Mike,
Sorry the documentation is confusing. Node extension naming is not a big deal,
and you can easily change yours later on. I'd recommend just picking something
-- "N" is fine -- and get on the air.
The confusion comes from there being no naming standards for node extensions,
and the fact that Dongles and DVAPs will only allow links to be done to those
with A, B or C. It's true that throughout most of the world, most repeaters
try to follow A - 1.2, B - 440, C - 144.
When the DV Dongle and DVAP came out, their documentation recommends setting up
a terminal using "A". Remember there is no D-Star standard for these names,
and setting up a DVAP as "K1ABC A" is perfectly valid.
When Node Adapters came out, it was common to use "N" for simplex node adapters
and "R" for full duplex ("repeater") node adapters. But it was discovered that
DV Dongle and DVAP software will only allow linking to terminals with an "A",
"B" or "C".
(Typically DVAPs only know about repeaters that are running DPlus, so there'd
be no normal way of linking to someone's hotspot. But ways are emerging to
register hotspots with a second database that other hotspots, and eventually
also Dongle and DVAPs, will be able to find them. At that point, if your
hotspot is not named "A", "B" or "C" then Dongles and DVAPs won't be able to
link into yours.)
You said you are setting up a simplex hotspot, but what if we trade emails and
we agree to talk over D-Star. Yes, we could meet on some repeater or
reflector, and tie that up while we talk, but it would be simpler if I just
link my hotspot to yours directly. But, if instead I had a DVAP, the software
would not allow me to link to you if your hotspot is called "WM4B N".
Those are some of the considerations, but it is not hard to change these things
later. By the way, while many repeater administrators allow users to
self-register and even create their own terminals definitions, in other places
this isn't true. My understanding is that in the UK, the admin does the actual
registration. So in some places these things may be decided for you.
Jim - K6JM
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 7:53 AM
Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] Registering a Node Adapter
I'll be building a NQSMHS soon and am trying to figure out the proper way to
register it on the network.
I was reading through the setup guidance at
<http://www.k6jm.com/hs-setup.htm>, but got confused when I got down to Step E.
In particular:
"Next create a "terminal" to be used as your Gateway Auth Callsign when you
configure DVAR in Step 5. There is no standard, but many people use a node
extension ("Initial" box on this update page) of "N" for simplex hotspots, or
"R" for full duplex/repeater hotspots.
- Click on the check-box on the left of the next line.
- Assuming simplex, enter an UPPER CASE "N" in the Initial column.
- Do NOT click the RPT box.
- Enter a unique pcname, for example <callsign>-dvar-s.
Next, decide what you will use for the DVAR Node Callsign in Step 5. Since DV
Dongles and DV Access Points currently can not connect to nodes unless their
extension is A, B or C, you have a choice. If you don't want them to connect to
your Hotspot, then use the N or R terminals for your Node Callsign, and you
don't need to create another terminal. But if you want DVDs and DVAPs to
connect, you need to create another terminal, as follows:
- Click on the check-box on the left of the next line.
- Enter an Extension letter in the Initial column in UPPER case -- A, B or C.
- Do NOT click the RPT box.
- Enter a unique pcname, for example <callsign>-hotspot."
I'm probably misunderstanding what is written, but it SOUNDS like he's saying
that if you want a DVD or DVAP to have access, you must use "A", "B", or "C"...
which I thought were reserved for repeaters. He also says to use "N" or "R",
which makes sense... but the illustration below shows a hotspot configured as
"C".
Since mine is going to be a simplex node, there doesn't seem to be any need
to allow DVD or DVAP access, so I'm leaning toward "N". My friend, however,
will be setting his up at a repeater site on 440, so I assume he'd want to use
"C". Am I understanding this correctly? As I'm typing this, it's beginning to
make sense... but then again, I want to be certain.
On a related subject, I've been waiting to get approved in the 'gmsk_dv_node'
group for a couple of days now. I understand that most of us have regular jobs
and life demands that take up most of our time, so I was just wondering if its
normal to have to wait for a few days to get approved.
73,
Mike
WM4B
