BREAKING: New additions / extensions to the ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape! (Part 1)

Some might have noticed that the editor of this article was not very active on the ZS Link Group Nets lately. Well there was good reason for this.  I have been working on several projects relating to the ZS Link Network the past few weeks.  I do have the pleasure to announce a new addition  / extension to the ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape.  Before I announce the new "KID" on the block, it is important to first announce a few important changes relating to the new add on.

Changes to the ZS1I DMR Bridge Node:

The DMR Bridge has been in operation on the ZS Link Network since 31 August 2023.

The following changes were made to the DMR Bridge on the 7 March 2023 and radio amateurs that uses the ZS Link Network must please take note of the changes:

1.  Node Number:  467652

2.  Talk Group (TG):  IMPORTANT - Changed to 65522

3.  New Supermon Name:  ZS1I DMR Repeater TG65522 Mossel Bay, ZA 

 

Now what is this all about?

DMR users must change to the 65522 Talk Group (TG) if they want to access the ZS Link Network via DMR.   

When the Bridge is active it connects the following applications/nodes together which is forming  a "Bridge".  Simply put it allows one person to talk on Echolink and the conversation will be propagated to AllStar and DMR and vice versa. 

Example:

Echolink  ####> Allstar ####> DMR and DMR ###> AllStar ###> Echolink

ZS1I-R Echolink ####> 49355  Allstar ####> DMR and  DMR ###> 49355 AllStar ###>  ZS11-R Echolink

The Bridge is also available to all the stations connected to the ZS Link Network and to those stations connected to each other. 

Benefits of setting up a DMR Bridge:

• Connecting (bridging) a DMR Repeater to AllStar, Echolink, SVXLink etc. 
  
• Useful for Emergency Communications
• Ad Hoc Connections
• Access to repeaters from other areas and modes (Hotspots)
• Creates activity on the VHF/UHF bands
• Extend the reach to other parts of the country and worldwide
• Allows analog users to TX+RX on DMR as many radio amateurs do not have a digital radio to operate DMR.
• Because you can and the software is freely available thanks to fellow radio amateurs
  
• Lends itself to experimentation
• Learn more (educational) about the workings of Digital Radio, Analog Radio, Nodes, VOIP, links, bridges etc.

Requests and Reminder:

PLEASE leave a "6 second delay" between replying to a station to allow ALL the systems to reset and connect.

Please note this is a global network and you will be transmitting on RF all over the world.

It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using the DMR Bridge.

Correct operating procedure is a distinct characteristic of Amateur Radio.  It’s important that you convey to the public, and to new radio amateurs, the image that Amateur Radio Operators are courteous, patient, and really know what they’re doing.  A friendly style is great, but we also need to operate professionally.  You never know who may be listening. 

 

Do not cause intentional interference, to links, repeater, hubs, nodes or conversations on the network.  Intentional interference is not only heard locally but World Wide.  Just remember that intentional interference can today easily be traced to your call sign as all connecting RF and Digital stations leave an identifiable script in a log file.

Finally:  

In Part 2 I will provide information of the new and only DMR Repeater in the Southern Cape Area of South Africa.  Re-structuring and expansion of the ZS Link  Network is an ongoing process and the network is getting bigger and bigger by the time.  Do not panic we will not leave our local radio amateurs in the cold.  I recently overheard a conversation were a radio amateur indicated that the ZS Link Network is not for local use but caters more for world wide activity.  This is far from the truth.  If you not certain how the ZS Link Network functions  you will find more info on the ZS Link Network Blog Pages.

Please note: The AllStar-Echolink-DMR Bridge and new DMR Repeater is currently in a experimental phase and might only be active at certain times of the day.  A full "how-to" will be provided in Part 2 on how to use the new DMR Repeater situated in Mossel Bay.

Down Memory Lane: What the heck was this Reboot Coffee Drink Event in the Southern Cape?

Please take note that this is a Down Memory Lane article.  I will publish a few articles in this regard in the future.  This event ended when Covid19 started and is not active anymore due to various reasons.  I hope our readers enjoy these articles from the past.  These events were great amateur radio events enjoyed by all!!

The short answer is:  It was “something” that works very well in the Southern Cape.  So much so that many of the participants  could not wait for this monthly event.

The short answer does not give justice to the event.  Herewith some more “meat around the bone”.

