A look at AllStar, Echolink, DMR, RF Repeaters, Links, Hubs, Nodes etc that constitutes the wide area ZS Network (Part 3)

Image: Still Bay Repeater Tower.

In this posting we are going to look at AllStar, Echolink, DMR Bridges, RF Repeaters, Links, Hubs, Nodes that are linked together to constitute an efficient and active South African Network for all radio amateurs to use.   The posting will be in several parts and will stretch over a period of time.  I would like to thank Henk ZS1AAD for gathering all the images and information and also every owner that provided  information about their station on request.  If you link to the ZS Network or the GRHub Network and you have not yet submitted images and information of your station,  please send it to me a.s.a.p. by clicking HERE  I would like to include all participating stations under this topic and publication.  Enough talk let's get going!!

The third and forth station that we will be looking at is the 145.625 Still Bay Repeater and the Echolink Station of  Dolf ZS1DRP-L from Still Bay.  ZS1DRP-L is linked to the 145.625 Mhz repeater situated in Still Bay, Southern Cape.   

145.625 Mhz Still Bay Repeater, Still Bay

Images below:  Johann ZS1AAC busy working on the Still Bay Repeater.

Click on images for larger view. 

 

  ZS1DRP-L Echolink Station and Shack of  Dolf ZS1DRP, Still Bay

Click on images for larger view.

Revisit the ZS1I Soundcard Interface circa 2007 for Echolink today (Part 1)

Now why on earth would one go back to a ZS1I  Soundcard Interface that was designed in 2007.  One could say it is nostalgia but there is a very good reason to once again use one of the simple serial soundcard interface today.  Firstly the ZS1I Soundcard Interfaces work and they are reliable but apart from using them for digital modes it can also be used for VOIP and in this case I am going to use it as a Sysop RF Radio Linking Interface using Echolink to assist newcomers in setting up remote or normal connections to a repeater.  Hopefully I will also be successful in altering the Echolink settings to minimize or prevent the "Ping Pong" effect and also in reducing the latency experience as well as other hick-ups when using Echolink on the GRHub Network.  This topic will be divided into two parts.  In the first part we will be learning about soundcard interfaces and also looking at the ZS1I Soundcard Interface II and how to setup the interface to work digital modes. In the second part we will be looking at the ZS1I Budget Soundcard Interface that I will be using to hopefully curb the issues mentioned supra.  In part three I will be looking at a redesigned ZS1I Budget Echolink Interface Kit.

DOWN MEMORY LANE:  ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE II PROJECT 

INTERESTED IN DIGITAL MODES?……READ ON!

TNC's and Modems ruled the world of digital communications until recently. With the advent of high speed computing and digital signal processing (DSP) all this has changed. If you own a home computer (PC) with a sound card, all you need to do is download software and obtain an interface between the PC and your radio.

Soundcard interfaces are not data controllers, TNCs, decoders or signal processors. A good Soundcard Interface minimize computer noise entering the sensitive radio section,  while isolating DC and AC paths of the audio generated to and from the soundcard.

They merely:
· Couple audio from the radio receiver to the computer sound input.
· Couple computer-generated audio from the soundcard output to the radio transmitter.
· Provide some way for the computer to key the transmitter (PTT)

 

Due to lack of locally available interfaces in the past many radio amateurs imported them for large sums of money. No longer necessary……….the ready build ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE was locally available at a very reasonable price. This project is used extensively in the Southern Cape Region by Gizmo Amateur Radio Forum members. Some radio amateurs might consider this project to be simple and straightforward without the necessary bells and whistles. You're right.....that was the intention when I planned this project. Something simple but yet effective. I am not going to discuss the working of the soundcard here as the Internet is “infested” with information regarding the working of soundcard interface projects. I have used this soundcard effectively with various digital modes, even in contests. If you want a no fuzz no frill interface that delivers, than this one is for you.

