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News Old 2008
MAY 2008 To top of page
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04
MAY 2008 |
Headquarters InfoLine Issue 160 (PDF) |
Headquarters InfoLine Issue 160 (HTML) |
NZART Headquarters Infoline Issue 160 04 MAY 2008 In This Issue - From The NZART Business Manager Debby ZL2TDM == Are you sure you have paid your subscription == IARU Officer's Annual Report == Apologies and Proxy Votes at the AGM - Report on Meeting of NZART ALO with NZ Administration MED - Report to NZART Council from the IARU Overseas Liaison Committee - IARU Region 3 is 40 Years Old - Whangarei Amateur Radio Club Inc Used Equipment Sale - Most Wanted World Wide 2007 - Out and About == Atom-Thick Transistors == D-Star == Australia Issues Class Licence For Visiting Amateurs - Contest News == VHF-UHF Contest Notes == HF Contests - Break-In/Infoline Information == Break-In Closing Date Reminders == Auto-Subscription and Un-Subscribe == Dates for Official Broadcast (OB) and Headquarters' Infoline - Attachment: NZART Headquarters Infoline 160.doc OFFICIAL BROADCAST THIS MONTH IS ON SUNDAY 25 MAY 2008 NEXT InfoLiine IS TO BE E-MAILED ON SUNDAY 18 MAY 2008Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 70 kB)
April 2008
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1
APR 2008 |
2008 Conference Activities –update |
As you will all hopefully be aware the NZART Conference is in Dunedin this year.
For those that are attending we have a couple of additional activities planned.
- A visit on the Monday to Shag Valley Station, site of the first Transworld Radio contact, with its memorabilia collected by the Bell family, and
- A mobile rally, also on the Monday.
What we would like Conference attendees to do is to indicate reasonably soon, which of these additional activities they would like to participate in. We need a fair indication of the likely numbers for planning purposes.
They can register their interest on our website, http://www.zl4aa.org.nz/
Branch 30 celebrates its 80th Birthday this year so we look forward to meeting you all at Conference and that you all can take in a bit of history at Shag Valley.
2008 Conference Committee
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9
APR 2008 |
2008 Trans–Tasman Contests Rules |
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1
APR 2008 |
DayBreaker® Rally 2008 |
Hi everyone
The DayBreaker® Rally Organising Committee met on Wednesday 12 March 2008 which I attended. AREC has once again been asked to provide radio communications for Start, Finish and Mid-point tracking. AREC will also be operating within the Rally HQ. Tararua District Radio Club Incorporated Branch 06 has again been confirmed as the host club for organising amateur radio communications throughout the course this year.
The date for the DayBreaker® Rally has been confirmed for Saturday 11 October 2008 and will follow the same course as last year covering roads within the Tararua and Manawatu Districts with a full day of rallying thrills and spills.
This year's Rally will be significant in that it attracts four special events:
- 2008 will see the DayBreaker® Rally celebrate 25 years;
- 2008 DayBreaker® Rally will be the final round of the Rally Extreme® Championship;
- 2008 DayBreaker® Rally will be the final round of the North Island Rally® Series;
- 2008 Tararua District Radio Club Incorporated celebrates 80 years of service to the community.
An early invitation is extended to operators interested in being part of this year's Rally so mark the date on your calendars now.
What you will need: A mobile VHF or UHF or a dual band radio fitted into your vehicle with appropriate antennae. You will need to advise me which you have so that you can be placed at the appropriate location for your radio. If your radio is at the doctors but you are still interested in taking part please let me know so that we can try and organise something for you.
A Radio Operators Rally Manual will be sent out to those involved in the Rally again this year and are mostly complete but am awaiting confirmation on a couple of items from the DayBreaker® Rally Committee including a new and updated course map. While it is envisaged that we will use the same frequencies as last year, the use of both fixed and STSP repeaters have not yet been confirmed.
As with past years, reimbursements will be available again this year for those operators who are registered and involved within the Rally at the designated radio points. The DayBreaker® Rally Committee have reiterated that reimbursements will only be available for those operators registered with the Rally and involved on the day, funding constraints DO NOT ALLOW for reimbursements for pre-Rally activities.
PLEASE NOTE: It is a requirement of the DayBreaker® Rally Safety Plan that ALL participants [including radio operators] involved within the Rally are registered for the event. As one of the confirmed officials for the DayBreaker® Rally, I will be collating the necessary information from operators involved on the day and submit this to the DayBreaker® Rally Committee for reimbursement approval. Registration of radio operators consists of your name and contact details which will be logged through myself to the Rally Committee.
A total of 30 operators are required for DayBreaker® Rally on Saturday 11 October 2008 so the earlier we can confirm a full complement, the sooner I will be able to advise the DayBreaker® Rally Committee if we can man all required radio locations or whether they will need to order more Fleetlink radios in.
