Beginner's Guide for Echolink

EchoLink® software allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using streaming-audio technology.  The program allows worldwide connections to be made between stations, or from computer to station, greatly enhancing Amateur Radio's communications capabilities.  There are more than 350,000 validated users worldwide — in 159 of the world's 193 nations — with about 6,000 online at any given time.
 

This talk was recorded from our Aug 6th, 2024 Beginner's Academy Zoom Transcript.
 

What happened to the ZS6SRC Pico Balloon?

The Secunda Radio Club launched a Pico balloon at the Trichardt Model Aircraft Club on Saturday 24 May 2025.  Click HERE for more information on the balloon project.

Today is the 27 May 2025 and the latest dashboard indication is that the balloon  was last seen: 2 days, 17 hours, 22 mins ago.  It would appear that the balloon is stationary as indicated on the dashboard images.  If anybody knows if the balloon is still active and in the air we would like to hear from you.  Info can be forwarded by clicking HERE.

Images:  Click on images for larger view.

George Radio entoesiaste slaag nasionale eksamen met vlieënde vaandels

GEORGE NUUS - Twee geesdriftiges het onlangs die nasionale eksamen vir radioamateur-entoesiaste in George afgelê en met vlieënde vaandels geslaag.

Eden-radioklub het Gisbert Schulze van George en Johan Brittz van Uniondale geluk gewens met hul uitstekende prestasie en gesê hulle sien daarna uit om hulle spoedig op die lug te kry.

Schulze en Brittz het baie ure ingesit ter voorbereiding vir die eksamen, waar hulle 'n minimum van 50% in elk van twee afdelings, asook 'n algehele minimum van 65%, moes behaal om te slaag.

Daarby moes hulle ook onder toesig van amptelike assessors van die SARL (Suid-Afrikaanse Radioliga) 'n radiostasie opstel en met vyf persone (QSO's of radiokontakte) kontak maak onder hulle klub se roepsein.

Albei het A's gekry vir beide die tegniese en regulasie-afdelings van die eksamen.

Eden-radioklub is 'n geregistreerde SARL-eksamenlokaal in George en beskik oor twee bekwame SARL-assessors, Willie Hewitt en Corné Conradie.

Hewitt en Conradie is aangestel om die RAE (radioamateur-eksamen) onder streng SARL-reëls en die oorsig van die Onafhanklike Kommunikasieowerheid (ICASA) te administreer.

Enigeen wat belangstel om by die Eden-radioklub aan te sluit, kan hullekontak by Edenradioclub@gmail.com.

‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’ 

Artikel beskikbaar deur HIER te klik.

 

-  George Herald 

Building Low Budget Antennas - QRP End Fed Half Wave Antenna - Project 7 (Part 1)

I continue with the series "Building Low Budget Antennas" for Radio Amateurs. Nothing fancy .... no just simple low budget antennas!

In this article I will be looking at building a End Fed Halve Wave Antenna for 40 to 10 Meters. Now I know there are thousands of ways to construct this antenna, but how cheap can you build one? R10, R50 or R100. You decide how much such an antenna will cost. 

In Part 1 I will describe how I constructed the 49:1 Balun for this antenna.  In Part 2 we will be looking at the antenna wire, Nano VNA readings and the results when using this antenna.

General Specifications:

Resonant Frequency: 10.130 Mhz

Frequency Span: 7 - 28 Mhz

Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohm or very close to 50 Ohm

Use:  General HF use but for now WSPR on 20 Meters

Enough said let's start building the QRP EFHW 49:1 Balun. 

Materials I used:

1 x PL239 Socket Connector with two brass bolts and nuts

1 x Project Box

2 x Stainless Steel bolts, 4 x nuts and 2 x wing-nuts and 2 washers

1 x 1.5 Meter (1.5 mm) Copper Wire 

1 x F82-43 Toroid

1 x 100pf 1kw Capacitor 

2 x Electrical Lugs

1 x 2K7 Resistor to test the 49:1 Balun

Odds and Sods:

Cable Ties

Silicon Sealant

Insulation Tape

Solder

Solder Paste

5 -10 m Coax Cable (RG58CU Mil Spec) 50 ohm with 2 x Connectors

Self Amalgamating Electrical Tape

Tools:

Soldering Iron

Sharp Utility Knife

Screw Drivers (Small flat + Star)

Test Equipment:

HF Radio

SWR Meter

Antenna Analyzer (If you have one but not compulsory)

Coax Patch Leads

Mast (Non conductive)

Power Supply or Battery for Radio

Building the Balun and Antenna:

I am not going to go into detail how I constructed my version of this balun and antenna as there is more than enough info on the Internet. Google is your friend. 

