1 GB2RS NEWS Sunday 5 August

The news headlines

* Gloucestershire County RAYNET assist in floods

* UK Licence Examination at the RSGB HF Convention

* Hamfest to be held in Dorset Gloucester County RAYNET was called upon
for assistance last week during the floods. The service was activated
by the County Council Emergency Planning Officer to assist in the
evacuation of the county emergency centre on 25 July. All the RAYNET
contingency equipment was stripped out of the radio room underneath
Shire Hall in the city centre, and a temporary station relocated at the
Tri-Service Control centre at Quedgeley, to the south of Gloucester.

The prime use of the station was to establish links to the district
rest centres established around the county and to provide backup links
to out-of-county sites where telephone systems would still be
operational, should the Walham substation have failed.

Liaison was kept with other RAYNET Groups at Bath, Gwent and Bristol
through Zone 7 Controller Chris, G8RXA. This ensured they were kept
abreast of the situation and could be called in to assist if necessary.
Thanks to the efforts of members working long hours on Sunday, Monday
and Tuesday, voice and data communications links were set up to the
Triservice Control Centre from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Cheltenham,
Cirencester and Stroud.

On Thursday, a callout was issued by the County Emergency Planning
Officer for radio links to be set up between the Triservice Control and
the five main bottled water distribution points for vulnerable people.
RAYNET members responded to the request by message distribution and
assisting the volunteer teams at the locations.

The RSGB is offering those wishing to obtain a UK Amateur Radio Licence
the opportunity to complete one or more of the required examinations
over the weekend of the HF Convention, 12 to 14 October.

Candidates must book their examinations prior to the event and must
provide evidence they have completed the required practical
assessments. Limited facilities to complete assessments at the HFC can
be arranged. The contact for further information and for booking
examinations is Susan Lloyd, email , or by phone
on 0870 904 7373.

The Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society is holding Hamfest 2007 on
Sunday 12 August at the Cobham Sports and Social Club grounds at
Merley, Dorset.

There will be live demonstrations of 1.3GHz ATV from the proposed
Bournemouth area repeater GB3SQ. Members of the South Coast Repeater
and Beacon Group will be on hand to explain the workings of local
repeaters and the Bell Hill Microwave Beacon Complex.

The onsite model steam railway will be in operation for the children
and there will be several demonstrations of Tesla coil systems. Plus of
course there will be the usual trade stands and a large radio car boot
sale section. For full details contact the Hamfest organiser Mike
Sykes, M0MJS, at .

2 AMSAT-UK beginners workshops again proved successful at their Annual
Colloquium in Guildford. The workshops aim to show newcomers how to get
started in the exciting world of amateur satellite communications. Many
are amazed to discover that they can communicate through amateur
satellites or speak to astronauts onboard the International Space
Station using little more that a handheld dual-band FM transceiver. Now
that all licensees have access to the Satellite Service there was a
sharp increase in the numbers of Foundation and Intermediate licensees
attending.

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

[Note to newsreaders: please exercise your judgement on which of the 5
August events to read out, based on your service area and time of
transmission.] On Sunday 5 August the Lincoln Short Wave Club Hamfest
will take place at the Newark Show Ground, located at the junction of
the A46 and A17. On Sunday 5 August the West Somerset ARC Rally takes
place from 10am at Hare Park, Allerford, Minehead. On Sunday 5 August
the Lorn Radio Amateur Rally takes place from 10am at Crianlarich
Village Hall near the junction between the A85 and A82. On Friday 10
August the Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club 14th Annual `Junk'
Night takes place from 18.30 at the Community Centre, Main Hall, South
Seton Park, Port Seton, East Lothian EH32 0BQ. Details from Bob
Glasgow, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811723, or on the internet at www.cpsarc.com.
On Sunday 12 August the Flight Refuelling ARS Hamfest takes place from
10am at the Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, Near
Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1RJ. Talk-in will be provided on S22. Details
from Mike, M0MJS, on 01202 883 479, or by email to
, or on the internet at www.frars.org.uk. On Sunday
12 August the Kings Lynn Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place at Kings
Lynn Caravan and Camping Park, PE33 OQR, on the A47 approximately 3
miles east of Kings Lynn. Details from Andy, G1KLP, on 07778 003687 or
on the web at www.klarc.org.uk. More details of these and future events
can be found on pages 88 and 89 of the August edition of RadCom. Now
for the news of special events

