Echo Producer Plus

Version 8.1.7

Check Regular for updates
Page Updated on  09/07/2008
Echo Producer Lite
  Echo-Producer Yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Echo-Producer

Windows XP & TTS speech  Application   No registration need FREE to use

Welcome to Echo-Producer-Plus

History & Download

Main Menu

Windows XP  Application   No registration need this program is Free to use

TTS Voice is required

EchoProducerPlus is a simple to use Windows XP utility that uses the Text to Speech engine that comes with Windows XP. Ideal for Sysop/Owner of a Repeater / Link or Conference Controllers. There are many tools in this program that will assist you.. Courtesy tones using CW or Audio file ID's with effects (Door bell sounds). Weather conditions Current, Forecasts and Warnings. Serial File Player. Time out functions for RF and IP.  Auto connect options. Internet options with auto QRZ lookup for connecting stations, Text Box Messages you can send also Text Box Greetings for connecting stations. DTMF audio player can be used for Help or Information audio files. Up to 20 random Beacons using TTS. Option for  radios with hardware transmitter timeout timers. News Player, Download and play the news to your RF users all automatically. Hold text conversations with stations that can not speak your language with the Language Translator option. Sysop / Admin Conference Controller option. DTMF single or group connect / disconnect. Times Connect and disconnect station in the conference Timed silence mode option. Text to Wave converter. Make and add your own text to wav audio files personalized to your own needs. Parrot Function use your link as a parrot repeater or enable your RF users to hear what they sound link at your node. This program runs along side the EchoLink program.

A BIG Thank You to Jonathan K1RFD for providing EchoLink. Without it this program EchoProducerPlus would not have been possible. The EchoLink program is provided FREE as is the EchoProducerPlus add-on.

Initial Setup
You must have EchoLink installed and running before installing EchoProducerPlus
 Download the EchoProducerPlus.zip software into a directory unzip the software (4 files) and Run Setup
C:\Program Files\EchoProducerPlus\ is where the program places its files. You must let the program install it in the default directory.
Updates to the program can be checked and checked from the program and updated. See below for update information.
 
Where can I get voices from?
I used NeoSpeech voices from http://www.nextup.com. I found Kate16 to be the best.
Check in your Control Panel for the speech Icon and that your Text to Speech is working first before running EchoProducerPlus. I have not tried it on any of the other windows. If you have and it works let me know. Check out the Microsoft web site Microsoft Speech SDK 5.1 for more information.
How do I install the voice
The program uses the XP speech engine and this must be working before the EchoProducerPlus program is run.
Setting up your voice is not hard. Once you have installed your voice using the instructions provided with your voice simply go to the control panel and select the speech icon as this is where you will select the voice that you have installed. this is done by going to Start – Settings - Control Panel – Speech - Voice selection - select your voice you installed. (If you can see your voice you haven’t installed it.)
You can test the voice here and when you are happy with your selection click OK.Your voice should work with any of your programs that use the speech engine like EchoProducerPlus.
24 hour PC Clock
Make sure your Windows clock is on 24 hour time. To do this, go to the Windows control panel, make sure it is in "Classic View" and choose "Region and Language Options." Then, click Customize. Choose the tab labelled "Time." Under the Time Format pull-down menu, choose "HH:mm:ss." Click OK, Then OK again, and Windows should now be showing the time in 24 hour format.
Cool It       
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.
 
One more important note
We are sorry to report that this program is not compatible with EchoTime (another fantastic  EchoLink Add-on), so please deactivate EchoTime before attempting to use this software or if you do wish to use the  EchoTime program deactivate EchoProducer as you cant run both.

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Icon in the system tray
When the Icon is in the Tool tray simply double click on the Icon to show the program

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Idents

Idents
Voice ident Call sign, Will read your call sign in TTS voice, you can enter you call sing with spaces of if needed spell it out to make it sound nice (Example Vee Kay two E Ex) the TTS engine will say anything you put in this box (Keep it short)  In the box “ID Every” put in the time interval you would like your call sign to be announced and tick the box to use.