Once again thank you to everyone who was involved with DayBreaker® 2007 and I look forward to hearing from those interested in this year’s event.
Regards
Stephen Cooper ZL2WAU/ZK8EH
Official Communications Coordinator
DayBreaker® Rally 2008
N.B. This is the first official Radio operators 2008 DayBreaker® Rally publication approved for release.
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20
APR 2008 |
Headquarters InfoLine Issue 159 (PDF) Headquarters InfoLine Issue 159 (HTML) |
NZART Headquarters Info Line Issue 159 20 APRIL 2008 In This Issue - From The NZART Business Manager Debby ZL2TDM == Leave - Jock White Memorial Field Day Correction - NZART 2008 Annual Conference News Update - ZL DXCC Card Checker - AMATEUR PROMOTION DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAY 23 APRIL 2008 - Square Kilometre Array - SKA (Radio is alive!) - Contest News == VHF-UHF Contest Notes: Results of the Low Band Contest Coming Soon == HF Contests - Break-In/HQIL Information == Break-In Closing Date Reminder == Auto-Subscription and Un-Subscribe == Dates for Official Broadcast (OB) and Headquarters' Info-Line (Infoline) - Attachments == NZART Headquarters Info Line 159.doc == Field day 2008 results.pdf OFFICIAL BROADCAST THIS MONTH IS ON SUNDAY APRIL 27 2008 NEXT HQIL IS TO BE E-MAILED ON SUNDAY MAY 4 2008Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 51 kB)
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4
APR 2008 |
Break-In for March/April 2008 |
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NZART’s Official Journal Break–In
March/April issue is now available. Click on the link below for the contents page of this issue: |
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April Official Broadcast is Available at 4.2 megabytes
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13
APR 2008 |
AMATEUR RADIO PROMOTION DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 23 APRIL 2008 |
At Papakura Radio Club we are opening our clubrooms on Wednesday 23rd April for an open day style promotion of Amateur Radio. The format that we will cover this year is shown in a handout and you can link to that at http://www.qsl.net/zl1vk/ARPromo2008.pdf
The 23rd April is during the school holidays and we have advised High Schools in the area, forwarded information to the local newspapers in the Auckland area and will soon be emailing other service clubs in the area to invite their members along.
We will have HF stations operational, a portable station setup in a vehicle and live demonstrations of APRS, EchoLink, Digital Modes and displays for AREC, NZART and Training / Exam details. We have one person for each activity. A couple of computer Powerpoint presentations will be running and a 50” plasma will also run presentations.
All we need now is some arms and legs (non ham).
Any other ideas are welcome as there is still lots of time to go!
David ZL1DK
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11
APR 2008 |
CONTESTS FOR THIS WEEKEND 12 AND 13 APRIL 2008 Access Details Here |
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10
APR 2008 |
Boat Anchor Sprint on 12 April 2008 Access Rules Here |
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9
APR 2008 |
2008 Trans–Tasman Contests Rules |
March 2008
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6
MAR 2008 |
NZART Conference 2008 Dunedin
Greetings to you all
The full version of the conference information page will be available on:
The Dunedin Branch Conference Web Site
With so many remits up for discussion it looks like the AGM will be very lively this year so please come prepared to take part.
Our website will be updated with any new information as it becomes available. If there is something we haven’t mentioned and you have a question please email us.
In order that as many of you as possible can attend we have deliberately kept the registration fee at the same figure that it was in 2007 and 2006 even considering inflation and increased costs.
There is also an option for you to pay by instalments. Full details are instructions on how to complete the form and forward it to us.
We trust that those who join with us in Dunedin for this event will also enjoy some southern hospitality.
73
Ross Chapman ZL4RC
Secretary
Conference 2008 Committee
Otago Branch 30
E–mail: conference@zl4aa.org.nz
MAROANUI NATIONAL SYSTEM COMMISSIONED
The Trustees of the 9825 Maroanui (Taupo) National System repeater, which has operated for a few months as a stand-alone repeater, have advised that it was connected to the rest of the National System on Saturday the 8th of March.
Congratulations to Branch 60 and Branch 74, for their efforts in extending the National System.
The repeater transmit frequency is 439.825 MHz and the receive frequency is 434.825 MHz.
Doug Ingham ZL2TAR
5
MAR 2008 |
Closure of NZART Sponsored Reflectors
By Resolution of NZART Executive Council dated 5 March 2008 notice is hereby given that with the exception of:
- The Council only reflector
- The HQ plus Council only reflector
- The Officers (including Council) only reflector
- The AREC reflector
All the other NZART sponsored reflectors will be closed indefinitely with effect from 9 p.m. on Friday 7 March 2008.
Executive Council regrets any consequential inconvenience to members but has determined that closure is in the best interests of the membership. In coming to this decision, Council took into account legal advice that maintenance of the reflectors placed association assets at risk because of the possibility of litigation.
