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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 5 October 2008 The news headlines

* RSGB unhappy with Ofcom over PLT inaction

* GB2RS Long Service

* GB4FUN being fitted out

After waiting for nearly two years for a response from Ofcom over the
introduction of possibly non compliant power line adapters the RSGB was
extremely disappointed to hear from Ofcom that they do not intend to do
anything about it.

RSGB President Colin Thomas, G3PSM, has written to Ofcom stating the
RSGB's concerns that Ofcom are failing to deliver on their statutory
duty of ensuring the optimal use of the electro-magnetic spectrum
especially in the HF bands.

The RSGB will continue to pursue Ofcom on this matter. The full
statement and an extract of the letter sent by RSGB President can be
found on the RSGB website. It will also appear in the November edition
of RadCom.

GB2RS News was first broadcast on Sunday 25 September 1955 from the
station of Frank Hicks-Arnold G6MB on 3600kHz using voice amplitude
modulation. What is less well-known is that the RSGB had been in
discussions with the UK regulator, then the General Post Office, for
some time about the feasibility of such a news service for UK radio
amateurs. As part of its practicability evidence for the GPO, some
experimental broadcasts were arranged by the RSGB on 40 metres. These
test transmissions took place from the station of Jimmy Porter GI3GGY
in Londonderry during 1954 using his own callsign. The GPO then agreed
initially to the news taking place in the 80 metre band on Sundays
using the callsign GB2RS. A year later they permitted these bulletins
to be broadcast on 40 metres as well and these were put out by GI3GGY
using the GB2RS callsign. GI3GGY has been involved ever since, and he
has thus been a GB2RS news reader for more than 50 years - longer than
anyone else.

Earlier this year Jimmy's massive HF type LPH9 16-element log periodic
antenna was severely damaged by gales. The antenna tower was some 90
feet high. Jimmy has been unable to get the structure repaired and has
therefore, reluctantly, stated that he wishes to stand down as an HF
news reader. Accordingly, today, 5th October, the RSGB has appointed
Jon Hague, GM3JIJ to take over the news broadcasts on 7150kHz using LSB
commencing at 10.30am local time. Listeners should note that this is 30
minutes later than the previous GI3GGY readings.

The RSGB wishes to pay tribute to Jimmy's dedication as a news reader
over more than 50 years, and also thank his assistant reader June,
GI4MJD, for acting as back up. They will continue to read the local
news on 2 metres FM for the Londonderry area.

Martyn Phillips, G3RFX, has been carrying out the 7MHz readings over
the last few months and will continue to act as a back-up reader for
GM3JIJ - who will welcome reception reports from the UK and Northern
Europe. Due to the current sunspot minimum, listeners are unlikely to
hear the reading unless they are more than 400 miles or 650km distant
from Stornoway, Jon's Scottish Western Isles QTH. UK listeners south of
Birmingham should be successful.

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If you would like to volunteer as an assistant 7MHz news reader, then
please contact the GB2RS News Service Manager Gordon, G3LEQ, on 01 565
652 652 or email him via gb2rsatntlworld.com.

The RSGB are pleased to announce that they have taken delivery of the
new GB4FUN trailer and it is being fitted out with a wide range of
amateur equipment. GB4FUN co-ordinator Carlos Eavis, G0AKI, said, "This
purpose-designed trailer is a fantastic piece of engineering and is
streets ahead of the original GB4FUN vehicle. Its facilities will
provide a wonderful resource to bring amateur radio into the lives of
many more young people." It will be seen for the first time at HFC over
the weekend 10 to 12 October and also at the Leicester Amateur Radio
Show on 24 and 25 October.

Australia is set to join the 30-odd countries whose radio amateurs have
been already given the new low frequency amateur band of 135.7 to
137.8kHz. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has
released its draft Australia Radio Frequency Spectrum Plan that is to
come into force on the 1st of January 2009. It includes 135.7 to
137.8kHz for the Amateur Service on a secondary basis. This means that
VK radio amateurs cannot cause harmful interference to the
radio-navigation service stations that continue to operate in a number
of countries. The permitted maximum radiated power is one watt EIRP.
The New Year should see the Australian Advanced Licence gain this band
as a new operating privilege.

