EchoProducer

Check Regular for updates

Page Updated on 11/06/2013

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These are the main screen and will give you the option to go to various parts of the program. Normal users and Conference Admin will see slightly different screen as shown in the top picture. Conference Admin will see some extra buttons and functions as shown in the above screen to control there nodes and conferences. The time out counter is Only an indicator for you and does nothing else. The amount of minutes to be changed to meet your needs. All important information is displayed on the easy to see screen with the option to display and alter some of the parameters using the setup button. The small button at the top left of the window will make the text larger / smaller whish will make the text a little easier for the poor sited. The buttons either side of the Listed not Busy window will enable and disable the "Listed Busy" and "Listening Only"

Check regularly as I will update as soon as I have made amendments or additions from users

Initial Setup

You must have EchoLink installed and running before installing EchoProducer

Download the EchoProducer.zip software into a directory unzip the software (4 files) and Run Setup

You MUST Install the program into its default directory

C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\

C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\ 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.

NOTE if you are using a 64 bit version of windows do NOT allow the program to install in the C:\Program Files (x86) EchoProducer\

What computer do I need and how fast must it be

EchoProduce runs under the Windows XP platform. Due to the size that the program has grown I would suggest that the computer speed needed would be over1 gig speed and as much memory as you can. 500 meg and above. The rule of thumb her is the fastest computer with the most memory as possible.

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 EchoProducer. 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 EchoProducer 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 EchoProducer.

Turn Off the normal EchoLink voice

To stop the EchoLink voices and have EchoProducer voice only on the EchoLink program go to

TOOLS - SYSOP SETTINGS - IDENT and blank out the callsigns and all remaining tick boxes must be empty. Tick the Use external file box.

TOOLS - SYSOP SETTINGS - OPTIONS Set Announce Connects to None. Set Announce Disconnects to None. Set Announcement Muting to Suppress all

The only EchoLink voice that we are unable to disable is the "Connecting to Call" when DTMF is used

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.


*** Compute Alerts ***
Your computer alert setting MUST be turned OFF when using EchoLink as the noise made can be transmitted through the system especially when using VOX.
To Stop / Disable them Click on START - SETTINGS - CONTROL PANEL - Sound and audio devices - Sounds - Scroll down to Windows Explorer and change the Start Navigation to None and click OK Some conferences will Mute you if these Computer noises are heard. This will happen on the *IRELAND* conference so be warned.
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, 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 at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a problem when running the program check out the FAQ section at the bottom of the page first as you may get your answer to your problem there.
Click Here for FAQ Section

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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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Pull Down Menu and Button Settings

Pull Down Menu

Setup Buttons

To navigate around the program to the various sections the use of the Pull Down Menus or the Setup Buttons can be used

Main Screen Colour Changer

The main screen only colours can be changed to your preference or re set back to the default colours. This is accessible from the main top menu under the Setup - Colours. There is also a small button to the top right of the orange Parrot LED.

LEDs

The LED style of indicators can be changed if required by clicking the small button located to the top left of the PTT Red LED

Idents / Settings

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.
If the Add Date to Time is ticked then the local date will be transmitted along with the time.. If you use this option make sure that if you are using the beacon option as well that you set the beacon delay to about 15 seconds otherwise the beacon will not be heard

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

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. If the add Date to the time option is ticked as well that you set the beacon delay to about 15 seconds otherwise the beacon will not be heard

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. The beacon setup can be swapped by using the DTMF.

Beacon Connect Stations

Beacon connect station enable your node to transmit at the set minutes the list of station that are connected to your node.

DTMF Connected Stations

Connected stations will be transmitted when the DTMF code is received by your RF user. Option for last station who had connected and may have left. The time the node disconnected will be transmitted

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.

Voice ident Call sign, Will read your call sign in TTS voice, you can enter you callsign 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.

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.

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

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

This option will enable you to select main voice the you wish to use if you have more than one voice installed.

When using the voice selection within the text boxes that you wish to use simply add the identifier (0) or (1) etc for the voice that you want to ise so for example if you want to change the voice for a particular message you would start the text box message with the identifier. example "(1) your text" this would say the words "your text" using voice (1)

The path to where the EchoProducer program is installed is highlighted in the text box. there is also 2 buttons that will set the default to normal 32 bit or 64 bit directories. If clicked they will also change the News file locations. You will have a warning if this is about to happen in used.

