Allstar Howto

Here are some of the things I have done to some of my Allstar nodes.

I keep them here to help me when configuring nodes but maybe the notes can help you too.

I use both flavors of Allstar (Hamvoip and the original from allstarlink.org)

Hamvoip is a fork from the original Allstar program

[Some commands may be different]

Just click on the item and you should be brought to the bookmark below.

You’ll see how to setup:

The HAMVOIP Email group is here

  • Please check there for the latest information.
  • Changing the SSH Port
  • Log in as root
  • cd /etc/ssh
  • nano sshd_config
  • Change to the desired port number
  • Use Control-O to save the file and then Control-X to exit the nano editor.
  • I then issued the shutdown -r now command for changes to take effect.
  • Don’t forget to change the port forwarding in your router to reflect the new port that needs to be forwarded to your node computer.
  • Changing Port for LS Nodes
  • nano /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf
  • Change Listen Port if needed.
  • systemctl restart httpd

WIRING THE MAXTRAC

WIRING THE MAXTRAC TO URI

Radius/Maxtrac series with 16 pin accessory
connector – Simplex – Processed audio
URI 20 – Radius 7    GROUND
URI 21 – Radius 11   RX AUDIO
URI 22 – Radius 2    MIC AUDIO
URI 1 –  Radius 3    PTT
URI 8 –  Radius 8    (COR/CTCSS Det.)
Radius Must be programmed to output COR/CTCSS det. on
pin 8 of accessory connector, and JU551 in position ‘B’
(de-emphasized audio out).
I use Simple usb for the audio.
I needed to change…
carrierfrom=usb    ; no,usb,usbinvert
                   ; no – no carrier detection at all
                   ; usb – from the COR line on the URI
                   ; usbinvert – from the inverted COR line on the modified USB sound fob

AUTOPATCH

Adding Autopatch to the system
This is for making outbound telephone calls from a mobile or portable radio.
I found a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) service called voip.ms
There is no setup fees or monthly charges.  It is pay as you go.
You can buy a $10.00 credit to apply toward your account and calls are
1.9 cents a minute calls to anywhere in the USA.
Setup was straight forward, and I have included a sample of the lines I edited on my node below.
It is only to make outbound calls.  I have no need for incoming calls so I don’t have that part set up.
In Modules.conf you’ll need to comment out the line
;noload=chan_sip.so
————————————————————————————————————————
In rpt.conf
In the Node Stanza I added the line:
[1998] ; Your assigned node number
context=voipms ; Autopatch addon ; This is towards the bottom of the node stanza
Then further down in the code I added:
6=autopatchup,context=voipms,noct=1,farenddisconnect=1,dialtime=20000,quiet=1    ; Autopatch up
0=autopatchdn                ; Autopatch down
I commented out the line
;6=autopatchup,context=pbx_server,noct=1,farenddisconnect=1,dialtime=20000,quiet=1    ; Autopatch up
————————————————————————————————————————–
extensions.conf

[voipms]
;include => voipms-inbound
include => voipms-outbound

;[voipms-inbound]
;exten => _X.,1,Ringing
;exten => _X.,n,Answer()
;exten => _X.,n,Rpt(41899|Rrpt/node:NODE:rpt/in-call:digits/0:PARKED|120) 75
;exten => _X.,n,Hangup

; THIS IS FOR OUTGOING AUTOPATCH CALLS
[voipms-outbound]
exten => _1NXXNXXXXXX,1,Dial(SIP/${EXTEN}@voipms)
exten => _1NXXNXXXXXX,n,Hangup()
exten => _NXXNXXXXXX,1,Dial(SIP/1${EXTEN}@voipms)
exten => _NXXNXXXXXX,n,Hangup()
exten => _011.,1,Dial(SIP/${EXTEN}@voipms)
exten => _011.,n,Hangup()
exten => _00.,1,Dial(SIP/${EXTEN}@voipms)
exten => _00.,n,Hangup()

—————————————————————————————————————————
sip.conf
; SIP Configuration example for Asterisk
;
[general]
context=default           ; Default context for incoming calls
allowoverlap=no          ; Disable overlap dialing support. (Default is yes)
bindport=5060            ; UDP Port to bind to (SIP standard port is 5060)
bindaddr=0.0.0.0        ; IP address to bind to (0.0.0.0 binds to all)
srvlookup=yes
register => XXXXXX:ZZZZZZZZ@newyork4.voip.ms:5060 ;Account and Password from provider

[voipms]
canreinvite=no
context=voipms
host=newyork4.voip.ms
secret=ZZZZZZZZ
type=peer
username=XXXXXX
disallow=all
allow=ulaw
allow=g729
fromuser=XXXXXX
trustrpid=yes
sendrpid=yes
insecure=invite
nat=yes

