Category: Events

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HamCram: 9 new amateur radio operators in one weekend!

Wellington Amateur radio club held its first HamCram from 14 – 16 April.

April 2023 HamCram participants

We were at capacity for the April Hamcram. At the last minute one person who had registered was unable to make it, but we had 11 attending, nine of whom gained their amateur radio callsign (an 81% pass rate). The other two people will be given additional assistance to get their callsign soon.

If you hear our new Wellington Branch 50 members on the air, please warmly welcome them to the world of amateur radio. They need to collect 50 contacts before making it on to the HF bands.

MaddieZL2OCY
VesnaZL2VSN
AlekZL3ALK
ScottZL2SJP
ZaneZL1CZ
HazelZL2NMW
LeeZL2LEE
AlanZL2IOU
EbenZL2EF

You can still email Mike if you want to be put on the list of those interested in attending a HamCram later in 2023. There are only six places left, so get in quick!

Our HamCrams are designed to “cram” your head with everything you need to know to become an amateur radio operator and get a callsign in a single weekend. We have a pass rate of over 80%. Some homework is required in advance of the weekend.

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Summer Lunchtime BBQ with XYLs

On 17 January we gathered at Mike ZL1AXG’s QTH from 12 noon for a summer lunchtime BBQ. XYLs and family members were invited.

It turned out to be excellent weather. We were able to share stories of summer adventures (particularly the acquisition of new radio gear from a Christmas estate sale) and chat about the club’s future with the upcoming Hamcram.

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Shed Workshop November 2022: Emergency!

Have you thought about what you would do in an emergency? Come along to our last shed workshop for the year on 6 November from 1pm to 3pm. The venue is John ZL2XJ’s QTH at 9 Ridley Place, Churton Park, Wellington.

This session will be characterised by a discussion of how you have prepared for a major emergency. This will include, what you will do to keep yourself and your family alive, and how your amateur radio gear can be used to help your neighbours. What provisions have you set aside? Would the batteries in your existing portable equipment (e.g. handhelds and phones) be charged up, and how could they be recharged? What about your ham shack? Have you got a UPS or emergency power system?

All are welcome! The workshop will conclude with tea, coffee and biscuits.

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Shed Workshop: Attenuators

Our next shed workshop will be held on Sunday 4 September at the QTH of Bernard ZL2BD from 1pm to 3pm. All are welcome. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided at the conclusion of the Shed Workshop.

Malcolm ZL2UDF, Bernard ZL2BD and Mike ZL1AXG will give you a talk and demonstration of attenuators and their use in amateur radio construction.  

The workshop will look at different options including the options of purchasing a pre-built attenuator or constructing one yourself.   There will also be some discussion on where they are used and how to avoid damaging both your attenuator and associated equipment.