Allstar is voice over IP just like Echolink and IRLP. The major difference is it uses open source Linux/Asterisk software that can be built by anyone and can be public or private. The audio codec is current and sample rate (audio quality) is far greater than other ham VoIP modes. Users have the freedom to set up their own nodes and reflectors/hubs in just about any configuration you want. NO VPN or Port Forwarding to make outgoing calls. This completely changes how easy it is to use your Hotspot and public WiFi hot spots. This is why we have chosen Allstar.

Purpose & Access

The purpose of Allstar connected to PRA is to allow our operators to call into our system from anywhere! Not for PRA to make DX calls. This is why our Reflector capable of 50 simultaneous connections is setup for incoming calls only and is closed.

What does "closed" mean? This means all incoming calls are rejected unless you're on the allowed list. The reason for this is so we don't have operators from all over the world connecting to our system. Instead, we wish to have this access for our regular users to call in to the system. Mobile, vacation, base station, even an over-the-road truck driver!

Who Benefits from Allstar?

Poor Coverage Areas: Users that live in areas of poor coverage can set up a permanent connection to our Allstar reflector! Say you moved out of state or live in an area that has poor repeater coverage. This is for you.

Home Use: Say you like to use a handheld at your home, but coverage is spotty - you can setup Allstar and be rock solid all the time.

Travelers: Most of all, if you travel a lot, you never have to change repeaters and you're solid most all the time. Drivers love these.

Connection Requirements

Nodes that use a landline internet, WiFi or standalone LTE hotspot will be added.

PLEASE, don't use your cell phone as the hotspot - it's not reliable and we cannot add you to the allow list. Again, please no cell phones as the hotspot! We can tell the difference very quickly. We want our internet modes to be the best possible. So, spend the $20/month, add a standalone hot spot to your account and talk on... get it, rock on.... ha ha. You will be very pleased you did.

Request Access to Node 47178

Email Chris, AB7BS at:
[email protected]

Make sure to include your phone number so I can reach you to help get your access setup.

Connecting Your System

If you're interested in connecting your simplex node or repeater to PRA via Allstar, we are interested. A couple of common sense items to note:

First: Any system that is connected to our group will follow our guidelines and operational style.

Second: All connected systems are to talk with PRA, this means that local rag chew traffic is to use a different resource. There is no reason to tie up 5 states for a local session among friends. Pretty simple really!

Send me a message at the above email to get started. Kind, positive users with well-built systems will be considered.

Equipment & Resources

AllStarNodes.com

Providing radio-less nodes that are fun to use. Also building turn-key nodes for those who cannot build one on their own.

Visit AllStarNodes.com →

HamVoIP.org

To build your own Raspberry Pi3 node, this site has TONS of info, a very nice script to use and lots of help. Where I learned!

Visit HamVoIP.org →

DMKEng.com

USB-radio interface for the Raspberry Pi3. The best way to hook your radio to your Pi3.

Visit DMKEng.com →

Internet modes are gateways that allow us to access our hobby when radio is not easily used. Allstar is of course very different and is managed so. Many PRA tower sites use Allstar to back-haul links. We also have OTR drivers that use it every day with perfect audio quality.

Again if you have questions you can email me at:
[email protected]

73,

Chris, AB7BS