EchoStation - Easiest way to build repeater!

[conve36]

Not sure if it has already been mentioned here before, but I was just introduced to the "EchoStation" software. Let me tell you how it is the best software I have ever come across! I always thought it was really hard and expensive to build my own GMRS repeater. But with this software, you can build your own repeater using a scanner, a computer and a GMRS radio. That is it!

Program has optional ways of connecting equipment together, but I went with the VOX (voice activated) for both the reciever and the transmitter.

Basically, you simply have an audio cable going from the headphone jack of a scanner (or another radio) that is listening on the repeater INPUT frequency (467.xxx) and that plugs into the mic-in or line-input of your computers sound card. Then you have an audio cable going from the speaker or line-out from the computer sound card to the transiever. That's it! Not only does it work just like other high-end expensive repeaters (from a users view), it even can work as a simplex repeater if wanted.

Of course you need to adjust audio settings on your computer and and a few other things too. I also wouldnt rely on this type of repeater setup as much as I would a high-end Motorola, but hey... It's extremely easy and cheap this way.

Check out the link here---> K1RFD EchoStation - Repeater-Control Software for Amateur Radio You can download and try the software for free for a limited amount of days then you have to register it. Registration is only $19.95.

Have FUN!

 

[n2nov]

What happened to the diplexer to keep the transmitted signal from getting into the receiver and knocking down the receive sensitivity? Repeaters are more than just the audio of a receiver being fed into a transmitter microphone connection. There are other issues, but this is all that I am touching on today and will leave it to other experienced repeater builders to comment.

 

[Citywide173]

I'm not sure of how the OP is setting it up, but if there is enough separation between the receiver antenna and the TX antenna, as well as between the receiver and transmitter, this wouldn't be an issue. I do, however think that using a scanner for RX isn't a good idea, based on sensitivity and rejection capabilities compared to a second transceiver.

Now for the part where everyone is going to jump on the OP (and probably me too).....echolink is a form of wireline control, which some believe is prohibited in the GMRS arena. This isn't true, and an intense study of the references to the PSTN and wireline control that are made in Part 95 (repealed sections too) only states that the equipment used for this purpose has to be Part 68 compliant, so as to not potentially create a condition where someone working on the PSTN would be at risk of injury from the equipment. I assume this is one of the other issues that you reference.

 

[roadranger]

If I didn't know better...

I would think that this wire-line rule sounds familiar from Part 95 CB Rules, which would require constant presence for monitoing. Anyway, I like the simplex repeater idea. (((}:>{)>b===lUl=---)

 

[SkipSanders]

Remote Wireline control is legal.

Remote Wireline audio is not.

You can maintain positive transmitter control by wireline (force repeater transmitter on/off), but you cannot have the unit transmit audio from a remote wireline connection.

 

[Thunderknight]

Now for the part where everyone is going to jump on the OP (and probably me too).....echolink is a form of wireline control, which some believe is prohibited in the GMRS arena.

This software is EchoSTATION, not EchoLINK. In fact, the EchoStation FAQ specifically says it does not work with EchoLink.

 

[travcam]

While working on a 6 meter repeater in 2006, I had great hopes for this software.

Let's just say it has bugs. If you don't build the "PC lock up kill circuit" you're going to have issues.

Sadly - this software hasn't seen an update since 2003. I would pay much more to register if it had more support and an update to fix a bug here and there. Lots of missed opportunities here.