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==AllStar Link Network -- VOTER Project (Voice Observing Time Extension (for) Radio)==

==AllStar Link Network -- VOTER Project (Voice Observing Time Extension (for) Radio)==

By: Jim Dixon, WB6NIL (SK)

By: Jim Dixon, WB6NIL (SK)

The Official Documentation Package (NO LONGER CURRENT) for the original VOTER system is still available. For current documentation, see the above link for the documentation of the commerically-available product.

The [https://github.com/AllStarLink/voter/blob/master/votersystem.pdf Official Documentation Package] (NO LONGER CURRENT) for the original VOTER system is still available. For current documentation, see the above link for the documentation of the commerically-available product.

For a number years, I have been asked about, and have been considering the possibility of the implementation of a multiple site remote receiver voting system that runs with VOIP on app_rpt/Asterisk.

For a number years, I have been asked about, and have been considering the possibility of the implementation of a multiple site remote receiver voting system that runs with VOIP on app_rpt/Asterisk.

Im VERY sorry and embarassed to say so, but I wrote on in Java (yuch!). It seemed the most reasonable way to accomplish what was necessary. It simulates up to 10 channels of audio, and has "sliders" so that you have full control of "RSSI" and "TIME DELAY" for each channel, in addition to selecting which, if any channels are being sent to the host. You can Run It, if you desire.

Im VERY sorry and embarassed to say so, but I wrote on in Java (yuch!). It seemed the most reasonable way to accomplish what was necessary. It simulates up to 10 channels of audio, and has "sliders" so that you have full control of "RSSI" and "TIME DELAY" for each channel, in addition to selecting which, if any channels are being sent to the host. You can Run It, if you desire.

I made a new UDP-based protocol for this technology, (called "VOTER"), which may be Viewed Here, if desired.

I made a new UDP-based protocol for this technology, (called "VOTER"), which may be [[Media:Voter-protocol.pdf|Viewed here]], if desired.

I have successfully written firmware for this device that fully implements the VOTER protocol, converts and encodes the audio stream from the receiver, processes squelch, determines signal strength, and interfaces and quite accurately synchronizes to the GPS receiver.

I have successfully written firmware for this device that fully implements the VOTER protocol, converts and encodes the audio stream from the receiver, processes squelch, determines signal strength, and interfaces and quite accurately synchronizes to the GPS receiver.

I have designed and built the stand alone board that is hardware for the receive sites. It's based on a dsPIC33FJ128GP802 processor, and an ENC28J60 Ethernet controller, along with some analog stuff. It is constructed with all thru-hole parts, allowing it to be user-assemblable. The Rev. A boards are have been fabricated, built, and tested. They work very well, and are available currently in small quantity for those wishing to construct them. Please see the Bill Of Materials for a list of parts.

I have designed and built the stand alone board that is hardware for the receive sites. It's based on a dsPIC33FJ128GP802 processor, and an ENC28J60 Ethernet controller, along with some analog stuff. It is constructed with all thru-hole parts, allowing it to be user-assemblable. The Rev. A boards are have been fabricated, built, and tested. They work very well, and are available currently in small quantity for those wishing to construct them. Please see the [[Media:voter-bom.pdf|Bill Of Materials]] for a list of parts.

The firmware for this board has been developed and initially tested, and is available for browsing from the SVN Repository.

The firmware for this board has been developed and initially tested, and is available for browsing from the [https://github.com/AllStarLink/voter AllStarLink github].

[[File:Voter-assy.jpg|center|thumb|Assembly Drawing of the VOTER Card]]

Click [[File:Voter-assy.pdf here]] to see it larger

[[File:Voter-assy-trim.png|left|thumb|alt=card layout png|Assembly Drawing of the VOTER card]]

[[File:voterr-reva.jpg|left|thumb|alt=populated pic|Populated VOTER board]]

Click HERE to see the schematic. Click HERE to see the Bill Of Materials (including Digi-Key part numbers.

For the CAD files for the entre package (including  Gerbers), Click HERE (used Eagle PCB).

* The [[Media:voter-schematic.pdf|Schematic]].

* The [[Media:voter-bom.pdf|Bill Of Materials]] including Digi-Key part numbers.

* The entire [https://github.com/AllStarLink/voter/blob/master/voter-cad-rev-a.zip CAD package] (including  Gerbers).

* The [https://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/overview Eagle PCB] for layout.

There is a seemingly functional implementation of chan_voter which speaks the VOTER protocol, and allows interface to a node running app_rpt. It includes a "multi-dimensional jitter buffer", which allows all associated streams to be synchronized, analyzed for signal quality, and presented to app_rpt/Asterisk for use in its associated node. Its current version my be Viewed here. It is still very much in the process of being developed.

There is a seemingly functional implementation of chan_voter which speaks the VOTER protocol, and allows interface to a node running app_rpt. It includes a "multi-dimensional jitter buffer", which allows all associated streams to be synchronized, analyzed for signal quality, and presented to app_rpt/Asterisk for use in its associated node. Its current version my be Viewed here. It is still very much in the process of being developed.