Changelog; Download; Home; Download. Dplus_client - software to use a DV dongle to connect via D-Plus. Dplus_streamer - used to stream D-STAR audio to a web server. Rptr_mux - acts as the intermediary between Icom G2 and the home brew system. It multiplexes repeater bands A,B,C of only one repeater under one G2 Gateway.
NEW: March 2013: The FREE STAR. team now supports the Canadian manufactured DVRPTR board with the v1.10e and v1.80k firmware. August 2012: The FREE STAR. team now supports the BeagleBone (single board computer with an ARM processor) running Debian. An image will be added as soon as we have completed testing and documentation. June 2012: The FREE STAR. team now supports the Raspberry Pi (single board computer with an ARM processor) running Debian.
FREE STAR. is an experimental approach to the implementation of a vendor neutral, and open source, digital communication network. FREE STAR.
enables existing (FM) repeater owners to establish a D STAR repeater with a choice of interface hardware (GMSK modem or sound card), software and radio hardware. FREE STAR. currently does not bypass the need for an end-user to own/use a D-STAR radio to access DV enabled repeaters! FREE STAR. reflectors are open to ICOM and non-ICOM gateways, DVAR, DVAP, and DVTool clients. Our reflectors re-generate the RF header every 21 packets allowing users with marginal coverage of the local repeater immune to signal drop-out aiding in the immediate recovery of lost audio; similarly, DVAR, DVAP, and DVTool clients connecting to a busy reflector will copy audio immediately (without the need to wait until the next 'over'). Further, our reflectors support multi-linking allowing repeater systems that support this feature to connect 2 or more RF modules to a single (common) reflector module.
A variety of GMSK modems are available. We have tested several of them. The following modem passed all of our qualification tests (see the v7 page): We also support the DSP based modem from the dvrptr team - this new addition provides superior front-end sensitivity at a very competitive price point. Thanks to Pierre, VE2PF for uploading this video: Additionally, we support the DVAP device, which can be added to a FREE STAR.
system either as the principal RF access point or a secondary access point (RF module). We offer a complete ISO image allowing prospective clients to build a complete system in about one hour.
![Dplus Dplus](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125427517/965456069.png)
We also offer an install script allowing for the FREE STAR. software components to be added to an existing CENTOS 5.x box, such as an existing Asterisk / apprpt (ACID) installation. Hence we enable Allstar node owners / administrators the capability to operate a FREE STAR. system with next to no additional hardware and investment. September 4,2011: FREE STAR.
Appliance now available. A HP thin client (T5710) has been successfully converted running CENTOS off a 4GB microdrive. This client is running the full complement of FREE STAR.
software, 2 RF modules (one half duplex and the second a full-duplex repeater). The HP Thin Client is an extremely cost effective solution, used devices can be found for as little as $28USD. The conversion cost is an additional $16. The HP Thin Client can operate off a 13.8VDC supply, it has no moving parts, draws about 600mA @ 13.8VDC and makes an excellent appliance for installation at remote repeater sites. Please refer to the ISO page to download the above images / install scripts / Quick Install Guides. October 22, 2011: FREE STAR. Dual Mode DV and FM solution refined.
We have refined our dual mode (DV and FM) repeater solution. we have a solution that allows an existing FM repeater to be used as a DV repeater as well. There are many benefits of using Digital Voice.
We feel that the following recordings will 'speak for themselves'. Thanks to Reg, VA3JQA, for assisting with these tests and providing consent for these to be posted on this website. The recordings compare a portable station running 1W on FM versus 1W on DV from the exact same location into the same dual mode repeater: The table below is a work-in-progress attempt to provide the user community with a view of FREE STAR. repeater presence and access information: (Please note that Half Duplex Access Points require the user's radio to be in duplex mode (+/- DUP enabled with a 0MHz offset), set RPT1=Callsign as shown, and RPT2 = Access Point Callsign with a 'G' in the 8th position - so for example for VE3FSR, set RPT1 = VE3FSR B, RPT2 = VE3FSR G).