[aprssig] Echolink Expert needed

[Robert Bruninga]

Stephen...

Yes, it implements it for a locl TNC, but it also injects a copy
into the APRS-IS.  This is where we expected the majority of
applications.  Then it is a NO-HARDWARE solution. 

All that has to be done is the local IGATE to add the object
name of the local EchoLink nodes to his pass-to-RF list and
done... 

Or at least that is how I thought it should work.  If it is not
working tht way, the let me know and I will try to get it
fixed..  Your feedback below is PERFECT! Thanks for the help.

Bob, Wb4APR

> From the help system for the "RF Info" tab of the Echolink 
> "Sysop Settings..." dialog:
> 
> ===== PASTE QUOTE ======
> 
> "The RF Info tab is used to provide information about your 
> link which may be helpful to nearby stations trying to locate 
> it.  EchoLink includes an implementation of the Automatic 
> Voice Reporting System (AVRS), which uses the APRSR network 
> and protocols to disseminate real-time information about VoIP 
> links such as EchoLink nodes.  This feature was developed in 
> collaboration with Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.  The program also 
> provides a mechanism for collecting and displaying this 
> information on the Web, as an adjunct to APRS.
> 
> If you wish to disseminate basic information about your 
> simplex link, or the repeater to which your repeater link is 
> connected, you can enter it here.  By default, the 
> information is transmitted to a central database on the 
> Internet upon startup, and again each time a station connects 
> or disconnects from your link.  This information will be 
> displayable and searchable on the EchoLink Web site.
> 
> If a packet TNC is connected to your computer, and the APRS 
> option is enabled, the same information will be sent 
> periodically to local users using APRS.  Mobile stations 
> equipped with APRS often have alphanumeric displays which 
> will show the location and status of your node, if they in 
> range of your APRS transmission or a nearby digipeater.  
> Future APRS software may include the ability to allow a 
> mobile station to send a general query for local EchoLink
activity."
> 
> ===== END QUOTE ====
> 
> This interface shows signs of being a 
> one-time-and-then-forgotten addition to Echolink.   
> 
> 1)    The help article cites the old.old  .MIL  domain 
> adddress of Bob's site for more APRS info - has never been
updated.   
> 
> 2)     The configuration screen for the "RF Info" tab of the 
> "Sysop Settings..." dialog has the hardwired path choice of 
> RELAY or WIDE or RELAY,WIDE or DIRECT only from a pulldown 
> list box. Nothing else can be entered.   No acknowledgment of 
> the new n-N pathing whatsovever. 
> 
> 3)     The largest deficiency is that this scheme requires 
> the full use of a second serial port (the first one is used 
> for keying the Echolink radio and sensing it's squelch/COR) 
> on the PC, and a DEDICATED traditional command-mode TNC & 
> radio to implement.  
> 
> Several years ago, I wrote a lengthy message to the Echolink 
> author urging him to interface to the AGW Packet Engine 
> rather than the direct hardware command interface of a 
> classic TNC.   This would be a far better approach since it 
> would allow you to share a single TNC/radio with multiple 
> applications ( i.e. run UIview, APRSplus, WinAPRS, UI Traffic 
> Analysis, APRS Emergency, UI Instant Messenger, etc.) 
> simultanously with the Echolink status reporting   
> 
> I have never heard a thing back.    
> 
> Further, there has not been a new version or update to 
> Echolink for about 2 years now.  I wonder if the program is 
> even being developed any more.   
> 
> 
> WA8LMF -- EchoLink Node:      WA8LMF  or node # 14400    
> 
> [Easy to remember -- think bottom of the 2M band]
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Stephen H. Smith    wa8lmf (at) aol.com 
> Skype:        WA8LMF
> Home Page:          http://wa8lmf.net
> 
> JavAPRS Filter Port 14580 Guide 
>   http://wa8lmf.net/aprs/JAVaprsFilters.htm
> 
> "APRS 101"  Explanation of APRS Path Selection & Digipeating 
>   http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths 
> 
> Updated "Rev H" APRS            http://wa8lmf.net/aprs
> Symbols Set for UI-View, 
> UIpoint and APRSplus:
> 
> 
> 
>