(RADIO-ZS Vol.60 No.2)

RADIO SCOUTING. MARCH/APRIL 2007

by Dave Gemmell
and the Broomstick Warriors.

JOTA 20/21-10-2007. AN UPDATE
Many thanks to Evan Davies ZS6EVD and LARK for the hard work that they are putting in to the preparations for JOTA and Sunrise Ceremony (1st August). Their efforts are concentrated at Mafikeng.
Applications for the callsigns ZS50MAF and ZS100MAF have been submitted. The applications for ZS100MAF AND ZS50MAF have been sent in to ICASA. Many thanks to Vee as well for checking the forms and getting through to the authorities.
Bear in mind that 1st August 2007 is the 100th anniversary of the first Scout Camp at Brownsea Island, UK so try to contact the special event station GB100BI which be operating at this time. Another special event station in the UK is GB100J which will be on the air at the 21st. World Scout Jamboree, to be held in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, from the 24th July to the 9th August 2007. This will be the largest camp held in the UK since the 1957 Jamboree.

ANOTHER CALL/REMINDER FOR DEMO. STATIONS.
Interested hams need only be on the air at times which suit themselves and for as long as they please but a continuous coverage of most of Saturday 20th October 2007 is really required.
Any non-JOTA station is welcome to contact JOTA stations. You are even more than welcome to demonstrate your favorite mode. We hope that both stations have the same equipment but don’t let this stop you as a few modes can be tried without much extra equipment. (Sometimes just a pair of ears will do!)
An important “thing” to remember is that the girls and boys like a bit of action so keep the chat to a minimum and let them try for themselves.

SPUTNIK???
Remember October 3rd, 1957 anyone or just the name?? The first artificial earth orbiting satellite and the first one that could be “heard” using relatively simple hams rigs. There were very few “established” hams at the time who didn’t tune in to the signals at least once. I’m not sure of every detail but I do know that the early Russian satellites transmitted data signals on 20 and 40 MHz.
The late Geoff Perry was a school teacher in the UK and visited SA as a guest of SARL about ten years ago. Geoff was interested in teaching his science students about the Doppler effect. He realized that the signals from the satellites seemed to have a higher frequency as they approach, a very noticeable change as it passed the point of closest approach then the frequency decrease to its “correct” value as it receeded. All the measurements were made with simple receivers and dipoles stretched between the school buildings. Now this what I call an excellent demo. for us.
Bacar (balloon carrying amateur radio equipment) was really used by hams to sharpen their skill in DF to track the satellites. Just a pity that once again expense takes its toll. Balloons move a little slower than satellites which makes things a little easier!!!

Please me news of your Guiding or Scouting activities of a radio nature to:- davegemmell@bmknet.co.za or P.O.BOX 77, IRENE, 0062 and TEL: 012 – 667 2153

(RADIO-ZS Vol.60 No.1)

RADIO SCOUTING. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

by Dave Gemmell ZS6AAW
and the Broomstick Warriors.

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING.
This year marks the date on which held the famous camp of Baden Powell at Brownsea Island which is taken as the start of the Scout Movement. The first day of the original camp was 1st August 1907 so a “Sunrise Ceremony” has been arranged for the same date in 2007.
The 21st World Scout Jamboree will be held at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, just NE London from the 27th July until 8th August 2007. They are hoping for 32,000 Scouts and 8,000 Adults including the International Service Team. The Jamboree will feature a Amateur station GB100J. Another station GB100BI will be established at Brownsea Island, near Portsmouth, on the south coast of England.
Both stations will probably use the same frequencies and modes, that is, 20m, 15/10m, 17m, 40/80m, VHF and Echolink, plus PSK 31and a possibility of Slowscan TV.
South African hams who are interested in helping with operating these stations, are welcome but there a few conditions, such as, being over 18 and having to be a member of your SA National Scout or Guide Association. Dare say, you will have to pay your own airfare and “chip-in” accommodation costs, and so on. Successful applicants must be available from the 24th July to the 9th August to include set up and dismantling of the station. If authorised you may extend your period of help on site from 21st July to 14th August 2007. This could be an interesting experience!!

Copies of the Team Member ‘Invitation’, which states the all the conditions, and ‘Application Form’ are obtained from the e-mail address below.
Full information about the Jamboree can be found on the Scout Association Official UK Website . www.wsj.scouting2007.org
And www.scouts.org.uk/ukcontingent

SOUTH AFRICA’S ROLE.
Evan ZS6EVD in Mafikeng and Eddy ZS6BNE have expressed great interest in operating from at Mafikeng on 1st August and 50th JOTA. This station will probably have an very “desirable” important More details will follow in the next issue of RADIO-ZS once more definite plans have been arranged.

