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40 CONTENTS TM-D710A/E
8 EchoLink
8.1 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.
Figure 8-1 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 Figure 8-1, 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://www.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.
Mobile User
Mobile User
Link Station
(Simplex)
Repeater Station
(Semi-Duplex)
PC User
Portable
User
Portable
User
Portable
User
Internet
EchoLink Server