I worked on the NGAR Beacon yesterday. Set the calibration of the
frequency and monitored the beacon on the Yaesu FT817 as well as the
AirSpy SDR Program. The beacon transmits on 144.480 Mhz CW but is currently only active when testing for short periods. The original code did not include the use of an Oled Display Screen. Although a nice to have, I included the screen that display the following : DE ZS1I-B KF15BT *2m*. This is not a essential attribute to the beacon but it is great to have a digital screen that constantly display the beacon call sign, grids square as well as the type of beacon. It is currently on the two meter band but this will change on my return from Australia. I have a few ideas that could enhance the beacon but that will also only be implemented once I return home.
The circuit is a small +5 volt regulator circuit, which is useful
when experimenting with various electronic circuits. This circuit can
give +5 volt output at about 150 mA current, but it can be increased
to 1 Amp when good cooling (heatsink) is added to the 7805 regulator.
FEATURES:
· +5 Volt output
· Built-in
overheating protection
· Built-in overload
protection
· Very simple and
easy to build
· Very stable
output voltage
· Reliable
operation
· Common basic
components, readily available
· Minimal component
costs
+5 VOLT VOLTAGE
REGULATOR:
A Voltage Regulator
(also called a “regulator”) has only three legs. A regulator
converts varying input voltage and produces a constant “regulated”
output voltage. Voltage regulators are available in a variety of
outputs, typically 5 volts, 9 volts and 12volts ect. The last two
digits in the name indicate the output voltage. ( 7805 = 78 Positive
series; 05 Five-volt variant) The LM78** series of voltage regulators
are designed for positive output. For applications requiring negative
output the LM79** series is used.
Let's now have a
closer look at the components of the 5 volt regulator. This regulator
looks similar to a Transistor, but it is actually a complex
Integrated Circuit.
The circuit diagram below represents a typical use of a voltage
regulator.
COMPONENT LIST:
1. 7805 Regulator IC
(IC 7806,7809 and 7812 can also be used. Note that the last two
digits indicate the voltage output of the IC.)
2. 100 uF
Electrolytic Capacitor 25 Volt
3. 10 uF
Electrolytic Capacitor 25 Volt
4. 0.1 uF Ceramic
Capacitor 25 - 50 Volt
5. Printed Circuit
Board
6. Connecting Wire
(Red + Black)
7. Heatsink (To be
used when drawing full current from the 7805 IC.)
HOW IT WORKS:
The input voltage to
the regulator in our circuit should be between 8 – 12 volt DC. A
sound practice is to limit the input voltage to 2 to 3 volts above
the output voltage. The LM78XX series can handle up to 30 volts
input, but the power difference between the input voltage/current
ratio and output voltage/current ratio appears as heat. If the input
voltage is unnecessarily high the regulator will get very hot. Unless
sufficient heat-sinking is provided the regulator will shut down. The
100uF capacitor on the input side helps to maintain a constant input
into the regulator and helps with the smoothing of the input voltage.
The 10 uF capacitor on the output side assist the 0.1uF capacitor to
eliminate any high frequency pulses that could otherwise interfere
with the operation of the regulator and helps with the smoothing of
the output voltage.
Voltage regulators
are very robust. They can withstand over-current draw due to short
circuits and also over-heating. In both cases the regulator will shut
down before damage occurs. The only way to destroy a regulator is to
apply reverse voltage to its input. Reverse polarity destroys the
regulator almost instantly. To avoid this possibility you should
always use diode protection. This is especially important when using
12 volt battery supplies as it is common for people to 'test' the
battery by connecting it one way and then the other. Even this short
'test' would destroy the regulator if a protection diode were not
used. More on the protection diode later.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction is
simple and to the point. Refer to the component layout diagram to
ensure that all the parts are placed correctly on the PCB. Care
should be taken to install the polarized components as indicated. The
1N4001 protection diode does not feature on the circuit diagram and
was later added for protection. If you wish to omit the diode, it can
be replaced with a wire-link.
Component layout
diagram:
PCB OUTLAY:
For the convenience
of the homebrewer I have added the PCB Outlay for this project.
However this project is so simple that it could easily be constructed
on perfboard without any problems. Please note that the PCB is not to
scale. FINALLY:
I know that this
project can be adapted and altered in many ways. However I want to
keep it simple (KISS) and as indicated before this project is
intended for the new and inexperienced Homebrewer. I trust that this
little circuit will be the start of bigger projects for you the new
Homebrewer. Built it and enjoy the benefit of constructing your own
projects.
I know that there are many articles on the Internet relating to an
over-voltage protection unit for your power supply. However after
constructing the Heavy Duty Power Supply described by Andre ZS2ACP a
while ago in QSX, I looked again at the over voltage protection
circuitry. A thought came to mind that a separate PCB that hosts the
over voltage protection components could come in handy especially if
you have a power supply with no such protection. As this is a simple
project, I will not go into all the detail to construct the
protection circuitry other than providing you with the component
overlay (Fig. 1) and a photo of the prototype project. I changed the
PCB outlay to suite my needs and came up with a board as shown in
Fig. 2. (Not to scale) Just a word of advice. Use thick and short
wire on the input as well as the output side depending on the amount
of amps your power supply provides.
