The OVMRC now has its very own Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Channel! This channel can be used as a meeting place for local hams to have text-based conversations while in the shack, or on their mobile devices. It can be accessed via our web client at the link below, no installations or registrations are necessary:
IRC is an older chat protocol that has its roots in the early days of the social internet way back in the 1980s. Despite its age, IRC still has many distinct advantages over more modern chat platforms including simplicity and flexibility. For example, IRC does not require account creation or registration to use it, instead users pick a Nickname ("Nick" for short) at the time of connection. Easy!
IRC chat rooms are traditionally used very similarly to amateur radio repeaters. You can drop in and out, have long conversations, short conversations, or just monitor. This room can also be used to quickly send files or links, or act as a backup channel when troubleshooting issues over RF.
Hopefully this can be another helpful real-time meeting place for local amateurs. Looking forward to seeing you there! More information is available on the website at the link below:
https://ovmrc.ca/social/irc-chat/
Adam, VA3IRD
Appears in: Rambler December 2024