Changes to the K9IU D-STAR Gateway, more features!

[Corey Shields]

Hi all,

We've jumped on the ircDDBgateway bandwagon, replacing the ICOM G2 gateway software on the K9IU D-Star stack.  This allows us to interconnect with many more D-Star systems out there, including a lot of new and exciting methods for linking.  Here is a list of changes/additions:

* DPLUS linking still works the same.  K9IU B will be linked to the rest of the state through REF024B by default.  If it is unlinked, it will re-link after 10 mins of inactivity.   Linking commands are the same: UR = "REF024BL" will link to REF024B  This automatic connection is built in to the repeater code and not enforced by an outside script, hopefully fixing the errant "link currently established" problems we've had in the past.

* APRS gatewaying still works the same.

* CHANGE: Port C will automatically disconnect after 2 hours of idle time on the repeater side.  Feel free to link it up and if you forget to unlink it don't sweat.

* CHANGE: some of the voice prompts will have changed.  This new system will tell you in voice and text what system is linked.

* NEW: DCS Reflector connectivity.  You can connect to DCS reflectors (which have a couple slight advantages over DPLUS reflectors).  Linking is similar to DPLUS reflectors, for example UR = "DCS006BL"  will link to DCS006B.   DCS006 is the US reflector and has 26 channels (alphabetical).  See more here:  http://xrf019.onefourteen.com:8080/dcs_info.htm

* NEW: X-Reflector connectivity.  Very similar, though most traffic is moving to DCS reflectors.

* NEW: STARnet digital talk groups.  Think repeater-hopping callsign routing but amongst a group of users and not just one-to-one.  More at http://www.youtube.com/user/StarNetVids

* NEW: DTMF control.  Yes, this is as awesome as it sounds!  Instead of futzing with UR settings you can dial reflectors and registered repeaters/users with DTMF tones.  For example, "0" will give status, "#" will disconnect a link, and using the examples above REF024B can be linked by dialing "*24B"  and DCS006B could be linked by dialing "D602".  For a full instruction set see http://www.dstar101.com/DTMF.htm

* NEW: CCS Callsign Routing (using a DTMF code to dial another user).  see http://www.dstar101.com/ccsrouting.htm

* NEW: New dashboard with this gateway is at http://k9iu.ham-radio-op.net, Last Heard will show your data stream statistics (like packet loss).   NOTE that by default your callsign and transmissions should be hidden, to turn it on set UR = "VIS   ON"  Also, real-time global reporting can be found here http://ircddb.net/live.htm

* NEW: D-RATS server functionality.   I have yet to figure out what all this gets us and how to use it, waiting on info from the developers.

I have verified both dplus and dcs reflectors across both the B and C modules last night.  The statewide reflector (on our B module) has picked up a lot in activity over the past months, so if you have a d-star radio brush the dust off and get on the air!

Cheers,
-Corey  KB9JHU

--
Corey Shields