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SARL Today HF Update with ZS4BS Focus on VHF/UHF/Microwave The ZS CW Group SARL Forum current topics Commercial Hamads

SARL TODAY! 

The Office at the NARC will be closed on Friday 22 March 2024, so that Kelley can enjoy a loooong weekend. The Office will be open again on Monday 25 March 2024.


The March 2024 Radio ZS and the Radio ZS Index are available for download. Click on Publications in the lefthand menu and select Radio ZS Download. 


 The 2024 National Convention

The Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre (CTARC) will be hosting the 2024 SARL National Convention at the Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard, corner of Melbourne and Coronation Roads in Cape Town. 

The 2024 SARL National Convention Booklet

The 2024 SARL AGM Proxy Form

The SARL Annual Financial Statements for the year ending 30 June 2023

Register for the SARL National Convention at https://forms.gle/iFMfeRUESfwx8y3N9 and and stand a chance to win a REDELL UV97 New Generation Dual Band Radio with the programming cable included. Do it today! The Pretoria AGM hold the attendance record – I wonder if the Western Cape can beat them? See you in Cape Town in April!

Registrations - ZS1 = 26; ZS2 = 3; ZS3 = 1; ZS4= 2; ZS5 = 2; ZS6 = 14. 


Register now for the SARL Technical symposium. 

The SARL Technical Symposium” Science and Technology in Amateur Radio” will take place on Saturday 6 April 2024 at from 10:00 to 15:00 SAST, (08:00 to 13:00 UTC). It is a virtual event on the WebEX platform.

To register free of charge click here

The Programme  includes: SDR—Homebrewing in the digital era, The Science and Technology around next generation beacons,) The cool—Community Online OPEN Logbook, Logbooks and QSLing in the Cyber World and the SARL Noise monitoring project. The full programme  will be available for download from Wednesday


SARL ON-THE-AIR BULLETINS AND AMATEUR RADIO TODAY PROGRAMME 17 March 2024 

SARLNEWS  with Rory Norton ZS2BL listen/download here

SARLNUUS  met Kevern Burger  Laaiaf/luister hier

Amateur Radio Today - Programme about Amateur Radio and technology hosted by  Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV . The programme features news about amateur radio, reports on Hamnet, VHF and UHF, Satellites and HF plus technical features. One hour of Amateur Radio bliss. Listen/download here  

Transmissions: Sundays at 08:00 UTC on repeaters around South Africa including 145,750  and 145,725 MHZ in Pretoria. On HF 7 115 kHz by Louis, ZR4DJLAmateur Radio Today on 80 metres on Mondays - On Mondays Amateur RadioToday is transmitted at 19:30 local time on 3 620 kHz by Andy, ZS6ADY.

Note when SARL website is not available programmes will be posted on www.amateurradio.org.za. Reception reports are invited. Please send your report to artoday@sarl.org.za. Please give details of the signal strength antenna and location. 

Text bulletins from 1 March 2020 to today can be found at https://sarlnewsbulletin.wordpress.com


ICASA LICENCE FEES

PLEASE take note that it is YOUR responsibility to pay your license fee directly to ICASA.

The new fee structure is: 1 Year - R188,00; 2 Years - R359,00; 3 Years - R515,00; 4 Years - R656,00 and 5 Years - R784,00. The SARL highly recommends that you pay for a five-year license. This ensures you have a valid license for the next five years.

Payment must be made via EFT directly to ICASA using the following account: ICASA, Nedbank Corporate Client services; Account no: 14 62 00 29 27; Branch: 146245. Use your ICASA license number No “******-******” as the payment reference. Do not pay the ICASA fees to the South African Radio League.

If your licence is managed by the SARL, please follow the instructions as e-mailed to you by Noel, ZR6DX, the RAE Manager.