Above: Figure 1
Above: Schematic Diagram
COMPONENTS:
1. D1 = GREEN LED
2. R1 = 1K2
RESISTOR
3. K1 = RELAY 30
AMP AUTO 12 VOLT
4. K2 = RELAY
TAKAMISAWA RY5W-K
5. S1 = PUSH
SWITCH
6. Q1 = BC 108 OR
BC 109
7. R5 = 1K
RESISTOR
8. D2 = 13V ZENER
DIODE
9. R4 = 10K
RESISTOR
10. R2 = 470 OHM 5
WATT RESISTOR
11. C1 = 0.01
CAPACITOR
12. C2 = 0.0001
CAPACITOR
13. C3 = 0.1
CAPACITOR
14. R3 = 470 OHM
RESISTOR
15. D3 = RED LED
Above: Figure 2 (Not to scale)
Enjoy building this handy little unit. It could save you a lot of
tears if your power supply decides to go “silent key”.
The "Net
Sonder Naam" Net now meets every Sunday afternoon 10 minutes after the
"Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Klub" bulletin. The NSN-Net typically runs
around hour and a half in length depending on how
large the net is and how many topics there are for discussion.
This Net is not a Club Activity!! It is constituted by
interested radio amateurs in South Africa and even Worldwide and is
open to all radio amateurs.
ABOUT THE NET:
The preferred languages will be English and Afrikaans. You
use the language of your preference. The net provides a forum for
participants to discuss amateur radio topics, ask amateur radio
related questions, and to receive advice, information, and guidance
from the pool of knowledge and experience of the net participants.
The net is open to all amateurs worldwide and we encourage your
participation. We hope you have a little time on Thursday evenings
to report in and say hello.
ORDER OF THE NET:
The following is the order of segments of the NSN - Net : Rapport in,
Welcoming, Apologies, Announcements, Radio amateurs new to the Net,
Weekly topic, Lippe Klap Tyd / Lip Slap Time, Date and time of next NSN - Net and Closure.
WEEKLY TOPIC:
Every week we choose a topic question and ask it to each participant.
If you have an amateur radio related topic or survey question that you'd
like the net participants to discuss, we'd love to get your suggestions
and input. Please email your topic suggestions by clicking HERE. If you
prefer that your name/call not be used when we pose your topic to the net,
please state so in your email and we'd be glad to respect your privacy.
This weeks topic:
"Is amateur radio an expensive hobby? To start with and to continue in. "
" Is amateur radio 'n duur stokperdjie? Om mee te begin en vol te hou."
Join
us on the NSN Net were we will discuss the above question. What
is very important is that we hear your opinion, suggestions and ideas in
this regard.
"LIPPE KLAP TYD / LIP SLAP TIME": (If time permits)
The question: What did you do in amateur radio this week? / Wat het jy die afgelope week in Amateur Radio gedoen?
Tell us about your ventures in amateur radio this past week.
FEEDBACK NSN NET:
Every week I will post feedback on what happened on the NSN Net. The posting will be available on the GRHub Network Blog and
Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group. I will only provide a short
overview. If you would like to know more then I suggest you join the
weekly Net.
JOINING THE NET:
You can access the Net as follow:
Echolink
- Connect to ZS1I-L, ZS1FC-L, ZS3KBY-R, ZS6WDL-R or ZS5PMB-R Please note if the
last 4 stations is not connected to ZS1I-L then you need to connect to
ZS1I-L for the NSN Net.
AllStar - Connect to node 49355 ZS1I or 28052 ZS5PMB-R
VHF - 145.550 Mhz Simplex in the Mossel Bay area. Remember the 88.5 khz CTCSS tone
Any other Echolink, AllStar repeater or link station that is connected to either ZS1I-L.
Use of your cellphone by installing Echolink on your phone
By means of a Network Radio example Enrico TM8 etc.
FINALLY:
Please feel free to join us this Sunday afternoon, 29 May 2022 at around 15h30 SAST. We are
all looking forward to your company and inputs in this regard. Please
also tell your amateur radio friends about the Net. Get rid of that daily stress and enjoy a
good hour or two in the company of amateur radio friends.
Do you still use a pen and paper to write down call-signs of radio amateurs that report in to your weekly bulletin/s? Nothing wrong if you use the pen and paper logging system. However you and all those that report in can use a program called Netlogger to view and log stations. The NSN Net will use Netlogger this coming Sunday to test the program. I am sure it will be of great help to a net controller and also to all participants to see who is on the net and to receive Net information.
What is NetLogger
NetLogger is a
logging program that can use the internet to transmit check-in
information to other users of NetLogger. Net participants that are
‘monitoring’ the net with NetLogger receive updated information
every twenty seconds.
NetLogger also has
features designed to make logging check-ins easier. For instance, if
you use a callbook program like QRZ!, ClubLog, LOTW, HamCall, Sam
Database, or Radio Amateur Callbook, information like name, city, and
state can be filled in for you automatically.
