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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 7th December 2008 The news headlines

* IARU Region 1 Conference Report

* Train the Trainers

* Amateur radio from Space Anniversary

The report on the IARU Region 1 Conference that took place recently in
Cavtat, Croatia, is now available on the RSGB website. It contains
details of the new 40m bandplan that will come into use on 29 March
2009 as well as bandplan recommendations for digital voice at VHF and
modernisation adjustments to the 1.2 and 3.4GHz bands. As well as being
on the website, the full 136kHz to 250GHz bandplan will also be in the
February RadCom.

An RSGB Train the Trainers session, hosted at the Standish Community
Centre, Moody Street, which is off Church Street, Standish near Wigan,
WN6 0JY, home of the North West Amateur Radio Club, will take place on
Saturday 13 December. The Train the Trainers scheme offers guidance on
running courses and teaching techniques and helps tutors enhance the
standard of their Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced licence
courses. Dave Wilson, M0OBW, and Dave Bibby, G1PIX, will be presenting
the all day course, which is free of charge to attendees. For more
information and to register, contact Kath Wilson, M1CNY by e-mail to
dwilsonatbtinternet.com or call on 01270 761 608. Demand is expected
to be high, so it is important to register as soon as possible.

Twenty-five years ago this week, Owen Garriott, W5LFL, made history by
being the first amateur radio operator to talk to other amateurs from
space. Owen's historic flight on the STS-9 Space Shuttle Columbia
mission was launched on 28 November and landed on 8 December 1983. To
celebrate their 25 years of amateur radio operations from space, the
ARISS team has planned a set of special event opportunities during the
month of December and part of January. A special certificate is being
developed for those who communicate with the ISS, either 2-way direct
(with the ISS crew, the digipeater, or cross band repeater), or 1-way
reception of SSTV or voice downlink. Between 7 and 12 December they
will run a test of 9600 baud packet operations on the simplex frequency
145.825MHz. At times, especially during the weekends, you might see
some SSTV operations if the crew is available. PCSAT should be in full
sun starting 9 December, between 14 and 19 December they will switch to
1200 baud packet on 145.825MHz to support double hop opportunities.

Also from the QSL bureau, the G4O series sub manager is now Steve
Harwood, G4OWT, the current G4H series manager. Steve's details are on
the RSGB website. All outstanding cards and envelopes are being
transferred to Steve and members should now send their C5 sized
collection envelopes to him.

There are a few places still available for the second Bath Buildathon
is to be held on Saturday 17 January 2009. The aim of the event is to
encourage newcomers to have a go at homebrewing radio equipment under
the watchful eye of some very experienced radio constructors. The kit
chosen for the Bath Buildathon is the Brendon DSB Transceiver from Tim
Walford's Somerset range of kits. The QRP transceiver has been

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specifically designed for the newcomer so you can be confident that you
will go home with a working 80m voice transceiver. The Buildathon is
planned to run from 9am to 6pm. All soldering and test equipment will
be made available on the day. The cost of the day will be £60 to
include the cost of the kit. If you are interested in joining in the
fun, please contact Steve Hartley, G0FUW on 01225 464394 (7-9pm
weekdays), or by e-mail at G0FUWattiscali.co.uk.

The MSF 60kHz time and frequency signal broadcast from Anthorn radio
station in Cumbria will be shut down from 1000UTC to 1400UTC on 11
December. The interruption to the transmission is required to allow
scheduled maintenance work to be carried out. If you require any
additional information, please see their website at www.npl.co.uk/time.

Now for the news of special events

We have received no details from UK special event stations this week.

NI6IW will be operating from the USS Midway Museum Radio Room on Pearl
Harbor Remembrance Day, today, 7 December, from 1700 to 2359UTC. The
station will be operating D-Star on the San Diego Reflector REF012C and
will also be operating on 14.325 and 7.250MHz, plus or minus, on SSB;
14.060 and 7.040MHz, plus or minus, on CW as well as BPSK between 7.070
and 7.080MHz. MT63 will be on 7.037 and 14.109MHz and RTTY on 7.080 and
14.080MHz. For a QSL, send an SASE to USS MIDWAY CV-41 Museum Radio
Room, 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego CA 92101, USA.

And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources.

IV3YIM is active as portable OD5 from Lebanon. He will be there until
April 2009 and is active mostly in SSB and RTTY on 80 to 10m. QSL
direct or via the bureau to his home call.

