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Reviews For: Echolink

Category: Ham Software/Apps - Other than logging

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Review Summary For : Echolink
Reviews: 68MSRP: Free
Description:
Software enabling a link between a radio or repeater to the internet for a licensed radio amateur.

NOTE: These should be reviews for the EchoLink software package - not the mode.

Product is in production
More Info: http://www.echolink.org
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00683.6
N6LYJ Rating: 2011-03-10
Junk Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
All the help in the world cannot seem to make this "monster" work. I erased the program from both of my computers.
NA4I Rating: 2011-02-09
It works like a charm... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Echolink is a wonderful resource and the programmers should be commended.

BTW, for those with a DSL modem and a router, you need to set the DSL modem in bridge mode. You will not get through both with Echolink. The settings in the DSL modem for login and so forth must be entered correctly into the router once the DSL modem is in bridge mode. It's a multi-step process, but not that difficult. Talk to tech support at your ISP or a computer geek friend. It's not a problem with Echolink.
SWL377 Rating: 2011-02-08
iPhone app is GREAT Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
So easy to use. Good audio too. Very useful and a real credit to those who did the iPhone app programming and user interface. 101% satisfied.

NQ0B Rating: 2011-02-06
Portforwarding not worth effort Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have tried to get through the portforwarding ordeal time and again, using all the helps possible, as well as calling my DSL techs. I have tried my XP desktop as well as my Vista laptop with the same results. Nothing has worked, so guess I will give up. I have several friends who successfully use it and would like to have contact with them, but it's not worth it for me.
WA1SEO Rating: 2011-02-06
PITA...not great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got this program to run on an XP Home Edition box with a lot of effort. I haven't been able to get it going on either of my XP pro boxes.

It seems to me that there could be a program that does everything that Echolink needs to be done to run but until this happens, it's not a very friendly resource.

The interesting thing is that those who like it seem to be UNABLE to help others with a different setup that need help.
VK2KIT Rating: 2011-01-02
Ancient Software Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Echolink is now ancient software and it's limitations are really starting to tell.
The software does not appear to be supported by the original authors any longer and hasn't been updated since 2007 and even then it was for 'minor bug fixes'. The program itself hasn't really changed much since 2002, when it was first released.

While it works in a fashion, the program is a pain to use on some routers/modems due to various port forwarding issues. The now unnecessarily high audio compression means audio quality is awful on most RF to RF links. This is understandable since this software was written in a time where access to broadband internet was simply a pipe dream for the vast majority of people.

Basically, this program is in desperate need of a makeover. It needs revised audio codecs that can take advantage of higher bit-rates, while still being backwards compatible with the original codec/bit-rate for those poor, unfortunate souls who are still restricted to 16k dial-up speeds.
In this day and age of high quality IP based voice systems like Skype and others, the audio quality coming out of most Echolink systems/stations is embarrassing.
K8OCN Rating: 2010-02-07
I use it alot Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I started using Echolink to use my rig from my cabin. Its nice to talk with the gang on our local 2 meter simplex from the cabin.

I signed up for one of those wireless high speed internet modems that work through the cell phone system. It works great but I am not at the cabin enough to even use half of my monthly allowance so I have started using it on long trips. I drive alot for work.

I wish they would add the ability to use a vox on the computer end. I hate having to take my eyes off the road just to key and unkey the thing.

The setup with a router is a bit of a pain the first time but it works great, costs nothing what can you expect?

Delbert McCord
KA8OCN


----------------------
Earlier 2-star review posted by K8OCN on 2008-07-07

I used to use it when I had a dial up but when I went to high speed internet is did not work anymore. I did try and get it working but if simply became more problems than it was worth.

Its free so how can I complain, hopefully someone that is smarter than I (Thats a Big Group) can someday figure it out and make it work as easy on cable with routers as it did with dialups.

73 Del KA8OCN
KJ4IDH Rating: 2010-02-07
Great addition Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Echolink is a great addition to any hamshack or repeater. Simple to use and setup. Reading below there are always common causes for issues, mostly inexperience on the users part or a problem with their ISP. I have ran Echolink as a PC user and as a Sysop on a repeater with little too no problem. Contrary to the “NOT REAL RADIO” crowd that really don’t know what they are talking about, Echolink can be used from a PC or radio. A great many of our clubs snowbirds talk on our Florida repeater from Echolink enabled repeaters back up north.
WA2B Rating: 2009-08-02
WHY THE HECK NOT? Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Echolink has a very large audience of participants from around the world. It is a free program and extremely easy to install and begin using. Echolink is very helpful in resolving any computer issues with tips and hints.

Echolink is fun to use as a learning tool for children that can hear the clarity of the many different types of accents from around the world. Also, my children have enjoyed listening to the colorful stories that are exchanged.

Even if use Echolink only several times a month it is well worth having installed on your computer. I recall chating with a ham from Alaska and he mentioned that he enjoyed morse code. We then turned on our HF rigs and found each other on 20 meters.

This program is a "no brainer" and is not a replacement for traditonal ham radio communication. However, it is certainly an enjoyable mode of meeting other hams without any QRM.
KI4UCO Rating: 2009-04-13
Works pretty good Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've been using Echolink almost as long as I've been a Ham. It was a bit cumbersome to set up and it does help to know your way around the settings of your router if you are using one. The help section is fairly useful. The only thing I would like to see different would be to have the frequencies listed on the repeater links. It would also be nice to have a directory that you could search by state or country. Wish I could give it a 4.5.