are only a handful of local hams and the repeater is pretty quiet most of the time. We've had some interesting local "contacts" through Echolink. A few former area residents have been able to check in to our nightly net. No it's not real DX but it's fun to hear someone check in to the repeater from hundreds or thousands of miles away. As long as everyone realizes it's no accomplishment to talk with a far away ham through Echolink it's OK.
Posted by
KC2WI
on September 15, 2009
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Repeater internet linking
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Some folks here in Alabama are really enjoying the
internet linking on the D-Star repeaters. It is fun to turn
on the radio and hear a bunch of Hams talking that are
obviously "Not from round here." All though it is not
high fidelity, the Digital Voice plays well on old ears.
That make it easy to conduct a QSO with some one from
Australia, Ireland, Germany and some foreign country
called Indiana at the same time. Talking to 4 or 5
foreign countries at one time is neat.
Not worried about QSL cards or DX credit, it is just fun.
Ed - KI4GKS
Posted by
KI4GKS
on August 27, 2009
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Repeater internet linking
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Ham Radio, Key word "RADIO" My computer puts exactly 0 watts erp. So echolink is not "Radio".
Posted by
WD5JNC
on August 20, 2009
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Repeater-internet linking
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I read through the whole list of comments with interest and agree with some and disagree with others. I use a radio to access a local rptr that may or may not be linked at that moment. It increases my range, either portable or mobile from 5 to 10 mi for the portable or 35 to 60 mi for the mobile out by another 50 to 90 mi if the other ham is on the opposite side of the rptr. How different is that then when linked it increases my range to 10 or 12 Thousand miles?
In an emergency (large local area disaster, i.e. hurricane, tsuami, earthquake or other disaster) bieng able to hit a rptr that can access the 'outside' world is a real help!
Do I access any of the links directly? No.
Would I even think of asking for a QSL or any kind of award/recognition for making echo linked or IRLP contacts? No.
For just communicating, fine, I'll talk to almost anyone who happens to call CQ over the rptr I'm listenning to at that moment.
Please note that ALL of my contacts are RF lilnked to my rig.
Yes, I think taht IS HAM radio! Or at least a small part of it.
Rick
Posted by
KE5LNP
on August 19, 2009
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Yup
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Whats all the fuss about?
I really dont think this internet thing is going to catch on...
Its just a fad like bell bottom jeans...
Posted by
KD4WPC
on August 19, 2009
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Internet Linking
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This whole discussion is just another example of the new favorite American pastime of criticizing everyone and everything that the complainer does not participate in. "What I do is superior; what YOU do is all wrong!" Whether it's one's weight, one's smoking habits, one's driving, one's nationality, race or gender, or just about anything else one can think of, there will ALWAYS be a chorus of criticism and ridicule. GET OVER IT,, AMERICA! No one died and made you king! As long as it isn't illegal or cause harm, IT'S ALL OK! Whatever happened to the concept of "live and let live"???
Posted by
WB6DGN
on August 18, 2009
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Internet Linking
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This whole discussion is just another example of the new favorite American pastime of criticizing everyone and everything that the complainer does not participate in. "What I do is superior; what YOU do is all wrong!" Whether it's one's weight, one's smoking habits, one's driving, one's nationality, race or gender, or just about anything else one can think of, there will ALWAYS be a chorus of criticism and ridicule. GET OVER IT,, AMERICA! No one died and made you king! As long as it isn't illegal or cause harm, IT'S ALL OK! Whatever happened to the concept of "live and let live"???
Posted by
WB6DGN
on August 18, 2009
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Internet Linking
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This whole discussion is just another example of the new favorite American pastime of criticizing everyone and everything that the complainer does not participate in. "What I do is superior; what YOU do is all wrong!" Whether it's one's weight, one's smoking habits, one's driving, one's nationality, race or gender, or just about anything else one can think of, there will ALWAYS be a chorus of criticism and ridicule. GET OVER IT,, AMERICA! No one died and made you king! As long as it isn't illegal or cause harm, IT'S ALL OK! Whatever happened to the concept of "live and let live"???
Posted by
WB6DGN
on August 18, 2009
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It's A Good Thing...
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A Tech's license is limited and we're at the start of the sun spot cycle so it's rare to make contacts on 10 meters. This gives folks with other than General licenses the opportunity to work people in other parts of the country or in other countries.
I heard someone from New Zealand on a local repeater the other day and he wound up in what could almost be called a pile up with all of the people wanting to talk to him. I see this as a good thing, maybe some of these Techs will be motivated to get their General and do the same thing on HF.
Posted by
N7KFD
on August 16, 2009
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Who needs RF
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Who needs all this RF nonsense, just imagine what we could accomplish with ARoIP and the Amateur-Internet! Just think of the possibilities.
* Amateur Radio, when all else fails, except the Internet *
I just did some DX from my Inbox! Exciting! This point to point stuff is just silly, I like traversing multiple hops of which I have no control over.
Posted by
KJ4AUR
on August 16, 2009
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Internet Linking
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If you have a love of the communications arts, you will enjoy the many different ways we have to communicate now days. As the old saying goes, "give me two tin cans and a string and I will tell you how far it will talk", meaning there are any number of ways to accomplish the same thing. In the case of IRLP, RF is a requirement on both ends, with the internet linking the distint ends. Is it ham radio? Yes and no. If you are a purist, the answer is "no". If everyone thought this way, the hobby (yes, I said "Hobby", not "public service")would die with the passing of all you purists. If you have a love of experimenting with different ways of communicating, then you would say "yes". Wether we like it or not, the only way to keep this wonderful hobby alive is to investigate all means of communication. After all, the very spirit of this great hobby has always been in investigating various communication methods.
