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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 16th August 2009

The news headlines

* New callsigns available for Scotland

* Radio clubs wanted for art exhibition

* Daily news available from RSGB web site

Homecoming Scotland is an events programme celebrating Scotland's
contributions to the world. In 2009, Scotland is celebrating the 250th
anniversary of Robert Burns' birth, Scottish contributions to golf &
whisky, plus Scotland's culture and heritage. Ofcom have made
arrangements to enable licensed radio amateurs participate in the
Homecoming Scotland celebrations. Individual qualifying licensees will
be able to obtain a variation to their amateur radio licences, enabling
them to use the Regional Secondary Locator A for Alba to identify their
station as being situated in Scotland. This RSL will be available in
addition to the existing identifier M, though only one RSL should be
used in a callsign. The facility will not be valid for stations
situated outside Scotland. Applications for the variation must be made
on an individual basis at www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/variation.

Artist and Filmmaker Esther Johnson is looking for three different
amateur radio clubs based in the London area to set up an amateur radio
station during an exhibition of her work on 23, 24 and 25 October 2009
in London. A different radio club is required for each day of the
exhibition with volunteers to man the station throughout the day. The
radio stations will accompany Johnson's 16mm film TUNE IN, made in
2006, which focuses on amateur radio. Johnson will also be exhibiting
photography of radio enthusiasts alongside her film work. Further
information on TUNE IN can be found at
www.blanchepictures.com/films/tunein.htm. There is no fee available for
this but it is a great opportunity for amateur radio to be visible to a
wider audience, as well as being part of an unique arts event which
will be well publicised. If your club is interested in taking part in
this exhibition please contact Esther no later than Monday 14 September
by e-mail to estheratblanchepictures.com.

The GB2RS news pages on the RSGB website have a brand new section of
ever-changing news. There is now a news feed that shows interesting
stories involving amateur radio in the press both in the UK and
internationally. Whether that's reports of amateur radio clubs taking
part in public events, the work of RAYNET in the community of
discussions of the technology involved, you can read about it on the
news pages. Go to www.rsgb.org/news and scroll to the bottom of the
page to see the latest news stories in the press.

Ofcom will be exhibiting at the National Hamfest on 2 and 3 October at
the Newark & Notts Showground. This will give the visitors to the show,
organised by the RSGB and Lincoln Short Wave Club, the chance to talk
to Ofcom about any concerns they have affecting amateur radio. Visitors
to the show will also have the opportunity to take their Morse
Proficiency tests as the Region 13 team will have their Morse examiners
available throughout the two days. Test speeds start at 5 words a
minute and can go to 30 words per minute if the candidate wishes.
Details of the National Hamfest can be found at
www.nationalhamfest.co.uk.

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Several members of the Yahoo-based Portable & Mobile Radio Group intend
to have a mobile run to the lost village of Imber on Salisbury Plain
today, Sunday 16 August. The QRA is IO81XF and Worked All Britain
square is ST94 Wiltshire. They hope to operate mobile on 80, 40 and
20m. Frequency depends on the usual factors, but typically close to the
recognised WAB frequencies plus or minus QRN. Times are approximate but
likely to be between 11am and 2pm. The group website posting may
provide further information
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/portable-mobile-radio.

Some time ago, Brian Shearer, MM1HMV asked the RSGB QSL bureau if a new
QSL sub manager could be found for the G0H series due to his increasing
commitment to his valuable work with the Red Cross. We are pleased to
advise listeners that Ken Barnett, G0HOF has taken up the challenge to
serve his fellow G0H's and has already taken delivery of SAEs and
outstanding cards, from Brian. Ken's contact details can be found on
the RSGB members' website and at QRZ.com.

At the RSGB Convention, to be held from 9 to 11 October, there will be
Forum where visitors will get the chance to discuss any ideas they may
have to market amateur radio. Amateur radio in the UK needs more people
to take part; from young to old, experienced and inexperienced alike if
it is to prosper in the coming years. The hobby must continue to
attract these new people so, in our current consumer-driven culture, we
need to promote it in much better and more coordinated ways than we've
been doing. We need to generate a 21st Century image and drive the
amateur radio brand more into the public eye as a worthwhile hobby.
This is what marketing is all about. Under the guidance of Alan
Messenger, G0TLK, this Marketing Ideas Forum will enable active
amateurs to air their ideas for what they think could be done to
attract and keep new people into the hobby or to bounce around ideas
suggested by others. It promises to be quite a lively discussion!

There is to be a 30m Multi Mode Weekend on 22 and 23 August to promote
experimenting and using different digital modes 30m band. A number of
digital mode groups will be participating this weekend so if you want
to try out a mode you have thought about trying here is your chance to
get on the 30m band and have a go. This is not a contest; there are no
set times, no rules, no set exchanges and no winners. It is chance to
try out a new band and a new mode, experiment and chat to those who are
already using the band and have some fun. For more details of this
event and other 30m activity, check www.30MDG.net.

Bishop Auckland ARC is coordinating the National Railways on the Air
Weekend that will take place on 26 and 27 September. This date
celebrates the anniversary of the first steam powered passenger
railway. If you would like to take part by running a station, approach
your nearest preserved railway, ask if they would they like to have an
amateur radio station as part of their event to promote awareness of
their railway. Once you have their agreement, apply for a special event
licence in the usual way with Ofcom. When you have the details of the
station, please register at www.barac.m0php.net. Many groups have
already registered so listen out for those special event stations.

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

The Andover Radio Club Boot Sale will take place on 23 August at
Wildhern Village Hall and Playing field, SP11 0JE, which is just north
of Andover just off the A343. Entry is £1.50 and there is plenty of
parking available. Details from Martin, M0MWS, 01980 612070 or check
out the website at www.arac.co.uk.

