Due to the outdated information on many of the nets that were listed here, I have decided to rebuild the page from scratch. Net times will be listed by U.S. Mainland Time (Eastern, Central, Mountain, or Pacific). In U.S. areas that do NOT observe Daylight Savings Time (DST), when the rest of the U.S. is on DST (from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November), the local net start time is ONE HOUR EARLIER. A list of nets you will usually find me on, is located here. For a list of D-Star Nets, click here. For more information on programs, or items you can use for your shack to determine your local time and UTC Time, click here.
Further details on Echolink, along with how to provide net information for this page, or to advise me of nets no longer in operation, are in other links further down the page.
Note that if an Echolink node or conference server is OFFLINE at the scheduled time for the net, that net is either starting LATE, or it's CANCELLED for that day. This can also occur if thunderstorms, or emergency traffic is in the area at the time of the net, or for Internet connection issues.
Nets may also be CANCELLED for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and other holidays...as well as for
the day before those respective holidays. These cancellations are at the discretion of net management, and will either
be announced on the nets, or in this listing.
My Echolink node number, 51800, signifies my original wedding anniversary of May 18, 2003. Tragically, my XYL, Janice, died of a heart attack on April 27, 2007...she was studying for her Technician Class license at the time of her death. To view the webpage that I have set up in her memory, click here. The node is only up for a few selected nets each week.
1) Microsoft Windows (98 or better), and the Echolink program; OR
2) Macintosh with the OS X operating system, and the EchoMac program; OR
3) Linux, and the EchoLinux program.
I understand that EchoLinux is no longer maintained, and is not recommended these days. Other alternatives include EchoIRLP...which is IRLP and Echolink together (a radio is required). Other choices include QTel, and SVXLink.
Echolink is particularly useful for stations that have power and/or antenna restrictions at their locations. With Echolink in Single User Mode, NO ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT, WIRES, ANTENNAS, ETC. ARE REQUIRED.
1) Echolink is FREE to use...although you do have to pay for internet usage charges...check with your local ISP for details. Also, if you are on a dial-up internet connection, the speed needs to be at least 28800 baud or above. Anything below that... including 14400 baud...will cause significant packet loss in your transmission. The faster your internet connection (DSL, broadband, etc.), the better.
2) Echolink REQUIRES either a router setup, or going through a Proxy Server. Proxy servers may have LIMITS on how long one can be connected, and are usually RESTRICTED to Single User Setups Only. For further details on Routing and Port Forwarding, click here. The PFConfig program...available for purchase... allows much easier router configuration on your network...and in my opinion, is well worth the cost.
3) Echolink has various nodes (single user, simplex link, repeater, and conference servers). If the stations are just connected via Single User Setup, NO RF OCCURS. However, if a station is connected to either a simplex node, a repeater link, or a conference server, RF WILL OCCUR.
4) Echolink will only allow phone transmissions...but it can play either .WAV or .MP3 audio files...such as the Amateur Radio Newsline, and the ARRL Audio News...as well as recording files in a specific .WAV format.
5) Echolink station information is shown on the transmitting station only on the first time they key up after connecting.
6) Echolink connections may be affected by noise, interference, erratic internet connections, etc., which may make the signal difficult to read.
7) Echolink nodes may limit the number of stations that can connect with their node or conference server. Note that Conference Mode is NOT recommended, if a user is using a dial-up internet connection. The faster ones internet connection (DSL, broadband, etc.), the better.
8) Echolink can run on Windows (98 or higher), Mac, or Linux systems, as noted above.
9) Echolink doesn't tell you at a glance if someone is on a particular node (unless that node is shown as BUSY), and if you have the Show Name Of Conference Server option enabled under Preferences. However, once connected to a node, the number of connected stations shown is determined by your choices under Preferences. Once you do connect to a node, if that node has conferencing enabled, you'll see a list of stations currently connected to that node. If the list is long, only the stations that made a ''recent transmission'' will be listed.
10) Echolink requires you to observe Third Party Traffic and Reciprocal Operating Agreements...if RF is occuring over your connection.
