¶ Allstar
¶ Introduction
Allstar refers to a technology traditionally used with VOIP (Voice over IP) telephone networks using a software called Asterisk. Asterisk was modified by a group of ham radio operators to be used as a backend for linking repeaters and nodes etc. It's not the first of its kind, but its a very common one.
You may be using Allstar and not even knowing it! There are a lot of repaters that use allstar on the backend. But just like the digital modes, you can actually create your own "hotspot" which we like to call nodes. It's similar to installing a telephone line. Your node will have it's own unique number which you will use to "dial out" or optionally if you open a firewall port, allow people to "dial in". The difference here is that you use any analog HT or radio as the "telephone". Compared to digital the audio quality is excellent, instead of a compressed digital robotic sound, you have the fidelity of radio without the static.
There are two common software installs for Allstar. ASL (Allstar Link), and HAMVOIP. I won't get into which one is "better", I will just describe what each is.
¶ ASL
ASL is the reference or current open source version of Allstar software. You can publicly view, compile and build from scratch. It works on x86_64 and arm platforms and is a common install on pc commodity hardware as well as cloud virtual machines.
¶ Hamvoip
https://hamvoip.org is a closed source but free alternative to ASL and adds features such as DNS like node lookups and other enhancements. If you plan on using a raspberry pi for your node, this is a defacto and mature choice.
At the time of this writing you currently can only run the software on a raspberry pi, and you will not be able to view or access the source code to build things on your own.
Hamvoip is used on most turnkey solutions such as Clearnode, and many of the makers of allstar kits prefer you use hamvoip. Though you are not limited to it if you want to support yourself.
¶ Getting started
In order to use the allstar network, you'll need to register for an account, build a node, and get on the air.
¶ Building a Node
This is probably the most difficult part of the process that intimidates those just getting into Allstar. But don't let it! Allstar is really nice after you get past the learning curve. As with any hobby, you'll need to either spend money or spend time or a little bit of both 
This is the most exciting part though and you get to piece something together and adventure into using your radios sitting on the shelf like you haven't ever imagined before.
Let's break down the components of what is a node:
-
A Computer (a raspberry pi is most common)
-
USB Sound Fob
-
Radio Interface Module (RIM)
How you get to a combo of these three.. well you can go with a turnkey solution like clearnode or shari where someone puts the whole thing together for you and even configures it for you and ships it to you all ready to go. Or you can do a hybrid solution like hotspotradios or shari (also sells kits). Or you can go complete old school and do everything from scratch with a baeofeng or similar radio. You can even get advanced and use an old mobile radio to build a higher power node. The possibilities are endless.
Let's focus though.. if you are just getting started. I highly recommend for your first node you just get a turnkey solution. Especially if you aren't familiar with tinkering with linux, computers, etc. If you are a little more savy with Linux and such.. go for the more challenging path!
First Timers (not as skilled with computer) you should look at Clearnode or Shari.
Skilled or Second nodes.. take a look at Allscan and the other offerings.
¶ Links
- Allstar -- https://allstarlink.org
- HamVOIP -- https://hamvoip.org
- SHARI (kits/preassembled) -- https://kitsforhams.com
- Allscan (plans to build yourself / kits) -- https://allscan.info
- Hotspotradios -- https://hotspotradios.com
- Clearnode - Best for beginners - https://www.node-ventures.com/buy-clearnode/
- RF USB Module - https://www.amazon.com/AURSINC-Programming-Echolink-Compatible-Raspberry/dp/B0BNKS4GGH
- Sean (WX8L W8FU) Creations: https://wx8l.blogspot.com