SvxLink FM Controller

 

SvxLink is an open-source application that provides:

• EchoLink functionality: SvxLink can act as an EchoLink node, allowing users to connect to other EchoLink stations
• Analog FM repeater: SvxLink can service regular FM analog users
• MMDVM support: SvxLink can service all MMDVM supported Digital Modes
• Voice services: SvxLink can act as a general purpose voice services system
• Voice mail system: SvxLink can be configured to act as a voice mail system

SvxLink is a radio operating system that's very extensible and modular. Voice services are implemented as modules that can be written in C++ or TCL. Some examples of modules include:

•     Help: A help system
•     Parrot: Plays back everything that is received
•     DtmfRepeater: Repeats received DTMF digits
•     TclVoiceMail: Sends voice mail to other local users

SvxLink is available for Linux as an alternative implementation for EchoLink. It only implements sysop mode. SVXLINK is not just another “thing” that people can use, but is a significant package of software's for the deployment of a Full Duplex Repeater, a Simplex node, an EchoLink.

 

SvxLinkCapabilities

The primary use of SvxLink is as a software controller for a radio installation.

• This can be as a Repeater Controller. It can control the operation of the transmitter and work with various configurations, and work with the receiver to forward the audio through a USB Soundcard or a suitable interface.
• A Simplex Node is also a repeater by definition, so SvxLink can also control the operations here too.
• In both circumstances the installations will work significantly better with an internet connection.

The secondary use of SvxLink is as a software controller for a ‘Reflector’, providing the means to link multiple stations together, to enhance coverage or connectivity.

• This link in the first instance is passive, where the system recognises a number of repeaters or nodes that are linked. Each Repeater or Node is a ‘stand-alone’ device, with coverage only within its own domain.
• In the second instance the link can become ‘Dynamic’ where action is taken by the system operator and the users, to develop a wider coverage.

 

The Tertiary use of SvxLink is as a software controller for a sub-repeater installation.

• In a case where an existing repeater has areas of reduced reception, then the final part of the package can be installed with either an additional receiver or an additional transceiver pair. This package for remotetrx need to be able to converse with the ‘Master’ Repeater, so that the repeater can determine which of the receivers is best, and is voted-in for the time of a particular transmission.
• Whilst a second Transmitter can be enabled, the System Operators need to make provisions as the transmissions will hardly be quasi-synchronous, and there will be some areas of coverage that will receive both the repeater and the sub-repeater simultaneously, causing audio issues.  
• In this latter example it would be perhaps preferable to install a simplex node on a different frequency or band and connect it to the repeater via the reflector instead. 

Because this is a software package, this might throw up issues with the less computer literate, but rest assured it is a simple installation, requiring only a little practical knowledge.

Courtesy: https://g4nab.co.uk

 

 My setup

Ubuntu 22.04 with  Svxlink24.02 -

Interface

 

CJsvxlink node FM repeater controller with AP2CJ-R Echolink connected to CJReflector 

Portal Source https://github.com/f5vmr/SVXLink-Dash-V2

CJReflector 

Portal source https://github.com/sa2blv/SVXportal

Currently testing SvxReflector-->SvxBridge -->Analog_Bridge --> MMDVM_Bridge, plan is to have bridges like show below NOT with BM but other better DMR networks like FDMR and TGIF . This will enable simple old 2m 70cm repeaters to be interfaced to an svxlink node which are connected to an svxreflector and so on as above !!

(Courtesy https://www.granudden.info/?page=/Ham/Repeatrar/SM5GXQ_en/)

STAY TUNED !!