Jasper ZS1WT se 18 Meter Amateur Radio Toring nou staande te Blandsdrift, Mosselbaai. (Article in Afrikaans and English)

Radio Amateurs kan maklik uitgeken word wanneer 'n toring of mas met antennas hul verskyning maak op 'n eiendom.  Wel die afgelope week of twee was daar heelwat voorbereidings getref om 'n 18 meter toring staande te maak te Blandsdrift, Mosselbaai.  Die toring behoort aan Jasper ZS1WT en is op sy plaas Blandsdrift, Mosselbaai.

Nou kom ons kyk bietjie hoe is hierdie toring deur Jasper en sy skoonpa gebou.  Die bou van die toring het 'n paar maande gelede begin in een van Jasper se skure op die plaas.  Kyk gerus na die fotos en julle sal opmerk hoe die toring gebou is.  Vakmanskap en sweiswerk op sy beste.  Die yster vir die toring is met groot sorg uitgemeet, gesny en gesweis.  Seksie vir seksie is gebou oor 'n periode van 'n paar weke.  Nadat al die seksies (4) van die toring gebou is, is die staal versterkte beton raamwerk gebou waaraan die toring vasgebout moes word.  Die nodige gat is gegrawe en die raamwerk is in die gat geplaas waarna die beton blok gegiet is.  Klink sommer maklik en vinnig maar wees verseker talle berekenings, verskuiwings, gelyk making en waterpas lesings is geneem/gemaak om te verseker dat die toring stewig en regop staan. Nadat die beton gegooi was, moes dit vir 'n paar weke behandel word om dit tot volle sterkte te bring voordat die toring opgetrek kon word.

Wel die groot dag het aangebreek en was dit tyd om die toring regop te trek nadat twee antennas aan die toring vasgebout was. Die groen trekker het sommer vinnig en sonder enige inspanning die 18 meter hoe toring opgetrek.  Die nodig boude is vasgedraai en natuurlik is daar terug gestaan en die harde handewerk te aanskou en seker te maak dat die toring pen regop staan.

Kyk gerus na die fotos en videos want dit is nie aldag dat 'n mens 'n 18 meter hoe toring se bou en oprigting kan besigtig nie.  Soos ek reeds aan Jasper gese het, die toring lyk sommer heel indrukwekkend.  Wat n lekker gevoel na al die harde werk.  Baie geluk Jasper en daar staan hy nou.  Jy gaan sommer 'n hond uit 'n bos beduie met die toring en antennas wat jy gaan oprig.  Dankie ook dat jy die fotos en videos met ons as radio amateurs gedeel het.

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Jasper ZS1WT's 18 Meter Amateur Radio Tower now standing at Blandsdrift, Mossel Bay.

Radio Amateurs can easily be identified when a tower or mast with antennas makes its appearance on a property. Well, over the past week or two, a lot of preparations have been made to erect an 18-meter tower at Blandsdrift, Mossel Bay. The tower belongs to Jasper ZS1WT and is on his farm Blandsdrift, Mossel Bay.

Now let's take a look at how this tower was built by Jasper and his father-in-law. The construction of the tower began a few months ago in one of Jasper's barns on the farm. Take a look at the photos and you will notice how the tower was built. Craftsmanship and welding at its best. The iron for the tower was measured, cut and welded with great care. Section by section was built over a period of a few weeks. After all the sections (4) of the tower were built, the steel reinforced concrete frame was built to which the tower had to be bolted. The necessary hole was dug and the frame was placed in the hole after which the concrete block was poured. Sounds easy and quick but rest assured numerous calculations, shifts, leveling and spirit level readings were taken/made to ensure that the tower stood firmly and upright. After the concrete was poured, it had to be cured for a few weeks to bring it to full strength before the tower could be erected.

Well the big day arrived and it was time to pull the tower upright after two antennas were bolted to the tower. The green tractor quickly and effortlessly pulled the 18 meter high tower up right. The necessary bolts were tightened and of course Jasper stood back and watched the hard work and made sure that the tower was standing upright.

Please take a look at the photos and videos because it is not every day that one can see the construction and erection of an 18 meter high tower. As I already said to Jasper, the tower looks quite impressive. What a nice feeling after all the hard work. Congratulations Jasper and there it stands now. You are going to have a lot of fun with the tower and antennas that you are going to erect. Thank you also for sharing the photos and videos with us all as radio amateurs.

Fotos (Klik op fotos om te vergroot.)

Videos:

Bloemfontein Radio Amateur visit Naval Hill to view Amateur Radio Repeater Site as well as the SENTECH Commercial FM Radio Signal Distribution Centre.

