Demonstration Page OnlyThe Otago Branch of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Inc. ![]() Use "Back" button to return to these links. 4ZM Broadcast station owned by Jim McKewen - 1928. Used for Otago Branch Sunday afternoon information broadcasting. 5 metre Pioneer - John L. Milnes, Z4AV which has mention of Byrd Expedition and a photograph of the WFAT transmitter". 5 Metre tests Aeroplane mobile on 5 metres back in 1934 (ZL4BV and ZL4CA). 10-10 International Certificate of membership and number allocation. 21 db 2 metre beam 1969 Break-In article on portable 32 element 2 metre beam. 45 South 10-10 Chapter The Otago Chapter of 10-10 International. 65th Anniversary of Otago Branch NZART celebrated on 7th August 1993. This is complete with a recording of the opening ceremony at the Anniversary Luncheon. 70cm Otago Branch project The full information on this project by Colin Emslie ZL4IK - Break-In August 1978. 70th Anniversary of Otago Branch NZART celebrated in August 1998. An Anniversary Luncheon was held at Valentines Restaurant - photographs. 1902 Spark Transmitter J.L.Passmore - "Pioneer of Wireless". 1922 4XD Broadcast station of the Otago Radio Association. 1922 - 1997 1922 Bell Shack Frank Bell - Picture of shack in 1922 and article by Brenda Bell on her "Radio Recollections". 1922 BELL Schematics - Bell schematics sent to Chief Telegraph Engineer, Wellington re application for license to transmit wireless telegraphy. 1923 Blueprint - Bell transmitter schematic in blue print form done by NZPO engineers - 8/1/1923. 1923-1946 Locations of Dunedin Hams A Dunedin map with locations of our early amateur operators. 1924 event remembered Construction of cairn at Shag Valley Station in 1964 celebrates 40th anniversary of first ever trans-world two-way radio communication. 1924 - First trans-world radio MORSE communication by Z4AA 1964 - Article by Dave Lloyd ZL4PG. 1924 - First trans-world VOICE communication made by Z4AK Lalor Sheil in 1924. 1924-1932 Broadcast Radio Stations Lists of frequencies and other information.. 1927 - Callsign allocations by I.A.R.U. - New Zealand changes from 'Z' to 'OZ' 1928 - 9th August Inaugural Meeting of Branch - Report and actual minutes. 1928 - 4ZM Broadcast station owned by Jim McKewen. Used for Otago Branch Sunday afternoon information broadcasting. 1928 - Otago Notes (October) Mention of activities & Byrd Expedition. 1929 "Before 1929" Article by Dan Wilkinson ZL2AB.(1958 Break-In) 1929 Radio Exhibition in Dunedin. 1930 - First licensed YL operator Myrtle Earland ZL3AG (ZL4GR). 1930 - Ham callsign carvings still surviving at Tunnel Beach - see photograph. 1930 - Otago Notes (September) Some notes by Jack Callender ZL4BT. 1931? club transmitter Otago Branch photograph. 1931 Otago Branch photograph. 1931 Napier Earthquake - Radio Emergency Corps instigated as a result. 1932 Convention report and photographs. 1932 Otago Branch photograph. 1932 - Otago Notes (October) Details of Branch station ZL4XD. 1932 REC Exercise report and photograph. 1932-34 - Early R.E.C. exercises. 1933 Otago Branch photograph. 1933 - Break-In (January) Otago's First Amateur -The World's First Radio Postman - ZL4AA. 1933 - Direction finding field day "Fox Hunting not such a new idea !" 1933 - Official Broadcast The official broadcast from 4XD for NZART. 1934 - 5 Metre activity in Otago Saddle Hill to Chalkies on 5 metres. 1934 Aeroplane mobile on 5 metres back in 1934. 1934-1947 Otago 1934-1947. Wally Smith Reminiscences. 1935 Whitebaiting Radio transmitters replace carrier pigeons when shipment ready. 1937 Executive elected. Dunedin newspaper cutting reporting on Branch executive for 1937. 1939 snow puts broadcast station 4ZB off air - attempts to install makeshift link at Highcliff. 1939 - World War II Amateur Licenses revoked during war years. 1939-1945 several listings under World War II. 1939 - "Evening Star" report Amateur (R.E.C.) activities - assisting the military forces. 