Focus on VHF

Executive Summary

This update highlights key activity in amateur radio above 30 MHz in South Africa.

A pico balloon (ZS6SRC-37) is scheduled for launch on 24 June 2026, transmitting on the 10 m band, subject to weather conditions.

A major achievement was the first 24GHz Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) contact between Africa and Europe, completed on 14 June 2026 by John ZS6JON and Hans PE1CKK. This milestone demonstrates significant technical progress despite equipment scarcity, with John currently the only known South African active on this band.

On VHF, tropoducting conditions enabled long-distance contacts on 145.500MHz FM simplex between operators in Gauteng and the Free State using mobile setups. These enhanced propagation conditions are linked to winter temperature inversions and morning mist.

Notably, observations suggest vertical antenna polarisation may outperform horizontal polarisation during tropoducting, challenging conventional assumptions.

The report encourages experimentation during favourable conditions and greater community participation to promote activity on VHF and higher bands.

Summary

As of late May 2026, there are currently no South African pico balloons active, with recent launches either ending transmissions or encountering technical and tracking challenges.

Planning is underway for the SKYBRIDGE-14 BACAR balloon, scheduled for launch on 10 October 2026. This project will focus on HAMNET-based emergency communication support from the stratosphere, including APRS digipeaters, LoRa systems, and potential SSTV/SSDV imaging. The initiative calls for community input and rapid preparation due to the limited lead time.

There is growing interest in low-cost, portable communication technologies, such as the KV4P open-source VHF/UHF radio module that integrates with smartphones, highlighting innovation in accessible amateur radio tools.

At the same time, packet radio and legacy BBS systems are experiencing a resurgence, prompting renewed discussion around short-range digital communications on VHF and UHF. Emphasis is being placed on expanding beyond HF to include:

Winlink over VARA FM
VarAC on VHF/UHF
Microwave links (5 GHz and 10 GHz)

The overarching theme is a shift toward diversified communication capabilities, particularly for emergency and regional messaging, alongside a call for greater community participation and knowledge sharing within the VHF and above bands.

The programme encourages amateurs to contribute their experiences and projects to help promote and grow activity in this space.

Summary

Recent South African pico balloon activity has stalled, with no current signals being received following recent losses and tracking challenges. Focus is now on the upcoming SKYBRIDGE-14 launch in October 2026, aimed at testing affordable stratospheric communication relays for emergency and disaster use.

At the same time, there is renewed interest in VHF/UHF-based communication, including packet radio, LoRa APRS, and microwave links, alongside new tools like smartphone-connected radio modules.

The key priority is shifting toward stronger local and regional communication capabilities, with active community involvement encouraged to drive innovation and preparedness.

This update covers recent developments in amateur radio pico balloon activity and ongoing discussion around LoRa, Meshtastic, Meshcore, and APRS technologies within the HAMNET and wider amateur radio community. Balloon ZS-1AFB was last detected northeast of the Kerguelen Islands on 18 May 2026 and, despite currently being unreported, has already achieved eight circumnavigations, remained airborne for 132 days, and travelled more than 314,000 km. Meanwhile, ZR1WT-6 has faced repeated launch delays due to weather, and ZS6SRC-36 appears to have been lost over the South Pacific after six days in flight.

The report also highlights continued experimentation with LoRa technology and growing interest in practical antenna design and network applications. A notable technical resource by D. Prabakaran (VU3DXR) on DIY antennas for LoRa and Meshtastic is recommended for enthusiasts seeking to improve performance through better antenna systems rather than increased transmission power.

Finally, the document reflects ongoing strategic discussion within HAMNET regarding whether to prioritise APRS, Meshtastic, or Meshcore for emergency communication. The current view expressed is that APRS should remain the primary short-message and tracking platform for emergency use, while newer technologies such as Meshtastic should be explored as complementary tools rather than replacement.

