#1 - What's in this box?

 

What is in this box?

By now some of you might have recognized the items in the box.  To the new radio amateur this is the hardware for IRLP.  

Listed from top to bottom:

• Box with hardware
• Parallel Cable, two PCB's and Radio Cable
• IRLP Ver 3.0 Board
• PC Sound Card
  

What is IRLP? 

The Internet Radio Linking Project, also called IRLP links amateur radio stations around the world by using Voice over IP (VoIP). Each gateway consists of a dedicated computer running custom software that is connected to both a radio and the Internet. This arrangement forms what is known as an IRLP Node. Since all end users communicate using a radio as opposed to using a computer directly, IRLP has adopted the motto "Keeping the Radio in Amateur Radio".

Amateur radio (or ham) operators within radio range of a local node are able to use DTMF tone generators to initiate a node-to-node connection with any other available node in the world. Each node has a unique 4 digit node number in the range of 1000–8999. A real-time searchable list of all nodes worldwide (including their current status) is available anytime by viewing the IRLP Network at a Glance. As of February 2019, there are over 1,500 active nodes.

IRLP connections are of two types: node to node, and node to reflector. Stations wishing to communicate with 3 or more nodes at the same time may accomplish this by connecting to what is called an IRLP Reflector. Reflectors are a type of conferencing system. Most reflectors on the network have 10 channels (0–9) with channel 0 being the main channel. Each reflector has a unique 4 digit node number in the range of 9000–9999. The first 3 digits consist of the reflector number, while the fourth digit represents the channel number. As of April 2007, there are 20 operational reflectors (including Echo Reflector 9990, which digitally records and plays back transmissions for testing purposes). Since most reflectors have 10 channels, there are approximately 200 unique reflector channels available for use. 

I hear you say that this is not amateur radio!  Lets not debate that here.  It is your opinion and there are many that enjoy VoIP all over the world.  VoIP has brought many "dormant" radio amateurs back to life. Many think that VoIP is just about the Internet.  Wrong go read more and you will be surprised or even shocked when you discover how the internet and RF is interwoven. 

Now IRLP is a fairly old project and has been surpassed by AllStar and Digital Radio but it still has its uses and there are still many nodes in operation world wide.  If you would like to learn more about IRLP visit this site by clicking HERE.

For my purpose I will not go the IRLP route.  I am just going to use the hardware and software to hopefully create something more modern and functional for the Garden Route Hub Network. 

Updates to follow.

Amateur Radio: Adapt or Die? Read on, it is not what you think.

 Image:  Bracknell Amateur Radio Club

 Adapt or die ...  here we go again with the old story so many has heard over the years.  Please read on. This is not a post about amateur radio dying.  Since the start of the world wide Covid19 epidemic many things have changed in amateur radio.  I hear you say that I am talking a lot of bull.  Well that is your opinion and I respect it.  

Over the months I observed the following:

1.  Several silent keys as a result of Covid19.  My condolences to those who lost loved ones as a result.

2.  Amateur Meetings (Indoor and Outdoor) gatherings were either non existing or attendance figures were very low, some in single figure digits.

3.  Older radio amateurs chose to rather stay at home and not attend any virtual-,  social- or live amateur radio events.  I personally know of many.

4.  No real new group amateur- or electronic inventions were announced or released.

5.  A sharp increase in the trade of amateur radio equipment at really over inflated prices.  Some giving up?

6.  As far as can be established very few new radios were imported or sold.  We rather play with what we have.

7.  Some radio amateurs refused to use Skype, Zoom etc. for virtual club/group meetings.

8.  Very few live technical talks, lectures or demonstrations were held for especially new radio amateurs.

And so I can continue on with many more halted "changes" as a result of Covid19.  I am not looking for any reasons for the above BUT as in all other aspects related to Covid19, we have lost a great deal of time, companionship etc.

Now why mention all the above if we already know this to be the situation in amateur radio.  Well we will have to consider how we do certain "things" now and in future in amateur radio or we can just carry on dying a slow and painful "death'.  

Covid19 has changed the way we do certain "things" in Amateur Radio whether we like it or not. We must adapt to circumstances or be willing to sacrifice certain "pleasures" in Amateur Radio due to the Covid19 virus.  Yes, I hear many shout but Covid19 will eventually be overcome!!  The question nobody can answer is WHEN?  If we wait and do nothing we will lose radio amateurs  ("old and new") due to inactivity and lack of social and live amateur radio events.

