New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) Web: NZART Online

nzart logo

News Old 2007

December 2007


29
DEC  2007

 8th New Zealand/International 2007/2008 Scouts Jamboree

8th New Zealand/International 2007/2008 Scouts Jamboree

To be held in Christchurch, New Zealand from 29 December 2007 to 5 January 2008.

Over 4,500 Scouts along with 1,000 plus Scout Leaders and support personnel from 14 Countries will participate in this event.

Amateur Radio will be there too with volunteers from local Radio Clubs headed by Paul ZL3TX who will have a fully operational HF/VHF/UHF station running under the Callsign ZM6JAM (OC-134).

The main activity will take place between the hours of 2000Z to 0800Z (9AM to 9PM NZDT) each day apart from New Years Eve when the station will remain active till 1200Z (1AM NZDT). Remember though that NZ is 13 hours ahead of UTC time and one of the first countries in the world to see in the New Year!

ZM6JAM will be active on 80 through 10 meters mainly SSB/Digital Modes along with Echolink via the ZL3CAR repeater Node 101553 and IRLP on 145.625 repeater Node 6900.

All Qsl's via ZL Buro or ZL3TX (See Qrz.com).

For further information or for those wanting to set up skeds please email: zm6jam@yahoo.co.nz

23
DEC  2007

 Official Broadcast: December 2007


NZART's Official Broadcast December 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 4.6 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).


23
DEC  2007

 Headquarters InfoLine Issue 152

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 152. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 48kb).

22
DEC  2007

 Jock White Memorial Field Day - 23/24 February 2008

Jock White Memorial Field Day Contest Manager, Stuart Watchman ZL2TW advises to start planning for this contest in February 2008.

Contest rules have been updated with 2008 dates, and the Branches Sheets as well. More information will follow in January 2008.

21
DEC  2007

 ARRL's Logbook of the World Counts More Than 150 Million Contacts

ARRL's Logbook of the World Counts More Than 150 Million Contacts (Dec 20, 2007) -- ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW) -- a repository of log records submitted by users from around the world -- passed its latest milestone Wednesday, December 19 as the QSO counter clicked past 150 million contacts entered into the system, with more added since. When both participants in a contact submit matching QSO records to LoTW, the result is a QSL that can be used for ARRL award credit, such as DXCC. ARRL Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, said, "These 150 million QSOs represent a doubling of the total since July 2005 when ARRL Contributing Editor H. Ward Silver, N0AX, wrote an article for QST, 'Logbook of the World -- 75 Million QSOs Can't Be Wrong!' Thanks for using LoTW. We are planning to improve usability and add support for new awards in 2008."

21
DEC  2007

 DXCC Desk Announces New Entity

DXCC Desk Announces New Entity -- The ARRL DXCC Desk is pleased to announce the addition of St Barthelemy (FJ) to the DXCC List, making the island entity number 338 with an effective date of 14 December, 2007. Cards with contacts dated December 14, 2007 or after will be accepted for DXCC credit. New card submissions for St Barthelemy will not be accepted until January 1, 2008 in order to allow time for administrative adjustments. Full story

09
DEC  2007

 Headquarters InfoLine Issue 151

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 151. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 38kb).

08
DEC  2007

 NZART Council On Air Minutes: November 2007

NZART Council On Air Minutes for November 2007, are now available as outlined in previous HQ InfoLine's, as a download in PDF format. By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Minutes Page.

Or you click on this LINK to be taken to the Membership Services page where a link is also available to the Minutes Page.

06
DEC  2007

 Headquarters InfoLine Issue December 2007 Special - 6 December 2007

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine Issue September 2007 Special - 2 September 2007.

HQ InfoLine Editor, Jamie Pye ZL2NN advises:

It was announced yesterday, via the MED Radio Spectrum Management web site that as a result of the Radio Fee's Review for 2007 - that the fee currently charged by the MED for repeaters, beacons and fixed links for the Amateur Service are not increasing, but remaining at the same level, ($50.00 per annum, reduced by 10% to $45.00 per annum if paid on-line). Additionally it is noted first that the regulations include a ten percent reduction in licence fees for licence holders who undertake their own interference investigations and secondly that the cost for engineering the same licenses has increased from $300.00 to $400.00.

NZART extends it's thanks to the submission submitted by the two previous ALO's, namely Bruce Douglas ZL2WP and Mark Gooding ZL2UFI; as this no doubt lead to the successful case of at least keeping the fee's at their current level. Members will recall that a figure of $250 p.a. was a possibility. This shows the value of the submission process and is good example of what NZART is doing for its members, and for amateurs as a whole.

As part of the press statement from the minister responsible for this fee's increase, David Cunliffe stated in part the following:

"Mr Cunliffe said there will be no changes to the amateur licence fees for repeaters, beacons and fixed links - but these will be included in a review of the amateur fees to be commenced in the New Year."

The new ALO Don Wallace ZL2TLL will be taking up this "new" review referred to by the minister when next meeting with the MED.

The new fee structure takes effect on 1 February 2008.

Stuart Watchman, ZL2TW, NZART Vice President

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 23kb).

For more info from the MED click on this link to their media statement or for the new fees schedule.

03
DEC  2007

 Break-In Editor advises of updates

The Editor of Break-In, John Walker ZL3IB advises of several updates to the Break-In pages on the NZART Web Site.

Firstly the contents of the next issue for November/December are now available (see the link above).

Secondly John has also updated the Guidelines for Authors when writing articles for Break-In from this page or link (as a PDF file).

And finally, the Index for the 2007 year is available on this page. Or all the indexes going back to 1947 on this page.

02
DEC  2007

 Spanish amateurs get more frequencies

Spanish amateurs have been permitted the use of 7.1 to 7.2MHz on a secondary basis using a maximum radiated power of 24dBW.

Also, the Spanish 50MHz band has been extended to cover 50 to 52MHz with a maximum power of 100 watts, except in the centre of the country where power is restricted to 10 watts. (RSGB News)

01
DEC  2007

 AUSTRALIA: Aurora Pulls The Plug on BPL

ABC news reported today that Tasmanian electricity retailer, Aurora Energy, is planning to end its Tasmanian BPL trial.

The Aurora Chief Executive, Peter Davis, is reported to have said that Aurora's BPL trial "does not have the resources to maintain its viability", and "certainly it hasn't been a good money-making exercise for Aurora".

Aurora spent about $2 million since the inception of the trial in 2004, and during that time has seriously addressed the interference aspects of BPL with some success. However at the end of the day it appears that the economics in an increasingly competitive environment just didn't?t stack up for BPL in Tasmania.