During a weekly coffee drink session in January 2019 between Johan ZS2I and Johan ZS1I we discussed the so call lack of amateur radio activity in the Southern Cape.  The idea  came from  Johan ZS2I that we should visit a local coffee emporium and invite all radio amateurs to come and drink a cup of good old coffee with us.  To make things short this idea became a reality and is now a regular event on the Reboot Amateur Radio calendar.

It is with great humbleness that I can now report that every event up to now resulted in an increase in attendees. The coffee drink event is open to all radio amateurs and prospective radio amateurs in South Africa.  We already had a few visitors from up-country that joined the events.

Do you only drink coffee?

No this is where the success story evolved.  As with the Reboot Amateur Radio Whats App Group we have set some guidelines. They are: 1. No club activities are allowed to be discussed at the event. 2. No amateur radio "politics" of any kind. 3. No country politics of any kind. 4. No religion discussions of any kind. 5. No bashing, barging or fight picking and foul language of any kind.  These guidelines solved a lot of past issues.  The coffee drink events are all informal and NOT a formal meeting of some sorts.

The main draw card is not the coffee but rather the “Rondomtalie/Round Robin”  Mini Lectures and Demonstrations.  Now what on earth is “Rondomtalie/Round Robin”?  I am not going to answer the question here but would rather refer you to future Down Memory Lane articles.

Now why mention all this here?  Do you try to brag?

No not bragging or boasting.  I received several requests from various regions that showed an interest in the format we use.  Some clubs are battling with attendance figures as in today’s life there are to many formal meetings.  Sounds familiar?    Now many has expressed their dislike in attending amateur radio club meetings. (NO PUN INTENDED)  A wide variety of radio amateurs would like to enjoy an informal get together without having to listen to formal club matters.  I post this topic in the event that other regions would like to follow our format.  Yes it is not for everyone but it is working exceptionally well in this part of the country.  After two hours I must intervene and try to close down the event as other members of the public might also want to drink coffee.  Interest by the public in what we are doing are now also becoming quite prevalent at the gatherings.  Hopefully this will draw new blood to amateur radio. Many radio amateurs that visited the events  expressed their dismay at the fact that the gathering only last two hours.

Finally:  This event is not a one man show!!  It is not about figures of how many attended but rather about camaraderie, friendship and meeting up with good friends.  It is also an escape from formal amateur radio meetings.  Something many dislike and one reason for not attending such meetings.


The success lies therein that without the participation of those present at the coffee drink, this event is surely to have failed but thankfully it is growing and amateur radio activity is once again on the increase in the Southern Cape.

DMR Activity on the increase via the ZS Link Network. What is a DMR Bridge?

Image:  DMR Dashboard - Activity this morning (Monday, 2 March 2026) via the DMR Bridge  (Click on image for larger view.)

Image:  AllStar Link Log - Activity this morning (Monday, 2 March 2026) via the ZS Link Network.  The DMR Bridge connection is visible second entry from the top. (Click on image for larger view.)

Above:  DMR activity on the 3 March 2026 during the SA DMR Net.

The AllStar-Echolink-DMR Bridge is active since the 8 June 2023 on the then Garden Route Hub Network and today still available to all the ZS-Link Network users via the ZS Link Network, Mossel Bay.  Now what is this all about?

It is quite simple.  When the Bridge is active it connects the following applications/nodes together which is forming  a "Bridge".  Simply put it allows one person to talk on Echolink and the conversation will be propagated to AllStar and DMR and vice versa.

Example:

Echolink  ####> Allstar ####> DMR and DMR ###> AllStar ###> Echolink

ZS1I-L Echolink ####> 49355  Allstar ####> DMR and  DMR ###> 49355 AllStar ###>  ZS11-L Echolink

The Bridge is also available to all the stations connected to the ZS Link Network and to those stations connected to each other.

