From the Desk: "What is lately happening on the GRHub- and ZS Link Network?"

It has been a while since an update was posted on activities on the ZS-Link- and  GRHub Network.  The network is alive and well thanks to radio amateurs who use the network and keep on adding nodes/repeaters/links to the existing network.  I have been asked why use the name ZS-Link Network?  It is actually very simple.  If I use the name "ZS1I GRHub Network" it would reflect on me as a one man setup/station which is not correct. There are many other roll players that ensure that the network is operational and being extended to other areas of the country and even overseas.  I would like to thank all those radio amateurs that keep the network maintained and running even during loadshedding periods.  Your unselfish participation in maintaining nodes, repeaters, links etc. is highly appreciated.  Remember you do it for Amateur Radio, the best hobby in the world!!

Here is a list of activities and add-ons to the GRHub Network:

1.   ZS1ERZ AllStar Node  now linked to the GRHub Network: We welcome the ZS1ERZ 600741 AllStar Node of Eden Radio Club in George.  The Node is linked to and RF link radio (145.200 Mhz) and is maintained by Corne ZS1COR from George.   

Further particulars of the :

Node Info:  ZS1ERZ 145.200 Mhz  George

Node Number:  600741

RF Frequency:145.200 Mhz

Mode Analogue: FM

Coverage: George,  Mossel Bay, Hartenbos, Sedgefield, Knysna, Buffelsbaai, Wilderness

Welcome to ZS1ERZ + Corne and all the other George radio amateurs to the ZS Link Network and we are looking forward to hear activity coming from this AllStar Node on the network.

2.   ZS1HEB  AllStar Node linked from time to time to the GRHub Network: We welcome the ZS1HEB 60077 AllStar Node in George.  The Node is  maintained by Eben ZS1HEB from George.   

Further particulars of the :

Node Info:  ZS1HEB  George

Node Number:  60077

RF Frequency: Currently not connected

Mode Analogue: NA

Coverage: Internet Based

Welcome to ZS1HEB Eben and all the other George radio amateurs to the ZS Link Network and we are looking forward to hear activity coming from this AllStar Node on the network.

3.   ZS1WLM  AllStar Hub Node now  linked to the GRHub Network: We welcome the ZS1WLM 599680 AllStar Hub Node in Saldanha.  The Node is  maintained by Wikus ZS1WLM from Saldanha.   

Further particulars of the :

Node Info:  ZS1WLM Saldanha

Node Number:  599680

RF Frequency: Currently not connected

Mode Analogue: NA

Coverage: Internet Based Hub

Welcome to ZS1WLM Wikus and all the other West Coast radio amateurs to the ZS Link Network and we are looking forward to hear activity coming from this AllStar Node on the network.

I am so glad to see that the AllStar Network in South Africa is  growing with several new allstar nodes making their appearance on the linked network.

4.  ZS1I DMR Bridge activity on the GRHub Network : 

An AllStar-Echolink-DMR Experimental Bridge is now active on the Garden Route Hub Network, Mossel Bay and also available to all the ZS-Link Network users. (To many to mention them all here.)  Now what is this all about?

It is quite simple.  When the Bridge is active it connects the following applications/nodes together which is forming  a "Bridge".  Simply put it allows one person to talk on Echolink and the conversation will be propagated to AllStar and DMR and vice versa.  

This bridge has been a useful addition the the GRHub Network and hopefully to the ZS Link Network.  It is now permanently linked to the network.  The ZS1I DMR Bridge is now the gateway to some who cannot afford to buy a digital radio, hotspot etc or might "want to get their feet wet first."  There are ways and means to use DMR and other digital radio modes without  a radio or hotspot.  I indicated before that you can use your analog VHF/UHF radio to work digital radio modes via the ZS1I DMR Bridge.  I am so grateful to those who made this possible by writing software and creating applications for this purpose.

5.  DroidStar quite popular in the Southern Cape:

There are some radio amateurs that does not have radios and equipment to use the digital radio modes.  On the other hand some might first want to play with DMR to see what it is all about and whether it is worth buying such equipment. Well you do not need to buy a digital radio to use the VHF/UHF digital radio modes.  DroidStar came to the rescue! I am grateful to report that DMR activity is daily on the increase in the Southern Cape and other parts of South Africa.

My article available HERE hopefully resulted in creating interest in this regard.  Further information was also made available on the Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group.  I would like to thank each and every person that provided help and information on this group to assist new users of VHF/UHF digital radio modes.  The Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group really rocks!  Thank you to all those who post interesting information on this Group.

I would like to welcome the following radio amateurs to the VHF/UHF digital radio modes:

1.  Thys ZS1TBP

2.  Christie ZS4CGR

3.  Zayn ZS3VO

4.  Corne ZS1COR 

5.  Curtis ZS6CMO

Danie ZS1DL currently in the Franschoek Valley will also be moving to Danabaai in the not to distant future and will be joining the VHF/UHF digital radio modes group in the Southern Cape.

