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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 29th March 2009 The news headlines

* Deliberate interference to International Space Station * Broadcasters
moving away from the 7MHz amateur allocation * Updates to the GB2RS
website

The RSGB are dismayed to learn that a small group of AM enthusiasts
based in the Edinburgh area of Scotland continue to cause what appears
to be deliberate interference to the ISS downlink frequency of
145.800MHz during ISS passes. The RSGB is concerned that despite
several years of negotiation with this group and a change of band
allocation to move them away from the internationally agreed ISS
frequency, they continue to disrupt ISS operation by their selfish
disregard of their fellow radio amateurs and the Band Plan. The RSGB
intends to bring the matter up formally with Ofcom at a meeting of the
RSGB/Ofcom Forum in early April.

Sunday 29 March will go into the records as a landmark date for the
amateur radio service in the greater part of the world. Following on
from the decision made during the World Radio Conference in 2003, the
amateur service becomes the primary user in the HF segment between 7100
and 7200kHz in ITU and IARU Regions 1 and 3. In layman's terms, this
represents everywhere except the Americas, who have always enjoyed this
segment as part of the 7 to 7.3MHz allocation in Region 2. Although
this date also coincides with the start of the HF broadcasting
schedule, it would be naïve to think the segment might be completely
clear of broadcasting stations on the start date, however a number of
international broadcasters have already moved nearer to 7.5MHz. In
addition, a large number of countries have reserved their position in
respect to fixed service stations by way of footnotes to the relevant
Radio Regulation. It is not anticipated that these stations will cause
any major problems. While in the UK we have been fortunate in having
special permission to use this part of the band since the 31 October
2004, the recommended IARU Region 1 40m band plan from 29 March can be
found in the February RadCom or on the internet at
www.rsgb.org/spectrumforum/bandplans.

Listeners will no doubt be pleased to hear that, as from last
Wednesday, the RSGB's GB2RS web pages have taken on a bright new modern
design. All the GB2RS features that you are used to seeing are still
there, but they are easier to find and use. New information about the
GB2RS News Service, along with an updated Broadcasting Schedule of
Newsreaders is also included. The new look has been introduced to the
Members' Area first, before being introduced to the public GB2RS web
pages later in April.

This week Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, announced his resignation from all of
his duties with the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
program, including work with NASA education office as ARISS program
leader, support as the ARISS international chair, responsibilities as
ARISS US delegate, and AMSAT VP of human space flight. Bauer said a
number of factors entered into his decision including family health
issues and increasing responsibilities in his job at NASA related to
the ISS and space exploration. He announced that AMSAT's Will Marchant,
KC6ROL, will succeed him as the new AMSAT vice president for human
space flight. Marchant also will become the new AMSAT USA delegate for
the ARISS International Working Group.

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Following on from the introduction of Morse Code Certificates of
Competency, Morse testing will be available at the forthcoming NARSA
rally in Blackpool on Sunday 5 April. For further info check out the
RSGB website www.rsgb.org.uk/morse. If you are interested in taking a
test at the rally please contact Kath Wilson, M1CNY, at the rally. She
will be on the RSGB bookstand or UKFM Group (Western) repeater group
stands. Alternatively contact Kath on 01270 761 608 or by e-mail to
.

Over the last few weeks Charles, M0OXO has been made aware that his
Short Contest Call of M0X has been used several times by an
unauthorised person and possibly during contests too. M0X has been used
along with a regional designator of the Island of Guernsey, MU0X.
Charles has received several requests for QSL cards but he has never
operated from Guernsey.

Finally, the clocks went forward one hour throughout Western Europe
last night. At 1am on Sunday 29 March, the time changed to 2am. The UK,
Ireland and Portugal are now one hour ahead of UTC.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

The Caradon Hill Repeater Group & Callington ARS Rally will take place
today, 29 March, at the Callington Community College, Callington,
Cornwall PL17 7DR. Traders have access from 7.30am and the doors open
to the public at 10am and 10.30am. entry is £2. Contact Jamie, 2E0JLH,
on 0779 554 60374.

