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MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 4 May at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Wally ZL2MO, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Present: Laurie ZL2TC, Revell ZL2SS, Dave ZL2DW, Paul ZL2HB, Rob ZL2US, Blue ZL3TT, Peter ZL2CD, Stan ZL2ST and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2DC, ZL2VM, ZL2MQ.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct ZL3TT, ZL2CD.

Correspondence: From NZART, Branch circular, assigned member list and a request to deal with SK notification more promptly. A request from Napier City Council to update the Local Organization Bulletin Board. Outward: short article about the Bay Hamfest to Break-In magazine.

Arising: The NCC Bulletin Board was updated, changing presidential information.

Laurie reported the Bay Hamfest to be another success, positive mail was received from presenters and participants. A modest profit was made.

Finance: Stan acknowledged the contribution of about $300 from the Hamfest. It should be noted that raffle prizes were donated by Laurie and Dave ZL2MQ. The latest power account shows yet another increase, the monthly charge ( for just a few KWh) of $100 seems plain usury. Stan to once again shop around for a better deal. Suggested by Rob that a solar panel, battery, led lights and a gas bottle for heating may now be a realistic alternative.

Stan moved that cheque signing authority is moved from immediate past president Laurie ZL2TC to current president Wally ZL2MO, seconded by Karl ZL1TJ. Passed.

Blue ZL3TT moved that Karl ZL1TJ be appointed third signatory. Seconded by Wally ZL2MO. Passed.

NZART Conference and AGM remits: Only one remit to discuss: “ That NZART should look at digital membership with electronic Break In in PDF format by the 2017 year”.

Laurie started the discussion by stating that replacing Break In magazine with an electronic PDF format one may not necessary be a cost saving for various reasons. A fairly lively discussion followed between those in favour and those unsure or against. The final votes (according to Laurie only votes cast at the meeting are valid) were 6 in favour 1 against.

General Business: Stan reporting on the outcome of the annual Jock White Field day contest. We were beaten (by a few points) by our usual rival Patea.

The meeting closed at 8:35pm.

Followed by Laurie’s presentation of do’s and dont’s when fitting plugs to coaxial cable.

The cable itself came up for scrutiny first, PVC outer layers are subject to aging due to plasticiser ‘leaching’, leaving the cable porous. A cheaper cable may last only 10 years or less.

The most popular ham antenna plug, the PL259, comes in a low quality nickle plated version and in a much better one available from reputable US suppliers. The latter is twice the price but highly recommended. Laurie proceeded to show how to prepare the cable and fit the plug both for soldered and a crimped versions. I am sure most of us learned something new.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary Branch 25.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 6 April at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Wally ZL2MO, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Present: Laurie ZL2TC, Revell ZL2SS, Dave ZL2DW, Paul ZL2HB, Rob ZL2US, Blue ZL3TT, Ray ZL2RB, Erroll ZL2IT, Marty ZL2PX, Peter ZL2CD, Bill ZL2UBG, Peter ZL2HM, Peter Mulhare ZL2IK, Murray Greenman ZL1BPU and Karl ZL1TJ.
Apologies: ZL2DC, ZL2VM, ZL2ST, ZL2MQ.

Visitors Peter ZL2IK and Murray ZL1BPU were welcomed by Laurie.
As a follow up to the December meeting Karl presented Laurie with his Life Member badge.

Minutes of previous meetings: Due to absence of the secretary minutes of the February meeting were not taken. The March meeting was cancelled due to absence of President, Secretay and Treasurer.

Correspondence: minor email correspondence regarding the forthcoming Bay Hamfest only.

Finance: A float of $100 for the Hamfest was provided by Treasurer Stan. Dave 2DW asked if the recent Branch 13 cheque had been banked. Confirmed by Laurie.

General Business:
As decided at the March committee meeting the topic of dwindling interest in the ECI net was discussed. Laurie gave a brief explanation of the reasons for the establishment of the net, originally proposed by Lee ZL2AL(SK) as a communication network of last resort in case of disaster striking the district. The initial response and participation by local and adjoining district amateurs was substantial but now has dwindled away for various reasons. Both Peter ZL2IK and Murray ZL1BPU took part in the discussion, suggesting that past experience has been that infrastructure damage will curtail even ham radio communication, repeaters will be damaged and standby power systems will run out of fuel and battery storage. It was suggested that the ECI net become an annual event perhaps in the nature of a contest. Alternatively it could be coupled to an event such as the Jock Whyte memorial Field Day exercise. Both volunteer controllers, Laurie 2TC and Dave 2DW voiced the opinion that the ECI net be discontinued in it’s present format. All present agreed. Information in BreakOut needs amending.

