[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] AllStar repeater integration discussion.

[Joe K]

I wanted to start some dialog around the idea of integrating one or more of our repeaters with AllStar. I know we have some VERY strong opinions on echolink, and while I think most of them are dated, I figured we'll let that dog lie but I think there is a lot to be gained from a discussion around AllStar, especially with the sunsetting of HamHotline.

From an ARES perspective, linking one or more repeaters to Allstar could increase our ARES/EmComm capability by allowing remote monitoring of our repeaters during disasters, as well as enabling folks to setup an alternate site to run nets, PAR checks, and coordinate "rovers" without needing to be in the EOC or in a potential disaster area.

From a Security perspective, AllStar could be configured to only allow club members to access, and then further restrict who, if anyone, can dynamically link repeaters. Additionally, the Allstar node could be run in a way to only allow folks who have direct SIP trunks to the AllStar node itself to connect, which would insure that we don't become overly dependent on internet connections and exercise skills related to AREDN and similar PtP or Mesh IP networks.

From a club perspective, this would open up our nets to members and non-members outside the limited coverage range of our repeaters IF WE CHOOSE, similar to how we can "dial in" to DSTAR reflectors and our DMR repeater over hotspots.

I understand that we essentially already have some or more of these capabilities due to DSTAR and DMR, but it's a topic I've seen come up on Discord a couple times and wanted to formalize the discussion a bit.

I look forward to hearing all pros and cons and any other thoughts.

Joe K
KD2HZG
Alexandria ARES Emergency Coordinator.
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