ECHOLINK IS DISABLED ON NODE 3221, FOR NOW.
What this means is, an end-user goes to the ECHOLINK REGISTRATION PAGE and completes the call sign and email section. The user will then be prompted to download echolink and install it. Once this process is complete, the user needs to go to the ECHOLINK VALIDATION PAGE where the user is asked to verify their call sign. The process doesn't take very long If you have any questions, the Echolink FAQ PAGE will answer any questions you might have about setting up the program. The program setup can be confusing to some who are not used to software configurations. You will have to have your PC speakers enabled, and the WAV audio slide bar in windows somewhere in the middle area and enable the MICROPHONE feature. Also, of course you will need a microphone which can be purchased at any Radio Shack, or online electronics store. You can talk with other ham operators with a $20.00 MIC (microphone). You do not need a $100.00 MIC to use echolink.
The KA1MZY simplex Echolink node is installed along with the IRLP node and runs at the same time. With that said, the IRLP and Echolink systems will not work together. Only one can be used at a time for many reasons. IRLP has a very strict policy about squelch tails, repeater identification and other requirements that echolink does not. IRLP also will not permit users to connect to the system via software. The Echolink system permits users to connect anywhere they have access to a computer with internet capabilities, and will even work with a dial-up connection. IRLP chose to prevent this feature with good reasons however Echolink permits an alternative to users who may not have access to an RF link into the VOIP system. Both systems offer extremely good sound quality however IRLP usually offers better quality. In many cases a user listening to an RF IRLP node who is unaware of the VOIP connection has no idea the two ham operators are located 1000's of miles apart.
Echolink also uses "conferences" which is a simple term for multiple connections to a echolink server where everyone can hear one another. IRLP uses the term " reflector " instead. The two systems operate on a very similar idea however the IRLP reflector will not let two stations transmit at the same time, and thus prevents "double keying". Also Echolink will interrupt local QSO's with connect announcements and repeater identifications. IRLP will not do this and buffers the information to play after the local carrier has released the PTT button and the repeater system ceases sending a signal.