——————————————————————————————————————————-
I have no affiliation with the above company, It one one of the companies I found through a google search that offered a BYOD sip configuration with no monthly fees.
To make a call, I enter *6 + 1 + Area Code + Phone Number  (All at one time, don’t leave any pauses)
To end the call enter *0
I have some Macros setup to make calling commonly used numbers easier.
If you plan on using this company, here is a referal code that will help support me…
Thanks
COURTESY TONES

COURTESY TONES FOR ALLSTAR
Additional Information can be found at https://wiki.allstarlink.org/wiki/Courtesy_Tones
Tone Group
A tone group is a set of 4 comma separated integers formatted as follows:
(frequency1,frequency2,duration,amplitude)
frequency1 and frequency2 must be a number between 0 and 3000. These specify the tone frequency in Hz.
duration is the tone on time in Milliseconds. amplitude is the relative volume level of the tone or tones. This can be from 0 to 8192.
A tone group consisting of zeroes for amplitude and frequency will be sent as a silent period.
A single frequency tone can be sent by setting frequency2 to zero.
Note: There must be no spaces between the commas, numbers, or the parenthesis.
Change the X in ctX=|t  to a Number to suit your needs
Example:  Beep
Freq 880Hz Duration 100mSec
ct9=|t(1000,0,100,2048)  ; BEEP
================================================================