Here are two sites you can visit that might be of assistance to you if you want to construct this antenna.

Manual impedance transformer for 250 watts End Fed Antenna’s

Build an End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna From a Kit

I used what I had available on my shelves and in the junk box and came up with my version of the 49:1 balun.

The 49:1 Balun diagram:

Constructing the balun is straight forward and there are many videos available on how to wind the toroid.  Just one word about the 100 pF capacitor.  Is it really necessary? If you have a 100 pf 2 kV available then you can install it.  If you run high power you will need at least a 15 kV capacitor. For 20, 30 and 40 meters you do not need a capacitor.  However for 17 meters you will need a capacitor to flatten and lowering the SWR curve through to 10 meters.

Preliminary Test Results:

To test the balun before adding the wire and counter poise I used a 2K7 resistor on the ground of the coax connector and antenna connection.  The attached NanoVNA images provide info on the results I obtained from the balun.  I am sure the SWR readings will change once I add the antenna wire to the balun.  The height and closeness of objects will also play a roll.

Finally:  In Part 2 I will be looking at the performance the antenna and will also do more experiments and measurements using the NanoVNA and WSPR - Lookout for Part 2!

Images:  Click on images for larger view.

Part 2 to follow soon.

Garden Route Fire Warning - Next one will be worse! Are we as Radio Amateurs ready?

"The Knysna fire of 2017 went down into the history books as one of the biggest environmental disasters to hit the Garden Route. As the 8th anniversary of the great fire approaches, the man who predicted the 2017 chaos, Dr Guy Preston, has made an urgent appeal to the entire region.
He has warned that the situation on the ground is far worse, and the next fire will be far more destructive. Are we ready? " - Group Editors

 

Need I say anything about the fires that occurred in 2017 and 2018 in the Southern Cape?  I asked the following question on 29 September 2023: 

Are we ready to provide Emergency Communications in South Africa during a Disaster? 

I am not aware of any active amateur radio emergency communications group in the Southern Cape.  I might be mistaken but really there is no mentioning of any emergency communications activity over the air in this area.  If anybody knows of any amateur radio emergency communications activity in the Southern Cape I would like to hear from you.  Send me and email by clicking HERE.

I need to ask the following question:

"Is your amateur radio station equipped to handle any emergency situation, disaster or total power blackout event ?"

This question leads to more questions than answers.  Now some might say I am not interested in amateur radio emergency communications.  Whether you are interested in emergency communications or not, if your community experience a disaster and you are asked to assist with radio communications, will you be able to assist within an hour or two.

The following questions are currently unanswered.  Hopefully some of the questions might set your brain into the thinking and creative mode:

• Can you be of benefit to your local community before, during and after any emergency situation or disaster?
• Must you be a member of any emergency communication group to assist with emergency radio communications in your local community?
• Are your ready to provide emergency communications during load shedding and what equipment do you have available to overcome power failures?
• How quickly can you respond to a request to assist during a emergency situation?
• Can you use the following modes?  Winlink, FT8Call, AREDN, Morse Code etc.
• Should we get involved at all in providing any communication during a disaster or emergency situation?
• Must I be a paid up member to any organization to provide any communications when a disaster or emergency arise?
• If there is no amateur radio emergency communication member or organization in your community will you be able to assist with communications?
• Will you assist with emergency communications when asked by you local authority or community members?
• What equipment do you have available to assist, radios, antennas, batteries, inverters, solar power etc.?
• What roll if any did amateur radio play before, during and after the Knysna Fire Disaster?
• Should we wait until we are called upon to assist with radio communications during a emergency or disaster event?
• When there is load shedding I have noticed that many amateur radio stations are off the air.  As a simple example you can just look at the ZS-Link Network.  Activity is at an all time low during load shedding.  Why is this the case?  If we cannot keep the ZS-Link Network running during load shedding what will happen during a disaster? Will we as radio amateurs be able to provide emergency communications if we do not have backup power systems?  

The above questions are not posted to point finger or to "stir".  It is questions that came to the fore as a result of the fire disasters that occurred in 2017 and 2018.   The above is posted as food for thought and hopefully to motivate some fellow radio amateurs to improve their stations if they are not currently equipped for total blackouts or natural and man made disasters.

Of the utmost importance is communications amongst and between other amateur radio
organizations/clubs/emergency communication networks. It was clear from this event that the one did not know what the other was doing. This was clearly evident in emails received and posts on amateur radio forums.

Emergency Communications training is needed and more frequent Emergency Communications
Training exercises are essential. Simplicity need to be looked at. The disparate radio systems in use by all roll players during the Knysna Fire Disaster interrupted services. This radio communication disparity issue prevented effected communications during the event.   I am not aware that this issue has been addressed to prevent such issues during a future disaster.

