Allstar Radio Project

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3 Photo 1. Above are the three main Ingredients to make this Allstar project. 4 Photo 2. Top View of node 4 Photo 3. Power Connection on Raspberry Pi Back to Top

ALLSTAR RADIO  PROJECT

by Rob Stokes ZL1RJS

This Allstar Radio Project remote base station is my version, how to build using the latest version software, using a Baofeng BF888S radio , USB fob and a raspberry pi, plus how to install and program to get you up and running on Allstar.
To use AllStar, you will first need to register to get a node number.
Below are the details on how to build, and register with AllStar to get your node number.

Credit goes to all the Allstar designers. There are several designs and different versions out there to build being open sourced. This is the version that I have built. It works very well and is cheap to build.
The hardest part is to modify the USB fob and solder three wires to the 48 pin smd IC. I do still have a few of these fob's left already fully assembled, if you don't feel comfortable with soldering. I have these USB fob kits at $30 (parts included are below)

Email.

You can contact me directly via email on ZL1RJS Just click on my callsign to email your interest.

Please note, I take no credit for the design and please read my Disclaimer and you understand it before continuing.

Description of This Project:

AllStarLink is a network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol. AllStarLink runs on a dedicated computer (using the Rasperry Pi) that you host at your home or radio site. It is based on the open source Asterisk software which makes Asterisk a powerful system capable of controlling one or more radios. It provides linking of these radio's called "nodes" to other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world via VoIP.
AllStarLink's primary use is, as a dedicated computer node wired to your repeater or radio. Connections from Echolink and other VoIP clients are also supported.
The Allstar network is like Echolink but is way more powerful over Echolink with more features etc, and you can use both Allstar and Echolink systems together.
FIRST Sign Up To Allstar and create an Account.
Before you start construction, it is best to register first with Allstar as this registration process can take 24 hours to do.
To use AllStarLink you must be an Amateur Radio operator with a current license. This is because AllStarLink is a network of ham radio stations which only hams may transmit on. Allstar use QRZ or other public databases to check the information you provide. If you are not listed in any publicly accessible database they will ask you to email a copy of your license.
Once you click on to Allstar's main page to register, you will need to click on "Login/Sign-Up" at the top of the page.
Allstar Registration Here.
Once you have completed the form and signed up, you will receive an email with a link to confirm your email address.
Watch for that email and also check your junk folder. You should get it fairly quickly. By adding "helpdesk@allstarlink.org" to your contacts list should prevent any emails going to your junk folder.
Once you receive this email, you must click on the link to verify your email address, before you will see your account request.
Only then will Allstar be able to verify your callsign.
After they verify your call sign and information (usually within 24 hours) you will receive an email with your account.
Once you receive your login, login and request a node number.
Click on "Portal" and " Node Setting" Here you can request a node number.
NOTE: You CAN NOT login to your AllStar Link account until your email address has been verified (by clicking on the link they send)
Also if you don't have Echolink, as with Allstar you will need to register first, before you can use it. On my "Links" page you will find the necessary link.
More infomation can be found here Wiki Information Page for AllStarLink
There are lots of information and plenty to read on Wiki.
WARNING TO IMPORT RADIO TRANSMITTERS.
Please be aware that importing radio transmitters like Baofeng, and other brand names into New Zealand requires a licence to import these type radio's and details are recorded to whom they are sold to, along with serial numbers etc, to the RSM (Radio Spectrum Mangement) as a requirement by them.
I do have a licence to import radio's if you require one and I will only import to order.
That said all the Baofeng BF888S models that I have seen DO NOT have any serial number marking, so any radio found without any serial numbers. I will engrave a identifing number on any that I sell to comply with RSM requirements.
If you try to import radio transmitters without a import licence, they will be intercepted at customs and get confiscated, so please be aware!
It is also illegal to operate these radios outside of the Amateur Radio bands. I will also only supply to a licenced amateur with a valid callsign. The Radio will also be programmed for amateur frequencies only.

Materials Required.

