July 2017 - Allstar-Digital - lists.keekles.org

Allstarlink with RPi and UDRC?
by Peter Dahl 25 Jul '17

25 Jul '17

Has anyone compiled DIAL on Compass (Raspbian) to allow using a NW Digital Radio UDRC on a Raspberry Pi 3 as in interface device to create an AllstarLink node? Peter WA7FUS

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Fwd: Re: AllStar to D-Star D-Star to DMR
by Steve Zingman 25 Jul '17

25 Jul '17

Sent via smoke signal (AT&T) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Steve Zingman <szingman(a)msgstor.com> Date: Jul 25, 2017 6:16 PM Subject: Re: [Allstar Digital] AllStar to D-Star D-Star to DMR To: Tom <tom(a)tomh.us> > Really have not spent any time looking at TA. Maybe once it gets more prevelent. > Sent via smoke signal (AT&T) > On Jul 25, 2017 5:52 PM, Tom Hayward <tom(a)tomh.us> wrote: > > On Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 11:20 AM, Steve Zingman <szingman(a)msgstor.com> wrote: > > An inbound transmission from D-Star contains a callsign, > > that call sign is used to check for a matching call and DMR ID. If found the > > DMR ID is passed through AB to the DMR network. This is visible as a DMR ID > > on a user radio or network dashboard. > > Can you also inject the callsign as a Talker Alias? This would be nice > to have since many Dstar users might not have a DMR ID. > > And yes, it's too bad so few radios support Talker Alias, but it's a > new spec--we'll see support grow as time goes on. > > Tom KD7LXL > _______________________________________________ > Allstar-Digital mailing list > Allstar-Digital(a)lists.keekles.org <Allstar-Digital(a)lists.keekles.org> > http://lists.keekles.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/allstar-digital <http://lists.keekles.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/allstar-digital>

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AllStar to D-Star D-Star to DMR
by Steve Zingman 25 Jul '17

25 Jul '17

Since the introduction of a DMR to AllStarLink (ASL) bridge, we have been asked many times for a open source method to bridge ASL to D-Star. Yes, there is a channel driver included in ASL that does some of the work but it requires a closed source program. We felt that a open source solution was possible. The idea was to leverage existing open source programs to form the bridge between ASL and D-Star. ASL provides a channel driver that produces PCM from network or local audio in ASL. It also provides the signaling needed for COS and PTT. That channel driver is chan_usrp. This is the same channel driver we use for the ASL to DMR bridge(s). Why reinvent the wheel? Now we needed a open source method of sending and receiving audio to D-Star. Jonathan Naylor G4KLX as written a number for D-Star programs. One of them is DummyRepeater (DR). DR was built to take analog audio from a local mic, pass it to a Vocoder and on to the D-Star network(s) through ircDDBGateway. All we needed was a connection from ASL to DR. After looking at the code to DR, Mike N4IRR determined only one module in DR needed to be modified. That module is DummyRepeaterThread.cpp. Everything needed to communicate with ASL was in there. Audio in and out, signaling and MetaData. Modifications were made and DR was recompiled. Mike tested on a x86 machine and I tested on a Raspberry Pi. DR did not include a daemon version. The program required that a GUI be displayed. The GUI does nothing, but it had to display somewhere. Enter xvfb, a virtual frame buffer. DR can display to xvfb. No need to see the output, just give it a place to go. DR also requires a sound device. In the case of the RPi you have 2 choices, add a simple USB sound device that will never be used or a dummy sound device. Add snd-dummy to /etc/modules and reboot or run modprobe snd-dummy. DR is now happy. One of the things we have found is on a Pi where there is no mic input so snd-dummy was used, you can hear a slight tail in the D-Star output. Adding a cheap USB sound device solve that. We are looking into a solution. Now that DR "speaks USRP" it can connect to another DVSwitch partner. Analog_Bridge (AB) also "speaks USRP" Consider this, AB partners with either HB_Bridge (HB) ir IPSC_Bridge (IB) AB uses a DV3000 to convert AMBE from HB or IB to USRP. You can build a basic bridge from DMR to D-Star using AB and DR. Yes you need 2 Vocoders. One for AB and a second for DR. This can be a MMDVM with HB or a Motorola Repeater with IB. I'll leave other permutations to your imagination. Since both DMR and D-Star have metadata associated with each transmission we decided to pass that metadata between the 2 networks where possible. An inbound transmission from D-Star contains a callsign, that call sign is used to check for a matching call and DMR ID. If found the DMR ID is passed through AB to the DMR network. This is visible as a DMR ID on a user radio or network dashboard. From DMR to D-Star, we decided to put the call, TG and TS into the info field sent to the D-Star network. This is configurable and can be turned of if not desired. for the last 5 days I have been bridging DMR to D-Star on reflector DCS006T. Just to be clear, this is NOT D-Star_Bridge. That will come later. The changes to DR were pretty simple and it gave us a working solution. Is it scalable? No, not really. Is it stable? Yes, seems so to us. Now is the time for others to try it out and provide feedback. That is why we are now calling it beta. No, there is not script to install it. No, there is no image to pop into your Pi. This is code pure and simple. Everything we have done with DVSwitch has been a module to do a task. Combined with DMRlink and HBlink you can do some interesting and useful things. The source to DummyRepeaterThread.cpp and my notes on building the bridge are at <https://github.com/N4IRS/Analog_Bridge> in the DummyRepeater directory. For DVSwitch, 73, Steve N4IRS and Mike, N4IRR -- "What are HB_Bridge, IPSC_Bridge and Analog_Bridge?"