IMPORTANT:

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO BUY A MICROPHONE CONNECTOR FOR THE SPECIFIC RADIO YOU INTEND USING. THE PTT/MIC AUDIO LINE IS MARKED ON THE SCREENED CABLE AND MUST BE SOLDERED AS ILLUSTRATED IN YOUR RADIO’S INSTRUCTION HANDBOOK.

There are a number of interfaces on the market, listed in ads in Amateur Radio Magazines and on the Internet. The recommended unit however to use is the “ZS1I Soundcard Interface”. This Soundcard Interface is available already assembled and tested,  from ZS1I ELECTRONIC PROJECTS at a substantial saving. (Unfortunately not available anymore.)

There are several reasons why you should use the ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE II.  While using a simple patch cord between the mic/speaker
connections will work, there are many reasons why this is not desirable or even safe for your computer and radio.

  1.  RF isolation - Nothing will kill your computer faster.
  2.  This interface has a keying circuit built in.
  3.  Many sound cards have 5 volts DC on the output, not good for your mic jack.
  4.  This interface has level controls built in, set 'em and forget 'em.
  5.  The interface provides isolation for all signal paths.
  6.  This interface do not use the VOX function to avoid embarrassing situations.
  7.  This interface has positive control of the transmit function.
  8.  This interface works with all operating systems. ( As long as your operating system has good software and soundcards, serial port support, the interface             couldn't care less which operating system you prefer.)
  9.  This interface is equipment independent and will work with almost all radios.
10.  This interface will give you hours of pleasure in working digital modes successfully.  

The ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE II has been tested successfully with the following software:

DIGIPAN, HAMSCOPE, HELLESCHREIBER, ECHOLINK, UIVIEW, WINPACK, AGW, MMSSTV, MMTTY, MIXW, STREAM, WINPSK, WIN WARBLE, WSJT, WIN APRSM, CWGET, AGW TRACKER, DTMF, ECHOSTATION, HAMDREAM, HAMSCOPE, MT63, SPECTRAN AND
W95SSTV.

I am sure that there is room for improvement but the intention with this project is to make a soundcard interface available to radio amateurs who wish to work digital modes.  I do not claim originality for the design of this project.  The writing of manuals, articles, drawing of the schematic diagrams, new layout of the printed circuit board, list of components and photographs were however compiled by ZS1I.  

COMMENTS ABOUT THE ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE II:

Eddie ZS6BNE writes:  
I must compliment you on your digital modes sound card interface!

I wired it up to my Icom 706 mkiig and initially could not get any signal from the rig to the PC. Connecting a COM port cable powered the unit and it works great! (No separate power supply nescessary) Clean signal to the PC's sound card and a clean signal from the PC to the rig and thus a clean transmitted signal.

Well done!

Nico ZS4N and Stephan ZS3S:

Successfully connected the ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE to Stephan's Kenwood TS2000 during the past week. Several Digital Modes and stations were worked without any problems and from reports received we had a "blast" on the HF bands working digital modes.

Johan ZS2I:

Johan is using a Yaesu FT1000MP with the ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE and is currently working PSK31 DX around the Globe.  The Souncard Interface needed a small modification as Johan wanted to use theDVS-2 connector of the Yaesu FT1000MP instead of the microphone connector.  

Now lets look at how to setup the ZS1I Soundcard Interface II.  To prevent a long posting I have decided to compile a PDF file that explain the setup of this interface.  However this setup and test manual can today still be used to test and setup other Soundcard Interfaces.  

Download: ZS1I SOUNDCARD INTERFACE II SETUP AND TEST MANUAL (PDF)

Finally:  In part two I will be looking at how to use the ZS1I Budget Soundcard Interface today in setting up Echolink using an RF Link Radio. (ZS1I-L)  If the experiments and tests are successful I will consider to make a redesigned ZS1I Budget Echolink Interface Kit available.  More on this in a future posting.

Amateur Radio Operator in Orania enjoy the Hobby to the fullest!!

Photo:  After a hard days physical labor and hard work, Zayn Devries relaxes for a few minutes before his nightly tasks start as a result of Eskom loadshedding.

