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

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

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

This afternoon's topic:

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

Join this amateur radio activity this afternoon.

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

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

Vanmiddag se onderwerp:

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

Sluit gerus aan by die amateur radio aktiwiteit vanmiddag.

 

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

(Click on image for larger view.)
 

DMR Activity on the increase via the ZS Link Network. What is a DMR Bridge?

Image:  DMR Dashboard - Activity this morning (Monday, 2 March 2026) via the DMR Bridge  (Click on image for larger view.)

Image:  AllStar Link Log - Activity this morning (Monday, 2 March 2026) via the ZS Link Network.  The DMR Bridge connection is visible second entry from the top. (Click on image for larger view.)

Above:  DMR activity on the 3 March 2026 during the SA DMR Net.

The AllStar-Echolink-DMR Bridge is active since the 8 June 2023 on the then Garden Route Hub Network and today still available to all the ZS-Link Network users via the ZS Link Network, Mossel Bay.  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.

Example:

Echolink  ####> Allstar ####> DMR and DMR ###> AllStar ###> Echolink

ZS1I-L Echolink ####> 49355  Allstar ####> DMR and  DMR ###> 49355 AllStar ###>  ZS11-L Echolink

The Bridge is also available to all the stations connected to the ZS Link Network and to those stations connected to each other.

Particulars:

The magic files are loaded onto the 467652 Allstar Node (Raspberry Pi 3(b)) which host the following software/Nodes:

•     AllstarLink Firmware for the Raspberry Pi  Node 467652
•     Install Private Node 1999 
•     Install  DVSwitch Firmware 
•     Create a Brandmeister Account

Further Particulars:

•  The AllStar Node runs as a Psuedo Node
•  AllStar Node 467652 is connected to the Private Node 1999 which is using the USRP channel driver.
•  the USRP channel driver talks to the DVSwitch program that is setup to communicate with Brandmeister TG
• When on your Brandmeister linked Hotspot or repeater (if applicable), if you talk on Talkgroup 91 you will be heard on AllStar 467652 and 49355 (when connected) and where ever is is connected to.
• AllStar Node 49355 is currently linked to Brandmeister Talkgroup 65511
  

Now why on earth would you setup a Digital DMR Bridge on an Analog AllStar Node and Echolink Node?

•     Useful for Emergency Communications
•     Ad Hoc Connections
•     Access to repeaters from other areas and modes (Hotspots)
•     Creates activity on the VHF/UHF bands
•     Extend the reach to other parts of the country and worldwide
•     Allows analog users to TX+RX on DMR as many radio amateurs do not have a digital radio to operate DMR.
•     Because you can and the software is freely available thanks to fellow radio amateurs
•     Lends itself to experimentation
•     Learn more (educational) about the workings of Digital Radio, Analog Radio, Nodes, VOIP, links, bridges etc.

Considerations:

• Audio quality between the networks
• Allstar Link has EXCELLENT audio quality
• Digital has no hiss

Control:

• Use private nodes to allow the maximum control

 How does it work:

• Stream conversion
• Audio and metadata converted from one format to another
• Adapters for each specific network  
• For Echolink to work ZS1I-R need to be connected to AllStar Node 49355.  The bridge runs on ZS1I-R.
 
Requests and Reminder:

PLEASE leave a "5 second delay" between replying to a station to allow ALL the systems to reset and connect.

Please note this is a global network and you will be transmitting on RF all over the world.

It is extremely important that you spend time ensuring your audio levels are correct before connecting and using the DMR Bridge.

Correct operating procedure is a distinct characteristic of Amateur Radio.  It’s important that you convey to the public, and to new radio amateurs, the image that Amateur Radio Operators are courteous, patient, and really know what they’re doing.  A friendly style is great, but we also need to operate professionally.  You never know who may be listening.

Do not cause intentional interference, to links, repeater, hubs, nodes or conversations on the network.  Intentional interference is not only heard locally but World Wide.  Just remember that intentional interference can today easily be traced to your call sign as all connecting RF and Digital stations leave an identifiable script in a log file.

