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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 24th May 2009

The news headlines

* Smart Metering won't cause problems for amateur radio
* Slovak stations have access to 70MHz
* Two UK Hall of Fame Winners

Last week the Government announced that it wishes to press ahead with
plans for Smart Metering, with full implementation by 2020. This was a
policy announcement that had been long expected. It was not a shot out
of the blue for the RSGB and the EMC committee. Whilst the method of
remote reading of the millions of meters has not yet been finally
decided, it is most likely that it will make use of established
technology; any immediate alarm is unwarranted, since in this case it
really means Power Line Signalling or PLS. Power Line Signalling has
been around for over 100 years and is widely used for the control of
street lighting, the switching of tariff rates and control of the power
grid. In particular, it uses very low data rates and a frequency below
150 kHz. It is not the same as broadband power line technology, which
uses frequencies between 4MHz and 26.5MHz. More details will be in
July's RadCom.

Since 1 May, Slovak stations have an access to the 70MHz amateur band,
in the segment 70.250 to 70.350MHz with a maximum of 10 watts ERP. Each
Slovak station must apply for special permission to operate on 70MHz.

Congratulations go to Neville Cheadle, G3NUG, who has been inducted to
the CQ DX Hall of Fame. As founder of the Five Star DX Association,
Neville has been instrumental in organising four major DXpeditions,
which have involved more than 90 amateurs from 14 different countries
and have accounted for over a half million radio contacts. He is
celebrating his 50th anniversary in amateur radio and, during that
time, he has confirmed 366 DX countries and nearly 1000 islands.
Congratulations also to Hans Summers, G0UPL who has been inducted into
the QRP-ARCI QRP Hall of Fame. He has produced a whole series of novel
and innovative designs for the QRP constructor and has been described
as an Elmer in the finest tradition of the term.

The lunchtime lecture at the Institution of Engineering & Technology
maybe of interest to those members who can attend at 12.30pm on 29 May
at the IET, Savoy House, Savoy Place, London. The subject is British
Military Radio Communications and the lecture will be given by
Professor Anthony Davies. Any RSGB members who can attend would be most
welcome. Thanks to the Archives Department of the IET for letting us
know of this event.

In last week's news item regarding QSL Bureau sub managers it wrongly
mentioned that managers are obliged to retain incoming QSL cards for up
to 6 months. This should be up to 3 months and after this time,
uncollected cards may be destroyed. The QSL Bureau would like to stress
how important it is to lodge envelopes with your QSL Manager or to
inform them that you don't wish to collect cards.

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Following on from the recent success of their Tan Hill activation
GB1TAN, and in conjunction with the National Trust, a team from
Wakefield and District Radio Society will be activating Holy Island off
the Northumbrian coast for the third year running from Friday 10 July
until Monday 13 July using the callsign GB1HI. Further details are
available on QRZ.com.

At Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, re-enactors will bring to life
wartime Britain during the colourful and entertaining 1940s Family
Festival on Monday 25 May. The day will include the first of many
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts, weather permitting, with a
Hurricane, Lancaster and Spitfire. Your entry fee on the first visit
gets you free entry for a whole year including events like the 1940s
Family Festival. For visitor information, contact 01908 640404 or go to
www.bletchleypark.org.uk.

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

The Magnum Radio Rally takes place today, 24 May, at the Magnum Leisure
Centre, Harbourside, Irvine, Ayrshire KA12 8PP. There is free car
parking and the doors open at 10.30am with entry being £3.50. You can
expect plenty of trade stands, a Bring & Buy as well as Special
Interest Groups. Details from Helen, MM0HLN on 0777 6385247, or
www.magnumrally.org.

The Sausage and Scouse Net Summer Meeting takes place on Sunday 31 May
at 12 noon at The Old Quay, The Parade, Parkgate, Wirral CH64 6SB.

On 7 June, the Red Rose QRP Festival takes place at Formby Hall, Alder
Street, Atherton M46 9EY. Details from Les, G4HZJ on 01942 870364 or by
e-mail at .

Also on 7 June, the Spalding & DARS Annual Rally will be held at The
Sir John Gleed Technology School, Halmer Gardens, Spalding, Lincs PE11
2EF. Details from John, G4NBR, on 0794 630 2815 or Graham, G8NWC, on
0794 776 4481.

