Note: This link has NOT been operating for some time. This page is here mostly in case someone else wishes to set up an EchoLink "link" radio station.
The KC2RLM-L station was a link between any ham radio station using the 145.75 MHz frequency in the New Providence area and any EchoLink internet stations. For example, a station in Germany or California connecting by internet to KC2RLM-L can to talk with local hams tuned to 145.75 MHz.
The KC2RLM-L station was located in Chatham Twp (NJ) at grid square FN20SR. The rooftop vertical antenna is about 330' above sea level, which probably isn't much above average terrain. It's not in the most favorable location for wide area coverage, but it works fairly well, even over the hill into New Providence and Berkeley Heights.
The KC2RLM-L link operates on no fixed or guaranteed schedule, but is usually running when KC2RLM is in the house. That's most days and most hours between 9 a.m to 11:00 p.m. or so. It can be left on overnight if someone wants, but usually there's no activity on 145.75 MHz at those times.
Unfortunately the station can't be left running unattended because of FCC rules. The station does not qualify as a repeater (repeaters must have different input and output frequencies), so it can not run under automatic control. As a simplex station, it must have either local control (a ham must be near the radio) or remote control. Remote control can be provided either by a wired line (any telephone service qualifies) or by radio on a frequency above 221 MHz, but the remote control operator must be monitoring the station's transmissions.
Usually KC2RLM-L is under local control. At times, other NPARC club members may be operating the station by remote control (internet connection), and they will be the station's control operator. (Currently only Bob KB2IKC and Barry K2JV have the information to do this; let me know if you might be interested.)
If you notice any problems with the station, please email me or call me at 973-377-7061 or 973-919-8617.
The station does respond to radio-transmitted DTMF control codes which activate certain EchoLink functions, such as connections (see below). These functions are provided under the FCC rules governing telecommand stations. The DTMF codes are not relied upon to provide remote control operator functions.
To satisfy FCC ID requirements, the KC2RLM-L station automatically IDs "KC2RLM link" by recorded voice announcement every 10 minutes when in use and at the end of any on-air EchoLink QSOs. Users of the link should ID their own callsign as appropriate courtesy, but need not ID the callsign of the link.
Novice class operation: The FCC rules would seem to allow such operation, since the station will actually be under the control of a higher classed control operator authorized to operate on the two meter band (either KC2RLM or another designated control operator with a Technician or higher license).
Non-ham operation: The FCC rules would even seem to allow operation by non-hams, again since the station will actually be under the control of an authorized operator (either KC2RLM or another control operator with a Technician or higher license). However, it's not likely non-hams will try to use the stations, since EchoLink is available only to licensed amateur radio operators.
[Please let me know if you think I'm in error on the above two assumptions.]
By sending DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) code sequences with your radio, you can command KC2RLM-L to initiate connections to distant EchoLink stations via the internet. For example, while riding in your car you could initiate an internet link to a repeater in Nevada and talk with a ham out there driving in his car! Note that this will only work if you are within range of KC2RLM-L in Chatham on 145.75 MHz (simplex, no tone).
If you are interested in this technique, you might want to print out this page to put in your car.
To send DTMF codes: Push and hold the radio's PTT button and then the appropriate numbered keys on your radio's microphone keypad. Send each DTMF tone for a 1/2 second. Release the PTT when you are done sending codes and wait for EchoLink to announce information.
Special Notes on DTMF use:
(Note: these codes are not the default EchoLink DTMF tones; they are unique to KC2RLM-L)
| 11 | Connect to any available node (any type of station) at random. | |
| 12 | Connect to any available link or repeater station (-L or -R) at random | |
|
13 |
Connect to any conference server station at random (servers host multiple EchoLink connections) | |
| 14 | Connect to any available single-user station at random | |
| 15 | Disconnect from the station currently connected (end of all QSOs) | |
| 16 | Reconnect to the station that most recently disconnected | |
| 17 | Announce callsigns of each station currently connected | |
| 18 | Play a brief ID message on the local radio frequency |
num = some number sequence
# = pound key (to right of the zero key)
call = callsign, e.g. KC2RLM
| num | Enter a specific station's 4, 5, or 6 digit node number -- you must know it or guess it. | |
| 21+num | Enter 21, then a node number to hear the node's callsign and status (busy, available, not connected) | |
| 22+call+# | Enter 22, then callsign (see below), then the # sign to hear a callsign's node # and status | |
| 23+call+# | Connect to a station on the Internet based on its callsign (see below). |
To enter callsigns -- you must enter 2 tones for each letter. The first tone is the key on which the letter appears (use 1 for Q and Z), and the second tone is a 1, 2, or 3 for where the letter is on the key. For example, the letter "K" is entered as "52" (5 button, 2nd letter), "A" is "21", and "Q" is "11". (Note: some keypads don't show the letters, so you'll have to devise a way to help you lookup each letter's number code.)
To enter the number in a callsign, press the key corresponding to the number, then a 0. When finished, end with the pound key (#). For example, the number "7" is entered as "70#" and "0" is entered as "00#".