Version 25 of SVXLink has been in development for sometime, and utilises X-509 self certification on protocol 3 SvxReflectors. But incorporated are several changes within the code that improve handling of variables and configurations, so I set aside some time to see if it would be of benefit to users of protocol 2 of the SvxReflector used in the UK.
It does require a small change in [ReflectorLogic], in the svxlink.conf file, where TYPE=ReflectorV2, to retain compatibility. The rest of this paragraph that relates to certification remains commented out as a result.
The other change that I point out is that while RepeaterLogic.tcl remains, most of the original code in its predecessor has been moved to RepeaterLogicType.tcl.
The modified code Logic.tcl I wrote for repeater time-out, has now largely been incorporated by Tobias into squelch_timeout.tcl, with a new command in [Repeater logic] SQUELCH_TIMEOUT=180, that is adjustable by the repeater keeper.
So if you would like to know had to construct a node or repeater with the new version 25 of svxlink, then read on.
If you already have a Version 24 Node or Repeater then there is no need to change a thing. But if you have a need to practice, then carry on.
The practicalities are that you will require a raspberry pi, and a usb sound card and an interface installed, or one of the USB dongles that can control the PTT and receive input from a squelch pin on a radio.
An SD Card of 16 Gb programmed with Raspberry OS 32 bit Bookworm Lite with user ‘pi’.
Start the pi, then turn to another PC or device on your network capable of SSH.
SSH into the raspberry pi’s terminal with ssh [email protected]. Naturally you will needed to install a network cable or wifi interface.
Stage 1 – update the OS.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y and wait until completion.
Stage 2 – install git.
To carry out the next precedures, sudo apt intall -y git and wait until completion.
Stage 3 – install the svxlinkbuilder.
sudo git clone http://github.com/f5vmr/svxlinkbuilder
This has to be updated with a new version hidden from view. Follow the new few lines of instruction in the terminal.
cd svxlinkbuilder
sudo git checkout svxbuilder_v3
cd
Stage 4 – the preinstall.
In the terminal type
./svxlinkbuilder/preinstall.sh
At the end of this code, the raspberry pi will shutdown and reboot.
Stage 5 – the install.
Log back into the raspberry pi’s terminal.
You should be able to use the ‘up’ arrow to find the last command ./svxlinkbuilder/preinstall.sh and run the cursor over the command and delete ‘pre’ leaving just ./svxlinkbuilder/install.sh.
Before hitting enter, make sure you have to hand your required settings for the svxreflector if you are using it, and the echolink registration details.
Hit enter, and follow the menu as to how you want to configure your node or repeater.
Best of luck.
Follow these videos for visual help.
Thank you for this helpful explanations.
Unfortunately the latest bookworm requires a login name different from “pi”.
After the command ./svxlinkbuilder/preinstell.sh the promt tells: Please reformat the SDcard as user pi.
Even I create a home/pi and copy the content from the home/peter into the home/pi, the result is the same.
Any ideas please.
Peter OE2RPL
That’s very strange. If you used the Raspberry pi image writer you can change the user name.
What I am finding some other strange behaviour from raspberry pi imager forcing private key on to my installations. Even with Balena etcher pi is the default user, so perhaps there is something in your programming PC’s cache causing the problem. I have in the last 24 hours performed three installs of the os with pi user every time. Have you tried the image route from portal.svxlink.uk:8443/downloads? This is version 24, but is good for version 2 SvxReflector protocol. There are few relevant changes if you are still on that protocol.
73 Chris