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FREE STAR*

FREE STAR*. John McKay; VA3BL April 4, 2013. Agenda. FREE STAR* What is it? What does it do (features)? Where is it being used? Why should I consider it? How do I build my own system? Where to go to get more info on FREE STAR*. What is FREE STAR* / When did this project start?.

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FREE STAR*

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  1. FREE STAR* John McKay; VA3BL April 4, 2013

  2. Agenda • FREE STAR* • What is it? • What does it do (features)? • Where is it being used? • Why should I consider it? • How do I build my own system? • Where to go to get more info on FREE STAR*

  3. What is FREE STAR* / When did this project start? FREE STAR* is an experimental approach towards the implementation of a vendor neutral digital communication network. FREE STAR* encourages experimentation, construction, testing, and all of the founding principles upon which amateur radio was developed! Project started ~ 2007 / 2008

  4. What does it do? Supports multiple RF modules (either simplex of full-duplex) Cross-band repeat Connects to REF, XRF and DCS reflector systems Connects to ICOM G2 systems and non-ICOM (home-brewed) systems Callsign routing to other users on ICOM and non-ICOM systems

  5. Where is it being used? USA Australia Europe (England, Germany, etc) Canada 32 countries wordwide Over 700 gateways online at last check Visit www.ircddb.net for stats/activity

  6. Where is it being used? Canada (87 gateways online)

  7. Why should I consider it?(System Admin Perspective) Stable (Linux) based offering Standard install ISO and images available Runs on a PC or an embedded system (such as a HP Thin Client, Alix boards, BeagleBone or Raspberry Pi which are low power (13.8VDC) powered devices suitable for installation in an un-manned repeater site (DC power consumption as little as 2W) Options for dual mode (DV/FM) repeater Supports multiple RF modules (allows cross banding and connecting multiple RF modules to the same remote reflector module)

  8. Why should I consider it?(System Admin Perspective) Technical support available either direct (one-on-one or via a Yahoo Group) 90+ page System Administration Manual (includes hardware configuration and setup information)

  9. Why should I consider it? (User Perspective) • Simplifies user experience: • Supports DTMF commands to link / unlink / check system status • connecting to a busy reflector will copy audio immediately (without the need to wait until the next 'over') • Set URCALL to ‘CQCQCQ’ and start using the system! • Clear, crisp audio quality • Access to multiple reflector systems (XRF, REF and DCS) plus callsign and zone routing

  10. How do I build my own system? Get hold of a surplus PC (P3, P4, etc.), a HP Thin Client (readily available off eBay for as little as $25US) – HP T5710 recommended, or a Raspberry Pi for $60 locally at Sayal Get a 4GB microdrive or SD card Download image files from www.freestar.us Burn image to CD / microdrive / SD card Follow instructions as provided in online install guides

  11. How do I build my own system? • Need to purchase a GMSK ‘modem’ – Choice of: • Satoshi GMSK Node Adapter (v6 or v7) ~ $140 • DUTCH STAR* Node Adapter • Star Board from MoenCom • DSP based DVRPTR board from Germany ~ $100 (now built in Montreal) • All USB devices that plug into a USB port • Interface GMSK board with your simplex radio (using packet connector) or a traditional repeater system (requires raw discriminator audio, Ground, PTT and injection of TX audio directly into FM modulator)

  12. How much is it going to cost me? HP Thin Client requires an additional $20 for microdrive, CF adapter and ribbon cable; An existing radio with a 9k6 packet connection can be used as is for the radio (such as Yaesu or Alinco).

  13. System Diagram by NC7S

  14. System Diagram by NC7S

  15. VE3OBP Hotspot/Rptr Node

  16. DVRPTR Board

  17. AMBE Prototype Board

  18. Local Projects • VA3PMO dual mode repeater built on kenwood commercial repeater with freestar system; external audio mux • VE3OBP experimental simplex node “hotspot” covering burlington • VA3BUR & VE3UHM multimode stand alone repeaters (tait rx/tx modules) which pass P25, Dstar, analogue • VE3OAK Dstar repeater with offsite node interconnect to the network

  19. Where to go to get more info onFREE STAR* Visit FREE STAR* web page: www.freestar.us www.va3uv.com www.dvrptr.net

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