NZART Headquarters Infoline Issue 229
08-MAY-2011
NZART Website: http://www.nzart.org.nz/home/

In This Issue

*From The Business Manager ZL2DL
*FMTAG Notes For 8TH May 2011 HQ Infoline-229
*Neville Copeland ZL2AKV SK 22-April-2011
*Southern District Councillor Appointed
*Jock White Memorial Field Day Report 2011
*Ukrainian Radio Amateurs Lose Many Frequencies and Bands UPDATE
*A New Way For Amateur Radio
*UH Conference Late Fee of $25 Applies From 10-MAY-2011
*Russia Signs up to CEPT Licensing
*US Ham Among Americans Killed in Kabul Attack
*New on The Web For May
*NZART E-mail Groups Update
*Upcoming Events
*VHF/UHF/SHF Contest Notes
*Housekeeping
*Attachment for Infoline Branches Subscribers: infoline-229.doc

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From The Business Manager ZL2DL 

Debby says...

It appears not all the annual audited financial details have been printed in the last issue of Break In. I have attached the full set of accounts inclusive of notes from the Treasurer, with this issue of HQ Info-line. These will also be available from the NZART web page.

The accounts are not included with this infoline but are available on the NZART Web at:
http://www.nzart.org.nz/assets/pdf/2011/Annual-Audited-Accounts-2010.pdf Editor

With Conference now only four weeks away, it's timely to remind you all of your chance to vote on remits, if your branch has not already done so. There are 13 remits this year, so I urge you to attend your branch meeting where they will be discussed and voted on.

If you are unable to attend Conference and wish to place a personal apology, please let me know within the next couple of weeks. For those branches who will not have a delegate in attendance, please send me your branch voting figures and whether you require to me to arrange a proxy to put your votes to the meeting.

Talk soon...Debby ZL2DL

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FMTAG Notes For 8-May-2011 HQ Infoline-229 

Please click HERE to go to the FMTAG Applications Being Processed

FMTAG at VHF Convention 2011

FMTAG was invited to attend the Forum session (Sunday 24th April) of VHF Convention at Easter 2011. Many interesting topics were discussed, under the Chairmanship of John, ZL2HD.

However, the only matter directly involving FMTAG was a request for inclusion in the VHF/UHF/SHF Bandplans of a Simplex channel for the P25 Digital mode, which was the subject of a detailed presentation by John, ZL4JY, on the previous day.

During the Forum discussion various frequencies were suggested, but subsequent investigation since VHF Convention, in accordance with PIB38, has shown that none of the suggested frequencies are suitable for universal, nation-wide, use.

At its July 2008 meeting, NZART Council approved the following addition to the bandplan:

F+0.550 Narrow digital mode simplex of up to 16 kHz bandwidth

In other words: 144.550 MHz, 432.550 MHz, 925.550 MHz, 1296.550 MHz, and so on.

This is included in the bandplan shown on page 7-16 of the current Call Book.

These frequencies are suitable for universal, nation-wide, use by D-STAR, P25 and other similar narrow band digital modes.

Proposals 

1. That D-STAR, P25 and other similar narrow band digital modes be added, as an explanatory footnote, to the existing item of the Bandplan on page 7-16 of the current Call Book: F+0.550 Narrow digital mode simplex of up to 16 kHz bandwidth (including D-STAR, P25 and other similar narrow band digital modes) 
2. Branch 63 Upper Hutt has applied to add the D-STAR DV digital mode to, and change the location of, its Mount Climie 860 repeater. The new location will be Topo50 map reference BP32 798.83 423.94. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that the repeater's transmit frequency can remain on 438.600 MHz and the receive frequency can remain on 433.600 MHz, and that there will be no interference to other stations. 
3. Branch 74 Wellington VHF has applied to increase the power of, and add the P25 digital mode to its 6625 repeater located at Hawkins Hill, Topo50 map reference BQ31 449.78 236.89. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that the repeater's transmit frequency can remain on 146.625 MHz and the receive frequency can remain on 146.025 MHz, and that there will be no interference to other stations. 
4. Branch 74 Wellington VHF has applied for a 32 cm repeater located at Colonial Knob, Topo50 map reference BP31 513.58 426.16. FMTAG has chosen a repeater transmit frequency of 927.800 MHz and a receive frequency of 921.200 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
5. Branch 74 Wellington VHF has applied for a 6 m repeater located at Colonial Knob, Topo50 map reference BP31 513.58 426.16. FMTAG has chosen a repeater transmit frequency of 53.750 MHz and a receive frequency of 52.750 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
6. Branch 85 Mercury Bay has applied for a National System repeater located at Opito Bay, Topo50 map reference BA35 513.81 313.73. FMTAG has chosen a repeater transmit frequency of 434.800 MHz and a receive frequency of 439.800 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
7. Branch 85 Mercury Bay has applied for a National System UHF Linking Station (ULS) located at Opito Bay, Topo50 map reference BA35 513.81 313.73, to link to Mt Edgecumbe. The link transmit frequency will be 434.975 MHz and the receive frequency will be 439.975 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that there will be no interference to other stations.

