Transmitter site

The transmitters for Taupo Maritime Radio ZLM are east of Taupo in the central North Island at 2974 Matea Rd, Matea.

Satellite view of the transmitter site for Taupo Radio ZLM
Satellite view of the transmitter site for Taupo Radio ZLM. Google Maps, 2017
North Spira-Cone antenna, transmitter hut and South Spira-Cone antenna at the ZLM transmitter site, Oct 2016. The microwave dish at the transmitter hut links to the Chorus tower on the hill in the distance.
North Spira-Cone antenna, transmitter hut and South Spira-Cone antenna at the ZLM transmitter site, Oct 2016.
Photo: Tony Graham. Click to enlarge.
Microwave dish at Taupo Radio transmitter site
The microwave dish at the transmitter hut links to the Chorus tower on the hill in the distance. Photo: Tony Graham.
Types of HF antenna used at the Taupo Radio transmitter site
Types of HF antenna used at the Taupo Radio transmitter site. Illustrations: Andrew Corp.
A Spira-Cone antenna at Taupo Radio ZLM's Matea site
A Spira-Cone antenna at Taupo Radio ZLM’s Matea site
The log-periodic array at Taupo Radio's transmitter site is aimed south
The log-periodic array at Taupo Radio’s transmitter site is aimed south, Oct 2016.
Photo: Tony Graham. Click to enlarge.
Broadband dipole antenna (A3) for DSC at Taupo Radio transmitter site
Broadband dipole antenna (A3) for DSC at Taupo Radio transmitter site, Oct 2016.
Photo: Tony Graham. Click to enlarge.
Transmitter hut and backup generator hut at Taupo Radio transmitter site
Transmitter hut and backup generator hut at Taupo Radio transmitter site, Oct 2016. Photo: Tony Graham
Diesel generator for back up power at the Taupo Radio transmitter site
Diesel generator for back up power at the Taupo Radio transmitter site, Oct 2016. The 400-litre fuel tank provides up to six days operation in the event of a power failure. Photo: Tony Graham
Joanna testing the Nr 2 <a href="http://www.barrettcommunications.com.au/" target="_blank">Barrett</a> transmitter at Matea, Oct 2016
Joanna testing the Nr 2 transmitter at Matea, Oct 2016. Photo: Tony Graham. Click to enlarge.

There are six Australian-made Barrett transmitters at the Matea site: four for single sideband and two for DSC (digital selective calling).

The two Spira-Cones are dual-mode antennas. Each is fed by two transmitters, one beaming low-angle (long-range) and the other high-angle (short range). The transmitters are assigned to antennas as follows:

TX1: North Spira-Cone, Low Angle Port
TX2: South Spira-Cone, Low Angle Port
TX3: North Spira-Cone, High Angle Port
TX4: South Spira-Cone, High Angle Port
Tx5 (DSC): A4 Log Periodic
TX6 (DSC): A3 Broadband Dipole

Antenna connections at the ZLM transmitter site, Oct, 2016
Antenna connections at the ZLM transmitter site, Oct, 2016. Photo: Tony Graham. Click to enlarge.