I link IRLP to my 224.48 Mhz repeater here in the Albuquerque area. We have a "220 Rag Chewers Net" every Wednesday evening at 8:30 Mountain time. Using IRLP has brought in many more people to the net and has promoted the use of 220 here, which is exactly the intent of the net. Heck, with IRLP, you don't even have to be in the area, or have 220 gear, simply access any repeater system anywhere and access IRLP reflector 9221 and you can join in on the fun anywhere you might be. See what I mean? You may not call it ham radio, but to me, it brings a new, fun and exciting element to the hobby and to the net.
73 and hope you join us on the net.
Jerry - K6LIE
224.480 open repeater serving all of Albuquerque.
IRLP node 3285
Posted by
K6LIE
on August 15, 2009
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Myth
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To N0FPE : 1. IRLP has to have RF at BOTH ends.
2. 97 % of Echolink use is via RF ;)
The MYTH is that all Echolink use is PC to PC.
KH6/G3SEA
Posted by
G3SEA
on August 14, 2009
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Amateur Radio over IP (ARoIP) will not be our future - but an important part of our future!
73, Alfred, OE5AKM
Posted by
OE5AKM
on August 14, 2009
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wrong
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KG4WXP has it wrong you do not have to use RF to chat on echoStink you can connect computer to computer with no ham "RADIO" involved. Just like a chat room..oh...I guess thats what it is a big chat room. IRLP at least has to have RF on one end.
Dont feed me crap and tell me its mashed potatoes, the government already does that enough.
Posted by
N0FPE
on August 13, 2009
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Down the tubes
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It's bad enough that many of the 2m repeaters have been taken over by the good-buddy refugees from 11m, but now they're being inundated by the computer nerds. What's next, for crying out loud...
Posted by
AC0DQ
on August 13, 2009
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Way to check into net
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We use echolink on one of our repeaters which makes it easy for our club members (and anyone else for that matter) to check into our TechNET on Tuesday at 0030Z (Monday night). Try it on node 381631 some time. How's that for a plug!! It's just another of the fun things you can do in ham radio. I'm still on #94 at this time!
Posted by
W4QO
on August 13, 2009
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Dumb
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With all due respect the survey choices are just plain dumb. That said, internet linking is a good thing as it allows extended communication, whatever the objectives are.
73 Doug.
Posted by
NG0K
on August 13, 2009
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Echolink is for Novices
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I admit that a computer nowadays is necessary in the ham shack which I use myself for the Flex 5000A but when it comes to using one for Echolink, that is not amateur radio to me. It was bad enough when the FCC attempted to "dumb down" ham radio by eliminating Morse code but if you listen on the bands, it is used more now than ever. I heard that since nobody working for the FCC can learn code, they were more or less jealous and had it removed. We need a president in the future who is intelligent enough to be a ham so that we can have a repeater on the moon.
Posted by
K3ROJ
on August 13, 2009
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Build IT !
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Probably would gain more respect if there was an interface which had to be hand-built in order to gain access.
Posted by
M1SPY
on August 10, 2009
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Common Sense
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WA6HDZ sums it up perfectly ;)
Posted by
G3SEA
on August 6, 2009
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why not?
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considering all the repeaters idle most of the time, why not? Repeater owners are free to enable or disable this feature or set it to be active only during lull times
Posted by
WA6HDZ
on August 4, 2009
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Duh
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I use to talk on echolink, but my SWR is to high............... :-)
Posted by
N3LJS
on August 4, 2009
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Some of you have it wrong.
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Some of you seem to think that there's no RF involved in echolink, which is complete misinformation.
Essentially, you're connecting to a repeater somewhere via your computer, and using the repeater as a transciever, and YES that uses RF.
Posted by
KG4WXP
on August 3, 2009
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Some of you have it wrong.
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Some of you seem to think that there's no RF involved in echolink, which is complete misinformation.
Essentially, you're connecting to a repeater somewhere via your computer, and using the repeater as a transciever, and YES that uses RF.
Posted by
KG4WXP
on August 3, 2009
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I seldom use any ham repeaters.
If you prefer repeaters linked or not, use them. Echolink and IRLP are interesting ideas. Both seem to be popular, so their must be something to it.
I'l have to try it sometime.
Ciao,
W3VR
Posted by
W3VR
on August 3, 2009
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The Internet is not "radio"
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I can see where using the internet to gain access to repeaters might appeal to those on a tight budget in these hard economic times. We do not have an inexpensive hobby. However, I have also seen where it has kept people from upgrading their license. The licensing is just about a give-a-way now and they still will not get a general ticket because they can use echolink to talk to Europe or South America or anywhere in the US. Any cell phone can do that at $.05/minute or less. Ham radio has always been about experimenting, building, gathering knowledge and looking for a better way. Anymore it seems to be about watering down things and giving it way. Yes we have gained many more hams and the hobby is not dying as fast a death as it would have otherwise. My hope is that is evolving in a way I don’t yet understand for the better and I just can’t see it yet.
Posted by
WX4US
on August 3, 2009
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Mobile Use
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I see nothing wrong with these "hydrid" technologies & ham radio. Most of my VHF/UHF contacts are mobile, and may prove useful when traveling.
I recall an old QST article that mentioned how some old hams left radio when the gov't outlawed spark-gap transmitters. They claimed the new-fangled tube transmitters lacked "character". Of course, others embraced the new technology.
But I guess some things never change.
Posted by
KI4WGI
on August 3, 2009
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Depends...
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It's not a replacement for radio...when I hear about folks asking for QSL cards for an Echolink contact, it makes me laugh.
However, it holds a lot of potential for high quality linking of "local" wide-area repeater networks. That is something I can see as very applicable to amateur radio.
