KP4MD/L AllStar Node
What is the AllStar Network?
AllStarLink is a network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots that are accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
(The myGMRS.com Network is an AllStarLink network for GMRS users).
What is an AllStar Node?
An AllStar "node" consists of a dedicated computer wired to a repeater, home station radio or low power "micronode".
Radio amateurs can use any analog FM transceiver with DTMF pad to connect and link through nodes to other AllStar stations and repeaters anywhere in the world.
Some AllStar nodes may also offer access via the EchoLink system and/or bridges to digital voice networks such as DMR, DStar and System Fusion.
AllStarLink.org assigns node numbers to individual AllStar nodes, repeaters, bridges and hubs.
Hubs are robust nodes that can accommodate many users at the same time, similar to EchoLink Conference servers.
Some popular hubs include the WIN System, DoDropIn, the East Coast HUB and others.
The AllStar Link network currently has over 33,000 users and over 34,000 nodes. Link to Map of AllStar nodes.
Why Use AllStar?
Licensed radio amateurs can access and participate in nets via AllStar equipped repeaters when outside their RF coverage area.
Existing analog FM radios can access the AllStar network through equipped repeaters and simplex nodes.
AllStar uses open source non-proprietary software and hardware.
AllStar's VoIP technology offers natural voice clarity superior to that of the synthesized sound of digital voice modes like C4FM, DMR & D-Star.
Internet connectivity enables repeater linking when needed for wide area and emergency communications.
AllStar micronodes such as SHARI or ClearNode offer a practical and economical solution to use a handheld radio around the home and for apartment or office-bound members with antenna limitations.
Node Information
The KP4MD AllStar Simplex Node Use and Guidelines
Licensed radio amateurs may access the KP4MD Low Level AllStar node (#53144) in Citrus Heights on 438.500 MHz simplex with a PL tone of 100.0 Hz.
You may also listen and talk through this node online via EchoLink system node 269663 (KP4MD-L).
The node software is HamVoIP RPi2-3-4 V1.7-01 running on a Raspberry Pi 3B with a DINAH interface.
The radio is a Yaesu FT-8800R transceiver running 5 watts to an Arrow OSJ 146/440 J-Pole antenna at 20 feet above ground.
Guidelines for Node Use
Listen to check if the node is already in use. Do not interrupt conversations in progress.
Key your transmitter and identify yourself when you access the node.
Announce your intentions if you plan to connect or disconnect with another node.
Limit links to the minimum time necessary.
Remember to disconnect any links you have made before you sign off.
If the AllStar node hears you it will respond with a squelch tail and courtesy tone.
To Connect to another AllStar node:
Key your transmitter and enter *3 ##### where ##### is the AllStar node number you wish to connect to. (Use *2 ##### if you only wish to monitor the other node)
If the link is successful, the node will respond with "Node _____ connected to KP4MD", otherwise it will respond "Node _______ connection failed"
Once connected, anything that you transmit will be heard at the other node and vice versa.
If you connect to additional nodes, you will link all the connected nodes together, therefore please close each of your node connections before you log off.
Do not link hubs together, otherwise you could unintentionally link an unwieldy number of users together.
If in doubt about the connection status of the KP4MD AllStar node, you can send *70 or click this link for a report.
To Disconnect from a Node:
Easiest: *10 to disconnect from the last known node or *76 to disconnect from all linked AllStar nodes
To disconnect from a single AllStar node Enter *1 ##### where ##### is the AllStar node number you wish to disconnect.
Again, please be certain to close all connections before you log off the node.
To Connect to an EchoLink node via AllStar:
Enter *3 3 and then the EchoLink Node number padded out to six digits with leading zeros, i.e., to connect to EchoLink Test server node #9999 dial (*3 3 009999).
To disconnect the node, dial *76 or *1 3 + node, that is (*1 3 009999).
A Few Popular AllStar Nodes and Nets
Would you like to set up your own AllStar node? Check the SHARI micronode, the DINAH interface, and ClearNode.
Please send any Questions to contact@n6na.org
A Few AllStar DTMF Functions
The highlighted codes are custom commands for the KP4MD-L node on 438.50 MHz