Radio Amateurs (HAMS) do not Hinder but Serve their Local Communities in the Southern Cape Area!

Image:  Mobile Emergency Communication Station  (Click on image for larger view.)

The title of the article says it all: Radio Amateurs (HAMS) do not Hinder but Serve their Local Communities in the Southern Cape Area! 

Through the years amateur radio operators has wrongly been identified as Citizen Band (CB Radio) operators that in the eyes of the public serve no useful purpose other than chatting to each other on their radios.  This impressions is far from the truth when it comes to amateur radio operators also called HAMS.  There are more than 3 million people World Wide that practices Amateur Radio.

Incidents where neighbors spot a towering antenna or a mast rising above the rooftop has resulted in complaints being send to the local municipal authority in Mossel Bay.  Some view the towers or masts as a concern and an eyesore while others complain that its obstructing their sea view.  Some even go so far as to claim that is its a health and safety risk and also an unnecessary intrusion on the skyline just to talk to one another.  In this day in age why not use a cellphone to talk to your buddies?  Such complaints are on the increase and it has become necessary to address concerns of the general public even though in some cases the radio amateur lived and erected a tower in the neighborhood long before new entrants moved into the area.  Understandably from an aesthetic standpoint, the profound role these masts and antennas play is overlooked from the point of view by the general public as well as uninformed local authorities.

Far from being a mere hobby or a nuisance, amateur radio operators (HAMS) are licensed guardians of emergency communications and render their skillful knowledge and service to the general public and local authorities during disasters, emergencies, community events etc.  This service is provide free of any charges and all expenses is bared by the radio amateurs themselves.  A free service to the benefit of the local authority and the general public whenever our services are needed.  I will later provide more information on the specific services rendered and also proof of such services being provided in the past.

Anchored in rigorous International and National Regulations, the service that radio amateurs provide is a testament to service, innovation and community protection.  Yes, community protection! (See link below for more information)  

Now this article provides an overview into the regulated world of amateur radio, its vital contribution to the Southern Cape Area safety net and the official endorsements that underscore its value, transforming what might seem like a nuisance and backyard operation to some.  In fact this is far from the truth.  Please read on and you will discover how the best hobby in the world is also the beacon of resilience.

A Regulated Service

Amateur Radio is not only a hobby but also renders a service to the local authorities and community when modern communications fail.  Yes modern communications do fail.  The Knysna Fire 2017 is only one instance where modern communications failed.  Amateur Radio is a formally recognized radio communication service under Local and International law. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United nations, defines the amateur radio service in it's Radio Regulations as "a radio communication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest."  This definition, enshrined in Article 1.56 of the ITU Radio Regulations, elevates amateur radio beyond a hobby to a structured discipline with global oversight.

In South Africa, this international framework is implemented through the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).  Established under the ICASA Act and the Electronic Communications Act of 2005, ICASA issues amateur radio station licenses only to those who demonstrate technical competence.  Aspiring operators must pass rigorous examinations covering radio theory, regulations and operating procedures.  Licenses are divided into classes:  Class A (for advanced operators) and Class B (for beginners), with restrictions on power output and frequency bands to ensure safe and interference free operations.

Towers and antennas, often the focal point of neighbor disputes are not erected haphazardly.  ICASA's Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations 2015 mandate compliance with structural safety standards, including engineering assessments to withstand South Africa's variable weather conditions. 

In many instances by-laws of local authorities does not make provision for radio amateur antennas, masts and towers.  When a complaint is lodged the local authority use old and outdated by-laws.  In some instances antennas and towers are described as structures and building plans must be submitted together with a town planner and structural engineer's certification. Written permission must also by obtained from neighbors. Some authorities rely on by laws regarding the installation of TV Antennas which is then used for installation of amateur radio antennas, mast and towers.  Currently there is no distinction in this regard. This is an omission that seriously hampers the great free services provided by amateur radio to their respected communities.

In many cases complaints rely solely on the visual impact of the antennas and tower and not on the service that amateur radio provides to their local communities.  In other instances amateur radio antennas, masts and towers has been erected long before any by law existed that regulates installations. In one instance a radio amateur erected his tower in 2004 and a neighbor only complained about the tower only 14 years later.  

