Every Monday night, join us on the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net as we try to make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) fun to use and easier to understand!
Monday night, June 9th, MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team member, Stan WB8QJZ, will discuss AllStarLink. He’ll explain what it is, how to use and get started with ASL. We’d love to hear if you use or plan on getting started with it, along with your questions and comments.
The MichiganOne DMR Tech Net is on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets channel) every Monday night, starting with check-ins and comments at 7:30 PM ET, followed by the DMR Tech Net portion after that.
Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB, the main admin of BrandMeister Canada, will be our guest for the Tuesday, June 17 “DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom” broadcast from 8pm-9pm ET. He’ll explain BrandMeister Canada, his role with them, and answer your questions about the BrandMeister Network.
To join the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting on June 17th, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447664395?pwd=djZMbFZaWVRkRDRudkRFeWc2WWV4UT09
Another option is to go to https://zoom.us/, then select “Join” (in the top right-hand corner), and input the following details to connect to the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting:
- Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
- Passcode: 370040
To join with only your phones’ audio, dial (312) 626-6799 and input the following:
- Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
- Passcode: 370040
To watch the previous 17 DMR Tech Net TV episodes, visit https://www.youtube.com/@DMRtechnetTV
MichiganOne DMR Tech Net upcoming topics:
- June 9 Stan WB8QJZ explains AllStarLink (https://www.allstarlink.org/)
- June 16 Using a Bluetooth headset with DMR
- Tuesday, June 17 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom with Benoit Sylvestre VE2VB from BrandMeister
- June 23 The M1KE radio reviewed by Stan WB8QJZ and Steve KC8WXM
- June 28-29 ARRL Amateur Radio Field Day 2025 starting at 2pm
- June 30 DMR mobile radio hints and tips
- Jul 7 DMR apps to use on your cellular phone
- Jul 14 Handheld & mobile Antennas for DMR radios
- Tuesday Jul 15 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom going over the Open GD-77 firmware
- Jul 21 Using your radio’s side/hot keys
- Jul 28 Simplex vs Duplex Hotspots
- Aug 4 TOT, the Time-Out Timer feature
- Aug 11 Brad KE8WNV goes over the Open GD-77 firmware for your DMR radio
- Aug 18 Tom N8TJ will discuss and go over Q-codes
- Tuesday Aug 19 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom about Maidenhead Grid Squares
- Aug 25 Using your Digital ID to make a Private Call or create a talkgroup
- Sep 1 How to use the Parrot, Disconnect, and Hotspot Power-Off features
- Sep 8 Front-panel programming on your DMR radio
- Sep 15 Using DMR in disaster response scenarios
- Tuesday Sep 16 DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom
- Sep 22 How to update your DMR Digital Contacts
- Sep 29 Encouraging newcomers and more women to participate in DMR
- Oct 6 Organizing on-air contests and trivia nights to increase engagement
If you have a topic suggestion for a future DMR Tech Net, please let us know! Send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net
To read the whole newsletter, open the attached .pdf or visit our website: https://MichiganOnedmrtech.net/
Table of Contents
AllStarLink Overview for the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net 3
Pros and Cons of AllStarLink. 4
How to Get Started with AllStarLink. 4
Bonus: AllStarLink & DMR Together. 5
Popular AllStarLink Nodes to Listen or Connect To. 5
1. Nodes Reflecting Major Nets or Traffic. 5
2. Tech-Friendly and Cross-Mode Bridges. 5
3. Casual Chatter and Testing Nodes. 6
Pro Tip: Combine with EchoLink. 6
AllStarLink Popular Node Cheat Sheet 6
Popular & Active AllStarLink Nodes. 7
Learn More. 7
Step 1: Configure SIP on Your AllStar Node. 8
sip.conf. 8
Step 2: Configure the SPA525G Phone. 8
Security Tip. 9AllStarLink Overview for the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net
AllStarLink (ASL) is a network of voice-over-IP (VoIP) nodes that connect amateur radio repeaters, simplex nodes, and remote base stations using the Asterisk PBX software. Think of it as a powerful linking system that lets you talk across the country or world using analog radios through the internet.
Unlike BrandMeister or TGIF, which are digital (DMR) networks, AllStarLink is primarily used with analog FM—but it can be bridged into digital systems for greater flexibility.
- Use a Node: To access AllStarLink, you connect through an AllStar node. This can be:
- A repeater system with AllStarLink enabled.
- A simplex node (home-built or hotspot-style device).
- A remote node you operate yourself.
- Dial Node Numbers: Each AllStar node has a unique node number (like a talkgroup on DMR). You “dial” these to connect.
- Transmit/Receive Normally: Once connected, just key your analog radio and speak. The audio is transmitted across the internet to other connected nodes.
Pros
- Excellent Audio Quality – Often clearer than other VoIP systems.