Particulars:

The magic files are loaded onto the 467652 Allstar Node (Raspberry Pi 3(b)) which host the following software/Nodes:

•     AllstarLink Firmware for the Raspberry Pi  Node 467652
•     Install Private Node 1999 
•     Install  DVSwitch Firmware 
•     Create a Brandmeister Account

Further Particulars:

•  The AllStar Node runs as a Psuedo Node
•  AllStar Node 467652 is connected to the Private Node 1999 which is using the USRP channel driver.
•  the USRP channel driver talks to the DVSwitch program that is setup to communicate with Brandmeister TG
• When on your Brandmeister linked Hotspot or repeater (if applicable), if you talk on Talkgroup 91 you will be heard on AllStar 467652 and 49355 (when connected) and where ever is is connected to.
• AllStar Node 49355 is currently linked to Brandmeister Talkgroup 65511
  

Now why on earth would you setup a Digital DMR Bridge on an Analog AllStar Node and Echolink Node?

•     Useful for Emergency Communications
•     Ad Hoc Connections
•     Access to repeaters from other areas and modes (Hotspots)
•     Creates activity on the VHF/UHF bands
•     Extend the reach to other parts of the country and worldwide
•     Allows analog users to TX+RX on DMR as many radio amateurs do not have a digital radio to operate DMR.
•     Because you can and the software is freely available thanks to fellow radio amateurs
•     Lends itself to experimentation
•     Learn more (educational) about the workings of Digital Radio, Analog Radio, Nodes, VOIP, links, bridges etc.

Considerations:

• Audio quality between the networks
• Allstar Link has EXCELLENT audio quality
• Digital has no hiss

Control:

• Use private nodes to allow the maximum control

 How does it work:

• Stream conversion
• Audio and metadata converted from one format to another
• Adapters for each specific network  
• For Echolink to work ZS1I-R need to be connected to AllStar Node 49355.  The bridge runs on ZS1I-R.
 
Requests and Reminder:

PLEASE leave a "5 second delay" between replying to a station to allow ALL the systems to reset and connect.

Please note this is a global network and you will be transmitting on RF all over the world.

It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using the DMR Bridge.

Correct operating procedure is a distinct characteristic of Amateur Radio.  It’s important that you convey to the public, and to new radio amateurs, the image that Amateur Radio Operators are courteous, patient, and really know what they’re doing.  A friendly style is great, but we also need to operate professionally.  You never know who may be listening.

Do not cause intentional interference, to links, repeater, hubs, nodes or conversations on the network.  Intentional interference is not only heard locally but World Wide.  Just remember that intentional interference can today easily be traced to your call sign as all connecting RF and Digital stations leave an identifiable script in a log file.

Finally:  

Re-structuring of the ZS Link Network is an ongoing project.  Do not panic we will not leave our local radio amateurs in the cold.  I recently overheard a conversation were a radio amateur indicated that the ZS Link Network is not for local use but caters more for world wide activity.  This is far from the truth.  If you not certain how the ZS Link Network functions  you will find more info on the ZS Link Network Blog Pages.

Activity on the DMR Bridge is a daily occurrence.  The DMR Bridge is permanently connected to the ZS Link Network via Echolink and AllStar. If you have DMR equipment connect to the 65511 TG or via ZS1I-R Echolink or 49355 AllStar Link and talk to us via DMR. I hear you say but I do not have DMR equipment.  No problem just download DroidStar from Play Store on your phone, install and then talk via DMR to the World.  In the last few weeks there was a increase in activity on the DMR Bridge

Down Memory Lane: A Very Lonely Radio Amateur on the 145.700 Mhz George Repeater

Image:  PEARS  (Click on image for larger view.)

In June 1995 I relocated to Mossel Bay from Pretoria.  At that stage there were only one repeater in the Southern Cape Area and that was the 145.700 Mhz George Repeater which belonged to Eskom.  The radio amateurs living in this area were given permission to use this repeater on condition that if Eskom needs it, the permission to use the repeater will be withdrawn.  A little bit of background will explain the title of this article more clearly.  Before relocating to Mossel Bay I was a member of the then "Verwoerdburg Amateur Radio Club"  today called the Centurion Amateur Radio Club. At that stage the club had an excellent club house and a fully equipped radio shack as well as other amenities.  The members of this dynamic club was very active. The clubhouse was open to all members and visitors from other clubs every Friday evening and once a month for a club meeting on a Saturday afternoon.   Apart from this there were many outdoor and indoor activities to many to mention here now.  I stayed about 3 km from the clubhouse and needless to say that I seldomly miss out on any activities or gathering at the club house.  My work at that stage decided in May 1995 that they need my services in Mossel Bay and I had to relocate.

Image:  145.700 Mhz George Repeater  (PEARS) (Click on image for larger view.)

