Once again we had a very successful "Lippeklap" Net yesterday afternoon. For once loadshedding did not cause regular "dropouts" for connected stations to the GRHub Network. There was also an increase in stations connecting to the Network. The Network was active on the West Coast, South Coast, East Coast + Interior, Panbult, Kimberley, Richards Bay links to mention a few that I was aware of. A big thank you to all those who make the Network what it is today. For those not knowing the Network consists of the following:
- AllStar Nodes
- Echolink Nodes
- RF Link Radios
- RF Repeaters
- Zello Nodes
- SVXLink Nodes
- Individual Echolink Nodes
Every body that participated or connected their Network/Nodes to the GRHub contributed to the success of the "Lippeklap"
Net this past Sunday afternoon. You all make the Net!!
We discussed the following three topics:
- Must we stop on the air broadcasting of amateur radio news bulletins, as many bulletins are nowadays posted on social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Email etc.) long before the bulletin is broadcasted on the air. More and more radio amateurs prefer to receive bulletins this way and not to listen on the air and therefor they do not report in before of after a news bulletin. What is the need then to broadcast a bulletin on air?
- Eskom Loadshedding: Alternative for your outside security lights during loadshedding periods.
- Warning: Bad quality fuse holders can cause big problems for your amateur radio, automotive and home installations. Do not buy cheap fuse holders. You have been warned!
Unfortunately I do not have the time to provide a full detailed report of the discussions that took place relating to the above topics. This is where you need to join the "Lippeklap" Net to find out more. If I might express my personal point of view in a short sentence about the posting of news bulletins before the actual broadcasting takes place:
We are "spoon feeding" many in this regard that prevent them from participating on the air before or after a bulletin broadcast. Why would they report in if they receive the bulletin "in their lap" long before the bulletin is broadcasted. If this is the new norm then we might as well stop broadcasting or relaying of bulletins. I do not have a problem if the bulletin is send out the next day to members once it has been broadcasted on the air. Personally I feel that social media is killing many aspects of on the air amateur radio activity. In other words what would have been send out over the air on our bands are now not done. No wonder that on the air activity is dwindling. Many prefer to rather use social media. Sad but this is indeed the case.
May I just add that many great ideas /comments came from all those who participated in the Net. Many far better that my personal opinion above. Crux is join the Net and then you will be able to listen to all the comments and suggestions.
Herewith photos of the security lights and also the problematic / junk fuse holder. Click on images for large view.
The next "Lippeklap" Net will take place on Sunday, 5 February 2023 at 15h30 SAST. Connect to ZS1I-L via Echolink or 49355 AllStar Node or any of the other nodes connected to the GRHub Network.
Hope to hear you on the next Lippeklap Net.
Come join in on the fun!!
