Operator of an Allstar server MB7AGF with node 28315 and Echolink node 2586 driving the link radio on 430.0125Mhz. This node operates on the HubNet UK network. 

Information at http://www.hubnetwork.uk  The main hub node is Allstar 41522 and the Echolink gateway is via M0HOY-L

This system was originally setup as an EchoIRLP system running on a Dell Optiplex PC using the ACID version of Asterisk with a separate machine running the EchoIRLP nodes. The IRLP node has now been retired and the Allstar/Echolink functions have been migrated (May 2015) to a pack of cards sized RaspberryPi 2 micro computer which is powered by a 5V cell phone wallcharger. You can find out how to make a similar node in the Blog section of the UKAllStarHub website at http://ukallstarhub.com or see a lot more info at Doug Crompton's (WA3DSP) website at http://www.crompton.com/hamradio/BeagleBoneBlackAllstar/

See a graphic of all the nodes currently connected to 28315 at this link: http://stats.allstarlink.org/getstatus.cgi?28315

You can view the node status via the server's Allmon page at: http://stuart.homeip.net:8999/allmon/link.php?nodes=28315

 

Portable microNode

The newest addition to my experimentation is a portable Allstar system produced by Peter G7RPG. This system is a low power simplex node built into a box 6 inches x 6 inches by 2.5 inches. This runs of a 12v supply and can be used with either a wired internet or WiFi configuration. The system is completely contained within the box and operates with low RF power output on 70cm. It has been used in the shack on a wired connection and in my car using WiFi. It should prove ideal for vacation use in hotels or wherever I can pick up a WiFi connection.

This is the complete node with power and wired internet connection

And this is the interior with the Raspberry Pi2 at the top and the Baofeng 888 txcvr at the bottom. The micro coax on the right feeds the external anntena. To the left of the 888 is the 5v voltage adaptor which allows any DC input voltage from 9V to ~30V to be used. To the left of the RPi2 are the USB radio interface in one port and the WiFi dongle in the USB port below. The transistor and capacitor arrangement at the left and end of the 888 generates the COS (yellow wire) for the USB interface and the GPIO(0) pin on the RPi2 provides the PTT (green wire) for the 888. I have also utilised those two signals to derive Rx/Tx lights fitted on the front panel to monitor activity .

 

Beagle Bone Black system

I have a second experimental Allstar system running on a BeagleBone Black micro computer system with a USB to radio interface FOB made by Alan M0AQC and a Kenwood radio running into a dummy load. This has Allstar node 29761. The staus of this node can be monitored via it's Allmon page at: http://stuart.homeip.net:8998/allmon/link.php?group=All%20Nodes

Here's a photo of the system.

The black box on top of the Kenwood is the BeagleBone Black microPC which is about the size of a small pack of cards and the blue box behind is the M0AQC radio interface.

Finally (for now) here's the very latest - a Raspbery PiZero which costs £5.00 and believe it or not when compared with an RPiB+ both running the same version of Raspbian and TightVNC via WiFi dongles it is faster by far at everything I tried. So far I have not tried Allstar on it for which I would need to use a USB Hub.

                                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIGITAL RADIO

My latest exploit in the world of ham radio has been to try out digital communication using the DMR system. I purchased an MD380, setup the code plug with help from others including M3ZHI, 2E0XVX and G7RPG and then found that I could not access any local repeaters. The solution was to provide myself with a homebrew hotspot based on the DVMEGA / Bluestack combination.  The system is capable of operation in D-star, Fusion and DMR modes but I have only used it in the latter.

The picture shows the complete system with the MD380 on the right, the DVMEGA/Bluestack combination being powered by a 5v juice cube in the centre and the Android tablet providing control and Internet linking whilst linked to the Bluestack via Bluetooth which is on the left.

 

 

Pi-Star Hotspot

This picture shows the newest addition to my DMR experiences.  This is a self contained personal hotspot which requires just power and an Internet connection either wired or wifi.  It consists of a Rapsberry Pi 3 with a DVMEGA board connected to theGPIO pins.  The software is from MW0MWZ and can be found at http://www.mw0mwz.co.uk/pi-star  It runs DMR, D-Star, YSF and P25 but in my case only DMR is enabled.  The software comes with a web based management / display facility but this is not required in normal use.  The Dashboard display is shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In the past I have managed some of the technical aspects of the GB3PZ Internet repeater in Manchester - a dual node IRLP repeater - nodes 5400 & 5450 which also have Echolink capability on nodes 2591 & 472914 respectively. You can monitor the repeater via its streaming audio. See the listen live link on http://www.gb3pz.com or use Windows Media Player with the URL http://82.69.82.9:1086

GB3PZ also has an Allstar server with node 29775 connected to the 3rd port of the system's 3 port expander.

I have now retired from teaching computing and IT subjects at Tameside College and have more time for projects. Prior to teaching, my professional career covered computer and semiconductor design, PC manufacturing, technology support for small businesses and general IT suppport.

I received my amateur licence in October 1963 and have tried most facets of the hobby. I am QRV on VHF/UHF and computer (!) only these days.

 

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VIEWS OF QTH LOCATION - GREENFIELD

This the village of Greenfield nestling down in the valley floor below. Not the best radio location in the area to be sure. HI.

Above - This is the main road through the village of Greenfield - Chew Valley Road. The site of G3SNA is located in the area forward of the church spire top centre in the picture.

This is the lower reservoir in the Chew Valley group named Dovestone Reservoir after the rock on the skyline above.

The afore mentioned Dove Stone rock. This visible from the shack window on the skyline at the far end of the valley on most days. If I can't see it however I know that it's raining again. 

Across the valley there's another rock outcrop which I can see from the kitchen window known as Indian's Head due to the nose like protrudance on the left. If you use your imagination the rocks seem to form the head looking skywards. Here it is:

 

More Saddleworth information at:  http://www.saddleworth.org/saddleworth/index.asp

Places to stay (all within radio contact on 430.0125 MHz - Allstar node 28315 - Echolink 2586)

Pots and Pans Cottage - http://www.visitoldham.com/accommodation/pots-and-pans-p272901

Berry Cottage - https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/8029827

Dovestone Park Chalets - http://www.dovestonepark.co.uk/

 

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