There is also a
“Club Profile” feature that enables you to store and
automatically display station information not found in a callbook
database.
Other features of
NetLogger include support for importing/exporting data in ADIF and
CSV format, a built-in contact database that supports complex
searching, automatic entry of UTC, date and time when logging
contacts, viewing of upcoming net schedules on-line, ability to post
your own net schedule, ability to send a list of check-ins to an
email reflector, ability to print QSL labels, mailing labels and
contacts, plus many other features.
Who uses NetLogger?
NetLogger can be
used by anyone. As net control operator I use the program to track
all check-ins to the NSN-Net. With the built-in “almost instant
messaging” window, participants can send messages between net
control operator or other members using the app to monitor the net.
Within our Net,
members can use the program to just monitor who has checked-in, as
well as communicate using the built-in “Almost Instant Messaging”
window.
How do I get Net
Logger?
You can download Net
Logger by going to this page: http://netlogger.org/download.php
Select your
version based on your computer and version of windows or mac.
Enter your
Callsign and e-mail address
Click “Download”
Once Net Logger
has been downloaded, run it to install the program.
Open Net Logger
How do I use Net
Logger?
For most of our net
participants, all you have to do is start the program, click on the
“Select Net” button, and then click on our net “NSN-Net Mossel
Bay South Africa” and then click on “Monitor Net”. If you want
to, you can then click on the button “AIM Window” to open the
Almost Instant Messenger window.
At this point, you
should be able to use NetLogger.
To end the net,
Click on the “Close Net” button, and when the next screen pop’s
up, select “Yes”
(These directions
assume you are using the latest version of NetLogger 3.1.7)
If you get stuck, GOOGLE is your friend.
PS. In future we will try to get all the NSN-Net participants to use NetLogger if they so wish. It will definately of great use especially the "Almost Instant Messaging" feature.
Do give NetLogger a try, you will not be disappointed!!
Worked on the NGAR Beacon yesterday. Checked the calibration of the frequency and monitored the beacon on the Yaesu FT817 as well as the AirSpy SDR Program. The frequency need some further calibration. I am quite surprised by the "lack or absence" of higher harmonic frequencies on 144.480 Mhz. I am sure there are some lurking around as my SDR receiver has been modified to keep out noise and other nasty things. So a low pass filter (s) will be needed once I decided on which frequency (s) and band (s) I will be using the beacon. RF output is currently round about 10mW and I need to amplify this in future depending on the type of beacon and spectrum.
Here is another "What is in the Box?" As stated before we do not have a
local emporium that sells electronic components. I have to order
components from the big cities. Be as it may, receiving a parcel with
goodies is always exiting. The components will be used in linking Zello with AllStar on the GRHub Network and the Oled Screen will be used in the next generation beacon project for the Southern Cape. Unfortunately all the projects have come to a halt due to the fact that I leave for Australia soon. I will however on my return start working on the projects again.
The GRHub Network will be off-line/off air for 8 weeks. I will soon be leaving for a visit to Australia which will necessitate the shutdown of the GRHub Network in the Mossel Bay area. This does not mean that the ZS-Link Network will be off-line or off the air. Despite the GRHub Network not being operational for 8 weeks the following link networks will still be operational during this period. They are:
ZS1FC-L West Coast Link
ZS5PMB -R Pietermaritzburg Repeater Network
ZS6WDL-R Panbult Repeater and Zello Network
ZS0JPL-R Pretoria Repeater Network
ZS3KBY-R Kimberley Repeater
ZS6CMO-R Alberton Area
From time to time there are also other repeaters/links connected to the above networks. This will be controlled by the network controllers.
I would like to thank everyone who will be keeping the ZS-Link Network running in my absence but not only for this period but also for regularly connecting the links together to create more band activity. Radio amateurs who connected to the GRHub Network can connect to any of the above stations during my visit to Australia. I will attempt to say "Hi" from time to time on Echolink from Australia.
WEEKLY BULLETINS BROADCAST BY THE GRHUB NETWORK
There will be no transmissions of scheduled or automated amateur radio news bulletins by the GRHub Network during this 8 week period. However bulletins will be transmitted by ZS1FC-L and ZS5PMB-R from time to time. Thanks to Chris ZS1FC and Koos ZS5KDK for their willingness to assist in this regard.
THE NSN - NET WILL STILL TAKE PLACE ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
The NSN Net will still take place on a Sunday afternoon 10 minutes after the Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Bulletin. Thys ZS1TBP will be the net controller. Thys will make the necessary announcements in this regard for the period.
THE GRHUB NETWORK BLOG AND SARL FORUM
There will be no updates on the GRHub Network Blog as well as the SARL Forum during my visit to Australia
I apologize for any inconvenience in this regard but the ZS-Link and NSN NET is in good hands and will continue as before. One person does not make this network or net. My thanks to all the roll-players in this regard. I am sure I will enjoy the break and will be visiting a few Australian Clubs to hopefully share my experiences when I return to South Africa in July 2022.
I will issue updates as soon as I get final dates of departure, hopefully by the end of this week.
