Branch 50 (Wellington) NZART – Known as the Wellington Amateur Radio Club
A small group turned out on a very damp and chilly day for our mid-winter food celebration at a new venue – at the Collective Hub in Johnsonville. Attendees were encouraged to bring a plate of either hot or cold finger food to share with others.
We spent the time discussing amateur radio topics …. perhaps not so much on reminiscing … but rather on the future of our hobby and current projects.
Our May Meeting was scheduled for 1pm on Sunday 16 May 2021 at the Waitohi Hive Maker Rooms (Johnsonville Public Library).
We welcomed back former RSM manager Ian Hutchings ZL2HUT, who will give a presentation on Mana Coastguard communications upgrades. This was a very interesting presentation. The Mana Coastguard marine band repeater arrangements involve multiple linked repeaters on Kapiti Island and on the mainland. There had been issues with access to the repeater on the coast south of Titahi Bay. The problems were solved, but not without quite of work as the system was not well documented and there proved to be access issues with one of the repeater sites. A new site is being scoped for the South Coast on Cook Strait. This provides for some interesting possibilities for amateur radio use, in addition to solving coverage in Cook Strait, particularly near the shoreline.
The meeting also considered the AREC remit for the NZART Annual Conference, and approved the proposed changes to the NZART Constitution.
The meeting concluded with tea or coffee upstairs in the cafe courtesy of branch funds.
We held our Branch 50 NZART Annual General Meeting on Sunday 18 April at Waitohi Centre (Johnsonville Public Library) beginning at 1pm.
The Chair also gave a presentation on recent developments in processor technology of interest to amateur radio operators.
The meeting concluded just before 3pm and members retreated to the cafe upstairs for a free tea or coffee courtesy of branch funds.
Reports available:
Club members really enjoyed Peter Fisher ZL3HV’s talk in November about Campbell Island. He has kindly agreed to return and give a presentation and powerpoint presentation on his visit to the Kermadec Islands.
All are welcome. The meeting is from 1pm – 3pm on Sunday 21 February at John ZL2XJ’s QTH at 9 Ridley Tce, Churton Park. Tea and coffee will conclude the meeting.
