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Club meetings 2021

Club Meeting 5 May 2021

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on 5 May 2021 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Peter ZL2LF, Stu ZL2XC, Revell ZL2SS, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2CD, George Theron ZL2KKT, Rob ZL2AN, David ZL2DW, Mike ZL2VM, Wally ZL2MO, Mark Paton and Karl ZL1TJ. Apology: ZL2IT.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2MY, ZL2AN.

Arising: Wally suggested Revell contact Patsy Glasspole at NCC regarding tree removal. Revell has been in touch with Jeremy at NCC regarding this. He was told the last remaining tree will be removed also. This may take a while though. Dave 2MQ: we can now go ahead with the proposed new mast and long wire HF antenna. Wally offered his expertise in security matters for the NZART conference. George ZL2KKT has security qualifications also and is willing to be involved. Wally to take the lead. Mike 2VM reported on the disposal of SK Stan’s gear. Dave 2DW stated that a number of Conference registrations for AGM and ‘Deco Techo’ attendance only (zero food requirements) are to be expected. George: accurate numbers of participants need to be known in case of fire or other calamity.

Correspondence: with John 2VAF regarding Break-Out listing, now amended. With Stu and others regarding QRM problems. Conference mail and notices to members.

Finance: Stu presented a printed statement of the Club’s financial affairs.

General business: Dave 2DW: Branch 13 is proposing an Award to mark the club’s 75 years of existence. This would be March April of next year. Would Napier ARC be interested making this a combined branches event? It was agreed to in principal by all present, Dave 2DW to set in motion. Also: The combined branches mid winter dinner is to held once again at the Napier RSA on 25 June. Bookings to Dave 2DW. Also: the branch 13 annual donated junk auction will be held on 28 July.

NZART AGM Remit. Only one this year, to amend the constitution to allow AREC to become a charitable trust so it can receive financial grants from NZSAR and others.

Of the seven financial members present six were in favour, one abstention.

The meeting closed at 8:10 pm.

Followed by a discussion on the topic of QRM, primarily on the HF bands. This was triggered by a call for expert opinion / assistance by Stu who experienced a sudden and dramatic increase in noise in the top end of the 80m band. Contributions from Dave 2DW, Laurie ZL2TC (by email), Dave 2MQ, Rob 2AN and others painted a broad picture of all the many things that can be underlying such problems. LED and discharge lighting, solar chargers and inverters, steel structures acting as detectors and mixers, antenna faults, problems in the receiver front end, 11Kv insulators etc.. Rob demonstrated his prize piece of gear for such situations, a Tecsun radio with DF capability, S meter, attenuators and more.

Karl ZL1TJ

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Club meetings 2021

Club Meeting 7 April 2021

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 7 April 2021 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Stu ZL2XC, Revell ZL2SS, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2CD, George Theron ZL2KKT, Rob ZL2AN, David ZL2DW, Mike ZL2VM and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apology: ZL2MO, ZL3TT.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2SS, ZL2CD.

Arising: Apology from Peter 2LF for previous meeting omitted, now added.

David 2DW: Bch 13 was successful in it’s quest to find a sponsor for the annual repeater license fee. Suggested Bch 25 does the same. Mike 2VM: a list of SK Stan ZL2ST’s gear is now available. Expression of interest / offers to Mike please. Revell has been in touch with councilor Boag regarding tree felling. She suggested we contact the Works Department direct. Revel to have a go at this.

Correspondence: With Randal ZL1NW and John 2VAF regarding the Bch25 Break Out listing. With East Pier regarding catering and AV systems. With Stu regarding financial matters, with David 2DW regarding a trial run for his Conference presentation.

The usual notices to members.

Finance: Stu presented a printed statement of the Club’s financial affairs. Payments for Conference registration are now being received in the AREC (Conference) account.

Dave 2MQ presented a brief overview of progress with the NZART Conference preparation.

General business: Dave 2MQ: welcomed George Theron who recently converted his South African ham license to a New Zealand one, callsign ZL2KKT. Unfortunately ZL2GT was already taken. David 2DW presented a quick overview of the nets being run on the local repeater (670): the combined branches Sunday morning Net (9am) and the (weekdays) 7:30am Cornflakes net run by Marilyn ZL2 BOA. Rob 2AN went through the NZ licensing requirement changes over the years. It used to be a lot tougher to get a ham license, a radio inspector would come to check the transmitter and operator competence ‘on the spot’.

