Following the closure of Auckland Radio in 1993, the Musick Point Radio Group obtained the decommissioned transmitters and moved them about three kilometres from the transmitter site in Oliver Road to the receiving station at Musick Point.
Other transmitters have since been added to the collection.
Some of the transmitters have been restored by MPRG members and given a new lease of life in the amateur radio bands. Other transmitters will be restored when time and funds permit.
Click on the photos for more information about each transmitter.
Nautel NEL7203 (ex ZLD)
- Mfr: Nautical Electronic Laboratories Limited
- Power output: 1000 watts continuous, 4000 watts PEP
- Mode: A1, A2 (MCW), A2H, A3 (AM)
- Frequency Range: 400-535 kHz (was used on 487.5, 500 and 512 kHz at ZLD)
- Power Requirements: 230V 50-60~, single phase
- Status: Non-working display.
This solid-state Canadian-built transmitter was used at Auckland Radio ZLD until the station closed in 1993. Its modular design allows power supply or power amplifier modules to be removed for servicing while the transmitter remains on the air.
Dansk S 265-3F-4M (ex ZLD)
- Power output: variable up to 1000W A1 or 1350W A2 at 90% modulation
- Modes: A1 (CW) and A2 (MCW)
- Frequency Range: 405-535 kHz
- Frequencies used at ZLD: 487.5, 500, 512 kHz
- Status: Was used on 512 kHz at ZL1ZLD, but following a change to amateur radio frequencies was retuned to the 630m band (472-429 kHz) where it remains in service. The modulator was removed so the mode is A1 CW only.
- Installed at ZLD: 1966
JRC NSD-166P 6-channel ‘standby’ (ex ZLD)
Servo switching of the 6 channels.
- Model: NSD-166P
- Power output: 1,000W
- Modes: A3J (Single Sideband), A3A and A3H
- Frequencies: 4125, 4146, 4417, 6214, 6224 kHz
- Output valves: 2x 5F65R
- Power supply: 400VAC
- Status: Non-working display
- Era: Service manual dated August 1967
JRC NSD-166N 2-channel ‘main’ (ex ZLD)
Similar to the above but with relay switching for the two channels.
- Model: NSD-166N
- Power output: 1,000W
- Mode: A3J (Single Sideband)
- Frequencies: 2182 and 2207 kHz
- Output valves: 2x 5F65R
- Power supply: 400VAC
- Status: Non-working display
- Era: Service manual dated August 1967
RCA NZPO 351 (ex ZLD)
Commonly referred to as “1301” (its serial number) by the volunteers at Musick Point.
- Power output: 250W
- Modes: CW, AM
- Frequency range:
- Power supply: 230VAC single phase
- Status: Operational on 80m amateur band
This transmitter was at the station in the early 1950s. It was the standby transmitter for the island services.
We have brought it into operation after a search for final tubes, the original ones having lost all their emission. All wiring has been thoroughly checked and found to be intact.
The transmitter normally ran on a fixed crystal frequency in the oscillator. This can still be done but has been slightly modified and can now be fed by a variable VFO from the operating console upstairs. The output of this transmitter is fed by coaxial line to the antenna patch panel.
When the audio controller (PTT) line is operated, the antenna change over relay takes the TX to “on air” and shorts out the RX position. Therefore the same antenna can be used for one operation. This transmitter will run at 100 watts maximum CW and has a 100 watt carrier on AM.
The makers of the transmitter report in the manual that it is capable of transmitting at 100 wpm CW. We’re looking for an operator who can prove that. 🙂
Collier & Beale 873 (ex ZLD)
- Power output: 100W
- Modes: CW, AM
- Frequency range: 1.5-7 MHz
- Status: Operational
Our Collier and Beale 873 transmitter has a black crackle paint finish, and although this has worn thin over the years it still looks great with all the metering on its facing side. As is common with this type of equipment, there are two sections. Although it is built as one unit the top half is the RF Section and the lower is the power supply unit.
The front has a two-door inspection cupboard and the rear door is from top to bottom. Both of these have safety switches, so the transmitter is rendered safe whilst tinkering with the engine so to speak. The output has been altered from a twin feeder or 600d line to coaxial and this also goes to the antenna patch panel. This gives more flexibility.
Collier & Beale T98
- Power output: 100W
- Modes: CW, AM
- Frequency range: 1.5-7 MHz
- Status: Modified by MPRG to operate on the 40m (7MHz) amateur radio band
It appears similar to the Collier & Beale 873, and was a later addition to the Musick Point Radio Group’s collection.
Collier & Beale 277 (aka 416) ex ZLD
- Power output: 75 watts
- Mode: CW
- Frequency range:
- Installed at ZLD: Approximately 1943
- Status:
This is a two-set transmitter, or twins, having one power supply but two complete CW transmitters in one package.
Collier & Beale 666
- Power output:
- Mode: CW
- Frequency: 500 kHz
- Installed at ZLD: Appears in 1946 photo of transmitter hall
- Status: Being dismantled (Sep 2022)
This transmitter was used by Auckland Radio ZLD for 500 kHz radiotelegraphy.
It was later modified (or partially modified) for the AM broadcast band, then returned to Musick Point.
Collier & Beale 4225 “Trawler Set”
- Power output:
- Mode: CW and AM
- Frequency: 300-500 kHz
- Status: Display only
This New Zealand-built transmitter was used at sea and includes its own dynamotor generator.
Marconi Salvita III lifeboat transceiver
- Power output: 3.5W
- Mode: A2 (MCW)
- Transmit: 500 and 8364 kHz
- Receive: 500 kHz
- Status: Display only
SCR 578-A “Gibson Girl” distress transmitter
- Power output:
- Mode: CW
- Frequency: 500 kHz
- Status:
Also…
At the time of its closure in 1993, Auckland Radio ZLD had a late model Harris single sideband transmitter, which was sold.