Martyn Medcalf G1EFL

My Experience with EchoLink
Part 2
by Martyn Medcalf G1EFL

I thought I would give you an update on how I am getting on with this new mode for me.

Since the last instalment, I have been asked by various people several questions regarding equipment etc that I use.

My main radio I use at home is a Yaesu FT-2800M rig. I normally only use 10watts but the radio is capable of 65 watts

I have a Yaesu VX5 Handheld which I use at 5 watts, however after a little while the metal case becomes very hot and it is difficult to hold. (Could be good for cold conditions)!

I have treated myself to a new Handheld an Alinco DJ-195 price £99.00. It has a maximum of 5watts and is very easy to use, if you read the instructions first!

However the aerial that came with it is a small Rubber Duck, which I found was not very good. It seemed to be rather deaf. However, I found another aerial and attached that to the Radio and it is 100% better.

I have been complimented on my audio. This was by a mobile station in Manchester in QSO with Kerry KC2QFJ, in St Louis USA, who also complemented me on my audio.

At home I use a Vertical Fibre Glass aerial as a base station. It is a ½ wave and is aprox 40 inches long. It is made by Moonraker and has a gain of 3.5dBd. Price £24.92.

This aerial does not have any ground plains so there is no tuning to be carried out just set up and go.

You could easily slip it in the boot of the car as it takes up no space at all. I have a Tripod and small Mast which I use to put the aerial on. In fact, it is a lighting stand and is available from Maplins.

You could also attach a small 2 MTR beam to the mast as used by SOTA.(Summits On The Air) or even a small HF Vertical.

If you wish to make a contact in USA for example you would need a Node number for the area you which to contact.

Firstly, what are Node numbers and where do you find them. Node numbers are four, five or six digits long. If you know the node number of the station/area you want to connect to, you can usually punch it in directly on the DTMF key pad of your radio, and then call CQ.

However, first listen to be sure the frequency is not in use. Once you have finished your QSO you must log off and to do this you hold down the PTT button on your microphone and press the # key.

A good source I found for Node numbers is a book which has been complied by G4WLI Peter, which lists Node numbers for many stations around the world. Contact Mike G0UKM direct for further information and cost of the book.

Another good and useful place to obtain node numbers is at www.echolink.org and also check out www.echolinkmap.org.

I hope the above may have wetted your appetite a little to have a go on Echo Link.

Its great fun and all you need to start with is a Hand Held, and you will be able to work the world on 5 watts or less if you are in range of your local Echo Link Repeater/Node.

Enjoy yourself.

Martyn G1EFL

• If you missed Part One of Martyn's article, click here