This will take you to a screen that enable you to change any of the embedded text. This will allow other languages to be used

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.


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.

DTMF Announcements / Enable
This option will enable / disable the announcements when the selected DTMF is received

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.
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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Auto Connects

Connect Between selected Hours
This option when the stay connected to is ticked will enable the entered node to stay connected between the hours of your selected time. The Re Connect time can be set for the re connection. This is set in minutes If RF Busy Don't Disconnect is ticked will re set the timer to the entered number of minutes when connected to another node. If there is inactivity while connected to some other node other than the one you entered and the timer counts down to 0 (zero) the connected nodes will be disconnected if ticked and the Node entered will be re connected. DTMF can be used to toggle this option on or off.

Auto Connect with adjustable minutes
This option when the stay connected to is ticked will enable the entered node to stay connected. The Re Connect time can be set for the re connection. This is set in minutes If RF Busy Don't Disconnect is ticked will re set the timer to the entered number of minutes when connected to another node. If there is inactivity while connected to some other node other than the one you entered and the timer counts down to 0 (zero) the Node entered will be re connected. DTMF can be used to toggle this option on or off.

List as Busy
This option when the Use box is ticked will keep your node Listed As Busy between the selected hours. DTMF can be used to toggle this option on or off.

Listen Only
This option when the Use box is ticked will keep your node in Listen Only between the selected hours. DTMF can be used to toggle this option on or off.

DTMF / Connect Control and Net Scheduler Set 2 buttons are other options that have other auto connect options

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Connect & RF History

The connect & RF history can be recorded if required by simply selecting the appropriate tick box. Station Connects, RF End, RF Start, DTMF Used

Record RX RF to wav
When selected this will record all of your RF uses QSO and save them in wav format. To play back the recorded wav file click on the Plat wav Files Button. Please note that this will ONLY record if you are connected to another node.

Play History wav Files

This is a simple wav player that will enable you to play back your wav files.

File select
Click on the Open button and change the path to your recorded wav files. The files are held in the EchoLink default directory "My Documents / EchoLink / wav". if the play On Open box is ticked the selected file will play. A explorer button is provided to open the computers explorer and will enable you to brows your files and also delete. You could always use the computer media player from this screen if so required.

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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

Voices Available

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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.

The small button at the top left of the Chat window will make the text larger / smaller

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

Large / Small text: The small button at the top left of the Chat window will make the text larger / smaller whish will make the text a little easier for the poor sited

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

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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Parrot - Record / Playback

This function when enabled via DTMF is to turn your simplex node into a simple Parrot Repeater enabling your RF user to transmit into the link and when de keys will hear what he sounds like due to the replay. The main Menu Consol will indicate when the parrot mode is enabled also during the playback

DTMF
When the correct DTMF is sent by the RF user will Enable or Disable the parrot function

Parrot Disable Time
The Disable time can be set to revert the node back to normal use if not used

Show Busy
This option when ticked will show your link as busy when the parrot is enabled and will resume back to Not Busy when the Parrot is disabled.

Disconnect All
When ticked and the Parrot function is enabled all stations connected to your node will be disconnected

CW Ident
When ticked the RF user will hear the end of over RF CW ID set in the Courtesy ID section. Not used in Windows 7 mode.

What if User Times Out
Here you can set the penalty if the use times out while using the parrot. (1) Not play the message or (2) Only play up to the time out period

Announce Start
Set the message that the RF user will hear when they have successfully enabled the Parrot

Announce end
Set message that the RF user will hear when the Parrot session has ended.

Time out warning
Set message that the RF user will hear if he has timed out and the "Send Time Out Warning and Message Deleted" is ticked.

Stop Playback TX
This button when clicked while a message is being played back will immediately stop and delete the replay

Save
Save any of your changed fields in this part of the program

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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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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

DTMF

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Text Box Beacons

This option will enable messages beaconed to the text box. Please remember that beacons can annoy some link owners and conferences so keep them to a minimum

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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.

Pause

The pause button simply stops the file that is playing.

Resume

The resume button simply starts the play again where the Pause has been used.

