Echolink info page

The details of the MB7IEX echolink gateway are as follows:

Transceiver is a KEY KME-150 ex pmr radio obtained from Norcall Ltd. The radio has worked faultlessly 24/7 for over 2 years and i would recomend one of these if you are thinking of setting up your own link. If you click on the KME-150 link it will take you to a site dedicated to the whole range of Key pmr radios with information on how to convert them for ham use.

Output is set to 10 Watts.

The antenna us a collinear mounted at a height of about 5 metres.

The interface is the ULIBOARD by WB2REM.

The pc is a Amd duron 1.30 Ghz proccessor with 256 Mb of ram. The operating system on the machine is Windows XP Proffessional and running alongside the echolink program is echoproducer by Peter EI4JR which really controls the whole link.

The transceiver is mounted on top of a laptop cooler which helps to keep the whole system cooler.

The gateway is perminantly connected to the IRELAND CONFERENCE SERVER.

For a great explanation complete with diagrams about what exactly VOIP LINKING is all about click HERE and read an article by Steve Ford WB8IMY.

To set up your own link you will first need to get a NOV to your licence. Details and information including on-line application forms on how to do this can be viewed by clicking HERE. You will also need to apply for a vacant operating frequency for your link and also decide if it going to running attended or unattended. To run unattended you will need to apply for a MB7*** callsign for your gateway but again details can be found on the RSGB DCC website.

You will also need an interface to connect your radio to the computer, there are several available but the basic circuit is not hard to construct your own if you wish. For information on a few of these interfaces click on the links.

ULIBOARD. SIGNALINK. VA3TO. RIGBLASTER. This is just a small number of what is available.

For some information on how to construct your own interface click HERE to go to the excellent ECHOIRELAND website which will also provide you with a lot more information as well.