GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 17th October 2010

The news headlines

Neil Carr, G0JHC awarded the RSGB's ROTAB Trophy for 2010

New NVIS paper using data from the 5MHz Experiment

New slow Morse transmission near Dartford

Neil Carr, G0JHC, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Order of
Transatlantic Brass Pounders trophy that recognises outstanding and
consistent DX work. He joins a small group of our elite DX operators.
The trophy was first awarded in 1924 and original Members of the Order
were from those who operated transatlantic tests in 1921 to 1924. RSGB
President Dave Wilson, M0OBW and HF Awards Manager, John Dunnington,
G3LZQ will visit Neil shortly to present the award.

Dr Marcus Walden, G0IJZ, recently gave a paper at the 9th Nordic HF
Conference held in Sweden, presenting a comparison of measurements and
VOACAP predictions for the UK 5MHz beacon network. The paper was well
received by professional engineers, academics and HF users attending the
conference. For further information and a link to the paper, check out
the RSGB website at www.rsgb.org/spectrumforum/hf/5mhzintro.php.

Steve Smith G0TDJ is now undertaking GB2CW Slow Morse broadcasts from
Crayford in north east Kent, near Dartford. The transmissions are one
hour long from 1830UTC on Thursday evenings on 145.250MHz. At the
beginning of each session, licensed radio amateurs are invited to call
in and go on a list to be asked to read back practice passages. Speeds
start at under 5 words per minute and increase over the hour long
session.

Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is holding a Foundation course
during November 2010. Information and application forms can be obtained
from the course leader Victor, G1PKS, on 020 8653 2946 or by e-mail to
.

The Midland Amateur Radio Society in Birmingham will be starting a Morse
for Beginners class on 27 October at 7pm at the Club QTH. Practice will
also be available on Echolink and full details will be given out at the
first class. Anyone wishing to take part should contact Martin by e-mail
to . The course will only run if there are five or more
taking part. More information can be found on the club website,
www.radioclubs.net/mars.

The next Advanced revision course run by the Chelmsford Amateur Radio
Society starts on Thursday, 28 October. This short revision course is
aimed at those who have already studied at home or elsewhere. It will be
held on Thursday evenings between 7 and 9pm at Danbury Village Hall from
28 October to 18 November. The exam will be held on Monday 22 November.
For more details speak to Clive, G1EUC on 01245 224577 or e-mail
.

Northumbria Amateur Radio Club will be commencing an Advanced course on
Monday 8 November in Ellington near Ashington. The cost for the course
is ?15 plus the exam fee. Anyone interested should contact David on
01670 513026 or e-mail .

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

Today, 17 October, Galashiels and District ARS holds its annual Radio
and Computer Rally in The Volunteer Hall, St John's Street, Galashiels
TD1 3JX. Doors open 11am and admission is ?2.50. There will be traders,
Bring and Buy and refreshments. Details from Jim, GM7LUN on 01896
850245.

Also today, Sunday 17 October, the Blackwood and District ARS Rally is
being held at Coleg Gwent, Risca Road, Cross Keys NP11 7ZA. Doors open
at 10.40am and admission is ?2. There will be trade stands, a Bring &
Buy, special interest groups and catering. Details from Dave, GW4HBK, on
01495 228 516.

The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place today, 17 October, in
Floral Hall, 7 The Esplanade, Hornsea, East Yorks HU18 1NQ. Doors open
at 10.30am. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy, special interest
groups and an RSGB bookstall.

The G QRP Club Mini Convention, in conjunction with the Halifax Radio
Society, takes place on Saturday 23 October at Rishworth School,
Ripponden. Doors open at 10am and admission is ?2. There will be a Bring
& Buy, surplus and junk, components, kit traders and much more. A full
programme of lectures in the purpose built lecture theatre will also
take place.

Now for the news of special events

GB5BUS will be on the air from Bangor University's Ffriddoedd site
Common Room, Bangor on 16 and 17 October as part of JOTA between 10am
and 6pm each day. There will be talk in on 145.550MHz, S22, during these
hours.

