On
occasions, we have been asked about linking in Analog systems to our Digital Repeaters
which has resulted in a huge NO WAY. Digital is Digital and Analog is Analog, However,
we do have a couple of Bridges that allow various modes to link to each other.
On
occasions, we have been asked about linking in Analog systems to our Digital Repeaters
which has resulted in a huge NO WAY. Digital is Digital and Analog is Analog, However,
we do have a couple of Bridges that allow various modes to link to each other.
C4FM
Bridge.
Initially
we had a system that allowed IE.YSF.IRL, the Peanut APP, Brandmeister TG 2724 to
be linked into CQ-Ireland Wires-X. This in turn linked the Galway, Limerick
Repeater and EI2SHD Wires-X systems to each other resulting in a wide coverage
from the two Repeaters. However, the system became clogged up with lengthy QSOs occupying many connected Nodes. As a result, our regular connections
disconnected their nodes, and we also lost the connection to the Limerick
Repeater for the same reason and EI2SHD went off line as well. It is unlikely
that CQ Ireland will return to the airwaves. Sadly, we should never take anything
for granted.
All
is not lost, as we still have the Peanut App and YSF. IRELAND connected into
the Brandmeister Talk Group 2724.
Peanut is a mobile phone app, available
from PA7LIM, allowing licenced users to access the system their mobile phone or
internet radios.
Brandmeister
Talk Group 2724 is
accessible via Repeaters or Gateways and most of us have this programmed in our
code plugs.
IE.YSF.IRELAND
Those using Hotspots or Gateways can access IE.YSF.IRELAND using C4FM equipment.
The
Bridge is shown in the diagram above. To date this has been very reliable with
good clear audio at all times.
ALLSTAR
Bridge
Allstar
is a VOIP system based
on the Asterisk program. Allstar is much like Echolink but a more advanced
system. As with Echolink, Allstar allows connections to nodes all over the world.
To connect to Node 29885 use *3 e.g. *329885 and to disconnect from Node 23885
use *1 e.g. *129885. It is also possible to link to another Node whilst connected.
Hamshack
Hotline is a VOIP telephone network, for licensed radio amateurs, allowing
telephones to be connected to each other throughout the Hamshack Hotline system.
It is simple to join and obtain a number by filling out a form on the Hamshack
hotline application on their website. You cannot make calls to international
landline numbers through this system.
The
Hamshack Hotline Bridge is via Hamshack Hotline Number 94001. This connects to
the Hamshack Hotline Bridge EI7KK Allstar Node 28885. Basically, EI7KK node
number 29885 is the Bridge to which everything is connected.
To
access the Bridge using Hamshack hotline. Dial 94001. There will be a connection
message. To transmit dial *99 and to go back into receive dial # - it is important
to say over as you do so. Bear in mind you are going out on RF using this
system. Your are not able to connect to any other nodes except Hamshack Hotline
on this system. You would have to rely on communication via any that are
already connected
Brandmeister
Access is via DMR TG 27241.
Simple, just program this talk group into the handheld and key up the
appropriate Repeater or Gateway. You cannot connect to any other nodes via DMR
You have to rely on those already connected to the Hamshack Hotline Bridge at
the time
D-Star
Access via XLX353E.
Connect into XLE353E reflector either through a Repeater, Gateway or personal Hotspot.
ALLSTAR
LINK: To connect
into the Allstar Bridge key in DTMD tones *329885 where *3 is the connection
command and 29885 is the Node number if you wish to bring in a friend you can
dial up his number and he will be connect via your Node to the Hamshack Hotline
Node.
A
Word of Caution here !!!
Do not connect a large network of Nodes such as UKHUBNet into this network otherwise
nobody will get a word in edgeways. If you want to talk to a those on UKHUBNet
dial your Allstar node in direct.
The
Bridge is shown above. The Audio is very clear, but you must careful not to
overmodulate at your end. Be sure not to “eat” the microphone and back away a
little from it. Whichever mode you use to access will come out simultaneously
on three others.
EI4GCG
Node - Galway City 4m Gateway - 70.425 MHz, CTCSS Tone 77Hz (Node 52469)
Finally
we got this project on the air. While there was a lot of attention being paid
to the installation of a Digital System around Galway, this project was left on
the back burner. Fortunately, Allstar appeared and rather than use Echolink, it
was possible to turn the attention to Allstar instead. Why 70 MHz? This band is
totally underused and if only more appeared on the band its capabilities and
range would be appreciated. Handheld coverage is possible around Galway City
but use a proper radio and you will reap the benefits.
How
to use it from 4 metres.
Tune
to 70.425
Set
CTCSS tones to 77Hz
Key
the mike. Two dit tones will be transmitted to indicate you are getting in
To
Connect to a Node e.g. 29885 Key *3 the connection code immediately followed by
the Node Number 29885 - *329885. To disconnect type *1 the disconnect code
immediately followed by the Node Number - *129885.
There
are additional codes that can be used to tell the time of day - *81
Force
system ID - *80
Last
Active node *72
Disconnect
all links *74 used if you have a load of links to other nodes
The
Diagram above shows EI4GCG (red arrow) connected to EI7KK (black
arrow). EI4GCG has also been connected to GB3DQ.By keying the PTT. All repeaters
and Gateways in the Network will be keyed simultaneously. ABOVE ALL – don’t forget
to disconnect from the additional network when you have finished.
The
Map above shows a health distribution of Allstar nodes and so there is no
excuse not to have a contact with somebody.
ETIQUETTE on Bridges and Gateways
If
you connect to a Node Disconnect from it when you have finished using it.
If
you connect to a Huge Network such as UKHUBNet disconnect from it and do not
leave it running for a whole day. By ignoring this request, the Node will be unnecessarily
busy preventing others from using it and also wasting electricity overheating
the Radio on full duty cycle.
Do
not Waffle and Drone on, for hours on end, via a Node that is connected into a
huge network as this is guaranteed to pee somebody off. The Band police will
mobilise very quickly! The polite thing to do is establish a contact on the
Node connected to a wide area and then ask the station to disconnect and
connect to you having first given him your Node Number.
This
is one of the reasons why CQ-Ireland Wires-X lost all of its regular
connections and was subsequently taken off air.
Equipment
for a Personal Gateway
A
home construction project was described in the Galway Radio Club Journal
(2021). The Build was very simple although the set up can be time consuming. A
fully built nodes is available from G7RPG which is almost the same as the Construction
project in the Magazine.
The 2E0BMT Personal Allstar Node Kit
The
SHARI PIHat is a system that works on a Raspberry Pi 4 with a miniature TX/RX
on board running a few milliwatts for use s a personal node.
SHARI PiHat
Further
Reading https://www.allstarlink.org/
Acknowledgements: Much work was put into the building if the Bridges by John,MI0AAZ, and Michael, MI0HOZ, with the Galway Node, EI4GCG built by Steve, EI5DD, and not forgetting the input of the BM SYSOP EI7IG.