Don't understand me wrong it is not that we are unwilling to comply or work with authorities and the community when putting up towers.  We need to all work together, provide sound input and representations  to establish clear guidelines and by-laws.  The ideal situation would be that amateur radio antennas and towers be recognized  as essential infrastructure rather then illegal  or that it's visual impact is not acceptable to some. 

Amateur Radio is over a century old, with roots tracing back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It originated alongside the birth of radio technology itself, with enthusiasts experimenting with wireless telegraphy as early as the 1890s.  Now that we know how old amateur radio is, it is important to look at some services it rendered in the Southern Cape and South Africa throughout the years.  Unfortunately space only allows for a few examples but I am sure those mentioned here will provide a great overview of the service we provide to our local communities, authorities locally and nationally as well as world wide.

Community Service in Action (Internationally, Nationally and Locally)

Before I provide a few incidents let me point out that there are to many instances where amateur radio saved lives by assisting in providing emergency communications when all else failed or when a distress call is received.  I will only provide a few.  Before continuing I would like to mention that radio amateurs does provide a service that entails many different scenarios.  The instances below does not mean that radio amateurs can only assist in the mentioned incidents.  Some might even be surprised to learn that radio amateurs can provide emergency communications in outer space via satellites should the need arise.  Radio Amateurs can "cater" for any eventuality as they do have all the necessary radio equipment and satellites available to do just that.

Image: Mossel Bay Fire Storm  (Click on image for larger view.)

Now herewith a few past and present events that radio amateurs assisted in:  (Click on the links for more information)

• One of the most famous rescue effort took place after the Laingsburg Flood (25 January 1981) and for a week, the only contact between Laingsburg and the rest of the country was via Amateur Radio.
• Harnessing Technology for Early Warning - Local Mossel Bay Radio Amateur participate in the Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Research Project by the University of Cape Town.
• Mossel Bay Radio Amateurs give wireless support behind the scenes -  Knysna Fire Disaster 2017
• Amateur Radio Mesh Network Brought into Mix as Volunteers Assist in South African Fire Disaster
• South African Radio Amateurs Poised to Support Communication as Wildfires Rage  
•  “A major problem fighting the massive fires that ravaged Knysna  was the lack of communications and electricity outages"  -  HAMNET Report 25 June 2017
• South African Radio Amateur save lives - Maritime Rescue near Brazil 
• Three Amateur Radio Clubs provided radio communication during the World Renowned Mountain Ultra Trial (MUT) 2024
• Destructive Fire destroy and damage homes, cars and wild-life in Mossel Bay (5 - 10 January 2026)
• Amateur Radio Emergency Communications PDF - After Action Report 2017 Knysna Fires
  
• Amateur Radio Emergency Communications PDF - After Action Report 2018 Herold / George Fire 
• Amateur Radio Software provides notification of Strong 5.3 Earthquake - West of Brandvlei, SA, on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 02:51 SAST
  

Image: Amateur Radio  Emergency Communications Field Station at St Blaize, Mossel Bay

Local Community Events where Radio Amateurs assist with communications:

• ISUZU Iron Man Competition - Mossel Bay
• St Blaze Mossel Bay Lighthouse - Radio Amateurs  participate in International Lighthouse and Lightship Awareness Weekend 
• Radio Amateurs (hams) and HAMNET members have historically assisted with communication in Blind Navigator Rallies
• Amateur Radio Communications: 2013 Mossel Bay Mini Air Race - 13 October 2013
• Great Teamwork by Radio Amateurs: 2013 President's Trofee Air Race: Oudtshoorn, South Africa (23 - 25 May 2013)  
• Amateur Radio H.O.T.A Activation: 1. 500 year old Post Office Tree 2. Dias Museum, Mossel Bay - 19 November 2022 14h00
  

Above is only a few incidents / events in which amateur played a important roll in providing services to the community and assistance during disasters.  I am sure many will agree if it was not for radio amateurs and their equipment many lives, homes and animals would have been lost on land and sea.

Health and Safety Concerns

Members of the public living near radio amateurs often express their concern about health risks when amateur radio operators transmit (Electromagnetic Fields aka EMF) RF using their radios. Amateur radio installations are governed by stringent safety standards.  ICASA adopts exposure limits from the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)  which align with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

WHO's extensive reviews included over 25 000 studies, conclude that low-level EMF from amateur radio poses no confirmed health  risks.  Radio amateurs are trained to evaluate their stations using tools like the FCC's RF exposure guidelines, adapted locally to avoid interference with aviation, broadcasting or emergency services.  In practice most amateur radio setups operate well below these thresholds, far safer than everyday devices like cell phones.