Link to pre-formatted list HERE

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES I HAVE TRIED ON MY NODE
Bumble Bee     This is the same as ACC default courtesy tone #1
Program a 640ms delay from squelch closure to 1st tone
Freq 330Hz Duration 100mSec
Freq 495Hz Duration 100mSec (one book had this at 500hz)
Freq 660Hz Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(330,0,100,2048)(495,0,100,2048)(660,0,100,2048)  ; BUMBLE BEE
—————————————————————————————————————-
ACC default courtesy tone #2 is the same as above except the tone duration is 75ms
Piano Chord     This is the same as ACC default courtesy tone #3
640ms delay from squelch closure to 1st tone
Freq 660Hz and 880 Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(660,880,100,2048)  ; PIANO CHORD
—————————————————————————————————————-
ACC default courtesy tone #8
640ms delay from squelch closure to 1st tone
Freq 660Hz Duration 580mSec
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(660,0,580,2048)  ; ACC8
——————————————————————————————————————
ACC default courtesy tone #9
640ms delay from squelch closure to 1st tone
Freq 660Hz Duration 120mSec
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(660,0,580,2048)  ; ACC9
——————————————————————————————————————-
ACC default courtesy tone #10
640ms delay from squelch closure to 1st tone
Freq 660Hz and 250Hz Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(660,250,100,2048)  ; ACC10
————————————————————————————————————————
Yellow Jacket (a half-as-long Bumble Bee)
Freq 330Hz Duration 50mSec
Freq 495Hz Duration 50mSec (one book had this at 500hz)
Freq 660Hz Duration 50mSec
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(330,0,50,2048)(495,0,50,2048)(660,0,50,2048)  ; YELLOW JACKET
————————————————————————————————————————
Shooting Star
Freq 800Hz Duration 100mSec
Freq 800Hz Duration 100mSec
Freq 540Hz Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(800,0,100,2048)(800,0,100,2048)(540,0,100,2048)  ; SHOOTING STAR
———————————————————————————————————————-
Comet
Freq 500Hz Duration 100mSec
Freq 500Hz Duration 100mSec
Freq 750Hz Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(500,0,100,2048)(500,0,100,2048)(750,0,100,2048)  ; COMET
————————————————————————————————————————
Stardust
Freq 750Hz Duration 125mSec
Freq 880Hz Duration 80mSec
880Hz and 1200Hz Duration 80mSec
ctX=|t(750,0,125,2048)(808,0,80,2048)(880,1200,80,2048)  ; STARDUST
————————————————————————————————————————
Hornet   (just a Yellow Jacket with the tone sequence reversed)
Freq 660Hz Duration 50mSec
Freq 500Hz Duration 50mSec
Freq 385Hz Duration 50mSec
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(660,0,50,2048)(500,0,50,2048)(385,0,50,2048)  ; HORNET
————————————————————————————————————————-
Wasp   (just a Bumble Bee with the tone sequence reversed)
Same as Hornet but double the duration of each tone
ctX=|t(0,0,640,0)(660,0,100,2048)(500,0,100,2048)(385,0,100,2048)  ; WASP
————————————————————————————————————————-
Tumbleweed
Freq 1000Hz Duration 20mSec
Freq 800Hz Duration 20mSec
Freq 600Hz Duration 20mSec
ctX=|t(1000,0,20,2048)(800,0,20,2048)(600,0,20,2048)  ; TUMBLE WEED
————————————————————————————————————————-
Fire Fly
Freq 1000Hz and 1200Hz 120mSec
Freq 1200Hz and 1400Hz 80 mSec
Freq 600Hz and 800Hz 100mSec
ctX=|t(1000,1200,120,2048)(1200,1400,80,2048)(600,800,100,2048)  ; FIRE FLY
————————————————————————————————————————–
Chirp-Chomp
Freq 1500Hz 20mSec
Freq 1250Hz 20mSec
Freq 1000Hz 20mSec
Freq 750Hz 20mSec
Freq 500Hz 20mSec
Freq 2550Hz 20mSec
   ctX=|t(1500,0,20,2048)(1250,0,20,2048)(1000,0,20,2048)(750,0,20,2048)(500,0,20,2048)(2550,0,20,2048); CHIRPCHOMP
—————————————————————————————————————————-
Moonbounce
Freq 1000Hz and 800Hz 50mSec
Freq 800Hz 50mSec
Freq 600Hz 50mSec
Freq 1500Hz 50mSec
ctX=|t(1000,800,50,2048)(800,0,50,2048)(600,0,50,2048)(1500,0,50,2048) ; MOONBOUNCE
—————————————————————————————-
Dunce Cap
Freq 440Hz and 500Hz Duration 200mSec
Freq 440Hz and 350Hz Duration 200mSec
ctX=|t(440,500,200,2048)(440,350,200,2048)  ; DUNCE CAP
———————————————————————————————————-
Uonk (pronounced like “honk” less the “h” sound)
Freq 500Hz and 700 Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(500,700,100,2048)   ; UONK
———————————————————————————————————-
Beep
Freq 880Hz Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(1000,0,100,2048)  ; BEEP
———————————————————————————————————–
Boop
Freq 440Hz Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(440,0,100,2048)   ; BOOP
————————————————————————————————————-
Bloop
Freq 840Hz and 500Hz Duration 100mSec
ctX=|t(840,500,100,2048)   ; BLOOP
————————————————————————————————————
Doorbell
Freq 800Hz Duration 75mSec
Freq 400Hz Duration 50mSec
ctX=|t(800,0,75,2048)(400,50,50,2048)  ; DOORBELL
————————————————————————————————————-
Descending
Freq 1000Hz 50mSec
Freq 750Hz 50mSec
Freq 500Hz 50mSec
ctX=|t(1000,0,50,2048)(750,0,50,2048)(500,0,50,2048)   ; DESCENDING
————————————————————————————————————-
Ascending
Freq 500Hz 50mSec
Freq 750Hz 50mSec
Freq 1000Hz 50mSec
ctX=|t(500,0,50,2048)(750,0,50,2048)(1000,0,50,2048)   ; ASCENDING
————————————————————————————————————-
Other Beeps:
Nextel beep
Freq 1760Hz Duration 30mSec
30ms gap
Freq 1760Hz Duration 30mSec
30ms gap
Freq 1760Hz Duration 30mSec
ctX=|t(1760,0,30,2048)(0,0,30,0)(1760,0,30,2048)(0,0,30,0)(1760,0,30,2048)  ; NEXTEL
————————————————————————————————————-
Function Complete
Freq 480 and 1200Hz for 40ms
40ms gap
Freq 480 and 1200Hz for 40ms
ctX=|t(480,1200,40,2048)(0,0,40,0)(480,1200,40,2048)   ; FUNCTION COMPLETE 1
————————————————————————————————————-
Another function complete
Freq 900 for 60ms
60ms gap
Freq 900 for 60ms
ctX=|t(900,0,60,2048)(0,0,60,0)(900,0,60,2048)   ; FUNCTION COMPLETE 2
————————————————————————————————————-
NASA “Over” beep
Freq 2450Hz for 200ms
Note that the beep used in the movie “Apollo 13” was 2500 Hz just to be different, and for 100ms just to speed the movie up.
ctX=|t(2450,0,200,2048)      or    ctX=|t(2500,0,100,2048)   ; NASA OVER
Motorola tone remote
2,175 Hz and is 100-300 millisecond 2nd tone is 1,950 Hz.
ctX=|t(2175,0,200,2048)(1950,0,175,2048)   ; TONE REMOTE 1
ct12=|t(2175,0,75,2048)(1950,0,50,2048);TONE REMOTE SHORT
———————————————————————
MORSE CODE
ctX=|ik ; Sends morse code K as Courtesy tone
___________________________________________
Tones in use on my node
[telemetry]
ct1=|t(350,0,100,2048)(500,0,100,2048)(660,0,100,2048)
ct2=|t(660,880,150,2048)
ct3=|t(440,0,150,4096)
ct4=|t(550,0,150,2048)
ct5=|t(660,0,150,2048)
ct6=|t(880,0,150,2048)
ct7=|t(660,440,150,2048)
ct8=|t(700,1100,150,2048)
ct12=|t(2175,0,75,2048)(1950,0,50,2048);TONE REMOTE SHORT
remotetx=|t(1633,0,50,3000)(0,0,80,0)(1209,0,50,3000)
remotemon=|t(1209,0,50,2048)
cmdmode=|t(900,903,200,2048)
functcomplete=|t(1000,0,100,2048)(0,0,100,0)(1000,0,100,2048)
patchup=rpt/callproceeding
patchdown=rpt/callterminated
unlinkedct=ct1               ; local off-link
toneremotect=ct3                ; remote base connected
tonelinkunkeyct=ct8              ; remote on-link tone