1940 Waitangi Celebrations Wartime breaking of seals on transmitters. 1945 World War II ends Amateur Licenses again valid - "Breaking of seals on amateur transmitters. 1945 Tribute to Bill Collett ZL4BP for service to Break-In over war years. 1945 Memories Wally Smith ZL2GG/ZL4BB remembers his work with broadcasting at that time. 1949 Recorded interview ![]() 1952 Field Day at Karitane. 1954 First transistorised transmitter, on 160 metres by ZL4GP. 1962 Aeroplane Search Search for missing Dragonfly aircraft on 16-18 February 1962 at Queenstown. 1964 - Shag Valley commemoration 40th anniversary of 1924 historic trans-world contact and dedication of memorial cairn at Shag Valley. 1964 - Article by Dave Lloyd ZL4PG First Trans-world two-way radio communication remembered. 1964 - Article by Alan Frame ZL4GA Progress of amateur radio within New Zealand - The BERU Contest. 1965 - Moonbounce experiments Llew ZL4LI, David ZL4PG and Peter ZL4LV have a go at moonbounce. (Break-In article) 1965 - Competition Who can build a transmitter faster? 6 construct their transmitters in a race against time at the club. 1970 Branch becomes an Incorporated Society. 1970 - When the snow falls Myrt & Fred Earland get the messages from Queenstown through. 1971 Activities in 1971 - from newsletter item. 1971 SSB Project ZL4LV Peter Johnson - HF SSB kitset project for Branch. 1973 - What we did Program for last quarter of 1973 - ZL4MK President's report. 1974 Recorded interview ![]() 1975 Activities - Break-In item by Casey Harris ZL4CA - includes clubrooms re-building. 1975 Clubrooms re-opening - 29 Oct Register of those attending. 1968 - Double Side-Band Transmitter by A.F.Frame ZL4GA. Full information from Break-In article. 1979 Abbotsford Disaster The Dunedin Civil Defence ECU born from disaster. 1978 Construction 70cm Otago Branch project - Full information on project by Colin Emslie ZL4IK. 1980 National Field Day at the Pyramids in 1980 - reported by Bob Smith ZL4OC. 1981-82 and RTTY. Radio Teletype - A bit about it and a demo from Otago Branch to Hastings. 1982 Linear Repeater Article 1982 Break-In article on Dunedin Linear Transponder. 1983 SAR Demonstration Festival week demonstration at Otago Harbour Board office. 1983 World Communications Year What ZL4PZ thought about it all ! 1984 JOTA Jamboree on the air 1984. 1991 MIR contact Con ZL4DU contacts MIR Space Station - QSL card. 1991 Oldtimers Afternoon 9th November 1991 at the Clubrooms. Photographs with names and links to profiles of many of those present. 1991 AGM as reported in the "Dunedin Star Weekender" of Sunday December 15th 1991. 1992 STREB Compact Beam The Bert Looser (ZL4IV) compact beam - Break-In article. 1993 - our 65th Anniversary ![]() 1998 Certificate of Merit awarded to Vern Haig ZL4JN "for services to the Branch for more than 20 years". 1999 AREC Exercise from Break-In's AREC column by Stephen Jaquiery ZL4WAQ. 2000 JOTA Report from Lindsey ZL4KS on Branch involvement. 2001 Oceania Contest Dunedin team takes a bow - ZL4NR team take out Oceania MULTI-ONE category on both PHONE and CW - includes photograph of team. 2001 Oldtimers Afternoon 1st December 2001 at the Clubrooms. Photographs and report. 2002 WARO Trophies Jeanne ZL4JG awarded two separate trophies. 2002 Oldtimers Afternoon 6th April 2002 at the Clubrooms. Photographs. Abbotsford Disaster "Emergency Communications Unit" is born after Abbotsford slip 8 August 1979. A Pioneer YL Brenda BELL of Shag Valley Station - Waihemo. Acknowledgements & Dedication To the pioneers of radio in Otago. Administration of Radio Regulations in New Zealand. Aeroplane mobile Tests on 5 metres back in 1934. Aeroplane Search Search for missing Dragonfly aircraft on 16-18 February 1962 at Queenstown. Amateur contributions during World War II Contribution by ZL4BK - official documents from Neil's files. "Amateur radio