I also heard along the grapevine that there are others that are interesting in using the VHF/UHF digital radio modes.  We eagerly await to either hear you on the air or to assist you in getting started in VHF/UHF digital radio modes.  Give us a shout if you need any help.

 

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

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

 

Talk Group 65511 has been very active lately with traffic being relayed from DMR, Echolink, RF and AllStar.  Several local as well as overseas stations has been heard on this Talk Group.

6.  ZS1I GRHub Network

I am grateful to report that the GRHub Network functions very well despite Loadshedding and Internet Outages.  I added several automated services lately to enhance the network. I would also like to thank all those who use and connect to the ZS Link and GRHub Network.  A special word of thanks must go to all the repeater owners/custodians/clubs, RF link stations, node owners and individual network owners who forms the backbone of the ZS Link Network in South Africa. Let's not forget those who work behind the scenes to maintain and extend the ZS Link Network, Repeaters and Nodes. Without your dedication and participation this network would have collapsed long time ago. Activity on the ZS Link Network in South Africa is rife.  I thank you all!!

7.  ZS Link Network

I do not have much news on this linked network other than to say that it functions very well even in times of loadshedding.   I have also heard that the custodians of this network is currently very busy finalizing the 2023 working year and has very little time to spend on amateur radio.  

I would however like to mention the following:  The ZS1I GRHub Network does not connect via Echolink to ZS0JPL-R on Sunday mornings anymore. Instead a connection is established via ZS6WDL-R after listening to the KZN HAMNET  Bulletin on a Sunday morning via the ZS5PMB-R repeater network.  This provides better control relating to Echolink stations that might cause "The Ping Pong" effect.  

I would like to encourage clubs and link owners to connect their repeaters/links/hubs/nodes etc to the ZS Link Network to extend the range of the current networks.  This create more activity on our bands and many radio amateurs enjoy having a QSO with other radio amateurs country wide as well as world wide.  

8.  "Dagbreek Span", "Ontbyt Sake Span" and "Sonsak Span"  very active:

As I mentioned in a previous posting Amateur Radio is alive and well in the Southern Cape after a long period of inactivity.  There are currently three daily (Monday to Saturday) nets run in this area.  They are:

The "Dagbreek Span"  - your host Henk Botha ZS1AAD  06h00 - 06h30 SAST

The "Ontbyt Sake Span" - your host  Henk Botha ZS1AAD 06h30 - 08h00 SAST

The "Sonsak Span" - your host Johann Bekker ZS1AAC 16h30 - 17h30 SAST

All three nets can be accessed via the 145.750 Mhz Aasvoelkop Repeater  88.5 hz CTCSS or via Echolink ZS1SB-L.  Secondary access is also available  via ZS1I-L  Echolink and 49355 AllStar or 65511 DMR Talk Group.  Local and visiting radio amateurs are welcome to log into these three nets.  There is always room for any radio amateur on these nets.  Please feel free to join us!

Enough for now.  I still have a few more topics but that I will leave for a future posting.

Finally:  I would once again like to invite clubs and radio amateurs to use and keep on using the ZS-LINK and GRHub Network if they so wish. The network is not a private, club only or special allocated network.  It is open for general use by any radio amateur.  Transmit, experiment, test etc. - let radio amateurs know you are active and on the network.  Start or join a QSO and make new friends.
Thank you to those who support and use the Network regularly.  

Highly appreciated!!

Amateur Radio Day for the Youth at Stanley Island in Plettenberg-Bay (11November 2023)

 

On Saturday 11 November, the Eden ARC arranged an amateur radio day for young people at Stanley Island in Plettenberg-Bay. Andries, ZS1SMP, and his son Aiden, ZS1ATS arranged the event and members of the Club participated. Andries wrote the RAE in May and Aiden in October. There were between 17 and 20 young people who first had to learn the phonetic alphabet and speech procedures. After some guidance, some of the young people spoke to Christie, ZS4CGR in Luckhoff. Certificates were handed over to all who completed the event and two young people said they wanted to take the ZU exam in 2024. Boerewors rolls and cold drinks were provided and the youth went swimming. Thanks to Andries, ZS1SMP and his son Aiden, ZS1ATS; Gerrit, ZS1KLO; Corne, ZS1COR; Willie, ZS2CC and Eben, ZS1HEB.

Herewith a photo portal as well as images:  Click on images for larger view. 

Video Picture Collage:

Mossel Bay ZS1I AREDN Mesh Network Flowchart/Diagram now available

 (Click on image for larger view.)

