Down Memory Lane: Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Group – Reboot Coffee Drink Event 20 July 2019 9 AM STARS Restaurant, Mossel Bay

The Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Group as well as the Reboot Coffee Drink Event is open to all radio amateurs and prospective radio amateurs in South Africa. All our events are informal and not club related in any way!!

Saturday 20 July 2019 was a cold and wet winters day due to a strong cold front that resulted in gale force winds, rain and snow on the high mountains of the Western Cape. But as they say in the classics the show must go on. Only the “brave” attended the Coffee Drink session in Mossel Bay which was again an enjoyable and successful event despite the low attendance figure.

Those present by way of mind: = 21

Kobus ZS2BBB, Mari ZS1MEH, Hentie ZS1LH, Jacques ZS1WC, Danie ZS1DJB, Dave ZR1OAC, Ettiene ZS008, Christi ZS4CGR, John ZS1ZR, Hennie ZS1IK, Nick ZS1N, Georg ZS1GFL, Chris ZS1M, Casey ZS1AAS, Abe ZS1ZS, Jimmy ZS1RB, Willie ZS2CC, Llewellyn ZS003, Conrad ZS1KG, Andre ZR1E en Johann ZS2BVD.

Those present in the flesh: = 6

Johan ZS2I, Thys ZS1TBP, Francois ZS1Q, Beat ZS1HB, Russel ZS2AHF and Johan ZS1I.

All present were welcomed by the administrator of the Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Group. Once again there was no formalities and the only business of the day was the “Rondomtalie” / “Round Robin”, Mini Lectures/Demonstrations. (Participation is not compulsory! You can just sit and enjoy your coffee and learn.) It is impossible to provide all the finer and juicy details of the event. Moral of the story is to attend each and every coffee drink event.

Rondomtalie/Round Robin:

• Beat ZS1HB Mossel Bay displayed the DIY 2 Meter J-pole Antenna he constructed. He gave and overview of the working of this large and well built antenna. He indicated that this antenna will be used as a replacement antenna for the 145.600 Mhz Danabay Repeater. The J-pole antenna was constructed from 22mm copper water pipe. The antenna is fitted with a fine tuning bolt to adjust for the lowest SWR. Beat confirmed that the SWR reflected iro the antenna is 1:1 at 145.600 Mhz. The attached photos and documentation were supplied by Beat for distribution to any radio amateur who is interested to build such an antenna. After the J-pole discussion/demonstration Beat gave an update from his previous talk on the AIS (Automatic Information System) for ships and how he monitors VHF propagation all along the southern coast of South Africa. This discussion also included aircraft tracking and aircraft scatter. Thys then explained how APRS is used in 18 wheelers to also monitor VHF propagation. Most interesting!!
• Russel ZS2AHF George told the participants that he is busy restoring a grand old Kenwood TS520S HF Radio. He is currently experiencing a problem to locate the “paddle” or “bat-handle” switches (Send Receive, Vox, Noise Blanker etc.) for this specific radio. One cannot find new replacements anymore. If anybody can help to relocate a scrapped TS520S or 3D printed “paddle” or “bat handles” Russel will be most grateful. Russel is also busy constructing a LED Stand Alone Frequency Counter for this Kenwood TS520S and will keep us updated on his progress in future. Come on guys let us try to help Russel to get this fine old “lady” radio again in a full operational state!!
• Johan ZS1I Mossel Bay displayed the Southern Cape 2 Meter Hospital Slim Jim Antenna. He explained where the name for this antenna originated from. This antenna was constructed by Johan ZS1I many years ago when Isak ZS2I (SK) was in the local hospital in Mossel Bay. He had a HT radio in hospital but was not able to get into the 145.600 Danabay Repeater from his hospital bed. This antenna was taken to the hospital on several occasions. Isak was able to communicate with his fellow radio amateurs through the repeater while in hospital. This antenna is still today available on loan to any radio amateur who would like to use it from the local hospital in Mossel Bay. One would find it strange for somebody that was sick in hospital to still speak to his fellow radio amateurs for his hospital bed. Those who knew Isak (SK) would know that nothing was to much for him in life. He lived a full “Amateur Radio” life till the end!
• Johan ZS2I Mossel Bay (Just for clarity Johan is Isak’s (SK) son and he now hold the call-sign ZS2I) If Johan tells you that the current sun cycle is near the bottom and responsible for poor HF conditions then you must know that he knows what he is talking about. Johan an avid DX Chaser gave an overview of the current HF band conditions and DXpeditions. He however stressed that there is still openings at times and that one must be patient. He encourage all radio amateurs to call CQ on the bands at any time and not just except the fact stated by so many that the bands are “dead”. CQ CQ CQ.....!!!!!!
• Francois ZS1Q George recently acquired a new 2m HT radio. He wanted to connect this radio to an external antenna but the connector on the radio required a specific adapter which is not locally available in George. This was no problem for Francois and he decided to construct a unique extension cable from parts that he salvaged from other old radios. This extension cable works far better than the advertised connector as it is far more flexible to use and easier to install to the radio. Francois you should patent your extension/adapter cable for future marketing.
• Thys ZS1TBP Mossel Bay. We were all glad to see Thys at the session as his work do not always allow for him to attend the coffee drink sessions. Thys displayed and demonstrated the working of a homebrew USB Soundcard Interface that was designed and constructed by Danie ZS1DBJ. (currently visiting Australia). Danie designed the PCB with an on/off switch, RX/ TX volume controls and a PTT force switch. Thys has been using this unit very successfully on his Kenwood TRC80 and it is working flawlessly.