Official Recognition:  A Global and National Endorsement

Amateur radio's role in disaster response is officially recognized by the United Nations.  The ITU under UN auspices highlights amateurs in emergency telecommunications, noting their ability to provide voice, text, digital and data links in remote or devastated areas.  The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) cites amateur radio as a resilient method for risk reduction, integrated into global strategies like the Sendai Framework.

In South Africa the South African Radio League (SARL= National Body for Amateur Radio in South Africa) collaborates with ICASA and provincial disaster management / agencies to embed amateur networks in emergency plans in all provinces. These partnership underscores amateurs as a "force multiplier" in crises as per United Nations guidelines.

More than Towers / Antennas:  Equipment of readiness and hope

Those amateur radio antennas and towers are not vanity projects but lifelines.  In the Southern Cape Area devastating fires, floods, wind storms and even earthquake risks, they represent not only preparedness but a necessity when disasters or emergencies occur.  The neighbor decrying a tower and antennas might one day rely on it for a distress call when all other means of communications fails. The Knysna Fire in 2017 is a reminder in this regard where it was reported:  “A major problem fighting the massive fires that ravaged Knysna  was the lack of communications and electricity outages"

Conclusion:  Embrace Radio Amateurs as they are the Guardians of the Airwaves

Radio Amateurs do not hinder communities - they fortify and assist their communities.  Under ITU and ICASA oversight, with the SARL's guidance and UN endorsement they embody regulated volunteerism and Ubuntu.  The next time a tower or mast graces the Southern Cape Area see it as a symbol of service; metal and wire woven into the fabric of safety and solidarity.  By supporting Radio Amateurs we invest in our collective resilience.

In the final analysis, while amateur radio have a storied past, the future looks even brighter. The fusion of traditional knowledge with contemporary innovations is set to usher in a golden era for
amateur radio. In the realm of crisis communication, amateur radio remain, as ever, a stalwart ally, poised to play an even more pivotal role in the future.

AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO IS THE ONLY FAIL SAFE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN THE WORLD!

Images:  Past and present events where amateur radio assisted communities in need.  (Click on images for larger view.)

 

ED.  This article would not have been possible without the contribution by many fellow radio amateurs, news papers, HAMNET  and the Internet.  To many to mention individually.  I do not claim in any way to be the owner of any of the content and information.  In my humble opinion it belongs to Amateur Radio.  All the inputs are highly appreciated.

Down Memory Lane: Amateur Radio and the Laingsburg Flood ( Sunday, 25 January 1981)

Image:  Laingsburg Flood  (Click on image for larger view.)

Today 45 years ago on 25 January 1981 the Laingsburg Flood occurred. 104 people died in the incident. Read more in the attached article that I wrote about the Laingsburg Flood after receiving a request from several schools who wanted to use it as an assignment. Amateur Radio also played a vital role during the Search and Rescue mission. See the photo beneath. 

THE LAINGSBURG FLOOD - 25 JANUARY 1981 (PDF 5 MB Download)

Amateur Radio assisted in establishing vital communications with the outside world.

“The memories will remain with those who witnessed and experienced this disaster” 

Large Wildfire threatened Danabay near Mossel Bay!! (26 November 2025)

Image: Danabay Fire - Gerrit ZS1KLO (Click for larger view.)

During the Sonsakspan Net on the 26 November 2025 at 16h30 the following interesting question was asked by Jacobus ZS1JDJ.

What impact does ash, smoke and flames have on radio communications while a veld fire is burning?

Danie ZS1DL reported that there was a lot of interference on his radios while the emergency personal attended to the fire and other incidents. 

Videos:  Provided by Danie ZS1DL

Herewith a short explanation:

Wildfire ash and the associated smoke and flames can significantly impact amateur radio signals

Wildfire ash and the associated smoke and flames can significantly impact ham radio signals by causing signal attenuation and refraction, particularly at higher frequencies like VHF and UHF. The effect is dependent on the density and chemical composition of the smoke/ash, and the frequency band used. 

