Repeater born out of a dream by two radio amateurs - The then Aliwal North Repeater on Kramberg.

Image Tower with 4 stacked J-Pole Antennas

(Note:  This article is written in Afrikaans and English.  Please use Google Translate if you do not understand Afrikaans or English.)

This repeater was born out of a dream by two radio amateurs who had a conversation on the 40 meter band one morning and teamwork by many others to fulfill the dream. Nico ZS2N and Johan ZS1I discussed the need for a repeater in the North Eastern Cape area when the Late Colin Robinson ZS2CR joined their discussion and indicated that this idea must be taken further and that he would lend a helping hand to Nico in getting the necessary equipment to bring a repeater to life in that area.

This “idol” chat set the ball rolling and with in a week or two Colin came back on air to inform Nico and Johan that he managed to get a fairly old but solid repeater from one of his friends in East London. The excitement and enthusiasm was noticeably hearable in the voice tones of these three radio amateurs. In the meantime Nico secured a near perfect site on Kramberg a mountain in the Aliwal North district about 20 km from town.

Nico and Colin started the painstaking process to gather all the necessary bits and pieces needed at the site. The repeater was transported from East London to Aliwal North by Colin. A 9m tower and 4 x 2m folded dipoles were “homebrewed” by Nico as time permitted. Parts and odds and ends started rolling in when other radio amateurs heard of the project.

There was no turning back now. The repeater was now taking priority over many other chores and family matters and Nico worked hours at end to fulfill this “dream”. Within a couple of weeks the antenna’s were ready and a test with the MFJ Antenna Analizer revealed that the four dipoles resonates and is ready for the work of receiving and repeating. Nico tested the repeater at home one evening and found that their was something wrong with the power supply unit.

This is were real amateur radio spirit came to light. Hennie ZS2HG from Bloemfontein Amateur Radio Klub got involved and the repeater was transported to Bloemfontein for a good old re-alignment and thorough checking. Hennie fixed and aligned what had to be fixed and be aligned. The only problem now was to find a decent couple of cavity filters for the repeater.

Die filters is deur die Bloemfontein Amateur Radio Klub goedgunstiglik aan Nico geleen. Hennie ZS4HG was verantwoordelik vir die nodige verstellings aan die herhaler sowel as die filters. Intussen het Nico die toring en staal kas gemaak vir die veilige bewaring van die toerusting. Stadig maar seker is al die toerusting gereed gemaak totdat die groot dag uiteindelik aangebreek het. Nico en twee helpers is een Saterdag middag na Kramberg waar die toring opgerig is en die herhaler geinstalleer is.

Die tyd het hulle egter gou ingehaal, maar wou hulle nie weer die volgende dag terugkeer nie. So in die skemer, donker het hulle die finale afrondingswerk gedoen en is die herhaler aangeskakel. Die adrenalien het hoog geloop en is die nodige toetse gedoen in samewerking met Johan ZS2Z vanaf INDWE wat ongeveer 100km soos die kraai vlieg geleë is vanaf die Kramberg. Johan kon die herhaler met gemak sneller en het die manne die aand behoorlik die herhaler se gal gewerk. Self stasies sover as Bloemfontein het gedeel in die opgewondenheid. Verskeie kontakte is die aand bewerkstellig.

‘n Droom deur drie radio amateurs het waar geword, danksy wyle Colin ZS2CR wat die aanvoerwerk gedoen het vir die daarstelling van ‘n herhaler in die Aliwal Noord gebied. Natuurlik was die installering van die herhaler ‘n ware span-projek deur talle radio amateurs en is ek dus bang om elkeen by die naam te noem, maar gaan ek tog ‘n uitsondering maak om die volgende persone wat ‘n waardevolle bydae gelewer het tot die projek , te bedank. Die Robinson familie, Chris ZS2S,

Jim ZS2JM, Border Radio Club, Bloemfontein Amateur Radio Club, Hennie ZS4HG, Dennis ZS4BS, Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society, Chris ZS2AAW, Trevor ZS2AE, Nico ZS4N, Kenny Moolman (privaat indiwidu) Johan ZS2Z , Rodger ZS1J, DRIES ZS4AJ en laaste maar nie die minste nie almal wat bygedra het om die herhaler ‘n werklikheid te maak.

 

 Repeater Technical Details:

 

Call Sign: ZU9LKE

Frequency.: 145.750 Mhz RX and 145.150 TX

Repeater Make: Motorola Micor

Power Output: 15 WATT

Mountain Site: Kramberg, Aliwal North

H.A.S.L.: 1958 Meters

Distance from Aliwal North: 15Km

Tower Height: 12 Meter

CO-AX Cable: RG213

Connectors: N-TYPE

Antenna: 4 X Homebrewed Folded Dipoles

Cavity Filters: 2 X RX AND 2X TX. 

