Thank you for purchasing the Echo-Link interface controller from Amateur Radio Accessories, we are sure you will enjoy it for the years to come.

The EI-150 / EI-151 was originally designed as a kit version, however is also sold as assembled and ready to use device. The kit version uses through-hole technology which will allow the active HAM to assemble the device with common tools and does not require any special tools to complete the job.

In general the unit can be assembled within a few hours.

Foreword:

Around the World Amateur Radio Operator use since the late 90’s a communication method that utilizes the Internet. In the beginning there were only a few participants within this Network. Today the Echo-Link network has expanded Worldwide to over 4000 active participants not to mention the sleeping nodes (approx. 450,000). Echo-Link is a Voice over Internet Protocol that is used exclusively for Licensed Amateur Radio Operator. The licensed HAM must request a Node Number from the Echo-Link Web site, by providing hers or his valid Call Sign that was issued by the governing body of the country the HAM is licensed in. Echo-link will verify the validity of the claim and issues a permanent Node number to the individual node operator. The operator is fully responsible for the operation of her / his node. As long as the node operates through a Computer only setup, it should not be too much of concern. By using the EI-151 Echo-link interface, the user will be linking into your node setup over the Air and unauthorized use of same may become a concern.

Use this link to find out more about the Echolink System and a general article about the VoIP activity and some legal aspects..

The two most common configurations found, is either on a simplex frequency as a simplex node or receiving / transmitting on a repeater channel pair to extend the aerial coverage. In either case, in the USA, a control operator must monitor activity on the channel as long as the node is enabled. Remote control is not allowed on frequencies below 220MHz. If a node operates on a 2m Simplex frequency the control operator must be present at the station as long as the node is active over the air. If the node is operated above the 2m band, the control operator must be able to control the node by other means, however does not have to be present at the station in order to function as control operator.

Amateur Radio Accessories only uses high quality components to manufacture their devices. The components are assembled on high quality PCBs that contain solder masks and top silkscreen printing for easy component placement identification. Amateur Radio Accessories wants to provide high quality reasonably priced amateur radio accessories for VoIP that is designed and assembled in the United States of America.

Thank you for your interest,

Norbert Seibert (KJ6ZD)

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Description

Part Number

1

Echo-link Interface assembled and tested.

EI-150 or EI-151

1

Mini DIN 4 pin plug for RS232 hookup

171-2604

1

Mini DIN 6 pin plug for transceiver hookup

171-2606

1

2.1mm circular power plug 10mm Shaft

1

Technical Specification and Instruction publication

EI-150_151.doc

1

Schematic drawing

EI-150 or EI-150_B

Qty

Description

ID Number

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Assembly instructions for the KIT version

This is a Step by Step assembly instruction and should take between 3 – 8 Hours for completion depending on Skill level.

Open the bag marked #1 and empty the contents  onto a clear work surface.

1. Insert and solder all resistors into their respective place, observing the correct values. The PCB is marked with a white silkscreen that has the component designators printed onto it. Refer to the Bill of Materials to locate the correct place for the components.
2. Next place and solder all capacitor onto the PCB as described in step 1 to locate the correct position. If the capacitor is an Electrolytic type make sure the polarity is correct.
3. Solder all remaining passive components i.e. Audio coupler, connector etc. to the correct place on the PCB
4. Open the ESD Safe bag and empty the contents onto your work surface. A word of caution. The EI-150 uses components that are Electro Static sensitive. We highly recommend using a ground strap when handling those components. If a ground strap is not available find some means of grounding. A computer case, other than a Laptop can provide sufficient grounding by touching the case frequently.
5. There is only one 18 Pin IC socket included with the kit. All other active components do not need to be placed using an IC socket. In some cases the use of sockets may cause weak spots were dust may deposit onto the contacts and thereby adding resistance that may lead to malfunction. However, if you feel that sockets are appropriate you may use them on all IC’s. The PIC is already programmed and no further programming is needed.
6. Although there is no sequence on how to place the components onto the PCB, we recommend to start with the Voltage regulator and its supporting components. This will enable you to do electrical checks during the assembly. Once in place use a DVM to make sure that the board is supplied with a +5VDC from the Voltage regulator. If the Regulator gets hot within a few seconds, quickly disconnect the power supply source and investigate the cause. In most cases solder splashes are the cause of this symptom.
7. Bend the LED’s to the front in such a way that will fit in the holes provided. (Enclosure version only)

Important: Audio will be distorted if Q2 is inserted as on original silkscreen and must be inserted 180° turned.

Compare Figure 2 and 3 the correct position of Q2 has an arrow pointing to it!

After the board is populated with all components perform another visual inspection looking for solder bridges or splashes.

If everything looks good go ahead and make the interface cables needed to connect the interface to the computer and the Radio transceiver. You will need to purchase, if you haven’t done so, the two audio cables that connect to the Computer Soundboard. We recommend using a Stereo type cable although a Mono Cable will work too.

RS232:

To make the RS232 cable, you’ll need a cable with at least 4 conductors and should be of shielded type.

