Category: club meeting 2018

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 5 December 2018

at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

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

Present: Dave ZL2DW, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2CD, Revel ZL2SS, Errol ZL2IT, Stan ZL2ST and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2US, ZL2HB, ZL2XC, ZL2MO.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2MY, ZL2ST.

Arising: An offer for the tribander and rotor from Mike Price ZL2MCP for $500 was accepted at the last committee meeting. Transport to Whanganui to be arranged. Quoted by Main freight $166.30. Dave 2DW suggested Laurie ZL2TC may be visiting Hawke’s Bay soon, Mr. Price to be advised.

Correspondence: with ZL2MCP regarding tribander, paid tax invoice from RSM, to and from ZL2CZE regarding tech talk presentation, seasons greetings from Steve ZL1FS Branch 86.

Finance: Treasurer’s report attached. Peter also presented the annual accounts for the previous year, audited by Stan ZL2ST. Moved by Peter and seconded by Dave 2MQ that the annual accounts be accepted. Passed.

General Business: 2019 Programme: Errol 2IT will present his latest results with 630m at the February meeting, Jan ZL2CZE to present another look at SDR in March. Dave 2DW offered his services as short notice standby in case of default.

Dave 2DW also reported the following from Branch 13: The annual Christmas Tea at the Napier RSA was another success, a ‘meet fellow Hams’ gathering is planned at the Ploughman’s Restaurant (near Taupo airport)  for March 16, a 4 wheel drive trip up Kahuranaki is planned for February 17th, the last of the summer wine bus trip and RSA lunch on December 8th, the Branch 13 AGM saw the committee unchanged, Branch 13 nominated Warren ZL2AJ for the NZART ZL1 Councillor position, Errol ZL2IT to present talk at January 23rd meeting and the Branch 13 SDR project is still being considered.

Stan 2ST reported medical problems and the need for surgery within the next few weeks.

Mike 2MY and Stan 2ST reported successful participation in the recent worldwide CW contest of the ZL4T group from Holger ZL2IO’s QTH.

The meeting closed at 8:10 pm

And was followed by the Club’s annual quiz prepared and presented by Dave ZL2MQ.

It was another mix of general knowledge and radio questions. Some easy and some not so easy.

Joint winners were Revell 2SS and the undersigned with 16 out 20 points, joint second place with 15 points went to Dave 2DW and Stan 2ST.

It was another good one. The evening finished on a social note.

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary NARC.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 7 November 2018 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

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

Present: Dave ZL2DW, Wally ZL2MO, Paul ZL2HB, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2CD, Revel ZL2SS, Errol ZL2IT, Stan ZL2ST, Stu ZL2XC and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2US, ZL2VM.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL3HB, ZL2MQ.

Arising: Dave 2DW: The proposed Marine radio site visit was cancelled due to health and safety issues. Possibly to be given another ‘go’ at a later stage. Alternatives are being considered.

The NZDXRA cup was sent to Paul ZL4TT for inclusion in the Hocking Centre museum.

Dave 2MQ: the annual quiz will now be held at the December meeting.

Correspondence: Confirmation from Charities Services that the application for charitable status has been received and accepted, the outcome may take up to 12 weeks. Accounts from RSM for repeater and beacon licences and from Napier CC for ground lease.

Finance: Treasurer’s report is to be presented at the AGM following this meeting.

General Business: Blue: January 1st will be Amateur Radio ‘Have a Go’ day. An NZART initiative? Branches to decide on activity to involve potential new members?

Blue and Wally are still considering options for HF aerial re-instatement. Wally to check with NCC regarding tree status.

Dave 2MQ: the Tribander yagi and associated gear could now be sold? There was no objection from the floor. Karl to ask club members for expression of interest / offers. Dave 2DW to do the same for Bch 13 members. If not sold by 20 November the Trade-me option will be used.

The meeting closed at 8:10 pm

and was followed by the Club’s Annual general Meeting.

After the AGM the Annual construction project contest took place.

Two entries:

1) Stu ZL2XC presented the final working version of his Arduino based Semi automatic antenna tuner. The device obtains frequency information from the radio and drives two servo motors which adjust the controls of a standard (manual) tuner. The controller has many additional refinements and can follow the radio’s settings even when in scan mode. Stu wrote the Arduino ‘sketch’ (programme) himself.

2) Errol ZL2IT presented a beautifully constructed MF (630m) low noise Rf pre-amplifier. Gain 16 dB, used primarily for testing / experimentation.

