I received several questions lately from radio amateurs that are interested in installing and setting up an AllStar node. This topic will unfortunately not be an instruction manual on how to build an AllStar node but I will gladly provide the links to assist you in getting an AllStar node up and running. Just a word of advice. You must be willing to read, read, read and learn. There is no shortcuts. This does not mean that it is difficult to build a node. Nowadays it is actually very easy as there are several manuals, images and videos that will assist you in this regard.
If you have any questions I am more that willing to try and help you in this regard but there is also a comprehensive AllStar forum, group and mailing list that has all the information you need to assist you with the build and issues that you might experience in setting up and maintaining a node.
Take note of the following. There are two versions of AllStar available.
1. HamVoip Asterisk Allstar - https://hamvoip.org/
2. AllStarLink Network - https://www.allstarlink.org/
I am only using the HamVoip (1) version on a Raspberry Pi 3 and has no experience with AllStarLink. Thus far I have not experience any serious issues with HamVoip and my nodes run very well.
Here is a few useful links:
- This list is for support, announcements, and general information about ARM Allstar projects at hamvoip.org including but not limited to the BeagleBone Black and Raspberry Pi 2 / 3 / 4. Click HERE
- To see the collection of prior postings to the list, visit the ARM-allstar Archives
- March 2022 Archives by thread. Click HERE
- How to build your own radioless allstar node Click HERE
- AllStar Node Setup and Configuration Guide Click HERE (PDF) (Please note that some of the links in this manual are outdated but the contents is still relevent and useful.)
- How to make an Allstar node Click HERE
- Videos related to the construction of Allstar Nodes Click HERE
I trust that the above information would assist a total beginner toe get started with AllStar. Be patient and take your time. This is not a quick Windows install and will take some time to setup. It is not difficult as many with no Linux experience has done it.
Finally: The decision to build your own AllStar node is entirely up to you. I have used Echolink for many years in the past but since I discovered AllStar I am not looking back and enjoy AllStar and its benefits to the full. AllStar is really the way to go. Hope to see and hear many new AllStar nodes on the ZS-Link Network in South Africa. You will not be disappointed that you switched to AllStar!!