Final Recommendations to NZART Council

Published on the NZART website, and in NZART HQ Infoline for the information of, and inviting comments from, NZART members.

At its May 2011 meeting, NZART Council approved the following Final Recommendations. 

1. Branch 60 Taupo has applied for a 2 metre APRS Digipeater at Kururau Road, Topo50 map reference BH33 913938. The transmit and receive frequency will be 144.575 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that there will be no interference to other stations.  
2. Branch 74 Wellington VHF has applied to increase the power of, and add the P25 digital mode to, its Colonial Knob 7075 Voice and Data 2-metre repeater, located at Topo50 map reference BP31 513.49 426.17. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that the repeater's transmit frequency can remain on 147.075 MHz and the receive frequency can remain on 147.675 MHz, and that there will be no interference to other stations. 
3. Branch 81 Waikato VHF has applied for a 2 metre Voice Repeater at Maungakawa, Topo50 map reference BC34 119.91 565.00. The transmit frequency will be 145.575 MHz and the receive frequency will be 144.975 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
4. Branch 81 Waikato VHF has applied for a 70 cm Link at Maungakawa, Topo50 map reference BC34 119.91 565.00. The transmit and receive frequency will be 434.350 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), shows that there will be no interference to other stations. 
5. Branch 81 Waikato VHF has applied for a 70 cm Link at Te Uku, Topo50 map reference BD32 732.64 067.29. The transmit and receive frequency will be 434.350 MHz. An Engineering Evaluation, in accordance with the MED's Radio Licence Certification Rules (PIB38), 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

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Neville Copeland ZL2AKV SK 22-April-2011

Extract from NZART Official Broadcast 24-April-2011

It is with regret that I lead tonight's broadcast with the sad news that former NZART General Secretary and Honorary Life Member Neville Copeland ZL2AKV became a silent key last Friday night.

Neville's health had been slowly failing in recent years and at the time of his passing he was a resident of a Rest Home in Stokes Valley near Wellington.

Neville was our Association General Secretary based in Astral Towers Upper Hutt from June 1982 through until June in 1998. He was our General Secretary for a record 16 year term. Neville was made an Honorary life member of our Association at Conference in 1998.

Neville was born in 1925 and all his working life prior to becoming our General Secretary had been spent with the New Zealand Post Office which he joined as a message boy.

During World War II he joined the Royal NZ Air force and graduated under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan as a wireless operator.

After the war Neville rejoined the Post Office serving in a variety of positions including a time seconded to the DSIR as Postmaster at Scott Base Antarctica. During this period he held the call ZL5AL and provided a dx bonanza for New Zealand and overseas amateurs.

In 1975 he joined the Post Office's Radio Division from which he retired on the 24th December in 1981.

Neville was first licensed as a radio amateur in 1971 and joined NZART the same year. He attended radio classes at Upper Hutt Branch 63 and went on to play his part as the Secretary and the President of the Branch. He was made a Life member of Branch 63 in 1998.

As one who worked with Neville ZL2AKV both as chairman of the Headquarters Secretarial Committee and over my term as NZART President I will remember Neville for his dedication, his attention to detail his loyalty and friendship.

NZART extends to Neville's wife Shirley and his family our deepest sympathy.

Jim Meachen ZL2BHF

Funeral Notice

COPELAND, Reginald Neville - (ZL2AKV) - Regt No: 133372, T/Sgt, RNZAF, 1939-45.

On April 22, 2011 at Stokeswood Hospital, Stokes Valley; aged 86 years. Husband of Shirley for 59 years. Treasured father and father-in-law of Greg & Kate, Judy & Rick, Sue & Colin and adored grandfather James, Rachel, Joshua and Claudia.

