Mutara

Get started

Set up a new Mutara node. At the end of this page, your node is on the AllStarLink network as a hub, and you can add a radio later.

What you need #

  • A Raspberry Pi 4 with Raspberry Pi OS Lite. Other Raspberry Pi models (3, 5, Zero 2 W) and a Linux computer with Debian or Ubuntu also run Mutara. They are less tested in the beta.
  • A computer or a phone with a web browser, on the same network as the node.
  • Your AllStarLink node number and node password, from the AllStarLink portal.
  • Access to your router, to forward UDP port 4569 to the node.
  • Optional: a USB radio interface and a radio. Without a radio, Mutara is an internet hub.

Note: Mutara is an independent project. AllStarLink, Inc. does not make, test or support Mutara. Ask Mutara questions to this project, not to the AllStarLink support channels.

Install Mutara #

Mutara is in an experimental beta. The beta guide gives beta testers the install command. The installer does these steps:

  1. It puts Mutara on the computer and checks the signature of the release.
  2. It installs Mutara as a service, which starts when the computer starts.
  3. It shows the address of the dashboard, for example http://192.168.1.50:7373.

If your computer has ASL3, read Move from ASL3 first.

The installer writes all its messages to /var/log/mutara-install.log. If you report a problem with the install, send this file.

Note: On some systems, the temporary folder /tmp cannot run programs (it is mounted noexec), or it is too small. The installer finds this and uses a different folder, for example /var/tmp. You do not have to do anything. It does not change how /tmp is mounted.

If the install stops with an error, read The install stops.

Create the admin account #

  1. On a computer or phone on the same network, open the address that the installer showed.
  2. Under Set up this node, type your callsign.
  3. Type a user name for the admin account.
  4. Type a password of 8 or more characters.
  5. Type the password again.
  6. If you want a push-to-talk room for your users, select Add a room for your users. The room is never on the air. You can add rooms later in Settings.
  7. Click Create account.

Result: The dashboard opens, and you are signed in as the admin.

Caution: First-run setup works only from the same network as the node, on a direct connection. If the page says "For safety, finish setup from a browser on the same network as this node", use a computer on your home network. Do not use a reverse proxy for this step.

Join the AllStarLink network #

  1. Click the gear button at the top of the dashboard. Settings opens.
  2. Under Network and people, click AllStarLink.
  3. Turn on Join the AllStarLink network.
  4. In Node number, type your node number, for example 2100.
  5. In Node password, type the node password from the AllStarLink portal.
  6. Turn on Register with AllStarLink.
  7. Click the save button at the bottom of the page.

Result: The node restarts in a few seconds. The dashboard shows the Registered chip.

Note: When a change restarts Mutara, the save button says Save and restart. You stay signed in.

If the chip says Not registered, point to the chip to see the reason. Then read Troubleshooting.

Forward the IAX port #

Other nodes call your node on UDP port 4569. Your router must send this port to the node.

  1. Open the settings page of your router.
  2. Forward UDP port 4569 to the address of the node.
  3. Save the router settings.

Result: After a call from the internet, the dashboard shows the Reachable chip.

The Check router chip shows when a registered node gets no call from the internet for 30 minutes. Examine the port forward again.

Set the station #

  1. In Settings, under On the air, click Station.
  2. Make sure that Callsign is correct. The station ID uses it.
  3. In Node name, type a name, for example "Example Hub".
  4. Click the save button.
  1. Close Settings.
  2. In the Linked nodes card, type a node number in the node box, for example 2200.
  3. Click Link.

Result: Node 2200 shows under Linked nodes, and the activity log shows the link.

Read Link to other nodes for the link modes and permanent links.

Use HTTPS to talk from the browser #

Browsers let a page use the microphone only over HTTPS. The node makes its own certificate for this.

  1. Open the dashboard with https://, for example https://192.168.1.50:7373.
  2. The browser shows a warning about the certificate. Accept it one time.
  3. Sign in again.

Result: The talk button works. For a certificate without a warning, read Settings and accounts.

Next steps #