The winner by narrow margin was Stu ZL2XC.

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary NARC.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 1 August 2018 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

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

Present: Dave ZL2DW, Wally ZL2MO, Paul ZL2HB, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2CD, Revel ZL2SS, Errol ZL2IT, Stan ZL2ST, Rob ZL2US, Ray ZL2RB, visitor Bill ZL2WS and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2XC, and ZL2VM.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL3CD, ZL2HB.

Arising: Dave 2DW: the branch 13 auction was another success raising about $200.

Stan: the ‘what is the NZRA / DX trophy’ question came up once before, it was and still is a mystery.

Correspondence: various email correspondence: Department Internal Affairs, Charities Services, application for charitable status. Frivolity Minstrels re: chair purchase, Manawatu ARS re: Ham cram course.

Finance: Treasurer’s report presented by Peter is attached.

General Business:

Stan introduced visitor Bill ZL2WS.

Dave 2MQ: the FT 1000 radio has been repaired (once again) electrolytic capacitors in the power supply replaced.

Revell: what stage is the reinstatement of the 80/40 dipole antenna? Discussion produced a few options: antenna between the clubrooms and the Menz shed building, possibly ‘long wire’ type.

The same between clubrooms and large tree in Westerly direction (assuming it is safe from Council chainsaws). Or the original dipole antenna between clubrooms and a (to be built) tower.

Dave 2DW reported repairs done at the Taraponui repeater antenna, with assistance of Warren ZL2AJ, at no charge to the club. Thanks to both Dave and Warren.

The meeting closed at 8pm

and was followed by Dave 2MQ explaining and demonstrating his VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) test set-up.

From an internet search: filter testing with a VNA:

http://www.reeve.com/Documents/Articles%20Papers/Reeve_FilterMeasVNA.pdf

Dave proceeded to test various filters / devices brought in by members. The clubs 40m and 80m band pass filters (Field Day use) were tested and came up as almost perfect.

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary NARC.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 4 July 2018 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

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

Present: Dave ZL2DW, Wally ZL2MO, Paul ZL2HB, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2MY, Peter ZL2CD, Revel ZL2SS, Errol ZL2IT and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2XC, ZL2ST and ZL2VM.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL3TT, ZL2HB.

Arising: Dave ZL2DW: the proposed NZART public liability insurance for members will now also apply to branches with charitable / non profit status according to Peter Mulhare ZL2IK.

Also: the on line sale of Baofeng hand-held radios was discussed at the last Branch 13 meeting.

It was decided to spread the information via the reflectors and pass names etc. onto the Radio Inspectorate. The Radio Inspector responsible for the area is reported to visit Hawke’s Bay soon to investigate the matter further.

Dave ZL2MQ: the two remaining SWR Power meters have now been sold. Trade-me fees are now exorbitant.

Correspondence: various email correspondence: Peter Mulhare re: NZART insurance, non profits are excluded. Internal emails regarding new Bank and members financial status.

Finance: Treasurers report attached.

General Business: Errol ZL2IT questioned Dave 2DW regarding the proposed AREC communications trailer (see minutes 6 June). The status and usage of the present ageing caravan was discussed. The consensus was that the proposed trailer is a viable concept. It will be supported by Branch 13, support from Branch 25 will also be needed.

Dave 2DW mentioned the annual Branch 13 junk and scrap metal collection is now ‘on’ and the associated auction of ‘The Good Stuff’ is to take place at the next Branch 13 meeting, July 25th.

The winner’s trophy for the Branch 13 home brew contest was presented to Errol ZL2IT.

Dave 2MQ asked for information about ‘The Napier Branch Verification Cup’ (NZRA DX). First presented in 1933 it appears not to have been contested after 1938. There are a few other ancient trophies that may be of interest and need to be identified.

The meeting closed at 8pm and was followed by an interesting ‘Show and tell’ session.

Mike ZL2MY presented a simple but clever central hub for a VHF / UHF ground plane antenna. Resonant frequency can be changed quickly by exchanging rods.

Dave ZL2DW presented a much more satisfactory way of utilising an (automatic) antenna tuner. It is mounted just below the (dipole) antenna balun in a weather proof enclosure. An inductor / capacitor network is used to feed the necessary 12V dc up the coax cable to feed the tuner.

