More and more radio amateurs are moving away from the Windows OS and many are using Linux Mint. I have successfully used Linux Mint for several years now on three different machines currently in the Shack with no major issues. Now what is Linux Mint. In short Linux
Mint is a community-developed Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. First
released in 2006, Linux Mint is often noted for its ease of use,
out-of-the-box functionality, and appeal to desktop users. It comes
bundled with a selection of free and open-source software. I successfully run amateur radio software on the machines currently operational in the Shack.
I do have Echolink installed on a Windows machine but not on any of the Linux Mint machines. Nowadays I am not a great fan of Echolink but must admit that it can come in handy at times. Having said that, AllStarLink is my preferred VOIP with far better audio quality than Echolink. I however decided to install the Qtel Echolink Client on Linux Mint 22 (Wilma) as a backup should the need arise. I could have gone for the traditional Echolink install using WineHQ but was not in the mood to fiddle around with Wine at the time.
I had to fiddle around a bit with the settings of the computer's internal Soundcard and also opening the Router Ports but that you also do when setting up the Windows version of Echolink. For those interested to run Echolink on Linux Mint here is how I setup the computer, software, hardware and Internet Router.
Qtel Echolink Setup:Computer: Dell Optiplex 990 (i5-2500S 64 Bit 8 Gig Ram)
Operating System: Linux Mint 22 Wilma
Echolink Software: Qtel Echolink Client V1.2.4
Router: Huawei B525 LTE
SoundCard: Internal Souncard - HDA Intel PCH
Download and Installing Qtel in Linux Mint:
Go to Menu - Adminstration - Synaptic Package Manager - Open - Enter Password - Search - Qtel - Search.
Select Package - Qtel and Qtel-icons - Apply
Qtel will be installed as well as icons.
Reboot PC after installation.
Qtel Setup:
Go to Menu - Internet - Right click Qtel -Add Qtel to desktop - Click on Qtel Icon - Once open go to - Settings - Qtel Settings - User Info - Complete Info.
Callsign = ZS1I - L
Name = Johan
Password = XXXXX
Retype Password = XXXXX
Location: Mossel Bay
Network:
Servers: servers.echolink.org
Sound:
Microphone Audio Device = alsa:default
Speaker Audio Device = alsa:default
Sampling Rate = 48 000
Leave rest untouched - Default
Click OK
You should be ready now to open the ports for your router to work the outside world via Echolink.
Go to your Router:
I use a Huawei B525 LTE Router
In you browser type in IP address of you router - 192.168.8.1
Login using username and password
Once logged in see images below for and indication of what needs to be changed in order to open the ports for Echolink.
Remember to reboot your router after you completed the setup.
You are now ready to use the Qtel Echolink Client. We just need to setup the computer's Soundcard.
Optiplex 990 Soundcard Setup:
On the bottom right of your computer's screen, left click on the speaker icon. Window will open. Click on sound settings.
Ensure all slides are fully open
Leave other settings as default
Test sound - Click on Button and listen for audio. If you hear audio on the left or right speaker your computer's soundcard is working.
Time to look at alsamixer:
Open Terminal
We use alsamixer - alsa sound control
Type alsamixer at the $ prompt
$ alsamixer (enter)
Alsamixer V1.2.9 will open
Ensure that all sliders are set to maximum in the beginning. Can always later re-set the sliders for good quality audio.
Card: HDA Intel PCH
Chip: Realtek ALC269VB
Select F6 - Sound Card - default:0
HDA Intel PCM - Select - Esc
NB - Ensure that Line Out is 00
NB - Ensure that Rear Mic is 00
I use the internal Soundcard of the Dell Optiplex 990 Computer
Qtel Echolink Client should now be working
Go back to Qtel
Go to Conferences and select *Echotest*
Right click and select "Add Selected to Bookmarks"
Echotest will be added to bookmarks and show on Qtel main screen.
Add your favorite stations as above
To connect double click on bookmark station or right click and connect to selected.
Echotest server will now be active once connected.
Congratulations Qtel Echolink Client is now working on Linux Mint.
Enjoy!!
