Wellington VHF Group, Inc: Online.

Apologies for the brief outage between 1100 and 1200hrs today.
Looking into the root cause, in the meantime, remember to check BlakJak.net's Administrivia for the latest on the servers goings-on.

Digital ATV (DATV) On-Air

At their Group Meeting held on Thursday 25th March, Members were impressed with the inaugural transmission of digital ATV.

This project has now reached the stage where two sets of transmission equipment have been commissioned, one on 1284 MHz and the other on 430MHz. This result comes from the import of modules from a German supplier and a fair bit of work by, in particular, ZL2TAR, ZL2TVM, ZL2TGQ and with advice from ZL2TIQ.

“Bike The Trail” – a public service event

“Bike The Trail” is an easy, scenic, 25km bike ride down the Hutt River trail from Harcourt Park at Brown Owl to Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone. In 2009 over 1500 of the public participated. This year the event was scheduled for Sunday 28 February, which turned out to be an eventful day for a more global reason than a local bike ride.

Sorry to folks who noticed the server was unavailable from ~0100 until ~0900 this morning. A power glitch in the Wellington CBD had a, shall we say, negative impact on the network provider i'm connected through. More details under BlakJak.net Administrivia as they come to hand.

January Picnic

Our picnic was again held at Sladden Park, adjacent to the Hutt River. Although the day had started out overcast and windy, by mid-afternoon it had changed to blue skies and little wind, followed by a perfect evening.

Helping new Amateurs

Our Group will be running radio classes again this year, commencing in the first semester, to be held at Onslow College Evening School. John ZL2HD has taken the lead on organising this. Thanks John.

As you can see in an article elsewhere in this issue, a lot of work has been put into the development and production of both an up-to-date and modern Question-bank and an up-to-date and modern Study Guide. These can help anyone to become a radio amateur. Fred ZL2AMJ has primarily led this work, with several other helpers. Thanks Fred and team.

ZL2JOTA & ZL4JOTA. The Group was invited to again contribute to the Jamboree activities of the Paparangi Scout Group during the weekend 17 – 18 October. Led by Mark Foster ZL1VMF, Rob Wallace ZL2WAL, and Tom Clarke ZL2TDD, a JOTA station was set up at the Paparangi Scout hall. A UHF radio was set up and many contacts were made throughout N.Z. via the National System. A VHF radio was used to contact VK, W and other overseas countries via IRLP on the local 730 repeater.

The 2008-2009 period has been a busy time for the Group, and as we approach another Annual General Meeting it is time to review our activities for the past year. Brian Fearnley ZL2BRF was President from November 2008 to April 2009, and then emigrated to Australia. Dick Greenbank ZL2TGQ was subsequently appointed for the period May to October 2009.

Membership The number of financial Members has grown steadily during the year as new people have joined, with now 161 in N.Z. plus 5 overseas, making a total of 166.

Sunday 1st November 2009

A large gathering of local dignitaries, Branch 46 Members, AREC, Police, SAR volunteers, and other well wishes attended the opening of the newly refurbished and extended Wairarapa Amateur Radio Club Branch 46 Clubrooms at the Hood Aerodrome Masterton. The original building dated from the early 1900’s and first came to be used as Clubrooms in the mid fifties at a site in Railway Road, Masterton. The building was relocated to the present site adjoining Hood in the early seventies. The remodeling has been very extensive; the old building was completely gutted, extended, and new lining put in. The building is now finished in a natural timber exterior cladding. A key feature is a new veranda added to two sides of the building.

The first picture shows the building alongside an enviable array of antennas. The Police SAR 4WD is parked next to a recently refurbished Airways NDB antenna installation now supporting broadband HF antennas. In the background on the tower is a donated tri-band Yagi along with VHF diploes.

The second picture show another view of the building with a visitor inspecting one of two portable SAR repeaters deployed for the occasion. Traditional South Wairarapa hospitality was in full evidence with a wonderful afternoon tea spread and tables groaning with food. Even the Mayor was on hand to greet visitors.

- ZL4JY, Section Leader

The AREC AGM was held in conjunction with the Wellington VHF Group's AGM on Thursday 29 October. After the minutes of the last AGM were read and confirmed, the Section Leader presented his report. Particular thanks were recorded for Rick ZL2TVY and John ZL2HD. Thanks were also extended to neighbouring sections or their assistance and cooperation. There was only a single nomination for Section Leader and John ZL4JY was appointed for another year. Deputy Section Leaders will be Rick ZL2TVY and John ZL2HD.