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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 8th February 2009 The news headlines

* Amateurs help sought to study the Sun

* RSGB Morse Competency in Wales

* Swedish radio amateurs to get new allocations

NASA is looking for amateur radio help to keep track of signals from
the STEREO mission. STEREO is an acronym for the twin Solar Terrestrial
Relations Observatory. It employs two nearly identical space-based
observatories to provide the first-ever stereoscopic measurements to
study the Sun. One leads the Earth in orbit and the other trails our
planet by the same distance.

NASA's Deep Space Network downloads data from STEREO only three hours a
day but the space agency would like to monitor the transmissions around
the clock. To accomplish this, amateurs experienced with receiving weak
signals in the microwave region can participate in the mission by
helping NASA capture the spacecraft's images.

Amateurs would be a part of an amateur radio-based mini-Deep Space
Network, one that that would monitor STEREO around the clock. Anyone
with a 10m dish antenna and a suitable receiver can pick up the
spacecraft signals. The data rate is a slow 500 bits per second and it
takes 3 to 5 minutes to download a complete image. So far, the
mini-Network includes stations in the United Kingdom, France and Japan
but NASA is looking for more volunteers. Information on becoming a part
of this mission is online at nasa.gov, then search for STEREO ham
radio, which will take you to the links to get involved.

The intention of the RSGB Morse Certificate of Competency is to provide
a form of recognition for those who wish to have something to record
their achievement in learning Morse code. Morse Assessors are wanted
for this Scheme in North Wales, Region 6. For further details, Members
should look at the RSGB website. If you are based in Region 6 and are
interested in becoming a Morse Assessor, please contact the Regional
Manager, MW1MDH, at mw1mdhatrsgb.org.uk.

Swedish radio amateurs now have access to the 50 to 52MHz band with a
power output limit of 200 watts and will get access to 7.1 to 7.2MHz
with 1kW output from 1 April. Previously, access to 50MHz had been by
special permit only. Although the power limit is currently 200 watts
output, the Swedish National Society website says that work is ongoing
in order to get this changed to 1kW output.

The K6DUE callsign of the late NBC Newsman, Roy Neal, is now the call
of the International Space Station Amateur Radio Club. According to
ARISS, the call letters will initially be used for ground station
operations but may be used for other activities in the future. Roy
Neal, K6DUE, spent more than five decades as a broadcaster specialising
in science and aerospace reporting for the National Broadcasting
Company. He is generally credited with convincing then NASA chief Jess
Moore to permit amateur gear to be flown on board the early space
shuttle missions. The first of these was STS-9 that carried Spacelab
One and Mission Specialist Owen Garriott, W5LFL, who made the
first-ever ham radio contacts from a spacecraft on-orbit.

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Guides from the Goddington and Farnborough groups will be celebrating
Thinking Day on the Air from St Nicholas Church, Lovibonds Avenue,
Orpington, Kent on HF, 2m, Echolink and D-Star using the callsign
GB0GTD. The station will be operational from 10.30 to 3pm on 21
February. For further details contact Neil, G7AQK, QTHR.

The Dudley & District ARS will be hosting a presentation on 29 April by
Don Beatie, G3BJ about the record breaking DXpedition 3B7C to St
Brandon. Other local clubs or radio amateurs are most welcome to attend
this meeting. It will be held at Trysull Village Hall, Feishall Lane,
Trysull, Wolverhampton WV5 7HW. Doors will be open at 7pm for a 7.45pm
start. The presentation will include a PowerPoint presentation, slide
shows and video footage and, of course, Don talking the audience
through the experience.

The UKFM Group Western and Warrington Amateur Radio Club have told us
that the Warrington repeater GB7WC is now connected via a gateway to
the worldwide D-Star network. The repeater transmits 439.4875MHz and
receives 430.4875MHz.

Advance notice now. The 2009 International Museums Weekend special
event will be a double weekend and will take place on 20 and 21 June
plus 27 and 28 June. Radio amateurs are encouraged to participate in
this event by setting up stations in their local museums. Harry, M1BYT,
who is organising the event, asks that all those intending to take part
should register their museum via e-mail to
harry.m1bytattiscali.co.uk. Full details of the event can be found on
the International Museums Weekend website at
www.ukradioamateur.co.uk/imw.

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

Today, 8 February, the Harwell Radio and Computing Rally will take
place in the Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot. There will
be free car parking and the doors open at 10.30am. Entry fee is £2 and
you'll find trade stands and special interest groups as well as an RSGB
bookstall manned by the Regional Team. More details from Ann on 01235
816379.

Ballymena Amateur Radio Club will be holding its annual Winter Bring
and Buy sale on Friday 13 February from 6.30pm onwards at the new
Ahoghill Community Centre. For directions and map go to
http://GI3FFF.synthasite.com or for any other information contact Hugh,
GI0JEV on 028 2587 1481.

Wakefield and District Radio Society, will be hosting the Northern
Cross Radio Rally on Sunday 15 February at the new venue of Ossett
School, Storrs Hill Road, Ossett, West Yorkshire WF5 0DG. Doors open at
10.15am for disabled visitors and then open to the general public at
10.30am. Admission is £3 per person. Talk in will be via the GB3YW
repeater, which can be found on 145.7875 with CTCSS of 82.5Hz. Further
details can be found on the rally website, www.northerncrossrally.org.

Now for the news of special events

Tim, G4STH and Hazel, G4YLO, commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
death of the singer Buddy Holly by using the special call GB50BH
between 3 February and 3 March. Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash
on 3 February 1959. Activity will be from 10m to 80m phone as
conditions allow. QSL direct or via bureau to G4STH.

On 13 February, GB5WVR for the Worth Valley Railway, Keighley, West
Yorks will be on the air.

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

The long awaited Desecheo Island K5D operation will begin late in the
day on 12 February. The planners say that because Desecheo is so very
rare, there are many amateurs worldwide that need it for an all-time
new one. Therefore, K4UEE and W0GJ are asking that you do not contact
the DXpedition on any band or using any mode that you have confirmed
from a previous DXpedition. This will allow the people who really need
a new DXCC entity a better opportunity to get through the pileups.

G3TBK will shortly resume operations from the Caribbean Island of Saint
Vincent, using the callsign J88DR. Operation will continue until
mid-March using CW, SSB, RTTY and SSTV, using all HF bands. QSL via
G3TBK, either using the bureau or direct. Please note that no further
cards will be answered until mid-March. All cards received for previous
operations by J88DR have now been mailed out.

HS0ZGQ will be on the air from Koh Samui Island off Thailand until 12
February. QSL to DL1MJF.

WA2USA/4 will be active from Bogue Banks in North Carolina between 12
and 24 February. Activity will be on 160 to 10m using CW, SSB and RTTY.
He will also participate in the ARRL CW DX and CQ WPX RTTY Contests.
QSL via his WA2USA, direct or by the Bureau.

During the annual Dutch PACC Contest, members of the PA3FKN PACC Team
will activate the Island of Ameland, one of the West Frisian Islands
off the north coast of the Netherlands. It consists mostly of sand
dunes. They will be on air from 1200UTC on Saturday, 14 February to
1200UTC on Sunday, 15 February.

There will be a series of lighthouse activations around Istanbul by TC
Special Wireless Activity Team (TCSWAT) in the next few months. The
next date, location and callsign is: 21 to 22 February from the
Ahirkapi Burnu Lighthouse using the callsign TC1ALH.

Now the contest news

8 February sees the RSGB 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest take place
from 0900 to 1300. All modes are allowed and the exchange is signal
report, serial number and locator.

On 10 February, it's the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest using all
modes from 2000 to 2230UTC. The exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator.

The 80m Club Championships continue and, particularly towards the end
of the month, conditions for G to G contacts will become easier and QSO
counts rise. 11 February is Data and 19 February is CW. The times for
both are 2000 to 2130 and the exchange is signal report and serial
number.

The RSGB's 1st 1.8MHz Contest takes place on 14 and 15 February, which
always provides an interesting evening even if you are only an
occasional visitor to Top Band. The times are 2100 on the 14th to 0100
on the 15th. The exchange is signal report, serial number and District.

The CQ WW RTTY WPX takes place on 14 and 15 February if you prefer
digital modes. Times are 0000 to 2359 using the 3.5 to 28MHz bands. The
exchange is signal report and serial number.

The 70MHz Cumulatives continue with sessions on 15 and 22 February
where the times are 1000 to 1200 using any mode with an exchange of
signal report, serial number and locator.

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Now the solar report for the period from the 26th of January to the 1st
of February, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison,
G3USF.

The solar disc was spotless everyday. Throughout January there was only
six days where sunspots were visible. Solar activity was very low.
Solar flux levels averaged 70 units and only varied by one unit. X-ray
flux levels remained at their minimum level everyday. Geomagnetic
activity started at unsettled levels on the 26th due to a small coronal
hole. The Ap was 10 units. Activity then declined to quiet levels for
the rest of the period. The average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind data
from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase gradually from
330 kilometres per second on the 26th to 500 by the 31st. Particle
densities increased to 32 particles per cubic centimetre on the 26th
and to 14 particles per cubic centimetre on the 29th and the 30th. Bz
varied between minus 10 and plus 8 nanoTeslas on the 26th and between
minus and plus 2 nanoTeslas on the quieter days.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
continue at very low levels. Individual sunspots or a small group could
appear during the coming week. Solar flux levels should be around the
70 mark for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be
quiet everyday with the Ap index in single figures everyday. 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
7MHz. 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
20MHz. 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
13001800 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 Tuesday 10 February Brede Steam Amateur Radio
Society is operating from the shack. Contact Steve, 0142 720815,
m0nucataol.com. On Tuesday 10 February Harwell Amateur Radio Society
is having its annual construction contest. Contact Malcolm, G8NRP, on
01235 524844.

On Wednesday 11 February Aylesbury Vale Radio Society is having a
general meeting and is on the air. Contact Roger, G3MEH, on 01442 826
651. On Wednesday 11 February Chesham and District Amateur Radio
Society is having an introduction to CW training by Jeremy, G3XZG.
Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491. On Wednesday 11 February Dover
Radio Club is having a talk and demo of PSK31. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by
email to g4sauatDARC.org.uk. On Wednesday 11 February Fareham and
District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on the R 107 transceiver
by Bob G8GZO. Contact Ken, M0KLS, on 02392 797 240. On Wednesday 11
February Harwich Amateur Radio Interest Group is having a talk on the
Brownsea Island trip by Peter Best, G8BLS. Contact James, M0ZZO, on
01255 242748. On Wednesday 11 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is
having an informal, construction and workshop evening. Contact Mark
Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099. On Wednesday 11 February South Essex
Amateur Radio Society is having an open evening. All are welcome.
Contact southessex.ARSatbtinternet.com. On Wednesday 11 February
Southgate Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on the Duxford branch of
the Imperial War Museum by David, M0XDS. Contact David Sharp, M0XDS, by
email to david.sharp1attesco.net. On Wednesday 11 February Worthing
and District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on home made
scientific instrumentation by Reg Moores, G3GZT. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on
01903 753 893. On Thursday 12 February Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio
Society is having an informal evening. Contact Gerald, G8AKL, on 01487
740794. On Thursday 12 February King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on the design and construction of lightweight amplifiers
by Bob Whelan. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ral-g3rsvatsupanet.com. On Thursday 12 February Reading and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Don Field, G3XTT. Contact Pete,
G8FRC, on 01189 695 697. On Thursday 12 February Shefford and District
Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by David, G8UOD. Contact David,
G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

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On Friday 13 February Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having an informal evening. Contact David Leary, G8JKV on 01223 355254.
On Friday 13 February Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is watching a
RSGB DVD. Contact Quintin, M1ENU, on 023 8078799. On Friday 13 February
Radio Society of Harrow is having an HF operating evening. Contact
Linda, 020 836 8586. On Friday 13 February Wimbledon and District
Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on bird photography by Graham,
2E0BJX. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456. On Saturday 14 February
Cray Valley Radio Society continues its intermediate course. Contact
Bob, BRS32525, on 020 8265 7735 after 8pm. On Sunday 8 February Chesham
And District Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the AFS 432MHz SSB
contest. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491. On Monday 9 February
Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society is having a talk on how to build
a web site by Steve G3WZK. Contact Andy, G8JAC, by email to
g8jacatbtinternet.com.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Tuesday 10 February Blackmore Vale Amateur
Radio Society Amateur Radio is having a talk by Allan, G3BSP. Contact
Nick Perrin, G3NRH, by email to bnperrinattheiet.org. On Tuesday 10
February Bristol RSGB Group is having a talk by John Penny MA of the
Bristol Record Offices. Contact Robin, G3TKF, on 01225 420442. On
Wednesday 11 February South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a
technical matters forum with Len, G4ZRY. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275
834 282.

On Wednesday 11 February Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is
operating the club station and holding Morse classes. Contact William,
G3WNI, on 01823 666 234. On Wednesday 11 February Thornbury and South
Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB,
on 01454 417048. On Thursday 12 February Swindon and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk by Peter Chadwick, G3RZP, entitled where do
we get our wavelengths from? Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 12 February Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is looking at
homebrew QSL cards. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to
g.swainattesco.net. On Friday 13 February Jersey Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk on the use of an oscilloscope. Contact Phil,
MJ0JER, by email to gj3dvcatgj3dvc.org.je. On Friday 13 February
Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by former
ships radio officer Bob Austin. Contact Brian, M0BHG, on 01752 844 321.
On Friday 13 February Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to g6fspattars.org.uk. On Monday
9 February Cornish Radio Amateur Club Computer Section is having a talk
on video editing by Clive, G3OCB. Contact Ian, on 01872 561 058.

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NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Tuesday 10 February Derby and District Amateur
Radio Society is having a committee meeting. Contact Richard Buckby, by
email to radioatdadars.org.uk. On Tuesday 10 February Eagle Radio
Group is having a talk on PMR conversions by G4WEC. Contact Terry,
G0SWS, on 01507 478590. On Tuesday 10 February Loughborough and
District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on connectors by Andrew,
G7SEG. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 10 February Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is having
a meet the members evening with a chance to learn about the club and
its activities. Contact Bernard, M1AUK, on 01926 420 913. On Tuesday 10
February Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is having a talk and on
the air evening. Contact Leslie Coyne, M3WRZ, on 01905 764320. On
Wednesday 11 February Midland Amateur Radio Society is having a laptop
computer evening. Contact Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 11 February Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a video evening with M0TAW. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299
677. South Manchester Radio Club has been meeting on Friday evenings
since its inception in 1947, but very recently, and at short notice,
found it necessary to change its meetings to Thursdays at 8pm. These
meetings are every week, with additional informal Technical Forum
discussions on the last Monday of the month. The venue is still at
Trafford Metrovicks Rugby Club in Sale. Directions and programme events
can be found on the web at www.smrcc.org.uk. On Thursday 12 February
Lowestoft and District Pye Amateur Radio Club is having a talk from the
Area RSGB Team. Contact Charlotte, 2E0BSS, on 01603 626710.

On Thursday 12 February Salop Amateur Radio Society is having its
construction competition. Details on the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk.
On Thursday 12 February Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is
having a talk on radio ancient and modern by John, G8HJS. Contact Jack,
G3VYE, on 01926 641988. On Friday 13 February Bromsgrove and District
Amateur Radio Club is having an overview of Linux. Contact Chris,
M0BQE, on 01905 776 869. On Friday 13 February Coventry Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk on the work of the Woodland Trust by Elizabeth
Taylor. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363. On Friday 13 February
South Birmingham Radio Society is having a construction evening.
Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603. On Saturday 14 February Worcester Radio
Amateurs Association is having a working party at Hallow Scout Hut to
complete the WRAA aerials. Contact Leslie Coyne M3WRZ, on 01905 764320.
On Monday 9 February Gloucester Amateur Radio and Electronics Society
is operating various club equipment. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452
548478, daytime. On Monday 9 February South Birmingham Radio Society is
having a ragchew and contest meeting. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603. On
Monday 9 February South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur Radio
Club is having an inter club quiz night. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on
01773 783658.

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NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND After more than 20 years, Wakefield and
District Radio Society have left their venue at the Ossett community
centre and moved to the 23rd Wakefield Scout HQ on Barnsley Road,
Wakefield, WF1 5NU. The meeting night has also changed to Thursday,
with a start time of around 7.30pm. The new venue also enables the
society to meet on days where contests are taking place, and it is also
an approved radio exam centre. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ on 07900 563117 for
details. On Tuesday 10 February Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on the Mersey ferries by Chris, G7GZB. Contact Roger, M0DWQ, on
07868 000 705. On Wednesday 11 February Goole Radio and Electronics
Society is having a visit from the local RSGB representative. Contact
Ken G6YYN, on 01757 638539. On Wednesday 11 February Hornsea Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on structural testing by Andy, G0VRM.
Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573. On Wednesday 11
February Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is putting G3ZTT and G8ZTT
on the air. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553401. On
Wednesday 11 February South Notts Amateur Radio Club continues its
Advanced course. Details on the web at www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

On Thursday 12 February Grimsby Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
on working satellites on a handheld by Stuart, M0LDN. Contact Brian
Chester, G4DXB, by email to g4dxbatgars.org.uk. On Thursday 12
February North Wakefield Radio Club is having a club night. Contact Jim
Thornton, G3YDL, by email to eventsatg4nok.org. On Thursday 12
February Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society is having two films
in the club room. Details on 07594 596 040.

On Thursday 12 February South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is
having a talk on the design of fixed-wing aircraft by Roland, G8LUL.
Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999. On Thursday 12 February York
Radio Club Radio is having exam instruction. Contact Tony Skaife G4XIV,
on 01904-330502. On Friday 13 February East Cleveland Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671. On
Friday 13 February Tynemouth Radio Club is having an operating night,
Morse classes and commences its Foundation Course. Contact Tony, G8YFA,
by email to mailatg0nwm.com. On Monday 9 February Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club commences a week of first anniversary celebrations
with a special event station on the air. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on
0191 4770036. On Monday 9 February Bolton Wireless Club is having a
talk on the GB2CI expedition to Caldey Island by David, G4MVU. Contact
boltonwirelessatgmail.com. On Monday 9 February Sheffield Amateur
Radio Club is having a panel discussion on which bands, equipment and
antennas are best for DX working. Contact Mike Gordon G0TKO, on 01709
382479. On Monday 9 February South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having
an inter-club quiz. Contact Terry, M0RIA, on the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

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NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 10 February Livingston and District
Amateur Radio Society is having an operating evening. Contact Norman,
on 0131 449 7641. On Wednesday 11 February Lothians Radio Society is
having a talk on 4m operation by Brian Howie, GM4DIJ. Contact Colin,
GM4HWO, by email to enquiriesatlothiansradiosociety.com. On Thursday
12 February Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a construction
evening. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Thursday 12 February Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Ellis Gaston, GM0HPK, on 01776 820413.

NEWS FOR WALES The Porthmadog ARS meet at the Porthmadog Yacht Club
every third Thursday of the month for 8pm, members and non members are
all welcomed, the next meeting will be the surplus equipment sale on
the 19th of February. Society details and future meeting details are on
www.amateur-radio.porthmadog.co.uk.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Friday 13 February Ballymena Amateur Radio
Club is having its annual winter bring and buy sale at Ahoghill
Community Centre. Contact Hugh Kernohan, GI0JEV, on 028 2587 1481.

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

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.