The 15 th NSN - Net was held yesterday
afternoon. Great input by all, even some "controversial" content but
this shows that the Net is open to freedom of speech and that our
participants is open minded when it comes to amateur radio matters. I
would like to thank all those that participated in the Net in the past.
Your input makes the net what it is today. A really special Net and
something different from the ordinary get-to-together's on the air.
Yesterday
many suggestions and new ideas were placed on the table for future food
for thought iro Amateur Radio Contests. Many great ideas and
suggestions surfaced that can be implemented and used to hopefully
attract more people to amateur radio.
If you missed the Net than you missed a wide variety of view points relating to this question.
As
stated before, those that participated
in the Net
ensure the continuation of the Net. The "Net Sonder Naam/Net without
Name" is not a one person
en-devour or club activity but belongs to every radio amateur that
participate. I request listeners to report in by just telling us that
you will be listening or to actively participate. Just a reminder the
net is open to all radio amateurs and you use the language of your preference!!
The following radio amateurs, repeaters and links were logged:
Chris ZS1FC
Koos ZS5KDK
Thys ZS1TBP
Johan ZS1I
Corne ZS1COR
Heather ZS5YH
ZS1FC-L West Coast Link
Curtis ZS6CMO
ZS5KDK-R Pietermartizburg Repeater
ZS3KBY-R Kimberley Repeater
ZS4RUM
ZS1I-R Mossel Bay
APOLOGIES:
Christi ZS4CGR
WEEKLY TOPIC:
Every week we choose a topic question and ask it to each participant.
If you have an amateur radio related topic or survey question that you'd
like the net participants to discuss, we'd love to get your suggestions
and input. Please email your topic suggestions by clicking HERE. If you
prefer that your name/call not be used when we pose your topic to the net,
please state so in your email and we'd be glad to respect your privacy.
This weeks topic:
Amateur Radio Contests ....... what do you love, hate about amateur radio contests?
Amateur Radio Kompetisies ......... Waarvan hou jy of haat jy tov amateur radio kompetisies?
This weeks question might be seen as controversial but it is far from it.
A coin has two sides:
This topic contains the perspectives of both sides and is made up of my own experiences and those of avid contesters.
MOAN AND GROAN PERSPECTIVE:
Nothing good comes from amateur radio contests!
Contests are for people who enjoy wasting their time!
Contests cause QRM across the bands!
Contesters can be inconsiderate to other band users!
Contest contacts are pointless and fake exchanges!
Contests do not contribute to experimenting, research and development!
Contests are on every weekend! (To many contests.)
Amateur radio has become an annoying contest hobby!
CONTESTERS PERSPECTIVE:
Contests drive band activity!
Contests are rapid paced fun!
Contesting forcing station and operating improvements!
Opportunity to work a lot of rare DX or Stations!
Opportunity for radio amateurs with no shack to setup portable and be guaranteed contacts!
Contests create great outings and companionship!
Contests provide new operating challenges!
Contests provide the opportunity to enhance your profile and the profile of your station!
Many contesters work towards operating awards!
The hobby of amateur radio has a lot of different activities to
participate in. Radio contesting is one of those fun activities that
almost anyone can enjoy. The basic objective on most radio contests
is to make as many radio contacts as possible which is influenced by
the scoring method used for the contest. That is, some contacts may
be worth more points than other contacts and there are score
“multipliers” for such things as the number of countries worked,
number of states worked, etc.
The key thing to keep in mind is that it should also be fun. You
really will only be competing against yourself. I have a saying:
“Play the ball and not the man!” This should also be the case in
amateur radio contests. In the early stages
of contesting it is very easy to pick up bad habits and get the wrong
impression of contests. Remember the rules are there for everyone
participating and must be adhere to by all taking part in the
contest! Show that you abide to the amateur radio code at all times.
Finally: Many NSN Net participants are of the opinion that contests are just another facet of amateur radio; that contesters are rude and talk over each other; sit on one frequency; move around all over the frequency allocation; great outing; must be supported by other radio amateurs; you only hear certain radio amateurs during contests and not on other activities; non-contesters must get involved to give away points; compete against yourself, to see how big of a score you can achieve. Do not be discouraged when contesters "talk over each other", cause artificial QRM etc. Remember it is a contest not a rag-chew party! Contesting is not for everybody as is many other facets of amateur radio. There is a place in amateur radio for every radio amateur. If you new to the hobby give contests a try and see if you like it, if not try another facet of amateur radio!
"LIPPE KLAP TYD / LIP SLAP TIME :
The question: What did you do in amateur radio this week? / Wat he t jy die week in amateur radio gedoen? Tell us about your ventures in amateur radio this past week.
Unfortunately we ran out of time and the "Lippe Klap / Lip Slap had to stand over for a future net.
There
you have it. A short summary of events that took place yesterday
afternoon during the NSN - Net.
Can you provide more activities?
Please join us. This is not a club activity but the Net is open to all radio amateurs. Your presence will be most welcome. We need you
expertise!!
If there is any questions you can contact me via email by clicking HERE.
