AllStarLink ASL3 Timeout Fix: Stop Your Node from Getting “Stuck” After a Timeout
Published: November 16, 2025
If you’ve upgraded to ASL3 (AllStarLink on Asterisk 20+), you may have run into this frustrating issue:
“User talks too long → timeout → transmission drops → node won’t come back, even when they unkey. I have to key up locally to reset it!”
Good news: This isn’t a bug — it’s a safety feature in ASL3 to prevent stuck carriers from RF loops or bad USB devices. But for hub operators, it feels like a step backward from ASL2’s smooth recovery.
The Problem (Default ASL3 Behavior)
totime = 180000 ; 3 minutes
- User talks > 3 min → timeout
- TX drops → PTT locks
- Remote unkeys → node stays silent
- Only local key-up resets the channel
The Fix: Just 3 Lines in rpt.conf
totime = 360000 ; 6 minutes (adjust as needed)
timeoutmacro = *1 ; Auto-reset on timeout
lnkactenable = 0 ; Disable link activity timer
And add this macro at the top of your rpt.conf:
[macros]
*1 = cmd,/usr/bin/rpt reset
Why This Works
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
timeoutmacro = *1 | Triggers a channel reset the moment timeout occurs |
lnkactenable = 0 | Stops the link activity timer from interfering |
Longer totime | Gives users breathing room before lock |
Apply Without Restart
sudo asterisk -rx "module reload app_rpt.so"
No downtime. No reboot.
Result
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Timeout → TX drops → stuck off until local key | Timeout → auto-reset → remote unkey → back online |
Exactly like ASL2 — but with ASL3’s stability.
Pro Tip: Add a 30-Second Warning Beep
Want users to know timeout is coming?
timeoutmacro = *81 30
[macros]
*81 = p,/var/lib/asterisk/sounds/rpt/timeout-warning
Bottom Line
ASL3 isn’t broken — it’s just more cautious. With one macro and two settings, you get:
- Rock-solid timeouts
- Smooth, automatic recovery
- Happy users
Your hub stays live. Your net stays smooth.
Tested on ASL3 v3.0.0, Debian 12, DVSwitch hubs. Always test during a quiet net first.
Got a stuck node? Drop these lines in rpt.conf and reload. Problem solved.
Dows this fix it let me know. If you find a better option please comment.
KJ5MZL/WRXB288