New ZS6CM0 70cm AllStarLink Repeater - Alberton

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Curtis ZS6CMO recently completed his 70cm AllStarLink Repeater.  In the video the repeater was connected to the ZS-Link Network in the Southern Cape.  Audio quality was excellent way better than the normal Echolink audio.  The repeater consists of the following equipment:

• Dell Wyse 3040 Mini Computer
• R1-2023 BH7NOR Controller for AllStar
• Motorola Repeater Interface
• 2 x Motorola Radios
• Mobile Cavity Filter 
• Yellow 3D Printed Holder for the equipment

Congratulations to Curtis on constructing a good looking "Mobile" UHF Repeater with excellent audio quality!!

 

Automated AllStar, Echolink, 145.550 Mhz Simplex and DMR connection introduced to the 145.750 Mhz Still Bay Repeater

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The  ZS Link Network Group is proud to announce that an automated AllStar, Echolink, 145.550 Mhz Simplex and DMR connection has been introduced to the Still Bay Repeater from Monday to Saturday in the evenings from 18h30 to 19h15 SAST thereby extending the ZS Link Network even further.  This automated connection entails that the 145.625 Mhz (88.5 CTCSS) Aasvoelkop Repeater is automatically disconnected at 18h20 SAST from the network.  At 18h25 SAST the Still Bay Repeater is automatically connected to Node 49355 ZS1I HUB (AllStar and Echolink) with an RF Link on 145.550 Mhz (88.5 CTCSS).  This connection result in stations already connected to the HUB to join the Net on the Still Bay Repeater. This connection also include the ZS1I DMR Bridge TG65511 which allow for DMR Stations to talk on the Still Bay Repeater via DMR.  Auto disconnect from the Still Bay Repeater will be at 19h15 SAST and re-connection to the Aasvoelkop Repeater is at 19h20 SAST.  We now have several options available should there be a problem with a specific system.  The next project on the list is to investigate the possibility of establishing a Direct RF Link from the HUB Network to the Still Bay Repeater similar to the current RF Link to the Aasvoelkop Repeater.

The automated connection has been tested during this past week and works flawlessly.

A big thank you to all who provided audio reports and who connected to the network system to talk to fellow radio amateurs on the Still Bay Repeater.  The connection to the Still Bay Repeater allows for any radio amateur to talk on the Still Bay Repeater via this automated link connection. 

Finally a big thank you to all the radio amateurs that is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the above stations/links/nodes.  Your commitment is highly appreciated!!

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New Dashboard options for the Southern Cape ZS Link Network!

With the rapid expansion of the Southern Cape ZS Link Network it has become necessary to be able to have better control over all the different systems/applications in use at a given time. The following nodes/VoIP applications are currently in use on a daily basis and if a problem occurs it is important to shut down the system or node causing the problem.  Time is of essence to solve the issue on hand quickly without causing interference to other nodes connected to the ZS Link Network.  I have therefor decided to use several dashboards to keep track of what is happening at any time on the link network.

These dashboards that I installed is also available to other users of the network or radio amateurs who would like to see which nodes are connected to each other.  This is very important as to prevent the dreaded "Ping Pong" effect between repeaters when a new node is connected to a repeater node while the link network is already connected to that specific node.

Each dashboard listed in the article displays valuable information about other nodes / stations.  For the administrator of the ZS Link Network system several functions are available once logged into the dashboard.  Unfortunately these functions are not available to other radio amateurs and for obvious reasons.  None the less these dashboards are of great use to everybody using the link network or that connect their nodes to the link network.

The following nodes/links/repeaters are currently available on the ZS Link Network system from the     QTH of ZS1I in Mossel Bay:

• Echolink (ZS1I-R)
  
• AllStar Hub (49355) (467653) (467652)
  
• DMR Bridge (TG 65511) 
• SVXLink (ZS1I-L) (Periodically in use from time to time)
• DMR Repeater (TG 65522)  (Currently on Test Bench)
• Direct RF Link from Mossel Bay to the Aasvoelkop Repeater (145.625 Mhz 88.5 hz CTCSS)

Please note that the above are only nodes/links/repeaters in operation from the QTH of ZS1I in Mossel Bay.  The complete ZS Link Network exist of many other nodes/links/repeaters not mentioned in this posting.

Now lets get back to listing the dashboards available with regards to the ZS Link Network running at the QTH of ZS1I in Mossel Bay:

• Supermon 6.2.2 AllStar Node 49355 => ZS1I HUB 145.550 Mhz Mossel Bay, ZA
• Supermon 7.4+ AllStar Node 467653 => ZS1I Southern Cape Node Mossel Bay, ZA 
• Supermon 7.4+ AllStar Node 467652 => ZS1I DMR Bridge TG 65511 Mossel Bay, ZA
• DVSwitch Dashboard ZS1I DMR Bridge => DVSwitch Mossel Bay, ZA
• Allmon3 Nodes 467652, 456753 & 49355 => Dashboard Mossel Bay, ZA
• AllScan/AllStar Node 467653 ZS Link Network => Dashboard Mossel Bay, ZA
• Echolink Node ZS1I-R & ZS1I-L  =>  Dashboard Mossel Bay, ZA 

To view the dashboards just click on the listed dashboards above and you will be able to see information regarding  the systems running in Mossel Bay.  To view the Echolink Dashboard use your Echolink program on the PC or the Echolink App via your phone.

