Node-Ventures

Over time we’ve found ourselves repeatedly answering substantially the same question over WiFi Management. So that suggests we need to do a little more work to document the options and the processes provided in both your ClearNode device and the mobile app – see this page for an overview of the 2 different methods: MANAGING WIFI.

73 … Gerry.

In the previous release we updated the values for “erxgain” and “etxgain” for EchoLink in /etc/asterisk/rpt.conf. In this release we expose those values in the EchoLink Setup screen so users can set them as they see fit.

This release requires RedNode API 70.

73 … Gerry.

This a mostly a maintenance release to fix to some high priority bugs in the iOS App, particularly that it is not sending custom ports to the DMR configuration.

Adds support for the RX Notch Filter – particularly useful for Baofeng radio users. The default filter will clean up the audio being sent to the various networks from the Baofeng radios. We have also slightly adjusted the gain values in the EchoLink channel driver to better equate the audio levels with AllStar levels. Thanks to KE4DYI for both of these suggestions !

You can now change your ClearNode’s web server port (Supermon) to something other than the default port 80.

If you need private nodes listed in the [nodes] stanza of rpt.conf – there is now a facility for an include file which does not get overwritten when you use the configuration routines in the ClearNode mobile app – put them in /etc/asterisk/custom/my_private_nodes.conf. You will need to re-save your configuration to your ClearNode to make sure the new include statement is in place. DO NOT include the “[nodes]” stanza header in the custom file – that’s already in the base rpt.conf file.

This release requires the RedNode API Ver 69 on your ClearNode.

73 … Gerry.

Make sure you have created and activated the Timed Event that refreshes your DVSwitch lookup files. If you don’t keep those files up to date – groups, reflectors and room numbers won’t resolve to their human readable forms and, in some circumstances, you won’t be able to authenticate and connect.

Check out this page … towards the bottom under the heading “Keeping the Host and ID files up to date“.

73 … Gerry.

This release adds NXDN to the Digital Modes. Be sure to apply for your NXDN ID at https://www.radioid.net. Your NXDN ID is supplemental to your DMR ID and is not issued automatically – your action is required if you want to use the NXDN network. After your ID is issued, wait 24 hours for your new ID to circulate.

This release also conditionally enables the gateway and parrot services depending on which Digital Mode you have active. This is to preserve resources on your ClearNode. By default the Parrot Services are disabled, if you want to use them you must explicitly enable them and update your Setup.

There are also a number of UI improvements in the Android version – many of the screens have had a bit of a tidy up.

In the Node Details screen, Versions section, tap on “RedNode API” to activate the upgrade popup. Your ClearNode will reboot at least twice during the upgrade – do not interrupt power !

73 … Gerry.

Note: This does not apply to the iPhone 6S – only it’s predecessor the iPhone 6.

Unfortunately we are being forced to stop providing new functionality for iOS 12, which is the highest level available for the iPhone 6. The problem is not with the iPhone or iOS per se – but the 3rd party software libraries we use to provide some of the functionality we rely on. Those libraries have stopped supporting iOS 12, and the older libraries are now conflicting with the latest version of iOS – 14.6.

There are some very good deals to be had in the pre-owned iPhone 8 market !

73 … Gerry.

This brings the Android App up to par with the Apple iOS app – P25, YSF and FCS are added to the Digital Modes. Backup your mobile app configuration for security and transfer between devices. Tag your favorite connections with a name that makes sense to you !

Thanks once again Android users for your patience. It’s worth the wait – the Android version is released after we have a couple of weeks experience with the iOS app out in the wild – the Android version often benefits from what we’ve learned 🙂

Have fun !

73 … Gerry.

The main news is the addition of P25, YSFN Relectors and FCS Rooms to the digital modes. If you’ve already configured DMR there’s not much more to do, overall the defaults provided will work just fine.

We’re also introducing connection “Tagging”. In the ADD CONNECTION screen turn on “Enable tagging” and when you tap an existing connection you’ll get a dialog that allows you to name the connection something recognizable. This can be particularly helpful with the digital modes. Once you’re done tagging your Connection history, turn off tagging to get back to one tap connections.

We also moved “Connect behavior” to the ADD CONNECTION screen where it makes a lot more sense. Included is a new feature “Disconnect before connect”. This option makes sure you don’t accidentally bridge systems when that wasn’t your intent.

Android users – hang in there ! We’re working on it.

73 … Gerry.

USPS seems to be having major issues getting packages across the country to the Eastern US – severe delays are being experienced. As a precaution we have suspended using USPS for the short term and have switched to UPS Ground. Normally USPS Priority Mail is faster than UPS ground cross country, but still cheaper. Unfortunately we’ve had to bump up the shipping charge to cover the UPS costs. Please note that we do charge shipping at cost. Let’s hope USPS gets back to normal soon.

73 … Gerry.

We’ve had a couple of instances of shipments taking longer to reach the destination … if you haven’t already had a tracking email from us, get in touch so we can keep an eye on things.

73 … Gerry.