Homebrew Echolink Interface
Homebrew Echolink Interface
I discovered Echolink in the Summer of 2005, and have been experimenting with it ever since. After using Windows software, RtpDir, IRLP/EchoIRLP and TheLinkBox, I'm
now operating Asterisk/app_rpt software as of 2011.
My registered node numbers are: Allstar-nodes 2210 thru 2219, Echolink 267895(K0KN), 309554 (K0KN-L / Allstar 2213), 307578 (K0KN-R / Allstar 2218)
Background
My Echolink adventure began in 2005 when I was traveling through Austin, Texas and scanning local 440 MHz FM repeaters. I stumbled upon a QSO between a local ham
in Austin and a guy in the UK! Once I figured out WHAT I was listening to, I wanted to figure out HOW it worked!
The audio quality was excellent, and all repeater functions worked normally (squelch tail, courtesy tone, etc). The two guys chatted as though they were both in the same
town. Of course, the fellow's accent and G3 callsign gave it away.
The more I listened to that repeater, the more excited I became! Using DTMF sequences, these local hams were able to extend the range of their repeater from the Austin
metro area to anywhere on earth via Echolink! The DTMF control is very similar to an Autopatch, and allows you to connect to a specific node number, random node,
disconnect the link, etc.
I was excited about all of the possibilities! What a great way to stay in touch while traveling! As long as there is an Echolink-enabled repeater where you're going, you can
connect via your HT or mobile to those back home (or anywhere else!).
the casual operator. However, the number of registered stations on Echolink is about 300,000 compared to about 2000 on IRLP, so don't worry about it.. hi hi
Echolink and Allstar allow connection via RF, PC software, cell phone APPs, SIP/IAX softphone, Web Transceiver, or even telephone.
IRLP is not helpful to you if the person you want to talk to is not in range of an IRLP node! With Echolink or Allstar, you can connect as a home user without a repeater!
Echolink's home user mode can be useful for many situations. For example, many OMs are in assisted living centers and cannot install antennas of any kind. Maybe you live in
a subdivision with an out-of-control Homes Association and are also precluded from installing antennas?
Perhaps you're out of town on business, and don't know which repeaters will be in range, etc? Stay in touch by using Echolink in your hotel room, coffee shop, etc using the
Internet.
Echolink will work with dial-up, cable, DSL, Wi-Fi, whatever!
I have learned that IRLP is different from Echolink in other ways. For example, random connects are quite common on Echolink. There is even a list of DTMF commands for
"Connect to random repeater or link", "Connect to random conference", "Connect to random user" and so on. Generally speaking, IRLP node owners do not support such
activity.
The latest (and greatest) VOIP network out there is AllStar (read more below)
This network is sometimes referred to as Asterisk, after the open-source Telephone PBX system it's based on. Allstar is the pinnacle of VOIP network development. The
Allstar and Asterisk names are used interchangeably.
Allstar has a taken a big technological leap beyond anything else out there. Because it's based on a telephone software system, it is easily (and seamlessly) integrated with the
IAX, SIP or POTS telephone network. Cross-platform support such as IaxRpt for Windows is available, and is an easy way to participate on Allstar without a radio.
Allstar / Asterisk
I heard about the Allstar/Asterisk VOIP system in early 2008, and spent quite some time trying to find out everything I could about it. I became active on Asterisk in
September 2008.
A typical Allstar node consists of a PC running Linux and a USB sound fob (often built around the CM108 chip). As of late 2010, Allstar released chan_TLB, a channel
driver designed to integrate Allstar to TheLinkBox (TLB) software. In late 2008, Asterisk can now operate Echolink by way of channel drivers! This eliminates the need to
install separate Echolink software along with Asterisk if you want to operate both VOIP systems. Note that IRLP specifically disallows connecting to Allstar.
Asterisk is built on an open-source PBX telephone system, but the folks from AllStar Link have designed a specific Amateur Radio application, called app_rpt. The
capabilities of Asterisk surpass anything I've dreamed of in a Ham Radio VOIP system. For example, one PC running Asterisk can control up to 8 separate radio links or
repeaters (using a single Internet IP address!)
Allstar Link supports Web Transceiver, so you can operate Allstar from your PC, without installing Linux, etc. Sign up for a free account and check it out.
To get started with your own Asterisk node, download the ISO on the Allstar web site, and burn an Installation CD .
NOTE: The installer will repartition your hard drive and install CentOS 5.1 (Linux) and Asterisk. The installer does not ask which hard drive to install CentOS to (Most Linux
Installs will!), and the software will be installed to the first hard drive. I lost my Windows XP drive this way!
I hope to QSO with you on Asterisk soon!
Note that as of 2011, no expensive USB fob from overseas needed for Asterisk, just a generic, unmodified
CM108 USB fob and IRLP board or Asterisk parallel port interface
Connector Pinout
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Last Updated December 22, 2013
1997-2012 Kyle Yoksh