ARRL Technician Practice Exam

How do you select a specific IRLP node when using a portable transceiver?

1. Use the microphone to shout the node ID

2. Use the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID

3. Dial the node number on a rotary dial

4. Use a computer to input the node ID

The correct answer is: Use the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID

To select a specific IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) node when using a portable transceiver, utilizing the keypad to transmit the IRLP node ID is the correct approach. This method involves entering the numeric node ID directly into the transceiver using the keypad. By doing this, you are instructing the IRLP system to connect your transmission to the desired node. IRLP nodes are identified by unique numeric IDs, and keying them into the transceiver ensures that the correct link is established over the network. This process is both efficient and straightforward and is designed to work seamlessly with most modern portable transceivers equipped with a keypad. Other options are not practical or supported by the IRLP system. For instance, shouting the node ID into the microphone is not feasible as the transceiver cannot recognize spoken words in this context. Dialing the node number on a rotary dial is outdated and not compatible with digital communication methods. Similarly, while using a computer to input the node ID might be possible when interfacing with certain software systems, it does not apply when directly using a portable transceiver for IRLP connections. Therefore, the keypad method stands out as the correct and effective means of selecting an IRLP node.