Is Social Media killing amateur radio on-the-air activity?

 

In a recent discussion with a fellow radio amateur we discussed the use of WhatsApp, Telegram and even Facebook as a means of forwarding messages, images and discussing general amateur radio content.  And then we ask why is there so little activity locally on the amateur radio bands.  In the past before social media we "forward" messages, images and related discussions by means of voice/digital communications on HF, VHF and UHF radio.  The new trend to use social media instead of amateur radio has a big impact on HF, VHF and UHF activity.  Do we rather use social media then the amateur radio bands?  

I know that certain matters cannot be discussed on the air and for that purpose social media can be quite useful.  However we need to be careful that we do not use social media more that amateur radio for amateur radio related matters.

Questions that we would have asked in the past on air or even discuss are now being asked on social media.  Who can still remember how we used Packet Radio to ask questions and learn from answers.  Are we shooting ourselves in the foot?

When it comes to using the amateur radio bands I certainly think that we use social media much more than the amateur radio bands. If this trend continues we will have no leg to stand on, once our frequency spectrum comes under threat.  I would also like to warn again of amateur radio getting too secluded and group bound. 

Unity creates strength but I get the idea that we are becoming to fragmented and group bound. We really need to guard that we do not become our own worst enemy when it comes to the above matters. I might be completely out of line here but feel that it is necessary that we take note of the above. 

Finally I would like to encourage radio amateurs to use the amateur radio bands even if it is just for a good old rag-chew.  At least that way we keep the bands occupied and active.  

Social media does have a place in amateur radio and can be useful in some instances.  I am not against using social media for certain amateur radio matters but our main focus should be to use the amateur radio bands more than social media unless we do not care that we can loose some of our bands in future due to inactivity.

Amateur Radio should be our first choice when communicating with our fellow radio amateurs.  Be smart..... rather use Amateur Radio instead of Social Media.

PS/  Don't shoot the messenger.  Rather give the above a thought and decide if it is true or false or maybe! 

#4 - Amateur Radio News and Announcements (14 July 2026)

 In this issue of Amateur Radio News and Announcements:

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. 

The decline in Amateur Radio during winter is neutralized by creating activity!!

Who said there is a decline in Amateur Radio during the winter months?  I said so.  Look HERE.

My OM had a saying that if a door is closed into your face, you must always find another door to open and continue with what you are doing and enjoying.  This means do not give up and you will be able to continue also in amateur radio.  So true and this saying I have been following throughout the years.  It allowed me to bounce back in life sometimes even with better results than before.

Well amateur radio activity is up here in the Mossel Bay area as well as parts of South Africa.   Let's look at some of the activity by means of illustrated images:  

Image above:  Connected nodes to the ZS1I HUB in Mossel Bay  (Click on image for larger view.)

Image Above:  Bubble Chart of stations connected to the HUB yesterday afternoon.  (Click on image for larger view.

1.  ZS1I HUB Network Activity:  I will let the images speak for themself.  The HUB is alive and active on a daily basis with stations frequently heard also via all the cross-links and connected nodes and repeaters.  A few overseas stations were also heard on the ZS1I HUB Network.  I do not take any credit for this as the network consists of many participating entities.  Great to hear all the activity taking place.

 Image: Some "useless" information? (Click on image for larger view.)

Image:  Winter playing a role in the decline? (Click on image for larger view.)

2.  ZS1I  Amateur Radio Projects / Activities Blog:  This blog is was created in April 2026 and is already being visited by many viewers on a daily basis.  Hopefully the blog is not only my place were I keep some back-up information but also a medium where young and old can learn something.  I am not a person chasing records or wanting any attention in amateur radio.  I am to old for that nonsense.  The Blog for me is like a amateur radio "diary".  Many article might also be bored and not of interest to others.  None the less thank you to all the visitors for visiting the ZS1I Blog.   I hope to keep up rolling articles out that might be of interest to the general amateur radio community. 