Effects on Radio Signals

• Signal Attenuation: The primary effect is a degradation of signal strength. Smoke and ash contain particulate matter (like graphitic carbon and potassium) and ionized gases (plasma) that can absorb or scatter electromagnetic waves.

• Frequency Dependence: Higher frequencies (UHF and above, such as 70cm amateur bands, Wi-Fi's 2.4 GHz, and cell signals) are generally more affected by the particulate matter than lower frequencies (VHF and HF bands).

• Refraction and Ducting: The intense heat from a wildfire creates a "thermal bubble" or "thermal lens" in the atmosphere, leading to temperature inversions and changes in the air's refractive index. This can sometimes cause unexpected signal bending (refraction) and even enhance long-distance propagation (tropospheric ducting) in certain conditions, where radio waves bounce further than normal.

  
  
  What is a Thermal Bubble?

  A thermal bubble is a concept used to describe a buoyant mass of hot air and emissions that rises from an intense fire. 

• Formation: Continuous heating of the surface air mass by the fire causes the air to bulge upwards into a "bubble". The intense heat creates strong thermal buoyancy, making the air less dense than the surrounding cooler air.

• Ascension: Eventually, this hot air mass can break away from the surface and ascend into the atmosphere as a distinct cell.

• Atmospheric Dynamics: As the thermal bubble rises, cooler air from aloft moves downward to replace the ascending warm air, initiating a circular motion or horizontal roll vortices at the edges of the plume. This process is part of the formation of a pyrocumulus cloud (fire cloud) and is most prominent in strong vertical wind profile environments. 

  
  
  Image:  Pyrocumulus cloud, or fire cloud - Wikipedia
  

         What is a Thermal Lens? 

A "thermal lens" in the context of wildfires

refers to the atmospheric distortion caused by a fire's heat, which can negatively impact radio communications. The intense heat creates a "thermal bubble," which acts like a physical lens, bending radio waves and causing signal degradation. This phenomenon requires specialized communication strategies and technologies for effective firefighting and operational coordination during a wildfire. 

How it works

• Atmospheric distortion: Wildfire heat creates a plume of hot air, smoke, and debris, which alters the air's density and refractive index.
• Radio wave bending: This change in the atmosphere causes radio waves to bend or refract, similar to how a glass lens bends light.
• Signal disruption: The bending can cause the signal to be weaker, distorted, or lost entirely, making it difficult for emergency responders to communicate using standard equipment.

Impact on radio communications

• Coverage gaps: Areas directly under or near the plume experience significant radio dead zones.
• Interference: Other radio signals can interfere with one another, leading to unreliable communication.
• Operational challenges: Firefighters need to have a backup plan, such as using different radio frequencies, satellite phones, or establishing direct line-of-sight communication.

Solutions and strategies

• Specialized equipment: Firefighting agencies often use specialized radio equipment that can better penetrate or adapt to the challenging conditions.
• Backup systems: Relying on multiple communication systems, such as satellite phones and handheld radios, can ensure redundancy.
• Strategic planning: Planning for the thermal lens effect is crucial. This includes identifying areas likely to be affected and developing contingency communication plans.
• High-frequency radios: Some high-frequency radios are less affected by atmospheric conditions and can provide more reliable communication over longer distances.

Radio Operations During Wildfires

Image: The illustration above shows high altitude troposheric ducting - VK3SF.

Despite these challenges, amateur radio operators play a vital role in emergency communications during fire events, often filling in when traditional cellular or landline infrastructure fails. They adapt their operations by: 

• Utilizing lower frequency bands (HF or 2m VHF) which are less susceptible to severe attenuation from smoke than UHF.

• Employing tactical positioning of antennas to work around dense smoke plumes or terrain features.

• Leveraging enhanced (though unpredictable) propagation events like tropospheric ducting to make long-distance contacts.

Temperature inversions significantly disrupt radio communications during wildfires by creating

anomalous propagation conditions that can cause signal path loss and unpredictable signal patterns. 

