GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 5th June 2011

The news headlines:

* South Coast Olympic comms tests on 70cm this week

* New ARISS contact record

* Luso Tower sold

As previously announced, the RSGB has been approached by Ofcom to
determine sections of the 70cm band that could be released for a
limited period around the Olympic Games. The RSGB has has now received
an update that the first communications tests for the Olympics
affecting 70cm will take place in the Weymouth and Portland area
between Friday 3 June and Wednesday 8 June. These will take the form of
spot frequency telemetry transmissions in the range 431 to 432MHz plus
some more limited activity around 436MHz. All amateurs are requested to
respect these tests and not interfere with them. We understand that
OFCOM have advised the Olympics organising committee that this spectrum
should not be used for this purpose during the actual Games, although
further tests may take place later this year.

After spending 157 days aboard the International Space Station, ESA
Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, IZ0JPA answered questions of students from 45
different schools, setting a new ARISS record for a single astronaut.
Expedition 26/27 established a new ARISS record, working 77 schools in
68 radio contacts during the mission.

The RSGB is pleased to report a great deal of interest in the Luso
tower described in this month's RadCom. Several members have expressed
an interest in the 36m tower and we can report that it has been sold at
the price originally paid for it.

The International Amateur Radio Union Monitoring System Region 1
newsletter is now available online on the IARUMS website,
www.iarums-r1.org. You can see detailed reports from the national
coordinators within Region 1.

The RSGB CW National Field Day finishes at 1500UTC today, 5 June, and
stations will be looking to collect as many points as possible. QSOs on
160 and 10m count as double points and so expect the 10m band to be
particularly popular. Results will appear in due course on the RSGB
Contest Committee website www.rsgbcc.org.

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

The Newhaven Fort Amateur Radio Group Rally and Fort Open Day takes
place today, 5 June, at Newhaven Fort, East Sussex, near the southern
end of the A26. Entry is £2 and the doors open at 10.30am. Details from
Eddie, G0ECW on 01273 300772. The Spalding & DARS annual rally will be
held at The Sir John Gleed Technology School, Halmer Gardens, Spalding,
Lincs, PE11 2EF today, 5 June. There is free car parking and the doors
open at 10am. Details from John, G4NBR, on 0794 630 2815.

The 15th Red Rose QRP Festival will take place today, 5 June, at Formby
Hall, Alder Street, Atherton, Manchester M46 9EY. There is free car
parking and entry is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy. Details from Les
Jackson, G4HZJ on 01942 870634.

Finally for today, 5 June, the Hull & District Amateur Radio Society
Grand Auction/Mini Rally will be held at the HADARS Club House,
Goathland Close, Hull. Doors open at 12 noon and the sale starts at
1.30pm. There will be a Bring & Buy with 10% of proceeds to the club
funds. To book any items in before the sale then call Keith on 01482
217776.

On Sunday 12 June, the 10th Junction 28 QRP Rally will take place on 12
June at Alfreton Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire
DE55 7BD. The venue is just 10 minutes from junction 28 of the M1 and
the A38. Doors open at 10am and there will be trade stands and a Bring
& Buy. OT 10, TS, B&B, SIG, C. More details from Russell Bradley, G0OKD
on 01773 783658.

Also on 12 June, the Ipswich Radio Rally will be held at The Orwell
Crossing Lorry Park, A14 Eastbound, Nacton, Ipswich, IP10 0DD. There
will be a car boot sale, a Bring & Buy, RSGB bookstall and Special
Interest Groups in attendance. Doors open at 9.30am and the entry fee
is £1. Contact Steve, M1ACB on 07711 329624.

A Train the Trainers course will take place on 18 June at the Old Mill
Community Centre, West Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. The event
will start at 10am and includes a free lunch as well as a raffle. If
any tutors would like to attend, please contact Jim Stevenson, G0EJQ by
e-mail to .

Now for the news of special events

Bush Valley Amateur Radio Club will be active on a club day out on 12
June from Slieve Gallion, a peak of the Sperrin Range in Northern
Ireland. The club callsign MN0GKL will be used and activity is expected
on all bands.

Verulam Amateur Radio Club is celebrating its 50th year with a special
event day on Saturday 11 June. The event is being held on the premises
of a local school in St Albans in Hertfordshire where the Verulam club
is also making a promotion of amateur radio over two days to 15 local
schools. Special event callsign GB5OVE will be active on HF SSB, CW and
various data modes between 9 and 11 June inclusive.

