Have you ever wondered what it would be like to chase a solar eclipse at supersonic speeds? In this video, we delve into the incredible story of how scientists in 1973 used Concorde, the legendary supersonic airliner, to extend their time in the Moon's shadow during one of the longest solar eclipses in history. Led by French astrophysicist Pierre Lena and piloted by Concorde test pilot Andre Turcat, this daring mission pushed the boundaries of aviation and scientific exploration. Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of how a small team of visionaries managed to capture a rare glimpse into the mysteries of the Sun's corona.
Thanks to Christi ZS4CGR for providing the video on the Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group.
The Mountain Ultra Trial (MUT) took place over the weekend of 24 - 26 May 2024. The World Renowned Mountain Ultra Trail (44 amazing events around the world) or MUT by UTMB is a festival of trail running
in the George area of South Africa. George is situated half-way between two major cities, Cape Town in the Western Cape and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. At the foot of the magnificent Outeniqua mountains there is an abundance
of trails and mountain walks in unspoiled indigenous forests for all
nature lovers to enjoy, with the Indian Ocean on its doorstep! George is set in the very centre of the spectacular Garden Route - surrounded by oceans, mountains, forests and farmlands – making it a sought-after holiday destination and the perfect location for the MUT by UTMB®.
What does the race entail? Running a 100 miles over varied terrain is a true test of human endurance. Match that with the spectacular playground which the Outeniqua Mountain Range provides and you will get the MUT Miler. This route is for those athletes seeking, that sense of belonging - the stillness of belonging to the wilderness. You will start with the Vertical Kilometer climb to George Peaks and follow some of the most sublime mountain trails to descent via the original Cradock Peak route to the base of the old Voortrekker pass aka; Cradock pass consisting of the longest climb of the route. From here you will dip down into the infamous Pass to Pass route and cross the Outeniquas into Champherskloof. Here you will experience the fynbos of the Klein Karoo and off course the heat!
Next up a welcoming stop on the famous Montagu Pass before you start your ascent over the mountains again. Your lunch stop might come back to haunt you as you negotiate Dizzy Heights Climb to the top. On the top, you will encounter mountain ridge running with 360˚ views all the way down to the George Dam.
From here you will leave the 60km route and cross the mighty Kaaimans river to the Groenkop Nature Reserve. You will enter the picturesque Groeneweide Trails to exit the indigenous forest at Saasveld. From the Saasveld Aid station you will leave the 100km route and start to make your way to the beaches of Wilderness.
After a dip in the ocean you will make your way back to the Garden Route dam where you will join up with the 100km route to run along the banks of the Garden Route Dam and make your way back up to Tierkop where you will re-join the 60km route to make sure you to not miss out on the favourites like The Wall and Tonnelbos. The last thorn in the flesh will be old Henry’s Hill to signal the home coming.
UTMB® World Series is the world’s ultimate trail running circuit that allows all runners to experience the UTMB adventure through the best, leading international events. Built on the values of fair play, solidarity, protection of our environment and delivering an exceptional local experience, the UTMB World Series gives runners the chance to live the UTMB adventure close to home and to begin their quest to HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc and the UTMB World Series Finals.
Now this event rely on good logistics, organization and infrastructure. Amateur Radio played a major roll during this event in providing radio communications. Amateur Radio Communications were provided by three amateur radio clubs. Lets take a closer look at the involvement of Amateur Radio during the MUT in the George and surrounding areas.
Amateur Radio Clubs Involved:
1. Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society (PEARS) ZS2PE
2. Suid Kaap Amateur Radio Club ZS1SKR
3. Eden Amateur Radio Club ZS1ERC
Amateur Radio Joint Operational Centre (JOC):
An amateur radio JOC was established at the Outeniqua Stadium. The following radio amateurs were stationed at the JOC. Corne ZS1COR, Michael ZS1MMB, Jimmy ZS1RB, Eddie ZS1EGS and Keverne ZS1ABU. The JOC was manned day and night as from the 24 - 26 May 2024 under the auspice of the Eden Amateur Radio Club and Suid Kaap Amateur Radio Club .
The function of the JOC in short was to act as a control center to relay times, messages, emergencies and other race information visa versa to and from three other field stations.
Amateur Radio Field Stations:
Three field stations were setup for this event by members of PEARS.
1. Montagu Pass - Operator Tony ZR2TX
2. Herold Wines - Operator Kevern ZR2BK
3. Bergplaas - Operator Paul ZS2PS
The function of field stations were to relay times, messages, emergencies and other race information visa versa to and from the JOC and amongst each other.
The field stations were manned day and night as from the 24 - 26 May 2024 under the auspice of the Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society (PEARS).
