-
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 Set 1 & set 2 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.
-
You can set a DTMF sequence to enable and disable Auto Connects 1 & 2
remotely.
-
Auto Connect Adjust Minutes section can be set to
reconnect after a pre determined time. the can also be enabled /
disabled via DTMF. This could be used to connect to the *ECHOTEST* and
use your system as a simplex repeater.
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
-
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.
-
-
-
- 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. When the " Use
Call History " box is ticked the
Time a 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
don't want these announcements / beacons to go out then set your off time
1 minute before they are due.
- Enable / Disable Link
- This option enables you to disable the
EchoLink system when ticked and the allotted time or DTMF is entered.
- 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 and CW idents. 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 ) although if you tick Allow CW idents Only During Disable
will ident if ticked in the Idents section.
- Save Changes
- Click this button to save any changes that you
may have made.
- DTR
/ TRS
Control (Fan)
- DTR or RTS for possible fan
switching is highlighted when that selection has been make for the PTT. 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. The Alternate DTR / RTS option is disabled when
this option is in operation.
-
Alternate DTR / RTS Control
- This option when Use Alternate CTRL is
selected enables the RTS or DTR via DTMF active until the allotted
time set by you has elapse. to start it again simply enter the On
DTMF. You can add your On / Off message that can be added by ticking
the Use Message option. The Fan Control option is disabled when this
option is in operation.
-
We have used this option to
switch the repeater from analogue to D Star.
Permanent On Option
- This option when used will enables the RTS or DTR
via DTMF and stay active until the same CTCSS tone is sent again.
Your pre set audio message will be transmitted when enabled /
Disabled
Duplex Repeater
This option when used will enables the RTS or DTR
to be active when you receive a radio signal. This can be used to
key up a possible repeater transmitter
PTT Select
This option will enable the RTS or DTR to
be active when there is an IP signal. This can be used to key up
your transmitter when information is sent to you via the Internet
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Beacons
Beacons Set 1 & Set
2
Up to 20 beacons per
set 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.
Also in the fields you have the
option to have your beacons saved as a .txt .wav or .mp3 that you may
have on your hard drive. This gives you a great flexibility in the way
you have your beacons played. You can have your audio files pre done and
use them as your beacons. The input field is intelligent enough to know
what mode to use to say or play your beacon.
- Serial
- When ticked the the messages will be
transmitted sequentially (One after the other). You can select the
start number and the To number. Use the Step Next button to step to
where you want to start your beacons from. Some of your changes will
require you to click on the Re Set button.
-
- Random Beacon
- Then ticked the messages will be randomly
selected from 1 to the number that you enter.
- Static
- When ticked the selected message will be
the only message that will be transmitted
-
- WX Temperature
- When ticked the Weather temperature will be transmitted
with the associated text that was selected in the weather section
-
- 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.
You can enter the amount of minutes that you want before the beacon
starts its normal countdown. The Use Above Beacon setup option when
ticked will utilize the settings that you have for the normal
beacons and transmit them at your extra beacon set time.
Allow Timed Beacon set 2 also to be
enabled when set 1 is in operation
These beacons are selected for use by the
"Idents / Settings --> Idents " from the main menu and selecting Set
1 or 2. When this option is ticked the it will also use the
extra beacon in set 2 at the same time as beacon set 1 is in
operation. If either one of the beacons are playing it will stop the
trailing beacon as it will not play both at the same time
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============================================
Echo Chat
EchoChat
This option uses the EchoLink text
box facility but in a more fun graphical way. Messages can be sent to other
nodes that are connected to you or the conference you are connected to.
Simply enter your message to send and either press the entre key or click on
the send button.
- Hide Extra Button
- The Hide Extra button will reveal or hide
some extra tools that you can use in your chat box.