The Spring Militaria & Electronics & Radio Amateur Hangar Sale will
also take place today, 29 March, at Hack Green secret Nuclear Bunker,
Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AP. Doors open at 10am and entry is £2.50.
Contact Rod Siebert on 01270 623353.

A new event will be taking place on 29 March. The South Gloucestershire
Rally will be held at the Avon Scouts Activity Centre, Woodhouse Park,
Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire BS32 4LX. Doors open at 10am,
although traders have access from 7.30am. Entry is £2 and tables and
boot spaces cost £5, although booking is essential for these. Contact
Peter Cabban, G4OST, on 01454 612689.

A new date of 29 March for the Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club Annual
Rally at the Share Centre, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, Ulster. Doors open
at 12 noon. Details from Ian on 0286 632 6693.

On Sunday 5 April The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association
Exhibition will take place at Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre,
Blackpool. More information from Dave, M0OBW, 01270 761 608.

Also on Sunday 5 April, the Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Annual Rally
will be held at Bottisham Village College, 6 miles east of Cambridge.
Doors open at 10am and entry is £2. There will be car boot pitches
available, a Bring and Buy as well as on-site catering. Contact Paul,
G2PA, on 01462 683574.

The Northern Mobile Rally that would normally have taken place at this
time of year has moved its date to 25 October.

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Now for the news of special events

GB250RB will be active today, Sunday 29 March, at the Horse Ploughing
Match at Mossgiel Farm, Mauchline. Members of the Kilmarnock and
Loudoun Radio Club will be running a radio station at this event from
9am and will be working on the HF bands. The WAB reference is NS42 and
the Locator IO75TM.

On 28 March, GB4SCL will be on the air from the Settle Carlisle Line at
Ingleton in North Yorkshire.

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

[Note to newsreaders: in the following item, Fenerbahçe is pronounced
fe-nehr-baah-che]

There has been a series of lighthouse activations around Istanbul by
the TC Special Wireless Activity Team. The next date, location and
callsign is 4 and 5 April from Fenerbahçe Lighthouse using the callsign
TC2FLH

Cal, WF5W, Paul, W5PF, Madison, W5MJ, Bill, K5WAF, Dale, KG5U and Jim,
N4AL will be active on the bands 160 to 10m from Bilene, Mozambique as
C91TX until 5 April. They plan to have three stations, one for CW, one
for SSB and one for digital modes. QSL via W5PF, direct or via the
bureau.

E51COF will be active from Rarotonga, South Cook Islands until 4 April.
He plans to operate SSB on 10, 15, 20, 40, 80 and maybe 17m. QSL via
K8NA.

Now the contest news

The CQ WW WPX SSB contest is taking place this weekend, 28 and 29
March. This is another good contest for beginners to try as prefixes
only need be worked once on any band. Also, here in Europe, we have
ready access to a huge number of multipliers, with stations that may be
worked with very simple equipment. The contest runs from 0000 to 2359
on all bands from 1.8 to 28MHz. The exchange is signal report and
serial number.

Today, 29 March there is an ARDF event in Pamber Forest, Reading.
Starting at 10am, there will be a 3.5MHz event and a short 144MHz
event.

The RSGB's RoPoCo 1 CW contest takes place on 80m on 5 April between
0700 and 0900. This is your opportunity to test your ability to
accurately send and receive Morse code by swapping postcodes! The way
this works is that for the first contact you send your own postcode to
the station that you work. For subsequent contacts you send the
postcode that you received from the previous contact. Here's the rub!:
you send what you received as opposed to what you think it should be!
It's fun to receive your own postcode back and see what's happened to
it! Have a go and see how you get on.

