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.
Contents
- 1 Features
- 2 Parts needed
- 3 Assembly Notes
- 4 Software
- 5 Quantar Programing
- 5.1 Channel Data
- 5.2 Other Settings
- 5.3 Wildcard Tables Explained
- 5.3.1 I/O, Timers and Flags
- 5.3.2 Carrier Squelch excluding P25
- 5.3.3 PL drop before carrier on controller
- 5.3.4 Timer Chain
- 5.3.5 Reset logic
- 5.3.6 Analog lock
- 5.3.7 P25 receive non-failsoft mode
- 5.3.8 P25 receive failsoft mode
- 5.3.9 Analog receive non-failsoft mode
- 5.3.10 Analog Receive Failsoft Mode
- 5.3.11 Analog Failsoft Mode but not Analog lock
- 5.3.12 Channel 2 from Asterisk
- 6 Operational Notes
- 7 Files
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.
Glue Board Diagram
RA-35 pad locations
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
The software used here is the basic asterisk for app_rpt, and the pnxmono software. Pnxmono converts the serial data to multicast and the cisco router had a Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) to the rest of the world wide network. Both these programs run on the same RPI.
Cisco router
You need to have the advanced enterprise services image installed to support Serial TUNnel (STUN) and DMVPN.
Example config. Please don't copy this blindly.
service timestamps debug datetime msec service timestamps log datetime msec service password-encryption ! hostname #SET-HOSTNAME-HERE ! aaa new-model ! ! aaa authentication login localauth local aaa authorization exec default local aaa accounting delay-start aaa session-id common ! clock timezone EST -5 0 $CHANGE THIS clock summer-time EDT recurring ! ip dhcp pool RPI network 172.31.4.100 255.255.255.252 #Change this to Fa0/1 default-router 172.31.12.101 #change this to Fa0/1 interface IP dns-server 4.2.2.2 #DNS SERVER lease 0 1 ! ! ip cef ip multicast-routing ! username w9cr privilege 15 secret 5 $1$9lDK$ALihMA.kF88ExXKVmFq7K/ username nx4y privilege 15 secret 5 $1$//au$PLHBB3ZORaUJwm6b8VuWB0 $ADD YOU IN HERE crypto isakmp policy 1 authentication pre-share crypto isakmp key B841AF1D3FD327D83F6CF81D4CB address 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 crypto isakmp keepalive 60 ! ! crypto ipsec transform-set trans2 esp-des esp-md5-hmac mode transport crypto ipsec transform-set NO-CRYPT ah-sha-hmac mode transport crypto ipsec transform-set VPN-TS esp-aes esp-sha-hmac ! crypto ipsec profile vpnprof set transform-set NO-CRYPT ! stun peer-name 172.31.300.101 #CHANGE THIS TO FA0/1 IP stun protocol-group 130 basic #change this to your group ! ! ! interface Loopback0 ip address 10.2.4.130 255.255.255.255 #what the admins give you ip pim sparse-mode ! interface Tunnel1 bandwidth 1000 ip address 172.21.400.130 255.255.240.0 #change this no ip redirects ip mtu 1400 ip pim nbma-mode ip pim sparse-mode ip nhrp authentication p25nx ip nhrp map multicast 44.98.249.177 ip nhrp map 172.21.1.1 44.98.249.177 ip nhrp network-id 100001 ip nhrp holdtime 600 ip nhrp nhs 172.21.1.1 ip nhrp server-only ip tcp adjust-mss 1350 ip ospf network broadcast ip ospf priority 0 delay 900 cdp enable tunnel source FastEthernet0/0 tunnel mode gre multipoint tunnel key 100001 tunnel protection ipsec profile vpnprof shared ! interface FastEthernet0/0 description INTERNET ip address dhcp #allow for DHCP, or you can set static. ip nat outside ip virtual-reassembly in duplex auto speed auto ipv6 address autoconfig default ipv6 enable ! interface FastEthernet0/1 description TO RPi NETWORK ip address 172.31.4567.101 255.255.255.252 # Must match subnet ip pim sparse-mode ip nat inside ip virtual-reassembly in ip tcp adjust-mss 1400 ip igmp query-interval 125 duplex auto speed auto ! interface Serial0/0/0 mtu 2104 no ip address encapsulation stun clock rate 9600 stun group 130 stun route all tcp 172.31.4.102 #change to the IP of the RPi ! interface Serial0/0/1 no ip address shutdown clock rate 125000 ! router ospf 1 network 10.2.4.130 0.0.0.0 area 0 network 172.21.4.130 0.0.0.0 area 0 network 172.31.4.100 0.0.0.3 area 0 ! Turn off Crap no ip forward-protocol nd no ip http server no ip http secure-server ! ip pim bidir-enable ip pim spt-threshold infinity ip nat inside source list NAT