Allstar® and P25 on Quantar
This is a set of wildcard programing for the Quantar which enables Allstarlink and P25nx linking with mode switching controlled by local traffic. This is possible via some enhanced wildcard programing, and may be applicable for other users using different controllers.
Features
- Support for analog and digital P25 modes with linking
- Asterisk controller has an audio delay of 10ms to 500ms via ARS digital delay board.
- ID is done by analog controller in this mode
- PL is output to controller for it to make the decision if it’s needed to repeat.
- In COS mode P25 will be detected and no repeated.
- PL tail on wire line when on controller (chicken burst)
- When controller unkeys the transmitter stays keyed for 2 second with PL then drops it and stays Keyed for another 5 seconds. This will squelch even the worst baofeng’s receiver.
- Failsoft mode if the controller fails/asterisk dies
- Turns on in cabinet repeat and ID on that channel in analog mode (digital still works)
- Requires PL on receive as defined in the channel.
- Repeater has 4 alarm beeps on it in this mode.
- Loose the analog repeater delay.
- Mode lock which follows local users keyup after 10 seconds, and locks to that mode (blocks the other) for 5.5 minutes.
- This currently has a brief clip of audio at 10 seconds as it changes channels.
- A short call (under 10s) will not cause the system to lock
- This allows for a short call to not lock the system for the full lockout period.
- Blocks repeat or wireline of opposite mode.
- If no received signal of given mode, it goes back to mixed mode.
- Analog mode lock if external input 1 goes low, works on controller and failsoft modes.
- Blocks P25 repeat
- Alarm output on station alarm.
- Raspberry Pi controller running both P25nx and Allstarlink DIAL software.
- This is behind the cisco 1811 router
- Nat rules allow the asterisk port open to the outside.
Parts needed
| Part Description | QTY | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantar | |||
| Cisco 1841 Router | 1 | 35 | eBay |
| Rack Ears from 1841 | 1 | 10 | eBay |
| Cisco Smart Serial Cable PN 72-1430-01 | 1 | 10 | eBay |
| Cisco WIC-2A/S 2-Port Interface Card Network Module | 1 | 30 | eBay |
| v.24 board for Quantar | 1 | 30 | mike.lussier@gmail.com |
| 25 pair Telco Cable Cat 3 PBX KSU RJ21 AMP connectors Male to Blunt, 5 Ft. | 1 | 7 | http://www.ebay.com/itm/122487217154 |
| 66 block | 1 | 16.49 | http://a.co/cxiEayf |
| Bridging Clip- 100 Pack | 1 | 15.31 | http://a.co/iW0AZf8 |
| ARS Digital Audio Delay board | 1 | 49 | http://arsrepeaters.com/Audio_Delay_W462.php |
| Rasberry Pi | 1 | 40 | Amazon |
| 16 GB Sandisk miconSDHC card | 1 | 20 | Amazon |
| 1 RU drawer | 1 | 50 | http://www.ebay.com/itm/311572552441 |
| RA-35/40 Radio interface | 1 | 65 | http://www.masterscommunications.com/products/radio-adapter/ra40.html |
| 6" usb cable " | 1 | 6 | http://a.co/3M3OzDb |
| Heatsinks for Rpi | 1 | 6 | http://a.co/72cYxo3 |
| Power supply, 12v to 5v for Rpi | 1 | 8.99 | http://a.co/a9f6IsV |
| Standoffs for RA-35 | 1 | 8 | http://a.co/aUufBd4 |
| Standoffs for Rpi | 4 | 10 | Digikey RPC1080-ND |
| Logic level converter 3.3 > 5v | 1 | 7.99 | http://a.co/j7BayV5 |
| RS232 port for Rpi | 1 | 11.25 | http://a.co/76BGWub |
| NPN small signal 2n2222 eq | 1 | 0.5 | |
| SPDT with middle switch | 2 | 10 | |
| 1k resistor | 1 | 0.05 | |
| 36 ohm resistor | 1 | 0.05 | |
| 10k resistor | 5 | 0.05 | |
| 3v Relay | 1 | 1 | |
| Proto board | 1 | 12.95 | http://www.ebay.com/itm/322586917307 |
| wirewrap wire | |||
| lacing twine | |||
| Total | 460.63 |
Assembly Notes
Following the diagram and the pictures install the parts into the drawer. I drill two holes and then enlarge them with a nibbler to secure the end of the 25 pair cable by lacing it in place. I'll cut this 5' cable down to 2.5' and set the extra aside for use as hookup-wire later. If you need longer to reach your Quantar, then cut only what you need.
Punch down all the pairs as labeled in the diagram. Note the difference of going by pair vs the 1-50 numbering Motorola uses.
I assemble the "glue board" using the extra hookup wire and tack solder the switches to unused pads. Note the 36 Ohm resistor is to limit current on the relay coil as I'm running junkbox 3v telecom relays at 5v. If you have another relay, feel free to use it. The only requirement is that it can operate continuously. A reed relay would be a nice upgrade.
The GPIO ports are connected to the pads on the RA-35 interface using wire-wrap wire and dressed.
Note I use the heatsinks on the RPi as it does get warm.
The rs232 level converter can be installed in the front of the drawer if you have a DE-9 Greenlee punch. This makes for a clean appearance.
Software
Cisco router
You need to have the advanced enterprise services image installed to support Serial TUNnel (STUN) and DMVPN.
The RPI runs a stock DIAL image for asterisk, and should be configured for DHCP to make your life easier. There is a serial port which can be used to boot it in headless mode.
