Information on the REPEATER SYSTEM

I own and operate a HAM (Amateur Radio) repeater system in South-central Dakota County, which is about 30 miles SSE of the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota area. The repeater is near Hampton, which is 30 miles South-East of the MSP metro area on highway 52; It can be heard on 147.360 Mhz, if you have a scanner, or a 2-meter FM radio.

This repeater has two independent, but PARALLEL COR (carrier operated squelch) circuits on board. As a result, one can access this repeater with a valid signal on the input of the repeater, no matter if the sub-audible tone of 136.5 Hz is present or not on a user's transmitter.

I have a spare (redundant) repeater, complete with all of the needed controllers, etc. on hand. The spare is sometimes pressed into service, if the one in service develops a small problem.

To use the repeater, set your transmitter to 147.360 Mhz, POSITIVE offset. If you would like the maximum range, set the transmitter to send 136.5 Hz, which will allow the repeater to have a LOT better receiver sensitivity.

It is an "open" repeater system for the active radio amateurs in this area, or for licenced hams who are simply traveling through this locale.

Here's a picture of the PRESENT antenna system for the repeater. I am presently employing two of the DB-224 antennas, using an ANTENNA SPECIALIST'S power divider to join the two. As you can see, I also have a redundant antenna for the repeater. (See the picture below.)

Echolink

This repeater system is equiped with EchoLink. Read about Echolink here! My repeater (on 147.360 Mhz output) has the Echolink node number 9636. The Echolink "node" number of 9636 was chosen as my "repeater pair" is 96-36. (147.96-36 Mhz.)

Echolink Frequently-Asked Questions here... http://www.echolink.org/faq.htm

Sample questions:

Is Echolink available for any platform other than Windows??

Echolink is designed specifically to run under Microsoft Windows. Currently, there are no plans to offer versions of EchoLink for other platforms.

However, if you are running a Macintosh with OS X, you can use the program EchoMac by N9YTY, which is compatible with Echolink. If you do, please first register here to begin the validation process. (Support for EchoMac is not available through the Echolink Web site.)

What's the easiest way to test and adjust my audio?

There is a special "echo" conference server, called *ECHOTEST*, to which you can connect to test your audio. Once connected, the server simply records anything you transmit and plays it back. This is a convenient way to verify that your transmitted audio is clean, and to adjust record and playback sound levels. You can connect by choosing "Connect to Test Server" from the Station menu. If you are connecting to EchoLink via an RF link, the node number for *ECHOTEST* is 9999.

Here is some basic information on my system...

Command	Description	DTMF Code
Connect	Connects to a station on the internet, based on its node number. The node numbers can be 4, 5 or 6 digits.	nnnnnn
Random Node	Selects an available node (of any type) at random, tries to connect to it.	00
Random Link	Selects an available link or repeater (-L or -R) at random and tries to connect to it.	01
Random Conf	Selects a conference server at random and tried to connect to it..	02
Random User	Selects an available single-user station at random and tries to connect to it. .	03
Status	Announces the callsign of each station currently connected.	08
Reconnect	Reconnects to the station that was most recently disconnected.	09
Disconnect	Disconnects the station that is currently connected. If more than one station is connected, disconnects only the most-recently-connected station.	#
Play Information	Plays a brief ID message.	*

To establish a Echolink connection with your radio

It is recommended that you first identify your station on the repeater and that you are attempting Echolink operation.
Optionally, you can determine if the Echolink gateway is operational by keying a "*" DTMF tone. The gateway node will respond with status information.
Type in the four, five or six digit station code for the station or repeater that you wish to link to.
There is a special "echo" conference server, called "ECHOTEST," to which you can connect to test your audio and verify that your computer and its PORTS are properly set. Once connected, the ECHOTEST server simply records anything you transmit and plays it back when you stop transmitting. This is a convenient way to verify that your transmitted audio is clean, and to adjust record and playback sound levels. (Always use this as an absolutely positive way to test your system's settings!)
You can connect by choosing "Connect to Test Server" from the Station menu on your computer. You do NOT need to be connected to a node to run this audio test; In fact, if you are connected to any node, these will be disconnected if you connect to node number 9999.

If you are connecting to EchoLink via an RF link, the node number for *ECHOTEST* is 9999. (Transmit "9999" when you are connected to any Echolink access point or node.)
(Summary: -You can TEST your system by connecting to the "Test Server" at node number 9999. -Enter "9999" on your radio's touch-tone pad, then follow the audio response information. When the test server stops talking, TRANSMIT to the test server, then LISTEN to how you sound. Test as much as you need. Be sure to disconnect from the test server when you are finished.)

To continue with the normal use of the Echolink system: After you have transmitted the 4, 5 or 6 DTMF link number, there will be a few seconds delay, the Echolink node will respond with a "Connected" message if the link was successful. If the link was not successful, key a "#" to disconnect the gateway node.
Following a successful connection, announce your presence on the linked repeater by calling a short CQ, or by announcing your intentions in some other way of your choice.
When you are in QSO on Echolink, there IS NO NEED to delay your response to the other party. You are clear to transmit as soon as you hear the repeater's courtesy beep. (Delaying will only slow down your conversation...) At the end of the QSO, disconnect the link by keying a "#" DTMF tone. The Echolink gateway will respond with confirmation that the link has been disconnected.

Accessing Echolink From Your Computer

Perform the following the access a Echolink station or repeater from your computer.

Download and install the iLink user program from the Echolink web site. Macintosh users can run EchoMac, which is described on the Echolink web site above. EchoMac is available at http://www.dogparksoftware.com/EchoMac.html
Verify that you have a microphone properly connected to your computer and the the microphone input volume level is properly adjusted. (See step 4 below.)
Connect to the internet and run the Echolink or EchoMac user program.
TEST your system by connecting to the "Test Server" at node number 9999. (Enter "9999" in the "connect to" window, then follow the audio response information. When it is your turn, TRANSMIT to the test server, then LISTEN to how you sound. Disconnect from the test server when you are finished.)
After you have adjusted your system, you may select a station or repeater to link to, from the displayed Echolink station link. (Double-click the station on the list to connect, as an example.) When you are in QSO on Echolink, there IS NO NEED to delay your response to the other party. You are clear to transmit as soon as you hear the repeater's courtesy beep. (Delaying will only slow down your conversation...) At the end of the QSO, disconnect the link by Selecting DISCONNECT from the program's menu. The Echolink gateway will respond with confirmation that the link has been disconnected.
Once connected, use the Enter key or spacebar to toggle between transmit and receive.