All that remains is the next date for the NSN Net. "The
next gathering will take place in the new time-slot on Sunday, 29 May
2022. The NSN Net will start 10 minutes after the Bo Karoo Amateur
Radio Bulletin broadcast.
Please take note of the change of day and time as to ensure that you can join us for
another interesting Net. A big thank you to those that reported in last
night.. Highly appreciated!!
The next NSN - Net will take place today on the 22 May 2022 ten minutes after the Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Klub bulletin.
ORDER OF THE NET:
Every week we choose a topic question and ask it to each participant.
If you have an amateur radio related topic or survey question that you'd
like the net participants to discuss, we'd love to get your suggestions
and input. Please email your topic suggestions by clicking HERE. If you
prefer that your name/call not be used when we pose your topic to the net,
please state so in your email and we'd be glad to respect your privacy.
This weeks topic:
Amateur Radio Contests ....... what do you love, hate about amateur radio contests?
Amateur Radio Kompetisies ......... Waarvan hou jy of haat jy tov amateur radio kompetisies?
This weeks question might be seen as controversial but it is far from it.
Please take a minute to read through the following statements by some radio amateurs:
Nothing good comes from amateur radio contests!
Contests are for people who enjoy wasting their time!
Contests cause QRM across the bands!
Contesters can be inconsiderate to other band users!
Contest contacts are pointless and fake exchanges!
Contests do not contribute to experimenting, research and development!
Contests are on every weekend! (To many contests.)
Amateur radio has become an annoying contest hobby!
Join
us on the NSN Net were we will look at the above "statements" and also
hear the contesters perspective of the good or bad of contesting. What
is very important is that we hear your opinion, suggestions and ideas in
this regard.
"LIPPE KLAP TYD / LIP SLAP TIME": (Time Permitting)
The question: What did you do in amateur radio this week? / Wat het jy die afgelope week in Amateur Radio gedoen?
Tell us about your ventures in amateur radio this past week.
JOINING THE NET:
You can access the Net as follow:
Echolink
- Connect to ZS1I-L, ZS1FC-L, ZS3KBY-R, ZS6WDL-R or ZS5PMB-R Please note if the
last 4 stations is not connected to ZS1I-L then you need to connect to
ZS1I-L for the NSN Net.
AllStar - Connect to node 49355 ZS1I or 28052 ZS5PMB-R
VHF - 145.550 Mhz Simplex in the Mossel Bay area. Remember the 88.5 khz CTCSS tone
Any other Echolink, AllStar repeater or link station that is connected to either ZS1I-L.
Use of your cellphone by installing Echolink on your phone
By means of a Network Radio example Enrico TM8 etc.
FINALLY:
Please feel free to join us this Sunday afternoon, 22 May 2022 at around 15h30 SAST. We are
all looking forward to your company and inputs in this regard. Please
also tell your amateur radio friends about the Net. Get rid of that daily stress and enjoy a
good hour or two in the company of amateur radio friends.
I am still not sure if it will be a LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, or microwave beacon? Does not matter at this stage. The main object here is to get the hardware and firmware to talk to each other. I managed to connect all the modules together and did a test run. Well it is running and I could hear the signal on 144.480 Mhz but need to check the signal output on a scope for harmonics and calibration. In the meantime here is a short video of the "beacon" running on the workbench. I will try to work on the project later today to calibrate the frequency and check the wave signal output. I need to come to a decision on what band and frequency this beacon will run and if I am going to use it as a 3 in 1 beacon. I will also look at amplification and low pass filter designs. So far I am quite happy with the outcome. Updates to follow.
I wish all the RAE Candidates the best for the examination this
morning (21 May 2022). Your adventure has just started in amateur
radio and remember it is a life long adventure and not only a few
months. You will learn many things throughout your amateur radio
career.
I am a bit late with
the wishes but rather late then never. We hope to hear many of you on
the air soon. We welcome you to the Amateur Radio hobby and look
forward to "show you the ropes" in this wonderful hobby.
More information on the RAE including costs available HERE.
A big thank you must also go to all the lecturers, assessors and invigilators for their hard work and time, highly appreciated!!
Finally: Once you receive your amateur radio license you're more than welcome to join us on the ZS-Link Network via Echolink or via the RF Links (if available in your area). I will gladly assist you in connecting and joining us on the ZS-Link Network.
HERE and HERE I described the build of my ZS1I 80 Meter Beacon and Morse Code Continuous Wave
(CW) beacon keyer. As can be seen from the articles the design is fairly old. This set me thinking and I decided to build the next generation propagation beacon consisting of various integrated modules. Will it be a LF, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, or microwave beacon? Well it might be a 3 in 1 beacon. Possibly HF, VHF and UHF. For now this is not important and I will make a decision in this regard later.
I am going to use a Arduino Nano as the "brain" of the beacon. I programmed the Nano today and tested it on the work bench. So far so good! Here is a video of the "brain" in action.