Image:  Brandmeister Hoseline  (Click in image for larger view.) 

3.  DMR Activity still on the increase World Wide!  - Need I say anything about the increase in the use of DMR World Wide and in South Africa?   This is great news for amateur radio operators and the future of digital radio modes.  With the cross-linking of analogue systems to digital systems nobody is left out in the cold even if you only have a analogue HT radio.  At times the ZS1I HUB Network is linked to various DMR Talk Groups which resulted in an increase in activity.  The audio is good and the linked systems work great.  Yesterday operators were heard from Germany, Australia, UK, USA, Japan on Hoseline which was cross linked to the ZS1I DMR Bridge and DMR Repeater in Mossel Bay.  And no it was all country talk groups and not the World Wide Talk Group (91).  Great conversations and activity on DMR.  I do have a few ideas and changes that I would like to make to even better the current cross linked system.   Stay tuned!!

 

 

Image: 40 m WSPR Map South Africa (Click in image for larger view.) 

Image:  Stations that spotted the ZS1I 40m WSPR Beacon recently,  thanks to all.  (Click on image for larger view.)

4.  40m WSPR Activity:  WSPR is a great amateur radio propagation tool.  I am amazed on how propagation changes on the 40m band from time to time.  At one stage only a few stations received the 40m ZS1I WSPR Beacon.  Then all of a sudden there was a increase in spotted stations.  I must admit that I have lots to learn about WSPR.  Sure this will come with time.  In the mean time many thanks to all who regularly spot the Mossel Bay WSPR Beacon.  More interesting developments to come relating to WSPR Beacons in the future. 

5.  ZA-Net Network Activity:  For the past few days I have connected the HUB to the ZA-Net Network up in Gauteng.  At times there were activity even from abroad.  The audio quality was good and the network is working great.  Herewith more information about the network:

ZA-Net Network Web-Site:  Click HERE

• ZA-Net Repeaters & Network
  • Linked Repeater Sites
  • ZA-Net Bubble Network
  • ZA-Net Map of Repeaters
  • ZA-Net Etiquette
  • System Statuses
• Scheduled Bulletins & Talks
  • ZA-Net Schedules
• Participating Clubs
  • Sandton Amateur Radio Club (SARC)
  • Antique Wireless Association
  • West Rand Amateur Radio Club
  • Kempton Park Amateur Radio Technical Society
   

2 x Images above:  Orania AllStar Expansion - Zayn ZR3VO  (Click on images for larger view.)

 

6.  AllStar Connect and Disconnect - Orania:  Zayn ZR3VO took it to hart to create more on air activity in his part of the world by setting up a AllStar Hub that will automatically connect and disconnect to dedicated nodes in parts of South Africa.  More on this in a future article.  I assisted Zayn ZR3VO to setup his node by using 2 scripts and the crontab scheduler to automate his connections and disconnections.  This setup will provide coverage in the Free State and Northern Cape. Well done Zayn!! 

 

 

Above image:  Mumble client reflecting the Mumble Server and AllStar3 Mumble Bridge with connected Dell PC and the 467650 Bot (Click on image for larger view.) 

Image above:  The ZS1I HUB and Simplex Link reflecting the ZS1I ASL3 Mumble Bridge Node (467650) connected and ready to relay any traffic.  (Click on image for larger view.) 

 

7.  Mumble Bridge Node Relays: - Relay amateur radio audio from a personal computer to any AllStar, Echolink, Analog RF Repeaters, Analog RF Links,  HF Radio, AREDN Mesh Network,  DMR Bridge or DMR Repeater etc.   Some time ago I published and article on how to setup a Mumble Bridge and why one would setup such a bridge.  Well one of the reasons was to relay amateur radio audio digitally without patch boxes and cables.  I have tested the current setup successfully in broadcasting any audio to all linked devices using the Mumble Bridge and Server linked to the 467650 AllStar Mumble Node.  It works great and make things so much easier when broadcasting or relaying audio.  This setup also increased the activity on the ZS1I HUB Network as Brandmeister Hoseline audio was tested successfully.

