Welcome to EchoLink 101

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Welcome to EchoLink 101
Presented by STEPHEN HOCH WU3I Echolink Node
Number 28742
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Introducing EchoLink EchoLink is software which
allows Amateur Radio stations to communicate with
one another over the Internet, using
voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology.  The program
allows worldwide connections to be made between
stations, from computer to station, or from
computer to computer.  
The program runs on Microsoft Windows 95 or
above.  It is offered as freeware and may be
downloaded. EchoLink is a full-featured software
package with many important and useful features.
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The Modes of Amateur Radio

• CW Morse Code
• AM Amplitude Modulation
• FM Frequency Modulation
• SSB Single Side Band
• Digital Packet, Pactor, Amtor, RTTY, PSK31,
• VoIP Voice over IP

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Alternatives to Echolink
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EchoLink
Pros

• Friendly Windows GUI

• Usable from Computer OR Radio

• Easy configuration for RF Link or Computer user

• No Special hardware required

Cons

• VOX PTT

• No AGC

• Not able to Connect and Disconnect to and from
  Multiple stations ( RF Configuration )

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A Tour of EchoLink For licensed hams, EchoLink
opens up new possibilities for communicating
around the world with other amateurs.  Your PC
links you or your local repeater to any of
thousands of other stations over the Internet.
The station-list screen keeps running tabs on
who's currently on the system.  Stations which
have recently come on or off are noted
separately.  Sort the list any way you like.  You
can set up any number of "alarms" which will ring
when your favorite stations come online.
In Sysop mode, EchoLink connects to a
conventional FM transceiver using either the
custom-designed iLINK interface boards from
WB2REM and VA3TO, or general-purpose digital-mode
interfaces such as the RIGblaster from West
Mountain Radio.  The board connects to your
computer's sound card and serial port.
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Virtually any type of Internet connection may be
used with EchoLink, from dial-up to DS3.  Custom
settings allow you to tailor EchoLink to
compensate for older computers or slower Internet
connections
The program includes a number of important new
security features, such as the ability to
restrict access by country, to help comply with
your nation's third-party traffic or reciprocal
operating rules.
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If the bandwidth of your Internet connection
permits it, EchoLink allows up to 10 different
stations to be connected at once.  This is
especially useful in Sysop mode for running a
roundtable on your local repeater, or allowing
"listening" stations to be connected without
blocking out others.
Extended DTMF commands allow stations to be
searched or connected by callsign, or the status
of any station to be queried.  The program also
includes a built-in Web server for remote control
of EchoLink from any Web browser on the Internet.
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Floating" pop-up windows keep track of how many
stations are on the system, along with detailed
status about the current connection.
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Interfaces If you are expecting to set up
EchoLink in "sysop" mode, you will need a special
interface device which connects your radio
equipment to your computer.  This device allows
the computer to control the PTT function of your
transceiver, and (optionally) to accept and
process DTMF commands from the receiver. For
maximum flexibility, EchoLink is designed to work
with several different types of interfaces. 
Below is a partial list of high-quality
interfaces which are specifically recommended for
use with EchoLink. WB2REM G4CDY'S iLINK
Board This interface is available
fully-assembled, or in kit form.  The circuit was
described in QST for March, 2002. VA3TO Enhanced
iLINK Controller This interface is also available
fully-assembled, or in kit form, and can be used
with other digital-mode software such as PSK31.
RIGblaster from West Mountain Radio Several
models of these general-purpose digital-mode
interfaces are available, all of which are
compatible with EchoLink.  Use EchoLink's
internal DTMF decoder when using a RIGblaster.
G3VFP iLINK / EchoLink Interface Controller Fully
assembled and enclosed, fully isolated interface
designed expressly for iLINK/EchoLink.  Can be
used with other digital-mode software such as
PSK31. Other Interfaces Here are some other
interface options for EchoLink. PY2JF Interface
(from Brazil)
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The four system setup screens are easily
configured. Most everything is Automatically
filled in except your personal information.
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The Preferences settings allow how the listings
are displayed, the connections that are allowed
and your personal info file, the security
settings as to the connections allowed the call
signs locked out or the country prefixes accepted
or denied and the signals menu designates the
sound played when activity is detected
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The Sysop Settings allow many controls The
receive audio is able to be controlled in many
ways the easiest is the default VOX.
The transmit control on the standard interfaces
is via the serial connection.
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The DTMF commands allow a number of different
operations. These are listed on the Echolink
Control Sheet.
The Identification allows the default computer
voice or a .wav file for your Connection
Identification.
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The options settings are for voice announcements
of connecting stations or conferences and the
time out settings.
The Web tab allows for remote control via the
internet.
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Echolink Interfaces
VA3TO
WB2REM
West Mountain
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WB2REM

• Uses Standard 1/8 Mono Connectors
• Easily Re-Programmable PIC Chip for Updates
• Nothing too Complex
• Nothing Hidden!

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West Mountain

• Standard 8 Pin Microphone connectors
• RJ-45 Modular Connector
• Switches on front panel for ON/OFF
• Nice installation presentation

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VA3TO

• Uses Standard Connectors for Interfacing
• Small breadboard area for redesigning
• Uses readily available components
• Indicator Lights for Status of Operation

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Hookup is very easily done with Shielded wires
and mini phone plugs on the interface side and
the proper connecter for your Microphone Jack and
external speaker. There is even an option for a
control receiver to control the system remotely.
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There is even a COS mod for the purists that have
to have it.
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• EchoLink Control Sheet
• Direct Connect by Node Number. A node number
• Connect to random node on internet 00Connect to
  random link on internet 01Connect to random
  conference on internet 02Query node by node
  number 06 node numberReconnect to LAST node
  09System information Turn system on CONTROL
  OPS ONLYTurn system off CONTROL OPS
  ONLYDisconnect (make sure you hit pound after
  finished using the link every time!)
• Hints Tips
• Leave a pause between transmissions, don't jump
  the key. When working with several linked
  repeaters, it takes a couple seconds for them to
  drop.Wait until the machine says "Connected."
  until you start calling CQ. If it just says
  "connecting to xx...", do not talk yet, wait for
  it to connect fully. It will say "Connected" when
  it's connected.
• If you hear "Disconnected" right after you
  connect, this means the remote station has a
  firewall or internet problem. Just try another
  station at this point.
• When you are finished, wait until the station
  drops, and press ONE time only. Pressing
  multiple times will not drop the link, and only
  causes a problem.

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THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND INTEREST FOR MORE
INFORMATION VISIT WWW.ECHOLINK.ORG