Brian ZL1AZE (now also VK3MI) delivered a presentation about the ZL6QH Super Station Story at the Victoria Centre RadioFest at Kyneton Racecourse (near Melbourne) on Sunday 12 February 2012. The presentation covered the development of the station, what was achieved, and the impact of the wind farm that resulted in the station going QRT. A copy of Brian's presentation (a 6MB pdf file) can be downloaded here.

The Quartz Hill Committee has been investigating a possible new radio site at Pukerua Bay, just north of Wellington. There are a number of potential challenges with this site, which may, in the end, mean that we do not proceed with a lease. The site appears to be a reasonably quiet RF site, although not quite as good as at Quartz Hill. The site is elevated and provides a low angle of radiation to the horizon. Access is via a short four wheel drive road. Walk on access is also possible. Options for antenna design are more limiting than at Quartz Hill and we want to be sure that the site could sustain HF Contest activity using multiple operators on different bands. The site has no pre-existing accommodation, so funds will have to be expended on buildings and associated consent processes, so it is important that we proceed cautiously.

We will keep you informed of progress as site feasibility is examined over the NZ winter.

There have been some further changes to the membership of the Quartz Hill Committee over the past couple of months.

Mike Kerr ZL2BCW has recently stepped down to focus on other personal interests. He had been a long standing member of the Committee since it was first formed in 1997. We are very grateful to Mike for his advice and practical support over the years.

Malcolm Wheeler ZL2UDF has kindly agreed to join the committee, to help fill the gap created by Mike's departure. Malcolm has been an enthusiastic supporter of our activities over many years and has been most helpful with the arranging and driving of trucks to move some of our larger assets. We are pleased to have the skills and experience that Malcolm brings to the team.

Brian Miller ZL1AZE has been the chair of the committee since 1997. He is now stepping down from this position due to a pending move to VK3. Mike Woods ZL1AXG has kindly agreed to take on the chair role, at least for the short term. Although Brian will no longer be able to participate in local activities, he will continue to be a member of the committee and provide advice (as appropriate) from VK.

Our annual report for the 2010/11 year was tabled at the AGM of the Wellington Amateur Radio Club on 15 February 2011. Click here to view the report....