[W1SMH] Echolink tips for the Sturdy ARC Repeater 147.195

[RICHARD CROWLEY]

Good afternoon,

Here is some basic information and operating tips for the current Echolink connection to our repeater.

All about the node!: 

The node is located at the North Attleboro High School utilizing a Dell 7010 PC and SignalLink USB sound card interface into an ICOM mobile located at the High School.   This hardware is protected with a universal power supply (UPS) and on the backup generator.  

Currently, the node operates as in inbound node only.   This means it is addressable from the Echolink system and can be called either in the call sign list or accessing node 50822 from another Echolink repeater that accepts DTMF tones.   

The node can accept up to 20 concurrent connections inbound and is limited to a handful of western countries.    Outbound dial via DTMF is not available due to limitations in the repeater to pass on these tones in the output.   This may be revisited if the node is directly connected to the repeater and additional security measures are put into place.


Some operating types:

Please keep in mind the remote node is using VOX for PTT and with that requires a significant delay on the RX side before TX is available.     With this in mind, when using the repeater even from RF, occasionally drop the carrier and wait a couple of seconds (6-7 seconds total) to allow remote stations to key up or more importantly, drop a remote node or repeater connected to our own. 

Our goal is to eventually move the node to the hospital and direct connect to the repeater allowing faster key up time and remote access via DTMF.   Thank you for your patience and understanding and enjoy the link.   Additionally, I’d like to personally thank John Bellissimo, KA1EWN and the North Attleboro High School for hosting this node after my move to Middleboro. 

Of course, if anyone has questions regarding the node, problems with it or just Echolink in general, I’m available via this listserv or you may contact me via text or phone below.

73,

Rich Crowley, N1ATM
508-216-5587