Finally:  I am no prophet of doom but we need to be prepared for any eventuality in this country.  The 2017 Knysna Fire Disaster was the wake-up call we all needed.   The question remain whether we took this wake-up call to heart?  Only time will tell!!

AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO IS THE ONLY FAIL SAFE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN THE WORLD!

South African Radio League (SARL) - A basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators.

Presentation: "SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO LEAGUE (SARL) A basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators.

A must view and read for all radio amateurs. In this presentation you will read bout the basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators. The following applies to antennas:  Building regulations;  Zoning scheme regulations;  Other relevant legislation, pertaining to the obtaining of planning approval from local authorities for antennas used by amateur radio operators.

The Power Point Presentation is available by clicking HERE

1. SOUTH AFRICAN AMATEUR RADIO LEAGUE:  A basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators

2. Introduction The following applies to antennas:  Building regulations;  Zoning scheme regulations;  Other relevant legislation, pertaining to the obtaining of planning approval from local authorities for antennas used by amateur radio operators.

3. We have a PROBLEM Why?  New zoning scheme regulations being implemented by various municipalities throughout South Africa.  Restrict the erection of amateur radio operator’s antennas in residential areas zoned as such.

4. Short Legislative History:  The Constitution of the RSA, allows that municipal planning may be done in terms of by-laws promulgated by local authorities.  The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) and the Regulations in terms of the Act provide for local authorities to determine when planning authority is needed or not.

5. Cape Town v Johannesburg:   A study of the Cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg’s Zoning Scheme regulations gives an overview of how local authorities approach the obtaining by amateur radio operators of planning approval for the erection of a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station and Roof Antennas.

6. Different Regulations apply to: Rooftop Antennas  /  Free standing Base Antennas The regulations distinguish between primary and consent use.

7. ROOFTOP BASE: Rooftop base telecommunication station may not extend more than 3m in height above the part of the building that it is attached to.  Should it extend more than the permitted 3m, prior approval of the City of Cape Town is required.

8. FREE STANDING BASE:  If a free standing base telecommunication station is authorized as a primary use on a property, the free standing base telecommunication station may be as high as 25m. (City of Cape Town)  Environmental affairs however kicks in for antennas higher than 15m.

9. Definition of antenna ito Zoning Scheme Regulations: ‘Antenna’ is defined as ‘any system of wires, poles, rods, reflective surfaces or similar devices, used to transmit or receive electronic communication signals or electro – magnetic waves’. ‘Antenna’ is defined as ‘any system of wires, poles, rods, reflective surfaces or similar devices, used to transmit or receive electronic communication signals or electro – magnetic waves’.

10. Definition of ‘rooftop telecommunication station’ ito Zoning Scheme Regulations:  Rooftop telecommunication station is defined as ‘ a support structure attached to the roof, side or any other part of a building and used to accommodate telecommunication infrastructure for the transmitting or receiving of electronic communication signals’.

11. ‘Telecommunication infrastructure’ ito Zoning Scheme Regulations: Telecommunication infrastructure is defined as ‘part of the infrastructure of a telecommunication network for radio wireless communication, including voice, data and video telecommunication, which may include antennas; and any support structure, equipment room, radio equipment or optical communications equipment (laser or infra-red) provided by cellular network operators and any other telecommunication provider; as well as ancillary structures needed for the operation of telecommunication infrastructure.’

12. TELECOMMUNICATION STATIONS - PRIMARY USE Zoning:  In terms of the Zoning scheme Regulations, telecommunication stations may only be erected in certain zones – RESIDENTIAL ZONES ARE NOT LISTED UNDER THESE ZONES.

13. CONSENT USE – ROOFTOP BASE:  Rooftop base telecommunication stations may only be erected as a CONSENT USE in the following residential zones:  Single Residential: Zone 1 and Zone 2  General Residential: Zone 1 (Group Housing)  General Residential Sub-zones: (GR2 to GR6)

14. FREE STANDING BASE TELECOMMUNICATION STATION:  Free standing base telecommunication station may only be erected as a primary use in certain zones:  RESIDENTIAL ZONES are not listed under these zones.

15. CONSENT USE – FREE STANDING BASE: Free standing base telecommunication station may only be erected as a CONSENT use in certain zones:  RESIDENTIAL ZONES are also not one of these zones.

16. FREE STANDING BASE - restrictions: FREE STANDING BASE Telecommunication stations may therefore NOT BE ERECTED in the following zones:  Single Residential Zone 1: Conventional Housing.  Single Residential Zone 2: Incremental Housing.  General Residential Sub-zones 1: Group Housing.  General Residential Sub-zones: Gr2 to Gr6.