To mark the 100th anniversary of scouting, special event station GB100J
is active until 7 August. Operating from Hylands Park, Chelmsford, the
station is expected to be on air 24 hours per day on 80m through to 6m.
Depending on the availability of an Internet connection, the station
also hopes to be active on Echolink. More details at
www.radioscouting.org.uk. The Dragon ARC, Anglesey, will be operating
special event station GB250TT on 9 August to celebrate the 250th
anniversary of the birth of engineer Thomas Telford. Operations from
the Menai Suspension Bridge, will be on HF, 2 metres and ATV and will
start on the afternoon of Wednesday 8 August and will run through to 10
August, if there are sufficient operators. Also, there will be amateur
radio stations operating from some of the other sites where Thomas
Telford worked including GB4TT at Montford, Shropshire and it is
understood there will be several Swedish stations operating from the
Go"ta Canal in Sweden.

3 Special event station GB2GSS will be on the air using HF and VHF on
15 August from the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. As in previous
years the station will be operated by members of the Blackmore Amateur
Radio Society. QSLs via the bureau please. A special event station
GB1SL will be on the air from the Skerries Lighthouse for this years
International Lighthouse and Lighthouse Weekend on 18 and 19 August.
This will be the first activation from the Skerries, the Lighthouse
situated in a group of Islands off the Anglesey coast in the Irish Sea.
Operation on 80 and 40 metres CW and SSB, 20 metres SSB and 6 metres.
QSL via bureau or via GW0VML. And now the HF DX news compiled from 425
DX News, the Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin and other sources. Caudio, IN3DEI/
W1ADX, is operating holiday style as 9A/W1ADX from Dalmatian islands
Dugi Otok, Molat, Pasman and Ugljan in the EU-170 IOTA group until 7
August. QSL via IN3DEI. Celebrating the centenary year of the scouting
movement, Geoff, M5GAC, is operating as GB5BBS from the Isle of Arran
(EU-123) until 8 August. He plans to be active on 80, 40, 20 and 15
metres. QSL via M5GAC, direct or bureau. Yogi, DB5YB, is active as
LA/DB5YB from Stord Island (EU-055) until 9 August. He plans to operate
holiday style on 10 to 20 metres SSB. QSL via home call, direct or
bureau. Ann, WA1S, is in Sao Miguel (EU-003), Azores until 9 August and
is active as CU2/WA1S. QSL via home call. Fabrizio, IK5WOB, is
operating CW only as TK/IK5WOB from Algaiola, Corsica (EU-014) until 11
August. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. Activity is taking place
from the 92nd Esperanto World Conference in Yokohama until 12 August.
QSL via JA1YAR or JA1FXZ, bureau or direct. During the lighthouse
weekend 18 and 19 August Bekir Kemal Ataman, TA2RX, will be making a
dxpedition to Gelidonia lighthouse in Antalya, Turkey, to operate as
TC4LHW. Now the contest news The RSGB 432MHz Low Power Contest takes
place on 5 August between 0800 to 1200 on all modes. The exchange takes
the form of RST, serial number, locator and postal district. The RSGB
144MHz Activity and Club Championship takes place on 7 August between
2000 to 2230 local time on all modes. The exchange takes the form of
RST, serial number, locator and postal district. The Worked All Europe
CW Contest takes place on 11 August between 0000 to 2359 on the 3.5 to
28MHz bands. The exchange takes the form of RST and serial number. Now
the solar factual data for the period from 23 July to 29 July, compiled
by Neil Clarke, G0CAS Solar activity was very low with no solar flares
taking place at all. The solar disc was spotless until the 28th when a
small group appeared. Solar flux levels varied little day to day and
averaged 69 units. The 90 day

4 solar flux average on the 29th was 74, that's the same level for the
last 7 weeks. X-ray flux levels remained below the minimum A1 level
everyday. Geomagnetic activity started at very quiet levels with an Ap
of only 2 units on the 24th and the 25th. On the 29th due to a coronal
hole activity increased to 14 units. The average was Ap 6 units. The
ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 290 kilometres per
second on the 26th to 640 by the 29th. Particle densities were low but
increased to 46 particles per cubic centimetre on during the morning of
the 29th. Bz varied between minus 1 and plus 2 nanoTeslas on the quiet
days and between minus 8 and plus 12 on the 29th. Despite the low
levels of geomagnetic activity HF conditions seemed mostly unexciting -
until the increased activity for the IOTA contest suggested that good
DX possibilities might previously have been going unexploited.
Sporadic-E is now past its seasonal peak, but there were still openings
on 28, 50 and 70MHz on several days. And finally the solar forecast.
This week the active side of the Sun is expected to be looking our way.
Saying that, solar activity should continue at mostly very low levels
with only a small chance that activity could increase to low. However,
solar flux levels are expected to be at their highest for this solar
rotation. Solar flux levels should be around the mid to high 70's for
most of the week. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet today
and tomorrow but then due to a coronal hole activity should increase.
This disturbance could last till almost the weekend. MUFs during
daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 19MHz for the south
and 16MHz for the north. The darkness hour lows are expected to be
about 9MHz. Paths this week to India should have a maximum usable
frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 23MHz. The optimum
working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 18MHz.
The best time to try this path will be between 0800 and 1600 hours UTC.
Normally, August, heralds the end of the main summer season for
sporadic E. Openings should still take place this week, however, a
gradual decline will take place as the month progresses. 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 Sunday 5 August Leiston Amateur Radio Club is having
a fox hunt and BBQ at Blaxhall Village Hall. Contact Dave, G4HUP, on
01473 737 717, .

On Sunday 5 August Surbiton Heritage Amateur Radio and Electronics
Society is having an on the air day. Contact Tony, G7DGW, on
, or on the web at www.shares.uk.net.

On Monday 6 August Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is
having an operating evening and planning its camping weekend. Contact
John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.

On Monday 6 August Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a pub meeting.
Contact G4XDU, on 01628625720.

On Monday 6 August Southdown Amateur Radio Society is having its annual
BBQ at G6GVM's. Contact John, G3DQY, on 0124424319, or by email to
.

On Monday 6 August Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a members
evening at Trinity School. Contact Ray, G4FFY, on 020 8644 7589.

On Tuesday 7 August Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is operating from
the bunker. Contact Steve, M0SSR, on 01424 720 815.

On Tuesday 7 August Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having its
constructors competition. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 7 August Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a social evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247 2846, or on the
web at www.hdarc.co.uk.

On Wednesday 8 August Aylesbury Vale Radio Society is working on the
club project, on the air and having a discussion evening. Contact
Roger, G3MEH, on 01442 826 651, or by email to .

On Wednesday 8 August Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a shack computer evening. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 506
344, or by email to .

On Wednesday 8 August Dover Radio Club is having a portable evening on
Farthing Common. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to .

On Wednesday 8 August Fareham and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a discussion by members on how they got into amateur radio and what it
means to them. Contact Jim, M1JJN.

On Wednesday 8 August Harwich Amateur Radio Interest Group is having a
members show and tell evening about a trip or holiday. Contact James,
M0ZZO, on 01255 242 746.

On Wednesday 8 August Havering and District Amateur Radio Club is
operating GB4HRC to celebrating over 40 years of the club's existence.
Contact Dave, 2E0EBV, on 07956 594 514.

On Wednesday 8 August Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having antenna
erection practice with Rex, G0CLR. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362
691099, or by email to .

6 On Wednesday 8 August South Essex Amateur Radio Society is having an
update on GPS by Dave, G4UVJ. Contact Dave, G4UVJ, on 01268 697 978, or
by email to .

On Wednesday 8 August Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
making its plans for Lighthouse weekend. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903
753 893.