Posted by
KK5WA
on August 3, 2009
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Depends...
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It's not a replacement for radio...when I hear about folks asking for QSL cards for an Echolink contact, it makes me laugh.
However, it holds a lot of potential for high quality linking of "local" wide-area repeater networks. That is something I can see as very applicable to amateur radio.
Posted by
KK5WA
on August 3, 2009
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Bad Idea
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Echolink is a bad idea and so are the other "computer connected, repeater interrupting" software programs. When communication fails, the old way will be the only way. You need to get outside at least one hour a day! Maybe that will help.
Posted by
KD5UPL
on August 3, 2009
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Bad Idea
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Echolink is a bad idea and so are the other "computer connected, repeater interrupting" software programs. When communication fails, the old way will be the only way. You need to get outside at least one hour a day! Maybe that will help.
Posted by
KD5UPL
on August 3, 2009
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Real Hams
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CW is for real Hams. EchoStink, repeaters and other kinds of fake radio seems to be good soother for any less experienced communicator, at least now at the solar cycle bottom. I'm really curious if such 'hams' will be still active in 2050. Also I bet the CW guys will (not me, unfortunately)...
Oh, phooooney? Say what you learned - you bought your radio, amp, antennas, cables and commercial-grade mic. You are a native english speaker but you can't speak other languages. You are no-coder & Extra Class. My sympathy, there are only 2 ways for you - yelling into mic or pecking the keyboard. And you say something about ham radio? And the unskilled Windoze users talking about new technologies - what ridiculous funny figures!
My apologies if you feel not so comfortable reading my rant. There's another food for thought. I suggest to think on skills improvement instead of EchoStink, repeaters, packet, VoIP etc. Everybody can make this but there are lot of things which everybody can't...
Posted by
OK1RR
on August 1, 2009
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echo link
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I drive across country a lot and have talked to many hams on echolinked repeaters. Most were senior citizens with location restrictions and 3, that I remember well, were in "old folks homes" with computer access. To a lot of senior hams this is their only access. The one I remember most of 92 and lived near Ft. Campbell, ky in a nursing home. Who knows, you might just have made some hams day, young or old. 73 Don KI4JEK
Posted by
KI4JEK
on August 1, 2009
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Thus speaketh the dinosaurs. Well dino radio is fun too, heating up huge tubes and blasting away with hundreds of watts of AM or such but if you deny the future you shall be past.
Posted by
W8AAZ
on August 1, 2009
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oooops
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I appologize. I was asleep and didn't read the title of the survey well. I missed the internet linking part. Again still a time and a place.
Posted by
KE5MHV
on August 1, 2009
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A Time and a Place
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There are times especially during some emcomm situations where the linking can definitely have a use. I am not, however, a big fan of constant linked systems. We have a system in our area that does seem to work for its intended use. There is a group of about 10 machines that are linked if you use a tone and not if you do not use the tone. Again there is a time and a place for everything.
Posted by
KE5MHV
on August 1, 2009
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It's what you make it
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I have to laugh at the "EchoStink" remarks. Never heard that one and will have to remember it.
Ham Radio is what you make it; Some use digital, some don't, some get mad if you bad mouth CW, some don't, some exclusively homebuild, others don't, some buy only premade antennas, others don't. The list goes on and on.
Main thing is, use the hobby, enjoy it, find the areas you like, try something new; but, remember, it's a hobby with something for everyone; no one area better than the other.
IMHO .....
Posted by
WD8DUP
on August 1, 2009
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ECHOLINK hybrid
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Well its a hybrid not radio, and not internet totally it's a little of both worlds, and people just get hung up on the internet line part of it.. (( 99% )) of the time i am always on RF talking thru my 2m/440 repeater systems to someone around the world... Who they are using echolink thru my node #3897 Its not propagation its not dx its (( Just Hams talking to Hams )) thats cool!
I dont think its ham radio is something else!
Joe
KJ0L
Echolink node # 3987
Des Moines,Iowa
Posted by
W0IW
on July 30, 2009
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No thanks
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Makes my head hurt when I here a new ham talking abt how great it is to talk to Japan with his Shack on the belt. And saying he wants to get some QSL cards for the contacts so he can get some of those cool awards like the HF guys. Oh and now he is not going to upgrade or build a better station because, heck, he can do it all from his little HT. what a crock!!! VoIP is not radio and the bands are NOT dead, folks just dont want to work for the contact. To easy to get on echoStink, or IRLP, or CQ100 or any of the other fake radio stuff. If that what ham radio is to you fine. Just dont tell me that it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Posted by
KE7AAS
on July 30, 2009
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Depends on location
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I can see why some of our G-land comrades would object to EchoLink on their repeaters. Repeaters are few and far between in Britain.
Over here, there are three repeaters on every rock or silo over 6 feet high, and 99.9999% of them are basically dead. An occasional lightning crash will be loud enough to trip the squelch, triggering an automated ID, but the fact is, too many repeaters haven't even been listened to for decades, so only those scanning the band are even remotely aware of it.
Posted by
K0RGR
on July 30, 2009
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Special Repeaters Only!
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As the title here says:
Normal repeaters should not have internet linking inflicted on them. Internet linking should be put on purpose built repeaters, thus keeping existing repeaters for their intended purpose.
How annoying is it to be chatting on your local repeater to a friend to find some distance station blasting in and breaking the contact up?
So, lets have normal repeaters for the "local" stuff and special repeaters for internet linking.
That way we can choose which we want!
Posted by
G1YGJ
on July 30, 2009
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Cheating?
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It is not wireless but it is Amateur Radio!
Amateur Radio over IP (ARoIP)!
So why cheating?
