During a resent "Sonsak Span" Net Pieter ZS3PV was visiting the Saldanha area. He used the AllStar node of Wikus ZSWLM-L that was connected to the ZS Link AllStar Hub in Mossel Bay. Pieter could not believe the excellent audio quality that he received via the two allstar nodes. He was adamant that the audio quality is the best he ever heard on VHF and that he considers to setup an AllStar node in Kleinsee at his QTH.
Now
I have to get the following of my chest before I continue. I sometimes
hear that fellow radio amateurs comment that Echolink / AllStarLink /
VOIP is not amateur radio as it uses the Internet and not RF radio
communications.
Image: ZS-Link Network HUB, Mossel Bay (Click on image for larger view.)
Is Echolink / AllStarLink / VOIP really not Amateur Radio?
Now Tom Salzer KJ7T comments in this regard is absolutely spot-on and I quote:
"Each
approach has its place and each provides enjoyment and fulfillment for
me. I hear this question all the time, either posed as a sincere
question or as a loaded comment deriding those who use AllStarLink. I
submit that AllStarLink is as much connected to amateur radio as is
Morse Code. In the beginning, Morse Code was transmitted over wires, not
over the air. Radiotelegraphy required changing the use of Morse Code
from something that actually printed on paper to tape to audible pulses
of long and short sounds.
AllStarLink is not Morse Code, but like CW, it is a digital mode. Both of these communication modes can be used over the air or over a wire. That intersection with RF radios is why I think AllStarLink falls squarely in the realm of amateur radio. AllStarLink is also a grand experiment in adapting Asterisk for amateur radio use, an activity that is part and parcel of amateur radio. As amateurs, we adapt technologies and adopt methods from other fields. Some of us are theorists and some are pragmatists. All of us find something to enjoy in this very broad hobby of hobbies we call amateur radio."
AllStarLink is not Morse Code, but like CW, it is a digital mode. Both of these communication modes can be used over the air or over a wire. That intersection with RF radios is why I think AllStarLink falls squarely in the realm of amateur radio. AllStarLink is also a grand experiment in adapting Asterisk for amateur radio use, an activity that is part and parcel of amateur radio. As amateurs, we adapt technologies and adopt methods from other fields. Some of us are theorists and some are pragmatists. All of us find something to enjoy in this very broad hobby of hobbies we call amateur radio."
I decided to provide more information in this article relating to AllStar as it seems that it does not get much airtime. Echolink has been around for a while, as has DMR and IRLP. Why another digital voice mode like AllStarLink and how does it function? AllStar technology can feel overwhelming to some radio amateurs. This is far from the truth. If you are prepared to read and spend a little time on it you will be rewarded with the best audio quality coming from your station.
What is AllStar?
AllStarLink is a network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol. AllStarLink runs on a dedicated computer (including the Raspberry Pi) that you host at your home, radio site or computer center. It is based on the open source Asterisk PBX running our app_rpt application. App_rpt makes Asterisk a powerful system capable of controlling one or more radios. It provides linking of these radio "nodes" to other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world via VoIP.
AllStarLink's primary use is as a dedicated computer node wired to your repeater or radio. Connections from Echolink, other VoIP clients and telephone calls are supported.
AllStarLink has 42770 users and 45117 nodes.
What is a node?
A node, in simplest terms, is a computer that connects to the AllStarLink network. Nodes typically have an RF radio interface as well as an internet connection. Radios can range in size from a repeater radio to a low power radio integrated into a node. A node allows you to connect to other nodes in the AllStarLink network.
Nodes take the form of an inexpensive Raspberry Pi computer or a PC running the Linux operating system.
How do I use AllStarLink?
If you have a local FM repeater that is AllStarLink enabled, you may already be using it! However, before attempting to control a local FM repeater, check with the owner(s) first before doing so -- ham radio etiquette applies.
AllStarLink is typically used in these ways:
- Via a FM repeater that is AllStarLink enabled. Controlled through DTMF commands, via the internet, or an autopatch.
- Via a local micro-node that is purchased by a HAM operator to join the AllStarLink network
- Via PC/Mac software that allows you to connect directly to a node. The microphone / speaker are used for audio.
- Via a mobile app such as DVSwitch Mobile to connect directly to a node.
- Via an autopatch
Getting on AllStarLink
- If you wish to create your own node, follow the directions below to create an account. After your account is active, you will need a suitable PC or Raspberry Pi computer to install AllStar onto.
- If you wish to use a local FM repeater that is AllStar enabled, you do not need an AllStar account. Check out our Active Nodes List
to find a repeater near you. If you type your city name in the search
box, you will be given a list of active nodes. However, before
controlling any node via RF & DTMF, be sure to talk to the
operator(s) of that node and receive permission first.
- For a list of possible commands, visit the AllStarLink Standard Commands page.
- Some nodes may be local/non public nodes, so look for information that the node is in fact public.
- If you wish to purchase a pre-made or complete node, check out our Radio Connections page for a list of vendors.
Benefits of AllStarLink (HamVoip)
AllStarLink benefits amateur radio operators by creating a global network for radio communication over the internet (VoIP), enabling long-distance/intercontinental chats, linking analog and digital systems (DMR, YSF), improving emergency comms with flexible infrastructure, offering high-quality audio, and providing control over personal nodes for enhanced privacy and customization, all built on open-source software. It allows for connecting handhelds to
powerful repeaters or even controlling systems remotely, supporting
various amateur radio activities from nets to simplex contacts.