The recent license application for a privately owned local DMR repeater was discussed. The practical value was questioned but the experimental aims may be worthwhile.

The meeting closed at 8:40 pm.

Followed by David ZL2DW giving a preview of his Tech talk to be presented at the NZART Conference. Experiences from participation in the Australia / NZ 160m contest over a number of years, initially using disused telephone wires crossing a deep gully in the Cape Kidnappers region. Later with purpose made antennas near the Gannet Colony.

The prize for the ZL2 region went to the 3 man team of ZL2DW, ZL2VM and (often) ZL2CF at least twice. A number of interesting photographs and documents need to be converted to a screen presentation, Peter 2LF offered assistance.

Karl ZL1TJ

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Club meetings 2021 Other

Club Meeting 10 March 2021

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 10 March 2021 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Stu ZL2XC, Revell ZL2SS, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2CD, Errol ZL2IT, Peter ZL2HM, Fergus ZL2FV and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apology: ZL2VM, ZL3TT, ZL2LF, ZL2DW.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2MY, ZL2XC.

Arising: Fifty dollars paid to Branch 13 confirmed by Bch 13 Treasurer Peter ZL2HM

Correspondence: With members: regarding NZART President candidacy, Stan ZL2ST’s estate (via ZL2VM), postponement of the 3 March meeting due to Covid level 2 requirements. To John 2VAF regarding changes to the Branch 25 Break-Out listing. To members: the link to the Conference info and registration website, various notices.

Conference correspondence recorded in dedicated file.

Finance: Stu presented a very detailed printed statement of the Club’s financial affairs. Payments for Conference registration are now being received in the Conference account.

General business: Dave 2MQ: Stan 2ST(SK)’s equipment has now been transferred to the clubrooms and is awaiting completion of cataloging and processing. Mike 2VM, who has been the prime mover for this has suffered a health set back and may wish to hand over completion of the task.

Also: another tree has been removed by the Napier City Council leaving only one, which will probably also disappear. Discussion of aerial options resulted in Mike 2MY’s suggestion that a galvanised pipe to be installed on the foundation near the NE corner of the building be the support for a new end-fed multi-band antenna terminating at the Menz-Shed being adopted.

Errol 2IT: Is the record of subscription payments accessible? Stu to follow previous practice of issuing invoices and receipts after payment. A membership record is maintained by the Club Secretary.

A brief discussion on the topic of (some) members suddenly losing interest followed.

Revell 2SS: Maintaining contact with Councilor Maxine Boag, will inquire about the NCC tree cutting program.

The meeting closed at 8 pm.

Followed by Dave and Errol presenting a preliminary version of the tech talk on Magnetic loop antennas to be given at the NZART Conference. A tuning capacitor made of baked bean cans and teflon cutting board as insulator is the latest refinement. Brilliant. Errol’s concept of using a noise generator and bridge circuit to do the tuning to save the transmitter from being connected to a total mismatch deserves the same: brilliant.

Going to be the best talk of the Deco-Techo show.

Karl ZL1TJ

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Club meetings 2021

Club Meeting 3 February 2021

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 3 February 2021 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Stu ZL2XC, Revell ZL2SS, Mike ZL2MY, Rob ZL2AN, Peter ZL2LF, Peter ZL2CD, Ross ZL2FN, Mark Paton, Karl ZL1TJ and visitors past Club President Tony Gilbert ZL2UAG and Bryce Gilbert.

Apology: ZL2VM, ZL2DW, ZL2IT.

Visitors Tony and Bryce were welcomed by Dave ZL2MQ.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2MY, ZL2XC.

Arising: Repeater license equalizing payment of $50 to Branch 13 is now due.

Correspondence: with members regarding the passing and funeral of Stan ZL2ST.

With Douglas Birt, retiring LCLO (local government liaison officer) regarding his annual report to NZART, with Peter 2CD and Stu 2XC regarding the transfer of the Treasurer’s position. Various correspondence connected with the NZART conference. From the Te Puke ARC, notice of the annual market to be held on March 20th. Outwards: Stan’s obituary to Break-In and Break-out magazines, notices to members.

Finance: The transfer of the Treasurer’s position from Peter 2CD to Stu 2XC has now been completed. Stu presented recent transactions and balances.

To satisfy bank requirements the following was stated: That, in accordance with the club’s constitution, all bank transactions must now be enacted by two out of the following three signatories: Club Treasurer Stuart Murray McLeod, Club Secretary Jan Karl Cornelis Matthys, Club President David John Crook.

