Showing posts with label Experimenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Experimenting. Show all posts

Sunday, April 5, 2026

BREAKING NEWS: The Ultimate SvxLink Client For Smartphones & POCs. 145.500 QSO.link MHz

 

Forget the old dial! We no longer say 145.500 MHz, but QSO.link MHz.

Whether you use a high-end flagship or a rugged POC handset (the kind that looks like a 90s brick and could probably survive a tank), QSOLink is your professional gateway to SvxLink networks.

It runs on almost anything. As long as it has Android 9 or higher, it's a radio! (We decided Android 8 was just too "vintage", even for us). 


Dear SvxLink Community,

I am pleased to announce the release of QSOLink, a new Android application designed to connect to SvxLink Reflectors and Hotspots.

Built upon the solid foundation of the "Latry" project by Silviu (YO6SAY), QSOLink pushes the concept further with a complete UI overhaul, enhanced audio processing, and features dedicated to active operators.

Key Features:

  • Advanced Audio Processing: Includes a configurable Jitter Buffer (essential for mobile/4G connections), Microphone Gain control, and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) for both TX and RX to ensure consistent audio levels.

  • Network Management: Save up to 10 different network configurations (Reflectors/Hotspots) with a quick-switch grid. You can also Export/Import your networks via JSON files to share configs easily.

  • Hardware Integration: Full support for Bluetooth PTT buttons (pedals, handheld mics) with a built-in "Key Sniffer" tool to easily detect and map your device's key codes.

  • Integrated Logbook: The app automatically logs your reception history. You can view QSO details and export your log in ADIF format directly from the app.

  • Modern UI: Designed with a dark, high-contrast interface suitable for AMOLED screens and low-light environments.

Availability:
You can download QSOLink here: https://www.swisstransfer.com/d/7d28daf3-680b-420e-bad4-8ecea383770a

I would appreciate your feedback and testing reports. My goal is to provide the most reliable and complete mobile client for the SvxLink ecosystem. Please keep in mind that this is an initial release, so there might still be some bugs.

Special thanks to Silviu (YO6SAY) for his initial work which made this project possible.

73,

Cedric, F4JGI

 


QSO LINK features:

is a feature-rich Android client for SvxLink reflectors, designed for connecting to Reflectors and Hotspots. It features advanced TalkGroup management with "Auto-Switch" (jumping to active, higher-priority TGs) and visual radar for station activity.

Key Features of QSOLink:

  • Audio & DSP: Features a DSP audio chain with Auto Gain Control (AGC) for TX/RX and adjustable jitter buffer.
  • Radio Control: Includes a Digital Tuning Wheel, Dual VFO management (A/B), and support for modes like LSB, USB, AM, FM, and CW.
  • Networking & Scanning: Features intelligent network scanning, auto-switching to active TalkGroups, and real-time DX spot importation.
  • APRS Integration: Features full integration with the global APRS-IS network, allowing for tracking and text messaging, with position broadcasting to services like aprs.fi.
  • Interface & Usability: Includes a dedicated "Ultimate Car Mode" HUD for safety, Bluetooth support for headsets and handmics, and a resource-efficient design for mobile devices.
  • Logging: Includes an integrated QSO history with ADIF format export capabilities.
  • Compatibility: Designed for Android 8.0 or higher, with optimization for ARMv8 64-bit processors.
The application is highly optimized for network radio (POC) devices and includes a "Lite Edition" for older smartphones to reduce RAM and CPU usage.
 
QSOLink is a dedicated Svxlink Client for Android. It is not a standalone radio network. Users are required to configure the app to connect to their preferred third-party reflectors.

For more information, images and videos about QSOLink click HERE


Here is a highly detailed User Manual for QSOLink V1.2.0.


QSOLink User Manual

Version 1.2.0

Welcome to QSOLink, a lightweight and efficient Reflector/Hotspot client. This guide covers every aspect of the interface, configuration, and advanced audio settings.


1. The Main Interface

The screen is divided into distinct zones for quick access to essential features.

A. The Top Bar (Controls)

From left to right:

  1. Connect Button (Link Icon):

    • Blinking: Connecting.

    • Solid Link: Connected.

    • Broken Link: Disconnected.

    • Action: Tap to Connect/Disconnect. If you are disconnected, tapping this opens the connection popup for the selected network.

  2. Network Name: Displays the name of the currently selected configuration.

  3. Smart TG Button (The colored rounded box):

    • Displays current TalkGroup (e.g., "TG 208").

    • Displays Monitoring status (Scan, Pause, or Revert Timer).