Now for the news of special events

Martin, G3VOF and six other radio amateurs will be putting GB6GEO on
the air during the European Geo Parks Communication Event, which is
still taking place today, 24 May. Activity will be from Kents Cavern in
Torquay. For more details, look up GB6GEO on qrz.com.

Special callsign OH5POPOV will be aired today, 24 May, to commemorate
Russian physicist and radio pioneer Aleksandr S Popov. QSL via OH5VX.

The Barry Amateur Radio Society will be active as GB100BP from Sully,
Wales until 31 May. The special callsign celebrates 100 years of
British Petroleum. QSL via GW0ANA.

F/PA65DDAY will be active from Juno Beach in Normandy during the 65th
memorial of D-Day on June 6.

Ten special event stations, 8J040M to 8J940M, from each callsign
district of Japan, will be active between 16 May and 20 July to
celebrate the expansion of the 7MHz band in Japan. QSL all stations via
the JARL bureau.

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

EJ6DX will be active from Inis Mor Island in the Aran Islands group
between 29 May and 1 June. QSL via RX3RC either direct or through the
bureau.

Claude, TK/F5MCC, and possibly Toni,TK5XN, will be active from Corsica
until 11 June. They also plan to activate several lighthouses. QSL for
TK/F5MCC via his home call and TK5XN via F2YT either direct or through
the bureau.

Thomas, DH1TS/P, will be operating from Amrum in Germany until 28 May.
QSL via his home call either direct or through the bureau.

The Charente DX Group will be active as TM0M from Molene in France from
25 to 30 May, QSL via F6ANA either direct or through the bureau.

EI/OM5FM and EI/OM7CA are going to activate Aran Island from 26 to 29
May. QSL via home calls either direct or through the bureau.

Don, N6IC/KL7, plans an activity from Douglas Island in Alaska until 30
May. QSL via his home call either direct or through the bureau.

Now the contest news

Over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, the RSGB ARDF Committee is
hosting three days of open ARDF competition in Shropshire. There will
be 2m, 80m and Fox-Oring courses, and in addition the 5th British ARDF
Championships will be contested. Both championship races take place on
the slopes of Brown Clee Hill, near Ludlow and the Fox-Oring event is
at nearby Corndon Hill. The 80m competition is today, 24 May, and a
Fox-Oring race on Bank Holiday Monday on the slopes of Cordon Hill,
Powys. See www.ardf.btinternet.co.uk/events.html for more information.

On 26 May, the RSGB 50MHz Activity Contest takes place between 1900 and
2130. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and
locator.

On the International scene, the real `must-do' event for CW operators
is the CQ WW WPX CW held over the weekend 30 and 31 May from 0000 to
2359. This is always an interesting event as conditions are much
different to the typical `autumn/winter' contests. The objective is for
amateurs world wide to contact as many amateurs and licensed prefixes
as possible during the contest period. Single Operator stations may
operate 36 of the 48 hours, off times must be a minimum of 60 minutes.
Multi-Operator stations may operate the full 48 hours. The exchange is
signal report and serial number.

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And now the solar factual data for the period from the 11th to the 17th
of May, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on 18th of May.

NASA recently announced that it had formally assigned a launch window
for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). That window is set for
October 8th to November 8th 2009 with October 8th as the targeted
launch date. Once launched and commissioned SDO will replace most of
the functions on the SOHO spacecraft. Shortly thereafter most of the
instruments on SOHO will be powered down bringing to an end the mission
of the most productive scientific research satellite ever launched by
NASA. The biggest improvement on SDO will be its data download rate
which can be described a tremendous, more than 1 Terabyte per day. SDO
will be placed in a Geosynchronous Orbit above its download station in
White Sands, New Mexico. SDO will send down a continuous stream of live
video of the Sun where we only received snapshots before from the SOHO
and STEREO spacecraft. It will include instruments that will furnish
higher detail of the Sun, especially its Sunspot and Magnetic Imager.
This satellite should prove to be quite an asset for those involved in
astrophysics and solar research.

The latest monthly sunspot numbers for August, September and October
2008 are 2.6, 2.2 and 1.8. This confirms that minimum is probably still
several months away.