Required Hardware.
  1. A fully assembled FOB.
  2. A Raspberry Pi3, Pi4 or the latest Pi5.
  3. A case for the Raspberry Pi and radio. A metal case is preferred but if you want to use a Wi-Fi connection instead of a wired network connection then a plastic case may be required to obtain adequate range. I built mine in a old DVD recorder case
  4. A microSD card – 16GB or larger, Class 10 or better.
  5. A power supply for the Pi – This should be a power supply intended for your version of the Raspberry Pi. These supplies typically provide 5.1 to 5.2 VDC to the Pi. Current requirements vary with version of pi. Numerous problems with Allstar Nodes have been traced to inadequate power supplies.
  6. Baofeng BF888S Radio (16Channel UHF Only)(or equivalent)
  7. On/Off Switch SPST Master switch.
  8. Optional extras.
    • If a wired network connection is used then an external RJ45 chassis mount extention lead
    • Raspberry Pi 5v Fan(See Notes if you add a fan)
    • SMA Right angle for radio antenna
(The Raspberry Pi and radio, plus case and switch are not included in the kit)
FOB Kit Includes.
  1. 1x USB FOB (Modified ready).
  2. 2x Buck converters. (1 for the pi and the other for the radio).
  3. Led's 1x Red, 1x Amber, 1x Green, 1x Blue/Red.
  4. Resistors, 470R, 390R, 2x 10K, 100R, +/-18k
  5. Connection wires (Approx 10 to 20cm long).
Power Up the Pi.
Depending what power supply you use, make sure it is able to supply enough current for your pi. This is very important as it can cause issues when in use. I used a 12v 3A as this was what I had on hand at the time. This was enough to power up the radio and the pi 3.
When you connect up the raspberry pi, I used another buck converter to power up the pi, I made sure that the voltage was 5v before the connection was made to the pi.
I also connected and soldered the power 5v underneath (see photo 3.) Negative to PP3 and Positive to PP1
When this node was made, back in 2016, I used a Pi 3b 2015 shown in photo 3.
I have just noticed that depending on which year the Pi was manufactured the layout is different for the later Pi's so please beaware of this as Photo 3 is only for the 2015 year of manufacture.
Another idea is to cut up an old lead to power up the pi. I have cut back the outer of the lead exposing the red and black leads going to the buck converter.
Warning
Make sure you connect the powers polarity correct as it will do damage if it is connected wrong.
I take no responsibility for any damage, so please be careful.

I was also sent this photo to me some time back, so no idea of ownership of who or where this photo originated from.
Great photo showing connections. I originally powered up the pi and connected up using the header pins but was told not to do this, as it is 5v out, so I quickly modified mine. I tinned the copper pad first before soldering the wires to the pi.

UPDATE Jan 2026.
A couple of new hams from my local club are currently building up nodes, using the same way I built my node. I have since done a couple of new modifications, where as I was missing calls when the station connected. I now have 4 LED's, A Power LED which is taken the supply from the output header pins 5v rather just from the 5v feed.
This LED now lights up indicating when the Pi is powered up.
The yellow heartbeat LED has not changed.
I added a Rx LED and changed that to Green. The wire that comes off Pad 7 (brown wire) of the USB FOB now goes to the red LED. (not Green)
Doing this mod, now means I do not miss a call when a station connects.
I have also connected the green LED directly on the radio's Rx (green LED). I disconnected the feed resistor (just lifted up one end of the resistor in the air) to stop the green LED on the radio from working and fitted the external Green LED still using a 470R Resistor. I disconnected this resistor and LED as not to put any stress on the circuit.
On the Baofeng BF888 I followed the resistors track back to a better point to solder the wire (Anode wire) to. The TX and RX LED's are located just by the Volume control. the feed resistor is just to the right. I fitted the Anode wire folling the track down slightly and just above the mounting screw.
Just be aware that there are different versions of these radios so the layout may be different. Just follow the track with a meter to confirm you have the right tracks.
Looking at the radio with the antenna top left, The transistor should be on the left of the LED and the tiny resistor is to the right of the LED. The cathode connection is on the small transistor next to the radios green LED.
Lower down mentions about a white LED for Rx, I made my LED green but you will need to follow the instructions to enable the Rx LED and I found it easier just to modify the radio for the same result.
The other mod that I thought of was to use a 5v supply using the later Raspberry pi 5 power supply being rated at 5A and cheap to buy. This will NOT work as the power supply has current sense, and I have added this info just incase you may think to use one.
You can however use a Pi 4 power supply, which is 5v and rated at 3A.
You can use either power source, but if you use 12v in, you still need to use the Pi's buck converter 12v in down to 5v to power up the Pi. Connect the Radio's buck converter's to the output of the Pi's buck converter 5v. Set the radio's buck voltage 5v in down to 3.7v
Set the voltages BEFORE you connect these to the Pi or the Radio.
NOTE: The USB FOB modification lower down will need to be changed and updated. I will update this when I can. Please be aware when you get to this mod's instructions, the above, is now what has changed.
The wire I used for the LED's was from a off cut of cat 6 cable. Colours used are:
Blue LED: Anode connects to Resistor and Blue wire.
Green LED: Anode connect to resistor and Green wire.
Green LED: Cathode connect Green/White
Yellow LED: Anode to resistor and orange wire.
Red LED: Anode connect to resistor and Brown wire
All the cathodes for Blue, Yellow and Red LEDs are connected together using the Blue/White wire connected to the Pi's ground.
FAN UPDATE Jan 2026.
If you want to add a fan, I suggest using either a PWM fan or a standard 5v using a speed control as just the standard 5v fan gets quite noisy as it is running at full speed.