17. EFFECT ON AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS: An amateur radio operator will not be able to erect a free standing base telecommunication station on any property zoned for residential purposes.  Unless you rezone to an appropriate zone

18. EFFECT ON AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS:  An owner of a property zoned as residential, will not be able to apply for a departure to erect a free standing amateur radio antenna, as the land use of the property does not permit such a use.  Departures from the restriction to 3m of the height of the rooftop base communication station can however be applied for, should the land use allow the erection of such a communication station.

19. HERITAGE PROTECTION: The erection of a rooftop base communication station and a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station will necessitate a permit application should the property be older than 60 years or formally protected in terms of section 27 of the National Heritage Resources Act.

20. JOHANNESBURG ZONING SCHEME REGULATIONS: Free standing Base Telecommunication Station is presently viewed as a ‘building’ for the purposes of the Act.

21. Plans of ‘buildings’ should be submitted to and approved prior to the erection of a ‘building’:  This process includes the applicable Building Control Officer making recommendation to the local authority.

22. JOHANNESBURG ZONING SCHEME REGULATIONS The local authority: Must take into account: nature or appearance.  Whether the area will be disfigured; Is it unsightly or objectionable;  could it derogate from the value of adjoining or neighbouring properties; then the local authority shall refuse to grant approval.

23. National Building Regulations  allow for the exemption of ‘minor building works’  exemption of authorisation for erection thereof.

24. SCHEME REGULATIONS: The building control officer can exempt an owner of any building. Suggestion: maybe a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station could be a minor building work. Suggestion: maybe a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station could be a minor building work.  Section 18 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 stipulates when a local authority may allow deviation and allow exemption from national building regulations.

25. POLICIES IN PLACE:  Both the City of Cape Town and the City of Johannesburg have Cellular Mast Policies in place. Cape Town in its draft dated January 2011 sets out a cumbersome process for applicants to follow. The main objective being to have the cellular masts at least 50m away from any habitable building.

26. POLICIES IN PLACE: Johannesburg however, sees Cellular Masts as part of infrastructure and as such tries to be accommodating towards the Cellular industry. Both policies however does not cater for the amateur radio operator, and is therefore not accommodating such operators.

27. SUMMARY:  A free standing amateur radio antenna is considered a “building” in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977.  Approved building plans is therefore required before an amateur radio antenna may be erected.

28. SUMMARY:  Free standing amateur radio antennas cannot be erected in any area zoned for residential purposes. (City of Cape Town)  No distinction between an amateur radio antenna and a cellular mast erected for commercial purposes in the Zoning Scheme Regulations of either Cape Town or Johannesburg.  Both cities have ‘Cellular Mast Policies’ but neither is applicable nor practical for the erection of an amateur radio antenna.

29. SUMMARY:  If a local authority accepts that a free standing amateur radio antenna falls under the definition of ‘minor building works’ as defined in the National Building Regulations, the building control officer can be approached to exempt an owner of any ‘building‘ from submitting plans.  Should a local authority not deem free standing amateur radio antennas as ‘minor building works’, the local authority can be approached to grant an exemption to the building regulations. This exemption will not include strength specifications or the stability of the antenna structure.

30. SUMMARY: We must for the time being:  Apply for exemption to either the building control officer or the local authority. The way forward:  The Minister can be approached to exempt an owner (Who is also a radio amateur) of land from the provisions of such applicable national building regulations.

Secunda Radio Club intends to launch Raspberry Pi Pico Balloon from the Trichardt Model Aircraft Club on Saturday 24 May 2025

 If all goes according to plan, the Secunda Radio Club will launch a Pico balloon at the Trichardt Model Aircraft Club on Saturday 24 May 2025. We will let you know the time as we will only fill the balloon with Helium gas in town on Saturday morning. We hope to launch at around 09:00. Everyone is welcome. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the balloon would make at least one revolution around the southern hemisphere of the earth. We kindly ask everyone who has the digital mode WSPR, to monitor the balloon and upload the information with 'PSK Reporter'. This can be done by using the following software, WSJT-X and/or JTDX and then selecting the WSPR modes and setting the radio to the correct frequencies. The frequency on the radio is 14.09560/14.09578. The balloon is a 50 inch/127 cm silver party balloon and the electronic board and solar cells all weigh 24 grams. If you have any queries, please contact Christo, ZR6LJK or Gert, ZS6GC.

