Two new Garden Route Hub Network pages created.

 

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I deemed it necessary  to add two new pages to the Garden Route Hub Network: 

1.  GRHUB Timeline Page - This page is intended to keep track of upgrades, updates, maintenance, tweaks, new additions ....... and many more.  This page will also be useful as a record keeping page for the GRHub Network.  I will post the date and time as well as a short overview of tasks that were carried out.

2.  News Bulletins, Nets, Link Connections etc - This page will contain information on amateur radio news bulletin, net and link relays.  Here you can see when and what to listen to on the Garden Route Hub Network.  Please note this is not an receive (RX) only Network.  Please transmit (TX) - let radio amateurs know you are there.  Start or answer a QSO and make new friends.

 

NEVER FEAR THAT YOU ARE "TYING UP THE NETWORK SYSTEM" - IT IS THERE TO BE USED.

 

The GRHub Radio RF Antenna for 2m and 70cm has arrived.

As the title of this post indicate the 2m/70cm dual-band antenna for the Garden Route Hub RF Radio has arrived this afternoon all the way from Cape Town.  Now this will be the second time in my 28 year's that I bought a commercially made antenna of any kind.  As a homebrewer I construct all my antennas out of different materials.  Even my 19 element 2m High Gain Yagi that served me well was homebrewed.  Now why buy when I can build.  On the workbench is a half constructed 2m collinear antenna.  I started working on it earlier this year.  Living at the coast I wanted something that is protected against the elements.  I  looked locally for  a proper housing for the collinear but could not find a decent product.  Having to order glass fiber tubing from elsewhere would cost me nearly half the price of the Diamond X50. 

 

I then decided to buy the Diamond X50 Antenna from Dirk ZS1X as advertised on the Pretoria Swop Shop. Reading reviews on eHam.net convinced me to buy the antenna. Another important factor why I chose the X50 is its form factor and rigidity. Lets hope it can withstand the Cape of Storms wind gusts. 

Surely this antenna is not the alpha and omega of VHF/UHF verticals. 

Reviews on eHam.net available HERE.

Here is the specifications of the antenna as advertised by Diamond:

 

 

I plan to use the antenna at first on 2 meters.  Installation will hopefully be done this coming Saturday, weather and circumstances permitting. This post will be updated with info and photos once the antenna is installed.

 

 

How To & Other Guides

From time to time I will post specific guides or manuals that relates to the GRHub installations.  I am not going to re-invent the wheel here as the Internet contains enough information on AllStar, Echolink etc.  Google is your friend.  However many of the How To and other Guides are written with the knowledge that you are familiar with Linux and Raspberry Pi.  The manuals/guides that I intend to publish on the blog will hopefully make it easier to install specific functions. 

Be sure to explore the AllStarLink Wiki for more detail and help, especially the beginners guide available at: https://wiki.allstarlink.org/wiki/Beginners_Guide

I will upload the altered manuals and guides in PDF Format to save space and time.

1. Building a radio-less Allstar Hub / Node 
2. ......
3. ......
4. ......
   

 

Linking to local and overseas Repeaters, Hubs and Networks.

  

                                                      

I think it is necessary that I elaborate more on the "workings" of the GRHub Network. I know that Echolink/AllStar/IRLP connections on repeaters can be a rather touchy and sensitive subject. Rightly so if repeaters etc are being misused or wrongly "interfaced", I agree it is irritable to say the least. For some in amateur radio VOIP can be annoying for many reasons.

However as the amateur radio code stipulate: CONSIDERATE...He/[She] never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others. PROGRESSIVE...He/[She] keeps his/[her] station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. His/[Her] operating practice is above reproach. FRIENDLY...He/[She] operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others.

The above are some of the building blocks of the amateur radio spirit.

I as administrator of the GRHub Network employ the following measures as not to annoy fellow radio amateurs (I hope..):

I do link several South African repeaters/links to the HUB network from time to time. Please take note that all these links are in receive mode only. If for what ever reason I feel that the transmit mode needs to be activated then I will disconnect all other repeaters from the network not to cause unwanted transmissions or interference to other users and will then connect in transmit mode to a specific repeater or link. Yes, and I will announce my intentions.

The same apply for any overseas networks, repeaters, HUBS etc. The above setup has proved to work very well and thus far I have not had any complaints.

Users of the GRHub Network can still connect to the network and therefor to any station in the world to receive and transmit using the DTMF functions. Any user can use the GRHub to have a QSO. Just announce your intentions beforehand eg. What you switching in an out. I do monitor the network and can assist in connecting or disconnecting stations on request. Like I said before feel free to use the network. It is there to be used!!

If you run a VOIP Network/System professionally it can be a very useful addition to amateur radio especially to those who cannot or those not allowed to install antennas, stations etc. This way they can keep in touch with other amateur radio friends.

