Get Started with AllStar - Hardware Requirements

I am considering using AllStar to link two Club repeaters together. I have read pretty much all of the Wiki information regarding the Software setup and installation so am prepared for that effort.
What is unclear to me is the actual hardware and connection requirements. Let me explain a bit…
We have two Yaesu DR-2X repeaters that are about 10 miles apart - one is a 2 meter machine and the other is a 440 machine. Both have Internet available.
I am prepared to build AllStar nodes (which are already registered) on Raspberry Pi 4 SBCs. I haven’t run across any documentation the details the actual hardware requirements Is there a document that describes and shows a schematic of how to put together a connection to a repeater including any RPi Hats, Interface devices, cables etc. If someone has undertaken this project with a Yaesu DR02X repeater, I would very much appreciate your guidance and input on how to proceed.
;I might also mention that we want to implement a DVSwitch capability to bridge DMR to Analog for these repeaters as well so any details about this implementation would also be appreciated. For example, 1) should the DVSwitch be installed on a separate RPi?, 2) if repeaters are in separate locations is it necessary to have a separate RPi at each repeater or can one RPi support both repeaters and if so, how?
I realize that this is basic stuff for many of you and believe me, I would not be asking this if I had found information that describes my particular scenario.
If anyone can provide some assistance and Elmering on this project, I would appreciate it.
Thanks

1 Like

Welcome to AllStar. You have a fun journey in front of you.

  1. I’m no DVSwitch expert but I’m pretty sure it has to be on the same host.

  2. With a “sound fob” like the ones below you do need a computer at each repeater location.

However you can use an RTCM at each location and one computer at any location. Ask me for more info if interested.

To add to Tim’s reply…
Get the allstar running as needed, the working hardware interface’s etc, then add your dvswitch

When you get to that spot… join dvswitch forum on www.groups.io

Welcome aboard !

Thank you for the replies.

I agree on the approach recommended that the AllStar device should be up and running first before adding DVSwitch. That is the plan. However, what I am quite unsure about are the components that are needed to get the AllStar device working.

  • I have a Raspberry Pi 4 already
  • I have downloaded the image from AllstarLink.org
  • Tim indicated that a sound fob was needed and provided a link to a site but there are lots of devices for sale so a specific recommendation would be appreciated. Is it possible that there is an RPi HAT available to provide this sound fob function or must it be a USB device?
  • Tim also indicted that I could use an RTCM at each location and an RPi computer at only one location. I’m not sure what an RTCM is but would assume that it is some sort of radio interface.
  • I would also assume that there are cables needed – what kind, I don’t know.
  • I have Yaesu DR-2X repeaters

Right now, I am assuming I will use:

  • 2 x Raspberry Pi computers – one at each repeater site.
  • 2 x Sound Fobs – one at each location
  • 2 x Cables from the DB9 connector on the Sound Fob to the Repeater (probably custom made)

Assuming that this will get AllStar running and connected to the repeaters, is ther anything else that will be needed to LINK the two repeaters together via Analog?

Sure wish there was some sort of technical schematic available, even is a simple form that would help explain this basic hardware requirement. I realize that there are lots of different scenarios out there and that schematics or block diagrams for each would be problematic to maintain but hoping that someone has documented this to make it easier for noobs.

If I could get a specific recommendation on the Sound Fob, that would be a great start. If a HAT for the RPi is available that would make for a clener installation.

Thanks and I’m sure I’ll be asking for more help, especially regarding the DVSwitch and how to implement that.

Regards to all.

···

From: Mike via AllStarLink Discussion Groups noreply@community.allstarlink.org
Reply-To: AllStarLink Discussion Groups replies+6f217c37b264720fbe60009f3eb17d34@community.allstarlink.org
Date: Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 7:21 PM
To: Robert Stroud rstroud@istroud.com
Subject: [AllStarLink Discussion Groups] [App_rpt-users] Get Started with AllStar - Hardware Requirements



https://community.allstarlink.org/user_avatar/community.allstarlink.org/mike/45/1569_2.png



Mike
January 3

To add to Tim’s reply…
Get the allstar running as needed, the working hardware interface’s etc, then add your dvswitch

When you get to that spot… join dvswitch forum on www.groups.io

Welcome aboard !


