GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 1 August 2010

The news headlines

New world record on 10GHz

Ofcom publishes Notice on Licence Exempt Devices

ROS mode development definitely continues

A new world record in distance on 10GHz has been established between the
Cape Verde islands and southern Portugal. On 10 July at 10:46 UTC the
previous record of 2070km was smashed by a SSB QSO at 2696km during the
Hyperatlantica 2010 DXpedition. A detailed report will appear in the
September 2010 RadCom but in the meantime details, in French, can be
found at www.hyperatlantica.ch. Congratulations to all involved.

Ofcom has published a new document that describes proposed changes to
some licence exempt radio services, including underwater radio links.
The RSGB expressed concern in an earlier consultation that underwater
radio in the range 1-30MHz might have unwanted surface emissions under
certain conditions, with the potential to cause interference to amateur
bands. Ofcom's says that the equipment user must ensure that the
apparatus is operated in accordance with the conditions of the licence
exemption. Concerns were also expressed about implementing the European
Commission's Short Range Device Decision, which may have some impact on
the 433MHz licence-exempt band. Full details of the Ofcom Notice can be
found online at http://tinyurl.com/GB2RS-Ofcom-SRD.

Further to recent reports on GB2RS we are delighted to confirm that the
author of ROS has definitely decided to continue development work. The
software's author, Jose Alberto Nieto Ros, told GB2RS that he will be
implementing newšmodes and enhanced facilities. The most recent
development is an auto reporting system linked into the PSK-Reporter
system at http://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html. The latest versionšof ROS
is available for download at http://rosmodem.wordpress.com.

The IARU reports that Spanish fishermen are abusing frequencies in the
3.5, 7, 14 and 21MHz bands. Only private names are used; there are no
ship names or other idents. Voice communications may also be scrambled.
Amateurs are reminded not to engage in communication with unlicensed
stations because this would be in breach of your own licence conditions.


GB2RS understands that the Omani Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
hasšallocatedšthe band 50-52šMHz to the amateur servicešon a secondary
basis. We hope to provide more information as it becomes available.

ThešM0OCTšAmateur RadiošSociety, based at Clay Cross near Chesterfield,
starts Foundation and Advanced courses on 1 September. The Foundation
course runs for 8 evenings with the exam on 20 October. The Advanced
exam will be in June 2011. Details on either course can be obtained by
email to or by phone to 01246 20 50 72. Details will
also be posted on the group website www.m0oct.com.

On the 24 July the Eagle Radio Group held an open day at their venue in
Mablethorpe. There were demonstrations on D-Star, WISPR, slow scan TV,
HF radio and much more. The event was supported by the RSGB Regional
Team of Jim, G0EJQ and Steve, M5ZZZ. The exhibition was attended by
local dignitaries including the Mayor and his consort. Public interest
was better than expected and fivešpeople showed keen interest in taking
the Foundation licence. A donation to the RSGB Spectrum Defence Fund was
presented by the group. Eagle Radio Group Chairman Charles, G0CBM, said
that concentrating more on the newer digital modes had been a key
attraction for the younger generation.

The RSGB headquarters at Abbey Court in Bedford will be closed on Friday
6 August for staff training.

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

Today, 1 August, sees the King's Lynn ARC rally & car boot sale at
King's Gaywood Community Centre, PE30 4DZ. Opening time is 10am, and
there will be trade stands, a bring and buy, catering and of course the
boot sale. Details from Ray, G3RSV, on 01553 671307or on the web at
www.klarc.org.uk.

Today also sees the Lorn radio amateur rally at Crianlarich Village
Hall, Crianlarich, near Oban. Opening time is 10.30 and there will be
trade stands, catering and a raffle. Details from GM0ERV by e-mail to
.

The Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society, G4RFR Hamfest takes place
on Sunday 8 August at Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley,
Dorset BH21 3AA. There is plenty of onsite parking and doors open at
10am. There will be the usual mix of trade and display items and an RSGB
book stall. The South Coast Repeater & Beacon Group will be selling all
forms of electronic and microwave exotica to raise funds to maintain the
multi-band Bell Hill GB3SC series Microwave beacon Complex. Full details
of Hamfest can be found on the web at www.frars.org or by phone from
Mike, M0MJS on 01202 883 479.

Now for the news of special events

GB2YD will be celebrating Yorkshire Day at Maltby Crags today, Sunday 1
August. Operation will be on HF, 2m and 70cm, with activity on 6m as
well if conditions permit. Operation is likely to be from 10am to 4pm.

Special event stations also licensed from today include GB6TPR for The
Princess Royal at Ormesby in Norfolk and GB4BPL for Bury Port Lighthouse
in Wales.

GB50RN will be operating from 6 to 8 August in Coventry to celebrate the
50th anniversary of the Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society. Operation
will be on CW and SSB on HF bands from 80-10m plus FM on 2m and 70cm.

Maltby Festival will be celebrated next weekend by GB4MF, which will
operate on HF bands from 80-10m plus 2m and 70cm.

South Tyneside amateur radio society will be operating GB2SJ from Souter
Lighthouse over the weekend of 21 August and not the 7th as they had
previously advised.