Upon my arrival in Mossel Bay I learned that there was a club called "The Garden Radio Route Club" and that one meeting was held a month at various venues as they did not have a club house.  Needless to say that the two meter radio and antenna was installed before moving into my current location.  I put the radio on scan and monitored all the amateur radio frequencies.  Not a sound to hear either on simplex or the repeater.  After some inquiries I was told that there is only two or three radio amateurs chatting on a Tuesday evening on the 145.700 Mhz George Repeater.  Disappointment is not the word when you come from an area where there was active radio communications on various repeaters every single day.  I suddenly felt very lonely as a radio amateur in the Southern Cape. What was even worse is the fact that activity on the repeater entailed gardening and daily chores which has nothing to do with amateur radio. Well I did not sit and mope about the lack of activity and decided to join the club and create as much amateur radio activity as possible.  Easier said then done as I was seen as a "inkommer" newcomer who wants to change everything.  Once again I was on my own,  a very lonely radio amateur!!

The next month a surprise was awaiting me.  The club AGM was held and the outgoing chairman of the club was not available for re-election. While I went to buy something for my dry throat I heard a locomotion that they want me back in the meeting asap.  I was nominated as chairman and they want to know if I would accept the nomination.  Well to cut it short I was elected as chairman of the club.

With the assistance of other club members we soon created many amateur radio activities.  The attendance at club meetings sky-rocketed and the repeater was active on a daily basis.  No this is not because of me but the many radio amateurs that joined the club and then created activities on and of the air. At each monthly meeting we had a lucky draw, demonstration and short lecture.  We were privileged to use the then "George Technical College" facilities and equipment.  Needless to mention that one of he college lecturers was a radio amateur.  Gone was the days moving from one venue to another.  The future of the Garden Route Radio Club looked promising.  After a two year stint as chairman of the club it was time to hand the reins to someone else.  Casey ZS1AAS took the reins and continued leading the club and its members for several years.

 

Image:  Repeater Network Today (PEARS)  Click on image for larger view.

Well through the years amateur radio and clubs evolved in the Southern Cape and Garden Route Area.  I hope I and others never experience the very lonely amateur radio syndrome like I experienced in June 1995.  Today there are a few amateur radio clubs in this area with the latest addition of the Cape Coast Radio Club situated in Plettenberg Bay. Welcome and best wishes to the new Club and its activities!!

Finally:  Never become a very lonely radio amateur.  Do not accept the loneliness.  Do something about it and create activities.  Get radio amateurs to join in fun activities and you will be surprised to see more and more joining and tuning in. Take the initiative if nobody else is interested and promote activities as you move forward.  You will be amazed at the positive outcome!  Stay away from negativity and keep the ball rolling even if you have to go it alone.  

Ed.  I was a member of a few clubs in years gone by.  For some years I "go it alone" due to various reasons but today and in the future I will never be a very lonely radio amateur.  Thankfully this has never been the case since June 1995.  I am so grateful for a full and happy amateur radio "career" be it with or without an amateur radio club!!

Jakobus ZS1JDJ becoming an avid Homebrewer and DIY'er.

Above Image:  His biggest and most challenging project relates to the uBitx HF Radio that let smoke out.  Read more HERE on how he fixed it!

Jakobus ZS1JDJ became a Radio Amateur in  October 2024.  From the onset he showed an interest to learn as much as he could about amateur radio.  He wanted to get into homebrewing to build as many projects to setup an efficient station which includes several DIY Projects.  A few weeks ago he visited me in the shack.  Well that's when the flame really started burning.  I assisted him in obtaining more knowledge and experience and this resulted in the projects depicted below.  However he showed plenty of interest and eagerness to learn as much as possible.  With every visit to my shack he learn more and more. 

I am convinced that Jakobus will one day become an experienced radio amateur and homebrewer.  I wish him well in his amateur radio en-devours in the future.

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.)

Above images:  2m Tape Measure Antenna

Above image and video:  70 cm Tape Measure Antenna

 

Above Images:  EFHW Dipole Antenna, 49:1 Balun, Field Station Heuning Klip and the view from the ZS1JDJ Station. Low noise floor and tranquility are bonuses.

 

Above Images:  Future project - Fixing an old Motorola Micom X HF Radio.  Never be afraid to use pencil and paper to make notes and drawings while homebrewing.