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You can get a URI or CM-119 sound fob but you have to modify it and URI does not have to be modified. hamovip.org tells how to do everything to set up an allstar node. I have used this web page 2 times to set up 2 nodes.

···

On Sun, Jan 3, 2021 at 12:13 AM Robert Stroud via AllStarLink Discussion Groups <noreply@community.allstarlink.org> wrote:

| KD5BS
January 3 |

  • | - |

Thank you for the replies.

I agree on the approach recommended that the AllStar device should be up and running first before adding DVSwitch. That is the plan. However, what I am quite unsure about are the components that are needed to get the AllStar device working.

  • I have a Raspberry Pi 4 already
  • I have downloaded the image from AllstarLink.org
  • Tim indicated that a sound fob was needed and provided a link to a site but there are lots of devices for sale so a specific recommendation would be appreciated. Is it possible that there is an RPi HAT available to provide this sound fob function or must it be a USB device?
  • Tim also indicted that I could use an RTCM at each location and an RPi computer at only one location. I’m not sure what an RTCM is but would assume that it is some sort of radio interface.
  • I would also assume that there are cables needed – what kind, I don’t know.
  • I have Yaesu DR-2X repeaters

Right now, I am assuming I will use:

  • 2 x Raspberry Pi computers – one at each repeater site.
  • 2 x Sound Fobs – one at each location
  • 2 x Cables from the DB9 connector on the Sound Fob to the Repeater (probably custom made)

Assuming that this will get AllStar running and connected to the repeaters, is ther anything else that will be needed to LINK the two repeaters together via Analog?

Sure wish there was some sort of technical schematic available, even is a simple form that would help explain this basic hardware requirement. I realize that there are lots of different scenarios out there and that schematics or block diagrams for each would be problematic to maintain but hoping that someone has documented this to make it easier for noobs.

If I could get a specific recommendation on the Sound Fob, that would be a great start. If a HAT for the RPi is available that would make for a clener installation.

Thanks and I’m sure I’ll be asking for more help, especially regarding the DVSwitch and how to implement that.

Regards to all.

··· (click for more details)


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In Reply To

| Mike
January 3 |

  • | - |

To add to Tim’s reply… Get the allstar running as needed, the working hardware interface’s etc, then add your dvswitch When you get to that spot… join dvswitch forum on www.groups.io Welcome aboard !


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Robert,

I’m not sure if this has been overcome so this is a caution.

Perhaps someone in the know will chime in. The ASL version was not able
to run on the Pi4 so if someone doesn’t chime and tell us differently
you will need to run the Hamvoip version if you must install on a Pi4.
If you have a Pi3 you should be okay.

I know Pi4 for ASL issue was being worked on by the members here but I
personally haven;t seen where the ASL version is ready for the Pi4.

Hopefully I’m wrong but wanted to make you aware so you don’t have
unexpected issues.

Larry - N7FM

···

On 1/2/21 12:46 PM, Robert Stroud via AllStarLink Discussion Groups wrote:

[KD5BS] KD5BS https://community.allstarlink.org/u/kd5bs
January 2

I am considering using AllStar to link two Club repeaters together. I
have read pretty much all of the Wiki information regarding the Software
setup and installation so am prepared for that effort.
What is unclear to me is the actual hardware and connection
requirements. Let me explain a bit…
We have two Yaesu DR-2X repeaters that are about 10 miles apart - one is
a 2 meter machine and the other is a 440 machine. Both have Internet
available.
I am prepared to build AllStar nodes (which are already registered) on
Raspberry Pi 4 SBCs. I haven’t run across any documentation the details
the actual hardware requirements Is there a document that describes and
shows a schematic of how to put together a connection to a repeater
including any RPi Hats, Interface devices, cables etc. If someone has
undertaken this project with a Yaesu DR02X repeater, I would very much
appreciate your guidance and input on how to proceed.
;I might also mention that we want to implement a DVSwitch capability to
bridge DMR to Analog for these repeaters as well so any details about
this implementation would also be appreciated. For example, 1) should
the DVSwitch be installed on a separate RPi?, 2) if repeaters are in
separate locations is it necessary to have a separate RPi at each
repeater or can one RPi support both repeaters and if so, how?
I realize that this is basic stuff for many of you and believe me, I
would not be asking this if I had found information that describes my
particular scenario.
If anyone can provide some assistance and Elmering on this project, I
would appreciate it.
Thanks


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Since you have the Yaesu DR-2X, I recommend the Masters Communications RA-DR1X radio adapter interface. The DMK URI doesn’t have enough TX audio to modulate your repeater to full deviation without doing a lot of work. The RA-DR1X is compatible with the DR-2X repeater, and has the necessary audio. Additionally - all Masters Communications ASL compatible radio adapters use the genuine C-Media CM119A chipset. This has proven to be the best as there are plenty of issues with the CM119B that some manufacturers have chosen. I won’t get into those - unless someone want’s me to elaborate.

