1

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 23 November 2008 The news headlines

* Delegates return after IARU Region 1 Conference

* QSL cards need claiming

* Students sought for European Space Agency projects

Delegates are returning to their home countries following the IARU
Region 1 Conference in Cavtat, Croatia. Over 45 countries within IARU
Region 1 were represented. During the four days of the Conference, 130
delegates checked 120 documents and the resulting documents will be the
guidelines for the amateur radio development in next three years.
Details on the papers and elections will be available on the RSGB
website soon. The Conference is held every three years and the main
goals are to protect to the future of amateur radio, in particular that
of radio frequencies as well as technical standards.

The QSL Sub-manager for the G0M, G4C and G4Y series of callsigns, Phil
G7BZD, has a large collection of cards that he does not have envelopes
for. This collection has been accumulated over the past 12 months.
Unfortunately, if these cards are not claimed soon, he is going to have
to dispose of some of the older cards. He also has a lot of envelopes
that have low postage on them such as a 9p stamp, which can't be posted
onwards. Phil is quite willing to hold onto cards as long as he knows
they will get claimed, it's just the fact the unclaimed cards now
occupy more space than the three boxes of envelopes. He has a website
that details the ongoing status for callsigns in the groups that he is
QSL Sub-manager for, at www.g7bzd.com.

The European Space Agency Education Office is looking for student teams
to fill several vacancies in the Global Educational Network for
Satellite Operations project. The offer is open to students and amateur
radio enthusiasts from any country. The projects available have been
identified by current team members as tasks that are distinct enough to
be suitable for a university project or thesis, while still forming a
valuable addition to the overall GENSO project. For full information,
check out http://genso.org and click on Open Call * New Opportunities
to Join GENSO! The deadline for initial applications 12 December.

Ofcom has released the figures for amateur radio licences issued up to
31 October. In the last 12 months, 1558 Foundation, 635 Intermediate
and 682 Advanced licences have been issued. This reflects the effort
put into the amateur radio licensing scheme by participating clubs,
tutors and invigilators.

GB3SH and GB3SU repeaters are back on the air, connected to the standby
aerial. Replacement work on the aerials is weather dependant, although
it should be completed soon. Reports or comments can be sent via the
GB3SH or GB3SU websites.

The Dayton Hamvention now is accepting nominations for its 2009 Amateur
of the Year, Special Achievement and Technical Excellence awards. The
deadline for nominations is 18 February 2009. All amateur radio
operators are eligible. The winners will be recognised at the 2009
Hamvention, which is held between 15 and 17 May. Additional details on
these awards and a nomination form will be available on the Dayton
Hamvention website.

2

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

Falkirk & District Amateur Radio Society will be holding a Junk Sale on
Sunday 23 November at Lodge Zetland Masonic Hall, Bo'ness Road,
Grangemouth FK3 8AN. Doors open at 12 noon but anyone who has booked a
table or would like one will get access from 10.00am. Present on the
day will be Switchzone Computing, Jaycee Electronics, RSGB, and RAOTA.
Numerous junk tables have already been booked. Refreshments will be
available all day. Information from David on 077 010 494 16.

The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateurs Club Rally will take place on 30
November at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Co Durham DL16 6DB. Doors open
at 10.30am and admission is £1.50 with accompanied under 14s free.
There will be various trade stands, a Bring and Buy and refreshments
available. Details from Mark, G0GFG on 01388 745 353.

Now for the news of special events

Vivian Morris, G4PLY, has been granted GB90WWI and will be active from
Street in Somerset on all bands 160 to 10m for the next three weeks.

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

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of J C Bose, the man
that India regard as the father of radio communications, several Indian
amateur radio stations will be using an AU2 prefix until 8 December.

TO5X will be active in all modes on all bands from Martinique until 30
November. QSL via K5UN.

Four French amateurs plan to be active from the Kingdom of Bhutan
during the country's 100th anniversary on 25 November. They will use
the special call A-5100-A and will be activate from three different
locations in the south of Bhutan. QSL via F9DK.

IH9M will be active from Pantelleria Island during the CQWW DX CW
Contest on 29 and 30 November. QSL via IK7JWY, direct or by the bureau.

An expedition to the very rare St. Martin's Island, IOTA reference
AS-127, is scheduled to take place from 29 November to 4 December. They
plan to be active on 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 40 and 80m using SSB and RTTY.
QSL via EB7DX. See http://s2iota.eb7dx.com/ for more information.

Now the contest news

The RSGB 50MHz Activity Contest takes place on 25 November between
20000 and 2230. All modes are permitted. The exchange is signal report,
serial number and locator.