Donations to the Cancer Society of NZ would be appreciated and may be left at the service or posted to 52 Riddiford Street, Newtown 6021.

Special thanks to the staff of Stokeswood Hospital for their wonderful care and support.

A service for Neville will be held in Kingswood, cnr King and Cairo Streets, Upper Hutt on Thursday April 28, 2011 at 11.00 am, followed by private cremation at Akatarawa.

All messages to the "Copeland Family", c/- PO Box 30-127, Lower Hutt 5040.

Gee & Hickton (04) 528-2331.

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Southern District Councillor Appointed

Appointed to this position has been: Thomas, Terry, ZL4TAE

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Extract from letter to Terry from NZART President, Roy ZL2KH

Hi Terry
It is with pleasure that I can inform you that council, and council-elect, were unanimous that you be appointed as the ZL4 councillor from the AGM in Silverstream.

73
Roy ZL2KH
President NZART

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Jock White Memorial Field Day Report 2011 

The Jock White Memorial Field Day results maybe found at:
http://www.nzart.org.nz/assets/pdf/2011/FD-2011-PDF-results.pdf

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's field day.

We were a few field stations down this year due to the disaster in Christchurch on the Tuesday before Field Day.

Propagation on 40 was improved this year but 80 was down this year during the day.

There seems to be a definite trend toward increased activity on 40 compared to two or three years ago looking at the number of branch points available on 40.

There were few adverse comments this year with regard to operating standards and signal quality which was pleasing.

A few Brickbats

Sorry to spend a lot of space on these but this year was my hardest year for scoring Field day due to the following two points:

Poor Quality of Entries

The rules state clearly that the three summary sheets available from the NZART web site are to be used: http://www.nzart.org.nz/activities/contest-rules/

This is not a big ask!

A number of entries did not have any form of summary at all, or improvise.

This year I will be sending back corrected paperwork to those who have not sent in correct entries to show how things should be done.

Why is this a problem? Incorrect entries make my job of scoring the contest more difficult.

Note that the majority of entries are done correctly.

Note: Next year I will return entries if they are not of a sufficient standard.

Field Stations that do not send in logs

There were about five who were guilty of this in 2011. This is a major pain in the butt. Why? All the other stations claim these stations as branch points. How am I to know if they worked the required number of stations if I have no logs?

For several stations I tediously went through submitted logs to tally up contacts made to see if they made sufficient contacts to be a branch point.

I chased two other stations via e-mail, and tracked another down via infoline, but that one was so late I had scored 90% of logs anyway. This last field station did meet the criteria but I did not count it as being a branch point, all entrants were penalised equally here.

What if you are confused / having difficulty scoring FD?

Contact me and I will gladly help. My e-mail address is at the end of the rules, or via NZART HQ.

This year I score an entry from a team that asked for help, and I will return the paperwork so they can do it themselves next year.

Confused Home stations?

Every year there seems to be a few stations that come and make a small number of contacts giving out a branch number. I seriously doubt that these are field stations. If you know any of the culprits at your local branch please tell them to give out '00 home station'.

Use of Branch Numbers

Over the last three years there has been some controversy around the use of branch numbers by a few field stations.

If you intend to use the branch number of a branch that is not in recess, make sure you clear things with that branch first.

If you intend to use the number of branch that is in recess it is a good idea to co-ordinate things through me first.

I have been able to help sort out potential clashes etc in advance, I am only too happy to do so.

The JWFD is not a place for local ham differences to be fought out.

Computer vs Hand written Logs

This subject is sometimes raised, and was again this year in a fairly rude fashion in an entry that was two weeks late (!).

This year I counted up the number of entries that were computer logged: they were outnumbered by more than two to one by hand logging.

Field day has the full spectrum from hardened experienced electronic logging operations through to a not inconsiderable number of once a year paper based teams. Electronic logging is perfectly OK, but electronic submission of logs will not work until everyone logs this way.

I suspect that if we made electronic logging compulsory for JWFD a lot of teams would not bother to enter.

Interestingly most of the top scoring teams use hand logging.

Stats

Of logs submitted there were 33 Field stations with about 180 operators. There were the usual large teams at Manawatu and Whangarei.

Home stations were up this year, 6 from 3 last year.

