[arm-allstar] Hamvoip on RPi zero

Sun Nov 11 08:21:09 EST 2018

Hi Guys,

I thought I would chime in here, since I'm primarily working on the
Asterisk/AllStar code.  The HamVoIP and AllStar related projects are a
"labor of love" for us; this is all a hobby, non-paid effort. There are 
only so many hobby hours in the day. Our focus is simple: software that 
"just works," with minimal maintenance or installation hassle.

I agree, the RPi Zero W is a nifty looking little board. With the
currently available versions of AllStar, it just doesn't seem have enough
processor power to get the job done--and I have tried it, BTW. I've got
some ZeroW boards on my workbench.

I'm guessing that those who compiled the experimented with the stock code
found that the performance was mediocre, at best. The reports I've seen
over the last year ultimately all reported various problems.

At some point, I plan to seriously optimize some of the remaining app_rpt
hot-spots (aka: splitting apart the RPT thread).  My main reason for this
is to allow bigger AllStar hubs to function, but another side effect would
likely be improved performance on low-end platforms. At that time, it
might be worth taking another look at the ZeroW, if it hasn't gone
obsolete.

For users who really want a highly portable AllStar system, the BEST
solution IMO is a top-notch native application for their smart phone! The
current smart phone IAXRPT application would be a place to start, but it
appears to have very little forward development effort. I know the Android
IAXRPT version is based on the original web transceiver java software, not
the same code as the PC version, which is written in C/C++.  None of this
updated source code has be released, as far as I know--probably due to
various *legitimate* concerns.

So, again, IMO, since for truly portable use you've got to have some type
of hot-spot anyway, the software direction should be native development
for the smart phone device....Maybe I can help accomplish this, by helping
to coordinate the effort, if there are any developers who would be
interested in participating??  ...I've got a pretty solid understanding of
what needs to happen "under the covers."

73, David KB4FXC

On Sun, 11 Nov 2018, "Terry Bethlehem via ARM-allstar" wrote:

> No disrespect intended. This group seems to focus on newer tech for
improvements to the distro, than old or underpowered hardware. Beagle Bone
Black and pi zero. I perceive their focus is more on working with newer
hardware, than trying to fill a very small niche demand. Yes, it might be
able to be done, but the market is very small for the demand. Probably not
worth the effort to make it happen. It might very well hold back
development for the majority of other users. We're talking about below $40
computers here...

On Sun, Nov 11, 2018, 01:35 "Doug Crompton via ARM-allstar" <
arm-allstar at hamvoip.org wrote:

> Doug,
>
>  Just a note on iaxrpt. If you use VOX for keying in iaxrpt and you have
> hands free connection to your phone in your car and steering wheel mute
> mute. The mute button becomes your PTT. Many do this and report it works
> very well.
>
>
> *73 Doug*
>
> *WA3DSP*
>
> *http://www.crompton.com/hamradio <http://www.crompton.com/hamradio>*
>
> On Sun, Nov 11, 2018 at 1:33 AM "ssedgwick via ARM-allstar" <
> arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
>
> > Hi Doug,
> >
> > OK, thanks.  I read others saying the pi Zero W will work.  I have tried
> > to contact anyone with a working image, but I have not had any luck
> getting
> > an image.  I wish I had more talent to contribute to make this work, even
> > in a minimal form.
> >
> > I've used Android IAXRPT and itâ€™s fine to monitor, but operating the PTT
> > on the touchscreen of my phone while driving is not something I like to
> do,
> > not to mention the risk of accidently tapping the PTT button and not
> > realizing you did, ask me how I know, not good operating practice, hihi.
> > Iâ€™ve used Zoiper also with my Bluetooth headset and use the mute button
> on
> > the headset to push to enable and push again to disable the PTT, but same
> > problem you have to press the mute button to enable and press again to
> > disable.  If anyone has a reasonably priced option to get a real
> Bluetooth
> > PTT microphone (push to talk, release to listen) that works with either
> > Android IAXRPT or Zoiper I would like to know about it.
> >
> > Currently I use an RF hotspot I built using a Raspberry pi3B and the RF
> > transceiver of a Baofeng HT and a separate HT portable to tlak on while
> in
> > the car and that works fine while Iâ€™m in the car, but really canâ€™t take
> it
> > outside the car when going hiking or shopping or at a hamfest... because
> I
> > canâ€™t leave the cellphone in the car for the Wi-FI connection.  Having a
> > battery powered HT size Wi-Fi enabled Allstar node as mentioned earlier
> > that can be clipped to my belt along with my phone which I already carry
> > would be a great option for many I would think.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> > Steve
> >
> >
> >
> > Steve,
> >
> >  I understand what it is you want to do and we have thought about the
> same
> > thing but if the platform is not up to the task of running Allstar in a
> > proper way it is not going to work and we would not want to put our name
> on
> > it. The Pi zero lacks many of the features that makes Allstar work so
> well
> > on the Pi2 and 3. We have plans for many projects in the future but
> > unfortunately the Pi zero is low on the list. It sounds what you really
> > need is an Android phone running iaxrpt back to a base node. Why
> complicate
> > things.
> >
> >
> > *73 Doug*
> >
> > *WA3DSP*
> >
> > *http://www.crompton.com/hamradio <http://www.crompton.com/hamradio>*
> >
> >
> > On Sat, Nov 10, 2018 at 10:11 PM "ssedgwick via ARM-allstar" <
> > arm-allstar at hamvoip.org> wrote:
> >
> > > Doug, you are correct, it is a step back using the Raspberry Pi Zero W,
> > > BUT I am trying to build a small self-powered Wi-Fi Allstar HT that can
> > be
> > > clipped to your belt, just like the HT portables we all carry when we
> are
> > > out and about and tie in into my phones Wi-Fi.  As you said, size is an
> > > advance for the pi zero W and size and power consumption are two
> things I
> > > have to consider when making a battery power device that fitâ€™s in a
> small
> > > plastic case.  Based on the size and current consumption I measured on
> > the
> > > pi zero W, I think itâ€™s very doable...  I have a couple of Baofeng
> BF888S
> > > here that I took the RF PCB out of to make a normal RF Allstar hotspot
> > > from.  Whatâ€™s remaining in the BF888S is most of the parts (nice
> plastic
> > > case, battery, battery charger, mic, speaker, volume control, etc) to
> > make
> > > a Allstar Wi-Fi HT for use in your home while connected to you house
> > Wi-Fi
> > > and while your out and about using the Wi-FI in your cell phone.  Sure,
> > you
> > > need to add a boast converter to up the voltage from the battery 3.7
> > > voltages to 5 volts, but I have already tested that and it works fine.
> > You
> > > also need to add an audio amplifier for the speaker, but thatâ€™s not a
> > > problem.  I think a nice looking BF888S case to house a WiFi enabled
> > > Allstar node is a neat idea.  BUT the big problem for me is getting
> > Allstar
> > > to play with the Raspberry Pi Zero W and I have ZERO ability to do
> that,
> > so
> > > I ask for help to make this happen.
> > >
> > > Steve, WB8GRS
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> > ARM-allstar mailing list
> > ARM-allstar at hamvoip.org
> > http://lists.hamvoip.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/arm-allstar
> >
> > Visit the BBB and RPi2/3 web page - http://hamvoip.org
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>
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>
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