All other license holders must log into their account on the ICASA Customer Portal https://online.icasa.org.za/, click on the “Manage” button and then the “Renew” button; and select the number of years for the license period you want to pay for. The ICASA system will then send you an invoice, or you can click on “Invoice” and the invoice can be downloaded. You can then click on the “Pay” button and pay via you credit card, or you can do an EFT. Note, if via EFT then you must click on the “Upload Payment” button and upload the proof of payment. If the POP is not uploaded, then ICASA will not issue the new license.

The SARL cannot help you if the ICASA Customer Portal is slow or not responding. The SARL has got nothing to do with the ICASA system, which is a government system of the State Information Technology Agency. Be patient and try in the evenings or early mornings.


SARL/AMSAT SA display receives award at Science Forum South Africa 

 

WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE AWARD PRESENTATION HERE 

The SARL– AMSAT SA display at the Science Forum South Africa 2023 was awarded a special mention award for the best display and audience interaction. The award was presented at the closing ceremony of the forum on Friday afternoon. Hans van de Groenendaal ZS6AKV and Brian Jacobs ZS6YZ, who were responsible for developing and executing the display, received the framed certificate from the Dr Phil Mjwara, Director-General of the department of Science and Technology and Innovation. The forum at the CSIR convention centre was attended by over 4000 delegates.

The joint display, with the theme Science in Amateur Rado, featured the AMSAT SA dual band yagi antenna, a proto type of the AfriCUBE satellite, the SARL RF Noise monitoring system and the SARL two metre Karoo beacon project.

The RF noise monitoring system output was displayed on a large screen showing in real time the RF noise level at the convention centre.  It was significate to see the drop in the RF noise level at night when all the LED lighting and computers were switched off.

Brian Jacobs manned the stand full time assisted at various times by Hans van de Groenendaal, Cameron Eales , Koos Fick and Ruben Jansen van Rensburg.

The event was a worthwhile experience and a great opportunity to show that Amateur Radio is just not another hobby but a true technology pastime.


The 2024 SARL Diary of Events is available - click on the link in the yellow block on the left.


HOW TO CONQUER THE SARL HF CONTESTS - the presentaton by Chris Burger ZS6EZ is now available on YouTube.Watch it here

Video of contesting with ZS6EZ now on YouTube. A recording of the SARL Contesting with ZS6EZ is now available on YouTube. Click here 


Pay your SARL Membership fees online using PayFast. Go to https://mysarl.org.za/shop/ and select your membership category.


Interference from solar installations- As the South African public are realising that they are on their own and facing the many challenges of loads heading, self-generating electricity by households and businesses have become the norm. 

Generally, Radio Amateurs should not experience interference on HF or VHF from properly installed solar power installations but unfortunately it does occur when unqualified people do not install the system properly and use poor quality inverters and solar maximisers.

Often fitting ferrite beads and basic filters will solve the inference problem.

By design solar installations are not expected to radiate radio frequencies (RF) and cause interference as the necessary circuits suppress any RF radiation should be included in the design. There however are suppliers that will install equipment of inferior quality.  Solar installers are expected to issue COC’s, certificate of compliance, but these certificates generally only cover the electrical installation.

If a neighbour installs a solar system and it kills HF, there are two approaches. Point out to him or her that the installation is causing radio interference and that he should insist that his installer sorts out the problem. If that fails it is necessary  to send a written complaint with details of the interference to the manager of the local ICASA office. ICASA is fully quipped to do the necessary test and advise the owner of the installation to have the problem seen to or switch off his system.

The addresses of the local ICASA managers can be found on http://www.sarl.org.za/public/licences/licences.asp. Please your copy your letter to the SARL at secretary@sarl.org.za and Chris, ZS6GM at chris@crturner.net and keep the SARL informed of progress of the complaint.


NEW RF SPECTRUM LICENSE FEES


A Template - Constitution and Rules for an Amateur Radio Club - get a copy here


Ethics and Operating Procedure for the Radio Amateur EN IARU ed3 2 Jan 2009 - download your copy here. Ongelukkig is dit nog nie na Afrikaans vertaal nie.