 

Above Image:  Homebrew DC Power Brick using Power Pole Connectors

 

Above Images:  Jakobus constructed a Baofeng and QYT KT-8900D cable to program both radios from this one cable.  Well done, Jakobus!!

200 000 Milestone reached in respect of the ZS Link Network Blog

Image:  Google  (Click on image for larger view)

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the ZS Link Network Blog has reached an all time viewers total (hits) of 201 882, with 859 articles, this according to Google.  Is this of any significance?  Well if you like to brag or boast about  the Blog then many will say that this total is of no significance.  Others might be of the opinion that a 201 882 hits can easily be achieved.  Well if the Blog was about South African Politics, Socialites or posting controversial and  inflammatory content then sure you will reach a 201 882 hits in a day or two.  However this blog is about  Amateur Radio/Ham Radio/ Space/Science/Technology/DIY Projects/Homebrew/Nets/AREDN and too many other topics to mention here.  Now why mention this "achievement" here.

It is quite simple.  This Blog is not about the author.  It is about those radio amateurs who contributed direct or indirectly to many posts on this Blog.  You the contributes get all the recognition for keeping this Blog alive and interesting.  Something must be done correctly to reach the 200 000 hits milestone.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single radio amateur that contributed to the success of this Blog.  But not only the contributors, also all our readers or visitors from all over the world.  Hopefully in visiting the Blog many of our viewers have find something interesting to read and to view on the Blog.  I could have just kept quiet and say nothing about this milestone but that would be in direct conflict with the amateur radio code, very selfish and ungrateful.

Once again thank you to everyone that contributed to the ZS Link Network Blog in any way.  Lets continue and keep this Blog interesting and relevant. 

73

Johan ZS1I

On behalf of the ZS Link Network Group

Mossel Bay

South Africa

20 February 2026

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.)

 

Discover the powerful new Announcement Manager add-on for AllStarLink 3

Discover the powerful new Announcement Manager add-on for AllStarLink 3 in Part 2 of this series! In this video, I walk you through installing and using Announcement Manager with Supermon 7.4 and Allmon3 so you can create, schedule, and automatically play announcements on your node.

Learn how to generate text-to-speech audio, import MP3 files, normalize audio levels, and schedule cron-based announcements — locally or across linked nodes. Perfect for nets, club reminders, Skywarn alerts, and repeater operations.

If you run an AllStarLink node and want professional-sounding automated announcements, this tool will save you time and make your system sound polished.

Topics covered:
• Install Announcement Manager on ASL3
• Create TTS announcements with multiple voices
• Schedule automatic playback using cron
• Convert and normalize MP3 audio
• Local vs global playback across connected nodes
• Integration with Supermon and Allmon3 dashboards

Great for ham radio operators running repeaters, hubs, or networked nodes.

👉 Ham Radio Crusader Github for this Video

👉 N5AD's GitHub

Dank en Waardering - Skenking van 2m Herhaler deur Fred ZS5SAM en 2m Antenna Stack deur Bernie ZR1ACP

1.  Die administrateurs van die ZS-Link Netwerk Groep will langs die weg graag vir Fred ZS5SAM bedank vir die skenking van 'n Tait 2m Herhaler ter uitbreiding van die bestaande netwerk.  Baie dankie aan Fred vir die skenking van die herhaler.  Die hehaler kan baie handig aangewend word ter uitbreiding van die ZS Link Netwerk.

Op 'n vorige geleentheid het Fred ook 70cm Dipool Antennas geskenk asook 'n Tait Herhaler.  Klik HIER en HIER vir meer besonderhede.

2.  Die administrateurs van die ZS-Link Netwerk Groep will langs die weg graag vir Bernie ZR1ACP bedank vir die skenking van 'n 2m "Stack" Herhaler  Antenna ter uitbreiding van die bestaande netwerk.  Baie dankie aan Bernie vir die skenking van die antenna.  Die "stack" antenna kan baie handig aangewend word ter uitbreiding van die ZS Link Netwerk.

Die skenking word hoog op prys gestel en is weereens 'n aanduiding van die goeie amateur radio gees en oop-hand welwillendheid wat daar heers in die ZS Link Netwerk Groep!!

Heads Up - Here comes the Next Generation Amateur Radio Beacon (s) for the Southern Cape!! (Part 2)

Video:   6m CW Beacon on the test bench.

