Frequently asked questions

How do I become a member?

That is easy. Just send an email to members@delcityarc.org and request membership. It is free and everyone is welcome. Tell your friends.

What is expected of me on the repeaters?

We expect courtesy to others while using our repeaters or nodes. Do not use profanity or treat others with disrespect. If someone is jamming the repeater, just sign off and do not discuss it on the air. You are giving them what they want when you talk about it on the air. If you must talk about it call someone on Skype and talk off the air.

What is IRLP?

Internet Radio Linking Project

IRLP stands for Internet Radio Linking Project, the name given to a voice over IP system for communicating long distances using repeaters connected to the Internet. A repeater connected to the IRLP system in Oklahoma City can easily connect to a repeater thousands of miles away by simply entering a DTMF number of the distant repeater node. IRLP uses a platform of the Linux operating system. One of the high points of IRLP is that each node has a 128 bit Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encrypted key. When a node is dialed, the remote node verifies our PGP key to see if our node is legitimate or a hacker. IRLP is only accessable via a radio meaning that you cannot communicate through a connected computer using the computer microphone. IRLP is very secure and has superior audio because of the audio codec used. It requires a greater Internet bandwidth than Echolink and is a bit more difficult to set up. The codec used by IRLP is the Adaptive Differential Pulse Control Modulation (ADPCM). It is a very clear codec. If you put a quality signal in, you will get a quality signal out.

What is the Winsystem?

The Winsystem is repeater linking system originating from San Diego, California and was created by Jeff (Shorty) Stouffer K6JSI. There are many 40+ repeaters throughout California and around the country. connected by radio. It is an always on system meaning there is no connect, process needed because the system is always connected. All you need to do is transmit and you are heard all over the world. The Winsystem has some rules that must be adhered to and can be found here. We are confident you will love this system. The Oklahoma City area's only gateway to the WIN System is through our own 443.3 MHz repeater.

What is a node?

A node is the name that refers to a computer access point. Every node is assigned a node number. This is analogous to a telephone number. Our repeaters have node numbers that correspond to the computer access point attached to them.

What node number are we?

An occasion may come when we may be connected to an reflector that a person on the other end may ask you what node you are on so they can call you direct. If you are on 146.70 MHz our IRLP node number is 3867. If you are on 443.3 MHz our IRLP node number is 8440. These are the numbers that you give your friends and family in other states so they will know how to call here.

What is a reflector?

A reflector is a special kind of node used on IRLP that allows multiple repeaters and simplex links from anywhere in the world to connect simultaneously. This way when one person speaks, all connected nodes will hear it and therefore all of the people in the listening area of those nodes will hear it. A reflector node number always begins with a nine (9). The last digit of the node number signifies which of the 10 reflector channels it is. For example... If we dial 9451, we are connecting to the Dallas reflector 9450, channel six (6). This allows ample channels for multiple repeaters to meet up on a channel for a private meeting. The owner of the reflector has the power to block any node at any time.

What is Voice over IP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a system that takes audio from our repeater and converts it into data. That data is transmitted over the network (Internet) to remote nodes. The remote node computer takes the data and converts it back to audio for the users on the romote end to hear. Voice over IP is a widely use technology today carrying voices over the Internet as data much cheaper than using a standard telephone. In fact, most cellular telephone companies today are already doing this.

How do I call an IRLP node?

To dial an IRLP node you first find the node number you need here and then announce your call sign (example:W5DEL to the node) then just dial the node number direct. A more detailed list of codes are listed here.

How do I disconnect?

To disconnect from either W5DEL nodes, you dial 7. Then announce your call sign (example: W5DEL disconnecting from the link). A more detailed list of codes are listed here.

Where is Del City and do I have to be a member to use the nodes?

Del City is a suburb of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA, on the South East side of the metro area near Tinker Air Force Base. Del City is the nearest suburb to downtown Oklahoma City. W5DEL Repeater, Node 3867 is located 35.4474373 N and 97.449806 W. No you do not have to be a member to use the nodes. We would like everyone to join since it is free but anyone can use either node. We do reserve the right to refuse use to anyone for any reason. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gives us the right, in fact a duty to control access if needed to maintain regulations listed in 47 CFR Part 97.

What happened to the old page at http://www.w5del.com?

Since the old domain was due for renewal and it was going to be the same price to renew or get a new domain we chose to regster a new domain.