General business: Dave 2MQ presented a short overview of the Conference committee’s progress. Speakers and topics for the Sunday technical forums have now been found and need to be allocated time slots. The usual special interest groups will be given the customary one hour slots to meet, the possible exception WARO which have indicated the need for a longer slot. A number of early registrations have been received, inquiries regarding the programme etc. are coming in. The programme and registration forms etc. need to be completed for submission to Break In magazine early March. Next Conference committee meeting February 23.

The meeting closed at 8 pm.

And was followed by Stu 2XC’s presentation of his most recent DX exploits, mainly on the 80m band. Considering location and antenna Stu’s log shows an impressive number of QSO’s including many ‘hard to get’ locations. The addition of a 500W linear amplifier improved reports by 1 ‘S’ (strength) point. An Arduino driven scanner (of a few selected frequencies only) made doing ‘other things’ while listening possible. Presented with slides and short videos, Great show!

Karl ZL1TJ

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Club Meetings 2020

Club meeting 2 December 2020

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 2 December 2020 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Stu ZL2XC, Revell ZL2SS, Mike ZL2MY, David ZL2DW, Rob ZL2AN,

Ross ZL2FN, Mark Paton and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apology: ZL2VM, ZL2LF, ZL2CD, ZL2ST and ZL3TT.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2MY, ZL2SS.

Arising:

David 2DW: A request for contribution to the Wharite repeater battery replacement has not been received yet.

Mike 2MY: both Gary ZL2IFB and Holger ZL3IO have agreed to present a topic at the Conference forum.

Correspondence:

Inward: Tax invoice for repeater licences from RSM.

Outward: Annual report to the Companies Office, various notices to members etc..

With: Napier City Councillor Maxine Boag re: visit and grant application.

Stu ZL2XC re the treasurers job, Mike 2VM re the club programme, Peter 2CD re the Companies office requirements, David 2DW re Conference after dinner speaker.

Finance: Paid: RSM $100, D.Morgan $100 (Conference acct.) and Power Company $88.10. Subs are now due, still only $25. Kiwi Bank account number is 38-9019-0636026-00.

General business: A brief report on last Saturday’s antenna fix gathering, attended by Dave 2MQ, Peter 2CD, Revell 2SS, Mike 2VM, Mark Paton (who did the ladder climbing) and the undersigned. The 80/40m dipole was disconnected from the tree which is about to be cut down. The 5 band vertical was temporarily stabilized but will need more work.

Next year’s club programme was presented in printed form by Mike 2VM, improved format and with additional ideas. John 2VAF to discuss AREC at the July meeting.

At the November 17th committee meeting Dave 2MQ’s mag-loop antenna was considered as the club’s 2021 project. It was given a tentative go-ahead. Dave to further develop design, Karl to get a few quotes for materials. Initial (Chinese) prices indicate the cost of a copper loop and two junction boxes are about NZ$ 55.00. A discussion on the merits of other materials and tuning options followed. To be continued.

The meeting closed at 8:15 pm.

And was followed by the Club’s end of year social event.

Seasons greetings to all members and families and may next year be a better one.

Karl ZL1TJ

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Club Meetings 2020

Club Meeting 4 November 2020

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 4 November 2020 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Stan ZL2ST, Stu ZL2XC, Errol ZL2IT, Peter ZL2CD, Revell ZL2SS, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2LF, Blue ZL3TT, Dave ZL2DW, Mike ZL2VM, Rob ZL2AN, Warren ZL2AJ and Karl ZL1TJ. Apology: ZL2MO.

Dave welcomed NZART Councilor Warren ZL2AJ, then proceeded to present the Arthur (Jumbo) Godfrey Award for services to the Club and NZ Amateur Radio to Stan ZL2ST. The Award was made at the recent NZART AGM in Wellington and received by Dave on Stan’s behalf. Stan responded with thanks and a brief history of his years with the Club.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2XC, ZL2MY.

Arising: Dave 2MQ: the club will be happy to contribute to the reasonable replacement cost of the National System Wharite repeater battery, ‘going halves’ with Branch 13.

Correspondence: With Debby, NZART, regarding the forthcoming visit (Nov.7th), with Dave 2DW re: the above mentioned Wharite repeater battery replacement, with Kiwi bank re: money transfer, from Peter 2CD, resignation from treasurer position, from Wally 2MO, resignation from building custodian position, from RSM re: repeater license fees due, from the Companies Office: Annual report due. Outward: various notices to members etc..

