Save
This button
will save all your changes to any of the fields.
Where are the Tones and can I play
Oh Yes you
can play here no problem. The Directories for the audio files can be put where
ever you want them. The default directory when you 1st load the program is
located at located at C:\Program Files\Echo123\ Here you
will find the audio files I have made to start you off. You must have the same
amount of files in your directories when you start to have a play.
The good
thing is that you can make your own audio files and replace the ones that I have
made to suit your needs
Here is a list of Curtesy files you need (wav or mp3)
RF.wav = " Tone 1"
IP.wav = "Tone 2"
NoStationsConnected.wav = "There are no stations currently connected"
Link Type
Repeater or Link operation is to be selected here.
PTT select
Select the RTS or DTR that you are using to control the PTT on your radio.
Setting up computer for use in
Repeater Mode.
Setting up in Repeater mode is a little different than a link as you will be
using both Mic In and Audio out on your sound card. You must set up your sound
card configuration 1st in record and select the Mic also in the playback section
of the audio set up select Mic again. What happens here now is that when audio
is sent to the mic input the audio is also passed through to the audio out.Audio
levels will need to be set up as usual. The program controls the PTT and enables
you to use the computer as a simple logic with all the bells and whistles of the
link operation. I'm sure different sound cards will achieve the same outcome and
I would be interested in what you have done with your system. This configuration
works well for me.
Repeater / Link - Timings
Time
out timers
These options control the
TX and RX time outs. There is an option that will disconnect all stations on
time out. it not ticked a simple warning is sent to the RF user. The time out
option is available for both Repeater and Link operation. When in repeater mode
if the user times out the audio and PTT retransmitted is cut and a warning that
you have timed out once the rag chewer stops talking.
CW
Idents
EchoLink has its own CW
ident option I just found it more convenient having it to hand in the program.
Short call is simply your call sign and maybe a CTCSS letter indicator as shown
above the ":" (Colon) simply as a little delay before sending the CTCSS letter
in CW.. The Ident can be set to your desired time in minutes. The long callsign
field is an easy way to send a longer CW ident containing maybe your call CTCSS
code and locator as shown in the picture above. Idents will be suppressed is the
system is in use.
Voice
Ident
EchoLink has its
own Voice Ident and again as above I found it convenient to have it at hand.
Simply enter your link / repeater callsign and the desired time interval. Idents
will be suppressed is the system is in use.
Parrot
- Record / Playback
The parrot function can
only be enabled when in Link mode. This enables you to talk into the link and
record your voice. As soon as you drop carrier your recorded voice will be
played back. This can be useful if there are 2 simplex stations not in range of
each other but both can work the link. The Parrot will revert to normal link
operation as soon as the time set has been reached. Any EchoBuddy you have
selected for auto connect will be suppressed until normal operation is restored.
There is an option to Enable / Disable the parrot function with DTMF this will
normally operate as long as it is being used or turned off with DTMF or timed
out. When the parrot option is enabled all stations connected will be
disconnected and the link will be shown as busy on the EchoLink system until the
link operation is restored. When Repeater is selected this option is disabled
and greyed out.
Parrot Audio Settings
Select the best setting
for your sound card (recording) I have found the above to be the best for my
sound card. Yours may differ.
============================================

EchoFriends
This is a handy option that
enables you to store some of your Echo Friends.
Con/Disc
Clicking this button simply
connects or disconnects the selected Echo Friend
Stay Con
When ticked the selected
Echo Friend will automatically connect. I have put a delay here this
delay can be up to 45 seconds before the connection is made. During the
news file playing when stations are disconnected your Echo Friend will
not connect until the news has finished.
Save
Saves your amended data
============================================