SIP PHONE

Configuring a SIP phone on my network 

I recently updated this information and put it on a separate page

ECHOLINK

Adding Echolink to your Allstar node
This is how I configured Echolink on my Raspberry Pi Allstar server.
My node is based on the image from http://www.hamvoip.org
 
Additional information was obtained from
 
You will need to rename echolink.xxx  to echolink.conf in  etc/asterisk
 
You obviously need a valid echolink node number, call, and matching password that you put in echolink.conf
 
You need to setup port forwarding in your router for the two echolink ports to the IP address of you node  5198 and 5199 UDP.
 
You need to be aware that you can only run one echolink node per public IP.
So you can’t run echolink on a PC on your same network unless you use a proxy.
You could run it on a smartphone using cell provided internet for local testing.
 
Then restart Asterisk or reboot.    astres.sh   or   reboot
 
If echolink is running properly you will have an echolink command in the Asterisk client and be able to see the database there.
 
asterisk -rvvv
 
CLI>echolink dbdump
 
long list…..
 
 
 
 
 
Added to rpt.conf   in the node stanza
 
erxgain=-3 ;Echolink receive gain adjustment in +/- db-volts. Used to balance Echolink recieve audio on an app_rpt node.
etxgain=3 ;Echolink transmit gain adjustment in +/- db-volts. Used to balance Echolink transmit audio on an app_rpt node.
 
eannmode=2
;     0 = do not announce Echolink nodes at all
;     1 = Say only node number on EchoLink connects
;     2 = say phonetic call sign only on EchoLink connects
;     3 = say phonetic call sign and node number on EchoLink connects
 
 
etc/asterisk/echolink.conf    (Sample of my configuration)
 
[el0]
confmode=no
call=MY CALLSIGN -L       ; Change this! Registered Callsign  -L or -R
pwd=My Password            ; Change this! Registered Password
name=My Name                ; Change this to your real name!
qth=Location                      ; Change this to your actual QTH!
email=My Email address   ; Change this! Valid Email address
maxstns=20                       ; Maximum number of station that can connect to you
rtcptimeout=10
node=00000                      ; Change this! Echolink Node Number
recfile=/tmp/recorded.gsm
astnode=XXXXX               ; Change this to your active Allstar node number!
context=radio-secure
server1=oceania.echolink.org
server2=server2.echolink.org
server3=server3.echolink.org
naeast.echolink.org
nasouth.echolink.org
;servers.echolink.org
;backup.echolink.org
; Change The following setting to your parameters
;THIS IS FOR THE ECHOLINK STATUS PAGE
freq=145.400 ; Freq in MHz
tone=100.0 ; CTCSS Tone (0 for none)
lat=40.7012345
lon=-73.223457
power=9   ;0=0W, 1=1W, 2=4W,  3=9W, 4=16W, 5=25W, 6=36W,  7=49W,  8=64W,  9=81W  (Power in Watts)
height=3   ;0=10′ ,1=20′,2=40′,3=80′ ,4=160′ ,5=320′ ,6=640′ ,7=1280′,8=2560′,9=5120′ (AMSL in Feet)
gain=6      ;Gain in db (0-9)
dir=0         ;0=omni,(Direction)
;deny=
;permit=
 
 
    To deny w6xxx you would add the statement: deny=w6xxx
    To prohibit computer-based connections you would write: permit=*-*
    To allow access to only a select group of callsigns: permit=w6abc,w6def,…

CRONS

CRON JOB FOR AUTO CONNECT AND DISCONNECT
 
I needed to have my node automatically disconnect from any connected nodes before
a weekly net on Monday nights.
 