Effects on Radio Communications

• Signal Trapping and Bouncing: A temperature inversion creates a "lid" of warm air over cooler, denser ground-level air, which traps smoke and pollutants. Radio waves get bounced or "trapped" within this cooler surface layer, leading to signals ricocheting around rather than propagating normally through the atmosphere.
• Signal Path Loss: The environment created by the fire plume itself and the inversion is "sub-refractive," which can cause significant radio signal path loss, especially over long distances.
• Unpredictable Behavior: The turbulent, ionized, and smoke-laden atmosphere within and around a fire can cause radio beams to spread out or bend in unpredictable ways, making consistent communication difficult.
• Increased Range for Some Signals: In some instances, the "sandwich effect" of an inversion layer can cause sound and radio waves to travel further than normal, leading to unexpected signal reception from distant sources, though this is generally unreliable for operational communication within the fire zone.

Operational Impact During Wildfires for Firefighters

 

For firefighters, these disruptions mean that traditional radio communication systems can become unreliable, particularly in valleys or areas where inversions settle overnight. This communication failure poses a significant safety risk during active fire suppression efforts. 

Mitigation Strategies:

• Situational Awareness: Fire crews are trained to observe and report weather conditions, including signs of an inversion (e.g., low-hanging smoke, hazy atmosphere), to anticipate potential communication issues.
• Alternative Technologies: Modern approaches utilize technologies that do not rely on traditional, centralized radio infrastructure. Mobile mesh networking, where each device acts as a relay station, creates a more resilient network with no single point of failure.
• GPS and Situational Apps: Firefighters use smartphones with downloaded maps and situational awareness applications (like ATAK) that use GPS, which functions independently of cellular networks, to maintain awareness of their location and the fire's movement even when voice communication is lost.
  

Amateur Radio and Wildfires 

Amateur radio is a crucial tool for communication during wildfires because it is independent of traditional infrastructure like cell towers and power grids, providing a reliable backup network. Amateur radio operators can provide vital information to emergency services and the public when other communication systems fail, report fires, coordinate logistics, and even assist in long-range communication for isolated communities. This independence makes them essential for public safety and personal communication in disaster situations. 

Benefits of ham radio for wildfire communication

• Infrastructure independence: Amateur radio does not rely on the cellular or power grids, so it remains functional even when they are down due to damage or overload.
• Reliable communication: Operators can communicate directly or use repeaters to extend range, enabling them to report fires, provide status updates, and request assistance.
• Emergency support: Trained ham radio operators can integrate with official emergency response efforts to provide communications support, as seen with programs like California's Provincial Emergency Radio Communications Service (PERCS).
• Long-range capability: With appropriate equipment and antennas, ham radios can facilitate long-distance communication, which is crucial for large-scale disasters or reaching remote areas.
• Sustained operation: Radios are designed for long-term use, making them ideal for extended emergencies where other devices may run out of power.

Examples in practice

• Reporting fires: An amateur radio operator used his radio to report a wildfire, and within minutes, emergency services were dispatched, a helicopter arrived, and firefighters extinguished the fire.
• Evacuation support: In the 2017 Mossel Bay Heiderand Fire, radio amateurs helped residents receive timely updates and evacuate safely, even as there houses were under threat.
• Official integration: HAMNET are officially incorporating amateur radio operators into their disaster plans, training volunteers and establishing radio stations to ensure communication continuity.

 Interesting reading:  Radio Propagation in Fire Environments

Down Memory Lane - To all HAMNET Members - Compiled by Pierre Tromp ZS1HF (Before he became SK)

 

Garden Route Fire Warning - Next one will be worse! Are we as Radio Amateurs ready?

"The Knysna fire of 2017 went down into the history books as one of the biggest environmental disasters to hit the Garden Route. As the 8th anniversary of the great fire approaches, the man who predicted the 2017 chaos, Dr Guy Preston, has made an urgent appeal to the entire region.
He has warned that the situation on the ground is far worse, and the next fire will be far more destructive. Are we ready? " - Group Editors

 

Need I say anything about the fires that occurred in 2017 and 2018 in the Southern Cape?  I asked the following question on 29 September 2023: 

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

I am not aware of any active amateur radio emergency communications group in the Southern Cape.  I might be mistaken but really there is no mentioning of any emergency communications activity over the air in this area.  If anybody knows of any amateur radio emergency communications activity in the Southern Cape I would like to hear from you.  Send me and email by clicking HERE.

I need to ask the following question:

"Is your amateur radio station equipped to handle any emergency situation, disaster or total power blackout event ?"

