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By Bernard Robbins ZL2BD

Available NOW in two different formats

Options: An A4 sized comb-bound manual that will lie flat and is good in a workshop environment. 110 Pages.  Cost Including Shipping $35 An A5 sized bound book for convenient reference that fits in a standard bookcase. The A5 book has four, fold- out circuit diagrams. Total 164 pages. Cost including Shipping is $25

An introduction to the manual

In this book Bernard reproduces the ZC1 service manual, which has been out of print for about 80 years. This book represents a primary source of technical information for those restoring the ZC1 MKIl. The original five Chapters is extended to ten by adding a significant amount of additional servicing information. Bernard provides a range of other useful circuit information including design enhancements and modifications developed by a range of amateur operators over the years.

This radio was produced by the New Zealand Government for use by the armed services during World War II. There are still many of these 80-year-old radios around, but finding supporting documentation today can be difficult.

Information is provided on a low cost, solid-state replacement for the vibrator. There is also a brief history of the ZC1 by Chris Underwood ZL2CU

Purchase on our Orders and Payment Page

Six members of the club activated ZL2WB in the NZART Field Day contest. The weather wasn’t the best, but we made some contacts on all three bands we had equipment for: 6m, 2m and 70cm. As anticipated, there were not many active stations again this year.

Most contacts were on 2m SSB. The most distant stations worked were in Tauranga, Mt Taranaki and Marton. There were no South Island stations worked this year.

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.

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.