 

  In the box “Turn ID Off After” enter a time in minuets and tick the box to use if desired. This feature allows the Ident to stay in quiet mode, (Not identifying) if the frequency is not in use for extended times. This option is mainly used in VK Land (Australia)  Whenever a signal is received by EchoLink this timer will be reset. Say call now button, Click this button to test what it sounds like.
 PTT call now Button, Click on this and the PTT on the Transceiver will be activated and the call will be transmitted over the air.

 

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.
Say The Time
If you wish the Time to be broadcast simply click on On The Hour, Quarter or Half.
Here you can also select if you want the time to be in 12 hour or 24 hour format. There is a DTMF option that will enable your RF users to call for the time. Make sure your Windows clock is on 24 hour time.
 
Beacons
In the Beacon setup section information is entered to be broadcast simply click on On The Hour, Quarter or Half for broadcast. The Plus seconds input allows you to have the beacon information sent after a pre set time in seconds after the time. This enables any announcements to finis before your beacon is transmitted.
There is an extra beacon that can be also programmed to send a beacon at a pre set time. This time is set in minutes.
 Beacons can be set up as a static beacon or random. See Beacon setup
 
Announce Options
Preamble  when ticked will greet your users with Good Morning - Good Afternoon or Good Evening before the time is sent out.
Station Con/Dis when selected the nodes that connect or disconnect will be announced
If the Add the time is clicked the time will added with the announcement.
Text messages when ticked will transmit what has been sent using TTS. This can be enabled or disabled using DTMF. Filtered messages (Conference Controller Text Box) will not be transmitted.
The text messages can be turned on / off using DTMF

 

Auto Connects     
 There are 4 auto connect options here, just enter a callsign of a station you want to connect to and tick the box, your system will then connect to this call and remain connected permanently,  the system will automatically reconnect to this station if disconnected. This can take up to 30 seconds to re connect you.
 These auto connects can be disabled. See below you can set a DTMF sequence to enable and disable this feature remotely. ( DTMF CTRL Section )
Delay Before TTS
This option will put a delay before the TTS voice for the specified delay increment. This is to allow for some transmitters that have a delay before TX
      DTR / TRS Control  (Fan)
You can select DTR or RTS for possible fan switching. An option is available to let the fan run on if selected for an added amount of time that is selected by you
With a little circuit and you can wire at cooling fan to your transmitter, the fan will run for however many minuets you enter after the transmitter has un-keyed.
The Use Start Delay when ticked will will only start the fan after the allotted delay time of incoming traffic from the internet. The stops the unnecessary use of the fan.
There are some simple Circuits that can be found on www.echoireland.com that can be used for this purpose.
     TTS & TTW volume and speed
You can adjust the TTS (Text to Speech) and TTW (Text to Wav) with these control sliders. Clicking the TTS or TTW button will test your settings.
 
Utils
This option enables you to control the stations that are connected to your node

 

Station Connect Bell
This option enables you to have an extra warning file played that indicates that you have a station connect to your node.

 

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.

 

Silence Announcements and Player

This option enables you to silence all the TTS announcements and player functions. Your node will operate normally without TTS announcements, CW and Player functions when silenced.

Announce Silence Scheduler 1,2,3
Their are 3 Silence Schedulers that can be used. Simply tick the days and enter your OFF time you want your node silenced and the ON times you want your node back to normal. A delay of 15 seconds has been added to the Announce times as this will allow the any time or other beacons to sound off before being silenced. These normally happen on the hour, quarter and half the hour. Tip if you dont want these announcements / beacons to go out then set your off time 1 minute before they are due.

 

DTMF Announcements
This option gives you the option to set the announcements / beacons OFF / ON using DTMF. Enter the DTMF code that you wish to use in the appropriate boxes.

