KR3ORY EchoLink Repeater Node 225813

Welcome to the N8PSU-R EchoLink^® Node (133520)

This is an on-air repeater link that works through the

Blue Knob Repeater Association’s KB3KWD Blue Knob VHF repeater.

Operating Frequency: 147.150MHz (+) Standard Offset, PL® 167.9Hz.

KB3KWD Blue Knob is a high profile open repeater that provides excellent coverage for Blair, Bedford, Cambria, and Somerset counties Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.

GoogleEarth© users can add the following Network Link for a good look down on the repeater location:

http://db.aprsworld.net/datamart/googleEarth.php?call=147.15+PA

When the link is connected¹ to another EchoLink^® node(s) you may hear on-going QSO-s from around the country and/or the world. You may hear strange sounding call signs coming in from time to time calling CQ or nets from other parts of the country.

As a ham operator (see the "Mobile Stations" in the Linking Example at right) please feel free to join in the fun just as you would with local operators on Blue Knob. Establishing a link to a distant EchoLink^® node is almost as easy. EchoLink^® RF links accept commands from hams using DTMF tones much like using an auto-patch. The following table lists some of the basic EchoLink DTMF commands which are commonly used on most RF links, HOWEVER...

The KB3KWD machine's controller automatically mutes DTMF tones on the output. Since this is an on-air link you will need to temporarily disable this muting when you're sending tones by sending a D tone before any and all sequences of listed DTMF tones.

Command	Description	DTMF
Connect	Connects to a station on EchoLink^®, based on its node number².	num²
Connect by Call	Connects to a station on EchoLink^®, based on its call sign. (use node number it's so much easier)	C+call+#
Random Node	Selects any available node (of any type) at random, and tries to connect to it.	00
Random Link	Selects any available link or repeater (-L or -R) at random, and tries to connect to it.	01
Random Conf	Selects any conference server³ at random, and tries to connect to it.	02
Random User	Selects an available favorite link or repeater (-L or -R) at random, and tries to connect to it.	011
Disconnect	Disconnects the latest station connected (or use EchoTime command 73*)	#
Reconnect	Re-connects to the last station that was disconnected.	09
¹Connect Status	¹Announces the call sign of each station currently connected.	08
¹Link Status	¹Announces the link's present status (or use EchoTime command 6A)	*

Remember on KB3KWD Blue Knob start all of your EchoLink DTMF command sequences with a D tone, otherwise they won't work.

Starting a QSO.

²For local hams using RF (yeah this is Amateur Radio! ) We've created some "Station Shortcuts" which may be easier to use than trying to remember and key in long node numbers. Click on Station Shortcuts for a list of the latest available on this link. You may want to print and keep a copy of this list with your radio for quick and easy reference. If you don't want to bother with a list just remember the "0 1 1" command, which will randomly connect you with one of our favorite stations in the USA.

Here are our suggested EchoLink^® operating procedures:

Identify yourself and intentions before sending DTMF codes to connect.
Wait for the announcement confirming the node is indeed “connected” then listen to check that the linked nodes are clear before calling CQ, etc.
While connected and after pressing PTT, pause about two seconds before speaking. This will allow for VoIP latency and multiple links and repeaters to key up. Otherwise the first syllables of your over may get clipped.
If you connect, please make a call or call CQ! Its not considered polite if you connect, lurk for a few seconds, and then disconnect without trying to make a QSO.
Long or repetitious CQ-s are not needed or appreciated, you're on FM. Usually a simple "CQ CQ..YOURCALL listening from …. Pennsylvania USA" will do. Speak in a normal relaxed volume to avoid overdriving the audio and over deviating the RF.
Rag chews are okay, but keep individual TX-s short and remember to wait 3-5 seconds between transmissions to allow other stations to break or disconnect and all connected repeaters to reset.
You’re not required to ID yourself before disconnecting a node (especially during a busy roundtable QSO) but its nice, otherwise just disconnect immediately after the next courtesy beep.
ID yourself after confirmation of link disconnection to sign off legally.

The transmit timeout for this link is approximately 175 seconds (that's if everyone is leaving 3-5 second breaks!) so if someone coming through from EchoLink^® talks more than 175 seconds the link will timeout and disconnect. If you notice the other parties getting a little long winded on their overs you may want to gently remind them of the time restrictions since they're so easy to forget. Timeout disconnects aren't fun and are especially problematic when there are multiple connections on the nodes. If it's just one node connected you can use the 09 command to reconnect, otherwise it's a mess. Most nodes have similar disconnect timeouts so most VoIP users already know this, so again, shorter individual TX-s and 3-5 seconds between transmissions are strongly recommended.

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