I have become an IRN user ever since I heard if it 3 months ago, doing research off and on while looking for an excuse to avoid it.
Me back then: “Its Not HAM RADIO!!”
Me Now: “Ham Radio is what you make of it.”
Background:
International Radio Network is an internet collection of servers that piggyback off of team speak platform, once and still used by PC/PS4/XBOX gamers to discuss game like activities. HAM’s re-purposed a very small percentage of this software for their use and it is flourishing!
Layout:
IRN again uses Team Speak 3. This is a client software available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone and Android. Network Radios also run Android and are compatible with IRN network.
Here is a screen shot of Team Speak 3 for Windows.
Voice Quality Report:
In my QSO with Shmuel, KD2KMP, We exchanged information relating to IRN and voice quality via DMR, Analogue FM and via a Network Radio (Sure F25). Here are a few videos detailing voice quality.
My QSO PT 1 – https://youtu.be/8fAvukCQdfk
MY QSO PT 2 – https://youtu.be/WHHyu12rEvg
MY QSO PT 3 – https://youtu.be/SEQOX9A2_yY
Sammy’s Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYYh5reeYuY&feature=share
Bawfeng and DMR was intelligible but lacked tonality and proper frequency articulation. Directly connected to internet via computer or a network radio, allowed for full tonal clarity and it is amazing, seemingly better than D-STAR or Yeasu System Fusion.
As I continue my venture into IRN, I will post more, for now its an adventure! I see the flexibility into this system and I am happy to have adopted it in my shack.
To me, yes, it is ham radio!
If you are interested in joining, head on over to IRN and join!