interface FastEthernet0/0 overload #update these with your RPi Address. ip nat inside source static tcp 172.31.4.102 22 interface FastEthernet0/0 45632 ip nat inside source static tcp 172.31.4.102 222 interface FastEthernet0/0 222 ip nat inside source static tcp 172.31.4.102 8080 interface FastEthernet0/0 8080 ip nat inside source static udp 172.31.4.102 4569 interface FastEthernet0/0 4569 ! ip access-list standard NAT permit 172.31.0.0 0.0.255.255 ! ip access-list extended VTY-ACL ! UPDATE THIS. permit tcp 192.168.0.0 0.0.255.255 any range 22 telnet permit tcp 44.98.0.0 0.0.255.255 any range 22 telnet permit tcp 208.38.136.0 0.0.0.255 any range 22 telnet permit tcp host 67.78.199.10 any range 22 telnet permit tcp 10.0.0.0 0.255.255.255 any range 22 telnet permit tcp host 96.254.123.27 any range 22 telnet permit tcp 172.16.0.0 0.15.255.255 any range 22 telnet deny ip any any log-input ! ip radius source-interface FastEthernet0/0 logging origin-id hostname logging source-interface FastEthernet0/0 logging 44.98.254.1 ! snmp-server community p25nx RO ! line con 0 exec-timeout 0 0 line aux 0 modem DTR-active no exec transport input telnet transport output none stopbits 1 line vty 0 4 access-class VTY-ACL in #VTY ACL exec-timeout 180 0 transport input telnet ssh escape-character 3 ! scheduler allocate 20000 1000 ntp update-calendar ntp server pool.ntp.org
Raspberry Pi
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.
Install and configure the asterisk and enable simple-usb in the modules.conf file as we will be running in non-DSP mode. Why do DSP when the quantar can do the heavy lifting for us?
Simple USB config file
Again, not a complete install guide, just what's needed to get the simple USB interface working.
I typically align everything to -10 dBm for 60% deviation. It will allow you to swap anything with out needing to re-align in the future.
; SimpleUSB configuration [usb_44233] eeprom = 1 ; EEPROM installed: 0,1 hdwtype = 0 ; Leave this set to 0 for USB sound fobs modified using rxboost = 0 ; 0 = 20db attenuator inserted, 1= 20db attenuator removed carrierfrom = usb ; no,usb,usbinvert ctcssfrom = usb ; no,usb,usbinvert deemphasis = no ; enable de-emphasis (input from discriminator) plfilter = no ; enable PL filter ; Transmitter parameters txmixa = voice ; Left channel output (A): no,voice txmixb = no ; Right channel output (B): no,voice txboost = 0 invertptt = 0 ; Invert PTT 0 = ground to transmit, 1 = open to transmit preemphasis = 0 ; Perform standard 6db/octave pre-emphasis duplex = 1 ; Duplex 0,1 gpio1 = out1 gpio2 = in ; in, out0 = default off or out1 = default on gpio3 = out1 ; not working. gpio4 = out1
Install pnxmono software
The pnxmono software needs to be installed and modified as the current software has a couple of severe bugs. The pnxmono software will not filter commands received from the network, so this can cause the Quantar to change channels. The local courtesy tone it uses has a channel change embedded in it as well, so this needs to be disabled. We'll change it to the remote tone which has no such issue.
The commands to get it from github:
sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade sudo apt-get install git sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 3FA7E0328081BFF6A14DA29AA6A19B38D3D831EF echo "deb http://download.mono-project.com/repo/debian wheezy main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mono-xamarin.list sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install mono-complete adduser pnxmono --disabled-password mkdir -p /opt/pnx-mono chown pnxmono:pnxmono /opt/pnx-mono cd /opt/pnx-mono su -c 'git clone https://github.com/p25nx/pnx-mono.git' pnxmono cd pnx-mono mv ctone1.cs ctone1.cs.old cp ctone2.cs ctone1.cs <pre> You'll need to edit the ctone1.cs file to have this rather than ctone2 in it. <pre> public static byte[][] cTone1 =
Now build pnxmono
cd /opt/pnx-mono su -c 'xbuild /p:configuration=Release' pnxmono cd bin/Release Now test it: su -c 'mono pnx-mono.exe' pnxmono
You should hear it announce if you're connected to the Quantar v.24 port. The v.24 light should stop flashing on the front panel of the Quantar too.