Other matters discussed by the participants:

• FT8 DX and Normal Modes and Changes.
• Tracking Aircraft and Flight Radar. (ADB-S)
• Interference and rising RF noise levels. It is not going to get better just worse!
• Ship to Shore Beacons. (AIS)
• APRS and 18 wheel trucks.
• Sun Cycle and HF Bands.
• Painted antennas do not work? Is this true?
• How to make the Hospital Slim Jim directional. Wil cleaning the antenna on the one side make it directional?
• Static electricity and HF antennas on large 18 wheel trucks.
• Interference on HF coming from the ABS braking system on large 18 wheel trucks.
• Lightning, static discharge and amateur radio antennas, earthing/grounding, protection etc.
• Short amateur radio related story from the past - 2 meter repeater ragchewing in the Southern Cape (1am to 4am in the morning) by those who cannot sleep at night.

A big thank you to all the participants for sharing their knowledge with us all. Highly appreciated!

Finally: A new coffee drink record (2 hours 12 min) was set during the event. Record? NO attendees just enjoyed themselves so much that time was no factor at all.

I concluded the event by thanking everyone for attending the event. Even though the attendance figure stood at 6 it really does not matter and has no effect on those present. The topics discussed reflected this fact. A great time was enjoyed by everyone!

We look forward to the next Reboot Coffee event which will be held in George on the 17 August 2019 at 9 am. The venue in George will be announced closer to the date.

73

Johan ZS1I

Mossel Bay

21 July 2019

Photos:

J- Pole Construction info - ZS1HB

 J-Pole Radiation pattern - ZS1HB

 J-Pole Plan - ZS1HB

DIY Extension Cable - ZS1Q

 Thys ZS1TBP admiring the work of Danie ZS1DBJ

 USB Sound Card Interface - ZS1DBJ

 The large J-Pole constructed by Beat ZS1HB

 Close up USB Sound Card Interface displayed by Thys ZS1TBP

 Beat ZS1HB with the 22mm copper J-Pole antenna

 The 6 BRAVE men enjoying themselves!!

 The Southern Cape 2m Hospital Slim Jim - ZS1I

 Bottom section of the Southern Cape 2m Hospital Slim Jim

 Snow on the mountains

 Cold cold cold!!

Snow on the mountains - ZS1Q

Kennisgewing: Opgradering van die Stilbaai Herhaler, Saterdag 9 Mei 2026 ..... sien ons jou daar?

Foto:  Stilbaai Herhaler (Klik op foto om te vergroot.)

Daar word beplan om Saterdag, 9 Mei 2026 die Stilbaai Herhaler op te gradeer mits die weer saamspeel.  Verskeie veranderinge gaan aangebring word maar die hoof oogmerk is om 'n Internet verbinding te bewerkstellig waarna die Echolink stasie ZS1SB-L na die herhaler perseel verskuif sal word.  In 'n toekomstige artikel sal ek meer besonderhede hieroor verstrek.

Dit is egter belangrik dat ons asseblief 'n aanduiding kry van hoeveel radio amateurs beplan om Saterdag, 9 Mei 'n besoek te bring aan die Stilbaai Herhaler.  Daar is vooraf reelings wat getref moet word in die verband.

Versoek:  Indien jy wel gaan opdaag, bevestig asb jou voorneme op die 625 WhatsApp Groep voor Woensdag (6 Mei 2026) 08h00 SAST.

Kom ons maak dit maklik vir Johann ZS1AAC en sy span op Stilbaai wat die nodige reelings tref in die verband.