 

Announcements
Disable Announcements when ticked will disable all announcements. Warn About Silence Mode when ticked will give a Text message saying if the Announcements are Enabled / Disabled also a TTS message saying that the Announcements have been Enabled. There is no TTS when the Announcements have been disabled. (Well you did disable them didn't you )
 
Save  Changes
Click this button to save any changes that you may have made.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

Reduce Volume Playback
This option when ticked will when the player is playing reduce in volume what is being played. This is useful when there is already a message or beacon being played and a station from the internet calls on the node the audio level of the message playing will reduce to the level set. The calling station audio level will not be effected when the station stops talking the beacon audio will revert back to its normal level.

 

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.

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Weather

To use this option you will need to install the FREE weather The Weather Exchange program and have it running on your computer while using EchoProducerPlus. The Weather Exchange is a free PC desktop application that accesses live community weather from the world's largest FREE personal weather station network  http://www.ambientweather.com/weex1.html
I am using version 1.22. If you are using an early version you may need to download the latest free version.

Weather Conditions

The current Weather Conditions window is where the compiled weather information is put at the time of transmission.

Start of Current Conditions
You can type in here a message that you wish transmitted ahead of your weather information. This information could be the location where the weather came from.

 

End of Current Conditions
You can type in here a message that you wish transmitted at the end of your weather information. This information could be your node information.
 
File Location
This is the location that the CSV file is held. This file holds the information that the program needs from the weather program. The default is c:\wxex\csv\data.csv This can be changed if your file is put in other places on the hard drive.

 

Temp
Tick the "Farn" for Fahrenheit, "Cent" for Centigrade or "Cels" for Celsius . This should be the same as you have set up in the Ambient Weather program
 
Wind
Tick "mph" or km/hr.  This should be the same as you have set up in the Ambient Weather program

 

Barometer
Tick "inHg" , "mb" or "hPa".  This should be the same as you have set up in the Ambient Weather program

 

Conditions Beacon
If selected to be used the Weather Conditions will be transmitted to the set amount of minutes set.
 
DTMF for Conditions
A DTMF code can be set here to enable your RF users to call for the Weather Conditions
No TX When Station Connected to You
This option when ticked will stop ALL weather beacons from being transmitted
TX Weather Conditions Now
Clicking this button will transmit the weather Conditions now

 

Weather Forecast

The current Weather Forecast window is where the compiled weather information is put at the time of transmission.

Start of Weather Forecast
You can type in here a message that you wish transmitted ahead of your weather information. This information could be the location where the weather came from.

 

End of Weather Forecast
You can type in here a message that you wish transmitted at the end of your weather information. This information could be your node information.
 
File Location
This is the location that the metar.txt file is held. This file holds the information that the program needs from the weather program. The default is c:\wxex\data\metar.txt This can be changed if your file is put in other places on the hard drive.
DTMF for Forecast
a DTMF code can be set here to enable your RF users to call for the Weather Forecast

 

Forecast Beacon
Enter the time in minutes that you wish your forecast beacon to be transmitted
Tick the use option to enable the beacon
 
TX Weather Forecast Now
Clicking this button will transmit the weather Forcast now
Stop Weather Transmissions
When this button is clicked the weather transmission will stop.

 

Weather Warnings

The current Weather Warning window is where the compiled weather information is put at the time of transmission.

Start of Weather Warning
You can type in here a message that you wish transmitted ahead of your weather information. This information could be the location where the weather came from.

 

End of Weather Warning
You can type in here a message that you wish transmitted at the end of your weather information. This information could be your node information.
 