    • Short Click: Opens the Change TalkGroup popup to manually enter a TG.

    • Long Press: Opens the Monitor/Scan Configuration menu.

  4. Audio Device Icon (Phone/Headset):

    • Shows the current audio output (Speaker, Wired Headset, Bluetooth, Car).

    • IMPORTANT: If you plug in a headset or connect Bluetooth after the app started, tap this icon once. It triggers a "Force Audio Restart" to re-detect the best audio device immediately.

  5. Mute Button (Speaker): Toggles incoming audio On/Off.

  6. Menu Button (Gear): Opens the main Settings.

B. Network Grid

Located below the Top Bar.

  • Contains 10 Memory Slots.

  • Blue/Highlighted: Active configuration.

  • Grey: Empty or inactive configuration.

  • Short Click: Selects the network. If disconnected, it prompts to connect. If connected to another network, it disconnects and connects to the new one.

  • Long Press: Opens the Network Editor to configure that specific slot.

C. Status Frame (The "Ticker")

A rounded rectangle that displays real-time info:

  • Ready: System is idle.

  • Transmitting (Red): You are on air (shows TX timer).

  • Receiving (Green): Shows the callsign of the person talking and their TG.

  • Scan Info (Orange): Shows scanning status.

D. Log & Dashboard (Middle Section)

This area has two tabs:

  1. HISTORY: A list of recent calls received.

    • Click a line: View details (Callsign, Date, Duration) or look up the user on QRZ.com.

  2. DASHBOARD: Shows currently active stations on monitored TGs.

    • Mute Icon: Mute a specific TG temporarily.

    • JOIN Button: Immediately QSY (switch) your TX TalkGroup to that station's TG.

E. VU Meter

A compact bar above the PTT.

  • Left (RX): Green bar showing incoming audio level.

  • Right (TX): Red bar showing your microphone level. Use this to check if your Mic Gain is too high or too low.

F. PTT Button (Push-To-Talk)

  • Green: Ready to TX.

  • Red: Transmitting.

  • Lock Icon / "RX BUSY": The button is disabled because someone else is talking (unless "Duplex" behavior is allowed by the reflector).


2. Configuration (Network Setup)

To set up a hotspot or reflector:

  1. Long Press an empty slot in the Network Grid.

  2. Fill in the fields:

    • Name: A label (e.g., "Home Hotspot").

    • Host: IP Address or DNS (e.g., srv.reflector.com or 192.168.1.50).

    • Port: Usually 5300 or 5301.

    • Callsign: Your callsign.

    • TG: The default TalkGroup to connect to (e.g., 208).

    • Password: The hotspot/reflector password.

  3. Import from Clipboard: If you have a JSON config string copied, paste it in the bottom field and click "IMPORT" to auto-fill.

  4. Click SAVE.




3. Monitoring & Scanning (The "Smart TG" Button)

QSOLink includes a powerful TalkGroup monitor.

To Configure: Long-press the Smart TG Button (top center).

Settings:

  • Enable Switch: Turns monitoring On/Off.

  • Mode:

    • Info Only: Shows activity on screen but does not switch audio.

    • Auto-Switch (Favorites): Switches audio to the active TG if it is in your list.

    • LIVE SCAN (ALL): Listens to any traffic sent by the reflector (promiscuous mode).

  • Revert Delay: If the app switches to a monitored TG, it will wait this many seconds of silence before returning to your "Home TG".

Adding TGs:

  1. Priority:

    • Normal: Standard priority.

    • High (+): Interrupts Normal traffic.

    • Max (++): Interrupts everything (Red).

    • Low (-): Only listened to if channel is totally free.

  2. TG ID: Enter the number (e.g., 91).

  3. Click ADD.




4. Main Settings Menu (Gear Icon)

A. SYSTEM

  • Network Quality (Jitter): Crucial for audio stability.

    • 40ms - 80ms: Only for perfect Wi-Fi.

    • 150ms - 250ms: Recommended for 4G/LTE.

    • 400ms - 500ms: Use in cars or areas with bad signal. Higher = more delay but fewer audio cuts.

  • Time-Out Timer (TOT): Automatically stops transmission after 60/90/120/180 seconds to prevent overheating or blocking the channel.

B. DISPLAY

  • Show Networks: Toggle between 10 slots (small) or 5 slots (large).

  • Show Logo / Status Bar / Logbook: Hide elements to save screen space.

C. AUDIO (Advanced)

  • Mic Gain: Hardware amplification.