Team Comments for 2011

1. Our team cook made me gain a few pounds over the weekend.
2. Who is the guy at ZL2QF who sends at 25 wpm and will not send slower when asked?!
3. The February quake scattered my team far and wide this year, with me being the only one left.
4. The weekend's activities were a welcome break from the quake, and it was good to carry on with some sort of "normality" after the recent events in Christchurch.
5. Good propagation on 40m, with good DX Saturday night. 80m not as good during the day as last year.
6. Much improved 40m conditions
7. Good weather- a splendid weekend
8. Could have done with a few more VKs
9. A good group of operators made for a relaxing FD
10. Standard of CW operating "chronic"
11. Fine weather for once
12. I think we got a new guy hooked
13. Several new members were "blooded" and they enjoyed their participation
14. I was absolutely amazed at how well I got around the country (QRP station)
15. Comments made during the station "tear down" all concerned next year, so we'll be back, and on CW or bust!
16. A good time on the radio with a noise level of zero had lots of fun!!
17. Lightning storm between 1930 and 2030 with 800 cloud to cloud, but out in the country the flashes were most disconcerting
18. We lost an hour or so on Saturday on 80 when our diction leader had to pack up and go to Christchurch to help with Red Cross
19. Great fellowship and fun with club members and competitors
20. Branch 22 had the pleasure of a Canterbury quake refugee joining their tem

Valid Branch Points (Multipliers)

There were a total of 88 available for field stations, 92 for home stations:

(Four less for field stations, as they cannot claim their own branch number)

80 Phone:(Max 35): 01 02 03 04 08 10 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 27 28 30 33 37 40 42 46 47 50 58 63 64 65 69 81 83 86 87 88

80 CW (Max 17) 01 02 03 11 12 19 20 22 25 27 28 30 40 46 65 87 88

40 Phone (Max 27) 01 02 08 10 11 12 18 20 21 22 23 25 27 28 30 33 37 46 50 58 63 64 81 83 86 87 88

40 CW (Max 13) 01 02 12 20 22 25 27 28 30 40 46 87 88

Top Scoring Home Station

Jakey, ZL2JKY took the honors here with a very respectable score.

Home submitted logs were double last year's entry.

Check Logs

Received with thanks from: ZL2RFL, ZL3BN and ZL2GV

See you all next year on the 25th and 26th February

73s

Stuart Watchman

ZL2TW

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Ukrainian Radio Amateurs Lose Many Frequencies and Bands UPDATE

Found out more info, an example why our webmaster should be careful not to promulgate snippets of news that is (maybe) not factual correct and complete, and has no authority or words mentioned from the other society.

Regards,
Steve, ZL1TPH

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A New Way For Amateur Radio

Then we should take the same expertise developed in the analogue world and branch into the digital age, is my suggestion.

The key to kids, students these days is the development of Digital Signal Processing followed by computing ability - all radio engineers these days are expected to understand such concepts.

Take for example:http://www.fpga4fun.com/ They have tutorials, development boards available. (FPG = field programmable gate [array])

There are other sites on DSP, however the important thing is the other concepts one has to fully understand to go with it: propagation techniques, transmission line theory and practice.

http://www.dspworks.in/products.html#

http://www.sgcworld.com/dspintrotechnote.html

http://logix4u.net/DSP/Tutorials/DSP_tutorial.html

I have recently attempting to put together a series on Direction Finding and as a result, I have had to grasp once again the history behind radio, the concepts, propagation, antenna's, and getting a grasp on DSP and how important Direction Finding is even to the modern world of electronics. Except they now talk about Angle of Arrival or Time of Arrival rather than purely direction of the signal. Plus how it relates to the modern intruders and interference sources all interrelated.

There are development boards, kits and plenty of ARDF type kits for VHF and 80 metre systems.

Or perhaps we can be cheeky and just ask some of the bigger companies, I am sure they would be impressed that we asked and therefore produce a breeding ground for new RF engineers for the future?

The same concepts are required from the analogue world, there is so much more we can achieve in Amateur Radio, we only have to reach out and grasp it.

Think about it, the ability to be a 1kHz away from another transmission using digital filters, whereas often you can hear another QSO 3 kHz down the band.

One does not have to give up the analogue world, but have a better understanding of it and how it relates to modern day systems.

My thought for the day.

73

de ZL1GWE

John

A Reply to ZL1GWE E-mail

I like your concept John.

It sounds attractive and workable to me.

I wonder how it can be developed further.

Maybe an introduction to ac, dc, waves and electronic components would be necessary.

The course could then be completed with filters, antennas, feed-lines and amateur radio practices.