On 2 August, special event station 3Z0PDXA will commence three months of
operations in Poland.

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

Vasek, OK2AN, will be activating a number of Czech castles on 1 - 7
August for the World Castles Award. Details at www.wcagroup.org.

Moj, PA3GZU will be active holiday style as DU9/PA3GZU from Mindanao
Island (OC-130) from until 7 August. He will operate SSB, BPSK31 and CW
mainly on 20 metres, plus 40, 15 and 10m depending on conditions. QSL
via home call, bureau preferred.

Lionel, F5PSL will be active as FH8ND from Mayotte (AF-027) until 15
August. He plans to operate SSB on 80 to 6m. QSL via F1OKV, direct or
bureau.

Members of the Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club will be active on 5-7
August as special event station K4L. They will be operating from Sapelo
Island (NA-058, USi GA007) in the State of Georgia. QSL via W4BTI,
direct or bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW and e-QSL. More details
including frequencies will be posted at www.w4bti.org.

Look for IZ2DPX operating as 5Z4/IZ2DPX from Malindi, Kenya, from 4 to
17 August. Operation will be on 40-10m; QSL via IK2DUW or direct.

Now the contest news

Early in the morning of 1 August is the RoPoCo 2 contest. Operating in
CW on 80m from 0730 to 0830 UTC, the exchange is RST and full postcode
received.

3 August sees the 144MHz UKAC between 1900 and 2130 UTC. All modes are
permitted in the 2m band. RST, serial number and locator form the
exchange.

The European HF Championship takes place on Saturday 7 August from 1200
until 2359 UTC. Operation is CW and SSB on the contest bands from 1.8 to
28MHz. EU stations should only work other EU stations for contacts to be
valid. The exchange is RST plus the year you were first licensed.

Also on the 7th is the 144MHz Low Power contest from 1400-2000 UTC. All
modes are permitted and the exchange is RST, serial number, locator and
postcode.

The 432MHz Low power contest is on Sunday 8 August from 0800 until
2100UTC. Operation is all mode on 70cm. RST, serial number, locator and
postcode should be exchanged.

And now the solar factual data for the period from the 19th to the 25th
of July, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 26th of July.

First, the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers for October, November
and December 2009 are now available and are 7, 7.6 and 8.3 respectively.

On the 19th a medium sized group rotated into view and to some degree
was magnetically complex. However, it only produced one C class solar
flare which occurred on the 20th. As the week progressed the group grew
in size but magnetically simplified which in turn reduced the threat of
any further solar flares. Solar flux levels increased from 80 units on
the 19th to 89 by the 21st. The average was 86 units. The 90 day solar
flux average on the 25th was 75, that's the same level as last week.
X-ray flux levels increased from previous weeks and averaged B1.6 units.
Geomagnetic activity remained quiet every day despite a weak coronal
hole disturbance that took place. The most disturber day was the 23rd
with an Ap index of 8 units. The average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind data
from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increased from 280
kilometres per second on the 19th and the 20th to 470 by the 25th.
Particle densities were low except for an increase to 30 particles per
cubic centimetre on the 23rd. Bz varied between minus 6 and plus 9
nanoTeslas on the 23rd and with fluctuations much less on the other
days. HF propagation was above predicted levels for much of the week.
This was due to the higher solar flux levels and not seasonal effects,
which will come in a few more weeks. There was sporadic-E up to 70MHz on
most days.

And now the solar forecast. This week the slightly more active side of
the Sun is expected to rotate into view. Solar activity is still
expected to remain at very low levels. Solar flux levels should increase
into the 80's as the week progresses. Geomagnetic activity is expected
to be quiet everyday. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes
should be around 19MHz for the south and 16MHz for the north. Darkness
hour lows are expected to be around 10MHz. Paths this week to Australia
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 14MHz. The best time to try this path will be
between 0700 and 1000 hours. With the peak of the summer sporadic-E
season now gone, openings on 144MHz are unlikely to take place. However,
openings will still take place on 28 and 50MHz on some days with
openings up to 70MHz occasionally.

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 Sunday 1 August Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society has a
general and social meeting. Details on the web at http://kdars.co.uk.

On Monday 2 August Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
closed. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 2 August South Birmingham Radio Society is planning for the
next Telford rally. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 2 August Wythall Radio Club continues its Foundation course.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Tuesday 3 August Derby & District Amateur Radio Society has a junk
sale. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 3 August Friskney and East Lincolnshire Communications Club
is having a night where anything goes. Contact Chris, M0MFP, on 01507
442240.

On Tuesday 3 August Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is having
an operating night. Details on the web at http://kdars.co.uk.

On Tuesday 3 August Kidderminster & District Amateur Radio Society is on
the air and making arrangements for SSB Field Day. Details from G4CTU,
on 01562 823966.

On Tuesday 3 August Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a kite night. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 3 August Spalding & District Amateur Radio Society is taking
part in the 144 UKAC at the Portakabin. For more information contact
Graham Boor, G8NWC, on 07947 76448.

