A Message
There is only one NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION of RADIO TRANSMITTERS. It serves you at local, national and international levels. It deserves our full support if we are to continue to have the frequencies and operating privileges we currently enjoy. The Association is what you and I make it.

NZART Headquarters Infoline Issue 223
06-FEBRUARY-2011
NZART Website: http://www.nzart.org.nz/home/

In This Issue

*From The Business Manager ZL2DL
*NZART Publicity & Marketing Officer Appointed - David ZL3DWS
*FMTAG Notes For February 2011
*I Need Your Help. NZART Needs Your Help. Now!
*IARU E-Letter - IARU Electronic Newsletter
*For Your Information - WX Silverstream and Trentham
*Xwave - See Your Mind In Action
*Weird and Wonderful
*Upcoming Events
*Contest News
==VHF/UHF/SHF Contest Notes
==HF Contests
*Housekeeping
*Attachment(s) for Branches: NZART Headquarters Infoline 223.doc

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Please think of the environment before printing this e-mail

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From The Business Manager ZL2DL 

Debby says...

Happy new year everyone. Sorry I missed the first issue of the year, but I was away on holiday in the deep South!

Break In will be in your letterboxes within the next few days. In this issue are your voting papers for President, and those in the Northern region will receive an additional vote for their Council delegation. Anyone who has moved to this area, but has chosen to keep their branch affiliation elsewhere will not receive a voting form for Council, only a Presidential one.

Under no circumstances can the prepaid envelope be used to forward subscription payments, either for this year or in the future. Once the elections have closed, any envelopes addressed to the 'Returning Officer' will be disposed of unopened.

I would also ask that you do not contact me to find out my views on who to vote for. I feel that you as members know what you want/need for your Association, therefore my opinions are purely that and should not be considered important in this election process.

Council is holding a face to face one day meeting on the 19th February at Wellington airport. The last date for any papers to be included in their discussions is the 8th February. This gives me time to prepare the agenda and post to all Councilors.

Below in this issue of HQ Info-line, is a special message from the newly appointed Marketing Officer, David Searle ZL3DWS. (see I Need Your Help. NZART Needs Your Help. Now!) From time to time, I receive requests from branches asking for any promotional material NZART may hold in regard to promoting amateur radio. Sadly there has been a big lack of anything really usable over the past 10 years. We do have the special brochure, which was updated in November last year, however there is absolutely nothing else. I would suggest everyone get behind David and see what ideas can be thought up...no idea is stupid.

Lastly if you do not receive your Break In, within the next two weeks, before contacting me, please make sure if you think you have sent payment, that his has been presented at your bank. If you do need to notify me of a payment, please advise the date and method of payment to help me reduce time in searching through bank statements.

Talk soon...Debby ZL2DL

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NZART Publicity & Marketing Officer Appointed - David ZL3DWS

FROM: President Roy ZL2KH
Re your appointment as Marketing and Publicity Officer for NZART:
Council was so pleased with your application that they decided to appoint you at once - rather than wait for a council meeting.
You are therefore apponted effective immediately. Thanks very much for your most generous offer.

REPLY: From David ZL3DWS

Dear Roy and Councillors,

I’m indeed thankful to be here and to have some skills and resources to promote and celebrate the great hobby that has served us all so well over the years.

The task of encouraging everyone to become a ham is a big one. However as a team, together, we should be able to start making a difference.

One step at a time.

I look forward to reading NZART’s Marketing Plan and building on it, with lots of Council input, shortly.

In the meantime, I would welcome informal suggestions or ideas now via email or phone. This is so the best can be researched, given thought and included in a plan that WILL work.

As we visit branches, read the amateur/electronics press and talk to colleagues, we’ll all see/hear ideas that should WORK for us.

Then, please tell me. Together, we’ll build something good that lasts.

Thanks and all the best for 2011,

73’s,
David ZL3DWS

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FMTAG Notes For February 2011 

At its February 2011 meeting, NZART Council approved the following FMTAG Notes.

TOPO50 Map Series - Useful URLs

The MED has been using the TOPO50 map series, to define station locations for radio licensing purposes, for more than six months. Several members have asked for more information on this map series. The most informative websites, which include additional links, are:
http://www.linz.govt.nz/topography/topo-maps/topo50/index.aspx
http://www.linz.govt.nz/topography/topo-maps/topo50/sheets/index.aspx

Proposals

None this month.

Final Recommendations to NZART Council

Published in HQ Infoline and on the NZART website, inviting comments from members. No comments have been received. 