-
Internet Option
-
-
This screen is a small internet window that enables you access to some
of the useful web sites. This window can be expanded
-
-
Auto Show QRZ Info
-
This option when the Show QRZ Info box is ticked will automatically
display a station that connects to your node or a node you have
connected to.
-
-
Look up call on QRZ
-
This option enables you to look up a call sign on the QRZ web site.
Simply enter the call and click on the QRZ button.
-
-
Last Connected Node
-
This will display the last station connected and there name.
-
-
Translator
-
This will take you to the Babel Fish web site enabling you to use there
text translator.
-
-
Current logins
-
When this button is clicked it will take you to the
EchoLink
current log
in screens
-
-
Proxy List
-
This button will enable you to see the current list of public proxies
that are available.
-
-
EchoLink
-
This button will take you to the
EchoLink
web site.
-
-
eQSL
-
This button will take you to the eQSL web site. This web site enables
you to send and receive QSL eCards
==============================================================

Text Box Greetings
- Time Stamping
- When this option is ticked your Text Box
Messages will be time stamped.
- Greeting Messages
- This option enables you to automatically send
greeting messages to stations connecting to your node.
- Select the message that you want sent on the
connection of a station to you node. Messages can be up to 160
characters.
- Messages 1 to 9 can be amended and saved.
Message 10 simply says a station as connected or disconnected.
- Randomise Greeting
- This option when clicked will randomise
message 1 to the number selected. The will enable you to have a random
message sent each time a node connects to you.
- Delay Before Sending Message
- A delay can be added before your message is
sent. I have found 3 seconds is about right
Option 10 Auto selected
We have found that there are a few
stations forget to set the messages to option 4 when connecting to a
Repeater, Link or *CONFERENCE* so this option will be automatically set
for you as this will stop the unnecessary text going over the Conference
Servers
==============================================================

DTMF MP3 / WAV Player
This is a very useful
option that your RF users can use. This option can hold help or
information that your RF uses can access
DTMF
Simply enter a DTMF
code for each of the audio files that you have selected.
File Location
The file location field
holds the path and file name of your pre made audio files. the files can
be MP3 or WAV although the player will play nearly all audio
formats.
Test Button
To the right of the file
button there is a small test button. This enables you to test the audio
file.
Stop Play
Stops a playing file when
clicked
Volume
This volume control sets the
audio level and is independent to the EchoLink audio
Save
Saves any changed data
==============================================================

News Player
If you play the news for
your RF users then you will be happy with this option as it will play a
news file at predetermined days and times
Audio File
Enter the path you the news
file that you want to select for your news
Day of the week
Select the day or days that
you want your news to be transmitted
Time
Enter the time or times
that you wish your news to be transmitted. If only one time section is
required simply enter 99 in the time fields that are not required.
File
Clicking this button
enables you to select a file that you wish to transmit
Play
When clicked plays the
selected Audio file
Stop
Stops any playing Audio
File
Audio File 1,2,3 as Beacon
Each of the Audio files can
be used as a beacon if selected. Enter the beacon time in minutes and at
the end of the countdown the selected file it will be played. If your
node is in use the file will not be played. The node Status functions
will not operate when file is being played as a beacon (Disconnect all,
Node Busy or Warning).
Volume
This volume control sets the
audio level and is independent to the EchoLink audio
Node Status
There are 2 options here
that I recommend using while playing the news.
Disconnect All Before
Playing File
Disconnect All Before
Playing File option when ticked disconnect all connected station
including any auto connect Echo Friends. Echo Friends will
reconnect when the news file has finished playing. Disconnecting all
connected station is good practice as you don't want internet traffic
calling CQ or holding a QSO while the news is being transmitted.
Set The Node Busy During
File TX
This option when ticked
will show your node as busy and stop stations connecting to you during
the news audio file playing as you don't want internet traffic calling
CQ or holding a QSO while the news is being transmitted.
Warn 1 Minute Before
Disconnecting for Local news
When ticked a text message
also an audio message to the RF users that the news will be read out in
1 minuets time.
Text Message Reads
"<1> Minute Warning Auto Disconnect for Local News."
I have also made a wave
File that says the same C:\Program Files\Echo123\WarnNews.wav
At the end of the news
there is an wave file that says "End of local news. Link On" C:\Program
Files\Echo123\EndNews.wav
Audio File Used Here
C:\Program Files\Echo123\WarnNews.wav
C:\Program Files\Echo123\EndNews.wav
Save
Saves any changed data
==============================================================
Serial Player