Administrateurs:  Suid Kaap ZS Link Netwerk Groep

 

Photo: Still Bay Repeater (Click on photo to enlarge.)

It is planned to upgrade the Still Bay Repeater on Saturday, May 9, 2026, weather permitting. Various changes will be made, but the main objective is to establish an Internet connection, after which the Echolink station ZS1SB-L will be moved to the repeater site. In a future article, we will provide more details about this.

However, it is important that we please get an indication of how many radio amateurs plan to visit the Still Bay Repeater on Saturday, May 9. There are prior arrangements that must be made in this regard.

Request: If you are going to show up, please confirm your intention on the 625 WhatsApp Group before Wednesday (May 6, 2026) 08h00 SAST.

Let's make it easy for Johann ZS1AAC and his team at Still Bay who are making the necessary arrangements in this regard.

Administrators: Southern Cape ZS Link Network Group

Invitation: "Saturday Afternoon Amateur Radio On-The-Air Activities"

I invite radio amateurs to join the "Saturday Afternoon Amateur Radio On-The-Air  Activities".  Please take note that this is not a structured / stereo type net or event. 

Activity - "Saturday Afternoon Amateur Radio On-The-Air  Activities from the Southern Cape Area"
Day of the Week - Saturday Afternoons
Time - 15h00 SAST
Place -  ZS Link Network

This afternoon's topic:

Which of the antennas is the better antenna with a higher gain? Slim - Jim or J-Pole Antenna. 

Join this amateur radio activity this afternoon.

Ek nooi radioamateurs uit om aan te sluit by die "Saterdag Middag Amateur Radio Aktiwiteite Op-Die- Lug". Neem asseblief kennis dat hierdie nie 'n gestruktureerde / stereotipe net of geleentheid is nie.

Aktiwiteit - "Saterdag Middag Amateur Radio Aktiwiteite op-die-lug vanuit die Suid-Kaap gebied"
Dag van die week - Saterdagmiddae
Tyd - 15:00 SAST
Plek - ZS Link Network

Vanmiddag se onderwerp:

Watter een van die antennas is die beter antenna met 'n hoer wins?  Slim - Jim of J-Pole Antenna.  

Sluit gerus aan by die amateur radio aktiwiteit vanmiddag.

 

List of Stations connected to the ZS Link Network for the above activity:

(Click on image for larger view.)
 

Down Memory Lane: Koffie Drink - Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp Groep – 22 Junie 2019 – Root Koffie op George.

Die afgelope Saterdag, 22 Junie 2019 om 9vm was weer ‘n genotvolle en suksesvolle byeenkoms vir radio amateurs in George by Root-Koffie.

Die “venue” was uiters geskik, aangenaam en ideaal vir gewone asook koue dae met ‘n swart gietyster stofie wat die lokaal net op die regte hittevlak gehou het. Baie dankie aan Francois ZS1Q en Danie ZS1DBJ wat die nodig aanvoerwerk en reelings getref het om by Root te kon koffie drink.

Die byeenkoms was bygewoon deur 12 radio amateurs die meeste nog sedert die totstandkoming van die Reboot Koffie Drink. Die Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp groep en sy aktiwiteite is beskikbaar vir alle- en voornemende radio amateurs in Suid Afrika. Sluit gerus by ons aan op die groep en wees deel van hierdie dinamiese groep radio amateurs.

Ek het besluit om slegs ‘n kriptiese oorsig te lewer van die geleentheid. So as jy nie die geleentheid kon bywoon nie gaan jy ongelukkig nie die fynere detail kry oor die samekoms nie. Die rede vir die besluit is heel eenvoudig. Ons soek almal in lewende lywe by die Reboot Koffie Drink. Woon die geleenthede by en kry al die fynere detail tydens die samekoms. Ek praat nie eers van die goeie gesindheid en kameraderie by die byeenkomste nie. Die samekoste het hulself nou al bewys as nie amateur radio polities van aard nie en met geen persoonlike menings verskille of onaangenaamhede nie!! 

Hier volg ‘n kort opsomming van Saterdag se gebeure:

Nadat almal die nodige verslaafde koppie koffie aangekoop het en hulle plekke ingeneem het, het ons sonder enige seremonie of formaliteite die byeenkoms afgeskop, maar meer hieroor later.