Finance: Peter 2CD: financial statement attached.

General business: Dave 2MQ: a discussion with Warren 2AJ regarding Conference break-out sessions, topics, presenters etc., Warren’s first comment: Being winter, the two primary conditions to be met are warmth and quality food. Speakers from the area presenting their expertise are good. Many previous year’s topics need updating.

Karl: a reminder: Debby Morgan, NZART business manager, will be visiting this Saturday. Limited spaces are available for lunch with Debby at the East Pier restaurant. Moved to recompense Debby for travel expenses, seconded by Dave 2MQ, passed.

The meeting closed at 7:53 pm.

And was followed by the Club’s AGM after which the annual construction competition (Pan Pac trophy) was conducted. Three entries this year: Stu restored a 1930’s ‘Cathedral’ style valve radio, much of the work went into rebuilding the tuning capacitor drive system.

Errol built a 475 KHz fixed tuning WSPR receiver using a kit set 21 MHz receiver board and pre-built oscillator(s) and mixer to arrive at the target frequency. Enclosed in a professional looking case. Dave 2MQ presented his almost completed Mag-loop antenna, about 1 m diameter, built of aluminium flat bar with a home made tuning capacitor made of copper laminate pcb board. Tested and working well, Operating range: 7 to 21 MHz.

The winner: (5votes), Errol, runner up: (4 votes), Stu, Dave’s Mag loop antenna: 3 votes

Karl ZL1TJ

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Other

Club Meeting 7 October 2020

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 7 October 2020 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Stu ZL2XC, Errol ZL2IT, Peter ZL2CD, Revell ZL3SS, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2LF, Ross ZL2FN, visitor Mark Paton and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2DW, ZL3TT, ZL2VM, ZL2MO.

Dave welcomed visitor Mark Paton.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2LF, ZL2CD.

Arising: Peter 2LF to take care of identification swingers for the 2021 Conference. Dave contacted the Napier Mayor. She will be available to open the conference.

Correspondence:

Inward: Mail from Mike 2VM regarding another graffiti attack on the clubrooms. We had a long break from this misery. Request from Dave 2DW to correct website repeater frequency listing. Request from Dave 2DW that the club consider ‘going halves’ with a Branch 13 donation of $100 towards the cost of replacing the battery of the Wharite National system repeater. Annual ground lease account from the Napier City Council.

Outward: various notices to members etc..

Finance: Peter 2CD: financial statement attached. Moved by Dave 2MQ and seconded by Michael 2MY that the treasurer is authorized to top up the club’s current account from the term deposit account as needed. Passed.

General business:

Dave 2MQ: Stan ZL2ST was awarded the ‘Jumbo’ ZL1HV award for service to Branch 25 at the recent NZART AGM. Dave accepted the award on Stan’s behalf at the AGM and will present it to him at his home.

Peter 2LF referred to the HB airport’s plans to install a major solar power generator wondering if increased HF interference might result. Response from Dave: probably not.

The meeting closed at 8 pm.

And was followed by Dave ZL2MQ presenting the annual quiz. Another good one with ten questions from the NZART licensing exam database and a further ten general knowledge.

The winner: Ross ZL2FN with 18/20 correct, second place: Peter ZL2LF: 16/20.

The usual good fun.

Karl ZL1TJ

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Club Meetings 2020

Club Meeting 2 September 2020

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 2 September 2020 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Wally ZL2MO, Peter ZL2CD, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2LF and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2DW, ZL2IT, ZL2VM.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL3TT, ZL2LF.

Arising: Peter 2LF, identification swingers for the 2021 Conference: the format and types required were discussed.

Correspondence:

Inward: Power account, notification of refund from the Power consumer trust. Email from David 2DW, apology, health issues. NZART Infoline regarding covid 19 restrictions at the September 5th AGM.

Outward: various notices to members etc..

Finance: Peter 2CD: financial statement attached.

General business:

Dave 2MQ: will be attending the September 5th NZART Wellington AGM, was allocated a 5 minute time slot to promote the club’s running of the 2021 NZART annual conference and AGM. The special covid 19 requirements at this year’s AGM may well still be in force for the Napier event. In which case numbers may need to be restricted which would affect cost, charges etc. and make the organization a great deal more complicated.

Mike 2MY: has a potential UK based speaker for the conference. Would a zoom setup be an option? Dave responded ‘possibly’, it may even be an option for NZ based remote presenters.