On VHF, there's the 1st 70MHz Contest on 5 April. Taking place between
0900 and 1200, you can use all modes and the exchange is signal report,
serial number and locator.

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Now the solar report for the period from the 9th to the 15th of March,
compiled by Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The week brought little change. The solar disc was spotless every day.
As expected, solar flare activity was again very low. The solar flux
ranged between 68 and 70, with the average an unchanged 69. The 90 day
solar flux average on the 22nd was 70, as it has been for the past
month. X-ray flux levels remained below the minimum reporting level
every day. Geomagnetic activity was mostly low, with the Ap index in
single figures throughout, dipping to 0 on the 18th. Solar wind speeds
reported by the ACE spacecraft were initially above average at
545km/sec on the 15th but declined to 275km/sec on the 19th. Particle
densities were in single figures, apart from brief spikes. Bz varied
little on the quiet days but ranged between plus 10 and minus 8
nanoTeslas under the influence of a weak low-speed stream on the 20th.
The stable high-pressure system that extended across much of the UK
during the week brought extended tropo working within the UK and the
near-continent at VHF and UHF.

Finally, the solar forecast. Expect another week when solar flare
activity will be very low. The Sun will be largely free of spots, but
the occasional group may occur at any time. If that does happen solar
flux levels may show a slight increase. Otherwise, they will stay
around the 70 mark, give or take one or two units. Geomagnetic activity
should also be quiet all week. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes should be around 19MHz for the south and 16MHz for the north.
The darkness hour lows are expected to be about 9MHz. During the coming
week paths to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with
a 50 per cent success rate, of about 24MHz. The optimum working
frequency, with a 90 per cent success rate, will be around 19MHz. The
best time to try this path will be between 1800 and 2100UTC.

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 We open the local news with advance notice of two
forthcoming courses. First, the 8th Intermediate course run by
volunteers from the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society (CARS) will start
at the end of April. The course will be held at the Danbury Village
Hall near Chelmsford on Thursday evenings between 7 and 9pm from 30
April until 9 July. The exam will be held on Thursday 16 July. Te
course costs £65 which covers the room hire, project materials, a copy
of the Intermediate Licence Manual and the exam fee. Those interested
in attending should contact the CARS Training Organiser Clive, G1EUC on
01245 224577 or by email to ARtrainingatg0mwt.org.uk.

Bromley and District ARS will be holding a Foundation Course on Sunday
17 May and Sunday 31 May. The exam will also be on the 31st. The venue
is the Victory Social Club, Kechill Gardens, Hayes BR2 7NH. Details are
on the web at www.bdars.org.

On Tuesday 31 March Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is operating from
the shack. Contact Steve, on 0142 720815.

On Wednesday 1 April Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a general meeting and CW training session. Contact Terry, G0VFW,
on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 1 April Dover Radio Club is having an operating and natter
night. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to g4sauatDARC.org.uk.

On Wednesday 1 April Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is judging its
construction competition and having its annual general meeting. Contact
Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099.

On Wednesday 1 April Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is having
an introduction to radio contesting by Phil Godbold, G4UDU. Contact
Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 2 April Cray Valley Radio Society is having a guide to and
demonstration of PSK31 and DigiPan by G8ITB. Contact Bob, BRS32525, on
020 8265 7735 after 8pm.

On Thursday 2 April Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having part 3 of Ron
Polly's talk on the history of Mr Polly. Details on the web at
www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 2 April King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ral-g3rsvatsupanet.com.

On Thursday 2 April Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk by Roger, G4ROJ, on kite aerials. Contact David, G8UOD,
on 01234 742 757.

On Friday 3 April Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group it having a talk by
Richard Brett-Knowles, G3AAT entitled Atlantic to Holland and the AR88.
Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

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On Saturday 4 April Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the bunker.
Contact Steve, on 0142 720815.

On Saturday 4 April Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a weekend event and running day 3 and 4 of the Intermediate
course. Contact Paul, G4YQC, by email to pjwatbtinternet.com.

