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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 3 August 2008 [Note to newsreaders: starting with today's
script, the @ symbol in email addresses has been replaced by "at", in
an attempt to reduce the number of SPAM messages received by people who
publish their email addresses in the News. Please pronounce at in the
same way you would say @.]

The news headlines

* RSGB RAEN talks end in disagreement

* Irish amateurs get 5 and 70MHz allocation

* Dealing with repeater abuse

The RSGB is disappointed to announce that due to irreconcilable
differences between the RSGB Board and the Trustees of RAEN, or the
Network, the Society has decided to end the Memorandum of Understanding
between the RSGB and the Network. The differences are over the
direction and future management of RAYNET. The Memorandum was put in
place in April 2004 to try to bring closer together all RAYNET factions
for the greater good of RAYNET and the image of Amateur Radio to the
user services and the general public. However, a number of instances
had come to light where the Network had operated outside of the
agreement. At a Board meeting held on the 12 July it was decided to
replace the Memorandum of Understanding with a Position statement.
During a meeting held on the 24 July between representatives of the
Society and RAEN, this document was rejected outright by RAEN. The RSGB
had put forward to RAEN a number of joint ventures such as a common
RAYNET Handbook, common ID cards for all RAYNET groups and a common
insurance arrangement. All of these measures were designed to assist
members and strengthen RAYNET in the eyes of the user services. Sadly,
despite initial agreement, offers of cooperation on these projects was
withdrawn by the Management Board of the Network. The RSGB will
continue to represent all UK Radio Amateurs, Affiliated Clubs and
Groups and its members in the unbiased way it has done so for the past
95 years. It will continue to recognise the importance of RAYNET both
in the UK and across the world and will endeavour to meet the needs of
all RAYNET operators of whatever persuasion. The full statement from
the RSGB and the new RSGB affiliations position statement can be found
on the RSGB website at www.rsgb.org.

The 70MHz band between 70.125 and 70.450MHz has been released generally
to experimenters in Eire. This means that any licensed experimenter may
now use the band without the need to make an individual application.
The upper power limit is 50 watts PEP and 25 watts PEP for mobile
operation. Provision has also been made for the release of spot
frequencies in the segment 5.0 to 5.5MHz on the basis of an individual
application. The upper power limit is 200 watts PEP. The frequencies
that the IRTS agreed with the military authorities and with ComReg are
four 3kHz channels centred on 5280, 5.290, 5.400 and 5.405MHz. These
are the same as four of the channels at present available in the UK.

There has unfortunately been a recent upsurge in repeater abuse in a
number of areas of the UK with the London area being particularly badly
affected. Repeater Keepers have advised to take positive action and
this has resulted in the recent temporary closure of GB3EL. In other
areas, a number of Keepers have taken

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the initiative and imposed closedown 'cooling off' periods and
`curfews' on their repeaters at times when abuse has been observed to
be at its worst. It must be recognised that similar actions may be
imposed by the Regulator if Keepers are not prepared to take the lead
themselves. The RSGB are in ongoing discussions with Ofcom on how
offenders can be identified and dealt with. They are determined that
perpetrators will be brought to book and not be allowed to continue
their mindless behaviour on air. If you require any advice or
assistance on dealing with repeater abuse, please contact your local
RSGB ETCC area manager whose details can be found on the ETCC website
at www.etcc.rsgb.org.

Torbay now has a 6m repeater, GB3TQ, operating on Channel R50-4. That's
an output frequency of 50.750MHz and input frequency of 51.250MHz. A
CTCSS tone of 77Hz is required to open the repeater. The antenna is
vertically polarised and it is located at one of he highest points in
the bay, Locator IO80FK. Local, and visiting licensed radio amateurs
with a 6m capability are encouraged to use the repeater to increase
better communication coverage in the area. Any comments to either
G3VOF, or G0AZX. Their e-mails, and addresses are on QRZ.COM

An RSGB Train the Trainers session, hosted by the Norfolk Amateur Radio
Club, will take place on Saturday 6 September near Norwich. The Train
the Trainers scheme helps tutors enhance the standard of their
Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced licence courses. Alan Betts,
G0HIQ, and Brian Reay, G8OSN, will be presenting the all day course,
which is free of charge to instructors. For more information and to
register, contact David Palmer, G7URP, via e-mail at
radioatdcpmicro.com or on 01953 457322. Demand is expected to be
high, so it is important to register as soon as possible. For details
of further Train the Trainers sessions, see the calendar at
www.g8osn.org.uk.