South African VHF, UHF and Microwave Record Table. The latest table of records is available from the VHF SA Record page. Compiled and updated by Paul, ZS6NK - send your record claim to zssixnk@gmail.com  


SARL Next Generation Beacon fund stands at R30 150 - The crowd funding initiative to collect funds for the SARL next generation beacon programme was initiated by AMSAT SA.  During the past week R2000 was received from two donors. The fund moved f past the half way mark which is still far short of the R60 000 target required to finance a beacon in the Karoo and the Western Cape.  

 

AMSAT SA and the SARL thank all who have thus far contributed. Help us make it happen by making your donation to the fund. Visit  www.amsatsa.org.za and make your contribution by clicking on one of the payment buttons for a R50, R250 or R1000 donation.  The button will take you to the Payfast website where you need to enter your credit card details. Please also add your callsign after your surname. 

Visit the  Next Generation Beacon web page for article, videos, updates. and a list of donors Click her

The SARL  Noise Floor Project - The presentation by Hans, ZS6AKV during the C7 - EMC meeting atthe Region 1 Virtual General Conference, can be seen here.


The IARUMS Region 1 Newsletters are available on iaru-r1.org and read it!


New Satellite Book now available - The new ARRL Amateur radio satellites for beginners is now available in South Africa. With the opening of e-commerce, Postnet is operating again and books can be sent to your nearest Postnet. You can make contacts through amateur radio satellites, and even with the International Space Station, using equipment you probably own right now! All it takes is the right information, which you will find in Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners by Steve Ford

There are dozens of spacecraft in orbit just waiting for your signals, and more are being launched every year. This book is your guide to a whole new world of operating enjoyment.

Amateur Radio Satellites for Beginners will introduce you to new experiences that you may have thought were out of your reach. Start reading and discover how easy it can be! To order the book visit www.amateurradio.org.za. 115 pages plus index.


Guidelines for a non SARL member to use the SA-QSL system- Phone Kelley at NARC (011 675 2393) and check that your correct information is on the database – license number and e-mail address are important.

Click on SA-QSL system link (on the left-hand side of the web page) and then click on “Need to Register”. Follow the instructions on the screen. Your username and password will be e-mailed to you which you can use to logon in future.

SARL and not yet SARL Members are requested to check their Electronic QSLs on a regular basis.


2024 Advertising in Radio ZS and the SARL Web site

Radio ZS and the SARL web welcomes advertising, it is a source of information for readers. Send your advertisement to Dennis, ZS4BS at radiozs@sarl.org.za

Advertising Rates (effective 1 January 2024) 

Display (cameo) on home page and Radio ZS: R300 pm; R1 700 for 6 months; R3 000 per annum

Commercial Hamad on home page - R100 pm – R300 for 6 months – R700 per annum

Terms and conditions

All contract advertisements content may be changed monthly on 5 working day notice.

The rates are based on the complete supply of material in Jpeg unless otherwise negotiated. For artwork additional charges may apply as agreed. A design service is available at R400 per advertisement.

The content of the advertisements must comply with regulations and norms acceptable in South Africa

All advertisements are playable in advance by EFT to SA Radio League, ABSA, account no 4071 588 849 branch code 632 005.

All correspondence and material must be sent to radiozs@sarl.org.za


HF Update with Dennis, ZS4BS - 16 March 2024 

Lesotho, 7P. The confirmed dates for the EI DX Group's DXpedition to the Roma area, Lesotho are 20 to 29 March. A large team will be active as 7P8EI on 160 - 10 metres using CW, SSB and digital modes with up to eight stations. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. Updates will be posted to www.facebook.com/groups/185038478993063/

Thailand, HS. Members of the Red Star Contest Club will be active holiday style as E28AM/p from Chang Island (AS-125) between 22 and 25 March. They will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on 40 to 10 metres. QSL via E21LLR.

