Echolink is a VoIP (Voice over IP) system designed to connect distant simplex, repeater, or Internet based nodes. An Echolink node will normally have a computer (running the Echolink software) with a sound card and a radio. When audio is recieved from the radio that audio is sent over the Internet to another station. That station then transmits the recieved 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 2meter radio with a DTMF pad. All commands are sent to Echolink via DTMF. You can also go to http://www.echolink.org to download the 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 here 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." I.e. "KD5UZZ, Listening." Many times if the connecting user does not hear any traffic they will simply disconnect.
Sometimes users may forget to drop the Echolink connection. If you think the stations have finished their QSO simply call "This is KD5UZZ, is Echolink/the repeater in use?" If you do not get a response you can disconnect the link by pressing # * on your radio's DTMF keypad.
Please ID you station before accessing the node (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 '#'. 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 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 (This is KD5UZZ clear echolink).
| Command | Function | Command | Function |
| * | Disconnect | 00 | Random Node |
| ** | Disconect All | 01 | Random Conferance |
| ** | Reconnect to last Station | 02 | Random User |
| * | Play W5YJ Info | 03 | Listen Only Mode ON |
| 08 | Status | 0510 | Listen Only Mode OFF |
| 0511 |