On the 13th a small sunspot group emerged on the solar disc and was
still visible by the 17th. The group belongs to the new sunspot cycle.
Even though solar activity remained at very low levels it had the
capability to increase solar flux levels to 74 units for 6 days. The
average was also 74 units, the highest weekly average for more than a
year. The 90 day solar flux average on the 17th was 70 units, that's
the same level as last week. Surprisingly, on the 16th the 90 day
average declined to 69 units, albeit just for the day. X-ray flux
levels remained below the minimum reporting level everyday. Geomagnetic
activity was quiet throughout. The average was Ap 4 units. Data from
the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds vary between 280 and 420
kilometres per second. Particle densities were low everyday. Bz varied
between minus 3 and plus 3 nanoTeslas most days but on the 14th varied
between minus 8 and plus 6 nanoTeslas.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the solar disc is expected to
be spotless on most days. Solar activity should be very low. Solar flux
levels are expected to be around the 70 mark for the week. Geomagnetic
activity should be quiet everyday. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes should be about 18MHz for the south and 15MHz for the north.
The darkness hour lows are expected to be around 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 about 20MHz. The optimum
working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 16MHz.
The best time to try this path will be between 1200 and 2100 hours UTC.
Sporadic-E should take place on some days with opening becoming more
widespread and intense.

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 24 May Aylesbury Vale Radio Society is
running an exhibition station at Watermead fete. Contact Roger, G3MEH,
on 01442 826 651. On Tuesday 26 May Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society
is operating from the shack. Contact Steve, 0142 720815. On Tuesday 26
May Dorking and District Radio Society is having a visit to the Mullard
Space Science Laboratory at Holmbury St Mary with Dr Lucie Green.
Contact Garth, G3NPC, on 01737 359472. On Tuesday 26 May Horndean and
District Amateur Radio Club is having a bring and buy sale. Contact
Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247 2846. On Wednesday 27 May Crawley Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on adventures in D-Star by David Lake,
G4ULF. Visitors are welcome. Contact John, G3VLH, on 01342 714 402. On
Wednesday 27 May Farnborough and District Radio Society is presenting
the Hernia cup. Contact Derek G3OFA, by email to . On
Wednesday 27 May Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is having a
construction evening. Contact Gordon, on 01424 431 909. On Wednesday 27
May Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM.
Contact Richard, G3ZGC, on 01635 46241. On Wednesday 27 May Norfolk
Amateur Radio Club is having an informal, construction, workshop and
Bright Sparks evening. Contact Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 419204. On
Wednesday 27 May Peterborough and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on matters digital by John, G4HPW and Alan, G8XLH. Contact David
Howlett, M0VTG, by email to . On Wednesday 27 May
Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is having a discussion evening
and putting GX3WOR on the air. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893. On
Thursday 28 May Bittern DX Group is doing its final planning for GB2OH.
Contact Keith, G0GFQ, on 01263 588 506. On Thursday 28 May Echelford
Amateur Radio Society is having a bring and buy and natter night.
Contact John G4GSC 01784 451898. On Thursday 28 May Edgware and
District Radio Society is building a simple circuit. Contact Mike,
G4RNW, on 020 8950 0658. On Thursday 28 May Horsham Amateur Radio Club
is having a social evening at the Royal Oak, Friday Street, Langhurst.
Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

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On Thursday 28 May Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on IOTA and IOTA expeditions by Martin, G3ZAY. Contact Gerald,
G8AKL, on 01487 740794. On Thursday 28 May King's Lynn Amateur Radio
Club is having a club night and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by
email to . On Thursday 28 May Reading and District
Amateur Radio Club is having part 2 of Nick Hance's presentation on the
History of Harwell Labs from 1954 to 2007. Contact Pete, G8FRC, on
01189 695 697. On Thursday 28 May Shefford and District Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk entitled Where are we Going? Contact David,
G8UOD, on 01234 742 757. On Friday 29 May Wimbledon and District
Amateur Radio Society is putting GX3WIM on the air. Contact Jim, M0CON,
on 020 8874 7456. On Saturday 30 May Gorleston Amateur Radio Society is
having its regular lunchtime meeting at the Short Blue Public House.
Contact David, G3OEP, on 01493 662 323.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST First we have advance notice that the South
Bristol Amateur Radio Club is permanently changing its venue. From 4
June club meetings will take place at the Novers Park Community Centre,
Filwood, Bristol. The meeting night also changes from Wednesday to
Thursday. On Monday 25 May Bristol RSGB Group is screening the 2009
Bath Buildathon video. Contact Robin, G3TKF, on 01225 420442. On
Tuesday 26 May West Devon Radio Club is preparing for field day.
Contact Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752291588. On Wednesday 27 May South
Bristol Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275
834 282. On Wednesday 27 May Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a digital modes evening. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666
234. On Thursday 28 May Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750. On Thursday
28 May Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ,
by email to . On Friday 29 May Torbay Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk about bee keeping. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by
email to .

