|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I guess I should explain that both of these systems are voice over internet (VOIP) systems. They were here before such things as Skype etc, and typical innovative ham radio. which was in the forefront in developing such systems before they became accepted for large commercial use. They allow the ability of hams to communicate with each other wherever they are in the world primarily by radio, and the internet.
I will concentrate on Echolink as that is the more socially acceptable system between it, and IRLP in my opinion. It allows the use not only of stations using rf via simplex, or duplex repeaters to link to others worldwide, but also pc users as well. Needless to say whatever of these systems you choose they all require the production and verification of your ham licence details, they do not allow access or communication with anyone else.
Echolink stems from an initial voip system called ilink which was founded in the UK. It then became Echolink in early 2000 under the auspices of Jonathan K1RFD for reasons which are not of any particular interest or debate. The concept is as I say to allow ANY licenced ham to be able to communicate with another, or others in conferences. Whether this is for normal qso's or emergency network communication , it makes no difference.
These systems enable the user to communicate despite any down turn in atmospheric propagation. ie if the bands are dead, you can still have a qso. Echolink is more acceptable socially as far as hams are concerned because it allows those who are not able to erect antennas in areas where such is prohibited by local laws, or are living in elderly homes where antennas are not available. Picture this for yourself as it is an important aspect of the Echolink system. You are becoming aged, you may be infirmed or disabled, or simply may no longer have access to running any rf equipment or antennas. Your lifes hobby has been ham radio where you have talked to like minded guys over the years and formed long lasting friendships. Suddenly through no fault of your own that is taken away from you!. How would you react if you could no longer pursue your interest, or chat with those friends. I do not have to hear your reactions because if you are like me you would give anything to be able to continue to do that. You can with Echolink. If anyone tells you that Echolink or voip ham systems are not real ham radio, then you should seriously question their philosophy.
You can find Echolink rf gateways in most places, but as long as you have an internet connection you can link into it anyhow. Look up information on http://www.echolink.org
If you are looking for an Echolink RF Link Controller then please email me at blueyonder.co.uk (Me is g3VFP and at is @ )
You may say IRLP ( Internet Radio Linking Project) does this also. In some regard that is true. It is dedicated to Linux unlike all others which are MS Windows based, and Only allows rf communication between rf links, or repeaters. It does Not allow ham pc users that access. To me this is the only flaw in an otherwise innovative system. It is based in my opinion on those aspects which I like many others dislike, and in some way against the whole philosophy of a great hobby.
There are other useful voip ham systems like EQso (http://www.eqso.org), or CQ100 (http://www.qsonet.com), and others. EQso whilst being an excellent system never gained the popularity of Echolink. I guess because of it's format, and graphical user presentation. In any event it works well, and has licenced and swl access. The use of SWL access may not be liked by all, but in fact their tx capability is limited in this system to areas where no rf users are present.
CQ100 is a payable system, it is intended as a pc user system, but can be interfaced to for rf gateways. It's graphical front end which the user sees is like an actual transceiver, with bands as you would expect from a ham transceiver. Different in it's concept, but capable of excellent audio with an SSTV style interface to exchange images etc.
Whatever your personal choice amongst all VOIP Radio Systems.......It Is Ham Radio In The 21st Century.