Full Disclosure - I’m a Board member at ASL, Inc. I financially profit from the sales of Masters Communications products. I donate 25% of my ASL product sales profit to ASL Inc., to financially support the project, and I have since 2008.

Kevin W3KKC

1 Like

Larry,

There are (at least) two Pi4 compatible client releases - not including HV. We can post links to them until we get the official ASL Git account straightened out.

Kevin, Thanks for the feedback

I’ll look forward to seeing them once things get back to normal.

73
Larry - N7FM

···

On 1/3/21 5:45 AM, Kevin Custer via AllStarLink Discussion Groups wrote:

[kuggie] kuggie https://community.allstarlink.org/u/kuggie Board Member
January 3

Larry,

There are (at least) two Pi4 compatible client releases - not including
HV. We can post links to them until we get the official ASL Git account
straightened out.


Visit Topic
https://community.allstarlink.org/t/get-started-with-allstar-hardware-requirements/18015/8
or reply to this email to respond.


    In Reply To

[larry] larry https://community.allstarlink.org/u/larry
January 3

Robert, I’m not sure if this has been overcome so this is a caution.
Perhaps someone in the know will chime in. The ASL version was not able
to run on the Pi4 so if someone doesn’t chime and tell us differently
you will need to run the Hamvoip version if you must install on a Pi4.
If you have a…

    Previous Replies

[kuggie] kuggie https://community.allstarlink.org/u/kuggie Board Member
January 3

Since you have the Yaesu DR-2X, I recommend the Masters Communications
RA-DR1X radio adapter interface. The DMK URI doesn’t have enough TX
audio to modulate your repeater to full deviation without doing a lot of
work. The RA-DR1X is compatible with the DR-2X repeater, and has the
necessary audio. Additionally - all Masters Communications ASL
compatible radio adapters use the genuine C-Media CM119A chipset. This
has proven to be the best as there are plenty of issues with the CM119B
that some manufacturers have chosen. I won’t get into those - unless
someone want’s me to elaborate.

Full Disclosure - I’m a Board member at ASL, Inc. I financially profit
from the sales of Masters Communications products. I donate 25% of my
ASL product sales profit to ASL Inc., to financially support the
project, and I have since 2008.

Kevin W3KKC

[larry] larry https://community.allstarlink.org/u/larry
January 3

Robert,

I’m not sure if this has been overcome so this is a caution.

Perhaps someone in the know will chime in. The ASL version was not able
to run on the Pi4 so if someone doesn’t chime and tell us differently
you will need to run the Hamvoip version if you must install on a Pi4.
If you have a Pi3 you should be okay.

I know Pi4 for ASL issue was being worked on by the members here but I
personally haven;t seen where the ASL version is ready for the Pi4.

Hopefully I’m wrong but wanted to make you aware so you don’t have
unexpected issues.

Larry - N7FM

··· (click for more details)
https://community.allstarlink.org/t/get-started-with-allstar-hardware-requirements/18015/6
[KM4VPG] KM4VPG https://community.allstarlink.org/u/km4vpg
January 3

You can get a URI or CM-119 sound fob but you have to modify it and URI
does not have to be modified. hamovip.org http://hamovip.org tells how
to do everything to set up an allstar node. I have used this web page 2
times to set up 2 nodes.

··· (click for more details)
https://community.allstarlink.org/t/get-started-with-allstar-hardware-requirements/18015/5
[KD5BS] KD5BS https://community.allstarlink.org/u/kd5bs
January 3

Thank you for the replies.

I agree on the approach recommended that the AllStar device should be up
and running first before adding DVSwitch. That is the plan. However,
what I am quite unsure about are the components that are needed to get
the AllStar device working.