Steve Telenius-Lowe, G4JVG/9M6DXX was voted the winner of the QST Cover
Plaque Award for June. The award is given to the author or authors of
the best article in each issue as voted for by ARRL members. Steve's
award was for his article, The FSDXA 3B7C St Brandon DXpedition. Many
listeners will know Steve as a previous editor of RadCom.

Earlier this year a questionnaire was sent to all clubs and affiliated
societies, asking about their capability with regard to Public Service
and Emergency Communications, with an opportunity to request additional
help or services from the RSGB. A summary will be published in the
October RadCom (due out in September), but one of the main issues
raised concerned insurance for RSGB Groups. A meeting is to be held
with our brokers to alter the cover as you have requested but
meanwhile, if you are a RSGB RAYNET Group wishing to involve
'outsiders' on an event, please ensure that you make them temporary
members first - they should then be considered part of the Group as far
as insurance goes, both for Public Liability and Personal Accident
cover

UKQRM on Yahoo groups currently has 184 members and this is growing
daily. It is a meeting place for users of the short wave spectrum who
are concerned or troubled by interference caused by power line adaptors
of the type currently supplied by BT to its customers. A YouTube
presentation can be viewed to see the problem, look for channel
mikesndbs on YouTube then find the video titled UKQRM Video showing the
interference caused by BT Vision. UKQRM would welcome new members.

The RSGB understands that rumours are currently circulating regarding
the sale of its former headquarters building. On a recent visit to
Potters Bar a member noted new For Sale signs on Lambda House. The
Society can confirm that the original sale was completed smoothly and
believes that Lambda House has been put back on the market by its new
owners.

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

There are two rallies scheduled to take place today, Sunday 3 August.
The Lorn Radio Rally will be held at Crianlarich Village Hall, which is
at the junction of the A85 and A82. There will be trade stands and an
RSGB Bookstall.

The West Somerset Amateur Radio Club Rally and Boot Sale will be held
at Allerford Community Hall, Allerford, Minehead TA24 8HL. Doors open
at 10am. Contact Bob, G1ONV, on 01643 820265.

Flight Refuelling ARS Hamfest takes place on 10 August at the Cobham
Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, Nr. Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AA.
Doors open at 10am and there will be trade stands, a car boot sale,
licensed bar and catering. Details from Mike, M0MJS, on 01202 883479.

Also on 10 August is the King's Lynn ARC Rally and Car Boot at the
King's Lynn Caravan & Camping Park, PE33 0QR, (off A47, 3miles east of
King's Lynn). There is free car parking and an entry fee of £1 with
doors opening at 10am. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale,
Bring & Buy and an RSGB bookstall. Details from Ray, G3RSV, on
01553671307.

Now for the news of special events

GB2VET will be on the air at the 3rd annual Veteran's weekend on 3
August from the East Park in Hull. They will be running HF on all
workable bands except top band as well as 2m and 70cm. They are hoping
to use restored vintage Ex RAF World War 2 radio. There will be a
special QSL card.

3 August sees three other special event stations taking to the air.
GB1BRC is on the air for Burnley Radio Club from Burnley in Lancashire.
GB2CLB is transmitting for the Cromer LifeBoat and GB4YD will be on air
for Yorkshire Day, this time from Maltby near Rotherham

On 3 August 1958, the USS Nautilus reached the North Pole through the
North West Passage. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, N9N will be
operating from close to the berth of the Nautilus on 3 August.
Tentative operating frequencies will be 7.279, 14.243 and 14.343MHz,
depending on prior use and QRM, using SSB. Event information is
available at QRZ.com under N9N.