Here is my cron example:
Log in as root
type  crontab -e
 
# Disconnect node 28183 at 19:55 Monday
55 19 * * 1 /usr/sbin/asterisk -rx “rpt fun 28183 *76”
 
# Connect to *AB2M* ECHOLINK conference Mondays as 19:56
56 19 * * 1 /usr/sbin/asterisk -rx “rpt fun 28183 *33088953”
 
# Disconnect node 28183 at 2230  Monday
30 22 * * 1 /usr/sbin/asterisk -rx “rpt fun 28183 *76”
 
Note, I first changed my cron editor to nano
The command is:      export EDITOR=nano
You should only need to do this once to set the default editor
 
Confirm the new cron is created by typing
crontab -l      (crontab space dash lower case L)

HUB SERVER

Creating A Hub Server
 
I wanted to create a Hub server to connect a few of my nodes to
There are only 2 files to modify.
I had extra Pi computers, So why not…..
 
rpt.conf  add
[12345]    ; Change this to your assigned node number
;rxchannel = SimpleUSB/usb (Comment this line out)
rxchannel=dahdi/pseudo
 
 
modules.conf add
noload=chan_simpleusb.so
 
Then restart asterisk
astres.sh
 
and you should be good to go

DISABLE HOURLY TIME

Hamvoip version and want to disable the hourly time announcements
You’ll need to log in to your node
Select option 9 to bring up the Bash shell interface
type   crontab -e
and put a # in front of the command (Comment it out)
#00 0-23 * * * (source /usr/local/etc/allstar.env ; /usr/bin/nice -19 /usr/bin/perl /usr/local/sbin/saytime.pl $NODE1 > /dev/null)
You could also change when the announcements are played by changing the hours and minutes
Additional tweaks
00 0-23 * * * (source /usr/local/etc/allstar.env ; /usr/bin/nice -19 /usr/bin/perl /usr/local/sbin/saytime.pl 11795 $NODE1 > /dev/null)
   In this 2nd example I have added my Zip code 11795 and the script will play the current weather condition and temperature.
    You could also use your local airport designator as well   ie    JFK
        Additional info here

