What are the AllStar and EchoLink Networks?

AllStarLink and EchoLink are networks of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots that are accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

What is an AllStar Node?

• An AllStar "node" consists of a dedicated computer wired to a repeater, home station radio or low power "micronode".
• Radio amateurs can use any analog FM transceiver with DTMF pad to connect and link through nodes to other AllStar stations and repeaters anywhere in the world.  
• Some AllStar nodes may also offer access via the EchoLink system and/or bridges to digital voice networks such as DMR, DStar and System Fusion.
• AllStarLink.org assigns node numbers to individual AllStar nodes, repeaters, bridges and hubs.

• Hubs are robust nodes that can accommodate many users at the same time, similar to EchoLink Conference servers. 
• Some popular hubs include the WIN System, DoDropIn, the East Coast HUB and others.
• The AllStar Link network currently has over 21,000 users and over 17,000 nodes. Link to Map of AllStar nodes.

Why Use AllStar or EchoLink?

• Members will be able to access our repeater and participate in nets via the AllStar or EchoLink networks when outside our coverage area.
• We can use our existing analog FM radios and repeaters to access the AllStar network.  
• EchoLink offers network access through personal computers and mobile devices with internet connection. 
• AllStar uses open-source non-proprietary software and hardware.
• The VoIP technology of AllStar and EchoLink offers natural voice clarity superior to the synthesized sound of digital modes.
• Internet connectivity can enable repeater linking when needed for wide area and emergency communications.
• AllStar micronodes such as SHARI or ClearNode offer a practical and economical solution to use a handheld radio around the home and for apartment or office-bound members with antenna limitations.

How Can I Participate in AllStarLink?

• Participation in either system requires a valid amateur radio license.
• You may use a regular FM transceiver with a DTMF keypad to communicate through an AllStar node. Club members are welcome to try the KP4MD AllStar simplex node in Citrus Heights.
• If you plan to operate your own AllStar node, follow the registration instructions at www.allstarlink.org.

How Can I Participate in EchoLink?

• Download and run the free software from EchoLink.org on your personal computer or mobile device or EchoHam for Mac or QTel for Linux
• Follow the registration instructions at www.echolink.org to access the EchoLink network.

The N6NA AllStar/EchoLink Node Use and Guidelines

Users may currently access our N6NA 145.250 MHz repeater via AllStar node (#53410).
Users may also connect to, listen and talk through the repeater via EchoLink system node 646535 (N6NA-R).
The node software at the N6NA repeater is HamVoIP RPi2-3-4 V1.6-01 running on a Raspberry Pi 4B computer with a SHARI node.

Guidelines for N6NA AllStar/EchoLink Node Use

1. Listen to check if the repeater is already in use.  Do not interrupt conversations already in progress.
2. Identify yourself whenever you use the repeater or log on via our AllStar or EchoLink node.
3. Announce your intention if you plan to connect or disconnect the repeater with another node.
4. Limit any links with other nodes to the minimum time necessary.
5. Do not link our repeater to other hubs, repeaters or nets during commuter hours or during our scheduled net times.
6. Remember to disconnect any links you may have made before you sign off.

Would you like to set up your own AllStar node? Check the SHARI micronode, the DINAH interface, and ClearNode.

Please send any Questions to contact@n6na.org

N6NA 145.25 MHz Repeater System Diagram

Current N6NA Node Connection Status