LOCAL INTERNET LINKS
http://www.echolink.org http://www.eqso.net/
Updated
04/06/06
GB3SD-R
GB3SD is now Internet Linked! Rob, G0ECX switched on the Internet Link at 1320 UTC on Friday 25/11/05. One of the first QSO's to take place was with Les, G0FAJ who was on holiday in Florida. He was using a handy via his 'local' UHF repeater, KE4TTE-R in Orlando.
GB3SD-R is using EchoLink and the Node Number is 112689.
At the moment the licence conditions still require Rob to be in attendance at the station so linking is likely to be restricted to evening and weekends only. For more details see the South Dorset Repeater Group web site at www.gb3sd.radiouk.com
You can find full details about EchoLink on the web site at www.echolink.org or this page www.echolink.org/Help/dtmf_functions.htm will explain the DTMF commands.
MB7IOP
A 24/7 Internet Linked Gateway located on the Isle of Portland - QRA IO80SM.
The frequency is
145.2125 MHz with a CTCSS tone of 71.9
Hz.
The gateway is running running eQSO software http://www.eqso.net/
Phil, M0PKB (the sysop and gateway keeper) would like signal reports please.
M5MKW-L
The link is located at the QTH of Mark, M5MKW at Wyke Regis - QRA IO80SO and is on 145.3375MHz.
17/01/05 This Node now requires a 71.9Hz tone to access. The letter 'B' is sent at the end of each over as a reminder.
Echolink http://www.echolink.org allows an operator to use a transceiver to access other stations located around the world via the M5MKW- L (Link Number 160310). The links are simplex so no repeater shift is required. At the moment a CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) tone of 71.9Hz (the same as GB3SD and GB3DR) to access and DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) tones are used to control the link.
Operation: No DTMF tones are needed if you are waiting for a station to transmit through the link or to talk to a station who calls through it. However if you wish to connect to other stations a DTMF tone pad using the keys on the handset or a mobile phone to make the DTMF tones will have to be used.
To check that the M5MKW- L is active, press and hold the PTT (Push To Talk) whilst also pressing the * key. Confirmation will be heard in a rather nice American voice that says “ Echolink M5MKW link”.
Connection To Another Station/Link/Repeater: With the DTMF tones available, you can now connect to a single operator, a repeater or another link.
To do this you have to enter a 4 to 6 digit number. This will be converted in to the correct DTMF tones. Whilst keeping the PTT pressed, type the required number on the keys then release the PTT.
For a full list and other information connect to the Internet and visit: http://www.echolink.org
This will give you a list of all repeaters (ending in – R), links (-L), conferences (* *) and individual stations (just their callsigns) with their appropriate node numbers. Choose the station of interest like, GB3IE- R Plymouth repeater Node 27871. Now transmit and press on your DTMF keypad 27871, release the PTT and wait.
The link will reply and tell you “Connecting to GB3IE repeater” followed by “M5MKW connected” if you connect. (If not it will tell you that “GB3IE Busy”) When you connect wait and listen. If no transmission is heard, call using your own callsign and say that you are working through the M5MKW Internet link.
When you have finished using the link, don’t forget to disconnect. To do this,
Press the # key whilst pressing the PTT button.
You will then here “Echolink Disconnected”.
The link will be made available when I am in the shack and can monitor as required by the NOV (Notice of Variation). If there is no traffic I will connect it to one of the conference rooms. Feel free to disconnect from there (or join in the fun) and dial up a different node.
Just a few “rules of use”:
1) Listen first. Make sure no one is using the link.
2) Ensure the PTT is pressed to use the DTMF tones.
3) When connected, Listen.
4) IMPORTANT: Leave a longer pause (3 to 5 seconds) between overs for the system to reset.
5) Please DISCONNECT.
6) Have lots of fun.
With thanks to Mark, M5MKW for the above information and the description of his Echolink Node which was originally printed in the February 2004 CatsWhisker.
NEW UHF IRLP NODE
IRLP Node 5704 located in Wyke Regis IO80so.
Frequency of 434.525 MHz. No CTCSS tones required even though it will transmit 71.9 Hz.
This is a pure radio based system as there is no computer user program to access it. A list of nodes and reflectors (conferences) are available on www.irlp.net Click on NODE INFO and there are several options to download/print the lists. Operation of the node is very similar to Echolink.
Key the radio and enter the number of the node to be connected
to.
Listen to any announcements.
If connected, leave a few seconds between overs.
To disconnect transmit 73
Currently there are a few problems with the node.
1) It does not beacon.
2) No script to interrogate if the link is on/active/connected.
3) No script to have random connection.
All these are currently being looked at, 73 de Mark M5MKW