ALLSTAR REGISTRATION.
If you have not yet applied for a node mumber, register and apply now.
click on "Login/Sign-Up" at the top of the page.
Allstar Registration Here.
Once you have applied for a node number, you need to get the password of your node number. To find your node's password, Go to the AllStarLink webpage.
login to allstarlink.org
Click on the link below and "Login/Sign Up" and enter your Callign and Password. Click "Login"
You should see your callsign at the top.
Click on "Portal" to the left of your callsign and click on Node Setting. This will show you node number. Under Password click on "Show" to reveal your password. Take a note of the password as you will need this later on in the set up.
You can now close out and exit Allstar.

Connecting to Other Stations

I just thought I would add this in. If you do not have a fixed IP address at your QTH and operating AllStar, you would need to connect first through a "Hub" or a station acting as a repeater first. In other words, without a fixed IP, you are limited to whom you can connect to so you may not be able to connect direct like you would on simplex.

Stations Without a fixed IP address.

You can still connect but through a hub first. (Just like a repeater)
This is not a problem if you do not have a fixed IP, you just need to connect via a hub or my node for example, then you can connect to any station anywhere in the world linking through my test node 45833.
I do have two "nodes" which I will set up as a test hub soon, so that it can be used as a repeater, rather than tie my main node 45481, but it is there to be used by anyone so feel free to connect to it.

Stations With a fixed IP address.

Stations with a fixed IP address have no restrictions and can connect direct to any node (without going through any hub)
You might want to connect via a hub, and any other nodes connected to that node's hub will all be connected to you also.

Lets get Started with the Construction.

Case
I found an old DVD player but removed everything just for the case which had already had a hole at the back for a RJ45 Lan connector and a USB socket at the front. I modified the existing PCB board and cut enough out so I could make use of this USB socket. I removed any components off the board which just left the USB socket and tact switches.
As the raspberry pi will be mounted in the case, I used a USB extension lead which one end would plug into the pi and I cut the other end off and wired up the other side to the PCB. You don't have to do this but if you needed to use a USB port for anything like, e.g. USB wireless keyboard or a external USB Wi-Fi module, it is easy accessed from the front case.
The edges of these cases can be VERY sharp and to avoid any cuts, I put some electrical tape over the full length of each side to stop any nasty cuts. I mounted the radio on the left and the raspberry pi in the middle leaving enough room for the USB Fob. The buck converter for the radio was mounted close to the radio. The same for the Pi.
I just had enough room when I installed the pi (shown in the photo 2.) It is also quite hard to get to the microSD card and I have to remove the fan for access. If I made another I would advise to mount it sideways. This will also mean shorter wires.
As this does not need a monitor, I used the buttons from the case to shut the pi down as it is not good practice just to switch off as this can corrupt the pi. With the later version of supermon, you don't need to do this now as the new version is command driven, so less to do in the construction. More said on this later.
Baofeng Radio.
Before you modify your radio, it will be easier to program the radio first. You will need a programming cable to do this. Programming Cable Here is a link for one on Amazon, but I do not know how long this link will work for.
Just make sure before you buy one, it will work with your computer's operating system.
Check out local first or ali-express to get a cable, but make sure you get one that works with the latest version of windows or linux.
Some cables only work on XP which is no longer supported and no longer works. I found Chirp is the best program to use, you can download this here. Download Chirp Download and install the latest version. Install process, Chirp setup
Agree to the licence, "I agree" click next
Choose the directory, just agree to selected path and click install.
Click "finish" this will open up the chirp program.
First time users click on "agree"
Next click on "radio" and select "download from radio"
Choose your radio from the drop down windows.
Port: "your com port"
Vendor: "Baofeng"
Model: "BF888S"
I normally take a blank original copy of the radios config and save it.
Then I make a copy and modify that one. BECARFUL if you upload a wrong config file that is not from your model, you can "brick" the radio and it's game over. Once programmed, proceed and click on the link to modify the radio.

