GB2RS NEWS Sunday 7th March 2010
News...@rsgb.org.uk
Sunday 7th March 2010
The news headlines
* Prestigious Italian award to ARISS
* IARU request amateurs stay clear of the emergency frequencies after Chilean earthquake
* Open house at Flight Refuelling for National Science Week
Italian radio listeners' society AIR has awarded the prestigious 2010
Boselli prize to ARISS, the Amateur Radio in the International Space
Station project. The award recognises how ARISS has shown the
importance of radio communications to hundreds of young students in
Europe and beyond. ARISS has spread the use of radio from the forefront
of science in outer space to classrooms around the world. The prize
will be delivered at the AIR AGM on 8 May in Faenza, Italy.
Following the earthquake that struck southern Chile on Saturday 27
February, IARU Region 2 requests that radio amateurs keep clear of the
EmComm frequencies for earthquake and tsunami information so that those
in affected areas may monitor the frequencies for information. These
are 28.300 and 28.500MHz, 21.200 and 21.350MHz, 14.200 and 14.350MHz,
7.050 and 7.095MHz, 3.738 and 3.750MHz. In addition, the worldwide
emergency communication centre of activity frequencies should be
monitored, which are 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360MHz. This is a changeable
situation and amateurs should check the IARU website for the latest
information.
The Flight Refuelling ARS will once again be holding an open day at
their Society HQ at Merley, near Wimborne Minster in Dorset, on
Saturday 20 March as part of their National Science Week participation.
Doors open at 11am and active demonstrations of most aspects of current
amateur radio communications will be available for viewing by the
general public and fellow enthusiasts. HF, VHF and microwave exhibits,
including satellite and EME should feature, together with other items
such as a working high voltage Tesla coil. The theme for Science Week
2010 is based on The Earth, so grounding will be in there somewhere.
The event will be live webstreamed by members of BATC - last year's
event attracted a peak web audience of over 1000. For more details look
at the www.frars.org.uk website or send an e-mail to
jfell<at>tesco.net.
As part of National Science Week, Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is
providing hands-on experience of amateur radio to a local school as
well as to the community at large. On Monday 15 March, the club will
hold an open house from 7.30 to 9.30pm at the Sheffield Transport
Sports Club, Greenhill Main Road, Meadowhead Roundabout, Sheffield S8.
The evening will include demonstrations of short wave and VHF/UHF
amateur radio including HF, VHF satellite communications, data modes
and the D-Star repeater system. In addition there will be a display of
equipment, amateur radio videos and printed information. Visitors will
be able to meet the club members and, in particular, obtain information
on how to obtain an amateur radio licence. Children under 18 must be
accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult family member On
Wednesday 17 March Sheffield Amateur Radio Club will be at Tapton
School, Crosspool, from 9am to approximately 4.30pm and, by installing
two temporary radio stations and aerials, will put the school on the
air for the day. Both club callsigns will be in use, G2AS and G3RCM.
For further information please send an e-mail to Peter Day, G3PHO, to
scienceweek<at>g3pho.org.uk.
2E1EUB will once again be active as 2M1EUB from 20 to 27 March,
operating every amateur radio satellite that he can reach from the
Cairngorms National Park. Also, look for him on 160 and 80m. Check out
QRZ.com under 2M1EUB for more information.
Following its most successful year ever and with record number of
visitors expected in 2010, Bletchley Park is looking for more volunteer
tour guides and stewards. A new volunteer recruitment campaign is being
launched at a recruitment fayre on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 March,
starting at 11am, where the Park's team of tour guides will be on hand
to meet potential new recruits and show them the ropes. Anyone who has
a general interest in the past, or a particular interest in World War
Two, is very welcome to come along to the recruitment fayre for a
no-commitment and informal chat and a guided tour of the Park. Full
training will be given to new volunteers who may choose how much or
little time they are able to give up � weekends, weekdays, once a
month, or more often. Everyone is welcome. For further information,
contact Niki Holmes Bridges on 01908 272675 or e-mail
volu...@bletchleypark.org.uk.
An amateur radio club for members of the Royal British Legion held its
first meeting in Telford. Membership is open to all Royal British
Legion members and those intending to become legion members. If you are
interested in joining, contact Malcolm Seeby, 2E1DJM by e-mail at
malcolm2e1djm<at>hotmail.com.
Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club will be taking part in National
Science week when they put GB2ANG on the air on 15 and 22 March. They
will also be constructing radios on those club nights and visitors are
welcome. Contact Nancy Bone, by e-mail to nancybone2001<at>yahoo.co.uk.
The latest High Speed Telegraphy Honour Roll has been published with
three amateurs, LZ4UU, DJ1YFK and EW8VK, achieving an amazing 1231
characters per minute. For full details check out www.rufzxp.net.
There are 3 places left on an Intermediate Course starting on 24 March.
The training centre is located at Clay Cross just a few miles south of
Chesterfield and around 3 miles from M1 Junction 29. Tutors are Martin,
M1ANW and Geoff, G7SRI with assistance from Steve, G6IBQ and Tracey,
2E0VWI. Disabled facilities are available together with easy parking.
The website www.m0oct.com has all the details.
Reading and District Amateur Radio Club is scheduling another
Intermediate Licence Course commencing Monday 19 April through to 28
May. Details from Eric Curling by e-mail at m0luv<at>radarc.org.
Region 13 is planning another Train the Trainers session. They are
looking for ten candidates and the date and venue will be chosen to
suit. Check out the Region 13 website at www.rsgb-region-13-org.uk for
details or contact Jim, G0EJQ on 01522 532604.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Bournemouth Radio Society will be holding its 22nd annual sale today,
Sunday 7 March, at the Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams
Road, Bournemouth BH10 7LH. Doors open at 9.30am and admission is �1.50
per visitor. All are welcome. Further details from John, G0HAT on 07719
700 771. Also today, 7 March, the Exeter Radio & Electronics Rally
takes places in America Hall, De la Rue Way, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8PW,
Doors open at 10.30am and admission is �2. There will be trade stands,
a Bring & Buy and catering on site. Details from Pete, G3ZVI on 0771
419 8374.
Today, 7 March, sees the Cambridge & District ARC Rally opening at 10am
from the Wood Green Animal Shelter, King's Bush Farm, A1198 London
Road, Godmanchester PE29 2NH. Entry is �3 and there will be trade
stands, a Bring & Buy, special interest groups and activities for the
whole family. Contact David, M0GUM, on 01954 203080.
Saturday 13 March is the date for the Dutch National Radio Flea Market.
See the report in May 2009 RadCom or check out
www.radiovlooienmarkt.nl.
Now for the news of special events
Today, 7 March, listen out for GB4BAR for Brickfields Amateur Radio. It
will be on the air from Binstead.
The Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society will be activating GB0VUL
throughout March to promote awareness and publicity of the Vulcan
Bomber. The first week is expected to be mainly CW. The main operation
will be 20 and 21 March when a station will be run by Norman, M0JEC
from the ATC Hut in St Michael's Road Newbury. Visitors most welcome.
Full details at QRZ.com. Following a staggering donation of �458,000,
the Vulcan will be making appearances at air shows around the UK. More
details can be found at www.vulcantothesky.org.
The ISWL Club Callsigns in use during March 2010 will be GX4BJC /A &
GX4BJC /P operated /A from Walton on the Naze, in Essex by Herbie,
G6XOU. MX1SWL /A operated /A from Stratton, near Bude in Cornwall by
Mike, M0SMJ. All QSL info is on www.iswl.org.uk or www.qrz.com. ISWL
awards are available to all amateurs and SWLs.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources.
5R8UI will be active from Madagascar until the end of the year. QSL to
IK4ZUI.
Until 10 March, K6HFA will be on the air using both CW and SSB from
Samoa, which is call area 5W. QSL to his home callsign. From 11 to 21
March N7OU and W7YAQ will be on the air as 5W0OU. QSL via N7OU.
Until 21 March, G3RWF will be on the air from Uganda with the callsign
5X1NH. QSL via his home callsign. Also from Uganda, 5X7JD will be on
the air until 25 May. QSL as directed on air.
Between 8 and 22 March, HA5AO will be on the air from Lesotho using all
modes and bands as 7P8AO. QSL via his home callsign.
DL7AFS and DL7ZG will sign V21ZG from Antigua for 18 days starting 16
March. They will concentrate on RTTY, PSK31/63 and SSB. Now the contest
news
9 March sees the 432MHz UK Activity Contest from 2000 to 2230UTC using
all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On 10 March, the CW leg of the 80m Club Championship runs between 2000
and 2130UTC. The exchange is signal report and serial number.
The second session of the 70MHz Cumulative Contest takes place on the
14th from 1000 to 1200UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal
report, serial number and locator.
The RSGB 73rd Commonwealth Contest runs on 13/14 March and several
contest expeditions have already been announced, including 3B9/G3LZQ,
5X1NH by G3RWF, 9G5XA by G3XAQ, J38CW/J38SW by G3VCQ/M3VCQ, J6/G3PJT,
J88DR by G3TBK and VP2MCC by G4FAL. Remember, during the contest they
only work Commonwealth stations, which helps to avoid those big
pile-ups of European or US stations. Many regard this contest as the
most gentlemanly of RSGB events. It's a worldwide 24-hour CW event and
a list of Commonwealth Call Areas can be found at
www.rsgbcc.org/hf/information/codes.shtml. The times are 1000 to
1000UTC and the exchange is signal report, serial number and HQ
stations also send HQ.
Now the solar factual data for the period from the 22nd to the 28th of
February, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 1st of March.
February saw sunspots visible every day of the month, a contrast from
February last year when only 6 days saw sunspots visible. Despite
sunspots visible every day during the period, solar activity remained
at very low levels with no solar flares taking place. A large coronal
mass ejection took place on the far side of the Sun on the 28th. Solar
flux levels declined from 84 units on the 22nd to 78 by the 28th. The
average was 82. The 90 day solar flux average on the 28th was 81 units,
that's one unit up on last week. X-ray flux levels declined from A7.6
units on the 23rd to A2.3 by the 28th and average was A5. Geomagnetic
activity was quiet everyday and the average was Ap 2 units. Solar wind
data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds 290 and 410
kilometres per second. Particle densities were low throughout. Bz
varied no more than minus and plus 6 nanoTeslas for the period.
And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
be very low to low. Going on past rotational data there is a slight
chance that activity could be moderate. Solar flux levels should be in
the 80s for most of the week, but if any reasonably sized sunspot
groups appear then levels could increase into the 90s. Geomagnetic
activity is expected to be quiet everyday but next weekend could see
activity increase due to a recurring coronal hole. 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 8MHz. Paths this week
to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per
cent success rate of around 29MHz. The optimum working frequency with a
90 per cent success rate will be about 22MHz. the best time to try this
path will be between 1200 and 1800UTC. Just a reminder that these paths
are based on London, slight variations will take place from different
locations around the UK.
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 8 March Gloucester Amateur Radio &
Electronics Society is operating club equipment. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY,
on 01452 548478, daytime. On Monday 8 March South Birmingham Radio
Society is having a contest meeting. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603. On
Monday 8 March Stratford Upon Avon & District Radio Society is having a
test equipment evening with John, G0JUQ. Contact G0CHO, on 01608
664488. On Tuesday 9 March Eagle Radio Group is having a talk on local
D-Star facilities by Rob, M0AOV. Details from Terry, G0SWS, on 01507
478590. On Tuesday 9 March Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club
is judging the ZN414 project entries. More information from Chris,
G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319. On Tuesday 9 March Mid-Warwickshire Amateur
Radio Society is holding its AGM. Details from Bernard, M1AUK, on 01926
420 913. On Wednesday 10 March Bolsover Amateur Radio Society is having
a natter night. For details, send an email to
postmaster<at>g4rsb.org.uk. On Wednesday 10 March Hinkley Amateur Radio
Society is having an antenna workshop on the ZS6BKW HF Doublet by John
Rogers, M0JAV. Details from John, M0JAV, on 07836 731544. On Wednesday
10 March Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the air. For more
information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356. On Wednesday 10
March Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding training classes and
having a committee meeting. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229
787. On Wednesday 10 March Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its construction competition. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299
677. On Thursday 11 March RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk by Roy Frettsome, G4WPW, on the development of the telegraph from
the 1700s to the 1800s. This will include keys and sounders, along with
demonstrations of the equipment in operation. Details from Bob, G3VCA,
by email to g3vca<at>pyewipe.co.uk On Thursday 11 March Salop Amateur
Radio Society is having a talk by Charles, G4HAC on using satellite
links to live stream the Shrewsbury Festival of Music 2009, with a
demonstration of a live stream. Their website is www.salop-ars.org.uk.