as I saw it" - ZL4PZ Something about the author's experiences in amateur radio. Annual Reports of Branch Presidents. AREC Index Index to several articles relating to AREC. AREC Where it started from - after Napier Earthquake of 1931. Attendance List 1952 1952 NZART Conference in Dunedin - held at the Crawford Lounge. Attendance List 1975 Clubrooms re-opening - 29 Oct 1975 - Register of those attending. Audio file index ![]() Awards & Trophies A selection of trophies and awards from the Otago Branch. Awarua Radio A commemorative QSL card for contacts celebrating 75 years of operation - 1988. Before 1929 Article by Dan Wilkinson ZL2AB.(1958 Break-In) Bell Index Index to articles on Frank Bell ZL4AA, Shag Valley Station, Waihemo. Blueprint 1923 - Bell transmitter schematic in blue print form done by NZPO engineers - 8/1/1923. BERU Contest - 1964 Article by Alan Frame ZL4GA Progress of amateur radio within New Zealand - The BERU Contest. BERU Trophy A Dunedin amateur wins "British Empire Radio Union" Trophy for a second year running. Gavin Samson ZL4AI in 1933, Jack Callander ZL4BT in 1934. Break-In Columnists from the Otago Branch membership. Break-In Editors look back Members involved with Break-In production over the years. Broadcast Radio Stations 1924-1932 Lists of frequencies and other information.. Byrd Antarctic Expedition Mention in Otago notes in Break-In. "Beano" at Branch - "Byrd" Antarctic Expedition were guests of honour. Byrd Antarctic Expedition WFAT, Little America Transmitter 1927-1030 (Five metre Pioneer - John L. Milnes, Z4AV) Break-In Index Index to various articles in Break-In that relate to Otago Branch. Callsigns Holders of multiple callsigns during 1955-1960 era. Callsigns New Zealand's prefix changes over the years. Callsigns Some history of amateur callsigns and grading in New Zealand. Callsigns Special Event callsigns used by the Branch at various times. Callsigns Various callsigns held by the Branch over the years. Callsign database (ZL4) Sorted by NAME - Amateur callsigns for ZL4 region from 1923 onwards. NOTE: This file is over 1 Megabyte so will take a while to load. Callsign database (ZL4) Sorted by CALL - Amateur callsigns for ZL4 region from 1923 onwards. NOTE: This file is over 1 Megabyte so will take a while to load. Cards & Tickets Various tickets and membership cards. Charter Members of Otago 45 South 10-10 Chapter. Chocolate Wheel The wheel used to run raffles at the club. Chronological Record The evolving of radio and Branch events. Clubroom Venues used by Branch for meetings over the years. Clubrooms re-building 1975 photographs and costings of clubroom re-building. Clubrooms re-built 1976 Break-In item by Casey Harris ZL4CA on 1975 re-building of clubrooms. Clubrooms re-opening - 29 Oct 1975 Register of those attending. Clubrooms in 1993 Photograph of the clubrooms in 1993. Conferences / Conventions held in Dunedin over the years. Construction - 1964 1924 Trans-world communication - commemorative cairn erected. Construction - 1965 1965 transmitter constructing contest at Branch. Construction - 1971 Activities in 1971 - from newsletter item, includes Branch SSB Kit project Construction - 1978 70cm Otago Branch project - The full information on this project by Colin Emslie ZL4IK. Content Statistics on the content of this "History". Number of files, pictures, etc. Currency Conversion A table from 'Sterling' to 'Decimal'. A record of our earlier currency for the younger generation who weren't born before the changeover on 10th July 1967. Dedication & Acknowledgements To the pioneers of radio in Otago. Direction Finding Field Day on March 12th 1933. Double Side-Band Transmitter by A.F.Frame ZL4GA. Full information from Break-In article. Dragonfly Search Search for missing aircraft on 16-18 February 1962 at Queenstown. Dunedin West Branch Merged later with Otago Branch. (4 pages, or select from below) ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Early Dunedin Hams 1923-1946 City map with locations of the various amateur operators. Early R.E.C. exercises, 1932-34 Early currency Explanation of coinage prior to decimal currency. Early telegraphy by spark transmitters in Dunedin before 1910. ECU The "Emergency Communications Unit" is born after the Abbotsford slip. Editors of our newsletter over the years - who were they? Emergency Communications Unit The "ECU" is born after the Abbotsford slip. Employment The different walks of life that our early hams came from. Executive of Otago Branch since 1928 foundation. Field Day at Karitane in 1952 - reported by Wilf Govan ZL4MX. Field Day at the Pyramids in 1980 - reported by Bob Smith ZL4OC. Field Day Trophy (ZL4) Picture and list of ZL4 winners. ![]() See also "InfoRapid" search & replace utility under ![]() First lady President of Otago Branch 1998 - Jeanne Gilchrist ZL4JG. First licensed YL operator in New Zealand Myrtle Earland ZL4GR first licensed as ZL3AG on 6 February 1930. First trans-world radio communication by Z4AA Construction of commemorative cairn at Shag Valley Station celebrates 1924 trans-world communication. First trans-world radio MORSE communication by Z4AA 1964 - Article by Dave Lloyd ZL4PG. First trans-world VOICE communication made by Z4AK Lalor Sheil in 1924. First transistorised transmitter on 160 metres by ZL4GP in 1954. Gavels Club Gavels made by Jeff Walker ZL4DH/ZL2BP. Gestetner The Gestetner duplicating machine was use for some of our early newsletter production. GLOSSARY of TERMS Some help on Amateur terminology. Goyder Photo of Cecil Goyder at Mill Hill School, London, and 1924 G2SZ QSL. Ham Shacks Shacks of various early amateurs (index to photographs). Ham Shacks, Brass Pounders & Rag Chewers - 1997 publication reviewed. HF SSB Project ZL4LV Peter Johnson - SSB kitset project for Branch. Honorary Life Members - Life Members of Otago Branch. Husband & wife teams Various licensed YL and OM couples in Otago over the years. Inaugural Meeting of Branch Report and actual minutes from 1928 meeting. Incorporation Branch becomes incorporated Society in 1970. In Reminiscent Mood By Wally Smith ZL2GG (ex ZL4BB). International callsigns 1927 allocations by I.A.R.U. - N.Z. changes from 'Z' to 'OZ' Interviews ![]() JAPAN Occupation Forces 1946 Sgt. Keith Shore transmits from Japan in 1947. J4AAI QSL card and license displayed. JOTA 1984 Jamboree on the air 1984. JOTA Report 2000 from Lindsey ZL4KS on Branch involvement. Kirby sisters, The three are included in links to several pages on Otago YL operators. Kitset HF SSB Project ZL4LV Peter Johnson - SSB kitset project for Branch. Kitset UHF Otago Branch project The full information on this project by Colin Emslie ZL4IK - Break-In August 1978. Lady operators (YL) Index Links to several pages on Otago YL operators. Licenses revoked Amateur Licenses revoked during World War II. Licensing Some history of amateur licensing in New Zealand. Linear Repeater 1982 Break-In article on Dunedin Linear Transponder. Locations of Dunedin Hams 1923-1946 City map with locations of various amateur operators. Click on a callsign to get more information about the ham who lives or lived at that address. Maori Net A letter from "Timi Taihoa" to Alan Gilchrist ZL4PZ. Map of Dunedin Hams 1923-1946 City map with locations of various amateur operators. Click on a callsign to get more information about the ham who lives or lived at that address. Map of Dunedin repeater sites. Shows where our repeaters are located. Meeting venues Various venues used by Branch for meetings over the years. Meinung "Toots" Mitchell and Ted Meinung. Two keen amateurs. Membership Various tickets and membership cards. MIR Space Station Con ZL4DU contacts MIR Space Station - 1991 QSL card. MIR Space Station Photographs of MIR and also NASA Space Shuttle. Missing Dragonfly Aircraft Search for missing