Echolink with a PC

[techiesteve]

Radio amateurs have many varied views of what is 'true amateur radio'. It might be cw only, hf only, using only home built kit, it's not true amateur radio unless your kit glows in the dark and runs on 1000 volts + and so on, but there is a strong consensus that voip systems aren't amateur radio, even though Echolink can involve RF communications. I've listened to Echolink QSO's via a local repeater, and it does serve a purpose. There are many participants of our hobby that may be living in sheltered accommodation or flats, or elderly people who no longer have their radio kit, and Echolink lets them keep in touch with like minded people. I do grimace when I sometimes hear 5 & 9 reports being given. I hear more activity on the local Echolink repeater than on local 2m repeater. I've seen a demo of CQ100, and unlike Echolink, there is no RF link involved. Like Echolink, you do have to upload your license even though legally there is no need to as you are not transmitting. All these systems have a use, but aren't amateur radio.

Amateur radio certainly isn't dying. There is a constant stream of newly licensed amateurs. When talking to newly licensed amateurs the most common radio they intend to buy is a 5W VHF/UHF handheld. Delusions re HF is that you need a huge garden and a £1000 + for a transceiver. My worry is that with the very low activity on our repeaters and often poor operating standards they will become disillusioned and give up the hobby without ever experiencing HF. I've generally heard more interesting and intelligent conversations on Echolink than some 2m repeaters.

My belief is the the number of pirates is over estimated. A lot of the operators who never give call signs are just bone idle, it's a shame Ofcom can't and don't take any action.