 

 

8.  Test broadcasts of Amateur Radio Newsline and ARRL News: When and where - On the ZS1I HUB Node Wednesdays-  at 19h30 and Fridays evenings at 19h30.  In a previous posting I mentioned the idea in creating a on demand news node setup which will allow users to privately listen to a variety of bulletins whenever they have the time.  Currently I am busy with test broadcasts as listed supra.  You can now listen to the above amateur radio news on the ZS1I HUB Network until further notification. Both setups work great in providing further activity to the ZS1I HUB Network.

 

Well there you have it. The decline in Amateur Radio during the winter is neutralized by creating activity if there is very little or none!  Activity keep amateur radio alive and well!!

Important change to the ZS1I AllStar HUB in the Mossel Bay Area

In a previous post available HERE I outlay certain changes that were made to the ZS1I HUB Network. 

Once again the need arise to make further changes to the network for the effective working of not only the Mossel Bay Network but also all the other networks that are connected to the ZS1I HUB Network.  Unfortunately this will effect some of our regular users of the  ZS1I HUB Network.  I apologize for any inconvenience but circumstances sometimes force one to make changes in order to better the network or to prevent forthcoming issues and current bad - undesirable practices that will cause unhappiness and worst of all transgressing regulatory statutes and the Amateur Radio Code of Conduct.

Let's get straight to the change:

The Administrator of the ZS1I HUB Network will in future only connect to nodes, repeaters, reflectors etc. if there is no operational or technical issues relating to the connected systems and if there is an interest to do so.  No connections will be made to nodes that demonstrate bad practices and operating procedures by radio amateurs and will those systems be disconnected without any warning or notification.  Once again I do not play policeman or guardian as I explained the reason on many occasions in the past on the old and new Blog.  Now the not connecting will have an effect on all the stations/nodes that regularly connect to the ZS1I HUB Network.  Unfortunately I have to draw the line somewhere as I cannot continue with the issues experienced in the last few weeks / months.

I am not going to mention which nodes/repeaters will be connected and those not connected as your VOIP application dashboard will provide you with that information.  Does this mean that when my favorite node / network is not connected that they transgressed in some way or the other.  NO not at all.  There might be many reasons and I will not speculate on this.  Furthermore the administrator of the ZS1I HUB Network can only monitor so many nodes / repeaters and networks.

Does this now mean that I will be left in the cold?  Not at all.  I am currently busy with many new features for the ZS1I HUB Network as already mentioned briefly in previous articles but there are many more in the pipeline.  One new and popular feature is the cross linking of the weekly DMR-ZA Net to various modes, nodes and repeaters.  More information on this available HERE.

"I cannot access my favorite Net / Bulletin anymore after you stopped connecting to certain nodes / stations!  What now?"   Do not despair.  Your Net Controller is welcome to connect to the ZS1I HUB Network if he so wish permitting there is no other traffic on the network at the time.  Alternatively you can connect directly to the club's / group's node of the Net you want to listen or talk to.  You connect to the specific node of the club / group via AllStar / Echolink / DMR etc., bypassing the ZS1I HUB Network Node.  That way you will not be left in the cold.  

All radio amateur are welcome to use the ZS1I HUB Network as long as they adhere to a few general "rules".  This is the standard practice in all large networks as to ensure orderly operations.   For those not familiar with the "rules - guidelines" a copy is available HERE.  I am sure you will agree that these few lines are really not there to "play policeman" but rather a guideline to good practical operating procedures when using any amateur radio network.

The above change will be implemented with immediate effect.

If you have any questions or suggestions you can contact me HERE. 

Change: Broadcast of Bulletins, Nets, Live Link Connections on the ZS1I AllStar HUB Network which will include National and International Broadcasts

Important:  HERE is the current schedule for Bulletins, Nets and Link Connections.  This schedule will soon change as described below.

