[Qcwa] Echolink and Ham operation

[Keith Kotch]

Joe,

Did you look up and read the links to the Echolink website I posted
earlier?  http://www.synergenics.com/el/faq_validation.htm

This particular link, under FAQs, explains the callsign validation
procedure.  In order to activate the software allowing the computer
link, it appears that there is a validation process that should be
completed prior to allowing access.

Again, there's nothing to prevent someone hacking and using the software
interface any more than there is someone going to any number of sources,
including amateur radio "candy stores" or hamfests and purchasing and
using a ham radio transceiver.  Actually it's probably much easier for
someone to purchase a radio and get on the air than to go through the
trouble to use the iphone technology and use the computer interface.

There's nothing illegal about using the software and the internet
gateway to get into a machine....what is illegal is for the RF
transmission of the unlicensed traffic.

It's the responsibility of the control operator of the repeater to look
out for what goes out over RF even though there are software callsign
validation procedures in place.  It's just the same as "normal" radio
transmissions.  If the control op feels that someone using the repeater
is illegitimately using it, regardless of whether it's by Echolink or
RF, they certainly have the right to shut it down.  If the use is
actually an illegal operator, then they have the responsibility to shut
it down.


Keith, KF4BXT





-----Original Message-----
From: qcwa-admin@mailman.qth.net [mailto:qcwa-admin@mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of Joseph Fenn
 
Okay Jeff, but "who is transmitting where?" to the internet.  He is not
on the air so to speak.  On a vhf repeater yes thats a given.   He is
on the air.    So the control operator of the VHF repeater has the
responsibility under FCC to control all who are using his repeater via
internet access (aka echolink).    How can he insure that the calling
stn via echo link and linking to his vhf machine is legit ot not?
                         Joe/kh6jf