Repeater Coverage: Radius of 100—120 Km.

 

Foto:  Die herhaler, holteresoneerders and ander toerusting.

Foto:  Tuisgeboude gevoude Di-Pool Antennas

Image:   Repeater, Timer, Speaker and UHF Radio Link installed in the cabinet.

 Image:  View from Kramberg, Aliwal North towards Bloemfonein.

Setting the record straight iro the GRHub Network! Rant??

 

Time to set the record straight; further automation; information iro the GRHub Network; get your facts and information correct! 

I received an email from a local radio amateur that wanted to know how do I connect and disconnect nodes and stations to the GRHub Network.  He indicate that he observed that while listening on the RF Link and Echolink that an announcement was made that a node connects or disconnects at certain time intervals.  He also wanted to know whether  I sit in front of the computer throughout the day monitoring and connect or disconnect nodes.  He further stated that I must not see the questions as "pfishing" about the system.  He fully support me in operating the GRHub Network as I currently do.  He just found it interesting that there is such a lot of activity and wanted to know how I operate the system.

Others might not agree with how the GRHub Network is operated with an RF Link connected to AllStar and Echolink. I was recently told that I operate a repeater on a simplex frequency.  I am not even going to try and explain the general operating procedures  other than to say that those who complain must please get their facts/information correct.  I advise them to use Google Search to gain more knowledge about VOIP and RF Links before making bold statements and accusations.  The complainant clearly illustrate his lack of knowledge in this regard.  I am currently considering whether I should release any operating information in future however I believe in transparency.  Enough  lets continue.

Let me make it clear that the  GRHub Network is NOT a unmanned device and that I need not apply for a special license or callsign.  The GRHub Network is monitored continuously by me except when I am asleep but then the  145.550 Mhz RF Link is disconnected and not in operation.  I have several means to monitor the GRHub Network.  For those non-believers here is a list of monitoring devices including software I use:

• Web Browser - PC/Laptop
• Cellphone
• 2m/70cm HT Radio
• 2m/70cm Mobile Radio
• 2m/70cm Base Station Radio
  
• Mozilla Firefox
• MobaXterm
• WinSCP
• iaxRpt
• Zoiper
• Opera
• ConnectBot
• Connection and other Log Files
  

I can monitor virtually from any location locally, countrywide or worldwide and should there be any problem I can disconnect any station, node or even shutdown the GRHub Network.  This can be done via the Web Browser, Cellphone, 145.550 Mhz RF Link or via an Emergency Halt Button.  I have the options to use Supermon to normally connect/disconnect or via DTMF.  On the RF Link I have DTMF to effect different functions and commands.

 From the above can be seen that the GRHub Network can be monitored and controlled by various means and firmware.  With this out of the way lets go to how do I connect/disconnect stations/nodes.  I would advise readers to read more about this on the various web-sites relating to AllStar/Echolink/Voip.

I will only elaborate on how I connect and disconnect stations/nodes to the GRHub Network.  I use the following methods:

• Manually connect/disconnect using a PC /Laptop (DTMF or Normal Function)
  
• Manually connect/disconnect using a Cellphone   (DTMF or Normal Function)
  
• Manually connect/disconnect using a HT/Mobile or Base Station Radio (DTMF)
• Automatic connect/disconnect using a Cron Job  (Setting up cron jobs for various nodes and options)

Please note that when using DTMF I will make an  announcement to the effect.  In the event of manual or automatic connect/disconnect the node/s will make an announcement to the effect.  There might also be times on certain hubs that connect/disconnect announcements will be heard.  Apart from the announcements a ZS1I call-sign beacon is transmitted over all GRHub Nodes and the RF Link.  Please note I only touch here and there iro connect/disconnect.

I also have the option to connect to any node in monitor mode.  Monitor mode is self explanatory.  You will not be able to make contact via any station on this node if in monitor mode.  This is quite useful listening to bulletins to prevent any "hogs/pigs" from causing interference to the bulletins or repeaters.  Any activity on the GRHub Network is logged and audio recorded in the event of interference/problems of any type.

You might say that I hog the 145.550 Mhz Simplex Frequency in the Southern Cape to such an effect that others cannot use the frequency.  Now this is a lot of hog-wash.  The 145.550 Mhz frequency is open for use to any radio amateur as is the case with any other simplex frequency when it is not in use. Local amateurs can use the 145.550 Mhz Simplex Frequency any time if it is not occupied as is the case with other simplex frequencies.  I studied local activity on 2m simplex frequencies for a month. Apart from the 145.500 and 145.525 frequencies which were used occasionally no other simplex frequency were used on two meters during the month of study.  Update: 23/10/2021 10h00  I just heard a local station calling on the 145.550 Mhz link. "Is this frequency in use?" .... and then he called,  Great operating procedure!!

