Wellington VHF Group, Inc: Online.

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.

The 1284 MHz transmitter was used for this test transmission, and had an output level of 5 mW, which was more than adequate for “across-the-room” communication. The signal was received on a commercial digital receiver, with a simple quarter-wave (55mm) whip antenna.

The equipment was next displayed to over 200 Amateurs at the combined Branch EXPO, held at Lower Hutt on Saturday 27th March.

Here, in addition to a local digital receiver close by the transmission equipment, a remote digital receiver was located outside the main hall in the foyer to greet visitors arriving at the EXPO. On this occasion the frequency used was once again 1284 MHz, with the 5 mW power boosted to 300 mW by a linear amplifier constructed by ZL2TAR.

Many compliments were expressed, both on the progress of the DATV project, and the quality of the received video.

It was noted with concern that our Channel 39 allocation may become unavailable as a result of MED re-planning for the digital dividend. Members were re-assured that the DATV modules that had been purchased for Belmont were not limited to Channel 39, and work over a wide frequency range, and will cover any changed allocation.

Members Forum.

The topic for the Group’s meeting in March was a forum, where Members brought forward and discussed ideas and suggestions.

Amongst the suggestions that were made, was a suggestion that the range of subjects for the Special Interest Group be widened. Those who would like a specific subject, please let the Secretary know.

Remits to NZART Conference.

Members will recall that the two remits put forward by the Group from our AGM, were acted on by NZART Council, and we withdrew them in December.

Other Branches have proposed a total of six remits to the NZART AGM. We will consider these at our May meeting, and members will instruct our Delegates at that meeting.