Running AllStar on Debian 12 HP x360 with UV-5R and Audio Cable?

AllStarLink
1

I’ve done a search of the web and this forum but couldn’t find this exact setup described. If I missed it, I’d be grateful for a link.

I’m on a limited budget and trying to use what I already have.

I’m trying to confirm whether I can run an AllStar node as a hotspot on an HP x360 notebook using a Baofeng UV-5R, connected via a simple audio interface — specifically, a cable between the radio’s mic and speaker jacks and the laptop’s combo headset jack.

I’ve installed Debian 12 and followed the AllStarLink Beginners Guide.

Software-wise, everything appears to be installed and running. I’ve received my AllStar node number (66026) and successfully registered the node.

That said, I haven’t yet confirmed whether the node actually connects — and I’m not sure if I’ve missed a step or just don’t understand how to access the web interface to verify that.

System Specs:

  • AllStar Node: 66026
  • Laptop: HP x360 notebook
  • CPU: Intel(R) Pentium(R) N3710 @ 1.60GHz
  • Audio: N3xxx Series High Definition Audio Controller
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 250 GB HDD
  • Networking: TP-Link UE306 USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
  • OS: Debian 12 (I’m more comfortable with Ubuntu 24 if that would be a better fit)

Radio Setup:

  • Radio: Baofeng UV-5R powered by AC (using a proper adapter and modified battery eliminator)
  • Goal: Direct audio interface using the onboard sound card — preferably no USB sound fobs unless absolutely necessary.

My Questions:

  1. Has anyone successfully run an AllStar node with a similar setup — using only a laptop’s built-in combo headset jack and a UV-5R?
  2. Is there an off-the-shelf cable that adapts the UV-5R to TRRS (or dual mic/speaker 3.5mm/2.5mm) for use with a laptop?
  3. Will the internal sound card on the HP x360 be sufficient, or should I expect to need a USB sound dongle?
  4. Would switching to Ubuntu 24 offer any advantages, especially around sound drivers or systemd compatibility?
  5. Any tips for accessing the AllStar web interface or checking if the node is connected properly?
  6. Any power-related quirks to consider when running the UV-5R full-time?

Thanks in advance for any help and guidance!

2

No. The only audio interfaces supported with ASL3/app_rpt are CM108/CM119 (or clone) audio chips with the GPIO pins exposed.

3

OK, thank you for confirming other than the onboard sound not working. Does everything else seem like it should be workable?

4

What you listed should all work great, you just need to add a USB Radio Interface. I make several that are specific for HTs ie. that provide standard K1 jacks and include all needed cables and ferrites. This will give you audio at proper levels and impedances both ways and with extremely thorough EMI/RFI filtering/isolation, PTT into the HT and true COS+CTCSS detection support ie. no need to rely on VOX functionality and associated delays/unreliability. See my How-To guides and Product page at https://allscan.info for details. 73, NR9V

1 Like