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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 23 March

The news headlines

* RSGB QSL Bureau moves

* Become Top Ham

* Longest serving GB2RS newsreader forced off air

As part of the RSGBs relocation programme the Society has appointed
Norcomm Services to run the RSGB QSL Bureau. Norcomm Services is based
in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and is run by Richard Constantine, G3UGF.
The Bureau's move from Potters Bar commenced on 19 March and is
expected to be operational by the end of April. Further details on the
move will be published on the RSGB web site shortly and will also
appear in the May edition of RadCom.

The RSGB Top Ham competition will again be a feature of the Kempton
Rally on 6 April. The format of the competition remains the same.
Everyone at the event will get a chance to enter and the initial round
features fairly simple multiple choice questions on amateur radio and
electronics. The six people with the highest score will be entered into
a TV-style quiz on stage in the exhibition hall. The final winner will
receive a trophy. In addition valuable prizes will be presented to the
winner and runner up. Details of the Kempton rally, and of the Top Ham
competition, can be found at www.radiofairs.co.uk.

The 10am 40m GB2RS news reading from Northern Ireland has temporarily
ceased. In the early hours of Saturday 15 March the antenna system of
newsreader Jimmy Porter, GI3GGY, collapsed during gales that swept
Northern Ireland. The antenna was a huge log periodic, weighing over a
ton. It originally served at the nearby US Clooney Base radio station
as part of the Cold War 'hot line' between Kruschev and Kennedy. The
antenna, plus two complete spares, were given to Jimmy in 1977 when the
base closed. Fortunately the antenna's lattice tower was not seriously
damaged, but repairs are unlikely to be completed for at least two
months. Jimmy is the longest serving GB2RS newsreader, having broadcast
the news for over 50 years.

Two metre repeater GB3LB has been testing since 17 March. The site is
in the Scottish Borders, about 20 miles south of Edinburgh. The
frequency is 145.7875MHz which is the old GB3DU frequency. Access is by
CTCSS at 118.8Hz. To ensure best results, users must transmit using
narrow deviation at a maximum of 2.5kHz. This will also avoid causing
interference to adjacent 12.5kHz channel repeaters and the ISS downlink
on 145.800MHz. Details are available at www.ukrepeater.net.

Now advance notice of an event on Monday 5 May. The German group,
Amateur Radio and Telecommunication in Schools, invites all radio
amateurs in schools and educational establishments all over Europe to
take part in the ninth European Activity Day. The idea is to promote
communication and understanding. It is not a contest and operators are
encouraged to take the time to chat. Contacts may be made among schools
as well with any other European stations. Every participating station
will get a certificate and will have the chance to win one of the
attractive prizes. Full details can be obtained from Wolfgang Beer,
DL4HBB, by email to . There is also a German-language
web site at www.aatis.de.

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Amateur radio was part of a recent American Red Cross exercise in
Connecticut that became a real life emergency operation. The original
purpose of the planned operation included gaining experience in the use
of GPS; and comparing the operation of VHF/UHF amateur radio gear and
Red Cross 47MHz radios. But just minutes prior to the scheduled start
of the exercise, a real incident * a fire * occurred and the volunteers
responded. During the emergency, radio amateurs were the communications
link for the Red Cross which provided canteen supplies, office supplies
and water. Radio contact using the Red Cross 47MHz frequency proved
impossible from the incident site, but amateur radio performed
flawlessly using local repeaters.

The Radio Amateurs and Blind Club is looking for volunteer readers to
help them produce audio copies of publications for the visually
impaired. They make audio versions of radio magazines, books and course
material. Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact Graham
Bedwell on 0118 978 5348.

We are sad to note the passing of writer Arthur C Clarke. While not a
licensed amateur, his technical and literary work influenced many in
the amateur world. He was well respected by many amateur organisations,
notably AMSAT, and was once President of the British Amateur Television
Club.

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

9X0R is operating from Rwanda until 27 March. Three stations are active
from 10 to 160 meters on SSB, CW and digital modes. Rwanda is number 45
in the DX Magazine's most needed list. The group will donate a new HF
radio and power supply to the Kigali Radio Club and will helping to set
up the Rwanda Amateur Radio Union. Further details are available from
www.9x0r.com.

