Closure of this ZS Link Network Blog - 29 April 2026

This will be the final posting on the ZS Link Network Blog.

This blog will no longer be updated but will remain available for research and historical purposes.

Please note:

1. A new Blog replace this Blog.

2. For those who wish to see the reasons for closing of the ZS Link Network Blog click HERE
 

Looking forward to re-meet many of you on THE ALL NEW - ZS1I Amateur Radio Projects/Activities Blog available HERE
 

J. Terblanche  ZS1I
Mossel Bay
29 April 2026 

Important changes to the ZS Link Network that will have an impact on certain services in the Southern Cape and World Wide!!

This is an important announcement if you make use of the services of the ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape.  

What does these changes entail as mentioned in the above heading/title of this article?  The changes will mainly involve the ZS HUB Network in the Mossel Bay area.  First I would like to provide a bit of background before announcing the changes that will effect the ZS Link Network from the 1 May 2026.

The author and Willem van Zyl ZS1ON (SK) were among the first users of Echolink (then Qtel) in 2003 in the Southern Cape.  The necessary hardware and software were obtained in New Zealand.  As the years went on we started to use Echolink and other VOIP amateur radio services when it was first released. We each setup a sysop mode which included a VHF linked radio in the Mossel Bay area. This was basically the start of an Echolink Network in the Southern Cape.  I am not going to go into further detail here but will move on to Feb 2017 when I put the first AllStar Node (HamVoip) on the air in the Southern Cape.  Incorporated into this node was Echolink and the 145.550 Mhz Simplex Link.  The GRHub Network was launched in July 2021 and the Blog Web-Site in August 2021.  A name change  to ZS Link Network took place in March 2022.  The DMR Bridge was added in June 2023 and the DMR Digital Repeater in April 2026.  Now why mention all this here?  This is only mentioned as a time line that reflect the development of VOIP Network from 2003 to 2026 in the Southern Cape.  A period of 23 years.  However I do not take all the credit for setting up nodes, links, repeaters etc. during this time period as there are several other roll players who added equipment to the ZS Link Network and previous networks.

Enough of the trip down memory lane let's get to the Important Changes that will impact the ZS Link Network from the 1 May 2026. I will list the changes that will take place to the existing network in the Mossel Bay area and the time has arrived to move to another facet of Amateur Radio.

Changes to Existing Services 1 May 2026:

• Name Changes
• Equipment Changes
• ZS Link Network Blog closure (New Blog under construction)
  
• Network Changes
• Changes to Bulletins
• Changes to Services

Time to move onto another facet of Amateur Radio:

Last Saturday afternoon during the "Saturday Afternoon Amateur Radio On-The-Air Activities" talk amateur radio activities were discussed.  For a while now I pondered over the idea to move onto other facets of Amateur Radio that would hopefully create more amateur radio activities.

Moving into a new facet of amateur radio is a great way to re-energize Amateur Radio. As of 2026, the landscape is heavily influenced by advanced digital modes, digital radio, compact portable gear, and high-efficiency antenna designs, making it easier than ever to explore new territory.

From the 1 May 2026 I will concentrate more on the following facets of amateur radio:

• QRP Radio
• WSPR
• CW Beacons
• Digital Radio (DMR, DSTAR, System Fusion)
• Satellites
• Digital Repeaters
• Reflectors and Servers
• AREDN
• Microprosessors / Tinkering
• Homebrewing
• Creating a new WhatsApp Group called "Activities in Amateur Radio" where I will also provide more information on new amateur radio activities.
  

Now I hear many of you ask but how will the ZS Link Network function from the 1 May 2026?  Well that is quite simple to answer.  The ZS Link Network will function as the Administrators of the group see fit. I can therefor not speak on behalf of the ZS Link Network Group in this regard. 

I am not going to explain every single change in this article as it will make the article very long and cumbersome.  I will provide further information on this blog as we move along in changes and as they are made.

As I said in the audio version on the 625 WhatsApp Group there is/was no sinister incident / reason for making these changes.  There is no difference of opinion or any other reason for making these changes other than providing me more time for the new venture in Amateur Radio.

I never thought that the humble GRHUB Network would grow into the ZS Link Network to what it is today. I would once again like to invite clubs and radio amateurs to use and keep on using the ZS Link  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.

Thanks and Appreciation:

Thank you to those who support and use the Network regularly.  Your support and comments are highly appreciated.

The network is alive and well thanks to radio amateurs who use the network and keep on adding nodes to the existing network. 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 quiet 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!!

For me?  It is just time to move on in Amateur Radio and I am looking forward to the future of Amateur Radio.

"The more we feel concern for others and seek their well-being, the more friends we will have and the more welcome we will feel."

