EchoIreland.com

Internet Linking

In Sothern Ireland there are only a few RF Internet Link's licensed. Only Clubs at the moment my apply for a gateway. If you need help setting up or want more information on setting up a link please email me and I will be very happy to help.

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Applying for a gateway in Southern Ireland

The Internet Linking Operation application form is available from ComReg click HERE for an application form. At this time ComReg is only giving permission to clubs to run a gateway. I hope that you club will show some interest

ComReg Internet Linking form

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Applying for a gateway in Northern Ireland

An NOV (Notice of variation) is required in Northern Ireland and applications are done on line. Only Full and Intermediate licence holders can run a gateway. For full information and application visit the DCC (RSGB) Click HERE

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If you do have permission to set up an RF internet link and need help with setting it up drop me an email. I have designed a number of simple interfaces that can be used click here for more info.

Internet linking is one of the fastest growing areas of our hobby, with hundreds of linked systems and tens of thousands of hams using Internet links around the world. Internet linking has come a long way from the early experiments of the 1990's, which involved a lot of manual intervention, to today's range of reliable, easy to use secure systems.

Growing numbers of hams are using VoIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, Using there PC only or in a combination with their radios for long-distance communication spanning hundreds or thousands of miles. They're using the Internet as the relay between their base stations, handhelds and mobile transceivers

For some radio amateurs the Internet is an anathema, for others it has changed their hobby and added new dimensions to their radio interests.  One such development is the 'Internet Linking' of licensed radio amateurs using VoIP technology (Voice over Internet Protocol).  VoIP is not new and has been experimented with commercially for some years.  The success of commercial systems was limited by the available bandwidth and modem speeds, but with the increase in broadband technology commercial systems have become much more viable.

Radio amateurs have become increasingly interested in the technology as a way of bridging long-distance communication using a combination of the Internet and VHF or UHF transceivers.  Just for clarification - Internet Linking does not allow radio amateurs to access web pages via radio, rather, it acts as a conduit for voice communication over very large distances

There is a wide variety of linking systems in use. Some feature highly secure links, others feature access directly from your PC. Some systems offer DTMF control to radio users and many other features. Every system is different, and each has its following. In fact, one of the hardest things for new users of Internet linking to work out is what is fact, and what is uneducated opinion from people who have only used one or two systems, or have a strong preference for a particular secure system. ( In my case EchoLink)

Internet repeater links can be made with a variety of software and hardware. However, most fall into a number of broad categories, based on the technology used to make the link:

How it Works

The VoIP software - takes the audio from the receiver which is then fed into the sound card - where it is converted into digital data. The PC then converts this digital information into digital packets each assigned with IP addresses for the destination node. These packets now flow through the internet to the destination PC where the packets are decoded then sent to the sound card and out to the transmitter microphone of the link radio which then transmits the audio out over the local repeater. The transmitter is keyed as soon as these TCP/IP (Internet Protocol) packets start to arrive. As soon as the data stops the link radio automatically un-keys and process reverses.

There are some excellent web sites that describe the technicalities of VoIP, as well as the licensing requirements, in much more detail so a little more time on one of the search engines will turn up a wealth of information.

Check with your Licence Issuing body in your country as you may need permission to run an RF gateway. Licensed amateurs using the PC only will be exempt and will be able to use the system after there licence details have been validated by the administrators of the software you are using.

To establish a Echolink connection using RF Link

  1. It is recommended that you first Listen Listen Listen and then identify your station on the Link/Repeater and that you are attempting an EchoLink operation.
  2. Optionally, you can determine if the EchoLink gateway is operational by keying a "*" DTMF tone. The gateway node will respond with status information.
  3. Key the four or five digit station code for the station or repeater that you wish to link to.
  4. After a few seconds delay, the EchoLink node will respond with a "Connected" message if the link was successful. If the link was not successful, key a "#" to disconnect the gateway node.
  5. Following a successful connection, announce your presence on the linked repeater by calling CQ, etc.
  6. During a QSO using linked repeaters, let the repeater tail completely drop before transmitting to avoid any timeout problems.
  7. At the end of the QSO, disconnect the link by keying a "#" DTMF tone. The EchoLink gateway will respond with confirmation that the link has been disconnected
  8. There is about a 4 second delay when using the system so be patent.
  9. When using RF a logbook must be kept

Accessing EchoLink From Your Computer

  1. Download and install the EchoLink program from the EchoLink web site.. Check out the help files on installing the software
  2. Verify that you have a microphone properly connected to your computer and the the microphone input volume level is properly adjusted.
  3. Connect to the internet and run the EchoLink user program. When you connect for the first time you will have to have your callsign verified all this information is in the FAQ on the EchoLink web site.
  4. Select a station or repeater to link to from the displayed EchoLink station link.
  5. Once connected and after Listening to make sure the system is not in use, use the spacebar to toggle between transmit and receive.
  6. When using the PC for the contact then no log book needs to be kept.

It is suggested that you first visit EchoLink web site for the software and information on how to use the system. It is not hard to use and set up. This will enable you to chat with ease to the many thousands of licensed Radio hams from all over the world already using EchoLink. I have found EchoLink to be the best for my needs but you might find the other system better for you.

Recommended Linked Repeater Operating Procedures

  1. Where repeaters are linked, your transmissions will be heard on the output of all the linked Repeaters, Gateway Links and PC Users.
  2. Operation of a linked repeater is the same as a normal repeater, except that the coverage is much greater.
  3. Please remember that using the DTMF tones to move your repeater can be heard through the repeater and it can be annoying to others so keep them to a minimum also give your callsign and a brief explanation of what you are doing. 
  4. If you do move the repeater with the DTMF tones and connect to other Repeaters / Links don't forget to disconnect the repeater using the # key. entering # twice will disconnect all who is connected.
  5. There is about a 4 second delay when working through the internet links so don't forget to leave a good gap between overs to enable others to break in.
  6. Use simplex wherever possible freeing the repeater for necessary uses.
  7. Monitor the repeater (listen) or determine if the repeater is in use, and if there are any peculiarities in its operation. After listening for a few seconds, identify, un key and listen to see if it was quiet for a reason, and to allow someone to let you know if there is a reason not to continue (low audio, low signal strength, etc). Then, if all OK, proceed.
  8. Don’t break into a contact unless you have something to add. Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person. Interruption without identification constitutes malicious (and illegal) interference.
  9. Use the minimum power to key up the repeater. To make contact, simply indicate that you are on frequency . For example "EI2GYB monitoring". Do not kerchunk.
  10. Remember amateur radio transmissions are being monitored by many non-hams with scanners. Watch your language and your manners. Please don't bring disrepute on the Amateur Radio Service.
  11. Repeaters are intended to facilitate mobile and portable operation. During rush hours, base stations should relinquish the repeater to commuting mobiles. Some repeater owners have strict rules requiring this.
  12. Keep transmissions short and thoughtful. Do not monopolize the repeater. Pause between transmissions to allow other amateurs to identify themselves if they wish to use the repeater. Pausing also allows the timer to reset, avoiding a "time-out"
  13. Identify legally. In the UK that means at the beginning and end of a contact or every 15 minutes of operation.
  14. Repeaters are installed and maintained at considerable expense and inconvenience. Regular users of a repeater should financially support the individual or club owner in their efforts to keep the repeater working properly.

 

Peter EI4JR

 

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Page Updated on  18/12/2008