Missing Nodes?

Periodically I get emails from people, reporting that the IRLP Finder or Echolink Finder app does not find a node that they know exists for sure. So I thought I’d post some information on how the search is done.

First of all, the app does not have a separate listing of nodes, nor does it have an outdated copy. All the information is obtained in real time from the web. So the app always uses the latest information.

The app goes directly to irlp.net and echolink.org for its information. Only the latest official information is used. If the app is not finding a node that you think should be there, simply go to the web site and see if the website returns the node. Sometimes a node does not have coordinates assigned to it, so the IRLP or Echolink website cannot find it. In that case the node owner has to update their profile with IRLP or Echolink and provide location coordinates.

For IRLP, the app uses this web form: http://status.irlp.net/index.php?PSTART=7

For EchoLink, the app uses this form: http://www.echolink.org/links.jsp

Simply go to the website and enter your location. The results should be the same as the app returns. If you notice any differences, then please send me an email or leave a comment and I will look into it. But if even the website does not find your node, then you need to work with the node owner to get the node’s information updated.

Need to know your coordinates? An easy way on a desktop computer is go to Google Maps, right click on your location and select “What’s Here?”. This will show the coordinates of that spot in the search bar.