Using AutopatchEchoStation supports Autopatch features on computers equipped with an internal or external voice modem. Autopatch is available in the Repeater, Simplex Repeater, and Simplex Autopatch modes. Voice ModemA voice modem is modem which is capable of exchanging sound, as well as data, over a telephone line. Many recently-manufactured modems support voice. If you expect to purchase a voice modem, look for modems which mention "voice mailbox" support in their product literature. To be compatible with EchoStation, a voice modem must support the Windows Telephony API (TAPI). TAPI-compatible drivers for the voice modem are usually provided by the manufacturer, and are installed automatically when the modem itself is installed. Modems which claim to support Windows 98 or Windows 2000 in their product literature are very likely to be compatible with TAPI. EchoStation does not support voice modems on Windows NT 4.0. If you are running Windows 95, you may need to download and install the latest Unimodem V drivers from Microsoft. Forward and Reverse AutopatchEchoStation supports both "forward autopatch" and "reverse autopatch". Forward autopatch allows an amateur station, usually a portable or mobile station, to place a telephone call remotely through EchoStation. The amateur sends a sequence of DTMF (TouchTone) digits to open the autopatch, and then sends the telephone number to be called. Through the voice modem, EchoStation connects to the telephone line, dials the number, then sets up an audio connection between the phone line and the radio equipment, so that the two parties can hear each other. (Since the amateur cannot receive and transmit simultaneously, the conversation is "half duplex"). Once the conversation is finished, the amateur sends another DTMF sequence to close the autopatch and hang up the phone line. Reverse autopatch is similar, except that the third party, not the amateur, initiates the call. The third party calls the number of the phone line connected to the voice modem. As the line rings, EchoStation keys the transmitter and plays a special tone signal over the air. Any amateur station (or a control station) may then send a DTMF sequence to open the autopatch and answer the call. Using special DTMF signals over the air, or commands on the Web control-link, control operators can selectively enable or disable forward or reverse autopatch. EchoStation also allows outgoing long-distance calls to be blocked. Opening the PatchTo begin a forward-autopatch call, a station sends the DTMF PatchOpen command over the air. (The default PatchOpen command is *). If forward autopatch is enabled, the patch is opened and the PatchOpen signal is played over the air. This informs the station that EchoStation is ready to accept a telephone number. The station then sends the digits of the telephone number and drops the carrier. EchoStation responds by connecting to the phone line, dialing the digits, and switching to the PatchActive state. While the patch is active, the station and the third party can hear each other and carry on a conversation. For more information about DTMF signals, see General Setup. Answering Reverse PatchWhen a caller dials the phone number of EchoStation's telephone line, and Reverse Patch is enabled, EchoStation keys the transmitter and begins playing the PatchRing signal over the air. Any station which knows the correct PatchAnswer DTMF command may send it over the air. This opens the patch and the conversation can begin. Closing the PatchTo end an autopatch call (either forward or reverse), a station sends the DTMF PatchClose command over the air. (The default PatchClose command is #). This hangs up the phone line and closes the patch. Call LoggingEchoStation offers three options for logging of autopatch calls:
Special Notes
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