In this issue of Amateur Radio News and Announcements:
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1. No-SDR: A New Open Source Multi-User WebSDR for RTL-SDR:
No SDR hardware on your desk? No problem. Multi-user web receiver with real-time waterfall, stereo FM, and digital mode decoding — all served from Go back end to your browser.
no-sdr turns cheap RTL-SDR USB dongles into a full-featured web-based radio receiver. Multiple users connect through their browser and independently tune, demodulate, and listen to signals — all sharing the same hardware. No plugins, no installs, just open a URL.
Think of it as your own private, open WebSDR that you can run at your home pc or on a docker container (compose). Works in Raspberry Pi too.
This project aims High Fidelity, weak signals processing, near lossless quality, low bandwidth consumption and aims every feature to be run also on arm architecture (RPi/MAC). For x86 four binaries are included and you CPU capability level is detected on container start, processors with streaming extensions (SSE/AVX etc.) have superior performance and each client consumes less CPU cycles. All of this open, no closed source.
2. G4NSJ - What happened to amateur radio? Where is everyone? Where is the ionosphere?
What happened to amateur radio? Where is everyone? Where is the ionosphere? Band conditions have been awful, 40 meters is dead. What's all this EQ business about? Why pump up the bass on SSB? Why run a kilowatt when you have a rubbish antenna? This explains a lot...
G4NSJ examines the decline in activity across various amateur radio bands and repeaters. Discussion focuses on changing communication practices, including the use of high power and audio processing on side-band, while contrasting current experiences with techniques from the past.
Watch the video HERE.
3. Tune into the DMR-ZA Net this evening at 19h30 SAST
To my big surprise the article that I wrote about the DMR-Net available HERE is currently one of the most popular posts on the Blog. It would appear that there is a great interest in DMR in South Africa.
Herewith a list of different equipment / apps and images that cross transmit / receive the DMR-ZA Net on a Tuesday evening. (Click on images for larger view.)
1. ZS1I 49355 AllStar Hub Network which incorporates Echolink. (ZS1I-R)
2. DMR / DVSwitch /AllStar Bridge (TG 65522)
3. ZS1I MMDVM Digital Repeater (TG 65522)
4. 145.550 Mhz Analogue Simplex RF Link Mossel Bay area.
5. DroidStar / VoxDMR Applications for DMR TG655
6. ASL3 to Mumble Bridge PC (Mumble Client) as well as Mobile Phone (Plumble Client)
7. BrandMeister - Hoseline Application (PC or Mobile Phone - Receive only.)
8. DVSwitch Mobile Application (PC or Mobile Phone)
9. Many Analog-Repeaters and Links are connected to the ZS1I Hub Network on a daily basis. Some of these analogue repeaters will be connected to the ZS1I Hub Network on a Tuesday evening and they might also be linked to other repeaters country- and world wide. So why not link up with your local analogue repeater. You might just be able to connect to the DMR-ZA Net on a Tuesday evening at 19h30 SAST.
4. Increased Cape Traffic Brings Maritime Security in Focus
The article is available HERE.
Now out of an amateur radio point of view the question arises, with increased maritime traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, what will happen in event of a maritime disaster? The Western Cape coastal area is well know for many maritime disasters in the past and you will find many shipwrecks around the coastline of South Africa. With the sinking of the Oseanos cruise ship great challenges were forthcoming in rescuing passengers from the ship. Radio communications is still today of the utmost importance during any disaster.
Here are some information regarding South African Maritime Mobile Net (Amateur Radio Maritime Net) and Cape Town Radio (South Africa's primary maritime radio coastal station).
As an amateur radio operator living in Mossel Bay (coastal town) the increase in Maritime traffic and the focus on Maritime security should not be ignored. We as coastal radio amateurs must be ready for any eventuality that might happen.
(Click on image for larger view.)
5. NEW!! - QSO One Amateur Radio, re-imagined.
The All-in-One Android & Windows Application for Ham Radio Operators 📡
From DMR, AllStarLink, M17, EchoLink, and IAX connections, QSO One makes it easy to bring multiple amateur radio networks together in a single, user-friendly application.
✅ Proper AllStarLink Node Number and IAX2 Password
✅ Correct EchoLink Callsign and Password
✅ Accurate DMR ID and Network Settings
✅ M17 Reflector and Callsign Configuration
✅ Reliable IAX Connectivity
QSO One is a software application for amateur (ham) radio operators that consolidates multiple digital voice networks into a single app, eliminating the need to juggle multiple programs.The platform allows users to connect to networks like AllStarLink, EchoLink, DMR (BrandMeister and TGIF), and M17 without requiring extra hardware or a physical hotspot.
Key features of the application include:
Network Integration: Connects to multiple digital voice protocols straight from a PC or mobile device.
Logging and Audio: Includes built-in QSO logging, callsign lookup, and audio recording.
Net Runner: Automatically transcribes and catches callsigns during an active net session, auto-populating a check-in roster.
For more information or to test the beta version, you can visit the QSO One Beta Download.
Watch the video HERE
6. Amateur Radio in Men’s Sheds: Community Outreach Through Science, Technology and Connection
Amateur radio offers Men’s Sheds a powerful new way to connect with members who may not be drawn to traditional woodworking, metalworking or workshop activities. For many people, the attraction is technology, science, communications, electronics, weather, computers, space, emergency communications and lifelong learning. An amateur radio program gives these members a place to belong, contribute and keep learning, while still delivering the core Men’s Shed goals of social connection, purpose, well-being and practical community benefit.
The community benefits are significant. Amateur radio can help reduce social isolation, encourage participation, support mental health, build confidence and provide opportunities for skills transfer between generations. It also helps strengthen community resilience by developing local communications knowledge and emergency preparedness. With partnerships involving amateur radio clubs, schools, Scouts, libraries, universities, STEM groups and emergency service organizations, a Men’s Shed radio program can become a genuine community outreach hub.
Comment: Well done Australia!! I had the great privilege to visit a Men's Shed in Toowoomba, Australia about three years ago. What an experience for a South African Old Timer. A pity that there is no Men's Sheds in South Africa. Information on the Toowoomba Men's Shed available HERE.
