Invariably, someone will overlook the second "tap" and the others get to sit there listening to squawking about why no one is coming back. I would recommend strongly that you set the parameters to "momentary" transmit from the default "tap on/tap off". (I do not buy into the "cost of a radio" argument because if you can afford a computer and an Internet connection, you can jolly well afford some bare bones rig). It is perhaps the only chance hams suffering under damned antenna restrictions may have to play radio. It allows communication to distant repeaters where you may have a friend that is not within V/UHF range. It is a slick system that allows hams of any class to communicate with other hams world wide giving the impression and perhaps the thrill of DX.
I assume it varies with your connect speed but I've never had a decent connect speed for comparison. Repeater or direct connection, there is a little audio delay. I can't really understand why, but I guess it is as good of a way to handle exchanges as anything. Radio procedure, signing with calls, etc., seems to be the SOP. Now there is where the system really shines. I have had more experience using the direct connects.
#ECHOLINK HAM RADIO AREA CODE SOFTWARE#
In all instances, it worked well and my kudos to K1RFD Jonathon, the software designer. Another friend, W8CBA in Cleveland, has used it a few times to connect to one of my local repeaters and I was able to chat with him using 2 meters from my car. Louis to a repeater in Las Vegas to talk with K0FF when he was mobiling around on 2 meters in the warmth and sun while I was "enjoying" copious amounts of snow. (We've all heard them - constant background noise from their chairs groaning from the load, leather belts straining to the breaking point, last night's super-duper deluxe pizza as it works its way thru the digestive system and of course, the obligatory amplifier fan all working in concert to keep their signal at 30db over S-9 and when they speak the signal may go up to 32db over S-9! You can turn your AGC as fast as it will go but the needle never drops!) OK - grumbling close to over.
There is an audio level indicator bar near the bottom of the screen so you should keep a close watch on the audio level otherwise you may end up sounding like some of those stations on 20 and 75 that have the mic by their feet with the mic gain and compression controls set against the pin. Computer mics are more likely to be used at desktop distance, like a studio mic. Why? Well, mostly because radio mics are normally pretty noise canceling and are optimized to work at an inch or two from the mouth. After you connect and are announced, it's a poor time to find out you can't communicate in their language and I don't feel they should have to change for the new guy.Īs I mentioned, the transmit audio is very good, albeit different than what one is used to on the radio. I think this would be a good thing to have especially dropping in on another countries system. I can understand why it's set up like that but it would be nice to 'read the mail' and see what procedures are being used or just plain old read the mail while maintaining a low to no profile. On repeaters it's a voice announcement it lists you on the side of the screens of those using on line connections. It would be nice to be able to "lurk and learn" but as soon as you connect to a system, group or an individual, it announces your presence. At first I suspected it may be the number of current users although I don't recall ever seeing more than "2" listed even though upon connecting I saw 4 and 5 people already connected. Connect requests go directly to the listee and he receives an audible signal. After the repeater list comes the individuals' list, which has a different icon. Also listed is location, sysop and whatever else information he/she entered. The first group is identified by an icon that indicates a repeater or link system. The screen shows the call signs of people currently on EchoLink. Here are a few observations and comments Over driving the mic will cut you to ribbons but more on that later. The audio quality is good and your audio stream doesn't fall into the "bit bucket" very much. It's pretty intuitive and I was impressed at how well it works despite my pathetic phone lines and anemic connect speeds. Something new to piddle with.Īfter downloading the latest version and getting registered, I was connecting and up and running. I kept hearing about EchoLink and had even heard it being used on a repeater.
I've had my ticket 43 years now and in the last two years or so the shine has gone off the apple but I am eternally curious.
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