GB0ESR will be on the air on 8 August from the Evesham Steam Rally at
Evesham in Worcestershire.

On 9 August, GB2DSR will be on the air from the Driffield Steam Rally
in Driffield, East Yorkshire.

Then, on 10 August, GB2GCH will be on the air from Gateford Care Home
in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

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

Laurent, F8ATM will be active as 6V7L from Senegal on 8 to 22 August.
He plans to operate SSB and RTTY on all HF bands. QSL via his home
call, direct or via the bureau.

Seven Greek operators are going to work as SX5C from Ipsili Island
until 4 August. QSL via SV1HER.

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Andre,LX1FX, is going to be on the air using HF, VHF and UVHF from
Menorca until August 15. His preferred frequencies are 14.333 and
10.133MHz.

Ian, OH/G4FSU, is working from Emsalo Island, Finland, until August 10.
QSL via homecall.

DO7ZZ will be active from Croatia operating VE3ZIK portable 9A until 23
August. Activity will be on the HF bands only, using CW, SSB, RTTY,
PSK31, PSK63 and 10m FM. QSL via DO7ZZ via the bureau

W1AW portable KL7 takes to the air until 10 August from the grid square
BP56 as part of the 2008 Alaska State Hamfest being held in Anchorage.
The station will operate on the Alaskan Arctic Circle from the
intersection of the Dalton Highway some 200 miles North of Fairbanks.
The enhanced Grey Line effect starts at about 0600UTC and lasts for 6
to 8 hours.

Now the contest news

Today, 3 August, it is the RSGB 432MHz Low Power Contest using all
modes from 0800 to 1200. The exchange is the RS, serial number, locator
and postal code, such as MK or BH.

5 August sees the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest and Club Championship
using all modes between 1900 and 2130. The exchange is RS, serial
number and locator.

The 10 meter NRAU Activity Contest takes place on 7 August using CW,
SSB, FM and Digi between 1700 * 2100. Exchange is RST and locator.

Over the weekend 9 and 10 August, the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club
(DARC) invites radio amateurs world wide to participate in the annual
Worked All Europe CW Contest. It is held from 0000 to 2359 between 3.5
to 28MHz. The exchange is RST and serial number.

The Maryland-DC QSO Party takes place on 9 August at 1600 until 10
August at 0400 and again on 10 August 10, from 1600 through to 2359.
Non-MDC stations must work MDC stations for score. The exchange is QTH
and category

Now the solar report for the period from the 21st to the 27th of July,
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

First a look at the smoothed sunspot numbers for October, November and
December 2007 which are the latest available are 6.1, 5.7 and 5.0
respectively. The solar disc was spotless everyday. Solar activity was
very low. Solar flux levels was at 66 units everyday except for the
24th which declined to 65. The average was 66. The 90 day solar flux
average on the 27th was 67 units, that's the same level as last week.
X-ray flux levels remained well below the minimum reporting level
everyday. Due to a recurring coronal hole geomagnetic activity was
unsettled from the 22nd to the 24th. The 23rd was the most disturbed
day with an Ap index of 16 units. Activity was quiet on the remaining
days. The average was Ap 8 units. The ACE spacecraft saw solar wind
speeds increase from 300 kilometres per second on the 21st to 680 by
the 23rd. Speeds then gradually declined to 350 by the 27th. Particle
densities were low throughout. Bz varied between minus and

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plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between minus 10 and plus 11
nanoTeslas on the most disturbed day.