Key Benefits
- Global Connectivity: Link with other hams worldwide using your radio, bypassing geographical limitations through the internet.
- Emergency Preparedness: Offers resilient, alternative communication infrastructure for disaster relief coordination.
- Hybrid Communication: Bridges analog RF (radio frequency) with digital VoIP, connecting different radio types (DMR, YSF, P25) and even traditional EchoLink.
- High-Quality Audio: Uses business-grade codecs for clear voice communication, even with age-related hearing changes. Being able to clearly hear what is being said is becoming more important as hearing changes with age. The audio quality is excellent.
- Flexibility & Control: Build your own node, giving you autonomy, privacy, and control over your connection, or use pre-built solutions. You can also purchase a fully functional allstar node
- Open-Source & Customizable: Built on open-source Asterisk software, allowing for extensive customization, scripting, and integration.
- Enhanced Features: Supports autopatch, remote control, scheduled events, and integrates with smartphone apps (DVSwitch) for broader access.
- Controlling Repeaters: It can control repeaters or operate as an individual node in an AllStarLink network like the ZS-Link Network in the Southern Cape. When part of a repeater system, people can connect over radio or over an internet connection. I find this more inclusive than the idea that if you aren’t using a radio (or you aren’t a CW operator, or you aren’t using a vacuum tube radio, or or or), you aren’t really a amateur radio operator. Hogwash!!
- Versatility: You can make simplex contacts or participate in nets, nearby or across the planet. While AllStar works fine for conversations with hams close by, it shines in situations where geographic distance would otherwise hamper conversations. If you are near a repeater with AllStarLink, you can operate over RF. If no such repeater is near you, you can operate over an internet connection.
- AllStarLink neatly solves the following problems: Can’t put up antennas. Too much RF interference to enjoy using radios over RF. Living in a facility that prohibits amateur radios that transmit and receive over RF.
Drawbacks of AllStarLink (HamVoip)
To say that AllStarLink does not have any drawbacks would be a lie. So here are the drawbacks.AllStarLink
(ASL) is a powerful, Linux-based VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
system for linking amateur radio repeaters and nodes. While highly
versatile, it has several drawbacks, particularly regarding setup complexity, hardware reliability, and audio quality management
. Key drawbacks of AllStarLink include:
- Complex Setup and Technical Barrier: Setting up an AllStar node requires knowledge of Linux, networking, and radio hardware. It is not a "plug-and-play" system for beginners, requiring configuration of Asterisk, Node-Ventures, or similar software.
- Hardware and Interface Issues:
- USB Radio Interface (URI) Problems: Some USB interfaces (like the DMK URIx) have been known to have issues with EEPROM, causing them to appear as if they have failed.
- Audio Levels: Users often report that audio levels are inconsistent across different nodes.
- Component Failures: Raspberry Pi-based nodes, especially when used in high-demand or remote, unheated environments (like mountaintop repeaters), can be prone to intermittent crashing and need remote reset capabilities.
- Networking and Connectivity Hurdles:
- NAT Router Issues: AllStar registration can fail behind certain NAT routers that do not maintain proper source-port preservation (expected to be 4569).
- Firewall Configuration: Connecting to other nodes requires specific firewall port forwarding, which can be difficult for some users to manage.
- Audio Quality and Codecs:
- Limited Codec Improvements: The system relies on older technology, with some users noting that audio codecs have not seen major improvements in over 20 years, relying primarily on GSM.
- Audio Breakups: Some Raspberry Pi implementations have reported audio gaps and inconsistencies.
- Support and Documentation:
- Poor Documentation: Access to up-to-date, comprehensive documentation is considered a weak point.
- Support Forums: While a community exists, troubleshooting often relies on user-driven forums rather than dedicated, professional support.
- Dependency on Internet Stability: As a VoIP system, the quality and reliability of the audio link are entirely dependent on the stability of the internet connection; high latency or packet loss will break the audio.
Despite
these drawbacks, AllStarLink remains a very popular, flexible system if
the user is willing to manage the technical, hands-on nature of the
platform. Do not believe people who tell you that AllStar is to complicated. Nothing comes for free in life and if you get stuck there is more than enough competent AllStar experts out there to assist you. I have no Electronic or IT background. What I know today I have learned by reading, asking, watching videos etc. If you have the will to be successful and you use your spare time wisely you will be successful in setting up and running your own AllStarLink Node.
I am not going to explain how to get started with AllStarLink or how to operate a node. Google is your friend. The Internet has nowadays an abundance of information on how the get started with AllStarLink. The following three links will provide you with an lots of information.
AllStarLink Website: Click HERE
HamVoip Website: Click HERE
Ham Radio Crusader: Click HERE
Image: Flowchart of the ZS-Link Network HUB (Click on image for larger view.)
Summary :
Next up is using an Android smartphone or tablet that you already have to connect to the ZS Link AllStar Network.
Ultimately you can build or buy a node and connect it via RF or the Internet to the ZS-Link AllStar Network.
Finally:
More information regarding the ZS Link Network and Projects are available on our Blog by clicking HERE. This Blog is a real treasure trove and contains 847 posts up to today.