Finally:  

Re-structuring of the ZS Link Network is an ongoing project.  Do not panic we will not leave our local radio amateurs in the cold.  I recently overheard a conversation were a radio amateur indicated that the ZS Link Network is not for local use but caters more for world wide activity.  This is far from the truth.  If you not certain how the ZS Link Network functions  you will find more info on the ZS Link Network Blog Pages.

Activity on the DMR Bridge is a daily occurrence.  The DMR Bridge is permanently connected to the ZS Link Network via Echolink and AllStar. If you have DMR equipment connect to the 65511 TG or via ZS1I-R Echolink or 49355 AllStar Link and talk to us via DMR. I hear you say but I do not have DMR equipment.  No problem just download DroidStar from Play Store on your phone, install and then talk via DMR to the World.  In the last few weeks there was a increase in activity on the DMR Bridge

I cannot access the Aasvoëlkop Repeater (145.625 Mhz) from Heuningklip. What is the reason?

On Saturday the 27 December 2025,  Jakobus ZS1JDJ visited his father in law OM  Jan ZS1CBS at Heuningklip near Herbertsdale.  He carried out some tests from the QTH of Jan to ascertain why Jan ZS1CBS cannot access the 145.625 Mhz Aasvoëlkop Repeater which is situated about 22.8 km away from the farm as the crow flies.  Now why would they not be able to access the repeater?  I looked into the matter and here is some interesting information that I found.  Please note that the data is analyzed as I received it.  Slight differences might exist.

• The repeater could not be accessed with 20 Watts RF Power
• Using a 11 element Yagi they were able to open the repeater but the audio was unintelligible.  Lots of rain on the carrier signal.
• The topography showed that there are quite a few small mountains around  the QTH of ZS1CBS. 
• The antenna was tilted upwards and also pointed at the mountains around the QTH (in all directions) to look for a possible reflected signal towards the repeater.
• Topographic images confirm that the QTH is situated between mountains.
• Jan ZS1CBS can however access the 145.650 Riversdale Repeater (See image why.)  No mountains in the way.  Opening through a valley?
  
• The "range" of mountains in the way from the QTH to the Aasvoëlkop Repeater is clearly visible in the red circle in the image below as well as the Radio Path Study Image.
• Signal distribution images (Radio Mobile) showing that there is no signal propagation to the Aasvoëlkop Repeater. (No green or yellow reflections.  White - No signal distribution) 
• Riversdale Repeater signal distribution present.  (1 - 10 Micro Volts and more.)
• The Radio Link Study 1 as with regards to the Aasvoëlkop Repeater reflect the fade margin as -5.07 dB and 28.52 dB in respect of the Radio Link Study 2 aka Riversdale Repeater.  Significant difference!

Comment:  With the "ground work" now done it is clear that Jan ZS1CBS has currently better access to the Riversdale Repeater than the Aasvoëlkop Repeater.  Further tests with different antennas and antenna polarization need to be done.  A high power radio (50 Watts) should also be tested.  

Conclusion:  There are several other options available to "get onto" the Aasvoëlkop Repeater from the QTH and these will be looked at once we are sure that there are no path to the repeater with any VHF Radio equipment.  

A big thank you to Jan ZS1CBS, Jakobus ZS1JDJ, Johann ZS1AAC and Viv ZS1VIV for providing the data that enabled me to evaluate the different radio paths as listed below.

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.)

 

Videos:

Suid Kaap Netwerk Groep Aktiwiteite: Hervatting van die 06h00 Dagbreek Span Net op die 12 Januarie 2026

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

KENNISGEWING:  Die Dagbreek Span Net wat weeksdae  om 06h00 in die oggende op die Aasvoelkop Herhaler en ZS-Link Hub plaasvind, hervat weer op 12 January 2026.  Die net-kontroleerder en storie verteller is uitgerus en gereed om die net te hervat.  