Serial Audio File Player 1 & 2
The object of this players is to play pre recorded
Audio Files is sequence. A file will
play and when finished the next file will get ready to play but will wait
until the next selected time before playing. 2 players are available which
gives you the opportunity of running both serial players transmitting
different files
- Test And Play
- The test and play button when clicked will
cycle through the file that you have on your hard drive
- Directory Where Your Audio Files Are
- The player will need to know the director
where you are holding your audio files the directory must be entered
as "C:\YourDriectory\" Do
not put any file name in the field only the directory path to the
files. The file name MUST be numbered sequentially as an
example 1.mp3 for the 1st file, 2.mp3 for the 2nd file
and so on.
-
Select the audio file type
that you are using mp3 or wav.
-
- Playing Options and Times
- Enter the day of the week also the time in
24 hour format that you want the file to play. If you do not want
the second time to play leave it blank. A file will play and when
finished the next file will get ready to play but will wait until
the next selected time before playing.. Note that the file will play
15 seconds after the selected time to allow of announcements. The
next file and playing file will be displayed
-
To play only once during a selected day simply
enter 99 for Hour and 99 for Mins in the 2nd time fields.
- Set Start File
- If you alter the start file sequence
number simply click the "Set Start File" button to reset the start
file number
- Loop at the end of files
- This option when ticked will re play from
the start the files once it has cycled through the list and reached
the end.
- Disconnect All
- Disconnect All when ticked disconnects all
nodes connected to your node.
- Show As Busy
- Show As Busy when ticked puts EchoLink in
a busy state and stops stations connecting to your node while the
file is playing.
- Say File (Time Play)
- On The Hour , Quarters and half and Half
when ticked will play the next file in the sequence. A file will
play and when finished the next file will get ready to play but will
wait until the next selected time before playing.. Note that the
file will play 15 seconds after the selected time to allow of
announcements. The next file to be played and playing file will be
displayed.
Audio File Beacon
When selected the files can be played
at the entered beacon time entered in minutes
Also be mindful
of your transmitter when transmitting large files you could damage your
radio if you are running high power and don’t have sufficient cooling.
You are responsible for your equipment so check with the equipment
manufacturer if you are unsure.
==============================================================
Player Utils

- Player Progress
- The player progress is shown here. The
progress bar can be moved if required forward or backward
- Stop Player
- The stop player button simply stops the
file that is playing.
Allow
Breaks in Transmission.
This feature was
added to allow radios with hardware transmitter timeout timers that
can’t be easily reprogrammed. My ( VK2EX) FM900 has an inbuilt 4 minuet timer, so
I have set the program to unkey the transmitter every 3.5 minuets and
leave unkeyed for 6 milliseconds. Just a little click is heard on the RF
side but this is enough to reset the timer. You can adjust these
settings to your requirements, The Audio file will also pause while you
PTT is off so you will not miss any of the played file.
Add Delay
- This option when ticked will allow
delays to be added in the Curtsy section and some of the
player functions. Normally this would be ticked unless you
are having delay problems
Also be mindful
of your transmitter when transmitting large files you could damage your
radio if you are running high power and don’t have sufficient cooling.
You are responsible for your equipment so check with the equipment
manufacturer if you are unsure.
==============================================================
News Downloader

News Downloads
.mp3
Enter the Website
or FTP URL where you wish to download
your audio file from. Indicated above the URL address is the
file name where the selected file will be saved and the file
name for that file. These file name are used in the main file
player as shown above. Each individual URL can be downloaded at
any time by clicking on the appropriate URL button. Download
will not take place if the Use tick is not entered..
There are 2 Scheduled day and time
sections that can be can be used to
download the audio files by ticking the appropriate day and
entering the time you wish the downloads to take place.
Files 1 & 2 are
downloaded by the scheduler immediately beneath them that is in the same
frame
Files 3 is
downloaded by the scheduler immediately beneath them that is in the same
frame
Files that are
downloaded will be saved as shown
Audio File 1 =
C:\News1.mp3
Audio File 2 =
C:\News2.mp3
Audio File 3 =
C:\News3.mp3
==============================================================
==============================================================