aircraft on 16-18 February 1962 at Queenstown. Mitchell "Toots" Mitchell and Ted Meinung. Two keen amateurs. Moonbounce experiments in 1965 Llew ZL4LI, David ZL4PG and Peter ZL4LV have a go at moonbounce. (Break-In article) Morse Code ![]() Morse key Given to Byrd Antarctic Expedition by Otago Branch in 1928. National Field Day Trophy (ZL4) Picture and list of ZL4 winners. National Officer Holders from Otago Branch NZART. Newsletter Editors over the years - who were they? Newsletter Items Articles of interest from Otago Branch NZART newsletter. NZ WARO Information on the ladies of amateur radio. Occupations of our amateurs - what they did for a living. Official Broadcast The "Official Broadcast" as it was back in 1933. Oldtimers Afternoon - 1991 9th November 1991 at the Clubrooms. Photographs with names and links to profiles of many of those present. Oldtimers Afternoon - 2001 1st December 2001 at the Clubrooms. Photographs and report. Oldtimers Afternoon - 2002 6th April 2002 at the Clubrooms. Photographs. Otago 45 South 10-10 Chapter The Otago Chapter of 10-10 International. Otago Branch 70cm project The full information on this project by Colin Emslie ZL4IK - Break-In August 1978. Otago YLs A list of the various licensed YLs in Otago over the years. Other publications containing articles on ham radio or ham operators. Passmore, J.L. " Pioneer of Wireless" - 1902 Spark Transmitter. Passmore Crescent - Maori Hill Named after J.L.Passmore, " Pioneer of Wireless" - 1902 Spark Transmitter. Past Officers of Otago Branch since 1928 foundation. Photographs Index to various photos. Pioneer YL Brenda BELL of Shag Valley Station - Waihemo. Preface Introduction to this "History" by Alan Gilchrist ZL4PZ. Presidents' Reports Annual reports from various years. Prime Minister thanks Dunedin amateurs for activities during war years. Profiles Of various amateurs - some more detailed than others. Publications some publications relating to amateur and broadcast radio history. Pyramids Field Day in 1980 - reported by Bob Smith ZL4OC. Quartzville - near Bannockburn. Early goldmining town mentioned in Halcrow profile. QSL cards - a good selection and variety of QSL from as early as the 1920s. QSL card size - recommedations as per the NZART QSL Bureau. QSL cards - ZL4PZ's views. QSL from Japan Sgt. Keith Shore transmits from Japan in 1947. J4AAI QSL card and license displayed. QST Articles on the historic Bell-Goyder contact of October 1924. Radio Recollections Tales of early amateurs (by Brenda Bell 1949) Radio Teletype (RTTY). A bit about it and a demo from Otago Branch to Hastings. Re-building clubrooms 1975 photographs and costings of clubroom re-building. Re-built clubrooms 1976 Break-In item by Casey Harris ZL4CA on 1975 re-building of clubrooms. R.E.C. exercises, 1932-34 (Radio Emergency Corps.) Recommended QSL card size as per the NZART QSL Bureau. Regulations Changes in both regulations and callsign prefixes. Reminiscences By various amateurs of earlier times. Repeater Articles Index to items on Dunedin's repeaters and their history. Repeater site map. Shows where our repeaters are located. Rhythm of the Code ![]() RTTY - Radio Teletype. A bit about it and a demo from Otago Branch to Hastings. ![]() See also "InfoRapid" search & replace utility under ![]() Search for Dragonfly Search for missing aircraft on 16-18 February 1962 at Queenstown. Schools and Scout groups who had amateur callsigns. Shacks Index to pictures of various early ham shacks. Short term callsigns for special occasions such as JOTA and anniversaries. Silent Key list Registers the passing of our comrades over the years. "Sly" beam 1969 Break-In article on "Sly" portable 32 element 2 metre beam. Snow of 1939 puts broadcast station 4ZB off air - attempts to install makeshift link at Highcliff. Snow cuts communications from Queenstown "When the snow falls" - Myrt & Fred Earland ZL4GR/ZL4AM get the messages