I've been thinking about setting up an echolink simplex link. I've got a Motorola Radius SM50 (I think it works) and a spare old desktop. If I get it all set up, I was thinking about putting it on 446.0. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of 70cm activity around here, just on the repeaters. Any ideas?
Echolink link on calling freq?
- Thread starter CLynch7
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nd5y
Member
It is not a good idea to run links on calling frequencies like 446.0 or 146.52.
You should find out if your state or regional frequency coordinator has band plans for where they recommend running VoIP links.
You should find out if your state or regional frequency coordinator has band plans for where they recommend running VoIP links.
DirtyLarry
Member
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I second that motion!
I know that when I travel I like to stay tuned to 146.52 when I'm out on rural highways. I like to make local simplex contacts that way. I haven't used 446.0 but I think I would be less-than-enthused to find out I wasn't making a local simplex contact, rather just a contact over Echolink. For me it would not be as useful or practical if I wanted to use it for local information.
fineshot1
Member
There are plenty of other simplex freqs on 440 other than the 446.000 national simplex calling freq.
Contact SERA (your areas coordinating org) and look up the band plan for 440 and you should be
able to find a few that are available.
Contact SERA (your areas coordinating org) and look up the band plan for 440 and you should be
able to find a few that are available.
Technically, it isn't against FCC regs., but it could prove to be inconvenient to others in your area who want to use 446.0.
Good points on 446.0. SERA said any simplex would be fine. It'll be a while before I'd have it up, so I'll have a chance to make sure other freqs aren't used for nets or Skywarn. May not happen at all, I'm not 100% on if the radio still works.
I debated putting mine on 146.52... Do a search for .52 in echolink and you will come up with surprising information... That situation was rectified when i was asked to put it on an EMA repeater pair, and given a tone board to facilitate the move.
I know somebody who was trying to get an SM50 as a link radio. For some reason the audio in connector on the accy plug on that radio was very low audio... Last I heard, he was looking for an amplified sound card for his computer... FYI
I know somebody who was trying to get an SM50 as a link radio. For some reason the audio in connector on the accy plug on that radio was very low audio... Last I heard, he was looking for an amplified sound card for his computer... FYI
I've looked, seem there are some that are on the calling freq. Mine won't be.
Thanks for the heads-up on the low audio. I've got a preamp somewhere, or at worst, a mixing board. Hmm, a board would allow for something to play the ID, hmm....
KD8DVR
Member
Not good putting a link up on a call freq. Heard a big stink about someone who did it on 146.52... pretty much all the die hard Echolink folks were wanting to find the guy and tell him to knock it off.
Don't clutter the call freqs... not polite to set up a ragchew system on a call freq.
Don't clutter the call freqs... not polite to set up a ragchew system on a call freq.
Busy
I have to agree with the above. It's annoying having to wait for a break just long enough for a quick call.
I have to agree with the above. It's annoying having to wait for a break just long enough for a quick call.
Well, either way, good luck with your project. IF you decide to do it, don't do it half asked. You wouldn't want someone else doing a project half asked so do the best you can and if you need to save up for a few months before you get it online, do that. I'm thinking about doing the same thing but it's going to take some time.
Thanks! I'm hoping to get it up and running sooner rather than later. I've been looking at using the computer power supply to run the radio. The power for the 2nd HD is 12v and I'm pretty sure 20a. I'm also looking at j-pole plans, probably build one from stainless and aluminum. Just seeing if it'll all work together is going to be half the fun. Good luck on yours too whenever you start.
KD8JUV
Member
Chris,
If you decide to use the PC's power supply here are a couple links that may help:
Switching Power Supplies: Resurrect that Old Junker PC Supply!
Power Supply : Technical Reference: Power Supply
Greg/KD8JUV
If you decide to use the PC's power supply here are a couple links that may help:
Switching Power Supplies: Resurrect that Old Junker PC Supply!
Power Supply : Technical Reference: Power Supply
Greg/KD8JUV
dwh367
Amateur Radio Operator
My idea would be to use the calling frequencies exactly the way they were meant to be used.....as calling frequencies. If you do a search, you will find a list of other 70cm simplex frequencies that you can use instead. I wish you the best of luck with your project but also please remember that we need to also be considerate of our fellow operators as well.
K7ZEM
Member
In the 2011 ARRL frequency handbook, it has the band Plan for each state at the begining of the State. I am in Washington State, so, I see we have freq's for Data, and then Shared. you could probably use the shared frequencies 440.000 443.000 that's for Washington. I have heard other people link up a simplex frequency, I could barely pick it up, they were speaking spanish and in Las Vegas. I couldn't figure out what it was for a while!
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