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:

These are some tips to build your first node. Be sure to read through all the links on the Allstar (https://allstarlink.org/) site BEFORE you login. Because after login the menu changes and much (if not all) of the basic information goes away.
In order to become a member of the AllStar Link Network, you must first Register to become user of the Portal system. To qualify for membership, you must be a holder of a valid Amateur Radio license.
- Buy an Interface (some that I have used) URI , RIM , RIM Lite , ARIUSB, or a cheap USB sound FOB. Conversion Articles
- You can also get premade node interfaces at WB3DZZ
- Kits and premade nodes from Hamprojects.info
- Go on the Allstar web site. Request an ID, get it approved.
- Once approved make your ID a SysOp, add a server, request one or more nodes.
- Configure the server and assigned node(s).
- Boot the CD or SD and carefully follow the prompts. During the install you’ll download the web configuration to your node.
There is an Allstar Forum here Allstar Forum
There is an Allstar WiKi at http://wiki.allstarlink.org.

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

Referal Code

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 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 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

https://w2ymm.home.blog/sip_phone_extension/

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

echolink.conf – Setting up Echolink Connectivity

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=

Echolink Link Status Page

Echolink Current Logins

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

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_callsignsThis 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.

Helpful Links

Here are a few websites that I found that helped me along the way (More to come)

https://allstarsetup.com/

Robert Prybyzerski

My hobby of Amateur Radio and other things I do

Allstar Howto

register => XXXXXX:ZZZZZZZZ@newyork4.voip.ms:5060 ;Account and Password from provider

Link to pre-formatted list HERE

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

My SimpleUSB.conf file looks like this;
; SimpleUSB configuration
;
; Shown for two nodes. Second node commented out.
;
[general]

[usb]

eeprom=0

Download the script

Extract it

Launch for the first time to update the database

Schedule it

register => XXXXXX:ZZZZZZZZ@newyork4.voip.ms:5060 ;Account and Password from provider

Link to pre-formatted list HERE

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

My SimpleUSB.conf file looks like this;; SimpleUSB configuration;; Shown for two nodes. Second node commented out.;[general]

[usb]

eeprom=0

Download the script

Extract it

Launch for the first time to update the database

Schedule it

Share this:

Like this:

My SimpleUSB.conf file looks like this;
; SimpleUSB configuration
;
; Shown for two nodes. Second node commented out.
;
[general]