Down Memory Lane: Harnessing Technology for early warning - Amateur Radio and the SAWDIS

Image:  Front cover of the RADAR publication.  (Click on images for larger view)

In 2009 I was approached by the University of Cape Town to participate in the Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Research Project.  This project resulted in the first Risk and Development Annual Review (RADAR) publication for the Western Cape. This mammoth undertaking reflected eight years of post-disaster research across the province. The Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme would like to acknowledge the contribution made by the many individuals, groups and academics whose support and input made this first RADAR possible. We would specifically like to thank the many researchers and practitioners who contributed their time and input to the first post-impact studies from 2003-2007.  The Risk and Development Annual Review (RADAR) project was commissioned to investigate severe weather induced disasters experienced in the Western Cape province from 2003 – 2008.

Mr Anton Bredell,  Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning  presented the foreword in RADAR.  

He explained:

“The Western Cape can be regarded as one of the most disaster prone provinces in South Africa. Since 2006, ten disasters were declared of which the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) classified eight as disasters. These disasters included mostly flooding events as
well as drought and the displacement of human beings. It is my pleasure to present the first Risk and Development Annual Review (RADAR) publication for the Western Cape. This publication is the first Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) report detailing disaster events and critical risk reduction issues for a wide range of public sector, emergency services and development planning professionals and practitioners. The project was guided by a Publication Advisory Committee (PAC) consisting of the PDMC, NDMC, Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) and the Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Project (DiMP) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). During the 2009/10 financial year, the PDMC worked with university partners to strengthen applied disaster risk scholarship and capacity in the Western Cape. This initiative foresees a phased collaborative process from 2009 to 2012 that progressively engages the Province’s higher education institutions in disaster risk reduction research, as well as formal and non-formal education activities. The project seeks to provide an institutional mechanism that brings together the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), the PDMC and the four Western Cape higher education institutions in a venture that generates human and institutional capacity to reduce recurrent disaster risks. It also aims at generating provincially relevant applied research outputs in disaster risk science and management. During 2009 the PDMC obtained funding from the NDMC in order to compile a RADAR publication for 2010. This publication aims to provide a consolidated summary of major Western Cape disaster events that occurred between 2003 and 2008. This will enable a wide range of practitioners, both within and beyond the Western Cape, to access post-disaster event analyses and associated data for risk reduction planning purposes. The first edition will focus on the province’s changing risk profile – with specific emphasis on severe weather events from 2003 to 2008 and their consequences – and link this with future climate variability and climate change / adaptation. There is a section on the changing urban risk profile, with a reflection on people who were internally displaced in 2008. It is envisaged that future editions will cover other hazards that may cause disasters in the Western Cape. A special word of thanks to the UCT/DiMP for producing the first scientific publication of its kind in South Africa and for supporting the Western Cape PDMC in its endeavours to make the Province a safer place for all to live in. This surely is an excellent example of pioneering work pertaining to research and it sets the trend for enhancing all aspects of disaster risk reduction and related management initiatives in South Africa.”

Lets now have a closer look at Emerging resources – linking up with local ‘movers and shakers’ where amateur radio also plays a vital roll.

The Western Cape is rich in often untapped human resources. These are local people with kindness and compassion; residents who willingly give of their own time and apply their particular strengths and expertise for the good of their communities. They are also often the ‘movers’ in that they seek creative solutions to the risks they face, often without additional resources.
These efforts by volunteers and civil society groups across the province have strengthened the
capacity of local municipalities in general, and disaster managers in particular. This is especially
the case in far-flung rural areas that lack financial resources. Often building on humble
beginnings and working patiently and tirelessly, these dedicated individuals and groups have
grown from strength to strength over the last few years.
In the course of our research for RADAR, we discovered many exciting local initiatives. This
chapter offers a snapshot of six of them. Each is unique, drawing on a variety of strengths and
expertise and showing how local residents and disaster managers can work together effectively.
Of course, these case-studies are not the only instances of community members actively
engaged in disaster risk reduction in the province. However, they emphasize the value that is
added when risk management efforts are energized by local ‘movers and shakers’.