Laurie reported on the Bay Hamfest. A number of pre-registrations have been received, total numbers will be similar to the 2014 event, around forty. The Saturday night ‘after’ dinner will now be held at the Taradale RSA, a booking for twenty has been made.
Rob ZL2US reported on the recent Branch 13 Irirangi visit. Some 35 participants, some from other branches, visited both tranmitting and receiving sites. The guide was obliging and the absence of fog (spoiled a previous visit) made for an exellent day out. To be repeated again in say two years.

The meeting closed at 8:15 pm and was followed by a fascinating talk by Peter ZL2IK about his career in radio communications, mainly with the NZ Police. His involvement with the Wahine disaster and with other notorious events. Also being stationed in such exotic places as Niue and other Pacific Islands with many interesting anecdotes. Retirement with an interest in aviation and flying gliders. Peter ended his talk by giving a brief introduction to his topic at the forthcoming HB Hamfest: Microwatting or MEPT.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary Branch 25.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 2 December 2015 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Wally ZL2MO, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Present: Laurie ZL2TC, Revell ZL2SS, Dave ZL2DW, Paul ZL2HB, Mike ZL2MY, Rob ZL2US, Blue ZL3TT, Ray ZL2RB, Dave ZL2MQ, Bert ZL2OC, Stan ZL2ST, Mike ZL2VM , Jan ZL2CZE, Erroll ZL2IT, Marty ZL2PX, Peter ZL2CD and Karl ZL1TJ.
Apologies: ZL2DC.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed correct: ZL3TT, ZL2OC.
Arising: Rob ZL2US: the ‘last of the summer wine’ bus tour (free for those with gold cards) is happening this Saturday, No. 12 bus from Hastings central, 10 am departure. Coffee (or whatever) and cake in Napier (and Christmas shopping?) If you live along the route jump on at your stop! Bring your hand-held!
Jan ZL2CZE: has the recent re-location of the APRS affected anyone’s capability to access it? A brief discussion followed. Karl ZL1TJ reported the combined Radio club’s annual dinner at the Napier RSA restaurant was the usual fun with good company and good food.

Correspondence: email from Steve Miller ZL1FS wishing all a good and safe Christmas.
Email correspondence from Dave ZL2DW relating to Korin ZL2PGJ / JQ2WTV and his annual contribution per Paypal needing a new channel since Lee ZL2AL’s key went silent.
Finance: Received $170 refund from Power line company Unison. A few subscription payments.

General Business: It was moved by Stan ZL2ST and seconded by Blue ZL3TT that Laurie ZL2TC, our immediate past President, be awarded the Club’s Life Membership in recognition of all he has done for the club during his 13 years as President and before. Stan referred to the many ways Laurie contributed, as tutor to those aspiring to pass the licensing exam and through presenting many technical topics at club nights and other occasions such as the 2014 Bay Hamfest.
The motion was passed by acclamation.

Jan ZL2CZE reported having found two further presenters for the 2016 Bay Hamfest, John ZL2TWS and Mark ZL2UFI both of whom will share their expertise in D-Star radio.

Rob ZL2US reported on the D-Star repeater being under construction. It is hoped to have this up and running before Christmas. Laurie reported that AREC is considering a nationwide digital network of ten repeaters. Locally 405 will be part of this, becoming dual mode.

Laurie ZL2TC reminded all present of the VHF field day competition this coming weekend the 5th and 6th of December.
Mike ZL2VM produced year planner with all scheduled club events for the Napier ARC and all meeting dates for the Hastings / HB Radio Club. It was sent by email to all remember. Very useful.