1. Branch 39 Tauranga has applied to link to Shaw Road 7175 and 855, from Minden 680, located at Topo50 map reference BD36 691.76 217.82. The link transmit frequency will be 433.550 MHz and the link receive frequency will be 438.550 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
2. Branch 46 Wairarapa has applied to change the frequency of its National System UHF Link Station at Pariwhariki Trig, Topo50 map reference BP35 288.84 459.75. The new transmit frequency will be 434.975 MHz and the receive frequency will be 439.975 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
3. Branch 53 Te Puke has applied to increase the power of its 7175 repeater located at Shaw Road, Topo50 map reference BE37 870.20 014.96. An Engineering Evaluation shows that the repeater transmit frequency can remain on 147.175 MHz and the repeater receive frequency on 147.775 MHz, and that there will be no interference to other stations. 
4. Branch 53 Te Puke has applied to increase the power of its 855 repeater located at Shaw Road, Topo50 map reference BE37 870.20 014.96. An Engineering Evaluation shows that the repeater transmit frequency can remain on 438.550 MHz and the repeater receive frequency on 433.550 MHz, and that there will be no interference to other stations. 
5. Branch 53 Te Puke has applied to up-link to Takaurunga 540 from its BBS at Totara Street, Topo50 map reference BD37 809.83 218.01. The link transmit frequency will be 144.800 MHz and the link receive frequency will be 145.400 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
6. Branch 66 Auckland VHF Group has applied for a Spectrum Licence on TV Channel 39 for its Nihotupu ATV repeater, to replace its previous Radio Licence, cancelled by the MED as part of the Digital Switch-Over process. The location is Nihotupu, Topo50 map reference BA31 401.84 114.69. All of the engineering parameters are unchanged from those of the cancelled licence. 
7. Branch 74 Wellington VHF Group has applied for a Spectrum Licence on TV Channel 39 for its Belmont ATV repeater, to replace its previous Radio Licence, cancelled by the MED as part of the Digital Switch-Over process. The location is Belmont, Topo50 map reference BQ32 568.79 398.86. All of the engineering parameters are unchanged from those of the cancelled licence. 
8. The Radio Electronics Group has applied to move its 2-metre repeater to Peacockes Road, Topo50 map reference BD33 030.88 129.32. We have selected a repeater transmit frequency of 147.125 MHz and a repeater receive frequency of 147.725 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
9. The Radio Electronics Group has applied to move its 70-centimetre repeater to Peacockes Road, Topo50 map reference BD33 030.88 129.32. We have selected a repeater transmit frequency of 438.875 MHz and a repeater receive frequency of 433.875 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation shows that there will be no interference to other stations.

Comments and Applications

Please send your comments and suggestions on the above matters and recommendations, and on any other FMTAG matters, by e-mail to: fmtag@nzart.org.nz

Applications for repeaters, beacons, digipeaters, point-to-point links, and so on, should be made on the latest version of FMTAG Form 10. The latest versions of FMTAG Form 10, and the explanatory Form 10A, are available on the NZART web site:
http://www.nzart.org.nz/nzart/fmtag/

Completed forms should be sent by e-mail to  fmtag@nzart.org.nz

END

 

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I Need Your Help.
NZART Needs Your Help.
Now!

Last month I was appointed Marketing and Public Relations Officer for NZART. The early priorities include doing everything we can to:
1. Create more licensed radio amateurs
2. Encourage more people to join NZART
3. Tell the story of amateur radio to as many New Zealanders as possible.

We have a lot to be proud of, so let's share it.

One person can't do it. For one thing, there are only 24 hours in the day and secondly budget. However there are 5,000 licensed radio amateurs in NZ and others, who together, could achieve much.

Everyone of us can contribute to the above three goals. Progress will not be steady, and we won't always get it right. Over the years you and I have received much from this great hobby of ours. It is only right we tell the world about it, and help the next generation join in the fun.

Here is how you can help build something that is good and lasting.

Simply tell me:
1. how should we promote NZART?
2. who should we be talking to?
3. what should we be telling them?

Call me on 03 358 2424 or email ZL3DWS@nzart.org.nz or write PO Box 20-256, Christchurch, 8543.

Then, in the coming months I will create tools and provide resources that will help everyone work towards the three goals above. That's my promise to you. But I will need your help. Let's get started.

Responses may also be made via the internet here:
http://www.swiftpage1.com/survey/LetsTalk

David ZL3DWS

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IARU E-Letter - IARU Electronic Newsletter

January, 2011

In this Issue:

The ITU -the International Telecommunication Union

If you were to ask most amateur radio operators what entity is responsible for granting privileges to use portions of the radio spectrum for amateur radio purposes the answer would likely be their own national telecommunication authority. However, that's only partially true.

The ultimate authority for the use of the radio spectrum is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It is desirable that each amateur radio operator understand what the ITU is and why its work and decisions are important.

Most countries are Member States of the ITU and by way of treaty generally agree to be bound by the decisions of the ITU when it comes to the usage of the radio spectrum. Each country can decide that a certain use determined by the ITU may not apply in their own jurisdiction. It is not common for countries to do that but it is within their sovereign authority to do so.

