[arm-allstar] Allstar on an HT

[Dan Ozment]

Over the past week (with some help from Doug Crompton) I was able to get my
first Allstar node going.  It's still considered to be in "test" mode right
now, but hopefully soon we will have it connected to one of our repeaters
and in its permanent home.

I think I mentioned on the list last week how easy the setup was using Doug
Crompton's (et al) instructions on
http://crompton.com/hamradio/BeagleBoneBlackAllstar/.  The instructions are
well written, complete, and very easy to follow.  I had a problem with my
setup, and Doug quickly helped me realize I left out the COS pin when I made
the cable for my URI and FT-8800R.  If I had made the cable correctly in the
beginning the node would have come up the first time I ran through the
configuration script.   So, thanks to Doug and team for putting together a
great set of documentation!

I would like to set up a "portable" Allstar node using an HT for personal
use, field use, testing, demos, etc.   I have several options on hand for
the HT (Baofeng UV5R, Wouxon UV8D, and a Kenwood TK-250G - all of which, by
the way, seem to use a similar connector and pinout).   But, none seem to
have COS.   

The mistake that Doug helped me find in my original configuration was that I
didn't have COS connected to the URI.   Can I live without COS or is there a
way to simulate it?   The folks at
http://arsrepeaters.com/USB_AllStar_Adapters.php has a configuration the
website says will work with the radios I have.  I wonder how they are
handling COS.   

I have a friend who uses an arsrepeaters.com device for an Echolink node
station, and he swears by the device and the people who sell/support it.
Anyone have experience/advice on using their Allstar device?  Trying to
decide if I can do what I want with another URI of if I should go the
arsrepeaters route...

Thanks for any advice.   73...

Dan
W4DTO