As alles volgens plan verloop lanseer die Secunda Radioklub 'n piko-ballon by die Trichardt Model Vliegtuigklub op Saterdag 24 Mei 2025. Ons sal die tyd laat weet aangesien ons eers Saterdag oggend die ballon gaan vul met Helium gas in die dorp. Ons hoop om so 09:00 te lanseer. Almal is welkom. Ons hou duim vas dat die ballon ten minste een omwenteling gaan doen om die suidelike halfrond van die aarde. Ons vra asseblief almal wat die digitale mode WSPR het, om die ballon te monitor en die informasie met 'PSK Reporter' op te laai. Dit kan gedoen word deur die volgende sagteware te gebruik, WSJT-X en/of JTDX en dan die WSPR modes te kies en die radio op die regte frekwensies te stel. Die frekwensie op die radio is 14,09560/14,09578. Die ballon is 'n 50 duim/127 cm silwer partytjie ballon en die elektroniese bord en son selle weeg alles 24 gram. Indien jy enige navrae het kontak gerus vir Christo, ZR6LJK of Gert, ZS6GC.

 

Nico, ZS6QL:  President SARL

Dennis ZS4BS:  Secretary SARL 

2025 SARL National Convention Feedback

 

SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO LEAGUE
The National Body for Amateur Radio in South Africa
A Member of the International Amateur Radio Union

19 May 2025

The 2025 SARL National Convention Feedback

The 2025 SARL National Convention was held over the weekend of 16, 17 and 18 May 2025
at the Royal Elephant Hotel and Conference Centre in Eldoraigne, south of Pretoria and the
Pretoria Amateur Radio Club were the hosts for the weekend.

The Convention started on Friday evening with the PARC-95 function, the celebration of the
95th birthday of the Pretoria Amateur Radio Club. Louis de Wet, ZS6SK presented an
illustrated talk on the history of the Club, which was formed on 1 January 1930. After a
delicious dinner, various awards and trophies were handed over to members of PARC.

The 2025 AGM was opened at 08:40 on Saturday 17 May, by Nico, ZS6QL. Of the 1 566 SARL
Members allowed to vote, only 65 members attended in person, with 186 members providing
proxies = 251 votes or 16,03% (Cape Town in 2024 was 19%.) The oldest member present at
the AGM is Tjerk Lammers, ZS1J/ZS6P, who is 85 years young, and the youngest is Maryna
Eales, ZR6MC, who is 23 years young. The average age at the AGM is 59,7 years. The oldest
member who submitted a proxy is Henry Chamberlain, ZS1AAZ, who is 90 years young, and
the youngest member to submit a proxy is Petrus Lotriet, ZU3PL, who is 9 years young.

Nico read out a message from Sylvain Azarian, F4GKR, the president of IARU Region 1. “On
the occasion of this weekend celebrating SARL's 100th anniversary, I offer my sincere
congratulations to the entire South African amateur radio community. Congratulations on the
journey you've made, and good luck for the next 100 years”!

Nico, ZS6QL, presented the President's Report, followed by Corrie, ZS6CDB, presenting the
Treasurer's Report. The 2024/25 SARL Annual report is available at https://mysarl.org.za/sarl-
agm-2025/ as well as the May 2025 issue of Radio ZS.

Motion 2025-01. To receive the 2023/24 Annual Financial Statements. Agree: 251. Disagree:
0 Abstain: 0.
Motion 2025-02. To receive and ratify the proposed subscriptions for year 1 July 2025 to 30
June 2026. The proposed subscription was accepted - Agree: 251. Disagree: 0. Abstain: 0.
Motion 2025-03. Receive the proposed budget for year ending 30 June 2026. The budget was
accepted - Agree: 251. Disagree: 0. Abstain: 0.
Motion 2025-04. Appointment of Beans Accounting Services as reviewers until the 2026 AGM
The proposal was approved - Agree: 251. Disagree: 0. Abstain: 0.

Guy, ZS6GUY gave feedback on the cyber attack on the old SARL website and what the security
experts told the SARL.
Dave, ZS2DH updated the meeting on the status of the SARL QSL matching system (for your
WAZS) and that it will be available soon on mysarl.org.za.

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you where the 2026 National Convention will be held, but it would
probably be the weekend of 17 to 19 April 2026, maybe ZS5, maybe ZS2, maybe ZS3, maybe
ZS4? The meeting closed at 11:20 CAT and each Member attending received a SARL 100
goodie bag.

At the first Council meeting held after the AGM, the Councillors elected Nico, ZS6QL as
President, Guy, ZS6GUY as Vice President, Corrie, ZS6CDB as Treasurer and Dennis, ZS4BS as
Secretary.

There was a very good turn-out at the mega flea market and exhibits at the venue and a lot
of trading and socialising took place. The venue is ideal for such an event.