The final thing needed to do is setup a service file to have it start this on system boot and when it crashes (and boy does it ever!)
Make a file /lib/systemd/system/pnx.service
[Unit] Description=P25NX Service Wants=network-online.target After=network-online.target [Service] ExecStart=/opt/pnx-mono/bin/Release/pnx-mono.exe StandardOutput=null User=pnxmono WorkingDirectory=/opt/pnx-mono/bin/Release # safe_asterisk emulation Restart=always RestartSec=10 [Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target Alias=pnx.service
Reload systemd and start pnxmono:
systemctl daemon-reload systemctl restart start
Now you're linked on the air with P25!
Quantar Programing
The Quantar must be programed for several channels correctly, as the wildcard functions cause the system to chanel change depending on state.
Essentially there is a mixed-mode channel and after a period of time, the system will move to an analog only or digital only channel. Once on this mode locked channel the other mode will be locked out on both RF and wireline. This prevents the analog controller from transmitting when on digital and vise-versa.
Information you will need to decide on:
| Input needed | Default Value | Used where? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callsign-p25 | BUTTPLUG-P25/R | Chan 1 | Callsign used during incabinet p25 repeat on channel 1 |
| Callsign Failsoft mixed mode | BUTTPLUG/R | Chan 3 | Callsign used during incabinet mixed mode repeat on channel 3 |
| Callsign Failsoft Analog | BUTTPLUG-ALG/R | Callsign used during incabinet analog repeat on channel 5 | |
| Callsign interval | 5 minutes | RF Config | Set it to 5 min as you want it to ID before the channel reverts. The ID is also, polite, it will be sent without PL and preempted by activity. |
| PL tone Transmit | 146.2 hz | Access Table 1 | |
| PL tone receive | 146.2 hz | Access Table 1 | |
| NAC Tx | 0x293 | Access Table 1 | |
| NAC Rx | 0x293 | Access Table 1 | |
| Rx Frequency | 447.5 MHz | Chan 1:5 | |
| Tx Frequency | 442.5 MHz | Chan 1:5 | |
| Tx Idle Frequency | 442.425 MHz | Chan 1:5 | Idle frequency if you want the system to not output a low level carrier on the main tx frequency. Should be clost to the TX channel for fast lockup time |
| COS hold off/NAC detect time | 30 ms | Wildcard Table 1 | Timer 8, sets the amount of time the station will look to decide if the received signal has a P25 nac on it. If you have p25 activating your COR increase this value. This sets an amout of time a signal is received prior to COR going active, so too long and it will chop the first part of the transmission |
| Non-PL hang time | 5000 ms | Wildcard Table 2 | |
| RX p25 holdoff - no failsoft | 10000 ms | Wildcard Table 5 | Timer 9, Time p25 is received on channel 2 before switching to channel 1 |
| P25 Lock timer 1- no failsoft | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 5 | Timer 1, chaned to timers 2:5, this can vary the amount of time P25 is mode locked by up to 65 seconds |
| RX p25 holdoff - failsoft | 10000 ms | Wildcard Table 15 | Timer 9, Time p25 is received on channel 3 before switching to channel 1 |
| P25 Lock timer 1 - failsoft | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 15 | Timer 1, chaned to timers 2:5, this can vary the amount of time P25 is mode locked by up to 65 seconds |
| RX Analog holdoff - no-failsoft | 10000 ms | Wildcard Table 10 | Timer 9, Time analog (irrespective of PL) is received on channel 2 before switching to channel 4 |
| RX Analog Lock timer 1 - no- failsoft | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 15 | Timer 1, chaned to timers 2:5, this can vary the amount of time Analog is mode locked by up to 65 seconds |
| RX Analog holdoff - failsoft | 10000 ms | Wildcard Table 13 | Timer 9, Time analog repeat (irrespective of PL) is received on channel 3 before switching to channel 4 |
| RX Analog Lock timer 1 - failsoft | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 13 | Timer 1, chaned to timers 2:5, this can vary the amount of time Analog Repeat is mode locked by up to 65 seconds |
| Timer 2 | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 30 | Timer one ends and this starts, applies to all mode locks as it's a chained timer |
| Timer 3 | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 7 | Timer one ends and this starts, applies to all mode locks as it's a chained timer |
| Timer 4 | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 8 | Timer one ends and this starts, applies to all mode locks as it's a chained timer |
| Timer 5 | 65534 ms | Wildcard Table 9 | Timer one ends and this starts, applies to all mode locks as it's a chained timer |
Channel Data
Channels in the Quantar are used to setup the various repeater modes, and then the wildcard switches channels.