One such activity is monthly public/live  get together  or club meetings.  In our area we have a club as well as a group of radio amateurs that use to gather on a monthly basis.   Since the pandemic outbreak started all live meetings were stopped/postponed/restricted.  As the pandemic continue it is clear that it will take some time before we can hopefully safely get together again without any limitations.

In June 2020 I suggested we use ZOOM as to stay virtually in touch with each other even drinking a cup of coffee while in a ZOOM meeting.  What we have done before can now be done safely with ZOOM without the risk of getting infected.  Unfortunately after spending many hours and money the ZOOM idea were not accepted by radio amateurs in this area and fell along the wayside.  With it went the monthly Reboot Coffee drink group meetings.  ZOOM could have virtually filled the "gap" of not being able to get together in person in a coffee shop.  This just shows the apathy or unwillingness to try something new.   No this is not sour grapes.  Amateur radio is the losing party here.

OK enough let me summarize.  There is an old saying "You can take a horse to the water but you cannot make him drink".  So true.  Need I explain?  

I feel for new radio amateurs in this time.  They would like to experience many if not all aspects of amateur radio.  The way we currently do things will not cut it for many and we will lose or already lost many.  Now is the time to think out of the box.  Don't be reluctant to use all communication mediums available to the benefit of amateur radio.  Experiment with new technology and mediums.  Meet with your fellow radio amateurs virtually or on the air and share your experience and knowledge with all amateurs.  Do not become a hermit or couch potato.  You only have one life.  Live it!!

Invitation:  I would like to read your take on the above.  Positive or negative but also to include solutions to many problems (if any) we currently experience in amateur radio.   Send me an email by clicking HERE

Don't be passive be active and encourage your fellow radio amateur to follow suite!!

73

Johan ZS1I

Feedback News Bulletins on the GRHub Network.

The first semi-automatic ARRL Audio News Bulletin on the ZS1I-L GRHub/Echolink Network at 20h00 last night was a great success. Great audio quality to listen to, forthcoming from the uLaw codec. I am currently busy modifying a bash script compiled by Doug WA3DSP to completely automate the ARRL and ARNews bulletins on one of the nodes. If successful I will be looking to automate the SARL and Amateur Radio Today bulletins as well. Keep your fingers crossed as my script modification ability is rather poor. I am also looking at setting up a fixed weekly schedule for broadcasting these bulletins. The final schedule will be posted here for those that are interested and would like to listen to amateur radio news and other bulletins. Once again the aim here is to keep our RF Frequencies occupied and hopefully create some activity.

Latest World Wide Amateur Radio News

ARRL, RSGB Announce Joint Events to Celebrate Centenary of Ham Radio Transatlantic Success

ARRL and the Radio Society of Great Britain will jointly sponsor events to celebrate the achievement of transatlantic communications by radio amateurs 100 years ago.

In December 1921, ARRL sent Paul F. Godley, 2ZE, as its representative to listen for amateur signals from North America during the Second Transatlantic Tests. Setting up his listening station in Ardrossan, on the west coast of Scotland, Godley received the signals of more than 2 dozen US amateur radio stations, the first on December 12 (UTC) from 1BCG in Connecticut, operated by members of the Radio Club of America. The message read: “Nr 1 NY ck 12 to Paul Godley, Ardrossan, Scotland. Hearty Congratulations. (Signed) Burghard Inman Grinan Armstrong Amy Cronkhite.”

These successful transatlantic tests and the ones that followed would spur technological advances and new global wireless distance records. Several amateur radio operating events this year and next will commemorate the centenary of these significant milestones that heralded the dawn of two-way international amateur radio communication.

ARRL and RSGB will activate special event stations for 6 hours (0200 – 0800 UTC) on December 12 for the 160-Meter Transatlantic Centenary QSO Party. The RSGB will activate GB2ZE from Scotland, with a team of stations from the GMDX Group sharing operating duties. ARRL will activate W1AW. The stations will operate only on CW. If transatlantic propagation holds up, the stations may continue to operate beyond 0800 UTC.

The GMDX Group of Scotland will award a quaich — a traditional Scottish drinking cup representing friendship — to the first stations in North America and the UK to complete contacts with both W1AW and GB2ZE during the QSO Party. A commemorative certificate will be available for download.

