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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
NN2X Rating: 2003-08-26
Great Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I live in Bahrain right now (Middle East), The ECHO Link is an outstanding platform and I can't tell you how much fun I get out of using it.

Not to mention all the HAM operators I have met through out the world (I traveled 60 Countries) that could not afford HAM radio. This is a super option; they use the Internet Cafe and have access to HAM radio at a few cents per hour.

There are other Internet Remote systems, such as W4MQ site and W7DXX, which uses HF. Another outstanding platform for HAM operators, who does not have the room, cannot afford the radio, or like myself, constantly traveling

I am just surprised at the quality; I have simple DSL (384/64) and can operate from 2 meter through 160meters. I have access to Large Beams, which I can rotate, HF amplifiers, and TS2000 and control all mode, and most major cities in the world using Echo Link via 2 meters.

Also: Take your average 12-year boy or Girl, Ask what they are doing on a Saturday afternoon? More than likely they are surfing the Internet.

Recently I witnessed this myself, and asked them if I could show them HAM radio. When I used there own Domain (Internet), and control a $20,000 HAM set (HF), and worked some DX from Boston to Europe, these kids were to say the least amazed, and interested. This is were you promote HAM radio, if you want to attract young kids. Yes, you can get a few young kid to join HAM RADIO with out this method but usually these kids are influenced by their Father and Mother who has HAM license.

Back to the demonstration...

These children that I was demonstrating the system are not economically poised to purchase a HAM set. The parents average salary maybe $100..Per Month..

So now these children can use very expensive system and equally enjoy HAM radio like us privileged folks in developing countries.

HAM radio finally crossed the Digital Divine!
AE4X Rating: 2003-08-26
I like it! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Ham radio has definitely entered the new century. Complementing both worlds--ham radio and computer technology--is very interesting. I just downloaded the echolink program the other day and I'll have to say from the start it's been very user friendly.
Already I've made many contacts linking with repeaters in New Zealand, Hawaii, Canada and Israel. It's amazing how you can point and click a repeater link up, connect, send out your call and talk to another ham via their HT, portable radio or base station.
I tend to agree with others that the direct one on one contacts with other hams is really just like a chat room but if you delve in further and search for repeaters and link ups it can be really fun and convenient.

Some major pluses:
1. Great for international contacts when the bands are down. Link with the repeater in the country and you're there. Instantly you make international friends. Amazing!
2. Convenient for linking to national repeaters where a friend you know lives.
3. The one on one is a great way for telling someone else of HF band conditions, dx spots, etc..
You can be on HF and have instant reports of a station heard, etc..
Also a great way to keep contact.

Will this replace HF radio? NO! I love HF. I love CW. I love the QSB, the static and all the other noises of the atmosphere. There's nothing like spinning the dial looking for contacts. I love the challenge of working DX.
But I also like the new modes like PSK.
Will this bring new interest into ham radio? Yes, I think so..Newer hams who are technology saavy will be very interested in this.

Is this radio? Yes. I think the links to V/UHF repeaters and then repeater to HT/mobile is radio. It's like a mainstreamed autopatch.
When you work a station on their HT or mobile in Tel Aviv you hear RADIO..the flutter, the picket fencing, etc. You ARE working then on their repeater via the computer. Great concept!

I think this is a great setup for hams that are antenna restricted, for retirees, etc.

Or, for someone like me..who currently has a sloper on the side on the house but with a severed coax from the lawn maintenace crew last week!

Also, if you've ever complained that you hear the same people all the time on 2 meters/ 440 repeaters now you have nothing to complain about.
There's just something about talking to someone via a repeater in Ireland while they're going about their regular day.
You feel like you're there.

The hams I've met have all been very helpful and friendly, too.

Ham radio is about experimentation and trying new things. This is simply a new mode.
Try it and see for yourself. It may be something you'll like; it may not. But, I think you owe it to yourself to test it out.
N3HKN Rating: 2003-08-25
Removed Program - Open Ports Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I removed the program from the computer even before the recent virus attacks. I really saw no value in listening or talking to people on repeaters via the Internet. Interesting but no practical value is obvious. The open ports requirement through my router firewall just do not make sense when you place the value of Echolink versus getting s nasty virus!

Dick N3HKN
KC2IFR Rating: 2003-08-24
Works fine Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The program works just fine. The ppl complaining about the security risks should read up about the firewall they are using. I use a D-Link router and the only time the echolink ports are open is when Im using the program. Sure there are risks whenever you are online but the risks are there no matter what u are using. I use Adelphia power link and have had no problems at all. The program can be hacked but show me a program that cant!!!
KF6GOM Rating: 2003-08-21
Great Software Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
No problems installing software, ran great first time, all within 5 Minutes, made some great contacts in the first hour...thanks for this software.......KF6GOM Bruno
DF1AS Rating: 2003-08-09
* * * * ' Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
4.5 of 5.

Of course, the price/value ratio is best. You may pay some bugs for an almost invisible "vanity node number" ... this is up to you.

That money is used to keep the central server(s) running. I guess (as an H/W-S/W engineer I'm a bit familiar with this stuff) the program itself is not very complex. But there's not much to improve ...

What I want to see in next versions is a "TV" feature. Many stations have sufficient bandwidth (I do have 100 Mbps/full duplex, backbone has a multiple of that ...), so if available - why not ...

Registration of clubstation calls is difficult, others are (TOO - see comments of previous reviewers) easy.

Get it and try it. But don't forget: That's not ham radio! Keep being QRV on air!

Vy 73 - Kay
N9YEK Rating: 2003-06-01
great program Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This is a great product. No hassles what so ever. This program has installed for me flawlessly. I was up and going as soon as my callsign was approved. Great program. Can't say enough about it.
NB2A Rating: 2003-04-11
Best of Ham radio/VOIP Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This is without a doubt the best ham program to touch on a cutting edge mix of both worlds ham radio and voice over the net technology.
It is easy to setup,easy to use and best of all it is FREE!It is yet another great program by K1RFD just like Echostation.
Jonathan does a great job supporting and updating the software as well.Download it and be on the air with a microphone and a set of speakers on your PC! Try out my node if you like NB2A/58497. 73!