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

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

Download the flowchart / diagram by clicking HERE (Pdf)

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

Mossel Bay ZS1I GRHub Network Flowchart/Diagram now available

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

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

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

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

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

Down Memory Lane: Who remembers Chris ZS3B going Tuk-Tuk Amateur Radio Mobile in South Africa?

                                                    Chris Nagel ZS3B, ZS6BGH (SK)

With all the different activities in Amateur Radio like HOTA, SOTA, POTA etc, I was telling the Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group about a well known Yellow Tuk-Tuk Three Wheeler that visited the Buffalo Rally in Mossel Bay in 1997.  No this was not an ordinary Tuk-Tuk.  It was the Tuk-Tuk of Chris Nagel ZS3B, ZS6BGH (SK several years ago) which was well known all over South Africa when Chris decided to hit the road.  I once meet up with Chris close to the Buffalo Rally gates in Mossel Bay.  Chris did not participate in the Rally, he decided to look out for radio amateur that might be at the rally.  Needless to say that I spend a few hours with Chris who told many stories of his Tuk-Tuk Adventures. I can remember one of his many stories.  He told me that on one of his trips through the Free State the Tuk-Tuk's front wheel bearings broke and he was left stranded along the road.  Thankfully a farmer stopped and told Chris that he is welcome to stay over on his farm until the Tuk-Tuk is fixed.  The farmer towed the Tuk-Tuk to his farm and in the morning he and Chris ordered a new wheel bearing.  Chris stayed a few days on the farm until the bearing arrived and no he did not stay in the farmers house but in the Tuk-Tuk seeing that it was also Chris's mobile home with a bed and all the necessary things needed. After fixing the bearing problem Chris went on his merry way.  As to all the amateur radio equipment he installed one can view the images.  I regularly spoke to Chris on HF.  Another interesting question that I posed to Chris when he was in Mossel Bay is:  "How do he protect himself man alone against crime?"  Chris was sitting in the Tuk-Tuk at the time and he reached to the roof  pulling out his 44 Magnum Six Shooter.  He indicated that thankfully he never experience any safety issues which necessitated the use of the shooter.

My son and I enjoyed a great few hours with Chris on the day.  Sadly Chris became silent key but the memories live on.  Till today I still miss that very pronounced voice of Chris.

Wonder if somebody will follow Chris in his footsteps by going Amateur Radio Tuk-Tuk Mobile in South Africa in the future?

Images courtesy ZS6PTA:  (Click on the images for larger view.)  

UPDATED 25 Sept 2023: Amateur Radio Activities in the Garden Route- , Southern Cape- and other Areas

In this specific topic you will find information, images, videos about amateur radio activities in the Garden Route-, Southern Cape- and other Areas.  I would like to thank everybody who send me information in this regard.  Other regions of the country is also welcome to send me information that I will publish from time to time.

Note:  Click on images for larger view.

29 July 2023: 2 Meter SSB Contact in the Southern Cape

29 July 2023 01h36 VHF contact between  Mark ZS1SSM (Gouritz) and Thys ZS1TBP (Mossel Bay) on 144.300 Mhz SSB (USB)

29 July 2023: 2 Meter Q65 Contact over the Drakensberg

668Km between Derek ZS5Y (Scottburgh) and Charl ZS3K (Hopetown) right over Drakensberg on 2m Q65 17:56 CAT 29/07/2023

Wednesday, 23 August 2023, 11:04 - Ystervarkpunt Vuurtoring Naweek

 George Herald News: Radio-amateurs byeen by Ystervarkpunt-ligtoring - Ystervarkpunt-vuurtoring is so 10 km voor Albertinia naby Gouritsmond. Die vuurtoring het 92 trappe, is ’n goeie 25 tot 30m hoog, die vuurtoring werk 100% en gee nog 'n helder lig in die aande vir die skepe. Lees meer HIER

 5 September 2023 11h11  DMR Day in the Mossel Bay area

Tuesday's will be DMR Radio activity day on the GRHub Network, Mossel Bay 

Well it is now "official".   Tuesday's will be DMR Radio Activity Day on the GRHub Network and around the World.  The ZS1I DMR Bridge will be connected to the GRHub Network at 09h00 SAST (07h00 UTC) on Tuesdays.  Connecting the bridge will allow Echolink, AllStar, Repeater- and 145.550 Mhz Simplex stations access to DMR and vice versa.