In October 1910 the Airship America, with Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co
operator Jack Irwin on board, set out on an attempt to cross the
Atlantic. It was forced to ditch near Bermuda but Jack Irwin managed to
send a CQD distress call. This resulted in the rescue of all on board,
along with the vital radio equipment. It was the first advertised
airborne wireless operation and the first air-sea rescue involving
wireless. To commemorate this historic event the Chelmsford Amateur
Radio Society will be operating GB100MWT from Sandford Mill in
Chelmsford today, Sunday, 17 October.

Radio amateurs from the Cray Valley, Darenth Valley and Clifton amateur
radio clubs in South East London will be operating a special event
station located at the Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich during the
school half term holidays. Dates are from Saturday 23 October through to
Sunday 31st. The callsign will be GB2RA. Operation will be mainly on the
40m and 2m bands during the Museum opening hours, 10am to 5pm. The venue
has a cafe and free car parking is available in Carriage Street,
adjacent to the Museum. More info can be obtained from Lawrie, G4FAA on
0789 98 55 166.

Llanelli Amateur Radio Society will be running a 24 hour special event
station with the callsign GB1HTW from midday on Saturday 23 October
until midday on Sunday 24 October. GB1HTW will be active on most of the
bands from 80 to 2m, either on SSB, BPSK31 or CW. The event is being run
to support the Golden Grove Mansion Appeal. Full details of this special
event can be found on www.QRZ.com.

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

A team of operators will be QRV from Bilene in Mozambique, QRA KG64or,
for Jamboree on the Air with the callsign C91MS, Mozambique Scouts.
Operators are Tony G4LDL/C91DL, David GI4FUM/C91DJ, Daniel ZS6JR/C91JR,
Gillian GI8MIV/C91MV and Glenys G8KWD/C91KW.

Andy, W9NJY will be active as PJ4/W9NJY from Bonaire, which is IOTA
reference SA-006, until 29 October. He will operate all modes on 40
through to 10 metres. QSL via WD9DZV. The log will be uploaded to LoTW
on 1 January 2011.

N3QQ will operate from Ujelang Atoll, which is OC-278, until 19 October,
subject to transportation availability and weather. He will operate SSB
and CW with 600 watts, full size vertical dipoles for 20, 15 and 10m and
a quarter wave vertical for 40m. QSL via N7RO, direct or via the bureau.


Craig, VK4LDX will be active as VK4LDX/P from Fitzroy Island, which is
IOTA reference OC-172, until 22 October. He will operate holiday style
on 40, 20 and 15 metres SSB, PSK31 and RTTY. QSL via his home callsign,
direct or via the bureau.

Now the contest news

On 19 October the UHF UK Activity Contest takes place between 1900 to
2130UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3 and 2.3GHz bands, the exchange is
signal report, serial number and locator.

..

And now the solar factual data for the period from the 4th to the 10th
of October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 11th of October.

On the 6th and the 7th the solar disc was spotless. The remaining days
had only small sunspot groups which were visible. Apart from a small C
class solar flare on the 4th solar activity was at very low levels.
Solar flux levels remained around the mid 70's every day and the average
was 75 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 10th was 81 units.
That's the same level as last week. X-ray flux levels averaged A6.1
units and varied little day to day. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every
day. The most disturbed day was the 6th with an Ap index of 8 units. The
average was Ap 4 units. Solar wind data measured at the ACE spacecraft
saw solar wind speeds vary between a slow 280 kilometres per second to a
moderate 390 kilometres per second. Particle densities were low for the
entire period. Bz never varied more than minus 7 and plus 6 nanoTeslas
during the period.

And now the solar forecast. This week the slightly more active side of
the Sun is expected to be looking our way. Solar activity could be up to
low levels on some days this week with the occasional C class solar
flares occurring on some days. Solar flux levels should be in the high
80's or even possibly the low 90's. Generally geomagnetic activity
should be at quiet levels, however, a slight disturbance could take
place around midweek with limited effects. MUFs during daylight hours at
equal latitudes should be around 25MHz for the south and 22MHz for the
north. Darkness hour lows should be about 9MHz. Paths this week to Japan
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 15MHz. The best time to try this path will be
between 0800 and 1100 hours.

