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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 19th April 2009 The news headlines

* International Marconi Day stations to listen for * 500kHz permits for
Southern Ireland * New 70MHz beacon to start in June

This year sees the 22nd International Marconi Day (IMD), which marks
the anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi's birth, 25 April 1874. It is a
24-hour amateur radio event that is not a contest but an opportunity
for amateurs around the world to make point-to-point contact with
historic Marconi sites and to gain an Award for achieving the requisite
number of Marconi stations worked. Some of the stations involved will
be active from sites in the UK. Located just outside Chelmsford, Essex,
the village of Writtle played an important role in the development of
public broadcasting. The original station, callsign 2MT, was operated
by the Marconi Scientific Instrument Company from 14 February 1922
until 17 January 1923. It is planned that GB2MT will be operational for
at least part of the day from the Writtle Agricultural College sports
field, which is the closest available space to the original location A
new station, GB8MD, will be on from the Marconi Receiving Station site
in Tywyn, central Wales. Activity will be on all the HF bands, with up
to 3 stations active simultaneously. Other UK special event stations
are GB4MBP from Marconi Bass Point at The Lizard in Cornwall, GB5FHC
from the Fraserburgh Heritage Centre and GB5LT from Luttrells Tower in
Southampton. Celebrating 100 years of amateur radio in Austria, OE100M
will be on the air throughout April. As it is also an official IMD
station, contacts made on Saturday, 25 April are valid for the IMD
Award. QSL via the OE-Bureau or direct to OE1WHC EI0MAR will be active
from the vintage radio museum in Howth in County Dublin. This station
will concentrate activities from 9am until 5pm and visitors will be
welcome during those hours. A full list of the participating stations
can be found on the GB4IMD website.

In Southern Ireland, the regulator has agreed to a limited number of
permissions to operate in the region of 500 kHz under a licence to be
issued to IRTS. Expressions of interest are being sought equally from
both non IRTS and IRTS members. Participants will be expected to keep a
separate full detailed log of all experiments conducted. It should be
noted that only a relatively small number of permissions will be
granted.

It's not long until this year's Sporadic-E season starts and there will
be a new Austrian 4m beacon to listen out for. OE5QL will be on
70.045MHz. It has been given an experimental callsign by the Austrian
PTT rather than an amateur call since the 70MHz amateur band is not yet
available in Austria. It is licensed to operate from 1 June until 31
August 2009. Transmission is limited to just 2 minutes per sequence
between 0400 and 1947UTC. Each sequence begins at +00, +15, +30 and +45
minutes past each hour. Transmission power is 1W ERP in the first
minute of each sequence and 5W ERP for the second minute of each
sequence. If the beacon does not interfere with services outside of
Austria, an extension may be possible after August 2009.

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A new Morse class run by Andrew Kersey, G0IBN, will be starting soon in
Essex and bookings are now being taken. The classes are held on
Thursday evenings in the Hawkins room at the Danbury Village Hall.
Those interested in joining the class should contact the CARS training
organiser Clive G1EUC on 01245-224577. Andrew, G0IBN, also operates
Slow Morse transmissions at 5, 7 and 10 words per minute on 3555 to
3560kHz +/-QRM at 2015 every Wednesday evening.

A new multi-band beacon cluster in the 6m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm Bands has
been completed in Portugal. The callsign is CS5BLA and it is positioned
at IM57PX, which is about 92km south of Lisbon. Operating on 50.076MHz;
144.410MHz; 432.425MHz and 1296.825MHz, the Beacons message in CW is V
V V DE CS5BLA QTH BEACON IM57PX. QSL Cards must be sent to the Postal
Address shown on QRZ.com and not through the bureau.

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

The Andover Radio Club Boot Sale takes place today, 19 April, at the
Wildhern Village Hall and Playing field, postcode SP11 0JE. The venue
is north of Andover, just off the A343. There will be talk-in on S22
and ample car parking on site. Entry is £1.50. Details from Martin,
M0MWS, on 01980612070.

Also today, 19 April, the West London Radio & Electronics Show, also
known as the Kempton Rally will take place at Kempton Park Racecourse.
Doors open at 10am and the venue has plenty of car parking. During the
day, the Top Ham Competition will take place. Details from Paul, M0CJX,
on 0845 165 0351.

The Yeovil QRP Convention will take place on 26 April at Digby Hall,
Hound St, Sherborne, Dorset. Digby Hall adjoins the central shopping
car park. Doors open at 10am and there will be trade stands and a Bring
and Buy as well as the usual lectures. More details from Derek on 01935
414452 or the Yeovil ARC website.

Now for the news of special events

On 24 April, GB0GAF will be on the air from the Great Alne Festival.

On ANZAC Day, 25 April, Bob VK0BP, who is based at Davis Station in
Antarctica, will use the callsign AX0BP. He can use the AX prefix just
3 times per year and this will be the second airing this year, the
final time should be 17 May for World Telecommunications Day. Although
able to use the AX prefix from midnight till midnight local time, Bob
will not be operating for the full 24 hours but will do his very best
to operate as long as possible that day. Details can be found at
www.vk0bp.org.

On 7 May 1909, the Admiralty began a process that was to lead to the
formation of the Fleet Air Arm. As 2009 is the Centenary Year of Naval
Aviation, there are a number of events and publications throughout the
year to celebrate and commemorate this event. The Royal Naval Amateur
Radio Society is to operate a special event station during May 2009.
The station will have

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the callsign GB100FAA and will be operated by members of the Society,
initially from HMS Collingwood at Fareham and latterly at the Royal
Naval Air Station at Yeovilton in Somerset. More information about the
Society and the awards can be found at: www.rnars.org.uk.

TC57A will be on the air between 22 and 27 April. Detailed information
can be found at www.qrz.com and www.tcswat.org.

Special event Scout station TS1LYMC will be activated from Tunisia
until 30 April. Expect activity on 80 to 10m. QSL direct to TS1LYMC and
the information on qrz.com is correct.

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

After a successful DXpedition in 2008 to the Isle of Mull, the
Cambridge Repeater Group have decided to do another, this time to the
Isle of Harris on the west coast of Scotland between 18 and 25 April.
They plan to run HF voice and data, with most bands, including 5MHz,
being activated alongside 6m, 4m, 2m and possibly 70cm. There will be
lots of portable operation around the islands (with possible interest
to WAB chasers) and three very energetic climbers activating SOTA
summits all week. The Base camp callsign for the trip will be the CRG
call G3PYE; as the activation is in Scotland this becomes GM3PYE/P or
GS3PYE/P, both of which will be used. The locator is IO67NT. If you
would like to make a sked with them for any particular mode or band
slot, please e-mail .

G3RWL will be active as 8P6DR from Barbados until 24 April. He will
operate holiday-style on 160 to 10m using CW and various digital modes.
QSL via G3RWL, either direct or bureau.

The frequencies for the multi-operator activity from Morocco, including
Mogador Island have been announced and are available from their website
at www.mogador2009.altervista.org. Activity is expected to start on 19
April and to finish on the 25th. The callsign to be used from Mogador
will be 5C2J/P, while on the mainland each operator will use his
individual callsign. QSL information is also available from the
website.

C6DX, C6AAA, C6AYL and C6DX will be active from Eleuthera, which is
IOTA reference NA- 001, in the Bahamas until 24 April. They will
operate CW, SSB and RTTY on all bands. QSL C6AAA via N4AA, QSL C6AYL
and C6DX via W8GEX.

Now the contest news

On 21 April, between 1900 and 2130, it is the RSGB 1.3/2.3GHz Activity
Contest using all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number
and locator.

23 April sees the RSGB 80m Club Championship Data event on 3.5MHz. The
exchange is signal report and serial number.

An Amateur Radio DF event is being held on 26 April at Lickey Hills in
Birmingham. Both 3.5 and144MHz events will be held.

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The RSGB 50MHz Activity Contest will be held on 28 April between 1900
and 2130 using all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number
and locator.

Now the solar report for the period from the 6th to the 12th of April,
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on 13th April.

We are all aware of how long and deep this solar minimum as been, but
what about geomagnetic activity. Well, so far this cycle there as been
about 2,170 days when activity as been at quiet levels, that's with the
Ap index below 7 units. How does this compare with previous cycles? The
previous cycle saw about 1,280 days and the cycle before that saw about
1,170 days. Cycle 20 which took place between 1964 and 1976 had 1,820
days approximately.

For the fifth consecutive week the solar was spotless. Solar activity
was very low with no solar flares taking place at all. Solar flux
levels averaged 69 units with very little day to day movement. The 90
day solar flux average on the 12th was 70 units, that's the same level
as for the last seven weeks. X-ray flux levels remained below the
minimum reporting level. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels
with an Ap index of only 2 units on the 7th. As forecast, a small
coronal hole disturbance arrived early on the 9th with an Ap of 12
units. The average was Ap 7 units. Solar wind data from the ACE
spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 320 kilometres per
second on the 7th to 570 by the 11th. Particle densities were low
except for a brief increase to 22 particles per cubic centimetre on the
8th. Bz varied between minus 2 and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quiet days.
The most disturbed day saw fluctuations between minus and plus 7
nanoTeslas.

And finally the solar forecast. With no obvious signs of any real
activity happing soon this week looks set to see solar activity
continue at very low levels. As warned before, when an end takes place
and activity increases it will come with very little warning. Solar
flux levels should be around the 70 mark. Geomagnetic activity is
expected to be mostly quiet throughout. MUFs during daylight hours at
equal latitudes should be about 18MHz for the south and 15MHz for the
south. The darkness hour lows are expected to be about 9MHz. Paths this
week to Australia should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per
cent success rate of around 19MHz. the optimum working frequency with a
90 per cent success rate will be about 16MHz. The best time to try this
path will be between 0900 and 1200 hours UTC. Next week's report will
have the latest monthly sunspot numbers. Will the trend still be
downward?

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 April, Andover Radio Amateur Club has a spring boot sale
at Wild. Details from Martin, M0MWS on 07776 181646.

On Monday 20 April Braintree & District ARS is holding a Construction
Contest. More information from John, M5AJB on 01787 460947.

On Monday 20 April, Felixstowe and District ARS has a talk on The RSGB
by Steve Thomas, M1ACB. Details from Paul, G4YQC by e-mail at
pjwatbtinternet.com.

On Monday 20 April, Surrey Radio Contact Club is holding a Fix-It,
Advice, Chin-Wag and Move- It-On meeting. Contact Ray, G4FFY on 020
8644 7589.

On Tuesday 21 April, Brede Steam ARS is operating from the shack.
Contact Steve, on 0142 720815

On Tuesday 21 April, Verulam ARC is holding a practical evening. More
information from Ralph on 01923 265572.

On Wednesday 22 April, Dover Radio Club is having a contest group
discussion evening hosted by Declan, M0TMX. More information from
Brian, G4SAU by e-mail at g4sauatdarc.org.uk.

On Wednesday 22 April, Newbury and District ARS is having a talk on
Serious Experiments using RF Energy by Derek, G3HEJ as well as an EGM.
More details from Richard, G3ZGC on 01635 46241.

On Wednesday 22 April, Norfolk ARC is having a talk on Getting your
first HF award in just 24 hours by Steve G0KYA. Details from Chris
Danby, G0DWV on 01603 419204.

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On Wednesday 22 April, Peterborough and District ARC is holding a Bring
and Buy Sale. More information from David Howlett, M0VTG by e-mail to
padarcattesco.net

On Wednesday 22 April, Worthing & District ARC is having a talk on
Computer ID Fraud by Peter Wood. Details from Roy, G4GPX on 01903 753
893.

On Thursday 23 April, Edgware and District ARS is holding an evening on
Current Operating Practices. Further details from Mike, G4RNW on 020
8950 0658.

On Thursday 23 April, Farnborough and District RS is having a skittles
evening at The Foresters Arms, Bagshot. More detail from Derek, G3OFA
by e-mail to mailatfdrs.org.uk.

On Thursday 23 April, Horndean and District ARC is holding a skittles
evening at the King's Head in Wickham. Further information from Stuart,
G0FYX on 023 9247 2846,

On Thursday 23 April, Huntingdonshire ARS is holding an informal
evening. Details from Gerald, G8AKL on 01487 740794.

On Thursday 23 April, King's Lynn ARC is holding a club night and 2m
club net. Details from Ray, G3RSV by e-mail to
ral-g3rsvatsupanet.com.

On Thursday 23 April, Reading and District ARS have an expedition to
Martin Lynch and Sons. More information from Pete, G8FRC on 01189 695
697 On Thursday 23 April, Shefford & District ARS is having a talk on
the MKARS 80 metre TX/RX by Steve G6ALU. Details from David, G8UOD on
01234 742 757.

On Friday 24 April, Wimbledon and District ARS is having a talk on
Contesting by Jim, G4WYJ. More information from Jim, M0CON on 020 8874
7456.

On Saturday 25 April, Chelmsford ARS will be operating from Sandford
Mill for International Marconi Day. Details from Martyn, G1EFL on 01245
469 008.

On Saturday 25 April, Horsham ARC has a weekend outing to les Chemin de
Fer de la Baie de Somme. More detail from the website www.harc.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST

On Monday 20 April, Cornish Radio Amateur Club Computer Section have a
meeting. More details from Ian on 01872 561 058.

On Wednesday 22 April, South Bristol ARC has a Horticultural Evening
with Susan Grace. Details from Len, G4RZY on 01275 834 282.

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On Wednesday 15 April, Taunton & District ARC is having an evening
operating the club station and a Morse Class. Details from William,
G3WNI on 01823 666 234.

On Wednesday 22 April, Thornbury & South Gloucestershire ARC is holding
and on the air evening. Details from Tony, G0WMB on 01454 417048.

On Thursday 23 April, Swindon & District ARC is having a natter night.
Contact Den, M0ACM on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 23 April, Yeovil ARC is holding the Annual General Meeting
and a QRP convention briefing. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ by e-mail at
g.swainattesco.net.

On Friday 24 April, Cornish Radio Amateur Club will be setting up for
International Marconi Day. Further details from Ian on 01872 561 058.

On Friday 24 April, Torbay ARS is having a 90/10 sale. Details from
Dave, G6FSP by e-mail at g6fspattars.org.uk.

On Saturday 25 April, Cornish Radio Amateur Club will taking part in
International Marconi Day. Further details from Ian on 01872 561 058.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS

Telford & DARS have found it necessary to change the date of this
year's Telford HamFest in Telford, Shropshire. The new date is Sunday 4
October, opening at 10.30am. (previously Sunday 13 September). All
other details remain the same. On Monday 20 April, Gloucester AR & ES
is holding a VHF Operating evening. Details from Anne, 2E1GKY on 01452
548478.

On Monday 20 April, Leicester ARS is having an on the air evening.
Further information from Linda, G8VQM on 07804 595749.

On Monday 20 April, South Birmingham Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting. Contact Don on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 20 April, South Normanton Alfreton & District ARC is holding
a junk sale. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO on 01773 783658.

On Monday 20 April, Welland Valley ARS is holding the AGM and
construction presentations. Further information from Simon, G8PAN on
07977 266643.

On Tuesday 21 April, Derby & District ARS is holding a quiz night.
Contact Richard Buckby by e- mail at radioatdadars.org.uk.

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On Tuesday 21 April, Loughborough & District ARC is holding an Open
Forum on home construction, hints, tips and ideas. Details from Chris,
G1ETZ on 01509 504 319.

On Wednesday 22 April, The Gloucestershire Repeater Group will hold the
AGM at the Civil Service Club, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham. All GRG
members are invited to attend, visitors are also welcome, but only
current GRG members may vote. Volunteers are sought for some positions
on the Committee, especially those of Chairman and Secretary, which
have been vacant for at least the last 12 months.

On Wednesday 22 April, Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a Natter Night
and Shack Activity Evening. Details from Pam Rose on 01427 788356.

On Wednesday 22 April, South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a
Construction Project Evening with G4EDX. Details from the website
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

On Wednesday 22 April, Telford & District ARS is having a talk on 2m
DFing by G4EIX and a Marconi Day update with G3UKV. Details from Mike,
G3JKX on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 23 April, Salop ARS is holding a natter night. Details on
the website www.salop- ars.org.uk.

