ZARES Handheld + ZL2WA Kiss Fox Controller
A simple beacon for ARDF purposes.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 11:01:11
The Kiss Fox Controller Version 1, show attached to a ZLVHF01 ZARES 2m Handheld. Designed to work together specifically, they are programmed to send an ident letter five times, then sleep for around 30 seconds. They ident with a preprogrammed callsign every 5 minutes. Designed and Built by Jim Towler ZL1TYF of Wellington VHF Group.
We demonstrated with these units but found that in practise, the 1W power level of the ZARES Handheld is by default far too high for use in a situation such as JOTA; by the time you are within 50 feet of the transmitter, it is full scale and very hard for people new to the idea to get to grips with. Still, not a bad piece of kit.
Brian ZL2BRF at work with his Butane Soldering Torch.
How to make an HF Antenna in an hour or less!
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 11:12:56
Brian came well equipped and able, making us an HF antenna in well under an hour using readily available bits and pieces. A very nice Antenna Tuner Unit let us easily match the length for use on 80, 40 and 20m bands, though we weren't heard by anyone we tried on 20m - so expect it wasn't lobing in the directions we needed.
The View.
A nice scenic shot showing the view from Paparangi Scout Hall.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 11:29:17
A nice scenic shot showing the view from Paparangi Scout Hall. We had a rather stellar day for our events, we even got sunburnt!
Local VHF via Yaesu FT5200.
IRLP was very handy - theres a node on the local 147.300Mhz repeater.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 11:30:39
IRLP was very handy - theres a node on the local 147.300Mhz repeater, run by the Upper Hutt Radio Club. We also spoke to Upper Hutt at various stages - they were in Carterton supporting a Wairarapa JOTA event.
The 'Other End' being assembled.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 11:36:11
The Pioneering timber being used has a convenient hook in it to let us run the antenna lanyard through for tension. Prior to tensioning, the Scouts are bracing it.
Centre Pole Added and Braced.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 11:56:17
The tall centre pole helped elevate the antenna for performance. You can see the black 300 ohm ribbon feeder. Brian ZL2BRF is here tying things together.
Wider shot shows the nearly finished product.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 12:04:06
Brian is setting up the ATU and preparing to run the cabling into the scout hall for the HF Tranceiver - kindly loaned by John Yaldwyn ZL4JY.
Fox Found!
The results of an ARDF Demonstration.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 14:18:50
Scouts hid (and then other scouts found) the low powered 'fox' loaned by ZL2AMJ. The Yagi-style directional antenna has ping pong balls terminating the elements mainly to prevent anyone from being hurt by the sharp ends. :-)
Working Dunedin on the National System.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 14:40:25
Michelle, a 13 year old Scout, speaks with her counterparts in Dunedin using the set in my vehicle.
Brian and John survey our handiwork.
Taken with a zoom - don't think they know I took it!
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 14:40:55
Taken with a zoom - don't think they know I took it! (Sorry for the Average image quality)
How do I Dee-Eff?
Michelle (Scout) and Tony (Paparangi Group Leader) discuss.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 14:57:23
Michelle (Scout) and Tony (Paparangi Group Leader) discuss.
ZL2BRF supervises conversation on 730.
The other Scouts are listening intently!
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 16:33:12
The other Scouts are listening intently! (heh).
Jim ZL2APE Inspects the Handiwork on his arrival.
ZL2APE is a member of the Scout National HQ Staff and the national JOTA coordinator for NZ.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 16:38:55
ZL2APE is a member of the Scout National HQ Staff and the national JOTA coordinator for NZ. Hes also a member of Wellington VHF Group so agreed to come down and help us out for a few hours.
Concentration!
This young Scout was very good on the radio.
Date/Time: 2007:10:21 18:48:22
This young Scout was very good on the radio. The Paparangi troop on the whole were excellent to deal with, I was very impressed.
