Introduction:

Echolink is software that allows amateur operators to communicate via the internet.  It works by VoIP or Voice over IP technology.  It will work with internet connections as slow as an analog dial-up line. All one needs is a windows computer, sound card, microphone and speakers. This system allows repeaters and simplex stations to be linked together. The result is much like that of the Mega-Link system here in New Mexico. Users can enable or disable links using the DTMF tones on their radio giving them the ability to contact stations all over the world with a 2 meter radio. Hams can talk computer to computer, computer to repeater, or repeater to repeater. 

Purpose:

TARA's objective for running a repeater with an active echolink linking system is to encourage the practice of amateur communication at New Mexico Tech and to demonstrate the applications of computer and internet technology to the amateur radio community. It has been an ongoing project to give NMT students a way to operate the TARA station from their dorm rooms with only a computer, microphone, and ISD's local area network system. With this technology now available to TARA, amateur radio operators at NMT and the surrounding area can benefit from it.

Equipment 1:
(click here for pictures of the equipment)

1 Receiver
1 Transmitter
2 Antennas
1 Rigblaster computer-to-rig interface
1 Windows Computer
2 Different soundcards
1 EchoLink PC Software
1 EchoStation PC Software

Procedure 1: For Two Soundcards
(click here for Two Computers procedure)

The two transceivers will have different functions. One will act as a transmitter, and the other a receiver. The receiver will receive all transmissions on the repeater input frequency and that signal will be sent to both PC soundcards via audio cable. One soundcard will send the signal over the internet using EchoLink for internet users to receive. The other soundcard will both radio and internet signals (via EchoLink) to the transmitter using EchoStation. It is important that both soundcards are different to aviod computer conflicts or confusion. The radio transmitter will transmit that signal on the repeater output frequency for radio users to receive. The signal coming from the internet links will also be sent to the radio transmitter. The RigBlaster interface will be connected to the transmitter will allow both computers to control the transmitter's PTT function. SEE FIGURE.

Conclusion:

Amateur radio operators at NMT will have the ability to use the KC5ORO repeater [image] and internet linking system from their dorm rooms with only a computer, microphone, and ISD's local area network system. Ham users will also have the ability to enable or disable links with other repeaters around the world simply by using their computer or the DTMF tones on their radio. Users can talk computer to computer, computer to repeater, or repeater to repeater. 

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Information, Links, and Downloads:

EchoLink: Allows hams to link to other stations through the internet.
EchoStation: Allows hams to use a computer to control a repeater.
RigBlaster: Rig-to-Computer interface by West Mountain Radio.

Socorro Repeaters: Image representing the location of the Socorro repeaters.
Active Node List: See who is on the echolink system now!

KC5ORO Equipment: See pictures of our equipment.

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KC5ORO DTMF Codes: This is a list of DTMF codes operators can use to control the KC5ORO repeater and echolink internet linking system.

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Questions or Comments:
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