Some might have noticed that the editor of this article was not very active on the ZS Link Group Nets lately. Well there was good reason for this. I have been working on several projects relating to the ZS Link Network the past few weeks. I do have the pleasure to announce a new addition / extension to the ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape. Before I announce the new "KID" on the block, it is important to first announce a few important changes relating to the new add on.
Changes to the ZS1I DMR Bridge Node:
The DMR Bridge has been in operation on the ZS Link Network since 31 August 2023.
The following changes were made to the DMR Bridge on the 7 March 2023 and radio amateurs that uses the ZS Link Network must please take note of the changes:
DMR users must change to the 65522 Talk Group (TG) if they want to access the ZS Link Network via DMR.
When the Bridge is active it connects the following applications/nodes together which is forming a "Bridge". Simply put it allows one person to talk on Echolink and the conversation will be propagated to AllStar and DMR and vice versa.
Example:
Echolink ####> Allstar ####> DMR and DMR ###> AllStar ###> Echolink
ZS1I-R Echolink ####> 49355 Allstar ####> DMR and DMR ###> 49355 AllStar ###> ZS11-R Echolink
The Bridge is also available to all the stations connected to the ZS Link Network and to those stations connected to each other.
Benefits of setting up a DMR Bridge:
- Connecting (bridging) a DMR Repeater to AllStar, Echolink, SVXLink etc.
- Useful for Emergency Communications
- Ad Hoc Connections
- Access to repeaters from other areas and modes (Hotspots)
- Creates activity on the VHF/UHF bands
- Extend the reach to other parts of the country and worldwide
- Allows analog users to TX+RX on DMR as many radio amateurs do not have a digital radio to operate DMR.
- Because you can and the software is freely available thanks to fellow radio amateurs
- Lends itself to experimentation
- Learn more (educational) about the workings of Digital Radio, Analog Radio, Nodes, VOIP, links, bridges etc.
PLEASE leave a "6 second delay" between replying to a station to allow ALL the systems to reset and connect.
Please note this is a global network and you will be transmitting on RF all over the world.
It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using the DMR Bridge.
Correct operating procedure is a distinct characteristic of Amateur Radio. It’s important that you convey to the public, and to new radio amateurs, the image that Amateur Radio Operators are courteous, patient, and really know what they’re doing. A friendly style is great, but we also need to operate professionally. You never know who may be listening.
Finally:
In Part 2 I will provide information of the new and only DMR Repeater in the Southern Cape Area of South Africa. Re-structuring and expansion of the ZS Link Network is an ongoing process and the network is getting bigger and bigger with the time. Do not panic we will not leave our local radio amateurs in the cold. I recently overheard a conversation were a radio amateur indicated that the ZS Link Network is not for local use but caters more for world wide activity. This is far from the truth. If you not certain how the ZS Link Network functions you will find more info on the ZS Link Network Blog Pages.
Please note: The AllStar-Echolink-DMR Bridge and new DMR Repeater is currently in a experimental phase and might only be active at certain times of the day. A full "how-to" will be provided in Part 2 on how to use the new DMR Repeater situated in Mossel Bay.
