Setting Up a Sysop Node

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A sysop node, also called a link or an RF gateway, is an EchoLink node which provides access to either a simplex frequency or a repeater, so that others on the EchoLink network can connect to it and access that frequency remotely.

A licensed amateur can set up a sysop node to benefit local portable and mobile stations, so that they can have access to the EchoLink system through their radios, and also as a service to the EchoLink network, since any licensed user in the world can connect to this local frequency for a QSO.

Sysop nodes are the heart and soul of the EchoLink system (as well as other Amateur VoIP networks). This page is a how-to guide for setting up your own sysop node. Please also see the New Node FAQ page.

Basic Requirements

An EchoLink sysop node requires these ingredients:

A personal computer, running Windows, with an Internet connection
An installed copy of the EchoLink software for Windows
An FM (or digital) VHF or UHF transceiver
An interface to connect the PC to to the transceiver
Permission from the repeater trustee, for a repeater link node

PC

Nearly any PC running Windows 7 or above can be used for an EchoLink node; Windows 10 or 11 is recommended, since earlier versions are no longer supported by Microsoft for critical software updates.

For best results, dedicate the PC to EchoLink use, rather than sharing it with other applications.

The the PC must have a full-time, reliable Internet connection. It must be connected to an ISP which provides an actual Internet address; ISPs such as cellular or Starlink typically do not. For this type of ISP, you'll either need to upgrade the service, or subscribe to a virtual private network (VPN) service which supports port forwarding.

Interface

The interface connects the PC to the transceiver. There are several different kinds of interfaces, but they all establish two separate audio paths: One path carries signals from the local tranceiver to the audio input of the PC, and the other carries signals from the output of the PC to the local transceiver. These paths form a two-way connection between the EchoLink system and the local frequency, so that two-way QSOs can take place. The interface also allows the PC to control the transmitter (PTT), and for the PC to detect an incoming signal from the transceiver.

Some interfaces use the PC's existing sound "card" for the audio connection; others have a sound "card" built into them, completely separate from the PC's sound device. This second type of interface has become more common recently, and it has the advantage of freeing up the PC's sound device for other tasks.

Some rigs might not even require an interface. An example is the Kenwood TM-V71, which has an EchoLink interface built in; several other rigs can connect to a PC over USB, and have a sound "card" built into them.

Transceiver

Nearly any VHF/UHF FM Amateur transceiver can be used for a sysop node. The most common set-up is to have an FM transceiver tuned to a simplex frequency, or tuned to the frequency pair of a local repeater. A few tips:

Dedicate the rig to the EchoLink node.
Buy (or build) the correct cable to connect the rig to the interface.
Switch to low power to prevent the rig from overheating during long transmissions.
Consider using tone squelch (DCS) to prevent the receiver from "opening up" on unwanted signals.
If you're tuning to the frequency pair of a local repeater, get the repeater owner/trustee's permission first.
If you're setting up a simplex node, choose an obscure, quiet simplex channel — not one of the standard calling frequencies such as 146.52.
You won't be able to use the rig's microphone to speak over the EchoLink system; if you want to jump into a QSO, use another rig such as an HT.

Set-Up Steps

Plan your system; choose the equipment, including the antenna.
Set up the transceiver and connect it to the PC using the interface.
Download and install the EchoLink software on the PC. During set-up, choose Sysop mode, and use your callsign with a -L suffix (for simplex) or a -R suffix (for a repeater link).
Go to echolink.org/validation to validate this new callsign. Note that this validation is separate from your "single user" callsign (no suffix) — it might even have a different password.
Test the node. Use Ctrl+F10 to ensure the PC is able to key and unkey the transmitter; be sure the SIG indicator appears only when there is a signal being received.
Do an end-to-end test, using another rig such as an HT, by connecting your node to the *ECHOTEST* conference server. Adjust audio levels as needed.
(Optional): On the RF Info tab in the software, enter the details of your node, such as lat/lon, frequency, and power.

Troubleshooting

There are a few different "moving parts" in a typical sysop node. If you're having trouble, think about smaller pieces and test them separately.

Each sysop node has two audio paths — one in each direction, and a transceiver which extends these two audio paths. Let's call these two paths Path "A" and Path "B".

Path "A": Internet to local node (and RF transmit)

Description: When a distant node is connected and begins speaking, its audio is transmitted by RF over the local link to local stations.

Sound card direction: Output
Typical sound device names: Speakers, Headphones, Line Out, USB Audio
Audio level adjustment: "Volume", or "Master Volume"; not muted
Link audio connection: Sound device output to mic (or DATA) jack of transceiver
Link control connection: PTT
Activity annunciators: RX and PTT; use Ctrl+F10 to test PTT

Path "B": Local node (and RF receive) to Internet

Description: When a distant node is connected and a local station speaks, its audio is picked up from RF and sent over the internet to the distant node.

Sound card direction: Input
Typical sound device names: Microphone, Line-In, USB Audio
Audio level adjustment: Microphone (or Recording) level
Link audio connection: Transceiver line-out, or speaker-out, to microphone input (or line-in) of sound device
Link control connection (optional): COS (a.k.a. COR, or Busy)
EchoLink for Windows activity annunciators: SIG and TX

Solving Problems from Internet to Local Node (Path A)

Typical problem: Portable and mobile users in range of your node can't hear EchoLink stations who connect.

Things to check:

Be sure the PTT is working. Press Ctrl+F10; the rig should go into transmit; press again to stop. If this isn't working, verify that the settungs under Tools->Sysop Settings, on the TX Ctrl tab, are correct.

If the transmitter keys, but there's no audio, be sure the Windows Volume control is turned up at least half way, and not muted. Be sure the correct Output sound device is selected under Tools->Setup, on the Audio tab.

Solving Problems from Local Node to Internet (Path B)

Typical problem: EchoLink users who connect to your node can't hear mobile or portable stations in range of your node.