THE CENTENARY OF SCOUTING RADIO AWARD.
An Radio Amateur award has been organised by an English Scout Group for 2007.
The main objectives are to help celebrate and publicise the centenary of Scouting through the medium of radio. Although not intended for profit, any surplus made will go to support Radio Scouting in developing countries.
Duration. The Award will begin at 00:00:01 on 1 January 2007 and finish at 23:59:59 on 31 December 2007.
Stations are required to contact Scout and Guide stations especially at The World Jamboree, Gilwell Park and Brownsea Island stations.
More details can be found at www.scouting100award.org.

The address is (as usual!!!); davegemmell@bmknet.co.za and
P.O.BOX 77, IRENE, 0062 and TEL: 012 – 667 2153

by Dave Gemmell ZS6AAW
and the Broomstick Warriors.

46th JOTA/JOTI. {18 – 19/10/2003}

Well, the 46th JOTA/ 7th JOTI has come and gone, but certainly not forgotten!! Many thanks to the following Hams and stations who supported the Guiding and Scouting movements over this notable week-end!

ZS1CT/P, ZS1B BUDDY, Cape Town, – ZS3KBS, Kimberly,

ZS4BS DENNIS BLOEMFONTEIN – ZS4WRC/ZS4NS NICO – WELKOM

ZS6ABD RON – LADISMITH/NATAL, ZS6ARV JAN – JOHANNESBURG,

ZS5PMB/ZS5RK ROD – PIETERMARITZBURG/NATAL,

ZS5ZLB/ZS5WI WILLIE ESHOWE/ZULULAND, ZS6ARV JAN

ZS6BP/JOHN ZS6RNA / ZS6RN NIGEL – ARROW PARK/EAST RAND

ZS6SRC/ZS6AYC SID – SECUNDA/GAUTENG

ZS6WRS – WHITERIVER/MPUMALANGA

A extra special thanks goes to following people who sent in reports;

ZS1B BUDDY, JOHN ZS6RNA, Mercia ZR5MMG,

DC. Anthony Mac Gregor. – Northern Natal

Glynis Longhurst – Akela, 1st Eshowe Cubs

Dawn & Paul Smit, Bradley Davies – 1st Secunda Scout Group

Many thanks must also go to the Hams not mentioned here but whom, nevertheless, contributed to JOTA unfortunately the only …..?????

RADIO versus the “PLASTIC BRAIN”.

(Hopefully, the following paragraphs may simulate a bit of discussion!!!)

As I edit these reports I have noticed a few “things” as far as South Africa is concerned and would like your comments when comparing them to the rest of the World. Actually it was the following comment about JOTI by Buddy ZS1B which set me thinking!

“It was obvious that they found HF ham radio the most popular with echolink being a close second, while the JOTI activity seemed to be a poor 3rd, judging by the comments of the scouts. They are looking forward to next year’s event”.

The summary of the various modes used during JOTA/JOTI are as follows:

a) AMATEUR RADIO.

Cape Town ZS1CT/P controlled by Buddy ZS1B. More than 80 contacts were made with 40 countries, of which a total of 31 were JOTA stations.

b) ECHOLINK.

Only Cape Town ZS1CT/P reported 15 QSOs were via echolink to 9 countries. Kevin ZR1KDG on 2 metres where he had fun working through a local repeater which was linked to ZR1EL, who effected the Echolink for most of the weekend.

c) IRLP.

No JOTA station in SA seems to have used this mode !!! As far as I know there are only two IRLP repeaters ZS5DBN in Durban and ZS6ERB east of Jo’burg.

d) INTERNET.

Only Cape Town ZS1CT/P and Secunda ZS6SRC reporded any JOTI activity but only ZS6SRC sent full details, an abbreviated “table” of which appear below.

SECUNDA JOTI CONTACTS

Australia = 9, Netherlands = 6,

United Kingdom and Johannesburg = 3 each

Gauteng, Germany, New Zealand and Mexico = 2 each

Botswana, Brazil, Nepal, Ireland, Norway, Peru, Phillipines, Singapore,

Slovenia, and Sweden = 1 each (total of 30)!

So that’s the sum total of what I know about bringing JOTA/JOTI up-to-date!!! Are these details accurate? Do they give a true reflection of the interest in JOTA and thus an interest in Ham Radio?

Personally, I don’t see Ham Radio, as we know it, to be threatened by computers in general. The only suggestion I can make is that more accent be placed on “homebrew” equipment and special events. In other words activities in which young and old can partake. Believe me many ham radio activities do not need much supervision only a little effort on the part of the beginner or the ham. JOTA provides a very good “testing ground” for my statement.

There are enough complaints/suggestions about how to Modernize/ Update ham radio using the computer but judging from the JOTA reports I received (6 in total) what has happened? Then there’s the report from Northern Ireland about GN4SIW being the one of the few JOTA stations in that country!

My opinion is that every hobby seems to be going through a “dip” but in difference is killing the hobby! Any suggestions of how we can overcome this apathy before it does any real damage? At least, as far as Ham Radio is concerned.

“THE ADVANTAGE OF SARL MEMBERSHIP.

I received the following message from David GI4FUM from Northern Ireland!

