This echolink node is operated by Adrian VK5ZBR.

The Node consists of a Toshiba laptop and a Kenwood TM-D700.

The Kenwood lends it self well to computer interfacing and audio connections.

The APRS feature is the other bonus.The internet connection is a ADSL one connection. The Node does from time to time go down. the main issue being the laptop deciding to shut it self down or a blackout causing the ADSL modem to lose connection.

The Toshiba laptop was used because, its quite, not RF noisy and does not use much electricity.The main purpose of this link is to allow Ashley KE5PIN (VK5ZDX) and XYL Rebecca KC0LYZ radio access to there home town Adelaide. They live in Bryan Texas and the local IRLP node is very limited in range.

This Node can be accessed by proceeding a DTMF "C" and any commands.

The reason for this is to stop the IRLP and echolink clashing with each other.

To check the echolink connection status type C08

To Disconnect the last connected station type C73

To Disconnect all stations connected type C##

To Play information about the node type C*

To reconnect to the last station type C09

To change link to listen only type C0511

To reset the link to disable listen only type C0511

Note this node can have up to 3 connections at the same time. So dont get confused who were!

When listen to NASA audio direct broadcast their is no need to set the listen only mode as the like is one way only.You can use the echolink and IRLP at the same time. So its a bridge between both connection protocols if you like.

An example is if your on holidays and have echolink in the hotel. you can dial up echolink 28300. Once connected you can cal on the VK5RSB repeater or using DTMF command the IRLP node.

Because this node if of an experimental in nature, at time's it may be QSYed to another simplex frequency. It is also used at time's with HAMRADIO DELUXE software to remote control a transceiver. An example is Ashleys TS2000X in Texas. The advantage is when using it as a receiver. the Stateside hams are 5/9 but they can still here you from VK5 transmit site with no problems. Its one way of cheating the QRM in the city.    

 If you want to know more about echolink click on the image below.

Page updated on 9 May 2008