Now let's take a brief comparison between this sunspot minimum and the
previous minimum which took place back in 1996. First the last minimum,
there was in total 305 spotless days over a 4 year 9 month 6 day
period. So far this cycle there as been 382 spotless days over a 4 year
7 month period and we are still counting. Solar flux levels paint a
similar picture with 212 days when the solar flux level was below 70
units. In the previous minimum there was 178 days. The lowest daily
value appears to be 65 units, in the previous minimum there were 3 days
at that value, this minimum there as already been 12, and don't forget
we are still counting. Only three sunspot groups belonging to the new
cycle have so far been visible.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity looks set to
continue at very low levels. The solar disc could be spotless on some
days. Solar flux levels are expected to remain in the mid to high 60's.
Geomagnetic activity should start at quiet levels, however, during the
second half of the week activity is expected to increase due to a
recurring coronal hole, MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes
should be around 18MHz for the south and 15MHz for the north. The
darkness hour lows are expected to be about 10MHz. 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 18MHz. The optimum working
frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 15MHz. The best
time to try this path will be between 1200 and 2200 hours UTC.
Sporadic-E is expected to take place on some days.

And that's all for this week from the propagation team.

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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 Loughton and Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society will
be holding a Foundation course over the weekend of 4 and 5 October. An
Intermediate Licence practical assessment will be held on 5 October. If
you wish to participate, or for more information, contact Marc
Litchman, G0TOC, on 0208 502 1645 or email g0tocatlefars.org.uk as
soon as possible. On Sunday 3 August Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society
is attending Sandford Mill Radio Museum's open afternoon. Contact
Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On Sunday 3 August Colchester Radio
Amateurs is having a public demonstration day at the Five Parishes
Summer Show at Fingringhoe Ranges. Contact David Chambers, M1AMI, on
01206 870989. On Sunday 3 August Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio
Society is dismantling its summer camp. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874
7456. On Monday 4 August Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society
is having a construction project evening. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787
460 947. On Monday 4 August Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio
Society is having a field activity evening on Felixstowe beach. Contact
Paul, G4YQC, by email to paul.whitingatbt.com. On Monday 4 August
Southdown Amateur Radio Society is on the air at Beachy Head. Contact
John, G3DQY, on 01424 424 319. On Monday 4 August Surrey Radio Contact
Club is having a talk on the 1952 air crash at Billings Montana and its
aftermath by John Downs. Contact Ray, G4FFY, on 020 8644 7589. On
Tuesday 5 August Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a
Constructor's Competition. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On
Tuesday 5 August Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night and social evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247
2846. On Tuesday 5 August Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society
is taking part in the 144MHz UK Activity Contest. Contact John
McCutcheon, 01462 459254. On Wednesday 6 August Chesham and District
Amateur Radio Society is having a general meeting. Contact Terry,
G0VFW, on 01442 831 491. On Wednesday 6 August Dover Radio Club is
having a 2m Fox Hunt with M1CMN and M1CVF. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by
email to g4sauatDARC.org.uk. On Wednesday 6 August Havering and
District Amateur Radio Club is having an informal evening. Contact
Dave, 2E0EBV, on 07956 594 514. On Wednesday 6 August Norfolk Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on getting started in PSK and RTTY by
Roger, G3LDI and Malcolm, G3PDH. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362
691099.

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On Thursday 7 August Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a bring, show
and tell evening. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk. On Thursday 7
August King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a committee meeting and
2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to ral-g3rsvatsupanet.com.
On Friday 8 August Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
challenging members to identify various objects. Contact David Leary,
G8JKV on 01223 355254. On Friday 8 August Itchen Valley Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk on the acquisition and repair of a Hallicrafter
SX28 by Steve, G7HEP. Contact Quintin, M1ENU, on 023 8078799. On Friday
8 August Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio night.
Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103. On Friday 8 August Southdown
Amateur Radio Society is operating at the Hailsham shack. Contact John,
G3DQY, on 01424 424 319. On Sunday 10 August Chelmsford Amateur Radio
Society is attending Sandford Mill Radio Museum's open afternoon.
Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On Sunday 10 August King's
Lynn Amateur Radio Club KLARC Rally. Contact Ray, G3RSV, on ral-
g3rsvatsupanet.com, or on the web at www.klarc.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Tuesday 5 August Chippenham District Amateur
Radio Club is meeting at Roundway Down to enter the RSGB 144MHz UK
Activity Contest. For those not attending this event the shack will be
open for Foundation Training from 8pm. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 846
698 evenings and weekends. On Wednesday 6 August Bath Amateur Radio
Club is having an informal evening. Contact Rob, M0TFO, on 01225 351
016. On Wednesday 6 August Cornish Radio Amateur Club is having a
natter night. Contact Ian, on 01872 561 058. On Wednesday 6 August
South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a workshop on multimeters.
Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282. On Wednesday 6 August Thornbury
and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Club is having a pedestrian
direction finding contest. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by email to
tonytsgarcatbeeb.net. On Wednesday 6 August Trowbridge and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on Doppler in medicine by Arthur
Gallagher, G6YDP. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698, E/W. On
Thursday 7 August Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
barbecue or evening visit as weather dictates. Contact Brian, M0BHG, on
01752 844 321. On Thursday 7 August Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having
members' mini talks. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to
g.swainattesco.net. On Friday 8 August North Bristol Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk on vertical aerials by Tony, G8CKK and Dick,
G0XAY. Contact Dick Elford, G0XAY, on G0XAYataol.com.