The RSGB and ARRL are also organizing an international amateur radio marathon on the HF bands to commemorate transatlantic tests held between 1921 and 1923. The Transatlantic Centenary Marathon will take place in December 2022. The objective will be to mark these historic events by encouraging all radio amateurs to get on the air. Event details are pending.

ARRL and RSGB have assembled a list of stations and groups that are also organizing events and activities to celebrate 100 years of amateur radio transatlantic communication. For more information, visit arrl.org/transatlantic and rsgb.org/transatlantic-tests. The sites also include links to many previously published articles and presentations covering the historic tests.

Additional events and commemorations include:

Radio Club of America (RCA) Transatlantic QSO Party, 1200 UTC on November 13 to 0400 UTC November 14, 2021 (16 hours total). The QSO Party commemorates the contribution of members of the Radio Club of America, who constructed and operated the 1BCG transmitter site in Greenwich, Connecticut, that sent the first message received by Paul Godley, 2ZE, in Scotland.

W1AW Commemorative Transatlantic QSL Card. Stations making contact with Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station W1AW between December 11, 2021, and December 31, 2022, qualify to receive a commemorative W1AW QSL card. US stations should QSL with a SASE; international stations should QSL via the Bureau.

The 2021 ARRL 160-Meter Contest, 2200 UTC on December 3 – 1559 UTC on December 5. This 42-hour CW-only contest is most similar to the original Transatlantic Tests of the early 1920s. Stations in the US and Canada work each other as well as DXCC entities. The RSGB is planning to activate one of the original call signs used in the Transatlantic Tests, with up to seven different prefixes from the UK and Crown Dependencies. Look for G6XX (England); GD6XX (Isle of Man); GI6XX (Northern Ireland); GJ6XX (Jersey); GM6XX (Scotland); GU6XX (Guernsey), and GW6XX (Wales).

Special Event GB1002ZE, December 1 – 26, 2021. The Crocodile Rock Amateur Group (CRAG) based near Ardrossan, Scotland, will activate the special event station GB1002ZE to commemorate the successful reception of amateur transatlantic signals by Paul Godley, 2ZE, in 1921. The RSGB encourages stations in the UK and Crown Dependencies to append the suffix “/2ZE” to their station’s normal call sign throughout the period, as authorized by UK regulator Ofcom.

Next SpaceX Commercial Crew to ISS Comprised of Radio Amateurs

Four radio amateurs will head to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a commercial flight, thanks to Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS). They are Raja Chari, KI5LIU; Tom Marshburn, KE5HOC; Kayla Barron, KI5LAL, and Matthias Maurer, KI5KFH. As the most experienced space traveler, Maurer, who is a European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut, could end up with a very heavy work schedule. The targeted launch date is no sooner than October 31, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The launch will mark the third SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket launch combination as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which provides reliable and affordable transportation to and from the ISS. The crew is scheduled for a long-duration stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, living and working as part of what’s expected to be a seven-member crew.

The launch will be the first spaceflight for Chari, Barron, and Maurer, and the third for Marshburn. The crew will complete a 6-month science mission aboard the microgravity laboratory in low-Earth orbit.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 will be the third crew rotation mission with astronauts on an American rocket and spacecraft from the US to the space station and the fourth flight with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight in 2020, the Crew-1 mission in 2020-21, and the ongoing Crew-2 flight as part of the Expedition 65 crew.

Crew-3 astronauts plan to arrive at the station to overlap with NASA Astronauts Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD, and Megan McArthur; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, KE5DNI, and ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet, KG5FYG, who flew to the station as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission in April 2021.

Mission teams have a target launch date of no sooner than April 15, 2022, for the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission to the space station for a 6-month science mission. “NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is working with industry through a public-private partnership to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station, which will allow for additional research time and will increase the opportunity for discovery aboard humanity’s testbed for exploration,” NASA said. “The space station remains the springboard to space exploration, including future missions to the moon and Mars.”

For launch coverage and more information about the mission, visit the NASA website.

 

 

Source: ARRL News

ZD7GWM and V51WC QSO on QO-100 Satellite, 25 September 2021 11h06

Here under a video of a QSO between ZS7GWM and V51WC on the QO-100 Satellite.  Look at the station setup.  All equipment except dish and antennas installed in an ammo case.  Video received from Thys ZS1TBP, thanks.