Here is another young radio amateur that ensure that he enjoy the hobby to the fullest.  Zayn Devries ZR3VO  from Orania has written the Amateur Radio Examination  in October 2022 with a C+ total symbol.  Zayn indicated that if you put your mind into anything in life that you want to accomplish and work hard you will achieve results.  Wise words from this young man.

Now I am sure that many of you will appreciate the fact that it is not always possible to buy HF and VHF/UHF radios soon after you passed the RAE successfully.   The author of this posting was also in such a situation and know all to well that extra money is not always available for a hobby especially if you are married and have two kids.   Be as it may there is always a plan B and sometimes a plan C available.  Soon after Zayn received his results he registered for an Echolink node number, installed Echolink on his phone and joined the GRHub Network in Mossel Bay.  He soon learned how to use Echolink and moved on to DroidStar (DMR) where Thys ZS1TBP, ChristiZS4CGR, Curtis ZS6CMO,  and yours truly assisted him to setup and use DMR via DroidStar.  Zayn now talks all over the world and has made many friends using only VOIP and DMR. 

Images Above:  Seychells Amateur Radio Association

He has a regular VOIP sked with radio amateurs from the Seychellls Amateur Radio Association using the S78SARA La-Misere Mahe Repeater which is linked to Echolink.  Zayn would like to thank radio amateurs in the Seychells  and all over the world for their hospitality and friendship but also the many other stations he worked via DMR using TG91.  

Here are some of the countries around the World that he worked. (Talked to fellow radio amateurs. )

USA, India, Italy, Germany, Seychells, Indonesia China, Canada, Australia and many other countries to many to mention here.

Just goes to show that amateur radio is a hobby that allow operators to make new friends all over the world.  Well done Zayn!

Image:  2m Slim Jim Antenna installed.

Zane decided that it was time to spread his wings further in amateur radio.  He purchased a VHF /  UHF Analog HT but could only use it on simplex as there is no amateur radio repeater in Orania.  There are several other radio amateurs in Orania but they are not currently all that active.  OM Christi ZS4CGR  from Luckhoff stepped in and donated a Slim Jim to Zayn.  The aim was to see if Zayn could access the Van Der Kloof VHF Repeater which was recently installed for use by the "Bo Karoo Amateur Radio Klub" (of which he is a member) and radio amateurs living in range or passes by on the N1.  With the help of Christi,  Zayn was able to install a Slim Jim antenna build by Christi on a pole above Zayn's WiFi Dish Antenna.  Not ideal but he can access the repeater,  unfortunately with fairly "heavy rain" on the signal.  This was plan A by OM Christi ZS4CGR.  As usual Christi also had a plan B and a plan C.   Today we are going to look at plan B and in a future posting we are going to look at plan C. 

Image:  New Zastone DMR HT as received by Zayn

Before we continue with plan B, I need to thank a radio amateur who wish to stay anonymous.   He donated a brand new still in the box Zastone HT DMR Radio to Zayn ZR3VO.  Zayn is currently awaiting a PiStar Hotspot which he ordered from China.  The parcel is currently in Kimberley but according to the Post Office the delivery vehicle is currently being serviced for the last three weeks.  Need one say anything.  Hopefully he will soon receive his parcel.  Zayn would like to thank the anonymous donor for donating the radio to him.  Highly appreciated!

Now what is plan B?  Quite simple you homebrew a test antenna for 2 meters to hunt down areas in and around Orania where you receive the Van Der Kloof repeater the best.  Easier said then done.  No, not if you have the correct antenna and the will to do a bit of "Repeater" Hunting.  In the Wireless world we call it "Wardriving" but in amateur radio we talk about Radio Fox Hunting (ARDF, Radio Orienteering and Radiosport).  Once again Christi ZS4CGR came up with plan B and provided the info to construct a cheap flexible Yagi (Beam) antenna.  The plans and information to build this antenna is available from the following links:

Build it: 2 meter Tape Measure Yagi Beam Antenna  - Michael KB9VBR

VHF 3EL Tape Measure Yagi.  Jeff NT1K

Tape Measure Beam optimized for Radio Direction Finding  Joe WB2HOL

Both Christi and Zayn constructed the 2 Meter Tape Measure Yagi Antenna.  Below are images of their handiwork.

