Dextra opens path to D-STAR

Posted by admin - 03/01/09 at 01:01 am

With the continual need for flexibility in communications additional resources are being created that allow for greater interoperability between diverse systems.   Scott (KI4LKF) provides the following information regarding the development of the Dextra software packages for D-STAR:

  • dextra_srv runs on the Icom D-STAR repeater/gateway Linux computer.  The dextra_srv communicates with with the D-STAR repeater controller.   A D-STAR radio user can request to link/unlink  the D-STAR repeater/gateway to/from a D-STAR reflector by setting URCALL to the correct value.  Here is an example:  Setting URCALL=XRF001CL will link the D-STAR repeater (the D-STAR radio user is listening on) to the D-STAR reflector XRF001. dextra_srv can accept multiple PC User connections plus one single connection to a D-STAR reflector (dextra_reflect).  dextra_srv is independent of dplus with connections taking place via udp port 60001 (configurable).
  • dextra_reflect is our software for creating D-STAR reflectors.  As with dextra_srv, dextra_reflect runs on a Linux computer only.  dextra_reflect will accept multiple connections from PC Users as well as multiple connections from D-STAR repeaters and gateways that run the dextra_srv software.
  • dextra_cli is the client PC User software that can connect to either D-STAR reflectors (dextra_reflect) or D-STAR repeaters and gateways that run dextra_srv.

How to link two or more D-STAR repeaters/gateways together.

  • Create a D-STAR reflector using dextra_reflect software.
  • Use dextra_srv on each D-STAR repeater/gateway and linkthe repeater/gateway to the D-STAR reflector (dextra_reflect).

What happens with a D-STAR repeater/gateway that wants to participate with both K5TIT and the new system?

  • dextra_srv, dextra_reflect are independent of the K5TIT.
  • maintain the current software on your gateway and add dextra_srv, this will provide the repeater/gateway operator the flexibility to manage traffice from either or both systems.

I don’t have a Linux computer, can I still participate with D-STAR?

  • dextra_cli runs on Linux or Windows.
  • dextra_cli is used with rtpDir, you can use your computer microphone and speakers to transmit and receive.
  • Just install rtpDir (Linux or Windows) plus dextra_cli (Linux or Windows)

New versions of dextra_srv, dextra_reflect and dextra_cli will be released shortly.  Additional tools are in development.

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 at 01:21 and is filed under Communications. The entry is tagged under You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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