The 49355 ZS1I AllStar RF link heard in Stilbaai, 25 September 2021, 08h30

 A video report was received from Eben Pienaar ZS3EP/Div1 at 08h30 yesterday morning that he received the ZS1I RF link on 145.550 Mhz in Stilbaai.  He and Thys ZS1TBP had two conversations, first on 145.550 and then on 145.500 Mhz Simplex while ZS1I/M listen to both stations.  Both videos confirm the  QSO's.  I would like to thank Eben for the report and also the videos.  Highly appreciated and also confirmation on the Radio Mobile propagation image.  Although not a great distance, it confirms that it is possible for holiday makers to use the GRHub Network while in parts of the Southern Cape.  Further reports from radio amateurs are most welcome.  Please forward reports to:   HERE

Need a good budget microphone for Echolink, AllStar, ZOOM and other general audio applications?

 The FiFine K669B microphone might be the one for you!

I needed to think out of the box to get a simple yet acceptable small "studio" up and running with equipment on hand or easily available. For audio I decided to invest in a USB microphone. I do have an "elaborate" mixer, sound interface and dynamic microphones on hand but decided to buy the FiFine K669B microphone for ease of use and the availability of space. This microphone is also used for WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, Echolink and AllStar and has shown to be a relative good cheap performer.

The gloss is not because of the metallic black finish but the actual all-metal body, which presents a professional feel and also reduces the risk of denting.

Considering how tight the form factor is, the 550 gram of weight is already hefty enough to prevent the mic from moving around on a sleek desk.

The headset streamers will benefit from using a standalone microphone even more: a bulky ear-unfriendly headset can be thrown away. You can place the mic out of the reach of your webcam for a cleaner streaming frame to present to your viewers.

It uses a vertical and horizontal adjustable pivot mount. Thus whatever desk it sits on, you still can set up a perfect pickup angle with ease. A foldable and detachable tripod is a great plus point when you have to pack the mic up for on-the-road use.

Setting up the microphone is a breeze and the final results are amazing for such an inexpensive microphone.  I am very happy with this budget microphone.

Specifications of the microphone:

                                      Click on image for a larger view

 

 

Setup the Huawei B315s-936 LTE Router/Modem for Echolink and AllStar

NOTE:  A PDF file with photos for this tutorial is available at:  HERE

Connecting cables

Connect the following to setup the router:

1. Power Adapter to power socket on router
2. Laptop or Computer ethernet LAN cable to LAN1 on router
3. Before powering up the Power Adapter make sure you inserted you SIM card in the SIM slot.
4. Once connected to a power outlet and switched on, the B315 will power on.
5. Now wait till you have and indication that the computer’s LAN and LAN1 is connected. Your computer and B315 ethernet icons should talk to each other.
6. We are now ready to log into the Huawei and configure the B315.
   

Open Huawei B315s-936 Router IP Address

The Huawei B315s-936 Router’s Internal default IP Address is: 192.168.8.1 type http://192.168.8.1 in your computer’s Internet Browser.

Login to the Huawei B315s-936 Router

Click on any of the task bar names and a screen should open asking your username and password. Enter default username: admin and password: admin to complete the login process. Voila! You are now logged in!

Default username for Huawei B315s-936:

admin

Default password for Huawei B315s-936:

admin

It is important to change the admin password to a secure password of your choice. This can be done by Settings, System, Modify Password. A screen will open. Previous password is: admin. Change to new password, confirm and apply. You will have to log in again this time as: user = admin password = “your new password that you just set”.

(Note: If  you have changed the username/ password of Huawei B315s-936 and forgot them. You can reset the Huawei B315s-936 router by press-and-hold the reset button with a clip for about 15 seconds. )
Now to setup the router. We started on the Home page of the Huawei B315s-936 router. To change your router settings click Settings near the top right hand side of the page. From there click WLAN in the left hand sidebar and then WLAN Basic Settings just below that.
Steps:
• Look for – Settings (found in the menu bar at the top of page) , and click on it
• Look for – WLAN (found in the left hand side menu bar) , and click on it
• Look for - WLAN Basic Settings (found in the left hand side menu bar), and click on it. 


The first thing you'll need to do is set an SSID. This will serve as your wifi network identification and can be whatever you like. However, due to security reasons I strongly recommend avoiding the use of any personal information.