The International Telecommunication Union is a United Nations agency that deals with information and communications technology issues. They have an extensive web site at www.itu.int that details much of their work. The ITU is based in Geneva, Switzerland and includes in its membership 192 Member States and more than 700 Sector Members and Associates.

ITU has coordinated the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, established the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems and addressed other global concerns, such as mitigating climate change and strengthening cybersecurity.

The top staff official of the ITU is its Secretary-General, Dr. Hamadoun Toure who is also a licensed radio amateur with the call sign HB9EHT. There are three sectors in the ITU: Radio-communication (ITU-R), Development (ITU-D) and Standardization (ITU-T). The IARU is a Sector Member in both the ITU-R Sector and the ITU-D Sector. The IARU fully participates in both of those sectors by attending any and all meetings that involve issues that may impact the amateur or the amateur-satellite services.

The Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General and the Directors of the three ITU Sectors are elected to four-year terms by the Member States at Plenipotentiary Conferences held every four years. The IARU is a recognized international telecommunication organization and is invited to participate as an observer at the Plenipotentiary Conferences. The most recent "Plenipot" was held in October, 2010 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The ITU Council was established in 1947 under the name Administrative Council, following a decision taken by the 1947 Plenipotentiary Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. The Council comprises a maximum of 25% of the total number of Member States, which are elected by the Conference with due regard to the need for equitable distribution of Council seats among the five world regions (Americas, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia). The current Council is comprised of 48 members.

The role of Council is to consider, in the interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences, broad telecommunication policy issues to ensure that the Union's activities, policies and strategies fully respond to today's dynamic, rapidly changing telecommunications environment. It also prepares a report on the policy and strategic planning of the ITU. In addition, Council is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the Union, coordinating work programs, approving budgets and controlling finances and expenditures.

Finally, Council also takes all steps to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the ITU Constitution, the ITU Convention, the Administrative Regulations (International Telecommunications Regulations and Radio Regulations), the decisions of Plenipotentiary Conferences and, where appropriate, the decisions of other conferences and meetings of the Union. The IARU has attended several ITU Council meetings in the recent past.

The ITU-R Sector is very important for radiocommunication services, including the amateur and amateur-satellite services. Every 4 or 5 years the ITU holds a World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) to revise the international Radio Regulations. It is the job of WRC to review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of the radio-frequency spectrum and the geostationary satellite and non-geostationary-satellite orbits. Revisions are made on the basis of an agenda determined by the ITU Council, which takes into account recommendations made by previous world radiocommunication conferences.

The general scope of the agenda of world radiocommunication conferences is established four to six years in advance, with the final agenda set by the ITU Council two years before the conference, with the concurrence of a majority of Member States. The next WRC is scheduled for 23 January to 17 February 2012, just one year away.

Under the terms of the ITU Constitution, a WRC can:

1. revise the Radio Regulations and any associated Frequency assignment and allotment Plans;
2. address any radiocommunication matter of worldwide character;
3. instruct the Radio Regulations Board and the Radiocommunication Bureau, and review their activities;
4. determine Questions for study by the Radiocommunication Assembly and its Study Groups in preparation for future Radiocommunication Conferences.

There is a lengthy preparatory process for every WRC in which the IARU participates as a Sector Member. There are usually countless meetings dealing with each agenda item that has been determined to be on the agenda for a WRC. Many of those agenda items can, and do, have a substantial impact on the amateur radio usage of portions of the radio spectrum. It is important for the IARU to participate to "protect our frequencies" and when the opportunity presents itself, to expand our spectrum.

ITU-R Study Groups and Working Parties address each agenda item on the WRC agenda and try to arrive at a consensus and recommendation(s) how the agenda item may be addressed or dealt with at the WRC. Studies are conducted many times to determine how a proposed new usage may impact the other services, or not. Each of these agenda items are thoroughly discussed for at least a couple of years leading up to the WRC. You can imagine how important it is for the worldwide amateur community that IARU participate in the entire study group/working party process.

ITU-D is where much of the ITU's work on disaster response takes place. The development arm of the ITU considers emergency telecommunications an integral part of its projects integrating telecommunications/information and communication technology in disaster predication, detection, and alerting. Emergency Telecommunications play a critical role in the immediate aftermath of disasters by ensuring timely flow of vital information which is much needed by government agencies, and other humanitarian actors that are involved in rescue operations and providing medical assistance to the injured.

IARU's task in the ITU-D Sector is to ensure that amateur radio's role in disaster communications is understood and appreciated by the ITU members. The ITU-D Sector also conducts a worldwide conference. The current schedule calls for a World Telecommunication Development Conference every 4 years. In 2010, the WTDC was held in Hyderabad, India in late May and early June. IARU participated in the conference.