I am still looking at various options and types of beacons. In my opinion a beacon is used to check propagation on the amateur radio bands so that
operators can assess whether a frequency band is usable at that
moment to the part of the world where the beacon is situated. But there is also WSPR (pronounced "whisper") which stands for "Weak Signal
Propagation Reporter". It is a protocol, implemented in a
computer program, used for weak-signal radio communication between
amateur radio operators. The protocol was designed, and a program
written initially, by Joe Taylor, K1JT. The software code is now open
source and is developed by a small team. The program is designed for
sending and receiving low-power transmissions to test propagation
paths on the MF and HF bands.
WSPR implements a
protocol designed for probing potential propagation paths with
low-power transmissions. Transmissions carry a station's callsign,
Maidenhead grid locator, and transmitter power in dBm. The program
can decode signals with a signal-to-noise ratio as low as −28 dB in
a 2500 Hz bandwidth. Stations with internet access can
automatically upload their reception reports to a central database
called WSPRnet, which includes a mapping facility.
Enough for now. Hopefully in Part 2 I will be able to reveal more about the beacon(s) that I intend to put on the air. Watch this space!
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) has received
schedule confirmation for an ARISS radio contact with astronauts. ARISS
is the Group that puts together special amateur radio contacts between
students around the globe and crew members with ham radio licenses on
the International Space Station. (ISS)
The contact was live
streamed by the GRHub Network onto Echolink (ZS1I-L),
AllStar (49355) and the 145.550 Mhz Simplex Link in the Mossel Bay area
as scheduled for May 20, 2022 at14h26 SAST
Telebridge via
ZS6JON 12:26 UTC - downlink
145,800 MHz over South Africa šæš¦
Unfortunately from now on there
will be no recorded audio file available on the Blog of the contact. I
encourage radio amateurs to connect to ZS1I-L on Echolink or 49355 on AllStar to listen to future contacts.
(Click on images for larger view.)
It was a telebridge contact via amateur radio and students took turns asking their questions to Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti amateur radio call sign IZ0UDF.
The downlink frequency for this contact was 145.800 MHZ and was heard live by Thys ZS1ITBP, Johan ZS1I and maybe others that were within the ISS-footprint that also
encompasses the telebridge station in the South Africa run by John ZS6JON. The above video was received from Thys ZS1ITBP that was stationary mobile in Port Elizabeth during the telebridge contact. The voice of Samantha Cristoferetti can clearly be heard. A big thank you to Thys for the video as my hands were tied up in relaying the contact on the GRHub Network with one ear on 145.800 Mhz in Mossel Bay.
A big thank you to the following entities that made this contact and relay a reality:
Samantha Cristoferetti IZ0UDF (On board ISS)
Ferrario Gianpietro IZ2GOJ (Italy)
ARISS
John ZS6JON and his wife (South Africa)
Thys ZS1TBP (Stationary Mobile Port Elizabeth)
All the Students that asked over 40 questions
All the other people that made this event possible and assisted in which ever way
More information on the Forum Accademico Italiano: Click HERE and HERE (Use translate)
About ARISS:
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is a
cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the
space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). In
the United States, sponsors are the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation
(AMSAT), the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the ISS National
Lab-Space Station Explorers, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC)
and NASA’s Space communications and Navigation program. The primary
goal of ARISS is to promote exploration of science, technology,
engineering, the arts, and mathematics topics. ARISS does this by
organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members
aboard the ISS and students. Before, during and after these radio
contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities take part in
hands-on learning activities tied to space, space technologies, and
amateur radio. For more information, see www.ariss.org .
In continuing to find ways to introduce amateur radio to the youth, we need to look what happened in the past. Here is video how young people enjoyed amateur radio years ago. This is not the case today. The audio clip underneath hopefully gives and insight why there is little time for the youth in amateur radio today and how grandfathers and mothers can create an interest in amateur radio amongst their grand children.
Afrikaans Audio Clip - Click HERE to listen or download the file.
I do not claim that this is how interest should be created but we need to investigate various methods to hopefully create an interest in amateur radio by the youth. Many things have changed through the years and we must come up with new methods to assure the future of youth in amateur radio. If you have any suggestions on how to get the youth involved please email your suggestions to me by clicking HERE.
I received several requests to make information available about the
137 Mhz Weather Satellite Equipment I use to download images from
NOAA Weather Satellites. I will start with the antenna being used. I
tried several antennas in the past which included crossed dipoles,
yagi's, QFH antennas ect. They were all working but I was still
plagued by loss of signal which resulted in stripes, lines and dots
on the actual picture. I even went so far as to build a pre-amp to
use with these antennas, but the pre-amp just amplified the problem.
I came across an article written by RenĆØ ZS1VR. He described how to
homebrew (build) a Quad antenna for 137 Mhz. One of the
pre-requisites for reception of a weather satellite images is that
the antenna must have a wide-reception angle to eliminate the "null"
areas as this ensures a clean and "interference" free
picture.