General information:
1. Amateur Radio was used in the absence of cell phone coverage.
2. The 145.700 Mhz George Repeater was used.
3. Cross Band Repeat Function was used where there was no repeater coverage.
Finally: The involvement of amateur radio during this World Renowned Mountain Ultra Trial (MUT) once again proved that amateur radio plays a vital roll in providing radio communications in the absence of cell phone coverage or other means of communications in areas. A big thank you to all those involved in providing the necessary amateur radio communications during the race.
As per the above title I would like to congratulate all the RAE candidates on passing the RAE, They wrote the examination last Saturday (18 May 2024). A special word of welcome to every new radio amateur and I trust that every single one that passed will be and active radio amateur for the rest of his lifetime on this planet. We as "older" radio amateurs would like to take this opportunity to share our knowledge that we gathered throughout the years. Let's be realistic there will by experienced radio amateurs that might not share their knowledge but they are definitely far and in between. There are also a few "soar plums" around. Please ignore them and find a friendly helpful radio amateur. The only thing that you must do is to ask questions on the airwaves, and NOT social media as we would like others to also learn from you questions. After all we talk about amateur radio here and NOT social media! If you do not ask questions you will not gain the knowledge of experience radio amateurs. Yes, there is Google, YouTube etc. but they do not always explain the "nitty gritty" and definitely not the way experience radio amateurs will personally assist you with any problems you might experience in your amateur radio career. The worst thing you can do is to "disappear" after you wrote the RAE. Please get into the swing of things as soon as possible!!
The following candidates passed the RAE in the Southern Cape Area:
1. Danie De Klerk ZS1DEK Calitzdorp
2. Nico Janse van Rensburg ZS1JVR Ladismith
3. Leon Kapp ZS1KAP George
4. Willem ZS1WCA Oudtshoorn
5. Selwyn Young ZS1SY George
6. Lynnore Pretorius ZS1DPW Still Bay
Finally: Many thanks to all those who are/were involved in the RAE, PR and the recruiting process.
During my preparations to erect a amateur radio station over Easter Weekend in Gamkaskloof, I realized that I sold my heavy duty Drive-On Car Stand and that I needed a stand for my portable mast. The previous stand was a real heavy duty unit that was difficult to move around and took a lot of space when transporting. I looked around my scrap metal and found a few pieces of metal to construct a much lighter stand. The plate with four holes in it lend itself to quickly put a new stand together. Not the neatest metal work but under the circumstances it will have to do and I did not want to spend money on buying metal for the project. Every single piece of metal used in this project was salvaged from my scrap metal box. The beauty of this design (not the stand) is that you do not need a car to hold the stand into place. Stones, sand bags or any other heavy weight placed on the stand will keep it in place. I am not going to go into construction details as the photos is more that sufficient to enable those interested to build their own.
I am looking at a few other designs and might build a few to sell if their is any interest. The above stand is really not an artwork nor a thing of beauty but I used what I had on hand and it works great!
In this posting we are going to look at AllStar, Echolink, DMR Bridges, RF Repeaters, Links, Hubs, Nodes that are linked together to constitute an efficient and active South African Network for all radio amateurs to use. The posting will be in several parts and will stretch over a period of time. I would like to thank Henk ZS1AAD for gathering all the images and information and also every owner that provided information about their station on request. If you link to the ZS Network or the GRHub Network and you have not yet submitted images and information of your station, please send it to me a.s.a.p. by clicking HERE I would like to include all participating stations under this topic and publication. Enough talk let's get going!!
This time around we will be looking at the following stations:
1. ZS1ERZ-L Eden Radio Club in George, Southern Cape
New amateur radio repeater technology soon available in the Southern Cape on the "Aasvoëlkop" Repeater Site.
There is great excitement amongst the users of the 145.750 Mhz "Aasvoëlkop" Repeater.
What is the hype about this new repeater? I will try to explain. The new repeater has arrived and was recently programmed by Rassie ZS1RP and Dolf ZS1DRP. The repeater is currently with Johann ZS1AAC who is tending to the duplexer and other equipment needed to bring this repeater to life. The repeater will soon be installed at the 145.625 Mhz Repeater Site in Still Bay. Once all parameters is confirmed it will be moved to the 145.750 Mhz "Aasvoëlkop" Repeater Site.
A big word of thanks to Johann ZS1AAC, Dolf ZS1DRP and Rassie ZS1RP who is instrumental in the purchase and setting up/programming of this repeater to the benefit of all radio amateurs. As mentioned before this is only the beginning. There will be more repeater installations and future upgrades in the Southern Cape. Watch this space!! I will keep you posted in this regard.