Many might not know but I am not a monotonous type of person.  I hate when certain repetitive or stale amateur radio activities, nets, chats etc. takes place year in and year out on the same old trend.  To put it plainly - It is mind-numbing !!  Therefor I enjoy making changes on a regular interval to not lose interest or have to listen to useless information over and over.

I had been thinking and that can be rather dangerous.  Well I came up with a new method of broadcasting amateur radio news content.  I am busy setting up a new server that will be used for broadcasting amateur radio news on demand or at a certain time.  I am still working on some detail to achieve a great outcome using AllStarLink, Echolink and DMR.  This setup will run parallel to the current ZS1I Hub Network which will only be used for Nets and QSO's.   Listeners will be able to connect to the News Server and listen to a wide variety of content which will also include podcasts.  Once I have the server operational a final implementation date will be set.

The change will result in the fact that the Sunday morning bulletin schedule will change dramatically.  I envisage that only the two SARL Bulletins will be transmitted at 08h15 and 08h30 SAST on the ZS1I Hub Network.  NO other bulletin or news broadcasts will be transmitted on the ZS1I Hub Network unless prior approval is granted for such broadcasts.

The idea I have is for operators to connect to the dedicated news server either with AllStar, Echolink or DMR to listen to the provided content.  I will provide and list (index) of content that you can listen to and on what day and time.  A nice feature would be a on demand automated digital stream that will stream content on request, maybe something for the future but for the time being, I will use the scheduled method. 

Why not broadcast Amateur Radio News Bulletins on the ZS1I Hub Network anymore?  It is quite easy to explain.

1.   The rapid system expansion of the ZS1I Hub Network resulted in a heavy workload on the equipment of the ZS1I Hub Network  and the administrators of other networks in South Africa.  The SC Network is currently one of the largest networks in South Africa and carries heavy traffic at times.  Control, supervision and maintenance of the network repeaters, nodes, bridges etc. at all times is of the utmost importance to ensure the smooth functioning of the network.  The network consists of many other local and worldwide stations which is linked to the ZS1I Hub Network.  Administrators have to take the rapid expansion, size and workload on all the system into consideration.

2.  The ZS1I Hub Network is a private operated network and is not affiliated to any club, group or organization. The ZS1I Hub Network owner maintain good relations with all clubs, organizations and fellow radio amateurs,  world wide.   The ZS1I Hub owner therefor has no obligation to any club, group or organization when it comes to the broadcast of local amateur radio news bulletins.  

3.  Many national and international amateur radio news bulletins are nowadays automated.  This means that the ZS1I Hub Network System (computer) automatically downloads the audio file from a web-site, cut it up into time slots and then automatically plays it on the network at given time. This is surely the way to go and does the ZS1I Hub Network make use of this helpful AllStar function.  No compiling, editing and live reading of a bulletin on the air.  The  automation of national and international is the preferred method to transmit amateur radio news bulletins as it works great and does not result in a heavy workload on especially RF systems, equipment on the network and administrators.

4.  Many large VOIP and RF Radio Networks has taken the decision not to broadcast any amateur radio news bulletins on their networks.  There are many reasons for this decision.  Some of these networks literally have 100's of systems including RF Repeaters connected together and it makes sense to not broadcast any club bulletins on such networks as a local club bulletin is meant for that specific club members and not for world wide broadcasting.  The ZS1I Hub  Network has therefor also taken the decision not to broadcast local club bulletins over the large network.

5.  Restructuring of the network.  Yes the dreaded word called restructuring, many hate to hear.  Unfortunately we do not live in the stone age and we as radio amateurs need to stay informed of the latest technology and experimenting.  Future changes to the ZS1I Hub Network will be made and some will love it others will hate it.  Amateur Radio means to regularly engage in the activity, developing skills, experiment, learning new things, and finding enjoyment in the process.  Sometimes we need to restructure the network, if not we will stagnate and not move forward with the times.  