11) Echolink requires the equivalent of a valid U.S. Amateur Radio Technician Class license or higher to access and use it.
More details on Echolink are at the Echolink homepage...including details on Validation Requirements before you're allowed access to the Echolink Network...where there are a wide selection of conference servers and nets (I know I've only scratched the surface with this listing).
The first one is the Nifty EZ Guide To Echolink Operation, by Bernie Lafreniere, N6FN. Using easy to understand explanations and illustrations, this is your complete guide to EchoLink installation and operation. Step-by-step learn how the system operates, and how contacts are made using computers, RF Simplex nodes and repeaters. For those interested in installing EchoLink software on their own computers, it includes full installation, setup and operating information. You'll discover how to use your radio or personal computer to make EchoLink contacts anywhere in the world!
The second one is VoIP - Internet Linking For Radio Amateurs, by Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, the creator of Echolink. This second edition is your complete guide to several of the most widely-used VoIP systems used by hams, with particular attention to EchoLink and the Internet Radio Linking Project, or IRLP. The book is designed for beginners who need information on how to get started, set-up, and use these systems. For the more advanced, it provides plenty of technical ''meat'' for those who want to dig deeper into VoIP applications and discover how they actually work.
Two articles from past issues of QST, published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), provide good reading on Echolink.
The first article, entitled ECHOLINK.PDF, from the April, 2006 issue of QST, tells of a ham radio operator using Echolink in an Omaha, Nebraska hospital...allowing several patients to use ''The Echolink Magic Carpet'' to talk to ham radio operators around the world...to take some of the loneliness out of their day. Sadly, the author of this article is now a Silent Key.
The second article, entitled VOIP.PDF, from the February, 2003 issue of QST, has an overview on Echolink, eQSO, IRLP, and other Voice Over Internet Protocol modes.
Another article on Echolink, a new and easy to understand introduction to Echolink...even though it was intended for the United Kingdom's MB7IPH-L node, the information is equally applicable to Echolink operation world-wide, and it's available here.
Note that you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print these files.
QST is available to ARRL members as part of their membership (costs can not be separated)...or at various amateur radio businesses. You can order back issues, view index files, etc. at the ARRL Website. ARRL members can also download various articles in PDF format from the Members Only Section of the ARRL website.
Lastly, The ARRL Store has, among other items for purchase, The ARRL Repeater Directory, available in either the Desktop Edition, or the Pocket Sized Edition. Toward the back of these publications is a list of Echolink repeaters, courtesy of Echolink's author, Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD.
Echolink is the creation of Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD (who is the author of the book VoIP: Internet Linking for Radio Amateurs (2nd Edition) ...and Echomac is the creation of Steven Palm, N9YTY. EchoMac is an open-source VoIP package designed to be fully compatable with Echolink, fulfilling the need for desktop Internet linking for Mac users...and it can be downloaded here. EchoMac is based partly on a project called Echolinux, spearheaded by Jeff Pierce, WD4NMQ, which brings an Echolink compatable client to the Linux platform.
Also, credit goes to The Six Meter Millenium Net for suggesting this page...and to Susi White, WA6DKS, for suggesting combining the time listings, to shorten up the page.
Since many ham radio logging programs and contests use UTC time, there are several programs to use to show the USA Time, in comparison to the time zone where you may be located.
One such program to show world time is called Sun Clock from Mapmaker. It can display all time zones around the world either as a screen saver, or a stand-alone program. To view this program, click here. Another recommended program is SymmTime, a freeware timezone clock for Windows. To get it, click here. Also, MFJ Enterprises has several clocks in their product line...some that display local and UTC time...which you can use in your ham shack. Just do a search for clock in the Product Search box on their website, and select the desired product.
Another highly recommend program is Dimension 4. Most operating systems...especially Microsoft Windows...are notorious for bad timekeeping. This freeware program will synchronize your Windows system clock with a time server...and it'll make running other ham radio applications like PSK31, JT65, etc.