In Part 1 available HERE I gave a short overview of the Next Generation Amateur Radio Beacon (s) for the Southern Cape. One beacon that is already up and running is the ZS1I 40m WSPR Beacon (7.038 600 Mhz) More information available HERE, HERE and HERE.  This past two weeks I have been working on two more beacons.  Both beacons are for the 6m Magic Band.  You can read more HERE about the ZS1I 6 Meter Magic Band Project in the Southern Cape Area of South Africa.

I decided against the construction of an elaborate beacon that has to many "Bells and Whistles".  Elaborate beacons is a nice to have but they cost lots of money and personally spending high amounts of cash in my opinion is not worth the while.  After all for this project the beacons will be used as propagation indicators as well as if long distance communication is possible on certain amateur radio bands and the harvesting of WSPR information for WSPR.NET.

Herewith a short overview of the key aspects of Amateur  Radio Beacons:

Propagation beacons in amateur radio are automated transmitters on specific frequencies that send continuous wave (CW) signals to help operators evaluate, in real-time, ionospheric conditions, band openings, and path viability from long-wave to microwave.

 They identify with call signs and locations, often transmitting at varying power levels to measure propagation strength. 

 

Key Aspects of Beacons:

• Purpose: To determine if a frequency band is "open" or "dead" (i.e., whether long-distance communication is currently possible).
• Operational Mode: Most beacons use CW (Morse code) on specifically assigned frequencies, often starting with "VVV de" followed by the callsign.
• Frequency Range:Beacons operate across all bands, with high concentrations in the 10-meter (28 Mhz
  
  ) and 6-meter (50 Mhz
  
  ) bands due to their volatile, unpredictable nature..
• International Beacon Project (NCDXF/IARU): A coordinated, worldwide network of 18 beacons operating on 14.100, 18.110, 21.150, 24.930, and 28.200 MHz, allowing for comprehensive global analysis.
• Next-Generation Beacons: Modern beacons are increasingly using digital modes like Pi4 or FT8 to provide detailed, machine-readable information.

Scientific Utility: Besides checking band openings, they are used for research into daily/seasonal radio propagation trends and for testing/calibrating antennas and receivers.

Common Beacon Frequencies (MHz):
• 10m: 28.200–28.300 (highly active)
• 6m: 50.000–50.100
• 14m (NCDXF): 14.100 

These stations often run low to moderate power, making the ability to hear them a strong indicator of a clear, working path for lower-power stations. 

The two beacons currently under construction:

1.  ZS1I 6m CW Beacon  (16 wpm) Processor:  Arduino Nano V3 ATMEGA 328 P

Mode:  CW

CW Speed:  16 wpm

Frequency:  50.010 Mhz

Clock Generator:   Adafruit Si5351 Module

Power: 2 Watt for test purposes (Will be upgraded to 20 Watt once the test phase has been completed.)

Antenna:  Delta Loop 

Polarization:  Horizontal

Message send:  "VVV de ZS1I-B =  KF15BT"

Beacon Operator:  ZS1I

Status:  Currently active on the test bench running into a Dummy Load

Bells and Whistles:  Speaker outputting audio;  Red LED output TX and Adafruit SSD1306 OLED Display Text being transmitted. Text scrolling from left to right of the screen while beacon is transmitting.

Filters:  Low Pass Filter for 6m between Si5351 and the Antenna output.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  This is an experimental beacon running at times from my shack in Mossel Bay for test purposes.  A decision whether this will become a permanently installed beacon on 6m will be taken sometime in the future.  If you have any gripes or positive input about the beacon send me an email.  I do not respond to telephone calls and prefer written correspondence.

2.  ZS1I 6m WSPR Beacon  Processor:  ESP32 S3 N16R8  (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

Mode:  WSPR

Frequency: 50.293 Mhz

Clock Generator:   Adafruit Si5351 Module

Power: 10 mW (10dBm) for test purposes (Will be upgraded to  5 Watt once the test phase has been completed.)

Antenna: 6m Moxon Antenna 

Message send:  "ZSI1 =  KF15BT" 

Bells and Whistles:  Speaker outputting audio;  Red LED output TX and Adafruit SSD1306 OLED Display Text being transmitted. Text scrolling from left to right of the screen while beacon is transmitting.