The above surely explain the reasons why I will discontinue the broadcasting of local amateur radio news bulletins on the ZS1I Hub Network and create a free standing Amateur Radio News Server as explained above.

Finally:  As indicated the implementation date and how to use the server will be announced in a future posting when the all New  ZS1I Amateur Radio News Server will be operational.  Until then the current method will be still available. Test transmissions might be heard from time to time on the ZS1I Hub Network.

What is happening to Amateur Radio in South Africa and will ET be able to phone home ?

Image:  ET phones home correctly by using good operating procedures  (Click on image for larger view.) 

The title question can be interpreted in two ways.  No need for me to explain.  I am sure that there are many South African Radio Amateurs that love the hobby and some started in the hobby while they were still kids.  On occasion I called the hobby an obsession which is a bit over the top.  But that is how I feel about the best and most versatile hobby in the World.   

However  ......  there are a few things that needs to be rectified or looked at, that is not in line with the Amateur Radio Code of Conduct or that transgress the Radio Act and or Radio Regulations.  I on many occasions have said that I am not a "policeman" and has no authority to take any action to rectify any transgressions.  I can however voice my dissatisfaction about a few transgressions as the amateur radio hobby is / should be a self regulating hobby without the need for the authorities to intervene.  

The incidents / transgressions that I am going to mention here is really damaging the image of the hobby and I am sure that this is not what we want to observe and hear about amateur radio.  Be as it may I need to get the following off my chest:

• Blatant transgression of call signs on the air  -  Have you heard the following:  "1I good afternoon."  1I is not a call sign.  The correct use of the call sign must be "ZS1I good afternoon".  The abbreviation of a call sign is a transgression of the radio regulations.
• Another transgression is when an operator calls in as "Tobie from Put-Sonder-Water, good afternoon".  Where is the call sign and who is Tobie ..... a pirate?  Even if you know the voice and the person why does he not provide his call sign when he break into / join a conversation.  At least everybody on the air will from the on-set know who Tobie is!
• The following example in my opinion is rude and I will not even try to join the conversation.  The following happens on many bands.  Right off the bat is HF.  Two friends are chatting and a third and fourth wants to join but the two operators leave no gap for anybody to join.  They just carry on talking.  Yes I know about conditions etc. but this also happens on the VHF / UHF bands and repeaters.  This is not in line with the Amateur Radio Code of Conduct.
• Since when is a cellphone call more important than an amateur radio conversation.  Have your heard the following:   "Just stand by I have a phone call."  Half an hour later the receiver of the phone call returns and expect to chat further.   This happens many times.  Switch you phone off or do not join a conversation if you expect a call on the cellphone.  Why can you not later return the cellphone call after you ended the QSO?  I have been left in the cold on many occasions and do not "come back" when the "offender" returns.  In my opinion this is out-rite rude conduct.
• "Kerchunking ..... Kerchunking!!   Need I say anything more about kerchunking a repeater?  What is so difficult to say "ZS1I testing / monitoring the 145.775 Mhz repeater"?   On several occasions I have heard somebody responding to a Kerchunker,  friendly reminding him to provide a call sign but not providing his own call sign on the air.
• Amateur Radio has a few musicians on the air as well.  They love to play courtesy, sirens and other tones on the air.  Sir / Madam your tones are a nuisance and serve no purpose at all.  You can still use your DTMF tones by setting it up not to be heard on-air via a node etc.  Nowadays there is no need to hear any tones on the air.  There are other ways to do it correctly.
• CB slang and jargon!!  I also started off in CB many years ago when CB radio just started to become popular.  Please refrain from using CB slang or jargon in Amateur Radio.   I hear many operators in amateur radio talking the talk of CB.  If you want to use slang or jargon use your CB radio for that purpose.
• Another irritating practice is when a station is talking or busy to hand over to another station and someone makes a comment over a person or in between rounds without providing his call-sign.   Why can this person not wait until it is his / her time (over) to speak.  This practice in my eyes is causing deliberate interference on the air.  Is this a practice that was used by rogue CB operators?  