Turkey, TA. Once again members of the TC Special Wireless Activity Team and the Giresun Wireless Radio Amateurs Association will be active as TC18M between 15 and 22 March to commemorate the anniversary of the naval battle of 18 March 1915 during the Dardanelles Campaign. QSL via LoTW; a certificate will be available on https://tadx.org/awards.

Poland, SP. SN55DIG is the special call sign that Adam, SQ9S will be using until the end of the year to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Diplom Interessen Gruppe. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. See https://diplom-interessen-gruppe.info/ for information about the DIG.

Italy, I. Members of ARI Sondrio (IQ2UL) will operate special event station II2AUT from 25 March to 7 May for the World Autism Awareness Day. QSL via the bureau and eQSL; QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log. Back in 2007 the United Nations General Assembly declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of autistic individuals so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.

Italy, I. Special call sign II4CLM will be active between 1 and 30 April in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi. QSL via the bureau. Joining the celebrations will be IY4FGM (the amateur radio station at the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation) and the club stations of the 17 ARI branches in the Emilia-Romagna region (namely IQ4AD, IQ4AX, IQ4BQ, IQ4DJ, IQ4FA, IQ4FC, IQ4FD, IQ4FE, IQ4FH, IQ4FJ, IQ4HI, IQ4LH, IQ4PI, IQ4RA, IQ4RE, IQ4RN and IQ4SC). Further information, including real time log search, can be found on https://www.150marconi.org/.

Czech Republic, OK. In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day (18 April), Martin, OK1RR and Slavek, OK1TN will be active as OL1WARD between 1 and 30 April. They will operate CW only on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW; paper cards will not be available.

Austria, OE. Special event station OE100RADIO is active until 31 December to celebrate the 100th anniversary since regular radio transmissions began in Austria on 1 October 1924. QSL via the bureau.

Belgium, ON. Special event stations OR24WARD and OP24WARD will be active on all bands and modes between 1 and 30 April in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day on 18 April. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or via eQSL. A certificate will be available, see www.uba.be/en/hf/awards/uba-awards.

France, F. Celebrating the 135th anniversary of the official inauguration of the Eiffel Tower on 31 March 1889, Michel, F8GGZ will be active as TM135TE between 24 and 31 March. QSL via the bureau.

French Guiana, FY. Starting on 6 April, members of the Radio Amateurs Club de Kourou (FY5KE), French Guiana will be active as TO60CSG for eight weekends in April, May and July (see qrz.com for the actual dates). The special call sign celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Centre Spatial Guyanais (Guiana Space Centre), Europe's Spaceport based in Kourou since 1964. QSL via LoTW, or direct to Laurent Haas, 19 rue de la Duee, BP 11, 75020 Paris, France.

Galapagos Islands, HD8. Rick, HC1MD (NE8Z) and Maria, HC1MM will be active again from the Galapagos Islands (SA-004) between 20 and 29 March. Look for HD8MD to operate CW, SSB and digital on 40 to 6 metres, with "extra attention for 6 metre openings in all directions 24/7," while HD8MM will operate SSB "occasionally". QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW daily; direct or bureau QSL cards via K8LJG or NE8Z.

Guadeloupe FG - Jean-Luc, F1ULQ will be active again TO1Q from Guadeloupe (NA-102) from 25 March to 7 April. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the HF bands and 6 metres and will possibly be QRV on satellites as well. QSL via home call, Club Log's OQRS and LoTW.  

St. Vincent, J8. Look for Kevin, W1DED to be active as J8NKI from Bequia (NA-025), St Vincent and the Grenadines, from 23 March to 1 April, including an entry in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest. QSL via LoTW, or direct to home call.

Cuba, CO. The Camaguey DX Group will be active as T47C and CO9JAB from Cayo Romano (NA-086) on 29 to 31 March. Nine operators will be active on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres SSB, CW and digital modes. QSLs direct to IK2DUW; QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW.  


