IRLP NODE 3602
ECHOLINK 143902
The K5FRC 2-meter FM repeater is located at 145.470 MHz, with a negative offset. There is an available autopatch, the repeater is open, and all are welcome to use it.
The K5FRC 70cm repeater is located at 443.750 MHz (+ 5MHz offset), with an input frequency of 448.750 MHz.
Well, the keypad test is a good way to tell if that "5" on your keypad really is flaky or is it your antenna/location that is giving you a poor signal. It really does take a good signal (near full quieting) for the controller to decode the keypad signals.
How do you "REALLY" sound on the repeater. Do you have a broken mic cord like the last QSO told you? Do you hold the mic too close? too far? Speak too loud? Too soft? Background noise? Most FM rigs do not have a mic gain control so you have to learn where to hold the mic for your voice on your rig.
How does your signal sound when it is OK? Do a "A7" and then real quick do a "A01" or a "A02" test and see how your signal compares to the "correct" setting on the repeater. Are you too "hot" (loud) or are you to low? Mike Durbin has taken the time and care to set these levels correctly and they are a good way for us to set our own radio.
The 70cm repeater functions are similar except it does not have IRLP nor Echolink and therefore does not require the "A" for the function codes. The 70cm machine is under used so it is an ideal candidate to do these types of audio tests on. Don't have a 70cm machine? Christmas will be here before you know it. Put a 70cm rig on your list and do all of the testing you want!
-Dave, W5DBKK5FRC is EchoLink node number 143902
From the echolink.org web site:
"EchoLink software allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology. The program allows worldwide connections to be made between stations, or from computer to station, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio's communications capabilities.There are more than 150,000 registered users in 152 nations worldwide!"
For more information on echolink, and to download the software, see the echolink.org web site.
EchoLink requires a static IP address and 2-way internet access. For users without static IP addresses or without 2-way access, such as users with satellite internet and users behind firewalls in hotels or other Wi-Fi hotspots, you may need to use an EchoLink proxy to connect reliably.
Here is a link to the Echolink Proxy List
K5FRC is IRLP node number 3602
From the IRLP.net web site: "The aim of this project is to reliably and inexpensively link amateur radio systems without the use of RF links, leased lines, or satellites. The IRLP uses Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) custom software and hardware.Ê Coupled with the power of the Internet, IRLP will link your repeater site or simplex station to the world in a simple and cost effective way. ÊIRLP operates a worldwide network of dedicated servers and nodes offering very stable worldwide voice communications between hundreds of towns and cities.Ê All this with unsurpassed uptimes and the full dynamic range of telephone quality audio" IRLP.net web site.