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 18 October Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club has a
committee meeting. Contact Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Monday 18 October Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
operating on VHF. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 18 October South Birmingham Radio Society has a pre-AGM report
and committee meeting. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 18 October Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society invites
members to bring their equipment & test gear. For more information
contact Peter D Rivers, G4XEX, on 01858 432105.

On Monday 18 October Wythall Radio Club continues its Advanced course.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Tuesday 19 October Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club has an
open forum on operating from home. More information from Chris, G1ETZ,
on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 19 October Wythall Radio Club is holding its AGM. Details
from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to .

On Wednesday 20 October Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356.

On Wednesday 20 October Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding its
AGM. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 20 October Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on the meaning and measurement of SWR and return loss by
G3UKV? Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 21 October Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association has the
G3JFH Memorial Talk by Tim, G4VXE. Contact Derek Thom, G3NKS, on 01242
241099.

On Thursday 21 October Salop Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM.
Details on the club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Thursday 21 October Solihull Amateur Radio Society is holding its
AGM. Contact P T Gaskin, G8AYY, on 0121 628 7383.

On Friday 22 October Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a video
night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

On Friday 22 October Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group has a shack
night and committee meeting. Details from Ken Frankcom, G3OCA, on 01332
720976.

On Saturday 23 October Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air and doing jobs around the shack. For more information contact Pam
Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

On Sunday 17 October Chester & District Amateur Radio Society Radio is
conducting operations at Chester Motor Boat Club, Sandy Lane, Chester.
Details from Barbara Green on 07957 870770.

On Sunday 17 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is running the Hornsea
Rally at Floral Hall. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Sunday 17 October Otley Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the
second 50MHz Contest. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370.

On Monday 18 October 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 18 October Macclesfield & District Radio Society has a social
night. Details from Roger Bell, M0GMG, on 0771 258 9163.

On Monday 18 October Scarborough Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
on the secret life of amateur radio. Contact Jerry Scarr, G6LBL, on
01751 476601.

On Monday 18 October Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a social
evening, presentation of club awards and trophies. Details from Peter
Day, G3PHO, by e-mail to .

On Tuesday 19 October Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk at Burley Hall on amateur data transmission by Mark Buxton of
Mold & DARC. Details from Barbara Green on 07957 870770.

On Tuesday 19 October Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is having
members' talks on memorable points in their radio activities. Contact
Martin, M0GQB, on 01422 341317.

On Tuesday 19 October Otley Amateur Radio Society is running its
Foundation Licence Course. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370.

On Wednesday 20 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a rally
washup. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Thursday 21 October Ripon & District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air. Details from Rob Hall, M0RBY, on 0787 608 5631.

On Thursday 21 October South Cheshire Amateur Radio Society has its club
net on 2m. Contact Chris Wiseman, G0RDK, on 01782 773185.

On Friday 22 October East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a radio
components catalogues evening. 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 19 October Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club evening. Details from Norman, on 07740 946192.

On Wednesday 20 October Lothians Radio Society is having a surplus
equipment sale at St Fillan's Church Hall with Peter Bates, GM4BYF.
Contact Andy Sinclair, by email to .

On Wednesday 20 October Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is having a
training evening. Contact Bill Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633.

On Wednesday 20 October West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society has
construction projects & licence training by The Solder Group. More
information from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

On Thursday 21 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is helping
beginners with CW. More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575
663.

On Friday 22 October West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society has
presentations, guest speakers, a raffle and quiz. More information from
Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA

GB2RS news readings take place in all the VHF bands, but for some reason
this does not apply to the 4-metre band in the Home Counties. Larry,
G4OXY and Paul, G1GSN have now volunteered to put out GB2RS on 70.425MHz
FM at 10.00 each Sunday in parallel with their existing 2m reading from
Biggleswade. This will commence today (Sunday 17th October) at 10am.
Listeners are encouraged to call in after the reading with reception
reports, as the 4m service will only continue if a demand is clearly
demonstrated.