Rulhof ZS4RM recently had the opportunity to visit  Naval Hill in Bloemfontein. 

Naval Hill is an odd name for a hill in the center of South Africa without a dockyard or sea in sight. It got it’s name from the two Naval Guns that were on the hill by the British during the Anglo-Boer war.

Contrary to popular belief, the two naval guns are no longer on Naval Hill. The Naval Brigade took the canons with them after the Anglo-Boer war ended. The only visible evidence of Naval Hill’s war history is a White Horse on the eastern hillside. The White Horse was an important landmark for soldiers during the war.

Lets look at a few attractions that you can find on Naval Hill in Bloemfontein:

1.  The Franklin Game Reserve

2.  Game drives or walks

3.  Naval Hill Park Run and Jogging

4.  Nelson Mandela Statue

5.  Lookout Point

6.  Naval Hill Planetarium

To the man in the street Naval Hill is worthwhile visiting to view the above attractions BUT to the Amateur Radio Operator Naval Hill is a treasure trove where you will find a microwave telecommunications tower and equipment not seen every day.  A TV and radio broadcast tower can also be seen next to each other on Naval Hill. The broadcast tower was erected in 1963.  You will also find the 145.600 Mhz Amateur Radio Repeater and Antenna on Naval Hill.  This repeater provides good coverage over a large area in the Bloemfontein area.

Rulhof ZS4RM, ZS4BHF and ZS4ATZ recently visited the site. Herewith images and videos from Naval Hill in Bloemfontein.

Images:  (Click on images for larger view.)

I would like to thank ZS4BHF, ZS4ATZ and ZS4RM for the opportunity to have a closer look at the 145.600 Mhz Bloemfontein Amateur Radio Repeater but also to view the equipment in the SENTECH  Commercial FM Radio Signal Distribution Centre.  I am sure that many radio amateurs has never visited nor seen such a centre in operation.  A big thank you to Rulhof ZS4RM who provided the videos and still images to be published on the ZS Link Network Blog.  Highly appreciated!!

South African Radio League (SARL) - A basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators.

Presentation: "SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO LEAGUE (SARL) A basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators.

A must view and read for all radio amateurs. In this presentation you will read bout the basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators. The following applies to antennas:  Building regulations;  Zoning scheme regulations;  Other relevant legislation, pertaining to the obtaining of planning approval from local authorities for antennas used by amateur radio operators.

The Power Point Presentation is available by clicking HERE

1. SOUTH AFRICAN AMATEUR RADIO LEAGUE:  A basic explanation of antennas used by amateur radio operators

2. Introduction The following applies to antennas:  Building regulations;  Zoning scheme regulations;  Other relevant legislation, pertaining to the obtaining of planning approval from local authorities for antennas used by amateur radio operators.

3. We have a PROBLEM Why?  New zoning scheme regulations being implemented by various municipalities throughout South Africa.  Restrict the erection of amateur radio operator’s antennas in residential areas zoned as such.

4. Short Legislative History:  The Constitution of the RSA, allows that municipal planning may be done in terms of by-laws promulgated by local authorities.  The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977) and the Regulations in terms of the Act provide for local authorities to determine when planning authority is needed or not.

5. Cape Town v Johannesburg:   A study of the Cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg’s Zoning Scheme regulations gives an overview of how local authorities approach the obtaining by amateur radio operators of planning approval for the erection of a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station and Roof Antennas.

6. Different Regulations apply to: Rooftop Antennas  /  Free standing Base Antennas The regulations distinguish between primary and consent use.

7. ROOFTOP BASE: Rooftop base telecommunication station may not extend more than 3m in height above the part of the building that it is attached to.  Should it extend more than the permitted 3m, prior approval of the City of Cape Town is required.

8. FREE STANDING BASE:  If a free standing base telecommunication station is authorized as a primary use on a property, the free standing base telecommunication station may be as high as 25m. (City of Cape Town)  Environmental affairs however kicks in for antennas higher than 15m.

9. Definition of antenna ito Zoning Scheme Regulations: ‘Antenna’ is defined as ‘any system of wires, poles, rods, reflective surfaces or similar devices, used to transmit or receive electronic communication signals or electro – magnetic waves’. ‘Antenna’ is defined as ‘any system of wires, poles, rods, reflective surfaces or similar devices, used to transmit or receive electronic communication signals or electro – magnetic waves’.

