Welcome to the world of amateur radio

This site will help you explore the amazing hobby commonly referred to as “ham radio.”

It is also the online home of amateur radio station ZL1NZ in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (Auckland, New Zealand).

ZL1NZ is a little different from most ham stations, in that it operates entirely with classic equipment from the 1940s to the early 1980s. That means lots of valves (“tubes”), big toggle switches and analogue meters.

As well, this radio station is virtually 100% radiotelegraphy, i.e. Morse Code. Although you’ll see a few microphones in the photos, voice operation is extremely rare, perhaps only a few minutes a year.

My name is Neil Sanderson. I have been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1970, and still enjoy the hobby tremendously.

If you would like to know more about my station, or about how you can get involved in ham radio, please feel free to contact me.

73 (“Best Regards” in Morse Code)

PS: If you’re interested in maritime radio, please visit these websites I operate:

• maritimeradio.org – the history of New Zealand coast radio stations
• musickpointradio.org – an historic coast station in Auckland

Free newsletter for CW operators

NZ Net News is the official fortnightly newsletter of the New Zealand Net and contains many items of interest to other CW operators.

You can read NZ Net News online.

Sign up for email notifications too!

New Zealand Morse Key Directory

This site also hosts the NZ Morse Key Directory, which lists and describes all Morse keys (straight keys, bugs and paddles) known to have been commercially manufactured in New Zealand.