BRANCH 11 NEWSLETTER APRIL 2009
ali.a...@xtra.co.nz
Bryce
St scout hall Atkinson St .
Thoughts on the ZL licence and subsequent on air operation.
The existing licence exam as it stands is relatively easy to pass compared to 10 or more years ago. The exam can be passed by reading from the bank of questions and memorising sufficient similar questions with out actually taking a course and being taught. This is evidenced in Gisborne by several candidates passing the exam without attending any form of tuition. Whether this is acceptable or not is not being discussed.
Accepting this situation, many new hams can legally go on air on world wide bands without actually learning or being taught the basics of operation and etiquette.
A better approach would be to supplement the existing examination with practical tuition before issuing the licence.
Proposal
The existing exam can be left in its present form.
A new component involving practical aspects of radio operation such as;
HF operation and frequencies/propagation
Resolving a signal on SSB
Asking if the frequency is in use
Calling CQ
Answering a CQ call
Correct call sign procedures and phonetics
Exchanging RST reports, name and location.
Operation of an ATU
Setting up a simple dipole
VHF operation and procedures
Calling and repeater frequencies in use around the area
Discussion or demonstration of other aspects of the hobby like APRS, SSTV etc.
These could be implemented using actual on air contacts under supervision either at a club room or ham shack. Maybe with the use of a ‘work book’ signed off as each component is completed satisfactorily.
After satisfactory completion of this practical aspect the radio amateur tutor of this element would issue a completion certificate to go along with the exam results to enable the licence to be issued. Only then would the new ham be allowed on the air.
Discussion
The existing ‘50 contacts’ requirement is not working in practice. Nobody likes being corrected On Air, but correction in a classroom environment is acceptable. I personally know from experience in the UK with the novice licence as a tutor.
Giving practical tuition with actual radios and antennas etc ‘live’ is not only fun for the prospective hams but is the best way to learn.
Ham radio is such a vast hobby that during the tutoring it may be ascertained what the pupil is interested in and demonstrate that aspect or arrange for someone else to ‘mentor’ him in the subject.
Te Karaka
06 862 3977
|
For Sale :
KENWOOD TK-705: 2mtr Mobile
rig. Covers most VHF bands, Ham, Marine, Air, etc. Eprom programmable, and
scanning ability. 25 watt power, and noise cancelling mike. 16 channel
memory. 144 - 148 MHz.
$200.00. Contact: Ric ZL2RIC.
Evenings, 868 4721 or anytime - 021 21 40624.
Cheers. Ric. ZL2RIC.
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ZL7T DXpedition,
Well I hope you worked us on all the bands and modes you wanted and enjoyed doing it. We certainly enjoyed our time on the island even though we came back very tired from both late nights/early mornings and all night operations. The team of Lee, Morrie, Le, John and John, Wayne, Mark, Phil and I just seemed to gel and I can assure you there were no harsh words to/from anyone. This, I think, was mainly due to all of us being serious DXers, contesters and field day operators. We all knew what needed to be done and just got on with it.
The location was a good choice by the team leaders. There were plenty of very tall trees, many suitable buildings, the farm workers were exceptionally helpful and the accommodation and host the tops. To complete the perfection we were surrounded on three sides by the sea. Oh! We had to endure fresh sea food every day, but sometimes we did have a treat for dinner. Meat! HI. I can recommend this site for anyone thinking of doing something similar.
Not everything went as planned. We had a problem with a rig that just wouldn’t go away. It kept going deaf. We had intermittent interference from the 30m station and we had to abandon the other two stations sometimes. We just could not fix this problem despite moving the station and antenna several times. We also had a problem with the 160m antenna that we did manage to fix to the great satisfaction of the antenna team of Phil, Wayne and I. This antenna became dubbed the ‘160m No8 wire’ antenna. Lee was pretty happy too. All in all we got the job done, so to speak.
Personally, I learnt a great deal about DXing from the other side of the radio. Working ‘The wall’ was daunting and next time I will have the confidence to handle it better. Working runs was a big thrill as usual, just as in contesting only these runs lasted 2-3 hours. Calling CQ for hours with few takers was tiring but the runs made up for it when they came. Getting an inverted L top band antenna to the stage of 599 in Europe gave me great satisfaction.
We set out to do a friendly DXpedition to encourage the newer hams and new DXers to get involved in DXing. However as the time to leave got closer, it became apparent from many e-mails that even though the Chatham Islands were not high on the most wanted lists, many experienced DXers did need ZL7 on 160m, digital modes and 30m any mode. We were taking 30m digital mode equipment anyway and a last minute decision to take something for 160m other than a dipole was taken.
In my opinion, we achieved our original goal and satisfied the experienced DXers too.
Thank you ZL7T team members. Would I do it again? To right!
Thanks to the club members who managed to work us. It made it all worth while.
DXing suggestions for the DX(ers)
The following suggestions have been around for some time and are printed here as the new sunspot cycle begins and the DX comes rolling in?
DX station
The DX operator is in charge of the whole procedure in any pile up.
The DXpedition will have made basic rules of operation and these will be adhered to with due respect.
The DX operator will give his/their call at least every 10 minutes and preferably shorter periods. Ideally after every contact on SSB.
The DX operator will use when necessary/appropriate call areas for better accuracy and speed.
The DX operator will establish a pattern of operation creating a rhythm allowing the pile up to know when to call. This will also provide a better QSO rate.
The DX operator will use a ‘split’ frequency when busy keeping in mind other users of the band.
The DX operator will work those stations that will give the best initial QSO rate then make an effort to work the weaker stations.
The DX operator will and should ask for full calls only. The days of last letters is gone.
Bearing this in mind;
The DXer
The DXer should listen to the instructions before calling and upsetting the rhythm and other DXers.
The DXer should listen for the call, not ask after you have worked them or ask on his frequency/while he is working.
The DXer shouldn’t upset the rhythm by asking for QSL info or giving his/her name unless asked for. QSL info will be available on-line or be given at frequent intervals.
The DXer should listen for a call area being asked for. If he has asked for Asia don’t call if you are in ZL. He will probably ask for VK/ZL later.
The DXer should be confident in using the ‘split’ facility on his rig and make sure it is on when required. (Yes we’ve all done it by mistake but please check).
The DXer should remember that the DX is going to work the strongest and best audio stations first then move on to the weaker stations with good audio and finally if he is desperate the poor audio stations. Make sure your audio is clean.
The DXer if he has been listening will now know when and where to call giving his/her full call.
The DXers most important tool is to listen, listen, listen. By knowing what is happening and where you can save yourself and other DXers a lot of hassle and time.
Generally
Know and practise the ‘grey line’ propagation.
Never lecture on air.
Never be a frequency cop.
Be careful with religious greetings and steer away from political and personal comments.
If you put a spot on the reflector or cluster please be accurate in the call and frequency.
A note from Jim ZL2IA ,
mentioned at the last meeting:
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NZART Conference
The NZART Conference 2009 will be held at the Hastings Racecourse May
29-June 1 (Queen's Birthday Weekend). A chance to participate in the
NZART Annual General Meeting, attend forums on everything from
contesting to VHF to satellites, and of course catch up with hams from
around the country. This year the Conference will kick off with a car
boot sale starting at 07:30 Saturday morning, so you will want to
start the day early to collect some bargains.
You can register online or by mail. (And be sure to register before
May 8 to avoid a $10 surcharge.)
http://www.hbarc.org.nz/conf/confhome.html
Technology Convention Report
Branch 11 was well represented at the Easter weekend Technology
Convention in Hamilton. Hamish ZL2HC, Ian ZL2IMM, and Jim ZL2IA were
among the just over 40 attendees, with Angela ZL2TI joining the group
for the convention dinner.
Topics at the convention ranged from practical ham topics to
background information on digital land mobile technologies and high
definition television in New Zealand. Amateur topics included:
- Ian ZL1AOX demonstrated the HPSDR and QuickSilver VERB software
defined radios.
- Warren ZL2AJ showed a fancy DTMF controlled frequency agile remote
base controller that he has architected.
- Fred ZL1BYP provided an update on KiwiSAT which is (nearly)
electronically complete, with the trays of the structure being
machined out of solid blocks of aluminum and then very carefully
drilled/tapped. (We all had the chance to examine/hold the bottom
tray of the spaceframe.)
- Murray ZL1BPU demoed the latest in digital narrow band TV (NBTV)
for use on HF.
- Peter ZL1UKG explained how to use graphical circuit analysis
software which has a free version available from
http://www.catena.co.uk/
The National System trustees held a brief meeting and agreed to
investigate the need for continued packet message forwarding with an
eye toward reducing the hours the system is devoted to that service.
Among the many topics discussed during the "forum" session led by
NZART Councilors Vaughn ZL1TGC and John ZL2HD were:
- Ratifying the plan for adding CTCSS to repeaters that was discussed
at the convention two years ago. The scheme allows alternatives such
as using CTCSS to offer dual level squelch or having a "long zero"
DTMF tone open a repeater for a period of time for travelers or others
that aren't equipped with tone transmitters. Linked repeaters must
never propagate a tone. Warren ZL2AJ volunteered to coordinate tone
selections around the country.
- Using 144.575 for APRS throughout the North Island.
- Discussion about encouraging more participation in the VHF/UHF
contests; a proposal to shorten them to one day that found little
support; and a rule change that requires a station claiming QRP power
multiplier on a particular band to stay within those power
restrictions for the entire contest.
The Wellington VHF Group will be hosting the VHF Convention in 2011.
They are also promising to host a shorter "mini Convention" in 2010 at
a central North Island ski lodge on one of the regular weekends near
Easter.
The programme included lectures on the following subjects -
You purchase or build up (some very cheap) receivers and transmitters and your computer operates them and how they work. Huge possibilities
How a remotely controlled radio is used to directly control a portable repeater, as used to link repeaters for the Hawkes Bay car rally
Make up an electronic circuit on your computer and check voltages and waveforms before you actually build it
A NZ amateur and scientific satellite getting near completion after much work by many people over several years
Present transmission systems, displays and how some of it is not so high
D-Star is only one of several systems some available for use by all and others the property of the owners. Some have been tested while others are
or will soon be in operation
When you are building a transmitter on that high a frequency a lot of things become very important like spurious outputs, random noise, frequency stability etc.
Sending pictures on the high frequency band using normal hf radios and a computer programme. Already in use in NZ
See how an aerial will perform before you build it using a computer programme which will show you the effects on impedence, frequency and directivity of any changes. Displays a rotating colour 3D picture of the complete radiation pattern, different colours for different gain Wow
While several councillers of NZART were present I believe the convention can only make recommendations or suggestions to NZART. If you disagree with what follows please check I have got my facts right and use the normal channels you have available as a member of NZART to comment on their policy
Hamish ZL2HC
Branch 11 was well represented at the Easter weekend Technology
Convention in Hamilton. Hamish ZL2HC, Ian ZL2IMM, and Jim ZL2IA were
7among73 the just over 40 attendees, with Angela ZL2TI joining the group
for the convention dinner.
Topics at the convention ranged from practical ham topics to
background information on digital land mobile technologies and high
definition television in New Zealand. Amateur topics included:
- Ian ZL1AOX demonstrated the HPSDR and QuickSilver VERB software
defined radios.
- Warren ZL2AJ showed a fancy DTMF controlled frequency agile remote
base controller that he has architected.
- Fred ZL1BYP provided an update on KiwiSAT which is (nearly)
electronically complete, with the trays of the structure being
machined out of solid blocks of aluminum and then very carefully
drilled/tapped. (We all had the chance to examine/hold the bottom
tray of the spaceframe.)
- Murray ZL1BPU demoed the latest in digital narrow band TV (NBTV)
for use on HF.
- Peter ZL1UKG explained how to use graphical circuit analysis
software which has a free version available from
http://www.catena.co.uk
The National System trustees held a brief meeting and agreed to
investigate the need for continued packet message forwarding with an
eye toward reducing the hours the system is devoted to that service.
Among the many topics discussed during the "forum" session led by
NZART Councilors Vaughn ZL1TGC and John ZL2HD were:
- Ratifying the plan for adding CTCSS to repeaters that was discussed
at the convention two years ago. The scheme allows alternatives such
as using CTCSS to offer dual level squelch or having a "long zero"
DTMF tone open a repeater for a period of time for travelers or others
that aren't equipped with tone transmitters. Linked repeaters must
never propagate a tone. Warren ZL2AJ volunteered to coordinate tone
selections around the country.
- Using 144.575 for APRS throughout the North Island.
- Discussion about encouraging more participation in the VHF/UHF
contests; a proposal to shorten them to one day that found little
support; and a rule change that requires a station claiming QRP power
multiplier on a particular band to stay within those power
restrictions for the entire contest.
The Wellington VHF Group will be hosting the VHF Convention in 2011.
They are also promising to host a shorter "mini Convention" in 2010 at
a central North Island ski lodge on one of the regular weekends near
Easter.
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