All PTT Link systems are available (at least to some extent) for use of all interested radio operators. Please get a list of all the nodes (use the "List All Nodes" button above), and see if there is one in your area on a frequency to which you have access. Please feel free to get on any system and contact the local administration for an explanation of their policies.

The network consists of a number of large (and small) individuals and groups who wish to provide efficient large-area communications to the Two Way radio public in their respective local areas. This is done by providing a local radio system controlled by a Linux-based computer system running the open-source Asterisk PBX telephone switch platform along with the app_rpt repeater/remote base controller/linking software module (which is included in the distribution of Asterisk) connected to a high speed (broadband, such as Cable Modem or DSL) Internet connection.

The computer system running Linux/Asterisk PBX coupled with the app_rpt module makes a powerful repeater/remote base controller capable of controlling many (like up to hundreds, theoretically) repeaters and/or remote bases per computer system. It provides linking of these repeater and remote base "nodes", with "nodes" on other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world, over the Internet via its IAX2 Voice Over IP protocol. It also, of course, provides for an Autopatch (public switched telephone network access over the radio) where legal, on each node (Asterisk is a phone switch after all J), if desired. For detailed information on system requirements and configurations see the app_rpt documentation.

PTT Link is an organization devoted to the proliferation of this technology, and to organize its public use. Certainly, anyone can have a "private" system using this technology, and they would have no need for PTT Link affiliation, but there needs to be a single, central point of organization for public use of this technology, and that's what PTT Link provides.

To qualify for PTT Link affiliation, your repeater system must be either open (meaning that any station is welcome to fully use all of its functionality at any time), or at least semi-open (meaning that for permanent use, the owner of the system may require membership for use of all or part of its functionality, but non-members, particularly those visiting the area may use it on a temporary, short-term basis only). Some functions may be limited or un-available, but functions that allow for linking over the AllStar Link must be available to non-members at any time, and the system must be able to accept linking from any PTT Link node. The DTMF control codes used for controlling linking and other AllStar Link-wide functions will be consistent among all nodes. Systems are welcome and encouraged to have other parts (such as other private nodes or remote bases, etc) of their radio systems not affiliated with PTT Link. Our node numbering scheme (use the "List All Nodes" button above) was designed specifically with this in mind.

Our technology has the unique characteristic that repeaters and remote base nodes are completely separate from each other, unlike any other repeater/remote-base controllers. That means that just because a remote-base is at the same site or even on the same computer system as a repeater, they are not tied together in any way. They are implemented as completely separate nodes, usable separately.

Note: we do not support FRS or MURS radio systems here in the United States, since linking them in this manner is illegal (not allowed by the FCC). FCC Part 95 allows for Citizens Band or GMRS statons to be controlled via "wireline remote control" which this type of technology emulates in regards to these regulations. It even allows for Citizens Band stations to interconnect with the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). Part 90 allows for Business Band and Public Safety stations to have these features, if so licensed.