Channel 1 - P25 repeat, has ID and locked to CAI only Channel 2 - Mixed mode, "decision channel" for non-failsoft mode, Analog repeat and ID done by controller. Channel 3 - Mixed mode, "decision channel" for failsoft mode, Analog repeat and ID is in cabinet Channel 4 - Analog only, Analog repeat and ID done by controller Channel 5 - Analog only, Analog repeat and ID is in cabinet
Channel logic
| Channel | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rx1 Frequency | 447.500000 | 447.500000 | 447.500000 | 447.500000 | 447.500000 |
| Tx Frequency | 442.500000 | 442.500000 | 442.500000 | 442.500000 | 442.500000 |
| Tx Idle Freq. | 442.425000 | 442.425000 | 442.425000 | 442.425000 | 442.425000 |
| Modulation Type | Astro Cai | Analog/Astro Cai | Analog/Astro Cai | Analog | Analog |
| Tx Rated Deviation | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Receive Channel Bw | Wide 25-30 | Wide 25-30 | Wide 25-30 | Wide 25-30 | Wide 25-30 |
| Call Sign | BUTTPLUG-P25/R | BUTTPLUG/R | BUTTPLUG-ALG/R | ||
| Callsign Over Wl | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Access Code Table | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Carrier Sql Transition | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal |
| Analog Rx Activation | S=Carrier Sql. | Sc=Carrier And Pl/Dpl | Sc=Carrier And Pl/Dpl | Sc=Carrier And Pl/Dpl | Sc=Carrier And Pl/Dpl |
| Analog Rptr Activation | S=Carrier Sql. | Off | Sc=Carrier And Pl/Dpl | Off | Sc=Carrier And Pl/Dpl |
| Analog Rptr Holdin | S=Carrier Sql. | Off | S=Carrier Sql. | Off | S=Carrier Sql. |
| Analog Rptr Access | None | None | None | None | None |
| Tx Power Out | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 110 |
| Tx Power Out/Battery | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| Wireline Tot | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Local Tot | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rptr Tot | 180 | 180 | 180 | 180 | 180 |
| Mrti Tot | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alarm Over Air | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| Alarm Tone Over Wl | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| Pre-Emphasis | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| De-Emphasis | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| Hi-Pass Filter | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
| Rptr Dod | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Rptr Audio Hold-Off | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Compander | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Noise Canceller | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Mrti Operation | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Rcv Signal Inversion | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Ptt Priority | R>M>D>L>W | W>R>M>D>L | W>R>M>D>L | W>R>M>D>L | W>R>M>D>L |
| Analog Rptr Boost | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled | Enabled |
Other Settings
Hardware
| Hardware Configuration | |
|---|---|
| Serial Number | Buttplug-1 |
| Station Name | Bplug-Test |
| Hardware Platform | Quantar |
| Rx Frequency Band 1 | Uhf_R2 438-470 |
| Rx Frequency Band 2 | None |
| PA/Exciter Freq. Band | Uhf_R2 438-470 |
| PA Power Rating | 110 Watts |
| Wireline | 8-Wire |
| Wildcard | Enhanced |
| Power Supply | Ac High |
| Battery Type | None |
| Station Type | Astro Cai Capable |
| Intellirepeater Freq | None |
| Frequency Reference | Internal - Standard |
| Simulcast | Disabled |
| Multi-Coded Squelch | Disabled |
| Mrti Interface | Disabled |
| Site Number | 1 |
| Scanning Receiver | Disabled |
| Main/Standby | Disabled |
Wireline
| Wireline | |
|---|---|
| Wireline Operation | 4 Wire Full Duplex |
| Remote Control Type | Astro |
| Comparator | None |
| Status Tone | Disabled |
| Wireline Squelch | Disabled |
| Rx Securenet/Astro To Wl | Enabled |
| Equalization | Disabled |
| ASTRO | |
| Astro: Wl Interface | V.24 Hybrid |
| Analog Lnk Chk | Disabled |