Next open the drop down menu labelled Security mode and choose WPA2-PSK. This option will provide you with the strongest security. Lastly you'll need to set a WPA pre-shared key. This will be your network password and can be whatever you like. However bear in mind that a strong password is 14-20 characters in length and includes no personal information.

That's it! That's all there is to it. Just don't forget to save your changes before closing the page.

Possible Problems when Changing your WiFi Settings

After making these changes to your router you will almost definitely have to reconnect any previously connected devices. This is usually done at the device itself and not at your computer.

Setting up your Telkom Connection

Click on Settings, Dial-up and then Profile Management. Before making changes write down you current Profile Management settings just in case it is lost. Now click New Profile and enter the following info:

1. Profile name = Telkom SA (default)
   
2. User name = Leave blank
   
3. Password = Leave blank
   
4. IP type = IPv4
   
5. APN = unrestricted
   

Click Apply and Reboot your router.

Disable Firewall - Open Echolink and AllStar Ports

Disable Firewall - Once rebooted log in again and we will now open the ports for Echolink and if you run AllStar, that port as well. Click Settings, Security and Firewall Switch. Disable all items listed. We do not need a firewall as your computer already use a firewall. Just make an exception for Echolink and AllStar on you computers firewall. Google is you friend here as there are many operating systems and I cannot list a how to here. Click apply and then wait for confirmation. Your B315’s firewall is now disabled. Wait for confirmation.

Open Ports – Click Settings, Security, Virtual Server. Your virtual server list should be empty unless you added ports already. Click Add. If you do not run an AllStar node you need not open that port. Fill in the slots as shown above. The LAN IP Address is the IP Address that the router allocated to the computer that is connected to the B315s. The IP address that you must enter here must be the IP address of the computer which has the Echolink program installed. If you use another computer then that computers IP Address must be listed here. To find out what the computers IP Address is open a terminal command prompt window. Once again Google is your friend as there are many operating systems.

Now type ipconfig at the prompt and a window should open giving you information. Look for Ethernet Adapter Local Area Connection. Look or IPv4 Address and you should see the IP address of the current computer connected to the B315s (192.168.8.xx xx = a number.) Write the IP address down and enter this address at the virtual servers address. If you have the wrong IP address here your Echolink ports will not be open. Status must be ON and click OK. Add all the other ports as listed in the virtual server image. Click Apply and wait for confirmation.

Open Ports – Click Settings, Security, Special Applications. Your special applications list should be empty unless you added ports already. Click Add. If you do not run an AllStar node you need not open that port. Fill in the slots as shown above. Click Apply and wait for confirmation. Reboot your Huawei B315s and Computer.

Once rebooted you will have to login to your B315s. Make sure that you connect to Telkom on the Home screen of the B315s and that is displays connected with the two arrows in the green state. You should now be able to connect and receive Echolink / AllStar connections. Finally make sure that your Firewall on your computer list Echolink as an exception and does not block Echolink. Thats it!! Mine is working flawlessly.



Compiled by Johan ZS1I, Mossel Bay Date: 24 October 2019.

Latest World Wide Amateur Radio News

24 September 2021

 

Home Computing Pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair Dies

Pocket calculator inventor and home computing pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair died at his home on September 16 following a long illness. He was 81. Sinclair may have been best known for popularizing the home computer. Leaving school at 17, he worked for 4 years as a technical journalist to fund Sinclair Radionics and created the Sinclair Spectrum and the first computer, the Sinclair ZX-81. Many modern-day titans of the games industry got their start on one of his ZX models. Back in the day, the gamer’s computer of choice was either the ZX Spectrum 48K or its rival, the Commodore 64. Among his other inventions was a coin-sized radio. Despite his computer background, Sinclair declined to use the internet, email, or even computers. He also was involved in developing various personal transport systems, including an electric vehicle.

 

Clear Frequencies Requested for Possible Nicaragua Earthquake Traffic

IARU Region 2 Emergency Coordinator Carlos Alberto Santamaría González, CO2JC, has requested that radio amateurs in Central America avoid 7098 and 7198 kHz in the wake of an earthquake at 0957 UTC this morning (September 22) in Nicaragua.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the offshore magnitude 6.5 earthquake has also affected Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The earthquake was followed by another 4.0 temblor and other aftershocks of less intensity, as confirmed by Juan de la Cruz Rodríguez Pérez, YN1J, President and National Emergency Coordinator of the Club de Radio Experimentadores de Nicaragua (CREN). CREN is the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society for Nicaragua.

