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Appendix 2: Trouble Shooting
Appendix 3: Going Further
Appendix 4: TWO Computers & ONE Internet Connection?

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Step 1: EchoLink Home & N2SPF's Diagram

First, check out the EchoLink home page for an overview diagram of how the system works:

EchoLink Home Page

Here is my take on how EchoLink connects us together:

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Step 2: How to Obtain the Software

It's best to follow the web page links to download the software.  You will be
asked for your callsign and email address.

Click below and then choose the download link on the left.

EchoLink Home Page


Don't forget to download the EchoLink User's Guide (PDF) while you're there!

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Step 3: Installing the Software

Now, locate and run the installation program by using: 
START -> RUN... -> Browse...  and telling windows to OPEN
the program above.  (Or just click it if it is on your desktop).

      

Select Yes and follow the prompts.

   

   

    At some point, Windows XP may ask if you want to unblock the program.
    Choose UNBLOCK.

     

     


    

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Step 4: Verifying Your Callsign

Before the program will let you communicate with any stations, you must
be verified as a Amateur by the administrators.  This may take from hours
to days.  It's best to leave yourself connected to the Internet and leave the
program open.  As soon as you are approved, you will see a list of stations.
In some instances, you may be asked to FAX or email in a copy of your
license.  This is to prevent non-hams from using the callsigns of others.
Check the email address you supplied above for any communication.

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Step 5: LAN and Router Issues

There's one big "gotcha" in all of this!  Your local router/cable modem
or router/DSL modem must be set up to accept incoming Internet
connections that are bound for your EchoLink PC.  You should do
this step while waiting for approval.  Note that this step is not
necessary when using a dial-up connection.

 First, determine your computer's IP address

 The address will look something like this:

 192.168.1.nnn   or  192.168.0.nnn

 The nnn is all you really need to write down.

   Windows 2000, XP:  Programs->Accessories->Command Prompt
   Type in ipconfig

  

   Windows 98:   Start->Run->winipcfg->OK
   choose the current connection to see the IP address:

  

    Next, set up your router: Linksys, DLink, etc

    Type the following into your browser, depending on who made your router.
    (One of these addresses usually works).
    
     Linksys:   http://192.168.1.1

        DLink:   http://192.168.0.1

      You should see a prompt like this:
       
     
           
     Enter your router sign-on for setup.  NOTE: the default is
     usually a blank username and a password of admin .


  Once you are signed in, you should see a screen something like this:


           

Make the required entries into the "Port Forward" screen.  Note that the
last three digits of the IP Address should be those of the PC that you
installed the software on.  SAVE your changes!  If you don't know your
computer's IP address, see above.  Note that you have to type in the
application name, port range and the last three digits of your IP address.
Your IP address might not end in 101!  Numbers from 100-199 are typical.

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Step 6: Audio Levels

Hook up a microphone to your PC, and adjust the audio levels.

First, double click on the speaker icon at the bottom right of your Windows
screen:     or  .   On XP, the icon may be hidden behind a  . 
Simply single click the < then double click the speaker.

Don't worry if there is no Microphone listed on the XP Play/Volume Control.

   

     Choose Options -> Properties.
 
   

   

   

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Step 7: Contact the EchoLink Test Server

Now it's time to fire up the program and try it out!   Click on the program icon.


 

      

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Step 8: Search for a Station

Now, search for a friend or try to connect to N2SPF-L and see if I am around!

While on the EchoLink main screen, type Ctrl-F.  You will see the following:

        

If the station is found, you may double click on the listing to connect.

    

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Step 9: Oops! The Firewall Program is Spoiling My Fun!

Software on your PC called a  firewall  may prevent EchoLink from operating
correctly.   Unblocking under Windows SP2 was discussed above.   Another
popular firewall is ZoneAlarm.  You may see a message like this:



Simply check "remember this setting" and click Allow.  This will
allow you to make outgoing connections.  To allow others to
connect to you, open ZoneAlarm and make the following change
under program control:



Other firewall programs may be slightly different, but the basic concept
should be similar.

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Step 10: Explorer View and Index View

One more thing: there are tabs at the lower left named Explorer View
and Index View. These change the way that you see the listed stations.

Explorer View:


Index View:

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Step 11: Wrapping Up

That's just about it!  Don't forget to check out the official help document
(PDF) located on the CD:

EchoLink User's Guide (PDF)
 

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Appendix 1: Helpful Links

EchoLink Home Page (online)
EchoLink Status Page - find nodes near you (online)
EchoLink User's Guide (on CD)

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Appendix 2: Trouble Shooting

More help on router and firewall configuration from EchoLink (online)
Port Forward Web Site - help with hundreds of routers! (online)

Dial-Up Users Click Here!

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Appendix 3: Going Further

Your EchoLink installation can drive a radio link or even a repeater! 
See the User's Guide and the web site for more information.

IRLP is an alternative for repeater linking.  It uses Linux and special hardware.
IRLP Web Site

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