AMSAT EchoLink Conference

AMSAT operates an EchoLink conference server, *AMSAT* (node 101377).

Background

EchoLink is a voice over IP system that allows amateur radio operators (only) to talk over the Internet. Users may be at a computer, or using a radio link or linked repeater.

Read more about it on the EchoLink page.

User Software

• EchoLink for Windows
• EchoLinux for Linux
• EchoMac (1.01 or later) for Mac OS X

and they're all free!

Server Info

The *AMSAT* conference server runs on the same machine as the AMSAT web server, FTP, and email services. It's a generic PC running the FreeBSD Unix operating system, and it has excellent high-speed network connections. The conference is always up, except for occasional maintenance.

The conference server software is called theBridge, and it comes from the CQiNet family of free, open source programs for voice over IP.

To send a command to the server, you just type it into the message line in your EchoLink window. The very first character you type must be a period (.) -- that's how the server recognizes that it's a command. The following commands are available to users:

.help

The server responds with a list of available commands.

.about<callsign>

The server responds with the info provided by the specified station. This is the same info you'd see in the info window if you were directly connected to that station.

.list

The server responds with a list of recorded audio files you can play back using the .play command.

.play<item number>

The server plays back the recorded item you specified, including both audio and text messages. While the item is playing, you are effectively disconnected from the conference: you won't hear live audio or see live text messages, and other users won't see you on the station list. To stop playback, you can use the.stop command, or just disconnect from the server.

.lurk

Removes you from the visible list of stations, without disconnecting you from the conference. This is useful if you just want to listen and not be included in the conversation. You can still transmit if you want, and if you do you'll automatically be added back to the list of stations. You can also get back on the list by using the.delurk command.

.test

The server responds with an acknowledgement, and then records your next audio transmission and plays it back to you. Other users don't hear it. Use this to test your audio setup. Wait for the acknowledgement! If you don't get the acknowledgement, the server isn't in .test mode and your transmission will go out to the other users.

.stats,.uptime, and.version

The server responds with the corresponding technical data about the operation of the conference server.

Scheduled Nets

If you run a local AMSAT-related net, and you have the consent of the net manager and the repeater operator, and you want to expand your coverage to the rest of the world, you may link your net into the *AMSAT* conference server. Before you do, please send email to kb5mu@amsat.org with all the details, so your net can be listed here. (See also the list of AMSAT nets on the radio.)

If you're interested in establishing a new net exclusively for users of the *AMSAT* conference server, send email to kb5mu@amsat.org. Be aware that it's a long-term commitment, and can be a lot of work.

Operating Guidelines

Usual operating practice on EchoLink is to operate just as if you were on amateur radio. If any link station (callsign-L) or repeater station (callsign-R) are connected to the conference, you are on the radio. Be aware that other users may be anywhere in the world. Please use common sense and courtesy.

Specifically, pretend you are on a busy repeater. That means:

• Identify with your callsign now and then. You don't need to ID every transmission.
• Leave a pause of a few seconds between transmissions. This gives others a chance to break in. It also lets linked radios and repeaters drop out, so they don't time out.
• If several people are active in the conversation, consider turning it over to one specific station at the end of each transmission. Don't consider this mandatory, though. If there is a logical next person to speak, let that person speak. If not, then a simple rule is to rotate speakers in a fixed order. (The on-screen station list makes this easy. It is kept sorted with the most recent speakers on top. So just turn it over to the station on the bottom, or the lowest station who is actively participating.)
• If you want to have a long conversation with one other station, and the subject is not going to be interesting to others, consider dropping out of the conference and connecting directly. If you talk about something interesting, please stay on the conference!

Support AMSAT

If you enjoy the *AMSAT* conference server and you're not already a member of AMSAT, please consider joining AMSAT or making a donation to AMSAT.

Established April 8, 2003. Updated September 1, 2006. Feedback to KB5MU.