The earthquake occurred offshore in the North Pacific some 60 miles from Chinandega and approximately 52 miles southwest of the resort town of Jiquilillo, Nicaragua. The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 20 miles.

According to the Nicaraguan Institute for Territorial Studies, the event was related to the tectonic processes of the collision between the Cocos and Caribe tectonic plates.

Emergency communicator Juan de la Cruz, YN1J, requested the frequency protection.

No tsunami warning has been issued and there have been no immediate reports of damage.

According to the USGS, “Little or no landsliding is expected, but some landslides could have occurred in highly susceptible areas.” And, “The number of people living near areas that could have produced landslides in this earthquake is low, but landslide damage or fatalities are still possible in highly susceptible areas. This is not a direct estimate of landslide fatalities or losses.”

 

Radio Amateurs on Standby Following La Palma Volcanic Eruption

The Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palmas in Spain’s Canary Islands erupted for the first time in 50 years on Sunday, September 19, following an increase in seismic activity over the previous 7 days. The lava flow triggered the evacuation of more than 6,000 people so far. Authorities have deployed all the resources of the Canary Islands Government as well as military support from the mainland to manage the situation.

In order to facilitate communication into and out of the area, EMCOM-SPAIN has asked that the IARU Emergency Center of Activity Frequencies be kept clear in case the situation worsens: 3.760 MHz; 7.110 MHz; 14.300 MHz, and 21.360 MHz. — Thanks to IARU Region 1

Source:  ARRL

UPDATE 2: Keep the GRHub Radio's and Raspberry Pi's cool

  Just a short update on the 741 Op Amp Thermal Cooling Fan Controller.  I must say I am quite impressed on how this simple little circuit/project is performing.  Thus far it has run/operated perfectly.  It keeps the Motorola Radio cool.  Very little heat is present on the heat-sink even with long-winded conversations/broadcasts of more than 1 hour.  I spoke to my brother in law OM Nico ZS4N  over the weekend.  He ran one of the fan controllers on the then Aliwal North repeater for more than 5 years without any problems.  Today that very same controller is running in his Shack.

During a discussion on the SARL Forum mention was made of the LM358 Op Amp used in a thermal cooling fan controller project.  Well I have decided to build the 358 fan controller.  This fan controller also uses an output relay so it can basically switch/connect to any system to warn of an emergency, run as a fan controller, light source or sound device. I will start working on this fan controller soon and will provide feedback on its functionality.

I also intend to modify the current 741 Thermal Cooling Fan Controller currently used on the 145.550 Mhz link radio.  The modifications will provide me with the following:

• Led indicator when the fan is running (RED)
  
• Led indicator when the fan is not running (GREEN)
  
• Install a variable 10K trim-pot that enables me to adjust when the fan must turn on at different temperatures.

Another option also in the back of my mind is to use a timer for fan control. I am going to connect the timer to the radios PTT for logic control and the timer will fire a relay that runs the fan. The fan will run while in TX and then 10 mins after last PTT.  Underneath is the timer I will be using.  More on this project in a future post.

 Back to the workbench and lets see if I can build and modify the Thermal Cooling Fan Controller.

New Services: Amateur Radio World Wide News now available on the GRHub Network

 Two great broadcasting services are currently being rolled out over the GRHub Network.

 (1.) You will be able to listen to various amateur radio news bulletins on the GRHub Network. I contemplate to bring you the following Audio Bulletins in different weekly time-slots:

1. ARRL Radio News
2. Amateur Radio Newsline
3. Wireless Institute of Australia National News
4. New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) 
5. Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Club Bulletin (Heruitsending)
   
6. .........
7. .........
8. .........
9. .........
10. .........
    

 Update to follow as the roll-out is implemented. Fixed broadcasting time-slots will be posted in the pages section under  News Bulletins, Nets, Link Connections etc.

(2.) The second service will be Breaking Amateur Radio World Wide News, bulletins etc on the Garden Route Hub Network Blog.  This service will be in the form of written posts on this Blog.  Visit the Garden Route Hub Network Blog daily to check for the latest breaking world wide amateur radio news.

The above will surely be a further improvement to the Garden Route Hub Network Services.  Full credit will be given to all the organizations that provide bulletins and news inserts.

