DX "Echoes" without propagation

I’ve dabbed with EchoLink for the past 3 or 4 years, but now that I’ve established a local simplex EchoLink node, I think my activity will be increasing. If you don’t know much about EchoLink, it has some similarities to IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) but also and some significant differences. Both systems use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) as the conduit, if you will, between two VHF or UHF repeaters, simplex nodes or, in the case of EchoLink, even directly between two computers. Detractors may say simply connecting two computers with no RF link isn’t ham radio. Well, technically that may be so, but it’s still a neat way to connect with a fellow hobbyist. Personally I prefer hooking into simplex nodes or repeaters so that there is an RF link on at least one side of the QSO. Having said that, if you can’t get near a radio, you can still use a mic hooked to your computer to connect with a far off RF link. A lot of options with EchoLink!

Last night I punched in a few DTMF tones to our local node VE3ALC-L and up comes a repeater in Walkerston, Queensland, Australia and a call indicating I’m listening brings a response from George VK4AJL. He was mobile and on his way to a model railway show. We had a nice QSO and when he commented that they’re heading into autumn, I’m reminded of the differences between our hemispheres.

Next, a connection to an EchoLink equipped repeater in Bethel, Alaska. A nice chat with Mark WL7BCT gives me a bit on insight into his life in this small community not too far from the Bering Sea.

One thing to bear in mind: these “DX” contacts are of similar FM quality to a chat with your ham buddies on your local 2 meter water cooler. With the possible exception of a little drop-out or the occasional buffering audio, courtesy of that internet pipeline, it’s nothing like the challenge of listening for a weak 4x3 signal through QRM and QRN. Therefore, be prepared to have an actual conversation! While many HF DX-ers are satisfied with a signal report, those are pretty much a moot point on EchoLink.

Now, I must admit, I tried about 10 different repeaters and simplex links and was met with silence 8 times. But, isn’t that the nature of repeaters? How many times have you put out a call on a local repeater only to be met with a non-response! Some people just don’t like picking up the mic to talk to someone they don’t know. Too bad, as they’re missing the main joy of amateur radio! You also have to consider the time difference. It was about 9:00pm local time for me. If I bring up a repeater in Europe, it’s maybe 3 or 4 in the morning there. I chose areas where I knew it was “wakey time”. It was early afternoon Sunday in Australia, and early Saturday evening in Alaska. Luckily the EchoLink page that displays active stations and nodes lists local time.

Give it a try! You can download the software in a few minutes (yes, it’s free). You will need to send proof you’re a ham, such as a scan of your licence or certificate and confirmation could take up to 24 hours. In the meantime, you can check the current logins page, see if there’s an EchoLink equipped repeater or simplex node in your area. Just pick another node, punch in the DTMF code, and give it a spin!