Repost: Ortsverband Zittau (S24) - A Hub for Amateur Radio Innovation

Welcome to the Ortsverband Zittau (S24), a dynamic and forward-thinking group of radio amateurs located in the picturesque Zittauer Gebirge, the smallest mountain range in Germany, at the crossroads of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The OV is committed to enhancing communication, innovation, and experimentation within the world of Amateur Radio.

Key Projects and Initiatives

1. Bake for 10 GHz and 24 GHz on the Lausche:

   • Since May 29, 2024, the OV Zittau has installed a 10 GHz and 24 GHz beacon on Lausche, a mountain in the region. This beacon facilitates long-range communication for radio amateurs. Special thanks go to Peter DG1VC for his dedication and the countless hours spent on this project. For more technical details about the beacon, visit the official site.

2. DB0LAU Reloaded:

   • DB0LAU, the local FM repeater, has undergone a complete upgrade. As of August 1, 2022, it is back online with a fresh set of functions and improved performance. The new setup includes two Motorola GM1200 radios for RX/TX operations and a Raspberry Pi running SVXLink for control. Users are now required to send a CTCSS tone (123Hz) to activate the repeater. This updated system offers greater reliability and is integrated into the FM repeater network.

3. Antennenrotorsteuerung (Antenna Rotor Control) on Arduino:

   • A project that grew from an inquiry by OM Gunter (DL2DRG) led to the creation of an Arduino-based antenna rotor control system. The project now offers detailed instructions and downloadable software for enthusiasts to build their own rotor control systems.

4. APRS iGate on the Hochwald:

   • Since April 2, 2022, APRS iGate has been operational on the Hochwald mountain (JO70IT). This RX-only iGate allows the processing of both AX.25 APRS packets on 144.800 MHz and LoRa APRS packets on 433.775 MHz, enhancing APRS coverage in the Upper Lusatia area. This setup does not transmit but effectively bridges data to the APRS-IS network, providing better coverage for local amateur radio operations.

Leadership and Contact

• Ing. Dietmar Ullrich (DG1VR) is the contact person for Ortsverband Zittau (S24). He can be reached via email at dg1vr@gmx.de.

• Projects and Development: The club actively develops, supports, and upgrades equipment like repeaters, beacon systems, and APRS infrastructure. Each project reflects the commitment to improve communication technology in the region.

For more details on the Lausche beacon, DB0LAU, or any ongoing activities, visit the Ortsverband Zittau official website.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced operator, the OV Zittau offers an engaging community and opportunities to collaborate on exciting radio projects.

Contact:

• Email: dg1vr@gmx.de

Join us in exploring the world of Amateur Radio!