Die volgende persone was teenwoordig: Dave ZR1OAC, Hennie ZS1IK, Willie ZS2CC, Llewellyn ZS003, Saney ZR1S, Johann ZS2BVD, Andre ZS1AFB, Johan ZS1WD, Conrad ZS1KG, Francois ZS1Q, John ZS1ZR en Johan ZS1I.  Die volgende persone het verskoning aangebied: Thys ZS1TBP, Kobus ZS2BBB, Nick ZS1N, Jimmy ZS1RB, Danie ZS1DBJ, Abe ZS1ZS en Mari ZS1MEH.

Na verwelkoming is almal teenwoordig bedank vir die moeite wat hul gedoen het om die byeenkoms by te woon in die gure weersomstandighede wat toe nou ook nie so onaangenaam was nie. Ek het besluit dat daar geen Reboot Amateur Radio aangeleenthede bespreek gaan word nie. Die Reboot Koffie Drink is immers ‘n informele geleentheid en nie ‘n formele vergadering van een of ander aard nie. Daar is dan ook sommer dadelik weggespring met die gewilde “Rondomtalie/Round Robin” mini lesings/demonstrasies en lekker gesels. Net soos in die verlede het elkeen wat kom koffie drink het gretig deelgeneem aan die Rondomtalie self die nuwe en ou gesigte wat die eerste keer teenwoordig was.

Hier volg ‘n kriptiese samevatting tov van die “Rondomtalie/Round Robin”:

•  Francois ZS1Q George – Amateur radio almanak van vroeer jare - PEARS VHF/UHF Analoog Kompetisie deelname vanuit die Suid Kaap. 
•  John ZS1ZR George – John was verantwoordelik dat die manne se lagspiere oefening gekry het. Dankie daarvoor John dit het die manne sommer lekker laat lag en ons kort van meer lag – VHF Radio in die Suid Kaap. 
• Johan ZS1I Mosselbaai – Saambring van 2m/70cm Draagbare Radios -Analoog UHF 70cm Eksperimentele 10mW baken – Propogasie 2m/70cm. 
• Hennie ZS1IK George – Oorsig van Amateur Radio Aktiwitiete – 2m Mobiele Werking – Luister vir Hennie op die 145.700 Herhaler. - Toevoeging tot die Reboot Amateur Radio WhatsApp groep. 
• Willie ZS2CC George - Aktiwiteite op die HF bande – 80m Band is huidiglik “kookwater” dag en nag – 6m Band openinge – 11m Band openinge - HF Verslag. 
• Llewellyn ZS003 – Reboot se IT Spesialis – Fibre Internet – Topografie van Internet Torings – Reikafstande van WiFi – WiFi tussen George en Mosselbaai – All things Internet -80dB Seine – Vrae oor WiFi. 
• Johann ZS2BVD George - Raspberry PI T-Hemp logo en Park-Run - Andre ZS1AFB ontmoet Johann en vandag sit hulle altwee aan die Reboot Koffie Drink Tafel - Sterrekunde, Teleskope, Elektronika, Mikrogolf Tegnologie, Raspberry Pi en Arduino Projekte en sommer vele meer. Johan bespreek 3 projekte nl: Raspberry Pi 3+ Mini Rekenaar en 3D drukker kassie; 4 “poort” 24v na lae spanning omsetters ook gemonteer in 3D drukker kassie en die Radio Amateur se beheerde kookpan stelsel - Sien fotos in die verband. 
• Saney ZR1S Wilderness - 40m Beacon Engineer and Care Taker - Willie ZS2CC Beacon Controller (Good laugh) – Summary of the 40m Beacon characteristics – The beacon is truly a “Green” Beacon – running of solar panel power – Unfortunately the beacon causes RF Pollution, HiHi. - which is fortunately a very good thing!! 
• Andre ZS1AFB George – Amateur Radio in Australia – Toekomstige amateur radio planne vir die Suid Kaap – Herhalers en herhalernetwerke – Mikrogolf skottels en die Ghz bande – Toekomstige onbeperkte perseel beskikbaar vir Reboot Koffie Drink aktiwiteite – Andre die PR van die dag toe hy lid van die publiek inlig oor amateur radio na die byeenkoms. Dankie Andre!! Sien die draagbare radio ding het toe tog gewerk!! 
• Johan ZS1WD Blanco – Johan (ZS1Wasgoed Draad) is terug na ‘n tydsverloop van meer as 20 jaar!! Nog besig om weer sy stasie aan die gang te kry – Afgetree – Johan bied gratis koffie aan vir alle rebooters by sy huis. Al voorwaarde is dat hulle sy gras moet sny en tuin bewerk - Dis nou ‘n bargain – HF Radio asook 2m simplex en herhalers – Johan reeds aktief op die 145.700 George herhaler. Kyk gerus uit vir Johan. 
• Conrad ZS1KG Blanco - Werksverpligtinge – Weersatelliet prente en ontvangs – weersatelliet grond stasie - Conrad dankie dat jy gekom het al was dit tydens die Rondomtalie. Die feit is jy was daar en dit is wat saak maak. Jammer jy is nie in die groeps foto nie maar ek het dit eers later agter gekom. 
• Dave ZR1AOC Mosselbaai – Digitale Radio - Peanut Dstar – Verstelling en toets handstel van Andre ZS1AFB tydens byeenkoms – Sukses die radio is nou ten volle operasioneel – Nou dit is wat Reboot Koffie Drink lekker maak. Sommer gou gou help die manne mekaar. Dankie, Dave!  