through. Sound file index ![]() Southern People A review of this book published in 1998 - includes some hams. Space Shuttle STS-45 Con ZL4DU contacts Space Shuttle STS-45 - 1992 QSL card. Space Shuttle photographs Photographs of MIR and also NASA Space Shuttle. Space Station MIR Con ZL4DU contacts MIR Space Station - 1991 QSL card. Space Station photographs Photographs of MIR and also NASA Space Shuttle. Spark Transmitters in Dunedin before 1910 - Mitchell & Meinung, and Passmore. SSB Project ZL4LV Peter Johnson - SSB kitset project for Branch. Statistics on the content of this "History". Number of files, pictures, etc. STREB The Bert Looser (ZL4IV) compact beam. Stirrers Trophy Appropriately awarded each AGM. Street Map - Dunedin Hams 1923-1946 City map with locations of various amateur operators. STS-45 Space Shuttle Con ZL4DU contacts Space Shuttle STS-45 - 1992 QSL card. Taihoa Non de plume "Timi Taihoa" in Break-In. Who was it? Terminology Some help on Amateur terminology. The World's First Radio Postman - ZL4AA Otago's First Amateur - January 1933 Break-In. Tickets Various tickets and membership cards. "Toots" Mitchell and Ted Meinung - "Two keen amateurs" in the early years of wireless. Trades The different walks of life that our early hams came from. Transistorised transmitter on 160 metres by ZL4GP in 1954 - first for New Zealand. Trophies & Awards A selection of trophies and awards from the Otago Branch. Tunnel Beach Ham callsign carvings from 1930 are still there - see photograph. UHF Otago Branch project The full information on this project by Colin Emslie ZL4IK - Break-In August 1978. Venues Various venues used by Branch for meetings over the years. VHF beam 1969 Break-In article on "Sly" portable 32 element 2 metre beam. Waitangi Celebrations 1940 Wartime breaking of seals on transmitters. War years 1939-1945 World War II. WARO Information on the ladies of amateur radio (NZ WARO). WARO - The first 25 years. WFAT, Little America Transmitter 1927-1030 (Five metre Pioneer - John L. Milnes, Z4AV) Whitebaiting 1935 Radio transmitters replace carrier pigeons when shipment ready. World Communications Year - 1983 NZART Allocations of Special Callsigns! World Communications Year - 1983 What ZL4PZ thought about it all ! World Communications Year - 1983 Pictures of the New Zealand Official WCY QSL cards. World War II 1939 - Amateur Licenses revoked during war years. World War II Letter from ZL4BK recalls ham's activities during war years. World War II Contribution by ZL4BK - official documents from Neil's files. World War II 1940 Waitangi Celebrations - Wartime breaking of seals on transmitters. World War II 1945 War ends - Amateur Licenses again valid - "Breaking of seals on amateur transmitters". World War II - JAPAN Occupation Forces 1946 Sgt. Keith Shore (ZL4AI) transmits from Japan in 1947 - his J4AAI QSL card and license displayed. YL Index Links to several pages on Otago YL operators. YL Operator ZL3AG Myrtle Earland first licensed YL operator - 1930. YL Pioneer Brenda BELL of Shag Valley Station - Waihemo. YLs of Otago A list of the various licensed YLs in Otago over the years. YL and OM couples of Otago A list of the various licensed YL and OM couples in Otago over the years. ZL4 Callsign database Sorted by CALL - Amateur callsigns for ZL4 region from 1923 onwards. NOTE: This file is over 1 Megabyte so will take a while to load. ZL4 Callsign database Sorted by NAME - Amateur callsigns for ZL4 region from 1923 onwards. NOTE: This file is over 1 Megabyte so will take a while to load. ZL4 "Golden Girls" of NZART Some history of the early lady amateurs. ZL4 National Field Day Trophy Picture and list of ZL4 winners. ZL4JQ Painting History of this artwork from Dunedin West Branch. ZL4PZ "Amateur radio as I saw it" Something about the author's experiences in amateur radio. ZL4XD Branch station and other callsigns held by Branch over the years. |