Harnessing technology for early warning:  Location Mossel Bay, Western Cape

Image: Location of Mossel Bay

 

Amateur Radio and the South African Weather and Disaster Information Service (SAWDIS)

Good emergency management before, during and after severe storms depends on access to real-time weather warnings.  This example from Mossel Bay shows how radio amateurs and HAMNET members, as well as the general public, can play an important role in reporting real-time weather and disaster information – and offer a key public information service during emergencies.
It also illustrates how members of the public, using their own equipment, can contribute
positively to disseminating critical information when and where it is needed most.

Aftermath of floods – SAWDIS is established

Image: Johan ZS1I at his SAWDIS and Amateur Radio Station Desk

For Mossel Bay radio ham Johan Terblanche ZS1I, the poor quality of public information available during the 2006/2007 floods convinced him of the need for a local public weather and disaster information service, and especially an early warning system. With the support of other amateur radio operators (known as radio hams) and the general public, he established the South African Weather and Disaster Information Service (SAWDIS) and associated Internet blog in October 2008. The blog provides up to the minute weather reports, weather maps, photographs, satellite images, and relevant information on disasters around the world. This approach of harnessing the Internet for local disaster risk management caught on quickly, and as an awareness of SAWDIS spread, additional external links have gradually been added to the blog, making it an increasingly valuable resource.

How does the SAWDIS work?

SAWDIS allows information to be exchanged effectively by using the Internet, commercial entities and amateur radio operators. This two-way information flow helps to promote and improve scientific methodologies as well as helping to interpret weather and disaster observations at grass roots level. The ‘high-tech’ element of SAWDIS relies on the APRS RF global system. This is a combination of networks and terrestrial and satellite links that move weather-related information around the world. In South Africa, many areas lack the necessary infrastructure and knowledge to benefit from this global information. This is where the ‘low-tech’ side of SAWDIS steps in. Amateur radio operators receive and share information, linking isolated and marginalised communities with real-time weather forecasts from satellites and other sources. SAWDIS currently receives neither funding nor sponsorship, and is built on the dedication, imagination and skill of its volunteers.

 

Final Comments by Johan ZS1I:

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (DiMP) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), the Publication Advisory
Committee (PAC) officials from the National Disaster Management Centre, Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre,

Now why would one write an article about yourself and also about a research project that was undertaken in the early two thousands?  

1.  Definitely not to brag or boast about it at my age as it is rather late to look for attention now.  Those who know me will know that I am not an attention seeker. Neither do I enjoy to be in the limelight.

2.  One reason is this "event" is now historically and forms part of my series of articles called "Down Memory Lane" that I publish on the ZS Link Network Blog to save it for future generations.

3.  Another and very important reason is that I am getting on in the years and this article serves to inform the younger generation that they have a responsibility to serve their local community in time of not only disasters but also when the opportunity arise to generally serve when there is a need for it. 

As the then Mr. Sicelo Shiceka, National Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs indicated:  "Historically households, communities and societies have continuously sought to protect their property and livelihood from extreme events and disasters. They investigated and found ways and methods to improve the sighting, positioning and building of their structures and ways to safeguard their economic activities against these destructive events. These search efforts tended to focus on threatening hazards and their impact on the communities and their livelihoods. However, as populations increase - with the consequence that the built environment increases in size - coupled with the effects of climate variability, there emerges greater pressure on the need for determining and addressing vulnerabilities and exposure to these extreme and disastrous events faced by societies."

4.  This article should be an example to the younger generation in Amateur Radio that there is always an opportunity where you can be of service to your local community.  We as Radio Amateurs have the resources to assist not only during severe weather events or disasters but also on a daily basis and not only in the Western Cape Province but throughout all the provinces of South Africa and even World Wide. I would like to see that radio amateurs increasingly become "movers and shakers" and be energized to assist their local community.

5. I trust that this article will kindle and energize radio amateurs anew to find ways to build  on humble beginnings like I did with SAWDIS and work patiently and tirelessly to grow from strength to strength but most importantly to be of assistance to local communities when the need arises. 