Kennisgewing: Opgradering van die Stilbaai Herhaler, Saterdag 9 Mei 2026 ..... sien ons jou daar?

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

Daar word beplan om Saterdag, 9 Mei 2026 die Stilbaai Herhaler op te gradeer mits die weer saamspeel.  Verskeie veranderinge gaan aangebring word maar die hoof oogmerk is om 'n Internet verbinding te bewerkstellig waarna die Echolink stasie ZS1SB-L na die herhaler perseel verskuif sal word.  In 'n toekomstige artikel sal ek meer besonderhede hieroor verstrek.

Dit is egter belangrik dat ons asseblief 'n aanduiding kry van hoeveel radio amateurs beplan om Saterdag, 9 Mei 'n besoek te bring aan die Stilbaai Herhaler.  Daar is vooraf reelings wat getref moet word in die verband.

Versoek:  Indien jy wel gaan opdaag, bevestig asb jou voorneme op die 625 WhatsApp Groep voor Woensdag (6 Mei 2026) 08h00 SAST.

Kom ons maak dit maklik vir Johann ZS1AAC en sy span op Stilbaai wat die nodige reelings tref in die verband.

Administrateurs:  Suid Kaap ZS Link Netwerk Groep

 

Photo: Still Bay Repeater (Click on photo to enlarge.)

It is planned to upgrade the Still Bay Repeater on Saturday, May 9, 2026, weather permitting. Various changes will be made, but the main objective is to establish an Internet connection, after which the Echolink station ZS1SB-L will be moved to the repeater site. In a future article, we will provide more details about this.

However, it is important that we please get an indication of how many radio amateurs plan to visit the Still Bay Repeater on Saturday, May 9. There are prior arrangements that must be made in this regard.

Request: If you are going to show up, please confirm your intention on the 625 WhatsApp Group before Wednesday (May 6, 2026) 08h00 SAST.

Let's make it easy for Johann ZS1AAC and his team at Still Bay who are making the necessary arrangements in this regard.

Administrators: Southern Cape ZS Link Network Group

Zayn ZR3VO - AllStar Portable / Mobile Node Project

Image: ZR3VO Portable / Mobile AllStar  Node.  (Click on image for larger view.)

Zayn informed me that he is busy building an AllStar Portable / Mobile Node and a DMR Mobile Hotspot which he will be using whenever the need arises.  In the first article we will be looking at the AllStar Portable / Mobile Node and in the second article we will be looking at his DMR Mobile  / Portable Hotspot.

Now what on earth is a Portable / Mobile AllStar Node?

A

DIY mobile AllStar node is a custom-built, portable device that uses a low-power computer, a radio interface, and amateur radio equipment to connect to the global AllStarLink network via the internet  (often a mobile hotspot). This setup allows amateur radio operators to communicate with thousands of other nodes and repeaters worldwide using their handheld or mobile radios, essentially acting as a personal gateway or "hotspot". 

The "DIY" aspect means the operator assembles the components themselves, which is a common and cost-effective approach within the ham radio community, as opposed to buying a pre-built commercial unit. 

 

Key Components:

 

A typical DIY mobile AllStar node requires the following main components: 

• A Computing Device: A small, low-power computer, most commonly a Raspberry Pi (Pi 3 or Pi 4 are popular choices). It runs a Linux-based operating system with the AllStarLink software, often a pre-configured image like HamVoIP.
• A Radio/Audio Interface: A small circuit board or device that connects the computer's USB port (via a C-Media CM108/CM119 sound IC) to the radio's audio input/output and Push-to-Talk (PTT) lines. Pre-made interfaces like the DMK URIx or Masters Communications DRA boards are available, or advanced users can build their own from scratch.
• A Node Radio: A simple, often inexpensive, UHF or VHF radio (e.g., a Baofeng UV-5R or similar) dedicated to the node. This radio receives signals from your personal handheld radio and transmits audio back from the network.
• Power Source: For a mobile setup, a portable battery bank or a buck converter for a vehicle's power system is used.
• Internet Connection: The node needs internet access, which can be provided by Wi-Fi or by tethering to a mobile phone hotspot.

Functionality:

 

The setup works by:

1. Receiving an FM signal from your handheld radio on a specific frequency.
2. Converting the audio to digital data via the sound interface and the Raspberry Pi.
3. Transmitting that digital data over the internet to other AllStar nodes.
4. Receiving internet audio from other nodes.
5. Converting the digital audio back to an FM signal for transmission to your handheld radio.

This allows for seamless communication over vast distances, bridging the gap between local RF (Radio Frequency) coverage and the global internet network. 

