Wellington VHF Group, Inc: Online.

The following change is proposed to the VHF-UHF-SHF-EHF contest rules, to become effective on 1st October 2013.

Clause 10 Station Location

Change "NZ1949 Geoid" to "NZGD2000/WGS84"

Please send all comments to: zl2wa@clear.net.nz with "Contest Rules" in the subject line

Stuff.co.nz carries an article featuring George Boorer ZL3PN, and discusses the return of access to 6 Metres (~54Mhz) with the shutdown of the conflicting Analogue TV network.

6 Metres - referred to as the 'Magic Band' by some - has had very limited use in New Zealand for many years, due to the close proximity of the Analogue VHF TV transmission.

Hi Folks

Some of you may have noticed the odd PHP error on the website (and for some time!)

Basically the website core software is due for an update, and though i've had the best intentions around doing so, I havn't managed it yet.

I wish to acknowledge this and let you know I do intend to do it (and hopefully sometime soon), so at some point in the near future will be a brief period of website downtime.

Apologies for the inconvenience - and for the transient errors in the interim.

Regards
Mark Foster ZL1VMF
Webmaster, Wellington VHF Group

The unmodulated CW carrier on 506 MHz has been turned off, on the completion of coverage testing. Our thanks go to everyone who provided a reception report.

A prototype 2-way splitter, being one third of the 4-way drive splitter, has successfully passed all tests. A similar prototype, a 2-way combiner designed for higher power operation, is now under construction.

Transmission of the unmodulated CW carrier continues on 506 MHz, with horizontal polarisation. Reception reports are welcome.

Four power amplifier modules have been constructed and tested one-at-a-time with the digital exciter. Their gain and linearity match within half a dB. The four modules will operate in parallel to achieve the licensed power.

A 4-way drive splitter and 4-way output combiner have been designed and are under construction.

This from Dick Greenbank ZL2TGQ, Award Custodian:

2013 saw another successful award in this regular series. This year the award focussed on the geography of New Zealand’s cities, suburbs and towns. The big challenge was how many cities, suburbs and towns could be contacted during the award.

Points were accumulated for contacts with Amateurs in each of these three categories, as well as bonus points being available for contact with National System Trustees. Several Trustees volunteered points, special thanks to these operators ZL1AAF, ZL1GWP, ZL2KG, ZL2DW, ZL2BCA, ZL3VP, and ZL4GR.

The most prolific collector was John ZL2ADN, who persevered right throughout the award duration. We are pleased to feature John’s achievement in the accompanying picture.

A lot of fun ensued, and we’ve all learned more about our national geography during this award.

Art credit for the award certificate:Todd Hatten (no Call), toddhattenillustration@gmail.com.

Dick Greenbank ZL2TGQ. Award Custodian, 2013.

Transmission of the unmodulated CW carrier continues on 506 MHz, with horizontal polarisation. Reception reports are welcome.

Adjustment and testing of the digital modulator is complete.

The prototype power amplifier module has been constructed and is now undergoing quality testing. Once testing is complete another three modules will be constructed. The four modules will operate in parallel to achieve the licensed power.

It appears NZART InfoLine was a bit ahead of the WVHFG Webmaster. With apologies for the delay, the following is from Doug Ingham ZL2TAR, Contest Manager:

DX WEEKEND 2013 CONTEST
PRELIMINARY RESULTS AS AT THURSDAY 2013-02-28
Claimed scores are subject to Log cross-checks and Audit
Please report all errors to: zl2wa@clear.net.nz