Errol ZL2IT presented his E-Field Probe Active antenna. A small device made of copper laminate with a J-Fet transistor. It works on the electrostatic dimension of radio waves and has a very wide pass band. In Errol’s case is used to receive 475 KHz. Also, similar to Dave’s, a DC into coax injector device to go with the antenna.

Errol also presented a DDS oscillator, high stability, to take the place of a number of crystals in an older radio. The device is paired with a Picaxe micro processor to provide the 2 bit parameter input and read the 14 bit output using Hexadecimal coding. High Tech. Amateur Radio in the 21st century.

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary NARC.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 6 June 2018 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

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

Present: Dave ZL2DW, Rob ZL2US, Wally ZL2MO, Paul ZL2HB, Blue ZL3TT, Mike ZL2VM, Mike ZL2MY, Stan ZL2ST, Peter ZL2CD, John ZL2VAF, Phil ZL2RO and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2XC.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2HB, ZL2VM.

Arising: Dave ZL2DW: Conference remit voting: the first three remits were lost, the last two passed. Dave 2MQ enquired at what stage the chair replacement is. A response to Peter 2LF’s email to the scouting people has not been received. Karl to follow up.

Correspondence: various email correspondence: apology from Stu ZL2XC, Bank statements, NZART regarding remit voting and proxy, initial application for non profit status.

Finance: Dave ZL2MQ and Peter explained the Club’s switch to Kiwibank. The primary reason being the ANZ Bank’s inability to provide a dual signature online service. Consequently it is recommend the club applies for Non-profit status as the bank waves most fees for this.

Dave 2DW: tax on term deposit interest will be saved also. Karl to action.

The Club’s new Bank Account number is: 38-9019-0636026-00. Make a note!

General Business: Dave 2MQ reported on the SWR bridge project. All but two have been sold. The last two will be offered for sale on Trade-me if no further enquiries come through.

The club’s beacons have been off the air briefly, minor changes to reduce white noise and key clicks have been made. Errol ZL2IT’s QTH is close to the beacon location. He monitors signal quality regularly.

Paul ZL2HB mentioned the availability of both police band and amateur radio transceivers to anybody, mostly through the internet and direct from China. This is not new of course but the problem appears to be getting worse.

The meeting closed at 8pm.

And was followed by two talks by John ZL2VAF.

The first was about the Hawke’s Bay Knowledge Bank, a repository of historical and current information about Hawke’s Bay and it’s people. It is a community operation managed by the Hawke’s Bay Digital Archives Trust on behalf of the people of Hawke’s Bay.

Located at Stoneycroft House, 901 Omahu Road Hastings. See: www.knowledgebank.org.nz

Become a friend or member, annual fees $25.00.

John then proceeded to explain the AREC trailer project. To be purpose built and take over from the present AREC caravan which is getting older and in need of serious repairs. John explained the various purposes the trailer would be used for, it’s construction and contents and the need for contributions to finance it. While local authorities are steering away from amateur radio involvement in emergency communications there is no reason why we should not be prepared, just in case ‘The System’ falls over.

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary NARC.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 2 May 2018 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

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

Present: Revell ZL2SS, Peter ZL2CD, Dave ZL2DW, Rob ZL2US, Wally ZL2MO, Paul ZL2HB, Blue ZL3TT, Errol ZL2IT, Mike ZL2VM, Peter ZL2LF, Phil ZL2RO, Mike ZL2MY and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2XC and ZL2ST.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL2HB, ZL2MO.

Arising: Dave ZL2DW mentioned the previous Sunday’s NZART official broadcast reporting very favourably on the 2018 Bay Hamfest.

Correspondence: various email correspondence regarding the winding up of the 2018 hamfest, apology from Stu ZL2XC, Bank statements and the annual NZART circular and membership list.

Finance: Dave 2MQ reported the resignation of Treasurer Paul ZL2HB. Peter ZL2CD has stepped up to take over this position, thank you Peter. Karl thanked Paul for giving the job ‘a go’. Peter suggested that internet banking is going to make the job much easier and will investigate the options.

General Business: Dave ZL2DW explained the state of affairs regarding Chorus looking at charging for hosting repeaters at their transmitter sites. NZART president Stuart Watchman is negotiating with various parties and is hopeful a satisfactory outcome may be achieved.

Dave 2MQ asked Peter 2LF regarding the possibility of the Scouting group’s surplus chairs still being available. The purchase of up to 20 chairs at a cost of $10 each was approved by the meeting. Peter to check and confirm this and if so arrange the transfer etc..