File Location
This is the location that the warning.txt file is held. This file holds the information that the program needs from the weather program. The default is c:\wxex\data\warning.txt This can be changed if your file is put in other places on the hard drive.
DTMF for Warnings
a DTMF code can be set here to enable your RF users to call for the Weather Warning

 

TX Weather Warning Now
Clicking this button will transmit the weather Warning now
 
Warning Beacon
Enter the time in minutes that you wish your warning beacon to be transmitted
Tick the use option to enable the beacon. This option can be auto ticked with the Live Weather Announcement option. See below.
The Stay Silent If No Warning when ticked will only transmit the warning information if there is warning data otherwise will stay silent until Warning data has been sent from the weather program.
Live Warning Announcement
This option will announce a warning when the use box is ticked and will check the updated weather text file produced by the Ambient Weather program. If there is a new weather warning the this will be transmitted. If the node is in use the live weather Announcement will wait until there is a gap in the transmissions and has reached the count down time then will transmit the warning also starting the warning beacon running if option ticked and announce the warning again 1 minute after the 1st warning.
When the warning has cleared a message will be transmitted saying that there is no warning at this time indicating that the warning has finished.

Auto Start Warning Beacon when ticked will automatically start the Warning Beacon which will announce any set warnings at the set beacon time.

 

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Ambient Weather Program

Download the FREE Ambient Weather program from  http://www.ambientweather.com/weex1.html

Setup

Setting up the program must be completed before it will work with EchoProducerPlus. Once you have downloaded and installed the Ambient Weather program.

How the program starts and when it updates the weather data needs to be set up by going to --> Settings --> General Program Settings --> in the Update weather data every box select how many minutes that you wish the data updated. I have mine set to 1 minute. --> now select put a tick on the Launch program at Windows start-up box. Then click the close button

You must let the program know where you are located for your weather by going to--> Settings --> Your Location and filling in the appropriate boxes for your area. Then click the close button

Now you need the select the units that you wish to use by going to --> Settings --> Units --> Now click on the appropriate boxes  for your use. Then click the close button.
Remember that you need to also set the units in the EchoProducerPlus program (Weather Conditions) so it transmits the Units correctly.

You need to tell the program where you want it to put the weather information data so as EchoProducerPlus can use this information.. To do this go to --> Settings --> Data Export (Advanced). In the csv Directory Location enter "C:\wxex\csv" and in the Update weather data every box select how many minutes that you wish the data updated. I have mine set to 1 minute. Then click the close button

The data file for current weather should be located “C:\wxex\csv\data.csv”
The data file for forecast weather should be located “C:\wxex\data\metar.txt”
The data file for weather warnings should be located “C:\wxex\data\warning.txt”
If the files are not in these locations you will need to have a search and put the path to the location on your hard drive like that shown above into the appropriate section in the program..

That's it. That's all I done when I set up my Ambient weather program fro EchoProducerPlus.

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Beacons

 
Beacons
Up to 20 beacons can be programmed. Simply enter the text for your users to hear. the use of ("." Period) or ("," Comma) or (":" Colon) or (";" Semi Colon) will add delays to your messages also that way you spell the words as you can manipulate the way things sound when transmitted. See above to give you a basic idea how I have done mine.
Static
When ticked the selected message will be the only message that will be transmitted
 
Random Beacon
Then ticked the messages will be randomly selected from 1 to the number that you enter.

 

Extra Beacon
There may be a time that you need a beacon played at a more regular time along side you normal beacons (Possible Local rally announcements) and this option when ticked and time in minutes entered will do this. Again enter the beacon text

 

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Curtesy  ID - Repeater / Link Timings

Curtsey Tones

The curtsey tone option is a simple to use application to add a courtesy tone to the end of the all transmissions.
You have the option to send your courtesy tone using pre made audio files in wav / mp3 or sending in the usual way with CW. Hang time before ID, Anti-Kerchunker, Send different CW idents for RF traffic and IP. Send different audio file tones for RF and IP traffic. Option to tell RF station using your link that there are no stations currently connected with your TTS message. Indicators showing the sate of the program. Volume control for the audio files that will not effect the audio settings of your node. Audio speed control. Make your own audio files and use them with this program.
 