Connect History
This simply keeps a record
while the program is running who has connected to your node. Showing the
Time the station connected also the Call of the station there name and IP
address.
==============================================================

The Conference Controller
-
The Conference Controller is a simple
to use utility that allows the Sysop/Owner of a conference or their
admin controllers to send some of the commands with a click of a button.
-
The bridge software that is used for
the conferences accepts commands normally via the text input on
EchoLink.
This utility is not to replace this function but to assist and make some
of the more used commands easier to enter. If you do not have admin
rights on one of the conferences you will still be able to use the Text
box and associated Text Filters. All other functions will not be
available until you have logged into your conference with your Admin
password.
-
-
Initial Setup
-
Download
the Conference Controller zip file and unzip it into a folder of your
choice and run the setup program and follow the install instructions.
Remember to uninstall the old version.
-
-
Conference
-
Enter
your conference name example *IRELAND* or *ENGLAND*. There are 3
conferences that can be held in the system these are selected by
clicking the button 1,2 or 3. Conference
By clicking on one of the
buttons (1,2 or 3) this will select the conference, disconnect all
connected and connect the selected conference. The conference status
will be shown.
-
-
Password
-
Enter
your password. You can log on as ether as an Admin or Sysop by selecting
the appropriate button.
-
-
Type
Message or Dot Command
-
Here you
can send messages to the users and all messages will be time stamped so
as on their system they will see your local time that the message was
sent. Use it as you would use the text message window in the
EchoLink
program.
-
Any of
the Conference dot commands and be sent from here. Example “.mute call”
-
-
Connect
Station to Conference
-
These
fields enable you to put 2 stations that you may wish to connect with a
simple click of the appropriate button.
-
-
Save you
settings
-
When you
have completed your input click on the Save Conference, Password and
Stations Settings Button. Your setting will load in next time you start
the program.
-
There
are a lot of commands with the bridge conference program and I have only
put my most commonly used commands. I’m sure that your needs could be
different to mine.
-
Alt key
plus the underscored letter on the buttons will give you quick access to
those functions.
-
-
Mute
Station
-
When
pressed asks for the call of the station to be muted. When entered and
OK is clicked the station is muted and a message sent to the text screen
telling the offending station that they have been muted.
-
-
Mute
Talking Station
-
This
button enables you to mute the station that is causing a problem while
they are transmitting. This is very useful as once they are muted other
action can be taken.
-
-
Mute
Message
-
When
clicked asks for a call sign and when entered and OK is clicked a
message is sent to the text screen telling the offending station that
they have been muted. Normally you would use this if you have used the
Mute Talking Station button as that button only mutes the talking
station.
-
-
The mute
message sent
-
***
CALL*** You have been Muted from the server due to your link or a link
connected to you causing a problem. When problem sorted disconnect and
reconnect to remove the Mute. <<Admin>>
-
-
Unmute
All
-
Unmutes
all muted stations connected to the conference.
-
-
Unmute
1 Station
-
When call
sign is entered and the muted station will be unmuted and a message sent
via the text box “**** CALL **** You have been UnMuted.
<<Admin>>”.
-
-
Who
Is Muted
-
When
clicked shows all stations who are muted.
-
-
Connect
station
-
Enables
you to connect a station to the conference.
-
-
Disconnect
Station
-
Disconnects the selected station from the conference.
-
-
Ban
Station
-
Offending
stations are banned from the conference
-
-
Remove
Ban
-
Station
removed from the ban list.
-
-
Who
Is Banned
-
See who
is on the banned list.
-
-
List
Users
-
Show
stations who are logged on to the Conference

Text
Box
Text
Filter
The
filter will stop any messages that have any of the 8 filter words
anywhere in the message that has been sent. There are a lot of programs
now that use the text box for information and this helps your text box
filling up with rubbish.
Text
Box
All
Text messages are time stamped that you send and receive in your text
box.
The
other less used conference commands can be sent using the “Type message or Dot
Command”

