Projects

Since update number 2, the quality of the prototype exciter and power amplifier, has been tested using professional test equipment.
These tests used both an unmodulated CW carrier, and a 7.6 MHz wide modulated spectrum, both centred on 506 MHz.
Both items performed better than expected and did not require any adjustment.

We are now working on getting the antenna system ready for the CW test transmissions.

Update number 1, as at 21st January, was published in January Q-Bit magazine, recently posted to members.

In summary, the update included a block diagram of the digital test system and discussed the various factors influencing the quality of the radiated transmission, such as the exciter quality, adjustment of the power amplifier, and the impedance matching of the output filter and antenna.

New Zealand Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) has granted the first Digital Amateur TV Licence to NZART Branch 74, The Wellington VHF Group, for use at its main station located on Mount Belmont, in Wellington.

The main features of Licence 236831 are:

The licence is valid for an initial period of 6 months, from 1st January 2013 to 30th June 2013.

The ZL2WA-3 digi was installed today and is running well. Coverage is designed for the central and inner suburbs, as well as the harbour area.

The digi is being i-Gated via ZL2BEZ and traffic can be seen on APRS.FI, look for ZL2WA-3.

A drive north showed it does not cover much north of Johnsonville on SH1 so the gap till ZL2KG takes over is still there.

The antenna is mounted low on the shed roof, leaving the options of raising it, added directional gain or adding another digi in Tawa or maybe at Colonial Knob. Plenty of projects left to do!!

Have a look at this on YouTube.

Steve gave us a talk on this sometime ago and has redone the tests with video and a sharp presentation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGOhvog0jK4&feature=colike

Thanks Steve.