The link below is my version of the BF888S radio and there are quite a few different version radios depending on the age of your radio, Follow the instructions for the step by step installation and see the next link ONLY if your radio is different.
Modifing the Baofeng BF888S

Use this link below ONLY if your BF888S is different to the one shown . You will need to see which version you have, and show you where you need to connect the wires to your version. Still follow the rest of the instructions on the above link as these are the main notes and ONLY use the link below to show how to connect the wires to the different radio versions.
Different Versions of the Baofeng BF888S

Different Radios used for AllStar.

The link below has more information on using different radios to modify and other technical information, tips and it is full of information. I have added this link for interest. Take a read when you can.
Hamvoip

Building the USB FOB
Check this link to build the USB FOB below:
Building the USB FOB

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION.
In this section you will obtain and download the Allstar Image file, plus the Raspberry Pi Imager program which is required to burn the image file, and prepare a microSD card which you will plug into your Raspberry Pi once done.
These instructions assume you will be using a Windows PC. The process can be completed using an Apple Mac or Linux PC also, but you on your own with those operating systems.
Raspberry Pi Imager Installation.
Update 17-03-2026
NOTE: Please read my notes below when installing Raspberry Pi Imager.
If you download the latest Raspberry Pi Imager file, be aware of version 2.06 it does seem to have a bug in this version? (Ver 2.06 was the current version at this time.) It might only be this version, but will not know until a later version becomes available.
You need to be able to modify the Allstar image to change and put in some details.
Details required are:
Your node number and user name (Put your callsign for the user name) plus password and your wi-fi setting etc before you burn the image to the microSD card.
(I used an older version v1.8.5 to do this, please see the link below for v1.85).
I have included the link to get the latest version of the Raspberry Pi Imager on the link below.
Latest Raspberry Pi Software

Problem Encountered with v2.06
I had an issue with this latest version of the raspberry pi imager v2.06 and ended up using an older version. ver 1.85
If you use version 2.06, it would NOT allow me to modify the "Use OS customisation?" after you have selected, which Pi Device, the operating system, and storage device, to accept your selection. Once you click "NEXT" you need to click on "Edit Settings"
It does not bring up the "Use OS customisation?" window to allow you to modify and enter your details which you do need to do.
The version 1.85 works well and is what i used to program the image file. When you install this version, it want's to update the program when you open it. For now select "NO" and follow the prompts.
Download Raspberry Pi Imager 1.85 for windows to PC.

Download the latest AllStarLink 3 image for the raspberry pi from
AllStarLink 3 Image or here
AllStarLink 3 Images

