1 GB2RS NEWS Sunday 7 October

The news headlines

* HFC next weekend

* Train the Trainers course looms

* DFCWi used for EME contact

HF enthusiasts are reminded that the RSGB HF Convention takes place
next weekend, 12 to 14 October. The closing date for booking
accommodation packages and evening meals is 11am on Wednesday 10
October. You can of course just turn up on the Saturday or Sunday as a
Day Visitor. Lunches are available without pre-booking. The RSGB HF
Convention, sponsored by Icom and Martin Lynch & Sons, is the world's
premier HF event of its type and an experience not to be missed by the
serious operator.

A reminder to registered tutors that the RSGB's Train the Trainers
scheme will run again shortly. The course, by Alan Betts, G0HIQ and
Brian Reay, G8OSN, takes place on Sunday 21 October in Motherwell. For
more information, or to register, contact RSGB Region 1 Manager Gordon
Hunter, GM3ULP, as soon as possible. He can be contacted by email to
or by telephone on 01698 253394.

Last week GB2RS reported that 10GHz beacon GB3SCX was running an
experimental mode, Dual Frequency CW with ident, or DFCWi. The world's
first 10GHz EME contact using this mode has now been achieved. On 27
September, members of the Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society
worked UK Microwave Group Chairman Brian, G4NNS, via DFCWi.
Conventional CW was used to make initial contact. The DFCWi experiment
took place using PC generated tones fed via a mic to a 2m SSB radio
connected to a 3cm transverter. Both stations were using 12ft prime
focus parabolic dish antennas, with 13W at G4RFR and 18W at G4NNS.

The RAYNET Convention and AGM will take place on Saturday 3 November at
the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Headquarters, Eastbourne. Doors open at
9am and there will be presentations from 10am. The AGM starts at 2pm,
and will be followed by an open forum. Disabled parking places are
limited and should be reserved by contacting
.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week [Note
to newsreaders: Please use your judgement on whether to read the 7
October event, based on your time slot and distance from the event.] On
Sunday 7 October Nantwich Bunker Trust are having a surplus electronic
and electrical sale. The sale starts at 10.00 at French Lane, Nantwich,
Cheshire. For more information log onto www.hackgreen.co.uk/.

On Saturday 13 October the GB3EE repeater group rally takes place at
the Calow Community Centre, Chesterfield. For more information contact
Steve, G6IBQ, on 0844 414 2056 or email .

2 On Sunday 14 October Great Lumley Amateur Radio Club are holding
their rally from 10.00 at the Great Lumley Community Centre. For more
information contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036 or email
. More details of these and future events can
be found on pages 88 and 89 of the October edition of RadCom. Now for
the news of special events John Howard, G0BUV, will be operating
special event call sign GB8CMC from Birmingham until 9 October. The
event is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Coleshill Market
Charter. The Charter was awarded by King John in 1207. Warrington
Amateur Radio Club will be celebrating its 60th anniversary year by
operating the special call sign GB6WRS throughout the month of October.
The station will be active on all bands each day of the month. The
Border Rievers Amateur Radio Society will be operating as GB4NTC on the
13 October, at Gragside House Rothbury. The station will be on the air
from 1000 till 1800, operating on HF, VHF and UHF on voice and CW
modes. Full details for the event can be found on their website
www.brars.co.uk. And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News, the
Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin and other sources.

Andrew, G7COD, will be operating using 8Q7AK from the Island of Embudu,
Maldives until October 12. He will be using SSB with a little CW on 30
to 12 metre bands. For more information check 8Q7AK on qrz.com. Javier,
HR2J, will be running a one man expedition from 7 October to 8
November, and he expects to operate as HQ8R on all bands for at least
four hours a day. Further information can be found on qrz.com under
HQ8R. QSL direct to HR2J. Tom, DL2RTK, will be signing SD7T until 13
October activity from Ven Island, EU-137. The operators are Fred,
SM7DAY, SM7DAY/7, Frank, DL2SWW, SD7W and Ric, DL2VFR, SD7V. QSL via
home calls, bureau preferred. Richard, G3RWL, will be active as 8P6DR
from Barbados, NA-021, WLOTA LH-0999, until 14 October. He plans to
operate CW and digital modes on 80 to 10 metres. QSL via G3RWL, direct
or bureau, e-mail requests for bureau cards to g3rwl at amsat.org. Look
for Ermanno, SV0XAN/5, to be active from the islands of Lipsi,
Agathonisi and Arkoi, Dodecanese, EU00 until 20 October. QSL via
IK2WZD. Christoph, DK2CRN, (VK2AM) and George, DL1ECG, (VK2ALU) will be
active from Australia on 9 to 27 October. QSL via home calls, direct or
bureau. The W5 National Wildlife Refuge ARC will operate from the
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on 12 to 14 October. This operation
coincides with the National Wildlife Refuge Week and is in support of
the KP1-5 Project and the US national wildlife refuge system. Look for
W5NWR on SSB, CW, RTTY and PSK on frequencies of opportunity. QSL via
NA5U. Other stations will be operating from wildlife refuges across the
nation.

3 Now the contest news The RSGB 21/28MHz Contest takes place on 7
October from 0700 to 1900 on CW and SSB. The exchange takes the form of
RST, serial number and district. The RSGB 432MHz activity takes place
on 9 October from 2000 to 2230 local on all modes. The exchange takes
the form of RST, serial number and locator. The second sprint contest
organised by the RSGB Contest Committee will take place on Wednesday 10
October. The sprint format requires stations to QSY often, and not
maintain a run frequency. That means that different skills and
operating styles are needed compared with a traditional contest. The
contest is for the SSB event on 3.600 to 3.650MHz from 1900 to 2030
UTC. The exchange consists of callsigns, serial number, and the
operator's name or nickname. Full details, including the important QSY
element, can be found at www.rsgbhfcc.org. The Oceania DX Contest takes
place from 0800 on 13 October to 0800 on 14 October on 1.8 to 28MHz
bands, CW only. The exchange takes the form of RST and serial number.
The EU Sprint Contest takes place on 13 October from 1600 to 1959 on
3.5, 7 and 14MHz bands on CW. The exchange takes the form of both
callsigns, serial number, name and nickname. The RSGB 50MHz Contest
takes place on 14 October from 0900 to 1200 on all modes. The exchange
takes the form of RST, serial number, locator and postcode. Now the
solar factual data for the period from 24 September to 30 September,
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS Without any warning a small sunspot
group emerged ending a 21 day spell when the solar disc was spotless.
However, solar activity continued at very low levels. Solar flux levels
increased slightly from 66 units to 68 by the 29th. The average was 67
units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 30th was 69 units, that's
the same level as last week. X-ray flux levels remained below the
minimum level throughout. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels
but on the 27th as forecast a coronal hole disturbance commenced which
lasted through to the 30th. The most disturbed day was the 29th with an
Ap index of 26 units. The average was Ap 14 units. The ACE spacecraft
saw solar wind speeds increase from 370 kilometres per second on the
27th to peak at 720 kilometres per second on the 30th. Particle
densities were low except for the 27th and the 28th which increased to
10 particles per cubic centimetre. Bz varied between minus and plus 2
nanoTeslas on the 26th which was the quietest day and between minus 10
and plus on the most disturbed day.

Particularly during the periods of increased magnetic activity the
higher HF bands were in very poor shape and only 14MHz showed anything
more than occasional sparkle. Even that band opened later and closed
earlier than in recent weeks. However, good openings to Australia and
New Zealand were reported on 3.5 and 7MHz, with at least one strong
opening on 3.5MHz to W6 around 0600UTC. This was a reminder that, for
seasonal reasons, and because we are at the bottom of the solar cycle,
low-band conditions should be particularly good. The modest increase in
geomagnetic activity on the 28th and 29th gave rise to a handful of
auroral reports, mostly from North America.

4 And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected
to continue at very low levels. The solar disc could be spotless on
some days. Solar flux levels should be in the high 60's throughout the
period. With the absence of any coronal holes on the earthward side of
the Sun this week geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet
everyday. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be
around 19MHz for the south and 16MHz for the north. The darkness hour
lows should be about 8MHz. Paths this week to South Africa should have
a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate will be
around 24MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success
rate will be about 19MHz. The best time to try this path will be
between 0900 and 1800 hours UTC. And that's all for this week from the
propagation team.

5 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 SOUTH-EAST

and EAST ANGLIA On Monday 8 October Basingstoke Amateur Radio Club is
having a club meeting. Contact Frank, M0AEU, by email to .


On Monday 8 October Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society is having a
talk on artificial intelligence by Steve, G7SYO. Contact Andy, G8JAC,
on .

On Monday 8 October Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a fish and chip supper at The Victoria, Felixstowe Ferry.
Contact Paul, G4YQC, by email to .

On Monday 8 October Surbiton Heritage Amateur Radio and Electronics
Society is having a presentation by Surrey RAYNET. Contact Tony, G7DGW,
on , or on the web at www.shares.uk.net.

On Tuesday 9 October Harwell Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
contest logging and SD software by Martyn Preston, G0THY. Contact
Martyn, G0THY, by email to .

On Tuesday 9 October Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
looking at photographs from members archives. Contact Neil, M0ARH, on
01438 217 077.

On Wednesday 10 October Aylesbury Vale Radio Society Club is on the air
and having a discussion evening. Contact Roger, G3MEH, on 01442 826
651, or by email to .

On Wednesday 10 October Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a technical talk about the new club HF and VHF antennas, by
Terry, G0VFW. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 506 344, or by email to
.

On Wednesday 10 October Dover Radio Club is having a talk on Windows
Vista by Matt, M1CMN. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to
.

On Wednesday 10 October Fareham and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on digital signal processing by G0UUS. Contact Ken,
M0KLS, on 02392 797 240.

On Wednesday 10 October Farnborough and District Radio Society is
having part three of the talk on Morse appreciation by Derek, G3HEJ.
Contact Colin, M3IHS.

On Wednesday 10 October Harwich Amateur Radio Interest Group is having
a lectu "Help! I'm being shot at!" by Rick Speller, G3LZR. Contact
James, M0ZZO, on 01255 242 746.

On Wednesday 10 October Havering and District Amateur Radio Club is
having an informal evening. Contact Dave, 2E0EBV, on 07956 594 514.

On Wednesday 10 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a table
top sale. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099, or by email to
.

6 On Wednesday 10 October South Essex Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on ISS packet radio or an amateur radio video with Dave, G4UVJ.
Details on the web at www.southessex.ARS.btinternet.co.uk, or by email
to .

On Wednesday 10 October Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
having its AGM. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 11 October Reading and District Amateur Radio Club is
having its annual construction contest, hosted by Robin Caine, G4IWS.
Contact Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697, or on the web at www.radarc.org.


On Thursday 11 October Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a discussion on the theme of "how big is your carbon
footprint?". Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Thursday 11 October Southgate Amateur Radio Club is having a junk
sale. Contact Erik, 2E0ECR, on 0208 444 3247.

On Friday 12 October Loughton and Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society
is having a VHF night on the air. Contact Marc, G0TOC, on 020 8502
1645, or by email to .

On Friday 12 October Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
night. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103, or by email to
.

On Friday 12 October Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society is on
the air and having a construction night. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020
8874 7456.

On Sunday 14 October Southdown Amateur Radio Society is operating at
the Beachy Head Site. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424,424,319, or by
email to .

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Monday 8 October Cornish Radio Amateur Club
is having a meeting of the computer section with a talk by Clive,
G3OCB, on computer security. Contact Ian, 01872 561 058.

On Wednesday 10 October South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having its
autumn table-top sale. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 10 October Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is on
the air from the club station. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666
234, or by email to .

On Wednesday 10 October Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by email to
.

On Thursday 11 October Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by T
Woollards on Somerset Raynet. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ ).


NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS The recently announced vacancy for an RSGB Deputy
Regional Manager covering South Derbyshire & South Nottinghamshire
remains unfilled. If you live in the area and would like to help the
RSGB's Regional Team to strengthen relationships between the Society
and its membership, please contact Regional Manager Jim Stevenson,
G0EJQ, on 0789 172 1081 or by email to .

On Monday 8 October Gloucester Amateur Radio and Electronics Society is
having a workshop and HF operating evening. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on
01452 548478, daytime.

7 On Monday 8 October Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is
having a talk on the history of radio manufacturing by M3NDZ. Contact
Jack, G3VYE, on 01926 641 988.

On Tuesday 9 October Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having its AGM. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Wednesday 10 October Telford and District Amateur Radio Society I
shaving a hamfest debrief, feedback and idea sharing session. Contact
Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677, or by email to
.

On Friday 12 October Hucknall Rolls-Royce Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk and demo on the National HRO by Tony Ferraioli. Details on the
web at www.hrrarc.com.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

On Monday 8 October Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
Echolink by M1ERS. Contact Trevor, M0TWS.

On Monday 8 October Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having
its construction competition. Contact Jack, G4BFH, by email to
.

On Tuesday 9 October Wakefield and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a pie and pea supper at HQ. Contact Dave, G4CLI, on 07748 221
855, or by email to .

On Wednesday 10 October Great Lumley Amateur Radio And Electronics
Society is preparing for its rally. Contact Nancy, 0191 477 0036, 07990
760 920, or by email to .

On Wednesday 10 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a digital
picture show with Steve, 2E0NSQ, at the Old Mill Club House. Contact
Steve, G4GPY, on 01482 860 440, or by email to
.

On Wednesday 10 October Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having a
review of the 'super crystal set' build and moving on to the next stage
of construction. Contact Richard, G0JIT, by email to .

On Friday 12 October South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having
a talk on railway telegraphy by Jim, G3KAF. Contact Ron, on 0161 969
3999.

On Friday 12 October Tynemouth Radio Club is having a Morse and
operating night. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to
.

On Saturday 13 October Wakefield and District Amateur Radio Society is
running its Foundation Licence course. Contact Dave, G4CLI, on 07748
221 855, or by email to .

On Sunday 14 October Great Lumley Amateur Radio And Electronics Society
is holding its rally at the Great Lumley Community Centre. Contact
Nancy, 0191 477 0036, 07990 760 920, or by email to
.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Sunday 7 October Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
taking part in the RSGB 21/28MHz contest. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875
811 723.

On Monday 8 October Lothians Radio Society is having a surplus
equipment auction at the Royal Ettrick Hotel. Contact Toby, MM0TSS, on
07739 742 367, or by email to , or on
the web at www.lothiansradiosociety.com.

8 On Thursday 11 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a
construction and on the air evening. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224
575 663, or on the web at www.aars.freeserve.co.uk.

On Friday 12 October West Of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having a
club night. Details on the web at www.wosars.org.

On Saturday 13 October Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society is having its
autumn junk sale at the Scout Hall in Fochabers. Contact Jim, MM0SMD,
on 01340 820 134.

NEWS FOR WALES No news items have been received for Wales this week.
NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

No news items have been received for Northern Ireland this week. And
that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast,

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.