The Algarve DX Group will be on air with four activities for the
Portuguese Natural Parks and Reserves Award Activities. CT7FFG will be
on the air on 7 and 8 December. CT7FFE will be on the air on 26 and 27
December. CT7FFT will be active on 28 and 29 December. Finally, CT7FFM
will be QRV on 30 December and 2 January. They will be using 17, 20, 30
and 40m, SSB, CW and RTTY. QSL via CT1GFK for CT7FFG and CT7FFT, and
via CT1IUA for CT7FFE and CT7FFM.

9M2MRS will be active from Penang Island until February 6. QSL via
PA0RRS either direct or the bureau.

Jerry, KP2/WA2TII, is working from the island St. Croix in the Virgin
islands until 9 December. QSL via homecall.

The following operations have been approved for DXCC credit: Wake
Island, WA2YUN/KH9 (for operations commencing 2007); Willis Island,
VK9DWX (2008), and Andaman and Nicobar Island, VU4RG (2008). If you had
cards rejected for the Wake Island operation, please send an e-mail to
the ARRL DXCC Desk and you will be placed on the list for update.

Now the contest news

On 9 December, the RSGB 432MHz activity contest takes place from 2000
to 2300 using all modes. The exchange is RST, serial number and
locator.

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On 13 and 14 December, it's the ARRL 10m CW and SSB contest. It starts
at 0000 on 13 December and finishes at 2359 on 14 December. The
exchange is RST and serial number.

Now the solar report for the period from the 24th to the 30th of
November, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The solar disc was spotless everyday and as a result solar activity was
very low with no solar flares taking place at all. Solar flux levels
were at 68 units everyday except for the 28th which declined one unit
to 67. The

th average was 68 units, also the 90 day solar flux average on the 30
was at 68 units. That's the same level as last week. X-ray flux levels
remained well below the minimum reporting level everyday. On the 24th
geomagnetic activity was very quiet, The Ap for the day was zero,
however, the next day a small coronal hole disturbance arrived. The
25th was the most disturbed day with an Ap index of 10 units. That
figure of 10 units would have been much higher but the storm only last
about 12 hours. Activity then declined and by the

th 30 the Ap was one unit. The average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind
speeds at the ACE spacecraft increased to 630 kilometres per second by
the 25th. Speeds then gradually declined to 320 by the 30th. Particle
densities were low except for a brief increase to 55 particles per
cubic centimetre early on the 25th. Bz varied between minus and plus 5
nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between minus 15 and plus 18
nanoTeslas at the height of the storm early on the 25th.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
continue at very low levels. Solar flux levels should be around the 70
mark for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity should to be mostly
quiet throughout. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes are
expected to be about 20MHz for the south and 17MHz for the north. The
darkness hour lows should be around 8MHz. Paths this week to Australia
should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate
will be around 21MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent
success will be about 17MHz. The best time to try the path will be
between 1000 and 1300 hours UTC.

And that's all for this week from the propagation team.

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Next, the Local News:

Please note that details of all RSGB-affiliated clubs and societies

can be found on the RSGB website, including e-mail addresses

and website links where known.

[Note to newsreaders: Please read the local news items appropriate to
the service area of your

transmission.]

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST

and EAST ANGLIA On Sunday 7 December Chesham and District Amateur Radio
Society is taking part in the AFS 144MHz SSB contest. Contact Terry,
G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Monday 8 December Coulsdon ATS is having its annual general meeting.
Contact Andy, G8JAC, by email to g8jacatbtinternet.com.

On Monday 8 December Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society is
having its Christmas video and mince pies evening. Contact Paul, G4YQC,
by email to paul.whitingatbt.com.

On Wednesday 10 December Aylesbury Vale Radio Society Christmas party
with Chesham club. Contact Roger, G3MEH, on 01442 826 651,
rogeratg3meh.com.

On Wednesday 10 December Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society CARS is
having a committee meeting in Danbury Village Hall. All members are
welcome. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday 10 December Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a joint Christmas party with Aylesbury Club at the QTH of G3MEH
in Wigginton. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 10 December Dover Radio Club is having an operating and
natter night. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to g4sauatDARC.org.uk.

On Wednesday 10 December Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an
informal evening. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099.

On Wednesday 10 December Southgate Amateur Radio Club is holding its
AGM. Contact David Sharp, M0XDS by email to david.sharp1attesco.net.

On Wednesday 10 December Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a quiz night. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 11 December King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on IOTA by Mike Atherton. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ral-g3rsvatsupanet.com.

On Thursday 11 December Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a mince pie evening. Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Thursday 11 December Sutton and Cheam Radio Society is having its
Christmas junk sale. Contact John, G0BWV, on 020 8644 9945.