Info on AllStar Link, user guide online.
Online AllStarLink3 Manual

Let's Begin with the Raspberry Pi Imager Installation.
Once downloaded, Click on and open Raspberry Pi Imager
Do not update the program at this stage (if Prompted) NOTE:
Also before you start to burn the image to the micro SD card, you will need to have on hand, your node number and your Network's SSID name plus password. We need to add this information before you burn the image file.
You need to first set-up 3 things to burn the image.
Raspberry Pi Device.
Operating System.
Storage.
scroll down or read down to step by step Pi Appliance Set-up
  1. If you have not already installed then install Raspberry Pi Imager on the link above.
  2. Download the latest release image (click on this link) This will be named allstar3.arm64.x.y.z.img (where x.y.z. is the latest version. Save it to your local downloads directory.)
  3. Launch Raspberry Imager
  4. Choose device
  5. Choose operating system OS - scroll to bottom of list and "Use Custom"
  6. Select image - now navigate to the download folder and select the image allstar3.arm64.x.y.z.
  7. Next choose storage, mass storage 16Gb USB device or your USB device. - This is your microSD card where the allstar image file will be
  8. Click "next" - as we have to set some setting.
  9. This next bit is Important... Click on "edit setting"
  10. Set hostname, example "node45481" (where node45481 enter your node number in place of mine).
  11. Set Username and Password. I used my callsign as the username (lowercase) Choose your password (Password will be case sensitive) (and record your username and password somewhere safe as you will need this later, when you go to login to the landing page).
  12. Tick box to set "locale setting"
  13. Optional Wireless - You dont have to set this if you are not using wireless, otherwise "configure the wireless LAN" by entering the SSID and wi-fi Password of your router.
  14. Click on "Services" and make sure you enable the SSH check-box Use password authentication. Next click "Save" then click on "YES" This will now write to your microSD card.
Remove the SD card and you should now have sucessfully created the image file ready to boot-up. Install the microSD card into the pi.
Before you turn on the pi, continue to Configuring the Pi for AllStarLink Ver 3.

Configuring the pi for AllStarLink Ver 3.

You node should now be all complete before you continue...
Once you are ready to power up for the first time.
Thanks again to the Ham Radio Crusader, Freddie Mac KD5FMU
Follow this step by step YouTube video below on setting up Allmon ASL ver3.

I recommend to watch each step first, and then go back to follow his steps, pausing each step to keep up with Freddie.
Watch the youTube Tutorial Video here.
AllStarLink ASL Version 3
Update 16-03-2026 - I will add my config file shortly as a comparison for anyone who has built this allstar project. This will include all the setting that I have used when setting up that freddie covers. This should give you an idea for the setting as these nodes have all been built in the same way.
Freddie does cover all the commands but it will vary depending on how you want to set yours up. For a basic node just follow freddie's setting. When you are in the setup menu and get to Number 8. "Interface Tune CLI", you will need to also change in menu J needs to set as "No" for the radio to work, (currently set as usbinvert).
TIP
When changing any .conf or .ini or other script files to make sure you back up your files first. If you clone your SD card before any changes so if you were to make a mistake then you can revert back to the back up otherwise you may have to re-install AllStar all over again.

Configuring the pi and Installing Supermon 7.4+ on AllStarLink Ver 3.

See the link below, this will give all the info on how to install supermon, just remember when in terminal or command mode, you may have to use the "sudo" command if it the link does not run. Just put sudo in front and run the command again.
Click on this link below once you have all the hardware done and ready to install the software set-up.
I also recommend that you to use the cut and paste for the command links when you start to set-up your Pi with the commands.
Install Supermon 7.4+ on AllStarLink Ver 3.
Enjoy...

Run the Supermon Program
There are a couple of ways to get into your dashboard of supermon.
Open your web browser, type in your node's ip address
e.g. 192.168.1.145 then /supermon/link.php?nodes= then your node number. so you will end up with "http://192.168.1.145/supermon/link.php?nodes=45481 Press enter and Supermon should appear if you have installed it correctly.
Under your callsign top left, you will see "login" Click on login. Enter your user name and password. e.g. user: admin and password: 12345

The other way is to type in you browser node45481.local (where 45481 is, your own node number goes here.)
This will bring up the ASL3 Dashboard.
If you type "/supermon" after node45481.local then you should get the 7.4+ dashboard up. e.g. node45481.local/supermon
NOTE: If you have more than one node you need to select "Activate" which node you will be using, from the menu bar. You now need to login to use supermon.
It you can't remember your password follow the next steps... The passsword will be what you set in manager.conf file.
This is found in /etc/allmon3/ directory. If you cant remember open your terminal program.
enter cd /etc/allmon3/
enter "sudo nano manager.conf" press enter
You will see your password under "secret=" this is your password.
Tip: It's best to write down your passwords somewhere and put them in a safe place as you will need these to access AllStar.

If you can't login with you user name and password, try to select your node number, then enter your user name and password. This you should see just under the picture on the command bar "NODES" "LSNODES" etc
As I have more than one node it does not know which node to log into.

