PTTLink FAQ

Q: What is AllStarLink Asterisk (ASL)?

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

Q: What does ASL stand for?

A: AllStarLink

Q: How do I install ASL?

A: ASL is available as a installer for i386/AMD (PC) and as a SD card image for Raspberry Pi and other ARM boards.If you have ever installed Linux you know how to install ASL. The images are available from the Main Page Related Links.

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

A: Yes it can. More information to follow. But if you have no other option you could do this:

cd /tmp
wget wget http://dvswitch.org/install-allstarlink-repository

chmod +x install-allstarlink-repository
./install-allstarlink-repository

If Raspbian: apt-get install raspberrypi-kernel-headers -y

Otherwise: apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r` -y

apt-get update
apt-get install allstarlink -y

Q: Will ASL run on Windows?

A: No, ASL is a Linux application.

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

A: 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 ASL Node configured?

A: Briefly, a single node configuration is straight forward. Once you are logged in run asl-menu. The system 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 ASL support on a single server?

A: It depends on the hardware. A high power Intel box may support 25 or more 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 ASL support this feature?

A: ASL supports all the same channel drivers, features and apps that ACID supported. Under ASL, modules are not loaded by default. They must be enabled in /etc/asterisk/modules.conf.

Q: Will ASL run as a hub / reflector?

A: YES, ASL 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 ASL?

A: No, ASL can be managed via SSH on port 22. The port can be changed in /etc/ssh/sshd.conf. ASL for the Raspberry Pi does require a monitor and keyboard to install.

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

A: ASL configures the machine via DHCP. Check your DHCP server for the address. The machine defaults to repeater.allstarlink.org. This can be changed with asl-menu.

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

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 ASL use?

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

Q: What version of app_rpt is ASL built with?

A: ASL is built from the current version of asterisk taken from the github. As of now, The version of the code from the github is 1.01 2/13/2018

Q: ASL is built on Debian 9, 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 ASL?

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

Q: I updated my kernel now what?

A: ASL uses DKMS to manage the installation of kernel modules. DKMS will update when you install a new kernel.

Q: I need a Linux program that is not in ASL, 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 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://wiki.allstarlink.org/ There is also a user mail list at http://lists.allstarlink.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/app_rpt-users

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

A: Use asl-menu

Q: How do I change my DNS setup?

A: Use asl-menu

Q: How do I restart Asterisk?

A: Asterisk can be restarted by running the script astres.sh or stoped with astdn.sh and started with astup.sh.

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: ASL has radio relax turned off..

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

A: Do the following:

sudo touch /etc/asterisk/firsttime && sudo /usr/local/sbin/first-time