 

Example of the SAWDOS Blog Website looked like:  Click HERE

(Note:  The SAWDIS Blog name was changed to the South African Weather and Disaster Observation Service.  (SAWDOS)

 

Is the SAWDIS/SAWDOS Blog Website still functional and available?  Click HERE 

Johan Terblanche ZS1I

Mossel Bay

10 July 2024

Rattlegram Tests Southern Cape, Free State. Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape and Gauteng.

In a previous post available HERE I wrote an article about Rattlegram and Ribbit. In the previous article you will find a wide variety of information pertaining to Rattlegram and Ribbit which I am not going to repeat in this article.

An audio file was created where Rattlegram and Ribbit was explained in ZS1I Ramblings.  The file can be downloaded at: 

Audio File Download: ZS1I Ramblings 31 August 2023 Issue 8 - Meet Rattlegram and Ribbit!

During a conversation on Telegram I mentioned that I would like to test Rattlegram via several "modes" methods of communication.  Myself and Christi ZS4CGR decided that we will have a "informal" test session this past Saturday evening.  We did a few tests which was unfortunately not successful possibly due to the current Internet issues.  Now some of the purist might say that this is not the way to test an emergency communications program via the Internet.  Let me say that you use anything that is available when there is a emergency or a disaster. End of debate!  We decided that we will carry on testing Rattlegram and that the next session would be held after the Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Club Bulletin this past Sunday the 17 March 2024.  No announcement of any kind was made from my side but what a surprise when the following radio amateurs joined the test session:

1.  Christi ZS4CGR   Luckhoff

2.  Gerrit ZS1KLO   Rheebok, Mossel Bay

3.  Thys ZS1TBP   Port Elizabeth

4.  Curtis ZS6CMO  Alberton

5.  Johan ZS1I  Mossel Bay 

6.  Zayn ZR3VO   Orania

7.  Fred ZS5SAM (Div 1)  Barrydale  (Did not join the session but decoded some of the messages via AllStar and informed us of his incognito presence during the test session.)

I am not going to go into great detail here as it will take to long.  If you would like to find out more then join us  for the next round of tests that will hopefully take place this coming Sunday afternoon at around 15h30 SAST.

We did the following tests:  (Result in Green)

1.  Cellphone to Cellphone  PASSED

2.  Cellphone to VHF Radio  = VHF Radio to Cellphone  PASSED

3.  Cellphone to VHF Radio to Repeater = Repeater to VHF Radio to Cellphone  PASSED

4.  Cellphone to VHF Radio to Echolink = Echolink to VHF Radio to Cellphone  FAILED

5.  Cellphone to VHF Radio to AllStar = AllStar to VHF Radio to Cellphone  PASSED

6.  Cellphone to DroidStar to DMR = DMR to Droidstar to Cellphone  FAILED

Next test to undertake:  Cellphone to HF Radio = HF Radio to Cellphone  NOT YET TESTED

We will once again test those "methods" that failed in future.

Please note the Cellphone running Rattlegram is only used as a "computer" and need not be connected to a cellphone tower or the Internet.

Finally:  I would like to thank everybody that participated in the Rattlegram Tests and invite other interested radio amateurs to join the next test session.

Herewith a few screen-print images of the tests conducted.  (Click on images for larger view.)

Update 7: ZS1I DMR Bridge now permanently linked to the GRHub Network, Mossel Bay

In a previous posting HERE I indicated that Tuesday's will be DMR Radio Activity Day on the GRHub Network, Mossel Bay.  This is indeed still the case.  I would however like to encourage radio amateurs to join the weekly ZA DMR Net.  The ZS1I DMR Bridge is linked to the South Africa DMR Talk Group 655 for the weekly ZA DMR Net. This is a vibrant and friendly Net.  You can also learn more about DMR by joining this Net. Echolink users can connect to ZS1I-L, AllStar users to 49355 and DMR users can now use TG 655.  Analog stations are welcome to join the Net via the ZS1I GRHub network which is now connected to the ZS1I DMR Bridge.

