How your VoIP Phone can act as Radioless Node

This section explains how a VoIP phone might be used as a “Radioless” AllStarLink node, one way the pieces might fit together, and how the audio would flow through that system.

The goal is to simplify the understanding of potential layouts and operations.

Allstarlink Reimagined: What You’re Building

At a high level, you are taking your existing AllStarLink node and ADDING the configurations for a VoIP phone. This phone can than be used to access your node without have to altering your existing system and all of it’s existing features.

Instead of talking into a HT, mobile radio or a phone app you can pick up and use the VoIP phone (such as a Cisco SPA 525G2). The phone connects to the same AllStar system you’re already familiar with and all your normal operations will remain in tact. You won't have to learn a new way of doing things.

Simplified Layout
Internet / Remote Side
Home, office, or travel
VoIP phone can register from almost anywhere with proper DNS/domain setup.
➡
VoIP Phone
e.g., Cisco SPA 525G2
SIP phone with excellent audio, speakerphone, and hands-free operation.
➡
Raspberry Pi 5
AllStarLink + Scripts
Your existing AllStar node, plus phone config scripts that add the VoIP extension.
➡
Radio / Repeater (Optional)
Hub, simplex, half-duplex, or repeater
The node can still use RF, or you can run radioless with the phone only.
The Pi runs AllStarLink. The phone connects to the Pi as a SIP device. AllStar then links to other AllStar nodes just as it normally would.

Step-by-Step: How It Works

1. AllStarLink on the Raspberry Pi 5

You start with a normal AllStarLink install on a Raspberry Pi 5. This can be a hub node, simplex node, half-duplex node, or a full repeater node.

The Pi is already doing what AllStar nodes do: connecting to other nodes over the AllStar network and handling audio in and out.

(We do offer Allstar installation support plans to help establish new nodes)

2. Add the Phone Scripts

Next, you install a small set of scripts that add phone details and configuration to your AllStar/Asterisk setup.

  • They create a SIP extension for your VoIP phone.
  • They connect that extension to your AllStar node logic.
  • The basic phone plan does not include full Hamtell.com features, but it does include a simplified phone-linking script that makes the phone easy to use.
  • The Hamtell.com package does is a complete multi node phone-linking script that makes the phone easy to use AND adds rotary phone compatibility, 2 VoIP connections and also enables the ringing features found in traditional rotary and land line phones.

3. Register the VoIP Phone

Your VoIP phone (for example, a Cisco SPA 525G2) is pointed at the Pi as its SIP server. Once it registers successfully:

  • The phone can transmit audio into the AllStar node.
  • The phone can receive audio from the AllStar node.
  • You can control the node using DTMF from the phone keypad.

What It’s Like to Use

From the Operator’s Point of View

  • Pick up the phone.
  • Dial or send a DTMF sequence to link or unlink nodes.
  • Use the handset or speakerphone during nets or ragchews.

The experience is similar to using Ham Shack Hotline hardware, but this time it is directly tied into your own AllStar node. As long as Allstarlink exists it can’t be shut down, no overloaded PBX systems, no outages, and it’s 100% sustainable with infinite growth potential!

With or Without RF

You can continue to use any of your original features. That can be an RF radio or repeater. You are, simply put, adding a VoIP phone that can act as a “radioless” node:

  • No radios over heating during long nets.
  • No fans, no airflow problems, no RF finals to burn out.
  • All the traffic goes through the network and the phone.

Remote Use

If you configure a private domain yourself, the scripts already support it. If you prefer, domain + DNS support can be provided so the phone can find your node from almost anywhere in the world it might be.

That means you can be at home, the office, or across the country, and simply find internet for your phone and BAMN your on your AllStarLink system.

Audio and Hardware Notes

Why the Cisco SPA 525G2 Works Well

The Cisco SPA 525G2 (commonly used with Ham Shack Hotline) has been fully tested with this setup. It provides:

  • Outstanding audio quality.
  • Solid speakerphone performance for net control.
  • Reliable, durable operation.

One advantage of using Asterisk under the hood is that most SIP-capable VoIP phones can be used similarly. If the phone speaks standard SIP, there is a good chance it can be added to your AllStar node. A list of additional compatibly phone brands and models coming soon.

Where This Setup Shines

  • Net control operators who want hands-free operation.
  • Clubs that want a simple “desk phone” style control point.
  • Emergency coordinators who want clean audio and no overheated radios.
  • Hams that want simple, easy to use, HD Audio, Radioless nodes for LESS than $100

Functionally, it is still your classic AllStarLink node. The only difference is that a VoIP phone is added as an additional interface to be used with or instead of your radio.

In short: the VoIP phone becomes another “Node” of your AllStar system, while the Raspberry Pi 5 continues to do the heavy lifting in the background.