Transcript Document
Echolink Author: John Noden – G8IOK January 2008 What is it? • Network of computer terminals (via the Internet), repeaters and stations • Over the air it uses standard voice plus DTMF (phone) tones to control the repeaters. • On the Internet it uses ‘voice over IP’ (VOIP) Terminal to Terminal • This uses VOIP just like Skype • Unlike Skype it can only be used licensed Radio Amateurs • Although long range communication is possible I do not consider it DX as there is no skill in it Terminal to repeater/station • This is Amateur Radio because one leg is being transmitted • Repeaters are simplex – When the transceiver is in receive mode then the audio is repeated over the Internet to the attached terminals – In transmit the audio from a terminal is transmitted via the repeater Station to Repeater to Repeater to Station • In this mode one repeater is in receive whilst the other(s) are in transmit • The receiving repeater is being controlled by the remote station • The remote stations are listening either to the repeater input, via the remote repeater(s) or as terminals on the Internet Station to Station to Repeater • The repeater being simplex can ‘listen’ and relay a conversation that is occurring on the input side. • The two station must appreciate that the repeater does not hear two stations but just a single input so care must be taken about time-outs. Conference – Single Repeater • One or more stations to a single repeater with one or more Echolink terminal • This is what I am experimenting with for potential Club Net • Allows normal ‘on air’ net for those local to Echolink repeater • Remote users communicate via Echolink terminal Conference – Multiple Repeaters • Echolink repeaters are joined together • 2 or more repeaters • Allows larger coverage of ‘on air’ net • Those remote from all repeaters may still use Echolink terminals The Echolink Server • The Echolink server monitors the status of the repeaters and the terminals. • Logging into Echolink really means that you are logging into the server. • From here you connect to repeaters or join a net. • Networks can involve multiple repeaters Topology How do I control a repeater • From a computer – You can open up a remote repeater and call CQ. • Via a transceiver using DTMF – This will allow you to open up a remote repeater and call CQ – You can randomly select a remote repeater and call CQ from that How do I join in? • You need to register with the European Echolink repeater. – You will need to provide proof of license e.g. a PDF copy emailed to them – Once registered you will be able to converse with other users. – Don’t register as a repeater unless you intend to run one (you can always change it later if need be). • It’s free.