Hey fellow hams!
For those of you who follow along, you know I’m a sucker for tinkering, especially when it comes to connecting different radio systems. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been diving deeper into the world of Allstar Link, and let me tell you, it’s been an exciting, albeit occasionally frustrating, journey. Today, I want to share some of my experiences experimenting with Allstar Link, focusing on my setup involving Skywarn, DVswitch, and connecting to various nodes.
Allstar Link: More Than Just a VoIP Network
If you’re new to Allstar, it’s essentially a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network that allows you to connect radio systems across the globe. What’s cool about it is that it’s open-source and incredibly flexible, meaning you can connect all sorts of different radio interfaces and systems together using a computer running the Asterisk telephony software. Unlike a single digital mode like DMR or Fusion, Allstar is more of an infrastructure for connecting disparate systems together, it can even interface with analog FM repeaters.
Skywarn Integration: Bridging the Gap
One of the most compelling reasons to dive into Allstar Link is its potential for public service, and that’s where my interest in Skywarn integration comes in. Here’s the idea: During severe weather events, real-time communication is critical. By connecting local Skywarn repeaters (typically analog FM) via Allstar, we can create a wider, more reliable communication network for spotters and emergency responders, that could not otherwise be connected without Allstar.
My initial experiments involved configuring my personal local node with the Skywarn Plus.This allowed me to monitor the sever weather activity in my locale and connecting my node to other nodes can share that information out either via the node groups or out via connected repeaters to the Allstar network. Living in the North Texas area we are no strangers to extreme weather so having a way to “publish” weather information via radio is a nice backup to my cell phone. Here is a great video on installing Skywarn Plus on your Allstar node:
Thanks to Freddie Mac KD5FMU for the hard work and great videos
Enter DVswitch: Adding a Digital Dimension
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. I also have an interest in digital voice modes, so I wanted to see if I could tie in Digital Voice (DV) with Allstar. That’s when I discovered DVswitch. DVswitch is software that allows you to connect various digital modes (like DMR, D-Star, and System Fusion) to Allstar Link.
The potential here is huge! By using DVswitch as a bridge, I could potentially link my Allstar node to a DMR or D-Star repeater or even a hotspot. This would mean that a Skywarn user on a traditional analog repeater could potentially be heard by a ham using DMR, a System Fusion radio, or on another connected repeater – truly creating a cross-mode communication environment.
Setting up DVswitch is definitely more complicated than a typical Allstar node, but the rewards can be significant. You now have the potential to bridge communications across different formats and devices.
The Joy (and Frustration) of Node Hopping
One of the coolest features of Allstar Link is the ability to connect to other nodes. It’s essentially like having a global repeater network at your fingertips. You can hop from one node to another, chatting with hams from all over the world, or connecting into another linked system of repeaters.
However, this can also be where some of the challenges arise. Each node has its own unique configurations and personalities. Sometimes connections are seamless, other times you have to battle with network latency, audio issues, or compatibility problems. That’s where patience and understanding become your best friends when working with Allstar.
Lessons Learned and Ongoing Experimentation
My experiments with Allstar Link, Skywarn, and DVswitch are still very much a work in progress. Here are some of my takeaways so far:
- Start Simple: Begin with a basic Allstar node and then gradually add complexity. Don’t try to do everything at once. I with a raspberry pi, AIOC and a cheap HT.
- Document Everything: Keep track of your configurations and changes. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of settings if you don’t document it.
- Patience is Key: Allstar Link can be fickle. Sometimes things work perfectly, other times you need to troubleshoot. Don’t get discouraged.
- Community Support: There’s a vibrant and knowledgeable community of Allstar users. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- Safety First: When linking systems that may be used in emergency situations like Skywarn, thoroughly test your connections before using it for critical communications.
- Be Considerate, I didn’t realize I we broadcasting my test messages not only from my node but to other nodes I had connected too. So be conscious of your connections
I’m continually exploring new possibilities with Allstar, and I’m excited to see where it goes. From emergency communications to simply connecting with fellow hams worldwide, the potential of this open-source system is truly impressive. Since starting with one node, I know have three configured:
- SHARI Pi This is now my main home node
- SHARI PiHat Clone This is going to be my portable node possibly getting setup in my truck to have Allstar on the road.
- Raspberry Pi with AIOC-HT combo This was my first simple node and worked to get started and having some fun. I plan to keep the image ready in case of emergency or if I want to setup a node at a pota stop.
Have you experimented with Allstar Link? What are your experiences with Skywarn integration or DVswitch? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
73,
Chris - K5CTW