On Saturday 4 April Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having the Club Dinner at Stratton House Hotel. Contact David, G8UOD,
on 01234 742 757.

On Saturday 4 April Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
operating GB2WM at Worthing Museum. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753
893.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST Region 11 Manager Pam Helliwell has announced
that she has recently appointed a Deputy Regional Manager for Emergency
Communications. The new DRM is Tony Woollard, G6TWA, email
. She has also approved and appointed four
Morse Code Assessors for the new scheme. They are Peter Lewis, G4VFG,
Ken Selleck, G3SNU and Alan Hoopell, G4TKV who together cover South
Devon and David Barlow in Cornwall who covers Penzance, Gevor, Falmouth
and Truro.

On Sunday 29 March Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio Society is holding an
80m fox hunt at Bryanston School, Dorset. The event is open to all to
attend but it'll be first come first served for borrowing the club's DF
receivers. Contact Nick Perrin, G3NRH, by email to
bnperrinattheiet.org.

On Sunday 29 March Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is running the South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Rally. Contact
Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.

On Monday 30 March Bristol RSGB Group is debating Cloud Warmer or Daisy
Cutter? with Bristol contest group members Alan, G3XSV and Andy, M1EBV.
Contact Robin, G3TKF, on 01225 420442.

On Wednesday 1 April South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on antenna tuning units, Norman, G4NFS. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275
834 282.

On Wednesday 1 April Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on home brew by Michael, M0CIE and David, M0CIF. Contact
William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234.

On Wednesday 1 April Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is holding its AGM. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.

On Wednesday 1 April Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on VP8-YL's first all ladies DXpedition to the Falklands
by Nicky Marriott, M5YLO. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698.

On Thursday 2 April Newquay and District Amateur Radio Society is
running Foundation training and having a club night. Contact Joe Bell,
M6JOE, on 01726 891557.

On Thursday 2 April Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club Is having a
natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 2 April Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is operating on data
modes. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to g.swainattesco.net.

On Friday 3 April Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
local repeater activation evening. Contact Brian, M0BHG, on 01752 844
321.

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NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS First, advance notice that over the Easter
weekend Jim, M0JHW is holding one of his twice-yearly get- togethers
for radio amateurs. This event takes place on 11 and 12 April at The
Sports and Social club, Harlaxton, Grantham. It is very well sign
posted from all directions. This is not a club event, just an occasion
for people to get together, enjoy themselves and encourage one another
in the hobby. There is usually a good gathering of people with their
friends and families making it an enjoyable event. The usual VHF and HF
stations will be running and there is always plenty of tea and coffee
available. Later on the Saturday there will be a barbecue.

On Monday 30 March Gloucester Amateur Radio And Electronics Society is
having an informal evening. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478,
daytime.

On Monday 30 March Leicester Amateur Radio Society is on the air.
Contact Linda, G8VQM, on 07804 595749.

On Monday 30 March South Birmingham Radio Society is having a ragchew
and contest meeting. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 30 March South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur Radio
Club is holding an electronic Scrap Heap Team Challenge. Contact A J
Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773 783658.

On Tuesday 31 March Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air. Contact Richard Buckby, radioatdadars.org.uk.

On Wednesday 1 April Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is running
an Advanced Exam in the clubroom from 6.30pm. Contact Dave Wilde,
G1YAI, by email to webmasterathrrarc.com.

On Wednesday 1 April Midland Amateur Radio Society is having a training
evening and committee meeting. Contact Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 1 April South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a
construction project with G4EDX. Contact Terry, M0RIA, on the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

On Wednesday 1 April Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is at
its away venue for an open house and on the air evening. Contact Mike,
G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 2 April Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is holding
the first HRRARC League fox hunt. Contact Dave Wilde, G1YAI, by email
to webmasterathrrarc.com.