Ed Sawyer, N1UR, and his wife Christine, KB1PQN, are expected to be
active from the Layang-Layang Island Resort in the Spratly Islands
until midnight UTC on 30 March. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, CW and
SSB, using 100 watts to omnidirectional verticals. The operators will
be moving bands frequently to take advantage of changing band
conditions and openings. Sunset on Spratly is 1040 UTC with sunrise at
2240 by the middle of that week. More information is at
www.n1urspratly.com.

Belgian operators and members of the Radio Club Secunda from South
Africa will be active as 7P8FC from Katse Dam in Lesotho. The operation
runs from 27 March to 3 April and the station will be active during the
CQ WPX SSB contest. They will use SSB only on topband, SSB and RTTY on
80 metres and SSB, RTTY and PSK all HF bands except 30 metres. They
appear not to be using CW. Further information can be obtained from
www.7p8fc.be.

Now for the news of special events

Radio club OSA in Antwerp will be active as ON70REDSTAR for the rest of
the year. This special callsign commemorates the Red Star Line, a
shipping company that operated between Belgium and North America from
1873 to 1934.

Now the contest news

[Note to newsreaders: Please use your judgment on whether to read the
item for 23 March, based on your time slot.]

The BATC ATV Repeater contest ends on Sunday 23 March at 1200. Bands
from 1.3GHz upwards are used, and the exchange is P grade, serial
number and locator.

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The BARTG HF RTTY contest ends at 0200 on Monday 24 March. The event
covers all bands from 3.5 to 28MHz. Exchange RST, serial number and the
time.

To celebrate its Quarter Century Anniversary, the Bavarian Contest Club
(BCC) invites amateurs around the world to participate in its three
QSO-Parties taking place on the 25th day of the third month of each
quarter 2008. The first of these is on Tuesday 25 March. The rules can
be found on the club's web site at www.bavarian-contest-club.de.

On Tuesday 25 March, the RSGB holds its 50MHz Activity Contest. It
starts at 2000UTC and ends at 2230. All modes are permitted and the
exchange is RST, serial number and locator.

The CQ Worldwide WPX SSB contest takes place over the weekend of 29 and
30 March. It starts at 0000 UTC on the Saturday and ends 48 hours
later. There are likely to be many exotic prefixes active in this
contest which uses the bands from 1.8 and 28MHz. The exchange is RST
and serial number.

And now the solar factual data for the period from 10 to 16 March,
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

A small sunspot group disappeared on the 10th and then the solar disc
was spotless until the 15th when another small group emerged. Both
groups belonged to the old sunspot cycle. Solar activity was very low.
Solar flux levels were 70 units every day, except on the 12 which was
at 69. The average was 70 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the
16th was 72. That's two units down on last week. X-ray flux levels
remained below the minimum recording level. Due to a large coronal
hole, the geomagnetic field was at unsettled to active levels. The most
disturbed day was the 10th with an Ap index at 18 units. Only the 16th
was quiet with an Ap of 5 units. The average was Ap 12 units. The ACE
spacecraft saw solar wind speeds remain very fast all week, fluctuating
between 610 and 730 kilometres per second. Particle densities were low
throughout and varied between 1 and 3 particles per cubic centimetre.
Bz varied between minus 5 and plus 5 nanoTeslas everyday.