 

Building Your Own:

 

To build a DIY node, you would typically follow these general steps:

1. Register for an AllStar node number on the AllStarLink website.
2. Gather the necessary hardware components.
3. Install the AllStar software (like HamVoIP) onto the Raspberry Pi's SD card.
4. Wire the radio to the interface board (if necessary).
5. Configure the software settings, including audio levels and network parameters, often using a program like PuTTY for remote access.
6. Test the node using the "Parrot mode" feature.

There are many online guides and YouTube tutorials available to walk users through the process.

 

Information regarding the ZR3VO AllStar Portable / Mobile Node:

 

Call Sign:  ZR3VO

Frequency:  145.350 Mhz

CTCSS:  88.5 Hz

Node Number: 46615

Location: Orania

Site: Orania Township

Affiliation: ZS Link Network Group

 

The "inauguration"   of the node took place recently He use the node regularly while mobile and even portable. The node is functioning well and is definitely a great asset when going mobile or portable.  Congratulations on constructing a useful and effective node, Zayn. 

Images:  Click on images for larger view.

 

 

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

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

Through the years we played radio from:

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

 Amateur Radio Activities during this latest visit:

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

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

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

Images:  Click on images for larger view.

BREAKING: New additions / extensions to the ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape! (Part 2)

Image:  DMR Repeater, Southern Cape  (Click on image for larger view.)

Great news!!  The first and currently the only DMR Repeater in the Southern Cape Area of South Africa is now on the air.  I hear you ask but what is all the fuzz about.  This is no big deal!  Well everybody is entitled to his own opinion in this regard.  For radio amateurs living in the Southern Cape it means that they have several more options to communicate with other radio amateurs locally and world wide.  Furthermore the addition of this DMR Repeater increase the size of the ZS Link Network even further.  Be as it may the Southern Cape now have a DMR Repeater on the air!

Tell me more about a DMR Repeater.

From the on-set let me make it clear - DMR is far from being complicated to setup and operate.  You will find an abundance of information on the Internet that will assist you in setting up / programming your radio etc.  And please give DMR a try without lending out your ears to those who do not like digital radio.

A

DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) repeater  is a specialized two-way radio system used in amateur radio to extend communication range by receiving a digital signal and re-transmitting it at higher power, often from an elevated location. Unlike traditional analog repeaters, DMR repeaters use digital technology based on the ETSI DMR standard, which allows for clearer audio, enhanced data features, and highly efficient use of radio spectrum. 

Key Technical Concepts

 

DMR repeaters differ from analog systems due to several "digital magic" features that allow multiple conversations to share the same frequency: 

• Time Slots (TS): DMR uses TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) to divide a single 12.5 kHz channel into two alternating time slots. This effectively allows two simultaneous, independent conversations on the same frequency without interference.
• Color Codes (CC): Functioning like digital CTCSS/PL tones, color codes (range 1–15) act as a "gatekeeper". Your radio must be programmed with the correct color code to access and trigger the repeater.
• Talkgroups (TG): These are virtual "channels" or rooms within the digital network. They allow users to join specific groups (e.g., local, regional, or worldwide). Most repeaters assign certain talkgroups to specific time slots to keep traffic organized.
• Network Linking: Many DMR repeaters are connected to the internet through global networks like BrandMeister or DMR-MARC. This allows a ham with a simple handheld radio to talk to other operators across the globe via their local repeater.

Equipment and Setup

 

Using a DMR repeater requires more advanced configuration than analog FM: 

• DMR Radio: You must use a radio specifically designed for DMR (e.g., Anytone, TYT, Radioddity). Most of these also support standard analog FM.
• DMR ID: To transmit on most networks, you must register your callsign at RadioID.net to receive a unique digital identification number.
• Codeplugs: Programming a DMR radio involves creating a "codeplug"—a file containing frequencies, color codes, time slots, and talkgroup lists for the repeaters you wish to use.

Benefits Over Analog

• Spectrum Efficiency: Doubles the capacity of a single licensed channel.
• Superior Audio: Digital processing filters out static and background noise, maintaining clear audio right up to the edge of the coverage range.
• Battery Life: Because the radio transmits in short bursts (sharing time slots), handheld batteries typically last longer than in continuous analog mode.
• Advanced Features: Supports text messaging, GPS location sharing, and private calling.

Are you looking for the DRM Repeater Information to setup your DMR radio / station?

 

Key Technical Parameters & Setup

• DMR ID: A unique identification number assigned to your call-sign, necessary for network access.
• Color Code (CC): Similar to PL tones in analog, ranging from 0–15.
• Time Slots (TS): DMR divides a 12.5 kHz channel into two distinct slots (TS1 and TS2), allowing two separate conversations on one frequency pair.
• Talkgroups (TG): Used to direct traffic to specific groups of users.
• Code Plug: Programming software is required to configure these settings into your DMR radio.
  