To summarize:

• The GRHub RF Link/Network is not a repeater or unattended/unmanned system
• The GRHub Network is monitored extensively locally or from anywhere in the country
  
• The GRHub Network can be shutdown at any time should a problem occur
  
• Connect or Disconnect nodes via DTMF, manually or automatically. 
• A ZS1I call-sign identity beacon is transmitted over all GRHub Nodes and the RF Link as required by the radio regulations.
• Any activity on the GRHub Network is logged and audio recorded in the event of interference/problems of any type.
• The 145.550 Mhz frequency is open for use to any radio amateur as is the case with any other simplex frequency when it is not in use.

Finally:  Thank you to those who support and use the GRHub Network regularly. I hope the above information gave some radio amateurs more insight to how the GRHub Network is operated.  I only touched on a few functions and issues here. 

Please use the GRHub Network.  Transmit - let radio amateurs know you are there.  Start or answer a QSO and make new friends.

NEVER FEAR THAT YOU ARE "TYING UP THE NETWORK SYSTEM" - IT IS THERE TO BE USED.

I cannot get into a local Repeater or the Garden Route Hub Network RF Link

  I have heard this many times before especially with regards to the 145.600 Mhz local repeater. No I do not down-run the repeater, custodian or club in any way.  I only use it as a general example as I experienced this first hand.   This is/was a real problem for several radio amateurs living in Wilderness, George and also in the Hartenbos Heuwels area.  As we all know this is not only related to one repeater in South Africa but many repeaters do not cover all areas especially if you behind a ridge or in a valley.  In the days gone by a good friend stayed in the Hartenbos Heuwels area and he could not access the 145.600 Mhz repeater and this was not due to a repeater issue.  Well like they say in afrikaans  "n boer maak 'n plan".  Thanks to PEARS and the Scarr family the 145.700 Mhz and 145.600 Mhz repeater was linked together and could be switched in with DTMF.  Now this resulted in many more radio amateurs being able to use either the 700 or the 600   repeater and even the linked repeater network reaching from Cape Town to Welkom/Umtata etc.  

I am not familiar with the current repeater setup and can therefor not comment on the accessibility of repeaters in the Southern Cape Area.  Now why would I mention the above?   Well I have a simple solution should there be radio amateurs that cannot access a repeater in their area.  You can easily access such a repeater by simply install/build the following:

• Install/build an AllStar Node/Hotspot and add a 2m RF Link to the node for your Shack if you would like to use your HT, mobile or base station in and around the house/town.  This setup is ideal and you do not have to rely on other means of accessing the repeater.  The node option is an all in one package.  A small Baofeng 888 radio, raspberry pi, sound-card fob, power supply is needed.  You control "your link" to the repeater and can chat away at any time of day even World Wide if you choose to do so.  This setup also allows for other stations in your area to link to your system to get into the repeater.  Flexibility and accessibility rules!!
  
• Cross-band Repeater:  You can through the help of another amateur radio station use his cross-band repeater facility should he have the capabilities.  This might work but has drawbacks.  You will have to rely on this radio amateur to allow you access to his system. If he is not available you cannot use his radio. Overheating can be a problem as many radios with this capability is  used for short overs and emergency situations.   This is not the ideal option and cross band repeating require careful frequency selection.
• Ask the repeater custodian/club to install a permanent link between two repeaters in close proximity to your station.  One must however be accessible to you.  This way you can switch in/out the repeaters with DTMF.  This will allow you to access the repeater via another repeater.   This could however be problematic if the majority of repeater users are against linking of one local repeater to another as some do not approve this action.
• Echolink:  You can ask your repeater custodian/club to connect Echolink to the repeater which is not accessible to you.  Unfortunately many custodians/clubs do not want to link Echolink to their repeater/s.  Many radio amateurs see Echolink as the Internet and not radio.  Be as it may Echolink is used world wide by millions of radio amateurs.
• Setup a Remote 2m Station:  You can setup a remote 2m station on a hill or high site.  Have a look at operating a remote station on HF.  It should not be difficult to use this setup on 2 meters.  This might not be a feasible option for many as you need a high site, tower, power, security etc.
• Construct a 2m Yagi Antenna:  Now this will depend on your topography and propagation conditions.  In the past a radio amateur living in Glentana used a yagi antenna to access the 145.700 Mhz repeater.  For those that do not know Glentana it is situated behind a hill right at sea level.  You will definitely struggle to access the 700 repeater with a vertical antenna.  The Yagi antenna also posed several challenges in such a setup.  This radio amateur however used a reflected signal to get into the 700 repeater.

