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OCAPA

Echolink Repeater

Node # 5398

FM 147.210 MHz +
PL 141.3 Hz

This node is owned and operated by

AD5JN


You can connect to stations worldwide with just DTMF tones with a VHF radio!
(See http://www.echolink.org to look up station node numbers.)


The W5MEL OCAPA Repeater is on 147.210 MHz (+ offset) with a PL of 141.3 Hz. This repeater is located in Oklahoma City, OK. This is an open repeater, and all are welcome to use it. Feel free to use this repeater as a normal repeater, but be prepared for someone from anywhere in the world to connect in the middle of your QSO, and please welcome them in.

 

EchoLink Instructions

Below is some information about general commands and how to connect to other nodes using the  EchoLink repeater:

1) Tune to 147.210 MHz (+ offset), PL 141.3 Hz. Listen before accessing the system since others may be using the link. Push and hold your PTT button, then push * on your DTMF keypad, then release both buttons, to determine if you are in range of the repeater. The repeater will transmit an identification message in response unless someone is connected. Send 08 to see if anyone is connected. If a station is connected, it will come back with the call, if not, you will hear "disconnected".

2) To test the quality of your signal into the repeater and quality of the EchoLink network connection, you may access a test station node (called ECHOTEST) by entering station node number 9999. We recommend that all new users try this test node the first time you try EchoLink to help you become familiar with system use.  This node will repeat your transmission back to you so you can hear your transmission quality. Remember to press # to disconnect when you are done.

3) To make a call, press in your push to talk and hold it while entering the node number of the person you wish to call or enter a code number from the list below.

 

  DTMF CODE                    DESCRIPTION
  Node Number Enter the Node Number that you'd like to connect to.
 # Once connected, this will Disconnect the link.
 * Station info. Will not play if a station is already connected.
00 Random connection to Computer User, Link or Repeater
01 Random connection to Link or Repeater
02 Random connection to Conference system
03 Random user (Those with computers)
06  Node Number To check if target node is online
07 Query by call
08 System Status
(You'll either hear 'disconnected' or 'connected to ...')
09 Reconnect to the last connected link.
00# Bulletins, Club Information, Amber Alerts. Homeland Security issues, etc
00* Time
77* Node status
88* Help
44* Weather Forecast
99* Current Weather
66* Weather warnings
*70* ARRL section summary
*71* Upcoming events
#72# (wait 1min then) *72* Last 10 ISS APRS report via Web
#73# (wait 5sec then) *73* Last 10 APRS heard report via AD5JN QTH
*99* WWV report
More to come!  

.

4) When it is accepted by the gateway, listen for connection messages.

5) The gateway will acknowledge when the connection is made. Monitor for other traffic because you might connect in the middle of a QSO. If the link is busy, it will say, "system is busy" and then it will disconnect.

6) Let the carrier drop before you begin to talk. Just remember to wait about 2 seconds after keying before you start to talk.  THIS TIMING IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SUCCESS.  This is necessary due to delays in your radio, the repeater, and in the transmission over the internet.

7) Remember that you are on the radio so use proper protocol. Please ID before accessing the system, and ID as normal (at least once per 10 minutes) during a QSO.

8) To end the QSO, transmit # then you should hear the "disconnected" message.

9) If there is a weather warnings, the repeater will transmit these every 30 minutes.

10) Club Bullitens or emergency notices will be transmitted every 30 minutes.

10) If there is priority or emergency traffic, disconnect and relinquish the repeater for emergency use. 

Completed Echolink Projects:

DTMF on a backup frequency

Setup Domain

Sysop Web interface

Telephone sysop access via Voice modem

Install TNC for Echolink APRS status

Donate/Register Echolink Software

Upgrade internet service (highest COX speed available)

Buy/install Echotime software has been installed and licensed. Currently it is configured to speak weather reports, WWV reports and info files.

Buy/Install NeoVoices for better sounding voice

Email Commands

Learn Echolink API

Remove repeaters autopatch codes  

Build Echolink Information server with it's own DTMF decoder board

APRS lookup via DTMF

ISS Station heard list

 

Enhancement Ideas:

Tone Squelch (in repeater)

Increase repeater timeout (for ISS school contacts)

Telephone patch via Skype or Echostation

APRS messaging

Internet query via DTMF

Voice Commands

Current NOAA recordings made available to be replayed on demand

Speed Dial list for most used Conf servers, ie AMSAT

OutBound internet Email

Alpha DTMF routines for data input.

SSTV via Echolink