There you have it.  You can now view all the ZS Link Network dashboards relating to the nodes/links/repeaters in operation from the QTH of ZS1I in Mossel Bay.

Images:   (Click on images for larger view.)

 

 

Hoe saai ek 'n nuus bulletin uit op AllStar hier vanaf die Suid Kaap? (Deel 2)

Foto:  IAXRPT (Klik op foto om te vergroot)

Die eerste artikel rondom die uitsaai van 'n nuus bulletin is HIER beskikbaar.  Let asseblief daarop dat daar intussen verskeie veranderings en aanpassings was wat onder andere die automatisering van nuus bulletins behels.  Ek het 'n hele paar versoeke ontvang oor hoe om 'n vooraf opgeneemde bulletin (nie outomaties) uit te saai.  Die skakel hierbo verduidelik die stappe wat ek geneem het om 'n bulletin via Echolink uit te saai.  Maar hoe gemaak om 'n bulletin via AllStar lokaal uit te saai?

Foto:  Sagteware wat ek gebruik om 'n bulletin op AllStar uit te saai. (nie outomaties nie)  (Klik op foto om te vergroot.)

Om 'n nuus bulletin via AllStar uit te saai gebruik ek die sagteware genaamd IAXRPT ipv Echolink en natuurlik ook Audacity, Supermon 6.2.2, en VoiceMeter Banana.  Ek gaan nie in diepte verduidelik hoe om IAXRPT op te stel nie aansien daar talle voorbeelde op die Internet beskikbaar is wat voornemende bulletin uitsaaiers instaat sal stel om bulletins via AllStar uit te saai.

Hier is die PDF file wat verduidelik hoe om IAXRPT met Allstar op die HamVoip-vrystellings te gebruik.  Ja ek gebruik nogsteeds HamVoip vir die ZS Link Hub Netwerk Node.  Die node is sedert 2017 in gebruik en ondervind ek nie probleme met HamVoip nie.  So as 'n ding werk los hom net so.  Moenie gaan krap waar dit nie jeuk nie!

IAXRPT werk goed saam met HamVoip en ondervind ek geen probleme nie.

Maar hoe nou gemaak met AllStarLink?.   (ASL3)

Kyk gerus na die wiki -  KLIK HIER.

Daar is ook 'n AI Oorsig in engels hoe om IAXRPT op te stel.  

AI Overview

To set up iaxRpt for AllStarLink, download and install the iaxtRpt application, then open it to the "Accounts" section and click "Add". Fill in the required details, including the "Account name" (node number), "Description," the node's IP address for "Host," the username "iaxrpt," and the node's password. Finally, save the account and configure your "Caller ID" in the "Preferences" menu to display your callsign.
 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download and Install iaxRpt:

   • If using Windows, search for iaxtRpt in the taskbar and select "Run iaxtRpt". 

• If using an Android device, download the DVSwitch Mobile app (also known as iaxtRpt) from the Google Play Store. 

• Open the Accounts Menu:

• On Windows, double-click the iaxtRpt shortcut on your desktop to open the main window. 

• Click Options and then select Accounts. 

• Alternatively, press Alt+O to open the Options menu, then select Accounts. 

• Add a New Account:

• Click the Add... button in the "Manage Accounts" window. 

• Enter Account Details:

• Account Name: Enter your AllStar node number. 

• Description: Provide a brief description, such as "My Node" or your callsign. 

• Host: Enter the IP address of your AllStar node. 

• User name: Type iaxrpt (in lowercase). 

• Password: Enter the password for your AllStar node. 

• Type: Select Duplex for full-duplex operation. 

• Save the Account:

• Click the Save button to save the account configuration. 

• Configure Caller ID (Optional but Recommended):

• Go back to the main menu and select Options > Preferences. 

• Navigate to the Caller ID tab. 

• In the "Name" field, enter your callsign (e.g., "VE3OSH"). 

• In the "Number" field, ensure it is set to 0. 

• Click Save. 

You can now connect to your AllStar node using iaxtRpt for voice communication. You may also be able to send DTMF commands to control linked nodes

Ek is seker dat enige voornemende bulletin uitsaaier bostaande inligting met sukses sal kan gebuik om bulletins via AllStar uit te saai.

Why don't we broadcast Local Amateur Radio News Bulletins on the ZS-Link Network?

This question has been asked on the air a few times in the past.  It becomes cumbersome to now and again explain the reasons for not broadcasting local club bulletins on the ZS Link Network.  Therefor this post will explain the reasons why the broadcasting was discontinued.

