EchoLink node # 256063 up and running as W1WH-L on 147.42 MHz simplex.

EchoLink is software which allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using streaming-audio technology. The program allows worldwide connections to be made between stations, or from computer to station, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio's communications capabilities. There are more than 200,000 validated users worldwide — in 162 of the world's 193 nations — with about 5,000 online at any given time.

Since I already had my computer linked to various radios for operating digital modes (primarily slow scan television), I decided that I wanted to give Echolink a try.

Well, after a week or so of audio testing, software deciphering, knob tweaking and whatnot, I now have my Echolink RF link up and running satisfactorily. Audio sounds good, transmission delays and internet cutouts are acceptable. It's absolutely amazing to literally work the world with a portable hand held radio...with FM quality to boot! I'm also pleasantly surprised that I seem to have a pretty acceptable 15-20 mile workable radius for my simplex RF link.

Feel free to hunt me down on EchoLink node # 256063...on the RF side, W1WH-L can be accessed on 147.42 MHz simplex in the vicinity of Milford, Massachusetts.

I don't buy the old argument that internet linking isn't "real" ham radio...Even Nikola Tesla would say we live in interesting times.