AllStar, EchoLink & IRLP:

Our present primary software AllStar is very well explained here and HamVOIP(HamVOIP is the firmware we use now)

If you are not familiar with the worldwide IRLP network, the
irlp.net website is an excellent resource.

EchoLink has the advantage that it can be run on many devices such as:  Smart phones, Computers and Tablets making access and testing easier.  AllStar can run on the same devices.



History:

After many years of linking (or attempting) via 420, our efforts shifted to VOIP methods. People moved, sites became unavailable, coverage areas and interests changed making RF linking not practical. What was once San Jose, San Francisco, Santa Maria, areas of San Luis Obispo County, Santa Rosa, Reno, Modesto, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Los Angeles, Big Bear, and Laughlin shrunk to the present locations.

We started out using exclusively IRLP, but after running power hungry (and noisy) PCs for years we switched to the low-power computers Raspberry Pi's  (Rpi) and audio interface (DMK), we converted to EchoLink.  Thanks to Roy's (K6MF) expertise and guidance.  The security is not quite as tight as IRLP, but we have didn’t experience any problems. 

We (K6DVD & WB6DAO) then, in the summer of 2017, switched to AllStar due to its versatility,
duplex and relaxed port restrictions (ie: run as many nodes as you wish on one IP address), and no reliance on a central serverOperation on computers, phones, tablets and other devices is supported. We still use Raspberry Pi’s along with DMK or generic audio/control interfaces. It has been a steep learning curve but with Dave, K6DVD’s, excellent help we are there!

You can,
with permission, connect to us via EchoLink at: K6DVD-L or WB6DAO-R. 

Note: we must add you to the "allowed" list first before you will be successful connecting.  This is to eliminate the random un-welcome connects that occur at times. Please contact us to be added to the allowed list.

 

Closed Repeater:

If you are an already a UHF operator from California, you are aware that most UHF repeaters here are operated as closed/private.

This is not an attempt to exclude any qualified operators from using them, just an effort to make sure that all users have similar operating standards and understand the proper control and operation of the repeater. If you have listened to the operating “standards” on some of the open VHF/UHF frequencies you will know what I mean.

There are also plenty of open UHF repeaters available in the Southern California area. For a current list,  see this link: Open Repeaters, many have excellent linking capabilities.

A good analogy for a closed repeater is:

A repeater is like your house, you paid for it, you maintain it, all at great expense.  You don't just open the door for just anyone walking by that sees your address. You qualify those for whom you open the door and invite in. A repeater operating in the closed mode is much the same, people are invited to operate, much as you would invite friends into you home.

 

Membership:

If you live or work in the following California areas: Santa Barbara, San Jose or Coarsegold. We are always looking for new compatible members. Please listen to us and if it seems like something you would like to join, please e-mail  for details. You will find out that most of us have some technical background and a good percentage have some connection to Santa Barbara.  Even if you don't live in one of the coverage areas, reliable access is available via a Smartphone or computer into EchoLink or preferably AllStar.

 

E-mail contact:

Please use the qrz.com email address for WB6DAO or any other of the owners.

Updated 7/26/2020