Now we still do not know what repeater you are talking about. Let's have a closer look. Here is two photos of the brand spanking new repeater on the test bench.
It is the Yaesu DR-2X 50W Digital Repeater (C4FM IP Interconnect Dual Band Receiver System Multi-function Repeater)
Now lets look at the specifications and other interesting information:
YAESU DR-2X supports C4FM digital / regular FM dual mode and dual receive function relay platform, which includes VHF and UHF amateur radio band. Through the AMS function, the DR-2X mixes communication using conventional FM mode communication and C4FM digital mode.
1. C4FM digital mode provides perfect audio quality Compared with other digital models, the C4FM modulation mode has better bit error rate (BER) characteristics to ensure good speech quality in communication. The C4FM digital high definition voice technology using 12.5kHz bandwidth enables the high quality voice communication to be transmitted perfectly.
2.
AMS makes conventional FM and digital FM friendly co-exist (automatic
mode selection).
System integration enables all users,
including users using different modes, to communicate with each
other. AMS makes all systems possible. AMS automatically identifies
C4FM digital signals or regular FM signals, and then DR-2X transforms
the identified signals into the current communication mode.
3.
Flexible double receiver function
The unique real-time
double receiver relay – DR-2X can assign an additional control
relay to the relay administrator, transmit an emergency signal, or
specify second uplink frequencies. Relay administrators can also
independently allocate downlink frequencies based on uplink
frequencies.
4.
Enhanced Digital Group ID Function
The
revolutionary digital group ID function enables users who share the
same digital group identification code to quickly and quickly track
multiple communication resources and display group member signal
strength and telemetry information. DG-ID
A
group ID (0-99) can specify members to participate in group
communication. In addition, multi-point relay transmission can be
controlled by DG-ID. DP-ID
For safe relay
station operation, you can register the sole ID of the relay station
for personal operation identification. DP-ID can restrict access to
the relay station members of registered ID.
5.
Based on Internet connection relay link system (IMRS), large area
expands signal coverage (option).
The Internet link
Relay link system (IMRS) allows relay use to connect multiple relays
via LAN or WAN. Based on the inherent stability defects of WAN
connection, such as the Internet, or the words happen all happened,
the new DR-2X mixed a variety of forms of network environment, making
the connection between the relay more direct, ensuring the quality of
digital communication. Digital group identifier can be used
to control relay activation. * required component LAN unit (LAN-01A)
6.
Friendly interactive settings interface 3.5 inch
full touch screen
7. Advanced operation
The rear panel
controls the I/O port and can be connected to the S-COM7330 relay
controller. Up to 3 DR-2X units can be connected to provide
programmable sound, clock, access modes and other functions. 8.
Other functions
Built-in AC power supply (North
American and Asian versions)
Digital squelch code (DSQ)
signaling
19-inch standard cabinet connection
CTCSS and DCS
sub audio
High stability +-2.5ppmTCXO
Overtime Interdiction
Function (TOT)
Firmware upgrade 9. Supplied
accessories
AC power cord
DC power cord with
fuse
Spare fuse (5A/15A)
Plastic foot
PC Cable
SC-20
Operation Manual
Warranty Card
The Yaesu DR-2X is a full feature, heavy duty,
C4FM/FM dual band repeater/base station. And unlike many other
repeaters, the DR-2X handles conventional FM and C4FM
digital transmission. The Yaesu System Fusion technology
features the AMS – Automatic Mode Select function
that instantly recognizes whether the signal is C4FM digital or
conventional FM and automatically switches to match the received
mode. The front panel features a full color 3.5 inch, high
luminescence TFT touch screen display. The rear panel has both AC
input and backup DC input. The power input is auto-switched to backup
DC input during power outages.
System Fusion Key Features:
– AMS (Automatic Mode
Select) function automatically recognizes the signal as C4FM digital
or conventional FM
– Better BER (Bit Error Rate)
characteristics of C4FM provides Superior Audio Quality and Crisp
Clear Voice
– Better BER (Bit Error Rate) characteristics of C4FM provides
better reception while moving and challenging weak signal
–
Full 12.5 kHz bandwidth system provides high-speed data
communication
– Snapshot Function allows you to enjoy image
data with time and GPS information
– Digital Group
Monitor (GM) Function
– Smart Navigation Function
Radio Features:
– Modulation Modes: 12.5 kHz
C4FM Digital, Conventional FM
– AMS (Automatic Mode
Select) function automatically recognizes the signal as C4FM digital
or conventional FM
– 3.5-inch Full Color Touch Panel
Operation
– Extremely reliable, high RF Output Power: 50/20/5
Watts
– Emergency Operation: Supports auto-switched backup
battery power operation
– Front panel microphone connector is
provided for use in repeater transmitter testing, and enables use as
a base station
– Built-in large-size monitor speaker with
front panel volume control
– Internal AC power supply
–
19″ Rack Mount Available
– High Stability ±2.5 ppm TCXO
included
– DSQ (Digital Squelch Code) Signaling feature
–
CTCSS and DCS Signaling feature
– ID announcement feature
(Voice Mode: Requires FVS-2)
– Rear panel Control I/O port is
connectable with the “S-COM 7330” repeater controller
–
Base Station Operation – Adjustable Squelch Hysteresis (requires
a stronger signal to open the squelch than it does to keep it
open).