Myself and Nico ZS4N
constructed the antenna from ordinary 15mm copper pipe with copper
and PVC couplings. 6 mm aluminum rod can also be used instead. Here
is the list of material you will need to build the copper pipe
version:
10 x 15mm copper
elbow joints
4 x 15mm copper
T-piece joints
2 x 15mm copper
end-caps
1 x 15mm PVC T-piece
joint
1 x 15mm PVC 4 joint
power box
1 x 15mm Length
copper pipe
1 x 15mm Length PVC
pipe
1 x 20 x 50 mm
Perspex
2 x 4 x 20mm Brass
Bolts
4 x 4mm Brass Nuts
2 x Electrical lugs
1 x 1m 75 Ohm Cable
( The best quality you can get.)
1 x PL259 and barrel
connector
1 x 1M Aluminum
Pipe. (15mm PVC must fit snugly into Alu pipe.)
2 x U clamps
Cable Ties
I will not go into
great detail here on how to construct the antenna as the photo's is
self explanatory. The antenna exist of two elements. There is a
driver element and a reflector element. Outside measurement of the
driver element (quad) is 54.5cm and the reflector element is 57.6 cm.
The spacing between the two elements is 41.0cm. Photos here under
show the feeding point of the antenna. The two end caps are drilled
and a brass nut is soldered into place. I use a 75 ohm matching stub
with RG58CU Mil Spec coaxial cable. The matching stub length is a
1/4 wave length of 137Mhz.
Well this is the best homebrew weather satellite antenna I ever used. I received clean pictures with very little signal loss from the LOS. Will not use any other homebrew antenna.
The "Net
Sonder Naam" Net now meets every Sunday afternoon 10 minutes after the "Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Klub" bulletin. The NSN-Net typically runs around hour and a half in length depending on how
large the net is and how many topics there are for discussion.
This Net is not a Club Activity!! It is constituted by
interested radio amateurs in South Africa and even Worldwide and is open to all radio amateurs.
ABOUT THE NET:
The preferred languages will be English and Afrikaans. You
use the language of your preference. The net provides a forum for
participants to discuss amateur radio topics, ask amateur radio
related questions, and to receive advice, information, and guidance
from the pool of knowledge and experience of the net participants.
The net is open to all amateurs worldwide and we encourage your
participation. We hope you have a little time on Thursday evenings
to report in and say hello.
ORDER OF THE NET:
The following is the order of segments of the NSN - Net : Rapport in,
Welcoming, Apologies, Announcements, Radio amateurs new to the Net,
Weekly topic, Lippe Klap Tyd / Lip Slap Time, Date and time of next NSN - Net and Closure.
WEEKLY TOPIC:
Every week we choose a topic question and ask it to each participant.
If you have an amateur radio related topic or survey question that you'd
like the net participants to discuss, we'd love to get your suggestions
and input. Please email your topic suggestions by clicking HERE. If you
prefer that your name/call not be used when we pose your topic to the net,
please state so in your email and we'd be glad to respect your privacy.
This weeks topic:
Amateur Radio Contests ....... what do you love, hate about amateur radio contests?
Amateur Radio Kompetisies ......... Waarvan hou jy of haat jy tov amateur radio kompetisies?
This weeks question might be seen as controversial but it is far from it.
Please take a minute to read through the following statements by some radio amateurs:
Nothing good comes from amateur radio contests!
Contests are for people who enjoy wasting their time!
Contests cause QRM across the bands!
Contesters can be inconsiderate to other band users!
Contest contacts are pointless and fake exchanges!
Contests do not contribute to experimenting, research and development!
Contests are on every weekend! (To many contests.)
Amateur radio has become an annoying contest hobby!
Join us on the NSN Net were we will look at the above "statements" and also hear the contesters perspective of the good or bad of contesting. What is very important is that we hear your opinion, suggestions and ideas in this regard.
"LIPPE KLAP TYD / LIP SLAP TIME":
The question: What did you do in amateur radio this week? / Wat het jy die afgelope week in Amateur Radio gedoen?
Tell us about your ventures in amateur radio this past week.
FEEDBACK NSN NET:
Every week I will post feedback on what happened on the NSN Net. The posting will be available on the GRHub Network Blog and
Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group. I will only provide a short
overview. If you would like to know more then I suggest you join the
weekly Net.
JOINING THE NET:
You can access the Net as follow:
Echolink
- Connect to ZS1I-L, ZS1FC-L, ZS3KBY-R, ZS6WDL-R or ZS5PMB-R Please note if the
last 4 stations is not connected to ZS1I-L then you need to connect to
ZS1I-L for the NSN Net.
AllStar - Connect to node 49355 ZS1I or 28052 ZS5PMB-R
VHF - 145.550 Mhz Simplex in the Mossel Bay area. Remember the 88.5 khz CTCSS tone
Any other Echolink, AllStar repeater or link station that is connected to either ZS1I-L.
Use of your cellphone by installing Echolink on your phone
By means of a Network Radio example Enrico TM8 etc.
FINALLY:
Please feel free to join us this Sunday afternoon, 22 May 2022 at around 15h30 SAST. We are
all looking forward to your company and inputs in this regard. Please
also tell your amateur radio friends about the Net. Get rid of that daily stress and enjoy a
good hour or two in the company of amateur radio friends.
In recent on the air
discussions several concerns were highlighted by me and others. I
will only mention five important and relevant concerns here:
1. Dramatic ambient
noise level on HF, VHF and even UHF
2. RAE candidates
"disappear" after writing the Exam.