Naturally that won?t be the end of BPL in Australia with several mainland trials continuing and possibly more planned, and it is not certain at this stage what will happen to the existing installed BPL infrastructure.

Phil Wait Director, WIA

01
DEC  2007

 AUSTRALIA ISSUES WORLDS LONGEST SPECIAL EVENT CALL SIGN

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued what might be the longest callsigns in the history of ham radio for a special event. ACMA, as its better known has made available to the Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club the callsign VI 2 BMARC 50, to commemorate the club's 50th anniversary.

VI 2 BMARC 50 -- yep it is a mouthful -- well -- it will be on-air for 10 days early next year. Listen out for it from January 18th to the 28th 2008.

Details of the operating schedule and QSL information will be posted on the club's web site. Its in cyberspace at www.bmarc.org And that U-R-L is a lot easier to say than VI 2 BMARC 50. (WIA News)

01
DEC  2007

 D-STAR NEWS: ICOM DONATES 5 MORE D-STAR REPEATERS TO THE WIA

ICOM Australia has donated five more D-Star repeaters to the Wireless Institute of Australia. Wireless Institute of Australia President Michael Owen, VK3KI, was the one who made the announcement of the gift and how it will be used:

Just over a month ago, the WIA announced the gift from ICOM (Australia) Pty Ltd of a D-Star repeater to be located at Olinda in the Dandenong ranges, to serve the greater Melbourne area. Now ICOM and the WIA, concurrently with the official opening of the Olin da D-Star repeater VK3RWN, have announced the gift by Icom of 5 further D-Star repeaters to the WIA so that a D-Star repeater will be able to serve each of the other state capitals.

The experience in Melbourne has been used as the basis of formulating what is really a cooperative effort between a club, its individual experts, the WIA and ICOM. The WIA will consult with people in each state capital including the appropriate Advisory Committee to identify a club or group of clubs, supported by people with the necessary RF and computer skills, able to provide a suitable site and supply the ancillary equipment.

Only one caveat. The agreement between the WIA and Icom makes it clear that each D-Star repeater shall be open to all radio amateurs. And for those not aware, D-Star is a digital protocol developed by the Japanese Amateur Relay League and stands for Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio. Most believe that it will likely replace analog FM as the VHF and UHF utility communications mode of choice in years to come. (WIA News)

November 2007


25
NOV  2007

 Official Broadcast: November 2007


NZART's Official Broadcast November 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.1 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).


24
NOV 2007

 Pedestrian mobile spans the globe

Despite the sunspot minimum, Blackpool amateur Dave Starkie, G4AKC, has managed two way pedestrian mobile contact with G7LPW/ZL3 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

On 15 November they completed the 21,100km contact on 20 metres SSB.

This was the result of two years work to improve and develop a high performance HF backpack which was used at both ends of the contact.

From RSGB Web site LINK .

22
NOV 2007

 NZART Council On Air Minutes: June 2007

NZART Council On Air Minutes for both meetings in June 2007, Friday and the Monday, are now available as outlined in previous HQ InfoLine's, as a download in PDF format. By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Minutes Page.

Or you click on this LINK to be taken to the Membership Services page where a link is also available to the Minutes Page.

18
NOV  2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 150


NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 150. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 38kb).

8
NOV 2007

 NZART Council On Air Minutes: October 2007

NZART Council On Air Minutes for October 2007 are now available as outlined in previous HQ InfoLine's, as a download in PDF format.
By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Minutes Page.

Or you click on this LINK to be taken to the Membership Services page where a link is also available to the Minutes Page.


4
NOV  2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 149


NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 149. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 40kb).

4
NOV  2007

 NZART Microwave Contest Results 2007

VHF/UHF Contest Manager Doug Ingham ZL2TAR advises that the results of the NZART Microwave Contest Results 2007 are now available at the above link in PDF format.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 10kb).

3
NOV  2007

 List (or Email Reflector) processing now complete

As stated below, all outstanding List Submissions requests have now been completed, with the back log cleared.

Most requests for subscribing to the lists will be processed within 24 hours after applying.

1
NOV  2007

 New NZART - List (or Email Reflector) Guidelines from 1 November 2007

(UPDATED 2 November 2007):

Due to the high number of List submissions, there will be a delay of up to 48 hours before access is gained.

Please be aware that each request has to be checked against the membership list. All possible efforts are being made to process the List submissions.

Each requesting member will receive (from the Webmaster) an email once their request is completed, confirming their submission and the email addresses to use for posting to the lists.

Thank you for your patience.

Signed Webmaster.

As stated in NZART's Official Broadcast for October 2007 by NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP, effective from 1 November 2007 the NZART Reflectors Rules have changed.

The new rules are located at: http://www.nzart.org.nz/nzart/lists/listrules.html.

The most important changes are:

The NZART Lists or Email Reflectors are a members-only area, one of the benefits of being a member of the association.

The only exception to this rule is the InfoLine list - which is open to all.

NOTE: most requests for subscribing to the lists will be processed within 24 hours after applying.

To top of page

October 2007


31
OCT  2007

 New ALO appointed: Don Wallace ZL2TLL

As stated in NZART's Official Broadcast for October 2007 by NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP, that Council has been pleased to appoint Don Wallace ZL2TLL who is a Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) its new Administration Liaison Officer (ALO).

Don who has qualifications in both engineering and public policy, has been involved in all aspects of telecommunications and in all parts of the market (user, provider and regulatory). He brings to NZART a mix of strategic and management level experience coupled with the ability, where required, to "drill down" into high complexity specialist technical areas and Council looks forward to its dealings with Don in this important role.

Don has also been a radio amateur since his secondary school days, has served in many different positions on the Wellington VHF Group committee, was elected a life member for his service to the Group and has the perhaps dubious distinction of having won the stirrer's award at a couple of NZART conferences.

28
OCT  2007

 Official Broadcast: October 2007


NZART's Official Broadcast October 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.1 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

21
OCT  2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 148


NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 148. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 134kb).
19
OCT  2007

 NZART Memorial Contest 2007 Results

NZART's Contest Manager John Powell ZL1BHQ advises of the results of the Memorial Contest.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 10kb).

14
OCT  2007

 NZART Submission: Radio Frequency Auction 2.3 GHZ and 2.5 GHz Bands

NZART's Submission: Radio Frequency Auction 2.3 GHZ and 2.5 GHz Bands is now available from the above link. (The PDF link on the MED Site is not correct.)

