Echo-Link and LINUX

Or not at all.

The Echo-Link® for Windows® Software Package was designed for Windows and for Windows only. There are software packages for LINUX to run Windows application on a LINUX installation. Although, this works with many Windows application, it may however be unstable with Echo-Link for Windows in particular with the sound driver. This LINUX application is called WINE and installs into many Linux distros. A better and more reliable solution is to install SVXLINK. This application was developed for LINUX the Fedora Project and is available as RPM. Slightly more effort is needed to install SVXLINK onto other Linux operating systems. SVXLINK was written by Tobias SM0SVX and he released the first official one several years ago.

SVXLINK can be run from a console installation (minimal system setup). However, most Linux distributions install the X Windows environment by default and it is after all more convenient to use the advantages of a Windows environment. There is sufficient information for the interested, to install SVXLINK on a Debian Linux Operating System.. If you wish you can join the e-mail listing that contains a lot of information on all kinds of problems encountered throughout the years. Many node operator do change over to SVXLINK to reduce the amount of maintenance of their systems.

By using SVXLINK the system reliability is increased and there is some added functionality to the system user. For example a Voice Mail Storage for system user can be setup that sends e-mail once a new message has been stored on the system. Once you get deeper into the SVXLINK software, you will find out that it also is a Software repeater controller.

SVXLINK taps into the Echolink system using the Echo-Link protocol. To the distant contact it works exactly the same as with the Windows application. In late April 2009 Tobias has released his second distribution package.

This package is available at SVXLINK for download. The SVXLINK server can be run as service or in a Shell.

Ubuntu 10.04!!!

Ubuntu 9.04 released!

On April 23 2009 Ubuntu released a new  LINUX distribution. This LINUX operating system is based on the Debian Core. The distribution is one of the easiest to install and is supported by many modern computer systems. In some LINUX distributions, there may be a problem with one or the other piece of hardware. Some manufacturer don't make the necessary information available to the LINUX community, needed to develop good driver. The result may be poorly performing hardware driver or nothing at all since the driver would be based on an educated guess. Ubuntu has been working hard to provide an Operating system that is reliable and easy to install on many hardware platforms.

Click at the image to get more information on how to obtain this free operating system.

SVXLINK and Ubuntu 9.04 will work with VIA EPIA-M Mini ITX SBC.

This VIA SBC is based on a 600MHz VIA C3 / EDEN processor. All necessary hardware is provided on board, such as Audio, Ethernet, Video etc. The maximum of memory that can be installed, is 1GB DDR266. The power consumption is between 10-25 W without Screen.

SVXLINK 090426 has been released.

This new release has primarily added features that allow the SVXLINK software to be use in the APRS network. There are several other improvement that can be found in more detail at http://svxlink.sourceforge.net/news.php

SVXLINK Server now have a new DTMF decoder and also a new tone detector. The SpanDSP library is no longer required. The RemoteTrx protocol have been improved with audio compression and authentication.

The Echolink module is now able to register itself on the Echolink "link status" page. APRS functionality have been added so that position and other useful info can be sent to the APRS network.

Qtel have three new translations: German, Spanish and Italian.

A number of bugs have been fixed.

As usual, be sure to check out the ChangeLog for more detailed information.

Ubuntu 9.04 has been tested with the VIA VB7001 Mini ITX and is working properly.

The latest Ubuntu release is somewhat tricky to get the Alsa running. Also, I experienced some problems to compile the SVXLINK software. I don't recommend 10.04 with SVXLINK.

Ubuntu 8.04 and SVXLINK has been tested on a VIA VB7001 Mini ITX SBC and found to be working.

The EI-160 has arrived. This Interface controller has improved audio processing and Audio Automatic Level control to compensate for variations in audio sources. In short the EI-160 will take care of a wide range of audio input levels automatically. Aside this new feature, all the features found in the EI-151 are implemented too.

Click at the image to the left to get a closer look at the PCBA. The EI-160 uses mixed technology with Surface Mount being the dominatin technology. There are only four trim potentiometer on the entire board. Two trim pots take care of the level the comes in and goes out. This should be a very easy task to accomplish if ever needed. The other two trim pots allow you to adjust the audio quality by cut or boost the trebble/bass.

EI-160 PCBA

The EI-160 is currently in the testing phase and soon will be released and offered for sale The projected cost is $129.95 in a Black anodized extruded enclosure. All connections are to the back of the unit to keep it clean looking. The front panel has colored indicator for POWER ON, PTT status, DTMF statusand CAS status.

Aside the new ALC there are many new Firmware improvements with this new Interface Controller.