Amateur radio, also known as “ham radio,” is a hobby and service that brings people, electronics, and communication together. It allows licensed operators to communicate across town, around New Zealand, or even worldwide without relying on the internet or phone networks.<\/p>\n
Amateur radio in New Zealand is regulated under the Radiocommunications Regulations (General User Radio Licence for Amateur Radio Operators)<\/strong>. These set out the rights and responsibilities of operators, including frequency allocations and operating conditions.<\/p>\n You can read the current regulations here:<\/p>\n Radiocommunications Regulations (NZ Gazette Notice)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n To operate on amateur radio frequencies, you need to obtain an amateur radio licence. This involves passing an exam that covers basic electronics, operating practices, and radio regulations. Once licensed, you\u2019ll be issued a unique callsign.<\/p>\n The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) provides resources, training, and information to help you prepare for your licence:<\/p>\n Learn how to become licensed with NZART<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Check out Events & Meetings<\/a> for the next HamCram.<\/p>\n Amateur radio offers a wide variety of ways to communicate:<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need an expensive or complicated antenna to get on the air. Many effective designs can be built at home with simple materials:<\/p>\n Experimenting with antennas is one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur radio, and even simple designs can yield surprising results.<\/p>\n There are many resources available online to assist in designing antennas. Here are some tools recommended by club members:<\/p>\n One of the really exciting things for new amateur radio operators is being able to listen to \u2014 or even use \u2014 the ARISS<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span> repeater<\/em> onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Here\u2019s a guide on why it\u2019s interesting, what\u2019s required, and how to give it a go.<\/p>\n Unique Experience<\/strong>: Talking via a repeater in orbit is unlike any other repeater \u2014 it\u2019s in space, moving fast, with all the challenges that brings (Doppler, short pass times, etc.).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Educational Value<\/strong>: Great way to learn about satellite or space communications, orbital mechanics (because you need to track the ISS), radio propagation, and practical skills like Doppler correction.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Community Fun<\/strong>: Many hams around the world follow ISS passes; hearing or contacting via the ISS connects you with that larger international community.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Modes<\/strong>: ARISS supports several modes \u2014 voice, packet\/APRS, SSTV, etc. So even if you can\u2019t make a two\u2010way voice contact, you might still receive something interesting (images, data).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n To have a realistic chance to hear or use the ISS repeater, you need a decent setup. Here are the essentials and what helps:<\/p>\n
\nHow to Become a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator<\/h2>\n
\nOperating Modes<\/h2>\n
\n
\nBeginner-Friendly Antennas<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\nContacting the ISS Repeater (ARISS<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span> ) \u2014 What New Hams Can Do<\/h2>\n
\nWhy Try to Contact the ISS Repeater?<\/h3>\n
\n
\nWhat Equipment & Setup Do You Need<\/h3>\n