Background:

In the past we did broadcast local news bulletins on the then GRHub Network, today known as the ZS Link Network.  The GRHub Network at the time was a very small network which allowed for broadcasting some local bulletins.  With the rapid expansion of the ZS Link Network it became necessary to decide whether it is feasible and practical to broadcast local bulletins on the ZS Link Network.  A decision was take by the admins of the ZS Link Network Group that no local bulletins will be broadcasted on the ZS Link Network.  Let's look at the reasons.

Reasons for not broadcasting local amateur radio news bulletins on the current ZS Link network:

1.   The rapid system expansion of the ZS Link Network resulted in a heavy workload on the equipment of the ZS Link Network Group and the administrators of other networks in South Africa.  The ZS Link Network is currently one of the largest networks in South Africa and carries heavy traffic at times.  Control, supervision and maintenance of the network repeaters, nodes, bridges etc. at all times is of the utmost importance to ensure the smooth functioning of the network.  The network consists of many other local and worldwide stations (see above image) which is linked to the ZS Link Network.  Administrators had to take the rapid expansion, size and workload on all the system into consideration.

2.  The ZS Link Network Group is not an amateur radio club and is not affiliated to any club or organization. The group however strive to maintain good relations with all clubs and organizations world wide. The group consist of radio amateurs with the same interest and  aspirations.   Many of the group members are however members of an amateur radio club/s by their own choice.  The ZS Link Network Group therefor has no obligation to any club or organization when it comes to the broadcast of local amateur radio news bulletins.  In the past we received several requests to broadcast club bulletins on behalf of a club.  For obvious reasons these requests were declined. These requests put the group in an awkward predicament due to the fact that at that stage club bulletins of two clubs were broadcasted on the network.  These two bulletin broadcasts stem from the small and old GRHub Network. To be fair and reasonable it was decided to stop broadcasting local club bulletins on the ZS Link Network and to inform the bulletin compilers accordingly.

3.  The ZS Link Network Group has therefor decided that it will only broadcast the following national amateur radio news bulletins:

• SARL Afrikaans National News Bulletin (08h15 - 08h30 SAST Sundays)
• Amateur Radio Today (10h00  - 11h00 SAST Sundays)
• WIA National News from Australia (15h00 - 15h30 SAST Sundays)
• Amateur Radio News Line (19h30 - 20h00 SAST Fridays)

4.  Many national and international amateur radio news bulletins are automated.  This means that the ZS Link Network System (computer) automatically downloads the audio file from a web-site, cut it up into time slots and then automatically plays it on the network at given time. This is surely the way to go and does the ZS Link Network make use of this helpful AllStar function.  No compiling, editing and live reading of a bulletin on the air.  The ZS Link Network prefer the automation of national and international amateur radio news bulletins as it works great and does not result in a heavy workload on especially RF systems, equipment on the network and administrators.

5.  Many large VOIP and RF Radio Networks has taken the decision not to broadcast any amateur radio news bulletins on their networks.  There are many reasons for this decision.  Some of these networks literally have 100's of systems including RF Repeaters connected together and it makes sense to not broadcast any club bulletins on such networks as a local club bulletin is meant for that specific club members and not for world wide broadcasting.  The ZS Link Network has therefor also taken the decision not to broadcast local club bulletins over the network.

6.  Many clubs have RF radio repeaters, HF radio and VOIP systems which they utilize to broadcast their local club news with.  If radio amateurs want to listen to a local club bulletin they can tune in or connect to such systems to listen to local news.  There is therefor no need for the ZS Link Network to broadcast such local bulletins on the ZS Link Network.

7.  Restructuring of the ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape.  Yes the dreaded word called restructuring, many hate to hear.  Unfortunately we do not live in the stone age and we as radio amateurs need to stay informed of the latest technology and experimenting.  Future changes to the ZS Link Network will be made and some will love it others will hate it.  Amateur Radio means to regularly engage in the activity, developing skills, experiment, learning new things, and finding enjoyment in the process.  Sometimes we need to restructure the ZS Link Network, if not we will stagnate and not move forward with the times.  Moving ahead is one reason why the ZS Link Network Group has become a vibrant group of radio amateurs.

The above surely explain the reasons why we discontinued the broadcasting of local amateur radio news bulletins on the ZS Link Network. 

General:

The ZS Link Network Group Admins would like to bring the following to the attention of readers and fellow radio amateurs:

• The ZS Link Network Group is not affiliated to the South African Radio League (SARL) as we are a group of radio amateurs and not a club.  However the group admins and many group members are SARL members and support the SARL in their vision, mission and activities.  We are Pro-SARL and believe that the SARL is the only national body for radio amateurs in this country.
• All necessary licenses to operate repeaters from a remote location as describe in the radio regulations were adhere to and was obtained in collaboration with the Western Cape Repeater Working Group (WCRWG),  SARL and ICASA.  Several of the ZS Link Network Group members are also members of the WCRWG. 
• The ZS Link Network Group is not a club nor is it affiliated with any. It is a platform built, maintained, and operated by individual operators, who utilize available capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of today’s amateur radio for the benefit and enjoyment of all radio
  amateurs and listeners.

