Northern Ireland Amateur Radio

How it Works

The VoIP software - takes the audio from the receiver which is then fed into the sound card - where it is converted into digital data. The PC then converts this digital information into digital packets each assigned with IP addresses for the destination node. These packets now flow through the internet to the destination PC where the packets are decoded then sent to the sound card and out to the transmitter microphone of the link radio which then transmits the audio out over the local repeater. The transmitter is keyed as soon as these TCP/IP (Internet Protocol) packets start to arrive. As soon as the data stops the link radio automatically un-keys and process reverses.

There are some excellent web sites that describe the technicalities of VoIP, as well as the licensing requirements, in much more detail so a little more time on one of the search engines will turn up a wealth of information.

Check with your Licence Issuing body in your country as you may need permission to run an RF gateway. Licensed amateurs using the PC only will be exempt and will be able to use the system after their licence details have been validated by the administrators of the software you are using.

To establish a Echolink connection using RF Link

1. It is recommended that you first Listen Listen Listen and then identify your station on the Link/Repeater and that you are attempting an EchoLink operation.

2. Optionally, you can determine if the EchoLink gateway is operational by keying a "*" DTMF tone. The gateway node will respond with status information.

3. Key the four or five digit station code for the station or repeater that you wish to link to.

4. 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.

5. Following a successful connection, announce your presence on the linked repeater by calling CQ, etc.

6. During a QSO using linked repeaters, let the repeater tail completely drop before transmitting to avoid any timeout problems.

7. At the end of the QSO, disconnect the link by keying a "#" DTMF tone. The EchoLink gateway will respond with confirmation that the link has been disconnected

8. There is about a 4 second delay when using the system so be patent.

9. When using RF a logbook must be kept

Accessing EchoLink From Your Computer

1. Download and install the EchoLink program from the EchoLink web site www.echolink.org. Check out the help files on installing the software

2. Verify that you have a microphone properly connected to your computer and the the microphone input volume level is properly adjusted.

3. Connect to the internet and run the EchoLink user program. When you connect for the first time you will have to have your callsign verified all this information is in the FAQ on the EchoLink web site.

4. Select a station or repeater to link to from the displayed EchoLink station link.

5. Once connected and after Listening to make sure the system is not in use, use the spacebar to toggle between transmit and receive.

6. When using the PC for the contact then no log book needs to be kept.