Node-Ventures

This is a minor bug fix release to address issues with selecting values from lists such NWS Alert Types and SkyDescribe languages. Recommended for all all Android users.

73 … Gerry.

The AllStarLink team has released a new set of packages for the Version 3 Raspberry Pi Appliance Image. If you are running the new ASL3 image on your Pi 4 or Pi 5 based ClearNode you should get warned in the mobile app and offered the upgrade to Version “Asterisk 20.10.0+asl3-3.1.0-1.deb12”, We recommend all ASL3 users accept the upgrade.

During the upgrade the Red LED on top of your ClearNode will fast flash. This upgrade takes several minutes – be patient – don’t interrupt power – wait for the node to reboot.

(For those curious about the changes – we are going to leave the “legacyaudioscaling” set to the default “yes” for ClearNode, pending ongoing efforts at AllStarLink.org and more reports from the community.)

73 … Gerry.

A significant number of users seem not to be accepting automatic updates to the latest version of the ClearNode Mobile Apps (iOS and Android). The recent version 1.57 is mandatory since it deprecates some older APIs. This minor update to the RedNode API just warns folks that they have not yet updated their mobile apps and thus some of their commands are failing.

73 … Gerry.

• In app display that node is busy updating software
• Implemented setup sequence checking and data backup for WiFi Setup and USB Audio
• Play NWS Alerts via SkyDescribe, from app without using DTMF  commands, “Play NWS …” buttons will appear on the Node Details screen when appropriate.
• UI improvements and fixes
  

73 … Gerry.

We currently have a new high-power simplex package available in the store. Featuring the Yaesu Dual Band FTM-6000. Combined with our ClearRPT and a fully terminated 3′ cable – this is a quick, plug-n-play solution for your local area needs.

73 … Gerry.

Here’s what’s new:

• Fixed logrotate issues in ASL3
• Enabling CTCSS “reverseburst” setting for the SA-818 radios (for eliminating “squelch crash” in HTs that support this feature)
• Enabling “remotetx” setting in AllStar Setup (customize the local control tone when your HT keys down)
• Reorganize the internal SA-818 radio configuration process (you shouldn’t notice any difference)
• Configuration version warning for Voice Announcements and Radio Configurations (if you have a newer version on your phone than that saved on the node you get warned.)
• Some configuration routines were not updating the “asl” login password for ASL3 devices

73 … Gerry.

If you are running ASL3 on your Pi 4B or Pi 5B based ClearNode – we are now generating an upgrade warning in the ClearNode Mobile Apps. Your asterisk version needs to change from “Asterisk 20.9.1+asl3-3.0.4-1.deb12” to “Asterisk 20.9.3+asl3-3.0.6-1.deb12”.

When warned, and convenient, accept the update. This update takes around 5-10 minutes to complete on a fast internet connection, before your node reboots. If you have a slow internet connection, it could take considerably longer. The reboot may also takes a long time. You can continue as normal once your node re-appears in the mobile app.

If the node hangs in the reboot for more than 10 minutes, with the top Green LED on solid where it normally continually flashes, you can power cycle the node.

73 … Gerry.

ASL3 is available immediately as an option on new purchases of our Pi 4B and 5B versions of the classic ClearNode. (HamVoIP is not available for the Pi 5B ClearNode since HamVoIP have not released an updated image that supports the device.)

For those of you who wish to upgrade your existing Pi 4B ClearNode devices, we now have an automated installation progam. Contact us at support@node-ventures.com to get details.

This is update is OPTIONAL. If you’re happy to continue with your HamVoIP installation as it is – that’s just fine.

This is not available yet for the Pi 3B+ or other legacy version of ClearNode.

73 … Gerry.

We made the decision to refactor the internals of the Voice Announcements feature. Previously the audio’s file name on the node was derived from the text of the announcement, that worked well enough but induced some usability issues coordinating the announcement with its corresponding Timed Event.

We are now naming the audio file using a random string that stays the same no matter how you change the text of the announcement. Announcements created under release 123 are not compatible with the new method and will need to be recreated.

You will need to manually delete and then re-create any Announcement Timed Events created under version 123.

There was also a bug in the iOS app for the iPad which would fail if you long pressed an announcement to manage it – that has now been fixed.

The Voice Announcements feature will not appear in the Apple iOS nor Android app V 1.55 until you upgrade the target ClearNode to API 124.

(Many thanks to those who sent in detailed reports on the software features – it really helps !)

73 … Gerry.

Node software API 123 and ClearNode mobile app version 1.54 brings a new feature to the ClearNode product line – Voice Announcements !

Some other fixes included:

• UI fixes for both iOS and Android
• Red LED flash for each volume change on ClearRLS
• Blocking concurrent Audio Analysis and Audio Streaming in ASL3
• Displaying WiFi frequency with the SSID
• Reorganized the networking parameters display on the Node Details screen.
  

73 … Gerry.