CW News and Contesting 

 

SARL Forum Active Topics
Meet Rattelgram and Ribbit!!  19/03/2024  09:09:33
by: ZS6PCW
SARL QSL BUREAU  19/03/2024  05:32:55
by: ZS1F
Antenna Remote Control  19/03/2024  00:45:12
by: ZS6MUE
2024 Hamnet 40m Contest results  18/03/2024  21:42:28
by: ZS2G
POTA South Africa  18/03/2024  08:49:11
by: ZS6DX
The First CW Club In South Africa since 1925  17/03/2024  23:29:03
by: ZS6MSW
Air variable capacitor source in South Africa  17/03/2024  21:17:36
by: ZS6PCW
Obtaining COS from a USB Sound Adapter  15/03/2024  12:13:40
by: ZS1I
Revisit the ZS1I Soundcard Interface  15/03/2024  12:08:14
by: ZS1I
AWA/SAIEE Open Day  15/03/2024  09:31:49
by: ZS6ADY


Commercial Hamads 

ZS2BL's S.A. HAMSHACK

Direct importer of a wide selection of SWR meters, H.F., V.H.F. and U.H.F. base and mobile antennas. Amateur radio transceivers, antenna analyzers, etc. Affordable shipping costs for out of town customers and subsidized shipping to SARL members.Check out all my amateur radio goodies here. 0720268909. 


Just Curious Designs

Promotional Branding & Gifts for all your requirements relating to:

*T-Shirts * Cards * Caps *Mugs *Banners *Etching *Canvas

Visit our website and online shop for more information on our wide range of products at www.curiousdesigns.co.za or email us sales@curiousdesigns.co.za

Johan ZR6JC – 082 821 5759


Place your commercial hamads on the home page.  Book a six months space for R300 or 12 months at R500 prepaid with order   The advertisements will be  text only up to 60 words including address, telephone number and click through URL to advertisers' website and email address. Adverisement can be changed  Send your contact details to admin@sarl.org.za and we will contact you or call the NARC at 011 675 2393


What is Amateur Radio ? 

Tell me more  about Amateur Radio

Radio Amateurs, or "Hams" use two-way radio communication to make contact with other radio amateurs all over the world. They are even able to use satellites and on occasion speak with astronauts. Radio Hams can do this from home or while mobile in cars, boats or on foot.

Radio Hams have a full range or communication modes at their disposal. These include plain voice, Morse code, numerous digital computer modes and even graphical modes like television. As a licensed amateur radio operator you will be able to join in experiments using all these modes.

A
mateur radio can be enjoyed by young and old, male and female, even the most severely disabled can make friends around the world from their own home. This hobby knows no boundaries.


Random Photo from the Call book.


 Douw Gerbrand Kruger, ZS1DGK


     

Naz 





                                       


Sam's Radio 

visit our web here

Call us on 011 802 2976 

 





 



CDS Advert 

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 Click here to visit website www.cds.co.za/store/ 





 


Advert - Electronics FG 




SARL AGM2023 

 
 
 
 
 
 


Worked All ZS award
An interesting operating goal

The entry level for the WAZS award is 100 different call signs. The programme has recently been expanded to include higher level endorsements, such as WAZS-200, WAZS-300, etc. Endorsements may also be obtained for specific modes, eg: CW, SSB, etc.
Click here for more information...
 


lboat034a.gif (1979 bytes)SA Maritime Net

The South African Maritime Mobile Net provides weather reports and maintains contact with sailing vessels from around the coast and high seas.
The net operates 7 days a week.

There are two regular schedule times as follows:

  • 06:30 UTC and 11:30 UTC on 14 316 kHz – high seas net.
  • 06:35 UTC and 11:35 UTC on 7 120 kHz – coastal net - the net lasts approximately 30 minutes .
Visit the official SAMMNet Website or their facebook page for more information.
 
   

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This page last modified: 15/8/2023