There are several different ways you can use the EchoLink software. You can set up a "simplex link" in your shack, with a VHF or UHF transceiver connected to your PC, to allow anyone in range of your station to communicate by voice with any other EchoLink station around the world. Or, you can use the PC's microphone and speakers and remotely connect to any of more than 2,000 different repeaters that have EchoLink capability and more than 170,000 registered users in 158 nations worldwide!

DTMF commands allow stations to be searched or connected by callsign, or the status of any station to be queried and allow you to dial up a node number in any part of the world and just listen in on a QSO. It is up to you to announce your presence and join in.

EchoLink is normally assigned a 6-digit node number. However, there are also some 4-digit numbers and 5-digit numbers that are currently unassigned.

1. Where repeaters are linked, your transmissions will be heard on the output of all the linked Repeaters, Gateway Links and PC Users so the golden rule is to listen listen listen.
   
   
2. Operation of a linked repeater is the same as a normal repeater, except that the coverage is much greater.
   
   
3. Please remember that using the DTMF tones to move your Link can be heard through the repeater and it can be annoying to others so keep them to a minimum also give your callsign and a brief explanation of what you are doing.
   
   
4. If you do move the LINK with the DTMF tones and connect to other Repeaters / Links don't forget to disconnect the repeater using the # key.
   
   
5. There is about a 3 second delay when working through the internet links so don't forget to leave a good gap between overs to enable others to break in.
   
   
6. Use simplex wherever possible freeing the repeater for necessary uses.
   
   
7. Monitor the repeater (listen) or determine if the repeater is in use, and if there are any peculiarities in its operation. After listening for a few seconds, identify, un key and listen to see if it was quiet for a reason, and to allow someone to let you know if there is a reason not to continue (low audio, low signal strength, etc). Then, if all OK, proceed.
   
   
8. Don’t break into a contact unless you have something to add. Interrupting is no more polite on the air than it is in person. Interruption without identification constitutes malicious (and illegal) interference.
   
   
9. Use the minimum power to key up the LINK. To make contact, simply indicate that you are on frequency. For example "G1ABC monitoring". Do not kerchunk.
   
   
10. Remember amateur radio transmissions are being monitored by many non-hams with scanners. Watch your language and your manners. Please don't bring disrepute on the Amateur Radio Service.
    
    
11. Links & Repeaters are intended to facilitate mobile and portable operation. During rush hours, base stations should relinquish the repeater to commuting mobiles. Some repeater owners have strict rules requiring this.
    
    
12. Keep transmissions short and thoughtful. Do not monopolize the repeater. Pause between transmissions to allow other amateurs to identify themselves if they wish to use the repeater. Pausing also allows the timer to reset, avoiding a "time-out"
    
    
13. Identify legally. In the UK that means at the beginning and end of a contact or every 15 minutes of operation.
    
    
14. Repeaters are installed and maintained at considerable expense. Regular users of a repeater should financially support repeater groups to keep the repeaters on air.