Martin, VK2UMJ wrote:

"Jock." wrote in message
...

On Mon, 21 Mar 2005 18:31:04 +1100, Simon VK3XEM
wrote:


I don't understand why cell phones aren't included.

How many points would I accrue from working my nearest cellphone
node which is about 2 km distant?


WAKE UP! There are so many different things you can do on Amateur
Radio, there is room for everyone.

Absolutely, but this isn't one of them.


I fail to see the difference between using an FM repeater that is linked to
another repeater on a different band, which is commonly done, and using
IRLP.... Yet using the repeater is perfectly acceptable?

Umm, do we have FM repeater contests?

IRLP is, usually, vastly different than EchoLink.. If stations at both ends
are using radio, then does it really matter how the link between is
established?

That depends. The idea of using Handi-talkies to talk across the world
by IRLP is interesting after a fashion, but in reality not a lot
different than using a phone patch to do the same.


Using linked repeaters is fine, some of which use links
outside amateur bands, yet nobody here is suggesting that we put crap on
those operators!

Frankly, although I use FM repeaters of the linked and normal variety,
they are only for utilitarian purposes, and really aren't all that much
"fun"

Yes, DX contacts via HF are nice, and may be what many consider to be true
amateur radio, but not everyone can get on HF bands and if IRLP helps
increase activity on radio bands then how can it be a bad thing?

It is a dilution of Amateur radio.

I do, however, agree that a 24/7 contest for a whole 28 days is starting to
get a bit much! 24/7 for 1 or 2 days should be enough, just like most other
amateur contests.

Under no circumstances is it "like" other amateur contests.

This is what is a little bothersome about the whole thing. For me to
participate in an HF contest, (excluding that I have to do this stuff
to get on the air anyhow) I need to erect an antenna system that works
fairly well, I have to hone my receiving skills so that I can pull weak
signals, and to learn general good operating practices.

Now, what do I need to do with IRLP?..........

The bothersome part is that it seems like too many IRLP'ers and
Echolinker's, just don't "get " that.

- Mike KB3EIA -