  • I have a Raspberry Pi 4 already
  • I have downloaded the image from AllstarLink.org
    http://AllstarLink.org
  • Tim indicated that a sound fob was needed and provided a link to a
    site but there are lots of devices for sale so a specific
    recommendation would be appreciated. Is it possible that there is an
    RPi HAT available to provide this sound fob function or must it be a
    USB device?
  • Tim also indicted that I could use an RTCM at each location and an
    RPi computer at only one location. I’m not sure what an RTCM is but
    would assume that it is some sort of radio interface.
  • I would also assume that there are cables needed – what kind, I
    don’t know.
  • I have Yaesu DR-2X repeaters

Right now, I am assuming I will use:

  • 2 x Raspberry Pi computers – one at each repeater site.
  • 2 x Sound Fobs – one at each location
  • 2 x Cables from the DB9 connector on the Sound Fob to the Repeater
    (probably custom made)

Assuming that this will get AllStar running and connected to the
repeaters, is ther anything else that will be needed to LINK the two
repeaters together via Analog?

Sure wish there was some sort of technical schematic available, even is
a simple form that would help explain this basic hardware requirement. I
realize that there are lots of different scenarios out there and that
schematics or block diagrams for each would be problematic to maintain
but hoping that someone has documented this to make it easier for noobs.

If I could get a specific recommendation on the Sound Fob, that would be
a great start. If a HAT for the RPi is available that would make for a
clener installation.

Thanks and I’m sure I’ll be asking for more help, especially regarding
the DVSwitch and how to implement that.

Regards to all.

··· (click for more details)
https://community.allstarlink.org/t/get-started-with-allstar-hardware-requirements/18015/4
[Mike] Mike https://community.allstarlink.org/u/mike
January 3

To add to Tim’s reply…
Get the allstar running as needed, the working hardware interface’s etc,
then add your dvswitch

When you get to that spot… join dvswitch forum on www.groups.io
http://www.groups.io

Welcome aboard !


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https://community.allstarlink.org/t/get-started-with-allstar-hardware-requirements/18015/8
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One of the Pi releases @kuggie mentioned is in limited Alpha test. There have been many improvements under the hood and it runs really, really well. It also runs on Intel and hosted VMs. I’m very excited about this version and hope we can start Beta release soon.

I might suggest you take your time and think it all through before making moves.
It all is going to be dependent on how much you wish to roll up your sleeves to achieve what you think you want.

Before I would choose a RIM (radio interface module) I would want to talk to someone who actually uses it with the Pi/PC you are going to be using it on. Everyone has a favorite.

I am suggesting you use the tried and proven methods while you are learning what it all is and how it all works. Most especially if you are not currently ‘linux savy’. It’s a lot to take in for a starter.
More difficult when it is not working to find your issue. And perhaps fewer folks to help you find it.

Good advice from @Mike. AllStar has a pretty steep learning curve. Baby steps at the beginning are advised.

Another alternative to the Masters Communications products is the URI from DMK Engineering. These are long proven devices and long time friend of the AllStar inventor Jim Dixon, WB6NIL. See the link below if interested.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the RTCM. The web site is down due to what I’ll call a business dispute. But the product is still available. PM me if interested. I would say that the RTCM adds another level of complications that may not be desirable to beginners. However, it’s voting capabilities among other features are where you want to be eventually.

I’ll echo Tim’s suggestion for using RTCM’s. You can use any of the other interfaces listed, but you will then need your node computer (Pi) at the same location where the repeater is. With the RTCM’s, it can be nearly anywhere and the same node can service both of your repeaters. Additionally, the RTCM’s can be configured to allow for local repeat functionality if for some reason your internet connection goes down. The other huge benefit of RTCM’s is doing multi-receiver voting.

I just purchased 3 new RTCM’s in the last month, so there is no issue getting them.

Here’s a link to info on the RTCM’s in the wiki: https://wiki.allstarlink.org/wiki/RTCM_Client

Jon and Tim,

Thank you both for your suggestions. I have seen the URI device before but was not aware of its capabilities or how to think about using it. I especially appreciate your explanation of why the RTCM devices are preferred and the “end state” approach you recommended. That is the kind of input I need.

Have either of you implemented this device with a Yaesu DR-2X repeater? I’m assuming that the cable between the URI and the DR-2X would have to be custom built – or, is there a pre-built cable available for this repeater.

