do i make the rule for /24 and include the entire subnet ?
Yes but make it the second rule and leave static port unchecked on that rule.
Then unless you add another subnet (i.e. LAN port) you wont need to touch it.
By making it manual it should automatically build this rule for you.
Then you go in and make your first rule for echolink…
We had a satellite link to Hawaii once from Washington state... Was very cool but went away when the satellite company needed the channel back... Other than that we had a short stent with IRLP... Echolink sounds like it would be fun...