- Flexible – Can link analog, digital, and remote stations.
- Open-Source and Customizable – Tech-savvy hams can build powerful systems.
- Bridging – Can be linked to DMR, EchoLink, and other systems for multi-mode operation.
Cons
- More Technical Setup – Requires some Linux/Asterisk knowledge to build a node.
- Not Plug-and-Play – Compared to DMR hotspots, it’s more DIY.
- Analog Only – Doesn’t natively support DMR, though it can be bridged.
How to Get Started with AllStarLink
- Get a Node Number
- Sign up at https://www.allstarlink.org.
- Request a node number once you’re approved.
- Build a Node
- Easiest Option: Buy a pre-configured node (e.g., SHARI PiHat, ClearNode).
- DIY Option: Install ASL software on a Raspberry Pi or old PC and connect a USB sound FOB (with COS/PTT support) to a radio.
- Configure Your Node
- Set up your radio, COS/PTT lines, audio levels.
- Configure the node with your credentials and network settings.
- Connect & Talk
- From your analog radio, talk through the node.
- Use DTMF tones to link to other nodes (e.g., *3XXXXX to connect, *1XXXXX to monitor, *73 to disconnect).
Official Site: https://www.allstarlink.org
Documentation: https://wiki.allstarlink.org
YouTube:
- Search “AllStarLink setup” or “Build AllStar Node” for hands-on tutorials.
Support Groups:
- AllStarLink Google Group
- Facebook: “AllStarLink Users” Group
Popular Hardware:
- https://hamprojects.info – SHARI nodes
- https://node-ventures.com – ClearNode
Bonus: AllStarLink & DMR Together
Some advanced users bridge their DMR talkgroups with an AllStar node, allowing analog and digital users to talk cross-mode. Bridging requires a software bridge like DVSwitch or Analog_Bridge, often running on a Pi.
Popular AllStarLink Nodes to Listen or Connect To
Here are some popular and active AllStarLink nodes that are great to listen to or connect with, especially for general ham radio conversations, learning, or just testing your node:
1. Nodes Reflecting Major Nets or Traffic
- Node 2000 – AllStarLink Hub Node
- A central hub node often used for testing and interconnecting.
- A great place to verify your setup is working.
- Node 2100 – East Coast Reflector
- One of the busiest nodes on AllStarLink.
- Home to multiple daily nets and lots of casual activity.
- Website: https://eastcoastreflector.com
- Node 41119 – WinSystem (Western Intertie Network)
- Large network based in California, with coverage across multiple states.
- Offers great activity and structured nets.
- Website: https://winsystem.org
2. Tech-Friendly and Cross-Mode Bridges
- Node 53433 – HUBNet UK
- UK-based hub with great audio quality and international participation.
- Supports EchoLink and AllStarLink together.
- Website: https://hubnetwork.uk
- Node 49825 – Alaska Morning Net
- Check into the Alaska Morning Net at 9:00 AM Alaska time.
- Friendly, structured check-ins and weather updates.
- Node 47620 – HamVOIP Support Node
- Monitored by developers of the HamVOIP AllStar image.
- A good resource for support and information.
3. Casual Chatter and Testing Nodes
- Node 2560 – The “Parrot” Node (Echo Test)
- Repeats back anything you say.
- Perfect for testing your audio and radio-to-node quality.
- Node 42610 – DoDropIn Conference Server
- Friendly, informal hub with daily nets and lots of activity.
- Welcomes newcomers and experimenters.
- Website: http://dodropin.org
- Node 2195 – N6NFI Repeater (Silicon Valley, CA)
- Active analog repeater with AllStar access.
- Good casual traffic and a tech-savvy user base.
Pro Tip: Combine with EchoLink
Many AllStarLink nodes are also available via EchoLink, giving dual-mode access. For example, Node 41119 (WinSystem) also operates as EchoLink WIN-LINK (R) node 9109.
How to Connect
From your node:
- *Dial 3 + node number to connect.
- Example: *32000 connects to Node 2000.
- *Dial 1 + node number to monitor only (no transmit).
- *Dial 73 to disconnect.
AllStarLink Popular Node Cheat Sheet
AllStarLink lets analog and digital hams connect over the internet. Use this guide to explore active nodes for nets, testing, and casual QSOs.