I would like to invite radio amateurs and clubs to submit audio or written news bulletins or links to the Garden Route Hub Network for broadcasting on the Network.  Send info by clicking HERE.

The Garden Route Hub Network now has a Swop Shop (Ruil Winkel)

 

What is an amateur radio web-site with a Swop Shop?  Answer =  A place of interest for many!!

The Swop Shop is to provide a facility for radio amateurs to trade amateur radio and electronic equipment they no longer want or use.  If you want to swop equipment you are more than welcome to send and email to Johan ZS1I  by clicking HERE.

It you have any electronic "junk" lying around and you want to donate it to the Garden Route Hub Network send me an email.   All funds earned from the sale of the "junk" will go towards the expansion of the GRHub Network.  This way you clean up your shack and help to expand the network. 

Many of you will remember that I had several successful WhatsApp auctions of amateur radio equipment in the past. Auctions are time consuming and a schlep especially if buyers do not co-operate.  I decided to go the Swop Shop route here on a first come, first serve basis.

Invitation:  It is Spring time. Now is the time to spring clean the Shack. 

More information and images available HERE. 

Time out Timer on the ZS1I RF Radio Link (145.550 Mhz), Mossel Bay

 I have noticed that the RF Radio Link (145.550 Mhz) time out when:

1.  News Bulletins and conversations are longer than 15 minutes.  I will however reset the RF Link during bulletins and you might lose the odd word or two.

2.  To short a time spacing ("break") is left between overs.  You are to quick on the trigger as we call it in amateur radio lingo.   This happens regularly on many links and repeaters all over the world. 

Please - Keep transmissions as short as possible, so more people can use the network. Again, long transmissions could prevent someone with an emergency from getting the chance to call for help through the network. All links and repeaters encourage short transmissions by "timing out" (shutting down for a few minutes) when someone gets long-winded. The time-out timer also prevents the links and repeater from transmitting continuously, due to distant signals or interference. A continuously transmitting link or repeater could cause unnecessary interference. Continuous operation can also damage radios and equipment.

There will be hick-ups in the beginning to "iron out".  Please expect glitches from time to time on the GRHub Network until the network is stable.  This is a learning curve for me and we all know that Linux can be unforgiving at times.  The network is improved on a daily basis and is currently stable.  However by adding new functions and making changes the network can become unstable and can even crash.  Thanks for Reboot, Reset and Restart the network can quickly be restored.

I hear many shout .... that is the Internet, unreliable ..... I suggest you rather use real RF radios.  Well we do use real radios and the internet is not needed to run a node or server.  I am busy looking into creating a back-up system should the Internet fail.  More on this in future posts. 

145.550 Mhz RF signal from the ZS1I 49355 link node

Many factors play a roll in getting a good signal and clear audio between two stations.  We as radio amateurs only know this to well.  So no explanation needed here.  With the new Diamond X50 installed I decided to play around with Radio Mobile.

This software is a tool used to predict the performance of a radio system. It uses digital terrain elevation data for automatic extraction of path profile between an emitter and a receiver. 

This data is added to system, environmental and statistical parameters to feed the Irregular Terrain Model radio propagation model

Elevation data is also used to produce virtual maps in background.  More on Radio Mobile by VE2DBE available HERE and HERE.

I compiled a few images with Radio Mobile Online.  Please note that all the images I compiled were done with basic information and no experience. There will be discrepancies  and output is not 100% correct.  For more accurate calculations I need to make a study of the software and how to use it.  (Not currently a priority) However it gives a good enough indication between two stations.  One should also take into account that atmospheric propagation conditions on VHF and UHF change regularly and we know what happens when the "bands open"

Images and description underneath:

ZS1I 145.550 Mhz Link

 

 

Current coverage 145.550 Mhz

Current coverage 145.550 Mhz enlarged

 

Current coverage 145.550 Mhz enlarged - George area

Predicted coverage 145.550 Mhz. 12m antenna height at ZS1I Base

Predicted coverage 145.550 Mhz. 12m antenna height Close-up George Area

ZS1I 433.550 Mhz Link

Current coverage 433.550 Mhz

Current coverage 433.550 Mhz enlarged

Current coverage 433.550 Mhz enlarged - Close-up George area

 

Predicted coverage 433.550 Mhz. 12m antenna height at ZS1I Base

 

