A: Yes.  For more information see the ARRL Repeaters, Auxiliary Stations, and "Remote Base" FAQ.

Q: What is the session timer?

A: Because the W0EQO remote base is shared among a number of users, a session timer is included in the Web XCVR software to limit the amount of time that one person can stay on the system. When you log on as a control operator, a text display in the lower right portion of the screen shows your remaining session time. While the timer is counting down, nobody else can take control of the system away from you. Even after the timer has counted down to zero, you may continue to operate, but if another control operator logs on you will get "bumped". 

Q: Is there an inactivity timeout?

A: Yes, if no commands are received for a certain length of time, the Web XCVR software will log you off the system. A warning message will appear before you are disconnected. At present, the inactivity timer is set for 20 minutes. This timer does not affect the amount of time you may listen to the receiver via EchoLink.

Q: Is there a limit on the time for individual transmissions?

A: Yes. As with a repeater, there is a transmit timeout to protect the system in case of a malfunction in the control hardware or software. Most repeaters limit you to less than three minutes but the transmit timeout in the TS-480 is presently set to 5 minutes. And as with a repeater, the timer resets whenever the transmitter is unkeyed.

Q: What bands and modes are available?

A: Because of antenna limitations, transmit is inhibited on 160, 60 and 6 meters. Transmitting is possible on all other HF bands, within the privileges of your license class and using modes allowed by the FCC for each sub-band. You may listen to the TS-480 on any band and mode that the radio supports, except that the Web XCVR software inhibits the use of FM mode below 29.5 MHz.

Q: Will the Web XCVR software automatically keep me from transmitting outside my license privileges?

A: As a control operator, you are responsible for knowing and complying with the FCC regulations for your license class, just as if you were operating your own station at home. There are some safeguards built into the W4MQ control software that inhibit transmissions according to the FCC band plans, the user's FCC license class, and the operating mode. However, don't depend on the software to keep you out of trouble! For example, the software does not prevent you from operating too close to the band edges. Remember that you may not operate closer than about 3 kHz above the lower edge of the phone band in LSB mode, and 3 kHz below the upper edge of the band in USB mode. In the case of DX operators, operation is permitted only within the bands allowed by your own license clase in your own country, but not to exceed the privileges of a US Extra Class operator. 

Q: What happens if I am listening to and controlling the receiver via EchoLink when another station connects on EchoLink or logs on as a control operator via the Web XCVR software?

A: The system is currently set up to allow more than one person to connect to W0EQO-L at a time. As long as no control operator is logged on via the Web XCVR software, any EchoLink connected station can change the frequency and mode via the text chat window. However, if a control operator logs on, the EchoLink text chat controls are disabled.

Q: Why can't I hear any signals on 15, 12 or 10 meters?

A: We are in a prolonged period of very low sunspot activity, and during this time, the upper HF bands are not usable most of the time. Even if the band is open, there may be no stations on because everybody assumes that the band is "dead". To make matters worse, the W0EQO remote base is in northern Minnesota, where the maximum usable frequency is much lower than it is closer to the equator. On the plus side, there is still a lot of fun to be had on 80, 40, 20 and 17 meters!

Q: I would like to listen to the W0EQO-L audio via my local repeater, but access is denied. Why?

A: The US FCC rules prohibit repeaters from receiving or transmitting signals below 29.5 MHz, so W0EQO-L is set up to refuse connections from links, conferences or repeaters. If you are listening to W0EQO-L and someone else connects to you on EchoLink, it is considered a "conference" and EchoLink will drop your connection.