Boondock Echo
Transform virtually any compatible two-way radio into an intelligent recording, playback, transcription,
alerting, and communications system.
The Boondock Echo is a full-featured radio audio interface that captures, records, plays back, and
processes two-way radio traffic.
Connect Echo to a compatible two-way radio or scanner, and it automatically records incoming
transmissions for immediate replay or later review. Recordings can also be accessed through the
Boondock dashboard from a phone, tablet, or computer. With an eligible subscription, Echo can
transcribe radio traffic, enhance noisy audio, translate supported languages, identify important
keywords, and send alerts when selected words or phrases are detected.
Unlike the receive-only Boondock Tango, Echo includes a built-in speaker, microphone, playback
controls, and push-to-talk functionality. It can operate as an intelligent speaker-microphone while
adding digital recording, rewind, cloud access, and automation capabilities to the connected radio.
Echo is ideal for amateur radio operators, neighborhood watch groups, public-safety volunteers,
emergency communication teams, event coordinators, storm spotters, commercial radio users, and
organizations that need to capture and act on important radio traffic.
Echo can also operate in simplex and duplex repeater modes, allowing compatible radios to be used for
specialized communication and coverage applications. A CW identification function is available for
repeater operation.
A free Boondock account provides access to basic recording and playback functions. Optional
subscription plans add expanded cloud storage, priority transcription, keyword alerts, remote transmit
capabilities, audio processing, integrations, and other advanced features. No paid subscription is
required to begin using Echo.
In order to setup your account you may go the the HRO Boondock Account setup page where you can begin your journey.
Key Features
- Automatically captures incoming radio traffic
- Records transmissions to a removable microSD card
- Stores approximately 260 hours of audio with the included 32 GB memory card
- Automatically overwrites the oldest recordings when local storage is full
- Built-in speaker for monitoring and playback
- Built-in microphone and push-to-talk button
- Replay missed transmissions directly from the device
- Previous and next controls for navigating saved recordings
- Access recordings from a phone, tablet, or computer
- AI-powered speech-to-text transcription with eligible plans
- Audio enhancement helps improve speech intelligibility
- Searchable transmission history
- Keyword and phrase alerts with supported plans
- Email and integration-based notifications
- Translation support for multiple languages
- Remote transmit capability with an eligible plan and compatible radio connection
- Simplex repeater mode
- Duplex repeater mode (limited)
- CW repeater identification
- Local web-based configuration
- Wi-Fi connectivity for dashboard access and cloud features
- Guided first-time setup
- Compatible with many amateur, commercial, and GMRS two-way radios
- Free service option available; advanced features require an eligible subscription
Compatibility
Boondock Echo is designed to work with two-way radios that provide accessible speaker audio,
microphone audio, and push-to-talk connections.
Generally Compatible With
- Amateur radio handheld transceivers
- Commercial handheld two-way radios
- GMRS radios
- Mobile and base transceivers with suitable audio interfaces
- Select Kenwood, Yaesu, ICOM, and most commercial handheld, mobile, and base-station radios.
- Scanners and receivers used with an appropriate receive-only audio cable
- Radios used with a compatible DigiRig interface
- Other radios used with an appropriate Boondock or third-party adapter cable
Compatibility depends on the electrical connections and pinout of the individual radio. Radios that use
physically similar connectors may use different wiring and should not be assumed compatible without
verification. Generally speaking, if a radio works with Digi-Rig, it will likely work with Boondock-Echo.
Signal and Mode Compatibility
Echo records the audio produced by the connected radio as a .wav file. Compatibility with a particular
signal or radio system therefore depends primarily on the radio—not on Echo.
Echo can capture intelligible audio from conventional analog FM, AM, digital voice, P25, DMR, NXDN,
aviation, marine, public-safety, amateur, commercial, and other services when the connected radio is
capable of receiving and decoding those signals. Echo does not independently tune frequencies, follow trunked systems, or decode digital radio formats.
These functions must be performed by the connected radio or scanner.
Important Compatibility Notes
- A radio-specific interface cable may be required.
- Verify the radio model and connector pinout before selecting a cable.
- A connector that physically fits may not be electrically compatible.
- Some radios may require an adapter, attenuator, isolation transformer, or external interface.
- Radio volume and audio settings may need adjustment to prevent weak or distorted recordings.
- A computer connection is not required for normal operation after setup.
- Echo does not normally change the connected radio’s frequency or programming.
- Transmit and push-to-talk functions require a compatible two-way radio connection.
- Receive-only scanner connections do not support transmit functions.
- Remote transmit availability depends on the selected subscription, device configuration, and
applicable laws. When in doubt, confirm the exact radio model and required interface cable before ordering.