More information:  Click HERE 

 

5 September 2023 06h52 Spesiale Uitnodiging: George Heritage Trust - HOTA Bedrywighede

Eden Radio Club  Nuus:

Mnr Corne Cornelius  ZS1COR

Erfenismaand word jaarliks van 1 tot 30 September gevier. Dit gee erkenning aan verskillende aspekte van Suid Afrikaanse kultuur en erfenis, beide tasbaar en nie-tasbaar. Ons vier ons unieke argitektoniese erfenis sowel as musiek, optredes, taal, die kos wat ons eet, sowel as ons herinneringe. Daar is die simboliek van saam brood breek, wat help om die gemeenskaplike menswees te deel. Ons nooi u na ‘n ontbyt - met die doel om gemeenskaplike doelwitte te identifiseer tussen die verskillende erfenis en bewaring instansies, sommige met aangrensende en oorvleuelende doelwitte.

Ons sal so 5 minute kans gee vir u om die aktiwiteite van die Eden  Radio Klub te kan bekendstel. Stuur ook asseblief vir my u telefoonnommer - ek wil graag 'n dokument saamstel met al die kontakdetails van die verskillende rolspelers.

Datum: 9 vm op Saterdag die 16e September 2023. Gratis vir 2 persone.

Venue: The Apprentice | Francois Ferreira Culinary Academy.

RSVP voor Maandag 11 September: thegeorgeheritagetrust@gmail.com

Met vriendelike groete,

Philda Benkenstein

(Namens Willie-John van Niekerk | Voorsitter George Heritage Trust)

George Heritage Trust

George Erfenistrust

GARDEN ROUTE, SOUTH AFRICA

REGISTRATION NUMBER: HM/CB/0815/35

www.georgeheritage.co.za

The George Heritage Trust, founded in 1996 as a non-profit organisation, promotes the sustainable conservation of the architectural, archaeological, cultural/living and natural heritage of George and its surrounds for the benefit of all.

 

Orania Noodgeval Herdenking langs die Oranje Rivier - Zane ZS3VO 

 

Luister na die Audio Insetsel rondom die herdenking.  Klik HIER

 

9 Nuwe Eden RAE Kandidate word geskool in Radio Prosedures:

Foto vlnr   Aiden Trahms , Leon Kapp, Henk J. Botha, Eben Hewitt en Louis Coetzee.  (Twee nie op photo:  Gerhard Bronkhorst en Henge Rautenbacht)  9 Kandidate!!  Sommer 'n lekker span voornemede radio amateurs hier in die die Suid Kaap.  Welgedaan Eden Radio Club!

Foto:  Leon Kapp

Veldstasie Video:  Eden Radio Klub

 

ZR3VDK Amateur Radio Bulletin geleentheids redakteur (Thys ZS1TBP) in Aksie

 

Thys ZS1TBP werk DX in die hok van Deon ZS1DDM

 

Jack Ass Mobile  - Nie in die Suid Kaap nie maar is 'n moontlikheid in die toekoms

Nie in die Suid Kaap nie maar wel sononiem met die area waar daar nog baie donkies is.  Miskien kan 'n radio amateur in die area met "donkie mobiel" groot pret veroorsaak. (Foto verskaf deur Curtis ZS1CMO)  

 

Woody ZS3LW take a break in Great Brak River

Welcome Woody to our area.  Enjoy your well deserved holiday.  With Woody is Marko ZS1NEU

 

UPDATED 25 September 2023: Woody ZS3WL en Thys ZS1TBP having a "ragchew" at the Sea Gypsy in Mossel Bay

"Recent Southern Cape Storm Surge" washes Snoek as far afield as Gauteng!!

Lional ZS6DPL berig:  Lyk my die weer in die Kaap is so sleg dit het die snoek tot hier laat uit spoel. Nou moet ons maar braai!!

Terugvoer:  Spesiale Uitnodiging: George Heritage Trust - HOTA Bedrywighede

Foto:  Corne ZS1COR (Rooi sirkel)

Meer inligting rondom die byeenkoms is HIER beskikbaar.  Dankie Corne dat jy amateur radio en HOTA bevorder in die Suid Kaap.

EME Contact between Berne ZS4TX and Max SA5IKN M0SKN US6IKN

Al gewonder wat het geword van Lippe Klap elke Sondag Middag? - Thys ZS1TBP

 

Nou weet almal wat van Lekker Lippe Klap geword het.

 

Updated:  25 September 2023

 

25 September 2023 - HOTA aktivering "Ou Tolhuis" and "Montagu Pass", George - Corne ZS1COR 

 

Foto:  Corne ZS1COR

Foto: vlnr  Eben Hewitt (RAE Kandidaat) en Corne ZS1COR

TOTA  - Trains on the Air  Keith ZS6HI and Radio Operator ? on a model train.

 

Einde/End

NS:  Hartlik dank aan almal wat 'n bydrae gelewer het tov die artikel maar n besonderse dank aan diegene wat amateur radio bevorder het en ook aktiwiteit daar gestel het.  Kom ons kyk of ons in 'n toekomstige Blog plasing nog meer inligting kan plaas oor amateur radio aktiwiteite.