rsgb gb2rs news 2nd jan 1994
Edward Batts
the GB2RS news broadcast, prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.
First the headlines:- G3RZP is the new LAC Chairman; the 1994 LF Cumulative
contests start this week and we have the second part of our review of the
year, including a propagation review.
The RSGB's Licensing Advisory Committee has a new chairman. He is Peter
Chadwick, G3RZP, the RSGB's Immediate Past President. He takes over from John
Bazley, G3HCT, who will be the committee's Secretary.
The RSGB's 1994 President will be officially installed at an evening reception
and dinner in Glasgow on Saturday the 15th of January. Any RSGB member wishing
to attend should contact RSGB HQ without delay.
Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet which is
edited by Brendan McCartney, G4DYO. From Svalbard (Hopen Island), LA5EBA will
sign JW5EBA from now until July 1994, on all bands, using various modes. And
from Thailand, K3ZO will be active as HS0ZAR from mid-January for four weeks.
We have no rally news for you this week as the next event notified to us is
not until Sunday the 23rd of January 1994.
HF contest news now:
The first RSGB LF Cumulative 3.5MHz Contest takes place today, Sunday the 2nd
of January. Another one takes place on Saturday the 8th of January. Both are
from 1600 - 1800 UTC. The first LF Cumulative 1.8MHz Contest takes place
tomorrow, Monday the 3rd of January from 2000 - 2200 UTC. December's RadCom,
page 84, gives detailed information on all the LF Cumulative Contests. The
RSGB AFS Team CW Contest takes place next Sunday the 9th of January from 1300
- 1700 UTC on 3.510 - 3.590MHz, with the 3.570 - 3.590MHz reserved for
slower-speed contacts (the QRS Corral).
Next some VHF contest news:
The RSGB 144MHz CW Single Operator Fixed & All Others Contest takes place on
Sunday the 16th of January, from 1000 to 1600 UTC. There are three sections:-
Fixed station single operator, Open and Listeners. See December's RadCom, page
83 for details.
And now for the second part of our traditional Review of the Year. We are very
grateful to newsreader Vic Kusin, GM4HCO, for researching and compiling it.
In July, the RSGB announced the first ever RSGB 50MHz Certificate to go to the
holder of a UK Novice Licence. This was issued to Pat Williams, 2E1AFN, when
she claimed the 50MHz, 10 Countries two-way Award. Congratulations also went
to Geoff Brown, GJ4ICD, who was issued with the first certificate for having
the grand total of 450 locator squares confirmed on 50MHz.
Once again the RSGB was in the forefront of publicising amateur radio in the
media. Broadcast on the 24th of August was a BBC World Service programme
called Waveguide, which featured amateur radio and the RSGB's role for the
previous eighty years. The following week, the programme looked at a typical
amateur radio station. 'Waveguide' was transmitted world-wide and provided
excellent international publicity for amateur radio
The RSGB Standard Distance Award for 24GHz was awarded to Bill James, G6XM,
for a contact from his portable site on Dartmoor with G3GNR/P on Exmoor at a
distance of 43km. Bill, who is a lifetime member of the RSGB, has been
collecting the Society's awards since November 1979 when he received Supreme
Award number 29 in recognition of his activities on the 144, 432 and 1296MHz
bands. He is the only person to hold an RSGB Supreme Award together with
distance awards for 10 and 24GHz.
Two hundred thousand members of the public had a chance to see amateur radio
in action at London's Olympia in September. The RSGB put on a stand at the
five-day spectacular LIVE '93 exhibition. A very large number of people
visited the stand, many expressing interest in amateur radio. There were many
questions on licensing, and about such things as packet and slow scan. Three
stations were operational: HF, VHF and UHF packet, and the data communications
demonstration proved to be the most popular.
The RSGB made a donation of 1,000 to the UK's amateur satellite organisation
AMSAT-UK in support the Phase 3D project. At a ceremony at RSGB Headquarters,
RSGB President Peter Chadwick, G3RZP, handed over the cheque to AMSAT-UK
Secretary Ron Broadbent, G3AAJ.
An RSGB delegation, comprising experts on all aspects of amateur radio,
attended the International Amateur Radio Union Region I Conference at de Haan
in Belgium. A number of changes were made to our band plans, concerning data
frequencies on HF and priorities on the Microwave bands. The HF RTTY
allocations were renamed 'Digimode' to cover all digital modes, including
RTTY, AMTOR, PACTOR, Clover and Packet. In some cases the allocation was
increased in size. On the microwave bands a number of sub-bands were agreed on
an international basis in order to counter increasing pressure from commercial
concerns. IARU Region I covers all of Europe and Africa as well as the former
Soviet Union.
On Sunday the 26th of September, four more amateur radio micro-satellites were
successfully put into orbit, including two built at the University of Surrey.
They were KITSAT-2, ITAMSAT, EYE-Sat and POSAT-1.
This year's Young Amateur of the Year Award ceremony was on the 9th of
October. The principal guest was Roger Louth, Director of Mobile Services at
the Radiocommunications Agency. Also in attendance was RSGB President Peter
Chadwick, G3RZP. The Young Amateur of the Year was fifteen-year-old Tim Munn,
G7OTO, from the Isle of Wight. He was selected from a list of nominees after
interviews by the Radiocommunications Agency and the RSGB. Tim has become an
RSGB Novice Instructor and his courses have had a 100% pass rate so far. The
runner-up was Simon Kahn, who became G0STU on his 14th birthday, having passed
the RAE aged 11. He was one of the first Novice licensees, holding the
callsign 2E1AAB.
The RSGB's 1993 HF and IOTA Convention took place at Old Windsor in Berkshire.
This was a convention in the traditional style, with an opportunity to meet
friends, socialise and attend a range of lectures and presentations. The
programme comprised 25 items, all DX or contest related, and all were well
attended with some lecture rooms packed to capacity. More than 180 people
attended the DX Dinner. Amongst the presentations made was the award of the
Calcutta Key to Hans Berg, DJ6TJ, for his services to amateur radio through
the International Amateur Radio Union.
On Thursday the 14th of October the Society was represented at the funeral of
Arthur Milne, G2MI, who passed away after a long illness. He was responsible
for the RSGB QSL Bureau for over 40 years. Arthur became RSGB President in
1954 and was the senior GB2RS News Reader for many years until just before his
death.
The weekend of the 16th and 17th of October saw the 36th Jamboree on the Air.
For 24 hours Scouts and Guides all over the world used amateur radio to
celebrate their shared interest.
The 1st of December marked the inauguration of a new 10GHz beacon, GB3KBQ,
built by the Mendip Repeater Group to commemorate the life of John Moxham,
G8KBQ. John, who died in 1989, had a fascination for microwave technology and
was always willing to give advice and a helping hand. The beacon runs 60mW on
10,368.87MHz from Taunton.
The Society's Annual Meeting took place in Manchester on the 4th of December.
The Honorary Treasurer, Richard Horton, G4AOJ, reported that the Society has
been very successful in its aim to balance income and expenditure. The
Ostermeyer Trophy for the best construction article in RadCom was presented to
G3VML for his VHF transceiver project. The Wortley-Talbot Trophy for
outstanding experimental work was presented to G3WDG and G4KGC for their 10GHz
activities. The Fraser Shepherd Award for research into microwaves went to
G4JNT, and the Pilot Officer Norman Keith Adams Prize for the most original
article in Radcom went to G4FHU for 'How Big is a Bad SWR?'
And that concludes our review of the year 1993, as reported by GB2RS.
And now the solar factual data, starting with a brief forecast for this week,
followed by a review of the year's propagation: These have been compiled, as
they are each week, by Charlie Newton, G2FKZ, who is the Chairman of the
RSGB's Propagation Studies Committee.
This week the more active side of the sun will rotate away with solar flux
levels declining to be about the 95s. The Ionospheric Radio Quality Indices is
expected to be about normal or slightly below. Geomagnetic activity is
expected to be mainly quiet.
Next our review of 1993's propagation:
1993 has, to say the least, been an eventful year. Solar cycle 22 is still
full of surprises. The rise in sunspot indices was the fastest ever recorded,
which led to forecasts that it would be a record cycle. Alas it was not to
turn out that way. We are now seeing a decline in spot indices, again is so
rapid that cycle 22 is puzzling all the experts. Having had their fingers
burned on the way up they are now all very quiet about when the minimum might
be, and forecasts are now for only one year ahead, with December 1994 having a
spot index of about 32. World-wide the interest in the ionosphere is
continuing to decline, so data sources are declining as well. This makes
ionospheric forecasting more difficult. However it is not all gloom. We hope
to have a new ionosonde installed at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories at
Chilton which should give us data early in the New Year. Spot minimum times
have in the past been very good for sporadic E and 1993 was no exception.
During June there was one of the greatest sporadic E events almost anyone can
remember, with openings particularly on 6 metres to many parts of north
America by stations only using very low power. As for the HF bands, the radio
quality indices were above normal for 113 days, just normal for 125 days, and
well below normal for 108. The worst period was during May with the 6th to
15th being the worst for many years. The best times were possible during late
April and most of October, but the good times do not last long. Though
ionospheric and solar data is declining, the geomagnetic data sources are now
growing by the day. It is now possible to obtain geomagnetic data from around
the world via Intermagnet and the Geomagnetism Information and Forecast
Service. At present 30 observatories send data to the British Geological
Survey at Edinburgh and within 2 years it is expected to enlarge to about 100.
For those who belive the 6 metre band is dead, reports have been received that
the sporadic E season in Australia is in full swing, and this seems to be
following the pattern that we had last June, with contacts to JA being
plentiful. VK3OT states that, on 50MHz, F layer contacts to Europe have been
made every year since 1988 on the 24th of December. We would like to know how
you got on this year - reports please to G2FKZ whose address is correct in the
RSGB Call Book.
And that is the end of the solar information.
You're listening to GB2RS, the news broadcasting service of the Radio Society
of Great Britain, transmitting in the 80, 40, 6 and 2 metre bands.
Next, the local news.
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST
Meetings for Monday the 3rd of January:
Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Widgets 2'
and a discussion on 'The Club Open Day'. Further details from John, G1WQQ on
0787 60947.
Surrey Radio Contact Club has a talk on 'Oscilloscopes for Amateurs' by Phil,
G0OHI and Peter, G3ZPB. Details from Bernard, G8TB on 081 660 7517.
Meeting for Tuesday the 4th of January:
Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society has a Welcome Back evening with a
Discussion, VHF/UHF on Air and CW Practice with Frank, G4ISO. Contact Neil,
2E1ASZ on 0438 350882 for details.
Meetings for Wednesday the 5th of January:
Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society has its '1994 Club Programme
Meetings' session. Details from Ian, G0RTF on 0494 676391.
Dover Radio Club has a Novice Evening. For further details telephone 0304
825030.
Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Surveying in
Malta'. Details G4GPX on 0903 753893.
Meetings for Thursday the 6th of January:
East Kent Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Packet Radio' by G3EMU. Further
information from Paul, G3VJF on 0227 364606.
Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk by Keith Ridley, Deputy
Editor, 'The News' a Portsmouth area local newspaper. Further details from
Stuart, G0FYX, tel: 0705 472846.
Horsham Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled on 'The Story of Wireless' by
John, G0GNA. Details from Peter, G8SUI on 073784 2150.
Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society has a Welcome-back Meeting.
Contact Paul, G1GSN on 0462 700618 for further details.
Vange Amateur Radio Society has a Junk Sale. Contact Doris on 0268 552606 for
further information.
Meetings for Friday the 7th of January:
Loughton and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Word Processing' by
John, G1DJI. Further details from John Tel: 081 508 3434.
Medway Amateur Receiving and Transmitting Society meets for 'The VIP Quiz' by
John, G6IVP. Further details from Gloria, G7OVI on 0634 710023.
NEWS FOR SOUTH WEST
Meeting for Tuesday the 4th of January:
Salisbury Radio and Electronic Society has a talk by Emma, 2E0 who has applied
for DXCC. Details from David on 0722 330971.
Meeting for Wednesday the 5th of January:
Exmouth Amateur Radio Club has a Junk Sale. Phone 0395 279574 for further
details.