Summary

This edition highlights an active fortnight in the world above 30 MHz, led by notable pico-balloon developments. ZS1AFB appears to have completed a remarkable Antarctic circuit before re-emerging farther north, while ZS6SRC-35 was successfully launched after an initial setback but is believed to have burst west of New Zealand. ZR1WT-12 was lost shortly after launch, prompting useful discussion about balloon filling and helium volumes, and ZS6SRC-36 has made a strong start over southern Africa into the Indian Ocean while also transmitting a 10 m WSPR beacon. Beyond balloon activity, the programme points readers to a practical introduction to digital voice modes by Tom Salzer KJ7T and highlights open, community-driven connectivity initiatives such as Rhizomatica and its Mercury HF software, reinforcing the value of experimentation, shared learning, and technological progress within amateur radio.

Executive Summary

This edition of The World Above 30 MHz highlights key achievements, planned activities, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies impacting amateur radio operations on VHF and higher frequency bands.

A notable milestone is the progress of pico balloon ZS1AFB, which has completed seven circumnavigations of the Southern Ocean and has begun its eighth journey. After 108 days airborne and travelling approximately 272,240 km, the balloon has generated over 2,900 reception reports, underscoring the technical capability and global participation of the amateur radio community. Operating near the Antarctic Circle presents charging challenges due to low solar elevation, limiting transmission opportunities.

Further activity is anticipated with a planned pico balloon launch by the Secunda Radio Club from Boknesstrand on 30 April 2026, weather permitting. The balloon will operate on the 10 m WSPR band. This coincides with the AGM in Gqeberha, fostering collaboration and shared participation among radio amateurs.

Educational engagement continues with National Technical Symposium recordings now available via the AMSAT SA YouTube channel, providing wider access to technical knowledge. Regulatory concerns are highlighted following the FCC’s temporary authorization for AST SpaceMobile to use portions of the 430 MHz amateur band for satellite control functions, prompting calls for closer scrutiny of spectrum protection policies.

Software-driven innovation remains prominent, with developments in APRS, including the Graywolf software modem and the new QRX offline message service, enhancing resilience and flexibility of amateur communication networks. The report concludes by encouraging greater participation, infrastructure expansion, and sharing of VHF and above-band activities to strengthen the amateur radio community and promote continued exploration above 30 MHz.

Executive Summary

The 19 April 2026 World Above 30 MHz highlights key technical and operational developments in VHF and UHF amateur radio. A high‑altitude balloon (ZS1AFB) crossing the Southern Ocean is experiencing reduced power availability due to lower solar angles, impacting signal reporting. On the technical front, the limitations of legacy NEC‑2 antenna modelling are contrasted with new possibilities enabled by Arcanum, an open‑source Conformal Method of Moments (CMoM) modelling tool released by the Open Research Institute.

The program also reports on a HAMNET Gauteng meeting focused on emergency communications, showcasing modern digital modes such as VarAC and Winlink. While current FM data rates are often limited, emerging modulation techniques and purpose‑built radios are enabling VHF/UHF data speeds from tens of kilobits per second up to megabit levels. These advances position VHF/UHF digital modes as strong candidates for localized emergency and data communications, outperforming HF in speed and reliability. The bulletin concludes with a call for amateur operators to share VHF‑and‑above activity and projects.

Summary

The The World Above 30 MHz 12 April 2026.docx edition provides an update on recent high‑frequency and VHF/UHF amateur radio activities, with a strong focus on technical innovation, experimentation, and community participation within South African amateur radio.

The article opens with a status report on the pico balloon ZS1AFB, currently on its sixth circumnavigation of the globe, highlighting its projected path across the southern oceans and its value for long‑term propagation analysis.

A major emphasis is placed on the SARL National Technical Symposium, which featured several notable presentations. Key highlights include Stewart ZR1WT’s in‑depth explanation of pico balloon hardware and the use of WSPR as a telemetry protocol, demonstrating how enhanced encoding techniques allow significantly more scientific data to be gathered for ionospheric research.

Further technical insights came from Derek ZS5Y, who presented practical approaches to Earth–Moon–Earth (EME) communication on 23 cm using affordable parabolic dishes, as well as advanced meteor scatter techniques on 6 m using MSK144. These presentations reinforced the accessibility of advanced propagation modes to ordinary amateurs.

The symposium also underscored the growing role of science in amateur radio. Dr Nathaniel Frissell W2NAF outlined the importance of radio amateurs in driving scientific research through initiatives such as HamSCI, while additional detail was provided on the development of a HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station aimed at real‑time propagation assessment.

