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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 19 October 2008 The news headlines

* Simulated Emergency Test

* Amateur licenses for visitors to Singapore

* Train the trainers in Wigan

The next IARU Global Simulated Emergency Test or 'GlobalSET' is
scheduled for 8 November between 0400 and 0800 hours UTC. The time of
each exercise changes to allow more stations to participate from around
the world as well as recognising that emergencies can happen at any
time. This is an exercise between stations interested in emergency
communications and is not a contest. Activity will be concentrated
around the IARU Emergency Centre of Activity frequencies on the 80, 40,
20, 17 and 15 metre bands that are now incorporated in bandplans around
the world. The rules for the event are available at www.iaru-r1.org.

The Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society are pleased to advise
that the Singapore licensing authority have recently announced that
temporary amateur licences are now available to radio amateurs visiting
Singapore. The application should be made three weeks before arrival in
Singapore and the licence is typically valid for a three months period
using the callsign 9V1/Homecall. A fee of 50 Singapore Dollars will
apply. The application process and forms are posted on the
Infocommunications Development Authority government website.

An RSGB Train the Trainers session will take place on Saturday 13
December. It will be held at the Standish Community Centre, Moody
Street, which is off Church Street, Standish, near Wigan. It is being
hosted by the North West Amateur Radio Club. The Train the Trainers
scheme offers some guidance on running courses and teaching techniques
and helps tutors enhance the standard of their Foundation, Intermediate
and Advanced licence courses. Dave Wilson, M0OBW, and Dave Bibby,
G1PIX, will be presenting the all-day course, which is free of charge
to attendees. For more information and to register, contact Kath
Wilson, M1CNY by e-mail to: dwilsonatbtinternet.com or call on 01270
761 608. Demand is expected to be high, so it is important to register
as soon as possible.

The RSGB will be appearing in force at the Leicester Amateur Radio Show
on 24 and 25 October. There will be a strong Headquarters presence and
a large number of RSGB Volunteers will also be there to answer
questions and offer help. In addition to the people indicated in the
December RadCom, we are pleased to announce that the RSGB QSL Manager,
Richard Constantine, G3UVF, will also be attending.

We have been informed that there is a change to the visitor parking
arrangements for the Leicester Show. Parking will be within the metal
fenced area to the south-east side of the hall. Disabled parking will
be in the same place as before. Organisers ask visitors to follow the
Radio Show Parking signs and stewards' instructions so that you park in
the correct areas.

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The terms of the personal accident cover available to RSGB affiliated
RAYNET Groups has been improved. This will make it possible for RSGB
groups to work on events organised by non-affiliated groups, enjoying
the same compatible insurance cover. Full details are available in the
Emergency Communications section of the RSGB website and will be
reported in the December edition of RadCom. It is important that RSGB
affiliated RAYNET groups access this information without delay.

The Opequon Radio Society located in Martinsburg, West Virginia, USA at
the Veteran's Administration Hospital are planning to set up and
contact related military stations on Veteran's Day, 11 November. They
would like to know if any affiliated clubs in the UK are doing anything
at this time or might be interested in attempting to contact them on
20m. If you are involved in an event on 11 November, please contact
KD8PUG, details as on qrz.com.

The New Worked All Britain Squares Award and the new Sixth series WAB
book package will be launched at the Leicester Amateur Radio Show at
Castle Donington on 24 and 25 October. Full details and books will be
available from the WAB stand at the show.

The German Amataeur Radio Soceity, DARC, are looking for nominations
for the Horkheimer Prize 2009.Rudolf Horkheimer was one of the first
radio amateurs in Germany. The prize bearing his name is awarded for
merit in amateur radio and its further development. The prize can be
awarded to one or more persons or institutions and is not restricted to
members of DARC. Any member of an amateur radio society in the IARU is
entitled for proposal. Self proposals are permitted. The prize is
awarded during the opening of Ham Radio 2009 fair in Friedrichshafen,
Germany. The proposals must be submitted by 31 March 2009 to DARC. You
should list name and address of the proposed amateur, a short
description of why they've been nominated and any further information
you think useful. The decision of the jury is final and cannot be
voided. If there is no fitting proposal, the prize will not be awarded.