On Friday 3 April Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a normal meeting. Contact Chris, M0BQE, on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 3 April Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association, is having a
talk by Simon, G6AHX on broadcast radio and TV today. Contact Derek
Thom, G3NKS, on 01242 241099, g3nksatblueyonder.co.uk.

On Friday 3 April Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
the DXCC awards by M0CAR and G4GEE. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958
777363.

On Friday 3 April Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a
general club meeting. Contact Dave Wilde, G1YAI, on
webmasterathrrarc.com.

On Friday 3 April Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on the lost thatch of Old Sheepshead by Michael Wortley.
Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Saturday 4 April Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is putting
M0ZOO on the air at the Scout Badge camp at Rhydd Covert. Contact
Leslie Coyne, M3WRZ, on 01905 764320.

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NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 30 March Angel Of The North
Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191
4770036.

On Monday 30 March Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having its spring
junk sale. Contact Mike Gordon, G0TKO, on 01709 382479.

On Monday 30 March South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is holding
its monthly technical forum. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Tuesday 31 March Chester and District Radio Society is having a talk
on the British Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society by Ian Wright. Contact
Barbara Green on 0151 339 9183.

On Tuesday 31 March Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk and demo. Contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on 07852 200232.

On Tuesday 31 March Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is taking part
in the VHFCC 70MHz Competition. Contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on 07852
200232.

On Tuesday 31 March Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society is having
a mystery construction project. Details on 07594 596 040.

On Wednesday 1 April Denby Dale Radio Club is having a mini rally and
grand auction of surplus items. Contact Gerald, G3SDY, on 01484 602905.

On Wednesday 1 April Goole Radio and Electronics Society is spending
April Fools Night on the air. Contact Ken G6YYN, on 01757 638539.

On Wednesday 1 April Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
G4YTV and G0VRM on D-Star - the whole picture. Contact Gordon
MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Wednesday 1 April Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is running
Foundation and Intermediate training and is also on the air. Contact
Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553401.

On Thursday 2 April South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having
a talk by Graham, G8TXW called A trip to Canada. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on
0161 969 3999.

On Friday 3 April East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 3 April Tynemouth Radio Club is having its annual general
meeting. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to mailatg0nwm.com.

On Sunday 5 April Angel Of The North Amateur Radio Club is taking a
coach to the NARSA Blackpool rally. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191
4770036.

On Sunday 5 April Finningley Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
health check night where you can bring your rig for testing. Contact
Colin, 2E0UBT, on 0172 471 1686.

On Sunday 5 April Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the
RoPoCo Contest. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Sunday 5 April Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is attending the
NARSA rally. Contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on 07852 200232,
martinatmbars.internationalham.com.

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NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 31 March Livingston and District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club evening. Contact Norman, on 0131 449
7641.

On Wednesday 1 April Kingdom Amateur Radio Society Club is having a
shack night. Contact Brian, MM0XBD, on 01383 738905.

On Wednesday 1 April Ayr Amateur Radio Group is having a talk by Geoff
Harland on 50 years in telecommunications: Morse to multimedia. Contact
Charlie, MM0GNS, on 01563 551704.

On Thursday 2 April Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a junk
sale. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Thursday 2 April Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society is having a club
evening. Contact Jim, MM0SMD, on 01340 820 134.

On Thursday 2 April Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Ellis Gaston, GM0HPK, on 01776 820413.

On Friday 3 April Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is having
a normal club night. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR WALES On Wednesday 1 April Conwy Valley Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on the field strength and propagation prediction program
Radio Mobile by John Brimecombe, GW3GUX. Contact Wynne, GW6PMC, on
01745 855 068.

On Thursday 2 April Meirion Amateur Radio Society is having the away
leg of its quiz. Contact John, MW0VTK, on 07868 738016.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Thursday 2 April Bangor and District
Amateur Radio Club holds its annual constructors contest. Contact Mike,
GI4XSF, on 028 4277 2 383.

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

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.