Hang Time before ID
Enter the hang time that you wish to use before the CW / Audio Ident is Transmitted (500 ms Default)
 
Anti-Kerchunker
This option will help against the phantom RF user who keys the mic for a second just to get e  put a delay before the CW / Audio ident
 
CW Ident
RF CW ID and Internet CW ID letter are entered here.
The option here enables you to select different letters for the curtsey (internet or RF users.) The speed and volume of the CW can be altered with the EchoLink program in the usual way ( Tools - Sysop Settings - Ident - settings)
 
Audio Ident
RF Audio ID and Internet Audio ID audio indicator file names are held here. These are normally "beep boop" type sounds. Different sounds can be selected for Internet  & RF end of over's. I'm sure will have fun playing with different sounds until you find the one suitable. There are file loading and test buttons.
 
No Connections
This when ticked will inform your RF users that there are no stations connected to you node. This option is useful as a connected station might disconnect during an RF users over. The Use TTS message option can be costumed to your message. The CW option letter can be more than one character
 
Volume
This volume control sets the audio level and is independent to the EchoLink audio
 
CW - Audio
Simply select the type of curtsey ident that you wish to use.
 
Delay after audio
There are 3 settings here - "None" for no delay.  1 or 2 simply adds a bit more PTT to the end of the curtsey tone normally this would be set to 1 for normal link operation
 
 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\EchoABC\  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 Curtsey files you need (wav or mp3)
 
RF.wav = " RF Audio ID"
IP.wav = "Internet Audio ID"
 
PTT select
Select the RTS or DTR that you are using to control the PTT on your radio. You need also selected the same in the EchoLink setup.
 
 
 
Repeater / Link - Timings
 
Time out timers
These options control the TX and IP 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.
 
TTS Messages
You can configure the messages sent to the RF user by simply entering your message in the appropriate text box.
 
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 auto connects  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. There is an end of over ident at the end of the parrot playback. The type of Ident is selected is as you do for the end of over ident.
 

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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.
 

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News Player

News Player 1 - 2

News Player 3 - 4
 
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 1 2 3
Enter the path you the news file that you want to select for your news
On the Audio File 3 there is an option to send a second file after the first has completed, In Australia the WIA national news is played then followed up by a local broadcast, just tick the box labelled “Add 2nd file to end of Audio File 3". The WIA news is traditionally played twice in one day AM and PM so a second time has been included in the Audio File 3 section.
 
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." This can be changes to meet your needs.
An RF message is sent to say that the news has ended again this can be changed.
 
 
News Beacons A - B - C
This option has 3 news beacons that can be used to beacon News or any other information to your RF users. Enter the file that you wish played how many minutes  between each beacon and tick the use tick box.
 
Save
Saves any changed data

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News Downloader / Update

 News Downloads  .mp3 (Downloader 1)

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 & 4 are downloaded by the scheduler immediately beneath them that is in the same frame
 
Downloader 2
This is a mirror of Downloader 1 It gives you the option of having more download times.
 
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
Audio File 4 = C:\News4.mp3
 

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Internet Option

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

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Text Box Greeting

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 10 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

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DTMF .mp3 / .wav  & Text file Player

DTMF .mp3 / .wav  & Text file 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 , .wav or .txt  although the player will play nearly all audio formats and text files.
 
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
 

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DTMF Help TTW

DTMF Help TTW

TTW = Text to Wav

This section enables you to type help descriptions for your users and DTMF codes that they can use. There is a small button that when clicked will say with the PTT on the text that is in the text box.

Simply enter the text for your users to hear. the use of ("." Period) or ("," Comma) or (":" Colon) or (";" Semi Colon) will add delays to your messages also that way you spell the words as you can manipulate the way things sound when transmitted. See above to give you a basic idea how I have done mine.

A little bit of advice here keep them as short as you can.