On Friday 8 August Torbay Amateur Radio Society is holding an Operating
Night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to g6fspattars.org.uk.

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NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 4 August Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Contact Dave, G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

On Monday 4 August South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur Radio
Club is having a mobile ARDF fox hunt. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on
01773 783658.

On Monday 4 August Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a social and on air night. Contact John, M1EJG, on 01562 700
513.

On Tuesday 5 August Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
operating HF digital. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 5 August National Space Centre Amateur Radio Society is on
the air, activating GB2NSC. Contact Geoff, G4AFJ, on 01455 823 344.

On Wednesday 6 August Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a planning and
equipment check for SSB field day. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323
153.

On Wednesday 6 August Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having an open house on the air night and committee meeting. Contact
Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 7 August Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893.

On Thursday 7 August Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a quiz. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Friday 8 August Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a VHF and
UHF radio workshop . Contact John, G8SEQ, on 02476 273 190.

On Sunday 10 August Lincoln Short-Wave Club is attending the King's
Lynn Rally. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323 153.

On Sunday 10 August Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is having a garden
party. Contact Dave, G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Two newsreaders are required to take up
the Sunday morning 11.30 news reading via the 2 metre repeater GB3YC.
Volunteers need to be members of the RSGB, and should telephone the
GB2RS News Manager Gordon Adams, G3LEQ, on 01 565 652 652 for further
information. The need arises because G4FCH will shortly be standing
down for health reasons and reserve reader G4ZGP is moving out of the
area.

On Sunday 3 August Maltby and District Amateur Radio Society is
operating GB4YD for Yorkshire Day. Contact Keith, G1PQW, on 07801 156
678.

On Monday 4 August Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
G1TKX. Contact Trevor, M0TWS.

On Monday 4 August Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having a
show and tell evening. Contact Jack, G4BFH, by email to
jack.duddingtonatbtinternet.com.

On Tuesday 5 August Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
Keith, G8MKO, on static electricity. Contact Roger, M0DWQ on 01925 813
558.

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On Wednesday 6 August Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a committee
meeting. Contact Sue, G6UQA, on 01482 668 041, or on the web at
www.hornseaarc.co.uk.

On Wednesday 6 August Maltby and District Amateur Radio Society is on
the air. Contact Keith, G1PQW, on 07801 156 678.

On Thursday 7 August North Wakefield Radio Club is having a club night.
Contact Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

On Friday 8 August East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 8 August South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is having
members' mini-lectures. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 8 August Tynemouth Radio Club is having an operating night
and Morse classes. Contact Tony, G8YFA, on by email to
mailatg0nwm.com.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 5 August Livingston and District Amateur
Radio Society is having a talk on EMC. Contact Norman, on 0131 449
7641.

On Wednesday 6 August Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is having a night
of teaching, practical work and general discussion. Contact Jim,
GM3UWX.

On Thursday 7 August Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a junk
sale. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 8 August Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club Annual
Junk Sale. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR WALES On Monday 4 August Dragon Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on the control of model aeroplanes. Contact Martin, GW3PRL, on
01248 430 848.

On Tuesday 5 August Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by
Frank Rogers on The Keys to the Third Reich. Contact Glyn, MW0BNB.

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.