Filters:  Low Pass Filter for 6m between Si5351 and the Antenna output. 

That's all for now.  In Part 3 I will provide more information, photos and video on the construction of the ZS1I 6m CW Beacon.  In Part 4 I will provide more information, photos and video on the construction of the 6m WSPR Beacon.

How do I check my audio quality on AllStar and Echolink?

 

The answer is quite simple - Use a Parrot to check your audio quality!!

To check your audio on EchoLink and AllStar, use dedicated test servers (Parrot Nodes) that record and play back your transmission. For EchoLink, connect to 9999 the *ECHOTEST* node. For AllStar, use 55553 to enable Parrot mode, or connect to a dedicated Parrot node to verify audio quality and adjust levels. 

EchoLink Audio Check

• Test Node: Connect to the *ECHOTEST* server (node 9999).
• Process: The server records your voice and plays it back immediately, allowing you to check for distortion or low volume.
• Adjustment: Use the audio level meter at the bottom of the screen to ensure levels stay in the yellow range during voice peaks.
• Sysop Mode: If running a node, adjust input/output levels within the software. 
• Normal Method using Supermon:  3009999 = Connect.  3009999 = Disconnect  
• DTMF Method using DTMF in Supermon or Radio: *33009999 = Connect.  *1300999 = Disconnect
  

AllStarLink Audio Check

• Parrot Node: Connect to a known Parrot node, or use 55553 to enable Parrot mode on your current node.
• Calibration: Use the ASL-MENU to adjust audio levels.
• Levels: Aim for a 1kHz tone to produce 3kHz of deviation.
• Adjustment: Adjust RX/TX gain in rpt.conf (erxgain / etxgain).
  
• Normal Method using Supermon:  55553 = Connect.  55553 = Disconnect  
• DTMF Method using DTMF in Supermon or Radio: *355553 = Connect.  *155553 = Disconnect 

Troubleshooting

• If using a radio, ensure the deviation is properly set on the receiver.
• Check that your USB audio interface (e.g., CM108) is correctly configured.
• For persistent issues, verify that your microphone and computer audio settings are not muted or too low.

Further Information

Click HERE for further information on the ZS Link Network.

Finally

It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using the  ZS Link Network.

Let's fix the broken uBitx V3 HF Radio aka "Red Ferrari" of Jacobus ZS1JDJ

Image:  The "Red Ferrari" uBitx V3 HF Radio.  (Click on image for larger view.)

Jacobus ZS1JDJ recently acquired a  uBitx V3 HF Radio aka his "Red Ferrari".  He used the radio a few times and wanted to add the headphone socket in order to utilize headphones with the radio.  He followed the guidelines obtained from an Internet site only to find out later that the Audio IC  (TDA2822) let out the magic smoke.  He ordered several new TDA2822M IC's, removed the wiring to the headphone socket and inserted a new audio IC only to find that it also went up in smoke.

He contacted the author for assistance on how to fix the issue.  The author was willing to assist but he had to do all the soldering and de-soldering himself under supervision of the author.  This is how an Elmer share his knowledge after many years of constructing and fixing equipment.  Unfortunately due to bad eyesight the Elmer is not working on radios anymore.

Jacobus ZS1JDJ visited the author and the "Red Ferrari" was opened on the workbench to see why the IC let out the magic smoke. I told Jacobus to de-solder the IC and provided a IC socket to make it easier to remove the TDA2822M in future.  We gathered all the information on how to solve the issue from the Internet and also from the uBitx website.  

There seem to have been a problem with certain IC's that does not "enjoy" 12 - 15 volt DC (Pin 2 VCC.)

Herewith a short explanation of the problem: 

 uBitx v3 Radio audio IC damaged after trying to connect phones

Damaging the audio IC (TDA2822M) on a uBitx v3 when connecting headphones is a known issue caused by shorting the audio output to ground during jack insertion. The TDA2822 chip in the v3 is highly sensitive to this, particularly if using a mono plug in a stereo jack, which shorts the ring to the sleeve. 

Here is a guide to diagnosing and repairing this issue based on common uBitx community solutions.

Symptoms of a Blown TDA2822M:

No audio from the speaker.
The TDA2822 chip gets extremely hot when the radio is powered on.
Sidetone still works (if the issue is isolated to the receiver audio path).
A faint, distorted signal or a loud hum. 

