Time to set the record straight; further automation; information iro the GRHub Network; get your facts and information correct!
I received an email from a local radio amateur that wanted to know how do I connect and disconnect nodes and stations to the GRHub Network. He indicate that he observed that while listening on the RF Link and Echolink that an announcement was made that a node connects or disconnects at certain time intervals. He also wanted to know whether I sit in front of the computer throughout the day monitoring and connect or disconnect nodes. He further stated that I must not see the questions as "pfishing" about the system. He fully support me in operating the GRHub Network as I currently do. He just found it interesting that there is such a lot of activity and wanted to know how I operate the system.
Others might not agree with how the GRHub Network is operated with an RF Link connected to AllStar and Echolink. I was recently told that I operate a repeater on a simplex frequency. I am not even going to try and explain the general operating procedures other than to say that those who complain must please get their facts/information correct. I advise them to use Google Search to gain more knowledge about VOIP and RF Links before making bold statements and accusations. The complainant clearly illustrate his lack of knowledge in this regard. I am currently considering whether I should release any operating information in future however I believe in transparency. Enough lets continue.
Let me make it clear that the GRHub Network is NOT a unmanned device and that I need not apply for a special license or callsign. The GRHub Network is monitored continuously by me except when I am asleep but then the 145.550 Mhz RF Link is disconnected and not in operation. I have several means to monitor the GRHub Network. For those non-believers here is a list of monitoring devices including software I use:
- Web Browser - PC/Laptop
- Cellphone
- 2m/70cm HT Radio
- 2m/70cm Mobile Radio
- 2m/70cm Base Station Radio
- Mozilla Firefox
- MobaXterm
- WinSCP
- iaxRpt
- Zoiper
- Opera
- ConnectBot
- Connection and other Log Files
I can monitor virtually from any location locally, countrywide or worldwide and should there be any problem I can disconnect any station, node or even shutdown the GRHub Network. This can be done via the Web Browser, Cellphone, 145.550 Mhz RF Link or via an Emergency Halt Button. I have the options to use Supermon to normally connect/disconnect or via DTMF. On the RF Link I have DTMF to effect different functions and commands.
From the above can be seen that the GRHub Network can be monitored and controlled by various means and firmware. With this out of the way lets go to how do I connect/disconnect stations/nodes. I would advise readers to read more about this on the various web-sites relating to AllStar/Echolink/Voip.
I will only elaborate on how I connect and disconnect stations/nodes to the GRHub Network. I use the following methods:
- Manually connect/disconnect using a PC /Laptop (DTMF or Normal Function)
- Manually connect/disconnect using a Cellphone (DTMF or Normal Function)
- Manually connect/disconnect using a HT/Mobile or Base Station Radio (DTMF)
- Automatic connect/disconnect using a Cron Job (Setting up cron jobs for various nodes and options)
Please note that when using DTMF I will make an announcement to the effect. In the event of manual or automatic connect/disconnect the node/s will make an announcement to the effect. There might also be times on certain hubs that connect/disconnect announcements will be heard. Apart from the announcements a ZS1I call-sign beacon is transmitted over all GRHub Nodes and the RF Link. Please note I only touch here and there iro connect/disconnect.
I also have the option to connect to any node in monitor mode. Monitor mode is self explanatory. You will not be able to make contact via any station on this node if in monitor mode. This is quite useful listening to bulletins to prevent any "hogs/pigs" from causing interference to the bulletins or repeaters. Any activity on the GRHub Network is logged and audio recorded in the event of interference/problems of any type.
You might say that I hog the 145.550 Mhz Simplex Frequency in the Southern Cape to such an effect that others cannot use the frequency. Now this is a lot of hog-wash. The 145.550 Mhz frequency is open for use to any radio amateur as is the case with any other simplex frequency when it is not in use. Local amateurs can use the 145.550 Mhz Simplex Frequency any time if it is not occupied as is the case with other simplex frequencies. I studied local activity on 2m simplex frequencies for a month. Apart from the 145.500 and 145.525 frequencies which were used occasionally no other simplex frequency were used on two meters during the month of study. Update: 23/10/2021 10h00 I just heard a local station calling on the 145.550 Mhz link. "Is this frequency in use?" .... and then he called, Great operating procedure!!
To summarize:
- The GRHub RF Link/Network is not a repeater or unattended/unmanned system
- The GRHub Network is monitored extensively locally or from anywhere in the country
- The GRHub Network can be shutdown at any time should a problem occur
- Connect or Disconnect nodes via DTMF, manually or automatically.
- A ZS1I call-sign identity beacon is transmitted over all GRHub Nodes and the RF Link as required by the radio regulations.
- Any activity on the GRHub Network is logged and audio recorded in the event of interference/problems of any type.
- The 145.550 Mhz frequency is open for use to any radio amateur as is the case with any other simplex frequency when it is not in use.
Finally: Thank you to those who support and use the GRHub Network regularly. I hope the above information gave some radio amateurs more insight to how the GRHub Network is operated. I only touched on a few functions and issues here.
Please use the GRHub Network. 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.