MED Auction Site Link http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/policy-and-planning/spectrum-auctions/2-3-2-5-ghz-auction-1

MED Submission Link (to view all submissions made): http://www.rsm.govt.nz/cms/policy-and-planning/spectrum-auctions/2-3-2-5-ghz-auction-1/2-3-ghz-and-2-5-ghz-auction-submissions-received

8
OCT  2007

 Doug Gorman Memorial Frequency Measuring Contest 2007 (UPDATED - 13 October 2007)


NZART's Doug Gorman Memorial Frequency Measuring Contest 2007 Results are now available:

The Official Frequencies were 3726.0932 KHz, 3851.5462 KHz, 3783.3762 KHz. This year's contest is unique in that it resulted in three perfect scores from three different Branches.

This is the first time that there has been a three way tie for the Norm Edwards Shield and with perfect scores as well. Well done and congratulations to Murray Greenman ZL1BPU, Chris Muir Zl1BOE, and Mike McElvey ZL4OL.

For those who are interested, we use three frequency counters at the transmitting site. One counter is a high quality recently calibrated Agilent 53131A frequency counter. The other two universal counters are a Racal 9915 and a HP 5328A. All the meters are referenced against an Efratom Rubidium Frequency Oscillator which is what we use as our standard for the contest.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 20kb).

7
OCT  2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 147


NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 147. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 42kb).

3
OCT  2007

 NZART Council - Policy Statement: Callsigns


A new policy on Callsigns has been completed and signed off by NZART Council at the recent Council on Air meeting held on 2 October 2007.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 20kb).

3
OCT  2007

 NZART ARX advises: Increase in Callsign Fees


As a result of a review of the fees charged for the issuing of Callsigns by the NZART ARX, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advise of increases in callsign allocation fees. This fees increase was first mentioned in InfoLine No. 145a issued on 10 September 2007. The fees increased from 1 October 2007.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Forms and Fees page to view the new fees.

To top of page

September 2007


30
SEPT 2007

 Official Broadcast: September 2007


NZART's Official Broadcast September 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.0 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

23
SEPT 2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 146

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 146. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 100kb).

17
SEPT 2007

 New Zealand Repeater and Band Plan Information: Updated

New Zealand Repeater and Band Plan Information has been updated with new PDF files now available for download.
These have been prepared by Jamie Pye ZL2NN. The above link will take you to the New Zealand Repeater and Band Plan Information page.


15
SEPT 2007

 NZART Council Administration Liaison Officer (ALO) Position: Vacancy Closed

NZART Council advises that the vacancy is now closed, and after working through an appointment process hopes to announce in due course the successful applicant.
NZART Council thanks those who have applied, and others who showed interest in the position.


15
SEPT 2007

 NZART Council Submission: Auction on 2.3 and 2.5 GHz Bands

NZART Council advises that a Submission to the MED Auction on 2.3 and 2.5 GHz Bands has been completed and submitted to the MED to meet the closing date of 14 September 2007.

NZART Council thanks the following amateurs who supplied input into the submission:

Ted Barnes ZL2IP; Stephen Hayman ZL1TPH; Kevin Murphy ZL1UJG and Brian Ryall ZL1AVZ.

11
SEPT 2007

 NZART Council On Air Minutes: August 2007

NZART Council On Air Minutes for August 2007 are now available as outlined in previous HQ InfoLine's, as a download in PDF format.
By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Minutes Page.

Or you click on this LINK to be taken to the Membership Services page where a link is also available to the Minutes Page.


10
SEPT 2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 145a

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 145a. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 30kb).

9
SEPT 2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 145

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine No: 145. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 32kb).

6
SEPT 2007

  Examination Centre's and Supervisors around New Zealand


General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM - advises that the Examination and Supervisors list has been updated and is correct as of 5 September 2007. Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 32kb).

5
SEPT 2007

 District plan could kill communication: North Shore District Plan

Television reception and emergency communication could be limited if a proposed North Shore district plan change goes ahead, warn opponents.

Seven appeals have been lodged against plan change 18.

If implemented, the change will give the North Shore City Council the power to limit the size and number of antennae, aerials, telephone poles, power and lamp poles and wiring installed after the change comes into effect.

Existing equipment won't be affected.

The council says the proposed change would limit the number of visible antennae and aerials because they are not visually pleasing.

But North Shore city councillor Ivan Dunn says limiting the size of antennae and aerials could restrict the Shore's communication in a disaster such as a major earthquake.

"The last line of defence is the radio hams with their national and international signal range but under plan change 18 their mast heights could be limited to 10 metres," he says.

Mr Dunn is the North Shore city representative for the Auckland Civil Defence management committee.

Shore radio amateurs say they need a minimum of 15 metres for aerials to be effective.

But greater heights are needed for a guaranteed signal, Mr Dunn says.

TVNZ, Vodafone, Telstra Clear, NZ Association of Radio Transmitters, Telecom, Vector and telecommunications and broadcasting company Kordia have lodged appeals with the Environment Court.

North Shore Amateur Radio Club chairman Vaughan Henderson says people wanting the new Freeview digital television could be affected by the plan change, particularly people who live in the bottom of valleys or in East Coast Bays.

"It is our intention to aggressively pursue relief once we start discussions with council."

"I do not think that our appeal will fail but we may not get everything we want out of it and may be able to accept some areas of compromise," Mr Henderson says.

"The outcome, I hope, will be a significant shift by the North Shore City Council on the most restrictive issues in the plan change and an acceptable compromise on the rest, allowing us to continue the quiet enjoyment of our hobby."

Click on the above link to view the story on stuff.co.nz

NZART is fully supporting this effort to stop this plan becoming law and calls on all amateurs to support both North Shore Amateur Radio Club and NZART in this appeal process.If you would like to donate to the fighting fund, to assist financially so that we can protect our position and provide communications in emergencies then contact Business Manager at NZART Headquarters .

2
SEPT 2007

 Headquarters InfoLine Issue September 2007 Special - 2 September 2007

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine Issue September 2007 Special - 2 September 2007. HQ InfoLine Editor, Jamie Pye ZL2NN advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 28kb).

2
SEPT 2007

 ZL3 Prefix QSL Sub-Bureau - Change


NZART QSL Bureau Manager Barry Stewart ZL2RR advises ZL3-prefix call-sign holders to please note that, following the retirement of Mr Bill Jefferis, ZL3DV, from the position of ZL3 QSL Sub-Bureau Manager, Mr C.E.S. Dawson, ZL3CED has been appointed to fill this position forthwith.