 

 

                      Predicted coverage 433.550 Mhz. 12m antenna height Close-up George Area

   Finally:  To me it is always a challenge if I cannot receive a station or repeater "full quieting" or at least a good audible signal.  If I cannot work a station with a quarter wave antenna, I use a Yagi. Some years ago I overheard a conversation between two radio amateurs where one pointed out that if he cannot access the repeater with a handheld radio, then the repeater is of no use to him.  Sir if you stay 100 km away from a repeater with terrain between you and the repeater you surely will not be able to access the repeater at all or on a daily basis with a handheld.  I do not reprimand or down-run this opinion but use it to illustrate that there are ways to prevent a scratchy RF signal from a base station on simplex, although there are limitations.

If you receive a scratchy signal from the ZS1I 49355 link node  on 145.550 Mhz, make a plan or use AllStar or Echolink to get into the world wide network.  If you need any advise or help, contact me for assistance.  I will gladly help you to access the GRHub Network.

The new "kid on the block" has arrived!

 

 As the title of the post indicate the new "kid",  Hytera MD785G Radio has arrived. No bragging here as this radio will play a major roll in the Garden Route Hub Network and maybe there are other local radio amateurs in the Garden Route that would like to join me in this venture. 

 My first impressions of this DMR radio is that it is well built and easy to operate.  I intend to compile review videos on YouTube in future regarding equipment and radios I use for the Garden Route Hub Network.  The only aspect that keeps me from making videos is to show my ugly face to the world.  Hopefully I can work around this aspect.

My thanks to Dirk ZS1DRK for the great service and providing of information relating to this radio during the purchase transaction.  It is really a pleasure doing business this way.

Here is a few images of the radio.  Lookout for an update on this project.

 

RF VHF Radio link connected and activated on the 49355 AllStar Node.

More images at the bottom of this post.

 

My previous notification and post listed HERE refers.

Well a second RF Radio Link has now been added to the Garden Route Hub Network.  This time it is in the VHF spectrum on a frequency of 145.550 Mhz Simplex. 

I will provide more information for the benefit of radio amateurs not living in the reception area but that visits the Mossel Bay area from time to time but especially during the holiday seasons.  Hopefully we can in future "cover" the greater Garden Route Area as more links and nodes are established in the area.

In the previous notification listed above I mentioned that I was busy upgrading the radio and hardware to the 49355 AllStar node, radio, antenna and hardware.  Here is a list of the upgrades:

• Installed a new Diamond X50 Dual Band VHF/UHF Antenna  See my post HERE
  
• Installed new RG58CU Mil Spec CoAx cable. (Note:  I hear many shout why not LMR400 or something better?  Money....money...money is the answer.) However the cable run is about 10m long.  So far or until a sponsor comes to light the RG58 will have to do.
• New PL259 (Bakelite) Connectors were installed.  No,  no N-Type or Suhner Connectors.   Once again money or a donation is needed. 
• SWR - See my post HERE
• Radio -  Modified Motorola Radius M100 VHF Radio. COR circuit mod as well as audio out connector and disconnect switch fitted.  Fan Controller thermistor fitted to radio heatsink.
  
• Fan Controller for the Motorola Radio  See my post HERE and HERE.
• Make up connecting cable for Motorola radio to AllStar Node 49355 Sound Card Fob and Audio Out from radio.
• Setting up and configure SimpleUSB-tune-menu for the Motorola Radio on the 49355 AllStar node.
• Perform several test transmissions for level adjustments.
• Test the 49355 Node connected to the VHF RF Link extensively.  Also tested Hardware, Software and Function Commands.

After all the upgrades were done, the RF Link is now open for general use and reports.  Please note that the RF Link might be switched off for short periods as fine tuning is done to further enhance the system.  As this is not classified as an unmanned/unattended station the RF Link will be offline (switched off)  from 21h00 - 06h00 the next morning.

General Information:

Please follow the guidelines and "rules" as listed HERE, HERE and HERE.  The system/network is open for use by any licensed radio amateur.  The Garden Route Hub Network is not a club nor is it affiliated to any.  It is a network build, maintained and operated by individual operators who utilize available capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of amateur radio for the benefit and enjoyment of all radio amateurs.  Lets be respectful of each other and follow best practices and regulations.

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 mighty qualify for the new "QRT Certificate" 

PHOTOS: