The News Headlines s1

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 2nd March 2014

The news headlines:

 Commonwealth Contest next weekend  Last chance to comment on RSGB IARU Conference subjects  PLT battle continues in Germany

There will be activity from a number of Commonwealth countries during the annual Commonwealth Contest next weekend on 8 and 9 March. Look out for 5H3EE, 5X1XA, 9J2BO, 9X0NH and ZS1EL and other ZSs from Africa, J34G, VP2Mxx and ZF2XF from the Caribbean, most of the Canadian prefixes including VO, VY2, a number of VU stations and many VK and ZL stations. All these will be looking to work UK stations. Look for latest news on the Commonwealth Contest webpages, www.beru.org.uk. And don't forget the RSGB have donated a Millennium Paddle for the prize draw.

Brief outlines of all the issues the RSGB plan to raise at the IARU Region 1 Conference in September are online on the consultation forums on the RSGB website. In addition, several full draft papers are also available to download (provided you register and are logged in), with more to follow over the coming days. This is your last chance to comment and contributions from all amateurs are welcome. Full details and links are on the RSGB Consultation web pages accessible from the front page of the RSGB website.

Germany’s national amateur radio society, DARC, continues to battle the issue of PLT. DARC recently raised questions regarding the measurement protocol that federal authorities used to test devices used for power line telecommunication. Their Scientific Research Associate, Thilo Kootz, DL9KCE, said it appears the Federal Network Agency conducted some of its PLT emission measurements while the devices were in standby mode, with no data being transferred. This may give the misleading impression the equipment meets the emission standards.

ARRL Centennial W1AW WAS operations are taking place throughout 2014 from each of the 50 states. The stations relocated on 26 February from Michigan and Florida to Washington, W1AW/7 and Kansas, W1AW/0. During 2014 W1AW will be on the air from each state at least twice and also from most US territories.

World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated each year on 18 April in recognition of the anniversary of the founding of the IARU in Paris in 1925. The primary purpose of World Amateur Radio Day is to focus a public spotlight on amateur radio and its benefits to countries and communities. This year the IARU and its more than 150 member societies will celebrate the organisation’s 89th anniversary. The theme chosen for this year is Amateur Radio: Your Gateway to Wireless Communication. Despite being a weekday, several IARU member societies and associated clubs are expected to field special event stations to mark the occasion.

The ARTSAT1:INVADER CubeSat team have announced that QSL cards will be available for reception reports of the amateur radio satellite. INVADER launched from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex on 27 February. The CW beacon is on 437.325MHz ±10kHz Doppler shift. You can submit your report of ARTSAT1:INVADER reception online at http://api.artsat.jp/report/. The CubeSat also carries a low resolution camera, 1200 bps FM AX.25 Packet Radio and a FM Digitalker. These operate on a downlink frequency of 437.200MHz.

Icom has announced a firmware upgrade for the IC-7700 HF/50MHz base station transceiver. The upgrade will provide the same additional features as made available to its big brother transceiver, the IC-7800. The new firmware will be available for download from the Icom website during March.

On 3 August 2014 the nation will commemorate the beginning of World War 1, often known as The Great War. To commemorate this event, many special event stations will be activated around the world. If your club is preparing an event, such as GB100GW and GB100CMM, please send the information to [email protected]. All information will be added to the website. And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, Sunday 2 March, sees the Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally take place at America Hall, De La Rue Way, Pinhoe Exeter EX4 8PW. Doors open at 10.15am for disabled visitors and 10.30 for others, with admission being £2. There will be trade stands and a Bring and Buy. Details from Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374.

The Wythall Radio Club Annual Radio Rally takes place on 9 March at the Woodrush Sports Centre, Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood, nr Birmingham B47 5JW. This is on the A435, 2 miles from J3 of the M42. Doors open at 10am and there will be a talk-in station on the air. Admission is £3 and there will be trade stands as well as catering inside. Details from Chris, G0EYO on 07710 412 819.

Regrettably, the decision has been taken to cancel the 6th South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Rally that was to held on 13th April. This is due to the unfortunate clash of rally dates resulting in insufficient table bookings to offer a worthwhile rally, combined with potential bad weather causing site problems. A decision will be taken in due course on whether to hold a rally in 2015. Support given by traders and the public to the South Gloucestershire rally over the years is greatly appreciated by the rally organisers.

If you have any rally or event information you’d like to appear in future editions of GB2RS News, in RadCom and on the RSGB website, please e-mail details to [email protected].

Now for the news of special events

Two stations will be operating today, 2 March: GB2MS for Multiple Sclerosis in Macclesfield and GB2GED from Croydon, celebrating Croydon Airfield’s old callsign.

Mark, G1PIE and Jack, G0FQN with Pam, 2E1HQY logging will be running GB4WVR from 7 March into 2015. They will be transmitting from Oakworth Station for the very first time on the Worth Valley Railway. The station and the surrounding area was used during the EMI 1970 film The Railway Children. Next year is the 45th anniversary, and actors from the film will be in attendance at various times. The trio will be mainly on 40m and there is more information on QRZ.com.

Russian special event station UE80HS will be on the air throughout March. This operation is being held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s first astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, who was born on 9 March 1934. Gagarin was the first human to journey into space when his Vostok spacecraft completed an orbit of the Earth on 12 April 1961. If you work UE80HS, please QSL via RW6HS.

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

WA2NHA will be active from 2 to 17 March as stroke P4 from Aruba, SA-036. His operating will be on the 10 to 80m bands mainly using CW. QSL via his home callsign.

Alan, G3XAQ has returned to Uganda until 16 March. He will reactivate his 5X1XA callsign. QSLs go via G3SWH.

John, KF0RQ will be in Cambodia and will sign XU7ACQ until 20 March. QSL to his home call.

The Italian DXpedition Team will start their next operation on 28 February in Zambia using the callsign 9J2T. They will be there until 17 March on all bands and modes. QSLs go via I2YSB.

Robert, DK2RO, will be active as DK2RO/p from Spiekeroog Island, EU-047, between 2 and 7 March. Activity will be holiday style on all HF bands, propagation permitting, main mode CW. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau.

Now the contest news

The 144/432MHz contest finishes at 1400UTC today, 2 March. It has 6- and 24-hour categories and the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The ARRL International DX contest ends at midnight tonight, 2 March having run for 48 hours. Work US stations in the contiguous 48 States, plus Canadians. Send a signal report and your transmit output power (there are sections for QRP/low/high power). US stations send a signal report and 2-letter State abbreviation, while Canadian stations send a signal report and 3-letter Province code.

The first in this year’s series of five Low Band contests organised by UKuG takes place today, Sunday 2nd. Using the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Monday the 80m Club Championships data leg runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. The exchange is signal report and serial number,

Tuesday sees the 144MHz UK Activity Contest taking place from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Commonwealth contest takes place on 8 and 9 March from 1000 to 1000UTC, Invariably there are DXpeditions to some countries that you don’t hear on the bands every day, so for most of us – even if we are not making a serious entry – there are some new ones to work. It’s CW only on the 3.5 to 28MHz bands and the exchange is signal report and serial number, with HQ stations also sending the letters HQ.

The 70MHz Cumulative contest takes place on 9 March from 1000 to 1200UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Tesla Memorial Contest will be held on 8 and 9 March from 1800 to 0800UTC. It is CW on the 80m band only and points are given for distance between stations. For full details on rules, terms and conditions please look at www.radiosport.org.rs/HFTeslaMemorial/.

Now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 21st to Thursday the 27th of February, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 28th of February.

Solar activity increased from low to moderate on the 23rd when one M class solar flare took place and again on the 24th when two took place. Activity increased further to high levels on the 25th when an X4 class flare occurred. The sunspot group responsible for the majority of these flares rotated into view on the 24th. Solar flux levels increased from 157 units on the 21st to 178 by the 26th, the average was 170 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 27th was 158, that's three units up on last week. X-ray flux levels increased slightly to peak at C1 units in the 25th. The average was B9.3 units. Geomagnetic activity started the period at slightly unsettled levels with an Ap index of 13 units on the 22nd and 17 the following day. Quiet conditions returned till the afternoon of the 27th when a coronal mass ejection arrived in association with the X4 class solar flare. The Ap index on the 27th was 24 units and the average for the period was Ap 11 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 570 kilometres per second on the 21st to 330 during the morning of the 27th. Speeds increased to 520 kilometres per second with the arrival of the coronal mass ejection. Particle densities were low except for an increase to 28 particles per cubic centimetre on the 23rd and to 82 during the afternoon of the 27th. Bz varied between minus and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between minus 18 and plus 14 nanoTeslas at the height of the disturbance during the afternoon of the 27th.

Finally, the solar forecast for the coming week. This week solar activity is expected to continue at moderate levels on some days but for activity to increase to high is unlikely. Solar flux levels are expected to be around the 170's for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet every day. However, an Earth directed coronal mass ejection is possible, which would increase activity on its arrival. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes are expected to be around 30MHz or slightly higher. 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 31MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate of about 25MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1400 and 1900 hours UTC.

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

We start with news from clubs that have several events this week. Wythall Radio Club has a club net on 145.225MHz at 8pm tonight and next Sunday. The 20m Club Championship Contest Data leg is at 8pm on Monday, followed at 8.30pm by the Foundation exam. Tuesday sees a Morse class at 7.45, plus the 144MHz UKAC contest and final preparations for the rally. The shack social is at 7.30 on Friday and Saturday sees setting up for the Wythall rally, which is on Sunday. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

Coventry Amateur Radio Society has a club net on Monday from 8pm on 145.375MHz. Friday sees a talk on travelling in Poland by G4GEE. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

South Birmingham Radio Society is sorting stock on Monday for the club stand at Wythall Rally. The regular coffee morning in the shack is from 11am on Tuesday. Training classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL are on Thursday and Friday sees loading the trailer for the Wythall Rally, which is on Sunday. Contact Gemma Gordon, M6GKG, by email to [email protected].

Central Radio Amateur Circle is taking part in the 144MHz UKAC Contest on Tuesday and attending the Wythall Rally on Sunday. Contact Martin Hallard, G1TYV, on 07906 905 071.

Lincoln Short-Wave Club is taking part in the 144MHz UKAC Contest on Tuesday. Wednesday sees shack activities and a natter night from 7.30pm. The club repeater net on GB3LM is on Thursday at 8pm. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

Rugby ATS is taking part in the UKAC 144MHz on Tuesday, alongside radio operation and projects. On Saturday 8 there's a PIC, Arduino and PC problem solving, C programming and general assistance session with Steve, G8LYB. Contact Steve, G8LYB, on 01788 578 940.

Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding an open meeting with the shack on the air and training classes on Wednesday. Sunday sees a visit to the Wythall Rally. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078 003.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday Aldridge and Barr Beacon Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM. Contact Albert, G0KFS, on 01922 614 169.

On Monday Gloucester Amateur Radio and Electronics Society is having a talk by Richard Tofts on how electronics helped to solve the mystery of how bats navigate. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01242 699 595, daytime.

On Monday Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society has an open net on 145.250MHz from 7.30pm. More information from Robert Bird, by email to [email protected].

On Tuesday Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is holding a junk sale. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to [email protected].

On Tuesday Dudley and District Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the UKAC 2m and having a night on the air. More information from Carl Roberts, M0ZCR, by email to [email protected]. On Wednesday South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society is having an informal evening. Contact Nigel, M0CVO, on 01476 402 550.

On Wednesday Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is holding a committee meeting and putting GX3ZME on the air. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

We start with advance news that Stockton and District Amateur Radio Group is taking names for Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced courses. The group meets on Wednesday evenings at the Billingham Community Centre, Billingham, Cleveland, TS23 2DA, Please contact Lenny, M0KOM, via [email protected] for further details.

South Tyneside Amateur Radio Society is putting GX0WKQ on the air on Monday night from 7.30pm. Listen out for ATC members sending greetings messages. Tuesday sees an open net on 145.550MHz ±25kHz from 7.30pm. Contact Ian, G7MFN, via email to [email protected].

On Monday Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having a club night. Details from John E Rodway, G4FRK, on 01253 862 810.

On Tuesday Chester and District Radio Society is having an operating evening. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.

On Tuesday Fleetwood Radio Enthusiasts Group is having a natter night and planning events. More information from John Earnshaw, M0JFE, on 07940 815 659.

On Tuesday Stockport Radio Society is meeting at Walthew House. Contact Nigel Roscoe, on 07973 312 699.

On Tuesday Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Ken, G3VBA entitled Enigma Rescue. Details from Ken Hatton, G3VBA, on 01928 733 234.

On Tuesday Wirral and District Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the 2m UKAC contest, then on Wednesday is having a social evening at Chimneys Hotel in Hooton. Contact Simon, G6XHF, on 0151 601 3269.

On Wednesday Denby Dale Radio Club is holding its annual surplus auction sale, at which there will also be refreshments and licenced bar. Details from Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

On Wednesday Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is on the air. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553 401.

On Wednesday Sheffield and District Wireless Society is having a construction and repair workshop evening. Details from Krystyna, 2E0KSH, on 07884 065 375.

On Thursday South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having an update on the winter project. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Thursday Spen Valley Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on Portable Operating My Way by Geoff Snowling, G1DYN. Details from Russell, G0FOI, on 01274 875 038.

On Friday East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a bring in something interesting evening. For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday Mexborough and District Amateur Radio Society is planning future events. Contact Darrell, G0FUO, on 07887 423 221. NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club has moved. The new club premises are in The United Services Club, 8 Roe Mill Rd, Limavady, County Londonderry BT49 9DF. Meetings will continue to be held on the last Thursday of every month at 8pm. Contact details for the can be found on the club website, www.freewebs.com/bushvalleyarc/.

On Sunday Mid Ulster Amateur Radio Club is having a review of the club's homebrew build of the Bidx 20 QRP 20m SSB radio. Details from Brian Burns, MI0TGO, by email to [email protected].

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

We start with a call for help. Volunteers are required to read the news in Scotland, especially for Aberdeenshire on 80 metres. If you can help, please contact the GB2RS News Manager Ken, G3VBA, by email to [email protected].

Now for clubs with several activities this week. Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur Radio Club has its Sunday club today and next Sunday from 9am to 1pm. On Tuesday there’s a construction and education night from 7pm and Thursday sees a construction evening. Contact Graham, MM3GDC, by email to [email protected].

Stirling District Amateur Radio Society is open today and next Sunday from 10.30am till late afternoon for construction, training, projects and operating. The weekly club meeting is on Thursday. Contact John McGowan, by email to [email protected].

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Wednesday Ayr Amateur Radio Group is having a talk by Dennis, GM3YDN on Baird's Little Helpers, the real engineers behind John Logie. Ralph Riddiough, GM4SQO, 01292 285 281, [email protected]

On Thursday Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding a junk sale. Contact Fred Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

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

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA

Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club has its monthly breakfast meeting this morning. Wednesday sees a talk by Norman, 2E0RKO, on a day in the life of a highways traffic officer. Contact John, G8FMJ, on 01273 593 232.

On Tuesday Radio Society of Harrow is having a social evening at Windsock Club. Thursday sees a talk on contest logistics by M0ICR. More information from Linda, G7RJL, on 02083 868 586.

On Monday Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is having a Morse evening. For more information contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.

On Monday Burnham Beeches Radio Club is holding its AGM plus wine and nibbles. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society is having a show and tell evening. More information from Paul, G4YQC, by email to [email protected].

On Monday Surrey Radio Contact Club is holding a surplus sale. Contact John, G3MCX, on 020 8688 3322.

On Tuesday Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815. On Tuesday Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a talk at Oaklands Museum on digital TV, radio and amateurs – and what's next – by Murray Niman, G6JYB. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a visit from RadCom Editor Elaine Richards, G4LFM. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

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

On Thursday Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is having a natter night, social and activities evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 02392 472 846.

On Thursday Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a junk sale. Details from Alister, G3ZBU, on 01932 242 243.

On Thursday Lowestoft and District PYE Amateur Radio Club is having a club night at the shack. Contact Tim Ward, 2E0TJW, on 07810 481 182.

On Thursday Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM. Contact John Burnett, 2E0OAK, on 07860 804 793.

On Friday Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is having a presentation by Professor Mike Underhill on small aerials in difficult locations. Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Saturday Bromley and District Amateur Radio Society is having the second day of its Foundation course. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878 089.

On Sunday Crawley Amateur Radio Club is having two presentations from 11am: assembling the Elecraft K3 Transceiver with John Longhurst, G3VLH and the self resonating coaxial loop antenna by Peter Head, G4FYY. More information from John, G3VLH, on 01342 714 402.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

We start with clubs that have several events this week. Exeter Amateur Radio Society has its HF net on today on 3.675MHz from 7.45pm. The Tuesday 2m net on 145.575MHz at 7.45pm. Contact Nick, M0NRJ, on 01363 775 756.

Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society is holding a committee meeting today. Wednesday sees G4RFR on the air and next Sunday there's a social and natter night. Contact John, G4POF, by email to [email protected].

Cornish Radio Amateur Club is holding a committee evening on Wednesday and a club evening on Thursday. Details from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844 939.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Wednesday Exmouth Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on starting computer programming by Dean, G0UIL. Contact Mike, G1GZG, on 01395 274 172.

On Wednesday Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club is having a data modes evening. Details from Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698, evenings and weekends.

On Thursday South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is holding its DX Challenge. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 07838 695 471.

On Thursday Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club has its annual construction contest, More information from Kevin, G6FOP, via www.sdarc.net.

On Friday Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to [email protected]. NEWS FOR WALES

On Monday Dragon Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the RSGB CC Data contest. More information from Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF, on 07833 620 733.

On Thursday North Wales Radio Society is holding a general meeting that will include contest planning for 2014. Contact Liz Cabban, by email to [email protected].

On Thursday Powys Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on microscopy by Hugh, M0DSZ. Details from Dave, GW4NQJ, on 07870 827 887.