The author notes contributions on emergency communications via HAMNET and progress on Version 2 of the SARL Noise Monitoring Project, highlighting continued advancement in monitoring and resilience capabilities. Presentation recordings are expected to be made available online.

The article concludes with a critical reflection on declining participation within the amateur radio community, noting low attendance at the symposium relative to overall SARL membership. A call is made for greater engagement, collaboration, and sharing of VHF‑and‑above activities to revitalise interest in “the world above 30 MHz.

Executive Summary

This edition of The World Above 30 MHz provides an update on current developments, educational resources, and practical guidance for amateur radio operators active on VHF, UHF, and higher frequencies.

The programme highlights the continued progress of Pico Balloon ZS6AFB‑1, which has completed six full circumnavigations of the globe and is now on its seventh journey around the Southern Hemisphere, moving progressively closer to Antarctic latitudes. This achievement underscores both the durability of pico balloon technology and its value for long‑distance propagation observation above 30 MHz. [An upcoming ARISS SSTV event is announced for 10–14 April 2026, during which the International Space Station will transmit Series 31 SSTV images on the 70 cm band. The images commemorate key milestones in space exploration, including Cosmonautics Day, the centenary of liquid‑fuelled rockets, the first Space Shuttle launch, and SuitSat. Educational resources are referenced to support newcomers interested in receiving SSTV signals from the ISS.

The programme also draws attention to learning material comparing Meshtastic, Meshcore, Reticulum, and ATAK, aimed at amateurs exploring LoRa‑based mesh networking. A recently published explanatory video is recommended as an accessible introduction to the strengths and differences of these platforms.

A major technical focus of this edition is coaxial cable loss, particularly its increasing impact at higher frequencies. Using comparative examples, the article demonstrates how commonly used RG‑58 cable can result in substantial power losses on VHF and UHF, while low‑loss cables such as LMR‑400 offer significantly better performance for longer runs. Practical guidance is provided on balancing performance with flexibility in confined spaces, such as shacks and go‑boxes, by using short lengths of thinner coax where appropriate.

Finally, the programme emphasizes careful selection of coaxial cables and connectors, warning against poor‑quality or unidentified products. Reputable suppliers, correct impedance matching, and field‑serviceable connectors are recommended to ensure reliability. The issue concludes with a call for community participation, inviting radio amateurs to share their VHF and above activities and projects to promote greater engagement in the spectrum above 30 MHz.

Executive Summary

This edition of The World Above 30 MHz provides an overview of notable developments and observations in amateur radio activity above 30 MHz, with a focus on propagation, experimentation, and operational innovation. The program opens with an update on a pico balloon flight that has demonstrated exceptional long-distance performance, traveling from the east coast of South Africa to the vicinity of New Zealand and toward the Southern Ocean. The balloon’s progress highlights both the robustness of current pico balloon designs and the potential influence of approaching Southern Hemisphere winter conditions on high-altitude propagation experiments.

The report also covers the ongoing 9J2EME expedition in Zambia, operating from grid KH22pf near Kazungula. Early activity has resulted in approximately 50 reported contacts, presumed to be Earth–Moon–Earth (EME), along with a notable 2 m trans-equatorial propagation (TEP) contact. Further official updates from the expedition team are anticipated.

In addition, the program draws attention to emerging open‑source software tools relevant to VHF and UHF operations, particularly for emergency communications and satellite activity. These include PyTNC Pro, a modern APRS transceiver with real-time mapping and emergency support, and Ground Station, a comprehensive satellite monitoring and radio control suite. Both tools underscore the growing importance of software-driven experimentation and preparedness in the VHF and above bands.

The episode concludes with a call for community participation, encouraging radio amateurs to share their long-distance contacts and technical projects to promote greater engagement and innovation in the spectrum above 30 MHz.

he 22 March 2026 edition of The World Above 30 MHz reports on continued innovation and activity within the VHF‑and‑above amateur radio community, highlighting the fifth circumnavigation of South African Pico Balloon ZS1AFB and the sustained success of the national pico‑balloon programme. It outlines plans for the upcoming 9J2EME Earth–Moon–Earth expedition to Zambia, detailing multi‑band EME and satellite operations by an experienced regional team. The article also stresses the importance of documented amateur activity in the higher microwave bands to support spectrum‑management advocacy and concludes with a call for radio amateurs to share technical achievements and projects to promote greater participation and visibility above 30 MHz.