 

ZS1I DMR Repeater Information:

Mode: DMR

Band:  70cm
TX Frequency:  438.262500 Mhz
RX Frequency:  430.662500 Mhz
Radio Mode:  Duplex
Talk Group (TG): 65522
Colour Code:  1 or 2
Time Slot:  1
Band Width:  12.5 khz
TX Time Out Time:  3 Minutes
TX Power: 10 Watt 

Site:  ZS1I Station Shack, Heiderand, Mossel Bay

License: ZS1I Amateur Radio License

Note:  This repeater is NOT located on a remote site which requires a separate license.  The repeater will only be available daily from 05h00 SAST to 21h00 SAST.  This allows the owner to monitor and control the repeater while it is on the air.  This repeater is linked to the ZS Link Network (Analog Repeaters / Simplex Link Radio / Echolink / SVXLink / AllStar / South Cape Reflector) via the ZS1I DMR Bridge. 

Requests and Reminder:

IMPORTANT:   PLEASE leave a "6 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, DMR Repeater and the ZS Link Network.

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 and expansion of the ZS Link  Network is an ongoing process and the network is getting bigger and bigger with the time.  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.

Feedback regarding the DMR Repeater and ZS Link Network can be forwarded by clicking HERE.

 

Images:   Click on images for larger view.

 

 

The ZS Link Network description according to AI!

The Amateur Radio ZS Link Network in the Southern Cape is a large, interconnected infrastructure of VHF and UHF Repeaters, Nodes, VOIP, Reflectors, DVSwitch Bridge etc. managed by local amateur radio operators with local operators associated with the  ZS Link Network Group. These systems enable local and long-distance communications via FM voice (Analog), Digital Radio (MMDVM) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), covering large parts of South Africa and even World Wide.  The Network acts as a bridge for diverse systems—including both analog and digital modes—enabling operators to connect regardless of their specific hardware.

Key Features of the Network:

• Coverage: The network stretches from the West Coast to the East Coast and from the North of the country to the South of the country and even World Wide.
• Interlinking: Repeaters/Simplex Links are connected via the Internet, allowing a user to be heard in South Africa and World Wide.
  
• Control: The links between different repeaters/simplex networks can be enabled or disabled using various methods.
  
• Management: It is managed by the ZS Link Network Group (ZSLNG), which includes radio amateurs from various radio clubs in South Africa.

Core Functionality:

• Supported Systems: AllStar, SVXLink, DMR (BrandMeister), Yaesu System Fusion (YSF), EchoLink and AREDN
• Operating Guidelines: Because pushing a PTT (Push-To-Talk) button can open 250 to 300 transmitters simultaneously when linked worldwide, users are asked to keep individual conversations (QSOs) under 15 minutes and leave a 6-9 second gap between overs.
  
• Community Standards: The network prohibits obscene language and discourages discussions on sensitive topics like politics or religion.

Southern Cape Context:

• Nodes: The network links areas like Still Bay, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, and the broader ZS zones and overseas networks.
• Usage: It is used for weekly, international, or local nets (discussions), as well as emergency communications in the Southern Cape.

 Common Frequencies in the Southern Cape Region:

• 145.625 MHz (Aasvoelkop): Provides wide coverage. Require 88.5 Hz CTCSS tone.
  
• 145.750 MHz (Stilbaai Repeater):  Mainly local coverage. Require 88.5 Hz CTCSS tone.
• 145.725 MHz (Stilbaai Test Repeater): Test repeater to be installed at a suitable site in the Southern Cape
• 145.550 MHz  (Mossel Bay Simplex Link): Mossel Bay Area coverage.  Require 88.5 Hz CTCSS tone.
• 430.662500 MHz (Mossel Bay DMR Repeater):  Mainly local coverage.
  

The ZSLNG regularly publishes the status of these repeaters / links on their Blog available HERE. 

 

Connection Details:

Operators can join the ZS Link Network using the following specific Southern Cape nodes.

• AllStar Link: Nodes 49355, 467653.
• EchoLink: ZS1SB-L, ZS1I-R, ZS1DRP-R.
  
• DMR: BrandMeister TalkGroup (TG) 65522.
• SVXLink Reflector (SouthCape) :  ZS6CMO
  

Additional Resources:

• The 625 WhatsApp Group: Die 625 - 6 uur half 5 span
  

All infrastructure is maintained by the ZS Link Network Group (ZSLNG)

Contact details of persons responsible for the maintenance of Repeaters, Links, Nodes and Interfaces in relation to the ZS Link Network Group:  Click HERE.

ED.  Must say that AI did not do to bad describing the ZS Link Network and also creating the images.