The meeting closed at 8pm and was followed by The Annual Quiz of both matters Radio (10 questions) and General knowledge (another 10 questions). The radio questions were fair and should have been easy to answer for most but when Laurie discussed the answers the expression ‘Oh Dear’ escaped his lips. General knowledge was a bit harder (I got only 3 out of 10).
The whole thing was good fun. The winner: Dave ZL2DW with 18 out 20 correct.
The evening was rounded off with the customary sticky buns and a cup of tea.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary Branch 25.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 4 November 2015 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Present: Revell ZL2SS, Dave ZL2DW, Paul ZL2HB, Mike ZL2MY, Rob ZL2US, Blue ZL3TT, Wally ZL2MO, Dave ZL2MQ, Bert ZL2OC, Stan ZL2ST, Mike ZL2VM and Karl ZL1TJ.
Apologies: ZL2CZE, ZL2DC.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed correct: ZL3HB, ZL2MO.
Arising: The Napier RSA restaurant has been booked for the Annual Combined Branches dinner for Friday 27 November. Gather at 6 pm, bookings to Karl or Dave ZL2DW.
Laurie: Awaiting confirmation from The Cricket Association for an April 9th 2016 booking of the Pavillion for the planned Bay Hamfest. Several speakers have been approached, provisional confirmation received from Peter Mulhare, ZL2AK.

Correspondence: Email correspondence regarding:
ZL2DW: removal of the Te Ahioteatua APRS repeater and re-location of the 725 IRLP node equipment from Wellwood Street to Pakowhai Hall.
ZL2VM: the installation of the Alinco DR635 radio at the NCC Emergency Operating Centre.
ZL2VM: regarding missing Tait radios used for STSP purposes.
ZL2TC: final sorting and clean out of redundant AREC equipment.
ZL2DW: contact with Peter Mulhare ZL2IK regarding a presentation at the planned Bay Hamfest.
ZL2DW: repeater trustees needing replacing.
Other correspondence:
Notification of an appeal by Branch 13 and NZART to the antenna hight restrictions of the recently decided Hastings District Plan.
A copy of the application by Ray Barlow ZL2RB for accreditation as NZART Examination Supervisor.
Finance: Received, account for ground rental from the Napier City Council.

General Business:
ZL2DW and ZL2US: reported on the appeal lodged by Branch 13 and NZART against the Hastings District Plan. This is to keep the hight restictions in line with other regions. The appeal is funded by Branch 13, the outcome may well affect future decisions by the Napier City Council.
ZL2US: the concept of ‘Gold Card’ Bus ride outings from Hastings to Napier return is firming up. A social occasion to spend some fun time with fellow Hams. Date to be advised.
ZL2DW: D-Star repeater licence has been granted, the IRLP gear is suffering from ‘teething trouble’

The monthly meeting closed at 7:50 pm and was followed by the AGM and after that the annual homebrew competition.
Only three entries were received, Dave ZL2MQ entered two items,
-VHF / UHF low noise amplifiers, prototype and professional versions, used for Moon Bounce operations. Aptly named ‘Atarau’ these are for sale for a very reasonable price to fellow hams.
-A ‘CANFI’ noise measuring device primarily used to test Low noise amplifiers .

Entered by ZL1TJ, a SDR receiver using a USB dongle digital device combined with a ‘Ham it up’ 125 MHz upconverter mounted together in a single box with aerial and USB sockets.
The vote went deservedly to Dave’s beautifully constructed CANFI noise tester.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary Branch 25.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 2 September 2015 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.
Laurie welcomed newly licensed ham Paul ZL2HB.

Present: Erroll ZL2IT, Revell ZL2SS, Peter ZL2CD, Dave ZL2DW, Paul ZL2HB, Mike ZL2MY, Rob ZL2US, Bert ZL2OC, Blue ZL3TT, Jan ZL2CZE, Karl ZL1TJ, Peter ZL2CD and Stan ZL2ST.
Apologies: ZL2IK, ZL2VM, ZL2MO, ZL2DC.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed correct: ZL2OC, ZL2US.

Arising: Rob reported the outcome of the two day ham licensing course organised by Branch 13 and held at his QTH over the previous weekend. As well as Paul ZL2HB a further 4 candidates passed the test and were issued callsigns. The youngest: Holger ZL3IO’s daughter Xenia (14).