Soos gesien kan word is daar vele aspekte van amateur radio bespreek en gedemonstreer. Waar kry jy nog soveel inligting en kennis in twee ure se tyd? 

‘n Groot dank ook aan Thys ZS1TBP wat bereid was om die 145.700 George Herhaler te beman en te monitor voor en tydens die koffie drink sessie. Thys ek weet jy sou graag teenwoordig wou wees maar het jy ‘n groter rol verfil op die herhaler. Verskeie kontakte is met Thys gemaak voor en tydens die geleentheid. Dankie Thys!! 

Iets wat ek opgemerk het tydens die Koffie Drink wat ander dalk nie van weet nie. Ons het die voorreg gehad en dit is ook ‘n eerste in die Suid Kaap om twee pa’s en twee seuns by ‘n Koffie Drink saam op dieselfde tyd en plek teenwoordig te gehad het. Wat ‘n voorreg!! Willie- ZS2CC en Llewellyn Hewitt ZS003 (pa en seun). Johan- ZS1WD en Conrad Scheepers ZS1KG (pa en seun) 

Teen 11 uur se kant was dit huistoe gaan tyd gewees. Weereens ‘n baie en genotvolle koffie drink sessie gewees. Weereens ‘n groot en hartlike dank aan ‘n ieder en elk wat die byeenkoms bygewoon en aan die Rondomtalie deelgeneem het. Een persoon maak nie die byeenkoms nie maar dit is julle wat die moeite doen on dit by te woon wat die geleentheid ‘n groot sukses maak. Sonder julle deelname sou die koffie drink nie suksesvol gewees het nie. 

Die volgende Reboot Koffie Drink sal gehou word te Mosselbaai op die 20 Julie 2019 om 9vm. Die plek van byeenkoms sal mettertyd aangekondig word. Teken asb nou al die datum aan in julle dagboeke dat daar nie botsende belange is nie en dat jy die geleentheid kan bywoon. 



73 

Johan ZS1I, Mosselbaai 
24 Junie 2019

Fotos:  (Klik op fotos om te vergroot.)

Hennie ZS1IK, Willie ZS2CC en Llewellyn ZS003

                                        Hennie ZS1IK, Willie ZS2CC en Llewellyn ZS003

Johann ZS2BVD, Saney ZR1S, Andre ZS1AFB en Johan ZS1WD

So kuier die manne

  Francois ZS1Q en John ZS1ZR

Saney ZR1S, Andre ZS1AFB, Johan ZS1WD, Francois ZS1Q en John ZS1ZR

  Middel:  Dave ZR1OAC

Die Raspberry Pi Rekenaar in 3D kassie

So lyk die Raspberry Pi uit sy kassie

Die 24 volt na laer spanning omsetters in 3D kassie

Die 24 volt omsetter verwyder uit sy 3D kassie

Die Amateur Radio beheerde braaipan stelsel.  Arduino Nano ens.

Kontrole kas van die braaipan beheerde stelsel

Ai dis darm maar lekker!!

Analoog UHF 70cm Eksperimentele 10 mW baken

   

NEW!! - "Saturday Afternoon Amateur Radio On-The-Air Activities from the Southern Cape Area"

Image:  "ZS1I Deep Space Communication Dream"  - In the world of amateur radio, ZS1I is a call sign uniquely assigned to a station in South Africa, specifically near the coastal town of Mossel Bay. By placing this identifier on the DSCA-9 Deep Space Array, we've transformed this futuristic hub into a massive, interplanetary "Ham Radio" station.  Imagine a future where local South African amateur radio operators aren't just bouncing signals off the Ionosphere, but are instead managing high-gain relays for explorers out past the Kuiper Belt.   (Click on image for larger view.)