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

Galashiels and District ARS will be holding their Annual Radio and
Computer Rally today, 19 October, in The Volunteer Hall, St John's
Street, Galashiels. Doors open 11am and admission is £2. There will be
traders, Bring and Buy and refreshments. Details from Jim, GM7LUN on
01896 850245.

Also taking place today is the Blackwood & District ARS Rally at Coleg
Gwent, Risca Road, Cross Keys NP11 7ZA. Doors open at 10/10.30am and
admission is £2. There will be trade stands, a bring & buy and special
interest groups in attendance. Details from Dave on 01495 228516.

The Leicester Amateur Radio Show takes place on 24 and 25 October at
Donington Park, Leicestershire, close to M1 junction 23A. There will be
a large RSGB presence as well as traders, special interest groups and a
bring & buy. Details from Geoff, G4AFJ, on 01455 823 344.

On 25 October, the Ham Radio Convention will take place again in the
Netherlands. The programme includes lectures entitled EME is fun by
PE1BTX, Liberia 2007, not just another DXpedition and D-Star by PA1GF.
E-mail: Paul Sterk .

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The fourth annual gathering of military and vintage radio gear is at
Doncaster Aero Museum on Sunday 26 October 9.00am to 1pm. Entry is
adults £2, concessions £1 with free car parking. For more details
contact Dr Mike Diprose on 0143 363 1296 or Phil Jarvis on 0130 276
1616.

Now for the news of special events

Today, 19 October, a team from Wakefield and District Radio Society
will be operating from Britain's highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn, using
the callsign GB1TAN.

Today is the final day of the JOTA weekend. The Caterham Radio Group
are running GX0SCR on behalf of the Caterham Guide Groups. The team
would very much appreciate your calls to assist in passing of greeting
messages to and from their young people.

GB4YOU will take part in JOTA from Youlbury Scout Activity Centre near
Oxford. Please listen out for them and exchange greetings.

Members of the West Manchester Radio Club will be operating GB1ASG for
Astley Scout Group from the Scout headquarters on Ellesmere Street,
Astley, Manchester.

On 21 October, GB2JT will be on the air from Leicestershire. Then on 24
October, GB8LS will be on the air from the Leicester Amateur Radio
Show. GB2PPS will be on the air on 25 October form Papplewock pumping
Station in Ravenshead.

TC85TC will be on the air between 23 October and 2 December to
celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. Activity will
be mainly on 17, 20 and 40m bands. QSL manager is TA1HZ.

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

TC4X will be on the air for the CQ WW SSB Contest during the weekend of
25 and 26 October. QSL via OH2BH.

C56EA will be active as from The Gambia between 15 and 23 October. They
will operate SSB, CW and RTTY on 160 to 10 metres. QSL via EA4BT,
direct or bureau.

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.

IH9N will be active as from the African Italy Island of Pantelleria
during the CQWW DX SSB Contest on 25 and 26 October 25-26th as a
Single-Op, Single-Band 40m, Low-Power entry. QSL via OK1MG.

IF9A will be active as from Favignana Island, which is IOTA Reference
EU 054 between 24 and 26 October for the CQWW DX SSB Contest. Activity
will be on all bands and modes. QSL via IT9ATF, direct or by the
Bureau.

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Now the contest news

On 21 October from 1900 to 2130 it is the RSGB 1.3GHz and 2.3GHz
Activity Contest. Using all modes on these two bands, the exchange is
signal report, serial number and locator.

On 22 October the RSGB SSB 80m Club Sprint Contest takes place. The
exchange is both callsigns plus the serial number and your name or
nickname.

As ever, one of the highlights of October is the CQWW Phone contest on
25 and 26 October. Whether you are a contester or not, the contest
attracts lots of expeditions to interesting places, many of these being
active both before and after the event on all bands and modes.

Now the solar report for the period from the 6th October to the 12th of
October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

We start with the smoothed sunspot numbers. These are the latest
available smoothed sunspot numbers for January, February and March
which are 4.2, 3.6 and 3.3 respectively. The trend is still downward.