The point was raised: should the club have a QR code sign displayed by the entrance?

This is to register visitors to enable tracing in case of covid 19 affecting the area.

The consensus was that the attendance register and minutes cover this need adequately.

Karl: the next combined Committee and Conference meeting will be held on Tuesday September 12th.

The meeting closed at 8 pm.

And was followed by Dave ZL2MQ presenting his (amazing) Earth-Moon-Earth aerial and rig set-up. Pictures and explanation. How circular polarization is achieved with two ‘crossed’ yagi antennas. Not for the faint hearted. A great deal of patience is a pre-requisite for this facet of amateur radio. Dave appears to have reached an ‘invisible’ barrier of around 80 countries in his quest to achieve EME DXCC.

Karl ZL1TJ

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Club Meetings 2020

Club Meeting 5 August 2020

Napier Amateur Radio Club, General Meeting, 5 Aug 2020

Present

– 2MQ, 2DW, 2RO, 2LF, 2MO, 3TT, 2AN, 2MY, 2CD, 2XC, 2IT, Daniel (N/T), Mark (N/T)

Apologies

– 2VM, 1TJ

Min’s of the previous General Meeting were read and approved.

Matters arising

– 2DW commented that there were 23 people at the Br13/25 mid year Xmas Tea.

– re the “makers fare” 2MQ talked about the world wide Aduino following and kits available

– 2LF talked about the Conference “swingers”

– Councilor 2RO made comments about advertising the 2021 Conference asap and was requested to attend the next “Conference Committee” meeting in August.

– 2LF talked about the Taradale Library having a free audio/visual room available.

Finance

– Peter 2CD gave an outline of the Br 25 financial situation and some discussion followed re the Club Rooms power bill and power usage.

General Business

– 2LF said that he had returned the Br 25 computer to the Club Rooms and it was redundant,

a replacement should be considered.

– 2MO commented about the new ceiling lights

The meeting closed at 7-50pm followed by a “Show and Tell” presentation, much discussion followed.

(Temporary minutes taker David ZL2DW)

Categories
Club Meetings 2020

Club Meeting 1 July 2020

Minutes of the Napier Amateur Radio Club

Meeting on Wednesday 1July 2020 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Dave ZL2MQ, the meeting started at 7:30pm.

Present: Wally ZL2MO, David ZL2DW, Peter ZL2CD, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2MY, Rob ZL2AN, Revell ZL2SS, Ross ZL2FN and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2XC and ZL2VM.

Minutes of the previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL3TT, ZL2MO.

Arising: David 2DW: The NZART annual club circular has to date not arrived in the Branch 13 mailbox.

Correspondence:

Inward: Confirmation from NZART that deposit payment was approved and will be made.

Also from NZART the annual club information circular and request for remit vote.

Outward: to NZART regarding conference finance and deposit paid to East Pier. Various newsletters etc. to members. Request to members, vote on NZART AGM remit.

Finance: financial statement attached, $1000 for East Pier deposit now refunded by NZART.

General business: David 2DW: the Mt Threave digital repeater now has a regular internet connection courtesy of ‘Talk Mobile’ (Steve Reay). The Bch 13 annual junk sale is on again after the July 22 club meeting. The annual combined branches mid winter dinner will be held once again at the Napier RSA Club on July 24. Bookings to David or the undersigned.

Dave 2MQ: A ‘wild’ idea, to generate more activity, making use of our lovely clubrooms and advertise the radio / electronics hobby, let’s have a look at running what has become known as a ‘Makers Club’ for younger generations. Essentially a construction club using boards and components available very cheaply through the internet. Arduino based projects would also bring the opportunity to learn and do simple programming projects, offering a start to those thinking of a career in the field. To advertise to high school science teachers or local media?

Karl to check other club’s experiences with similar projects.

The NZART AGM single remit was discussed and voted on. Outcome: all in favour.

The meeting closed at 8:10 pm

And was followed by Dave ZL2DW telling us the story of his life, of course mostly that part to do with Volts, Amps and Mega Hertzes. Starting with a crystal radio, then a two part apprenticeship, various employers and finally self employment as Mr. Apex. Dave had to scale many Apexes during his career, often under foul conditions but also with the aid of helicopters which was more fun. He jumped out of aeroplanes three times and luckily the parachute worked each time so he lived to tell us a fascinating tale. Thanks Dave.

Karl ZL1TJ