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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I have been asked on several occasions whether I ever use a radio on DMR as it would appear that all the articles I post has to do with DMR applications that runs on a cellphone or PC. In a past article I explained that with all do respect amateur radio is not only about real radios. I use what I have available and that will serve the purpose that I have intended for it. In other words I use the communications medium for a specific reason and purpose. It is definitely not a hard and fast rule. I use old valve tech to the newest surface technology, VoIP, Digital Voice modes etc. whenever I feel like using at the time.
I do have several radios and use them as and when the need arise. In this article I am going to look at the TYT MD380 DMR Handheld radio which I acquired several years ago when DMR was still in its infancy in South Africa. Now why would I write and article about this specific radio. It is really quite simple. The TYT MD-380 is a popular, budget-friendly DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) handheld transceiver widely used by amateur radio operators and professionals. It offers a great entry point into digital communications, providing both analog FM and digital DMR Tier II capabilities.
Key Specifications & Features
Frequencies: Available in distinct single-band models: TYT MD-390 VHF (136 - 174 MHz) or TYT MD-380 UHF (400 - 480 MHz). (Dual-band models like the MD-UV380 are also available).
Power Output: Selectable high (5 W) and low (1 W) power settings.
Channels & Zones: 1,000 channels, organized into user-defined zones (16 channels per zone accessible via the rotary knob).
Display: Full-color LCD display showing channel, zone, battery life, and signal strength.
Battery: Typically comes with a 2000 mAh Li-ion battery, providing roughly 9 to 12 hours of active use.
Audio: Equipped with an AMBE+2 digital vocoder for clear digital audio.
Programming
While the MD-380 allows basic front-panel configuration for frequencies and tones, advanced digital features (like assigning DMR talkgroups and contact lists) require PC programming.
Software: Requires the free TYT CPS (Customer Programming Software) for Windows.
Cable: Requires a specific TYT USB programming cable (often uses a standard Kenwood 2-pin connector on the radio end). Note that this software is not natively supported on Mac computers.
For a complete breakdown of the radio's features, menu options, and everyday functionality:
So far you wrote nothing about the out of ordinary about this radio! That how it is. I have never seen the need to purchase a radio with all the bells and whistles that never gets used and I do not buy a radio with the intend that I might use the bells and whistles some day. O! and I do not have anything against bells and whistles. My motto is to purchase a practical KISS radio that is upgrade-able if it ever becomes necessary. Enough of this. Let's get to the upgrading of the TYT MD-380 radio.
Thanks to the ingenuity of a few fellow radio amateurs for coming up with firmware that will "revolutionize" the MD-380. There are several different firmware upgrades available.
WARNING: Please use the correct firmware for your specific radio. I used the following tutorial to upgrade my MD-380, available HERE.I would suggest further reading for complete documentation with graphics of the added features available HERE.[PDF]
I installed the following firmware for my TYT MD-380: MD-380Toolz Ver 1 April 2018 CP Ver - V 01.37.
The software builds upon the original custom open-source firmware project for the Tytera MD-380, which was reverse-engineered and developed by Travis Goodspeed (KK4VCZ) and his counterparts in the amateur radio community.
MD380Tools is custom, open-source firmware and a software toolkit designed for the TYT MD-380 (and similar DMR radios). It bypasses the limitations of the factory firmware, providing you with highly requested features like Promiscuous Mode (listening to all talk groups on a timeslot), full digital contact list storage, a microphone volume meter, and customized background images.
Key Features
Full Database Support: Allows you to load the complete global DMR user database so the radio displays the caller's name, callsign, and location.
Promiscuous Mode: Bypasses Talk Group restrictions so you can monitor all traffic on your current frequency, color code, and timeslot without needing to program specific groups.
Custom Tweaks: Adds features like a visual microphone volume meter, screen customization, custom boot screens, and backlight timeouts.
Requirements & Preparation
Before flashing your radio, you will need:
Programming Cable: The standard USB programming cable that comes with the MD-380.
Backup: Use your standard MD-380 CPS (Customer Programming Software) to read your radio and save your current codeplug (radio settings and channels) to your computer before attempting any updates.
Installation & Flashing
Note: Installing custom firmware carries a small risk. Always ensure your radio is fully charged and the USB cable is not disturbed during the flash.
Further information on upgrading the TYT MD-380 is available HERE and HERE.
Having paid less that 1K for this radio and upgrading it with the firmware MD-380Tools resulted in a very useful DMR Radio that I use daily to excess / monitor the ZS1I DMR Repeater in Mossel Bay. I love this radio and I am sure that many others feel the same.
There you have it changing a budget and fairly aged DMR into a very useful DMR Radio. Finally I do have amateur radio radios and I use them more frequent than some might think. No pun intended! As said before I like to use what I have available at the time for a specific purpose.