- Text Filter
- Entre a words into one of the filter boxes
that would be in a sentence that would appear in your text box. If
the word is detected then the complete sentence is not displayed
in the text box. This option is not case sensitive
- Case Sensitive
- This option when ticked will make the
filter word case sensitive. When not ticked all filter words
upper or lower case messages will filtered
-
- Extra Message Call
- This option enables you to add a 2nd
callsign that can be used for messages, This is useful as senders of
messages forget to add the -L or -R to some of the callsigns so
having an alternate call helps stop this problem. Sometime your call
is different to your node callsign so this option enables you to put
your own call as the extra message callsign.
-
- Smiley's
- Here you can add smiley's to your text.
Only stations that are running the EchoChat text box will see the
smiley pictures. To select a smiley simply hover over the picture
that you wish to add to your text message and either click on the
picture or wait for the tool tip as it will show the key press that
you would need to enter.
- Some other smiley's that are not shown are
:loo - :beer - :skull - :xmas - :monk - :PeterEI4JR
-
- Time stamp
- You can select to time stamp messages that
are received or transmitted
- Text Box messages
- This option is shown below
- Private Message
- This section is a text only option where
you can send a messages to a node that is connected directly or a
conference that you are connected to. Simply enter the callsign and
any extensions like -L or -R, Type your message and click on send
when finished. If the station receives your message you will get and
acknowledgment message back saying Message Received. If the station
is on line and connected to the system that you are connected to
then they will get the message. If you get no acknowledgment then
they will not have had the message put in there Private Message box.
The private message box will automatically open if you receive a
message
- Show Chat Box When Message Received
- Clicking this option will make the Text
Chat Box pop up to be seen when hidden if a text is received in the
text box.
- Send a Red Box Message to sysop
- Clicking this option will send messages to
the sysop of a node into his high alert Red Message 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.
Back To Top
Text Box
Messages
Text Box
Messages 1 & 2
This option
enables you to send up to 10 pre set messages messages via the Chat 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.
- Admin to Sysop Red Box Messages
- Clicking this button will open the section
where you can send messages to the sysop of a node into his high
alert Red Message Box
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==============================================================
Serial Player
Serial Audio File Player
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.
- 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
xx seconds (Selected by you. between 10 to 59 Secondes) 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 this will also
allow the CW ident sound off during this break..
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.
Player Audio
Settings (Text To Wav)
The Text To Wav (TTW) audio sampling rate can be
selected here to improver the sound of the voice you have installed on
your system. I little testing here to find the best one for your system.
8kHz8BitMono - 11kHz16BitMono - 11kHz16BitStereo -16kHz16BitMono -
16kHz16BitStereo - 22kHz16BitMono - 32kHz16BitMono - 48kHz8BitMono -
48kHz16BitMono
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 EchoProducer.
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 and Temperature
- A DTMF code can be set here to enable your RF users to call for the Weather Conditions
or the the current Temperature. You have the option here to also add
the local Time or Date sample time or not have the time added.
- 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
Text Change
This option enables you to change some of
the odd words that the weather program produces. See below for more
info.
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
Forecast 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 Short Warnings
a DTMF code can be set here to enable your RF
users to call for the Short Weather Warning
DTMF for Warning Summery
a DTMF code can be set here to enable your RF
users to call for the Weather Warning Summery
DTMF for Long Warnings
a DTMF code can be set here to enable your RF
users to call for the Full Long Weather Warning
TX Weather Warning Now Button
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.
Use Txt Info when ticked will
simply transmit the Text info that you have input. Some reports are
quiet long all this will do is alert you that there has been a warning.
Use Text Info Option
If
you don't want the program to read the whole file (which sometimes can
be pretty long ) you now can select a pre-assigned text to speech
beacon to go out over the Repeater / Link instead of the news txt file.
Something like ( The NWS has issued a weather warning for this area,
please tune to blah blah..). Now it just plays a premade general
announcement and you can also give the users a DTMF function to actually
read the txt warning file over the repeater after the announcement goes
out if they want to hear it.
