Herewith a short overview of what is lately happening on the ZS Link Network.
- Repeaters, Links, Hubs, DMR Bridge etc
- "Killing" the use of annoying courtesy tones on the ZS Link Network
- New features to be added to the ZS Link Network
- Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) in the Southern Cape
- Activity on the ZS Link Network
Repeaters, Links, Hubs, DMR Bridge etc:
All the ZS Link Network repeaters are operational and in a good working condition. For those not familiar, here are the ZS Link Network Group repeaters currently operational over a large part of the Southern Cape.
Aasvoëlkop
Repeater: Albertinia
RF Frequencies = 145.625 Mhz RX, 145.025 Mhz TX 88.5 hz CTCSS
Echolink = ZS1SB-L Node: 123760
Stilbaai
Repeater: Still Bay
RF Frequencies = 145.750 Mhz RX, 145.150 Mhz TX 88.5 hz CTCSS
Echolink = ZS1DRP-R Node: 272595
145.725 Mhz Test Repeater: (Currently at Still Bay)
RF Frequencies = 145.725 Mhz RX, 145.125 Mhz TX 88.5 hz CTCSS
ZS Link Hub Network:
All the Nodes, Hubs and RF Links are operational and in a good working conditions.
Mosselbaai RF Simplex Link:
RF Frequency = 145.550 Mhz RX + TX 88.5 hz CTCSS
Mossel Bay DMR Bridge:
Node: 467652 Talk Group: 65511
ZS1I AllStar Hub:
ZS1I AllStar Node: 49355
ZS1I-R Echolink Node: 929614
Mossel Bay Aasvoelkop Direct RF Link:
Radio User (Option 1): Radio Frequencies (Program these frequencies in your HT, Mobile or Base Station radios)
RX = 145.625 Mhz 88.5 Hz CTCSS
TX = 145.025 Mhz 88.5 Hz CTCSS
Radio User (Option 2): Radio Frequencies (Program these frequencies in your HT, Mobile or Base Station radios)
RX = 145.025 Mhz 88.5 Hz CTCSS
TX = 145.625 Mhz 88.5 Hz CTCSS
Note: Option 2 must only be used if you are in reach of the ZS1I QTH / Tower. To setup CTCSS refer to your radio's users manual.
More information about this RF Link available HERE.
"Killing" the use of annoying courtesy tones on the ZS Link Network
Courtesy tones on any network are short audio signals that indicate the end of a transmission, much like a "roger beep" on a repeater. They serve to let other users know it's their turn to speak, help prevent long-winded transmissions, and allow time for distant nodes to reset timers, making for a more courteous exchange.
Courtesy tones can be a nuisance on the ZS Link / AllStarLink Network. In a small private network courtesy tones seldomly causes problems but in a large network like the ZS Link Network courtesy tones cause all sorts of problems from ping-ponging, irritation, locking up of nodes/bridges etc.
The sentiment that courtesy radio tones are a nuisance is a common one within the amateur radio communities. While they serve certain functions, their implementation and design often lead to user frustration.
Reasons for the Nuisance
- Annoying Sound: The beeps or tones can be simply irritating to the listener, especially if they are loud or high-pitched.
- Disruptive: They break the flow of conversation and can be particularly annoying during long discussions.
- Redundancy: Experienced operators often know when a transmission ends through other means (like the sudden end of the carrier signal), making the tone unnecessary.
- "Roger Beeps": Tones that activate after every transmission, often called "roger beeps" (common on some consumer radios but generally frowned upon in amateur radio), are widely disliked by many users.
- User Error: In some cases, users might not know how to disable them in their radio settings, leading to unintentional use.
The Purpose of Courtesy Tones
Despite the annoyance, courtesy tones are used for several practical reasons, primarily on repeaters:
- Signaling End of Transmission: The primary purpose is to signal that the previous user has finished transmitting (un-keyed the microphone) and the repeater is clear for someone else to use or break in.
- Preventing "Squashing": It provides a brief pause (hang time) before the repeater drops its carrier, which helps prevent users from accidentally talking over each other.
- Emergency Break-ins: The pause allows a window for a station with an emergency to transmit and be heard.
- Confirming Access: For the transmitting user, hearing their tone on the output confirms that they successfully accessed the repeater.
Potential Solutions and Workarounds
If you find courtesy tones a nuisance, several approaches may help:
- Disable on your radio: Many radios allow you to disable the transmission or reception of certain tones in the settings.
- Use CTCSS/DCS (Privacy Tones): These sub-audible tones filter out other traffic unless it uses the same specific tone, effectively muting unwanted sounds like courtesy beeps from other groups or random static (squelch tail).
- Simplex Operation: If you are talking to someone nearby and can communicate directly without a repeater, switching to a simplex frequency avoids repeater-specific tones entirely.
- Contact the Repeater Owner: For amateur repeaters, you could contact the owner or group that manages the system to discuss the tone settings. They might adjust the tone or volume if there is enough demand.
The debate highlights a balance between operational efficiency and user preference in radio communication.
The ZS Link Network Administrators has decided to not allow courtesy tones on the ZS Link Network. In the event that a station transmits courtesy tone on the ZS Link Network, the radio amateur will be contacted and referred to the decision taken by the ZS Link Network Administrators. Failure to comply will result in the suspension or ban of the station from the use of the ZS Link Network. Stations connecting to the ZS Link Network and courtesy tones are transmitted over their repeater or links will also be notified and requested to solve the issue. PLEASE lets use great diplomacy in solving the issue amicably. No need to be a "policeman" or even worse ban or chase a station of the air. Rather assist and help such a station. A reasonable time should also be allowed to remove the courtesy tones as some radios need to be re-programmed.
New features to be added to the ZS Link Network
The ZS Link Network is not a "once off" installation of equipment and software. Apart from maintenance and upkeep there is also new features that we add to the network on a regular basis. Experimenting which entails building, modifying, and testing radio equipment and antennas, or using radio signals for scientific and digital communication purposes. Experimentation can range from creating "homebrew" electronics to using the latest and greatest hardware and firmware to enhance the ZS Link Network.
The following experimental projects is currently on the test bench:
1. Creating a 5.8 Ghz Backbone Network setup for the ZS Link Network
2. Testing a SVXLink Node on 70cm to link a specific repeater to the ZS Link Network as and when necessary.
More information will be provided in future posts regarding these two projects.
Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) in the Southern Cape
Now why would one setup a WSPR Beacon in the Southern Cape?
Read more by clicking HERE and HERE
The beacon is currently running on 40 meters as a test beacon. The final "VHF Allocation" of the beacon will soon be implemented and work on this is progressing very well. More information to be published in future postings. We do have high expectations for this beacon to be spotted in parts of the world and on a frequency never before spotted from the Southern Cape. Hopefully this beacon will contribute to the WSPR "network and mode" by utilizing a specialized protocol and software for weak-signal radio communication to examine radio wave propagation conditions.
Activity on the ZS Link Network
With three on the air Nets running a day the ZS Link Network is one of the busiest networks in the country. With an average of between 10 - 14 stations reporting in during each net the activity on the ZS Link Network is thrive. Several new radio amateurs that passed the October RAE already participated in the Nets. All radio amateurs especially the new radio amateurs are most welcome to join the Nets and use the ZS Link Network. A wide variety of topics are covered during these Nets. New radio amateurs are encouraged to ask questions or advice from the many experienced participating radio amateurs.
Finally: If you have not yet used the ZS Link Network you are most welcome to do so. The ZS Link Network Adminstrators trust that users will enjoy using this dynamic and busy network. Enjoy!