ALL COMMANDS

THESE ARE THE ACTUAL AVAILABLE COMMANDS THAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED ON AN ALLSTAR NODE.
SOME BASIC COMMANDS ARE TO BE LEFT AT THE DEFAULT VALUES
BUT THERE ARE MANY COMMANDS THAT YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE
Be careful you don’t duplicate any commands.  You’ll need to figure out a dtmf command structure that works for you.
See HERE for more info about DTMF
* status cmds:
*
*  1 – Force ID (global)
*  2 – Give Time of Day (global)
*  3 – Give software Version (global)
*  4 – Give GPS location info
*  5 – Last (dtmf) user
*  11 – Force ID (local only)
*  12 – Give Time of Day (local only)            EXAMPLE 81=status,12     Give Time of Day (local only) *81 to execute
*
* cop (control operator) cmds:
*
*  1 – System warm boot
*  2 – System enable
*  3 – System disable
*  4 – Test Tone On/Off
*  5 – Dump System Variables on Console (debug)
*  6 – PTT (phone mode only)
*  7 – Time out timer enable
*  8 – Time out timer disable
*  9 – Autopatch enable
*  10 – Autopatch disable
*  11 – Link enable
*  12 – Link disable
*  13 – Query System State
*  14 – Change System State
*  15 – Scheduler Enable
*  16 – Scheduler Disable
*  17 – User functions (time, id, etc) enable
*  18 – User functions (time, id, etc) disable
*  19 – Select alternate hang timer
*  20 – Select standard hang timer
*  21 – Enable Parrot Mode                                      EXAMPLE  971=cop,21      ; enable Parrot Mode  *971 to execute
*  22 – Disable Parrot Mode
*  23 – Birdbath (Current Parrot Cleanup/Flush)
*  24 – Flush all telemetry
*  25 – Query last node un-keyed
*  26 – Query all nodes keyed/unkeyed
*  27 – Reset DAQ minimum on a pin
*  28 – Reset DAQ maximum on a pin
*  30 – Recall Memory Setting in Attached Xcvr
*  31 – Channel Selector for Parallel Programmed Xcvr
*  32 – Touchtone pad test: command + Digit string + # to playback all digits pressed
*  33 – Local Telemetry Output Enable
*  34 – Local Telemetry Output Disable
*  35 – Local Telemetry Output on Demand
*  36 – Foreign Link Local Output Path Enable
*  37 – Foreign Link Local Output Path Disable
*  38 – Foreign Link Local Output Path Follows Local Telemetry
*  39 – Foreign Link Local Output Path on Demand
*  42 – Echolink announce node # only
*  43 – Echolink announce node Callsign only
*  44 – Echolink announce node # & Callsign
*  45 – Link Activity timer enable
*  46 – Link Activity timer disable
*  47 – Reset “Link Config Changed” Flag
*  48 – Send Page Tone (Tone specs separated by parenthesis)
*  49 – Disable incoming connections (control state noice)
*  50 – Enable incoming connections (control state noicd)
*  51 – Enable sleep mode
*  52 – Disable sleep mode
*  53 – Wake up from sleep
*  54 – Go to sleep
*  55 – Parrot Once if parrot mode is disabled
*  56 – Rx CTCSS Enable
*  57 – Rx CTCSS Disable
*  58 – Tx CTCSS On Input only Enable
*  59 – Tx CTCSS On Input only Disable
*  60 – Send MDC-1200 Burst (cop,60,type,UnitID[,DestID,SubCode])
*     Type is ‘I’ for PttID, ‘E’ for Emergency, and ‘C’ for Call
*     (SelCall or Alert), or ‘SX’ for STS (ststus), where X is 0-F.
*     DestID and subcode are only specified for  the ‘C’ type message.
*     UnitID is the local systems UnitID. DestID is the MDC1200 ID of
*     the radio being called, and the subcodes are as follows:
*          Subcode ‘8205’ is Voice Selective Call for Spectra (‘Call’)
*          Subcode ‘8015’ is Voice Selective Call for Maxtrac (‘SC’) or
*             Astro-Saber(‘Call’)
*          Subcode ‘810D’ is Call Alert (like Maxtrac ‘CA’)
*  61 – Send Message to USB to control GPIO pins (cop,61,GPIO1=0[,GPIO4=1]…..)
*  62 – Send Message to USB to control GPIO pins, quietly (cop,62,GPIO1=0[,GPIO4=1]…..)
*  63 – Send pre-configred APRSTT notification (cop,63,CALL[,OVERLAYCHR])
*  64 – Send pre-configred APRSTT notification, quietly (cop,64,CALL[,OVERLAYCHR])
*  65 – Send POCSAG page (equipped channel types only)
*
* ilink cmds:
*
*  1 – Disconnect specified link                                             EXAMPLE   1=ilink,1    *1+node number to disconnect
*  2 – Connect specified link — monitor only
*  3 – Connect specified link — tranceive
*  4 – Enter command mode on specified link
*  5 – System status
*  6 – Disconnect all links
*  7 – Last Node to Key Up
*  8 – Connect specified link — local monitor only
*  9 – Send Text Message (9,,Message Text, etc.
*  10 – Disconnect all RANGER links (except permalinks)
*  11 – Disconnect a previously permanently connected link
*  12 – Permanently connect specified link — monitor only
*  13 – Permanently connect specified link — tranceive
*  15 – Full system status (all nodes)
*  16 – Reconnect links disconnected with “disconnect all links”
*  17 – MDC test (for diag purposes)
*  18 – Permanently Connect specified link — local monitor only
*  200 thru 215 – (Send DTMF 0-9,*,#,A-D) (200=0, 201=1, 210=*, etc)
*
* remote cmds:
*
*  1 – Recall Memory MM  (*000-*099) (Gets memory from rpt.conf)
*  2 – Set VFO MMMMM*KKK*O   (Mhz digits, Khz digits, Offset)
*  3 – Set Rx PL Tone HHH*D*
*  4 – Set Tx PL Tone HHH*D* (Not currently implemented with DHE RBI-1)
*  5 – Link Status (long)
*  6 – Set operating mode M (FM, USB, LSB, AM, etc)
*  100 – RX PL off (Default)
*  101 – RX PL On
*  102 – TX PL Off (Default)
*  103 – TX PL On
*  104 – Low Power
*  105 – Med Power
*  106 – Hi Power
*  107 – Bump Down 20 Hz
*  108 – Bump Down 100 Hz
*  109 – Bump Down 500 Hz
*  110 – Bump Up 20 Hz
*  111 – Bump Up 100 Hz
*  112 – Bump Up 500 Hz
*  113 – Scan Down Slow
*  114 – Scan Down Medium
*  115 – Scan Down Fast
*  116 – Scan Up Slow
*  117 – Scan Up Medium
*  118 – Scan Up Fast
*  119 – Transmit allowing auto-tune
*  140 – Link Status (brief)
*  200 thru 215 – (Send DTMF 0-9,*,#,A-D) (200=0, 201=1, 210=*, etc)
*
* playback cmds:
*  specify the name of the file to be played globally (for example, 25=rpt/foo)
*
* localplay cmds:
* specify the name of the file to be played locally (for example, 25=rpt/foo)
*
* ‘duplex’ modes:  (defaults to duplex=2)
*
* 0 – Only remote links key Tx and no main repeat audio.
* 1 – Everything other then main Rx keys Tx, no main repeat audio.
* 2 – Normal mode
* 3 – Normal except no main repeat audio.
*4 – Normal except no main repeat audio during autopatch only

WEATHER

Allstar Weather Scripting Information
 
New or updated scripts –  (From the Email List)
(APRIL 2017)
saytime.pl, the script that says the time on the hour has been updated to optionally say the temperature and weather conditions for your area.
This depends on the new weather.sh script which it calls. You can call this script directly to view the conditions based on your zipcode or nearby
airport designator.
 