73 Alfred, OE5AKM
Posted by
OE5AKM
on July 29, 2009
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IRLP ECHO LINK
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The great thing about ham radio is the fact there are so many facets and versions of it. IRLP and ECHO LINK being just two forms. In an emergency if I had a choice between a pure RF path..IRLP...ECHO LINK and two tin cans and a string I would try all of the above...I don't care how the message gets there...as long as it gets there.
Posted by
KB9WSL
on July 29, 2009
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LAME!
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The first choice is:
It gives me a kick to work distant stations with my handheld
If that is the limit of your aspirations, working the LOCAL REPEATER, NOT a Distant station, then internet linking is for you!
Posted by
KG4RUL
on July 28, 2009
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excuse for radio
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Repeaters should nt be linked in this way it's a apin when you are trying to get hold of a local and you keep getting something that should be on HF jamming the box up ,
That is why i no longer use repeaters at all too much internet linking not fond of echolink and it's derivatives either
Posted by
G6NJR
on July 27, 2009
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I wonder...
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I wonder how many of those posting negatives on VOIP used to use the phone patches on their repeaters when they were all the rage? Or had phone patches tied into their Yaesus, Kenwoods, TenTecs and ICOMS?
How do they distinguish between talking to someone over the repeater connected to a land line versus my brother and I using our HT's into repeaters linked by Echolink to carry on a conversation when we are 70 miles apart?
Just wonderin'.
W9THD
Posted by
W9THD
on July 27, 2009
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For the 18 percent of you
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For the 18 percent of you that get a kick working a distant station with a handheld, try the LEO FM birds. I just got into those last week, and what a cool thing that is. Talking to someone half a continent away with a half watt out to a home brew antenna pointed skyward at a target moving 18,000 mph. THAT is ham radio!
As for Echolink and the others, there is a novelty there, sure, and I can see the usefulness of it, but it's not true radio to me unless both stations are using a radio. I've used Echolink, and it's a handy way to keep in contact with people, and it's got it's place, but it's not quite the same as radio.
Posted by
K0EWS
on July 27, 2009
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Remember the first use.
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Internet linking on your local repeater is okay, but don't forget to save time slots for commuters and road traffic and weather reports, and for breakdowns and emergencies, too!
Early morning and evening times are needed for those hams on the road, and the convention has always been to keep the contacts short and sweet on the repeaters, so long ragchews about nothing much on the repeaters goes against the grain. Courtesy, remembering the other hams, especially those on the road, is still important. Maybe two repeaters, one for conventional and practical use, and another for linking and ragchews, if a club can afford the time, money and effort is the best solution.
Posted by
AI2IA
on July 27, 2009
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It's a shame...
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I did a little number crunching as of July 27 09:16 DST to see exactly how the for/against Echolink usage played out. So far only 42% of Hams are suffering from wrong thinking, the other 58% seem to understand that VoIP isn't Amateur Radio.
Deluding others into believing that QSOs with other Internet users is "radio" and a step forward seems to be counter-productive. Echolink seems to be a good way to pacify those who would not upgrade their license class or erect the necessary equipment by leading them to believe they are actually making "radio" contacts.
Echolink (Good) 143+67+97+16 = 323 (42%)
Echolink (Bad) 41+290+114 = 445 (58%)
Posted by
KJ4AUR
on July 27, 2009
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Internet Linking
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Right now listening on 80m - just noise. 20m - just noise. Not worth checking the other bands. VOIP or nothing. Many contacts on IRLP and D STAR that I would not otherwise have had. Three loud cheers for VOIP and to those who devised those systems. Many QSO's with those unable to run an HF station due to age and infirmity.
Posted by
GM4CUX
on July 25, 2009
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Echolink RF
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To WA5VQM
Echolink is also an extention of repeater coverage. No different than IRLP ;)
Echolink is 'predominantly' RF repeaters at each end. Just like IRLP ;)
The 'Myth' about Echolink is that it is purely computer to computer ;)
KH6/G3SEA
Posted by
G3SEA
on July 24, 2009
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ARRL & VOIP
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Emergency Liaison Station: The Board established a national-level appointment of Emergency Liaison Station to tie ARRL Headquarters to affected areas during disasters via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to HF or VHF linking.
KH6/G3SEA
Posted by
G3SEA
on July 24, 2009
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A useful tool
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Speaking to someone in a different continent via internet linked repeaters is no more 'cheating' than working someone 10 miles away via a conventional duplex repeater.
Of course it is not the same as a direct HF QSO - but then, it's not meant to be competing with HF.
It's another tool that can be used from a handy or when mobile. Certainly better than having the repeaters at each end of the link being dormant for 20 hours a day.
I like building gear and operating QRP. I also enjoy using SSB and CW on 10GHz. But I'm not a ham snob, internet linked repeaters are not my cup of tea but I have nothing against those that want to use them.
Posted by
G4GXL
on July 24, 2009
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ILRP is just another tool. Not "real" radio, but a tool nonetheless.
Today at lunch I was reading the mail with my HT on some guys in CA while sitting in my car here in TX. I thought that was kinda neat. Sure, I could do that on HF, but I don't have HF in the car. At home, I'm an HF guy, usually on CW, & typically ignore VHF/UHF.
It's an interesting tool. No, it's not DX, or WAS, just an extension of the repeater coverage IMO. IRLP ssems to have a purpose, it's Echolonk that seems pointless to me...
73, Mark
Posted by
WA5VQM
on July 23, 2009
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VoIP using Amateur Radio
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I think of this as another operating experience. I have used to it work China and other places my home station can not reach. In addition, I have been able to demonstrate what AR can do with a little of bit technology added. Is this not important?