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.


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

Wind Chill
Tick Add Wind Chill to report will add the wind chill to the report to be transmitted.

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.
TX Weather Conditions Now
Clicking this button will transmit the weather Conditions now

TX Weather Conditions on the Hour or Quarter

This option will TX the weather conditions on the Hour - Half - Qarter where selected. This will replace the main beacons selected in the Idents and Settings section

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Use Alert Tone option when ticked will play a pre loaded tone that you may wish to use to play before the main weather warning. This can be used in conjunction with pagers if the correct tones are sent. A delay can be added if after the tone has finished before playing the warning. If you are hearing the tone and no message you will need to increase the time until the message is heard. You will need to experiment here.

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

Use Beacon tick

This option is normally automatically ticked when the Auto Start Warning beacon is ticked. You can override this if you wish and have the beacon continually send out beacons if required. It will automatically un tick when the repeat warning is set and has reached the total count of warnings.

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.
DTMF can be used via RF to toggle the Warning or Summery beacons
The Repeat beacon can be limited in the amount of times the beacon goes out by placing the amount of repeats that you require. When a new warning is received the counter is re set and will beacon again the amount of times set..

Use Alert Tone with Warning Beacon
The Use Alert Tone option when ticked will play a pre loaded tone that you may wish to use to play before the main weather warning or warning beacon. This can be used in conjunction with pagers if the correct tones are sent. A delay can be added if after the tone has finished before playing the warning. If you are hearing the tone and no message you will need to increase the time until the message is heard. You will need to experiment here. If the alert tone is selected for use with the Beacon the tone will only sound out if the warning is active and will not sound if there is no warning.

Conditions CSV File. 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.

Warning File. 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.

No TX if Station is Connected

This option when ticked will stop the weather information being transmitted if a station is connected to your node.

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

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

DTMF for Europe Warnings

A DTMF code can be set here to send the Weather Europe Warning

TX Weather Warning Now Button

Clicking this button will transmit the weather Warning now

High Wind Warning

When selected and the Set High Wind equals or is higher than the set wind speed the high wind warning text will be played followed by the current wind speed

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.

History

A history of Europe warnings can be held here if required

Warning Beacon

Enter the time in minutes that you wish your warning beacon to be transmitted. The Beacon Active check box need not be ticked as this will be automatically ticked by the Warning Announcement section when there is a warning if the Auto Start Warn Beacon box is ticked.

The Repeat beacon can be limited in the amount of times the beacon goes out by placing the amount of repeats that you require. When a new warning is received the counter is re set and will beacon again the amount of times set and transmit the warning to the amount set. If the Repeat Warning is not ticked the warning will continue to send the warning information at the amount of minutes set until the warning ends and returns back to a none warning state

Warning Announcement

Tick the "Use Warning" option to enable the Warning Beacon to start checking the website data for warnings. Enter the time in minutes that you wish your warning announcements to check for updated information regards any warnings

DTMF can be used via RF to request the current weather warning. See DTMF section

Warning Levels

Yellow:
The weather is potentially dangerous. The weather phenomena that have been forecast are not unusual, but be attentive if you intend to practice activities exposed to meteorological risks. Keep informed about the expected meteorological conditions and do not take any avoidable risk.

Orange:
The weather is dangerous. Unusual meteorological phenomena have been forecast. Damage and casualties are likely to happen. Be very vigilant and keep regularly informed about the detailed expected meteorological conditions. Be aware of the risks that might be unavoidable. Follow any advice given by your authorities.

Red:
The weather is very dangerous. Exceptionally intense meteorological phenomena have been forecast. Major damage and accidents are likely, in many cases with threat to life and limb, over a wide area. Keep frequently informed about detailed expected meteorological conditions and risks. Follow orders and any advice given by your authorities under all circumstances, be prepared for extraordinary measures.

This option will enable you to change the embedded TTS (Text To Speech) Text. It was especially done as to allow other languages other than English to be used with EchoProducer. The default words are to the left of the Text field simply change the text to the equivalent in your language

Warning Text Messages Language

This button will take you to the are where you can change the embedded text messages sent to the text box

Voices Available

When using the voice selection within the text boxes that you wish to use simply add the identifier (0) or (1) etc for the voice that you want to use so for example if you want to change the voice for a particular message you would start the text box message with the identifier. example "(1) your text" this would say the words "your text" using voice (1). This only works at the start of a text message. the highlighted text boxs are the only ones that this option will work

Warning Text Messages Language

This button will take you to the are where you can change the embedded text messages sent to the text box to tour own language

Ambient Weather Program

Ambient Weather Program

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

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.