This question leads to more questions than answers.  Now some might say I am not interested in amateur radio emergency communications.  Whether you are interested in emergency communications or not, if your community experience a disaster and you are asked to assist with radio communications, will you be able to assist within an hour or two.

The following questions are currently unanswered.  Hopefully some of the questions might set your brain into the thinking and creative mode:

• Can you be of benefit to your local community before, during and after any emergency situation or disaster?
• Must you be a member of any emergency communication group to assist with emergency radio communications in your local community?
• Are your ready to provide emergency communications during load shedding and what equipment do you have available to overcome power failures?
• How quickly can you respond to a request to assist during a emergency situation?
• Can you use the following modes?  Winlink, FT8Call, AREDN, Morse Code etc.
• Should we get involved at all in providing any communication during a disaster or emergency situation?
• Must I be a paid up member to any organization to provide any communications when a disaster or emergency arise?
• If there is no amateur radio emergency communication member or organization in your community will you be able to assist with communications?
• Will you assist with emergency communications when asked by you local authority or community members?
• What equipment do you have available to assist, radios, antennas, batteries, inverters, solar power etc.?
• What roll if any did amateur radio play before, during and after the Knysna Fire Disaster?
• Should we wait until we are called upon to assist with radio communications during a emergency or disaster event?
• When there is load shedding I have noticed that many amateur radio stations are off the air.  As a simple example you can just look at the ZS-Link Network.  Activity is at an all time low during load shedding.  Why is this the case?  If we cannot keep the ZS-Link Network running during load shedding what will happen during a disaster? Will we as radio amateurs be able to provide emergency communications if we do not have backup power systems?  

The above questions are not posted to point finger or to "stir".  It is questions that came to the fore as a result of the fire disasters that occurred in 2017 and 2018.   The above is posted as food for thought and hopefully to motivate some fellow radio amateurs to improve their stations if they are not currently equipped for total blackouts or natural and man made disasters.

Of the utmost importance is communications amongst and between other amateur radio
organizations/clubs/emergency communication networks. It was clear from this event that the one did not know what the other was doing. This was clearly evident in emails received and posts on amateur radio forums.

Emergency Communications training is needed and more frequent Emergency Communications
Training exercises are essential. Simplicity need to be looked at. The disparate radio systems in use by all roll players during the Knysna Fire Disaster interrupted services. This radio communication disparity issue prevented effected communications during the event.   I am not aware that this issue has been addressed to prevent such issues during a future disaster.

Finally:  I am no prophet of doom but we need to be prepared for any eventuality in this country.  The 2017 Knysna Fire Disaster was the wake-up call we all needed.   The question remain whether we took this wake-up call to heart?  Only time will tell!!

AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO IS THE ONLY FAIL SAFE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN THE WORLD!

Aasvoëlkop Repeater site in the Southern Cape gets free Internet Connection

Image:  Aasvoëlkop Repeater, Albertinia, Southern Cape

The Aasvoëlkop Repeater site in the Southern Cape has once again been upgraded with the addition of a FREE sponsored Internet connection provided by Whisper Net.  Thanks must go to Vivian Louwrens ZS1VIV who led the negotiations with the above service provider.  If it was not for Viv then this valuable free Internet connection would not have been a reality, especially if you take the location of the Aasvoëlkop site into consideration.

Image:  Whisper Net Coverage Area  (Click on image for larger view.)

Some of the purest of the pure might say but this is no big deal as it is just  an Internet connection which is in any case not amateur radio.  I would like to invite those to look what benefits the Internet would bring to a repeater site in general.  If you want to explore and experiment with new technology today you cannot be without the Internet and computers.  Both has become part and parcel of amateur radio.  Enough rambling let's look at some of the possibilities such a connection might bring to the site:

1.  Installing IP cameras on site for additional security for the Aasvoëlkop Repeater.

2.  Installing IP cameras to monitor a wide circle area to spot veld-fires, severe weather conditions, thunderstorms and lightning etc.

3.  Installing a Digital Weather Station linked to the Internet that provides a wide variety of data like, Temperature, Rainfall, Wind Speed, Wind Direction  etc.  One can even install censors to detect and monitor pollution and other atmospheric conditions.

4.  Install an Aviation ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast). ADS-B system that broadcasts aircraft location and other information to other aircraft and ground stations.  A great service to the aviation and public communities in the Southern Cape and World Wide.