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DV3000 testing results
by Steve Zingman 12 Jul '17

12 Jul '17

We have spent the last couple of weeks working with the DV3000u and below are our results. This what we sent to NorthWest Digital =================================================================================================== * Hardware under test o DV3000U set up as direct serial and AMBEServer configurations (at least 4 devices have been tested) o X86 based computers (Linux, OSX) o ARM based computers (Raspian, Comapss, Armbian) o Power supplies + Anker 60 watt multi-port supply + Power cube with 1.35A @ 5V output + X86 using internal PS * Test scenarios o Run a python test application designed to exercise and test returned results o Application is run on X86 machines and ARM based machines with both power supply configurations o Test loops are run from between 10,000 or greater passes o Each pass both encodes and decodes AMBE frames o Tests may be run with the command line + python AMBETest4.py -v -e -n -s /dev/ttyUSB0 + Where # -v = verbose operation # -e = stop on errors # -n = use 460800 baud serial # -s port = use device “port” # -I address = use AMBEServer “address” (default port) + https://github.com/N4IRS/Analog_Bridge/raw/master/DV3000/AMBEtest4.py * Test results o X86 + All tests perform as expected, both serial and AMBEServer pass o ARM + Using the Anker 60W PS all tests pass + Using the Anker PS with a short USB extension, tests fail + Using the smaller PS tests fail (expected) o Observations + The failure mode is consistent, the device will reset when under load + We see the PKT_READY frame returned from the DV3000 whenever the device fails # The frame 61 00 01 00 39 is documented in the AMBE3000 reference as PKT_READY # The doc states that this frame is produced when ever the device undergoes a hardware reset + Failure happens on either AMBE -> PCM or PCM -> AMBE + We see no indication of any serial data loss # No data corruption # No data loss, all data is sent and received + The short jumper is of good gauge wire and shows no observable damage * Conclusions o The DV3000u will run fine on x86 and SBC machines provided that + USB power is sufficient to keep the dongle running + Under load, the power may dip causing an install that seems good to fail + The reset is clean, leading me to think that the TI TPS3805 is doing the reset, not the AMBE3000 itself + You are welcome to use the AMBETest4.py app, add to it, etc as needed. + You should make your customers keenly aware that all PS are not created equal and care must be exercised. + We have modified our Analog_Bridge application to sense this reset and output error messages in the log Two additional pieces of information. I have a Pi2 that has the PiDV installed running Raspbian. All test pass on the PiDV I added a ThumbDV to the same board and ran the test against the ThumbDV root@pi-star(ro):DV3000# python AMBEtest4.py -v -e -n -s /dev/ttyUSB0 Setting serial port Serial port parameters: Port name: /dev/ttyUSB0 Baudrate: 460800 Byte size: 8 Parity: N Stop bits: 1 Xon Xoff: False RTS/CTS: False DST/DTR: False ********************* Testing Reset DV3000 Test result: Success (6100010039) Testing Get Product ID Test result: Success (61000b0030414d4245333030305200) Testing Get Version Test result: Success (6100310031563132302e453130302e585858582e433130362e473531342e523030392e42303031303431312e433030323032303800) Testing Set DSTAR Mode Test result: Success (610002000a00) Testing Reset DV3000 Test result: Success (6100010039) Testing Set DMR Mode Test result: Success (610002000a00) Testing Decode AMBE Test result: Success (6100010039) Error, the DV3000 has unexpectly reset root@pi-star(ro):DV3000# I moved the DV3000u to a D-Link powered hub. I ran AMBEtest4.py for 100,000 iterations. All tests pass. --- "What are HB_Bridge, IPSC_Bridge and Analog_Bridge?"

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Hosting recommendation
by Steve Zingman 10 Jul '17

10 Jul '17

OK, I'm frustrated. I have been using "Cloud at cost" to host dvswitch.org This is where I have kept the images for ASL and files for Analog_Bridge, HB_Bridge and IPSC_Bridge. I also run a number reflectors for MMDVM and some HB_Bridge and IPSC_Bridge tests. I have the VM configured as a 4 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 30GB storage. The advantage of Cloud at cost was it was a one time fee. This is NOT paid by ASL. Since it is used for Digital and Analog, I pay it myself. Can someone point me at a good inexpensive host? Thanks, Steve -- --- "What are HB_Bridge, IPSC_Bridge and Analog_Bridge?"

