3 September Antenna Construction Workshop

We held a second construction session for dualband Flowerpot antennas on 3 September from 1pm to 4pm at The Collective Hub, 1/33 Johnsonville Rd.

Those who missed out on our Monster Workshop in June, or who had gained their callsign in the July HamCram were able to come away with a VHF/UHF antenna with a lot more gain than the typical handheld rubber ducky antenna. Seven more flowerpot antennas were completed on the day. This brings the total to around 30 flowerpots completed in 2023.

Cost was $20 for the kit of parts.

Special Interest Group Workshop – Sunday 23 July 1pm -3pm

This event provides the opportunity to look over (and take away) pre-owned equipment (i.e. junk) of interest to new and older members, and for those who have just gained their callsigns it is a chance to get some more information on VHF/UHF transceiver options, view an HF station, and get some practical questions answered.

All Branch 50 members are invited to attend as well as those who have recently gained a callsign through the April and July HamCrams.

For old timers, this is an opportunity to fossick through some “new” junk, and to meet our newest members.  For new members, this is an opportunity to check out some potential HF transceivers and find out a bit more about VHF/UHF transceiver options.

The venue is Bernard ZL2BD’s QTH, 1 Winsley Tce, Churton Park. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available at the conclusion of the workshop.

18 June – Monster Shed Workshop – Construction of Flowerpot Antennas

We held a MONSTER shed workshop to construct flowerpot antennas on Sunday 18 June at The Collective Community Hub, 1/33 Johnsonville Rd, . Around 30 people turned out and 22 antennas were built. The event commence dat 1.30pm with an introduction to the build by Bruce ZL2ABC. Teams of 4 to 5 people worked through a number of “stations” in building their antennas. We needed to be out of the building by 4pm, which was rather tight!

A special thanks to Bruce’s XYL who provided scones and personal service at the tea/coffee zone.

This was a special shed workshop for any amateur (or prospective amateur operator) interested in building their own Flowerpot Antenna (see https://vk2zoi.com/articles/dual-band-half-wave-flower-pot/).   Members of other Wellington region clubs were welcome to participate in this activity!

The cost of the antenna was $20.