Meeting for Thursday the 6th of November:
Yeovil Amateur Radio Club has a Practical evening - 'VHF FM Hand Rig Deviation
checks' by G3AIK. Contact Cedric, G4JBL on 0258 473845 for further
information.
Meetings for Friday the 7th of January:
Axe Vale Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Radio in Shanghai' by Graham,
G0GTR. For further details contact Pat, G0GHH on 0297 33756.
Shirehampton Amateur Radio Club has its Club shack clear-out evening. For
further information contact Ron, G4GTD on 0272 770504.
NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA
Meetings for Tuesday the 4th of January:
The Amateur Radio Club of Fakenham has a talk on 'Microwaves' by John, G4BYV.
Contact Dave, G4DCJ on 0485 528633 for further details.
Sudbury and District Radio Amateurs has a talk on 'Computers, with Hardware'
by Nigel, G0ORI. Contact Tony, G8LTY on 0787 313212 for further details.
Meetings for Wednesday the 5th of January:
Martlesham Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Packet BBS, Past, Present and
Future'. Contact Darren, G7BKO on 0473 227332, during office hours only for
entry ticket details and for further information.
Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has a Quiz evening. For further details contact
Sheila, G0KWP on 0603 618810.
Meeting for Friday the 7th of January:
Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club has a Video evening. Contact John,
G0TIL on 0763 243570 for details.
NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS
Meeting for today Sunday the 2nd of January:
Charnwood Amateur Radio Contest Club has its New Year meeting. For further
information telephone 0509 232927.
Meeting for Monday the 3rd of January:
Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society has a Discussion and an "On
Air" night. Further information from James, G7HEZ on 0384 374354.
Meetings for Tuesday the 4th of January:
Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club meets for a discussion "Ideas for
1994". For further details contact G8SNF by telephoning 0509 218259.
Grantham Radio Club has a talk on 'Intruder Watch' by Dave, G4MQM. For further
details contact John, G8WWJ on 0476 65743.
Meetings for Wednesday 5th of January:
Derby and District Amateur Radio Society has its New Year Surplus Sale.
Contact Hayley, G7PXA on 0773 856904 for further information.
Telford and District Amateur Radio Society has the club Equipment availability
check. For further details contact Dave, G4EIX, on 0952 588878.
Meeting for Thursday the 6th of January:
Cannock Chase Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Heraldry' by J M Sanders,
MBE. For further details telephone 0543 262495.
Meeting for Friday the 7th of January:
South Notts Amateur Radio Club meets for its Annual General Meeting. For
further details contact Julie, G0SOU on 0602 216342.
NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
Meeting for Tuesday the 4th of January:
Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Society has a Quiz evening. Further
details from Ian, G4WWX who is QTHR.
Meetings for Wednesday the 5th of January:
Denby Dale and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Why you
should make a Will, and how to do it' by Ian, G6TSW. Further details from
Ivan, G0SBR on 0484 429238.
Wirral Amateur Radio Society has a visit to Atlantic House. For further
details contact G3FOO, tel: 051 644 6094.
Meeting for Thursday the 6th of January:
Trafford Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'HMS Bronnington, G0TON' by
Peter, G3XGE. For details contact Malcolm Collis on 061 748 8046.
Meetings for Friday the 7th of January:
Goole Radio and Electronics Society is holding a Repeater Report, hosted by
Steve, G8VHL. For further details contact Steve, G8VHL on 0405 769130.
South Manchester Radio Club has a Mini Lecture Contest evening. For further
details contact Edward, G7FQY, tel: 061 969 1964.
NEWS FOR WALES
Meetings for Thursday the 6th of January:
Meirion Amateur Radio Society has its Annual General Meeting at the Royal Ship
Hotel, Dolgellau. The meeting opens at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Contact
Maurice, GW3GKZ on 0341 422447 for further details.
Dragon Amateur Radio Club has an 'Evening Together to Greet 1994'. Details
from Tony, GW0FMQ, tel: 0248 600963.
NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
Meeting for Friday the 7th of January:
Bangor and District Amateur Radio Society has a Quiz Night, starting at 8pm in
the Winston Hotel, Queens Parade. Details from Keith, GI0SSA on 0247 883315.
And that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast, which was prepared by
the Radio Society of Great Britain.