Hey Rob:
well congradulations on writing the tech and getting your license.
I don't know of any audio demo's on how to use echolink, but it's a pretty
straight forward piece of software to get running.
There is a totally accessible echolink app for the IPhone/IPad/IPod touch as
well.
We have an echolink check in and rag chew net for blind hams on Friday
nights at 8:00PM eastern I think it is on Jim, KY2D's node. You can find
KY2D by doing a search on echolink and connecting directly with his node.
You will see 3 different types of station on echolink:
call sign with a dash R means it is a repeater node, call sign and dash L
means it's a simplex node, and call sign with nothing after it means it's a
computer station. You want to set the echolink program into index mode not
explorer mode to make it more usable with a screen reader.
IRLP is also extremely simple. Just find a repeater or simplex node that
has IRLP enabled on it.
On a repeater that is clear of conversation, Key the mike and give your call
sign then punch in the 4 digit IRLP node number on your radios DTMF keypad,
that you wish to talk to. Some repeaters and notes have special simbles
that you must enter before entering the four digit IRLP node number...a
simple request for info on the repeater that has IRLP will get you the info
you need.
TO disconnect from a node simply key up and press 73 on the keypad and the
node will disconnect. IRLP gives audio feed back through the repeater or
whatever each time you do something, so you will know if you connect and
when you disconnect.
Just listen to the frequency for a few minutes to make sure there isn't an
on going conversation...one of the biggest anoyances for me is when someone
turns the radio on, doesn't hear anything for 5 seconds then dials up an
IRLP node right in the middle of a conversation.
The best piece of advice I can give you is do more listening than talking
for the first little while and get a feel for the culture and eddicit on the
air in your local area. Everywhere is a bit different...listening to
conversations and picking up on who is who and getting to know the guys a
bit before you jump in can help to break the ice and get you into round
table conversations.
Don't be afraid to jump in with your call sign though and join an on going
conversation...if you have somethign to add or can contribute
somehow...another anoying thing is when someone jumps into a conversation
and then high jacks it because they have nothing to say about the current
topic.
The biggest difference between echolink and IRLP is that echolink can be
used with a computer or I device, whereas you must use a radio to use IRLP.
Many repeaters have both systems active. You will find IRLP to be a better
system for purposes of communicating with less drop outs, noise and over all
better quality of communication...that said, it is still noisy and clunky
compared to just talking on a repeater or simplex frequency.
Anyway, feel free to ask any questions you like on the list. We've all been
at this a long time and though we may tend to try and get you to figure
things out, because that is a good way to learn, we will answer any and all
questions gladly.
73
Colin, V A6BKX
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Rob DeZonia" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2014 11:43 AM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Intro and question
> Hello Everyone,
>
> My name is Rob DeZonia from Carlsbad, Ca. As of last Saturday, I am now
> one
> of the newest blind Technician license holders. I was a Novice back when I
> was a teen which was a very long time ago, and it was fun to have to study
> and memorize Amateur Radio related stuff some 40 years later. Glad my
> brain
> hasn't turned to mush. But I digress. My callsign hasn't even shown up in
> the FCC Database yet so I'm jumping the gun a bit.
>
> Is there a recorded demo of how to use Echolink for the PC? I'd like to
> try
> it when I'm eligible and would like a head start. I have picked out an HT
> and will be getting it here directly.
>
> Would also like some resources on how to use IRLP. Any help would be
> greatly
> appreciated. Can't wait to make my first contact. Hope I don't go all mic
> shy.
>
> Rob
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