The solar disc was spotless until the 10th when a small group appeared;
this had disappeared the following day. Also on the 11th another larger
group appeared and was still growing in size on the 12th. However, the
group is still relatively small and was dormant in activity. Solar
activity was very low with no solar flares taking place. Solar flux
levels increased from 67 units on the 6th and the 7th to 71 by the
11th. This is the highest daily figure since the 18th of May. The
average was 69 units. Interestingly, the 90 day solar flux increased to
67 units, that's one unit up on last week. The visible sunspot failed
to increase the X-ray flux levels. They remained below the minimum
reporting level throughout. Geomagnetic activity was quiet until the
11th when a coronal hole disturbance arrived. The Ap index was only 2
units on the 8th and the 9th and in contrast was 37 units on the 11th.
This was the most disturbed day since the 13th of March 2006. The
average was Ap 9 units. Solar wind speeds measured at the ACE
spacecraft increased from 280 kilometres per second on the 9th to 580
by the 11th and the 12th. Particle densities were low but increased to
40 particles per cubic centimetre briefly during the morning of the
11th. Bz varied between only minus and plus 2 nanoTeslas on the quiet
days and between minus 14 and plus 10 nanoTeslas on the most disturbed
day.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
continue at very low levels. However, the solar disc could have spots
that are visible on some days. Solar flux levels are expected be around
the 70 mark. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet everyday.
MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be about 20MHz for
the south and 17MHz for the north. The darkness hour lows should be
around 8MHz. Paths this week to South America should have a maximum
usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 26MHz. The
optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate should be
about 20MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1200 and
1800 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 On Sunday 19 and Monday 20 October Colchester Radio
Amateurs is taking part in Jamboree on the air from Great Porters Farm,
Fordham Heath. Contact David Chambers, M1AMI, on 01206 870989.

On Sunday 19 October Southdown Amateur Radio Society is operating and
grass cutting at the Beachy Head. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424 424
319.

The newly formed Ashdown Forest Repeater Group invite you to their
inaugural meeting which commences at 8pm on Monday 20 October. It takes
place at Crawley Amateur Radio Club, Hut 18, Tilgate Recreational Park,
Crawley. For further information, please contact Richard, G4ANN on
01342 715333.

On Monday 20 October Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.

On Monday 20 October Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a visit by
RSGB Regional Manager Alison Johnston, G8ROG. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on
01628 625 720.

On Tuesday 21 October Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk. Contact John McCutcheon on 01462 459254.

On Tuesday 21 October Verulam Radio Club is having an equipment test
evening. Contact Ralph, G1BSZ, on 01923 265572.

On Wednesday 22 October Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on the work of the RSGB by RSGB Regional Manager Alison
Johnston, G8ROG. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 22 October Dover Radio Club is having a talk on the Enigma
Machine by Fred, G4GAN. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to
g4sauatDARC.org.uk.

On Wednesday 22 October Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on DXing and QSL cards by Andy, G3SVD. Contact Richard,
G3ZGC, on 01635 46241.

On Wednesday 22 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club Members Forum (Venue
TBC). Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099.

On Wednesday 22 October Peterborough and District Amateur Radio Club
"Feeding the Antenna" - Mike Grierson, G3TSO. Contact David Howlett *
M0TVG; padarcattesco.net.

On Wednesday 22 October Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club
History of the RSGB by G4EFO. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

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On Thursday 23 October King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ral-g3rsvatsupanet.com.

On Thursday 23 October Reading and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on EMC by Paul Knott. Contact Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695
697.

On Thursday 23 October Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
planning for CQWW. Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Friday 24 October Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having an informal evening. Contact David Leary, G8JKV on 01223 355254.

On Friday 24 October Hilderstone Radio and Electronics Club is having a
talk on underwater digital photography by Hazel Farrow. Contact Mike,
G4MIX, on g4mixatwaitrose.com.

On Friday 24 October Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is having a
members' evening of short talks. Contact Quintin, M1ENU, on 023
8078799.

On Friday 24 October Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
on CCTV. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103.

