CCRA and EchoLink
EchoLink is a computer application and service that provides the amateur radio service a free way of linking, using radio, computers and the Internet. EchoLink can be used by individual amateur operators as well as amateur radio groups to link repeaters world-wide. To find out more about EchoLink, please use the following link:
The CCRA Kregor Peak, Bald Peak and Highland Peak are interconnected using a digital microwave radio system. This interconnected system predates the Internet and EchoLink and provides an extremely reliable linking system for Contra Costa County.
The CCRA now uses EchoLink to connect the three CCRA repeaters to any other repeater using the EchoLink system. While the Internet is used, the CCRA still depends on radio frequency links for the last mile of repeater linking.
Here is an example of how N6QDY/R on Bald Mountain in Yolo County is linked to the CCRA repeater system.
The WA6HAM-R EchoLink node in Woodland California transmits and receives audio via a radio frequency link with the WA6HAM/R repeater in Contra Costa County.
The WA6HAM-R node is also connected to a computer running the EchoLink software which is connected via the Internet to the EchoLink servers. The EchoLink servers are where all interconnects occur between other repeaters and links using EchoLink. At the other end of the EchoLink server is AA6DF-L node which is also located in Woodland, California.
The AA6DF-L node retransmits the audio from WA6HAM-R to N6QDY/R located on Bald Mountain in Yolo County.
Keep in mind that the -R and -L are EchoLink repeater and Link nodes that connect to /R mountain top repeaters.
Below is the diagram of the above description.
The above process for linking is repeated for CARUN repeater located in Milpitas and could be used to link to multiple other repeaters world-wide.
If you have any other questions about how the CCRA is linked or could be linked please feel free to contact the "ccra_sysop@att.net".
