Amateur Radio

ZL1UD

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My Introduction The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club NZART My Interest in Amateur Radio

My Introduction

I was introduced to Amateur Radio during 1973 by the late Bill Coates, ZL1GQ in Matamata. He owned a Yaesu FT-101 and he could talk all over the world on this radio. The FT-101 was considered the Rolls Royce of radio transceivers at that time.

Leaving School and home, my introduction to hunting and tramping, and flying took my focus from Amateur Radio, and I was not re-introduced to it until following what I call “the butchery” in 1997.

I attended classes run by the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club from April until September 1997 and gained my license (Limited) in September. My first Callsign was ZL1TAD and I was licensed to use VHF frequencies and above. In May 1998, I passed my Morse Qualification and gained a General Grade License, which gave me access to all Amateur Frequencies. I also gained my full callsign – ZL1UD. This callsign was previously owned by the late Ken Williams of Walton (near Matamata).

In 2004, the license system was changed in New Zealand, and for a General Grade Certificate, a candidate does not need to sit a Morse Qualification.

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The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club (NZART Branch 12)

Hamilton Amateur Radio Club is Branch 12 of NZART

I have been a member of the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club almost continually since 1997 serving on its Committee, as President for three years and AREC Section Leader for three years.

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NZART

NZART is the National Body that represents the issues of Radio Amateurs to both Central and Local Government. It is a Foundation Member of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 3.

When I gained my Limited License, I joined the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) and I have been a member ever since then.

I have served on its Council since June 2003 Serving the ZL1 Region (all areas north of Taupo).

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My Interest in Amateur Radio

Although I do own and use VHF and UHF equipment, I am mainly interested in DX (Working Overseas Radio Amateurs. My Main home based radio is a Yaesu FT-757GX. (100 Watts PEP)

Yaesu FP-757HD – Yaesu FT-757GX – Yaesu FC-757 – Complete station

I have worked Amateurs from 126 different countries and I have QSL Cards (Confirming contact) from 123 different countries.

Most of these contacts are phone, but an increasing number are Morse.

I enjoy contesting and I want to get more involved with both HF and V/UHF contesting in future.

My QSL Card

I also own a Yaesu FT-817ND (QRP – Low Power – 5 Watts RF) which was purchased to put into a dry bag along with a dipole antenna and take Kayak Camping with me.

This radio covers all of the Amateur Frequencies from the 1.8MHz band to the 430MHz band and runs off its own internal batteries (3.5 watts) or a 12 Volt Sealed Lead Acid battery (5 watts).

Yaesu FT-817ND

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