AllStar FAQ

N6NA 145.250 MHz FM Repeater
via EchoLink N6NA-R and AllStar node 53410 - Status ONLINE

What are the AllStar and EchoLink Networks?

AllStarLink and EchoLink are networks of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots that are accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

What is an AllStar Node?

• An AllStar "node" consists of a dedicated internet-connected computer wired to a repeater, home station radio or low power "micronode".

• Radio amateurs can use any analog FM transceiver with DTMF pad to connect and link through nodes to other AllStar stations and repeaters anywhere in the world.  

• Some AllStar nodes may also offer access via the EchoLink system and/or bridges to digital voice networks such as DMR, DStar and System Fusion.

• AllStarLink.org assigns node numbers to individual AllStar nodes, repeaters, bridges and hubs.

• Hubs are robust nodes that can accommodate many users at the same time, similar to EchoLink Conference servers. 

• Some popular AllStar hubs include the WIN System, *ROC-HAM*, the East Coast HUB and others.

• The AllStar Link network currently has over 24,000 users and over 23,000 nodes. Link to Map of AllStar nodes.

Why Use AllStar or EchoLink?

• Members can access our repeater and participate in our nets via the AllStar or EchoLink networks when outside our primary coverage area.

• We can access AllStar equipped nodes and repeaters with our existing standard analog FM radios.  

• EchoLink apps provide access to our repeater through personal computers and mobile devices with an internet connection. 

• Uses open-source non-proprietary technology in the true spirit of amateur radio.

• The VoIP technology of AllStar and EchoLink offers natural voice clarity and intelligibility superior to the synthesized sound of digital voice modes.

• Internet connectivity enables repeater linking when needed for wide area and emergency communications.

• AllStar micronodes such as SHARI or ClearNode offer a practical and economical solution to use a handheld radio around the home and for apartment or office-bound members with antenna limitations.

How Can I Participate in AllStarLink?

• Participation in either AllStar or EchoLink requires a valid amateur radio license.

• You may use a regular analog FM transceiver with a DTMF keypad to communicate through an AllStar node. 

• Club members are welcome to try the KP4MD AllStar simplex node in Citrus Heights.

• If you plan to set up and operate your own AllStar node, follow the registration instructions at www.allstarlink.org.

How Can I Participate in EchoLink?

• Download and setup the Android or iOS app on your mobile device or EchoLink for PC, EchoHam for Mac or QTel for Linux.

• Follow the validation instructions at www.echolink.org/validation to upload your proof of license to access the EchoLink network.  You will usually receive a confirmation within 24 hours.

• You may need to configure port forwarding if you use EchoLink through a router.

The N6NA AllStar/EchoLink Node Use and Guidelines

Users may currently access our N6NA 145.250 MHz repeater via its AllStar node #53410.

Users may also connect to, listen and talk through the repeater via EchoLink system node 646535 (N6NA-R).

The UHF node is a SHARI Pi4U node running HamVoIP RPi2-3-4 V1.6-01 on a Raspberry Pi 4B computer.  The UHF Link Radio at the West Sacramento control hub is a Bridgecom BCM-440 transceiver, which is a rebranded Maxon TM-8402.

Guidelines for N6NA AllStar/EchoLink Node Use

• Listen to check if the repeater is already in use.  Do not interrupt conversations already in progress.

• Your Transmit button will gray out and not allow you to transmit while another user is talking.

• Wait to hear a short beep courtesy tone before talking as our node uses a simplex link.

• Due to internet latency, on-the-air users should allow a one second pause after the repeater drops for EchoLink users.

• Identify yourself whenever you use the repeater or log on via our AllStar or EchoLink node.

• Announce your intention if you plan to connect or disconnect the repeater with another node.

• Limit any links with other nodes to the minimum time necessary.

• Do not link our repeater to other hubs, repeaters or nets during commuter hours or during our scheduled net times.

• Remember to disconnect any links you may have made before you sign off.

Would you like to set up your own AllStar node? Check the SHARI micronode, the DINAH interface, and ClearNode.  Please send any Questions to contact@n6na.org