The SARL Awards Dinner was attended by 82 people. Dennis, ZS4BS and Nico, ZS6QL
welcomed all to the dinner. Following the starter, Gary, ZS6YI gave an illustrated talk on the
history of the SARL as well as his journey through amateur radio – Gary wrote his RAE on 17
May 1973 and 52 years later, he told us about his amateur radio journey.

Following the dinner, the various awards and trophies were handed over. The complete list
will be published in the June 2025 issue of Radio ZS.

The SARL Centenary Excellence Award was handed over to Hans, ZS6AKV; Gary, ZS6YI; Peter
Zimri and Dennis, ZS4BS.

Honorary Life Membership was awarded to Paul Johnson, ZS1S, while Donovan, ZS2DL, was
inducted into the SARL Hall of Fame.

The Willie Wilson Gold Badge was handed to Hannes, ZS6BZP; Anette, ZR6D and Brian, ZS6YX.

The Koos and Annie van der Merwe Platinum Award was given to Raoul, ZS1C; Tjerk, ZS1J;
Davy, ZR1FR; and Noel, ZR6DX.

The Koos and Annie van der Merwe Gold Award was given to Johann Becker, ZS1AAC; Dave
Reece, ZS1DFR; Theunis Potgieter, ZS2EC; Rudi Venter, ZS2M; Corrie de Beer, ZS6CDB; Johann
Bezuidenhout, ZS6JBZ; Phillip van Tonder, ZS6PVT and Karel Bezuidenhout, ZS6WN. 

 

Dennis Green, ZS4BS
SARL Secretary secretary@sarl.org.za

How I setup my Yaesu FT817 Radio and Homebrew Arduino Soundcard Interface (SignalLink Clone) to work Digital Modes

During the PEARS VHF/UHF Contest that took place in January 2025 I decided to setup my trusted Yaesu FT 817 Radio using my Homebrew  Arduino Soundcard Interface to work a few digital mode stations.  In a previous article available HERE I explained another type of homebrew interface that includes the CAT control.

The Arduino Soundcard Interface I am going to describe can be used with many types of radios.  This interface function the same as the commercial available SignalLink Interface, therefor the reason that it is called a SignalLink Clone.

The FT817, 857 and 897 radios have a few settings that must be setup correctly,  if not then you will not be able to play with digital modes.

Please take note that the setup explained worked for me. 

My Setup:  ( Yours might differ depending on the equipment you use)

Setting up the Computer and Software:

DO NOT switch the Yaesu FT817 or the computer ON.  

We first need to plug in all the cables.

Plug the USB cable coming from the Soundcard Interface into a USB port on the computer.

Plug the FT817 Mic Cable coming from the Soundcard Interface into the mic socket of the FT817

Plug the 3.5 mm Extension plug into the SP Ext. Socket on the FT817

The switch next to the 3.5 mm socket must be set to SP = Speaker

Plug antenna and radio power cord in

Ensure the correct antenna port is selected.  Either front or rear.  (Menu #7)

Now power up the computer and the FT817 Radio

Radio and Interface should now be ON

Set frequency on radio.  In this case we start with VHF and FT8 = 144.174 MHz USB

Now start the WSJT-X Program 

WSJT-X Setup:

Go to file settings - Radio

CAT must be OFF if you not going to use CAT = Rig:  NONE

PTT Method = VOX

Click on Audio TAB

Soundcard:

Input:  Microphone (32-USB PNP Sound Device)

Output:  Speakers (32-USB PNP Sound Device)

Input = Mono

Output = Mono

Click OK

In WSJT-X:

Monitor Button should be green and  O next to the band should also be green.  Radio and WSJT-X are talking to each other.  If not then check Hardware and Sound.

Control Panel =  Hardware and Sound.  Select Manage Audio Devices in Windows computer

New window will open named:  Sound with playback displayed

Double click on Speakers

Speaker Properties will open

Go to Levels

Speakers 98 Balance

Microphone 68

Click OK

Go to Recording TAB

Double click Microphone

Microphone Properties will open

Go custom. AGC must not be selected

Go to Levels

Microphone 50

Click OK

All other Playback and Recording devices must be DISABLED!

Voicemeeter Banana must not run at all if you have it installed!

That should be it for the computer audio settings.

