What is Echolink? Hands-on Guide

EchoLink combines amateur radio with the Internet, allowing licensed radio amateurs to communicate through computers, smartphones and radio-linked gateways around the world.

You can use EchoLink entirely over the Internet, or connect to an EchoLink-equipped repeater or simplex gateway using an amateur radio.

EchoLink can be useful when you can’t make a direct radio contact, when you’re away from your normal station, or when you want to connect your local radio activity to amateurs elsewhere in the world.

What can you do with EchoLink?

• Connect to amateur radio stations around the world
• Use an EchoLink-enabled repeater or simplex gateway from your handheld or mobile radio
• Join EchoLink conference servers
• Talk to other licensed amateurs using a PC, smartphone or tablet
• Connect amateur radio systems in different locations using the Internet

How does EchoLink work?

Every station connected to EchoLink is known as a node and is allocated a unique node number.

There are several different types of EchoLink node:

• Individual user – someone using EchoLink directly from a computer or mobile device
• Simplex link (-L) – an Internet-connected radio operating on a simplex frequency
• Repeater link (-R) – an EchoLink connection to an amateur radio repeater
• Conference server – allows multiple EchoLink stations to connect together

This means you can make an EchoLink contact entirely through the Internet, or use an amateur radio to access an EchoLink-enabled gateway.

Using EchoLink from a radio

To use EchoLink from your handheld, mobile or base radio, you need to be within range of an EchoLink-enabled simplex link or repeater.

You will normally tune your radio to the appropriate frequency and, where required, set the correct CTCSS tone or repeater settings.

Connections are commonly controlled using DTMF tones from the keypad on your radio.

Common EchoLink DTMF commands

The exact commands can be changed by the operator of an EchoLink node, but the standard defaults include:

• Node number – connect to that EchoLink node
• # – disconnect
• 08 – hear the status and callsigns of connected stations
• * – hear the node’s information or identification message

Because node operators can customise these commands, it’s worth checking the instructions for the particular repeater or gateway you’re using.

Finding an EchoLink node

Every EchoLink station has both a callsign and a node number. The EchoLink software and apps make it easy to browse or search for stations, repeaters and links that are currently available.

EchoLink also provides an online node lookup facility where you can search by callsign or node number.

Visit the official EchoLink website »

EchoLink software

The official EchoLink software is available for Windows, and official EchoLink apps are available for both Android and Apple iPhone and iPad devices.

There is also an EchoLink Web option for using the system through a compatible web browser.

Download EchoLink or find the mobile apps »

Do I need an amateur radio licence?

Yes. EchoLink is intended for licensed amateur radio operators and your callsign has to be validated before you can use the system.

When you first register, EchoLink will ask you to prove that you hold a current amateur radio licence. The available validation methods vary by country and may include uploading a copy of your licence or using another authentication method provided by EchoLink.

Rather than following old instructions found on third-party websites, use EchoLink’s current validation process, as the available options can change.

Start EchoLink callsign validation »

EchoLink on a smartphone

EchoLink apps are available for iPhone and iPad as well as Android phones and tablets.

This can be particularly useful if you’re away from your radio equipment but still want to keep in touch with other amateurs through the EchoLink network.

Is EchoLink really amateur radio?

You’ll hear different opinions on this. A contact made entirely between two smartphones is obviously very different from a traditional radio-to-radio contact.

Where EchoLink becomes particularly interesting is when it acts as a bridge between the Internet and amateur radio. For example, someone using a handheld can access a local EchoLink gateway and communicate with another radio amateur through a repeater or gateway elsewhere in the world.

Like digital voice, satellites, data modes and other technologies, it’s simply another part of the broad amateur radio hobby.

New to amateur radio?

If EchoLink sounds interesting but you don’t yet have an amateur radio licence, the UK Foundation licence is the normal starting point.

Join our FREE Foundation Online course »

Want more beginner guides? See our Getting Started Guides