Franklin Hams on the Air: Pukekohe Radio Club a Hub for Communication and Community

Pukekohe, Auckland – For radio enthusiasts south of Auckland, the Franklin amateur radio branch (Branch Number 10) stands as a vibrant hub for communication, camaraderie, and vital community service. Based in Pukekohe, this active group regularly connects on the airwaves and in person, fostering a strong network of "hams" dedicated to the hobby.

The club convenes at 19 Stadium Drive, Pukekohe, a convenient location for its members. For postal correspondence, their address is C/- 25 John Street, Pukekohe 2120.

Dedicated Leadership for a Connected Community

The Franklin branch is guided by a committed team of officers, ensuring both smooth club operations and a strong focus on emergency preparedness:

• President: John Landon (Callsign ZL1WGL) leads the branch and can be reached at land@actrix.gen.nz.
• Secretary & AREC Group Leader: Tom McDonald (Callsign ZL1TO) manages the club's administration and spearheads its crucial emergency communications efforts. He can be contacted at tom.mcdonald@xtra.co.nz for general inquiries or glfranklin@arec.nz for AREC matters. Tom is also the Club Call Sign Trustee.
• Alternative Contact & Exam Supervisor: Peter Henderson (Callsign ZL1PX) serves as a key alternative contact and helps guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process. He can be reached at pjh@teachlit.com.
• AREC Deputy Group Leader: Stephen Spring (Callsign ZL1SPR) assists with the vital emergency communications efforts, reachable at dglfranklin@arec.nz.

Regular Meetings and Active Nets

The club maintains a consistent schedule for its members to gather and connect:

• General Meetings: Held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM at the club house, these meetings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.
• Committee Meetings: For the club's executive, meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM, with the exception of January.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Franklin branch is active on the airwaves with its regular nets:

• HF Net: Tune in on 3700 kHz (3.7 MHz) every Sunday at 9:00 AM.
• VHF Net: Connect on the Bombay 690 repeater every Sunday at 9:30 AM.

For urgent communications related to the AREC (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications) efforts, members and emergency services can make contact on the 690 repeater or 146.900 simplex.

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" looking for a vibrant local community, an aspiring radio amateur keen to earn your license, or simply interested in the world of wireless communication, the Franklin amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and active environment.

For more details on the Franklin amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at https://www.qsl.net/zl1sa/ or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!