The GRHub Network is back online/on-air after several upgrades/updates and maintenance performed on the network.
As many of you might not know Linux is a great operating system but needs constant "fiddling" to keep it up to date and also to install new applications and futures. It is not like Windows where you just click on a button and a few seconds later software is installed. Be as it may I personally think that Linux is far better than Windows ..... debatable ......yes.
Here is a list of upgrades that were done:
- Installed a fan controller for the power supply of the Motorola Radio to keep it cool. I need not switch the fan on manually anymore.
- Upgrading Node 46765 firmware that enable me to automatically play any audio file or bulletins from a website or from a submitted file. This entails the auto download of say the ARRL bulletin and with a script I can now play the audio at a certain time and date without having to do anything on the node.
- Cleanup of both nodes temp and permanent files/programs not in use anymore.
- Modifying the electricity backup power supply for both nodes in the event that Eskom pulls a loadshedding stunt on us. Installed a new battery backup. The unit will now automatically switch over to battery power in the event of a power failure.
- Add a warning unit should the battery capacity fall below 11.1 volts. The unit will sound an alarm and switch off after 2 min of warning time. I am still not happy with this unit as I would like it to send telemetry/SMS to warn me should I be in town or mobile somewhere. I am looking to replace this unit once I found a better unit.
- I started working on another node to be a backup node should anything being done to the network. This will result in no down time/off the air for upgrades of updates and maintenance.
- Worked on the Connection Log files to differentiate between Internet and RF connections. Due to local interference from time to time I can now easily establish the source and take the necessary actions if any. I am strongly considering to install a cellphone auto cut-off board for the RF Link. This will allow me to cut off the RF Link should the DTMF and Disconnect Function not function as a result of interference. Watch this space.
- Setup several monitor "stations" for nodes as well as the RF Link. Auto audio recording of any activity on all nodes and the RF Link is now possible.
- Compiled an activity/idea list for future enhancements. A list of 10 ideas were jotted down. These could be of interest to many. More on this in a future post.
- Worked on some backup instruction manuals/files for AllStar, DMR, Linux and Radio Programming. As we all know one cannot remember every piece of information or how to.
- Finally: A few odds and ends and before you know it, it was time to go to bed again.
I am happy with the upgrades. Unfortunately there will be many more in future, hopefully without the need of shutting down the network.
My apology for any inconvenience in this regard.