By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the QSL Page to view the updated address information for ZL3.

2
SEPT 2007

 Doug Gorman Frequency Measurement Contest - Monday 3 September 2007


Doug Gorman Frequency Measurement Contest By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Contests Page to view the rules.

Or you click on this LINK to download the rules as a PDF file.

To top of page

August 2007


26
AUGUST 2007

 Official Broadcast: August 2007


NZART's Official Broadcast August 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.0 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

26
AUGUST 2007

 Headquarters InfoLine Issue August 2007 Special - 26 August 2007

NZART's Headquarters InfoLine Issue August 2007 Special - 26 August 2007. HQ InfoLine Editor, Jamie Pye ZL2NN advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 28kb).

22
AUGUST 2007

 Brass Monkey Contest 2007 (SHF and Above Contest) Results

NZART VHF/UHF Contests Manager Doug Ingham ZL2TAR advises of the results for the Brass Monkey Contest 2007 (SHF and Above Contest), as a download in PDF format.

By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Contests Page to view the results.

Or you click on this LINK to download the results as a PDF file.

21
AUGUST 2007

 Exam Information Update

General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises that due to the Radio 4A form not being available off the MED:RSM site she has made the form available off the NZART Web Site.

As such the links to the radio form have updated to point at the file which is hosted here (Webmaster).

Click on this LINK to download the PDF (approx. 185kb).

19
AUGUST 2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 144

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 144. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 48kb).

19
AUGUST 2007

  2007 Radio Spectrum Licence Fees Review


The Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) group of the Ministry of Economic Development is responsible for administering the Radiocommunications Act 1989 and its subordinate regulations. This involves providing a range of services, the costs of which are met through the annual fees paid by licence holders.

A cost allocation study and proposed fee options was presented for public comment in March 2007.

NZART's Submission although available from the MED site is more readable from this LINK .

15
AUGUST 2007

  International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2007 - this weekend !


More than 380 lighthouses in more than 48 countries -- from Argentina to Wales -- will be on the air for 2007 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW) organized by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group, Scotland. The event, held for the ninth year in a row, takes place Saturday, August 18 0001 UTC-Sunday, August 19 2359 UTC. While not a contest, the ILLW is more of a QSO Party and Amateur Radio demonstration. The ILLW aims to raise public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and the need for their preservation and restoration, promote Amateur Radio and foster international goodwill. Stations at more than 40 US lights are expected to be on the air for the event, and several stations will identify with special event call signs. Participating lighthouse/lightship stations do not have to be inside the structure or on the vessel itself; a Field Day-type setup at or adjacent to the light is sufficient. More information about the event, including a registration form, is available on the ILLW Web site.

The 2007 list is available from this LINK.

New Zealand Stations on the air over this coming weekend are ZL6LH and ZL6CC - work them to support their efforts!

11
AUGUST 2007

  NZART Boat Anchor Sprint is on tonight !


NZART Boat Anchor Sprint Contest is on tonight commencing at 8.00 pm and concluding at 9.00 pm.

Click on the above link for the PDF file of the rules.

10
AUGUST 2007

  New E7A-E7Z Prefix for Bosnia and Herzegovina


The ITU has granted a request from the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to replace T9A-T9Z with E7A-E7Z. According to IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, "While it probably will take some time for the BiH administration to implement this change, it should put to an end the use of call signs outside the ITU-allocated call sign block by stations in parts of BiH." The new prefix will be implemented "probably later this year," Sumner said.

9
AUGUST 2007

  NZART Council On Air Minutes: July 2007


NZART Council On Air Minutes for July 2007 are now available as outlined in previous HQ InfoLine's, as a download in PDF format.
By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Minutes Page.

Or you click on this LINK to be taken to the Membership Services page where a link is also available to the Minutes Page.

8
AUGUST 2007

  Sir Angus Tait ZL3NL - Silent Key

Sir Angus Tait

NZART notes with great sadness the passing of Sir Angus Tait ZL3NL on Tuesday 7 August 2007.

Sir Angus was a great supporter of amateur radio in New Zealand, and he will be greatly missed.

Sir Angus was the 2006 Fred M. Link Award winner:

The Radio Club of America RCA has honoured Sir Angus Tait, ZL3NL, as the recipient of its 2006 Fred M. Link (W2ALU) Award. The RCA recognized Tait "for his substantial contributions to the advancement and development of land mobile radio and communications." The managing director of Tait Electronics in Christchurch, New Zealand, Tait said he was "amazed and delighted" at the honour. "I was quite overwhelmed that this prestigious organization in the States had even known about me," he said in an interview with Don Bishop, W0WO. Tait was unable to attend RCA's awards banquet in mid-November, and Tait Communications President Bill Fredrickson accepted the award in his stead. Now 87, Tait says he got into the land mobile business more than a half-century ago because of his early interest in short wave listening. In 1999, Queen Elizabeth II designated Tait as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit "for services to technology, manufacturing and export. He's also an Officer of the British Empire. Tait remains active in ham radio on VoIP modes.

The following two links to external sites are worth visiting for background on his life stuff.co.nz and scoop.co.nz.

5
AUGUST 2007

 Headquarters InfoLine No: 143

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 143. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 50kb).

To top of page

July 2007


30
JULY 2007

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)

A small group of dedicated Amateur's world wide have run the ARISS program since 2001, which is sponsored by NASA, ARRL, and AMSAT to give students and young people a chance to speak live with the crew on board the International Space Station as it circles 370 kilometres above the earth at a speed 27,000 Kph.

NZART has received an invitation to join this program and is enthusiastic about this activity, the project will be part of the recruitment process to encourage new Amateurs and perhaps a career in radio and electronics. This is a wonderful opportunity for our branches to become involved in a project that includes your local school, Scout group, Amateur Radio and the International Space Station.

A Coordinator for New Zealand has been appointed and is well on the way planning for future school contacts, he is Peter Norden ZL2SJ. Peter is able to advise interested people, clubs, schools, how to go about registering for an ARISS contact here in New Zealand.

The official web page for ARISS is, http://www.rac.ca/ariss

ARISS-ZL coordinator write to the Callbook address ZL2SJ or Phone 06 308 6970.

Click on the above link to navigate to the NZART ARISS page to read the full story.


29
JULY 2007

Official Broadcast: July 2007


NZART's Official Broadcast July 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 4.8 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

28
JULY 2007

World Scout Jamboree 27 July - 8 August 2007 has started!