Home Weather Stations

There are a lot of weather stations that are used and it would be out of the scope of the EchoProducer program to try and cover them all. What I suggest that you have your weather station upload your weather data to Weather Underground. There are numerous programs available like Weather Display http://www.weather-display.com that will work with most weather stations and will upload to Weather Undergrounds website and the Ambient Weather program will take the information needed to interface with EchoProducer

The pause button simply stops the file that is playing.

The resume button simply starts the play again where the Pause has been used.

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

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

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*

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

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 clicked opens up the Profiles and beacons option panel as shown below in the next section.

The this option will enable you to set your node as "Busy" or "Listen Only" using the selected button or using DTMF via RF

Text fields and File Location

The Beacon text or path to the desires file on your hard drive .txt, .wav, .mp3. The program will recognise the format automatically and take the action necessary

File

This button will open a browser that you can use to select the file that you wish to use for a Beacon. (.txt, .wav, .mp3)

Time

Enter the time or times that you wish your Beacon to be transmitted. If only one time section is required simply enter 99 in the time fields that are not required. Two times can be set per day or future date.

Enter the Future Date that you wish the beacon to be transmitted if this option is used there is no need to have any of the days ticked. Simply pit in the times in the appropriate fields

This button test the beacon that you have setup. Its always good to check that the beacon goes out as it should.

Use As Beacon Every xx Minutes

This option when ticked will enable you to set up a day and time or future date to start and stop a beacon that will run for the pre set interval in minutes. Note in this configuration the time option changes the times to Start Beacon and Stop Beacon when the "Use Beacon Every ..." is ticked. Note the Beacon Active tick will automatically tick its self at the start time and un tick its self at the end time so there is no need to tick this unless you want to start the beacon now and set the end time to stop.

Use when no station connected to node

This option will when ticked only send the selected beacon Only when there is no stations connected to your node.

Beacon On Disconnect

This button option will send the selected beacon on after the node has disconnected. This option works in conjunction with the Use when no station is connected to node option.

Stop Beacon Transmissions

This button stops the current transmission of the beacon.

Profiles and beacons is accessed via the Scheduler option accessed. See above option

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.

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

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

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. Also forces the controller into admin mode. This is done simply for those who do not have a good internet connection and need to refresh the connection and give you control over your conference. If you have your node set not to accept any connections this works great and is very useful.

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 is now automatic. (Many Requests for this)

List Users

Ticking the Use option will send the .list command to the conference so as you can see the stations in the panel who is connected. This will repeat every 60 seconds. The use option will disappear and the list option will be automatically start when you are using the conference filter. You will not be able to repeatedly press the list button as the bridge will not allow this. Normally there must be a gap of 35 seconds before a re-list can be achieved..

List Users

When List Users option in use and the Use web Stats is ticked the list information is sent to a website that is accessible by using the Conference Stats Button or can be viewed at http://www.m0vrr.co.uk/EP/ Other nodes that are using this option will also be seen. The small button with the X on it will take you to the web page where the information can be viewed This is experimental at the moment

Warning Text Messages Language

This option enables the embedded text messages to be change enabling different languages to be used.

Attributes

This option when clicked will show you you the attributes meanings ( The letters at the end of the list callsigns)

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.

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 to 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.

Text box control for timeout minutes (4 minutes) added to enable all admin to have the same timeout of 4 minutes set on the conference using the "/timeout4/" command in the text chat.

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 (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.


Text Box Message
This Button opens a panel where you can store and use the pre set message screen See above

Who Is Muted

When clicked shows all stations who are muted.

Unmute All

Unmutes all muted stations connected to the conference.

This will no remove the Persistent muted station

Timed Ban / Mute

This button opens the Ban and Mute options

Net Control Button

Can be used for remote control of nodes See below.

Use Web Stats

This option will enable you to send to the website the stats for your conference. Using this control can cause server busy nag screens.