On Saturday 25 October Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society
commences its Foundation Course Weekend. Contact Paul, G4YQC, by email
to paul.whitingatbt.com.

On Saturday 25 October Gorleston Amateur Radio Society is having a
lunchtime meeting at the Short Blue Public House. Contact David, G3OEP,
on 01493 662 323.

On Saturday 25 October Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in CQWW. Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Saturday 25 October Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in the CQWW SSB HF Contest Weekend. Contact John McCutcheon
on 01462 459254.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Monday 20 October Appledore and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on Echolink by Jeff Blight, G4SOF.
Contact Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on 01237 473251.

On Monday 20 October Weston-Super-Mare Radio Society is having a talk
by Chris Hampton from Raynet. Contact Kirstie, M3UWI, on 01934 613 094.

On Wednesday 22 October South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a
computer clinic. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 22 October Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on aerials by Chris, G4DCH. Contact William, G3WNI, on
01823 666 234.

On Wednesday 22 October Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by email to
tonytsgarcatsky.com.

On Thursday 23 October Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 23 October Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
transmission lines by G3MYM. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to
g.swainattesco.net.

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On Friday 24 October Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to g6fspattars.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 20 October Gloucester Amateur Radio And
Electronics Society is operating club equipment. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY,
on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 20 October Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
Martin, G2BXP, about his year as Mayor of Sandwell. Contact Dave,
G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

On Monday 20 October South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a junk sale. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773
783658.

On Monday 20 October Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society has
its main meeting. Contact John, M1EJG, on 01562 700 513.

On Monday 20 October Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk by James, G0EJQ. Contact Simon G8PAN, on 07977 266643.

On Tuesday 21 October Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a video show. Contact Martin, G3SZJ, on 01332 556 875.

On Tuesday 21 October Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a video evening. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 21 October Wythall Radio Club continues its Intermediate
course. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

On Wednesday 22 October Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
working on its Enginuity Museum project. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952
299 677.

On Thursday 23 October Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is having a video
evening. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893.

On Friday 24 October Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a VHF and
UHF operating evening. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 20 October Sheffield Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk. Details on the web at
www.sheffieldarc.org.uk.

On Monday 20 October Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having
an address by its incoming Chairman. Contact John Webb, G8RDP, on 01253
876313.

On Tuesday 21 October Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society is
having chinese whispers. For more information contact 07594 596 040.

On Tuesday 21 October Stockport Radio Society is having a presentation
on the world of D-Star by Steve Webster, M1ERS. Contact David, M1ANT,
on 0161 456 7832.

On Thursday 23 October North Wakefield Radio Club is having an
introduction to CW for beginners. Contact Jim Thornton, G3YDL, by email
to g3ydlatntlworld.com.

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On Friday 24 October East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 24 October Mexborough and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a pie and pea supper. Contact Sharon, M0BOH, by email to
M0BOHataol.com.

On Friday 24 October South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is having
a talk on Bletchley Park by Bill, G4SVR. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161
969 3999.

On Friday 24 October Tynemouth Radio Club is having an operating night
and Morse classes. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to mailatg0nwm.com.

On Saturday 25 October Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society
continues its Intermediate course. For more information contact 07594
596 040.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Sunday 19 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society
is having a bus trip to the Galashiels Rally. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on
01224 575 663.

On Wednesday 22 October Lothians Radio Society is having a talk on the
DXpedition to Inchkeith Island by Norman Stewart, GM1CNH. Contact
Colin, GM4HWO, on enquiriesatlothiansradiosociety.com.

On Thursday 23 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a
construction night. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 24 October Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
taking part in the CQWW SSB contest. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811
723.

NEWS FOR WALES On Tuesday 21 October Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society
is having an introduction to AMUs. Contact Les, GW8PSJ, on 01239 811
922.

On Tuesday 21 October Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
HF antennas by GW3RME. Details on the web at www.qsl.net/wars.

On Saturday 25 October Swansea Amateur Radio Society is taking a bus
trip to the Leicester Amateur Radio Show, picking up throughout South
Wales. Contact Roger, GW4HSH, on 01792 404422.

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.