I see nothing wrong with it and for those involved in award hunting, it is cheating, if that is your be all end all for your hobby experience. For me, each new technology has its own challenges and excitement. Please don't try to spoil the experience for those that use it. We would never try to judge the fun of the more conventional methods for making contacts and I don't think my fun should be judge either.
Posted by
AE1X
on July 23, 2009
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ARRL
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Through a technique called Internet linking, ham radio operators are harnessing the immediacy and portability of radio communication to the global reach of the Internet. Today's radio amateurs are using the Internet as the relay between their radio base stations, handhelds and mobile transceivers for long-distance communication, spanning thousands of miles. The ARRL has released a second edition of VoIP: Internet Linking for Radio Amateurs, the complete guide to several of the most widely used Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems used by today's radio amateurs, with particular attention to EchoLink and the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP).
The book is designed for beginners, as well as those hams who are long-time VoIP users. If you're new to VoIP, you'll discover information on how to get started, set up and use these systems. The more advanced ham will find plenty of technical "meat" to dig deeper into VoIP applications and discover how they actually work.
Written by EchoLink creator Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, VoIP: Internet Linking for Radio Amateurs is available for $21.95 from the ARRL Web site. Order your copy today!
KH6/G3SEA
Posted by
G3SEA
on July 23, 2009
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internet + radio = dumb
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For all those people who want to link the internet to your radio, why don't you just dump the radio part and just work the internet?
Posted by
HFRF
on July 23, 2009
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When I was first a ham in the mid '70's I heard a phone link between distant repeaters, as far away as philadelphia and hawaii if i remember corretly. I thought it was cool, but not really cost effective so it didn't happen often. Back in those days the local machines were almost always busy with folks talking. Lotsa active hams in local clubs, etc. After being away from ham radio for many years, I got around to turning a radio back on and found VHF/UHF repeaters nearly dead, all silence, all the time, I mean, I can scan maybe 50 repeaters in the phoenix area on the drive home and hear maybe 1 have activity. A coupla years ago I learned about IRLP, read up on it, I believed it could bring new life into the silent repeaters. I found the local machine and got on a few times and what I found was that it is a great way to link silent repeaters to silent repeaters.
The possibility is still there. One evening I did hear a huge net on what must have been a reflector with check ins from all over the country, but still most days all I hear is silence.
I think the issue is the activity level of hams not the technology or the question of whether linked repeaters are any less ham radio than HF CW with vacuum tubes.
AA4Q
Posted by
AA4Q
on July 22, 2009
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IRLP
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<Posted by WA8MEA on July 16, 2009
Remember....the ARRL won't give you WAS credit if you worked 'em via a repeater. That's "cheating"....>
#1 I really could care less what the ARRL will, or will not give credit for. I know what I worked, and that is good enough for me. But I guess some people need recognition.
#2 If Repeaters, IRLP and Echolink is your preference.... enjoy. The Amateur Radio Service has plenty of areas for all to play in.
#3 IRLP and Echolink might have their place somewhere, I just will not be involved with them. I will keep using CW as my preferred mode.
73 es see you on the bands.
Curt - NA7CS
Posted by
NA7CS
on July 22, 2009
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IRLP
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<Posted by WA8MEA on July 16, 2009
Remember....the ARRL won't give you WAS credit if you worked 'em via a repeater. That's "cheating"....>
#1 I really could care less what the ARRL will, or will not give credit for. I know what I worked, and that is good enough for me. But I guess some people need recognition.
#2 If Repeaters, IRLP and Echolink is your preference.... enjoy. The Amateur Radio Service has plenty of areas for all to play in.
#3 IRLP and Echolink might have their place somewhere, I just will not be involved with them. I will keep using CW as my preferred mode.
73 es see you on the bands.
Curt - NA7CS
Posted by
NA7CS
on July 22, 2009
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ARoIP
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It is Amateur Radio over IP (ARoIP) - and fine!
73, Alfred, OE5AKM
Posted by
OE5AKM
on July 22, 2009
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Not radio, but....
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So, when I use my cell phone, which is a very small transceiver, and talk to another ham on his cell phone , again a very small transceiver, can we exchange QSLs and use those QSLs for ARRL awards?
This use of the internet and calling it 'ham radio' is dumb. It's not. Just another form of internet chat. IRLP, maybe is OK, but ECHOLINK, come on guys.
Posted by
K8CXM
on July 22, 2009
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One vs. the Other
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Echolink, NOT Ham Radio. IRLP as a linking system. I think it's fine. There are many linking systems that use 430MHz or 1.2GHz. What do you end up with a lot of the time, noise, squawks, radar, broken link radios or broken link antennas. The Internet seems like a good way to avoid these problems. It gets the linking done and you are using a radio to communicate. Echolink, Skype, CQ100 and the like are NOT Ham Radio. Use Skype to talk to your non ham kid in Boston. Use a radio on your desk to talk to a ham in Boston. Internet links are better than 25 UHF links to get the job done.
Posted by
W7GWF
on July 21, 2009
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One vs. the Other
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Echolink, NOT Ham Radio. IRLP as a linking system. I think it's fine. There are many linking systems that use 430MHz or 1.2GHz. What do you end up with a lot of the time, noise, squawks, radar, broken link radios or broken link antennas. The Internet seems like a good way to avoid these problems. It gets the linking done and you are using a radio to communicate. Echolink, Skype, CQ100 and the like are NOT Ham Radio. Use Skype to talk to your non ham kid in Boston. Use a radio on your desk to talk to a ham in Boston. Internet links are better than 25 UHF links to get the job done.