Finally:

In conclusion, the Admins of the ZS Link Network Group would like to thank everyone and we mean everyone who makes a positive contribution to this successful group in South Africa. It is truly an experience to be part of the current "explosion" in activities related to the group and network. Any radio amateur from anywhere is invited to join us and become part of an active and dynamic group of radio amateurs. We look forward to welcoming you to the ZS Link Network Group even if you do not live in the Southern Cape area.

Afrikaanse vertaling:

Waarom saai ons nie plaaslike amateur radio nuus bulletins op die ZS-Link Netwerk uit nie?

Hierdie vraag is al 'n paar keer in die verlede op die lug gevra. Dit raak omslagtig om nou en dan die redes te verduidelik waarom plaaslike klub bulletins nie op die ZS Link Netwerk uitgesaai word nie. Daarom sal hierdie plasing die redes verduidelik waarom die uitsendings gestaak is.

Agtergrond:

In die verlede het ons wel plaaslike nuus bulletins uitgesaai op die destydse GRHub Netwerk, vandag bekend as die ZS Link Netwerk. Die GRHub Netwerk was destyds 'n baie klein netwerk wat die uitsending van sommige plaaslike bulletins moontlik gemaak het. Met die vinnige uitbreiding van die ZS Link Netwerk het dit nodig geword om te besluit of dit haalbaar en prakties is om plaaslike bulletins op die ZS Link Netwerk uit te saai. Die administrateurs van die ZS Link Netwerk Groep het 'n besluit geneem dat geen plaaslike bulletins op die ZS Link Netwerk uitgesaai sal word nie. Kom ons kyk na die redes.

Redes waarom plaaslike amateur radio nuus bulletins nie op die huidige ZS Link Netwerk uitgesaai word nie:

1. Die vinnige stelsel uitbreiding van die ZS Link Netwerk het 'n swaar werklas op die toerusting van die ZS Link Netwerk Groep en die administrateurs van ander netwerke in Suid-Afrika tot gevolg gehad. Die ZS Link Netwerk is tans een van die grootste netwerke in Suid-Afrika en dra soms swaar verkeer. Beheer, toesig en instandhouding van die netwerk RF radio herhalers, nodusse, brûe, ens. is te alle tye van die uiterste belang om die gladde funksionering van die netwerk te verseker. Die netwerk bestaan uit baie ander plaaslike en wêreldwye stasies (sien bostaande foto) wat aan die ZS Link Netwerk gekoppel is. Administrateurs moes die vinnige uitbreiding, grootte en werk las op die hele stelsel in ag neem.

2. Die ZS Link Netwerk Groep is nie 'n amateur radio klub nie en is nie geaffilieer met enige klub of organisasie nie. Die groep streef egter daarna om goeie verhoudings met alle klubs en organisasies wêreldwyd te handhaaf. Die groep bestaan uit radio amateurs met dieselfde belangstellings en aspirasies. Baie van die groep lede is egter lede van 'n amateur radio klub(s) uit eie keuse. Die ZS Link Netwerk Groep het dus geen verpligting teenoor enige klub of organisasie wat die uitsending van plaaslike amateur radio nuus bulletins betref nie. In die verlede het ons verskeie versoeke ontvang om klub bulletins namens 'n klub uit te saai. Om voor die hand liggende redes is hierdie versoeke van die hand gewys. Hierdie versoeke het die groep in 'n ongemaklike situasie geplaas omdat klub bulletins van twee klubs op daardie stadium op die netwerk uitgesaai is. Hierdie twee bulletin uitsendings spruit voort uit die klein en ou GRHub-netwerk soos reeds vermeld. Om billik en redelik te wees, is besluit om op te hou om plaaslike klub bulletins op die ZS Link Netwerk uit te saai en die bulletin samestellers dienooreenkomstig in te lig.

3. Die ZS Link Netwerk Groep het dus besluit dat die volgende internasionale en nasionale amateur radio nuus bulletins  uitgesaai sal word:

• SARL Afrikaanse Nasionale Nuus Bulletin (08:15 - 08:30 SAST Sondae)

• Amateur Radio Today (10:00 - 11:00 SAST Sondae)

• WIA Nasional News uit Australië (15:00 - 15:30 SAST Sondae)

• Amateur Radio Newsline (19:30 - 20:00 SAST Vrydae)

4. Baie nasionale en internasionale amateur radio nuus bulletins vind outomaties plaas. Dit beteken dat die ZS Link Netwerk Stelsel (rekenaar) outomaties die klank lêer van 'n webwerf aflaai, dit in tyd gleuwe opsny en dit dan outomaties op die netwerk op 'n gegewe tyd speel. Dit is sekerlik die pad om te volg en maak die ZS Link Netwerk gebruik van hierdie nuttige AllStar funksie. Geen samestelling, redigering en regstreekse voorlesing van 'n bulletin vind op die lug plaas nie. Die ZS Link Netwerk verkies die outomatisering van nasionale en internasionale amateur radio nuus bulletins, aangesien dit uitstekend werk en nie 'n swaar werklas op veral RF radio stelsels, toerusting op die netwerk en administrateurs tot gevolg het nie.