World Scout Jamboree 27 July - 8 August 2007 has started! Click on the above link to go to the web site and catch up with the events.

23
JULY 2007

VHF/UHF/SHF Record Information: An update WORLD (Terrestrial) RECORDS 2006

NZART's VHF Records Keeper John Wysocki ZL2TWS advises that the latest update to the World (Terrestrial) Records for 2006 have been updated.

These are now available for viewing from the above link, as well as the Moonbounce (EME) Records and the New Zealand VHF/UHF/SHF Records.
Also contained on the page are links to VHF/UHF/SHF Records Claim Rules, Propagation Verification Claim Guide and Propagation Verification Claim Form.
All questions regarding these Records should be directed at John, via email at: or using the postal address of:

The VHF/UHF/SHF Records Coordinator, C/- NZART, P.O. Box 40-525, Upper Hutt.

22
JULY 2007

Headquarters InfoLine No: 142

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 142. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:


Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 98kb).

15
JULY 2007

Headquarters InfoLine July 2007 Special No: 15

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line July 2007 Special No: 15. Headquarters InfoLine Editor, Jamie Pye ZL2NN advises:

Welcome to this Special Issue of Headquarters Info Line which has the details of the special events being held to celebrate
100 years of Scouting throughout the world.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 30kb).

10
JULY 2007

EchoLink/IRLP Repeater Map Updated


Cyril Rosewarne ZL2VBC advises of an update to the New Zealand Amateur Radio VoIP Systems map. The above link will
take you to the Repeaters and Bandplan pages where you can download the updated file PDF format.

Or you click on this LINK to download the PDF file.

8
JULY 2007

Headquarters InfoLine No: 141

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 141. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 70kb) by clicking on this LINK, and viewing the PDF file.

8
JULY 2007

UPDATED REPORT: Sangster Shield Contest Results and Contest Managers comments: 2007


NZART Contests Manager John Powell ZL1BHQ advises Glenn ZL2KZ, Sangster Shield Contest Manager's comments for
inclusion with the 2007 results have been added to the results PDF as first reported on 1 July 2007. By clicking on the above
link you will be taken to the Contests Page to view the results and the comments.

Or you click on this LINK to download the PDF file.

7
JULY 2007

Hibernation Contest Results: 2007 (VHF and Above Contest)


NZART VHF/UHF Contests Manager Doug Ingham ZL2TAR advises of the results for the 2007 Hibernation Contest, as a
download in PDF format.

By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Contests Page to view the results.

Or you click on this LINK to download the results as a PDF file.

1
JULY 2007

Jock White Field Day Results : 2007


NZART Contests Manager John Powell ZL1BHQ advises of the results for the 2007 Jock White Field Day Results, as a
download in PDF format. Included in this years report is a full contest report from the Contest Manager,
Stuart Watchman ZL2TW.

By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Contests Page to view the results.

Or you click on this LINK to download the results as a PDF file.

1
JULY 2007

Sangster Shield Contest Results: 2007


NZART Contests Manager John Powell ZL1BHQ advises of the results for the 2007 Sangster Shield Contest, as a
download in PDF format.

By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Contests Page to view the results.

Or you click on this LINK to download the results as a PDF file.

To top of page

June 2007


26
JUNE 2007

NZART Council On Air Minutes: May 2007


NZART Council On Air Minutes for May 2007 are now available as outlined in previous HQ InfoLine's, as a download in PDF format.
By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Minutes Page.

Or you click on this LINK to be taken to the Membership Services page where a link is also available to the Minutes Page.

24
JUNE 2007

Official Broadcast

NZART's Official Broadcast June 2007 - details presidential update from NZART Vice-President Stuart Watchman ZL2TW. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.1 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

24
JUNE 2007

Headquarters InfoLine No: 140

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 140. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 45kb) by clicking on this LINK, and viewing the PDF file.
18
JUNE 2007

NZART Council On Air Minutes now available


NZART Council On Air Minutes are now available as outlined in previous HQ InfoLine's, with April's minutes available as a download in PDF format.
Additional minutes will be added after each On Air meeting approves them for publication. By clicking on the above link you will be taken to the Minutes Page.
Or you click on this LINK to be taken to the Membership Services page where a link is also available to the minutes page.

10
JUNE 2007

Headquarters InfoLine No: 139

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 139. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 39kb) by clicking on this LINK, and viewing the PDF file.

3
JUNE 2007

NZART's Official Broadcast from Conference June 2007


NZART's Official Broadcast from Conference June 2007 - presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 3.3 MB - about 10-14 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

To top of page

May 2007


30
MAY 2007

Canada ending 136 kHz and 5 MHz special authorisations


In accordance with an agreement between Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) and Industry Canada -- that country's telecommunications regulatory agency -- special authorizations allowing some Canadian radio amateurs to conduct experiments at 136 kHz and 5 MHz will terminate June 30.

“These experiments have had, as one objective, the provision of data that would support the objectives of RAC and the IARU for possible new allocations to the Amateur Service at these frequencies,” the RAC said. Future special authorizations will depend on the outcomes of World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07), which gets under way October 22, the RAC added. New, worldwide, secondary amateur allocations at 135.7 to 137.8 kHz and in the 5 MHz range are up for possible consideration at WRC-07.

RAC Newfoundland-Labrador Section Manager Joe Craig, VO1NA, described some of his LF experiences in “The Transatlantic on 2200 Meters” which appeared in July 2005 QST. Craig also has been in the forefront of 60-meter experimentation in Canada through the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland. In 2003, club station VO1MRC worked N1RL in Massachusetts for the first Canada-US two-way amateur contact on 60 meters. There's more information on the VO1MRC 5 MHz Experiment Web pages.

29
MAY 2007

Examination Centre's and Supervisors around New Zealand


General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM - advises that the Examination and Supervisors list has been updated and is correct as of 28 May 2007. Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 32kb).

27
MAY 2007

Official Broadcast


NZART's Official Broadcast May 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast.

Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.1 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

24
MAY 2007

Pitcairn's Correspondent checks in - VP6TD

As reported here on 25 April 2007 Tom Dixon ZL2HGR now VP6TD has sent in his first update from Pitcairn Island (VP6).

Tom states... “the G5RV has been a super antenna - I have worked hundreds of stations with it. I even worked a guy who claimed he was running 800 milliwatts. Best time I have found for DX is from about 0500 UTC. Hopefully I'll work a few ZL's. I now understand why hams refer to the European pileups as a zoo...they are crazy and have no operating procedure.”