A further plus is that I decided to permanently link the ZS1I GRHUB Network (Node 49355) to the ZS1I DMR Bridge Network. (Node 467650)  Now I hear moans and groans about joining Analog to Digital and all the problems it will cause to the ZS - Link Network.  Rest assure I will not intrude on any DMR Repeater or Network setup.  I have created my own private Talk Group (65511) on which all traffic will be relayed from Echolink / AllStar / DMR etc.  Now you might ask but what is the objective here.  Let me explain:

1.  I have not heard a single amateur radio news bulletin being transmitted on DMR.  Maybe there is such a service but I have no knowledge of it.  All bulletins currently transmitted on the GRHub Network (Analog) will now also be transmitted via the DMR Bridge Network (Digital) on DMR @ Talk Group 65511.  More information on the bulletins being transmitted is available   HERE.

2.  We need to create activity to keep our bands busy and occupied.  There is an old saying "Use it or loose it!"  Hopefully by relaying the bulletins this will be a service to radio amateurs who would like to use their DMR systems more frequently.  This way we keep our bands busy.

3.  By adding this DMR Bridge to the GRHub Network I am on track to extend the GRHub Network even further by interlinking of different systems and services for the benefit and enjoyment of my fellow radio amateurs. 

4.  DMR functionality  will now also be available on the ZS1I AREDN Network via the ZS1I GRHUB Network using either Echolink / AllStar or DMR.  We now have  a fully autonomous "back-up" Internet and Amateur Radio Communications System on the ZS1I 5.8 Ghz AREDN Mesh Network via the GRHub Network in Mossel Bay.  The system could even be opened to the public on 2.4 Ghz during future disasters if needed.  This would be a great service that the public, first responders and radio amateurs can use for various reasons and purposes.  

5.  In addition to all the systems currently in use I will later add a DMR Repeater/Hotspot whereby local users in the Mossel Bay area can use their DMR Radios to gain access to the GRHub-, AREDN- or DMR  Network.  More on this in a future posting.

6.  This Bridge is not only for radio amateurs in the Garden Route Area.  It is now available on Echolink/AllStar/DMR throughout the world for radio amateurs to use.  You do not need a new digital radio to use the ZS1I DMR Bridge or to speak on DMR.   Your "old" analog radio will be more than sufficient to make a contact via DMR,

In the event that any of our current linked nodes/repeaters/links etc custodians experience any problems with the DMR Bridge Network on the GRHub Network, please get in touch with me so that we can resolve any issues.  From my side I will do everything to prevent any hick-ups in this regard.  I am constantly monitoring the GRHub Network, AREDN Mesh Network and the DMR Bridge Network throughout the day and night either by analog/digital radio, cellphone, computer, hotspot etc.

I would once again like to invite clubs and radio amateurs to use and keep on using the ZS-LINK and GRHub + DMR Network if they so wish. The DMR Bridge Network is not a private, club only or special allocated network venture.  It is open for general use by any radio amateur.  Start or join a QSO on DMR,  make new friends and enjoy the networks. 

Images:  Click on images for larger view.

 

Simple Projects: 3D Printed Cabinet for USB to Ethernet Converter and it's use

Here is another simple project.  No I did not create the 3D printer file for this cabinet.  I was looking for a small cabinet to house a USB / Ethernet Converter.  I decided to modify an original project box by scaling it down to size for the converter.  At the sea it is not a good thing to leave PCB's out in the open and unprotected even in the Shack.

What will this USB /Ethernet Converter be used for?  My AllStar / Echolink Node has only one ethernet port.  I need another port to connect the GRHub Network to the AREDN Network.  This works great and the ZS1I AllStar /Echolink GRHub Network is now connected to the ZS1I AREDN Network. Services on the GRHub Network and AREDN Network is now visa versa available to radio amateurs using one of the networks.  This means that apart from 2m RF, AllStar / Echolink, RF Links all voice and data is now relayed also on 2.4 Ghz and 5.8 Ghz.  The biggest benefit of this is that when there is an Internet outage locally the GRHub Network (AllStar, Repeaters and Links) are still working via the two networks with no Internet connection.  Echolink however does not work when there is a Internet outage.  This way I can keep VHF/UHF/HF amateur radio communications going.  More on this in a future posting.

Images:  Click on images for larger view.