GB7ZP is a new D-Star repeater in Essex located in Danbury to the east
of Chelmsford. The input frequency is 430.4875MHz and output frequency
is 439.4875MHz. Initial operation is local RF only, with the internet
Gateway facility to be added later.

The G QRP Club Mini-Convention, in conjunction with the Halifax Radio
Society, is due to take place on 18 October at The Rishworth School,
Ripponden. Doors open at 10am and admission is £2. There will be
lectures on various QRP subjects. For more information, email RSGB QRP
columnist George Dobbs at g3rjvatgqrp.co.uk.

If you are visiting London before the middle of January next year, you
may like to call in to a free art exhibition at the Barbican Arts
Centre in the Curve area. A piece called Frequency and Volume, designed
by Lozano-Hemmer, a Mexican-born artist, uses twelve WinRadio G305
receivers, ten DAB receivers, supplied by Nevada and thirty Freeview
receivers. The audience, using just their shadow, is able to tune and
adjust the volume of receivers by a complex back projection shadow
system.

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

Today, 5 October, the Autumn Militaria & Electronics & Radio Amateur
Hangar Sale takes place at Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich,
Cheshire, CW58AP. Contact Rod Siebert, on 01270 623353.

Also Today, 5 October, it's the British Amateur Television Club
Biannual General Meeting at Stow-Cum-Quy village hall, Cambridge, CB25
9AW. Details at www.batc.org.uk. If you cannot attend in person then
you can watch proceedings live online at www.batc.tv.

The RSGB HF Convention takes place from 10 to 12 October at Wyboston
Lakes Conference Centre, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44
3AL. This is the UK's premier event for HF enthusiasts with multiple
lecture streams including a presentation by Eric Scase, K3NA on the
challenging VP6DX Ducie Island DXpedition. The top two prizes in the
raffle are the IC-7000 donated by Icom and the FT-950 donated by ML&S
and Yaesu.

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The GB3EE Repeater Group Chesterfield Rally takes place on 11 October
at Hasland Village Hall, Eastwood Park, Hasland S41 0AY. Doors open
at10am. Details from Martin, M1ANW, on 01246 217499.

On 12 October, the Great Lumley Amateur Radio and Electronics Society
will be running its annual rally. It starts at 10.30am in the Great
Lumley Community Centre, Front Street, Great Lumley, Chester le Street,
Co. Durham DH3 4DJ. Traders will be there as well as a Bring and Buy.
Admission is £2 and under 15s are free if accompanied by an adult.
Contact David Barclay at m0bpmatbtinternet.com or phone 0191 3888113.
Now for the news of special events

GB2WCM is being put on air in aid of the Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St.
Austell, Cornwall. The station will be on air from 1 October 2008 for
28 days. QSL via the bureau or direct, see qrz.com. SWL reports are
most welcome and all QSLs will be answered.

The newly formed Middlesex DX Group will be active between 4 and 10
October on Arran Island. They will use MS0MDG/P for SOTA activations
and HF portable operation, while GB0MFG will be used for base
operation. Activity is planned for 160m down to 23cm. QSL via 2E0VAG,
direct or by the bureau.

GB0NPD will be on the air on 9 October for National Poetry Day from
Bradford in West Yorkshire. Also on 9 October, GB4LI will be on the air
from Lundy Island.

To commemorate the 200th issue of the Polish Radio Amateurs' Journal,
three special event stations will operate in October. HF200Q will be on
the air until 10 October, HF200T will be on the air from 11 to 20
October and HF200C will be on the air from 21 to 31 October. An
electronic Award is available if you work at least one special event
station. Send your log extract to qtcatpost.pl. QSL to SP4KDX, as
shown at qrz.com or via the bureau.