5. Baie groot VOIP- en RF radio netwerke het die besluit geneem om geen amateur radio nuus bulletins op hul netwerke uit te saai nie. Daar is baie redes vir hierdie besluit. Sommige van hierdie netwerke het letterlik honderde stelsels, insluitend RF-herhalers, wat aan mekaar gekoppel is, en dit maak sin om geen klub bulletins op sulke netwerke uit te saai nie, aangesien 'n plaaslike klub bulletin vir daardie spesifieke klub lede bedoel is en nie vir wêreldwye uitsending nie. Die ZS Link Netwerk het daarom die besluit geneem om nie plaaslike klub bulletins oor die netwerk uit te saai nie.

6. Baie klubs het RF- radio herhalers, HF-radios en VOIP-stelsels wat hulle gebruik om hul plaaslike klub nuus mee uit te saai. As radio amateurs na 'n plaaslike klub bulletin wil luister, kan hulle inskakel of aan sulke stelsels koppel om na plaaslike nuus te luister. Daar is dus geen nodigheid vir die ZS Link Netwerk om sulke plaaslike bulletins op die ZS Link Netwerk uit te saai nie.

7. Herstrukturering van die ZS Link Netwerk in die Suid-Kaap. Ja, die gevreesde woord genaamd herstrukturering, haat baie om van te hoor. Ongelukkig leef ons nie in die steentydperk nie en ons as radio amateurs moet op hoogte bly van die nuutste tegnologie dmv eksperimentering. Toekomstige veranderinge aan die ZS Link Netwerk sal aangebring word en sommige sal daarvan hou, ander sal nie daarvan hou nie. Amateur radio beteken om gereeld aan die aktiwiteit deel te neem, vaardighede te ontwikkel, te eksperimenteer, nuwe dinge te leer en genot in die proses te vind. Soms moet ons die ZS Link Netwerk herstruktureer, indien nie, sal ons stagneer en nie met die tyd vorentoe beweeg nie. Om vorentoe te beweeg is een rede waarom die ZS Link Netwerk Groep 'n dinamiese groep radio amateurs geword het.

Bogenoemde verduidelik sekerlik die redes waarom ons die uitsending van plaaslike amateur radio nuus bulletins op die ZS Link Netwerk gestaak het.

Algemeen:

Die ZS Link Netwerk Groep Administrateurs wil graag die volgende onder die aandag van lesers en mede radio amateurs bring:

• Die ZS Link Netwerk Groep is nie geaffilieer tot die Suid-Afrikaanse Radioliga (SARL) nie, aangesien ons 'n groep radio amateurs is en nie 'n klub nie. Die groep administrateurs en baie groep lede is egter SARL lede en ondersteun die SARL in hul visie, missie en aktiwiteite. Ons is Pro-SARL en glo dat die SARL die enigste nasionale liggaam vir radioamateurs in hierdie land is.

• Alle nodige lisensies om herhalers vanaf 'n afgeleë plek te bedryf soos beskryf in die radio regulasies, is nagekom en is verkry in samewerking met die Wes-Kaapse Herhaler Werk Groep (WKHWG), SARL en ICASA. Verskeie van die ZS Link Netwerk Groep lede is ook lede van die WKHWG.

• Die ZS Link Netwerk Groep is nie 'n klub nie en is ook nie geaffilieer met enigeen nie. Dit is 'n platform wat gebou, onderhou en bedryf word deur individuele operateurs, wat beskikbare vermoëns gebruik om die doeltreffendheid van vandag se amateur radio te verbeter tot voordeel en genot van alle radio amateurs en luisteraars.

Ten slotte wil die administrateurs van die ZS Link Netwerk Groep almal bedank, en ons bedoel almal wat 'n positiewe bydrae lewer tot hierdie suksesvolle groep in Suid-Afrika. Dit is werklik 'n ervaring om deel te wees van die huidige "ontploffing" in aktiwiteite wat verband hou met die groep en netwerk. Enige radio amateur van enige plek word genooi om by ons aan te sluit en deel te word van 'n aktiewe en dinamiese groep radio amateurs. Ons sien daarna uit om u by die ZS Link Netwerk Groep te verwelkom, selfs al woon u nie in die Suid-Kaap gebied nie.