| Digital Lnk Chk | Enabled |
| Ext Xmit Clock | Enabled |
| Modem Rx Level | 0 To -28 Dbm |
| Modem Tx Level | -14 Dbm |
| Rt/Rt Config | Disabled |
Access Code Table
| Access Code Table Information | |
|---|---|
| Access Table # | 1 |
| Rx Squelch Type | Pl |
| Rx Pl/Dpl Code | 4b 146.2 Hz |
| Tx Squelch Type | Pl |
| Tx Pl/Dpl Code | 4b 146.2 Hz |
| Astro Carrier Squelch | Normal |
| Rx Astro Access Code | 293 |
| Tx Astro Access Code | 293 |
RF Configuration
| RF Configuration | |
|---|---|
| Repeater Operation | Repeater |
| Max Deviation | 100% |
| Low Speed Deviation | 17% |
| Antenna Relay | Disabled |
| Call Sign Interval | 5 Min |
| Startup Last Active Chan | Disabled |
| Startup Channel | 2 |
| Astro Fade Tolerance | 3 Frames |
| Astro Data Repeat | Enabled |
| Wireline Drop out Delay | 0 Sec |
| Astro Tx Filter | Narrow Pulse |
Wildcard Tables Explained
The following is the logic explained. This should help to explain the theory behind each table.
Here is a basic logic flow of the channel flows and a logical flow through the various states.
Logic Overview
Logic Flow
Logic Flow static
I/O, Timers and Flags
| Input Active Low | Timers | Event Flags |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Analog Lock | 1 – Chain Start | 1 - Chan 1 ASTRO with Controller |
| 2 – Failsoft | 2 – Chain | 2 – Chan 4 Analog with Controller |
| 3 – UNUSED | 3 – Chain | 3 – Chan 5 Analog no Controller |
| 4 - CH Reset | 4 – Chain | 4 – Chan 1 Astro no Controller |
| 9 - PTT Contact close | 5 – Chain Stop | 5 – Hold Off with Controller Chan 4 |
| Outputs Active High | 6 - | 6 – Hold Off no Controller Chan 5 |
| 1 – PL Active | 7 - | 7 – Hold Off Chan 1 |
| 2 – DON’T USE (low) | 8 – COS, not ASTRO | 8 – |
| 3 - Alarm | 9 – Mode Lock Holdoff | 9 - |
| 7 - RX COR Relay | 10 – PL Hold off on WL | 10 – |
| 11 – | ||
| 12 – | ||
| 13 - | ||
| 14 – | ||
| 15 – | ||
| 16 - | ||
Carrier Squelch excluding P25
This consists of two tables
| 1 - COS + Audio | |||||
| RX Carrier Detect | ' | ||||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 8 - 30ms | Abort Timer 8 | ||||
| Clear Output 7 | |||||
| RX Qual Normal | |||||
| 28 - COR P25 Timer | |||||
| Timer 8 Done | and not | RX Astro ID | and not | Channel 1 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Output 7 | Null | ||||
| RX Qual Force | |||||
This must be done this way as trying to combine RX Carried detect and the NAC detect on the same table will not work. As the NAC takes a bit longer to detect, the Carrier will be detected and the of course it will not see the NAC, and then open the squelch. about 20 ms later it will detect the NAC, but the wildcard has been executed and there's no going back.
Instead what is done is we detect carrier and Start timer 8 for 30ms (table 1). Then after 30ms Table 28 is run which checks we're not on channel 1 and not receiving a NAC code. If so it sets Output 7, and then does a force RX qualification. With out this last one, no audio would be output to the wireline. As we are using a PL detect circuit on the controller, if we're in carrier squelch mode we'd keyup the controller, but no audio would pass.
You may vary the Timer 8 value if need be, but keep in mind this is holding off COR until this time expires. Long values can cut off the beginning of a transmission or Pre-MDC
PL drop before carrier on controller
This consists of two tables:
| 2 - PTT From Wireline | |||||
| Input 9 | and not | Channel 1 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| TX PL Enable | TX PL Disable | ||||
| Key from WL | Timer 10 - 5s | ||||
| Abort Timer 10 | |||||
| 24 - PL Hang Timer | |||||
| Timer 10 Done | ' | ' | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Dekey from WL | Null | ||||
| PL Enable | |||||
This provides a hang timer after the wireline unkeys, where the station will transmit without a PL. This allows even cheap (baofeng) HT's to not hear a squelch tail on the repeater transmitter.