If other countries can run large systems, I am sure that we in South Africa can also do it maybe even better?

Finally: I would like to thank all those radio amateurs and clubs that allow me to connect to their repeaters, links etc. That is even without asking permission to do so. If for any reason you do not like the GRHub Network to connect to your repeater, links etc. please drop me an email in this regard. ( Johan ZS1I: sawois05 AT gmail DOT com)

I am sure there is a rightful place for VOIP in amateur radio. At least it keeps the RF bands occupied.

 

Keep the GRHub Radio's and Raspberry Pi's cool

 Summer is on its way in the Southern Hemisphere and in the next month or two temperatures will be rising.  We need to keep our Raspberry Pi's and RF Radio power modules cool to prevent them from failing.  I must admit that many modern radios do have build in cooling fans.  Unfortunately the Motorola radios that I use do not have build in cooling fans.  This is not a problem if you have a few components and Veroboard on hand. I am busy building several thermal cooling fan controllers for the GRHub network equipment.

I decided to publish information on the thermal cooling fan controllers as there might be others that would like to construct these simple easy to build controllers.

I  make use of a circuit as published by Mike Martell N1HFX.  

 (Click on image for larger view.)

The article by N1HFX can be downloaded HERE

I decided to construct the controllers on Veroboard despite the fact that the article has a PCB board outlay.

I used a program called DIY Layout Creator to layout the components on the Veroboard. The program can by downloaded HERE  Thanks to Danie ZS1DBJ  for providing the link and info to the program.

  (Click on image for larger view.)

I will later post images of the completed Thermal Cooling Fan Controllers. 

Here is a short video in which I demonstrate the controller:

I apologize for the quality and neatness of the video.   Herewith images of the Veroboard construction.

I am sure that I will be able to keep my radios and equipment cool during the hot summer days.

 

 

 

Programming old Motorola Radios ........ the "easy way".

Image: Repeater Builder.com

I played around this last few weeks experimenting with several ways to program old Motorola Radios. Not having any old and slow computers on hand I decided to look into programming these old work-horses with different OS, computers, etc. The Internet is packed with information but I guess 80% result in errors, faultfinding, bricked radios etc.

15 years ago I constructed my own RIB to program Motorola radios using old computers to successfully program these radios. I tried several other interfaces during last week eg. Real FT232RL-, CP2102-, Prolific PL2303 and a few homebrew programming cables. I used Windows7, Mint, Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi Desktop Debian 10 and WindowsXP. I ran into several brick walls which mainly include Com Port issues and reading issues of the radio codeplugs. In one instance the software gave me an OK test for communications but would not read the codeplug. I looked into using my homebrew RIB on a fairly modern hardware setup and using the original code to program the radios.

 I would however like to share a website which describes Programming Motorola Radios with a Raspberry Pi. Although this is not for the faint harted and only if you have knowledge of Raspberry Pi and AllStar software. I think this is a brilliant method. I ran into a few issues with the FTDI board being a cheap clone. The issue: It can only run 5 bits but I need 8. Here is the link if anyone on AllStar would like to try this method: https://hamvoip.org/hamradio/motorola_programming/ 

PLEASE: Do not ask me for the Motorola RSS Software. You can find it on the Internet.

I will provide bare skeleton information on how I program old Motorola Radios. 

Herewith the equipment that I use:

1. Laptop – Intel Celeron CPU 530 @ 1.73Ghz 1 Gig RAM. This laptop has no outboard serial ports. OS = Windows XP Pro.
2. Manhattan Laptop PCMCIA Serial Port Adapter. Model 176576 Chipset: 16C550 UART Port Specs: External DB9 port (RS232) Bus Specifications: Cardbus Type II , 32 bit, 33 Mhz, 3.3V card. Install driver as per supplied CD.
3. DIY RIB (Radio Programming Interface) as described by Colin (G1IVG) Link: http://www.g1ivg.com/motgm300.htm The Interface design has been tested on the following radio's: 3.1 GM300 (Connect to the Mic socket on the front panel of the GM300). 3.2 GM350 (Connect to the Mic socket on the front panel of the GM350). 3.3 M100 Radius. 3.4 GP300. 3.5 Maxtrac 840 - 800 MHz Trunking Radio. 3.6 Maxtrac 300, VHF 16 ch. 3.7.
4. 12v Battery for the RIB.
5. An old Motorola Radio as listed above.
6. DOSBox Software. Link: https://www.dosbox.com/download.php?main=1
7. Motorola DOS RSS Programming Firmware.