3. Convincing the
youth to join our ranks is like asking them to "stay with us in
an old age home". With all do respect.
4. Our service to
communities as radio amateurs are in many cases not needed any more.
5. Cost to become a
radio amateur are outrageously high as is the cost of amateur radio
equipment.
Now it is fairly
easy to point the finger, voice concerns or outright complaining.
The aim here is to find solutions or come up with ideas to "turn
the boat around."
My humble possible
solutions to the above 5 issues:
1. To solve the
noise on HF, VHF and UHF will be very difficult if not completely
impossible. Live with it? Yes unfortunately. Authorities will not
be able to solve the problem. It has already gone to far.
Alternative: We will have to look at other means of using the
amateur radio spectrum that can either overrun or run parallel with
the noise. Digital modes might be an option. Any suggestions?
2. This is a
difficult one. You can take a "horse to the water but you
cannot make him drink." Why do RAE candidates write the exam
and disappear? I have my thoughts but no concrete evidence. A
possible solution would be to not issue the ZS License after the RAE,
but only when the candidate provide proof of 1000 confirmed contacts
on any of the bands. Another option would be for a club to provide a
certificate of competence that endorse the fact that this candidate
has actively participated in on air radio activities for at least 1
year. If we lose some then so be it. Any suggestions?
3. Even a more
difficult one. In my opinion there is very little we can do to
convince the youth to join our ranks. A radio on a table will not do
it. Even a computer will not cut it. The only way is to include
amateur radio in the school curricula as a subject. Now this will be
very difficult in SA. Another options is to get the youth involved
in scientific projects where they launch balloons once a month with
their projects on board. We can provide guidance but it is up to
them to provide us with what they would like to see in amateur radio.
Only problem is that our children does not have free time today as
the schools and other activities get priority over hobbies. I really
do not have any solutions in this regard as we have tried many in the
past and that did not work. Any suggestions?
4. There are still
some services being rendered by radio amateurs but these are getting
far and in between. No, there is no need for us (our services) any
more. Do yourself a favour and look at all the new and modern
communication mediums available today. You will be surprised that
there are many mediums available that can also easily be included in
our "If all else fails ........." slogan. The deployment
of Starlink Satellites by SpaceX changed the way people will
communicate during disasters and emergencies. And not only the
Starlink Satellites. There are many other systems used to replace
traditional amateur radio emergency communications. We do not like
to read or hear this but it is a real-time fact. Any suggestions?
5. I am not going
to go into detail here other than to say that we are “shooting
ourselves in the foot” with the high cost of the RAE and also high
cost of amateur radio equipment. Solutions: Cut costs, do not
support or buy over prized equipment. Look for sponsorships from
radio amateurs and the private sector. The RAE Exam must be
available on the Internet 24/7 to hopefully save costs. We want new
radio amateurs, not chasing candidates away as a result of high
costs. We have lost many candidates this year as a result of high
costs. Looking at the SK’s it is important that we add new blood
to the hobby. Any suggestions?
I would like to ask
my fellow radio amateurs to come up with suggestions on how we can
solve some if not all of the issues mentioned above. Do not throw
the messenger with stones. We must “take stock” and come up with
new ideas/methods. If we continue with the current trend the future
of amateur radio might be in jeopardy.
What route will the future of amateur radio follow?
In my
opinion the future of amateur radio is in the GHZ bands. We need
to explore the GHZ bands and work to and from outer space, like Mars etc. I
would one day like to see an amateur radio station, beacon, repeater
etc on Mars or for that matter any other planet even our own Moon.
Just imagine that we can speak to astronauts/fellow radio amateurs on their way to some
planet. Yes I know all to well that the GHZ bands mainly uses line
of sight but would it not be possible to come up with a new digital
mode for the GHZ Bands whereby it is possible to reach vast
distances. With the GHZ bands there is also the possibility of video
streaming and many other modes not possible on HF, VHF and UHF. Who
is going to convince Elon Musk to become a radio amateur and to add
different radio modules to his Starlink satellites that we as radio
amateurs can use. Imagine that all Starlink Satellites have amateur
radio nodes that could form a mesh network and be available for
future missions to Mars. Really it should not be that difficult to get
a 5.8 Ghz Node up and running on every single Starlink Satellite.
Something similar to the current AREDN nodes. We need to be
creative, think and dream big and into the future, like many did
before us. We need to go back to our "garages", start experimenting
again like in the olden days. Stop being a “black box” amateur
radio operator. You are just a passenger and not a Mover or Shaker.
Lets move and shake amateur radio now to preserve and live the
legacy that we as radio amateurs have, thanks to those who created it long before many of us became radio amateurs.
Finally: Who will be the first radio amateur to make a contact to Mars on the GHZ Amateur Radio bands?
Herewith a few images of the station that Nico ZS4N erected during his stay in The Point, Caravan Park in Mossel Bay recently. We had a great time as a family and did several tests while he was in Mossel Bay. More on this in a future posting. Thanks, Nico always great to play amateur radio when you in this area.
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