10. Definition of ‘rooftop telecommunication station’ ito Zoning Scheme Regulations:  Rooftop telecommunication station is defined as ‘ a support structure attached to the roof, side or any other part of a building and used to accommodate telecommunication infrastructure for the transmitting or receiving of electronic communication signals’.

11. ‘Telecommunication infrastructure’ ito Zoning Scheme Regulations: Telecommunication infrastructure is defined as ‘part of the infrastructure of a telecommunication network for radio wireless communication, including voice, data and video telecommunication, which may include antennas; and any support structure, equipment room, radio equipment or optical communications equipment (laser or infra-red) provided by cellular network operators and any other telecommunication provider; as well as ancillary structures needed for the operation of telecommunication infrastructure.’

12. TELECOMMUNICATION STATIONS - PRIMARY USE Zoning:  In terms of the Zoning scheme Regulations, telecommunication stations may only be erected in certain zones – RESIDENTIAL ZONES ARE NOT LISTED UNDER THESE ZONES.

13. CONSENT USE – ROOFTOP BASE:  Rooftop base telecommunication stations may only be erected as a CONSENT USE in the following residential zones:  Single Residential: Zone 1 and Zone 2  General Residential: Zone 1 (Group Housing)  General Residential Sub-zones: (GR2 to GR6)

14. FREE STANDING BASE TELECOMMUNICATION STATION:  Free standing base telecommunication station may only be erected as a primary use in certain zones:  RESIDENTIAL ZONES are not listed under these zones.

15. CONSENT USE – FREE STANDING BASE: Free standing base telecommunication station may only be erected as a CONSENT use in certain zones:  RESIDENTIAL ZONES are also not one of these zones.

16. FREE STANDING BASE - restrictions: FREE STANDING BASE Telecommunication stations may therefore NOT BE ERECTED in the following zones:  Single Residential Zone 1: Conventional Housing.  Single Residential Zone 2: Incremental Housing.  General Residential Sub-zones 1: Group Housing.  General Residential Sub-zones: Gr2 to Gr6.

17. EFFECT ON AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS: An amateur radio operator will not be able to erect a free standing base telecommunication station on any property zoned for residential purposes.  Unless you rezone to an appropriate zone

18. EFFECT ON AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS:  An owner of a property zoned as residential, will not be able to apply for a departure to erect a free standing amateur radio antenna, as the land use of the property does not permit such a use.  Departures from the restriction to 3m of the height of the rooftop base communication station can however be applied for, should the land use allow the erection of such a communication station.

19. HERITAGE PROTECTION: The erection of a rooftop base communication station and a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station will necessitate a permit application should the property be older than 60 years or formally protected in terms of section 27 of the National Heritage Resources Act.

20. JOHANNESBURG ZONING SCHEME REGULATIONS: Free standing Base Telecommunication Station is presently viewed as a ‘building’ for the purposes of the Act.

21. Plans of ‘buildings’ should be submitted to and approved prior to the erection of a ‘building’:  This process includes the applicable Building Control Officer making recommendation to the local authority.

22. JOHANNESBURG ZONING SCHEME REGULATIONS The local authority: Must take into account: nature or appearance.  Whether the area will be disfigured; Is it unsightly or objectionable;  could it derogate from the value of adjoining or neighbouring properties; then the local authority shall refuse to grant approval.

23. National Building Regulations  allow for the exemption of ‘minor building works’  exemption of authorisation for erection thereof.

24. SCHEME REGULATIONS: The building control officer can exempt an owner of any building. Suggestion: maybe a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station could be a minor building work. Suggestion: maybe a Free standing Base Telecommunication Station could be a minor building work.  Section 18 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 stipulates when a local authority may allow deviation and allow exemption from national building regulations.

25. POLICIES IN PLACE:  Both the City of Cape Town and the City of Johannesburg have Cellular Mast Policies in place. Cape Town in its draft dated January 2011 sets out a cumbersome process for applicants to follow. The main objective being to have the cellular masts at least 50m away from any habitable building.

26. POLICIES IN PLACE: Johannesburg however, sees Cellular Masts as part of infrastructure and as such tries to be accommodating towards the Cellular industry. Both policies however does not cater for the amateur radio operator, and is therefore not accommodating such operators.

27. SUMMARY:  A free standing amateur radio antenna is considered a “building” in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977.  Approved building plans is therefore required before an amateur radio antenna may be erected.

28. SUMMARY:  Free standing amateur radio antennas cannot be erected in any area zoned for residential purposes. (City of Cape Town)  No distinction between an amateur radio antenna and a cellular mast erected for commercial purposes in the Zoning Scheme Regulations of either Cape Town or Johannesburg.  Both cities have ‘Cellular Mast Policies’ but neither is applicable nor practical for the erection of an amateur radio antenna.

