Reboot Amateur Radio Blog: Building the Reboot AllStar Link Network (ZS1I-L) in Mossel Bay

So, what is the Reboot AllStarLink Network all about?

AllStarLink is a network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol. AllStarLink runs on a dedicated computer (including the Rasperry Pi) that you host at your home, radio site or computer center. It is based on the open source Asterisk PBX running our app_rpt application. App_rpt makes Asterisk a powerful system capable of controlling one or more radios. It provides linking of these radio "nodes" to other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world via VoIP.

AllStarLink's primary use is as a dedicated computer node wired to your repeater or radio. Connections from Echolink, other VoIP clients and telephone calls are suported. We also have a Java Applet which can be used on older computers to access AllStarLink nodes.

For more information on AllStar visit the following two links:

https://hamvoip.org/#howtos

https://www.allstarlink.org/

We are often asked why Allstar with all of the new RF digital repeaters and their VOIP connection schemes out there. The best answer is open source, quality audio, and freedom to do what you want. Dstar, Fusion, DMR, etc are all at least partially if not completely proprietary systems. In most cases the VOIP connection system that makes them somewhat like Allstar is proprietary. Code plugs, Rooms, etc. all make for a confusing and hard to maintain system. It also makes a system which is managed much like IRLP. The individual users has little control other than to connect somewhere. Then there is the lousy audio that goes along with the current Amateur Radio digital RF schemes.

Allstar connects RF systems with full duplex quality audio. It also gives the user a choice in how and where they connect. Private or public group or individual connections can be setup quite easily. If you are in a restricted living environment like a retirement home or HOA that does not allow antennas Allstar gives you the radio feel without an obtrusive antenna or big expense. You could setup a simplex node in your apartment or dwelling and have local coverage with in a few blocks to several miles between your handheld and you own personal node. Couple that with the ability to setup connections to all your buddies that also have nodes and you have your own talk group with everyone using real radios to access. You also have the ability to access via computer, phone, Echolink, and many other methods.

The advent of the inexpensive small board computers and very easy scripted setup make getting on Allstar easier than ever. A savvy user who has the ability to make some modifications and build some simple circuity could get on Allstar for well under R1650. A totally plug and play system minus the node radio would be no more than R850.

For repeater operators Allstar is a complete repeater controller that probably has more flexibility and capability than any repeater controller on the market. It is certainly cheaper. Because it runs in Linux and is open source the user has full flexibility to use scripts, timers, multiple ports, etc. to do just about anything they would want.

So if you like to call your own shots come join the friendly world of Allstar. You will be surprised how easy it is to get started and a world of adventure awaits you.

The Reboot Allstar build started way back in June 2019.

AllStarLink Node Features:

Full Feature Repeater Controller
VoIP Full Duplex Linking with great audio
Frequency Agile Remote Base Station
Simplex (half-duplex) Station
Echolink
APRS
Autopatch
Based on Asterisk - the Open Source PBX
Real-time status reporting

It will be impossible to describe the complete build here but there is more than enough information contained in the above links to construct your own AllStarLink System. I will however illustrate the build with photos and notes of the build.

The Reboot Allstar Link Network hardware used entails the following:

Raspberry Pi 3
Syba USB Sound FOB modified to USB Radio Interface
Repeater Builder Asterisk USB Radio Interface PCB
Baofeng 888 HT Radio (UHF)
CPT Power Module Down Converter
Old Netgear Switch Cabinet
Ods and Ends

Information on the Reboot AllStar Link Network:

Call Sign: ZS1I-L

Frequencies: [1] 433.400 Mhz [2] 145.525 Mhz

AllStar Node Number: 49355

Echolink Node Number: 108551

Description: AllStar Simplex Radio Node

How to use the Reboot AllStar Link Network. Node# 49355:

It is quite simple. If you use Echolink just connect to ZS1I-L and your audio will automatically be relayed to the Reboot AllStar Link. Use Echolink as you would for any other Echolink station. If you use AllStar just connect to Node Number *349355. Disconnect: In Echolink use the disconnect button. In AllStar use *149355.

Current DTMF Function Services for Reboot AllStar Link Network using Echolink, HT Radio, Zoiper, iaxrpt or IAX DV Switch. (Please note this is currently only basic services/features)

DTMF Function List:

*1 = Link Disconnect

*2 = Link Connect (Monitor Only, no TX)

*3 = Link Disconnect

*70 = Link Status

*75 = Full system status (all nodes)

*80 = System Info

*81 = Time and Weather Information for Mossel Bay

If you mobile/fixed in the area of Mossel Bay you can use a VHF/UHF Radio to connect to the Reboot AllStar Link Network. Use the above DTMF function to firstly connect to *349355 and then to any other Echolink or AllStar node of you choice in the World. UHF Frequency: 433.400 Mhz / VHF Frequency 145.525 Mhz.

For those using APRS, the Reboot AllStar Link Network is also reflected on APRS-fi, call sign ZS1I-1 Information on the node numbers and radio frequencies are displayed.

Further updates related to functions/services are planned for the future. Please feel free to use the Reboot AllStar Link Network at any time. Just announce your call sign and intentions and enjoy the network.

Here is a few build images of the ZS1I-L NODE: