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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 16 November 2008 The news headlines

* GB3VHF Statement

* 2nd Bath Buildathon to take place in early 2009

* Astronomy podcast from Jodrell Bank

In recent days there has been much debate that the RSGB has withdrawn
funding and support from the GB3VHF beacon group and that this action
has forced the group to make a decision to close down the beacon at the
end of December. GB3VHF is sited on the Wrotham mast, which is one of
the most expensive commercial masts in the UK. In recent years, the
commercial owners of these masts have ended the peppercorn rent
agreements that radio amateurs enjoyed and have started to charge the
full commercial rate for placing equipment such as repeaters and
beacons on this type of mast. At one point, the RSGB entered into
agreement with NTL to phase in these price increases and this
agreement, which has now ended, was successful in allowing repeater
keepers and beacon keepers the time to find alternative sites for their
equipment. The RSGB is not withdrawing funding for GB3VHF. We were
advised by the site owner that we could expect a significant fee
increase during 2009 and, it was because of this, that the RSGB
informed the keeper of GB3VHF that we would have to look at the level
of subsidy that the Society provided in future years. We also informed
the keeper we would give any assistance we could in finding an
alternative and more cost effective site. We are also in discussions
with the owners of the Wrotham site who have informed us that a notice
period of six months would be required to close down and remove the
equipment from the mast. Given this, the keeper of GB3VHF, with the
assistance of the RSGB have until at least June 2009 to find an
alternative site. The RSGB is aware of the importance of the beacon
network and will do everything it can for it to be maintained, however
we cannot compete with commercial interests who are prepared to pay
many thousands of pounds annually to site equipment on these commercial
masts. Inflating mast rental costs has hit all repeater and beacon
groups in recent years and the longer term future has to be assured by
moving all beacons and repeaters to less commercially attractive sites
that still suits our purposes.

Following on from the success of last year's event, the second Bath
Buildathon is to be held on Saturday 17 January 2009 to encourage
newcomers to have a go at home brewing. The Buildathon is planned to
run from 9am to 6pm. All soldering and test equipment will be made
available on the day and refreshments will be provided. All you need to
bring is a bucket full of enthusiasm and a packed lunch. The cost of
the day will be £60 to include the cost of the kit, refreshments, room
hire, etc. If you are interested in joining in the fun, please contact
Steve Hartley, G0FUW on 01225 464394 between 7 and 9pm weekdays, or by
e-mail to G0FUWattiscali.co.uk. Places will be limited to ensure that
everyone gets good mentoring from one of the local tutors so interested
parties are advised to book early.

A podcast covering all aspects of astronomy from The University of
Manchester's Jodrell Bank Observatory may be of interest to radio
amateurs. It has been created by a group of astronomers for anyone who
is interested in things out of this world. Parts of this podcast are
available as separate

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downloads from www.jodcast.net/amp/jodcast.html#jodcast_50. There's a
piece about radio noise from the atmosphere and space.

The next RF and Microwave Conference is to be held on 24 and 25
November at the Hotel Elizabeth near Rockingham in Northamptonshire.
This two-day conference may be of interest to engineers, researchers
and academics working with radio frequency and microwave technology.
Fellow engineers will present papers on a range of subjects at the
leading edge of this technology. To book a place as a delegate visit
www.armms.org.

An RSGB Train the Trainers session will take place on Saturday 13
December at the Standish Community Centre, Moody Street (off Church
Street), Standish, near Wigan, WN6 0JY. It will be hosted by the North
West Amateur Radio Club. 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.

Mark, G0VOF in Blackburn has kindly agreed to become a GB2RS
newsreader, operating through the GB3RF repeater and the repeater group
committee has given this their blessing. Mark needs a partner to help
him, either on an equal footing, or to deputise for him when necessary.
If you are interested, please get in touch with Laurie Bradshaw on
01204 697023 or via g0mrlathotmail.co.uk

Last week, English Heritage gave Bletchley Park a considerable
additional boost with a £330,000 grant to cover urgent repair works to
the roof of the Grade II listed Mansion. This repair work commenced
this week and will be completed by the Spring of 2009. English Heritage
has pledged a further £100,000 a year to Bletchley Park over the next
three years, on condition that the funding is matched by outside
partners. The total possible investment of £600,000 would be allocated
to restoring key elements and buildings of the WW2 Codebreaking Centre.

The 70cm repeater at Ballycastle forest, GB3KK, is now linked to the
Ireland conference server via Echolink, which brings coverage from all
over the world to those within the RF coverage area of the repeater.

The 30 Meter Digital Group is celebrating its 1st anniversary. The
group is inviting their 1,350 plus members along with any and all
digital operators for a casual digital weekend on 22 and 23 November.
You do NOT have to be a 30MDG member nor join the 30MDG to participate.
Details at www.30meterdigital.org.

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

The CATS Radio & Electronics Bazaar takes place today, 16 November, at
the 1st Coulsdon Scout HQ, at the rear of the Council Car Park, Lion
Green Road, Coulsdon, Surrey. Doors open from 10am to 2pm. You'll find
a Bring & Buy amongst the usual attractions. Details from Andy, G8JAC,
e-mail g8jacatbtinternet.com.

Now for the news of special events

Special event station ON55INR is QRV until December 31 to mark the
start of TV broadcasting from Brussels. QSL via bureau.

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

The 6th DX Convention will take place on 18 and 19 April 2009 in
Paestum, Salerno in Italy. www.strangeradioteam.com/idxc

G3RWF is in Kenya from 18 to 24 November using the callsign 5Z4LS.
Between 25 November and 2 December he will be in Uganda as 5X1NH. QSL
via his home call.

5R8IC will be active from Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar between 18
November and 14 December. Activity will be CW on 30 through 10 meters.
QSL direct to F6ICX.

GM5XW will be active from the Orkney Islands between 19 and 23
November. His activity will be from the mainland island only. QSL
direct only via G5XW (QRZ.com), with SASE/SAE and sufficient postage.

DL7CM and DM2AYO are QRV as J3/homecalls until 25 November from
Grenada. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK
with both stations active simultaneously. QSL to home calls.

OD5/ON4JM will be on the air until the end of December while in Lebanon
with the United Nations. QSL to home call.

OP0DL will be on the air from Patriot Hills in Antarctica until around
December 25 while on work assignment. QSL to ON5XX.

V5/DJ4SO will be on the air in Namibia until 4 December. Activity will
be mostly on CW and RTTY/PSK31 on 160 through 10m.

Now the contest news

The 21st Homebrew and Oldtime Equipment Party takes place on today, 16
November, between 1300 and 1500UTC on 7010 to 7040kHz and 1500 to
1700UTC on 3510 to 3560kHz. They are hoping that as many operators of
homebrew or equipment more than 30 years old will join in. The exchange
is signal report, serial number starting from 001 on both bands and
your licence class.

Don't forget, either, the RSGB's 2nd 1.8MHz Contest is still on today,
16 November. This usually sees plenty of activity from around the UK
and Europe, with a variety of other 1.8MHz contests taking place the
same weekend, so there's no shortage of contacts. Towards the end of
the event, some North American DX should be available. The exchange is
signal report, serial number and district.

18 November sees the RSGB 1.3GHz/2.3GHz Activity Contest using all
modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Over the weekend of 22 and 23 November, the LZ DX contest will take
place from 1200 to 1200. Either CW or SSB may be used on the 3.5 to
28MHz bands. The exchange is signal report and ITU zone, which for G
stations is 27.

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Now the solar report for the period from the 3rd to the 9th of
November, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The period started at very low levels when a small C class solar flare
took place on the 3rd and the 4th. These were the first C class flares
since the 3rd of April. They had no effect on propagation. Solar
activity declined to very low levels as the Sun became spotless by the
7th. Solar flux levels declined from 70 units on the 3rd to 68 for the
rest of the week. The average was 68 units. The 90 day solar flux
average on the 9th was 68 units, that's one unit up on last week. It's
a long time since I have said that. X-ray flux levels remained below
the minimum reporting level. Geomagnetic activity started at very quiet
levels. On the 5th the Ap index was zero. However, by the 7th a coronal
hole disturbance arrived and activity increased to unsettled levels for
the 8th

th and the 9 . The disturbance was down compared to the last rotation
when the Ap reached 37 units. This rotation the most unsettled day was
the 8th with an Ap of 14 units. The average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind
speeds at the ACE spacecraft increased from 280 kilometres per second
to 600 by the 8th. Particle densities were low except for a brief
increase to 17 particles per cubic centimetre on the 7th. Bz varied
little on the quiet days and between minus 10 and plus 12 nanoTeslas
during the disturbance.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
continue at very low levels. Solar flux levels should be around the mid
60's for most of the week. 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 Japan should have a maximum
usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 18MHz. The
optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be
around 14MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 0800 and
1000 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 16 November, Horsham Amateur Radio Club has a
Sunday morning 2m fox hunt. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Sunday 16 November, Southdown Amateur Radio Society are enjoying
some maintenance at Beachy Head. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424 424 319.

On Monday 17 November, Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society are
having a visit by Mr and Mrs Jiggins. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460
947.

On Monday 17 November, Southdown Amateur Radio Society is holding a
Christmas Dinner at the Toby Carvery. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424 424
319.

On Monday 17 November, Surrey Radio Contact is holding a Club Fix it,
advice, club station and move it on evening. Contact Ray, G4FFY, on 020
8644 7589.

On Tuesday 18 November, Maidenhead and District Amateur Radio Club is
holding a talk on astronomy by Bob, G0JHP. Contact John, G8RYW, on
01628 628 463.

On Tuesday 18 November, Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
having an HF operating evening. Contact John McCutcheon on 01462
459254.

On Tuesday 18 November, Verulam Radio Club is having a lecture on moon
bounce and meteor trails. Contact Ralph, G1BSZ, on 01923 265572.

On Wednesday 19 November, Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on Apple Mac for beginners with Clive, M1EQO. Contact
Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 19 November, Dover Radio Club is holding a presentation on
APRS / UIVIEW by Matt, M1CMN. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by e-mail to
g4sauatdarc.org.uk.

On Wednesday 19 November, Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is holding a Q and
A ask the panel session. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099.

On Wednesday 19 November, Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
holding a DVD evening. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 20 November, Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a talk by
John G3PQA on LF 160m. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Thursday 20 November, Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social
at The Greets Inn, Warnham. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 20 November, Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a visit by Mark Francis from Waters and Stanton. Contact David,
G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

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On Thursday 20 November, Sutton and Cheam Radio Society is having a
series of mini-talks by Bob Burns, G3OOU. Contact John, G0BWV, on 020
8644 9945.

On Friday 21 November, Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having an informal evening. Contact David Leary, G8JKV on 01223 355254.

On Friday 21 November, Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a
radio night and table top sale. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103.

On Friday 21 November, Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a
construction evening. Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Monday 17 November, Appledore and District
Amateur Radio Club is holding a Bring and Buy auction. Contact Brian
Jewell, M0BRB, on 01237 473251.

On Wednesday 19 November, Exmouth Amateur Radio Club is having an
Operating and Natter Night. Contact Mike, G1GZG, on 01395 274172.

On Wednesday 19 November, South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is holding
its AGM. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 19 November, Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a quiz night. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234.

On Wednesday 19 November, Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is having a video night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by e-mail on
tonytsgarcatsky.com.

On Wednesday 19 November, Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club Is
having a natter night. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698 evenings
and weekends please.

On Thursday 20 November, Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 20 November, Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
from G0RVM on the Journey to Antarctica. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by
e-mail on g.swainattesco.net.

On Thursday 20 November, Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club
will be celebrating their 25th birthday with a dinner in Southwick.
They will also be holding a Christmas reunion meeting on 3 December and
all past members and associates of the club are invited to attend.
Contact Ian Carter, G0GRI on 01225 864698.

On Friday 21 November, Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having an
operating night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by e-mail on
g6fspattars.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 17 November, Gloucester Amateur Radio
And Electronics Society is operating the club equipment. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 17 November, Sandwell Amateur Radio Club is having a visit by
an RSGB representative. Contact Dave, G4JSR, on 0121 552 1820.

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On Monday 17 November, South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a junk sale. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773
783658.

On Monday 17 November, Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on satellite reception by Roy, M3HZN. Contact Simon G8PAN, on
07977 266643.

On Tuesday 18 November, Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a computer help night. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 18 November, Wythall Radio Club is holding an Intermediate
exam. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

On Wednesday 19 November, Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a surplus sale with G8UGL. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299
677.

On Thursday 20 November, Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893.

On Friday 21 November, Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a
skittles night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

On Friday 21 November, Stenigot Chain Home Amateur Radio Club is having
a natter night. Contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ, by e-mail to
m5zzzatbtinternet.com.

On Friday 21 November, Wythall Radio Club is having its Christmas
party. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND The Bolton Wireless Club have arranged a
Christmas party at the Britannia Hotel on Wednesday 10 December. They
would like to invite members of any club to come along to their
Christmas do! For more information please contact Derek on 07815 836911
or e-mail to Infoatboltonwireless.org please make sure you contact
them before 24 November.

On Monday 17 November, Angel Of The North Radio Amateur Radio Club
continues its Intermediate course and is having a natter and on the air
night. Contact Nancy, G7UUR, on 07990 760 920 (day).

On Monday 17 November, Macclesfield and District Radio Society is
having a primer and demonstration of IRLP. Contact Tom, M1EYP, on 01625
612 916.

On Monday 17 November, Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having an open
day for Scouts. Details on the web at www.sheffieldarc.org.uk.

On Monday 17 November, Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on SOTA by Brian Nuttall. Contact John Webb, G8RDP, on
01253 876313.

On Tuesday 18 November, Chester and District Radio Society is having a
talk on Harry James' Amateur Radio Awards by David Hicks. Details on
the web at www.chesterdars.org.uk.

On Tuesday 18 November, Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society is
having the grand final of Chinese Whispers. Details on 07594 596 040.

On Tuesday 18 November, Stockport Radio Society is having a talk on a
brief history of military communications by Steve Holgate, G8YTP.
Contact David, M1ANT, on 0161 456 7832.

On Wednesday 19 November, South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a
members' forum. Contact Terry, M0RIA, on or on the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

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On Thursday 20 November, North Wakefield Radio Club is having a club
night plus pie and pea supper. Contact Jim Thornton, G3YDL, by e-mail
to g3ydlatntlworld.com.

On Friday 21 November, East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a
Night on the Air. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 21 November, South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having a talk on AMSAT by Peter, G0BHP. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969
3999.

On Friday 21 November, Tynemouth Radio Club is having an operating
night and Morse classes. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by e-mail to
mailatg0nwm.com.

On Sunday 23 November, Falkirk and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a junk and surplus equipment sale at Lodge Zetland Masonic Hall,
Grangemouth. Contact David, MM0RAM, by e-mail to
FDARSatblueyonder.co.uk.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 18 November, Livingston and District
Amateur Radio Society is having an RF power measurement evening.
Contact Norman, on 0131 449 7641.

On Thursday 20 November, Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding its
AGM. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 21 November, West Of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having
a club night and technical forum. Contact Fred Coombes, 2m0bin, on
01415715512.

On Sunday 23 November, Falkirk and District Amateur Radio Society will
be holding a Junk Sales at Lodge Zetland Masonic Hall, Bo'ness Road,
grangemouth. Doors open at 12 noon with traders from 10am. You will see
Switchzone Computing, Jaycee Electronics, RSGB and RAOTA. Contact David
on 077 010 494 16.

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

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Monday 17 November, Glengormley
Electronics Amateur Radio Society is having a discussion and
construction evening. Contact Peter Lowrie, MI5JYK, on
mi5jykatrsgb.org.uk.

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

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.