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PHILCCOM*PHILCCOM* EchoLink Conference

The Philippine Civil Communications operates an EchoLink conference server, *PHILCCOM* (node 48655).

Background

EchoLink is a voice over IP system that allows amateur radio operators (only) to talk over the Internet. Users may be at a computer, or using a radio link or linked repeater.

Read more about it on the EchoLink page.

User Software

and they're all free!

Server Info

The *PHILCCOM* conference server runs on a laptop computer with a Genuine Intel Celeron Processor and 64.0 MB of RAM. It's a generic PC running the Windows 98SE operating system, and it has excellent high-speed cable internet connections. The conference is always up, except for occasional maintenance.

The conference server software is called theBridge, and it comes from the CQiNet family of free, open source programs for voice over IP.

To send a command to the server, you just type it into the message line in your EchoLink window. The very first character you type must be a period (.) -- that's how the server recognizes that it's a command. The following commands are available to users:

.help
The server responds with a list of available commands.
.about <callsign>
The server responds with the info provided by the specified station. This is the same info you'd see in the info window if you were directly connected to that station.
.list
The server responds with a list of recorded audio files you can play back using the .play command.
.play <item number>
The server plays back the recorded item you specified, including both audio and text messages. While the item is playing, you are effectively disconnected from the conference: you won't hear live audio or see live text messages, and other users won't see you on the station list. To stop playback, you can use the .stop command, or just disconnect from the server.
.lurk
Removes you from the visible list of stations, without disconnecting you from the conference. This is useful if you just want to listen and not be included in the conversation. You can still transmit if you want, and if you do you'll automatically be added back to the list of stations. You can also get back on the list by using the .delurk command.
.test
The server responds with an acknowledgement, and then records your next audio transmission and plays it back to you. Other users don't hear it. Use this to test your audio setup. Wait for the acknowledgement! If you don't get the acknowledgement, the server isn't in .test mode and your transmission will go out to the other users.
.stats, .uptime, and .version
The server responds with the corresponding technical data about the operation of the conference server.

Scheduled Nets

If you run a local PHILCCOM-related net, and you have the consent of the net manager and the repeater operator, and you want to expand your coverage to the rest of the world, you may link your net into the *PHILCCOM* conference server. Before you do, please send email to ve6afp@rac.ca with all the details, so your net can be listed here. (See also the list of PHILCCOM nets on the radio.)

If you're interested in establishing a new net exclusively for users of the *PHILCCOM* conference server, send email to ve6afp@rac.ca. Be aware that it's a long-term commitment, and can be a lot of work.

Announcer(s) Needed

Jose Talens, VE6JNT, has begun making the PHILCCOM News Service bulletins available for playback using the .play command. This is not so much for the regular PHILCCOM crowd as for the casual EchoLink user who might drop in to the conference server. If you have a pleasant speaking voice and a quiet room, and you'd like to help out as an announcer, send email to ve6afp@rac.ca.

Operating Guidelines

Usual operating practice on EchoLink is to operate just as if you were on amateur radio. If any link station (callsign-L) or repeater station (callsign-R) are connected to the conference, you are on the radio. Be aware that other users may be anywhere in the world. Please use common sense and courtesy.

Specifically, pretend you are on a busy repeater. That means:

Support PHILCCOM

If you enjoy the *PHILCCOM* conference server and you're not yet a member of PHILCCOM, please consider joining PHILCCOM or sending a donation to PHILCCOM Headquarters.


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