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

Vincent, F4BKV plans to be active from Shetland, EU-012, Orkney, EU-009
and Great Cumbrae EU-123 between 11 and 13 June prior to joining the
MS0INT team. The MS0INT IOTA effort will be operating from various
Scottish islands from 14 to 20 June. Full details of locations and
callsigns can be found on www.ms0int.com. There will be three stations
active on CW and SSB on the HF bands and 6 metres. Several operators
will be on the air as MS0RSD from Skye from 5 to 10 June. QSL via M0URX
either via the bureau or direct.

PA/DL1KD will stay on Texel from 6 to 20 June. QSLs via bureau, direct
or Logbook of The World.

J48O will be active from the Kastri Lighthouse on the Othonoi Islet
between 17 and 25 June. Activity will be on 6 to 80 metres using CW,
SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via SV2FPU.

Now the contest news

The latest leg of the 80m Club Championships takes place on 6 June from
1900 to 2030UTC. Using datamodes only, the exchange is signal report
and serial number.

The following day, 7 June, it's the 144MHz UK Activity Contest from
1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator.

Next weekend, 11 and 12 June, is a busy time for contests, mostly short
duration events. For 24 hours there's another opportunity to take part
in the 6m contest French REF DDFM 6m, running from 1600 to 1600UTC.
Participating French stations will add their Department number to their
callsign when calling CQ, eg F6XYZ/71. Exchange a report, serial number
and the first four digits only of your locator. Locator squares count
as multipliers, so French stations will be happy to work the UK, plus
there's an award for the top non- French entry. Remember that French
stations operate only above 50.200MHz.

Low power enthusiasts will be heading for the hills on Sunday for the
2nd 144MHz Backpackers contest between 0900 and 1300UTC. Using all
modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The 6-hour Practical Wireless 2m Low Power Contest also takes place on
Sunday 12th, the first four hours of which coincides with the 2m
Backpackers event. The maximum power level is 3 watts and multipliers
are locator squares. Starting at 0900UTC, the exchange is signal
report, serial number and locator.

And now the solar factual data for the period from the 23rd to the 29th
of May, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 30th of May

First the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers which are for July,
August, September and October and are 16.7, 17.4, 19.6 and 23.2
respectively.

Several small sunspot regions were visible at the start of the period
but on the 27th a large complex region rotated into view and with it
solar activity increased to moderate levels. On the 28th and the 29th a
M1 class solar flare took place. A large coronal mass ejection
accompanied the flare on the 29th. Solar flux levels increased from 80
units on the 25th to 111 by the 29th. The average was 90 units. The 90
day solar flux average on the 29th remained at the same level as last
week at 108 units. X-ray flux levels increased from A7.2 units on the
26th to B5.5 by the 28th. The average was B1.1 units. Geomagnetic
activity started at quiet levels, the Ap index on the 23rd and the 25th
was only 4 units. However, as forecast, a coronal hole disturbance
arrived late on the 27th. Active continued to increase on the 28th when
the Ap index was 40 units. This disturbance was probably the result of
the coronal hole and a coronal mass ejection arriving at Earth around
the same time. The average was Ap 15 units. Solar wind data from the
ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 320 kilometres per
second on the 26th to a fast 830 kilometres per second by the 29th.
Particle densities were low throughout except for a brief increase to
14 particles per cubic centimetre on the 28th. Bz varied between minus
4 and plus 5 nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between minus 12 and plus
9 nanoTeslas on the 28th. Bz remained strongly negative for a 7 hour
period during the 28th which allowed auroral propagation to cover most
of the UK and Europe. Sporadic-E took place every day up to 50MHz with
a good opening on 144MHz on the 26th.

And now the solar forecast. There is a good chance that this week solar
activity could increase to moderate levels, particularly during the
next few days. Solar flux levels could be as high as the 110's, or
maybe higher. Geomagnetic activity should be quiet till end of the week
when a recurring coronal hole disturbance is expected to arrive on
Friday. The disturbance is then expected to last for the weekend with
the daily Ap index in the teens. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes should be around 22MHz for the south and 19MHz for the north.
Darkness hour lows should be about 12MHz. 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 14MHz. The best time to try this path will
be between 1100 and 1400 hours. Sporadic-E is expected to take place
almost every day on 28 and 50MHz. There is also a good chance of
openings up to 144MHz. In many summer seasons June would appear to be
the best month for openings at 144MHz.

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 email 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 5 June Lincoln Short-Wave Club is at
the Spalding Rally. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on
01427 788356.

On Monday 6 June Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society has
members' Yaesu FT.290 comparison checks. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452
548478, daytime.

On Monday 6 June South Birmingham Radio Society is planning for VHF
Field day. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 6 June South Normanton Alfreton & District Amateur Radio Club
is having a rally planning night. Details from A Lawrence, 2E0BQS, by
email to .

