Echo Link Introduction
Echo Link software allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using streaming-audio technology. The program allows worldwide connections to be made between stations, or from computer to station, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio’s communications capabilities. There are more than 200,000 validated users worldwide — in 151 of the world’s 193 nations — with about 6,000 online at any given time.
Echo Link is currently connected to our 2 meter repeater full time with an RF link. And sometimes (weekends) crossed linked to our 6 meter repeater (51.64). Node number 875273, W1BST-R. More information can be found at the “Introducing EchoLink” web site. The intro states the following:
“EchoLink® software allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using streaming-audio technology. The program allows worldwide connections to be made between stations, or from computer to station, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio’s communications capabilities. There are more than 350,000 validated users worldwide — in 159 of the world’s 193 nations — with about 6,000 online at any given time.”
How does it work?
With the world wide web and the internet, ham radio repeaters are all getting linked to the internet, just like everything else. This makes a massive amount of repeaters accessible via any internet or data connection.
Once you are connected to a repeater via EchoLink, you can have a normal ham radio conversation. You can have conversations with people nowhere near your geographic area, via repeaters!
EchoLink is a computer program that can run on Windows computers, or any cell phone, or tablet.
If you use the computer version, you get these great lists of all of the active EchoLink’d repeaters worldwide. You can then choose which repeater you want to connect to, and, as long as you have a mic and speakers, have a conversation with whoever may be listening.
Bringing up a list isn’t quite as user friendly on cell phones. However, it is very easy to search for a repeater by its callsign. You can then save that repeater as a favorite for quick access later.
Think of EchoLink as another communication tool. You can use it while at home. You can use it while out on the trail. EchoLink is amazing for any situation where you need to get ahold of someone, where only 1 of you has cell reception, and the other is within range of a known EchoLinked repeater.