|
Home
Take a Tour
Download
Validation
Interfaces
Support and FAQs
Help Files
Call CQ!
News and Tips
Vanity Node Numbers
Conference Servers
Routers and Firewalls
Current Logins
Link Status
|
|
Each installation of EchoLink can operate as a
conference host in Sysop mode, with up to 99 other stations connected in roundtable fashion,
if your Internet connection has sufficient bandwidth to support it. In
this configuration, the software runs under your own callsign, and there is no
need to run extra software on a separate computer under a separate IP
address. To enable this feature, go to the Connections tab of the
Preferences screen. See Conferencing for
details.
Some EchoLink users have also set up dedicated conference servers, which are
designed specifically to support large, continuous conferences, often dedicated
to a particular theme or interest. These conference servers are listed
separately in the Station List, and have names beginning and ending with an
asterisk (such as *CONF*). These dedicated conference servers use a different software
package called theBridge, developed and maintained separately from EchoLink.
If you wish to establish
such a server, please follow the guidelines below.
- Conferences are intended for general Amateur Radio discussions.
A conference may not be used to promote or advertise a commercial
product or service, or to promote a specific political or religious affiliation as its primary purpose.
- A conference must allow EchoLink nodes only. No cross-linking
to other VoIP systems is allowed.
(A limited number of conferences have been given permission to cross-link to IRLP reflectors.)
- The description field in the conference server configuration is
intended to convey a brief description or status of the conference,
and not a special message unrelated to its purpose.
- The name (callsign) of a conference is subject to approval, and it cannot be changed once it
has been approved. If you wish to change the name after approval, you must establish
and apply for a new conference.
- If a new trustee will be taking over administration of the
conference after it has been approved, the original trustee must give
his or her permission for the change. This can be done via the Conference Server Status page.
- The trustee must be a validated EchoLink user and must keep
up-to-date contact information on file with EchoLink. If we are
unable to contact the trustee after several attempts, the conference
will be removed from the system.
- Only a recent version of theBridge software may be used to host
a conference. The current version is 1.09, and can be downloaded from
GitHub. Please understand that we cannot provide technical
support for theBridge; fortunately, there are various resources on the Internet to get help
with technical questions.
- The conference server should be hosted in a location that has a fast,
full-time Internet connection and a reliable source of
power. EchoLink does not offer hosting services for conference servers. Conference servers are expected to be online continuously. The
trustee must have either physical access to the conference server or
remote login access. As with any EchoLink node, a conference server must be reachable through its own unique external IP address,
which cannot be shared with another EchoLink node.
- To demonstrate your long-term commitment to hosting
a bona fide conference, there will be a US$40 per year administrative
fee for each conference listed in the EchoLink system. A portion of the proceeds
supports the ARRL's Education and Technology Program.
This initial (and annual) payment must be made using a credit card or PayPal, using an online form provided on the EchoLink Web site.
If you wish to run a dedicated conference using theBridge, please apply for
conference server validation at www.echolink.org/conf.jsp.
Documentation on theBridge:
Installation and Operation
Sample Configuration File |
