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svxlink-server

Repeater controller and EchoLink node in software

What it does

Runs a repeater or a simplex node: it handles squelch detection, courtesy tones, identification, timeouts and DTMF commands, and it links the radio to EchoLink and to other SvxLink nodes over the internet. Modules add voice mail, a parrot repeater, metar reports and more.

Why you would want it

It is a complete repeater controller in software, which replaces a box of dedicated hardware with a small computer and an interface. For a club repeater, a link node, or an EchoLink gateway, it is the standard Linux answer and has been for many years.

Before it will work

A radio interfaced for audio and PTT, and squelch detection -- either a COS line from the radio or SvxLink's own tone or level detection, which is less reliable. A callsign, which the node identifies with. EchoLink requires validation of your licence with the EchoLink system.

How it installs

  • apt: svxlink-server
  • AHRL runs this early because the package creates the svxlink group (inventory unit 7). Measured on Debian 13 on 2026-08-28 by installing it in a container: it is correct. The package creates an svxlink system user and group and adds that user to dialout and audio. Unlike AHRL's xastir claim, which measured as a no-op, this one holds -- which is the argument for measuring each rather than trusting or distrusting the source as a whole. Version spread is wide: 24.02 on Debian 13 and Parrot, 25.05.1 on Ubuntu 26.04, 26.05.1 on Kali, 19.09.2 on Mint 22.3.

Known problems

Squelch detection is where most installations struggle: level-based detection reacts to noise and to the tail of a transmission, and a hardware COS line is worth the trouble. A repeater controller keys a transmitter unattended and its identification and timeout settings are what keep that lawful -- they are yours to set correctly. The version spread across targets means configuration examples found online may reference options a 24.02 build does not have.

Keeping it current

  • probe: apt policy
  • strategy: apt_upgrade

Where to get help with the software itself

Tobias Blomberg, SM0SVX. The site carries documentation and links to the mailing list, which is the practical route for configuration questions.

Source: catalog/packages/svxlink-server.yaml