“I got your email details from the SARL bulletin. I’m a SARL member. Just to let you know that GN4SIW will be one of the very few JOTA stations QRV from Northern Ireland. It is being run by Antrim and District Amateur Radio Society from the scout hall in the town of Randalstown which is about 25 miles North West of Belfast. I am chairman of the club and also the district commissioner.”

Once again! My plea for more info. from you chaps! This column of yours needs some livening up! Please send contributions (even in rough form) to:-

davegemmell@bmknet.co.za and P.O.BOX 77, IRENE, 0062 and TEL: and FAX: 012 – 667 2153 (NB. Please ask for the FAX!) MNI TNX.

By Dave Gemmell and
the Broomstick Warriors.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL JOTA/JOTI IN FORMATION IS TO BE FOUND ON THE WEB. PLEASE CONSULT LAST MONTHS ISSUE OF RADIO-ZS FOR THE CORRECT WEB ADDRESS.

Well, it’s the October issue and it’s being written in the middle of September!
Hopefully, when you read this column most of the Guides and Scouts will either be busy on the JOTA week-end or busy with their final preparations. I hope all those stations taking part have registered as educational station so that the girls and boys can talk on the air or send messages using morse code.
Now here’s a thought!!! I suppose all JOTA stations which have packet radio, RTTY, SSTV, and so on., must also register as educational stations before the non-licenced will be allowed to use these modes? Your comments please, ladies and gentlemen!!!

Before I left on holiday I did submit the form to advise the SARL that JOTA would be taking place on 20th – 21st October 2001 and wanted to assume that one of these forms would be sufficient but as it required a callsign . Now I’m not so sure.
So please, chaps, fill in and send both forms.

I haven’t been around in SA to hear what’s going on radio-wise on the Scouting scene neither is there much news here in the UK mainly as I’ve yet to meet some Hams and scouting types.
Perhaps I will come across something or other in the next week or two.
At the bottom of this Column again with the major yearly plea for reports of the goings-on and happenings at your JOTA and JOTI stations. Hams, don’t wait for the scouts and girls and girls and boys don’t wait for the Hams to send in the report.
If individual hams, guides or scouts would like to send in separate reports please do so! These all help for the National JOTA Report which must be sent to World Scout HQ in Geneva. Please include attendance figures even “guestimates” will do. I would like to have these before 30th November 2001 as the completed report must get to HQ by 31st December 2001.

RADIO SCOUTING
by Dave Gemmell and the Broomstick Warriors

JAMBOREE-ON-THE-AIR and JAMBOREE-ON-THE-INTERNET.
21st/22nd OCTOBER 2000
Hopefully most of you, Dear Readers, will read this Column before the first JOTA of this new millenium. If you are helping a the Guides or Scouts to run a station please remember that this an event when the young should be doing most of the communicating so please set up each contact as soon as possible. Then get as many boys and girls to “talk on the air” as possible. I have said this before but it’s a bit irritating when you’ve listened to some station you want to contact going on for about 5 or 10 minutes about something or other only to have him repeat the same thing when you eventually do get hold of him. Be very careful as both JOTA and JOTI are important Public Relation events for both Hams and the Guiding and Scouting Movements.
Having said this please remember the age and ability of those with whom you will be dealing. The children are at the stage when they want to try everything for themselves so it is a good time to introduce them to morse. Now before you “scream blue murder” let me add that CW is simple and is an ideal way to introduce an interested person to modulation. When keying a transmitter you are actually moving from 0% to 100% modulation. Secondly anyone can try this for themselves using a whistle or a flash light. So you may have a situation where the learner moves from being slightly to very interested in Ham Radio. This would be a good time to get if the Scout Group you are helping to enter the JOTA Low Power Contest. Perhaps you could build a few QRP transmitters of the single transistor.
Answer any question or query regarding CW positively. Please don’t “condemn” or ridicule morse as this may, strangely enough, only have a negative effect and cause the “inquirer” to take his/her interest else where. You should, however, mention that CW is used to send short messages and is ideal for use in emergencies.
Everything I’ve said about the use of CW can also be applied to construction. Children seem to be interested in everything so show how easy it is to build a simple oscillator. Then have them determine the greatest distance that can be achieved between them and your commercial rig.
If I have repeated myself for the millionth time in this column I still make no apology as these days it seems that despite modern technology there many people, Hams, Guides and Scouts who still do not know the basic principles of their own movements and how to achieve maximum benefit from them.
Please send in your JOTA reports to your local Scout Area Commissioner or JOTA Co-ordinator before the end of November 2000 as the National Report for South Africa must be sent to Geneva before the end of the year. If you aren’t sure who these people are please send them to me at the address below.

If you can, I’m sure Ray Webber ZS6RSW won’t mind you using his e-mail address to send me your contributions to this Column or JOTA/JOTI reports.
My postal address is, as usual, P.O.BOX 77, IRENE 0062. Many Thanks.