Internet linking is one of today's fastest growing facets of Ham Radio, marrying the world of Radio to the Internet. ECHOLINK is an internet gateway program that allows you to communicate with other Ham operators around the world using "internet propagation". You can communicate using the microphone and speakers on your pc while connected to the Internet, or you can access the system using your HT or FM-mobile radio through a radio link that is interfaced to an Internet computer ! All you need to access EchoLink from your computer is the software. Click here EchoLink homepage to download the EchoLink software package.

To set up a radio link, you will need to configure Echolink for SYSOP Mode. You will also need an interface to interconnect the internet computer to a link radio. The VA3TO Linking Interface was designed to allow hams to set up a link and enjoy the ultra cool world of ECHOLINK.
 

General Features:

- Designed primarily for Echolink but can also be used as a passive Sound-Card interface
for digital modes like PSK-31, SSTV, RTTY, WSJT, WEFAX ect. with no configuration changes.
(Software for these modes available at various Ham Radio related sites on the Internet.)

- Constructed using all high quality components for reliable operation.
Professionally designed and manufactured double sided PTH pc board with gold plating,
silkscreen (white part designator text) and soldermask (green anti-solder coating).
Metal enclosure constructed of heavy guage .060" aluminum finished in textured
black powder-epoxy paint.

- Functional and aesthetically appealing layout with the LED indicators arranged
across the front and all board mounted connectors arranged across the back.
All components are mounted on the pc board. No internal wiring required !

- Very well documented and supported ! All information is available in PDF format
on our web site at a click of the mouse.

...plus these additional features not available on "regular" sound card interfaces:

- 4 minute Time-Out-Timer (TOT) implemented to disable the PTT line
to the transmitter in case of computer lock-up or other problems that could
result in a fatal failure of the transmitter, should the keydown condition go unnoticed
for an extended period of time. The TOT can be disabled when not desired.

- Hardware (I.C.) DTMF decoder provides more reliable tone decoding than regular
sound card interfaces using Echolink's Internal DTMF decoder.

- COS Input for RX Control. Using the COS method greatly reduces drop-out and "falsing"
that is sometimes experienced when using VOX RX Control. (Requires COS signal from radio).

- Auxiliary Control Relay. This relay is turned on and off using the DTMF C and D
keys on your remote radio. Use it to trigger or control anything you like, from a weather radio
to the lights in your shack. Switch audio or power through the relay !

- Secondary Control Receiver input. Allows you to connect a receiver tuned to a different
frequency to the link in case of loss of access through the primary (main) receiver.

Available assembled, tested and installed in the custom chassis or as a full board level
kit, partial kit or assembled & tested board. To order, click "Pricing & Order Form"
on the sidebar.


Technical Features:
- 5 LED indicators display the status of Power, PTT, Aux Relay, Valid DTMF, and Active Data.
- Uses standard connectors for Power, Audio/Control and Serial I/O.
- Interrupt driven serial I/O with true RS-232 levels using a MAX232 IC for reliable communications.
- High-pass filter in the TX audio to mic input line to reduce hum and other noise.
- Trimpots for easier RX and TX audio level adjustments.
- Overdesigned power supply section using a TO-220 type 7805 regulator for cool, lightly loaded operation.
- Generous prototyping area for experimenters.


Specifications:
- Physical Dimensions: 3.5" (L) x 6.25" (W) x 1.5" (H) (Complete unit in enclosure)
- Power Jack: 2.1mm centre positive coaxial type
- Serial Jack: Standard DB-9 female for RS-232C
- Audio & Control Jacks: 1/8" mini-stereo
- Power Requirement: 12VDC @ <150mA
- Aux Relay Contacts: 1A switching, 2A carrying current @ 250 VAC (w/ NEC EA2-12 relay)


What is included:
- Complete unit includes assembled and tested pc board in custom enclosure.
- Kit includes pc board and all board mounted components.
- Partial Kits & Enclosure also available. E-mail your request.
- Assembly and Connection documentation and diagrams downloadable from this web site.
- Echolink Software available from http://www.echolink.org/el/
- (Cables and power supply not included.)