Multi Connecter

This option when clicked will give you the option to connect / disconnect up to 40 stations quickly to your conference.

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. There is a timed Un-Mute option that can be selected before the button is clicked. If ticked and the button pressed the selected station will be muted and a timer will start and when the allotted time has elapsed the selected will be un-muted and a message sent to the text box informing offending station has been unmuted.

Mute Talking Station with NO Message
As above but without a message. If ticked and the button pressed the selected station will be muted and a timer will start and when the allotted time has elapsed the selected will be un-muted and a message sent to the text box informing offending station has been unmuted.
Disconnect Last Talking Station
This button enables you to disconnect the station that is causing a problem while they are transmitting or was the last talking station. (Ver 1.02 of thebridge onward)
Mute Last Talking Station
This button enables you to mute the station that is causing a problem while they are transmitting or was the last station to talk. This is very useful as once they are muted other action can be taken. Yu now have the option of sending the Time, Callsign and a message saying that the offending station has been Time Muted. The time panel will open showing the station muted and the set time that the station will be unmuted
: Unmute All; Unmutes 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

This button will take you to the Timed ban / Un-Ban setup

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Conference Filter

The conference filter is is used to control the connected station that have the EchoLink Multi Conferencing set on there nodes. We have so many on the *IRELAND* conference we had the situation where nodes were piggybacking of the back of some connected nodes and may have caused a problem with CW idents, DTMF playing etc and the directly connected node got the blame and ended up muted or kicked from the server because of others. We found that not allowing multi conferencing cured the problem.

This option does not stop a node connecting to your conference it simply take set action when they transmit.

It is suggested that only one station running the filter at any one time on your conference

For this to work correctly make sure that the Text Box Chat is enabled.

Containing Both words
Both words or symbols must be in the "Station Talking" field for the condition is true and Disconnect the talking station. Both the "[" and "]" should be left as this is used to highlight a node that has Multi Conferencing set.

Constant Filter
This option enables to to have a nodes permanently in your filter. The small button to the right of the field when clicked simply clears the selected field.
Changing Filter
These fields will change when the timed filter is active and place any node that has Multi Conferencing enabled into one of the fields. The "Clear All Changing Filters" clears all the Changing filters fields.
Station List
When the "List Users and Add Conferences to Filter" button is clicked this will display all stations connected and each node that has Multi Conferencing set is highlighted with "##". These stations are put in the Changing Filter fields in readiness if the stations tries to transmit.

Depending what you want the filter to do you simply select Disconnect, Mute, Disconnect Now or Monitor Only. If ether Disconnect or Mute is selected when a node trips the filter the action you have selected is acted upon and a message sent into the text box accordingly. If the option selected is to disconnect the node the message is sent first so they know why they have been disconnected also any restriction time added to the message. The time restriction is the time that the timer has left before re set.

Stations Disconnected
This panel shows all the stations that have been disconnected from your server also the time added for reference

Exceptions
This enables you to set an exception which will allow maybe another conference that you want connected to your conference and not have any action taken when it is used.

Timed Filter
When ticked this activates the Timed filter option that will check the filter and tack the selected action when the time has been reached

Use Auto Re-Set
When ticked will reset your connection to the conference you the admin

Allow Main *Conf*
When ticked will allow all connected conferences like *IRELAND*, *AUSSIE* etc to send conference traffic (exception for all main *Conferences*)

Allow thebridge and EchoIRLP
When ticked will allow all connected nodes using thebridge software. A good majority of conferences and EchoIRLP uses thebridge software

Use Filer
When ticked this activates the filer

If you are a conference owner and want to be able to use this option you must apply to Peter EI4JR at peter@ei4jr.com. for it to be switched on for you Ino need from you is Your Name, Callsign the node that you will be running the program from for example " Name Peter, Call EI4JR, Node EI2IPG-R"

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Sysop Power Text Box Filter

This option enables you to have a little more control of the conference text box. When selected words are seen in the text box action can be taken. This is very useful when you have station advertising on your conference or annoying text that appear. This option is accessible via the Conference Controller panel.

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Timed Ban / Un-Ban / Timed Un-Mute

This option enables the sysop of a conference server to ban a station for set periods of time.