Orania AllStarLink Node now active on the Southern Cape ZS Link Network

Yet again another AllStar Node has joined the Southern Cape ZS Link Network.  This time it is the node of  Zayn ZR3VO from Orania.  It is located along the Orange River in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape province. The town is situated on the R369 highway, and is 871 kilometers (541 mi) from Cape Town and approximately 680 kilometers (420 mi) from Pretoria.

Orania offers a variety of hobbies focused on its unique environment and cultural heritage. Popular activities include nature-based hobbies like kayaking, fishing, hiking, and bird watching, taking advantage of the Orange River and the Karoo landscape. Additionally, Orania has a strong focus on its history and culture, with interests in its architecture, the Cultural History Museum, and its irrigation project.

Another unique hobby that has come to the foreground in Orania is amateur radio better known as ham radio. There's no specific information about a large, organized group of radio amateurs residing in Orania. However, amateur radio activity is present in South Africa, and individuals in Orania could potentially participate. One such individual is Zayn ZR3VO.

To practice Amateur Radio means to regularly engage in the activity you enjoy, outside of work or school, for leisure and personal enrichment. It's about developing skills, learning new things, and finding enjoyment in the process. You can practice Amateur Radio by setting aside dedicated time, finding resources or communities related to your chosen activity, and consistently working on improving your skills and knowledge. 

This is exactly what Zayn has done.  He has setup a DMR Hotspot and is using his DMR Radio to talk all over the world whenever he feels like it.  He recently setup an AllStar Network Node at his home in Orania.  AllStarLink is a world wide network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations, and hot spots accessible to each other via the Internet and/or private IP networks. AllStar software runs on a dedicated Linux computer (including the Raspberry Pi) that you host at your home, radio site, clubhouse, school, university, workplace, or computer center. AllStar is based on the open source Asterisk PBX and is released under the GNU GPL and is free for anyone to use. The core of AllStar and AllStarLink is the powerful app_rpt application and associated modules that load into the Asterisk PBX system.

The allstarlink node that Zayn setup links to the Southern Cape ZS Link Network.  Any radio amateur can connect from around the world to the Shari Pi AllStar node of Zayn in Orania.  The SHARI (SA818 Ham Allstar Radio Interface) is a ham construction project designed by N8AR that implements a Raspberry Pi hosted Allstar node using a NiceRF SA818 embedded UHF (420 – 450 MHz) or VHF (144-148 MHz) radio module. SHARI PiXX is designed as a kit for construction and use in the amateur radio service by licensed amateur radio operators.  More info on the SHARI Pi can be found HERE.

Now lets look at the ZR3VO SHARI Pi AllStar Node particulars:

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.)

Herewith information and connection details:

Node Number: 46615

Node hardware = Raspberry Pi 4

Link Radio = SHARI Pi (SA818)

Frequency = 145.350 Mhz

AllStar Software = ASL3 / Supermon7

Location:  Orania, South Africa

 

Finally:  The ZR3VO 46615 AllStar Node is daily connected to the 49355 ZS1I AllStar HUB, Mossel Bay. Next time you visit Orania you most welcome to use the node to talk to the World.  A big thank you to Zayn ZR3VO who undertook this project and made it a reality.  Well done Zayn!!  The ZS Link Network Group welcomes the Orania Node to the Southern Cape Link Network in South Africa!

 

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.)

 

Notice: Audio Dropout on ZS Link Network during broadcasting of News Bulletins on a Sunday

Image:  Flowchart - Direct RF Link to the Aasvoëlkop Repeater (Click on image for larger view)

KENNISGEWING:  Wegval van audio op Echolink - Uitsaai van Bulletins op ‘n Sondag.

Dit het tot my kennis gekom dat wanneer ek bulletins op Sondae uitsaai die audio op ZS1SB-L wegval na plus/minus 5-8 Minute.  Dit gebeur ook somtyds wanneer langerige rondtes op die Aasvoëlkop herhaler geneem word.  Dan sal die audio ewe skielik net verdwyn op die Echolink netwerk.  Ek is nie seker of daar dalk ‘n “Time-out-Timer” (TOT) op ZS1SB-L is nie.  Ek het geen probleem as daar ‘n TOT opgestel is nie en ek glo daar is ‘n goeie rede vir die TOT.  Toerusting is nie goedkoop nie en hitte is die groot vyand vir enige radio wat vir ½ uur aanhoudend moet TX. Ek kan ongelukkig nie enige gekoppelde node reset tydens bulletin uitsendings nie.  Bulletins word reeds ‘n geruime tyd direk uitgesaai dmv ‘n RF Link te Mosselbaai vanaf die Aasvoëlkop herhaler.  Sou dit gebeur dat die audio verdwyn op Echolink kan stasies oorskakel na die ZS1I HUB toe in Mosselbaai.  Onder normale kommunikasie tree die TOT nie in werking nie behalwe as OK’s op die Aasvoëlkop herhaler lang rondtes neem.

 

NOTICE: Audio Dropout on Echolink - Broadcasting Bulletins on a Sunday.