Now I know that there are many radio amateurs that cannot access repeaters from their QTH.  However if you want to access a "difficult to reach"  repeater then the above could assist you in getting into a repeater.   You will have to choose an option but some options rely on clubs and a repeater custodian to make changes to their repeater systems.  Some are however reluctant to make changes for a few that cannot access their repeater.

Which option above is the best.  I will try not to be biased, but my first choice would be the AllStar Node/Hotspot option if your repeater is already equipped with Echolink or AllStar, period. Use this option also if you cannot get into the Garden Route Hub Network.  Second would be the repeater RF/hardware linking option if you have the cooperation of your club/repeater custodian.  Thirdly Echolink (must be installed on repeater and at your QTH station).  It works but then your fellow radio amateurs must leave large enough gaps between overs for you to get in.  Fourthly the Remote 2m Station.  Fithly: Cross Band Repeating and finally to construct a 2m Yagi Antenna depending on your topography.  (Not effective when behind hills or in valleys but works great if you just need extra gain where terrain is not an issue.)

Finally:  My motto - I am of the opinion that "if a door is closed in your face, then just open another door".  The same with accessing a repeater, just "open another door".  Make a plan, build, ask, read, research etc to assist you in this regard.  I trust that the above will assist you in getting full quieting  into a repeater to have a chat with your club members or other radio amateurs.

#2 - What's in the box?

 Simple - another set of IRLP hardware, yes this is the second set that I purchased.  Upon a question from Johan ZS1JPL what am I going to do with both the hardware sets and is the first IRLP node in operation?

No the first set of  IRLP hardware is still packed away in the box.  Now why did you buy the hardware?

Well to tell you the truth I do not really know what I am going to do with the hardware.  I can setup both as IRLP nodes and link them to the GRHub Network.   This will allow radio amateur access to other IRLP stations around the world.  This is one option but do the Southern Cape really need an IRLP node in the Mossel Bay area.  Time will tell whether I will go this route.

Another option is to convert the IRLP nodes into AllStar- or AllStar and Echolink nodes.  Yes it can be done and has already been done.  This is a far more viable option taking into account that the modification of the USB Soundcard Fob is getting rather tricky for my bad eyesight.  At this time the idea is to convert one of the IRLP nodes to an AllStar node.  Updates to follow when I start the project.

IRLP is a fairly old project and has been surpassed by AllStar and Digital Radio but it still has its uses and there are still many nodes in operation world wide.  If you would like to learn more about IRLP visit this site by clicking HERE.

 

UPDATE 3: Keep the GRHub Radio's and Raspberry Pi's cool

  I recently constructed the second 741 Op Amp Thermal Cooling Fan Controller for the power supply of the 145.550 Mhz RF Link Motorola Radio.  This one has an adjustable pot to control the thermistor's reaction time .  Previous posts on this Blog describe how this circuit function and operate.

Once again a money saving hint due to the unavailability of rubber grommets.

I  purchased 4 round insert plugs (16mm x 4) for R8.23.   Grommets are far more expensive while the courier costs are more than the components.  All I did was drilling a hole in the center of the plug, the size that just allow the wires through.  Simple and cheap and works like a charm.

Here is a few photos of the completed project.

Postponement of the First Test Broadcast of Soldersmoke

Postponement of the First Test Broadcast of Soldersmoke on the GRHub Network tonight due to thunderstorms and lighting in many areas.

Please note that there will be no broadcast of Soldersmoke tonight at 20h00.

By request the broadcast will be re-scheduled for next Thursday evening. Update in this regard will be posted next week.

My apology for any inconvenience as a result.

SAWS Weather Warnings for 21 October 2022

 Warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of the Western and Northern Cape today (21 October 2021).

 

 

Automated Amateur Radio Newsline Audio Bulletin a great success!!

  The Amateur Radio Newsline Audio Bulletin was broadcast last night at 20h00.  This broadcast was fully automated without me touching any keyboard or radio.  I however did monitor the broadcast until the end.  You might say what is the big deal here?  This is no achievement I hear you say.  Be as it may the following took place before and during the broadcast:

