Getting Started with EchoLink

What is EchoLink?

EchoLink is a voice-over-ip linking system, similar to IRLP, but independent of IRLP. We have installed a software package called “EchoIRLP” to allow us to access both systems from the same repeater.

Having both systems available should allow us to connect to many more stations — those on the EchoLink network as well as those on the IRLP network — and to allow many more nodes to initiate connections to our repeater.

More information about EchoLink is available at www.echolink.org.

How is EchoLink different from IRLP?

There are a number of differences between the two networks. Here are some of the most important:

• The method for connecting to an EchoLink node is remarkably similar to that for an IRLP node. The only difference is that you must begin the node number with the “*” (asterisk) key. This tells the system that the node number that follows is to be interpretted as an EchoLink node rather than an IRLP node. Thus, the complete sequence to connect to a node is:
  
  
  • Identify your station
  • Send the prefix code
  • Send the “*”
  • Send the node number
  
  All the steps must be completed in a single transmission.


• The procedure for disconnecting from an EchoLink node is the same as for an IRLP node, i.e. no asterisk is required.


• EchoLink node numbers are longer than IRLP node numbers. Most EchoLink node numbers have six digits. Some have four or five. There may be seven-digit numbers in the future.


• The list of currently connected nodes is at www.echolink.org/logins.jsp.


• Some nodes are computers or cell phones on Internet and not actual radio nodes.


• The EchoLink node number for UARC's 146.76 repeater is 703269. You may need this if you want to connect to '76 from another node or from a cellphone app.


• The '76 repeater can accept up to 10 simultaneous incoming connections.


• Our node can be connected to a distant IRLP node or to one or more EchoLink nodes, but not both at the same time.