– Adjustable Squelch Tail
– CWID/Voice
announcements with stripped PL Tones
DR-2X Exclusive Features:: - Dual
Receive Operation - Improved
News Station feature permits sharing the voice and text messages to
members. - Group
Monitor feature supports easy Grouping Set-up - Stable
High Power Output with large heat sink - Commercial
grade components for long-term reliable operation - IMRS
(Internet-linked Multi-site Repeater System) function for simple
expanded area coverage via the Internet (option).
Specifications:
RX/TX Frequency Ranges: 144 to 148
MHz, 430 to 450 MHz
Channel Steps: 5/6.25 kHz
Circuit Type:
Double conversion superheterodyne
Modulation Type: F1D, F2D,
F3E, F7W
Power Output: 50/20/5 Watts
Case Size (W x H x D):
19″ x 3.5″ x 15″ (482x88x380mm) excluding knobs and
connectors
Weight (approx.): 22.05 lbs. (10 kg)
Final Remarks:
I did some research and played around with various digital radio communication "nodes" in the past. I would like to share my opinion on a few aspects:
1. This repeater is multi-purpose. VHF/UHF, FM Analog or C4FM Yaesu System Fusion (YSF) and lends itself to having many more communication choices. Something that is very beneficial these days in Amateur Radio. The audio compared to FM Analogue is excellent as is the Digital Audio C4FM.
2. The repeater function IMRS Lan Module, allows 99 other repeaters to be connected via IP Linking through the Internet.
3. Another function is that the repeater can distinguish which mode is used and then automatically switch between the modes. This makes the repeater compatible with traditional FM mode radios and
repeaters.
4. In C4FM mode, call signs and GPS location information can be included in the digital speech data, which is displayed on digital radios. The following information is displayed: Call sign, Distance and Direction to the other station. Even small photos can be sent to other stations.
5. Yaesu is the sole manufacturer of YSF equipped radios. The current Yaesu radios are: FT- 1XDR, FT-2DR, and FT-5DR for hand radios, with the FTM-3200R, FTM-100R, FTM-300, FTM- 400R and FTM500DR for mobile units.
6. I hear radio amateurs murmuring that they will now have to buy new radios to be able to use YSF. No, not at all. There are always alternative ways. If you already have a Hotspot then use Pi- Star's ability to connect to YSF. You can then use DroidStar or a DMR Radio via a YSF "gateway" or "reflector". The second solution is to create a Bridge between YSF and DMR. The last option enables radio amateurs to communicate with Analogue or Digital using Echolink, AllStar or DMR radios whichever option you choose. No one will be left out in the cold.
7 The IMRS Lan Module is optional but is required if you want to connect other repeaters via IP Links. It also enables you to connect Echolink / AllStar directly to the repeater site. The connection can be controlled via DTMF or the Internet. In my opinion, the IMRS Lan Board is a good addition to the Yaesu DR-2 X Repeater and I encourage repeater owners to buy it as this is the direction in which the technology and amateur radio networks are moving.
8. Here and there radio amateurs might experience small "hiccups" but this is attributed to failure to read and study manuals. The repeater has a learning curve that one will have to overcome and I am sure there might be a few bumps along the way.
9. Having played around with various digital platforms, I think Yaesu's C4FM (YSF) and DMR are currently the forerunners in the field of digital technology. In my opinion, C4FM from Yaesu is a short head in front of DMR in terms of audio quality. Even in "Digital Narrow" (DN) mode the Yaesu audio is more natural than all the current digital platforms.
10. Important: The Yaesu DR-2X repeater does NOT have a "full duty cycle" at 50 watts but does at 25 watts. Something to take note of, but 25 watts is more than adequate power output vs the location of the Aasvoelkop Repeater.
The Yaesu DR-2X repeater receives an average of 4.7 out of 5 for operation and reliability from radio amateur ranks. The rating says something about this repeater, doesn't it?
I am looking forward to utilize the new Yaesu DR-2X Repeater soon to be installed on the "Aasvoëlkop" Repeater Site!!
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