Summary

The 15 March 2026 edition of The World Above 30 MHz reports on current developments and opportunities in VHF and higher‑frequency amateur radio. It highlights the progress of a pico balloon (ZS1AFB‑1) on its fourth circumnavigation of the Southern Hemisphere, launched from Namibia in January 2026 and recently heading toward South America. The program also notes recent meteor scatter contacts made by South African operators and draws attention to the Gamma Normid meteor shower (14–15 March), which—while modest—offers favourable viewing and propagation conditions for the region.

In addition, the report announces the renewed monitoring season for Trans‑Equatorial Propagation (TEP) on the 2‑metre band, expected from late March through May. Activity is focused in northern parts of southern Africa, with specific operators and digital modes identified for coordinated EU–Africa contacts. The episode concludes with a call for amateur radio operators to share reports of long‑distance VHF/UHF contacts and technical projects to encourage wider participation on bands above 30 MHz.

summary

The 8 March 2026 episode announces the renaming of Focus on VHF and Above to The World Above 30 MHz, marking over eight years of programming and honouring the legacy of VHF pioneer Mike Bosch ZS2FM. It reports on pico balloon ZS1AFB‑1, which is on its fourth circumnavigation of the Southern Hemisphere after a January 2026 launch from Namibia, and addresses low activity on the VHF/UHF bands by highlighting affordable experimentation options. A key focus is the renewed HamTV transmissions from the International Space Station on the 13 cm band, now sending full‑colour video test patterns that can be received with low‑cost SDR hardware, offering valuable learning opportunities in microwave and satellite techniques. With HF conditions currently poor, the programme encourages amateurs to explore VHF and higher bands, notes emerging open‑source digital modem projects, and invites listeners to share their VHF‑and‑above achievements to help grow activity above 30 MHz.

Summary

The article opens with an update on pico balloons currently circumnavigating the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting two tracked balloons and their last known locations over the Southern Indian and Pacific Oceans.

It then encourages radio amateurs who enjoy experimentation to explore the radio frequency spectrum using SDR (Software Defined Radio). A referenced blog describes numerous experiments achievable with a simple SDR dongle and antenna, challenging readers to replicate and learn from these activities. The article also points readers to GNU Radio, emphasizing its value as a free, open‑source toolkit for developing software radios, along with available tutorials to get started.

Looking ahead, the author stresses that amateur radio needs to move beyond voice communications—especially on VHF and UHF—and become more proficient in data and text transmission, such as sending emails or images. While modern data modes like VARA are widely used on HF, similar capabilities are largely absent on VHF and UHF.

The article notes that APRS is currently the only widely used VHF/UHF text-based system, and even then it is mostly limited to position reporting. It argues that older technologies like Packet Radio were effective in the past and could be revived, suggesting possibilities such as VARA FM over VHF/UHF for email-style communication.

Finally, readers are invited to submit reports of their VHF and above activities or projects, including long-distance contacts, to help promote experimentation and engagement on bands above 30 MHz. The column is compiled and presented by Brian Jacobs ZS6YZ for Amateur Radio Today.

Summary

The report opens with an update on pico balloons currently circumnavigating the Southern Hemisphere, highlighting ZS1ERZ‑12 for its exceptional performance (over 13 circumnavigations, ~450,000 km traveled, 179 days aloft, and thousands of receptions), along with progress reports on ZS1AFB‑1 and ZS6SRC‑34.

An overview is given of HAMNET Gauteng’s experimental LoRa tracking using Meshtastic instead of traditional APRS. A key development is an APRS bridge that relays Meshtastic data to aprs.fi, allowing multiple tracking methods to appear on a single platform.

Real‑world testing during cycling events revealed early challenges, mainly due to rapid software development and stability issues. Despite this, early results show LoRa achieving longer distances at lower power than conventional 2 m and 70 cm APRS systems.

The article emphasizes experimentation in amateur radio, encouraging hands‑on building over “analysis paralysis,” and promotes sharing experiences within the community to accelerate learning and innovation. [

A reminder is included for the SARL National Technical Symposium 2026, scheduled for Saturday, 11 April 2026 (10:00–16:00 local time).

