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VOIP Voice over
Internet Protocol
When the bands are really lousy.
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ECHOLINK |
eQSO |
In the past I have never really thought of a
computer to computer QSO via the internet as real Amateur
Radio.
Recently Sue, WA6SUE had me setup our home network for echolink
to be able to work thru our router used in our home office
network. I had heard about the two major amateur radio
players in VOIP but really knew nothing about them. After
getting Sue up and running and sitting in another room
listening to her have a chat with some fellow ham back East,
it spurred me to install Echolink on my shack computer and
give it a try. Was I surprised !
What both of these VOIP services require and understandably,
is verification of your amateur license. This is due to your
being to access computer gateways to repeater systems on the
VHF & UHF bands. You maybe required to fax a copy of your
license to verify that you are a licensed amateur. I found
that eQSO only requires you fill out a online form and after
your call and information is verified, you are furnished a
password and registration key via email.
One thing I noticed about the
conversations I have had on echolink, is that the fellows
treat this just as an on the air QSO. They use their calls
and follow on-the-air procedure.
I have struck up some good friendships on
ehcolink, and enjoy chatting with them peer-to-peer (
computer to computer) when we run into each other. Often I
find myself forgetting I am not listening to these guys on
the air.
For some good Ham type fun I recommend you give these two
systems a try. I think you will be as I was, very surprised.
For antenna restricted Hams, this is a way to go!
Complete information for each of these two services can be
found by clicking on them above. |
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