29. SUMMARY:  If a local authority accepts that a free standing amateur radio antenna falls under the definition of ‘minor building works’ as defined in the National Building Regulations, the building control officer can be approached to exempt an owner of any ‘building‘ from submitting plans.  Should a local authority not deem free standing amateur radio antennas as ‘minor building works’, the local authority can be approached to grant an exemption to the building regulations. This exemption will not include strength specifications or the stability of the antenna structure.

30. SUMMARY: We must for the time being:  Apply for exemption to either the building control officer or the local authority. The way forward:  The Minister can be approached to exempt an owner (Who is also a radio amateur) of land from the provisions of such applicable national building regulations.

Building a Drive-On Car Stand for Portable Masts

During my preparations to erect a amateur radio station over Easter Weekend in Gamkaskloof, I realized that I sold my heavy duty Drive-On Car Stand and that I needed a stand for my portable mast.  The previous stand was a real heavy duty unit that was difficult to move around and took a lot of space when transporting.  I looked around my scrap metal and found a few pieces of metal to construct a much lighter stand.  The plate with four holes in it lend itself to quickly put a new stand together.  Not the neatest metal work  but under the circumstances it will have to do and I did not want to spend money on buying metal for the project.  Every single piece of metal used in this project was salvaged from my scrap metal box.  The beauty of this design (not the stand) is that you do not need a car to hold the stand into place.  Stones, sand bags or any other heavy weight placed on the stand will keep it in place.  I am not going to go into construction details as the photos is more that sufficient to enable those interested to build their own.

I am looking at a few other designs and might build a few to sell if their is any interest.  The above stand is really not an artwork nor a thing of beauty but I used what I had on hand and it works great!

Images (Click on images for larger view.)

 

 

 

Maintenance: Amateur Radio Mast at the Coast

 

Over a period of time I noticed that one of my radio masts (Ex Wind Turbine Mast) was showing signs of rust where two pipes were welded together.  Both the pipes, one 100 mm and the other 38 mm are fully galvanized except where I welded the two together about 15 years ago.  Unfortunately I did not take a photo of the rusted area where I welded the two pipes, before starting the maintenance.  

Now why on earth would I compile this posting of the maintenance. Let me explain.  15 years ago I painted the welded areas with the following coatings after cleaning the areas thoroughly:

1.   Liquid Thinners after grinding and sanding the welded area.

2.  NS 1 Rust Buster ("White Milk" Rust Converter and Primer)

3.  NS 5 Metcote Etch Primer ("Rooi Lood")

4.  Silver Aluminum Paint (2 coats)

5.  Transparent Rust Protector Spray

With all the above layers of protection the rusting process was slowed down for at least 15 years.  After taking off most of the rusted flakes I was quite surprised to find that the rust was not so severe and that the area should last another 15 years after painting the area again with the above products.

I had another trick up my sleeve to further protect and hopefully curb maintenance for the next 18 years.  I decided to put a cover over the welded area preventing rain and sea spray from directly making contact with the metal surface areas that's not galvanized.  In the olden days a VW Beatle rubber drive shaft boot did the trick but unfortunately did not last long as the sun caused the boot to perish after a few years.

I used a PETG UV protected bottle and made a cover hat.  Ordinary 2 liter PETG bottles last fairly long in direct sunlight.  Time will tell how long this protective cover hat will last and if it would protect the welded area better.  Galvanizing the welded area is really not an option as you must arrange transport to George and you pay per kilogram for galvanizing.  Both pipes and the welded area must be hot-dipped.  At R32.00 per kg this would cost more that the two pipes.  Cold galvanizing was another option but at R847.00 a liter and the fact that it dries up in the tin quite quickly, did not make it a viable option.

I could have used my hot air gun to shrink the PETG cover hat tight against the two poles but I was afraid that dampness might be trapped between the pipe and cover due to condensation./dew.  I decided to leave it open at the bottom.  See images.

Finally:  I repainted both poles with Silver Aluminum Paint as I did before and hopefully it will last for the next 15 - 18 years.  It is important at the sea to maintain radio masts and galvanized towers on a yearly basis.  Galvanizing also needs maintenance especially moving parts.  Transparent Rust Protector Spray is used for this purpose.  I trust that this article will be of benefit to those who is not familiar with rust and maintenance of a mast/pole/tower erected in a coastal area.

Images:  Click on images for larger view.