This is most useful when you know when there are Drive time nets or other type of nets that you do not wish going through your conference. It seems a bit drastic to place a ban on a station but this is done due to stations having auto connect active on there system.

Set the Callsign, Days of the week, Start ban time and Un-Ban time

This obviously could be used for punishing timed bas as well. Use this option wisely and with full consent of the station you are placing a ban on

Timed Un-Ban

If ticked and the button pressed from the Conference controller the selected station will be banned and a timer will start. A message sent to the text box informing offending station has been Time Banned. When the allotted time has elapsed the selected station will be un-banned. Callsign and set minutes can be changed at any time. The Use Un-Ban tick box must be ticked to start the timer. The Timed Un Ban message will be "Conference Name **** CALLSIGN **** Re-Connect Restriction has been removed. <<Admin Bot>>"

Timed Un-Ban data is not saved.

Timed Un-Mute

If ticked and the button pressed from the Conference controller the selected station will be muted and a timer will start. When the allotted time has elapsed the selected station will be un-muted and a message sent to the text box informing offending station has been un muted. Callsign and set minutes can be changed at any time. The Use Un-Mute tick box must be ticked to start the timer.Timed unmute message will be "Conference Name **** CALLSIGN **** You have been UnMuted. <<Admin Bot>>" Timed Un-Mute data is not saved.

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Text Box Control



This option enables you to control your link from another node via the Text Box. Control of your link is done by sending Text commands using another node, iPod Touch or iPhone. The commands will only be accepted by your node from one of the six Control Callsigns you have entered. Nodes who are NOT on your list who send the text command will be ignored.
Control Callsigns

Enter the callsign of the nodes that you want to have Admin control of your Text Box node Commands. Node Callsigns that are NOT on your list who send the text command will be ignored.

This Text Box Command enables a remote node to turn On / Off your auto connects. Set the time that you wish the Auto Connects to be switched on again at the end of the countdown. This time can be set by you. The "Timer in Use" tick will ticked / Un Ticked automatically when when the appropriate command is received. The Text Box commands can be changed and saved if required.

Example Text sent to your node to turn off the Auto Connects CALLSIGN COMMAND <60> Example = "EI2IPG-L Auto Off" or "EI2IPG-L Auto Off 60". The 60 added to the last command will set the countdown time to 60 minutes. To turn the Auto connects back on "EI2IPG-L Auto On". (Without the " "). You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command. The text commands are not case sensitive

This Text Box Command enables a remote node to turn On / Off your EchoLink Busy Status. Set the time that you wish the List As Busy to be switched off again at the end of the countdown. This time can be set by you. The "Timer in Use" tick will ticked / Un Ticked automatically when when the appropriate command is received. The Text Box commands can be changed and saved if required.

Example Text sent to your node to turn On the List As Busy CALLSIGN COMMAND <60> Example = "EI2IPG-L Busy On" or "EI2IPG-L Busy On 60". The 60 added to the last command will set the countdown time to 60 minutes. To turn the Auto connects back on "EI2IPG-L Busy Off". (Without the " "). You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command. The text commands are not case sensitive

This Text Box Command enables a remote node to turn On / Off your EchoLink Listen Only Status. Set the time that you wish the Listen Only to be switched off again at the end of the countdown. This time can be set by you. The "Timer in Use" tick will ticked / Un Ticked automatically when when the appropriate command is received. The Text Box commands can be changed and saved if required.

Example Text sent to your node to turn On the Listen Only CALLSIGN COMMAND <60> Example = "EI2IPG-L Listen On" or "EI2IPG-L Listen On 60". The 60 added to the last command will set the countdown time to 60 minutes. To turn the Auto connects back on "EI2IPG-L Listen Off". (Without the " ").You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command. The text commands are not case sensitive

Mute Last Talking Station

Conference Sysop Command. My must be logged in as admin/sysop to a *CONFERENCE*

Example Text sent to your node to Mute that last talking station that is connected to a conference CALLSIGN COMMAND Example = "EI2IPG-L Mute" or "EI2IPG-L Mute Timed". (Without the " ") The mute command will send the text command to the connected conference and the station will remain muted until the offending node disconnects and re connects to remove the mute. the "EI2IPG-L Mute Timed" command will also send a message to the offending node that they have been time muted and will be un muted after the conference controller time you have set has been reached (See Above section). The text commands are not case sensitive. You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command.

