EchoLink FAQ
By: Joe Hussey W8RIK
What is EchoLink?
EchoLink is a program using
Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP). Users may be at a
computer or using a radio link or linked repeater.
Who can use EchoLink?
Any licensed amateur can use EchoLink
There are several FRUPAC HF nets, why use EchoLink?
Many members cannot join HF nets due to
antenna or equipment limitations. With EchoLink members
anywhere in the world can join an online FRUPAC conference,
some through their computer others through their 2m/70cm HT.
This, without QRM and all stations 59+.
What type of internet connection is required?
Virtually any type of Internet connection
may be used with EchoLink, from dial-up to DSL. Custom
settings allow you to tailor EchoLink to compensate for older
computers or slower Internet connections. Even if you are
traveling with your laptop and can find an Internet
connection or WiFi hotspot you can work with EchoLink!
Where can I download the software?
EchoLink software and help can be found at:
http://www.echolink.org. The EchoLink site
includes detailed set-up instructions and trouble shooting
information. The EchoLink Troubleshooter helps solve the two
most common problems (firewall/router and sound card
settings) that new EchoLink users might encounter. This can
be downloaded from: http://www.echolink.org/troubleshooter.htm.
How do I join a FRUPAC EchoLink conference?
The FRUPAC EchoLink net takes place Daily
at 1400 Eastern Time. It is recommended that members add
FRUPAC stations to their favorites list. This will make it
easy to locate FRUPAC stations, even when many stations are
logged on. Favorites can be viewed from the EchoLink Explorer
View.
From your computer:
- Connect to the internet and run the EchoLink user
program.
- Select a station to link from the displayed EchoLink
station link.
- Once connected, use the Enter key or spacebar to
toggle between transmit and receive.
From your radio:
- Tune to an EchoLink RF gateway. To find an EchoLink
repeater visit http://www.echolinkmap.org. The site
provides the ability to locate Echolink nodes using a
clickable map. The gateway will respond to DTMF commands
from the radio. For a complete list off all commands, see
Echolink Help.
- Key the four or five digit station code (node number)
of the station or repeater you wish to link to.
- After a few seconds delay, the Echolink node will
respond with a "Connected" message if the link
was successful. If the link was not successful, key a
"#" to disconnect the gateway node.
- At the end of the net, disconnect the link by keying
a "#" DTMF tone. The Echolink gateway will
respond with confirmation that the link has been
disconnected.
How can I find other FRUPAC stations on EchoLink?
If you are on EchoLink search for
"FRUPAC" or any of the stations listed in the
FRUPAC
EchoLink Directory.
You can add all of the FRUPAC Call Signs to
your EchoLink favorites list and be able to see who is on at
anytime. This is very handy during the EchoLink Net operation
since stations must connect to nodes that can handle more
than one connection at a time and nodes typically can not
handle more than 8 concurrent connections. You may refer to
"How to
control your favorites list" for more
information.
What are the operating Guidelines?
Usual operating practice on EchoLink is to
operate just as if you were on amateur radio. Members should
not be intimidated by this new technology. Once the
application is setup and your call validated it is easy to
use. The success of EchoLink is found in its simplicity.
Last Modified:
Friday, 15-Aug-2008 15:25:21 EDT