[root at 27225-HUB ~]# weather.sh 18954
69 / Partly Sunny
[root at 27225-HUB ~]# weather.sh phl
67 / Partly Sunny
 
To say time and weather the saytime.pl script should be called like this –
 
saytime.pl [zipcode|airport code]
 
It would have these options – (27225=Node Number and 18954=Zip Code) Change to your area
 
saytime.pl 27225
saytime.pl 18954 27225
saytime.pl phl 27225
saytime.pl 18954 $NODE1
 
The first one given your node would just say the time, the second the timeand weather conditions/temperature for zipcode 18954,
the third the time and conditions/temperature for airport designator phl – Philadelphia International Airport,
and the fourth shows that your node can use the $NODE1 variable. Your primary node is assigned to that variable.
 
saytime.pl says the time in localplay – only to your local node or RF connected radio or repeater.
 
By default in the hamvoip code the primary node says the time on the hour. This is accomplished by a cron entry. The entry looks like this:
 
[root at WA3DSP-42291-UHF ~]# crontab -l
# Do not remove the following line
# required for lsnodes and allmon
15 03 * * * cd /usr/local/sbin; ./astdb.php cron
00 0-23 * * * (source /usr/local/etc/allstar.env ; /usr/bin/nice -19
/usr/bin/perl /usr/local/sbin/saytime.pl 18954 $NODE1 > /dev/null)
 
To change your cron to say the weather conditions/temperature add either
your zipcode or local airport designator after saytime.pl as shown above
where zipcode 18954 is added. cron is edited using ‘crontab -e’ at the
Linux prompt.
 
The *81 time function can also be changed in rpt.conf if desired so a *81
would also say the weather conditions and temperature.
 
;81=status,12   ; Time of Day (local)      <<<< Current function shown commented
81=cmd,/usr/local/sbin/saytime.pl 18954 42291      <<<<<  New function, use your zip/airport and node number
 
This says the weather condition only if the actual Alison voice is available for that particular condition. Some conditions may not play or
may partially play. To turn off the condition part of the statement and just say the temperature change this line in the /usr/local/sbin/weather.sh script –
 
# Set this to use current WX condition. If “NO” then just temperature
process_condition=”YES”
 
DO NOT depend on the reported weather condition for severe weather
alerts!!!! Use AutoSky or some other method. The condition and temperature
data comes from accuweather.
 
New wx script
 
This is a standalone script that graphically shows weather at the Linux
prompt. It has nothing to do with Allstar but is fun to see. It requires
your nearest city name.
 
wx philadelphia
 
Since this is an independent script I cannot attest to its accuracy or
where the data comes from.
 
There is also a Weather Script avaiable called AutoSky and WA3DSP has additional info here

CHECK NODE IS REGISTERING

Check that a node is registering with the system
 
In the 1st example I am checking to see the IP Address of 43937 and the 2nd is 28183
[root@as28183 ~]# cat /var/lib/asterisk/rpt_extnodes |grep 43937
43937=radio@47.18.148.27:4564/43937,47.18.148.27
[root@as28183 ~]# cat /var/lib/asterisk/rpt_extnodes |grep 28183
28183=radio@98.158.125.83:4569/28183,98.158.125.83

SIMPLEX REPEATER

Simplex Repeater Utilizing the Parrot Function
 
I have a friend who wanted to make an on demand simplex repeater.
Figured we could utilize the Parrot feature of the Allstar node.
Here is what  I did.
Adding Simplex repeater function to your allstar node
add the following parrot lines to your function section in rpt.conf
971=cop,21                ; enable Parrot Mode
970=cop,22                ; disable Parrot Mode
972=cop,55                ; Parrot once if Parrot mode is disabled
973=cop,23                ; Parrot cleanup/flush
Create 2 audio files named simplex_on and simplex_off and place them
in /etc/asterisk/local.  They can be .gsm, .ulaw, etc. your preference.
I have a sample here if you need them
Add this line below the the parrot lines you just added.
981=localplay,/etc/asterisk/local/simplex_off ;simplex off message
982=localplay,/etc/asterisk/local/simplex_on  ;simplex on message
Add this to your marcro section
81 = *971 *982#    ;  Enable Simplex Repeater Mode and play message
82 = *970 *981#    ; Disable Simplex Repeater Node and play message
Now if you execute *581 your node will go into parrot mode and make the announcement that Simplex repeater mode is enabled.
*582 will turn off simplex parrot mode and will make that announcement.