Refer to the connector image below and wire it according to the table below:

System Operation:

Once everything is connected accordingly, you can start the Echo-Link Software on your PC. Connect the EI-150/EI-151 using the circular 2.1mm power plug and then connect it to your power source of 13.8VDC max. This sequence should be observed to avoid shorts during the connection.

1. The EI-150 will indicate operational status via the built in Power Indicator. The EI-151 will indicate its status in a similar fashion; however does an LED check before that and will take about 3 seconds. During this check all LED's will be on for short periods of time and you can visually verify that all LED’s are functioning correctly. The EI-151 will cycle all LED’s except the Power LED since it is on permanently. After the LED test has cycled the PTT LED will flash the number of times the timeout timer had been programmed. Once the unit is powered up the first time the PTT LED will flash two times to indicate that the time out is set to 3 minutes.
2. After power up cycle your Interface is ready for use. Echo-link Software defaults may have to be changed in certain areas to accommodate the added features of your interface. Echo-Link provides settings for DTMF recognition. By default Echo-Link does the decoding via software and it may be in some cases difficult to set the audio levels correctly for reliable decoding. Set it to external DTMF. All other settings should be left alone unless you are using some kind of external carrier detect.
3. The EI-150 and EI-151 has provisions to use an external carrier detect, which works more reliable that the VOX operated carrier. If you provide this signal externally you need to change the Carrier detect setting within the Echo-Link Software. Echolink provides a setting for inverted sense. Use this setting since the EI-15x series uses an inverted signal to flag a carrier.
4. By default the EI-151 has a time out timer that is set to about 3 minutes of continuous key-up time. Once this time limit is exceeded it will automatically drop the PTT to avoid overheating of your transmitter. In many cases the Echo-Link node transmitter is comprised of a regular mobile Transceiver. These Transceiver are designed to operate at a ratio of 1 Minute TX and 3 minutes RX. In a node setup the recommended timing can easily be exceeded. With the EI-151 you can leave the Echo-Link Software time out set to infinity and let your interface do the timeouts. This helps prevent disconnects and re-connects once Echo-Link reached it’s time limits. After the PTT has been dropped, it simply waits for Echo-Link to request another key-up. The connection, usually is still be active.
5. The Time Out limits can be changed via DTMF commands over the air. Simply press the “A” key followed by a number between 1 – 4. The selected time out limit will change immediately. The PTT LED will flash as many times as the selected time out slot. For example: if you pressed “A2” (3 minute time out) the PTT LED will flash 2 times.
6. The programmed timeout value is stored into EEPROM and is available even after a power glitch or normal power cycle.
7. The unit also has routines to Disable or Enable the PTT. This is done by sending the "A*" DTMF code to enable the Transmitter or "AD" to disable the transmitter. Make sure that the EchoLink software does not have this sequence programmed and responds to it since this could cause undesired results. A successful Disable or Enable command will be indicated by rapidly flashing the PTT LED.
8. A small Windows application is available for download to perform basic test functions in case the EI-151 got sick. This application allows you to send commands to the unit using the RS232 and include Key-Up, Key-Down, change Timeout values, Send and display DTMF codes and Enable or disable the unit. The advantage is that it does not have to be done on the air. All HAM radio accessories devices (except CTCSS) have model signatures that are read when using this application and configured accordingly. Another test application is available here that does perform a number of tests on your EI-151. This application will only work correctly with the EI-151. ;NOTE: The software is free to use, however is not supported by HAM Radio Accessories. Use it at your own risk!

Audio quality adjustments:

The EI-15x series possesses circuitry that enables the operator to make adjustments to the quality of the audio that is routed into the Internet. There are also adjustments for incoming audio levels and outgoing levels in conjunction with the Windows® audio control panel. There is a great variety of different audio circuitry found in today’s Radio Transceivers and the adjustment is merely a matter of trial and error. Under normal circumstance one would set all trim potentiometer to half of it’s travel and make fine adjustments until it is pleasing the listener. To do this you can connect to the Echo-Link Test Server and try to make it perfect.

We hope that you and your participants over the Air, will enjoy this new way of communication for the years to come.

Description

Value

More Info

Input Impedance

600 Ohm

Low Frequency Cut @ 300 Hz

Output Impedance

600 Ohm

Low Frequency Cut @ 300 Hz

Current

Approx. 30 mA

Max. Input Voltage

13.8 Volt DC positive

2.1mm Center positive

PCB Dimensions

l-120mm x w-25mm x h-20mm

Four mounting holes ea. side

Audio

Adjustable tone quality

Treble <10K Bass <1.5K

PTT

Isolated via Opto Coupler

CAS

Isolated via Opto Coupler

Line Volume

Adjustable via Trim Pot

10-100mV RMS

Microphone Level

Adjustable via Trim Pot

10-100mV RMS

Indicator

PWR,PTT,DTMF, COR

High output LED’s

Soundboard Connector

Standard 3.5mm Mono Plug

RS232

4 Pin Mini DIN (Shielded)

Three wire connect + CD

Transceiver

6 Pin Mini DIN (Shielded)

EI-151

Timeout Timer

2,3,4,5 Minutes selectable

EI-151

DTMF mute

Muted during DTMF

Analog and Digital

Separate Grounds

Isolated to each other