For local New Zealand users on a slow dial up internet connection the conference server can be used to speak to a number of stations in a group which would not be possible without a fast internet connection.

Background
EchoLink is a voice over IP system that allows amateur radio operators (only) to talk over the Internet. Users may be at a computer or using a radio link or linked repeater.
Read more about it on the EchoLink page. www.echolink.org

Server Info
The *ZL1VK* conference server runs on a computer at a local club members residence with a excellent high-speed network connections. The conference is always up, except for occasional maintenance.

The conference server software is called the Bridge, and it comes from the CQiNet family of free, open source programs for voice over IP.

To send a command to the server, you just type it into the message line in your EchoLink window. The very first character you type must be a period (.) -- that's how the server recognizes that it's a command. The following commands are available to users:

.help
The server responds with a list of available commands. 

.about <callsign>
The server responds with the info provided by the specified station. This is the same info you'd see in the info window if you were directly connected to that station. 

.list 
The server responds with a list of recorded audio files you can play back using the .play command. 

.play <item number>
The server plays back the recorded item you specified, including both audio and text messages. While the item is playing, you are effectively disconnected from the conference: you won't hear live audio or see live text messages, and other users won't see you on the station list. To stop playback, you can use the .stop command, or just disconnect from the server.

.lurk
Removes you from the visible list of stations, without disconnecting you from the conference. This is useful if you just want to listen and not be included in the conversation. You can still transmit if you want, and if you do you'll automatically be added back to the list of stations. You can also get back on the list by using the .delurk command. 

.test 
The server responds with an acknowledgement and then records your next audio transmission and plays it back to you. Other users don't hear it. Use this to test your audio set-up. Wait for the acknowledgement! If you don't get the acknowledgement, the server isn't in .test mode and your transmission will go out to the other users. 

.stats, .uptime, and .version
The server responds with the corresponding technical data about the operation of the conference server. 

Scheduled Nets
If you run a local NZ-related net, and you have the consent of the net manager and the repeater operator, and you want to expand your coverage to the rest of the world, you may link your net into the *ZL1VK* conference server. Before you do, please send email to zl1vk@nzart.org.nz with all the details, so your net can be listed here. (See also the list of *ZL1VK* nets on the radio.) The net controller will be given the sysop password for the *ZL1VK* server with the addition commands and privileges to effectively run the net. 

If you're interested in establishing a new net exclusively for users of the *ZL1VK* conference server, send email to zl1vk@nzart.org.nz. 

Announcement / Recorded Information
The *ZL1VK* conference server has the ability to store bulletins available for playback using the .play command. If you have information that may be of use for calling in stations please send your recordings to zl1vk@nzart.org.nz 
Operating Guidelines

Usual operating practice on EchoLink is to operate just as if you were on amateur radio. If any link station (callsign-L) or repeater station (callsign-R) are connected to the conference, you are on the radio. Be aware that other users may be anywhere in the world. Please use common sense and courtesy.

Specifically, pretend you are on a busy repeater. That means:
? Identify with your callsign now and then. You don't need to ID every transmission. 

? Leave a pause of a few seconds between transmissions. This gives others a chance to break in. It also lets linked radios and repeaters drop out, so they don't time out. 

? If several people are active in the conversation, consider turning it over to one specific station at the end of each transmission. Don't consider this mandatory, though. If there is a logical next person to speak, let that person speak. If not, then a simple rule is to rotate speakers in a fixed order. (The on-screen station list makes this easy. It is kept sorted with the most recent speakers on top. So just turn it over to the station on the bottom, or the lowest station who is actively participating.) 

If you want to have a long conversation with one other station, and the subject is not going to be interesting to others, consider dropping out of the conference and connecting directly. If you talk about something interesting, please stay on the conference!