To your knowledge will this URI device be appropriate in a solution where DVSwith is implemented at a future date?

Thanks again, I really appreciate the feedback and help.

Robert

KD5BS

···

From: Jon Welfringer via AllStarLink Discussion Groups noreply@community.allstarlink.org
Reply-To: AllStarLink Discussion Groups replies+58217c53506651719813f9d30d641534@community.allstarlink.org
Date: Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 6:29 PM
To: Robert Stroud rstroud@istroud.com
Subject: [AllStarLink Discussion Groups] [App_rpt-users] Get Started with AllStar - Hardware Requirements



https://community.allstarlink.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/w/977dab/45.png



WB6OZD
January 4

I’ll echo Tim’s suggestion for using RTCM’s. You can use any of the other interfaces listed, but you will then need your node computer (Pi) at the same location where the repeater is. With the RTCM’s, it can be nearly anywhere and the same node can service both of your repeaters. Additionally, the RTCM’s can be configured to allow for local repeat functionality if for some reason your internet connection goes down. The other huge benefit of RTCM’s is doing multi-receiver voting.

I just purchased 3 new RTCM’s in the last month, so there is no issue getting them.

Here’s a link to info on the RTCM’s in the wiki: https://wiki.allstarlink.org/wiki/RTCM_Client


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I can recommend uricables. He built a couple of RTCM cables for me. He can make anything to anything. They are really nice.

No, I don’t think so. You need a mmdvm for digital. It’s a modem and has it’s own analog connections. I sorta remember there being some talk about a new mmdvm that would support both analog and digital. But I don’t pay that close attention to digital.

The development of the FM branch on the mmdvm is not in the main branch. From what I understand it is also highly demanding to the modem so not all mode can or should be enabled while FM is. This is not yet confirmed.

Also the linking to an analog network is not finished yet but Steve N4IRS is talking about coding a “reflector” to link the analog parts of the mmdvm modem.

···

Le dim. 3 janv. 2021 à 22:34, Tim Sawyer via AllStarLink Discussion Groups <noreply@community.allstarlink.org> a écrit :

| wd6awp ASL Admin
January 4 |

  • | - |

KD5BS:

To your knowledge will this URI device be appropriate in a solution where DVSwith is implemented at a future date?

No, I don’t think so. You need a mmdvm for digital. It’s a modem and has it’s own analog connections. I sorta remember there being some talk about a new mmdvm that would support both analog and digital. But I don’t pay that close attention to digital.


Visit Topic or reply to this email to respond.


In Reply To

| wd6awp ASL Admin
January 4 |

  • | - |

I can recommend uricables. He built a couple of RTCM cables for me. He can make anything to anything. They are really nice.


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How do I contact the company to inquire about the RTCM device if the site is down?

Robert

···

From: Tim Sawyer via AllStarLink Discussion Groups noreply@community.allstarlink.org
Reply-To: AllStarLink Discussion Groups replies+a7baef3b0294ba2ca8d1936ece2e5008@community.allstarlink.org
Date: Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 12:53 PM
To: Robert Stroud rstroud@istroud.com
Subject: [AllStarLink Discussion Groups] [App_rpt-users] Get Started with AllStar - Hardware Requirements



https://community.allstarlink.org/user_avatar/community.allstarlink.org/wd6awp/45/5_2.png



wd6awp ASL Admin
January 3

Good advice from @Mike. AllStar has a pretty steep learning curve. Baby steps at the beginning are advised.

Another alternative to the Masters Communications products is the URI from DMS Engineering. These are long proven devices and long time friend of the AllStar inventor Jim Dixon, WB6NIL. See the link below if interested.

dmkeng.com

Error! Filename not specified.

DMK Engineering - Home of URI

Personally, I’m a big fan of the RTCM. The web site is down due to what I’ll call a business dispute. But the product is still available. PM me if interested. I would say that the RTCM adds another level of complications that may not be desirable to beginners. However, it’s voting capabilities among other features are where you want to be eventually.


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Write to mark at micro-node dot com.

@kuggie
Kevin,
I am struggling with a new pi4b that won’t boot on the legacy Pi image. I would greatly appreciate a link to whichever of the compatible client releases would work best with a dvswitch bridge.

Thank you in advance,
AF5LW