Wellington VHF Group, Inc: Online.

http://www.itwire.com/it-policy-news/regulation/51390-senate-enquiry-calls-for-dedicated-emergency-comms-spectrum

The mobile telephony industry has failed to convince a parliamentary enquiry into the communications needs of emergency service organisations that these needs are best met through services provided by the mobile communications industry rather than by dedicating spectrum for emergency communications services.

Click above for more.

I picked up an article on Slashdot that may be of interest to some:

Bionic Implants and Spectrum Clash

"The battle over scarce radio spectrum that has embroiled the mobile broadband world even extends to a little-known type of wireless network that promises to reconnect the human nervous system with paralyzed limbs. At its monthly meeting next week, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission will consider whether four sets of frequencies between 413MHz and 457MHz can be used by networks of sensors implanted in patients who suffer from various forms of paralysis. One intended purpose of these MMNS (medical micropower network systems) is to transmit movement commands from a sensor on a patient's spinal cord, through a wearable MCU (master control unit), to implants that electrically stimulate nerves."

Slashdot being a discussion forum, folks will likely be interested in some of the comments likely to come up... both smart and witty.
The root article comes from Techworld Australia.

Congratulations to Dick Greenbank ZL2TGQ. The Northern Courier (a local paper in Wellington area) has noted Dick's retirement after 22 years running his firm Touch Systems, a company that imported touch screen technology. His last day working was Friday, October 28 and marked 51 years in the workforce.

The article is reproduced here, with permission. Credit to the Northern Courier, Issue dated Oct 26 - Nov 8.

A great contest thanks to everyone for their interest. This was the 59th running of the NZART DGMFM Contest and there were more check-ins with ZL6A after the event than ever. Thanks to ZLs 1AOX, 1AUA, 1VD, 1MR, 1DK, 1IE, 1TBG, 1FAV, 2BFY, 2MUR, 2CMC, and 2TNG for saying hello. I have already received one entry from ZL4OL via NZART HQ email so thanks Mike for being the first in with your results and showing it wasn’t just a North Island showing. I understand that Murray ZL1BPU who had been running some practice sessions. Stay tuned for more next week. John ZL4JY

*** Update: The current status of KiwiSAT can be viewed on their website ***

Monday 12th September 2011 at 2100 NZST (0900 UTC)

My apologies but for reasons beyond my control the contest will be run on Monday 12th September 2011 at 2100 NZST one week later than previously advertised.

For the second year the contest will be a blend the old rules with improvements suggested by contestants. Please read the rules carefully.

Today I was made aware that Jamie Pye ZL2NN, a friend and acquaintance through Amateur Radio and someone who I of recent years had a wee bit to do with in respects to his role as the Webmaster for NZART, has become a silent key. (More after the jump.)

The following submitted by the National JOTA Coordinator, Jim ZL2APE:

Amateur radio stations have been set up at each World Scout Jamboree since 1957. They provide live-links from the Jamboree to the home countries of the participants over short-wave radio as well as being interesting stations for other amateurs to contact.

From 27 July till 7 August 2011, the 22nd World Scout Jamboree at Rinkaby in Sweden will be on the air with the call sign SJ22S (Scout Jamboree No 22 Sweden). This is a special event call sign.

The station will offer an exciting radio-scouting programme including kit building and fox hunting to the Jamboree participants.

Jim, ZL2APE, who is the NZ National Organiser for the Scout Jamborees on the Air, will be one of the station operators.

Google SJ22S, and go first to the QRZ listing for details of frequencies etc.

(On WVHFG Letterhead, Addressed to the General Secretary of NZART, Dated 24 November 2010)

Doug has provided long and dedicated service to NZART and it’s members over a period of more than 30 years. The contribution he has made to the wellbeing and growth of Amateur Radio is both unique and significant. We recommend Doug for the honour of Life Membership of the Association in recognition of this meritorious service.

NZART Council recommended Doug ZL2TAR for Life Membership of the Association at the AGM held in Upper Hutt over Queen's Birthday weekend 2011 and this was passed with acclamation.

Doug Ingham ZL2TAR in a characteristic pose. Image by ZL2TGQ.

NZART President Roy ZL2KH read the citation that covered Doug's long list of technical achievements, offices held at NZART and branch level, and mentioned the over 200 technical articles publish in amateur and professional journals. Roy also mentioned the huge value Doug has provided to the Association, branches and members through his fixed station engineering and co-ordination work. Doug is well known as a leader in the area of ATV and the new digital ATV systems using the best international accepted TV standards which he has demonstrated recently. In the Group Doug has served as President and filled many other roles and has always been a trusted advisor of the Group's committee. Doug's work with the Administration (RSM etc) has been very valuable in looking after our spectrum access and securing such valuable privileges such as the country wide STSP licences for NZART.

The citation for ZL2TAR submitted by Wellington VHF Group can now be viewed.

Congratulations to Doug from all of us at Wellington VHF Group, Branch 74 NZART.