Conference Sysop Command. My must be logged in as admin/sysop to a *CONFERENCE*

Example Text sent to your node to Un Mute All on the connected conference you have admin rights CALLSIGN COMMAND Example = "EI2IPG-L Un Mute All". (Without the " "). The text commands are not case sensitive. You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command.

Who Is Transmitting & Time

Example Text sent to your node to see who was the last station that transmitted CALLSIGN COMMAND Example = "EI2IPG-L TX?". (Without the " "). The text commands are not case sensitive. You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command by sending back the last call that transmitted. The Time & Date of your node can be sent to any station sending Example = "EI2IPG-L Time?". (Without the " ") The time and date will be returned to the requesting node.

Disconnect All from your Node

This option enables your node to Disconnect All station connected to your node. CALLSIGN COMMAND Example = "EI2IPG-L Disconnect All". (Without the " "). Also you can disable the Auto Re-Connect at the same time by using the command Example = "EI2IPG-L Disconnect All Off". (Without the " ") The text commands are not case sensitive. You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command.

Connect a Station to your Node

This option enables your node to send an 8k 8bit wav file to the RF and connected IP stations using a command in the text box. As an example if you wanted to connect the Ireland Conference you would enter as follows CALLSIGN COMMAND Example = "EI2IPG-L Connect Node *IRELAND* ". (Without the " "). The text commands are not case sensitive. You will get a text box confirmation of a successful command.

Textbox Request to RF & IP wav Player Utility

This option enables your node to send an 8k 8bit wav file to the RF and connected IP stations using a command in the text box. See next section below for usage and information

The EchoProducer INI Files can be found C:\WINDOWS. The files backed up are :

language.ini
history.ini
Updater.ini
ccwarnings.ini

extboxbeacon.ini

day-time-beacon.ini

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FAQ's

Will EchoProducer run under Vista

The 1st version of EchoProducer has issues with Vista.

What computer do I need and how fast must it be

EchoProduce runs under the Windows 7 / XP platform. Due to the size that the program has grown I would suggest that the computer speed needed would be over1 gig speed and as much memory as you can. 500 meg and above. The rule of thumb her is the fastest computer with the most memory as possible. Slower computers give the Server Busy Message.

Do you have any information / Circuit to build an Audio Limiter

Here is a nice one that works http://www.repeater-builder.com/projects/limiter/limiter.gif for more information check out the http://www.repeater-builder.com/rbtip/

Is there a source for free voices

You may find one of the FREE voices here you can use http://www.bytecool.com/voices.htm


I am using EP and it often gives the "Server Busy" error when I first turn the monitor on and look at the program. It does not seem to effect the program
You may try to increase the paging file size look in ... Control Panel > System > Advanced > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change..... set this to a higher value... this helps if you are using your computer for other things.. (Thanks William (no3y) for the info) Mine is set to over 1536 Meg

I downloaded the Echo Producer Program......All is well except that when it says ANYTHING.....the transmitter stays transmitting....

I figured out what the problem was as to why it stayed keyed up all the time...Under the DTR/RTS Tab I had checked the "enable duplex" box. Once I unchecked this box, it works just fine........And it is working just fine on my old 400MHZ, 128M RAM, Win XP SP2 lap top. (Royce N6RDN)

My Computer is a P2 446 is that fast enough as I seem to be having problems

Unfortunately with the features that EchoProducer has, it requires just a little more grunt than a p2 466, I have had the same trouble over the years but what we are asking an old PC to do it is amazing that it works at all. A minimum would be a p3 1000mhz and 512 ram, I have EchoProducer running quite fine on that, I also have a p3 800, it will not run on that, the CPU goes to 100% when anything is happening and then nothing happens.

How do I Turn Off the normal EchoLink voice

To stop the EchoLink voices and have EchoProducer voice only on the EchoLink program go to

TOOLS - SYSOP SETTINGS - IDENT and blank out the callsigns and all remaining tick boxes must be empty. Tick the Use external file box.