APRS

Adding APRS to the Allstar Node
This is how I enabled APRS to work with my Allstar node.
You’ll need to create a gps.conf file in /etc/asterisk/rpt.conf
Example of my file below.  Change the items in BOLD to your information
You will also need to comment out a line in /etc/asterisk/modules.conf
;noload=app_gps.so
; Configuration for app_gps
;
[general]
call = YOUR CALL-8   ; callsign (including SSID) for APRS purposes
password = XXXXX ; Password for APRS-IS server for above callsign
comment = AllStar Node XXXX ; Text to be displayed associated with this station
server = rotate.aprs2.net  ; APRS-IS server to report information to
port = 14580 ; port on server to send data
interval = 600 ; Beacon interval in seconds
icon = n  ; A CAR (default)   Icon yo be displayed
;comport = /dev/ttyS0  ; Serial port for GPS receiver (specify this only if using GPS receiver)
;baudrate = 4800  ; Baud rate for GPS receiver (specify this only if using GPS receiver)
;debug = y ; set this for debug output
freq=449.675  ; Display Frequency of station
tone=110.9    ; CTCSS tone of station (0.0 for none)
lat=40.705879   ; Fixed (default) latitude in decimal degrees
lon=-73.295885 ; Fixed (default) longitude in decimal degrees
elev=10.5    ; Elevation of Antenna in Meters (*NOT* HAAT)
power=4       ; Power level (see below)
height=1      ; Antenna Height in HAAT (see below)
gain=3        ; Antenna Gain (see below)
dir=0         ; Antenna Direction (see below)
Official doc’s are available here http://docs.allstarlink.org/drupal/node/14
As well as the Special Digits conversion

MOTOROLA CDM

VHF CDM750 with a Repeater Builder Rim Lite interface for Allstar
 
This is just a quick page that is currently under construction
and was used to help a fellow ham to get his node setup.       RIM-Maxtrac Schematic
My SimpleUSB.conf file looks like this;
; SimpleUSB configuration
;
; Shown for two nodes. Second node commented out.
;
[general]
[usb]
eeprom=0
rxboost=1  ; 0 = 20db attenuator inserted, 1= 20db attenuator removed
; Set to 1 for additonal gain if using a low-level receiver output
carrierfrom=no        ; no,usb,usbinvert
; no – no carrier detection at all
; usb – from the COR line on the modified USB sound fob
; usbinvert – from the inverted COR line on the modified USB sound fob
ctcssfrom=usb       ; no,usb,usbinvert
; no – CTCSS decoding, system will be carrier squelch
; usb – CTCSS decoding using input from USB FOB
; usbinvert – from the inverted CTCSS line on the modified USB sound fob
invertptt=0  ; Invert PTT 0 = ground to transmit, 1 = open to transmit
; This is the collector lead of the 2n4401 on the modified
; usb sound fob.
; please refer to the howto for the procedure to do this.
; Only uncomment following two lines if necessary for your installation
plfilter=yes        ; enable PL filter
;deemphasis=yes        ; enable de-emphasis (input from discriminator)
;preemphasis=yes    ; enable pre-emphasis (output to TX)
;rxaudiodelay=0        ; rx audio delay for squelch tail elimination. Valid values
; from 0-24 in 20ms increments. Typical values 5-10
; Uncomment and configure following lines for second USB node
;[usb1]
simpleusb_tune_usb.conf  file looks like this
[usb]
; name=usb
; devicenum=0
devstr=1-1.5:1.0
rxmixerset=75
txmixaset=500
txmixbset=500
rpt.conf file has this line for simpleusb
rxchannel=SimpleUSB/usb
VHF CDM Accessory Pins are programmed as
Pin 3 External Mic PTT    Active Low
Pin 8 PL and CSQ Detect / Talkgroup Detect (Output) Active High
capture_cdm_options

Interfaces

https://hamvoip.org/ARA%20Release.pdf

Write Node Callsigns Script

If you have an Allstar node you probably heard the node numbers when you connect or disconnect from nodes.

There’s simple script (by WA3DSP) that can convert the node number to callsign.
I found it very useful to keep tracking what’s going on when I connect to other nodes.

Download the script

First, download the script to your Allstar system by:
wget http://hamvoip.org/downloads/write_node_callsigns.tar.gz

Extract it

Then extract the files:
tar -zxvf write_node_callsigns.tar.gz

Launch for the first time to update the database

Write ./write_node_callsigns in the command line.
It’ll print on screen many lines, just let it finish.

If you get a permission denied, try typing chmod +x write_node_callsigns and run the script again.

Schedule it

Now we want to it run automatically to update all the new nodes.
So we type: crontab -e

Go to the end of the file and add the line:
15 20 * * * ./write_node_callsigns
This will run the script every day at 20:15 pm.

Now save the file by CTRL+O and Enter to save and then CTRL+X to exit.