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Well, this say is all
by Steve Zingman 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

Let me just say this question has been answered several times before. There are reasons at this time to NOT release source. If someone does not like that the source for Acid the base of all Allstar variants is freely available. If you see a problem or fix a problem based on that code it most certainly could be incorporated into our code. To date no one has submitted any code to us! This list is for those having issues with the hamvoip code and we always welcome ideas and suggestions for improvements and we do take then into consideration. We also very promptly fix any problems unlike other variants. Unlike on other forums anyone who starts whining about we should do this or that will be moderated period. The rest of the readers to not want to hear that. If you do not like that then go elsewhere. Allstar code is VERY complex and convoluted. It is sometimes referred to as "spaghetti code." We are working hard to improve that and the overall efficiency of the code and I believe we have done a great job so far. *73 Doug* *WA3DSP* -- --- "What are HB_Bridge, IPSC_Bridge and Analog_Bridge?"

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New product: RB-STM32-DVM
by Scott Zimmerman 05 Jul '17

05 Jul '17

Folks, I know we need a new "MMDVM" digital modem board like a hole in the head, but with the prodding/help of Steve N4IRS, we have come up with an "all-in-one" digital modem solution: the STM32-DVM (Those who chose to wade through the mud-pit of the Hamvention flea market may have already seen this hardware) The STM32-DVM combines the necessary audio filtering and the processing horsepower (and digital to analog interfaces) of the STM32 microcomputer onto one board. (see attached) As well as running in a typical "stand alone" USB based interface, this module is also available in a "PI Hat" configuration that will plug directly onto a Raspberry PI 2/3. This module is REV A of this project. We are collecting ideas about how we can further improve the audio input/output circuitry, but this module does work well. (I have successfully connected it to a Motorola R100) As with all MMDVM boards, this one is for "experienced users" or someone that is capable of learning what is necessary for its successful deployment. This module is NOT a "magic bean" that will make all of your digital dreams come true, simply by double-stick taping it to the top of a radio and waving your magic soldering iron. ;) With the above in mind, Steve and I *have* come up with a few "recipes" that will work for an initial test deployment. I will share those in a future e-mail. Initial pricing is as follows: STM32-DVM-USB (stand alone) - $80 (Includes USB cable) STM32-DVM-Hat (RPi Hat) - $75 (both of the above include mating DB-9 connector and hood) For those who would like a "ready to go" bundle: 1) STM32-DVM-Hat 1) Raspberry Pi3 (with heatsinks) 1) Pre-programmed 16GB micro SD card - MW0MWZ's PiStar image 1) Transparent case 1) 5v@3A micro USB power supply Complete assembled package - $200 More information and PayPal ordering is available at http://www.repeater-builder.com/products/stm32-dvm.html All Repeater-Builder products are made in house in the USA. No outsourcing here!! Scott -- Scott Zimmerman Amateur Radio Call N3XCC 474 Barnett Road Boswell, PA 15531

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Beta testing of DummyRepeater for ASL
by Steve Zingman 05 Jul '17

05 Jul '17

Beta testing of a simple D-Star <---> AllStar bridge can begin <https://github.com/N4IRS/Analog_Bridge/tree/master/DummyRepeater> This is NOT D-Star_Bridge. The changes made are to 1 file in DummyRepeater. This does require a Vocoder. I am using a PiDV from NWD. I will test this with a ThumbDV. Dummy repeater is not a command line program, so it does require a console. I am testing a solution to run this headless. Once everything works we will release the patch. Audio also available on EchoLink N4IRS-L 73, Steve N4IRS -- --- "What are HB_Bridge, IPSC_Bridge and Analog_Bridge?"

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Strange signals on AllStarlink Node 2600
by Steve Zingman 03 Jul '17

03 Jul '17

Alpha testing of a simple D-Star <---> AllStar bridge on ASL node 2600 continues. Now working transceive. The first part of the test will be ASL ---> D-Star. I will be using ASL 2135 (WAN) the output will be DCS006 T What we are looking for here, is stability with the variety of analog signals available on 2135. This is NOT D-Star_Bridge. The changes made are to 1 file in DummyRepeater. This does require a Vocoder. I am using a PiDV from NWD. I will test this with a ThumbDV. Dummy repeater is not a command line program, so it does require a console. I am testing a solution to run this headless. Once everything works we will release the patch. Audio also available on EchoLink N4IRS-L 73, Steve N4IRS -- --- "What are HB_Bridge, IPSC_Bridge and Analog_Bridge?"

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Strange signals on AllStarlink Node 2600
by Steve Zingman 01 Jul '17

01 Jul '17

We have started Alpha testing a simple D-Star <---> AllStar bridge on ASL node 2600. As we have said many times, Using DummyRepeater, and ircDDBGateway. Mike hacked DummyRepeater to "add" support for USRP. So it looks like this" ASL <---> DummyRepeater <---> ircDDBGateway <---> D-Star Network(s) This is NOT D-Star_Bridge. This is simply a proof of concept. As of now it is one way. The changes made are to 1 file in DummyRepeater. Once everything works we will release the patch Dummy repeater is not a command line program (yet) so it does require a console. Audio also available on EchoLink N4IRS-L Let the fun continue. -- --- "What are HB_Bridge, IPSC_Bridge and Analog_Bridge?"

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