EchoLink^® software allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology. The program allows worldwide connections to be made between stations, or from computer to station, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio's communications capabilities. There are more than 200,000 validated users worldwide — in 162 of the world's 193 nations — with about 4,000 online at any given time.

What can I do with EchoLink?

EchoLink allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to connect to one another over the Internet. You can use EchoLink to connect your station (or your computer) over the Internet to other amateurs using the same software, and carry on a voice QSO. This greatly enhances the range and utility of mobile and portable VHF/UHF-FM stations, and also allows computer-equipped hams to access distant repeaters directly.

You can access EchoLink either with a radio or a computer. If you are in range of an FM repeater or simplex station equipped with EchoLink, you can use DTMF commands from your radio to access the EchoLink network. If you are a licensed amateur with an Internet-connected PC, you can access EchoLink stations directly from your PC.

How do I get started using it?

First, download the software from this Web site. You will be asked to provide your callsign and e-mail address. Then, install the software on your PC, be sure you have a good Internet connection (56k modem or better), and start it up to register your copy of the software. The final step is to provide proof of license so your callsign can be added to the system; see Validation for details. Then, you're ready to go.

Is EchoLink a digital mode?

No. EchoLink is an extension of conventional voice modes, particularly FM. EchoLink communicates over the Internet digitally, but does not transmit any digital signals over the air.

Is EchoLink an Internet "chat room"?

Definitely not. EchoLink is a system designed to provide VoIP gateways for repeaters and simplex stations. If you are interested in talking (by voice) with other Internet users from your computer, or you would like to participate in or set up your own Internet chat room, please use one of the many excellent software packages designed for this purpose, such as Skype.

Is there a separate "sysop" version of the software?

There is only one version of EchoLink, which can be operated either in "user mode" or "sysop mode". Switching to Sysop mode enables all of the features needed for connecting a transceiver to EchoLink using your computer's sound card and one of the popular interface boards offered by WB2REM, VA3TO, or West Mountain Radio. For more information, see Interfaces.

How does EchoLink handle security?

Each new user of EchoLink must be validated, which means providing positive proof of identity and license, before being granted access. See the Validation FAQ for details.

After having been validated, each EchoLink user must provide a password, along with his or her callsign, to log in. Each time a connection is made for a QSO, the EchoLink servers verify both the sender and the receiver before communication can begin.

In addition, if you wish, you can configure EchoLink to accept connections only from certain types of stations: repeaters, links, users, or all three. You can also set up a list of any number of "banned" callsigns, which will not be allowed access. In addition, you can block or accept connections according to their international callsign prefix, in order to comply with your country's rules regarding reciprocal control-operator privileges or third-party traffic restrictions.

In Sysop mode, by default, EchoLink announces each station by callsign when the station connects. The EchoLink software automatically generates detailed logs and (optionally) digital recordings of all activity on the link.