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DTMF Control - Net Scheduler

Net Scheduler

DTMFctrl and Nets

This option allows your RF users Select / Disconnect by the same DTMF a selected station. There is also an option to Connect / Disconnect a group of stations with one DTMF to Connect and one to Disconnect the group.
Callsigns
Simply add  Callsigns, Links, Repeaters or Conferences
 
Con / Disc Button
This option will connect or disconnect the selected station. This is the little button to the right of the DTMF field. Click one to connect and click again to disconnect
 
DTMF
Enter the DTMF codes that you want the users to use.
The single callsign DTMF will connect or disconnect a station when used
The Group callsign can be connected with one DTMF and Disconnected with another DTMF.
DTMF For Time
Enter the DTMF code that you want your RF users to use when they request the time from your node
The tick box should be ticked to enable this function
Countermeasures

 

Disconnect All and Last Connected
We have added a couple of countermeasures against the phantom DTMF button pusher who loves to disconnect stations that connect to your node
The Disconnect All DTMF and Disconnect Last Connected node are controllable using DTMF known to you and your admin to control if the Disconnect all or last connected.
When enabled and the Re-Enable time has been set  by ticking the Use Delay Tick Box. The appropriate DTMF will stop your phantom DTMF from Disconnecting stations from your node until the re-enable timer has elapsed or you want to end the function with  the disable DTMF.
Select a different DTMF codes in the EchoLink program for your own use only known to your admin controllers and have all your users use the DTMF that you have control of.
The 1st seconds of TX don't allow DTMF Con/Disc
This option enables you to have a delay accepting DTMF for the connection of your groups or list of Single calls
You have Enable or Disable function DTMF codes that you can enter
Use Delay tick box to enable the function
Set Time before accepting DTMF

 

Net Scheduler 1 to 4
 
This option will enable you to hold possible drive time nets
Each section has the day of the week and time the net starts. The connection is delayed by 15 seconds as to allow for any beacons or the time being transmitted.
Enter the connect node / conference call sign is that you want to connect to for the net.
If you want the node to be disconnected after the allotted time you set on the Disconnect Net Callsign After time simply tick the Use tick box.
If you want all stations connected to your node at the time of the net simply tick the Disconnect All tick box.
If you want your node set to busy while the net is in operation simply tick the Show Busy box. the Busy status will end at the end of the net time.

You you do not want to connect to a node but just keep it local simply enter LOCAL into the Net Call Box

To give a 1 minute warning that the net is about to start simply tick the box

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Text to Wav Converter

Text to Wav Converter
Simply type your text into the text box and press the Speak button and if you like what you hear simply tick the save to .wav box and click the speak button. You are then given the opportunity to select a directory and and file name to save the wav file. These messages will not be transmitted over RF.

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The Conference Controller

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.
 
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.
 
Disconnect Talking Station
This button enables you to disconnect the station that is causing a problem while they are transmitting. (Ver 1.02 of thebridge onward)
 
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.
 
You may need to click on the text box tab to see some of the replies from 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
Auto Con/Disc station to/From Conference
This option enables the sysop of a conference when logged on to connect or disconnect up to 2 selected stations to or from their conference on the selected days and times entered.If any of the times are not required simply enter "99" in the required fields

 

Text Box

Text Filter
The filter will stop any messages that have any of the 12 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”
Pre set Messages
Opens the pre set message screen
 

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 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.
 
Send Pre set message
This option enables you top have a pre set message that can be sent when the send button is clicked.
 
Disconnect Talking Station
This button enables you to disconnect the station that is causing a problem while they are transmitting. (Ver 1.02 of thebridge onward)
 
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.
 
 

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
DTMF Conference Connect
This option enables the Admin / Sysop to remotely Connect to one of the 3 conferences that has been selected above using DTMF. If the stay connected option has been selected then the DTMF selected conference will become the conference that will stay connected. If the Auto connect option above has been ticked then upon connection to the conference the Admin password will be 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 is not 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.
 
Disconnect Talking Station
This button enables you to disconnect the station that is causing a problem while they are transmitting. (Ver 1.02 of thebridge onward)
 
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

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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.
 

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About
 
 
About
This screen is simply my contact details and a place to check for updates
 
Make Donation
The program freeware. This button gives you the opportunity to donate towards my time and future developments. Donations are made through PayPal.
 
Check For Updates
 
 
When you click on the Check For Updates button and there are no updates you will see a message next to the button saying that there are no updates available. When there are updates available you will see the Updates