On Friday 12 March Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a
construction night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363. On Friday 12
March South Birmingham Radio Society is having a construction evening.
Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.
NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
On Monday 8 March Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on Modern Encryption In Your Life by AiXi Taylor. Contact Nancy
Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036. On Monday 8 March Bolton Wireless Club
is having a talk by Richard, G4HGI, on VHF DX modes such as meteor
scatter, aurora and moonbounce. For details, send an email to
boltonwireless<at>gmail.com. On Monday 8 March Sheffield Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk on sunspots & the ionosphere by G3PHO. For more
information contact Trevor Wood, M0TWS, by email to
trevorwood6<at>yahoo.co.uk. On Monday 8 March Thornton Cleveleys
Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on Marconi by Phil, M3UHJ.
Details from John Foster, 2E0EZY, on 01253 399377. On Tuesday 9 March
Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is having a committee meeting.
Details from Barbara Green on 07957 870770. On Tuesday 9 March Otley
Amateur Radio Society continues its Foundation course. Contact Paul,
2E0PAK, on 07768 996370. On Wednesday 10 March Hornsea Amateur Radio
Club is having a club night and CW class. Contact Gordon MacNaught,
G3WOV, on 01377 240573. On Thursday 11 March South Cheshire Amateur
Radio Society is having a talk about portable antennas by Ray, M1REK.
Contact Chris Wiseman, G0RDK, on 01782 773185. On Thursday 11 March
South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having a talk on digital
photography by Robin, G3RJQ. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.
On Thursday 11 March York Radio Club continues its Foundation lessons
and Morse class. Details from Tony Skaife, G4XIV, on 01904 330502. On
Friday 12 March 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
Friday 12 March East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air. For
more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.
NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
On Monday 8 March Glengormley Electronics Amateur Radio Society is
registering candidates for its Intermediate Course. Details from Peter
Lowrie, MI5JYK, by email to mi5jyk<at>rsgb.org.uk.
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND
On Tuesday 9 March Kilmarnock & Loudoun Amateur Radio Club is having a
club night. Contact Graham, MM3GDC, by email to
mm3gdc<at>btinternet.com. On Tuesday 9 March Livingston & District
Amateur Radio Society is having an operating evening. For more
information contact Norman, on 07740 946192. On Wednesday 10 March
Lothians Radio Society Borders is having a talk by Stuart
Fuller-Shapcott on the Search and Rescue Unit. Contact Andy Sinclair,
by email to lrs_secretary<at>moosedata.com. On Wednesday 10 March
Paisley (YMCA) Amateur Radio Club is holding training classes. Contact
Bill Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633. On Thursday 11 March Aberdeen
Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by George, GM3OXX. More
information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663. On Friday 12 March
Borders Amateur Radio Society is holding a junk sale. Contact Ray,
GM0CDV, on 01573 228730.
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST
and EAST ANGLIA
On Sunday 7 March Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is running
the Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club Rally. Details from
Lawrence Micallef, M0LCM, on 07941 972724. On Sunday 7 March
Waterlooville Amateur Radio Club is having a CW night. Details from
Rich, G4IBW, on 02392 680852. On Monday 8 March Coulsdon Amateur
Transmitting Society is having a film and video evening. More
information from Andy, G8JAC, by email to g8jac<at>btinternet.com. On
Monday 8 March Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
Summits on the Air by Marc Tinkler, G0AZS. For more information go to
www.mkars.org.uk. On Tuesday 9 March Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society
is at the shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720815.
On Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 March Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is
running a club net. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On Tuesday
9 March Harwell Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on 6m DX by
Colin, M0DDT. Contact Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524844. On Wednesday 10
March Aylesbury Vale Radio Society is holding its AGM. Details from
Roger, G3MEH, on 01442 826 651. On Wednesday 10 March Darenth Valley
Radio Society is having a talk on RTTY by Ray Barker, G0FDU. Contact
Ray by email to G0FDU<at>G0KDV.com. On Wednesday 10 March Dover Radio
Club is having a talk on spy radio by Ian, G3ROO. For more information
contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to g4sau<at>darc.org.uk. On Wednesday 10
March Farnborough & District Radio Society is having a talk on imaging
technology by Julian, M0XPJ. Details from Derek, G3OFA, by email to
mail<at>farnboroughradio.org.uk. On Wednesday 10 March Harwich Amateur
Radio Interest Group is having a talk on VHF marine radio by Kevan,
2E0WMG. More information from Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766 543784. On
Wednesday 10 March Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an informal,
construction and workshop evening. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on
01603 419204. On Wednesday 10 March South Essex Amateur Radio Society
is having a talk on marine and offshore radio by Dave, G4UVJ. Contact
Norman, M0FZW, on 01268 692776. On Wednesday 10 March Southgate Amateur
Radio Club is holding its spring junk sale. Contact David Sharp, M0XDS,
by email to david.sharp1<at>tesco.net. On Wednesday 10 March Worthing &
District Amateur Radio Club is meeting at Lancing Parish Hall for a
discussion evening. For more information contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903
753 893. On Thursday 11 March Bittern DX Group is having an informal
meeting. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404154. On Thursday 11
March Echelford Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on D-Star by
David Lake, G4ULF. Contact John, G4GSC, on 01784 451898. On Thursday 11
March Edgware & District Radio Society is having a talk on plastic
welding by John, G4GYS. More information from Mike, G4RNW, on 0208 950
0658. On Thursday 11 March King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a
club night and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ral-g3rsv<at>supanet.com. On Thursday 11 March Lowestoft & District PYE
Amateur Radio Club is having an open planning meeting. Details from
Phil, G0JSG, on 01502 585448. On Thursday 11 March Reading & District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Andy Cunningham, M0HAK, on five
ways to steal your data. Details from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697. On
Thursday 11 March Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is holding
its AGM. Details from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757. On Friday 12
March Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is having a quiz night
with Chris G1PXH. Details from Lawrence Micallef, M0LCM, on 07941
972724. On Friday 12 March Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is holding
its AGM. Contact Charlie, M0WYM, on 02380 439560. On Friday 12 March
Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio night. Contact
Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371. On Friday 12 March Radio Society of
Harrow is having a talk on fuel economy by M3OJH. More information from
Linda, G7RJL, on 0208 386 8586. On Friday 12 March Whitton Amateur
Radio Group is having user training on the Icom PRO 3 by Garo, G0PZA.
Details on the web at www.warg.info. On Friday 12 March Wimbledon &
District Amateur Radio Society is on the air, operating digimodes.
Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456. On Sunday 14 March Waterlooville
Amateur Radio Club is holding its exam course. Details from Rich,
G4IBW, on 02392 680852.
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST
On Monday 8 March Cornish Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Clive,
G3OCB, on Microsoft Excel. Details from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844939.
On Tuesday 9 March Blackmoor Vale Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on D-Star by Alan, M0MYI. Contact Tony, G0GFL, on 01258 860741. On
Wednesday 10 March Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is operating
the club station. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234 for more
information. On Wednesday 10 March Thornbury & South Gloucestershire
Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.
On Thursday 11 March South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a home
brew evening. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282. On Thursday 11
March Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having a natter night.
Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750. On Thursday 11 March Yeovil
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by M3ZFF on "my first year as an
amateur". Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to steve<at>g7ahp.co.uk.
On Friday 12 March North Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having an
operating evening. Contact Dick on 01454 218362. On Friday 12 March
Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having an operating night. For more
information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to g6fsp<at>tars.org.uk.
NEWS FOR WALES
On Tuesday 9 March Marches Amateur Radio Society is having a quiz. For
more information contact Dave, MW0AYM, on 01691 777242. On Friday 12
March Newport Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by Ross, GW3NWS,
on R L Drake and the TR4 series. Contact Ross Clare, GW3NWS, on 01633
880146.