The higher levels of geomagnetic activity brought depressed MUFs on the
HF bands. The F2 daytime critical frequencies averaged 5.3MHz. The
higher bands were in poor shape for much of the week, particularly over
east-west paths and at high-latitudes. However, both 24 and 28MHz
enjoyed good openings to Africa on the afternoon of the 15th. The
darkness hour lows averaged 2.1MHz. Several spells of auroral
propagation at 50 and 144MHz were reported but they were confined to
high latitudes.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
be very low. The solar disc should be spotless on some days. Solar flux
levels are expected to be around the 70 mark for most of the week.
Geomagnetic activity should be quiet today and tomorrow but on Tuesday
a recurring coronal hole disturbance should arrive. This will last till
at least Friday and may even linger into the weekend. If it does
conditions could be poor for the start of the CQ WPX contest. MUFs
during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 18MHz for the
south and 15MHz for the north. The darkness hour lows should be about
8MHz. Paths this week to the East Coast of North America should have a
maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about
22MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate is
around 16MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1300 and
1900 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 Monday 24 March Braintree and District Amateur Radio
Society is running its club net. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.
On Tuesday 25 March Crawley Amateur Radio Club is having a
demonstration of SoftRock 40 by Mike Davies, G0KAD. Contact John,
G3VLH, on 01342 714 402. On Tuesday 25 March Home Counties ATV Club is
having an instructional video by Mike, G8LES, on Hollywood camera work.
Contact Dave, M0SAT, by email to , or on the web at
www.gb3hv.com. On Tuesday 25 March Horndean and District Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk by Dave Bartlett on "Egypt - The Island of
Philae". Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247 2846, or on the web at
www.hdarc.co.uk. On Wednesday 26 March Chesham and District Amateur
Radio Society is having an evening of practical electronics and basic
soldering techniques. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 506 344, or by
email to . On Wednesday 26 March Dover Radio
Club is having an operating and natter night. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by
email to . On Wednesday 26 March Hastings Electronics
and Radio Club is inviting members to identify a mystery object.
Contact Gordon, 01424 431 909, or by email to
. On Wednesday 26 March Havering and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a practical night. Contact Dave, 2E0EBV,
on 07956 594 514. On Wednesday 26 March Itchen Valley Amateur Radio
Club is having an ATV evening. Contact Liz, M0ACL, on 02380 254599. On
Wednesday 26 March Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is having
an Ask the Audience evening. Contact Richard, G3ZGC, on 01635 46241, or
by email to . On Wednesday 26 March
Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a bright sparks informal evening.
Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099, or by email to
. On Wednesday 26 March Worthing and District Amateur
Radio Club is putting GX3WOR on the air. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903
753 893. On Thursday 27 March Bittern DX Group is having an informal
evening. Contact Keith, G0GFQ, on 01263 588 506, , or on
the web at www.bittern-dxers.org.uk. On Thursday 27 March Horsham
Amateur Radio Club is having a social evening at The Blue Ship, The
Haven. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

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On Thursday 27 March King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and 2 metre net. Contact Andy, G1KLP, on or on the web at
www.klarc.org.uk. On Thursday 27 March Reading and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk by Des Howlett, G8FIF, on the ins and outs
of the internet. Contact Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697, or on the web
at www.radarc.org. On Thursday 27 March Shefford and District Amateur
Radio Society Club is having its second SDR Construction evening.
Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757. On Friday 28 March Loughton and
Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM. Contact Marc,
G0TOC, on 020 8502 1645, or by email to . On Friday
28 March Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a surplus equipment
sale. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103, or by email to
. On Friday 28 March Radio Society Of Harrow is
holding its AGM at St Lawrence Centre, St Lawrence Church, Bridle Road,
Eastcote, HA5 2SJ. Contact Linda, G7RJL, on 020 8386 8586, or on the
web at www.g3efx.org.uk or Chris 01895 621 310. On Friday 28 March
Reading and District Amateur Radio Club commences its two-day
Foundation Licence Course. Contact Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697, or on
the web at www.radarc.org. On Friday 28 March Torbay Amateur Radio
Society is having a presentation night, entry by ticket only. Contact
Dave, G6FSP, by email to . On Friday 28 March
Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by Dennis
M0NDJ on JOTA 2007 GB100J. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456. On
Saturday 29 March Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society is
running its Foundation Course with Paul, G4YQC. Contact Paul, G4YQC, by
email to .

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Wednesday 26 March South Bristol Amateur
Radio Club is having a PC and electronics workshop with Norman, G4NFS.
Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282. On Wednesday 26 March Thornbury
and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact
Tony, G0WMB, by email to . On Thursday 27 March
Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is operating the club station.
Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234, or by email to
. On Thursday 27 March Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is
on the air. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to . On
Friday 28 March Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
Echolink by Keith, GU6EFB. Contact Phil, GU0SUP. On Sunday 30 March
Pembrokeshire Radio Society is having an amateur radio bring and buy at
"The Patch", Furzey Park Community Centre. Contact Evan, GW4AKZ, on
01437 710 141.

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NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS A vacancy for an RSGB Deputy Regional Manager has
arisen in Lincolnshire. This is a volunteer post for someone who is an
RSGB member, lives in Lincolnshire and has a few hours to spare. It is
a great opportunity to meet people and represent the RSGB in the East
Midlands area. To volunteer, or for more details, contact Regional
Manager Jim Stevenson, G0EJQ, telephone 01522 806935, or email
. The web site for RSGB Region 13, the East Midlands,
is www.rsgb-region-13.org.uk. On Monday 24 March Gloucester Amateur
Radio and Electronics Society is operating at the Escarpment. Contact
Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime, or on the web at
www.g4aym.org.uk. On Monday 24 March Stratford Upon Avon District Radio
Society is on the air from the club shack. Contact Jack, G3VYE, on
01926 641 988, . On Tuesday 25 March Derby and District
Amateur Radio Society is having an illustrated talk on heraldry by
Harry Bodkin. Contact Martin, G3SZJ, on 01332 556 875. On Tuesday 25
March Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
practical evening. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319. On Tuesday
25 March Wythall Radio Club is having a natter night. Contact Chris,
G0EYO, on 07710 412 819, or by email to , or on
the web at www.wythallradioclub.co.uk. On Wednesday 26 March Telford
and District Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM. Contact Mike,
G3JKX, on 01952 299 677, or by email to .
On Thursday 27 March RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is on the air
and having a chatter night. Contact Martin, M0MDF, on 01522 752 785, or
by email to . On Thursday 27 March Salop
Amateur Radio Society is having an evening on how to use your
oscilloscope. Details on the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk. On Friday 28
March Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having its President's Night.
Contact John, G8SEQ, on 02476 273 190, or by email to
.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 24 March Pontefract District
Amateur Radio Society will be on the air as GB0BUZZ until Sunday On
Sunday 30 March. Contact Colin, G0NQE, on 01977 677 006,
. On Monday 24 March Sheffield Amateur
Radio Club is having a Morse lesson and IOTA planning night. Contact
Trevor, M0TWS. On Tuesday 25 March Chester and District Radio Society
is having a bring and tell night. Details on the web at
www.chesterdars.org.uk, or by email to . On
Tuesday 25 March Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Jim,
G3NFB, on all the buttons on his 756 Pro. Contact Roger, M0DWQ on 01925
813 558, by email to . On Wednesday 26 March Hornsea
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by G4CGG on his time at sea as a CW
operator. Contact Sue, G6UQA, on 01482 668 041, or on the web at
www.hornseaarc.co.uk. On Wednesday 26 March Maltby and District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club night. Contact Keith, G1PQW, on 07801
156 678, or on the web at www.maltbyradio.org.uk.

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On Wednesday 26 March Wirral and District Amateur Radio Club is on the
air. Contact Tom, G4BKF, on 07050 291 850. On Friday 28 March East
Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on
01642 475 671, or by email to . On Friday 28
March South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having a talk on the
Elecraft K3 by Bill, G3SMM. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999. On
Friday 28 March Tynemouth Radio Club is having a talk on transmitting
the Venetian way. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to
. On Saturday 29 March Pontefract District
Amateur Radio Society commences its Foundation License Course from noon
in the club room at The Grange, Carleton Road. Contact Colin, G0NQE, on
01977 677 006, or by email to .

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 25 March Livingston and District Amateur
Radio Society is having a talk on D-star by John Dundas, GM0OPS.
Contact Norman, 07740 946 192, or on the web at
uk.groups.yahoo/group/ms0liv. On Wednesday 26 March Lothians Radio
Society is having a surplus equipment auction. Contact Toby, MM0TSS, on
07739 742 367, , or on the web at
www.lothiansradiosociety.com. On Thursday 27 March Aberdeen Amateur
Radio Society is on the air and having a construction evening. Contact
Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663, or on the web at
www.aars.freeserve.co.uk. On Friday 28 March West Of Scotland Amateur
Radio Society is having a club night. Details on the web at
www.wosars.org.

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.