On Tuesday 3 August Wythall Radio Club is taking part in the 2m UKAC
contest. Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Wednesday 4 August Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a gentleman's group afternoon. Details on the web at
http://kdars.co.uk.

On Wednesday 4 August Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356.

On Wednesday 4 August Midland Amateur Radio Society is having a ragchew
and training classes. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 4 August South Birmingham Radio Society has a lecture in
the main hall and a barbecue afterwards. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Wednesday 4 August Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a committee meeting and the HQ is closed. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952
299 677.

On Thursday 5 August Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a training night. Details on the web at http://kdars.co.uk.

On Friday 6 August Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having mini
lectures. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

On Friday 6 August South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Saturday 7 August Lincoln Short-Wave Club is attending the East
Kirkby RAFBF EK airshow. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO,
on 01427 788356.

On Saturday 7 August Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is taking
part in HF field day. Details from Don, G4CYG, on 019 2642 4465.

On Saturday 7 August Wythall Radio Club continues its Foundation course.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Sunday 8 August Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a social meeting. Details on the web at http://kdars.co.uk.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

On Sunday 1 August Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is running a
special event station at Heysham Classic Car Rally. For more information
contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on 01524 581381.

On Monday 2 August Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is on the air
and having a natter night. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036.

On Monday 2 August Scarborough Amateur Radio Society Club is having a
discussion night. Details from Jerry Scarr, G6LBL, on 01751 476601.

On Monday 2 August Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having mini talks by
volunteer Club members. For more information contact Trevor Wood, M0TWS,
by email to .

On Monday 2 August Workington and District Radio and IT Group is on the
air. For more information get in touch with Barry Easdon, G0RZI, on
01946 812092.

On Tuesday 3 August Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society has a treasure
hunt. For more information contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on 01524 581381.

On Tuesday 3 August Otley Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the
144MHz UKAC. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370.

On Wednesday 4 August Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a committee
meeting. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Thursday 5 August South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having
a talk on SSB transceiver block diagrams by Ron, G3SVW. Details from
Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 6 August Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is holding an
Advanced examination. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036.

On Friday 6 August 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 have been received for Northern Ireland this week.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Tuesday 3 August Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club evening. Details from Norman, on 07740 946192.

On Wednesday 4 August West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is working
on construction projects & holding licence training. More information
from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

On Thursday 5 August Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a junk
sale. More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 6 August Ayr Amateur Radio Group commences its weekend event
at Ayr International Flower show. For more information contact Tom
Ferguson, GM1OST, on 01292 532 088.

On Friday 6 August Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is having a
club night. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

On Friday 6 August West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having
presentations, guest speakers, a raffle and a quiz. More information
from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST and EAST ANGLIA

On Sunday 1 August King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club night
and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to .

On Monday 2 August Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a pub meeting.
Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday 2 August Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society has a shack open
night. For more information go to www.mkars.org.uk.

On Monday 2 August Southdown Amateur Radio Society has a talk and DVD on
Radio St. Helena, Tristan Da Cunha by Tony, G0EYE. Details from John,
G3DQY, on 01424 424 319.

On Monday 2 August Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a talk. More
information from Ray, G4FFY, on 01732 357474.n

On Tuesday 3 August Andover Radio Amateurs Club is having a club night.
Details from Martin, M0MWS, on 07776 181646.

On Tuesday 3 August Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by
Murray Niman, G6JYB, addressing digital TV and radio - what next?
Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 3 August Horndean & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night and social evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247
2846.

On Wednesday 4 August Southdown Amateur Radio Society is operating at
the Hailsham shack. Details from John, G3DQY, on 01424 424 319.

On Wednesday 4 August Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
barbecue. For more information contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 5 August Horsham Amateur Radio Club is closed. Details are
on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 5 August King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
.

On Thursday 5 August Lowestoft & District Amateur Radio Club is at the
shack. Details from Phil, G0JSG, on 01502 585448.

On Thursday 5 August Cray Valley Radio Society has its annual barbecue
at Shooters Hill. Details from bob, M0MVC, on 0208 265 7735.

On Friday 6 August Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is having
its summer barbecue. Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Friday 6 August Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a boules
evening at the Crown Pub Newick. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371.

On Friday 6 August Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a club
night. Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Friday 6 August Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society has its
barbecue at the annual camp. The camp will be dismantled on Sunday 8
August. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

On Wednesday 4 August Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
quiz by Dave, M0CIF. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234 for more
information.

On Wednesday 4 August Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a pedestrian fox hunt. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454
417048.

On Thursday 5 August South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a
technical topics discussion with Len, G4ZRY. Contact Len, G4RZY, on
01275 834 282.

On Thursday 5 August Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club has a natter
night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 5 August Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is running a fox hunt.
Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to .

NEWS FOR WALES

On Monday 2 August Dragon Amateur Radio Club is having a quiz night.
Details from Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF, on 07833 620733.

On Monday 2 August Llanelli Amateur Radio Society is on the air. Contact
Craig, MW0MXT, on 01269 840292.

On Tuesday 3 August Chepstow & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on the use of radio by HM Coastguard by coastguard officer Terry
Baldwin. Details from Wil Oliver, MW6KGB, on 01291 621342.