Quartz Hill amateur radio station seeks new home

The Wellington Amateur Radio Club station at Quartz Hill, call sign ZL6QH, was de-commissioned in October 2007 when construction of a wind generation farm began.

It was hoped that the radio station could be re-established on the site once construction ceased and the wind farm was operating. However, tests conducted with the wind generators in operation revealed an unacceptable level of electrical interference on the HF bands.

So, reluctantly it was necessary to consider alternatives.
The club’s assets at the site were removed by a series of work parties and they have been moved to temporary storage. The Quartz Hill management committee has been exploring alternative sites within reasonable distance from Wellington.

The criteria considered for a replacement site were:
1. 2WD access.
2. Preferably within 1 hour drive from Wellington City, but if necessary we will look further afield.
3. A low angle of elevation to the horizon, preferably less than 5 degrees, in all directions.
4. Separation from potentially significant radio frequency noise sources like high voltage transmission lines, industrial areas, and wind farms that use or are likely to use technology similar to that at Quartz Hill.
5. Room to erect several guyed masts and poles, potentially up to around 60 metres in height.
6. Availability of AC power
7. Access to existing accommodation is preferred.
8. A friendly landlord.

Several sites have been reviewed, but because of the hilly and mountainous topography in Lower North Island, the number of possible sites is very limited.

The Quartz Hill management committee has recently selected a site that could meet many of the criteria, and is working towards a proposal to the land owning authority. This could be a slow process with no guarantee of success. So it’s a case of “watch this space!”

You can keep up to date with periodical reports by applying to join the Quartz Hill Supporters group for which details can be found on the Quartz Hill web site at www.zl6qh.com - Check the “How to Support Quartz Hill” option.

Our thanks to Fists Down Under for the above information
www.fistsdownunder.org