XLX Reflectors

[K3GBB]

I am using an Icom ID-5100A, Zumspot, and pi-star software. With this configuration can I connect to XLX reflectors? If so, are there any special settings in pi-star? In looking at an XLX website, it does not applear that these reflectors have mode settings so you set the UR field?

Any help is most appreciated.

73 de George K3GBB

[MW0MWZ]

the software they use is called XLX, but they tend to have replaced either XRF and or DCS hosts.

So - from your perspective, you just connect normally, the host may or may not be an XLX but it works just like it should, if you are running DMR you can use DMR Gateway to get to some of the XLX's via DMR mode too.

[K3GBB]

Hi Andy,

That helps. Is there any documentation available that provides a description/explanation of the various connection methods available to use via pi-star?

73 de George K3GBB

[KE0FHS]

Hi George, as I've been reading the Pi-Star forums and trying this stuff out, I've been collecting some notes. A couple you might find helpful:
DMRGateway notes: https://www.toshen.com/ke0fhs/pi-star-n ... tewaynotes
Constellations (including DMR into existing XLX/XRF reflectors: https://www.toshen.com/ke0fhs/dmr-notes ... evelopment

[M1DNS]

XLX reflector's themselves do not have their own protocol. Unlike ref reflector's that use DPlus, XRF reflectors that use DExtra or DCS reflectors that use, well DCS an XLX reflector can use any of the three protocols listed here.

It's simply dependant of what hosts.txt file the reflectors IP address resides.

[N3GBJ]

I purchased a ZUMspot yesterday and have been enjoying it with D-Star thus far. My old D-STAR hotspot was a classic DVAP with one of the original Pi boards from five years ago.

A friend of mine wanted me to connect to XLX121C reflector which is associated with a particular DMR talk group and I can't link to it no matter what I do. I'm new to this and trying to learn as all I've known prior is the original "REF" reflectors.

I'm using an ICOM ID-31A. I"ve tried "XLX121C" and "XLX121CL" in "YR Call" and it won't link. Any thoughts?

Thanks much!
Chris
N3GBJ

[MW0MWZ]

1. Can you link to REFs OK ?
2. "XRF121CL" will probably be what you need in the UR field to link (XLXs are mostly XRF protocol, some are now multi-protocol too).

XLX is the software, the protocols are still REF(D-Plus)/DCS (DCS)/XRF (DExtra), the radio will not understand XLX.

I hope I am making sense here, if not please ask questions.

[KI7UXT]

I am running a Jumbospot, pi-0, mmdvmhshat hotspot with current firmware. If I understand the great info in this thread correctly, if I want to connect to XLX271B via the radio or via p-star admin, I would input DCS271B, the link to connect, then set the HT (TH-D74A) to use reflector, to be able to participate in QSOs. Do I have this right? 73

[M1DNS]

I am running a Jumbospot, pi-0, mmdvmhshat hotspot with current firmware. If I understand the great info in this thread correctly, if I want to connect to XLX271B via the radio or via p-star admin, I would input DCS271B, the link to connect, then set the HT (TH-D74A) to use reflector, to be able to participate in QSOs. Do I have this right? 73

Correct.

Not 100% with the D74 as I don't own one myself but that does read correct:
Use reflector is what I use with my ICOM radios

XLX also support links via DPlus REF and DExtra XRF
But, DCS is recommended for use with XLX.

Andrew M1DNS, (Mod)

[KE0FHS]

if I want to connect to XLX271B via the radio or via p-star admin, I would input DCS271B, the link to connect, then set the HT (TH-D74A) to use reflector, to be able to participate in QSOs. Do I have this right? 73

I have a TH-D74A. If I wanted to link to this reflector, this is how I would set up my radio:

To link:
Mode: DR (Note: Using the DR mode is very important.)
Frequency: [Enter the hotspot's frequency]
Via Destination Select > Direct Input (URCALL): UR CALL: DCS271BL
Via Repeater Select > MY Hotspot:
RPT1: [Hotspot node callsign] B
(Note: The module letter should be the same one your hotspot is using, as per what is set up in D-Star Configuration.)
RPT2: [Hotspot node callsign] G
MY CALL: [Your callsign]
(Note: For RPT1 and RPT2, leave enough spaces between the hotspot node callsign (typically your own callsign) and the module (B and G in the above example) so that the module letter is in the 8th position.)

To chat:
Everything is the same, except:
Via Destination Select > Direct Input (URCALL): UR CALL: CQCQCQ

To link or unlink via Pi-Star:
You can use the D-Star Link Manager on the Pi-Star Admin page. In that case, you would still need to set up your radio as per the "To chat" section above.

(For detailed setup info for the TH-D74A, see: https://amateurradionotes.com/th-d74.htm)