The Amateur Radio ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape is a large, interconnected infrastructure of VHF and UHF Repeaters, Nodes, VOIP, Reflectors, DVSwitch Bridge etc. managed by local amateur radio operators with local operators associated with the ZS Link Network Group. These systems enable local and long-distance communications via FM voice (Analog), Digital Radio (MMDVM) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), covering large parts of South Africa and even World Wide. The Network acts as a bridge for diverse systems—including both analog and digital modes—enabling operators to connect regardless of their specific hardware.
Key Features of the Network:
- Coverage: The network stretches from the West Coast to the East Coast and from the North of the country to the South of the country and even World Wide.
- Interlinking: Repeaters/Simplex Links are connected via the Internet, allowing a user to be heard in South Africa and World Wide.
- Control: The links between different repeaters/simplex networks can be enabled or disabled using various methods.
- Management: It is managed by the ZS Link Network Group (ZSLNG), which includes radio amateurs from various radio clubs in South Africa.
- Supported Systems: AllStar, SVXLink, DMR (BrandMeister), Yaesu System Fusion (YSF), EchoLink and AREDN
- Operating Guidelines:
Because pushing a PTT (Push-To-Talk) button can open 250 to 300
transmitters simultaneously when linked worldwide, users are asked to keep individual
conversations (QSOs) under 15 minutes and leave a 6-9 second gap between overs.
- Community Standards: The network prohibits obscene language and discourages discussions on sensitive topics like politics or religion.
- Nodes: The network links areas like Still Bay, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, and the broader ZS zones and overseas networks.
- Usage: It is used for weekly, international, or local nets (discussions), as well as emergency communications in the Southern Cape.
Common Frequencies in the Southern Cape Region:
- 145.725 MHz (Aasvoelkop): Provides wide coverage. Require 88.5 Hz CTCSS tone.
- 145.750 MHz (Stilbaai Repeater): Mainly local coverage. Require 88.5 Hz CTCSS tone.
- 145.725 MHz (Stilbaai Test Repeater): Test repeater to be installed at a suitable site in the Southern Cape
- 145.550 MHz (Mossel Bay Simplex Link): Mossel Bay Area coverage. Require 88.5 Hz CTCSS tone.
- 430.662500 MHz (Mossel Bay DMR Repeater): Mainly local coverage.
Connection Details:
- AllStar Link: Nodes 49355, 467653.
- EchoLink: ZS1SB-L, ZS1I-R, ZS1DRP-R.
- DMR: BrandMeister TalkGroup (TG) 65522.
- SVXLink Reflector (SouthCape) : ZS6CMO
- The 625 WhatsApp Group: Die 625 - 6 uur half 5 span
All infrastructure is maintained by the ZS Link Network Group (ZSLNG)
Contact details of persons responsible for the maintenance of Repeaters, Links, Nodes and Interfaces in relation to the ZS Link Network Group: Click HERE.
ED. Must say that AI did not do to bad describing the ZS Link Network and also creating the images.
