I just got my tech license but I am a couple of weeks away from getting a radio. I did install Echolink and got all the ports configured correctly. I can connect to a repeater. However, I can't figure out what to do next. Do I just press the space bar, give my call sign and wait for somebody to come back? I don't hear many others talking so I don't have anybody to copy from. Is Echolink a good way to make your "first contact"? I would like to make a contact, but just am lost for the moment.

I just got my tech license but I am a couple of weeks away from getting a radio.  I did install Echolink and got all the ports configured correctly.  I can connect to a repeater.  However, I can't figure out what to do next.    Do I just press the space bar, give my call sign and wait for somebody to come back?  I don't hear many others talking so I don't have anybody to copy from.  Is Echolink a good way to make your "first contact"?  I would like to make a contact, but just am lost for the moment.