NZART Executive Council
(Bruce Douglas ZL2WP President)
6
MAR 2008 |
NZART Conference 2008 Dunedin
Greetings to you all
The full version of the conference information page will be available on:
The Dunedin Branch Conference Web Site
and
NZART Web Information
With so many remits up for discussion it looks like the AGM will be very lively this year so please come prepared to take part.
Our website will be updated with any new information as it becomes available. If there is something we haven’t mentioned and you have a question please email us.
In order that as many of you as possible can attend we have deliberately kept the registration fee at the same figure that it was in 2007 and 2006 even considering inflation and increased costs.
There is also an option for you to pay by instalments. Full details are instructions on how to complete the form and forward it to us.
We trust that those who join with us in Dunedin for this event will also enjoy some southern hospitality.
73
Ross Chapman ZL4RC
Secretary
Conference 2008 Committee
Otago Branch 30
E-mail: conference@zl4aa.org.nz
February 2008
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7
FEB 2008 |
New Morse teaching software |
Gary Bold ZL1AN (aka the Morseman) has developed a new version of his Morse teaching software. The new version is available from the NZART web site on the Exam Information page under 5. Learning the Morse Code or from this link Download Gary's Morse Teaching software
14
FEB 2008 |
Australia introduces a new Visiting Amateurs Class Licence |
The Visiting Amateurs Class Licence issued by the ACMA to allow amateurs visiting Australia for up to 90 days to operate in Australia under their home licence without doing more and the ACMA’s Explanatory Statement about the Class Licence have been placed on the WIA website.
This new licence class comes into effect on 14 February 2008.
No doubt many New Zealand amateurs will be pleased with this new approach, see the WIA web site and associated PDF files on that site for more information.
For more information on the new licence and how they will be used, go to Visiting Amateurs Class Licence on WIA website
9
FEB 2008 |
New amateur antencnas in space |
Amateur radio in space received a boost in the early hours of Friday 8 February when Space Shuttle Atlantis delivered the Columbus module into orbit.
Columbus carries 23cm and 13cm antennas which will soon be used to enhance the onboard amateur radio station.
This successful expansion of capabilities is the result of over five years of hard work by the ARISS Europe team.
For more information on the antennas and how they will be used, go to www.ariss-eu.org
7
FEB 2008 |
New Morse teaching software |
Gary Bold ZL1AN (aka the Morseman) has developed a new version of his Morse teaching software. The new version is available from the NZART web site on the Exam Information page under 5. Learning the Morse Code or from this link Download Gary's Morse Teaching software
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3
FEB 2008 |
Headquarters InfoLine Issue 154 |
NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 154. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:
- Jock White Field Day 23rd and 24th February 2008
- Contest News
- - VHF Contests
- - HF Contests
- Take Two: More RFI?
- Break-In Closing Date Reminder
- Auto-Subscription and Un-Subscribe
- Dates for Official Broadcast (OB) and Headquarter's InfoLine (HQIL)
Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 38kb).
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2
FEB 2008 |
NZART Council meeting in Upper Hutt 2/3 February 2008 |
The NZART Council is meeting in Upper Hutt this weekend, 2-3 February 2008 for its annual Face-to-Face. The Council meeting meeting will be receiving reports from Officers of the Association, both written and in person. Reviewing remits in preparation for the AGM in Dunedin over Queens Birthday in June 2008. Setting financial budgets for the next year ahead, and into the future, and conducting additional business. A short report on this meeting may appear in the next InfoLine due out on Sunday 3 February 2008 if time permits.
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2
FEB 2008 |
ARRL DXCC Desk Approves E4/OM2DX Operation |
ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, reports that the 2007 E4/OM2DX DXpedition to Palestine has been approved for DXCC credit. "If you had cards rejected for this operation, please send an e-mail to the ARRL DXCC Desk and you will be placed on the list for update," Moore said.
Full story (From arrl.com)
Full story (From arrl.com)
January 2008
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20
JAN 2008 |
Headquarters InfoLine Issue 153 |
NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 153. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:
- Remits and Subscriptions
- Repeaters and Beacon Payments
- 2007 Membership promotion
- Jock White Field Day 23rd and 24th February 2008
- Contest News
- - VHF Contests
- - HF Contests
- More RFI?
- Break-In Closing Date Reminder
- Auto-Subscription and Un-Subscribe
- Dates for Official Broadcast (OB) and Headquarter’s InfoLine (HQIL)
Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 38kb).
20
JAN 2008 |
WIA arranges AX prefix for 26 January 2008 |
Amateurs should get on air and honour our National Day This prefix is only available for occasions of special national or international significance, such as the Australia Day, ITU Day or the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Occasions warranting the use of the 'AX' prefix are determined by ACMA in consultation with the WIA.