-
Utils
- This
section has been added to enable you to see an updated list of stations
connected to the conference
-
-
Refresh
Conference Listing
- The
listing refresh updates every so many set seconds when ticked. Setting the
amount of seconds is achieved when the option is un-ticked. The minimum time
that can be set is 35 seconds so any number lower than this setting will
revert to 35 seconds
-
-
List Users
- List
users is only available when the when the "Use Refresh" is un-ticked. You
will not be able to repeatedly press this button as the bridge will not
allow this. Normally there must be a gap of 35 seconds before a re-list can
be achieved.. There is a tick option when ticked will 1st send the selected
admin password then send for the list of connected users
-
Stay
Connected
-
When
ticked the conference will stay connect and automatically re connect if
disconnected. Note if you have been disconnected you will need to click
the appropriate log on button to log you back into the conference
-
-
Conference selection
-
By
clicking on one of the buttons (1,2 or 3) this will select the
conference, disconnect all connected and connect the selected
conference. The conference status will be shown.
-
- Conference Connected
- When the selected conference is connected this
will be displayed.
-
- Auto Enter Admin Password
- When ticked the auto enter admin password on
reconnect box
-
Admin Button
- The
admin button Sends the Admin Password when the conference is connected and
is only available while the "Auto Enter Admin Password" box is un-ticked
-
-
Time Stamp All
Messages
- This
option when ticked will time stamp all messages that you send or receive
through the text box
-
-
Stop dot
commends showing
- When
ticked if another station connects to your node they will not see the Dot
commands that you send. This is especially useful when the ".list" command
is sent every 35 seconds ro refresh the list of connected stations to the
Conference.
-
-
Auto Mute
- This
option when ticked will automatically mute a station or stations exceeding a
set key down mute time. A 1 minute warning in the text box is given before the
mute is put in place. When the station s muted another warning is sent
saying that a mute has been put in place. If stations do not leave enough
gap between over's this has the same effect as key down and the station
talking at the end of the set time in minutes will be muted. The mute can be removed
by the stations muted simply by disconnecting and reconnecting to the
Conference server. Information is put in the text box what the muted station
has to do.
-
-
Mute
Talking Station
-
This
BIG button enables you to mute the station that is causing a problem while
they are transmitting. This is very useful as once they are muted other
action can be taken.
-
-
Who
Is Muted
-
When
clicked shows all stations who are muted.
-
-
Unmute
All
-
Unmutes
all muted stations connected to the conference.
-
-
Text
Box
-
All
Text messages are time stamped that you send and receive in your text
box.
-
The
other less used conference commands can be sent using the “Type message or Dot
Command”
-

-
DTMF Mute /
Un Mute
-
-
This option enables the Admin / Sysop to remotely Mute or Un-Mute
selected nodes. Enter the Node call sign, Mute / Un mute DTMF code. When
a station is muted or un muted in this manor there is a warning sent to
the text box informing the muted node also a message transmitted by RF
on the link where the command was sent.
-
-
DTMF Un
Mute ALL
-
This option enables the Admin / Sysop to remotely Un-Mute all muted
nodes in the conference. Enter the Un mute DTMF code. When a station is
un muted in this manor a message transmitted by RF on the link where the
command was sent saying that all stations have been un muted.
- .
-
DTMF
Disconnect / Connect
-
This option enables the Admin / Sysop to remotely Disconnect or Connect
a selected node. Enter the Node call sign, Connect / Disconnect
DTMF code. When a station is Connected or Disconnected in this manor
there is a warning message transmitted by RF on the link where the
command was sent

Extra Commands Side Panel
The Show Extra button is used to display or hide the
extra commands ( Button changes from Show Extra to Hide Extra)