    • Adjust while watching the TX VU Meter. The red bars should peak near the top but not hit the max constantly.

  • AGC TX (Auto Level): Automatic Gain Control for your microphone.

    • Enabled: The app dynamically adjusts volume to hit the "TX Target" (e.g., -10dB). Recommended.

  • AGC RX (Limiter): Automatic volume leveling for incoming audio. Prevents loud stations from hurting your ears.

D. OPTIONS (PTT Config)

  • Screen PTT Mode:

    • PTT (Momentary): Press and Hold to talk. Release to listen.

    • Switch (Locked): Tap once to talk. Tap again to stop.

  • External PTT Mode: Same logic but for Bluetooth buttons/Headsets.

  • Bluetooth Button Setup:

    • Enable "Bluetooth Button".

    • Click SCAN.

    • A popup appears ("Bluetooth Sniffer").

    • Press the physical button on your Bluetooth Handmic/Headset/Pedal.

    • The code appears (e.g., "Code: 126" or "Code: 79").

    • Click SAVE.

E. DATA & STORAGE

  • Backup Config (JSON): Saves all your networks and settings to a file in your Downloads folder. Use this to transfer settings to another phone.

  • Restore Config: Loads a previously saved JSON file.

  • Export Logbook (ADIF): Exports your received calls history to a standard ADIF file for logging software (QRZ, LOG4OM, etc.).




5. Troubleshooting / Pro Tips

Audio Routing Issues

If the audio is coming out of the wrong speaker (e.g., phone ear-piece instead of loudspeaker, or not going to Bluetooth):

  1. Connect your Bluetooth device.

  2. Tap the Audio Device Icon (top bar, next to Mute).

  3. You will see a small animation. This forces the internal audio engine to restart and grab the correct device.

"RX BUSY" on PTT

If the PTT button shows a lock icon and says "RX BUSY":

  • This means someone is currently talking.

  • QSOLink blocks TX by default to prevent "doubling" (talking over someone).

  • Wait for the person to finish.

Backing up before update

Always go to Menu > DATA & STORAGE > EXPORT > Backup Config before uninstalling or updating the app to ensure you don't lose your 10 memory slots.


Here is the Support & Information section, professionally translated into English, ready to be added to the end of your User Manual.


6. SUPPORT & INFORMATION

Need Help?

If you encounter configuration issues, bugs, or have feature requests, please contact the developer:



Support the Project

QSOLink is free software developed during spare time. If you enjoy using this application and wish to contribute to server costs or encourage future development, you can make a donation via PayPal:

  • PayPal Donation: redgis01@free.fr

  • Or simply click the "Donate" link at the bottom of the main screen in the app.

Credits & Acknowledgments

QSOLink is an evolution based on the open-source project Latry.

  • Android Development & Adaptation: Cedric F4JGI.

  • Original Core Code: Special thanks to Silviu YO6SAY for his formidable work on the original Latry engine.

Legal Information

QSOLink V1.2.0
Copyright © 2025 Cedric F4JGI.

This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

Disclaimer: This software is provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The author cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of this application. Please use it responsibly and in accordance with the amateur radio regulations in your country.


End of Document - QSOLink User Manual - Rev 1.0


 

Friday, April 3, 2026

How to setup and run Qtel - the QT Echolink Client on Linux Mint 22 (Wilma)

More and more radio amateurs are moving away from the Windows OS and many are using Linux Mint.  I have successfully used Linux Mint for several years now on three different machines currently in the Shack with no major issues.  Now what is Linux Mint.  In short Linux Mint is a community-developed Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. First released in 2006, Linux Mint is often noted for its ease of use, out-of-the-box functionality, and appeal to desktop users. It comes bundled with a selection of free and open-source software.  I successfully run amateur radio software on the machines currently operational in the Shack.

I do have Echolink installed on a Windows machine but not on any of the Linux Mint machines.  Nowadays I am not a great fan of Echolink but must admit that it can come in handy at times. Having said that, AllStarLink is my preferred VOIP with far better audio quality than Echolink. I however decided to install the Qtel Echolink Client on Linux Mint 22 (Wilma) as a backup should the need arise.  I could have gone for the traditional Echolink install using WineHQ but was not in the mood to fiddle around with Wine at the time.

I had to fiddle around a bit with the settings of the computer's internal Soundcard and also opening the Router Ports but that you also do when setting up the Windows version of Echolink.  For those interested to run Echolink on Linux Mint here is how I setup the computer, software, hardware and Internet Router.