The RSGB 80m Sprint Contest takes place on 26 November between 2000 and
2130. The only mode permitted is CW and the exchange is your callsign,
the other station's callsign, serial number and your first name or
nickname.

The CQWW CW Contest takes place over the weekend of 29 and 30 November
and, as always, there will be lots of activity from semi-rare
locations, often including the days leading up to and following the
contest.

3

RadCom's HF columnist, G3XTT, will be with the Voodoo Contest Group in
Guinea where they will be signing 3X5A, and hope to work many UK
stations. The CQWW CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday 29th and
runs for 24 hours until 0000 on Sunday 30th. A complete set of contest
rules and other operating information is on line at www.cqww.com.

Now the solar report for the period from the 10th to the 16th of
November, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

We start with the latest available smoothed sunspot numbers which are
for February, March and April which are 3.6, 3.3 and 3.3 respectively.

Even though a small sunspot group was visible every day, it was
magnetically simple and therefore produced only a few sub flares which
meant that solar activity continued very low levels. Solar flux levels
increased to 71 units on the 11th and the 12th but then gradually
declined to 68 units. The average was 69

th units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 16 remained at the same
level as last week at 68 units. X-ray flux levels remained below the
minimum reporting level. Geomagnetic activity was quiet throughout,
however a slight disturbance took place on the 16th when the Ap index
increased to 8 units. Three days during the period saw the Ap at only
one unit. The average was Ap 3 units. Solar wind speeds at the ACE
spacecraft increased from 270 kilometres per second to 530 by the 16th.
Particle densities were low except for the 15th which increased to 16
particles per cubic centimetre briefly during the early evening. Bz
varied between varied between minus and plus 2 nanoTeslas on the quiet
days and between minus 11 and plus 10 nanoTeslas during the 16th.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
be very low, however, there is a slight chance that activity could
increase to very low. Solar flux levels should be in the mid to high
60's if the solar disc remains spotless but if any sunspot groups
appear then levels could increase into the 70's. Geomagnetic activity
is expected to be quiet but by midweek a small coronal disturbance is
expected to arrive. Activity should only increase to unsettled levels
given that on its last rotation the Ap index only reached 11 units.
Quiet conditions should return by next weekend for the CW leg of the CQ
worldwide contest. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should
be around 20MHz for the south and 17MHz 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 around 21MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90
per cent success rate will be about 16MHz. The best time to try this
path will be between 1300 and 1700 hours UTC. And a reminder that we
are moving towards the seasonal peak for low-band propagation. The
possibilities are explored at length in an article by G0KYA in the
current RadCom. With cycle 24 at last showing signs of taking off, this
could be the best season for a decade on the lower frequencies.

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

4

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 November Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society
is having a quiz night at Dengie Hundred ARS. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on
01245 469 008.

On Monday 24 November Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a junk sale. Contact Paul, G4YQC, by email to
paul.whitingatbt.com.

On Tuesday 25 November Home Counties ATV Club is having a review of ATV
repeater networking. Contact Dave, M0SAT, by email to
m0satatgb3hv.com.

On Tuesday 25 November Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on the historic village of Southwick by local historian
Madeleine Selby. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247 2846.

On Tuesday 25 November Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in the 50MHz UK Activity Contest. Contact John McCutcheon
on 01462 459254.

On Wednesday 26 November Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
on the air. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 26 November Dover Radio Club is having an operating and
natter night. Contact Brian, G4SAU, on g4sauatDARC.org.uk.

On Wednesday 26 November Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is having
a talk on QUCS, the virtual breadboard, by Phil, G3MGQ. Contact Gordon,
on 01424 431 909.

On Wednesday 26 November Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on RAYNET by Dennis Pibworth, G4KWT. Contact Richard,
G3ZGC, on 01635 46241.

On Wednesday 26 November Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a Bright
Sparks and informal evening. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362
691099.

On Wednesday 26 November Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
putting GX3WOR on the air. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 27 November Bittern DX Group is selecting the Bittern DX
Chaser Cup. Contact Keith, G0GFQ, on 01263 588 506.

On Thursday 27 November Reading and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on RAYNET by Cathy Clark, G1GQJ. Contact Pete, G8FRC, on
01189 695 697.

On Thursday 27 November Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on test gear for amateurs. Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234
742 757.

On Friday 28 November Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on antennas you can build by Brian, G0UKB. Contact Quintin, M1ENU, on
023 8078799.

5

On Friday 28 November Maidstone YMCA Amateur Radio Society is having a
junk sale. Contact Adam, 01622 674254.

On Friday 28 November Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a surplus equipment sale. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456.

On Saturday 29 November Gorleston Amateur Radio Society is having a
lunchtime meeting at the Short Blue Public House. Contact David, G3OEP,
on 01493 662 323.

On Saturday 29 November Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in the CQWW HF CW contest weekend. Contact John McCutcheon
on 01462 459254.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Monday 24 November Exeter Amateur Radio
Society is on the air. Contact Paul, 2EOEXR, by email to
pchesh-29athotmail.co.uk.

On Wednesday 26 November South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is on the
air. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 26 November 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 26 November Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by email to
.

On Thursday 27 November Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 27 November Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to g.swainattesco.net.

On Friday 28 November Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
data comms by Derrick, G3LHJ. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
g6fspattars.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 24 November Gloucester Amateur Radio
And Electronics Society is having an informal evening. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 24 November Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is having a natter
night. Contact Dave, G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

On Monday 24 November South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a night of data modes on the air. Contact A J
Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773 783658.

On Tuesday 25 November Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a practical evening. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 25 November Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is having
a 2m club net. Contact Bernard, M1AUK, on 01926 420 913.

On Tuesday 25 November Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is running
its Intermediate course and having a general meeting. Contact Leslie
Newth on 01905 726320.

6

On Wednesday 26 November Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a skills evening led by M0TAW. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299
677.

On Thursday 27 November Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night and practical assessment for the Foundation course. Details on
the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk.

On Thursday 27 November Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is holding the
Tamworth Repeater Group AGM. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700
893.

On Friday 28 November Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a
committee forum. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Sunday 23 November Falkirk And
District Amateur Radio Society is having a junk and surplus equipment
sale. Contact David, MM0RAM, by email to FDARSatblueyonder.co.uk.

On Monday 24 November Angel Of The North Radio Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter and on the air night. Contact Nancy, G7UUR, on 07990
760 920 (day).

On Monday 24 November Bolton Wireless Club is having a talk on vintage
wireless restoration by Keith, G1RAO. Contact
infoatboltonwireless.org.uk.

On Monday 24 November South Tyneside Amateur Radio Society is having
its AGM. Details from George, M1FNE, QTHR.

On Monday 24 November Macclesfield and District Radio Society is having
a club night. Contact Tom, M1EYP, on 01625 612 916.

On Monday 24 November Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a
discussion on next year's programme. Details on the web at
www.sheffieldarc.org.uk.

On Monday 24 November South Manchester Radio And Computer Club has its
monthly Technical Forum. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Monday 24 November Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on flight testing and telemetry by Dennis Morley from
BAE. Contact John Webb, G8RDP, on 01253 876313.

On Monday 24 November Tynemouth Radio Club is having an operating night
and Morse classes. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to .

On Tuesday 25 November Chester and District Radio Society is having a
talk on 5MHz by John Langan and Alan Hopkinson. Details on the web at
www.chesterdars.org.uk.

On Tuesday 25 November Warrington Amateur Radio Club Hints and Kinks by
Jim G3NFB. Contact Roger, M0DWQ on 01925 813 558, .

On Wednesday 26 November South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on homebrew by Terry, M0RIA. Details on the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

On Thursday 27 November North Wakefield Radio Club is having a talk on
the HADRC DXpedition by Geoff Spurr, G0PFH. Contact Jim Thornton,
G3YDL, by email to g3ydlatntlworld.com.

On Friday 28 November East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is preparing
its stall for the Spennymoor Rally. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642
475 671.

7

On Friday 28 November South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is
having a talk on precision audio oscillators by Ged, G8RSI. Contact
Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 28 November Tynemouth Radio Club is having a PSK workshop
with G0SBN. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to mailatg0nwm.com.

On Friday 28 November Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a
technical book sale with Ken, G0MKD. Contact Roger, M0DWQ on 01925 813
558.

On Sunday 30 November Bishop Auckland Radio Amateurs Club runs its
radio rally at Spennymoor. Contact Mark, G0GFG, on 01388 745353.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 25 November Livingston and District
Amateur Radio Society is having Morse code practice. Contact Norman, on
0131 449 7641.

On Wednesday 26 November Lothians Radio Society is having a talk on
robots by Dr. Roger Hill MBE. Contact Colin, GM4HWO, by email to
enquiriesatlothiansradiosociety.com.

On Wednesday 26 November Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on VHF aerial construction by GM3UWX. Contact Bill Anderson,
2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633.

On Thursday 27 November Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is on the Air.
Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 28 November West Of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on IRLP. Contact Fred Coombes, 2m0bin, on 01415715512.

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

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Monday 24 November Glengormley Electronics
Amateur Radio Society is having an overview of data modes by GI4FUE,
and on the weekend of 29 and 30 November they are taking part in the
CQWW CW contest. Contact Peter Lowrie, MI5JYK, by email to
mi5jykatrsgb.org.uk. Bangor and District ARS will run their next
foundation licence course on 29 and 30 November. For more information
please contact Mike, GI4XSF, on 028 4277 2383.

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

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.