Echolink via radio

Using Echolink from your 2m radio (preferred method)

To access this link and the Echolink community around the world, you will need a 2M FM tranceiver with CTCSS facillity and preferably a DTMF microphone. The link uses the frequency 145.2875MHz narrow FM and will only grant access to stations transmitting a 110.9hz CTCSS tone (just like our local repeater). This prevents distant stations from unintentionally opening the link. If you are connecting some distance from Colwyn Bay please email details of your QTH here so as to help build a coverage map.

To control the link from your DTMF tone equipped radio:

  1. Listen for 30 seconds to determine if there are any other users connected and using the link.
  2. If there are users online, you may call break in the normal way, remembering to give your callsign when invited in to the QSO.
  3. If the link is not in use, you may connect to other users. You have 2 options, either Key your mic giving your callsign, then with your mic still keyed, type a ‘node’ number from this list , or type ’00′, ’01′,’02′ or ’03 for a random connection (see the table below). Once connected you will normally be invited to join the QSO but if not, call break. If you do not hear any users, simply call as you would on the VHF calling channel.
  4. When you have finished, always remember to Key your mic and type ‘#’ to close the connection.
  5. A list of DTMF command codes can be found in the following table.

DTMF Code     Action
C     Connect By Call
#     Disconnect
##     Disconnect all
B#     Profile Select
00     Random node
01     Random link
02     Random conference
03     Random user
09     Reconnect
001     Random Fav node
011     Random fav link
021     Random fav conference
031     Random fav user

You can find out more about how DTMF tones can control Echolink on the MB7IMB QRZ listing here.

Enjoyment of the system can be improved for radio users operating from their home QTH, by running the Echolink program on a PC, you can see at a glance who is connected and where. Please use the system as much as you can. Remember, your feedback is vital. Enjoy the node, that is what it is there for, it will be improved over time. When you operate, please remember the 10 Commandments.