On Tuesday 7 June Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is holding a
junk sale. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 7 June Friskney and East Lincolnshire Communications Club is
in the shack. Contact Chris, M0MFP, on 01507 442240.

On Tuesday 7 June Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a vintage radio night. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504
319.

On Wednesday 8 June Lincoln Short-Wave Club G6COL is on the air. For
more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356.

On Wednesday 8 June Midland Amateur Radio Society Short is holding a
committee meeting followed by 80th birthday celebration buffet. All are
very welcome from 7.30pm. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 8 June Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on RSGB matters by Dave Wilson, M0OBW. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on
01952 299 677.

On Thursday 9 June Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Details on the club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Thursday 9 June South Birmingham Radio Society is having training
classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603. On
Friday 10 June Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club is preparing
for the VHF contest. Contact Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 10 June Coventry Amateur Radio Society is taking part in
Bunkers on the Air at Bulkington, Meriden, Church Lawford. Contact
John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

On Friday 10 June Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is holding a junk
sale. Details from Ken Frankcom, G3OCA, on 01332 720976.

On Friday 10 June South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Saturday 11 June Lincoln Short-Wave Club is in the shack and putting
GB2CWP on the air. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on
01427 788356.

On Saturday 11 June Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is running a
carnival weekend radio station at Symington's recreation ground. For
more information contact Peter D Rivers, G4XEX, on 01858 432105.

On Sunday 12 June Friskney and East Lincolnshire Communications Club
will be running an amateur radio station at Friskney Village Hall,
Friskney, off the A52 between Skegness and Boston. More information
from Chris, M0MFP on 01507 442240.

On Sunday 12 June Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club will be at
the Junction 28 Rally at Alfreton Leisure Centre. More information from
Dave Wilde, G1YAI, on 0844 4355593.

On Sunday 12 June South Normanton Alfreton & District Amateur Radio
Club is running its QRP rally. Details from A Lawrence, 2E0BQS, by
email to .

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 6 June Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club Come is on the air and having a natter night.
Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036.

On Monday 6 June Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the 80m
CC Data. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Monday 6 June Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having an informal
social evening and taking part in the RSGB 80m Club Contest Datamodes
section. More information from Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to
.

On Monday 6 June Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having a
natter night and preparing for VHF Field Day. Details on the web at
www.tcars.org.uk.

On Tuesday 7 June Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is
finalising the details for our attending the Halifax Charity Gala.
Contact Martin, M0GQB, on 01422 341317.

On Wednesday 8 June Hambleton Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
Doppler DF by Bill, G0WGZ. More information from Tony Wilson, G3MAE, on
01609 881530. On Wednesday 8 June Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on Ever Ready by Bob, M0GAP. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on
01377 240573.

On Thursday 9 June South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having a
talk on baluns by Ron, G3SVW. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969
3999.

On Friday 10 June East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is holding a
technical forum. For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642
475 671.

On Saturday 11 June Denby Dale Radio Club is operating special event
station GB2HS from Honley Show near Huddersfield. club will also have a
stand, where they will be offering a free crystal set construction kit
to try and interest young people in electronics and amateur radio.
Details from Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220126.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND No news items have been received for Northern
Ireland this week.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 7 June Livingston & District Amateur Radio
Society is having a club evening. Details from Norman, on 07740 946192.

On Wednesday 8 June Lothians Radio Society is holding its AGM. Contact
Andy Sinclair, by email to .

On Wednesday 8 June West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society has Solder
Group homebrew projects & licence training. More information from Fred
Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

On Thursday 9 June Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has Morse practice
and is on the air. More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575
663.

On Friday 10 June Borders Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
industrial control by Graham, MM0XXL. More information from Danny,
2M0CDO, on 01890 882850.

On Friday 10 June West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having
presentations, guest speakers, a quiz and a raffle. More information
from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

On Sunday 12 June Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is taking
part in the Practical Wireless 144MHz QRP contest. More information
from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA On Sunday 5 June Echelford
Amateur Radio Society is attending the open day at Vandals Rugby Club.
Contact John, G4GSC, on 01784 451898.

On Sunday 5 June Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
breakfast meeting in Goring cafe. Contact Phil, G4UDU, on 01903 816684.

On Monday 6 June Braintree & District Amateur Radio Society is holding
an aerial clinic. For more information contact John, M5AJB, on 01787
460 947.

On Monday 6 June Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a talk on PW by
the editor, Rob Mannion. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday 6 June East Kent Radio Society is having a talk on The Men
and Bailey Bridges by Martin Stoneham, G4RVV. Details from Karl Davies,
M1DFM, on 01227 710120.

On Monday 6 June Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the RSGB
CC Data contest. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898678.