• The Amateur Radio Newsline Bulletin is automatically downloaded by a script using Linux.
• The script divide the bulletin into 2.5 min audio segments with 20 second breaks. (The breaks allow repeaters/links to reset.  These time segments can be altered for your needs.)
• Includes voice messages before play, at breaks, and after play.
• The script is automatically run from a cron job or from the command line at least 15 minutes before the defined run time (TIME value) but it can be scheduled anytime within 24 hours prior to the run time.
• The cron script will play the ARNewsline audio file every Wednesday at 8:00PM - actual playtime set by defined comand line TIME parameter. If Playtime is 8PM (20h00) the script would send pre voice warnings at 7:50 and 7:55 PM that ARNews will follow in 10- and 5 minutes time.
• The ARNewsline audio file will automatically play on the GRHub Network on node 49355, Echolink ZS1I-L and RF Link 145.550 Mhz at 8:00PM (20h00) 

The advantages of the automated broadcast:

• There is no prior setup/editing/fiddling to be done before or during the broadcast 
• You can schedule the broadcast to play anytime during the week or even play twice a week.
• You need not be in front of your computer to watch over the broadcast.
• You can use a  Cellphone, HT or Mobile Radio to monitor the broadcast.
• You can do other tasks in the Shack while the broadcast is active.
• The automated broadcast save you time.
• The audio quality via AllStar is absolutely great, not as "tinny" as Echolink.  So you have 5 STAR audio to listen to.
• You can customize the firmware to play your club bulletin automatically over a repeater, simplex link, Echolink or even HF.
• I can automatically play different audio files at different times and days without having to spend time to prepare the audio files.
• I also have the option to play audio files Globally (World Wide) or just locally on a specific node.  Globally the audio will be heard by all the nodes connected the the GRHub Network.  Locally listeners can listen on a specific node that is isolated from the global network.
• I have the option to run the audio file via a cron job or by using DTMF to play the file NOW.

As can be seen there are many advantages to play bulletins, audio files, announcements automatically.  You just need to ensure that you setup your system in such a way that will work for you or your club bulletins.

Finally:  I am still working on the script to allow me to play all local bulletins/audio files automatically via a cron job.  Example:  SARL Bulletins,  Club Bulletins, Amateur Radio Today etc.   I am also working on a script to auto connect any GRHub node to any Echolink/Allstar and 145.550 Mhz RF Link as listed in the GRHub Bulletin/News weekly schedule.  Hopefully I can automate 98% of GRHub Network tasks with cron jobs.  More info in this regard will be released as progress is made.

UPDATE: Weather courtesy VOXWeather

 A developing Cut Off Low (COL) west of the country will bring STORMY weather to Namibia & the Cape Provinces from late afternoon (Wed) until Fri.

SAWS Weather Warnings for 21 October 2021 - Updates to follow.

 A steep upper air system will cause widespread thundershowers over the western interior tomorrow (21 October 2021) spreading to the south coast. Some of these storms may produce torrential showers leading to flash flooding, large amounts of small hail and gusty winds. 

 

First Test Broadcast of Soldersmoke on the GRHub Network

 This coming Thursday (21 October 2021) at 20h00 I will bring you the latest episode of Soldersmoke on the GRHub Network.  Now what is this Soldersmoke?  Bill N2CQR and Pete N6QW talk about building ham radio gear. Yes it is homebrew at its best and unfortunately they both have the KNACK sickness.  If you do not know what the KNACK disease is search the Soldersmoke Blogspot to find out more.  I started listening to Soldersmoke since its inception many years ago.  I am not sure but I think it all started in 2005 and they are still at it.

Please note:  

• This Thursday evening will be a test transmission as the Podcast is 01h14min long.  I am not sure how the GRHub Network and software will perform during such a long transmission. 
• The RF Link on 145.550 Mhz Simplex will be disconnected for the duration of the transmission.
• The episode will be transmitted on AllStar Nodes 49255 and 46765 as well as ZS1I-L on Echolink.  

I can guarantee you if you into homebrewing you will definitely enjoy and learn more from these two gentleman.  My sound advice is to not only listen to the first few minutes, you going to miss some very interesting topics and the mailbag.

Come and join the GRHub Network for an evening of fun, laughter and entertainment tomorrow evening at 20h00.  Fingers crossed that we can listen for the duration of the Podcast.

Reminder: Attention all Echholink users!

 

UPDATE: Attention all Echolink users!

It has come to my attention that some of our local radio amateurs do not know how Echolink fits into Allstar and the GRHub. I will provide just the short basics here.

Important: Echolink users might think that there is no activity on the ZS1I-L GRHub Mossel Bay link if they look at their Echolink application screen. This "impression" is not correct. The important thing is that you need to connect to the ZS1I-L Echolink station (Node: 108 551) to listen for activity on the Garden Route Hub Network.

Important: You must connect to ZS1I-L GRHub, Mossel Bay on Echolink to hear activity.

Invitation: I would hereby like to invite radio amateurs and clubs to make use of the Garden Route Hub Network. Relay your bulletins, news etc on the network via Echolink, Allstar and 145.550 Mhz Simplex Link in the Mossel Bay area.

