EchoLink AutoConnect: Ultimate Setup Guide Automating your connections ensures your amateur radio station or link stays permanently online without manual intervention. This guide explains how to establish automated node management using the popular SvxLink system, which features built-in EchoLink automation tools. Prerequisites Before You Begin
A validated Amateur Radio callsign verified via the official EchoLink Validation Page.
A running instance of SvxLink installed on your Linux controller device (such as a Raspberry Pi).
Network ports properly forwarded on your home network router (UDP ports 5198 and 5199, and TCP port 5200) to ensure incoming and outgoing data can bypass firewall blocks. Step-by-Step Configuration
To enable automatic reconnection, you must directly modify the parameters inside your core EchoLink configuration file. Step 1: Open the Module Configuration File
Locate and edit the configuration file using a command-line text editor like nano: sudo nano /etc/svxlink/svxlink.d/ModuleEchoLink.conf Use code with caution. Step 2: Configure the AutoConnect Variables
Scroll down to the bottom of the text file or locate the existing connectivity rules section. Add or uncomment the following direct instructions, replacing the example values with your target criteria:
AUTOCON_ECHOLINK_ID: The exact numerical EchoLink Node ID of the target repeater, conference server, or link you want your system to hold.
AUTOCON_TIME: The standby period (measured in seconds) your station waits before attempting a fresh reconnection loop after an unexpected dropout.
# — EchoLink AutoConnect Rules — AUTOCON_ECHOLINK_ID=999999 AUTOCON_TIME=300 Use code with caution.
(Note: In older SvxLink setups, these variables may be alternatively labeled as DEFAULT_CONNECT and DEFAULT_CONNECT_PERSIST). Step 3: Save and Reboot the Service
Save your document modifications and close out of the text editor. Restart your server daemon to instantly apply the updated operational logic: sudo systemctl restart svxlink Use code with caution. Key Operational Rules
Idling Logic: The system initiates an automated check only when your node is entirely free. If you are actively engaged in a voice QSO with another local or remote user, the persistent timer temporarily deactivates itself to avoid disrupting your stream.
Manual Overrides: You can safely break out of an automated link at any time by issuing a DTMF disconnect string (typically #) from your handheld radio transceiver. This hands control back over to you to browse other channels. Once you completely clear out your custom manual connections, the AutoConnect persistent countdown immediately re-engages. Troubleshooting Common Drops System loops, never completes a call Blocked network firewall path. Bind fixed IPs and double-check UDP ⁄5199 forwarding. Node drops quickly and won’t return AUTOCON_TIME window set too short.
Raise your retry threshold to 300 seconds to avoid flooding server requests. Audio works one way only Local sound device driver mismatch.
Match system capture settings inside your core operating system control panel. If you want to customize your setup further, let me know: Authentication – EchoLink
How it Works. The first step is to download, install, and run the EchoLink software. This registers your callsign with the system. Modes – EchoLink