ZL2WB VHF Field Day Activity

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.

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.