Posted by
W7GWF
on July 21, 2009
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One vs. the Other
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Echolink, NOT Ham Radio. IRLP as a linking system. I think it's fine. There are many linking systems that use 430MHz or 1.2GHz. What do you end up with a lot of the time, noise, squawks, radar, broken link radios or broken link antennas. The Internet seems like a good way to avoid these problems. It gets the linking done and you are using a radio to communicate. Echolink, Skype, CQ100 and the like are NOT Ham Radio. Use Skype to talk to your non ham kid in Boston. Use a radio on your desk to talk to a ham in Boston. Internet links are better than 25 UHF links to get the job done.
Posted by
W7GWF
on July 21, 2009
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One vs. the Other
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Echolink, NOT Ham Radio. IRLP as a linking system. I think it's fine. There are many linking systems that use 430MHz or 1.2GHz. What do you end up with a lot of the time, noise, squawks, radar, broken link radios or broken link antennas. The Internet seems like a good way to avoid these problems. It gets the linking done and you are using a radio to communicate. Echolink, Skype, CQ100 and the like are NOT Ham Radio. Use Skype to talk to your non ham kid in Boston. Use a radio on your desk to talk to a ham in Boston. Internet links are better than 25 UHF links to get the job done.
Posted by
W7GWF
on July 21, 2009
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I personally get a kick out of dialing into repeaters in places where people aren't expecting me.
Again, folks, get a grip - it's talking on a repeater. Who cares how you get to the repeater? It's never been good for any kind of award or contact credit because you're using a repeater!
But, we have repeaters to make it easier to talk to our local buddies, so why not EchoLink or IRLP to let us talk to our buddies who aren't local?
As for the emergency local-comms arguments, well that may be true in your community, but in this one, our 4 repeaters are dead most of the time. Some people prefer it that way. I prefer lots of activity.
I don't think I'll ever work VK-land from my handheld, not even my FT-817 when 10 is open. I had a real nice conversation with a VK7 not long ago who was out for a walk on EchoLink. I've had some fun mobile-to-mobile QSO's with Britain - me going to work and them coming home from work.
No, it's not a substitute for the real thing. SSB isn't a substitute for CW, either. But there's nothing wrong with it, if you enjoy doing it.
Posted by
K0RGR
on July 21, 2009
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I personally get a kick out of dialing into repeaters in places where people aren't expecting me.
Again, folks, get a grip - it's talking on a repeater. Who cares how you get to the repeater? It's never been good for any kind of award or contact credit because you're using a repeater!
But, we have repeaters to make it easier to talk to our local buddies, so why not EchoLink or IRLP to let us talk to our buddies who aren't local?
As for the emergency local-comms arguments, well that may be true in your community, but in this one, our 4 repeaters are dead most of the time. Some people prefer it that way. I prefer lots of activity.
I don't think I'll ever work VK-land from my handheld, not even my FT-817 when 10 is open. I had a real nice conversation with a VK7 not long ago who was out for a walk on EchoLink. I've had some fun mobile-to-mobile QSO's with Britain - me going to work and them coming home from work.
No, it's not a substitute for the real thing. SSB isn't a substitute for CW, either. But there's nothing wrong with it, if you enjoy doing it.
Posted by
K0RGR
on July 21, 2009
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QSL is in the mail
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>Not Radio
I just worked another ham using Skype! We're going to exchange QSLs, I think he was DX! Seventy Thirds folks. Can I exchange QSL cards with forum replies too? It's all Radio as long as you're talking about radio, right?
No RF = Not Radio.<
::Thanks for the chat! Condx not bad today, although my monitor seems a bit dim for some reason.
Anyway, the card's in the mail. 73
Posted by
WB2WIK
on July 21, 2009
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Not Radio
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I just worked another ham using Skype! We're going to exchange QSLs, I think he was DX! Seventy Thirds folks. Can I exchange QSL cards with forum replies too? It's all Radio as long as you're talking about radio, right?
No RF = Not Radio.
Posted by
KJ4AUR
on July 21, 2009
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Better?
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Tried echolink, it bored me, no excitement at all.
If folk like it and irlp links that's fine just as it does not stop me enjoying myself on the 2m & 70cm SSB sections.
It's not better it's just different like coffee with or without sugar.
I take mine without thanks, just respect that and we'll get along fine.
73 de G8KHS John
Posted by
G8KHS
on July 21, 2009
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Another means to get on the air
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I didn't think much about the "mode" until I heard a ragchew between two hams, where one now has to live in a limited assisted living facility. No more HF rig, amp and towers but he is still able to chat with his old buddies via this mode. It don't link into the system, but I have listened to its great value to others that do.
Posted by
AC8AP
on July 20, 2009
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The march of the purists! Doesn't it just make you want to laugh? I Mean--look where they're preaching! (An internet site.)
Posted by
K1CJS
on July 20, 2009
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We change, whether we like it or not- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Hey old people that think Echolink is not real radio, wake up. Let me ask you what it was it like when you went from CW to voice back around a hundred years ago, because I think you were old enough to remember. People its called change deal with it. PSK-31, FM, etc... It was all changes in ham radio. Echolink will always be here. You old people or ones who think its not real radio you will come and go but Echolink will still be used.
Posted by
KD0BIE
on July 20, 2009
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Yawn
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I couldn't care less.
:-)
Posted by
WB2WIK
on July 20, 2009
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Echostink
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Yup. That about covers it.
Dan
Posted by
WZ1P
on July 20, 2009
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It is nothing but another extension of the hobby, anyone using remote access to a station through the internet or telephone line, be it a repeater, a HF station or whatever is exercising his right to a part of the hobby. Only people living in the past with blinders on and being narrow minded would not call this ham radio. This reminds me so much of the old AM vs. SSB discussions and the CW vs. voice and the CW/voice vs. digital arguments I have heard over the years. It is the fear many have to try and do things that are different than what they are doing. Its different so it is evil, is not the same, whine whine whine.