Tom advises that he has the G5RV up at 15 metres on a bamboo pole amongst the islands old radio transmitting masts. He has survived the ordeal of the trip and is being made very welcome on the island.

For the full copy of his email checkout QST63, the club newsletter of Upper Hutt Branch 63. Download the PDF from the June 2007 issue, from this link: Full Story

20
MAY 2007

Headquarters InfoLine No: 138

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 138. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 185kb) by clicking on this LINK, and viewing the PDF file.

13
MAY 2007

WIA Board's 2007 Appointments

At it's meeting immediately following the Annual General Meeting and Open Forum at Parkes, NSW, on 5 May 2007, the WIA Board reappointed Michael Owen VK3KI President of the WIA and Ewan McLeod VK4ERM Vice President of the WIA for a further year.

Full Story

13
MAY 2007

WIA makes first Chris Jones Award

WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI announced the first Chris Jones Award at the 2007 Open Forum at Parkes NSW on 5 May 2007.

The Award is a handsome glass trophy and features a picture of the late Chris Jones VK2ZDD and the following wording:

“The Chris Jones Award honours the memory of a man who was dedicated to the advancement of amateur radio and whose unfailing commitment and vision led to a new Wireless Institute of Australia and whose unfailing courtesy and genuine friendliness is fondly remembered by all who knew him.

It is awarded to radio amateurs who have made an exceptional contribution to amateur radio and the Wireless Institute of Australia.”

The Award was presented to Mal Johnson VK6LC in recognition of his great contribution to amateur radio as the WIA Awards Manager.

Full Story

12
MAY 2007

DXCC Desk approves operation for DXCC credit

The ARRL DXCC Desk has approved the BS7H Scarborough Reef 2007 operations for DXCC credit. For more information, visit the DXCC Web page. “DXCC Frequently Asked Questions” can answer most questions about the DXCC program. ARRL DX bulletins are available on the W1AW DX Bulletins page.

12
MAY 2007

Ham Radio Instrumental in Pacific Maritime Rescue

Amateur Radio played a critical role May 4 and 5 in rescuing two people from a foundering sailboat that had been en route to Colombia. Members of the Maritime Mobile Service Net (MMSN) and Intercontinental Net on 14.300 MHz were involved in getting the man and woman aboard the 35-foot s/v Sailabout (photo) to safety after they ran into trouble some 700 nautical miles southwest of the Galapagos Islands in the South Pacific.

Full Story

6
MAY 2007

Headquarters InfoLine No: 137

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 137. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 131kb) by clicking on this LINK, and viewing the PDF file.

3
MAY 2007

VHF/UHF Low Band Contest 2007 Results

VHF Contest Manager Doug Ingham ZL2TAR advises of the results of the recent VHF/UHF Low Band Contest 2007 held over the 14/15 April 2007. And that the full results are now available from the link above.

The next contest is the Hibernation Contest, on 9/10 June 2007. This is the weekend FOLLOWING NZART Conference, being held in Palmerston North at Queen's Birthday weekend. The operating times are: Saturday 1700 to 2300 NZT and Sunday 0700 to 1300 NZT.

The following contest is the Brass Monkey Contest, on 4/5 August 2007. The operating times are: Saturday 1700 to 2300 NZT and Sunday 0700 to 1300 NZT.

To top of page

April 2007

Official Broadcast (29 April 2007) NZART's Official Broadcast April 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast. Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.3 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

New Zealand Amateur on Pitcairn Island as VP6TD (25 April 2007) Tom Dixon ZL2HGR advises of his upcoming operation from Pitcairn Island. Tom states he will operating from Pitcairn Island as VP6TD from 7 May 2007 and will be there until early September 2007. Tom will be operating his preferred mode, namely PSK31 and CW (if his morse is up to the mark!). His station will consist of Yaesu FT-857D, Z11-Pro ATU, Longwire and a Buddipole Antenna's. Tom, is looking forward to working as many operators as possible, especially those from New Zealand.

Clandestine broadcaster, jamming station back in Amateur Radio band (25 April 2007) ARRL Monitoring System/Intruder Watch Liaison Chuck Skolaut, K0BOG, confirms reports that a clandestine broadcaster and a jamming station again are competing on 18.160 MHz. The 17-meter band is a worldwide exclusive Amateur Radio allocation. Following up on reports, Skolaut says he's able to hear the "Sound of Hope" broadcast station from Taiwan as well as the so-called "Fire Dragon" jammer, broadcasting music from the Hainan, Peoples' Republic of China, at ARRL Headquarters station W1HQ. The Sound of Hope transmits news unfavorable to the PRC, while the Hainan music transmissions attempt to block the transmission, pausing for four minutes each hour, apparently to check the frequency. When the same two competing signals showed up on amateur frequencies last year, International Amateur Radio Union Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, requested the clandestine broadcaster avoid use of Amateur Radio frequencies. Skolaut has received reports about the clandestine broadcaster and music jammer interference from all over the US as well as Europe, Africa and the UK. IARU Monitoring System Region 1 Coordinator Wolf Hadel, DK2OM, in Germany has documented the intruders on 18.160 MHz (and others) on his Web site.

Examination Centres and Supervisors around New Zealand (19 April 2007) General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM - advises that the Examination and Supervisors list has been updated and is correct as of 17 April 2007. Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 32kb).

Headquarters InfoLine No: 136 (15 April 2007) NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 136. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises:

And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 115kb) by clicking on this LINK, and viewing the PDF file.

Jock White National Field Day Contest 2007 Results (15 April 2007) Thank you to all branch team members along with home stations for making the effort to participate in this great NZART event. This year all valid field stations submitted logs, including one branch that has not done so for years. Hamilton even submitted their logs printed and spiral bound! A big thank you to everyone for making this effort. 47 logs in total were received along with some home station check logs. It is nice to read the comments submitted with the entries, it makes the task of log checking a lot more interesting!

Read more of Stuart Watchman ZL2TW's report and the results by clicking on this LINK, and viewing the PDF file.

The BPL War: Australian BPL Interference Video Released (9 April 2007) The BPL War: Australian BPL Interference Video Released (9 April 2007) The fight against interference caused by access B-P-L continues down-under. This with the release of a new 8 minute documentary video dealing with the interference potential of Broadband Over Powerline technology in Australia. The show is a virtual tour video of the Mt Nelson B-P-L trial area and contains a visual and audible representation of the interference potential of the B-P-L technology deployed in the area. It also contains commentary and background information on B-P-L technology . You can view it on-line at http://reast.asn.au/vk7bplwatch.php#bpltours

International Marconi Day 28 April 2007 (9 April 2007) International Marconi Day will take place on Saturday 28 April this year. Although the event is not a contest, participants can qualify for award certificates by contacting special stations. These stations must operate on or close to a site where Guglielmo Marconi carried out experiments or where Marconi equipment was used prior to his death in 1937. If you would like to operate one of these special award stations, it is essential that you register the station by emailing webmaster@gb4imd.org.uk prior to the event with full details of the station.

