Image: ZR3VO Portable / Mobile AllStar Node. (Click on image for larger view.)
Zayn informed me that he is busy building an AllStar
Portable / Mobile Node and a DMR Mobile Hotspot which he will be using whenever the need arises. In the first article we will be looking at the AllStar Portable / Mobile Node and in the second article we will be looking at his DMR Mobile / Portable Hotspot.
Now what on earth is a Portable / Mobile AllStar Node?
A
DIY mobile AllStar node
is a custom-built, portable device that uses a low-power computer, a
radio interface, and amateur radio equipment to connect to the global
AllStarLink network via the internet (often a mobile hotspot). This
setup allows amateur radio operators to
communicate with thousands of other nodes and repeaters worldwide using
their handheld or mobile radios, essentially acting as a personal
gateway or "hotspot". The
"DIY" aspect means the operator assembles the components themselves,
which is a common and cost-effective approach within the ham radio
community, as opposed to buying a pre-built commercial unit.
Key Components:
A typical DIY mobile AllStar node requires the following main components:
- A Computing Device: A small, low-power computer, most commonly a Raspberry Pi (Pi 3 or Pi 4 are popular choices). It runs a Linux-based operating system with the AllStarLink software, often a pre-configured image like HamVoIP.
- A Radio/Audio Interface: A small circuit board or device that connects the computer's USB port (via a C-Media CM108/CM119 sound IC) to the radio's audio input/output and Push-to-Talk (PTT) lines. Pre-made interfaces like the DMK URIx or Masters Communications DRA boards are available, or advanced users can build their own from scratch.
- A Node Radio: A simple, often inexpensive, UHF or VHF radio (e.g., a Baofeng UV-5R or similar) dedicated to the node. This radio receives signals from your personal handheld radio and transmits audio back from the network.
- Power Source: For a mobile setup, a portable battery bank or a buck converter for a vehicle's power system is used.
- Internet Connection: The node needs internet access, which can be provided by Wi-Fi or by tethering to a mobile phone hotspot.
Functionality:
The setup works by:
- Receiving an FM signal from your handheld radio on a specific frequency.
- Converting the audio to digital data via the sound interface and the Raspberry Pi.
- Transmitting that digital data over the internet to other AllStar nodes.
- Receiving internet audio from other nodes.
- Converting the digital audio back to an FM signal for transmission to your handheld radio.
This
allows for seamless communication over vast distances, bridging the gap
between local RF (Radio Frequency) coverage and the global internet
network.
Building Your Own:
To build a DIY node, you would typically follow these general steps:
- Register for an AllStar node number on the AllStarLink website.
- Gather the necessary hardware components.
- Install the AllStar software (like HamVoIP) onto the Raspberry Pi's SD card.
- Wire the radio to the interface board (if necessary).
- Configure the software settings, including audio levels and network parameters, often using a program like PuTTY for remote access.
- Test the node using the "Parrot mode" feature.
There are many online guides and YouTube tutorials available to walk users through the process.
Information regarding the ZR3VO AllStar Portable / Mobile Node:
Call Sign: ZR3VO
Frequency: 145.350 Mhz
CTCSS: 88.5 Hz
Node Number: 46615
Location: Orania
Site: Orania Township
Affiliation: ZS Link Network Group
The
"inauguration" of the node took place recently He use the
node regularly while mobile and even portable. The node is functioning well and is definitely a great asset
when going mobile or portable. Congratulations on constructing a useful
and effective node, Zayn.
Images: Click on images for larger view.