On Thursday 9 August Echelford Amateur Radio Society is watching a DVD
on amplifiers by Graham Dicker, VK5ZFZ. Contact John Osborne, G4GSC, on
01784 451898.

On Thursday 9 August Reading and District Amateur Radio Club is having
an evening on the air and natter night hosted by Tom, G0VQR. Contact
Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697, or on the web at www.radarc.org.

On Thursday 9 August Southgate Amateur Radio Club is having a BBQ.
Contact Erik, 2E0ECR, on 0208 444 3247.

On Friday 10 August Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society Radio is having an
operating evening. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103, or by email to
.

On Sunday 12 August Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is operating from
the bunker. Contact Steve, M0SSR, on 01424 720 815.

On Sunday 12 August Harwich Amateur Radio Interest Group is having a
lecture on solar propagation software by Carl Thomson, G3PEM. Contact
James, M0ZZO, on 01255 242 746.

On Sunday 12 August King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having its radio
rally. Contact Andy, G1KLP, on or on the web at www.klarc.org.uk.

On Sunday 12 August Southdown Amateur Radio Society is operating G1KAR
at Beachy Head. Contact John, G3DQY, on 0124424319, or by email to
.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST

On Wednesday 8 August South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having an
evening of software training on the club computer. Contact Len, G4RZY,
on 01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 8 August Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a visit to the model flying club. Contact Tony, G0WMB,
by email to .

On Thursday 9 August Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having an SSTV
evening. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to .

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS

On Sunday 5 August Lincoln Short-Wave Club is running the Lincoln
Hamfest at Newark Showground. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323 153.

On Monday 6 August Gloucester Amateur Radio and Electronics Society is
visiting the airport. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 6 August Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society is
having an open shack night. Contact John, M1EJG, on 01562 700 513.

On Tuesday 7 August Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is having
a junk sale. Contact Martin, G3SZJ, on 01332 556 875.

On Tuesday 7 August Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
moving in to its new meeting venue and having a welcome evening.
Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

7 On Tuesday 7 August Wythall Radio Club is taking part in the 2m Club
Championship from the shack. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819, or
by email to , or on the web at
www.wythallradioclub.co.uk.

On Wednesday 8 August Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a debrief on
the Hamfest. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323 153.

On Wednesday 8 August Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a local area walking foxhunt. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299
677, or by email to .

On Thursday 9 August Salop Amateur Radio Society is having an
introduction to RAYNET. Contact Glenda, G1YJB, on 01939 235 412.

On Friday 10 August Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a
committee meeting and update on the 75th anniversary dinner. Contact
John, G8SEQ, on 02476 273 190, or by email to .

On Friday 10 August Hucknall Rolls-Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a
members BBQ evening. Details on the web at www.hrrarc.com.

On Saturday 11 August Wythall Radio Club is operating a special event
station at Evesham Steam Fair. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819,
or by email to , or on the web at
www.wythallradioclub.co.uk.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

On Monday 6 August Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a portable
evening and BBQ at Whitley Woods. Contact Trevor, M0TWS.

On Monday 6 August Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society Club is on
the air. Contact Jack, G4BFH, by email to
.

On Tuesday 7 August Halifax and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a technical evening at Rishworth School. Contact Brenda, 2E0YKS,
by email to .

On Tuesday 7 August Stockport Radio Society is having a presentation
and demonstration on restoring old photographs by Christine Simcock,
M1SIM. Contact David, M1ANT, on 0161 456 7832.

On Wednesday 8 August Great Lumley Amateur Radio and Electronics
Society is on the air. Contact Nancy, 0191 477 0036, 07990 760 920, or
by email to .

On Friday 10 August South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having
a talk by G3UAU on "My Baltic Cruise". Contact Ron on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 10 August Tynemouth Radio Club is having a talk on using
multimeters. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to
.

On Saturday 11 August Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is operating GB2DSR at
the Driffield Steam Rally, East Yorkshire. Contact Steve, G4GPY, on
01482 860 440, or by email to .

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Thursday 9 August Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having an HF fox
hunt. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663, or on the web at
www.aars.freeserve.co.uk.

On Friday 10 August Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
having its 14th annual junk night. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811
723.

8 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.