VoIP application ‘EchoShack” for Radio Amateurs
Hi, I am Tony VK3ZTR author of ‘EchoShack & ElseeMore’ a Windows programs that connects to ‘Echolink’ the very popular VOIP application used by more than 200,000 Amateur Radio Operators worldwide for general communications and emergency disaster communications assistance.
The ‘ElseeMore’ version is designed for 800×600 screen and is available from http://tonywakefield.com.au this will not be updated anymore.
‘EchoShack’ is best using 1024×768 or larger screen is available from the File Repository menu link on left.
Why did I write this program? After 40 years in computers, electronics and ham radio, now retired it is my chance to give a little bit of my time to help others. I was visiting a elderly radio ham who I had been talking too but never met. I quickly discovered that he was losing his vision and was finding it difficult to use his computer and ‘Echolink’. At 80 it is not easy to learn new things especially the keyboard short cuts! ElseeMore and now EchoShack was created. Using Text To Speech software to assist. Jim was able to get nearly 3 more years of use before he passed on to the ham radio shack in the sky.
NOTE: This program can be used even if you have 100% vision! It comes in very handy in a conference with lots of text messages, you can sit back from the computer screen and listen to the text being spoken. Just zoom up the font so you can still read at a distance. If you leave the shack, just toggle the away message to active. If someone connects then the away message is automatically sent. Any message returned will stay until you return. When you get back call them back.
EchoShack connected to a conference in Receive Mode, with Echolink & Alarm List.
EchoShack connected to a conference in Transmit Mode. Notice the Green 3 Minute timer bar at bottom of red area.
The author of ‘Echolink’ had provided a method of controlling this program (Automation Server) from another program. Microsoft has provided Text To Speech Software support with Windows. So with many lines of code and late nights ‘ElseeMore’ has progressed. Thanks to feedback from users various features have been added. A German version was produced with the translation provided by Manfred OE7AAI.
A released version of ‘EchoShack’ with 40 call sign buttons and 2 clocks UTC and Local, is now available from the File Repository.
I am now working on third version that will use more visual effects for those with reduced vision. This is a complete rewrite in another programming language (C# and WPF using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 and Microsoft Expression Studio). This will take some time as its a new learning curve.
In the future I hope to be able to write some code for the general public use with vision or disability needs. Small donations and suggestions of needs are always welcome, thanks.
73’s Tony VK3ZTR (I do not know how I found time to go to work now I am retired!)
Please email me with your suggestions via webmaster [ @ this website URL ]. You can also follow me on http://twitter.com/echoshack
Price: This Software is being distributed as Donate Ware [$US10-20 US suggested]. Try it first then donate. It may be freely used, donations would be most welcome at anytime. This software package must not be sold or Placed on any other place of distribution without the Author Tony Wakefield’s consent.
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