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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
K3LUE Rating: 2009-03-29
No joy with setup Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I seem to have the same trouble as others with setup. Using Vista, Embarq DSL and the 660 series router. I spent hours trying to port forward etc. I checked and googled and followed more tips than I could count No luck. I have run networks and set up firewalls for credit card POS systems with much less trouble. Needless to say, I gave up. May look into it in the future but for the present, it's way on the back burner. It looks like a good concept and that's why I did not rate it a "0" and would love to re-rate this product if it works.
N1IG Rating: 2009-03-29
still a great product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
i've been using echolink for several years and still enjoy using it every once in awhile. i cant really comment too much on setting up it as a /L or /R because my experience there is very limited, and i think the issues I experienced were from trying to use the wrong kind of interface. However, for being able to connect to links and repeaters near home when i am traveling is wonderful. it's also nice every once in awhile to connect to repeaters in other countries and just chat without all of the qsb. read the review below me for issues about port forwarding if you are having any problems. all in all, a fantastic product!
KD5YBE Rating: 2009-02-17
Works great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used Echolink for about 3 years now. It works great.

Ok for all of you that cant figure out the port forwarding here is a site to make it esay for you.
http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm
WA0DTH Rating: 2009-01-15
Old software needing an update Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Echolink was easy to install and use with the dial up modem and Windows 98. But that was back then.
But when using Windows xp professional and Embarq DSL with there EQ 660 modem, Ive wasted almost 6 hours trying to get it to work and no success. Too many hidden setup secrets not covered by the Echolink site.
I would say my experience with echolink and DSL was a bad one.

N6JSX Rating: 2009-01-10
Nice to connect to distant repeaters Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Echolink is more or less the First of its type VoIP. It allows me to get into repeaters anywhere in the world via my PC.

As a past OOC, a problem that I've seen is the potential for illegal interference use on a repeater. This is due to repeater owners improperly giving audio priority to Echolink that cuts-off ongoing repeater QSO's.

Another issue is the darn Echolink connection announcement at the repeater cutting-off ongoing QSO's, they need to do a "listen then TX" method.

Active (quick key) discussions that are in progress on repeaters that have "long squelch tails" kills Echolink users from participating! Again, this is all due to ignorant repeater owners not Echolink. Repeater owners need to setup an Echolink connection mode that changes tails to <200mSeconds. When Echolink link is dropped the repeater defaults to a normal 3-5 second tail.

The biggest complaint I hear with Echolink is PC setup. Often this is due to ignorant HAM/PC users not knowing how to get through a firewall or setup their router ports-to-the-PC-IP address - requires network/router knowledge. My frustration is my router only allows me to send Echolink ports to "one" IP address - a router limitation. I'd like to be able to Echo from various PC's wireless/Ethernet in my home beyond my Ethernet shack PC. Again, not an Echolink issue!!!

Since it is FREE - it's a keeper, though my usage is maybe once a month. Rather do real radio but like to talk to some of the old friends in CA from OH/IN/WI.
N9DO Rating: 2009-01-07
So easy even I can do it Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Westell 6100 configuration for Port Forwarding and Static NAT (I have Verizon DSL and this has been the only settings I found that will work for me) Good Luck.

1.Log onto your modem by typing 192.168.1.1 into your address bar.
The default username and password are:
admin
password

If the login is still the default you will have to change the password since you have never logged into it before. (It won’t let you continue until you do)
2.Move your mouse over the “Configuration” menu and click “Service Configuration.”
3.Click “New”
4.Select “A New Service Profile #1” from the “Current Profile” drop-down menu.
5.Click “Static NAT” and then click “Enable” in the popup window.
6.Click “Define custom Service”
7.Make sure “Port Forwarding” is selected and click “Next”
8.Set the “Global Port Range” to 6346-6346 and “Base Host Port” to 6346 and select “TCP” then click “Next”
9.Click “Add”
10.Set the “Global Port Range to 6346-6346 and “Base Host Port” to 6346 and select “UDP” then click “Next”
11.Click “Close”
12.From the “Service Name” drop-down menu go the whole way to the bottom and select the service you just created which is named “*My New Service” by default and click “Enable”
To check your setting disable your firewall and run the connection test at http://fission-datasoft.co.nr/ctest/

If it works then you know you did it right. All there is now is to configure your firewall ….(Most of the time you just have to set the internet zone to “Medium”)
WA5RR Rating: 2009-01-07
So Easy A Caveman Can Use It Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This software is simple to use and set up. Just read the instructions and have a knowledge of your own home network. I've installed dozens of user and RF links and never had a problem. The use of unique TCP/IP and UDP ports is a matter of overall system security.

The best part of this software is the price-FREE! It helps me keep in touch with old ham friends from different states while using my HT from the car. Some hams use it as a repeater linking system. I appreciate the work that has been put into this program.
N8FXH Rating: 2009-01-07
Finally Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After two years of being unable to use it because my local verizon was using the second port for who knows what, I was able to set it up although my action tech modem's screen was nothing like what was shown on the webpage recommended by Echolink. That cost me an extra hour figuring out where changing the port settings was hidden. IT works well but few people and places I want to talk to are on regularly so although fun, lack of use hurts its potential.

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Earlier 1-star review posted by N8FXH on 2008-07-09

Used it with varying results when on dial up but once on Verizon DSL the router will not accept use of 5599 port. None of my ham friends on Verizon DSL in my area can open this port. It seems Verizon uses it for something. I have been unable to get this port forwarded to one my router will accept. The program needs a new version that addresses these problems.
K2BFY Rating: 2009-01-06
A Big Zero Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I wasted 4 hours trying to get it setup and it failed. I signed up for google talk and installed it in 5 minutes so I can now talk on the internet with google talk. So why is ham radio software so difficult to set up?
N7BUI Rating: 2008-11-11
Time to fix the software to allow for normal router setups Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I really want to use this program and I think that it has possibilities. But the complete pain in the rear of having to go into a router to set up "port forwarding" isn't worth it. I tried this a couple of years ago and assumed that this would have been resolved by now. Nope. All other software that I have on my computer (several VOIP applications etc) have no problem with the configuration of the router. On dial up it's quite fun, but really needs to have the setup simplified. I removed it after discovering that it still has the same issues it had before.