- Connect to Node: *3 + NODE#
Monitor Only: *1 + NODE#
Disconnect: *73
Popular & Active AllStarLink Nodes
| Node # | Name/Group | Description |
| 2000 | AllStarLink Hub Node | Central hub for testing and interconnects |
| 2100 | East Coast Reflector | One of the most active hubs; daily nets and open chat |
| 41119 | WinSystem (Western US) | Huge California-based network; structured nets and wide coverage |
| 42610 | DoDropIn Conference | Friendly & informal; daily nets and general ragchew |
| 53433 | HUBNet UK | UK-based system with international check-ins and EchoLink bridge |
| 49825 | Alaska Morning Net | Net at 9:00 AM Alaska Time; casual and consistent |
| 47620 | HamVOIP Support | Monitored by developers of HamVOIP node software; helpful for testing |
| 2195 | N6NFI (Silicon Valley, CA) | Analog repeater linked to AllStar; active and tech-focused |
| 2560 | Parrot Node (Echo Test) | Repeats your audio back to you; ideal for testing setup |
- Adjust audio levels before joining busy nets.
- Always disconnect after your QSO.
- Join with respect — many nodes run scheduled nets with check-in protocols.
- allstarlink.org
wiki.allstarlink.org
YouTube: Search “Build AllStar Node” or “AllStarLink for beginners”
Setting up AllStarLink on a Cisco SPA525G IP Phone is possible and quite useful for accessing your AllStar node from your home or office desk phone via SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you configure it:
You’ll be configuring the SPA525G as a SIP client to connect to your AllStar node running Asterisk (either HamVOIP or ASL). This allows you to use the phone to control and transmit through your AllStar system.
- A working AllStar node (HamVOIP or ASL)
- Access to your node’s iax.conf, extensions.conf, and sip.conf
- A local IP address for your SPA525G
- A computer to access the phone’s web interface
Step 1: Configure SIP on Your AllStar Node
Add a section for the SPA525G:
ini
CopyEdit
[spa525g]
type=friend
context=from-internal
host=dynamic
secret=YourStrongPassword
username=spa525g
disallow=all
allow=ulaw
callerid=”Desk Phone” <525>
Add a simple dialplan for SIP control:
ini
CopyEdit
[from-internal]
exten => 1000,1,Ringing
exten => 1000,n,Answer
exten => 1000,n,Playback(demo-congrats) ; Just for testing
exten => 1000,n,Hangup
; Control your node
exten => 1234,1,Answer
exten => 1234,n,Playback(rpt/node)
exten => 1234,n,Rpt,1234|X ; Replace 1234 with your node number
Step 2: Configure the SPA525G Phone
- Get the IP Address of your phone:
- Menu → Network → Current IP
- Log in to Web Interface:
- Open browser: http://<Phone-IP>
- Default login:
- User: admin
- Password: admin or (blank)
- Go to Voice > Line 1 (or any available line)
- Configure SIP:
- Proxy: IP of your AllStar node (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
- User ID: spa525g
- Auth ID: spa525g
- Password: YourStrongPassword
- Display Name: “AllStar SIP”
- Register: Yes
- Preferred Codec: G711u (ulaw)
- Save settings and reboot the phone.
- Dial 1000 to test the audio playback.
- Dial your extension (like 1234) to access your node.
- Use DTMF tones to control links just like over RF.
Don’t expose SIP to the internet without a firewall or VPN. SIP is frequently targeted by bots.
- https://wiki.allstarlink.org/wiki/Main_Page
- HamVOIP SIP Setup Guide
- SPA525G Manual (Cisco)
https://www.allstarlink.org/about/about.php
If you can’t join us live for the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net, you can always listen to us via BrandMeister’s mobile Hoseline app or their Hose desktop software: (https://hose.brandmeister.network/).
We do record the show, so if you miss it and want to listen, or re-listen, to it, you can. The audio link is on our website, located at the very bottom of this post (after the show ends). We also have the AI interpretation/transcription of the audio and NetLogger check-ins, so you can read along.
You can always chat with the MichiganOne Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.
Join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team on Telegram. Just search for “DMR Tech Net.” To download Telegram, go to: https://web.telegram.org and/or https://desktop.telegram.org/
Join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team on Discord: To join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team, click this link: https://discord.gg/EV82GNuCaS . To download Discord, go to https://discord.com
If someone else forwarded this newsletter to you, why not get rid of the middle-man and subscribe yourself?!? It’s easy to join the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net email distribution list. Just send an email to: subscribe@dmrtechnet.net with your name and callsign. If you need to unsubscribe, follow the previous procedure but put “unsubscribe” in the subject line. We’ll miss you! To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://michiganonedmrtech.net/
We start the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net with a check-in portion for your comments at 7:30pm. After all check-ins, re-checks, and comments are completed, we switch over to the DMR Tech Net segment (we estimate 8:00pm-8:15pm ET). The NCS schedule is:
- Jun 9 Allan N4ALK
- Jun 16 Brad KE8WNV
- Jun 23 Rick AD8KN
- Jun 30 James N8TMP
We’re looking for backup net control operators to help us with the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net. If you are interested and would like to volunteer, notify any member of the MichiganOne DMR Tech Net team and/or send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net. Stay tuned as more changes are coming.