It has come to my attention that when I broadcast bulletins on Sundays the audio on ZS1SB-L drops out after plus/minus 5-8 Minutes. This also happens sometimes when longer rounds are taken on the Aasvoëlkop repeater. Then the audio will suddenly just disappear on the Echolink network. I am not sure if there is a “Time-out-Timer” (TOT) on ZS1SB-L. I have no problem if a TOT is set up and I believe there is a good reason for the TOT. Equipment is not cheap and heat is the great enemy of any radio that has to TX continuously for ½ hour. Unfortunately I cannot reset any connected node during bulletin broadcasts. Bulletins have been broadcast directly for some time now via an RF Link in Mossel Bay from the Aasvoëlkop repeater. Should the audio disappear on Echolink, stations can switch to the ZS1I HUB in Mossel Bay. Under normal communications, the TOT does not come into effect unless OKs on the Aasvoëlkop repeater take long rounds.

ZS-LINK - DMR Bridge - ZS-HUB and 145.550 Mhz RF Link - BACK ON THE AIR!

KENNISGEWING:  Geliewe kennis te neem dat die Mosselbaai  DMR Brug (TG65511), ZS-HUB (ZS1I-R Echolink en 49355 Allstar) en die 145.550 Mhz RF Link  nodusse vanaf  9 Julie 2025 weer terug is op die lug na my besoek aan Bloemfontein.  Ek het die tyd in Bloemfontein vreeslik geniet en geen tyd op sociale media of my selfoon spandeer nie.  Vir amateur radio was daar ook nie veel tyd beskikbaar nie, maar ek het darm so 'n paar fotos geneem waarvan die artikels eersdaags op die Blog sal verskyn.  Dit is goed om weer terug te wees in Mosselbaai.

NOTIFICATION: Please note that the Mossel Bay DMR Bridge (TG65511), ZS-HUB (ZS1I-R Echolink and 49355 Allstar) and the 145.550 Mhz RF Link nodes are back on the air from 9 July 2025 after my visit to Bloemfontein. I really enjoyed my time in Bloemfontein and did not spend any time on social media or my cellphone. There was also not much time available for amateur radio, but I did take a few photos, the articles of which will appear on the Blog soon. It is good to be back in Mossel Bay.

ZS-LINK - DMR Bridge - ZS-HUB and 145.550 Mhz RF Link - OFF AIR!

KENNISGEWING:  Geliewe kennis te neem dat die Mosselbaai  DMR Brug (TG65511), ZS-HUB (ZS1I-R Echolink en 49355 Allstar) en die 145.550 Mhz RF Link  nodusse vanaf 30 Junie 2025  tot 9 Julie 2025 vanaf die lug sal wees weens my besoek aan Bloemfontein vir die periode.  Die Aasvoelkop Herhaler asook die Stilbaai Herhaler en Echolink Node ZS1SB-L sal beskikbaar wees vir gebruik.  Ek bied verskoning aan vir enige ongerief in die verband.

NOTICE: Please note that the Mossel Bay DMR Bridge (TG65511), ZS-HUB (ZS1I-R Echolink and 49355 Allstar) and the 145.550 Mhz RF Link nodes will be off the air from 30 June 2025 to 9 July 2025 due to my visit to Bloemfontein for the period. The Aasvoelkop Repeater as well as the Still Bay Repeater and Echolink Node ZS1SB-L will be available for use. I apologize for any inconvenience in this regard.

Setup Termius on Cellphone to control AllStar Nodes Remotely

Now I know there are many apps that can be used to control AllStar Nodes remotely. I used several before but decided that Termius is the one for me when I needed the SSH Function. 

Termius - Modern SSH Client

About this application

Termius is an SSH client and terminal how it should be. Connect with one tap from any mobile and desktop device—no re-entering IP addresses, ports, and passwords.

With a free Termius Starter plan, you can:

· Connect from your mobile and desktop device with SSH, Mosh, Telnet, Port Forwarding, and SFTP.
· Get a desktop-grade terminal experience with a virtual keyboard covering all the special keys required, or connect your Bluetooth keyboard.
Use gestures or shake the device while in the terminal to emulate stroking of Tab, arrows, PgUp/Down, Home, and End, etc.
· Work in several sessions simultaneously with a multi-tab interface and split-view support.
· Customize your terminal themes and fonts for each connection.
· Save your favorite and frequently used commands and shell scripts to execute them with a tap instead of typing.
· Quickly access the unified history of your terminal commands.
· Get the support of ECDSA and ed25519 keys as well as a chacha20-poly1305 cipher.
Ad-free.

With the Termius Pro plan, you can also:

· Access your connection settings and credentials from all your devices anytime with an encrypted cloud vault.
· No limitations on the number of devices to sync.
· Run your saved commands on multiple sessions or servers or instantly get them autocompleted in the terminal.
· Connect to your hardware via Serial Cable.
· Authenticate using hardware FIDO2 keys.
· Connect through Proxy and jump servers.
· Set custom environment variables.
Integrate with AWS and DigitalOcean.
· Protect your credentials with Touch ID or Face ID and your account with two-factor authentication.
· Keep your keys on your machine with SSH agent forwarding.