On Friday 12 December Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a mince pie evening. Contact David Leary, G8JKV on 01223 355254.

On Friday 12 December Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is having its
Christmas social and judging its construction competition. Contact
Quintin, M1ENU, on 023 8078799.

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On Friday 12 December Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is holding its
Christmas dinner at The Thatched Inn. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845
103.

On Friday 12 December Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society is
having its Christmas social. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Wednesday 10 December South Bristol Amateur
Radio Club is sending Christmas greetings from GX4WAW. Contact Len,
G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 10 December Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is
operating the club station and holding a Morse class. Contact William,
G3WNI, on 01823 666 234.

On Wednesday 10 December Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by email to
tonytsgarcatsky.com.

On Thursday 11 December Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is
having its Christmas dinner. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 11 December Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a
Chairman's evening with M0WOB. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to
g.swainattesco.net.

On Friday 12 December Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is having its
Christmas gathering. Contact Phil, GU0SUP.

On Friday 12 December Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a sherry and mince pies evening. Contact Brian, M0BHG, on 01752 844
321.

On Friday 12 December Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having its
Christmas party and quiz. Contact Dave, G6FSP, on g6fspattars.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Sunday 7 December South Birmingham Radio
Society is having its Christmas party. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Sunday 7 December Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is taking
part in the RSGB AFS 2m contest. Contact Leslie Newth, on 01905 726320.

On Monday 8 December Gloucester Amateur Radio And Electronics Society
is having an informal evening. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478,
daytime.

On Monday 8 December Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is having a natter
night. Contact Dave, G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

On Monday 8 December Stratford Upon Avon and District Radio Society is
having a test equipment evening. Contact Clive, G0CHO, on 01608 664488.

On Tuesday 9 December Eagle Radio Group is having a review of the year
and electing Officers for 2009. Contact Terry, G0SWS, on 01507 478590.

On Tuesday 9 December Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a dominoes night. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

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On Tuesday 9 December Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is running
its intermediate course and having a general meeting. Contact Leslie
Newth, on 01905 726320.

On Wednesday 10 December Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding
training classes. Contact Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 10 December Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a mince pies and mulled wine social evening. Contact Mike,
G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 11 December Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night and holding Foundation and Intermediate exams. Details on the web
at www.salop-ARS.org.uk.

On Thursday 11 December Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is having a
shack night. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893.

On Friday 12 December Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio Club
Christmas Dinner. Contact Chris, M0BQE, on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 12 December Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a pub
games night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

On Saturday 13 December Salop Amateur Radio Society Christmas is having
a social at the Grapes. Details on the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk.

On Saturday 13 December Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is having its
Christmas Party and disco. Contact Dave, G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 8 December Macclesfield and
District Radio Society is on the air. Contact Tom, M1EYP, on 01625 612
916.

On Monday 8 December Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a video
evening. Details on the web at www.sheffieldarc.org.uk.

On Tuesday 9 December Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a
Christmas event with John, G0RPG. Contact Roger, M0DWQ on 01925 813
558.

On Wednesday 10 December Bolton Wireless Club is having a joint
Christmas party with Greater Manchester RAYNET. Contact
infoatboltonwireless.org.uk.

On Wednesday 10 December Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having an
activity night. Contact Sue, G6UQA, on 01482 668 041.

On Wednesday 10 December Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having a
cheese and wine evening and Christmas quiz night. Contact Peter Paul
Fox, G8HAV, on 01606553401.

On Thursday 11 December North Wakefield Radio Club is having a talk on
the expedition to Holy Island EU- 124 by Richard, M0RBG. Contact Jim
Thornton, G3YDL, by email to eventsatg4nok.org.

On Friday 12 December South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is
having a PC clinic with G4UGM. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

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NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 9 December Livingston and District Amateur
Radio Society is having an operating evening. Contact Norman, on 0131
449 7641.

On Wednesday 10 December Ayr Amateur Radio Group is having a committee
meeting. Contact John, GM3CSO, on 01292 443 580.

On Wednesday 10 December Lothians Radio Society is having its Christmas
meal. Contact Colin, GM4HWO, by email to
enquiriesatlothiansradiosociety.com.

On Wednesday 10 December Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is having its
Christmas social. Contact Bill Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633.

On Thursday 11 December Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is looking at
construction bits and pieces. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Thursday 11 December Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter and on the air night. Contact Ellis Gaston, GM0HPK, on 01776
820413.

On Friday 12 December West Of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having
its construction competition. Contact Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on
01415715512.

NEWS FOR WALES No news items have been received for Wales this week.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND No news items have been received for Northern
Ireland this week.

And that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast,

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.