- I have
had requests for an extra panel that shows when requested to enable easy
access to the most used commands Mute, Un Mute and Disconnect.
-
RESET
Disconnect and Re Connect
- I have
added a panel that will display the connected stations and information. This
isnot all that successful at the moment as it will not display correct when
a station connects to you and then disconnects so I have introduced the
RESET button which disconnects ALL and reconnects to your selected
conference which gives you the listing of all connected to the conference.
If you have your node set not to accept any connections this works great and
is very useful.
-
-
Connect
station
-
Enables
you to connect a station to the conference.
-
-
Mute
Message
-
When clicked
asks for a call sign and when entered and OK is clicked a message is sent to
the text screen telling the offending station that they have been muted.
Normally you would use this if you have used the Mute Talking Station button
as that button only mutes the talking station
-
-
The mute
message sent
-
***
CALL*** You have been Muted from the server due to your link or a link
connected to you causing a problem. When problem sorted disconnect and reconnect to remove the Mute. <<Admin>>
-
-
Disconnect
Station
-
Disconnects
the selected station from the conference.
-
-
Mute
Station with Message
-
When
pressed asks for the call of the station to be muted. When entered and
OK is clicked the station is muted and a message sent to the text screen
telling the offending station that they have been muted.
-
-
Mute
Station with NO Message
-
As above
but without a message.
-
-
Mute
Talking Station
-
This
button enables you to mute the station that is causing a problem while
they are transmitting. This is very useful as once they are muted other
action can be taken.
-
-
Unmute
All
-
Un mutes
all muted stations connected to the conference.
-
-
Unmute 1 Station with Message
-
When call
sign is entered and the muted station will be unmuted and a message sent
via the text box “**** CALL **** You have been UnMuted.
<<Admin>>”.
-
-
Unmute 1 Station with NO Message
-
As above
with no Message
==============================================================

Utils
- Disconnect ALL from the link if idle
- This option is very useful as it will keep you
connected to your selected node and enable your RF users connect your
node to other station BUT if your RF users do not disconnect the nodes
they have connected after the entered time set by you the all stations
will be disconnected and the selected node will be re connected. If
selected as long as there is RF going into your node the station will
stay connected as long as the over dose not exceed the allotted time in
minutes.
==============================================================
Text
Box Messages
Text Box
Messages
This option
enables you to send up to 10 pre set messages messages via the text box.
Simply enter the data into the required fields. Click the send button to
send your pre set message. Please note that the messages will only be
sent to the text box when you have a station connected to you.
==============================================================
History
Ver 1.2.4 --- 12th April 2008
-
Menu Rearranged
-
Player Utils Added
-
Serial Player 1 & 2 Added
-
Text Box Messages Added
-
Spanish file message
changed to English
-
News File Downloader
changed
==========
Ver 1.2.3 --- 15th February 2008
-
News Files can be used as
beacons added
-
DTMF Mute / Un mute
station options added to Conference Controller
-
DTMF Disconnect /
Connect station option added to Conference Controller
-
Extra Easy access
utils to help Sysop / Admin. with Conference Controller
-
Utils section added
to menu
-
Smart Timed
disconnect for stations who forget to disconnect plus
re-connect to your selected node
==========
Ver 1.2.2 --- 12th February 2008
-
Option added to announce by
RF Audio and IP Text Before playing the news
-
Announcement by RF saying
the news has finished
-
Option to configure the
record settings for the Parrot section. Get the best quality from your
sound card
==========
Ver 1.2.1 --- 10th February 2008
-
Time and Voice Beacon
stopped when news being played
==========
Ver 1.2.0 --- 9th February 2008
-
Repeater Functions Added
-
Parrot functions Added
-
ID drop out adjusted
-
Time out on TX and RX Added
-
CW and Audio ID's Added
-
RTS / DTR select added
-
Tidy up of some of the code
==========
Ver 1.0.1 --- 2nd February 2008
-
Anti Squelch Added
-
Connect Call History Added
====================
Released Ver 1.0.0 ---
31st January 2008
I hope you find the program
useful
Donations are always welcome to
help with the upkeep and advancement of the Repeaters & Software
Peter EI4JR

Back To Home Page
Page Updated on
12/06/2008