Now for the Yaesu FT817 Radio Setup:

Press F for more than 2 seconds

We are now in the MENU of the FT817

Rotate teh SEL knob on radio (left side) to select menu 1 - 57

Setup the following MENUS for the Arduino Soundcard Interface as follows:

# 3  9600 Mic = 50

# 7  Antenna = Front or Rear

#14  Cat Rate = 9600  (If used)

#24  Dig Disp = 0 hz

#25  Dig Mic = 70

#26  Dig Mode = user-u

#27  Dig Shift = 0 hz

#29  FM Mic = 50

#38  OP Filter =  OFF (CW or SSB Filter)

#39  PKT Mic = 50

#40  PKT Rate = 1200

#45  SQL/RF-G = SQL (VHF) (RF Gain for HF)

#46  SSB Mic = 50

#51  Vox Gain = 50 (If used)

#52  Extend = ON

 

MODE =VHF/UHF = FT8 144.174 Mhz USB (USB work in VHF)

To check if equipment is setup correctly we are going to use an SDR Receiver Dongle installed on another computer.  Start the SDR computer with the RTL plugged into a USB port.  Open OpenWegRX program.  Once open select RTL-DDR 2m Voice Repeaters.  The 2m band will be displayed.  If you can hear white noise and signal meter works, go back to the computer with WSJT on it.  Click on the Tune button in WSJT-X.  Radio should TX and a line will appear on the window (waterfall)  Move the yellow ^ marker exactly on the line in the waterfall.  You will hear the tune signal clearly and your RX bar will go to red.  This means you are on the frequency of your radio that is in TX mode.  Stop Tune.

Select USB in Modes and click on the down arrow.

 

Select FT8 and two screens will open while DIG in the modes will turn yellow.  On screen = waterfall and other display station info.   Now enable TX on WSJT-X using FT8.  You should hear FT8 clearly in OpenWebRX.  Decode box in OpenWebRX will display CQ info:

 

UTC               dB    DT        Freq       Message

 

08:58:00         1      0.2     144.175    CQ ZS1I KF15

 

That's it your TX signal is now going out on the airwaves and being received by OpenWebRX

 

You are now ready to make your first QSO on VHF with the Yaesu FT817 Radio and the Arduino Soundcard Interface.

 

As said previously the above settings worked for my setup.  Your setup might differ but I am sure that some of the information in this article will be useful in setting up your Yaesu FT817, 857 or 897 radio to work digital modes.

 

You should now be able to work digital modes with the Yaesu FT817 Radio.  

Enjoy working digital modes in amateur radio!!           

General Checks and Settings:

 

1.  Set MTR ALC  Press F once, select MTR ALC by pressing B.  This will reflect ALC when in TX mode.

2.  Check antenna Input = Front or Rear  MENU =  #7  (Select socket where your antenna is plugged in.)

3.  Check SWR Meter (PWR and SWR)

4.  Check receiving meter (WSJT-X)  Must be in the green between 40 - 60 dB.  If in the red adjust recording level - microphone to a lower setting until meter is in the green.

5.  Add  Fan to the back o the Yaesu FT817 to prevent the radio from overheating.

6.  From time to time the FT817 screen will warn you of high SWR = SWR High.  If your antenna is tuned correctly check all other connections that they are tight.  Check also all patch leads for good connectivity.  Check if the radio is cutting power and if the warning comes up between voltage and mode.  You can also try to use the other antenna socket on the radio (Front or Rear)  This anomaly happens from time to time especially if the radio is moved around or used in portable mode.

7.  Never forget to have the FT817 Operating Manual in close proximity.  You will need it more than you think.

 

Images:  Click on images for larger view.

 

NOTE:  The Arduino Soundcard Interface needs an urgent facelift.  Hopefully I will find some time to re-spray and label it properly.

 

 

 

Congratulations to all the candidates who passed the May 2025 RAE Examination!!

As per the above title the Southern Cape Link Network Group would like to congratulate all the RAE candidates on passing the RAE. They wrote the examination last Saturday (10 May 2025).  A special word of welcome to every new radio amateur and we 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 experienced 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:

Johan ZS1JBZ George

Gisbert ZS1DGS George

Jan ZS1CBS Mossel Bay 

Finally:  Many thanks to all those who are/were involved in the RAE, PR and the recruiting process.

Downloading SSTV Images while being mobile between George and Mossel Bay. A first in South Africa?

 

Image:  N2 Road map between George and Mossel Bay.  1 & 2 - Areas where images were downloaded while being mobile.

During the recent  SSTV Experiment - Expedition 73 - ARISS Series 27 = Period: 5 May 2025 to 12 May 2025  Jacobus ZS1JDJ downloaded SSTV images from the ISS while being mobile between George and Mossel Bay.  I cannot remember that this type of operating was ever undertaken by a radio amateur in the Southern Cape, maybe even in South Africa. 

Image  1 = This image was downloaded on the 5 May 2025 at 17h09 SAST while mobile on the N2 driving at a speed of 110 km/h.  The position of the download was at the top of the Great Brak River cutting.