DV Switch Mobile Set-up
Setting up and using the DVSwitch on the HamVoip AllStar Node. See these YouTube video's by Freddie Mac KD5FMU This has to be the best tutorial I have seen on this. Thanks Freddie.
DV Switch on Brandmeister Set-up Part 1
DV Switch on Brandmeister Set-up Part 2
He also has the DVSwitch on the HamVoip AllStar Node-TGIF server Step by step guide. Follow Freddie's advice on making a back-up copy of your AllStar micro SD card before attempting to modify your files. It is a lot of work if you have to re-install AllStar if a mistake is made, but simple to change the micro SD card.
DV Switch on the HamVoip AllStar Node-TGIF
by Freddie Mac KD5FMU
Basic Allstar Commands.
AllStar uses DTMF tones and when entering commands you always start with a * (star)
*3(NODE NUMBER YOU ARE CALLING) Connects to that node
*1(NODE NUMBER) This will disconnect from that node
*70 Announce all connected nodes
*76 Disconnect all nodes
Other Info.
Enabling the COS LED The unit has four status LEDs on his front panel.
They are;
SOLID BLUE – Indicates power 5 VDC from the Pi
BLINKING YELLOW – Indicates that Allstar is communicating from the FOB (Heartbeat)
RED LED – Lights when it is transmitting.
GREEN LED– Lights when it is receiving an RF signal.
You also may may add another LED WHITE LED (Not added in my set-up) is not lighting up when a signal is being received. The WHITE COS LED can be driven by Allstar to show the presence of a received signal. This uses bit 4 of the CM119B. To use it you must configure your Allstar to use the bit defined for the COS LED. The current HamVOIP image download may have the required code already installed in the config files but they must be uncommented to be active. If the lines are not already installed you must add them.
Check first! Here is the procedure to enable the COS LED.
You can do this in the ASL terminal once you have installed supermon 7.4 instead of Putty, WinSCP or MobaXterm. You don't have to do this below, I have added it for those who might want to do it.
1. In MobaXterm, in the left “File Browser” panel, note that the window at the top shows /root/ Left click on the green folder icon with the up- arrow in it until you have a “/” in the window. Double click on the etc folder. Double click on the asterisk folder. You will now have /etc/ asterisk/ in the window.
2. Double click on the rpt.conf folder to open it in the mobaXterm editor.
You can use any editor, e.g. VNC, (VNC is what I use) and to transfer files, Putty, WinSCP or MobaXterm.

Trouble Shooting Putty, WinSCP and MobaXterm

Connecting to Transfer files. One problem I had when trying connecting to the pi using any editor, it just would not allow connection to transfer files over from windows to the pi. Using VNC was no issue to modify files etc, but using Putty, WinSCP or MobaXterm to transfer files, it would not connect and would keep asking for a password every time and say "Access Denied".
If you use the default login and password which login is pi and the password is raspberry.
In VNC using root and your login password was no problem. However to transfer files using the same login, you cannot use root.
Fresh install or it is the first time to connect to the pi, it will ask for the passkey so simply cut n paste it in, before you continue.
To connect to the raspberry pi, you need to add the password for the user.
If using the default user name and password, you will still need to add the password "raspberry". The default password must be re-added to access your choice editor.
I would assume this is a security issue that it is not automatically set. For this example: I will Use "pi" as my user name. In Terminal type "sudo passwd pi" (where "pi" will be your user name.) hit enter, you will be prompted to enter your password "raspberry" hit enter and type the password again to confirm your password. This should now allow you access to winSCP (or your choice editor).
Before you can gain access, you will also need to check if SSH is enabled on the pi.

Enable SSH on Raspberry Pi

  • 1. Through the Desktop
    Click the Raspberry icon in the left of your taskbar. Go to Preferences > Raspberry Pi Configuration.
    In the Interfaces tab, enable SSH and click OK
  • 2. Through the Terminal
    Open the terminal and type: sudo raspi-config.
    Navigate to Interfacing Options > P2 SSH, and enable it
    Click "Yes" to enable hit enter. click on "OK"
    Use the Tab key to "Finish" to exit

    • How to find your IP Address

  • 1. Find the IP Address of Raspberry Pi
    Use the following command in the terminal to find your Raspberry Pi's IP address: type in terminal: hostname -I