Images of the Tape Measure Yagi Antenna constructed by Christi ZS4CGR.  (Click on images for larger view.)

 

Images of the Tape Measure Yagi Antenna constructed by Zayn ZR3VO.  (Click on images for larger view.)
 

Zayn will implement Plan B during his leave in April 2024 and I will provide feedback on the repeater hunting "dxpedition" in a future posting. Good luck Zayn hunting down  signals of the Van Der Kloof Repeater.

Herewith also a look at Zayn's "Pride and Joy" and his daily workplace. Zayn belongs to the Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group and from time to time publish images of Orania on the group.  One of his daily tasks in Orania is taking care and maintaining the beautiful swimming pool and surroundings.  Many of the members of this group complimented Zayn on how clean and beautiful the water and surroundings facilities are. Really a work-place to be proud of.

On this same Telegram group, regular discussions take place about how to alleviate loadshedding in the country. Many technical discussions also take place where the use of solar energy is discussed and where information are exchanged about various alternative energy issues.  Zayn participate in these discussions and also provide information of how Orania  is planning to do away with loadshedding.

I admire Zayn's passion for Orania and it's people and the beauty of this town located along the Orange River in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape province of South Africa.

Zayn, I am going to say the following as simple as I can.  Keep on what you are doing in Amateur Radio and also in your working environment.  I admire your positive outlook in life and your passion for Amateur Radio.  A radio amateur is not just an operator for a period of time. A passionate radio amateur like you  practice amateur radio for life!

Finally:  The author of this article would like to thank each and every radio amateur that Elmer's our new and young radio amateurs.  Be and active radio amateur and enjoy the best hobby in the world and all of it's many branches.  Remember amateur radio (ham radio) is a licensed radio hobby and service that enables you to communicate all around the world and even outer space. It’s vital for wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radio sport, contesting, and emergency communications. When cell phones, regular phones, the internet and other systems are down or overloaded, Amateur Radio still gets the message through. It renders a vital service that has saved many lives when regular communication systems failed.

Images:  Orania (Click on images for larger view.)

 

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:  Amateur Radio / Ham Radio is apolitical by definition and by ethic.  It has no interest or involvement in political, racism or religion affairs or having an aversion to the affairs.   

Recognition:  Seychells Amateur Radio Association, All Radio Amateurs on the Amateur Radio 101 Telegram Group and Worldwide,  The Executive Council of Orania  and the residents and friends of Orania.

AllStar Experimentation - South Africa (Part 3)

USING GPIO PINS TO KEY RADIO PTT VIA A HOMEBREW OPTO COUPLER (4N25) BOARD WITH THE RASPBERRY PI 3 B VER 1.2

This short manual discuss the method using the GPIO pins on the Rpi.

• to indicate TX / RX LED status on a AllStar Node

• to key PTT via opto coupler board on a AllStar Node.

Warning: Ensure that you connect the LED’s to the correct pins. The GPIO pins are 3.3 volts maximum and output pins have a limited current capability of 16 mA. When interfacing be aware of this because you can damage the PI if you exceed the ratings!! I am not responsible if you damage or destroy your Raspberry Pi!!

I use a 4N25 Opto Coupler, 1 Resistor and 1 Capacitor on Veroboard. I would however add a BAT43 Diode as further protection to the circuit. See image below.

I highlighted the changes in black for keying the homebrew PCB circuit using the GPIO pins.

Go to and open MobaXterm

Check to see if the rc.allstar file is in /usr/local/etc/

cd /usr/local/etc

enter

ls or dir

enter

sudo nano rc.allstar

enter

File will open. Add bold typed info as listed below.

