Waikato VHF Group: Connecting the Region with a Network of Repeaters

Te Aroha, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the expansive Waikato region, the Waikato VHF Group (Branch Number 81) serves as a critical backbone for communication and technical exploration. While their physical meetings are quarterly, this dedicated group maintains a robust network of repeaters, ensuring widespread coverage and seamless connections for "hams" across the diverse landscape.

The club holds its meetings at the Silver Ferns Event Centre, located at 44 Stanley Avenue, Te Aroha. For postal correspondence, their address is 35 Lancaster Street, Hamilton, 3240.

Dedicated Leadership for Regional Connectivity

The Waikato VHF Group is guided by a committed team of officers who focus on maintaining the vital infrastructure that connects the region's amateur radio community:

• President: David King (Callsign ZL1DGK) leads the branch, and can be reached at branch.81@nzart.org.nz.
• AREC Group Leader: John Taylor (Callsign ZL1ECG) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be contacted at glwaikato@arec.nz.

The Club's Call Sign is ZL1IS, a familiar identifier across the Waikato airwaves.

Quarterly Meetings and an Extensive Repeater Network

The Waikato VHF Group offers a flexible meeting schedule, encouraging members to check their website for the most current details:

• General Meetings: These are held on a Sunday afternoon in late March, June, September, and early December at 1:30 PM. Members and interested parties are advised to visit the club's website (https://www.zl1is.info/) for precise dates and locations, as these can vary.

The core strength of the Waikato VHF Group lies in its impressive and widely utilized repeater network, ensuring extensive coverage across the region:

• Kaimai NS Repeater: ZL1TAJ / ZL1UET manage this repeater on 434.850 MHz.
• Kaimai Beacon: ZL1THG / ZL1UET oversee the 2400.260 MHz beacon.
• Kaimai APRS: ZL2AJ is responsible for the 144.575 MHz APRS simplex frequency.
• Hamilton Repeater: ZL1TAT/ZL1THG manage the 439.975 MHz repeater.
• Waihi North Repeater: ZL1TAT/ZL1AAF oversee the 145.475 MHz repeater.
• Te Weraiti Repeater: ZL1TAT/ZL1THG manage the 146.950 MHz repeater.
• Te Uku Repeater: ZL1TAT/ZL1THG oversee the 145.675 MHz repeater.
• Maungakawa Repeater: ZL1TAT/ZL1THG manage the 145.575 MHz repeater.

These repeaters form the backbone of the "Waiplenty Network," frequently heard on the frequencies commonly known as '5475', '5575', '5675', or '6950' – vital links for communication across the region.

While the provided information does not list dedicated Exam Supervisors, interested individuals seeking to gain their amateur radio license are encouraged to contact the club's officers for guidance and resources.

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" reliant on robust repeater coverage, an aspiring radio amateur keen to delve into VHF communications, or simply interested in the world of wireless technology that underpins vital regional connections, the Waikato VHF Group offers an indispensable resource.

For more details on the Waikato VHF Group and their activities, visit their website at https://www.zl1is.info/, or listen out for their presence on the Waiplenty Network!