I'm not sure what the original intention of echolink was. I was unaware of
such. Before I was brought on to that system, my understanding of it was
that it was a mixture of voip communication with repeaters and link systems,
I.E. simplex and some hf frequencies, combined with voip so one can access
all of these things threw the computer. Such as hf gate ways created for one
to access the various bands and modes remotely. Of course, direct
connections using voip is much easier since you're able to find users on
line. But that of course isn't radio communicating and other than
communicating with hams, there hardly any resemblance as far as the
technicalities are concerned. For it's no different from land line, give or
take of course.
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Miller" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 2:50 PM
Subject: Re: REFLECTIONS


when I signed up for echolink I didn't have to send them anything just
registered my call and was good to go. I'm never on though, tried it once
and all anyone wants to do on there is voice chat and I get enough of that
on ventrilo and skype and places like that, it's unfortunately not used much
for it's intended purpose though I'm against the hole thing very much.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Fiorello" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 1:25 PM
Subject: REFLECTIONS


Hi;
As for operating a separate transmitter and receiver it wasn't a big deal.
In many ways other than tune up it was easier than the radios of today.
Remember there were no menu items, no dsp settings or audio filter settings
for that matter.
I suspect the ease of chatting with someone in another continent may have
taken some of the thrill out of calling cq and getting a reply.
Unfortunately you can do very similar things on line with much less fuss or
fun for that matter.

As for echo link, do they need something now in addition to your call sign?
I signed up some time ago but only needed a call sign.  The echo link jury
is very much out.  Is it just a chat room, a real qso?  I haven't decided.
Rich