LET WEL:  Die Ontbytsake Span Net, Sonsak Span Net en Aand Span Net gaan is steeds aktief op weeksdae onderskeidelik 06h30, 16h45 en 18h30 SAST op die Aasvoelkop en Stilbaai Herhalers.   Meer besonderhede is HIER beskikbaar.

Sluit gerus aan by die ZS Link Netwerk Groep se aktiwiteite hier vroeg in 2026.

Photo: Sunrise Stilbaai (Click on photo to enlarge.)

NOTICE: The Dagbreek Span Net that takes place on weekdays at 06h00 in the mornings on the Aasvoelkop Repeater and ZS-Link Hub will resume on 12 January 2026. The net controller and storyteller are ready to resume the net.

PLEASE NOTE: The Ontbytsake Span Net, Sonsak Span Net and Aand Span Net will still be active on weekdays at 06h30, 16h45 and 18h30 SAST respectively on the Aasvoelkop and Stilbaai Repeaters. More details are available HERE.

Feel free to join the ZS Link Network Group's activities here early in 2026.

ZS-Link Network News - "Ods and Sods" from Radio Amateurs over the past 6 Months - A must view!!

Herewith a few "Ods and Sods" from Radio Amateurs over the past 6 Months.  This post contain various interesting "happenings" in the lives of radio amateurs that belongs to the ZS Link Network Group.  Thank you everybody for making this content available.

Vivian ZS1VIV - Riversdale -  A new Icom IC2730E found its way to the QTH of Viv!

Andre ZS3AG,  Kimberley -  2025 Hartenbos Holiday

Andre ZS3AG and Jason working on antennas

Christo N5VAN ex ZS3R, Nebraska US - New Yaesu FT-dx101MP Radio and antenna

Danie ZS1DL, Dana Bay Mossel Bay -  Our Africa Twin Warrior!

Jakobus ZS1JDJ, DaNova Mosselbaai -  The Bee Man!

Jasper ZS1WT Blandsdrift, Mossel Bay - Mega Farmer / Hunting Season / Braai Time

Nick ZS1NS, Albertinia  -  Musician / Singer / Guitar- and Furniture Restorer / Drawing Artist

 

Richard ZS5RMN, Pietermaritzburg -  Story Teller / Podcaster / Lunch Time

Rassie ZS1RP, Stilbaai  -  Battery Charger Project /Aloe relocation

Johann ZS1AAC,  Stilbaai -  Tansformers / "Bont Hond" / Tower  / Equipment / Recognition

Zayn ZR3VO,  Orania -  Orange River / Festival / Swimming Pool Maintenance

Nick ZS1ZAN,  Anysberge - Anysberge / Tower

Eben ZS1EP, Stilbaai  -  The ocean loves to eat antennas !!

Michael ZS1MMB, George - Hunting / Projects / Plugs can be dangerous

Erich ZS4VW,  Sasolburg -  The best anthracite stove for the cold.

Bernie ZR1ACP, Agulhas -  New Project

Gerrit ZS1KLO, Rheebok -  G90 doing its thing!

Johannes ZS1XL, Stilbaai - Solar Power

Rulhof ZS4RM, Bloemfontein -  RAE / Signal Hill

Ingo ZS1IB, Stilbaai -  The ocean loves to eat antennas !!

Mark ZS1SSM, Gourits River -  The man with the Kiri's and Baof's for sale

Curtis ZS6CMO, Alberton -  3D Printed Glue Gun Stand

Marko Z1NEU,  Mosselbaai -   Eina Finger!

Johan ZS1I, Mossel Bay - The ocean also eats radios!!

Gerhard ZS3TG, Kathu -  Regular providing of HF Happenings

Comment:  WhatsApp make it rather difficult to obtain images and videos from the 625 Group.  It takes a lot of time and effort to re-post information on the ZS Link Blog. To retrieve older postings on WhatsApp is rather difficult and time consuming.  Older postings is also not readily available. Hopefully I can found a way around this WhatsApp frustration.  After all most of the content belongs to us.  If I cannot find another way then this will be the last posting of "Ods and Sods".  

Finally:  If your contribution did not future in this posting then I apologize as the issue mentioned above is the reason.