It is a aspect of the hobby as much as CW, rag chewing, round tables, DX-nets and county hunter nets VHF and HF operations. You don't like it, don't do it but spare others your negativity and whining.
John
Posted by
WMCO
on July 20, 2009
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Interesting....
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"This is not, and never will be "Amateur RADIO".
Hmmm...and posting on INTERNET sites somehow is? How 'bout the folks who post ham stuff on YouTube? Is that ham radio? End-users don't need a computer to use Echolink or IRLP, yet the folks who post drivvel against it somehow do.
KK2DOG
Posted by
KK2DOG
on July 20, 2009
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Missing choice
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One of the answer choices should have been:
"It can be useful, but I'll never, ever claim that I work DX with it..
I personally have no use for it, but do see where it can be useful for some. But what is most disturbing is how often you'll hear someone make the comment that they had worked DX over it as if what they did was the exact same kind of achievement of doing it with 100% RF from their station directly to the DX station. It is that total lack of understanding (or even any desire to understand) what the technology really is doing that I find quite puzzling and troubling.
The local repeaters that have it around here all seem to be just about as quiet as the ones that don't have it.
Posted by
N9DG
on July 19, 2009
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Yet another mode to use
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It's just another bit of fun to fiddle with on
the air...never understood the big deal.
The hobby to me is about talking to new people
and learning something about them...linked
repeater nets are a lot of fun when propagation
is bad.
Posted by
KC2RGW
on July 19, 2009
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WW Nets
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IRLP is great; but a pain and total tie-up of a lot of resources when these ww nets are on,
If you want to run a big net like that "use hf"
73s DE VE1PGC Phil
Posted by
VE1PGC
on July 19, 2009
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Approach with Caution...
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Having read the pro's and con's of previous comments, I kind find points of agreement with ALL of them! Let's face it, NO WAY is this "real" ham radio, but it's a system that certainly does enhance "communication" per se. Nevertheless, anybody who thinks he's really DX'ing on one of these linked setups is like a long distance runner using a motorcycle.
Posted by
W2KG
on July 19, 2009
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Bad Idea
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Really a stupid idea..It took a useful tool and turned it into a joke. DX stations can come right in and overtake the conversation calling CQ. Why would I want to talk to England when I'm looking for local traffic info or want to talk to local hams?
Posted by
NY4DX
on July 19, 2009
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Internet Linking
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This is not, and never will be "Amateur RADIO".A Callsign is not needed for "Chat" via the Computer. Millions around the World do exactly the same via the many systems available.The 12.5Khz Channels here in the UK are totally clogged up with this garbage.No small wonder so many have vacated Amateur Radio (Ham Radio).
Posted by
GW1MCD
on July 19, 2009
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more, More, MORE!
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Considering how many unused repeaters there are on the bands, there should be MORE Internet linking! Specific groups could take over certain machines. DX'rs(they already do it on APRS and websites) and contesters are just two examples.
Posted by
HAMMYGUY
on July 18, 2009
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Repeaters/IRLP
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For some....Thus technology is the only way for them to make long distance contacts, and...It's fun! I do agree that it's not real radio. But, these people are still Hams...and they are our friends/family. I say, to each his own. U do what u want. I'll do what I want. Agree to disagree....etc. Any type of electronic communication that utilizes a Ham Radio License should be recognized as such. Hams that use repeaters usually have enough sense to understand that it wasn't their radio and antenna that made that long distance contact. It was the repeaters/Internet, etc that made it possible. I use it once in a while on 2 meter 70cm stuff, and I enjoy it. It;s the only way (with my antenna restrictions) that I can enjoy listening to someone from another country and actually communicate back with them. What is wrong with that?
Posted by
KE7OSV
on July 18, 2009
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Politics are heavy
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I get a lot of crap for speaking French to friends and family even if every egghead calling me out knows it's me-
Posted by
N0AH
on July 17, 2009
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Do me a favor
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I'd rather watch paint dry than use Echostink. Contacts made using VOIP are a true non-accomplishment! Do me a favor, if you see me broken down on the side of the road, and Echostink is the only way to get me help, please GO HELP SOMEONE ELSE!!! (Besides, I have a cell phone just for such emergencies!) -KR4WM
Posted by
KR4WM
on July 17, 2009
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Yawn
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every time I hear one of the nice new hams talking abt how he just talked to Japan with his handheld I want to laugh my butt off. WOOHOO what a moment in time that is. Big deal. AND there does NOT have to be a radio in the mix someplace. echolink will allow computer to computer contacts. Ok...there MIGHT be a microwave or sat. link in there...not ham radio though. IRLP at least needs rf on one end or the other. It is a sad day when new hams see VoIP as the best part of ham radio...now back to trying to work Japan on 20 meters with 5 watts..I already have a headache!!! LOLOL!!
Posted by
N0FPE
on July 17, 2009
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echolink on repeaters
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For certain hams who are disabled or are in nursing homes I can understand this echolink business. Otherwise, this is not real radio.I take pride in my cw skills and worked hard to get my 20 wpm extra.Nowadays, the modern personages want instant gratification with no effort. When the big balloon goes up, and it will, the internet will be history and only real hams will be left!!!! 73s de Hans WA1UFO
Posted by
WA1UFO
on July 17, 2009
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I don't use repeaters very often.
Posted by
KB3LAZ
on July 17, 2009
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Connect via Repeaters
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I personally do not use Echolink or similar internet based services.
However when running JOTA special event stations I find the option to provide world-wide communications via Echolink when HF conditions fail does enable Scouts to continue to communicate with each other.