The piece concludes by encouraging amateurs to explore DX possibilities on VHF and UHF, referencing resources on DX records and inviting operators to submit reports of long‑distance contacts or projects for publication in VHF News.

Summary

The program was pre-recorded because the presenter was on HAMNET duty at the Dis-Chem Retina SA Ride for Sight cycling event at Boksburg Stadium on 15 February, with setup starting the day before and early-morning operations on race day.

It reports on several pico balloons currently circumnavigating the Southern Hemisphere:

ZS1ERZ-12 travelled south of Australia, crossed near Melbourne, exited near Brisbane, and was last heard west of Vanuatu. It showed unusual altitude changes, dropping to about 5 940 m before climbing again to around 10 940 m ASL. [
ZS1AFB-1
ZS6SRC-34 was over Madagascar after looping around the Mozambique Channel.

A major focus is on radio noise problems, particularly noise affecting VHF transmissions. A real‑world example is discussed where the source was traced to a power supply with loose connections and the absence of a proper grounding system. The recommended solution was to install a ground spike and connect all equipment to a common earth bus bar.

The article then broadens into general guidance on identifying and reducing RF noise, especially when high noise levels are present on HF. It describes using the SARL Noise Monitoring Project with a Raspberry Pi to visually identify noise across the HF spectrum.

Practical mitigation steps are highlighted, including installing multiple interconnected earth spikes in moist ground and adding ferrite chokes to coax cables, both of which significantly reduced received noise.

Finally, readers are directed to several YouTube resources and online links for further learning about RF noise hunting, and are encouraged to share their own VHF and above achievements or projects with the VHF News team to help promote activity above 30 MHz.

Summary

It opens with an update on Pico balloons currently circumnavigating the Southern Hemisphere, including ZS1ERZ‑12, ZS1AFB‑1, and the newly launched ZS6SRC‑34, noting their routes, performance, and reception reports.

The article then discusses the future of HamClock following the passing of its original maintainer. An open‑source replacement backend is being developed to preserve HamClock functionality using publicly available data sources, allowing users to self‑host and continue using existing devices without modification. Links to the backend and the browser‑based OpenHamClock are provided. [

Attention shifts to improving handheld radio performance, referencing past experiments with rat‑tail antennas and introducing a lightweight 2‑element MOXON antenna that can be built using a 3D‑printed frame.

The latter part of the document reflects on the generational gap in amateur radio, arguing that the hobby risks stagnation if it does not embrace younger operators and modern technologies. It highlights EmergencyHam.net as an example of combining traditional amateur radio strengths with IoT, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and modern digital systems to create resilient, infrastructure‑independent communications. The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging amateurs to share VHF‑and‑above activities and projects, promote experimentation, and actively work to grow the hobby by engaging younger generations.

Summary
This document recounts recent events and activities within HAMNET, including VHF/UHF equipment maintenance for cycling events and deployment preparations for flood assistance in Limpopo and Mozambique. It also highlights updates on Pico Balloons circumnavigating the Southern Hemisphere, discusses the challenges faced by the Mauritian balloon launch, and explores advances in SDR dongle technology and open-source radio experimentation, emphasizing the rapid evolution of radio capabilities.

Summary
Three Pico Balloons are currently airborne, each at different stages of their journeys around the Southern Hemisphere, with ZS1ERZ-12 now over Argentina, ZS6SRC-32 nearing its first circumnavigation, and ZS1AFB-1 overcoming launch setbacks but progressing well. The document also highlights the achievements of young radio amateur Rulhof ZS4RM, who has built an AllStar Portable/Mobile node, and introduces the experimental, Linux-based LinHT handheld radio, capable of supporting multiple digital voice modes. The spirit of innovation and youth engagement in radio amateur activities is celebrated throughout.