Table 2 is the mapping of Input 9 to PTT from wireline for the station. Upon keydown it will enable the PL, keyup and abort timer 10 if it's running. When it unkeys, the inaction table will disable the PL, and then start timer 10. Timer 10 determines the length of the hang time without PL.
Table 24 will run when Timer 10 is done, and this unkeys the transmitter and then enables the PL.
Timer Chain
This consists of four tables:
| 30 - Timer 1>2 | |||||
| Timer 1 done | |||||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 2 - 65s | Null | ||||
| 30 - Timer 2>3 | |||||
| Timer 2 done | |||||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 3 - 65s | Null | ||||
| 30 - Timer 3>4 | |||||
| Timer 3 done | |||||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 4 - 65s | Null | ||||
| 30 - Timer 4>5 | |||||
| Timer 4 done | |||||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 5 - 65s | Null | ||||
This is an easy way to get >65 seconds of timer on the Quantar. What is done is the timer 1 is complete which kicks off 2>3>4>5. Each timer value is set and should be reset 1:5 when used for counting.
Event Flags are used to enable multiple uses of the chained timer as there are only 10 timers available on the wildcard.
Reset logic
As the wildcard cannot execute code unless an interrupt happens, this presents problems when coming out of reset. Good news is we're able to code if we're out of reset, either warm or cold. Due to the limits we need to have four tables
| 19 - Reset and not Failsoft | |||||
| Warm Reset | or | Cold Reset | and not | Input 2 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Channel 2 | Null | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | Null | ||||
This table setups the default mode out of reset when the controller is good. Further it resets any event flags or timers in the event any are active (they shoudn't be from reset, but it's one of the bugs I've seen).
| 20 - Warm reset with controller and analog lock | |||||
| Warm Reset | and | Input 1 | and not | Input 2 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Channel 4 | Null | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | Null | ||||
| 21 - Cold reset with controller and analog lock | |||||
| Cold Reset | and | Input 1 | and not | Input 2 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Channel 4 | Null | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | Null | ||||
These two set us to channel 4 when the controller is good and the analog lock is enabled either from the switch or app_rpt.
| 22 - Warm reset Failsoft and analog lock | |||||
| Warm Reset | and | Input 1 | and | Input 2 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Channel 5 | Null | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | Null | ||||
| RX PL Enable | |||||
| Alarm Tone 4 | Alarm Tone Off 4 | ||||
| 23 - Cold reset Failsoft and analog lock | |||||
| Cold Reset | and | Input 1 | and | Input 2 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Channel 5 | Null | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | Null | ||||
| RX PL Enable | |||||
| Alarm Tone 4 | Alarm Tone Off 4 | ||||
These two setup the failsoft analog lock mode. This will select channel 5 which is configured for in cabinet repeat with PL. This would need to be activated via the switch on the glue board as the controller would be offline. An alarm tone will be generated letting the users know the analog controller is offline.
Analog lock
This causes the system to lock to analog mode when input 1 goes to ground. This is tied into GPIO of the RA-35 interface on GPIO 1 and to a manual switch on the glue board.
| 17 - Analog lock with controller | |||||
| Input 1 | and not | Input 2 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Channel 4 | Channel 2 | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | |||||
| Abort Timer 9 | |||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | Null | ||||
If input 1 goes low (active), and input 2 is off (high), the controller is good, but go into analog lock channel 4 under controller. Abort any active timers and clear any event flags, as this could cause another channel change to happen if not stopped.
| 18 - Analog lock Failsafe | |||||
| Input 1 | and | Input 2 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Channel 5 | Channel 3 | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | |||||
| Abort Timer 9 | |||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | Null | ||||
| RX PL Enable | |||||
| Alarm Tone 4 | Alarm Tone Off 4 | ||||
If input 1 goes low (active), and input 2 is low (active), the controller has failed. Go to channel 5 analog only, in cabinet repeat. As this is in failsoft mode an alarm tone will be generated. Abort any active timers and clear any event flags, as this could cause another channel change to happen if not stopped.
