Kenwood TM-D710GE - Manual (Page 54)

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07 EchoLink
EchoLink and the TM-D710 (Written by Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD)
The KENWOOD TM-D710 (and TM-V71) is the first commercially-available amateur radio transceiver with built-
in EchoLink system capabilities. There are two different features of the TM-D710 that make it useful for EchoLink
operation:
• The rig supports EchoLink “node memories”, for use when mobile. You can store the node number of your favorite EchoLink
nodes in the transceiver’s memory. When you are in range of a local EchoLink node, you can use a short‑cut command to
have the rig send the correct DTMF sequence to connect the local EchoLink node to a distant EchoLink node.
• The rig makes it easier to set up your own EchoLink node by including a built‑in PC interface. If you purchase the optional
PC cable kit, you can connect the transceiver directly to the sound card and serial port of your PC to have it operate as an
EchoLink node.
Sysop Mode
With the optional PG‑5H cable kit, the TM‑D710 can be connected directly to a PC to run the EchoLink software in
Sysop mode. In Sysop mode, EchoLink forms a gateway between the Internet and a local RF channel, such as a
simplex frequency or a nearby repeater. This allows other nodes on the EchoLink system to communicate with mobile or
portable users in your area. Other EchoLink users can connect to your node, or local mobile and portable users can use
the DTMF pad on their rigs to connect your EchoLink node to other nodes on the system. For details, refer to Setting Up
a Node Station (Link Station) with the TM‑D710A/E/GA/GE (TM‑V71A/E) (page 64) .
The TM‑D710 connects to the sound card and serial port of your PC. The sound card connection handles the
transmitted and received audio, and the serial‑port connection takes care of PTT control and carrier detect. This allows
the EchoLink software to key and un‑key the TM‑D710’s transmitter, and to detect the presence of a signal received by
the TM‑D710.
Making the Connections
The KENWOOD PG-5H is a package of two different cables. Following the instructions in the TM-D710 Instruction
Manual, connect the cables to the two jacks in the back of the transceiver and to the serial port and sound card jacks
of your computer. The pink plug goes to the microphone input of the sound card, and the green plug goes to the sound
card’s line out (or speaker out). The black 9‑pin connector goes to the computer’s serial port.
Many modern computers have USB ports, but no serial ports. If your computer has no serial port, you will need to use
either a serial‑to‑USB adapter cable, or a serial port option card. Either can be purchased from stores that sell computer
accessories.
Transceiver Setup
You will need to put the transceiver into EchoLink Sysop mode. To set up the transceiver, hold down [PF2] while
pressing the power button. Set up the link frequency on the "data band" (normally the left‑hand side of the transceiver)
and be sure it is enabled for "PTT" and "CTRL".
Audio Adjustment
Proper adjustment of the audio levels is important for a good‑quality link. You will need to adjust both the local transmit
audio (from the computer to the transceiver), and the local receive audio (from the transceiver to the computer).
First, connect EchoLink to the Audio Test Server, by choosing Connect to Test Server from the Station menu. Then,
choose Adjust Sound Device ‑> Recording from the Tools menu. Tune the TM‑D710 to a local signal, or generate an on‑
air signal yourself using another rig. Watch the audio level meter at the bottom center of the EchoLink screen, and adjust
the computer’s Microphone level until audio peaks just begin to go into the red area.