VOIP Switch from 'Hamshack Hotline' to 'Hams Over IP'

At the end of August 2025, the longtime Amateur Radio VOIP phone system Hamshack Hotline was retired. Many hams, including myself, migrated to another platform called Hams Over IP. I enjoyed Hamshack Hotline a lot, so my hopes are that Hams Over IP is as good or better. 

I completed the registration step yesterday, which only took a few hours to get my extension and password from the admins. Last night I tried following the provided instructions, but it was late and I was tired, so I didn't have success provisioning my Cisco SPA-514G compatible SIP handset.

This morning, with a fresh cup of tea and a clear head, it was less than 10 minutes, and I was online. Remember to never work tired or with a muddy head.

Being able to do all the configuration via the phone's built-in web server was so nice. Just a web browser on my PC was all I needed for the work.

My main shack HoIP phone (an SPA525G) with a custom background

My Amateur Radio Mode ID's section of the blog has been updated to remove the Hamshack Hotline entry and replace it with Hams Over IP.

At the time of this post (2025-09-05), there are 8 amateurs in the Okanagan Valley with extensions on HOIP. Hoping this will grow as others migrate onto this service.

HOIP Service Test Phone Numbers

After configuring your phone, you will no doubt want to test the connection and not have to bother anyone by calling them to see if it works ("Can you hear me now?").

Below is a list of extensions that you can call for various tests.

3191 - DTMF Test Calling this number it will say "DTMF Test" and then beep. Then dial a sequence of numbers and hit #. The system will read the numbers back to you, so you can confirm if you are sending DTMF correctly.

3192 - Talking Clock This will give you the date and time of the system.

3194 - Echo Test This will allow you test your latency between you and the server. In this mode, the system will echo back to you whatever you say as soon as you say it.

3195 - Milliwatt This will play a tone back to you till you hang up to test your received audio.

3196 - 3 Tone Slope This will play 3 tones back to you to you till you hang up to test your received audio.

3197 - Switch ID This will play a CW Sequence to you and then hang up.

3198 - Extension ID This will read back your extension number you are calling from.