Correspondence: Email correspondence dealing with the transfer of the Club’s website control, agenda items, Break-Out and the ham training weekend were tabled.
Finance: Received account for materials used in the ongoing clubroom upgrade by Wallie ZL2MO.

General Business: Dave ZL2DW introduced the proposed D-Star repeater to be located on Mt.Threave, south of Hastings. Primarily a Branch 13 project support is sought from Branch 25. There is substantial support from a number of club members. D-Star works over the Internet, like IRLP, but is considerably more sophisticated and provides a gateway to the World.
All about D-Star at http://www.dstarinfo.com/

Laurie reported that the 725 repeater antenna needs repairs. A job to be done when spring is here.
Dave reminded us that it is Branch 25’s turn to organize he annual combined branches Xmas tea.
Rob reported that the 725 IRLP gateway is undergoing repairs and is being re-located to Branch 13’s clubrooms at Pakowai Hall. Much of the work is being done by Jan ZL2CZE. The node should be up and running again within a few weeks.

Laurie is seeking commitments from speakers for the proposed April 2016 East Hamfest.
Suggested by Dave: Gary Hinson ZL2IFB.

Laurie reminded the gathering that he will be re-locating to Wanganui and will be relinquishing the Branch 25 presidency at the November AGM. A new repeater trustee etc. will also be needed.

The meeting closed at 8:10 pm.

And was followed by Laurie sharing his considerable knowledge of Yagi Antennas and how to build your own. First requisite is having the right tools and Laurie presented several home made jigs.

Building a functional yagi is actually not easy as it is a precision job. There are a number of designs available, the most obvious ones found in the RSGB and ARRL publications. In addition there are websites with calculators etc. run by VK5JD, YU7EF and DK7ZB.

Lauries lecture generated a number of good questions and an informative discussion.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary Branch 25.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 5 August 2015 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Apologies: ZL1TJ, ZL2VM, ZL3TT, ZL2DW.

Present: Wally ZL2MO, Revell ZL2SS, Peter ZL2CD, Dave ZL2MQ, Marty ZL2PX, Ray ZL2RB, Rob ZL2US, Bert ZL2OC, Paul (nt), Jan ZL2CZE, and Stan ZL2ST.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed correct: ZL2CD, ZL2TC.

Arising: Jan ZL2CZE has backed up the website of the late Lee ZL2AL.
Laurie ZL2TC advised that because of the passing of Lee ZL2AL, there have been some changes to the proposed meeting programme. The September meeting will be a presentation from Peter ZL2IK from Northland who will be in Napier at the time.

Correspondence: nil.

Finance: No financial transactions were reported.

General Business: Rob ZL2US reported that Hawkes Bay Branch are holding a weekend ham exam training session and test on 29/30 August. So far six are enrolled for the weekend and there is room for more.

Laurie ZL2TC advised that the club is looking for a cheap rotator for the triband beam at the clubrooms.

Wally ZL2MO advised that recently he checked the clubrooms when passing and noticed a strange noise from inside. It turned out to be caused by the morse paddle being stuck and was sending a string of code.

The meeting closed at 7.50 pm.

This was followed by a fibre optic splicing and cable joining demonstration by Jan ZL2CZE.

Stan ZL2ST, Acting Secretary NARC .

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 1 July 2015 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Apologies: ZL2IT, ZL2VM, ZL2ST, ZL2DC.
Present: Wally ZL2MO, Revell ZL2SS, Peter ZL2CD, Dave ZL2DW, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2MY, Dave ZL2MQ, Rob ZL2US, Bert ZL2OC, Jan ZL2CZE, and Karl ZL1TJ.
A brief moment of contemplation was observed to mark the passing of Lee Jennings ZL2AL and also the passing of Allen Chong ZL2AVC.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed correct: ZL2OC, ZL3TT.
Arising: Laurie anounced that Dave ZL2MQ has stepped forward to take Lee’s place
as NZART examination supervisor. Also available, in a standby position, is Ray Barlow ZL2RB.

Correspondence: acknowledgement and receipt from Branch 88 for our $100.00 contribution.
Emails from and to Dave ZL2DW, Peter ZL2VF and NZART regarding the Examination Supervisor position.
Finance: No financial transactions were reported.