I have only mentioned a few irritating transgressions which also contravene the Amateur Radio Code of Conduct.  I am sure that you can think and add more ugly "habits" that is not mentioned in this article.

Ask any older radio amateur that has been a radio amateur for many years and he or she will be able to confirm that this is not the way to operate an amateur radio station.  Yes, some of the older operators are also at fault and I do not point finger to any generation in this regard.

If the above transgressions / ugly trends continues it will damage the image of amateur radio and also chase many away from this wonderful hobby which we cannot afford under any circumstances.  

The South African Radio League Web Site provides value information on Ethics and Operating Procedure for the Radio-Amateur made available by the IARU,  Click  HERE to view.

Good operating procedures should and must always be our first priority in amateur radio otherwise ET will not be able to phone home!  👌😢 

 

Amateur Radio in the age of AI

Video:  Dr. Paris Buttfield-Addison (VK7SYN) discusses "Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Amateur Radio," what AI actually is & demonstrates the potential for AI to enhance amateur radio.  -  Ham Radio DX 

Amateur Radio in the Age of AI 

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing amateur radio by automating routine tasks, enhancing signal processing, and optimizing contest strategies. Far from rendering the hobby obsolete, AI acts as a powerful operating assistant—improving noise filtering, expanding accessibility for operators with disabilities, and advancing global spectrum experimentation. 

Key Applications of AI in Ham Radio

• Signal Processing & Noise Reduction: AI algorithms are increasingly integrated into software-defined radios (SDRs) and digital signal processors (DSP). They can intelligently filter out background noise, isolate weak signals in harsh atmospheric conditions, and enhance audio clarity. 
• Contest Strategy & Logging: AI analyzes massive datasets from the DX Cluster to provide real-time recommendations on rare stations, predict optimal band frequencies, and optimize your overall score during major contesting events. 
• Accessibility & Voice Control: Machine learning models assist operators with speech impairments or visual limitations to participate in digital modes (like FT8) through automated text-to-speech, voice control, and digitized voice generation. 
• Propagation Forecasting: AI systems process historical and real-time space weather, solar flux index (SFI), and geomagnetic data to generate highly accurate HF (High Frequency) propagation predictions.

What AI Cannot Replace

While AI can help you hunt down contacts or log QSOs, the core of amateur radio remains human. The technology cannot replicate the thrill of building physical antennas, improvising off-grid communications during emergencies, or the tactile feel of tuning a radio. The regulatory framework for amateur licensing and transmitting—managed globally by bodies like the ITU—still requires a licensed human operator at the helm. 

Now lets look a little deeper into this sometimes controversial topic. 

The application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in amateur radio has transitioned from conceptual experimentation into real-world software tool-chains and radio hardware. AI operates as a powerful algorithmic layer that interfaces with the physical environment, processing massive amounts of telemetry data and raw RF (Radio Frequency) audio streams. 

The primary technical areas where AI is creating the most significant impact include advanced digital signal processing, dynamic ionospheric modeling, and cognitive station automation. 

---

1. Neural Networks & Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

Traditional DSP relies on hard-coded mathematical rules (like fixed Bandpass or Notch filters) to clean up signals. AI replaces or augments this with recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and adaptive filters that train on millions of noisy audio samples. 

• Intelligent Noise Isolation: AI filters can dynamically distinguish between human voice, Morse code (CW), and ambient localized interference—such as EMI from solar panel inverters, power grids, or switching power supplies. It subtracts the noise in real time, making borderline unreadable signals intelligible. 
• Automatic Signal Classification: Using low-power hardware (such as a Raspberry Pi paired with an RTL-SDR dongle), AI algorithms use open-source pipelines to instantly identify, classify, and isolate specific modulation types (e.g., APRS, FT8, FM, or satellite beacons) across wide swaths of the radio spectrum. 

