EchoLink is a VoIP (Voice over IP) system designed to connect distant simplex, repeater, or Internet based nodes. An EchoLink node will normall have a computer (running the EchoLink software) with a sound card and a radio. When audio is received from the radio that audio is sent over the Internet to another station. That station then transmts the received audio onto RF. Two EchoLink stations can also connect directly together without the use of radios, in this mode the connection is similar to standard 'voice chat' programs. RF based stations can also be connected to from Internet only stations.
In order to use the W5YJ EchoLink system all you need is a 2-meter radio with a DTMF pad. All commands are sent to EchoLink via DTMF. You can also download the EchoLink software needed to become an Internet station. During the install process you will be required to register. Registration is free, but is needed in order to secure the EchoLink system from non-hams. You also need a headset with a microphone. To preserve audio quality a desktop mic and speakers should be avoided if possible.
While listening to the W5YJ repeater (146.715) you will sometimes hear two voices. One voice is the repeater, the other is the EchoLink node. When someone is connecting to the W5YJ EchoLink node you will hear a callsign followed by the word "Connecting." Shortly thereafter you should hear "Connected." Wait a few moments to ensure the other user is connected. If the user does not call out try stating your callsign and "Listening." For example "KD5UZZ, listening." Many times if the connecting user does not hear any traffic they will simply disconnect.
Please ID your station before accessing the node. For example "This is KD5UZZ to EchoLink." EchoLink accepts commands in the form of DTMF tones. Our repeater is also controlled by DTMF tones. In order to send DTMF tones to the EchoLink node you must precede all commands with the "#." For example, the command to disconnect EchoLink is "#." In order for the repeater to pass the DTMF tone on to the EchoLink node you would press "##." To make a call on the EchoLink you need to know who you want to call. Most EchoLink node numbers are X digits long. To connect to a node simply enter "#12345," where "12345" is the node number. If you would like to connect to a random EchoLink node you may simply enter "#00." You should then hear "callsign connecting." You should then hear "callsign connected." At this point some nodes will play a welcome message that includes instructions on how to call other stations. Once connected you can simply call "This is KD5UZZ in Stillwater, Oklahoma via EchoLink, listening." Some stations want you to call CQ. Please disconnect the link ("##") when finished, then ID your station as clear EchoLink such as "This is KD5UZZ, clear EchoLink."