Summary
Focus on VHF and Above 4 January 2026 provides an update on the current status of Pico Balloons, highlighting that two are active: ZS1ERZ-12, which has impressively circumnavigated the Southern Hemisphere twelve times and is now over the Southern Ocean between South Africa and Australia, and ZS6SRC-32, which is successfully transmitting over Western Australia. ZS6SRC-83 has not been heard from since late December 2025, and ZS6SRC-33 appears to have crashed shortly after launch. The section also notes achievements by balloon teams and references an interesting post about ants nesting in electronic equipment, as well as mentioning the RFBitBanger, an emergency HF radio developed in 2023

Summary
This week's update focuses on VHF activity and pico balloon launches, including recent and upcoming flights with details on their trajectories and transmission modes. It also highlights Johan ZS1I's ongoing 6m Magic Band Project in Mossel Bay and Jason KM4ACK's contributions to amateur radio software for Linux platforms, emphasizing the importance of caution when updating firmware or software before major events due to the risk of unforeseen issues.

Summary
This update covers recent activities in the VHF and above radio amateur community, including the launch and tracking status of several pico balloons, upcoming launches, and the involvement of Mauritian Radio Amateurs. It also shares results from the HamSCI Meteor Scatter QSO Party during the Perseid meteor shower, noting increased participation by newcomers. The report highlights efforts by the HAMNET Gauteng team to build portable dualband radio boxes for event support, as well as the preparation of an agreement with the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre. The overall tone reflects ongoing innovation and collaboration within the community.

ZS1ERZ-12:: channel 24 transmitting a 10m WSPR beacon launched 16/08/2025. Last heard 25/10/2025 over the South West tip of Australia on it’s seventh round the world trip. Also interesting this balloon has twice passed by South Africa in the Roaring Forties. Once just north of the Prince Edward Island group and once directly over Prince Edward Island.

ZS6SRC-29 :: channel 87, launched 01/10/2025. Last heard on 25/10/2025 over Argentina just West of Buenos Aires. This balloon is on it’s third round the world trip.

ZS6SRC-30 :: channel 252, with a 10m beacon and launched just before the BACAR balloon on 11/10/2025. Last heard on 25/10/2025 halfway between South Africa and Australia on it’s second round the world trip. Interesting this balloon passed South Africa in the Roaring Forties close the Prince Edward Island group, which is Prince Edward Island and Marion Island.

Gert ZS6GC has sent out the packages that he was fulfilling and there will be a lot more Pico Balloons being launched over the next couple of months.

There are also 4 balloons being prepared on Mauritius and we hope to be reporting on all the new balloons and that they will also fly multiple times around the world.

Stewart ZR1WT posted a very nice link to a video of a series of images that he compiled from the camera that was on-board his payload on the BACAR-13 balloon. Take a look at the video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA5V76uXpig

Thanks Stewart for the remarkable video and your explanations of the images captured. Very interesting indeed.

OpenMesh Voice Network

I have come across another very interesting website explaining another new and exciting open source project being developed. It is called OpenMesh Voice Network. The website explains what OpenMesh Voice Network is all about “OpenMesh Voice Network grew out of a simple observation: daily amateur radio life revolves around voice repeaters, yet those single points of failure require significant maintenance and professional resources. They often collapse when operators most need them—during storms, wildfires, and other disasters. Our team of volunteer hams and digital-comms researchers set out to remove that vulnerability by marrying low-cost software-defined radios with a modern, AI-powered voice codec. The result is a fully open-source mesh system that carries clear voice and lightweight data over battery-friendly VHF/UHF links. Hence, daily conversations and emergency traffic flow even when towers or internet back hauls go dark.”

The developers go onto to say “Traditional repeaters demand expensive sites and constant upkeep; whole communities fall silent when they fail. By contrast, a self-healing mesh of small nodes lets operators in remote villages, search-and-rescue teams, and emergency coordinators drop in coverage wherever it’s needed, with no cranes or leases required. Beyond crisis use, the same network keeps daily rag-chews, club nets, and technical round-tables alive, sustaining the social glue of amateur radio.

And the best of all is that their intention is to have everything open source as well. You can read more about this at https://opencollective.com/openmesh

How about telling us about that exciting long distance contact that you have made on the VHF and above bands or about that project that you are working on in the VHF and above bands? Send me a consolidated report of your activity or project with any additional photos, audio or video clips to bjacobsza@gmail.com

Remember by sharing your activities with us at VHF News allows us to tell the rest of the amateur community about your achievements and the more we promote the activity on the VHF and above bands the better chance we have of encouraging more amateurs to explore the world above 30 MHz.MHz.