#########################################

#!/bin/bash

#

# This is the startup rc script for allstar asterisk

#

# Rather than changing anything here

# please use the /usr/local/etc/allstar.env file

# for configuration changes.

#Makes gpio pins go to output upon startup

/etc/asterisk/local/write_gpio.sh

# If root profile missing, replace it.

if [ ! -f /root/.bash_profile ] ; then

/usr/bin/cp -f /etc/.bash_profile.backup /root/.bash_profile

fi

# source the allstar variables

if [ -f /usr/local/etc/allstar.env ] ; then

. /usr/local/etc/allstar.env

else

echo " Unable to read /usr/local/etc/allstar.env file."

echo " Asterisk will not start"

exit 1

################################################

Once the bold info is entered

save

ctrl + x

yes

cd

enter

cd /etc/asterisk/local/

enter

sudo nano write_gpio.sh

then type the following script

####################################

#!/bin/bash

#script name - write_gpio

gpio mode 7 out ; makes gpio 7 pin 7 an output

gpio mode 2 out ; makes gpio 2 pin 13 an output

gpio mode 4 out ; makes gpio 4 pin 16 an output

#####################################

(Real Pin 7 = COS or RX node receiving voice from the Internet.)

(Real Pin 13 = TX or PTT node transmitting your voice into the Internet.)

(Real Pin 16 = PTT radio using 4N25 Optocoupler to key your radio transmitter.)

save

ctrl x yes enter

Check if write_gpio.sh file was created using ls enter or dir enter

Make write_gpio.sh file executable

chmod +x write_gpio.sh

cd

cd /etc/asterisk

enter

sudo nano rpt.conf

Under “Events” add the following:

########################################

; EVENTS

[events467652]

sudo /usr/local/sbin/7high.sh = s|t|RPT_TXKEYED

sudo /usr/local/sbin/7low.sh = s|f|RPT_TXKEYED

sudo /usr/local/sbin/2high.sh = s|t|RPT_RXKEYED

sudo /usr/local/sbin/2low.sh = s|f|RPT_RXKEYED

sudo /usr/local/sbin/4high.sh = s|t|RPT_TXKEYED

sudo /usr/local/sbin/4low.sh = s|f|RPT_TXKEYED

; Commands for FOB COS indicator when available

; For this to work you must also add - gpio4 = out,0 - to simpleusb.conf

; Uncomment (remove ;) on next two lines to activate

;cop,62,GPIO4:1 = c|t|RPT_RXKEYED

;cop,62,GPIO4:0 = c|f|RPT_RXKEYED

[events1999]

; FUNCTIONS

##########################################

save

ctrl x

Yes

enter

cd

cd /usr/local/sbin/

enter

Create 6 script files (Example: sudo nano 7high.sh enter)

7high.sh

7low.sh

2high.sh

2low.sh

4high.sh

4low.sh

In each script put:

7high.sh

#################

#!/bin/bash

gpio write 7 1

#################

7low.sh

#################

#!/bin/bash

gpio write 7 0

#################

2high.sh

#################

#!/bin/bash

gpio write 2 1

#################

2low.sh

#################

#!/bin/bash

gpio write 2 0

#################

4high.sh

#################

#!/bin/bash

gpio write 4 1

#################

4low.sh

#################

#!/bin/bash

gpio write 4 0

#################

save each one

ctrl x

Yes

enter

still in cd /usr/local/sbin/

make all 4 executable using the command

sudo chmod +x /usr/local/sbin/xxxxxx.sh

chmod +x 7high.sh

chmod +x 7low.sh

chmod +x 2high.sh

chmod +x 2low.sh

chmod +x 4high.sh

chmod +x 4low.sh

cd

sudo reboot

TX / RX LED’s and 4N25 Optocoupler PTT will now be working!!

Note: The one LED will light to show that the radioless node is receiving voice from the Internet. The other LED will light to show that the radioless node is transmitting your voice into the Internet. The TX LED on your radio will light-up to indicate that the PTT is active.

Download Manual  HERE (PDF)

Recognition:

AllStarLink Discussion Groups

HamVoip

Manual compiled by:

Johan Terblanche ZS1I

Mossel Bay

Date: 24 February 2024

 

GPIO outlay diagram and photos related to the Raspberry Pi 3 B Ver 1.2 below: