The link is now on the air (145.2875 FM) and functioning well. During operation a voice ID is transmitted every 15 minutes.
We are delighted with the RF side of the link. Although the intention was 30-40 sq miles coverage, we have had excellent signal reports from over 100 miles away. The link has proved challenging to say the least, but now seems to be working as it should.
Although we are still testing the link, we urge you to use it as much as possible, it is far easier to make adjustments when the system is busy.
Internet Access
To access the Node from the internet you must be a licenced amateur and you will have to download and install the Echolink program, It can be found free of charge here. You will also need to confirm your license which can be done easily over internet. You will need speakers and a microphone connected to your PC although I find a cheap headset works just fine. These can be picked up for a few pounds in Maplin. Remeber, PC access can be from anywhere in the world.
Once confirmed and connected, you are free to browse around the echolink system, where you will see lists of hams, repeaters, nodes and gateways. Each one is assigned a node number and by clicking on their listing, you will be connected where you carry on a conventional QSO. You will see a listing for connections via the internet though not for those connected via RF, you may see that a particular node only has one person connected, however there could be many amateurs listening to that node on their radios, so it is always worth making a call.
DTMF
There has been some confusion as to what DTMF is. DTMF stands for Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency, and is used most commonly on telephones, you can hear the DTMF tones when you dial a number on your BT telephone. Each button is assigned it's own pair of tones. In amateur radio we also use four additional tones. A, B, C, D.
Most modern mobile rigs, hand helds, and base stations come equipped with, or can be equipped with a DTMF keypad which generates the DTMF tones.
The Echolink system uses DTMF tones in the same way as the phone system; to dial other users. So when you connect to any Echolink node via RF, and you want to connect to another node, you simply dial the node number on your DTMF keypad, the Echolink node then decodes the DTMF signal and connects the nodes together.
If you can access the node, but don't have a DTMF mic, don't panic you can still use the node, DTMF is not required to access the node, DTMF simply facilitates a wider range of options.
If you can access the node from your home QTH and have a computer in the shack you can download DTMF dial software free from the internet. Once installed simply place your mic next to your PC speakers, key up give your callsign and send the tones.
Radio Access
To access the Node and the Echolink community around the world you require a 2m FM tranceiver with CTCSS and preferably a DTMF microphone. The node uses the frequency 145.2875 narrow FM and will only permit stations who transmit a 110.9hz CTCSS tone (just like our local repeater). This prevents distant stations from unintentionally opening the link and it is also a condition of the license. I would be grateful that if connecting some distance from Colwyn Bay you email details of your QTH here so as to help build a coverage map.
To use the node from your radio, first wait a few seconds to determine if there are any other users connected, you may call as normal using your callsign to check access, If a QSO is in progress, you may call "break" in the normal way, Echolink users leave a 4 second gap between overs to facilitate this. Should there not be activity on the Node, you may use it to connect to nodes, gateways, hams or even repeaters accross the world. You can 'dial' a connection manually using DTMF tones, simply key the mic, give your callsign and enter the node number you require. All current connected nodes can be found here.
Some basic commands have been programmed into the system, more will be added shortly.
DTMF Code
Action
C
Connect By Call
#
Disconnect
##
Disconnect all
B#
Profile Select
00
Random node
01
Random link
02
Random conference
03
Random user
09
Reconnect
001
Random Fav node
011
Random fav link
021
Random fav conference
031
Random fav user
Enjoyment of the system can be improved for radio users operating from their home QTH, by running the Echolink program, you can see at a glance who is connected and where. Please use the system as much as you can. Remember, your feedback is vital. Enjoy the node, that is what it is there for, it will be improved as time goes on. When you operate, remember the 10 Commandments.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS
Thou shalt Leave 3 to 4 Seconds between all overs.
Thou shalt not Connect to more than one Conference Server at a time
Thou shalt restrict local repeater Id's from entering the IP Network
Thou shalt Keep all overs to a maximum of 3 Minutes.
Thou shalt Not Force other Links or Repeaters into a Multi Conference.
Thou shalt Listen on a Clear Frequency before attempting a Connection to a remote station.
Thou shalt Listen for at least 10 Seconds before transmitting after connecting to a remote station.
Thou shalt always announce ones Call Sign before sending DTMF Commands to a System
Thou shalt inhibit DTMF tones from being transmitted though the IP Network.
All Commandments are final :)
Suggested Linked Repeater Operating
Procedures
Where repeaters are linked, your transmissions will be heard on the output of all the linked Repeaters, Gateway Links and PC Users so the golden rule is to listen, listen and listen some more.
Operation of a linked repeater is the same as a normal repeater, except that the coverage is much greater.
Please remember that using the DTMF tones to move your Link can be heard through the repeater and it can be annoying to others so keep them to a minimum also give your callsign and a brief explanation of what you are doing.
If you do move the LINK with the DTMF tones and connect to other Repeaters / Links don't forget to disconnect the repeater using the # key.
There is about a 3 second delay when working through the internet links so don't forget to leave a 4 second gap between 'overs' to enable others to break in.
Use simplex wherever possible freeing the repeater for other users.
Monitor the repeater (listen) to determine if the repeater is in use, and if there are any peculiarities in its operation. After listening for a few seconds, identify, un-key and listen to see if it was quiet for a reason, and to allow someone to let you know if there is a reason not to continue (low audio, low signal strength, etc). Then, if all OK, proceed.
Don’t break into a contact unless you have something to add. Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person. Interruption without identification constitutes malicious (and illegal) interference.
Use the minimum power to access the LINK. To make contact, simply indicate that you are on frequency. For example "G0UQY monitoring".
Remember amateur radio transmissions are being monitored by many non-hams with scanners. Watch your language and your manners. Please don't bring disrepute on the Amateur Radio Service.
Links & Repeaters are intended to facilitate mobile and portable operation. During rush hours, base stations should relinquish the repeater to commuting mobiles. Some repeater owners have strict rules requiring this.
Keep transmissions short and thoughtful. Do not monopolize the repeater. Pause between transmissions to allow other amateurs to identify themselves if they wish to use the repeater. Pausing also allows the timer to reset, avoiding a "time-out"
Identify legally. In the UK that means at the beginning and end of a contact or every 15 minutes of operation.
Repeaters are installed and maintained at considerable expense and inconvenience. Regular users of a repeater should financially support the individual or club owner in their efforts to keep the repeater working properly.
Last modified: 2011-01-22 00:22:02, 11358 bytes fetched
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