KWARC on IRLP and EchoLink

The Kitchener Waterloo Amateur Radio Club provides members and non-members with unrestricted access to both IRLP and EchoLink, through the VE3RBM repeater (444.875 MHz, positive offset, 131.8 PL tone).

Please note:

DTMF tones are required to connect and to disconnect from either IRLP or EchoLink. Some radios have DTMF tones turned off by default. If you are unable to connect, please check the settings on your radio to ensure DTMF tones are turned on.
Always PAUSE when using either IRLP or EchoLink:
- Please wait for 3 seconds after someone else speaks before keying up, to allow the links to clear;
- Please wait 3 to 5 seconds after keying up before speaking, so that the beginning of your transmission is not lost.

Connecting to IRLP

To connect to IRLP, simply use the keypad on your radio to key in the DTMF tones.

Please follow these simple steps to connect:

Identify yourself on the repeater, checking to see if the repeater is in use. "This is VE3XXX, is the repeater in use?"
If the repeater is free, identify your intention to connect to IRLP. "VE3XXX connecting to IRLP"
Key in the desired node or reflector number. Active reflectors may be found on the IRLP Status Page. Please see link below.
For example, if you wish to connect to the East Coast Reflector (a very active reflector with nets and other informal traffic), simply key in 9050.
You should receive a voice message indicating that you are connected. If you don't receive the message, try again.
Once connected, listen for a few moments to ensure that the connected repeater or node is not in use. Then identify yourself, make your call, and see what happens! "This is VE3XXX connected by IRLP. Is there anyone available for a qso?"

Connecting to EchoLink

Connecting to EchoLink is similar to connecting to IRLP. Please use the same on-air etiquette when connecting as shown above for IRLP.
Simply key in # before the node number, which will indicate to the system that it is an EchoLink node.
For example, if you wish to connect to the VE3YRC repeater in Aurora, simply key in #580457.

Disconnecting from either IRLP or EchoLink

To disconnect from either IRLP or EchoLink:

Announce your intention to disconnect, if not disruptive to other traffic, such as a net. "This is VE3XXX disconnecting from the East Coast Reflector".
Disconnect by keying in 73. No leading # is required for EchoLink.
You should receive a voice message indicating that you are disconnected. If no voice message received, try again until you receive the message.
When disconnected, identify on the repeater that you are clear. "This is VE3XXX clear of EchoLink."

When you are remote

When travelling anywhere else in the world, you can "phone home" to your KWARC buddies on VE3RBM! Look up the details of you local IRLP/EchoLink repeaters, and call 2410 (IRLP) or # 152298 (EchoLink). You can also use the EchoLink app on your smartphone / desktop / laptop, if you get your own EchoLink login and verify your license with them.

Helpful links:

We hope that you enjoy using IRLP and EchoLink!