Termius reinvents the command line experience. We strive to make remote access for admins and engineers a more productive and enjoyable experience.

Download and install Termius via Play Store (Android OS)

Open Termius by clicking on icon.

Click on Hosts. Hosts Menu will be empty.

Click on the + sign (lower right corner)

Add Host will open. I selected Personal Vault

Enter the following information for your node:

Alias

467652

Hostname or IP Address

dmrbridge.ddns.net

Select SSH

Port

22

Username

XXXXXX - Enter the username of you PI

Password

XXXXXX - Enter the password of your node

Leave all the other settings as is – default

Click on the correction mark (Top right corner)

This saves your entered settings and your screen will return to Hosts with the node number 467652 listed under hosts as well a ssh, pi, debian. Click on 467652 and you will be logged in to ASL3. Now you can control your node via SSH.

To close Termius click on the three upright dots next to the node number. A screen will open giving you four options. Choose x Close and this will close the application and return you to the Hosts window.

You can now add more hosts (nodes) using he above method.

Enjoy!

 

Cape Agulhas AllStar Node now active on the Southern Cape AllStarLink Network

Yet again another AllStar Node has joined the Southern Cape AllStarLink Network.  This time it is the node of Bernie ZR1ACP from Cape Agulhas.  Bernie lives in the Cape Agulhas which is located in the Overberg region, 170 kilometres (105 mi) southeast of Cape Town. It is the geographic southern tip of Africa and the beginning of the traditional dividing line between the Atlantic and Indian oceans according to the International Hydrographic Organization.  Another well known landmark is the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse.  The above 360 degree image was taken from the lighthouse.

Image above:  Where the Indian- and Atlantic Ocean meets (Click on image for larger view.)

Image above:  Cape Agulhas Lighthouse  (Constructed  in 1848 (first lit 1849))

Now lets look at the ZR1ACP AllStar Node particulars:

Herewith information and connection details:

Node Number:  62609

Node hardware = Raspberry Pi 3

Link Radio = Baofeng 888 

Frequency = 433.525 Mhz

USB Fob = CM108

AllStar Software = HamVoip / Supermon

Location:  Cape Agulhas, South Africa

 

Finally:  The ZR1ACP 62609 AllStar Node is daily connected to the 49355 ZS1I AllStar HUB, Mossel Bay. Next time you on holiday in the Agulhas area you most welcome to use the node to talk to the World.  A big thank you to Bernie ZR1ACP who undertook this project and made it a reality.  Well done Bernie!!  The ZS Link Network Group welcomes the Agulhas Node to the AllStarLink Network in South Africa!

 

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.) 

Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society (PEARS) now active on the AllStarLink Network

Image:  Lady Slipper Repeater Site  (Click on image for large view.)

AllStarLink is a network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol. AllStarLink runs on a dedicated computer (including the Raspberry Pi) that you host at your home, radio site or computer center. It is based on the open source Asterisk PBX running our app_rpt application. App_rpt makes Asterisk a powerful system capable of controlling one or more radios. It provides linking of these radio "nodes" to other systems of similar construction anywhere in the world via VoIP. 

Image:  Map (Click on image for large view.)

I can now report that PEARS has installed an AllStar Node at the Lady Slipper Repeater site on the 21 April 2025.  Thanks and appreciation must go to Kevern ZR2BK who undertook the task to enlist PEARS to the 10606 listed world wide nodes.  Kevern ZR2BK and Rory ZS2BL installed Node 62997 at the Lady Slipper site and connected to the ZS1I Hub in Mossel Bay.  Your's truly assisted with final audio reports and it was not long before the node emitted the clear and great audio AllStar is known for. 

Particulars of the PEARS Node:

Node:  62997

Node ID: ZS2PE

Frequency:  145.700 Mhz

Tone:  88.5 hz

Location:  Lady Slipper, PE

Country:  South Africa

Affiliation:  Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society (PEARS)

 

Images (Click on images for larger view.)

Yesterday the 22 April 2025 at 16h30 we had the privileged to talk to Chris ZS2AAW during the "Sonsakspan Net" via the Network.  It was great to hear Chris who is well known for establishing the year 2000 Linked Repeater Network way-back then.  Chris is today involved in the Cape Linked Repeater Network and also the maintenance of the various repeaters in the Eastern Cape.  The PEARS AllStar node preformed well and the audio quality was great.

Finally:  I know that there were others that assisted Kevern ZR2BK behind the scene to get the PEARS node up and running.  Many thanks to each and every one of you, however a big thank you to Kevern who undertook this project and made it a reality.  Well done Kevern!!

The ZS Link Network Group welcomes PEARS to the AllStarLink Network in South Africa!