North Head – What AI knows about it
The North Head Radio Station in Devonport, which is located in Auckland, New Zealand.
The North Head station was historically a major facility used by the New Zealand Navy for communications and radio operations. It was one of the key sites for military and maritime communication, particularly for transmitting messages to ships, aircraft, and other military units in the region. The facility has a rich history, and the site is also known for its strong strategic position overlooking the Auckland Harbour.
ZLE30
The term ZLE30 might be a reference to a specific piece of equipment or a call sign associated with the station. In some cases, these kinds of alphanumeric codes are used in military and radio operations for designating specific frequencies, equipment, or channels. It’s possible that ZLE30 refers to a radio transmitter or some other technical aspect tied to the operations of that station, though I would need more specific details to pinpoint it accurately.
North Head Today
Today, North Head is a popular historical site and tourist destination. It’s part of a larger network of military heritage sites in the Auckland area, and you can visit the historic North Head Fortifications (which include tunnels, guns, and military structures). The area is also popular for walks, offering incredible views over the Auckland Harbour and surrounding regions.
I was lucky enough to spend a few months as a caretaker at North Head in-between drafts, looking after security and ZLE. The transmitter was a 618, plenty powerful enough for the local net. Every night a car from Philly with a duty officer would come up the hill and muster the books. During the day when the buildings were occupied with trainees I was able to walk down to a local shop along the Marine parade and stock up on food supplies. On weekends the gun emplacements were visited by civilians but in those days there was no access into the tunnels as they had locked iron gates. The fishing was great off the rocks below if you were a mountain goat. I spent my 21st birthday there, just me and dah dah dit dit – dit dah dit dit – dit.
In 1972 I was lucky to spend 18 Months as an LRD at ZLE30 – was posted from Irirangi to Northhead and loved every minute I was there. Watchkeeping, occaisionally working 3192khz LCN whenever there was a ship around, usually ML’s, Inverell and Kiama and must not forget Lachlan – but most of the time it was quiet. If I remember our Tx’s were two 640’s and a 618, Rx’s being B40D’s. While there and thanks to Frank Saunders I had a part time job working the teleprinters with the NZ Herald. That job helped me handle my second mortgage while building our house in Torbay. One thing I did hate doing was rounds at night walking around Northhead. Was a bit spooky. Thanks for those memories.