On Monday 6 June Southdown Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
GB2PW and valve amplifiers by John, G3DQY. Details from John, G3DQY, on
01424 424 319.

On Monday 6 June Surrey Radio Contact Club is holding its construction
contest. Contact John, G3MCX, on 020 8688 3322.

On Monday 6 June Verulam Amateur Radio Club is holding a committee
meeting. Details from Tony, 2EOWAP, on 01727 853087.

On Tuesday 7 June Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack.
For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720815.

On Tuesday 7 June Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a G5RV
evening. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday 8 June Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a members' forum. More details from Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 8 June Harwich Amateur Radio Interest Group is having a
talk on the Bardsey Island Activation by M0ZZO and 2E0WMG. Details from
Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766 543784.

On Wednesday 8 June Havering & District Amateur Radio Club is having an
informal evening & Morse class by Peter G3JSR. More information from
John, M0UKD, on 07890 222111.

On Wednesday 8 June Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a friendly
foxhunt leaving at 19.30. Bring a map, compass, DF gear, mobile phone
and. plenty of fuel. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898678.

On Wednesday 8 June South Essex Amateur Radio Society is having a
presentation on the Essex CW Group by Jonathon Michener. Contact
Norman, M0FZW, on 01268 692776. On Wednesday 8 June Southgate Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance by
David, M0XDS. Contact David Sharp, M0XDS, by email to
.

On Wednesday 8 June Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is planning
for the 2m QRP contest. Contact Phil, G4UDU, on 01903 816684.

On Thursday 9 June Bittern DX Group is having an informal meeting at
Pinewood Park Leisure Club. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404154.

On Thursday 9 June Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is operating GB5RVA
from Sandford Mill. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Thursday 9 June Echelford Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
about IOTA by Roger Balister, G3KMA. Contact John, G4GSC, on 01784
451898.

On Thursday 9 June Edgware & District Radio Society is having a surplus
equipment sale. More information from Mike, G4RNW, on 0208 950 0658.

On Thursday 9 June Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on the spectacular history of receivers by John Ellerton, G3NCN.
Details from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Thursday 9 June Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a Top Band pedestrian DF hunt. Details from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742
757.

On Thursday 9 June Verulam Amateur Radio Club commences its 3 day event
celebrating its 50th anniversary at Sandringham School, St Albans.
Details from Tony, 2EOWAP, on 01727 853087.

On Friday 10 June Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on baluns by John, G0GKP. Contact Ron, G3KBR, on 01223 501712.

On Friday 10 June Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is holding a fox
hunt. The hall is closed. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371.

On Friday 10 June Radio Society of Harrow is having a presentation and
demonstration of the club's new Rigblaster Pro Digital Interface by
Stuart M1SMH. More information from Linda, G7RJL, on 0208 386 8586.

On Friday 10 June Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society has
Foundation licence training and is on the air. Contact Andrew Maish,
G4ADM, on 020 8335 3434.

On Saturday 11 June Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is holding an
auction of used & surplus equipment from 9am at Holy Redeemer Church
Hall, Upper Church Road. Details from Gordon, on 01424 431 909.

On Sunday 12 June Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society is attending
the Bromley Pageant of Motoring. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689
878089.

On Sunday 12 June Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is taking
part in the PW 144MHz QRP contest. More details from Terry, G0VFW, on
01442 831 491.

On Sunday 12 June Felixtowe & District Amateur Radio Society is at the
ESWR Rally. More information from Paul, G4YQC, by email to
.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Sunday 5 June Torbay Amateur Radio Society
is hosting the Torbay Buildathon, which is open to non- members. For
more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to .

On Tuesday 7 June Blackmoor Vale Amateur Radio Society is having a VHF
evening. Contact Tony, G0GFL, on 01258 860741.

On Tuesday 7 June West Devon Radio Club is having a talk on military
and vintage collectables by Tony Helm, G4BCX. Further information from
Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752 291588.

On Thursday 9 June South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is training for VHF
NFD. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 07838 695471.

On Thursday 9 June Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is holding a
barbecue. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 9 June Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
George's QRP rigs by G3ICO. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to
.

On Friday 10 June Torbay Amateur Radio Society is helping candidates
revise for the Advanced exam. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP,
by email to .

NEWS FOR WALES On Monday 6 June Dragon Amateur Radio Club is having a
quiz by GW3GUX. More information from Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF, on 07833
620733.

On Tuesday 7 June Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is having a test
equipment demo. More information from Patrick, 2W0HUU, on 07947 701
927.

On Thursday 9 June Marches Amateur Radio Society is on the air, holding
a construction evening and having a natter night. For more information
contact Dave, MW0AYM, on 01691 777242.