We operate from a Scout Campsite that does not have an internet connection so we have access the internet via a local repeater using a VHF link. Problem is that the repeater does carry other traffic so we have to limit our use. It's only radio for the first 30 odd miles but its still radio as far as the Scouts are concerned and the audio received is usually much more readable than on HF.
John
Posted by
G0GDU
on July 17, 2009
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Why?
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Why not use your cell phone ? You can connect to every part of the world and there millions of users !
Dump the equipment and play your phone!!
This said by an old wireless operator who still is using CW to connect to the world on HF bands using CW...
Yes I do have a cell phone... and a broadband internet connection... 10Mb ...
Posted by
PA3ALX
on July 17, 2009
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It's all about COMMUNICATION!
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I for one love the fact that we can dial into a repeater in some far off corner of the world on a hand held, that is quite accessible to most hams. After all, our hobby is that of communication and experimentation... moving with the times, and progressing with advances in technology. Ok, so using the internet to do the long haul part of the coms might be considered cheating, but not all of us can put up HF antennas and have to make do with VHF/UHF...
Posted by
ZL1RON
on July 16, 2009
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Repeater?
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Are those still considered part of ham radio?
Hi HI.
I think the last time I listened to a repeater was around 1990?
When DX spots hit the internet, I put my HT in a closet.
73
Bob
Posted by
W7ETA
on July 16, 2009
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Repeaters & Repeaters
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Repeaters are used for different main purposes.
I prefer to use repeaters for highway traffic and emergency nets, also for commuity support purposes.
Such repeaters are readily available for use, are not used for rag chews, give and receive practival automotive traffic and weather conditions, and are closest to day to day radio uses.
Others like cross linked repeaters with all sorts of special access. These are okay, but when you are out there on the highways they are not much use. Fortunately, there are enough repeaters out there to support different uses.
Posted by
AI2IA
on July 16, 2009
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Hmmmmm.....
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>>It's not real radio....it's cheating!<<
OK, which part is the cheating part?
The use of the Internet?
Or....the use of the REPEATER????
Remember....the ARRL won't give you WAS credit if you worked 'em via a repeater. That's "cheating"....
Posted by
WA8MEA
on July 16, 2009
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at least
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At least there is a radio somewhere in the mix..thats more than I can say for some of the "modes" out there!
KT4WO
Posted by
KT4WO
on July 16, 2009
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Whatever ...
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Whatever floats your boat ....
Technology continues to trump tradition. But you don't have to use it if you don't want to.
We don't have any internet-linked repeaters in my area yet, but it will be interesting to try it out.
Posted by
K4IQT
on July 16, 2009
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its not radio
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linking repeaters via the phone line or the internet is a nice novelty.
Posted by
OBSERVER11
on July 16, 2009
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IRLP & Echolink
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Internet radio is okay as a novelty, but I wouldn't want a steady diet of it. After all, my ticket says Amateur Radio Operator, not Amateur Computer Operator. For someone without a radio it could be a good resource until such time as that person can secure a real radio, but as another person said, in times of emergency Internet radio would prove useless,, at which time we would revert to our tried and true radios anyway. Another thing: do you REALLY know who is on the computer end? Does he/she have a license or is the user merely a hacker? Not to mention the vast amount of potential noise that could be generated by a hacker at the other end. I think I'll stick to my radios.
73, NØJAA
Posted by
N0JAA
on July 15, 2009
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Why?
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It may be a great mode for some, but I don't understand its use as a communication mode via ham radio, to me it is a fancy land line (my uneducated observation). Maybe i am missing something here. I have a computer with internet. Why would I want to access the internet via a radio? (other than wifi).
If some big emergency happens in America it will be cell towers and the internet, and satellite links to go down first. Radio will still be available during times of emergencys in some form or another. I just don't see the internet being that useful in a disaster. Just my opinion
Robert
Posted by
N7TFL
on July 15, 2009
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Great fro Expats !
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I have used Echolink & IRLP repeaters for years to natter with U.K. ( and World )Ham buddies. Something that has just not been possible on HF 24/7.
Not the magic of HF but certainly the fun meaningful rag chews with old friends on familiar repeaters.
KH6/G3SEA
Posted by
G3SEA
on July 15, 2009
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Fun, but not radio.
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When RF paths are substituted for multi-hop Internet paths it is not radio. Echolink is absolutely fine as a *medium* of communication but it is certainly not a *mode* of ham radio communications. When Internet paths are used for the *majority* of the distance which would not be possible unless there was sufficient propagation then again, you're not playing radio, you're playing Internet-"radio" with perhaps a sprinkling of RF.
"It gives me a kick to work distant stations with my handheld" made me chuckle; this should be as gratifying as sending someone and email.
Posted by
KJ4AUR
on July 15, 2009
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It Works Fine
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I generally keep my Echolink node (KK2DOG-L) linked to a repeater here in Watertown, New York. It allows the folks who fly south for the winter, and former residents to access the local machine as though they never left the area. My link radio in the shack is an old Kenwood 7950, and I use an interface by Donner.
Mike KK2DOG
Posted by
KK2DOG
on July 15, 2009
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ANOTHER WAY TO CONNECT!
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This is a good way to connect with hams in other areas of the world, reliably, while driving to work or on vacation. I wish all repeaters had an internet link to a distant state or country. Prospective hams are amazed at the distance and clarity of the signal, which often results in them studying for the exam and earning a license.
If it uses RF, it is ham radio, but their are always those who decry any change or modification as a sociological impulse. They just can't seem to overcome human nature for the expansion and betterment of the hobby.
Posted by
KI4SDY
on July 15, 2009
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vacation
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note: no one is on holiday, yet.
Posted by
AD3AA
on July 15, 2009
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