Further information can be found on the web at www.gb4imd.org.uk.

World Amateur Radio Day 2007 Award 18 April 2007 (9 April 2007) International Marconi Day will take place on Saturday 28 April this year. A new amateur radio award has been launched to commemorate the World Amateur Radio Day celebrated by the International Amateur Radio Union on 18 April each year. The WARD 2007 Award - as it is called - is the brainchild of the Polish Radio Amateurs’ Journal. It is also supported by the Polish Amateur Radio Union. The award is available for either 10 QSOs on the HF bands or five QSOs on the VHF bands. All contacts must be made between 0000 and 2400UTC on 18 April 2007. The award is also available to SWLs for the same numbers of reports.

To top of page

March 2007

Official Broadcast (25 March 2007) NZART's Official Broadcast March 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast. Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.3 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

InfoLine Issue March 2007 Special (21 March 2007)

NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue March 2007 Special.

Returning Officer Evan T Sayer, advises the results of NZART Election:

In This Issue:

President and Councillors Election Results 2007
President Votes:
Bruce Douglas ZL2WP 413
Roy Symon ZL2KH 313
 
Councillors Northern District (3 Required)  
Vaughan Henderson ZL1TGC 257
Tony Case ZL1UD 255
Noel Rowe ZL3GR 209
Brian Farrell ZL1HM 138
Peter Bennett ZL1UPB 102
 
Councillors Central District (No election Required)
Mark Gooding ZL2UFI  
John Andrews ZL2HD  
Roy Symon ZL2KH  
 
Councillors Midlands District (2 Required)
Stuart Watchman ZL2TW 118
Keith Stanton ZL3QH 110
John Hirtzel ZL3ADF 75
 
Councillor Southland District (No election Required)
John Lochhead ZL4QS  


The candidates with their names and voting figures highlighted (bolded), having the highest number of votes are here-by elected in accordance with the Association's Constitution.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 28kb).

Results of the VHF-UHF DX Weekend Contest (18 March 2007) Updated 19 March 2007

VHF Contest Manager Doug Ingham ZL2TAR advises of the results of the recent VHF-UHF DX Weekend Contest held over the 3/4 February 2007. And that the full results are now available from the link above.

The next contest is the Low Band Contest, 50 MHz to 440 MHz, on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 of April 2007. The operating times are: Saturday 1700 to 2300 NZT and Sunday 0700 to 1300 NZT. This is the weekend FOLLOWING VHF Convention, being held in Wellington at Easter.

The following contest is the Hibernation Contest, 50 MHz and up, on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 of June 2007. This is the weekend FOLLOWING NZART Conference, being held in Palmerston North at Queen's Birthday weekend. The operating times are: Saturday 1700 to 2300 NZT and Sunday 0700 to 1300 NZT.

Click on the above link to view the results of the contest in PDF format.

Info-Line No: 134 (18 March 2007) NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 134. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises

In This Issue:


And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 330kb)

Amateur Radio activity shut down in Iraq (15 March 2007) Iraq Amateur Radio Society (IARS) President Diya Sayah, YI1DZ, has informed ARRL that all Amateur Radio activity in Iraq has been suspended until the security situation there improves. He says the suspension affects both Iraqi citizens as well as any foreigners -- including military personnel and contractors -- who have been on the air from Iraq. The request to halt all ham radio activity and the issuance of licenses in Iraq originated with a letter from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as part of a new security plan, Sayah said. He received subsequent confirmation via the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to shut down ham radio activity, although he allows for a possible misunderstanding on the part of government officials as to the nature and purpose of Amateur Radio.

Amateur Radio-Related WRC-07 Text Survives Conference Preparatory Meeting (15 March 2007) Technical report text on two World Radiocommunication Conference 2007 (WRC-07) agenda items of interest to Amateur Radio has survived the WRC-07 Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM-07). The nearly 600-page Conference Preparatory Meeting Report (CPM Report) still reflects the International Amateur Radio Union's (IARU) desired options for agenda items (AIs) 1.13 and 1.15, thanks to the efforts of the IARU delegation. AI 1.13 addresses the allocation of HF spectrum between 4 and 10 MHz, including the possibility of allocation changes in the 40 and 60 meter bands, while AI 1.15 opens the possibility of a secondary ham radio allocation in the vicinity of 136 kHz.

Irish Radio Transmitters (IRTS) Society 75th Annual General Meeting (12 March 2007) IRTS 75th Annual General Meeting:

Arrangements are well in hand for the Society's 75th Annual General Meeting to be held at the Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork on Sunday April 22nd. The weekend celebrations will follow the usual format with the 75th Jubilee Dinner being held on the Saturday night. Tickets prices have been maintained at last years level and are great value at only 30 Euro.

Several high profile international guests will attend the dinner and AGM and included are Dave Sumner K1ZZ, Secretary of the International Amateur Radio Union and C.E.O. of the ARRL, the American National Society. Also joining us will be the Chairman of Region 1 IARU Ole Garpestad LA2RR and the Presidents of several other sister national societies in Region 1.

Click on the above link to read the full story.

NZART Conference (AGM) 2007 (10 March 2007) Update from the Radio Waves ~ Symposium 2007 Committee. NZART Conference (AGM):

NZART Conference (AGM) 2007 in Palmerston North, over Queens Birthday Weekend.

NZART Conference (AGM) 2007: Registration Form (PDF File) for download.

NZART Conference (AGM) 2007: Accommodation Information Form (PDF File) for download.

What is Amateur Radio? (7 March 2007) NZART's latest promotional brochure is now available for download as a PDF file. This new brochure is designed to promote amateur radio and inform people interested in amateur radio. Currently costing's from printers are being sought, but in the meantime you can download this file and print out your own copies.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 253kb)

Info-Line No: 133 (4 March 2007) NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 133. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises In This Issue:

And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 69kb)

National System Award 2007 (3 March 2007) Celebrating 20 years of the National System the third National System Award will run during the month of March 2007.

Purpose:

To celebrate 20 years of the National System, which first became operational between Auckland and Wellington on 5 April 1987.

