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X-Chat Aqua (OS X)
mIRC (Win)
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N1DK
Original #swl page

The focus of this page is to help you connected to the group of shortwave listeners and DXers in the #swl chat channel. Participants may be logged in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to capture a log file so as not to miss any comments.

The page's purpose is to supplement, not replace, the FAQ's and other material supplied by IRC software authors and writers of the IRC software manuals.

The original page -- see the note below -- dates back to 1999 and the last days of the ANARC SWL Net when Dave Kirby, N1DK, and I constructed the page to help those who asking "How do I get onto the Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and join others participating in the IRC channel #swl?"

Where do I get software?

[ Do you not want to or cannot install software? Use your Java-enabled Web browser to quickly join #swl. On this page, change the "Nick" from "Guest" to one of your choosing and click on "Connect" at the screen bottom. ]

Get Internet Relay Chat (IRC) software. It comes in all flavors and types, and is even included within at least one browser (Chatzilla within Mozilla). Most popular software download sites have IRC software, or use Google or another search engine, or check a download site: CNet - Tucows: Windows | Macintosh. If you don't want to take the time to research the software differences, grab mIRC (Windows) or X-Chat Aqua (Mac OS X) and be done with it (in my opinion).

An interesting alternative to the specific IRC clients is to grab the powerful text Java text editor called jEdit. It is available for just about any operating system you can think of. After installing the editor, dig through the plugin library and install the Internet Relay Chat piece. Just remember to avoid closing the editor if you are additionally editing text files or Web pages, as the plugin will silently — and quickly — close the IRC "conversation.".

Follow the directions to install the software. Now let's finish by customizing the setup.

Do the minimum

Always enable the Identd server, if offered in a setup or preference box. (mIRC: open File/Setup/Identd and click the checkbox)

I suggest finding the modes settings and checking the "Invisible" checkbox. This eliminates annoying third-party messages from kiddies and girls looking to troll for on-line chats.

For the IRC software you have chosen to install, locate two functions: (1) a list of IRC servers and (2) a menu to enter IRC commands.

Find the alphabetical list of servers and scroll through the list to select the StarChat server, then click on "Connect".

Find the commands menu and "join" the #swl channel. (Note that the # sign is required as a precursor to all channel names.)

If you see a list of 5-15 user names and the chat window changes to #swl... congratulations... you're on board.

Where is everyone?

There are a number of users connected at most times except during the post-Midnight hours of the USA east coast time. Throughout the workday, although you may see other persons connected to #swl, they may be away from the computer or working in another application, and just monitoring the channel through the software' s logging function. If you say "hi" in the middle of a workday or very late at night and do not get a quick response, these are the probable reasons. Stay connected, be patient, and watch for signs of life.

Do some more

Use StarChat's NickServ command "register" to prevent others from using your nickname (ID).

Automate the log-on to the #swl channel by recording the steps to (1) join StarChat with your registered ID, (2) send a "/ns id <password>" command and (3) "/join #swl". See the "Automate" section below.

Optionally set date- and time-stamps for messages.

Optionally automatically log messages for each channel window opened.

Optionally redefine the download folder for any file transfers undertaken.

Sign up for the #swltalk mailing list to receive instant e-mail notices of what´s being heard by others in #swl.

Questions? For quickest response, join the #swl channel and ask away. See you there.

Automate the StarChat logon

The following script works for those programs that require a supplemental script to pass the StarChat password to sign on with a registered username.

Save the following file, using a text editor, with a file name of "init.js" (lower case). Save the file in the folder (directory) specified by the IRC program preferences — this will differ among programs and operating systems.

function initPlugin() {
	client.eventPump.addHook([
		{set:"network", type:"376" }, 
		{set:"network", type:"422" }],
		onLoginSuccess, "login-hook");
}

function onLoginSuccess(e) {
	try {
		var network = e.destObject;
		if (network.name == "irc.starchat.net") {
			network.primServ.sendData
           ("ns id password\n join #channel01\n join #channel02\n");
		}
	} catch (ex) {
		display("Error in login hook: " + ex, "ERROR");
	}
}

In the third line of text from the bottom, beginning with "ns id... change password to your StarChat password and change/add channel names you wish to initially join in place of #channel01 and #channel02.

Once logged onto StarChat you can join or drop channels in the usual way.

Note

The original help page, located at n1dk.com, includes step-by-step instructions for mIRC users. This abbreviated page, first assembled in June 2003, was expanded to include a Mac OS X IRC client, the invisible tip, some optional setup suggestions and additional links.

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