Setup:
1. First turn off your computer and any other connected peripheral devices. Insert the PC card into the PC card slot of your computer with the card’s 68-pin connector facing the slot. Make sure it is inserted properly for a solid connection. Turn the computer on. After boot-up install the Windows XP Driver for the Manhattan Laptop PCMCIA Serial Port Adapter.
At the Found New Hardware Wizard, select “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)”; click “Next.” Insert the driver CD; check “Include this location in the search”; uncheck the other box; enter “D:\Cardbus\98XX\XP”; click “OK.” NOTE: Change “D:” if/as needed to match your CD-ROM designation. If the Hardware Installation window pops up, click “Continue Anyway”; click “Finish.” (The driver has been thoroughly tested for stability and compatibility.) Repeat steps 1-3 two more times. 5. Restart Windows to complete the installation.
2. Go to the Control Panel and then the device manager. 
3. Make note of what COM port was assigned to your adapter under “Ports” (COM1 in my case).
4. Right click on this and go to Properties.
5. Now click on the Port Settings tab and set the baud rate to 2400, and leave other settings as default. Click on Advanced. Enter. Remove tick in Use FIFO...... Ensure that Com Port Number is COM1 in the box below FIFO. Click OK and again OK. Close Device Manager. Now, Install DOSBox and let it install into its default directory.
6. Follow the DOSBox and Programming instructions as described in this link below and now Configure DOSBox to Run Motorola RSS.
7. Link: https://kk6jyt.com/motorola-radius-gm300-programming/ This website provide valuable information. Do not forget to read the comments section as well.

Using the above info, software and hardware I was able to program all my Motorola radios successfully!

 

Above:  Laptop fitted with PCMCIA Serial Port Adapter

 

 

Above: Homebrew Motorola Programmer

 

Above: Manhatten PCMCIA Serial Port Adapter 

 

Above: Card fitted to Laptop

 

Above: Top view of fitted card

 

Notification: RF VHF/UHF Radio Link disconnected for upgrade!!

Node 49355 (ZS1I Allstar node) is automatically connected to an RF VHF/UHF Radio linked to   145.550 Mhz Simplex and 433.400 Mhz Simplex. 

Please note this link was disconnected on 23 August 2021 in order to upgrade the radio and hardware which include a new dual band antenna and fitting a robust Motorola radio to be used soon.

Once installed I will issue a further notice which will include photos and further information of the new installation.

Attention all Echolink Users!!

It has come to my attention that some of our local radio amateurs do not know how Echolink fits into Allstar and the GRHub.  I will provide just the short basics here.

Important:  Echolink users might think that there is no activity on the ZS1I-L GRHub Mossel Bay link if they look at their Echolink application screen.  This "impression" is not correct.  The important thing is that you need to connect to the ZS1I-L Echolink station (Node: 108 551) to listen for activity on the Garden Route Hub Network.

In the above image one can clearly see that no connections are shown, however if you connect to ZS1I-L GRHub, Mossel Bay you will see that the Echolink node is connected to several Allstar and other link nodes. (bottom image)

(Click on images for larger view.)

I will in a later post explain in more detail how Echolink is connected to AllStar.

Important:  You must connect to ZS1I-L GRHub, Mossel Bay on Echolink to hear activity.

Invitation:  I would hereby like to invite radio amateurs and clubs to make use of the Garden Route Hub Network. Relay your bulletins, news etc on the network via Echolink or Allstar.

If you need any assistance in connecting to the Garden Route Hub Network please feel free to contact the GRHub Adminstrator by clicking HERE

Finally and most importantly:  Transmit - let radio amateurs know you are there.  Start or answer a QSO and make new friends.

NEVER FEAR THAT YOU ARE "TYING UP THE NETWORK SYSTEM" - IT IS THERE TO BE USED.

Remember if you don't transmit, you might qualify for the new "QRT Certificate"  Hi Hi!!

The Garden Route Hub Network is up and running!!

 After a bit of "fiddling and pruning" I was able to link two AllStar nodes of which one node is gated to an Echolink node.  Nodes:  49355 ZS1I, 46765 GRHub, 433.400 Mhz RF Radio Link and 208551 ZS1I-L Echolink are now "talking" to each other.  What does this mean:  Radio Amateurs now currently have the option to use the Garden Route Hub Network either via Echolink (ZS1I-L 108551) or AllStar Link.  Please note that there might be glitches as I continue to "tweek and twirk" the Network making changes and improvements as I ago along.

The first big test was to relay the SARL Bulletin, Pretoria Bulletin, Swop Shop and Amateur Radio Today.  These relays were done this morning, 22 August 2021 without any glitches.  Thanks to the ZS6WDL-R Panbult Repeater (Echolink 275915) repeater owner for the connection to the repeater.  Highly appreciated as locally (Southern Cape) VOIP on repeaters and even simplex is a very tender issue.