 

Mossel Bay ZS1I AREDN Mesh Network Flowchart/Diagram now available

 (Click on image for larger view.)

 The second flowchart /diagram:  ZS1I AREDN Mesh Network is now available.

• ZS1I Garden Route HUB Network flowchart
• ZS1I AREDN flowchart
• ZS - Link Network flowchart

Download the flowchart / diagram by clicking HERE (Pdf)

The ZS - Link Network flowchart will take some time and the co-operation of all the roll-players involved.  I will compile a questionnaire and once I received it back, I will add the info to the flowchart.  I will soon correspond with the custodians of Repeaters, Links, Nodes, Networks that link to the GRHub Network.  By creating flowcharts I hope that users of the ZS - Link Network will have a better understanding of the working, outlay and size of the system. 

What is in the Box?

 

Asking this question on the Amateur Radio 101 Group once again resulted in an interesting comment about me importing eggs from overseas as the current bird-flu epidemic resulted in very expensive eggs.  Well let me answer that by saying that I an not very fond of eggs.  So I definitely would not import eggs even if it was my favorite.  Now what was in the box?  Well once again this is not to brag or boast as I have said this many times in the past.  Let see what was in the above box.

It is a Tp-link VIGI Outdoor full color Pan & Tilt Network (non WiFi) Camera  Model C540 V2.  I hear some of you say how boring and what has this got to do with amateur radio!  Let me try to explain.  This camera will be used as:

• addition to my new private home security system.
  
• a weather observation webcam in the Heidrand, Mossel Bay area
• a fire observation webcam to observe fires in the Mossel Bay area as well as the Outeniqua Mountains
• a mobile webcam when operating an amateur radio field- or public event station.
• there is several other uses but this will have to suffice for the time being.
  

This camera will in all the above mentioned uses be incorporated and run via the AREDN Mesh Network in Mossel Bay.  I will have a choice to either run this camera via the Internet (world wide network and view)  or No Internet via the AREDN Mesh Network. (local network and only available to AREDN stations)  This will give me the option to decide on who see's what depending on the circumstances.  I did opt for the Ethernet version rather than WiFi camera for security- and stability reasons. Updates to follow once I setup the networks.

The images underneath were taken this afternoon while setting up the camera.  They were taken in the Shack and trough the window to just get an indication on the quality of the pictures and video.  I did not record a video yet, but will later make a video recording with the camera once it is installed. (Click on images for larger view.)

Mossel Bay ZS1I GRHub Network Flowchart/Diagram now available

This is a project that I wanted to undertake several times in the past but I was always looking up to learning how to use a software program to compile such a flowchart.  My excuse of not having time was thrown out the window and I started yesterday (3 October 2023) to compile one of a few flowcharts / diagrams  I intend creating:

• ZS1I Garden Route HUB Network flowchart
• ZS1I AREDN flowchart
• ZS - Link Network flowchart

The ZS1I GRHub Network flowchart is now available for download by clicking HERE (Pdf)

I am busy with the ZS1I AREDN flowchart and will also make it available when finalized. 

The ZS - Link Network flowchart will take some time and the co-operation of all the roll-players involved.  I will compile a questionnaire and once I received it back, I will add the info to the flowchart.  I will soon correspond with the custodians of Repeaters, Links, Nodes, Networks that link to the GRHub Network.  By creating flowcharts I hope that users of the ZS - Link Network will have a better understanding of the working, outlay and size of the system. 

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

The recent severe weather storm that resulted in flooding, deaths, damage etc. was once again proof that the Western Cape is a disaster prone area from time to time.  The question need to be asked whether we as radio amateurs are ready to provide emergency communications in South Africa?  No I am not going to answer this question but in this posting I will rather reflect on the preparedness of radio amateurs in the past during the Knysna Fire Storm in  June 2017.  The reason why I will use the Knysna Fire Storm as an example will be quite clear if you listen to the Podcast.

Podcast file at the bottom of this page.

Herewith a few images of the Knysna Fire.  (Photographers unknown but thanks to them we can now commemorate the event)

 

Listen to the audio file underneath to learn more about the contribution of Amateur Radio especially AREDN during this horrific disaster: