EchoLink has been moved to the VA3KCR repeater (146.680- Mhz) and is run by VE3UGG. The NODE number is 852814 and is usually up 24/7. There *may* be the odd hiccup as this node runs from a desktop that is used for other things. It may be possible to move this node to another computer as resources become available. So far, the node has gained some popularity (notoriety?) with travelling members logging on with tablets and cellphones using the EchoLink Android/iPhone app as well as distant repeaters. Please be aware when travelling that other clubs' EchoLink nodes may require a prefix (e.g. "**" or "B") to gain access. I will post these prefix's as they are made known. Check with the other clubs for more information.

Following is the current list of DTMF control codes:

* The random access modes were removed due to possible abuse and also to help eliminate noise that seemed to connect to random stations :( Other fields marked with "-" have also been disabled or at least not publicly advertised as serious consequences could occur.

EchoLink Etiquette

• LISTEN before keying up or entering DTMF commands
• IDENTIFY your station before invoking commands
• Enter 08 to find out if link is connected to someone already
• Don't disconnect a connected link unless the other parties are finished
• Remember this is a Simplex Node, not a repeater. There could be a distant station using the link that you can't hear.
• Keep transmissions short. There is a 200 second timeout.
• Allow a slight delay after keying up before speaking
• Leave extra space between transmissions to account for packet delays
• Don't key up rapid-fire after an internet transmission (like I do), the RX won't trigger for 1 second and you'll be talking to yourself
• Close the link when finished (using #, or ##), and identify your station as clear
• RESPECT the system. All connections will display my name and callsign to the remote system.

The station consists of an ICOM IC-230 which I modified to provide a carrier operated squelch signal along with all the other interface signals required. I built the radio interface board using spare parts, including relays and transformers salvaged from a pair of modems which were blown up by lightning. The whole thing is connected to my webserver (which hosts about 50 domains including this one) where the EchoLink software is running. The connection uses 2 of the USB ports - one controls the radio interface though a USB to Serial converter, and the other provides +5 volts to the interface board to drive the transmit relay transistor. (The same lightning strike which blew up the modems wiped out two DSL modems, three routers, the parallel port and both serial ports on the webserver, which is why the USB converter is needed.)

The sound card is a Sound Blaster AWE32 which uses the line in and out jacks. Audio is connected to the radio through the pair of phone modem transformers for isolation. The computer receives audio directly from the radio discriminator, and the line-out feeds the radio accessory audio input.

The antenna is a home-brew 5/8 over 1/4 colinear, constructed with copper pipe. The recipe, including 4NEC2 file, is available at www.ve3ncq.ca. The antenna is currently raised to 25 feet, fed with 8 watts. Most of Chatham-Kent should have mobile coverage, including the 401 from Tilbury to Ridgetown. It covers the city of Chatham well for those using an HT, and any type of base station or beam should gain access across Chatham-Kent.

Watch for new features and functions to be added to the system. I have obtained the SDK (Software Developer's Kit) with API, and have already programmed a courtesy tone at the end of local transmissions, and am working on some DTMF shortcuts and atomic clock time beacon. There are also plans to mirror the output to a transmitter on the 902 MHz band which will repeat both local and remote signals from 147.420, and allow full duplex to take advantage of some of the exciting HF nodes that are available.

Please enjoy using this link!

Echolink Mobile Coverage Map (approximate, using 20 watts into external whip)

Web Site created on Debian Linux/Win 7 with Quanta-3.5.8 and DreamWeaver CS6 & GIMP 2.6.4

The Webmaster is VE3NCQ & VE3UGG