Image 2 = This image was downloaded on the 7 May 2025 at 17h11 SAST while mobile in the Rheebok Bricks factory area.  Driving speed was also 110km/h.

The two image above are not perfect images but taking into account that Jacobus ZS1JDJ found the passes not being in his favor this time around due to the fact that he was still at work during the ISS passes.  Remarkable is that he decided to download the images while being mobile at 110 km/h.  Great ingenuity on his part as he did not want to be left in the cold.  Well done, Jacobus!!

Equipment used:  5/8 Mobile Antenna mounted on vehicle, Robot36 Android application and a QYT KT-8900 VHF / UHF Radio

Finally:  A group of 8 radio amateurs participated in the  SSTV Experiment - Expedition 73 - ARISS Series 27 = Period: 5 May 2025 to 12 May 2025.  More information available HERE.

Participation Report: SSTV Experiment - Expedition 73 - ARISS Series 27 = Period: 5 May 2025 to 12 May 2025

 

What did the Experiment entail?

Expedition 73 - ARISS Series 27

May 05-12, 2025 – "See paragraph below"

Start: Monday, May 5 1200 UTC

End: Monday, May 12 1200 UTC

Frequency: 145.800 MHz FM (+/-3.5 kHz Doppler Shift)

The callsign is RSØISS, frequency is 145.800 MHz, and the mode is PD120. (Transmission cycle 2 minutes on, 2 minutes off)

 

This time, SSTV images are broadcast on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II (April 9, 1945). The diploma depicts the International Space Station, which is a symbol and place of international cooperation and friendship between the nations of the world.
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). 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 and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities take part in hands-on learning activities tied to space, space technologies, and amateur radio.

Many FM rigs can be switched to wide and narrow deviation FM filters. For best results you should select the filter for wider deviation FM. Handhelds generally have a single wide filter fitted as standard.

Reports are requested: please send ARISS uploading your decoded pictures in the official ARISS SSTV gallery: https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/

Useful information to receive the pictures can be found here: https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/

Follow ARISS on X for official updates during the event https://x.com/ARISS_Intl

I am pleased to announce that there was plenty of interest and participation in the Southern Cape and South Africa in the SSTV Experiment - ARISS Series 27.

Why download SSTV images from the ISS?

Every radio amateur that participated set his/her own goals and has a reason for participating in the experiment.  Unfortunately I do not have all the information on hand why some radio amateurs download images.  During this event the "modus operandi" differ substantially from Series 23. The current  TX cycle 2 min on, 2min break and 2min on as well as the fact that all passes took place at night time and the trajectory of the passes differed was challenging especially for inexperienced operators.  This time around two radio amateurs participated for the first time ever.  I am sure they learned from this experience and that they will download good clean images in the future.

Herewith some images (Click on images to enlarge) of the radio amateurs that participated in the ARISS SSTV Experiment:

Johan   ZS1I - Mossel Bay

 

Christi ZS4CGR - Luckhoff

Note:  Above image downloaded by Christi ZS4CGR using the Quansheng in the image above with the Nagoya antenna.  Well done Christi!

Francois ZS1Q - George

Rulhof ZS4RM - Bloemfontein

Gerrit ZS1KLO - Mossel Bay

Johnny ZS3JDL - Kimberley

Bernie ZR1ACP - Agulhas

Jacobus ZS1JDJ - Mossel Bay

The ISS SSTV Series 27 Experiment has ended on the 12 May 2025.  8 Radio Amateurs participated as the Southern Cape ISS SSTV Group and contributed to Africa's participation in the event.   I know that there were other radio amateurs taking part in South Africa and would like to thank each one of them for contributing to the Africa rate. 

In appreciation to the Southern Cape ISS SSTV Group I have decided to provide the above overview of the group participants Awards and Images and area of operation in South Africa.  The reasons for participating in the ARISS Experiment differ from radio amateur to radio amateur.

Here are a few reasons:

1.  Having Fun!

2.  Gaining experience with regard to tracking satellites and operating satellites

3.  Testing Radio's and Software

4.  Testing different antennas 

5.  Portable and Fixed station setup

6.  Working to obtain the ARISS SSTV Award

7.  Antenna shootout using two different antennas during the event.

8.  Teaching new radio amateurs how to setup a RX Satellite Station and also the finer points in copying a reasonable clear image from the ISS.

Finally  -  A article will soon appear on this Blog on how Jacobus ZS1JDJ received the SSTV images from the ISS.  This is surely a first for the Southern Cape if not South Africa.  Do not miss this article. As far as can be ascertained every one that participated enjoyed the event immensely.  To those who did not participated this time around, wait for the next event and join in the fun!!