Image: DMR Dashboard - Activity this morning (Monday, 2 March 2026) via the DMR Bridge (Click on image for larger view.)
Image: AllStar Link Log - Activity this morning (Monday, 2 March 2026) via the ZS Link Network. The DMR Bridge connection is visible second entry from the top. (Click on image for larger view.)
The AllStar-Echolink-DMR Bridge is active since the 8 June 2023 on the then Garden Route Hub Network and today still available to all the ZS-Link Network users via the ZS Link Network, Mossel Bay. Now what is this all about?
It is quite simple. When the Bridge is active it connects the following applications/nodes together which is forming a "Bridge". Simply put it allows one person to talk on Echolink and the conversation will be propagated to AllStar and DMR and vice versa.
Example:
Echolink ####> Allstar ####> DMR and DMR ###> AllStar ###> Echolink
ZS1I-L Echolink ####> 49355 Allstar ####> DMR and DMR ###> 49355 AllStar ###> ZS11-L Echolink
The Bridge is also available to all the stations connected to the ZS Link Network and to those stations connected to each other.
Particulars:
The magic files are loaded onto the 467652 Allstar Node (Raspberry Pi 3(b)) which host the following software/Nodes:
- AllstarLink Firmware for the Raspberry Pi Node 467652
- Install Private Node 1999
- Install DVSwitch Firmware
- Create a Brandmeister Account
Further Particulars:
- The AllStar Node runs as a Psuedo Node
- AllStar Node 467652 is connected to the Private Node 1999 which is using the USRP channel driver.
- the USRP channel driver talks to the DVSwitch program that is setup to communicate with Brandmeister TG
- When on your Brandmeister linked Hotspot or repeater (if applicable), if you talk on Talkgroup 91 you will be heard on AllStar 467652 and 49355 (when connected) and where ever is is connected to.
- AllStar Node 49355 is currently linked to Brandmeister Talkgroup 65511
Now why on earth would you setup a Digital DMR Bridge on an Analog AllStar Node and Echolink Node?
- Useful for Emergency Communications
- Ad Hoc Connections
- Access to repeaters from other areas and modes (Hotspots)
- Creates activity on the VHF/UHF bands
- Extend the reach to other parts of the country and worldwide
- Allows analog users to TX+RX on DMR as many radio amateurs do not have a digital radio to operate DMR.
- Because you can and the software is freely available thanks to fellow radio amateurs
- Lends itself to experimentation
- Learn more (educational) about the workings of Digital Radio, Analog Radio, Nodes, VOIP, links, bridges etc.
Considerations:
• Audio quality between the networks
• Allstar Link has EXCELLENT audio quality
• Digital has no hiss
Control:
• Use private nodes to allow the maximum control
How does it work:
• Stream conversion
• Audio and metadata converted from one format to another
• Adapters for each specific network
• For Echolink to work ZS1I-R need to be connected to AllStar Node 49355. The bridge runs on ZS1I-R.
Requests and Reminder:
PLEASE leave a "5 second delay" between replying to a station to allow ALL the systems to reset and connect.
Please note this is a global network and you will be transmitting on RF all over the world.
It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using the DMR Bridge.
Correct operating procedure is a distinct characteristic of Amateur Radio. It’s important that you convey to the public, and to new radio amateurs, the image that Amateur Radio Operators are courteous, patient, and really know what they’re doing. A friendly style is great, but we also need to operate professionally. You never know who may be listening.
Do not cause intentional interference, to links, repeater, hubs, nodes or conversations on the network. Intentional interference is not only heard locally but World Wide. Just remember that intentional interference can today easily be traced to your call sign as all connecting RF and Digital stations leave an identifiable script in a log file.
Finally:
Re-structuring of the ZS Link Network is an ongoing project. Do not panic we will not leave our local radio amateurs in the cold. I recently overheard a conversation were a radio amateur indicated that the ZS Link Network is not for local use but caters more for world wide activity. This is far from the truth. If you not certain how the ZS Link Network functions you will find more info on the ZS Link Network Blog Pages.
Activity on the DMR Bridge is a daily occurrence. The DMR Bridge is permanently connected to the ZS Link Network via Echolink and AllStar. If you have DMR equipment connect to the 65511 TG or via ZS1I-R Echolink or 49355 AllStar Link and talk to us via DMR. I hear you say but I do not have DMR equipment. No problem just download DroidStar from Play Store on your phone, install and then talk via DMR to the World. In the last few weeks there was a increase in activity on the DMR Bridge