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

The callsign for the Swaziland JOTA DXpeditition has been changed to
3DA0SS for Swazi Scouts. Listen out over the weekend of 18 and 19
October.

Members of the NASA Glenn Amateur Radio Club, NA8SA, in Cleveland,
Ohio, will be active daily between 2200 and 0500z from 1 to 6 October
to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of NASA operations.
Suggested frequencies are 14.280, 7.280, 3.880 and 1.880MHz. QSL
details on qrz.com.

Andrew, a member of the RSGB affiliated Craven Radio Amateur Group,
will be operational every day from Embudu Island in Kaafu Atoll in the
Maldives, using the call 8Q7AK from 12 to 25 October. He plans to use
SSB and CW on the 40, 30, 20, 17, 15 and 12 metre bands. For
comprehensive details of operating times, qsl information etc, please
check 8Q7AK on qrz.com.

E51NOU will be on the air from Rarotonga, which is IOTA reference
OC-013, until 11 October. He will be active on 40 to 10 meters using
only CW. QSL to N7OU.

PJ2/PA0VDV will be on from Curacao between 2 and 29 October, CW only.

6V7SPACE will be on the air in Senegal to celebrate Space Week 4 to 10
October.

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Now the contest news

The RSGB's 21/28MHz contest is taking place today, 5 October.
Propagation is likely to be a challenge at this stage in the sunspot
cycle, but that can make the event more interesting. UK activity has
been comparatively low in some years, so do make the effort and come on
* particularly if you are in a 'rare' postcode area. The overseas
entrants will appreciate your multiplier. Exchange is RST, serial
number and postcode area, for example MK.

7 October sees the RSGB 144MHz UK AC & Club Championship running from
1900 to 2130 using all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator.

The RSGB 80m CW Club Sprint takes place on 9 October from 1900 to 2030.
The exchange is both callsigns plus serial number and your name or
nickname.

The CW EU Sprints takes place on 11 October. These are always well
supported, but with more UK contesters having familiarity with the
sprint formats now, we hope for an even better showing. Exchange is
both callsigns, serial number and name or nickname.

The 2nd RSGB 50MHz contest takes place on 12 October from 0900 to 1200
using all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number, locator
and postcode.

The 72nd Oceania DX Contest is happening on the first two full weekends
of October. The CW section is from 0800UTC 11 October to 0800UTC 12
October. The main aim of the contest is to promote HF contacts with
stations in the Oceania region. More information about the contest,
including the detailed rules, is available from the Oceania DX Contest
website.

Now the solar report for the period from the 22nd to the 28th of
September, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

First, a look at the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers. The
figures are for December 2007 and January and February 2008 which are
5.0, 4.2 and 3.6 respectively. As can be seen by those figures we are
still heading towards minimum. On the 22nd a small sunspot group
appeared, what made this group interesting is that it belongs to the
new cycle, it was at a high latitude and had a reverse magnetic
footprint compared to other groups belonging to the present cycle in
the Sun's northern hemisphere. This is the fourth group belonging to
the new cycle. Sunspot groups are measured in size by the area they
occupy and are reported in millionths of the solar disc. This group was
only 30 millionths in size. For comparison, a large group would be over
1,000 millionths in size. As with most things in life, size matters,
but with sunspot groups, it is also the magnetic complexity that will
determine how big a solar flare producer it will be. Unfortunately, by
the 24th the group and decayed and disappeared. The solar disc was
spotless again for the remainder of the period. Solar flux levels
declined from 69 units on the 22nd to 67 by the 27th. The average was
68 units. The 90 day solar flux average was 66 units, that's the same
level as last week. X-ray flux levels remained below the minimum
reporting level everyday. Geomagnetic activity was quiet everyday with
the Ap index never higher than 4 units. The average was Ap 3 units.
Solar wind speeds at the ACE spacecraft saw speeds vary between 250 and
380 kilometres per second. Densities were low except for the 25th which
increased to 17 particles per cubic centimetre. Bz showed little
variation and fluctuated between minus and plus 6 nanoTeslas.
Coincidentally, this week, NASA reported that the average pressure of
the