Repairing the Audio IC:

Remove the damaged IC. The easiest method is to carefully cut the legs of the 8-pin TDA2822 chip, then use pliers to remove the remaining pins one-by-one while heating with a soldering iron.
Install a Socket: It is highly recommended to solder an 8-pin DIL (Dual In-Line) socket onto the board rather than soldering the new chip directly. This makes future replacements much easier.
Replace with a Robust Component: Replace the TDA2822 with a new one. Some builders have found that specific brands (like "WX" branded chips) are more prone to failure, so sourcing a high-quality replacement is advisable. 

Preventative Measures (Essential Mods):

To prevent this from happening again, you should implement one of these modifications:

Add Series Resistors: Add a 4-ohm to 8-ohm, 1/2-watt resistor in series between the uBitx output and the headphone jack TIP.
Rewire the Jack: Wire the headphone jack as a mono jack (using only the tip and sleeve) to prevent the shorting that occurs when a stereo plug is inserted.
Voltage Regulation: The TDA2822 on the v3 runs close to its maximum voltage. Providing a 6v-9v regulator for the audio stage can prevent future failures. 

Troubleshooting:

If the replacement does not fix the issue, ensure the capacitor C77 (470µF) was not also damaged by the surge, and verify that the 12V supply is not exceeding 15V, as the TDA2822 is fragile near its voltage maximum.

Wiring up the headphone jack

It is recommended that when you wire up the headphone jack, you do not wire it up as a stereo jack.  Inserting a mono plug into a jack wired for stereo (i.e. when connections are made to both the tip and to the ring connectors) will likely result in a short from the ring to shield when the plug is inserted.  Several constructors have blown up their TDA2822M audio output IC as a result of exactly this scenario.

If you do want to wire the supplied headphone jack as a stereo jack, add a series 8 ohm 1/2 watt resistor  (or perhaps a 4 ohm resistor) between the uBitx board and your phone jack.  This should safely prevent any damage, though it will reduce the maximum available audio slightly through the headphone jack.

Reference:

Wiring up the audio connector so that you can also use an internal speaker

The headphone jack can be wired to connect normally to an internal speaker, until a plug is inserted in the jack, whereupon the audio is routed to the headphones.  Again, it is recommended that the jack be wired up for a single channel (using the tip only) to avoid problems when inserting a mono plug into the stereo connector.

The jack’s tip has two connections (one is switched off when you insert a plug).  Because the sidewall on the jack is “see through” you should be able to see how this works in practice when you insert a 3.5mm plug into the jack. Wire the terminal that is switched off when a plug is inserted into the headphone jack, to the positive terminal of your speaker.   If your speaker’s polarity is not marked, it won’t matter which terminal on the speaker is connected to the jack.

The negative terminal of your speaker should be soldered to the shield connection on the headphone jack.  To be clear, the wire from the main board and the wire from the negative terminal of your speaker are both soldered onto the rear (shield) tab of the stereo jack.
 

More information from the uBitx Web-Site about the issue:

TDA2822 problems - Reasons for failure  CLICK HERE. 

Now how did we solve the problem of the "Red Ferrari"?

1.  Removed the blown IC

2.  Fitted a IC Socket

3.  Removed the 470µF capacitor (C77) and replaced it with a 100uF capacitor

4.  Lifted the leg of  pin 2 of the new IC which will be used to feed 7.5v DC to the IC

5.  Installed a LM2596 DC-DC down converter module which was set to 7.5v DC

6.  Connected the +7.5 v to pin 2 of the IC TDA2822M and pin 4 ground to the ground connection.

See images below for the above modifications

Jacobus fired up the "Red Ferrari" and tested it thoroughly.  Problem solved!

Comment from the author (Elmer):  

I am sure that Jacobus ZS1JDJ learned a lot from this event. (magic smoke release)  Whenever anybody want to make a modification to a radio you must ensure that you know exactly how to do it.  Google is your friend.  Read as much about the issue as possible. The cons and the pro's.  Do not be in a hurry.  If not sure consult an Elmer before the smoke release.  Any modification being done needs the correct equipment.  If you do not have the correct "tools" or test equipment forget about the modification or let an experienced homebrewer assist you.  Always have spare components available before you start.  As stated before due to bad eyesight the Elmer is not working on radios anymore.

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.)