5.  Install an Automatic Identification System (AIS) that is a short-range coastal tracking system currently used on ships. It was developed to provide identification and positioning information to both vessels and shore stations.

6.  Linking the Aasvoëlkop Repeater to various other local repeaters in the Southern Cape via Echolink, AllStar, DMR Bridge or SVXLink.  Although currently not needed the option is always available.

7.  Linking the Aasvoëlkop Repeater to Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) which is currently operational in the Mossel Bay area.

8.  Installing an Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) Node on the Aasvoëlkop Repeater tower that will provide amateur radio emergency communications when needed.

9.  Installing a HF Remote Radio Station on site. A remote HF station allows amateur radio operators to control their radio equipment from a location away from the radio shack.  Especially handy for those radio amateurs that cannot install antennas at their QTH.

10.  Installing a cloud server on site for the 625 Amateur Radio Group use.  

I am sure there are many other options available not mentioned above.  But from the above one can see the benefits of having a Internet connection on the Aasvoëlkop Repeater Site.  Work on-site will begin shortly to install the Internet connection to the repeater site.

Finally:   Once again a big thank you to Whisper Net, Viv ZS1VIV,  Johann ZS1AAC and all the other helpers that will assist to get the connection to the repeater site.  Look out for future updates in this regard.

Image:  Whisper Net  (Click on image for large view.)

Amateur Radio Software provides notification of Strong 5.3 Earthquake - West of Brandvlei, SA, on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 02:51 SAST

Image: IRIS (Click on image for larger view.)

Are you prepared for a large strong earthquake in South Africa?

A moderate earthquake struck western South Africa early on Sunday, with tremors reported across several regions.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the magnitude 5.3 quake occurred at 02:51 local time, 101km west of Brandvlei, a small town in the Northern Cape Province.

The earthquake’s epicenter was 30.45 degrees south latitude and 19.44 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 10km.

There have been no official reports of casualties or property damage so far.

Local authorities are expected to conduct further assessments in the affected areas. 

 Image:  Volcano Discovery.com  (Click on image for larger view.)

Event summary

This earthquake can have a low humanitarian impact based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability.

GDACS ID	EQ 1458807
Earthquake Magnitude:	5.3M
Depth:	10 Km
Lat/Lon:	-30.445 , 19.4352
Event Date:	22 Dec 2024 00:51 UTC 22 Dec 2024 02:51 Local
Exposed Population:	2 thousand in MMI&>=V
Inserted at:	22 Dec 2024 01:08 UTC
INFORM Coping capacity:	4.3 (South Africa)

More information, maps and data available HERE

Image: Ham Radio Dashboard  (Click on image for larger view.)

Amateur Radio Software notify the administrator of the ZS Link Network Blog, Mossel Bay, South Africa of this earthquake

This earthquake was also felt in Mossel Bay. As I did not feel the earthquake at the time of its occurrence I picked up on the event via Ham Radio Dashboard which is installed on my computer and comes up at startup.  I immediately noticed the red circle over Southern Africa.  (See first image and click on it to enlarge)  This notification set the ball rolling and I soon found more data on the earthquake.

To my fellow radio amateurs HERE is more information on Ham Radio Dashboard should you like to use it on your computer.  As can be seen from the image above various windows can be displayed at the same time and by double clicking on a window it will open as a large image to view the information close-up.

Thus far no reports of serious damage or injuries.  We are not "Profits of Doom" but we were/are due for a large earthquake.  The last damaging earthquake occurred in Tulbagh in 1969.  The 1969 Tulbagh earthquake occurred at 20:03:33 UTC on 29 September. It had a magnitude of 6.3 Mw and a maximum felt intensity of VIII (Severe) on the Modified Mercalli intensity scale. It caused widespread damage in the towns of Ceres, Tulbagh and Wolseley and led to 12 deaths.

We as radio amateurs should be prepared for any eventuality.  One never knows when a disaster can happen that needs our services.

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

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

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

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

He explained:

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

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

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

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

Image: Location of Mossel Bay

 

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

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

Aftermath of floods – SAWDIS is established

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

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

How does the SAWDIS work?

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

 

Final Comments by Johan ZS1I:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Example of the SAWDOS Blog Website looked like:  Click HERE

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

 

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

Johan Terblanche ZS1I

Mossel Bay

10 July 2024