Reminder:  I would once again like to remind my fellow radio amateurs of the fact that the GRHub Network is linked to several large networks world wide.  I still find that many stations are to "quick on the trigger".  For those who do not know what quick on the trigger means its quite simple. Some repeater users  do not leave at least a 6 second gap between overs to allow the repeaters and links to "drop out" that are connected to  networks.   We must allow the networks to reset other wise the time out timers will cut the audio and you will not hear any audio on repeaters or RF simplex links.  This could lead to all sorts of problems if radio amateurs start talking over each other.  Not to talk about leaving others in the cold  or not allowing others to join the conversation, just to mention a few issues.

It is thus good practice and amateur radio etiquette to leave a 6 second gap between overs.

Request:  Please leave a large enough time gap between overs on any repeater, simplex frequency and for that matter any system, radio or network.

Finally and most importantly: Transmit - let radio amateurs know you are there. Start or answer a QSO and make new friends.

NEVER FEAR THAT YOU ARE "TYING UP THE NETWORK SYSTEM" - IT IS THERE TO BE USED.

Remember if you don't transmit, you might qualify for the new "QRT Certificate" Hi Hi!!

Simple battery or mains power supply for Raspberry Pi and Internet Connection.

 UPDATE 20 October 2021:  Here is another simple homebrew power supply that I use for my Internet connection  during loadshedding. Simple but very effective.

  Why would one need a battery power supply for the Raspberry Pi/AllStar Node?  There can be many reasons.  I needed a back-up battery power supply for one of my nodes that was running of a factory mains power supply.  As a result of the load shedding (power failures) we experiencing lately and in future, I had to make a plan.   All I needed to do was to connect the Pi to a 12v Power Supply with auto battery switching should the power fail.  However the Pi runs of 5v.  Back to the old "buck converter".  Unfortunately there is no space in the 12v backup power supply so I had to come up with a cabinet for the buck converter.  Scratching around I found two 40mm PVC end caps.  I cut a small piece of 40mm PVC pipe, drill a few holes and added the end caps. I now have a project cabinet.  It took me about 30 minutes to make and cost less than a commercial cabinet.  Yes, it does not look good but it will be out of eye sight and it will function as planned.  Here is a few images of the unit.  It was installed today and now all the current GRHub Network nodes are running either of mains or battery power.

One day when I have a 3D Printer the problem with project cabinets will hopefully be solved.

Power Outage 18 October 2022 Heiderand, Mossel Bay

 The notification underneath refers: 

Although the GRHub Network has a fully back-up power system the power outage is the ideal opportunity to upgrade the back-up and main power systems of the GRHub Network.  A new 100 Ah battery will be installed as well as several power down converters.  I envisage that the Network will be off line and off air for 2 - 3 hours on 18 October 2021.  The power outages might be an inconvenience but on the other hand gives me the time to do upgrades to enhance the operation capability of the GRHub Network.

Die jaarlikse rede/toespraak van die Hoofleier van die Voortrekker Beweging direk uitgesaai op die GRHub Netwerk in die Tuinroete

 OPDATERING:   Goeie nuus.  Hier is 'n audio opname van die Hoofleier van die Voortrekkers wat gister op die GRHub Netwerk uitgesaai was.

Klik HIER om daarna te luister.

 Dit was vir my 'n voorreg gewees om die jaarlikse rede/toespraak van die Hoofleier van die Voortrekkers direk uit te saai op die GRHub Netwerk om 9h00, Saterdag 16 Oktober 2021 soos ontvang vanaf ZS0JPL-R Echolink.  Die kwaliteit van die audio was puik gewees en was dit aangenaam gewees om na die rede te luister hier in die Tuinroete. 

My dank en waardering aan Johan ZS6JPL, Hans ZS6KR en  Andries wat ZS90TVK bedryf het en vir die moeite wat hulle gedoen het om die uitsending moontlik te maak. 

Kyk gerus uit vir ZS90TVK spesiale stasie op die onderskeie bande en modusse.

BACAR to launch on 30 October 2021

 

The Secunda Amateur Radio Club will be launching a Balloon Carrying Amateur Radio (known as the BACAR project) on Saturday 30 October.

Several interesting payloads are being prepared, including the new AMSAT-SA Africube linear transponder, SSTV, a crossband FM repeater and an ion thruster scientific experiment.  Amateurs from various clubs are involved in this project. 

More information with regards to the frequencies used will be made available soon.  The club can be contacted via email (secradio@jenny.co.za) for more information. 