Saturday afternoon is prime time for amateur radio, offering opportunities for many radio activities on and off the air.  For a while now myself and Curtis ZS6CMO get together on a Saturday afternoon at 15h00 to test and experiment using a wide variety of equipment in a variety of activities. 

Saturday afternoon amateur radio activities, particularly on the ZS Link Network in South Africa, offer a mix of adventures and relaxing experiences. I therefor decided to invite radio amateurs to join the "Saturday Afternoon Amateur Radio On-The-Air  Activities".  Please take note that this is not a structured / stereo type net or event.  It will therefor not be advertised or announced on a regular basis.  It will be a casual and informal event.  In the past it happened several times that there was no testing or experimenting or activities happening.  This is fine and the next Saturday afternoon activities were active again.

Based on recent activities, here are some top activities to fill your Saturday afternoon in future:

Activity list to be discussed on future Saturday afternoons:

•     Amateur Radio Call Signs
•     International Radio Alphabet
•     International Morse Code
•     Morse Code Battleships Game
•     Amateur Radio Q-codes
•     Amateur Radio RST-codes
•     Amateur Radio Abbreviations and Jargon
•     Coordinated Universal Time
•     Amateur Radio Bands
•     Amateur Radio Log Books
•     Amateur Radio Operating Procedures
•     Amateur Radio Operation
•     Amateur Radio HF Communications
•     Amateur Radio VHF/UHF Communications
•     Amateur Radio Repeater Communications
•     Amateur Radio VOIP Communications
•     Amateur Radio AllStar Communications
•     Amateur Radio MMDVM Communications 
•     Amateur Radio Satellite Communications
•     Amateur Radio SSTV Reception via ISS
•     Amateur Radio Direction Finding
•     Radio Frequency Interference Hunt
•     Emergency Radio Procedures
•     Electronic Components
•     Electronic Kit Construction
•     Electronics Lab
•     Microcontroller Lab
•     Solar Power Lab
•     Amateur Radio Antenna Construction
•     Amateur Radio Station Construction
•     Amateur Radio Digital Communications
•     Software Defined Radio
•     Amateur Radio Reboot Activities
•     Amateur Radio Echolink Communications
•     Amateur Radio Homebrew Construction
•     Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
•     Amateur Radio Contest Activities
•     Amateur Radio DX
•     Amateur Radio Innovation
•     Amateur Radio Red Tape and Regulatory Burdens
•     Amateur Radio Antenna Restrictions
•     Amateur Radio Spectrum Management
•     Amateur Radio Ethics
•     Amateur Radio News Bulletins
  

Please contact me to add your own activities to this page. Send a picture and description of your Amateur Radio activities.  Email - Click HERE

How do I connect to the ZS-Link Network to use the system / network?

• Echolink - Connect to ZS1I-R.  ZS1I-R is connected to the 49355 AllStar Hub that also host the ZS1I DMR Bridge/Repeater Network.
• AllStar - Connect to node 49355 ZS1I via AllStar.
• VHF Simplex - 145.550 Mhz Simplex in the Mossel Bay Area.  Remember the 88.5 khz CTCSS Tone.
• Aasvoëlkop Repeater - RF Frequencies = 145.625 Mhz RX, 145.025 Mhz TX 88.5 hz CTCSS
• Echolink Aasvoëlkop Repeater  = ZS1SB-L Node: 123760
  
• Any other Echolink, AllStar, Repeater or Linked station that is connected to the ZS1I-R or 49355 at the time you are connected. 

Finally: 

NEW!!  -  "Saturday Afternoon Amateur Radio On-The-Air  Activities from the Southern Cape Area"

DAY OF THE WEEK - Saturday Afternoons

TIME - 15h00 SAST

PLACE -  ZS Link Network

FORMAT - Not a structured / stereo type net or event.

NO-ACTIVITY - Some Saturday afternoons their might not be any activities.  Tune in again next Saturday.

IMPORTANT:  No recordings will be made for later listening.  Therefor do not miss an event!

 

Amateur Radio is not a Hobby; It is an Obsession!

 Image:  Amateur Radio Communication Innovation (Click on image for larger view.)

Down Memory Lane: Reboot Amateur Radio Whats App Group Coffee Drink Event – 18 May 2019 9 am STARS Restaurant, Mossel Bay.

Saturday 18 May 2019 at 9am was again an enjoyable and successful Coffee Drink Event for all radio amateurs which took place at STARS Restaurant in Mossel Bay. This group and its activities is open to all radio amateurs and prospective radio amateurs in South Africa.  (Photos at the end of the post!)