NZART Conference remits: The annual vote on remits went as follows:

Remit 1, Stop the paper version of the Call book: in favour 2, against 4

Remit 2, Allow opt out of paper Call book: in favour 4, against 2

Remit 3, Allow non NZ visitors (boaties) to gain NZ Ham licence: in favour 6

Remit 4: Audit by non Accountant: in favour 1, against 5

Remit 5: Extend audit completion time: in favour 1, against 5.

Dave asked if anyone present is likely to attend this years conference and if so act as our delegate.

As no one appeared to be going the the undersigned is to seek a delegate or proxy by email and if not successful request Debby at NZART to appoint a proxy.

The meeting closed at 8:25 pm

And was followed by Dave ZL2DW presenting a talk which he prepared as a ‘standby’ for the recent Hawke’s Bay Hamfest. Dave presented the latest improvements to his home aerial systems, the HF loop antenna following the section’s boundaries and VHF Skeleton slot 2m antenna which is a modified ‘Gisborne’ project which produces fairly impressive simplex contacts. Thanks Dave.

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary NARC.

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 7 February 2018 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

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

Present: Revell ZL2SS, Peter ZL2CD, Dave ZL2DW, Rob ZL2US, Wally ZL2MO, Paul ZL2HB, Blue ZL3TT, Errol ZL2IT, Stan ZL2ST, Mike ZL2VM, Peter ZL2LF, Phil ZL2RO, Peter ZL2HM, Rob ZL2AN, Ray ZL2RB, visitor Ray Morison ZL2JE (Taupo) and Karl ZL1TJ.

Apologies: ZL2XC and ZL2MY.

Minutes of previous meeting: Read and confirmed to be correct: ZL3TT, ZL2HB.

Arising: Wally marked on the floor the outline of the proposed club building advertising sign. Quoted for cut out letters on an aluminium base $ 140.00.

Correspondence: various email correspondence regarding the 2018 hamfest: advertising, speakers, early registrations. Also some early orders for the Club Project SWR-Power meter. Bank statements.

Finance: Term deposit re-invested, several further subs received. Paul requested that all club members give some thought to fund raising so that subs can remain as low as they are.

General Business:

Moved by Wally, seconded by Revell that the proposed sign is ordered. Carried unanimously. Rob 2US suggested a contact phone number could be included. To be considered.

Peter ZL2LF: Offered to the club on a long term loan basis a 60MHz oscilloscope and antistatic mat. Accepted with thanks. Peter also offered to look into obtaining new chairs for the clubroom.

HB Hamfest: The venue has now been changed to the Napier Aero Club rooms, Watchman road.

A proposed programme has been sent to all members and was briefly discussed. Starting time now is 9 am. Advertising has resulted in a number of enquiries. Peter 2LF confirmed the availability of his audio system. Projector and screen to be hired (Dave 2MQ) Due to the additional cost it was proposed that the attendance fee is $20. Agreed to by all present. The final costing for the SWR – power meter kitset will be known within the next week or so.

Dave ZL2DW: at the last Bch 13 the following was discussed: 1) The possibility of an advertised ‘public’ open day, possibly held at the Napier clubrooms, possibly coinciding with a NARC open door (Sunday afternoon). To be considered at committee level. 2) A visit to the Reporoa Marine radio station, either the 3rd or 10th of March. 3) A Bch 13 organised DF (fox hunt) exercise (using Errol 2IT’s gear and ideas) on a Saturday afternoon to be decided. To be advertised.

Stan ZL2ST will be, with John ZL2QM, spearheading the annual Jock White Field Day contest. Jim Tait’s farm, dates 24 and 25 Feb..Showing an interest in taking part: ZL2HB, 2LF, 2SS, 2MO,1TJ. There is space for one or two more, operating half hour slots, either phone or cw. Contact Stan or Karl.

Revell ZL2SS: Tuesday nights at the clubrooms, participating in the Home brew net is fun. Any one interested in joining? Learning to drive the Yeasu FT 1000. Contact Revell.

The meeting closed at 8:15 pm.

Followed by Errol presenting a talk / demo prepared for the April Hamfest: A simple and effective way to manufacture printed circuit boards. Needed: design software (free), a laser printer, an A4 sized piece of glossy paper (backing of shipping labels or front page of glossy magazine) and the Mrs’s iron. And some etching chemical from Jaycar. It worked!

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary NARC.