TOOLS - SYSOP SETTINGS - OPTIONS Set Announce Connects to None. Set Announce Disconnects to None. Set Announcement Muting to Suppress all

The only EchoLink voice that we are unable to disable is the "Connecting to Call" when DTMF is used

How do I install the voice
The program uses the XP speech engine and this must be working before the EchoProducer 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 EchoProducer.

(W3WTW) I'm trying to install EchoProducer and when starting the install I keep getting a message saying system files are out of date and to reboot before restarting the install.

I found the issue. MSVBVM60.DLL was locked by another process and could not be updated. Once I killed that process this DLL updated correctly and EchoProducer installed without a hitch.

I have updated from the Lite / Plus version and get a box come up saying that it cant find a wav file.

You need to change that path to the to the wav files in 3 places.

1. IDENTS / SETTINGS - SETTINGS - Change Connect bell path to C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\RF.wav.

2. CURTSY TONES Change the path to RF Audio ID to C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\RF.wav

3. CURTSY TONES Change the path to Internet Audio ID to C:\Program Files\EchoProducer\IP.wav

For some reason none of my CW Idents and Announcements are not working

Check that the Disable Announcements tick box is not ticked.

IDENTS / SETTINGS - SILENCE ANNOUNCE - Un tick Disable Announcements

Also

I've tried "almost" every setting to have my station say the time on the hour and half-hour with a TTS that includes my callsign and location.

You may need to set the seconds a little longer for you beacon transmit time especially if you are using the end of over audio option. IDENTS /SETTINGS - IDENTS set the seconds say 15 seconds (15 seconds after the time) (The one in Blue) as a starting point and increase or decrease the seconds to your needs. If you are using seconds below 10 seconds proceed the number with a 0 (Zero) as an example 05 or 07 or 09. if you do not do this it will not work. Also make sure that the computer clock is set to 24 hours. Its trial and error with this one to get it as you want. Check that the Silence announcements option is NOT ticked (A few have been caught out on this one) IDENTS – SILENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS untick “Disable announcements / CW Idents”

Parrot Mode constantly misses the first couple words of a transmission
In Echolink, uncheck the "squelch crash anti-trip" under " sysop settings/RX Ctrl" and it then it will start working flawlessly. (Thanks Dave. H)

From time to time some of my voice time announcements do not work
If you are using Microsoft Remote Desktop this can cause this problem. Microsoft Remote Desktop can be the cause of killing the sound!


I became tired of having it ID every 10 min even when the link has not been active so I set it up so it would stop after 10 Min in the idents settings.This works great until I play News Line witch can last a good 25 to 30 minutes. It will never ID during the news.
You can tick and set the use "Allow Breaks In Transmission. For Radios With Built In Time Out or CW Idents". Set the milliseconds to 50. You may need to adjust this time to suet your needs. This will give a small break in transmission that will give a signal to the CW that it can go ahead and give out its CW ident.

I'm having trouble getting the scheduler to auto-connect and news to play at specified day/time

I'm having trouble getting the ARNL news to download do you have the URL that I need to use.

the URL that I use is ftp://ftp.arnewsline.org/quincy/News/news.mp3 Watch out as they change this URL from time to time


Do you have the phone number of the girl who is doing the Kate voice
Guys GET A LIFE is a computer generated voice (Honest I have had emails for it)

Where are the ini files so as I can back them up
The EchoProducer INI Files can be found C:\WINDOWS
autoconnect.ini audiobeacon.ini
audiobeacon2.ini
Colours.ini
MP3_PlayerABC.ini
echogreeting.ini
beaconabc.ini
beaconabc2.ini
abcweather.ini
textmessage.ini
seriesplayer.ini
echonewsmp3d.ini
epcourtesy.ini
echodtmfhelpMP3.ini
newsabc.ini
identabc.ini
ban.ini
dtmfctrl.ini
echoabc.ini
echoadmin.ini
echonet2.ini
confilter.ini
profiles.ini
messagebox.ini
messageforsysop.ini
language.ini history.ini Updater.ini ccwarnings.ini
extboxbeacon.ini
day-time-beacon.ini

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I hope you find the program useful

Donations are always welcome to help with the upkeep and advancement of the Repeaters & Software

If you find the program of use please add your support by donating

Peter EI4JR

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Page Updated on 11/06/2013