Lastly, you can get a Windows program called QLOCK. There are 3 versions...a freeware version, a Pro version, and a Gold version. The Pro and Gold versions require purchase, have more features, and have much better product support than the freeware version...each of these can be obtained here.
a) Callsign and node number of the node.
b) A ''brief title description'' of the net.
c) The days of the week that it meets.
d) The time that it meets in UTC if you are outside the United States (I will do the conversion for U.S. mainland time zones), or the local U.S. Time for the net.
e) Any comments, and additional weblinks for those who want more information.
f) The callsign of the ham radio operator providing the information.
Also, if there are any deletions or corrections to what is listed below (including if a net or a node is TEMPORARILY DOWN, or you are UNABLE TO CONNECT (Echolink)), please contact me via email from my listing on the QRZ website...you will have to be logged on as a registered user to obtain that.
The nets can be held on repeaters, sideband, simplex links, other Voice Over Internet Protocol modes (eQSO, WIRES-II, or IRLP), or EXCLUSIVELY on just Echolink, such as on conference servers. Depending on conditions, you may or may not be able to connect to a station in the listing...the node or servers may be offline, for various reasons.
NOTE!! Any net listed on this page MUST allow Echolink checkins at some point during the net. The Net Control Station MUST realize that THERE IS A SLIGHT DELAY IN AUDIO WITH ECHOLINK...and if they don't give enough time for Echolink stations to check into their net, these stations will likely go to other nets.
To contact me information on a net that you'd like for this page, click here, and please include items a-e noted above. I am redoing the page, as much of the information previously listed was out of date. Also, I am giving credit to those hams who provided information for the specific noted.
The reason for this, is that occasionally, DX stations may ask you to pass a third-party message to a friend or relative in the United States. This is OK as long as the United States has signed an official third-party traffic agreement with that particular country, or the third party is a licensed amateur. The traffic must be noncommercial and of a personal, unimportant nature. During an emergency, the US State Department will often work out a special temporary agreement with the country involved. But in normal times, never handle traffic without first making sure it is legally permitted.
Links to a list of countries having Third Party Traffic Agreements, and Reciprocal Operating Agreements with the United States...along with other information...can be found here, then click on the desired links from that page.
Once you do connect with that Echolink Station or Net, please WAIT until the appropriate time for Echolink checkins are called for. Then, key your mic, BUT WAIT 2 SECONDS to give all the links a chance to key up, before you continue...otherwise, the first part of your transmission will be cut off!!. Then, call the net control station by their callsign, give your callsign phoenetically; then UNKEY, AND WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE RECOGNIZED BY THE NET CONTROL STATION before keying up to speak again. Most net controls will just ask for your callsign first, then will ask for your name, location, and comments. If you are checking in ''just for the count only'', please advise the Net Control Station of such.
If you're at your computer when using Echolink to checkin to a net, be sure that your TEXT WINDOW and DOUBLING ALERTS are ENABLED...so that you can tell if you're doubling with another station. If that occurs, you may have to check in again. Also, if you have Echolink minimized, you can NOT transmit with the spacebar.
As most, if not all, of these nets are DIRECTED NETS, please listen for any other directions from the Net Control Station...such as if they can take several stations at once...or only a few at a time...due to the Net Control Station being a blind ham radio operator.
If checking in via an Echolink repeater or simplex link, please TURN OFF your DTMF tones, and DISABLE the conferencing feature while you are connected. Several Echolink conference servers can detect if you have conferencing enabled when you connect to them...and they will immediately disconnect you if that is the case. With Echolink, only one station can transmit at a time...so, you WON'T be able to transmit, if another station is already transmitting.
Lastly, because politics and religion are emotional hot buttons for many people, many of the nets may either allow you to BRIEFLY TOUCH on these subjects...or they may DISCOURAGE discussion of these topics altogether. In fact, some countries amateur radio regulations PROHIBIT these discussions...and one can FORFEIT their amateur radio license as a result!!. Besides, there are plenty of other topics that can be discussed besides politics and religion.