Qtel Echolink Setup:

Computer:  Dell Optiplex 990 (i5-2500S 64 Bit 8 Gig Ram)
Operating System:  Linux Mint 22 Wilma
Echolink Software: Qtel Echolink Client V1.2.4
Router:  Huawei B525 LTE
SoundCard:  Internal Souncard - HDA Intel PCH
 
Download and Installing Qtel in Linux Mint:
 
Go to Menu - Adminstration - Synaptic Package Manager - Open - Enter Password - Search - Qtel - Search.
Select Package - Qtel and Qtel-icons - Apply
Qtel will be installed as well as icons.
Reboot PC after installation.
 
Qtel Setup:
 
Go to Menu - Internet - Right click Qtel -Add Qtel to desktop - Click on Qtel Icon - Once open go to - Settings - Qtel Settings - User Info - Complete Info.
 
Callsign = ZS1I - L
Name = Johan
Password = XXXXX
Retype Password = XXXXX
Location: Mossel Bay

Network:

Servers: servers.echolink.org

Sound:

Microphone Audio Device = alsa:default
Speaker Audio Device = alsa:default
Sampling Rate = 48 000

Leave rest untouched - Default

Click OK

You should be ready now to open the ports for your router to work the outside world via Echolink.

Go to your Router: 
 
I use a Huawei B525 LTE Router
In you browser type in IP address of you router - 192.168.8.1
Login using username and password

Once logged in see images below for and indication of what needs to be changed in order to open the ports for Echolink.
 

 


Remember to reboot your router after you completed the setup.

You are now ready to use the Qtel Echolink Client.  We just need to setup the computer's Soundcard.

Optiplex 990 Soundcard Setup:
 
 
On the bottom right of your computer's screen, left click on  the speaker icon.  Window will open.  Click on sound settings. 
Ensure all slides are fully open
Leave other settings as default
Test sound - Click on Button and listen for audio.  If you hear audio on the left or right speaker your computer's soundcard is working.

Time to look at alsamixer:

Open Terminal
We use alsamixer - alsa sound control
Type alsamixer at the $ prompt

$ alsamixer  (enter)
Alsamixer V1.2.9 will open

Ensure that all sliders are set to maximum in the beginning.  Can always later re-set the sliders for good quality audio.

Card:  HDA Intel PCH
Chip:  Realtek ALC269VB

Select F6 - Sound Card - default:0
HDA Intel PCM - Select - Esc

NB - Ensure that Line Out is 00
NB - Ensure that Rear Mic is 00

I use the internal Soundcard of the Dell Optiplex 990 Computer

Qtel Echolink Client should now be working

Go back to Qtel
Go to Conferences and select *Echotest* 
Right click and select  "Add Selected to Bookmarks"
Echotest will be added to bookmarks and show on Qtel main screen.
Add your favorite stations as above

To connect double click on bookmark station or right click and connect to selected.
Echotest server will now be active once connected.

Congratulations Qtel Echolink Client is now working on Linux Mint.

Enjoy!!


Tuesday, March 31, 2026

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.)

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Nico ZS4N visit Mossel Bay for a well deserved Amateur Radio Holiday!!

The title of this article might seem odd to many radio amateurs but through the years when my brother in law, Nico ZS4N visit me we have a tradition which dates back to the early 90's.  We play amateur radio when we get together.  The XYL's and Juniors do their own thing but we play "Draadjie, Draadjie" as the XYL's call it when we get together.  This time it was no different.

Through the years we played radio from:

  • Rhodes - Rally and Mountain Excursions
  • Drakensberg Mountains - Daily Amateur Radio Excursions
  • Barkley East - General Amateur Radio
  • Aliwal North - General Amateur Radio
  • Bloemfontein - SARL AGM, General Amateur Radio and Weather Chasing/Photography
  • Mossel Bay - General Amateur Radio
  • Buffalo Bay, Knysna - Amateur Radio Holiday Excursion
  • De Rust - Mobile VHF Simplex Experimentation between Mossel Bay and De Rust

 Amateur Radio Activities during this latest visit:

  • HF Mobile Operation - Screwdriver Antenna
  • VHF / UHF Operation - Repeaters, Nodes and DMR Repeater
  • 6m Experimentation with the newly constructed Delta Loop Antenna.  Thank you to Fred ZS5SAM/1 in Barrydale for making all the effort to assist with the experimentation using a 4 Element Yagi and 100 w on 6 Meters.
  • Homebrew Construction - 49:1 Balun 100 watts - Constructed by Nico ZS4N.
  • HF Rag Chewing - Yaesu FT450 and Yaesu FT817
  • Erecting and setting up an HF  Field Station - Rally Trap Antenna / Linked Dipole for 20, 30, 40 and 80 Meters (Link Dipole = 20 + 30 Meters.  Rally Trap = 40 + 80 Meters)  Homebrew Traps using 25 mm PVC former and RG174.
  • Check all antennas - prune and tune - when necessary - EFHW Dipole Antenna
  • Playing with a variety of amateur radios, repeaters, nodes, links etc. - ZS Link Network
  • Antenna Experimentation - EFHW + Delta Loop + Rally Trap + Linked Dipole - 5 to 100 Watt
  • 6 Meter Beacon Demonstration - Southern Cape New Generation Beacons
  • Looking into setting up a ProxMox Server - Amateur Radio Dell Server
  • Traditional Family Braai to "celebrate" the "Draadjie, Draadjie DX-Pedition and Homebrew Indaba" - Family Gathering and Birthday Celebration
  • Next "Play Amateur Radio" Event - Who knows with the new price of Petrol??

Thank you to all the radio amateurs who assisted with all the experiments and also to those who returned our CQ Calls.  Highly appreciated!!

To us amateur radio is not a Hobby but an Obsession when we get together.  Thank you Nico for visiting and for playing amateur radio in Mossel Bay.  We had a ball of a time and I trust that we will continue the "tradition" of "playing" radio every time we get together. 

Images:  Click on images for larger view.



























Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Update: Next Generation Amateur Radio Beacon (s) for the Southern Cape!! (Part 3)


This past two weeks I have been working on two more beacons.  Both beacons are for the 6m Magic Band.  You can read more HERE about the ZS1I 6 Meter Magic Band Project in the Southern Cape Area of South Africa.

Herewith a short update on the progress made with regards to the two 6 Meter Amateur  Radio Beacons: 

1.  Antennas:

The antennas for the 6 Meter CW Beacon and the 6 Meter WSPR Beacon has been built and tested with my SWR Analyzer.  More information available HERE and HERE about the antennas.

The 6m Delta Loop Antenna was installed and is ready for operation.  The 6 m Moxon Antenna is now ready to be installed hopefully in the next few days.  More on this once the Moxon antenna has been installed.

2.  6 Meter CW Beacon:

I have been working on and off on the beacon the last week or two.  I ran into a few software snags one being the fact that no RF power was generated by the SI5351.  Although the Arduino Nano, OLED, LED and Beeper was fully operational I could not get any RF signal from the SI5351.  Fault finding revealed that I had a small solder bridge at CLK0.  I removed the tiny bridge but still no RF signal.  The only other area to look at was the Arduino Sketch (firmware program) installed on the Arduino Nano.  To look at the sketch I had to access it via the Arduino IDE and guess what I ran into port issues to program the Nano.  Well all the issues took some time to fix.  I changed the sketch several times and than ran the beacon.  I managed to get RF output at CLK0 but now the OLED was not working.  This also took some time to sort out.  Eventually "Old Murphy" left the Workbench and Shack and the 6m CW Beacon was fully operational with +- 5 Mw output at CLK0.  Success at last!

3.  6 Meter Low Pass Filter:

As the SI5351 puts out a square wave signal, I needed to construct a 6 m low pass filter to keep the harmonics (if any) at bay.  You will need this filter!  Luckily I had the parts available in my junk box.  So the filter was constructed and tested.  It works as it should and I did not detect any harmonics after testing the unit.

4.  6 Meter Power Amplifier:

The current 5 Mw RF output of the beacon is way to little power and I decided to construct a 6m amplifier designed by the late Doug DeMaw  W1FB.  More on this once I constructed the amplifier.

Well once the amplifier is constructed and working as it should, all the modules will then be built into a cabinet and the beacon will be put on the air.

5. ZS1I 6m WSPR Beacon  (STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION):

I uploaded the firmware (sketch) into the ESP32 S3 N16R8.  Apart from this no other work has been done to the 6m WSPR Beacon.  More information on this beacon will be provided once I finished the CW Beacon Project.

Finally:  

Please take note that these projects do take some time and that I do not work on them all the time.   A lot has been done this far and I hope to have the 6m CW Beacon on the air by the end of next week.  Updates to follow on the Next Generation Amateur Radio Beacon (s) for the Southern Cape.

Images:   (Click on images for larger view)












Closure of this ZS Link Network Blog - 29 April 2026

This will be the final posting on the ZS Link Network Blog. This blog will no longer be updated but will remain available for research an...