South Dakota Amatuer Radio

VOIP/ROIP

South Dakota Echolink Nodes

These systems runs 24/7 with some minor exceptions and is available for all to use and not abuse.  Feel free to try the links the next time you are in range.

The Lead and Spearfish Nodes use standard Echolink Commands.

The Sioux Fall Node requires a “D” DTMF tone prior to the standard node number

Echolink

A variety of "voice over IP," (VOIP), or “radio control over IP” (ROIP) systems are currently available for amateur radio use.  Most VOIP systems can be accessed either via RF links which connect repeaters or simplex frequencies to the VOIP system over the internet. This allows users of one amateur repeater to talk to other hams on a distant frequency or simplex frequency. In general, a link radio is used to funnel analog audio from the RF frequency to a PC soundcard, which digitizes the audio. The VOIP system then routes the digitized audio to the internet where it is sent to either another gateway node or to a server/reflector which redistributes the audio.

One of first such VOIP systems is the Internet Repeater Linking Project, or IRLP. IRLP is a Linux-based system created by a group of dedicated Canadian amateurs to provide a linking system which is fully compliant with the radio regulations of Canada as well as Great Britain and Australia. The IRLP system is currently growing at about 50 new gateways per month.

A VOIP system based on Microsoft Windows software was launched in May, 2001, by Graeme, MØCSH. The VOIP system, called I-link, allows ham radio users to link repeaters across the world from either a computer connected to the internet or from a radio using DTMF tones. In 2002, K1RFD created an enhanced, more user friendly version of the repeater linking software called Echolink. The Echolink software provides many new features when compared to I-link, and has its own servers.  The gateway computer is able to connect audio from the Internet to the repeater input and the repeater output audio to the Internet.

Accessing an Echolink Node From Your Radio

To find the identification codes for other stations, see the site http://www.echolinkmap.org. The site provides the ability to locate Echolink nodes using a clickable map.

The Echolink gateway will respond to the following commands using DTMF tones from the radio. The following is a list of the basic commands and functions necessary to use a Echolink node. For a complete list of all commands, see Echolink Help.

To establish an Echolink connection, perform the following steps:

1.     It is recommended that you first identify your station on the repeater and that you are attempting 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.

Accessing Echolink From Your Computer

Perform the following to access an Echolink station or repeater from your Windows/DOS based computer.  Apple/Macintosh users go to the “EchoLink for Apple computer users” internet link.

1.        Download and install the user program from the Echolink web site..

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

3.        Connect to the internet and run the Echolink user program.

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

5.        Once connected, use the Enter key or spacebar to toggle between transmit and receive.

Internet Links

*        Echolink

www.echolink.org

*        EchoLink for Apple computer users

http://www.dogparksoftware.com/EchoMac.html

*        Echolink Node Maps

http://www.echolinkmap.org

Clickable map to locate Echolink nodes.

*        Echolink Yahoo Discussion Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/echolink

*         EchoLink Login Status Page       

www.echolink.org/logins.asp

*        EchoIRLP Website  

www.EchoIRLP.com

*        Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP)

http://www.irlp.net

http://www.linux.org/

* IRLP in Sioux Falls

Information about KBØLCR's IRLP Node in Watertown, SD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watertown area hams now have access to the IRLP link system of radios and repeaters. IRLP was linked to KØTY's "39" repeaters beginning on Sunday, February 15, 2004. IRLP allows you to talk to stations all over the world using only your 2 meter handheld or portable FM radio, and you only need a Technician's amateur license to do it!
• Information
*    Frequency: 147.390+ (Watertown) / 145.390- (Gary) FM
*    Watertown's Node ID: 3263

*        CQiNet Home of the Bridge and EchoLinux     

CQiNet.sourceforge.net

*        eQSO

http://www.eqso.org

*        YAESU WIRES II

www.vxstd.com/en/wiresinfo-en/

*        Hardware

http://www.vainio.net/interface/

http://www.ilinkboards.com

*        VOIP-WXNET Support Site 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VOIP-WXNET/

This Page Last Updated on: 07/26/08 10:16:55 PM