[arm-allstar] Allstar: Repeater Controller Use - Custom

[Steve Smith]

Josh,

Ours is a rather specialized application in that we are controlling a 
Yaesu DR-1X repeater.  We do not modify Allstar at all.  We just use the 
capability to add items to the ADMIN menu and DTMF functions to 
rpt.conf.  Also,  we have written a couple programs called MABEL and 
PiTone that run on the same Raspberry Pi as Allstar.

MABEL is a program designed to run on a Raspberry Pi3 (rPi) in 
conjunction with Allstar/app-rpt controlling a Yaesu Fusion DR-1X 
repeater.  MABEL supervises the switching of the repeater between C4FM 
Digital and analog FM.  MABEL functions by intercepting the CTCSS signal 
before it is sent to Allstar and the PTT signal before it is sent to the 
DR-1X repeater.  The approach is similar to the ARCOM and SCOM methods 
of controlling the mode of the DR-1X to add an external controller to 
the DR-1X repeater.

  Thus Allstar provides the repeater control and linking capabilities 
when the repeater is operating in the analog FM mode.  The DR-1X 
internal controller is used in the DIGITAL mode and C4FM digital audio 
does not access the Allstar network.

PiTone is a program that generates a very accurate and pure sinewave PL 
(CTCSS) signal to add transmit PL to the repeater output.

We also use unused GPIO outputs of the Raspberry Pi to activate relays 
which control various functions of the repeater.  These are activated by 
scripts which are called by using the really neat feature to add items 
to the Hamvoip Admin Menu ( 
https://hamvoip.org/hamradio/arm-allstar/documents/howtos/admin-menu-howto.pdf) 
  and via DTMF sequences defined in rpt.conf.

These added control capabilities include:

Announce repeater status

Turn ON/OFF AC power to the repeater (to test battery backup)

Turn ON/OFF the power to the DR-1X repeater (resets the repeater)

  ENABLE/DISABLE the repeater transmitter

ENABLE/DISABLE the power amplifier (100 watt Micor driven by 5 watt 
level of DR-1X with 10 dB attenuator for 0.5 watts drive)

Turn ON(continuous), ON(follow TXCTCSS) or OFF the transmit PL

This is documented at  http://customcomms.net/files

Please feel free to email me direct if you have more specific questions.

Steve - N8AR