On Friday 24 April, Bromsgrove & District ARC is holding a contest
review. Details from Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 24 April, Coventry ARS is holding a quiz night. Contact John,
G8SEQ on 07958 777363.

On Friday 24 April, Hucknall Rolls Royce ARC is holding a quiz night.
Details from Dave Wilde, G1YAI by e-mail at webmasterathrrarc.com.

On Friday 24 April, South Birmingham Radio Society is holding a
construction evening. Details from Don on 0121 458 1603.

On Saturday 25 April, Hucknall Rolls Royce ARC is celebrating
International Marconi Day. Details from Dave Wilde, G1YAI by e-mail at
webmasterathrrarc.com.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

On Monday 20 April, Angel Of The North ARC has a talk on Worked All
Britain awards by Geoff Darby. Details from Nancy Bone, G7UUR on 0191
477 0036.

On Monday 20 April, Sheffield ARC is holding an Ask the Panel evening
on Which rig for me and building up a station. Contact Mike Gordon,
G0TKO on 01709 382479.

On Monday 20 April, Thornton Cleveleys ARS has a video on old radios.
Details from John Webb, G8RDP/M3RAE on 01253 876313.

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On Tuesday 21 April, Halifax and District ARS has a Second Workshop at
Rishworth School on programming and using PICs. More detail from
Anthony on 01422 822636.

On Tuesday 21 April, Morecambe Bay ARS has a social evening. Details
from Martin Hazel, M0ZIF on 07852 200232.

On Tuesday 21 April, Stockport RS is having a talk on car electronics
and diagnostics by Peter Milburn, 2E0PLM. More information from David,
M1ANT, 0161 456 7832.

On Wednesday 22 April, Chester and District RS is competing in a Quiz
with Wirral Club at their meeting venue. Details from Barbara on 0151
339 918.

On Wednesday 22 April, Goole R & ES has a constructor's competition.
Details from Ken, G6YYN on 01757 638539.

On Wednesday 22 April, Hornsea ARC has a Foxhunt Calibration evening
with Richard, G4YTV. More details from Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV on 01377
240573.

On Wednesday 22 April, Mid-Cheshire ARS has a talk on the Importance of
Phase Noise by G8ATB. Foundation & Intermediate course training will
also take place. Details from Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV on 01606 553401.

On Thursday 23 April, Hornsea ARC is taking part in the RSGB 80m Club
Championships. More details from Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV on 01377
240573.

On Thursday 23 April, Pontefract and District ARS is holding the AGM.
Further information on 07594 596 040.

On Thursday 23 April, South Manchester R & CC has a talk on Parallel
universes by Ged, G8RSI. More details from Ron, G3SVW on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 24 April, East Cleveland ARC is holding a technical forum.
Details from Alistair, G4OLK on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 24 April, Tynemouth Radio Club is having a Morse and
operating evening. Further details from Tony, G8YFA by e-mail at
mailatg0nwm.com.

On Saturday 25 April, Finningley ARS is holding a 4m transverter
alignment evening. Details from Colin, 2E0UBT on 0172 471 1686.

On Saturday 25 April, Morecambe Bay ARS has a shack open day at 3pm.
Details from Martin Hazel, M0ZIF on 07852 200232.

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NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Tuesday 21 April, Livingston & District ARS is holding an antenna
system maintenance evening. Further details from Norman on 0131 449
7641.

On Wednesday 22 April, Lothians RS is visiting the Royal Observatory
with Dr. John Cooke, GM8OTI. More information from Colin, GM4HWO by
e-mail to enquiriesatlothiansradiosociety.com

On Wednesday 22 April, Kingdom Amateur Radio Society is holding a shack
night. More information from Brian, MM0XBD on 01383 738905.

On Thursday 23 April, Aberdeen ARS is having a construction and on the
air evening. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR on 01224 575 663.

On Thursday 23 April, Wigtownshire ARC is having a talk on Steam Garden
Railways by Ian Macdonald. Details from Ellis Gaston, GM0HPK on 01776
820413

NEWS FOR WALES

On Tuesday 21 April, Wrexham ARS is having a talk by the County
emergency planning officer. More information from the website at
www.qsl.net/wars/.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

No news from Northern Ireland has been received this week.

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

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.