To highlight the continued support by NZART, many NZART branches and the devotion of the Trustees and other helpers. Mention must also be made of the donations of time, expertise and equipment by a number of companies that continue to make the National System possible.

To encourage home station and mobile use of the system, and to demonstrate the wide coverage over most of New Zealand.

Details of the rules, scoring and award application details can be found on the Wellington VHF Group web site at www.vhf.org.nz/nsaward.

To top of page

February 2007

Official Broadcast (25 February 2007) NZART's Official Broadcast February 2007 - details presidential update from NZART President Bruce Douglas ZL2WP. NZART Headquarters update from the General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM... all this and much more in this months Official Broadcast. Click on the above link to navigate to the Official Broadcast page to download the full broadcast in MP3 format (approximate. size 5.2 MB - about 14-18 minutes at 56K dial up speed or faster by broadband).

New Propagation Link - Other Links Page (21 February 2007) Bob Gyde ZL3NE has provided a new link to the Other Links Page hosted here on the NZART Web Site. Bob's link is to his homepages, where he details the publishing his 6 meter to 1296 MHz predictions for propagation. Bob states “due to the accuracy of the information which I publish daily, I thought you may like to include my URL in your propagation list. I daily put out predictions for up to 1296 MHz for Europe, North America and the Pacific area. These are placed up on the internet each day around 7.30 pm for the next day's use.”

The URL is http://homepages.slingshot.co.nz/~split21204/.

You are quite welcome to place it in your list even though it will be next October before much activity comes along again.

Note: All the links on the Other Links Page have also been checked recently and updated where required.

New Policy Updated - Beacons, Repeaters, Linking and Similar Stations (21 February 2007) As outlined in the recent HQ InfoLine - an updated policy on Beacons, Repeaters, Linking and Similar Stations has been completed and signed off by NZART Council at the recent Face-to-Face (F2F) in Upper Hutt over the weekend of 17/18 February 2007.

Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 46kb).

Info-Line No: 132 (18 February 2007) NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 132. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises In This Issue:


And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 126kb).

Jock White Field Day 2007 (15 February 2007) Saturday February 24, 1500-2400 NZT and Sunday February 25, 0600-1500 NZDT, 2007.

Reprinted from 9 December 2007 at request of the Contest Manager Stuart Watchman ZL2TW

Has your branch got a team organised yet? This is a great event for having fun and blowing the cobwebs out of your branch. How about a few local on air CW practice sessions prior to field day? Why not organise a BBQ for the Saturday evening?

There are many sections for your team to choose from to enter and for those not able to join a field station you may enter the home station section.

Rules: See the 2005 November/December Break-In for a summary and the contest page of the NZART web page for the complete version. Note that the address for posting logs and summary sheets has changed to 33 Brooklyn drive, Blenheim. Please be aware that the web page will always have the most up to date rules, do not use older e-versions.

Summary sheets: please use the summary and multiplier sheets downloadable from the web site, this makes marking much easier.

Home stations: must use the branch number 0. Do not use your local branch number, if you use a number other than 0, field stations will claim you as a multiplier, which will require a later readjustment by the manager.

Minimum contacts: 25 CW and 50 Phone for a field station to be a valid multiplier for that band and mode. Do not ‘flick over’ to 80 or 40 Phone or CW to ‘just give out a few contacts’ unless you are prepared to meet the minimum numbers above! You are not doing anyone any favours if numbers are too low, as that band/mode will not be valid as a multiplier and the manager will have to readjust scores.

Finally, get out there among the mozzies, tinnies, gennies, snorers, barbies, and snarlers and have some fun!

Stuart Watchman, ZL2TW
Jock White Field Day Manager 2007

W1AW Special Event, Midnight Exam Sessions to Mark New Amateur Rules (11 February 2007)
NEWS from the USA: As new Amateur Radio Service rules phase in Friday, February 23, eliminating the Morse code requirement, Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station W1AW will mark the milestone with a weekend-long special event. In addition, a number of Central Connecticut volunteer examiners will be on hand at ARRL Headquarters -- both before and after the new rules become effective at 12:01 AM EST -- to offer Amateur Radio examinations under both the current and new rules. ARRL Regulatory Information Specialist Dan Henderson, N1ND, is helping to coordinate the celebration. He says Headquarters staff and other volunteers will keep W1AW active for the "Welcome Weekend" event.

Click on the above link to read the full story.

DXCC Desk approves operations for DXCC credit (11 February 2007)
NEWS from the USA: The ARRL DXCC Desk has approved these operations for DXCC credit: VU7LD -- Lakshadweep Islands, operation December 1-30, 2006; VU7RG -- Lakshadweep Islands, operation January 14-26, 2007; ZL9BSJ/P -- Auckland and Campbell Island, operation of September 12, 2006; 5A7A -- Libya, operation November 15-30, 2006; YU6AO -- Montenegro, operation effective June 28, 2006. For more information, visit the DXCC Web page. "DXCC Frequently Asked Questions" can answer most questions about the DXCC program. ARRL DX bulletins are available on the W1AW DX Bulletins page.

Click on the above link to read the full story.

2007 NZART Boat Anchor Activity/Contest - Saturday, 10 February 2007 (5 February 2007) NZART Contest Manager, John Powell ZL1BHQ advises that the contest is almost upon us, and the 2007 rules have placed on the NZART Web Site. He has asked that all participants download the PDF of the rules and to note that the contest is only one hour in duration on Saturday night. Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 16kb).

Info-Line No: 131 (4 February 2007) NZART's Headquarters Info-Line Issue Number 131. General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM advises In This Issue:


And much more... click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 73kb)

To top of page

January 2007

Examination Centres and Supervisors around New Zealand (31 January 2007) General Secretary, Debby Morgan ZL2TDM - advises that the Examination and Supervisors list has been updated and is correct as of 31 January 2007. Click on the above link to download the PDF (approx. 101kb).

Tararua District Radio Club NZART Branch 06 - 80 years (23 January 2007) In 2008 the Tararua District Radio Club NZART Branch 06 will be celebrating 80 years of amateur radio within the Tararua District. To assist us with a suitable venue and costing's involved with this celebration, registrations of interest are being sort as well as information on past club members. If you know the contact details of any past member of either Branch 06 or the former Pahiatua Branch 31 could you please bring this email to their attention as well as informing me of their contacts so as invites can be sent out at a later date? As the celebration is only within the planning stages more information will follow.

Thanking you for your assistance in advance.

73's

Stephan Cooper
Secretary/Treasurer
Branch 06

Contact Email: