GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 27th June 2010

The news headlines

Ofcom releases report on PLT

Oman now on 6 metres

CISPR seeks plasma TV interference experiences

Last Wednesday Ofcom published its long-awaited report, The Likelihood
and Extent of Radio Frequency Interference from In-Home PLT Devices.
This 156 page report assesses the likelihood of interference to various
users of the radio spectrum over the next decade. The main conclusion is
that action is needed to reduce the interference footprint of PLT
devices, and that this action could take various forms. The Society is
considering the report in detail prior to initiating discussions with
Ofcom about the follow-on actions it intends to take.šWe expect the
position to become clearer over the next few weeks and months.

The Omani Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has now allocated the
band 50-52MHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis.

The international standards committee responsible for EMC matters,
CISPR, have launched an information-gathering campaign, specifically
aimed at determining the extent and seriousness of interference from
plasma TV receivers. Initially they have asked national standards
organisations for this data and, in the UK, BSI contacted our Regulator,
Ofcom. They posed the simple question, asking how many complaints have
there been? Ofcom indicated that they had received only 12 to 15. Over
the last few years, the EMC Committee have received many more complaints
from members, but no recording system is in place. So, we now need your
help. If you have suffered, or are suffering now, from interference from
a plasma TV receiver we need to know. All that you have to do is send a
very brief e-mail to . We only need to know the
number of interference cases, no details, and no names/addresses. Please
act as soon as possible, since the timescale for gathering this
information is very tight.

The RSGB Convention that takes place between 8 and 10 October has a wide
variety of talks and lectures over the weekend. One of the latest talks
to be confirmed is by David Johnson, G4DPZ on the current status of
amateur satellite communications. He will also update the audience on
the FUNcube satellite project. It is hoped that live satellite demos
will take place as passes allow. Bookings for this popular event are
already up on last year and you can find details of weekend packages or
day tickets at www.rsgb.org.uk/rsgbconvention.

The RSGB VHF Field Day takes place next weekend, 3 and 4 July. Although
this is basically a 24-hour contest, there are exceptions. The 50MHz
part takes place during the first eight hours and the 70MHz part takes
place during the last eight. It is interesting to note how VHF NFD has
developed over the years. At one time there were just a few categories
and the only awards were for portables, but now there are two categories
for fixed stations as well, Open and Restricted. For full details of the
rules, go to the RSGB Contest website at www.rsgbcc.org/vhf and click on
the calendar for 3 or 4 July.

Jersey Amateur Radio Repeater Group has got its repeater GB3GJ back on
the air. Information about the repeater can be found at
www.radioclubs.net/gb3gjšand the group welcome calls from anyone who can
get through for signal reports. The repeater is based on a commercial
Tait repeater transceiver and requires 71.9Hz CTCSS.

The National Hamfest is being organised by the RSGB in conjunction with
Lincoln Short Wave Club and will take place on Friday 1 October and
Saturday 2 October. Building on the success of the first National
Hamfest in 2009, improvements are being made to the layout. Outside the
main hall, the trading area is being extended to around twice the area
used last year. Outside traders did brisk business at the last year's
show and it is hoped to be able to accommodate many more at this year's
event. There will also be a large area for car booters. Pitches can be
booked via the National Hamfest website at www.nationalhamfest.org.uk.

South Bristol ARC will be starting a new Intermediate course on 1 July.
The venue is the Community Centre, rear of 122-124 Novers Park Road,
Filwood, Bristol. Lead instructor will be Andrew Jenner, G7KNA.
Candidates are invited to contact Andrew by e-mail to
as soon as possible in order to have their names registered.

Celebrating the role of the armed forces throughout history and in
particular the role of the cadet forces, Bletchley Park in
Buckinghamshire is hosting an Armed Forces weekend on 3 and 4 July. The
event will also look at how Bletchley Park assisted the armed forces
during World War Two. Other activities during the weekend will include a
display by the Vintage Military Amateur Radio Society of radio equipment
spanning the last hundred years, showing how communication in the armed
forces has changed over time and become ever more vital. More
information can be found at their website www.bletchleypark.org.uk or on
01908 640404.

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

The West Of England Radio Rally takes place today, 27 June, at the
Cheese & Grain, Bridge Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1BE. There will be
trade stands, an RSGB bookstall as well as catering facilities and easy
access for disabled visitors. Further details from Shaun, G8VPG, on
01225 873 098.

On Saturday 3 July, the 1st Stockport Rally will be held at Walthew
House, Shaw Heath, Stockport SK2 6QS. Doors open at 10am and admission
is ?1. Tables are available at ?10 each. Details from Bernard, G3SHF, on
01625 850088 during the day or Nigel, G0RXA, on 0161 428 8413 in the
evening.

The Bangor & District ARS Rally takes place at Donaghadee Community
Centre, County Down BT21 0HB. Doors open at 12 noon and admission is
free. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. More details from
Bill, GI4AAM on 028 9181 6707.

The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally will take place on 4 July. This well
established radio rally has both indoor tables and outdoor pitches and
as well as being a fine place to trade in all things radio and
electronic is a traditional meeting place for many local as well as DX
amateurs. Entry cost is just ?1 per person and outdoor pitches are under
?10, so together with hot and cold refreshments a good and affordable
day out for the family. Gates open 8am for traders and 9am for visitors.
Contact David, G7URP on 01953 457322 for more information.

Now for the news of special events

Jack, G3PWK will be operating GB70AAF for the Anniversary Airborne
Forces) today, 27 June.

The Scarborough Special Events Group will be on the air as GB1AFD for
Armed Forces Day today, 27 June. The town's adopted Warship HMS Explorer
will be in the bay and there will be fly past by a Spitfire.

GB4BAH will be operated by members of the Coventry Amateur Radio Society
on 3 July from The Almshouses, All Saints Square, Bedworth. This station
is celebrating the 170th anniversary of the founding of Bedworth
Almshouses by Rev. Nicholas Chamberlaine.

š

Then, on 4 July, GB4BLC will be operated by members of the Coventry
Amateur Radio Society. This is a joint venture between Coventry Amateur
Radio Society & Bedworth lions Club, operating from 30th Signals
Regiment Gamecock Barracks, Bramcote near Nuneaton. The station is
promoting amateur radio & Lions Club International to the public.

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

Pontus, SM0R and Jaan, SM0R/1 will be operating from IOTA reference
EU-020 in Sweden from 2 to 4 July. They will be on the air using the HF
bands and 50MHz. QSL via SM0R either direct or via the bureau.

Wolf, LA/DM2AUJ, is on holiday in the Lofotem Islands, which is IOTA
reference EU-076, until 8 July. He will be operating mostly CW with some
SSB. QSL to his home callsign either direct or via the bureau.

Jimmy, FS/W6JKV, will be on the island of St Martin, which is IOTA
reference NA-105 until 5 July. QSL to his home callsign either direct or
via the bureau.

Looking ahead now. On the week commencing 25 September, members of Sands
Contest Group and Workington Radio Club along with Brendan Minish, EI6IZ
will be visiting the Isle of Aran off the coast of south western
Scotland, operating under the callsign MM0SCG. They will be operating on
VHF and HF using SSB, CW and data modes. The location is IOTA island
number EU-123.

Now the contest news

The 4th 70MHz Cumulative Contest takes place today, 27 June, from 1000
to 1200UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator.

Tuesday 29 June sees the 70MHz UK Activity Contest on the air from 1900
to 2130UTC. Again using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator.

Finally for this week, the RSGB VHF NFD takes place on 3 and 4 July from
1400 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the bands, 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cm and
23cm, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. There
are rules on which bands can be used at certain times, so please check
the rules before taking part.

Now the solar factual data for the period from the 14th to the 20th of
June, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 21st of June.

Sunspots were visible every day except for the 15th and the 16th. The
sunspot groups were small and only produced one C class solar flare
which occurred on the 14th. Solar flux levels declined slightly from 73
units on the 14th to 69 by the 19th. The average was 71 units. The 90
day solar flux average on the 20th was 75 units, that's one unit down on
last week. The 90 day solar flux levels have declined since late March
when 83 units was recorded. X-ray flux levels varied little day to day
and averaged A4.9. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels but by
the 15th a coronal hole disturbance arrived, this peaked on the 16th
with an Ap index of 19 units. The average was Ap 8 units. Solar wind
data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 360
kilometres per second to 600 kilometres per second by the 16th. Wind
speeds then gradually declined. Particle densities were low except for
the 15th which increased to 22 particles per cubic centimetre. On the
quiet day the Bz varied between minus 3 and plus 4 nanoTeslas and
between minus 9 and plus 7 nanoTeslas on the 16th which was the most
disturbed day.

Strong Sporadic-E occurred on most days on frequencies up to 70MHz,
though there were also substantial periods when sporadic-E was not
present. F2-related propagation at HF tended to be a bit below expected
levels as a consequence of the midweek disturbance.

And now the solar forecast. Without an upsurge in sunspot activity then
solar activity is expected to be at very low levels. There are no signs
that an upsurge in imminent, but as we know things can change with very
little warning. Solar flux should be in the 70's for most of the week.
Geomagnetic activity is expected to be unsettled for the next few days
due to a recurring coronal hole. Activity should subside to quiet levels
from midweek onwards. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes
should be around 18MHz for the south and 15MHz for the north. Darkness
hour lows are expected to be about 11MHz. Paths this week to India
should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate
of around 19MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent
success rate will be about 15MHz. The best time to try this path will be
between 0900 and 1700 hours. Sporadic-E is expected to take place most
days on the lower VHF bands with openings up to 144MHz possible now that
we are at the peak of the summer season.

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



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 MIDLANDS

On Monday 28 June Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
having an informal meeting. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478,
daytime.

On Monday 28 June South Birmingham Radio Society is holding a field day
planning meeting. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 28 June Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is having a
2m fox hunt, starting at the Home Guard Club. Contact G0CHO, on 01608
664488.

On Monday 28 June Wythall Radio Club continues its Intermediate Course.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Tuesday 29 June Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is on the air.
Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 29 June Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is holding
an operating night. Check out the website for details
http://kdars.co.uk.

On Tuesday 29 June Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a practical evening. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504
319.

On Tuesday 29 June Wythall Radio Club continues its Intermediate Course.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Wednesday 30 June Bolsover Amateur Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting. For details, send an email to
.

On Wednesday 30 June Hinckley Amateur Radio Society has its junk sale.
Details from John, M0JAV, on 07836 731544.

On Wednesday 30 June Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a gentleman's group afternoon. Check out the website for details
http://kdars.co.uk.

On Wednesday 30 June Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the air
and holding a barbecue. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on
01427 788356.

On Wednesday 30 June Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding a contest
meeting with training and Morse classes. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on
01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 30 June South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
inductors by G4EDX. Details from Terry, M0RIA, via the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

On Wednesday 30 June Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a barbecue in the park and testing 3cm receivers built from club kits.
Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 1 July Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is holding
a training night. Check out the website for details http://kdars.co.uk.

On Thursday 1 July RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is having a shack
and chat night with radio and antenna play. Details from Judy Rowlands,
on 07544 456422.

On Friday 2 July Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on the
Pennine Way & amateur radio by Tommy Read. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958
777363.

On Friday 2 July South Birmingham Radio Society is having a construction
evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Saturday 3 July Lincoln Short-Wave Club starts its weekend event for
VHF NFD at its contest site at Brattleby. For more information contact
Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356.

On Saturday 3 July Telford & District Amateur Radio Society starts its
weekend event at Long Mynd for VHF field day. Help is welcome. Contact
Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Saturday 3 July Wythall Radio Club is taking part in VHF NFD. Details
from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to .

On Sunday 4 July Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is having an
open meeting 11am followed by a social meeting. Check out the website
for details http://kdars.co.uk.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

On Monday 28 June Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on exotic aerials by Bill Gleave, G8YWK. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on
0191 477 0036.

On Monday 28 June Bolton Wireless Club is having an activity night
including a summer round-up of recent VHF contests and direction
finding. For details, send an email to .

On Monday 28 June Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a VHF NFD
planning meeting and contest workshop. For more information contact
Trevor Wood, M0TWS, by email to .

On Monday 28 June South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is holding
its monthly technical forum. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Monday 28 June Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having a
technical talk. Details from John Foster, 2E0EZY, on 01253 399377.

On Tuesday 29 June Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is watching
a new Other Man's Shack video. Details from Barbara Green on 07957
870770.

On Tuesday 29 June Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is having a
social evening. For more information contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on
01524 848193.

On Tuesday 29 June Otley Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the
70MHz UKAC and having a natter night. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768
996370.

On Wednesday 30 June Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having an activity,
shack, workshop and DVD evening. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on
01377 240573.

On Wednesday 30 June Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having a
committee meeting coupled with the new club project, a frequency
counter. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553401.

On Thursday 1 July South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having a
PC clinic with Dave, G4UGM. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Saturday 3 July Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is taking part in VHF
NFD as G2AS/P from Wharncliffe Chase, IO93FL. For more information
contact Trevor Wood, M0TWS, by email to .

On Sunday 4 July East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air. For
more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

No news items were received for Northern Ireland this week.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Tuesday 29 June Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a club evening. For more information contact Norman, on 07740 946192.

On Thursday 1 July Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding a junk
sale. More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 2 July West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having a club
night that includes presentations, guest speakers, a raffle and a quiz.
More information from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

On Saturday 3 July Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is taking
part in VHF field day. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811
723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST

and EAST ANGLIA

On Monday 28 June Felixstowe & District Amateur Radio Society is having
an update on the UK Radio Astronomy Group by Laurence Newell. More
information from Paul, G4YQC, by email to .

On Tuesday 29 June Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack.
For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720815.

On Tuesday 29 June Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a club net
night. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday 30 June Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a pedestrian DF hunt around Chesham on 145.550MHz FM. More details from
Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 30 June Havering & District Amateur Radio Club is chatting
about VHF Field Day. Contact John, M0UKD, on 07817 365354.

On Wednesday 30 June Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is preparing for the DF
fox hunt and testing equipment. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on
01603 898678.

On Wednesday 30 June Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is putting
GX3WOR on the air and having a discussion evening. For more information
contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 1 July Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on Goubau
lines and other small aerials by Mike Underhill, G3LHZ. Details are on
the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 1 July Lowestoft & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
club night at shack. Details from Phil, G0JSG, on 01502 585448.

On Thursday 1 July Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is having a
2m pedestrian DF hunt. Details from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Friday 2 July Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is having a
talk on the history of Woodside Brickworksšby Edward Handley. Contact
Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Friday 2 July Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is preparing for NFD.
Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371.

On Friday 2 July Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is holding its summer
barbecue. Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 3 July Basingstoke Amateur Radio Club commences its weekend
event for VHF Field Day. Details from Clive, G4ODM, on 01256 326050.

On Saturday 3 July Bittern DX Group is taking part in VHF National Field
Day. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404154.

On Saturday 3 July Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack.
For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720815.

On Saturday 3 July Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is taking
part in VHF National Field day. Details from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742
757.

On Saturday 3 July Surrey Radio Contact Club commences its weekend event
for VHF NFD. More information from Ray, G4FFY, on 01732 357474.

On Sunday 4 July Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is running the Barford Radio
Rally. Contact Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898678.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

On Sunday 27 June Trowbridge & District Amateur Radio Club is running a
club table at the West Rally in Frome. Details from Ian, G0GRI, on 01225
864 698, evenings and weekends.

On Monday 28 June Bristol RSGB Group is having a talk on radio astronomy
by Andrew Burns, Chair of Wiltshire Astronomical Society and co-founder
of the Griffon Educational Observatory in Spain. Details from Robin,
G3TKF, on 01225 420442.

On Tuesday 29 June West Devon Radio Club is having a radio operating
night and invites members to try their equipment on the club antennas.
Homebrew is welcome. Further information from Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on
01752 291588.

On Wednesday 30 June Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is operating
the club station. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234 for more
information.

On Wednesday 30 June Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.

On Thursday 1 July South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is preparing for VHF
NFD with G4XCB. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Thursday 1 July Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night and preparing for VHF NFD. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810
317750.

On Thursday 1 July Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by G7LNJ
on the R1155, a Lancaster icon. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to
.

NEWS FOR WALES

No news items have been received for Wales this week.