*** New Version of EchoShack Now Available 28th May 2009 ***

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 disasters, to assist with relief communications.

Progress in the replacement and enhancement of 'ElseeMore' renaming it to 'EchoShack' is now complete.

The 'ElseeMore' version is designed for 800x600 screen and is available from http://tonywakefield.com.au

'EchoShack' is best using 1024x768 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' was born 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 be sent if someone connects and they can send you a text message. 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 and works OK on 'Vista'. Also look at the FAQ's on my other site on how to get 'Echolink' working with 'Elseemore / EchoShack' on Vista. Note the Vista issues seem to have gone away with Microsoft Updates. I have also tested EchoShack with the new Windows 7 RC1 and all works well, that includes Echolink as well!

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 2008 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.

A big thanks goes to Microsoft Australia for the donation of 'Visual Studio 2008 Team Edition' . This will allow me to progress with the enhanced visual interface using .NET

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

Please let me know if you use this program. If you would like to see any improvments then please send suggestions or try and Chat via 'Echolink' or 'Skype' or Join me on Twitter.