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W0CHP.net

HTML Tables Are for Tabular Data

The original Pi-Star (still) uses myriad HTML tables for layout (non-tabular) data. That’s a Bad Thing And since my W0CHP-PiStar-Dash software is a fork, it inherited lots of that legacy garbage. However, I’ve begun the conversion from HTML tables for layout, to proper HTML(5) and CSS.

This is a UI/UX project that will be completed in phases as I get to them.

XLX493 Now Bridged with BrandMeister

My XLX493 MultiProtocol Reflector is now peering/bridged with BrandMeister. What this provides, is a direct and easy link into XLX493, Module “E - W0CHP-PiStar-Dash”.

All you need to do is talk on TalkGroup 3170603 in BrandMeister, and you’ll automatically be connected due to the bridging/peering.

This is a very simple way to connect to the reflector if you’re looking for W0CHP-PiStar-Dash support, or just general chat about the software.

Pi-Star Founder and Developer (MW0MWZ) Steps Down; What Does this Mean for W0CHP-PiStar-Dash?

Well, it seems that the venerable MW0MWZ (Andy) has decided to no longer be Pi-Star’s BDFL. And I support the notion.

Running a large-scope project, pretty much solo (especially the code base itself), is no picnic. I sincerely hope Andy finds good help.

What it means for my W0CHP-PiStar-Dash software: essentially nothing. But more on that later.

Large Back-End Changes to W0CHP-PiStar-Dash

Since the birth of W0CHP-PiStar-Dash in ~2019, the “back-end” had historically used (and stuck with) the official Pi-Star binaries (the core third-party programs found in /usr/local/bin) compiled by the Pi-Star author Andy, MW0MWZ. This was deliberate…

Firstly, I really didn’t want to hand-compile all of the upstream binary sources by-hand. And secondly, they were perfectly stable enough for daily usage and didn’t merit any changes.

However, as of 1/26/2022, that has since changed.

APRSGateway Greatly Enhanced in W0CHP-PiStar-Dash

(Skip directly to the demo video…)

The Problem

Andy (MW0MWZ), the author of Pi-Star has been slowly rolling out new features that track Jon’s (G4KLX) contributions to the ham community, namely, APRSGateway (as well as DGIdGateway, etc.).

However, while the core binaries, skeletal configurations, etc. are slowly (and arguably systematically) rolled out in Andy’s Pi-Star updates, one must essentially hand-edit config files to enable/disable or change these services; specifically APRSGateway.