Illustration:  Up and away, previous BACAR launch

New Timeslot: The PEARS weekly Audio News Bulletin now available on the GRHub Network

 

Great News!!  The PEARS bulletin will once again be heard in and around the Garden Route Area.

The weekly PEARS audio news bulletin will be transmitted on Monday evenings at 20h00 on the GRHub Network via Echolink, Allstar and the 145.550 Mhz RF Link.  This broadcast will be coming from the Lady’s Slipper repeater, 145.700MHz, 88.5Hz, Narrow and 438.700MHz, no CTCSS, Wide. (standby option is 145.650MHz  PE Town repeater 88.5Hz, Narrow)

We invite radio amateurs to connect to ZS1I-L on Echolink,  the 43955 AllStar Node and the 145.550 Mhz RF Link in the Mossel Bay area to listen to interesting news and information brought to you by PEARS.

 

The GRHub Network News Bulletins, Nets, Link Connections etc. schedule available

HERE

 

Welcome to PEARS Radio Amateurs in the Garden Route Area

 (Click on image for larger view.)

 It is great to hear the PEARS Radio Amateurs again on  VHF in the Garden Route Area after several years of silence.  No they are not coming through the Analog VHF/UHF Linked Repeater Network.  PEARS now run a  Echolink Node ZS2PE-R Node Number: 759221 which enable the Garden Route Hub Network to connect via AllStar to ZS2PE-R Repeater Node.

Who can still remember the great times we experienced when the VHF/UHF Repeater Network was in operation.   Lots of activity on the linked network in days gone by. Thanks to Chris and the late Trevor Scarr who made this all possible.

The GR Hub Network will from time to time link to the PEARS Echolink Node.  I already listened to several mobile stations having a chat in the early mornings.  I will allocate a timeslot on the GRHub Network in the early morning whereby the Eastern Cape and Garden Route Area networks will be linked together.  It would be great if a permanent connection could be established between the two networks aka PEARS Echolink Node and GRHub AllStar Node.

I would like to thank PEARS and all those involved for installing the Echolink Node and making it available. Hopefully we can once again establish the good times like we experienced in the past.  

Lookout for further updates in this regard.

What is going to happen to this old metal ammunition box?

 

Keep on following this Blog and see what will happen to this old ammo box.  Will it go to a Scrap Metal Dealer or will it be given a second life? 

Be proud of your radio- and bulletin audio!

 Maybe it is not a bad idea to talk about audio quality in general.  I have been listening on HF, VHF, UHF to the audio quality of different stations in QSO's and also relaying weekly bulletins.  I have come to the conclusion that in many cases the lack of good audio quality deter me from listening to such "broadcasts". The same must apply to listeners if my audio is bad on any frequency or VOIP.  

In some instances the bulletin's audio were so low that it was difficult to hear what the station was talking about.  No I am not complaining but way back in the olden days in amateur radio, audio test transmissions were carried out on a daily basis. 

Who can still remember the local ZS AM transmissions and how the stations were experimenting with different microphones and pre-amps.  Yes I know that today's equipment is far more sophisticated than in the olden days.  If you agree to this fact why do we experience bad audio quality nowadays.  One reason could be the lack of knowledge how to setup modern amateur radio transceivers.  Another could be not reading the owners and setup manual etc. etc.

No I am not going to teach you how to achieve good signal and audio quality as this is quite a complex issue. The whole intent of this post is to maximize the readability and audio quality of your transmissions. However, nothing you do on your end, will compensate for a lousy setup on the other end! I would however like to provide you with a few hints and kinks in this regard.

Generally radio amateurs need to speak in a normal tone, at a normal pace and hold the microphone 5-10cm from their mouth. In high noise environments, the radio can be held closer (i.e. 2-5cm).

Stay away from speech processing if you are not familiar of how to use this feature.  If you do use speech processing it is important to remember, that no amount of speech processing, regardless of how it's done, will improve upon your natural speech pathology!

Every single type of modulation, AM, FM (both phase and true FM), SSB (Single Side-Band), etc., all have a specific set of operating parameters.

It will become very evident that correct microphone gain adjustment is the most important factor in achieving good readability on the other end of your contact. Unfortunately, most owners' manuals, and on-line articles seldom cover this important attribute, focusing instead on adjustments for the internal and/or external DSP and/or equalizers. While those adjustments are important, excessive microphone gain will effectively negate their viability.

FM transceivers usually don't have (external) microphone gains, and never have speech compression in the usual sense. They do have pre-emphasis, but that's a whole new subject that we can go into in a future posting!

Modern solid state transceivers (almost universally) use a low impedance (nominally 500 ohm) microphone. The elements are usually electret condenser types, but may be dynamic. Some do have preamps built in, but unlike a power microphone, their gain and impedance matching is fixed. Gain and DSP adjustments aside, the way you use your microphone can have a major affect on your audio quality.

