Members of the Wellington Amateur Radio Club visited the West Wind project site on 10 May and 15 August 2009 to measure the level of HF radio frequency noise radiated by the wind turbines. The purpose of the measurements was to help the club assess the level of interference that would be experienced if the ZL6QH amateur radio station was to be rebuilt at Quartz Hill, or at another location in the general vicinity of the wind farm.
A report on the noise measurement work has been prepared by the club and a pdf copy of the report (1.54 MB file) can be downloaded by clicking here.
The report concludes that it will not be possible to operate an amateur radio HF station in the vicinity of Quartz Hill due to the high level of radiated noise interference from the wind turbine infrastructure. At 3.73 MHz, the measured level of radiated noise is approximately 50 dB greater than that sought for weak signal HF amateur radio communications. Our analysis of the measurement data suggests that an amateur radio station would need to be separated from the nearest turbines by a distance of at least several kilometres in order to reduce the interference to the desired level.
We are disappointed at not being able to continue the amateur radio operations at Quartz Hill, as it has been a fantastic radio location and a great source of enjoyment and inspiration for us all. However, all good things do come to an end, and we have always understood that noise from the wind farm could affect our ability to continue using the site.
We are now searching for an alternative site in the wider Wellington region that will allow us to continue the legacy started at Quartz Hill. Our goal is to build a new station that has the potential to equal and surpass the achievements at ZL6QH. Key considerations for selecting a new site include:
• A low angle of elevation to the horizon, preferably less than 5 degrees, in all directions.
• Separation from potentially significant radio frequency noise sources like high voltage transmission lines, industrial areas, and wind farms.
• All weather 2WD access
• Preferably within 1 hour drive from Wellington city, but if necessary we will look further afield.
• Room to erect several guyed masts and poles, potentially up to around 60 metres in height.
• Availability of AC power
• Access to accommodation.
• Long term tenure.
Below: Setting up the RF noise measuring antenna and equipment at Quartz Hill on 10 May 2009
Further mast and antenna assets were moved to our Quartz Hill storage area on 22 August 2009, for potential use in building a new station. The items included the 10M yagi antenna and 12 metre Blaw Know mast from the former ZM2K contest station in Martinborough, and a 25 metre lattice mast that has been acquired from the Mana Coast Guard.
Above: The delivered masts stacked at Quartz Hill, with the ex ZM2K sections in front and the ex Mana Coast Guard sections at the rear.
We are grateful to Malcolm ZL2UDF for arranging a truck to transport the masts from Martinborough and Porirua to Quartz Hill. In addition to Malcolm, the 'heavy lifting and moving' crew consisted of Andrew ZL2ACG, Frank ZL2TTS and Brian ZL1AZE. Most unusually, everything worked out according to plan. It was also a brilliantly fine day, which made for some great scenery en route and at Quartz Hill.
Above: The view of the Quartz Hill building and nearby turbines, looking to to the Northeast.
On 6 June a working party consisting of ZL2AMI. ZL2TTS, ZL2IFB, ZL2AOH, ZL2ACG, ZL2UDF , ZL1AZE and Barry Laing (the local farmer) visited the former ZM2K contest station (near Martinborough) to lower and dismantle the remaining mast and 10M yagi antenna.
With the help of a BIG tractor and some fine weather, the work all went according to plan. The only exception was some corroded joints including the steel hinge at the base of the mast. This problem was remedied in the usual way - with a large sledge hammer!
A truck will now be organised to transport the dismantled hardware to Quartz Hill for use in the building of a new ZL6QH station.
The ZM2K mast consisted of four sections of 'Blaw Knox' lattice mast to make a total height of around 12 metres. The club already owns a 45 metre 'Blaw Knox' mast so the ex ZM2K sections can potentially be used to extend the length of this mast to around 57 metres (subject to it being feasible from a structural engineering design perspective).
Below: The ZM2K 10M mast and antenna before being dismantled
Below: The ZM2K mast and antenna dismantled and ready for transporting to Quartz Hill
On Wednesday 29 April 2009, Brian ZL1AZE and Mike ZL2BCW attended a ceremony to celebrate the connection of the first group of wind turbines to the national grid at Project West Wind, Makara. This opportunity was the result of a formal invitation from Meridian Energy.
The celebrations took place at a considerable distance to the south of the Quartz Hill area. Prime Minister John Key pushed a ‘very big switch’ which connected the operational turbines to the national grid.
Over 33 km of 7 metre wide roads link the Oteranga Bay wharf to each of the 62 turbine sites. Twenty five of the turbines have been erected and 15 of these have been commissioned.
Below: A view of one of the operational turbines near the First Power celebration.
Brian and Mike were able to get inside the tower of a working turbine, but didn’t climb to the top! The turbine structures are like the Tardis, they seem to be even bigger inside than they are outside!
After the speeches Mike and Brian took the opportunity to listen to the RF background noise level from the closest turbine. They used a portable HF receiver with a 10 metre length of wire as an antenna. Some noise was observed although it was not clear how much of it was due to the turbine since a nearby diesel generator (supplying power for the event catering) may have also been contributing to the noise.
Below: A photo of the wind farm on 2 May 2009, as observed from the Karori end of Makara road.