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solar wind has dropped by over 20 per cent since the mid-1990s and is
at its lowest since records began almost 50 years ago. It is also
cooler and less dense. What implications, if any, these findings may
have for radio propagation is unknown.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
continue at very low levels. Solar flux levels should be in the high
60's, however, there is a chance they could climb into the low 70's.
Geomagnetic activity should be quiet until next weekend when a
recurring coronal hole will increase activity. MUFs during daylight
hours at equal latitudes should be about 19MHz for the south and 16MHz
for the north. The darkness hour lows should be around 8MHz. Paths this
week to the Middle East should have a maximum usable frequency with a
50 per cent success rate of about 20MHz. The optimum working frequency
with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 15MHz. The best time to
try this path will be between 1000 and 1700 hours UTC.

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 Whitton Amateur Radio Group in West London is a
registered examination centre for all levels of licence and at the
present time is offering courses for the Foundation and Intermediate
levels. Its next Intermediate course starts on Wednesday 5 November,
leading to the exam on 17 December. For more details telephone 0870 760
5082 or email .

On Sunday 5 October the British Amateur Television Club is holding its
Biannual General Meeting at Stow- Cum-Quy village hall, Cambridgeshire,
CB25 9AW. Details on the web at www.batc.org.uk.

On Sunday 5 October Bromley and District Amateur Radio Society is
running a Foundation course at Victory Social Club, Kechill Gardens.
Details on the web at www.bdars.org.

On Monday 6 October Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is
planning for JOTA. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.

On Monday 6 October Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a talk on
contesting by Don, G3XTT. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday 6 October Southdown Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
open water scuba diving by M0AEK. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424 424
319.

On Monday 6 October Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a surplus sale.
Contact Ray, G4FFY, on 020 8644 7589.

On Tuesday 7 October Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is holding its
annual general meeting. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 7 October Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a natter night and s social evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247
2846.

On Tuesday 7 October Leiston Amateur Radio Club is having a
construction evening. Contact Dave, G4HUP, on 01473 737 717.

On Tuesday 7 October Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in the 144MHz UK Activity Contest. Contact John McCutcheon
on 01462 459254.

On Wednesday 8 October Aylesbury Vale Radio Society is having a digital
TV update by Nigel, G8AYM. Contact Roger, G3MEH, on 01442 826 651.

On Wednesday 8 October Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a radio testing evening. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 8 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an informal
evening. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099.

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On Wednesday 8 October South Essex Amateur Radio Society is on the air.
Details on the web at www.southessex.ARS.btinternet.co.uk.

On Wednesday 8 October Southgate Amateur Radio Club is having a junk
sale. Contact David, M0XDS by email to david.sharp1attesco.net.

On Wednesday 8 October Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its AGM. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 9 October King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
by Ray Faultey, G3ASG, on some of his experiences working for the Radio
Security Service. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to ral-
g3rsvatsupanet.com.

On Thursday 9 October Reading and District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its construction contest hosted by Robin Caine, G4IWS. Contact
Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Thursday 9 October Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk by Ian G1JCC on Contacts I Missed. Contact David, G8UOD,
on 01234 742 757.

On Friday 10 October Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having an informal evening. Contact David Leary, G8JKV on 01223 355254.

On Friday 10 October Hilderstone Radio and Electronics Club is having a
natter night. Contact Mike, G4MIX, by email to g4mixatwaitrose.com.

On Friday 10 October Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on building test equipment by Paul Wilton, M1CNK. Contact Quintin,
M1ENU, on 023 8078799.

On Friday 10 October Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
night. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103.

On Friday 10 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is attending the RSGB
HF Convention at Wyboston Lakes. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362
691099.

On Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October Reading and District Amateur Radio
Club is running its Foundation course. Contact Pete, G8FRC, on 01189
695 697.

