Echolink is a great system for communications between Amateurs. It combines VoIP technology combined with RF Gateways to link repeaters, simplex links and users. Those are the three types of EchoLink setups. You don't need a computer for the repeater and simplex type links. In these two types the computer is provided for you at the link site. For these two types all you need is a trasceiver (mobile, base, or handheld) with a DTMF keypad.
Node Numbers
Node Numbers work like dialing a phone number to get someone on the other end. The KB9TMP-L node number is 7492 so if your buddy in Carjackistan wants to have a QSO with you all he has to do is enter the numbers 7492 into the link that he is using and it will connect to the KB9TMP-L link. The same thing applies to you making a connection to him, all you need to know is the node number that he is listening to. Just key up your radio, press the correct numbers on your keypad and wait for the connection to be confirmed. Remember that you can connect to any of the three types of setups, repeaters, simplex links, and PC users. Also remember that there is a small delay in the system even on the fastest of connections, but not that noticable once you get used to using EchoLink.
Is It Working? Is Anybody There?
When you hit the 08 command if there is no active connection to any nodes the computer will say 'not connected', this doesn't mean the EchoLink is not on, just that it's not connected to any links. When the EchoLink is not on you will hear NOTHING from the DTMF codes. If you want to know who all is connected to EchoLink right now you can view the Current Logins web page on the EchoLink Website.
To access the link you will need your radio set at 145.720 MHz with a PL of 136.5 Hz. I have the timeout timer (TOT) set to 5 minutes (2 minutes weekdays 6am - 3pm) and 1 minute for a 'dead key'. If your connection gets dropped because the other ham is long winded or fogets to stop transmitting, just reconnect (by pressing 09) and keep on going. If you forget what the buttons do, pressing star, eight, eight, (*88) plays the ON AIR help from the computer. ( see list below )
Where Is It Located?
The KB9TMP-L link is located on the east side of Bedford IN, near Lincoln Elementary School. The links operating area is approximately 10 to 12 miles as can be seen on the map below.
KB9TMP-L Control Codes
DTMF Code
ACTION
USED FOR:
"*"(star)
Info Play
To Hear KB9TMP's Link & Contact Information
"#"(pound sign)
Disconnect
To End Present Connection
"##"(pound sign)x2
Disconnect All
To End All Present Connections
0511
Listen Only ON
For Listen Only
0510
Listen Only Off
Shut Down "Listen Only" Mode
06+Node Number
Query By Node#
To Find Out Status Of Selected Node
07+call+#
Query By Callsign
Looks up a node by callsign, and reads back its node number and status. (See directions below)
00
Random Node
Selects an available node (of any type) at random
01
Random Link
Selects an available link or repeater at random
02
Random Conference
Selects a conference server at random
03
Random User
Selects an available single-user (PC) at random
09
Reconnect
To Connect To "Last" Connection
08
Link Status
To Check If KB9TMP-L is Connected to another Node
77*
Link Status
To Announce All Presently Connected To KB9TMP-L List
number
Connect By Node #
Connects to the node number entered.
C+call+#
Connect By Call
Connects by using a callsign. (See directions below)
"*88" (star 8 8)
Help Play
To Hear On Air Help (Will Also Work As 88*)
9999
"ECHOTEST"
Records And Plays Back Your Audio So You Can Hear Yourself....Use It Anytime+ + (Will Not Connect M-F 6am - 3pm Due To No Conference Connections)
"**"(star star)
Info Play
To Hear Time
Favorite Node Shortcuts
DTMF Code
ACTION
Destination
A1
Connects to
W9QYQ-R node number 28268
A2
Connects to
N9UMJ-R node number 338340
A3
Connects to
K9IU-L node number 500717
A4
Connects to
*DODROPIN* node number 355800
A5
Connects to
*ECHOTEST* node number 9999
A6
Connects to
KB9OHY-R node number 16002
Entering Node Numbers
To enter a node number (for the Connect or Query by Node commands), enter
the 4-, 5-, or 6-digit node number. If the specified node is not among
the stations currently logged on, EchoLink will say "NOT FOUND".
Examples
To connect to node number
9999:
Enter: 9 9 9 9
EchoLink responds with:
"CONNECTING TO CONFERENCE
E-C-H-O-T-E-S-T"
followed by
"CONNECTED"
because 9999 is the node number of conference
server "*ECHOTEST*".
To get the status of K1RFD:
Enter: 0 6 1 3 6 4 4 #
EchoLink responds with:
"K-1-R-F-D BUSY"
because 13644 is the node number of station K1RFD,
and K1RFD is currently busy.
To connect to a random link
or repeater:
Enter: 0 1
EchoLink responds with:
"CONNECTING TO K-B-9-O-H-Y REPEATER"
followed by
"CONNECTED"
because KB9OHY-R was selected at random.
Entering Callsigns
To enter a callsign (for the Connect by Call or Query by Call commands),
press two digits for each letter and number in the callsign. The first
digit is the key on which the letter appears (using 1 for Q and Z), and the
second digit is 1, 2, or 3, to indicate which letter is being entered. To
enter a digit, press the digit followed by 0. When finished, end with the
pound key (#).
For example, the letter "K" is entered as "52", the
letter "Q" is entered as "11", and the digit "7"
is entered as "70".
Callsigns need not be entered in full. If a partial callsign is
entered, EchoLink will find the first match among the stations currently logged
on. If no match is found among the stations currently logged on, EchoLink
will say "NOT FOUND".
Example "Echolink" QSO
Tune your 2 meter rig to 145.72 MHz with a PL of 136.5 hz.
Listen to see if no other activity is going on.
Give your Call, Then Press "*" or "08" to check status of Link.
Press Number of connection (i.e."16002")Listen for Link to Tell You If Connection is Completed. Sometimes the link does not inform you when it's connected. If you don't hear anything after a minute or so press "08" again to check status of Link. If it connected it will tell you so this time for sure.
Listen For "Traffic" at the other end, then call CQ or party you know might be there. Then Listen For Response.
If Contact is Made Have Fun and ID as Normal.
After QSO is Over Simply ID and Press the "#" key to Disconnect
Use the KB9TMP-L As Much As You Like...That's Why It's Here!
And PLEASE..Don't Be Afraid To Join In Other QSO's This Is A "FRIENDLY LINK"!
If you monitor this link and hear someone connect PLEASE respond to their CQ !
Interesting & Unusual Nodes
Node Number
Location of Node
Call
Usual Contacts
86525
Walt Disney World Area
AC0Y-R
Various-Repeater Link
6522
RCA ARC Indianapolis IN 146.88
W9RCA-R
HT Usable from inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The "ECHOLINK" system on the internet was
developed by Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD. "ECHOLINK" is a registered trademark of Synergenics, LLC. For more information
you can go to the "ECHOLINK" website at www.echolink.org
Interested in setting up your own EchoLink link?
Check out this Sound Card Interfacing Video from K7AGE.
Copyright © KB9TMP - 2009
Last Updated: July 26, 2009