Setting Up Autopatch

EchoStation supports autopatch on properly-equipped computers.  The following items are required:

  • Voice modem.
  • Telephone line.

Voice Modem

A voice modem is modem which is capable of exchanging sound, as well as data, over a telephone line.  Many recently-manufactured modems support voice.  If you plan to purchase a voice modem, look for modems which mention "voice mailbox" support in their product literature.

To be compatible with EchoStation, a voice modem must support the Windows Telephony API (TAPI).  TAPI-compatible drivers for the voice modem are usually provided by the manufacturer, and are installed automatically when the modem itself is installed.   Modems which claim to support Windows 98 or Windows 2000 in their product literature are very likely to be compatible with TAPI.

Many personal computers sold in recent years include an internal modem which supports voice.  Check your computer's hardware documentation for details.  Suitable PCI voice modems are now available for street prices under US$30.

EchoStation does not support voice modems on Windows NT 4.0.  If you are running Windows 95, you may need to download and install the latest Unimodem V drivers from Microsoft.

Telephone Line

Of course, a telephone line must be connected to the voice modem.   It is strongly recommended that this line not be shared with the control-link function.  If a special dialing sequence is required to place a call over this line, such as dialing "9" first, be sure to set up the default Location properties from the Windows control panel.

 

For more information about EchoStation's Autopatch capabilities, see Autopatch.

Simplex Autopatch Considerations

When running in Simplex Autopatch mode, EchoStation is used to make telephone calls over a simplex frequency.  However, due to the rapid transmit-receive switching that is required in this mode, certain limitations apply:

  • For best results, the transceiver (and the circuit used to connect it to the PC) should be able to switch rapidly between transmit and receive.  Ideally, the transceiver should be able to switch in less than 10 milliseconds.  This is usually not possible if mechanical relays are used. 
  • VOX on transmit cannot be used, and VOX on receive is not recommended.  For best results, the receiver's carrier-detect signal should be connected to the computer's COM port, using a simple interface circuit.  For more information, see Connecting a Transceiver.