2. Predictive Propagation and "Big Data" Ionospheric Modeling

Predicting whether an HF (High Frequency) signal will bounce off the ionosphere to reach a specific continent has historically relied on static monthly median models like VOACAP. AI shifts this to real-time, fluid forecasting: 

• Telemetry Integration: Machine learning algorithms continuously ingest live data streams, including Solar Flux Index (SFI), geomagnetic activity (K-index, A-index), coronal mass ejection alerts, and planetary ionosonde readouts. 
• Crowdsourced Spot Mapping: Modern AI architectures collect hundreds of thousands of daily data points from networks like the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) and DX clusters. By analyzing the paths where signals are actually getting through right now, the AI builds deep-learning models to map out precise, real-time RF "micro-openings" on the bands. 

3. Smart Contesting, Automated Logging, and Strategy

During radio contesting—where the goal is to make as many rapid-fire contacts as possible—AI functions as a digital co-pilot. 

• Predictive Spotting & Hunting: AI systems analyze cluster feeds to prioritize rare DX stations based on your station's historical capabilities, antenna trajectory, and local terrain limitations. It advises when to switch bands or call a specific frequency before the band opening disappears. 
• Automated Call Translation: In weak-signal scenarios or heavy pileups, AI assists in audio decoding. Generative audio tools can infill missing packets of voice transmissions, predicting a call sign's broken suffix or prefix based on global license databases and phonetic speech patterns. 

4. Accessibility and Cognitive Radio Control

AI lowers the physical barriers to entry for disabled, aging, or speech-impaired operators, ensuring inclusivity in the amateur community. 

• Speech and Language Translation: Real-time translation models allow operators of different nationalities to converse smoothly via voice. For operators with localized speech impairments, AI can map inconsistent vocal inputs into synthesized, digitized voices that cleanly trigger SSB (Single Side-band) transmitters. 
• No-Code CW Assistants: Machine learning toolsets are being developed to interpret high-speed, poorly spaced, or drifting manual Morse code ("fists"). This translates raw audio into readable text on a screen without requiring the operator to master the code by ear. 

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Comparison: Traditional vs. AI-Enhanced Radio Operation

Feature	Traditional Amateur Radio	AI-Enhanced Amateur Radio
Noise Filtering	Manual adjustments of RF gain, notch filters, and fixed audio DSP width.	Dynamic neural networks that isolate human voice or code from background electrical hums.
Band Hunting	Manual tuning across a VFO dial or tracking simple text-based DX cluster alerts.	Predictive spectrum scanning prioritizing frequencies based on real-time solar telemetry.
Digital Decoding	Exact mathematical pattern-matching; fails if signal drops below the hard theoretical noise floor.	Generative packet-filling and probabilistic decoding of compromised data streams.
Shack Maintenance	Manual reading of complex paper schematics to build antennas or debug circuitry.	Computer vision and LLMs that troubleshoot physical circuit designs or guide antenna cuts via photo inputs.

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From the beginning, amateur radio has connected people with reliable information and companionship, including in the most difficult moments during emergencies or disasters.

In this new era, AI must remain a tool to serve that mission: helping radio amateurs to assist more people, in more languages; never replacing the editorial responsibility for which communities rely on amateur radio stations during disasters.

World Radio Day, celebrated yearly on 13 February, honours the medium’s unique power to inform, connect and accompany people everywhere. 

The latest annual theme reminds us:  

“AI is a tool, not a voice.”

We need to continue to preserve the Amateur Radio bands / airwaves as a valuable resource that enables this unique medium to thrive.

Ultimately, radio’s future depends on using AI to reaffirm and strengthen the human values that define the medium.

 

ED.  There is quite a few authors that contributed to this topic:

1. Dr. Paris Buttfield-Addison VK7SYN

2. Hayden P Honeywood VK7HH

3. Mario Maniewicz, Director, ITU Radiocommunication Bureau

4. Johan ZS1I

5.  AI

I would like to thank them for their input and outlook on AI.  AI was used as a tool, not a voice in this topic!   -  ZS1I