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NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 25 May Derby and District Amateur Radio
Society is on the air. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to
. On Monday 25 May Gloucester Amateur Radio And
Electronics Society is operating from Crickley Hill Escarpment from
2-4pm. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime. On Monday 25 May
Leicester Amateur Radio Society is on the air. Contact Linda, G8VQM, on
07804 595749. On Monday 25 May South Normanton Alfreton and District
Amateur Radio Club is closed due to the bank holiday. Contact A J
Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773 783658. On Monday 25 May Stratford Upon Avon
District Radio Society is having an informal meeting. Contact Jack,
G3VYE, on 01926 641 988. On Tuesday 26 May Loughborough and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a practical evening. Contact Chris, G1ETZ,
on 01509 504 319. On Tuesday 26 May Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk on PSK31 by Roger, M0RJG. Contact Bernard,
M1AUK, on 01926 420 913. On Wednesday 27 May Lincoln Short-Wave Club is
having a talk on green radios by Karyn Andrews, M0GSJ. Contact Pam
Rose, on 01427 788356. On Wednesday 27 May Telford and District Amateur
Radio Society is in the field with HF and up. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on
01952 299 677. On Friday 29 May Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio
Club is taking part in Hills on the Air. Contact Chris, M0BQE, on 01905
776 869. On Friday 29 May Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a
radio workshop on HF through to UHF and operating 6m, 4m and via
satellites. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363. On Friday 29 May
Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a quiz night. Contact
Dave Wilde, G1YAI, by email to . On Friday 29 May
South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a members' open forum. Contact
Terry, M0RIA, on the web at www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 25 May Sheffield Amateur Radio
Club is having a demo of using an oscilloscope and other test gear.
Contact Mike Gordon G0TKO, on 01709 382479. On Tuesday 26 May Chester
and District Radio Society is having its annual dinner. Contact Barbara
Green on 0151 339 9183. On Tuesday 26 May Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio
Society is having a social evening. Contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on
07852 200232. On Tuesday 26 May Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on Raynet by Jon, G7JKK. Contact Roger, M0DWQ, on 07868 000 705.
On Wednesday 27 May Goole Radio and Electronics Society is having a
committee meeting. Contact Ken G6YYN, on 01757 638539. On Wednesday 27
May Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on signal generators by
Bob, M0GAP. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

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On Thursday 28 May South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is having a
talk on the effective use of PowerPoint by Dave, G4UGM. Contact Ron,
G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999. On Thursday 28 May York Radio Club is having a
radio instruction evening. Details from Tony Skaife G4XIV,
01904-330502, On Friday 29 May East Cleveland
Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475
671. On Friday 29 May Tynemouth Radio Club is having a talk on bygone
radio by John, G2FXS. Contact Graham Errington, on 07812 172136. On
Saturday 30 May Finningley Amateur Radio Society is installing and
commissioning its beacon project. Contact Colin, 2E0UBT, on 0172 471
1686.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 26 May Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on how to get the best from your flat
screen by GM3CSO. Contact Graham, MM3GDC, by email to
. On Tuesday 26 May Livingston and District
Amateur Radio Society is having Morse code practice. Contact Norman, on
0131 449 7641. On Wednesday 27 May Kingdom Amateur Radio Society is
having a shack night. Contact Brian, MM0XBD, on 01383 738905. On
Wednesday 27 May Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM.
Contact Bill Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633. On Thursday 28 May
Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is on the air. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on
01224 575 663.

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

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.