P25 receive non-failsoft mode
Now things get a bit more interesting. This is used if the analog controller is good. By default the system will be on decision channel 2, table 5 will run and if a local keydown is >10 seconds, table 27 will change the P25 only channel 1. When it unkeys the timer chain will start and then table 6 will change back to the decision channel. Flags are used to multiplex timer chain 1:5 and timer 9.
| 5 - RX P25 and No-Failsoft | |||||
| RX Astro ID | and not | Input 2 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 9 - 10s | Timer 1 - 65s | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Abort Timer 9 | ||||
| Set Flag 1 | Clear Flag 7 | ||||
| Set Flag 7 | |||||
This will listen for a NAC and if not input 2 (failsoft), will start a 10 second timer (9) which is handled by table 27 due to setting flag 7. Flag 1 is set which enables table 6 to action off of the timer chain. The mode lock timer chain is aborted when this is met as well, aborting any which may be in progress, keeping the timers from starting until a local p25 user unkeys.
When a p25 user unkeys, the mode lock timer chain is started via timer 1, and timer 9 is aborted. The abort for timer 9 is important as a short keydown would start it, but not clear it, thus still causing a channel change.
| 27 - P25 Lock Hold off | |||||
| Timer 9 done | and | Flag 7 | and not | Input 1 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 1 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 7 | |||||
When the Timer 9 (hold off timer) is done and flag 7 and not in analog lock mode (input 1), this will change to channel 1 and clear flag 7. The station will no be locked on a digital only channel.
| 6 - Timer P25 non-failsoft | |||||
| Timer 5 done | and | Flag 1 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 2 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 1 | |||||
When the timer chain stops and the event flag 1 (set by table 5), the system will change back to the mixed mode channel 2, and clear flag 1.
P25 receive failsoft mode
If the analog controller is failed this is used. By default the system will be on decision channel 3, table 155 will run and if a local keydown is >10 seconds, table 27 will change the P25 only channel 1. When it unkeys the timer chain will start and then table 16 will change back to the decision channel 3. Flags are used to multiplex timer chain 1:5 and timer 9.
| 5 - RX P25 and Failsoft | |||||
| RX Astro ID | and | Input 2 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 9 - 10s | Timer 1 - 65s | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Abort Timer 9 | ||||
| Set Flag 4 | Null | ||||
| Set Flag 7 | Clear Flag 7 | ||||
This will listen for a NAC and if input 2 (failsoft), will start a 10 second timer (9) which is handled by table 27 due to setting flag 7. Flag 4 is set which enables table 16 to action off of the timer chain. The mode lock timer chain is aborted when this is met as well, aborting any which may be in progress, keeping the timers from starting until a local p25 user unkeys.
When a p25 user unkeys, the mode lock timer chain is started via timer 1, and timer 9 is aborted. The abort for timer 9 is important as a short keydown would start it, but not clear it, thus still causing a channel change.
| 27 - P25 Lock Hold off | |||||
| Timer 9 done | and | Flag 7 | and not | Input 1 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 1 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 7 | |||||
When the Timer 9 (hold off timer) is done and flag 7 and not in analog lock mode (input 1), this will change to channel 1 and clear flag 7. The station will no be locked on a digital only channel.
| 16 - Timer P25 Failsoft | |||||
| Timer 5 done | and | Flag 4 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 3 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 4 | |||||
When the timer chain stops and the event flag 4 (set by table 15), the system will change back to the mixed mode channel 3, and clear flag 4.
Analog receive non-failsoft mode
If the analog controller is good this is used.
By default the system will be on decision channel 2, table 10 will run and if a local keydown is >10 seconds, table 25 will change the Analog only channel 4. When it unkeys the timer chain will start and then table 11 will change back to the decision channel 2. Flags are used to multiplex timer chain 1:5 and timer 9.
| 10 - RX Analog and No Failsoft | |||||
| RX Analog | and not | Input 1 | and not | Input 2 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 9 - 10s | Timer 1 - 65s | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Abort Timer 9 | ||||
| Clear Flag 2 | Set Flag 2 | ||||
| Set Flag 5 | Clear Flag 5 | ||||
This will listen for an analog user and if not input 2 (controller good), will start a 10 second timer (9) which is handled by table 25 due to setting flag 5. Flag 2 is set which enables table 11 to action off of the timer chain. The mode lock timer chain is aborted when this is met as well, aborting any which may be in progress, keeping the timers from starting until a local analog user unkeys.