General business: Laurie brought up the need to maintain and update the club’s Website.
Set up and run by Lee ZL2AL since it’s beginning it has become an important connection with the wider world of Ham Radio. Also discussed was the future of Lee’s own website which could well be considered to be a memorial to the life of a remarkable man and should be preserved in some form or other. Jan ZL2CZE was asked and agreed to look after the club’s website and also consider ways of preserving Lee’s.

Laurie proposed the club organise another Hawke’s Bay Hamfest along the lines of the one held in 2014 and asked for suggestions for content, topics and presenters. To be followed up.
Also discussed were presentations and topics for the next few club meetings. Both the August and September planned presentations are somewhat uncertain due to presenters being away.
Jan ZL2CZE offered to demonstrate fibre optic splicing and cable joining.

Rob ZL2US and Dave ZL2DW (Branch 13) are organising a Gold Card Club bus tour from Hastings to Napier and back. This is to be modelled on the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ concept only with handheld transceivers instead of cigars and wineglasses. To be held when the fruit trees are blossoming, only Gold Card holders are eligible, book with Rob or Dave.

The meeting closed at 8pm.

And was followed by a ‘Show And Tell’ session in which Dave ZL2DW elaborated further on his experimentation with long wire across farm gully style antenna systems, Laurie showing and explaining his latest acquisition, a ‘Tigertronics’ digital computer/radio interface, which uses a USB port and comes with the necessary cable and plugs for whatever rig you have ($180), and Karl presenting his latest toy which is a $15 Arduino mini computer board which can be programmed to do all sorts of control tasks both in amateur radio as in the wider world.

Most stayed on for a cup of tea and a chat, no doubt the club’s very effective space heater contributed to that.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary NARC .

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 3 June 2015 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Apologies: ZL2AL, ZL2DC.
Present: Wally ZL2MO, Revell ZL2SS, Peter ZL2CD, Dave ZL2DW, Blue ZL3TT, Stan ZL2ST, Mike ZL2MY, Dave ZL2MQ, Mike ZL2VM, Rob ZL2US, Bert ZL2OC, Jan ZL2CZE, Jon ZL1CQO and Karl ZL1TJ.
Laurie welcomed visitor Jon ZL1CQO

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed correct: ZL2TC, ZL2MO.
Arising: The Editor of Break Out ZL2VAF was asked and agreed to list ECI information.

Correspondence: Call Book update form sent to NZART. Enquiry to Debbie, NZART regarding the Club’s missing Break-In Library copy. Correspondence regarding the Arthur Godfrey Award for Lee ZL2AL. Various responses to these mails received.

Finance: Stan reported severe fluctuations in the current account balance due to purchases and receipts connected with the Club’s antenna switch kitset project. A donation of $100 as a contribution to the expenses involved in combatting the local Council’s proposed District Plan was made to Branch 88, Tauranga.

General business: David 2DW asked those present to consider taking on the role of NZART Examination Supervisor. A few questions such as ‘what is involved’ were asked and answered.
The job entails participation in week-end courses which are held occasionally when a (minimum) number of candidates have signed up. Usually only once or twice a year. A great way to support Amateur Radio.

Laurie reported on attending the NZART Annual Conference held in Hamilton the previous weekend. Detailed information is available on the NZART website and in the latest ‘Infoline’.
Lee Jennings ZL2AL was awarded the Arthur Godfrey Award for services to Amateur Radio.
Stan reported seeing Lee who is now back once again in hospital for further medical support as his health continues to deteriorate. The news made all who know Lee well reflect.

The meeting closed at 8pm.

The 2002 DX-Pedition (VP8THU) to the South Sandwich Islands was next.
Another high quality video by James Brooks.
The trusted vessel Braveheart made it all the way from New Zealand to the Atlantic Ocean’s Sub Antartic region where these dismal Islands, occupied by millions of penguins (who live on accumulated excrement said to be meters thick), are.
The heroic participants lasted a whole five days and I take my hat off to them.
The conditions were attrocious for a number of reasons, the abovementioned penguins and poop probably the least.
But, they did do it and help a large number of our fellow hams to get a bit closer the coveted DXCC qualification and got away with no doubt ever lasting memories.

A cup of tea and chat after rounded the evening off.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary NARC .