07 echolink, What is echolink – Kenwood TM-D710GE User Manual

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07 EchoLink

49

What is EchoLink?

EchoLink is a system that links amateur radio stations together using the Internet and allows amateur radio operators to

enjoy speech communication with other operators via this worldwide network.

Mobile User

Mobile User

Link Station

(Simplex)

Repeater Station

(Semi-Duplex)

PC User

Portable

User

Portable

User

Portable

User

Internet

EchoLink Server

Fig. 7-1 EchoLink System Architecture

There are many access points for EchoLink (called EchoLink nodes), such as repeater stations and link stations that

connect to the Internet.
Using DTMF codes transmitted from a transceiver to access a nearby EchoLink node, it is possible to communicate

with amateur radio stations located at many places in the world. Also, by using the EchoLink software without using any

transceiver at all, you can have QSOs directly from a personal computer. This is a major feature of EchoLink.
In order to operate an EchoLink node (link station or repeater station) or to make QSOs directly from a personal

computer, register at the official EchoLink site and then download the software. You must have a valid callsign to be able

to complete the registration process. Refer to the EchoLink site for details on how to validate your callsign. After being

validated, you can connect to the EchoLink system by using the downloaded software. Furthermore, like the Mobile

User and the Portable User shown in Fig. 7‑1 EchoLink System Architecture, software and validation is not necessary

when you access EchoLink nodes from amateur radio equipment.
The EchoLink system is offered free of charge to the amateur radio community, and is supported by a network of

volunteers.
For operation details and information about EchoLink nodes, visit the official EchoLink site at

http://echolink.org./

.

In addition, there is much information on the Internet pertaining to EchoLink besides the official site where you can find

useful operating tips.

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