I would like to put it in Infoline and on the web to see if it attracts comments and interest.

Regards

Jamie ZL2NN

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UH Conference Late Fee of $25 Applies From 10-MAY-2011

Hi All,
Just a reminder that the late payment penalty, of $25.00 starts from 10 May 2011, to all options for conference.

So if you are intending to use any of the payment options remember to get your payments in before 10 May 2011.

The late payment date will be strictly enforced and no excepts will be considered.

Mark ZL2UFI

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Russia Signs up to CEPT Licensing

Russia has become the latest nation to sign onto the pan-European CEPT licensing agreement. According to the IARU Region 1 website, the Russian State Radio Frequencies Commission decided in March that the Russian Federation would join both the CEPT and ECC Recommendation. This makes it possible for every CEPT licence holder to operate on the territory of the Russian Federation. There are a few caveats. Among them is that Russia will only permit such CEPT operation by a foreign station for a limit of three months, without any additional permission needed. Also, the callsign to be used in CEPT operations will be RA followed by the foreign amateur's personal call letters.

Don Wallace ZL2TLL NZART ALO

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US Ham Among Americans Killed in Kabul Attack 

Breaking news from the CQ Newsroom

cq-amateur-radio.com

U.S. amateur James McLaughlin, WA2EWE/T6AF, was among the nine Americans killed in a shooting at Kabul airport Wednesday. Details are posted in the CQ Newsroom at: http://cqnewsroom.blogspot.com.

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New on The Web For MAY

Google maps have arrived for beacons and repeaters.

The map on the NZART Site (1), with all stations on it, will be replaced shortly with individual maps showing beacons, UHF stations including TV and 23 cm stations, VHF stations including 6 m stations, digipeaters and data stations, and the National System. These maps have basic information about each station.

The Web site in (2) has detailed information on each beacon and repeater. The next Infoline will have more details on the maps and proposed improvements.

I would like to ask for comments on the Google Maps compared to the maps on the NZART Web and in the Call Book. Do the Google Maps replace these maps? At least the Google map will allow me to check the location of each station and do corrections. I have found some errors already.

<1>http://www.nzart.org.nz/info/map-bp/new-testmap/
<2>http://www.vhf.org.nz/maps

Jamie ZL2NN

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NZART E-mail Groups Update

AREC-NZ@lists.nzart.org.nz_110
ALIAS <your callsign>@nzart.org.nz_361
BOP-AREC-GROUP@lists.nzart.org.nz_23
COUNCIL@lists.nzart.org.nz_11
COUNCILPLUSHQ@lists.nzart.org.nz_11
NZART-MEMBERS@lists.nzart.org.nz_67
OFFICERS@lists.nzart.org.nz_42
TECG-GROUP@lists.nzart.org.nz_16

Distribution Groups - Not For General Use

INFOLINE-BRANCHES_64
INFOLINE_HTML_684
INFOLINE_PDF_45

TOTAL NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS = 1434

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Upcoming Events

1. UPPER HUTT NZART Conference 2011 04/06-June-2011
   http://www.nzart.org.nz/activities/events/2010-upper-hutt-conf/

Contest News

VHF/UHF/SHF Contest

Results of The Low Band Contest 2nd and 3rd April 2011

(6 metres, 2 metres and 70 centimetres)

One log was received and is therefore declared the winner!

Congratulation to Murray, ZL1HI, on Great Barrier island, for his fine solar-powered entry.

The band conditions were poor, with the ZL2 or ZL3 beacons not being detectable. The best DX on 6 metres was 80 km to ZL1AVZ, and 351 km to ZL2IP on 2 metres and 70 centimetres.

The full results can be found at: http://www.vhf.org.nz

Next Contest

The next contest is the Hibernation Contest, 50 MHz and up, on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of June 2011, the weekend after NZART Conference.

The contest after that is the Brass Monkey Contest, 50 MHz and up, on Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of August 2011.

The operating times for both contests are: Saturday 1700 to 2300 NZST and Sunday 0700 to 1300 NZST.

All contest logs should be sent, to arrive within two weeks, to:
zl2wa@clear.net.nz with Contest Log in the subject line.

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Please think of the environment before printing this e-mail

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Housekeeping

Next NZART Official Broadcast is on SUNDAY 29-MAY-2011

Next HQ-Infoline e-mailed on SUNDAY 22-MAY-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. These are obtained from various 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