When an analog user unkeys, the mode lock timer chain is started via timer 1, flag 2 is set, and timer 9 is aborted. The abort for timer 9 is important as a short keydown would start it, but not clear it, thus still causing a channel change.
| 25 - Analog Ch4 Hold Off | |||||
| Timer 9 done | and | Flag 5 | and not | Input 1 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 4 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 5 | |||||
When the Timer 9 (hold off timer) is done and flag 5 and not in analog lock mode (input 1), this will change to channel 4 and clear flag 5. The station will now be locked on an analog only non-repeat channel under external control.
| 11 - Timer Analog and no Failsoft | |||||
| Timer 5 done | and | Flag 2 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 2 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 2 | |||||
When the timer chain stops and the event flag 2 (set by table 10), the system will change back to the mixed mode channel 2, and clear flag 2.
Analog Receive Failsoft Mode
If the analog controller is bad this is used.
By default the system will be on decision channel 3, table 13 will run and if a local keydown is >10 seconds, table 26 will change the Analog only channel 5. When it unkeys the timer chain will start and then table 14 will change back to the decision channel 3. Flags are used to multiplex timer chain 1:5 and timer 9.
| 13 - RX Analog and Failsoft | |||||
| Rptr Qual Met | and | Input 1 | and not | Cur Chan 1 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Timer 9 - 10s | Timer 1 - 65s | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | Abort Timer 9 | ||||
| Clear Flag 3 | Set Flag 3 | ||||
| Set Flag 6 | Clear Flag 6 | ||||
This listens for the analog repeater to go active, and Input 2 (failsoft) and not currently channel 1 (p25 only). As channel the system will be on decision channel 3 to start this, analog repeater is enabled. RX analog cannot be used due the COS which sets "RX Qual", the system would lock as soon as it saw a carrier and not squelch. Further this will not work if on the p25 channel 1, as the p25 channel would repeat data as well.
After this it will start a 10 second timer (9) which is handled by table 26 due to setting flag 6. The mode lock timer chain is aborted when this is met as well, aborting any which may be in progress, keeping the timers from starting until a local analog user unkeys.
When an analog user unkeys, the mode lock timer chain is started via timer 1, flag 3 is set, and timer 9 is aborted. Flag 3 enables table 14 to action off of the timer chain. The abort for timer 9 is important as a short keydown would start it, but not clear it, thus still causing a channel change.
| 26 - Analog Ch5 Hold Off | |||||
| Timer 9 done | and | Flag 6 | and not | Input 1 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 5 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 6 | |||||
When the Timer 9 (hold off timer) is done and flag 6 and not in analog lock mode (input 1), this will change to channel 5 and clear flag 6. The station will now be locked on an analog only repeat channel with ID and Time out timer.
| 14 - Timer Analog and Failsoft | |||||
| Timer 5 done | and | Flag 3 | and not | Input 1 | |
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 3 | Null | ||||
| Clear Flag 3 | |||||
When the timer chain stops and the event flag 3 (set by table 13), the system will change back to the mixed mode channel 3, and clear flag 3.
Analog Failsoft Mode but not Analog lock
If the analog controller is bad this is used.
This will move the system to Channel 3 for mixed mode failsoft in the event the controller dies. This will generate an alarm tone on the channel.
| 12 - Failsoft | |||||
| Input 2 | and not | Input 1 | |||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 3 | Chan 2 | ||||
| RX PL enable | Null | ||||
| Abort Timer 1:5 | |||||
| Abort Timer 9 | |||||
| Clear Flag 1:7 | |||||
| Alarm Tone 4 | Alarm Tone Off 4 | ||||
Channel 2 from Asterisk
This table will select channel 2 when active. With pnxmono it's possible for data to come from the network and change the channel of a quantar via v.24 commands. What's really needed is a way to filter this in the pnxmono software. Typically I find this happens with packet loss or looping, causing a channel select command to channel 4.
A cop command can be used to toggle this pin and shift to mixed mode again.
| 29 - Chan 2 from Controller | |||||
| Input 4 | |||||
| Action | Inaction | ||||
| Chan 2 | Null | ||||
Originally there was "and not Input 2 and not input 1" as well, but this exposed an interesting bug/feature in the wildcard function. This caused the failsoft wildcard to be evaluated after the hold off timer switched to channel 1/4/5. As soon as it was run, the system changed back to the decision channel.
Downside is possibly the controller could be used to override the analog lock feature. This might be a plus, as as it would enable a way to override the switch.