The ITU also sponsors regional and global exhibitions called TELECOMS. An ITU Telecom offers a global ICT community platform that gathers stakeholders from across the telecommunications/ICT sector to connect, collaborate and create the future ICT landscape.

Forums or seminars related to ICT are conducted at the Telecoms and IARU has participated in such forums, usually on topics related to emergency communications. In one of the ITU buildings, there is a permanent amateur radio station, 4U1ITU. 4U1ITU is the club station of the International Amateur Radio Club.

In an upcoming IARU E-Letter, I will describe the organization of IARU and how it works within the ITU and the regional telecommunication organizations like CEPT, CITEL and APT to ensure amateur radio's continued place in the radio spectrum landscape.

73, Rod W6ROD

How to Subscribe to This E-Letter

You can send an email to secretary@iaru.org requesting that you be added to the distribution list. Or, you may be able to receive it via your own IARU member-society, either in English or translated into your own language.

An archive of earlier issues is available at http://www.iaru.org/e-letter/.

The IARU E-Letter is published on behalf of the Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio Union by the IARU International Secretariat. Editor: Rod Stafford, W6ROD, IARU Secretary.

Material from The IARU E-Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The IARU E-Letter and The International Amateur Radio Union.

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For Your Information - WX Silverstream and Trentham

When you are at the 2011 NZART Conference in UPPER HUTT on 4/6-June-2011, local weather can be obtained from:
SILVERSTREAM WEATHER
TRENTHAM WEATHER

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Xwave - See Your Mind In Action

The XWave allows you to harness the power of your mind in a new and revolutionary way. By safely detecting your brain's rhythm through a small sensor contact gently placed on the skin of your forehead, XWave gives you a window into your mind. Grounded in medical research and patents, the XWave senses your attention and meditation levels. You will be able to control and float objects in video games by simply thinking about it, or train your mind to focus and relax on command. This same technology is used in Mattel's MindFlex and Uncle Milton's The Force Trainer. Purchase the XWave headset by clicking the Buy Now button and download the XWave free app from the Apple App store and unlock the power of your mind. XWave connects to any iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Visit our website often to find out more about our ever expanding XWave third party apps.
http://www.plxwave.com/info.html

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Weird and Wonderful

This year we will experience 4 unusual dates.... 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 ......... NOW go figure this out.... Take the last 2 digits of the year you were born plus the age you will be this year and it WILL EQUAL .... 111

How about that!!

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Upcoming Events

1. Papakura RC Challenge - 2011 National System Award
   http://www.nzart.org.nz/activities/awards/zl1vk-nat-sys-award-challenge/
2. National System Award 2011 - New Zealand Railway Stations
   http://www.nzart.org.nz/activities/awards/national-system-award-2011/
3. Te Puke Amateur Radio Club Inc. Sale 5-March-2011
   http://www.nzart.org.nz/activities/events/te-puke-arc-sale/
4. Wellington EXPO-11 & VHF Convention 23-April-2011
   http://www.nzart.org.nz/activities/events/expo-2011/
5. UPPER HUTT NZART Conference 2011 04/06-June-2011 -
   Pre-registration Prize Draw and Update
   http://www.nzart.org.nz/activities/events/2010-upper-hutt-conf/

Contest News

VHF/UHF/SHF Contest

VHF++ Low Band Contest (1st SAT APR 2nd if Easter)   02/03-APR-2011
THE VHF CONTEST RULES  (http://www.vhf.org.nz/VHF-UHF-SHF-ContestRules)

Contest Calendar 2011

Contest Name	Date(s) 2011
***Boat Anchor Sprint (2nd SAT FEB)	12-FEB-2011
2011 PACC (Dutch) DX Contest	12/13-FEB-2011
ARRL DX-CW	19/20-FEB-2011
Jock White Field Day (last full WE FEB)	26/27-FEB-2011

***Future Boat Anchor Sprint and the Nostalgia Night Contests
"Because of a lack of participation, Mike ZL1MDS and Barrie ZL2LA have decided that Boat Anchor Sprints and Nostalgia Night contests will be cancelled in the meantime."

Housekeeping

Next NZART Official Broadcast is on SUNDAY 27-FEBRUARY-2011

Next HQ-Infoline e-mailed on SUNDAY 20-FEBRUARY-2011

Headquarters-Infoline is a twice-monthly bulletin of news from NZART Headquarters. News and items of a general or technical interest are also included that are obtained from various amateur sources. The bulletins are e-mailed directly to Branches, the amateur radio packet Bulletin Board Service and to others that subscribe through the NZART Website at: 
http://www.nzart.org.nz/join/e-mail-lists/join-infoline-list/

Regards, Jamie Pye ZL2NN, Editor zl2nn@nzart.org.nz