After everybody bought the necessary refreshments they took up their seats around the tables and then the lips started flapping about various aspects of amateur radio.

Those present in the flesh:

Photo:  Radio Amateurs Present at the event

• Russel ZS2AHF George
• Mari ZS1MEH Mossel Bay
• Christo ZS6OPC Krugersdorp (Soon to move to George)
• Danie ZS1DBJ  George
• Johan ZS1I Mossel Bay
• Dave ZR1AOC Mossel Bay
• Saney ZR1S Wilderness
• Nick ZS1N Mossel Bay
• Francois ZS1Q George
• Jimmy Haddow (RAE Candidate who paid us a visit before writing the examination @10am)

Those present by way of the mind:

Thys ZS1TBP George, Johan ZS2I Mossel Bay, Hannes Lourens ZS1HCL, Kobus ZS2BBB Sedgefield, Abe ZS1ZS Mossel Bay and Beat ZS1HB Mossel Bay.

All present were welcomed by the administrator of the Reboot Amateur Radio Whats App Group. Unfortunately there were those involved in the RAE, candidates and invigilators who could not attend and they got a big “unwelcome”. However there will always be a next to welcome them back to these events.

Johan ZS1I opened the event by presenting an overview of the following:

• Future Coffee Drinking Events – Dates and Places - The dates will again be published on the group. Please keep these dates open and come and enjoy our future Amateur Radio Coffee Drink Events.
• Ubitx HF Radio 0-30 Mhz 10 watt as a future project – This was mentioned as a possible group project.
• AREDN Mesh Network News – New AP added to the Mesh – New software installed – Emergency Dispatch Software to be tested and the Internet of Things.
• Relay/Broadcast/Streaming of Amateur Radio News/Bulletins to Echolink, Zello and the Aredn Mossel Bay Mesh Network
• Whats App/Zello Amateur Radio News Bulletins - New format for Amateur Radio News Bulletins instead of the conventional bulletins. The Reboot Amateur Radio Whats App Group fulfill the roll perfectly and you get breaking news instantly and on the move via Zello or Whats App. Listen to Amateur Radio News anywhere (Car, boat, plane, ship, shopping centres etc.) where there is cellphone reception.
• The Suid Kaap Amateur Radio Klub was congratulated on their standings after taking part in the second leg of the SARL QRP Contest. Nick ZS1N is the coordinator for contesting events.
• Finally: A request by Johan ZS1I that radio amateurs must please support any amateur radio events in future in any way you can. We need to keep on rebooting amateur radio. It is not up to a few to make a difference. We would like everyone to enjoy and support amateur radio!!

Rondomtalie: “Mini Lectures/ Demonstrations” (Not compulsory, you can just sit and enjoy your coffee. However at this event every single one present joined in.) I am not going to go into great detail here, as we need to use the “Rondomtalie” Lectures/Demonstrations to attract more people to the Reboot Coffee Events. So if you do not attend you will lose out on all the finer details and information. Moral of the story is to attend each and every event.