On Sunday 17 October Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is operating from
Sandford Mill Museum, commemorating the centenary of the airship
America. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Sunday 17 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is taking part in
Jamboree on the Air weekend. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603
898678.

On Monday 18 October Basingstoke Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
Tetra by Norman, G8PLL. Details from Clive, G4ODM, on 01256 326050.

On Monday 18 October Braintree & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club history night. For more information contact John, M5AJB,
on 01787 460 947.

On Monday 18 October Burnham Beeches Radio Club has a construction
evening. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday 18 October East Kent Radio Society is having a talk on
designing and developing a website by Karl Davies. Details from Karl
Davies, M1DFM, on 01227 710120.

On Monday 18 October Surrey Radio Contact Club is holding an
extraordinary general meeting to elect an Honorary Secretary. More
information from Ray, G4FFY, on 01732 357474.

On Tuesday 19 October Andover Radio Amateurs Club is having a workshop
and talk on QRP: the extra challenge. Details from Martin, M0MWS, on
07776 181646.

On Tuesday 19 October Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack.
For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720815.

On Tuesday 19 October Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding a quiz. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878089.

On Tuesday 19 October Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a club
net night. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 19 October Verulam Amateur Radio Club has a lecture on
software defined radio by Lee, G3SEW. Details from Ralph, on 01923
265572.

On Wednesday 20 October Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a technical talk on SSTV and data modes by Terry, G0VFW. More
details from Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 20 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is holding a table
top sale. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898678.

On Wednesday 20 October Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding a surplus equipment sale with Andre, M0RAV. For more information
contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 21 October Colchester Radio Amateurs has a general meeting.
More information from Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766 543784.

On Thursday 21 October Cray Valley Radio Society has a quiz night
presented by Richard, G8ITB. Details form Bob, M0MCV, on 020 8265 7735
after 8pm.

On Thursday 21 October Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social
evening at The White Horse, Maplehurs. Details are on the web at
www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 21 October Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
having an introduction to antenna modelling by Stewart, G3RXQ. Details
from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Thursday 21 October Sutton & Cheam Radio Society is having a talk on
coping with weak signals on HF by Stan Rudcenko, G0KBL. More information
from John, G0BWV, on 020 8644 9945.

On Friday 22 October Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is holding a
surplus equipment sale. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371.

On Saturday 23 October Hastings Electronics and Radio Club has its
autumn auction of used & surplus equipment. Details from Gordon, on
01424 431 909.

On Sunday 24 October Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio is having a
fish & chips night. Contact Marc Litchman, G0TOC, on 020 8502 1645.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

On Monday 18 October Appledore & District Amateur Radio Club is going
back to basics, looking at PSU components and operation with G3YGJ and
G4CHD. Contact Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on 01237 473251 for more
information.

On Tuesday 19 October West Devon Radio Club is having a military night
at the VMARS open evening, where you can find out about the attraction
of military radio. All are welcome. Further information from Jules
Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752 291588.

On Wednesday 20 October Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a video night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.

On Wednesday 20 October Trowbridge & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Details from Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698,
evenings and weekends.

On Thursday 21 October South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is planning
contests and events for 2011, led by Fred, G7LPP. Contact Len, G4RZY, on
01275 834 282.

On Thursday 21 October Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Friday 22 October North Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on Bangkok and New Zealand by Dick, G0XAY. Details from Dick on 01454
218362.

NEWS FOR WALES

On Monday 18 October Dragon Amateur Radio Club is having an auction of
surplus items, led by GW3VVC. More information from Stewart Rolfe,
GW0ETF, on 07833 620733.

On Tuesday 19 October Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is having a show &
tell evening. Details on the web at www.wrexham-ars.co.uk.

On Friday 22 October Newport Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM.
Details from Ross Clare, GW3NWS, on 01633 880146.