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.
- Full / Summery
- This option when either Full or summery is
ticked enables a summery or full weather warning to be transmitted.
Works in conjunction with the beacon above.
- 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.
-
-
Weather Warnings Text Changer
The text changer button will reveal an
option that will enable you to change any of the selected words or
strings of text as an example the words "T-Storms" could be changed
to "Thunder Storms". This can help manipulate the text that was to
be transmitted to sound right. 250 characters in each of the fields
can be input. If you want to delete a word or a sentence that you
have put in the word field simply leave the change to field empty or
put a space in the field. You can make a total of 10 changes
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==============================================================
Setup
Setting up the program must be
completed before it will work with EchoProducer. 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 EchoProducer 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 EchoProducer 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 EchoProducer.
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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). If you do not want any
letter in Morse sent simply enter a ":" into
the CW Letter field.
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 or Audio Ident
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
RTS or DTR that you are using to control the PTT on your radio. This is set in
the settings section and is only used here as information
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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.
Weather Options
The option to play Weather
Conditions or Weather Forecast is available simply by ticking the
appropriate selection. The news in the selected option will be disabled.
It is possible with news player 3 selected and the weather selected in
the Play 2nd file section to play the weather report immediately after
the news. Check the photos above to see how I have set mine.
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==============================================================
News Downloader
News Downloads
.mp3 Downloader
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
Files that are
downloaded will be saved as shown
Audio File 1 =
C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\News1.mp3
Audio File 2 =
C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\News2.mp3
Audio File 3 =
C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\News3.mp3
Audio File 4 =
C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\News4.mp3
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==============================================================
Text Box Messages
Text Box
Messages
- Messages 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
http:// & Text
file Player
DTMF .mp3 .wav .txt http:// & 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 .txt
or
urls (http://) although the player will play nearly all audio
formats and text files.
You can enter a URL to a web
site in one of the 20 fields also the DTMF. This web page that
contains text will be transmitted. This is for web pages that have data
like Weather - Traffic or any other useful information that you
can legally transmit
-
Webpage URL
-
You can enter a URL to a web site one of the 20
fields in the format of "http://your url....". This web
page that contains text will be transmitted. This is for
web pages that have data like Weather - Traffic or any
other useful information that you can legally
transmit. Only the text portion within the web page will
be extracted The program recognises the formats
and takes the appropriate action. A time delay can be
set this is to enable the program time to go get the
data process it than play the results. Default is 3
seconds. If its to short it will not play your data.
-
Text Changer
- This can help manipulate the
text that is to be transmitted to sound right. 250
characters in each of the fields can be input. If you
want to delete a word or a sentence that you have put in
the word field simply leave the change to field empty or
put a space in the field. You can make a total of 10
changes
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 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
-
- Timed Connect
- This option will enable you to connect using DTMF
to a node and stay connected while in use RF / IP and the time until the
counter reaches the set minutes. Works well with the *ECHOTEST*
- 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 Also set 2
-
- 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.
- The Future Date Net Scheduler enables you to set a
date and time in the future.
You you do not want to connect to a node but just keep
it local simply enter LOCAL into the Net Call Box
- Listen Only Off Button
- This button will force the Listen Only Off setting
to off. (Force you cack to normal TX / RX use)
-
- Daily Scheduled Connect / Disconnect
- This option enables to to set up a daily
scheduled connect / disconnect. Disconnect All or specified station
option also list as busy option.
- Connect station is available with List as
available option when enabled.
- Any combination during Connect /
Disconnect can be used.
- 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.
- Profiles and beacons
- The Profiles & Beacons button when clocked
opens up the Profiles and beacons option panel as shown below in the
next section.
- Re-Start
This option will enable you to re-start
your computer using DTMF
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==============================================================
Profiles & Beacons Scheduler
- Profiles and beacons is accessed via
the Scheduler option accessed. See above option
- Profiles
- This option enables you to select / change
to the profiles that you have set up using the EchoLink program.