Talking too far away from the microphone! Remember, the output level of electret and/or noise canceling microphones drops off rather quickly as the distance between your lips and the microphone increases. Therefore, you should speak directly and closely into the microphone and not across it as is often suggested. In some cases, 50 - 100mm is too far! This is especially important when using (background) noise canceling microphones, which the majority of mobile transceivers come equipped with.

As mentioned above, most modern transceivers, SSB and FM alike, are supplied with electret condenser microphones. There are several reasons why this is so, not the least of which is their diminutive size, and power requirements. Their frequency response (as shown in the chart at right) is almost flat across the audio spectrum. No other commonly used microphone type can even come close. This fact makes designing the requisite audio stages easier.

If they have a drawback, it is improper use. As noted above, you should speak directly into the microphone, not across it. Follow the rules, and you won't need to replace the microphone, or perform any mods to get good audio reports. If your radio is equipped with a microphone gain all you have to do is use a moderate amount of microphone gain.  If the truth be known, having to set the microphone gain higher than about 10% to 15% is an indication you're not using your microphone correctly.

If you use an amplifier, any microphone gain adjustment should be made with the amplifier turned off, and the power output setting at its maximum. Once the microphone gain is properly set, the power output control should be dialed back to that required by the amplifier. This is almost never full power out, and may be as little as 25 watts PEP.

Noise canceling microphones come in a variety of configurations. How they work varies with the make. Unfortunately, there are some misdirected radio amateurs modifying stock microphones with the supposition of improved audio quality, and output level. They do this by defeating the noise canceling feature. If you've been paying attention, you know what the ramifications are. For example the IC-7000, and its companion HM-151 hand microphone can be "problematic". The microphone gain is set at 5% (you read that right!), not 60% as one modification expert suggests. 

As alluded to above, there is no cheap-and-dirty way to measure peak to average speech levels. It takes a decent storage scope, astute knowledge of how to interpret the resulting readout, and a handful of other laboratory-grade hardware. Nor is there a cheap-and-dirty way to measure the frequency response of any given microphone. You certainly can't do it with your ear alone, as some mod-pundits would have you believe.

The use of speech processing (aka speech compression or speech clipping) has become the major bane of amateur radio, especially mobile operation. It allows every little nuance of engine noise, AC fans, the kids in the back seat, and that squeak in the left quarter panel to be plainly heard. It is important to remember, the average vehicle traveling at 60 mph, is at least 25 dB louder than the average living room, and some are over 40 dB louder. Adding insult, most amateurs who use it do not know how to properly set their microphone and/or processing controls, resulting in some really lousy-sounding, on-air signals. They might sound passable when properly tuned in, but a few kHz away the distortion products (IMD) can be clearly heard.

It should be noted at this point, that any form of speech processing does increase the average power level. This fact does cause the signal to appear louder on the receiving end. However, if used excessively, it also removes most of the nuances our brain uses to comprehend what's being said. And, no matter what the advertising hype says to the contrary, that means decreased readability!

Speech compression in its simplest form, is nothing more than an automatic level control. The softer nuances of speech are amplified more than the louder ones. In some cases, a different (narrower) band-pass filter is used and/or different DSP settings, all in an effort to minimize IMD.

Speech processing, however it is done, not only increases the average output power, is also increases the average current draw! Depending on the configuration, it could in fact double! This can easily tax the heartiest of electrical systems, especially when running high power. As the voltage sags, the IMD goes up, and readability decreases even more.

Here is the very best advice you'll ever get with respect to using speech processing and/or excessive microphone gain—don't! 

I have only touched the tip of the iceberg.  As stated before adjusting for good audio quality can be a complex task. However "kiss" is the answer here.   Before transmitting use a Echo Repeater to listen to your audio quality or ask a fellow radio amateur for a audio report on a frequency where you cannot disturb others.

If you relay or broadcast a bulletin ensure that your audio quality is good enough to listen to.  If you transmit a bulletin via a pre-recorded audio file then make sure that the audio recording is of good quality and  suitable codec.  Many pre-recorded bulletins is of low audio quality and it can even vary with different contributors to the bulletin.   Listen to the recorded bulletin before transmitting and adjust the level and audio with a suitable audio editor.  I use Audacity for this purpose.

Finally:  We should be proud of our radio- and bulletin audio.  The quality must always be good and we must remember lousy audio nowadays is unacceptable and will deter listeners from listening to you or your bulletin.   Do not be afraid to tell the bulletin broadcaster that his audio is bad.  Do it in a nice way and offer to assist with tests to correct issues.

Source:  Own content and various Internet clips.