PTTLink FAQ

Q: What is DIAL?

A: DIAL is the software used to make an AllStar node. It consists of Linux, Asterisk and app_rpt. DIAL uses the Debian version of Linux. Asterisk is the OpenSource PBX. App_rpt is an Asterisk application giving it the radio node functions. DIAL runs on x86 or on the Raspberry Pi 3 (ARM version).

Q: What does DIAL stand for?

A: Debian Installation for AllStar Link.

Q: How do I install DIAL?

A: If you have ever installed Linux you know how to install DIAL. The DVD/SD image is available from the Main Page Related Links.

Q: Can DIAL be installed on an existing Linux install, for example on a VM running Debian?

A: Installing from the DIAL image will be easier and faster. But if you have no other option you could do this:

cd /tmp
wget https://github.com/AllStarLink/DIAL/raw/master/repository/install-repository
chmod +x install-repository
./install-repository
apt-get install allstarlink -y

Q: Will DIAL run on Windows?

A: No, DIAL is a Linux application.

Q: How do I login to DIAL once it is installed?

A: With earlier versions of DIAL you can login as user debian with a password of debian (normal user) or loging as root with a password of debian (super user). This has been deprecated. The current version has the root account blocked from network login and it's "locked" from the console login. You must login as user repeater and sudo root commands. The initial user login ID is repeater with a password of allstarlink. When you login the first time you will be forced to change the password. The user repeater has sudo rights. You can then continue the customization process. To enable console root login you will need to set a password for user root.

Q: How is a DIAL Node configured?

A: Briefly, a single node configuration is straight forward. The install will walk you through a first time setup of your node by asking you a number of questions. You'll need to have created an AllStar account, created a server, requested a node number and have your node's password.

Q: How many nodes can DIAL support?

A: It depends on the hardware. A high power Intel box may support 25 or mode RTCM clients. A the other end of the spectrum, a Raspberry Pi 3 would be good for 2 USB nodes.

Q: When using ACID I had (insert feature here) Now it's gone. When will DIAL support this feature?

A: DIAL supports all the same channel drivers, features and apps that ACID supported. Under DIAL, modules are not loaded by default. They must be enabled in /etc/asterisk/modules.conf. This is the single biggest configuration change from ACID.

Q: Will DIAL run as a hub / reflector?

A: YES, DIAL will run as a hub. To build a hub set rxchannel = dahdi/pseudo in rpt.conf and set noload => chan_simpleusb.so in modules.conf

Q: Do I need a monitor and keyboard to run DIAL?

A: No, DIAL can be managed via SSH on port 222. The port can be changed in /etc/ssh/sshd.conf. DIAL does require a monitor and keyboard to install.

Q: What is the IP address of my new node?

A: DIAL configures the machine via DHCP. Check your DHCP server for the address. The machine defaults to repeater.allstarlink.org. This can be changed with /usr/local/sbin/netsetup

Q: Does my remote access program (insert IAXRPT, Web Transceiver, Zoiper, AndroidIAX here) work with DIAL?

A: Yes, either using the sample configuration files or your custom files.

Q: What about SIP support?

A: By default, SIP is not enabled. If you want to enable it, see /etc/asterisk/modules.conf

Q: What audio file format does DIAL use?

A: By default, DIAL installs the ulaw formatted audio files installed in /var/lib/asterisk/sounds/.

Q: What version of app_rpt is DIAL built with?

A: DIAL is built from the current version of asterisk taken from the SVN. As of now, The version of the code from the SVN is 1520 and app_rpt is version 0.325 10/19/2014

Q: DIAL is built on Debian 8, why Debian, why not (insert distro here)?

A: There are a lot of great Linux distributions available. Debian is a 20+ year old distribution with a large developer base. Many of the other distributions are based on Debian.

Q: I run a custom script (insert script here). Does it work with DIAL?

A: Unless the script does something really strange or uses something specific to only one Linux distribution, The script should be made to work. I'll be happy to work with script writers to move their script to DIAL.

Q: I updated my kernel now what?

A: You must have the kernel headers for the version of the kernel you installed. Install the headers, recompile and install DAHDI.

Q: I need a Linux program that is not in DIAL, what do I do?

A: apt-get is the Debian utility to install, remove and upgrade programs. apt-get install foo will install the program foo if it is available.

Q: I would like to create my own custom version of DIAL. Can you help me?

A: There are a number of new versions in the works. The scripts, patches and configuration files used to build DIAL are at https://github.com/N4IRS/AllStar

Q: I have a question not covered in this FAQ, how do I get an answer?

A: There is a wealth of information on AllStar Asterisk at http://docs.allstarlink.org/drupal/ There is also a user mail list at http://ohnosec.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/app_rpt-users

Q: How do I change my network (adapter) setup?

A: /usr/local/sbin/netsetup

Q: How do I change my DNS setup?

A: Edit /etc/resolvconf, which updates /etc/resolv.conf. Edit line #name_servers= by removing the # and adding the desired DNS (e.g. 8.8.8.8, which works for many applications); "name_servers=8.8.8.8" ;Save and reboot.

Q: How do I restart Asterisk?

A: New versions of DIAL can be restarted by running the script astres.sh or stoped with astdn.sh and started with astup.sh.

Older versions of DIAL you will need to stop it and start it like so:

service asterisk stop
service asterisk start

If it does not stop:
killall -9 asterisk

To see if it's running:
ps ax | grep asterisk

Q: What are the specific differences between a single node, and a hub, to which can accept many connections?

A: Any node can be a "HUB". A node is not limited to one connection. There may be hardware limitations about the number of connections a given piece of hardware and internet connection can support. Typically, a HUB is located on a higher bandwidth Internet connection and is running a more "stout" piece of hardware. A HUB usually does not have a node radio connected to it, but there is no reason it can't. A HUB usually runs DAHDI/pseudo for it's rxchannel. This is changed in the rpt.conf file.

Q: On some x86 and some raspberry pi2's, I have noticed dtmf falsing and would like to recompile app_rpt to set the radio relax feature off to reduce/eliminate the false dtmf tones that get decoded from voice transmissions.

A: Here's how to recompile with RADIO_RELAX off in DIAL.

Stop asterisk: service asterisk stop

Verify asterisk is stopped: ps ax | grep asterisk If you see /usr/sbin/asterisk it is not stopped killall -9 asterisk ps ax | grep asterisk If you see /usr/sbin/asterisk it is not stopped

Change compiler setting: cd /usr/src/astsrc-1.4.23-pre/asterisk make menuselect select 10. Compiler Flags select 6. RADIO_RELAX set to off x make make install

service asterisk start

Q: I exited the firsttime script for setting up a DIAL system, and would now like to run it. How is this accomplished?

A: Do the following:

touch /etc/asterisk/firsttime /usr/local/sbin/firsttime