On Friday 10 October Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk and demo on a world war 2 Mitsubishi bomber radio by Len
and Dick. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456.

On Saturday 11 October Verulam Radio Club is attending the HF
Convention Weekend. Contact Ralph, G1BSZ, on 01923 265572.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Wednesday 8 October South Bristol Amateur
Radio Club is having its autumn table top sale. Contact Len, G4RZY, on
01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 8 October Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is
operating the club station and holding Morse classes. Contact William,
G3WNI, on 01823 666 234.

On Wednesday 8 October Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club plans to be on the air. The club's normal meeting room will
not be available for the next few weeks so please check before setting
out. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by email to tonytsgarcatsky.com.

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On Thursday 9 October Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 9 October Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having an Elecraft
evening hosted by G3ICO and 2E0BFJ. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to
g.swainattesco.net.

On Friday 10 October Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to g6fspattars.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is starting a new
Foundation course, enrolling on Thursday 30th October and leading to
the exam on 22 November. For further details contact Colin, G4ZPJ, on
01827 700939.

On Monday 6 October Gloucester Amateur Radio and Electronics Society is
having a talk on the development of man pack radios by Mike Hazell and
Richard Hankins. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 6 October Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is having a natter
night. Contact Dave, G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

On Monday 6 October South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur Radio
Club is having an operating system demonstration by Russell Bradley,
G0OKD. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773 783658.

On Monday 6 October Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a social and on air night. Contact John, M1EJG, on 01562 700
513.

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

On Tuesday 7 October Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk by Brian, G8BUB, on "How I got into Amateur Radio".
Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 7 October Wythall Radio Club is having its annual general
meeting. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

On Wednesday 8 October Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a debrief on Hamfest and brainstorming meeting for a new society
project. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 9 October Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is having a fault
finding evening. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893.

On Friday 10 October Coventry Amateur Radio Society is holding its
annual general meeting. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 02476 273 190.

On Friday 10 October Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is having its
2nd Birthday bash at the Anchor Inn. Contact Leslie Newth on 01905
726320.

On Friday 10 October Wythall Radio Club continues its Intermediate
Course. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

On Sunday 12 October Wythall Radio Club is attending Lord Pettitt's
Shooting Party. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

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NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 6 October Sheffield Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk by G7CGK on Enigma, plus Random Acts will
be presenting The Wireless Times. Details on the web at
www.sheffieldarc.org.uk.

On Tuesday 7 October Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on switch mode power supplies by Ian, G4LUG. For more
information contact 07594 596 040.

On Thursday 9 October North Wakefield Radio Club is having a club
night. Contact Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

On Friday 10 October East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 10 October South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is having
a table-top DF. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 10 October Tynemouth Radio Club is having an operating night
and Morse classes. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to mailatg0nwm.com.

On Saturday 11 October Bishop Auckland Radio Amateurs Club is attending
Tees Cottage open weekend. Contact Mark, G0GFG, on 01388 745353.

On Saturday 11 October Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society
continues its Intermediate Course. For more information contact 07594
596 040.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Sunday 5 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 Thursday 9 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a junk
sale. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 10 October Border Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM.
Contact Ray, GM0CDV, on 01573 228730.

On Saturday 11 October Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society is having its
autumn junk sale from noon at the Scout hall, Fochabers. Contact Jim,
MM0SMD, on 01340 820 134.

NEWS FOR WALES On Tuesday 7 October Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society
Normal is on the air. Contact Les, GW8PSJ, on 01239 811 922 or from
Mike, GI4XSF on 028 4277 2383.

On Tuesday 7 October Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is on the air.
Details on the web at www.qsl.net/wars/.

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NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Bangor and District ARS will be running a
Foundation licence course on 29 and 30 November. Full details are on
their web site at www.bdars.com.

On Monday 6 October Bangor and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on computer logging by Pete, GI4VIV. Contact Mike, GI4XSF, on 028
4277 2 383.

And that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast,

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.