EchoLink Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting EchoLink can be a very frustrating game. Here are a few tips that apply to Windows XP, while being connected to a broadband connection, and using an interface to drive a radio.

Port/Firewall Problems
Go to EchoLink — Tools — Firewall/Router Test

If it says Pass, you are okay with ports. This is not the problem. Most of the time this is the problem. Remember — even after you have configured the port settings, the ports can come undone and they’ll have to be set again.

Timeout
This is usually a port problem. If you cannot connect to the EchoLink Test Server or any other operator, it is highly likely that you do not have the port settings right, or the firewall setting on your computer isn’t set right.

Get on EchoLink and then go to Tools. At the bottom of the Tools bar, you will see the Firewall/Router Test. This will tell if you have configured something wrong. Try this first before you do anything else.

Another great idea
Download the EchoLink Troubleshooter. Download this to your computer in the My Documents Folder, for example. Then run it after it is downloaded. This is a great tool.

If a port setting isn’t right you must go to the service page of your Internet Service Provider. If you’re not familiar with this, call your ISP and hopefully you’ll get an operator to walk you through the process.

Setup — Portforwarding — Portforwarding Configuration —
This port is supposed to be the magic one that works.
Enable Port: 57972
Protocol: UDP and TCP

You’ll need to enable these ports also.
Enable Ports: 5198 and 5199
Protocol: UDP on both ports. Enable TCP on both ports.

Firewall Settings
The firewall must be set on low regarding your Internet Service Provider settings. If your ports are working and you still have trouble, this could be the culprit.

Try this. Go to Control Panel. Then click on Windows Firewall. Then click on Exception. Make sure you do checkmark it where it says EchoLink; this will allow it to work.

Router Problems
Resolved soon…

Still Not Working
EchoLink — Tools — Link Setup Wizard
If you are using an interface in Sysop Mode, make sure Digital Mode Interface is checked (RIGblaster or similar), if this is the type of interface you are using. If this is not checked, EchoLink will not work.

Audio Trouble – Cannot Hear
EchoLink — Tools — Adjust Sound Device — Playback
Make sure nothing is muted (and the volume is turned up). If it is checked, uncheck it. Also, make sure the microphone is not muted. The microphone mysteriously mutes itself sometimes.

RealTek Settings
These settings will pertain to you if Realtek is your audio manager. First click on the Mixer tab. Under Realtek HD audio input, mute the stereo mix. In the 3D Audio Demo tab, select Manual – Vertical under Moving Path. Under the microphone settings, mute the Noise Supression and Acoustic Echo Cancellation.

Realtek Analog (Automatically detects line in and line out.)

Realtek Connector Settings Be sure to checkmark Mute Rear Panel Output.

Reminder: Go to Tools> Setup> Audio. Be sure to check or tick these 2 items: Check Auto Sample Rate Compensation, 300 Hz TX High-Pass Filter. This really does help.

Another reminder. Go to Tools> Link Setup Wizard. Go through this from time to time. Especially after you have not used EchoLink in a long time. This function seems to reactivate the system.

If you are using an interface, make sure the volume is turned up on your ham radio. Many times the volume is turned down and forgotten about.

Make sure the speakers are connected right. Make sure the interface connections are hooked up right. It is a common problem to cross the line in/line out wires into the jacks, on the back of the computer, concerning interface users.

Still No Audio
Make sure you have the right Sound Card. This is usually not a problem. Try the EchoLink Troubleshooter. A link is posted above to download this.

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