The second test took place on the same day but in the afternoon.  The Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Club bulletin is broadcast every Sunday at 15h00 SAST.  Several stations connected to the GRHub Network and listened to the bulletin. Once again the Network performed well. 

I can now move onto the next step in changing the RF Radio Link. I will install a Motorola VHF radio and a dual band antenna after I constructed a automatic fan controller for the Motorola radio.  More on this in future posts.  Enough for now.  The photos show the GRHub connections during the Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Club's bulletin broadcast.

(Click on images for larger view.)

World Clock / Converter

World Clock

About this World Clock / Converter

World Time Buddy (WTB) is a convenient world clock, a time zone converter, and an online meeting scheduler. It's one of the best online productivity tools for those often finding themselves traveling, in flights, in online meetings or just calling friends and family abroad.

Carefully thought out design lets it effortlessly compare multiple time zones at a glance, plan conference calls, webinars, international phone calls and web meetings. It also aids with business travel & tracking of market hours.

WTB was born out of frustration with existing world clock apps, online meeting and time conversion tools. Most of them have given up on providing quality business tools and on delighting their users.

CDT = US CENTRAL TIME

YOUR TIME = SOUTH AFRICA STANDARD TIME (SAST)

Enjoy!!

 

 

 

Current Active Blog Pages

The following Blog pages were activated and contains information relating to the GRHub Network:

 

 APRS Page: Click on logo.

 

 

ECHOLINK Page: Click on logo.

Garden Route HUB, South Africa

This blog will be the new home of the Garden Route AllStarLink HUB located in the most southern part of South Africa.  The main AllStar node (49355) is currently active and located in Mossel Bay.  The GRHUB node is currently under construction and should soon be active.  Now where is this town?  Mossel Bay is a harbour town of about 99,319 people on the Garden Route, South Africa. It is in an important tourism and farming region of the Western Cape.  Mossel Bay lies 400 kilometres east of the country's seat of parliament, Cape Town (which is also the capital city of the Western Cape), and 400 km west of Gqeberha. (formerly known as Port Elizabeth)  Info and Images:  HERE

ABOUT:  The Garden Route AllStarLink HUB (commonly  known as the Garden Route Hub) is a digital/analog linking network used to link repeaters, simplex links or nodes, over the Internet to other repeaters or simplex link nodes.

The AllStar Link network consists of a number of large (and small) individuals and groups who provide efficient, large-area communications to the Amateur Radio public in their respective local areas. This is done by providing a local VHF or UHF system controlled by a Linux-based computer system running the open-source Asterisk PBX telephone switch platform along with the app_rpt repeater/remote base controller/linking software module (which is included in the distribution of Asterisk) connected to a high speed Internet connection.

The computer system running Linux/Asterisk PBX coupled with the app_rpt module makes a repeater/remote base controller capable of controlling many repeaters and/or remote bases per computer system. It provides linking of these repeater and remote base “nodes”, with “nodes” on other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world, over the Internet via its IAX2 Voice Over IP protocol.

AllStar Link is an organization devoted to the proliferation of this technology, and to organize its public use. Certainly, anyone can have a “private” system using this technology, and they would have no need for AllStar Link affiliation, but there needs to be a single, central point of organization for public use of this technology, and that's what AllStar Link provides.

The technology has the unique characteristic that repeaters, simplex links and remote base nodes are completely separate from each other, unlike any other repeater/remote-base controllers. That means that just because a remote-base is at the same site or even on the same computer system as a repeater, they are not tied together in any way. They are implemented as completely separate nodes, usable separately.

Unlike other Radio-centric VOIP technologies, such as Echolink or IRLP, etc, Allstar and the app_rpt/Asterisk technology have been specifically designed to be part of, and to link together parts of the very infrastructure of the radio systems that it implements, as opposed to be an end-to-end protocol like others.

All systems (nodes) are either repeater controllers, simplex links or remote-base controllers. They connect directly with the radio hardware (thus replacing/outdating) current controllers on a system that is already up and operating. Just simply as a repeater controller, the amount of functionality and flexibility is very impressive, and when you also consider its remote base, linking (full-duplex) and VOIP (for autopatch, remote control, etc) capabilities, it's amazing.

Allstar Link is an attempt to take this technology and make it available and applicable to as many Amateur Radio operators as possible, via their local repeater systems and world wide. 

Finally: Many Allstar contacts take place on what are known as HUBS, these are really just nodes which are robust enough to accommodate many users at the same time, one hundred or more connections are not unusual on some hubs. Some hubs also have bridges and links to other systems such as DSTAR or DMR. It is my intention to establish an easily accessible Allstar Hub in the Garden Route Area featuring some of the more active hubs on the system.  This is work in progress or as they call it under construction!! If you want to know more about AllStarLink visit this link: The AllStarLink Wiki