• Danie ZS1DBJ  George – Demonstrated his DIY small metal bender to make beautiful and useful project cabinets. This project was of great interest to those present as it has always been a schlep to obtain useful project cabinets. He also demonstrated his Real Time Arduino GPS Time Clock / Experimental Test Bed setup which gets its time directly from GPS Satellites. Always good to have time on hand or is it on satellites? Danie also indicated that he will soon leave for Australia and that he will be away for a period of three months. Enjoy your holiday, Danie.
• Russel ZS2AHF George - Demonstrated his DIY Digital Frequency display unit specially built for his Kenwood TS520S radio. The unit also makes use of an Arduino with a top-hat board where the relevant connections to the Kenwood TS520S is made. This project originated from Steve Leander KV6O. Russel built this project without any knowledge regarding Arduino. Remarkable taken into account that Russel is one of our “Senior” Radio Amateurs in this area. Great so see such a project coming from him and that he keep up with new technology!!
• Francois ZS1Q George – Demonstrated his small but powerful DIY Variable Bench Power Supply @ 0 - 35volts 0 - 9 amps. Now this is a very useful power supply to have in the shack. Francois is still busy making mods to the power supply to satisfy his requirements in the shack. The all in one volt and amp meter drew quite a lot of attention. The modules for this power supply is freely available in South Africa and China.
• Christo ZS6OPC Krugersdorp – Christo was visiting this area and plans to settle permanently in George in the near distant future. He gave an overview of his plans and also how he had to dispose of many of his equipment as he cannot cart it all down to George. Christo is an active radio amateur and we looking forward to his activities and to welcome him permanently in the Southern Cape. Christo we hope you enjoyed the Reboot Coffee Drink Event!!
• Mari ZS1MEH Mossel Bay – She gave us an overview of her involvement in Amateur Radio for more than 20 years. She is originally from Cape Town but has settled in Mossel Bay and joined the group a few months ago. Mari indicated that she unfortunately lives in an area where she is unable to use the 145.600 Mhz Danabay Repeater. Danie ZS1DJB gave her hope when he told the group that he is busy with the linking of the 145.700 Mhz George Repeater to the Danabay Repeater. This will definitely solve not only Mari’s “problem” but also a few other radio amateurs requests. She will be able to use the George Repeater to access the Mossel Bay Repeater.
• Saney ZR1S Wilderness - He gave us an overview of his amateur radio operations and non operations. He also indicated that it is very difficult to attend any amateur radio activities on a Saturday or Sunday as these two days pays for his milk and bread. Sometimes he has Monday to Friday available but then there is normally no amateur radio events. He made a request for radio amateurs to assist this year with the Scouts Event. Saney also gave us a rundown of the 40m Beacon currently running from his premises for several years after Mike ZS1RMS migrated to Australia. The frequency of the beacon was changed a while ago after receiving a request from the SARL. Saney indicated that future amateur radio outings/events can also be held on his charter boat on the Swartvlei Wetlands as he caters for a wide variety of clubs and socialites.
• Dave ZR1AOC Mossel Bay - He indicated that he is currently playing around with the aTtiny 8 bit 8pin high performance low power Microchip AVR Microcontroller. This is a tiny chip but with lots of potential uses in Amateur Radio. We are looking forward to further updates and uses of this chip, Dave!
• Nick ZS1N Mossel Bay - He gave us an overview of the Second Leg of the SARL QRP Contest which was held recently. The opportunity was also used for the HF assessment of RAE Candidates. Nick also indicate that he is still working on his new house and garden and that he has not setup his new shack as yet. He extended an invitation to all radio amateurs who experience communication problems with ICASA to contact him as he is willing to assist in this regard. A big thank you to Nick in this regard.

Time was against us as we nearly spend two hours to drink one cup of coffee. I noticed that attendees was far from moving homewards and that they still wanted to chat and discuss various other aspects. Unfortunately the venue is not our own and we must take other patrons into consideration.

I concluded the event by requesting each and every one present to turn Amateur Radio on its head and to properly dust it of. Take part in amateur radio events whether SARL or Club related. Use the repeaters and bands. Call, do not just sit and listen. If we all listen then no one will hear us. Use thos soldering irons and let them smoke! Every one of us need to be actively involved to keep the “Fire” burning. I can at this stage respectfully confirm that the Southern Cape is not the “graveyard” that I thought but rather the “heaven and paradise” of Amateur Radio. We have all the opportunities at hand and live in the most beautiful part of the country, we just need to use every opportunity to promote Amateur Radio!

Finally: A big thank you to every one who made the effort to attend the event. It is not about figures of how many attended the event but rather about camaraderie, friendship and meeting up with good friends. A special word of thanks to Saney ZR1S who came all the way from the Wilderness. Highly appreciated!! Then I would like to thank every radio amateur that willingly took part in the Rondomtalie – Mini Lectures/Demonstrations. Without you participation this event would not have been so interesting!

The next Reboot Coffee Event will be held in George on the 22 June 2019 at 9 am. Venue in George to be announced closer to the date. Talking about venue, if you know of a suitable venue in George please post the information on the WhatsApp group or send me an email at: sawois05 AT gmail DOT com.

73

Johan ZS1I, Mossel Bay

Photos:  All the projects listed here are still work in progress.

Small Metal Bender/Press by Danie ZS1DJB

Side View Small Metal Bender/Press by Danie ZS1DJB

Example of a project cabinet bent with the bender.

Side View of the Real Time Arduino GPS Time Clock by Danie ZS1DJB

Photo of the Real Time Arduino GPS Time Clock by Danie ZR1DJB

Arduino Digital Frequency Display for Kenwood TS520S by Russel ZS2AHF

Top view of the Arduino Digital Frequency Display for Kenwood TS520S by Russel ZS2AHF

Side view of the small DIY Variable Bench/Test Power Supply by Francois ZS1Q

Top view of the small DIY Variable Bench/Test Power Supply by Francois ZS1Q

Front view view of the small DIY Variable Bench/Test Power Supply by Francois ZS1Q