Simply enter the Profile name, Day and Times that you want the
profiles to change. MAIN is the default profile set in EchoLink.
- Beacons
- At the same time you can select the
beacons to change from one set to the other
- DTMF
- A DTMF code can be added to enable
the RF user to select a profile. The small button enables
the PC user to change to the selected profile
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==============================================================
Admin to Sysop Red Box Message
- Admin to Sysop Red Box Messages
- This option is where you can send messages
to the sysop of a node into his high alert Red Message Box. If you
needed to mute a node you can send the owner a message station why
you have taken admin measures to control the conference
- Callsign of Node to send message to
- Simply Enter the FULL callsign of the node
to where the message is to be sent. This callsign will automatically
be entered if you have used the Mute Last Talking option in the
Admin Conference Controller section.
- Send Message as a Quote
- When the this option is ticked the
message will be sent as a quote message.
- Send
- When the Send Button is clicked
the adjacent pre set message will be sent to the callsign
entered and sent to the node owners Red Box Message box
==============================================================
Messages for Sysop's Attention
This screen will only appear if a message
for the sysop has been left. Messages like Mute's, Automated Disconnects
and other messages will be shown here that is addressed to your
node. The information will
include the Date - Time - Who sent the message and the message.
Messages to other sysop owners by simply
entering the node callsign and type the message in the message
field and either press return or click on the send button.
The automated messages if addressed to
your node will be displayed. This is very useful as you
will know if there has been a problem with your node.
Messages can be manually sent sent using
the text box or text box chat to the sysop of the node using the
syntax of star star callsign of the node star star and then your
message. for example **EI2IPG-R** Your Message. You can
leave off the " -L or -R " example **EI2IPG** or **ei2ipg** so a
message sent informing the sysop of a problem or just a general
message would look like this "**EI2IPG-R** Your node
sounded good today de Peter EI4JR". Remember this only works
with nodes running this software
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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. All functions will not be
available until you have logged into your conference with your Admin or
Sysop 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 (Persistent)
-
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. If this button is used the person will need to
contract you or your admin to release the mute as it will stay with the
station for ever till released.
-
-
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 Station
(Persistant)
-
When call
sign or the station that was muted with the persistent option is entered the
permanent 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 / Muted Persistent.
-
-
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. Their is an option to have a
timed Un-Ban
-
-
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
-
Lurk / De Lurk
-
Enables you to go into Lurk (Hidden from listings on the conference) or
De Lurk (Be seen on the Conference)
- "lurk" and "delurk" (not available on all
conferences)
The EchoLink system is very different than "real" radio in one important
way everyone knows who is listening. Sometimes you might only want to
monitor a channel, but not get involved in a conversation. This is
particularly useful for nets when you want to listen, but don't have
anything to contribute.
The "lurk" command allow you to suppress the listing of your callsign as
an active member of the conference, but you will still be able to
listen. You can rejoin the conference at any time by using the "delurk"
command or by simply transmitting.
-
- 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
Echo-Producer Yahoo group at
http://groups.
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.
Backup and Save Your
Config .ini Files
This option
enables you to make a backup if your configuration files
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 Available button
appear. Simply click on this button to start the update process. When this
button is clicked the EchoProducer program will end while the updates
are in progress. When the updates are complete you will be instructed to
start the EchoProducer program.
Click the
Update EchoProducer button to start update.
When update
is complete you now need to start your EchoProducer program.
Remember to
visit the website to checkout what changes have been made.
This option is useful
to transfer your files to another computer and enables you to backup your
configuration files that are held in C:\WINDOWS directory. Simply make or
select a directory that you want to save you .ini file to be saved in and
click the Backup ini Files button.
To put the backed up
.ini files back in to place is a simple matter of manually copying the
backed up files into the C:\WINDOWS directory.