Under such circumstances:
the 'AX' prefix, which will be made available to all amateurs, may be used in lieu of the normal 'VK' prefix;
allocation of the prefix will be restricted to the duration of the occasion;
In consultation with the WIA, the ACMA has agreed to make the AX prefix available for Australia day 2008. The use of the prefix is only available from midnight to midnight local time on Australia day .
Michael Owen, President WIA, said that all Australian amateurs are encouraged to get on air on the 26th and use the AX prefix fully. Its a great opportunity to honour our national day in this special way.
Call CQ CQ CQ using AX instead of VK prefixing your call sign as recognition that the prefix means something special to us all.
Full story (From www.wia.org.au)
18
JAN 2008 |
Motorola Completes Tender Offer for Yaesu's Parent Company |
On Wednesday, January 16, Motorola, Inc announced that its subsidiary, MI, Inc, has successfully completed its tender offer to acquire a controlling interest in Vertex Standard, parent company of Yaesu. The tender offer period expired on January 15 with approximately 5.4 million shares tendered and accepted. On November 5, 2007, Motorola launched the tender offer, in cooperation with Tokogiken (a privately held Japanese company controlled by Vertex Standard's president and CEO Jun Hasegawa) with the intention of forming a joint venture to develop and sell Vertex Standard products and develop select Motorola products. All regulatory clearances required for the completion of the transaction have been obtained.
Full story (From arrl.com)
18
JAN 2008 |
Hiram Percy Maxim II Passes Away at 72 |
The grandson of ARRL co-founder Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW, died at home in Lyme, Connecticut on Saturday, January 12 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Hiram Percy Maxim II -- called HPM just like his grandfather -- was 72. Not a ham, Maxim told the Newington Amateur Radio League at an October 2002 meeting that he doesn't feel he shares the inventive talents of his grandfather and great-grandfather, who held many patents between them; Maxim's great-grandfather invented the machine gun. He told the club audience that his grandfather took on radio and filmmaking as diversions from inventing -- an endeavour he considered extremely hard work. He also thought of Amateur Radio as a means to "bring together" individuals from distant locations and believed that communication was a key to better understanding other people and cultures. The elder Maxim -- often referred to as "The Old Man," or "TOM" -- was an amateur film buff, and a highlight of his grandson's 2002 presentation was a short 16 mm film that showed the elder Maxim and some of his friends working, relaxing and frolicking on the grounds of the family's summer home in Lyme, Connecticut, where HPM II lived until his death. His son, Merritt Maxim, told the ARRL, "Even though he didn't have an Amateur Radio license, he was aware of the importance of his family's role in founding the League. Through his father, my grandfather -- an active engineer -- he continued to maintain an interest in all things mechanical."
(From arrl.com)
13
JAN 2008 |
VHF/UHF/SHF Record Information |
John Wysocki ZL2TWS, NZART's VHF/UHF/SHF Records Coordinator advises of updated records on the above link.
Updates are for the year – are NZ VHF/UHF/SHF Records 2007.
During 2007 the following 2 new records have been listed:
Band |
Frequency |
Type |
Stations |
Date |
Mode |
(KMs) Prop Mode |
2M |
144 |
O/seas |
ZL1CN–VK4DMC |
29/12/2007 |
SSB |
3549 TD |
2M |
144 |
O/seas |
ZL1BT–VK7MO |
04/01/2007 |
JT65 |
2443 TD |
12
JAN 2008 |
Tait (Electronics) split–off breaks ownership model |
Tait Electronics is opening the door to outside shareholders for the first time by splitting off promising hi–tech parts of the business.
The electronics exporter, which is based in Christchurch, is protected from foreign ownership because Sir Angus Tait put it into a trust about 14 years ago. He died last year, aged 88.
Yesterday, however, it announced part of its group research division had been spun off as a separate company. More such moves were likely.
Full story (From stuff.co.nz)
06
JAN 2008 |
Solar cycle 24 begins |
According to the Solar Influences Data Analysis Centre, Solar Cycle 24 has begun. In a report issued on 4 January 2008 the Centre identified a high latitude sunspot group.
The group, first noted by the Catania solar observatory, has been identified using the butterfly rule as the first in Cycle 24.
After the last few years of declining conditions, we can now look forward to a steady improvement in HF propagation until the cycle peaks, which is expected to be around 2013.
(From RSGB Web site)
05
JAN 2008 |
Online help to identify data modes |
There are a bewildering number of digital modes on the air these days. While decoders are readily available, it can take a practiced ear to work out what mode is in use.
Recognising this issue, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group has put downloadable samples of around two dozen modes on its web site.
The idea is that by listening to the samples you can more easily identify modes you hear on the bands.
You can get the files from www.bartg.org.uk by following the Datacom link on the site.
(From RSGB Web site)
