How To Use AllStar Instead of Echolink On Phones

Why?

AllStar offers a number of improvements compared to Echolink.

  • Higher audio quality using a newer voice codec.
  • Improved latency
  • Selection of apps to use (not tied to a single Echolink app)
  • Distributed server architecture (not tied to a central server to operate)

Let’s go over how to set up AllStarLink in the easiest way on both Android and iOS.

Android Devices

First, download DVSwitch Mobile from the Google Play store.

Open the app and allow all the permissions it’s asking for.

Select the “More…” button.

Next select “AllStarLink”, then “WT Setup”.

Enter your login information from the allstarlink.org website, then select “Update token”. Select “Save”.

Now we can put the app into ASL “Web Transceiver” mode, which will allow connection to any node that has it enabled.

Select “More…”, then “AllStarLink”.

Select “Enter WT Mode”.

Now select the “Register” button. You’ll hear a tone.

Lastly, type the number of the node you’re attempting to connect with. The W8MSU node number is 27664, for example. Press “Connect”.

You can now operate the repeater just like in the Echolink app! When you’re done, press “Hangup” to disconnect.

When you return to the app at another time, you will only need to dial the node number and press “Connect”. No additional setup is necessary.

iOS Devices

First, download RepeaterPhone from the App Store. This is a paid app, but the best one hands-down for usability and stability.

Open the app, then select “Settings”

Select “New Account”, then select the AllStarLink logo.

Enter your login information from the allstarlink.org website, then select “Save”.

Go back to the “Directory” tab on the bottom of the screen. Type the name or node number of the repeater you wish to connect to in the “Search” box at the top. Typing either W8MSU or 27664 will work.

Press the node listing, then select “Connect”.

All set!