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Now for the news of special events

GB111HP will be active for the rest of August. The special callsign is
a tribute to Harry Patch, who passed away on 25 July, a few weeks after
his 111th birthday. He was the oldest surviving World War I veteran
living in the UK. QSL via G4PLY, either direct or via the bureau.

There will be a lot of stations on the air today, 16 August, for the
second day of the International lighthouse and Lightship weekend. A
list of worldwide entrants can be found on www.ILLW.net.

Today, 16 August, GB2PF will be on the air to coincide with Bolsover's
Peter Fidler weekend. The station will be active between 9am and 6pm on
70cm, 2m & HF bands depending on conditions. All calls are welcome,
whether local or DX.

Over the weekend 22 and 23 August, Marches ARS will be operating GB1SSB
from the Old Racecourse, Oswestry to celebrate the 60th anniversary of
the first British amateur station to use SSB. The station belonged to
H. Woodhead, G2NX, who resided in the Oswestry area. The station will
be operational on HF, VHF and UHF on phone and, hopefully, PSK31.
Further details from Dave, MW0AYM on 01691 777242.

GB8CMC will be on the air from 23 to 30 August to commemorate the
Coleshill Market Charter. The charter was awarded by King John on the
26th August 1207 on Church Hill in Coleshill, Warwickshire. The main
bands of operation will be on 3.5 and 14MHz with SSB.

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

3B7FQ will be active from St. Brandon Island until the end of August.
He will operate CW and SSB in his spare time and will use the island's
G5RV and a vertical with a 100 watt transceiver powered by a 12 volt
battery that will be charged daily. QSL via K5XK, direct is preferred.

F2VX and F6FYD will be active as 4J/homecall from Azerbaijan until 29
August. They will operate SSB on the HF bands. QSL via their home
calls, either direct or via the bureau.

5B/G4MKP will be active from Cyprus until 25 August. He will operate
mainly CW on 80 through to 10 metres. QSL via M0URX.

C21TI will be active from Nauru, IOTA reference OC-031, until 23
August. Plans are to operate SSB and CW on 160 through to 6 metres. QSL
via EA4ATI. Further information can be found at
http://c21ti.madrono.net/index.html.

Now the contest news

The increasing availability of 70MHz across Europe could see some
Sporadic-E DX contacts take place in the 70MHz Trophy, although it is a
little late in the Sporadic-E season. The contest takes place today, 16
August, from 0900 to 1500.

On 18 August, the UHF Activity Contest takes place using the 1.3 and
2.3GHz bands. All modes are allowed and the exchange is signal report,
serial number and locator.

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Now the solar factual data for the period from the 3rd to the 9th of
August, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 10th of August.

Solar activity was very low with no solar flares taking place. The
solar disc was spotless everyday for the fourth consecutive week. Solar
flux levels declined to 66 units on the 4th and the 5th. The average
was 67 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 9th was 69 units,
the same level as last week. X-ray flux levels remained below the
minimum reporting level everyday. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet
levels but on the 6th a small coronal hole disturbance arrived. The Ap
was 14 units. Quiet conditions returned for the remainder of the
period. The average was Ap 7 units. At the ACE spacecraft solar wind
speeds increased from 320 kilometres per second on the 4th to 530 on
the 6th. Particle densities were above 10 particles per cubic
centimetre from the 3rd to peak at 28 particles per cubic centimetre
early on the 6th. Bz varied between minus and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the
quiet days and between minus 14 and plus 13 nanoTeslas during the
disturbance.

And finally the solar forecast. This week looks set for much of the
same with the solar disc expected to be spotless on most days if not
them all. Solar flux levels should be around the high 60's for most of
the week. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet today, however,
later tomorrow or Tuesday the arrival of a coronal hole disturbance is
expected to arrive. This should not last any longer than 48 hours and
by next weekend quiet conditions should prevail again. MUFs during
daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 19MHz for the south
and 16MHz for the north. The darkness hour lows should be about 10MHz.
Paths this week to South Africa should have a maximum usable frequency
with a 50 per cent success rate of around 24MHz. The optimum working
frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 19MHz. The best
time to try this path will be between 0900 and 1800 hours UTC. The
seasonal decline in this summer's sporadic-E season will continue this
week with opening becoming less intense and of a shorter duration.

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 August Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is
operating HF from Sandford Mill. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469
008. On Monday 17 August Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society
is having a rig clinic. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947. On
Monday 17 August Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having an operating
evening. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720. On Monday 17 August
Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a fix-it and natter night. Contact
Ray, G4FFY, on 020 8644 7589. On Tuesday 18 August Brede Steam Amateur
Radio Society is operating from the shack. Contact Steve, on 01424
720815. On Tuesday 18 August Bromley and District Amateur Radio Society
is having a natter and bring in sometime interesting evening. Contact
Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878089. On Tuesday 18 August Dorking and District
Radio Society is having a social evening. Contact Garth, G3NPC, on
01737 359472. On Tuesday 18 August Verulam Amateur Radio Club is having
a club night. Contact Ralph, on 01923 265572. On Wednesday 19 August
Dover Radio Club is having a barbecue at the QTH of G4IMP and G4RJZ.
Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to g4sauatDARC.org.uk. On Wednesday 19
August Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on APRS with James,
M0UKS and Kevin, G8RZZ. Contact Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 419204. On
Thursday 20 August Cray Valley Radio Society is having a natter night.
Contact Bob, 2E0RCV, on 020 8265 7735 after 8pm. On Thursday 20 August
Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social evening at The Bridge,
Amberley. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk. On Friday 21 August
Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on Cambridge
University Wireless Society DXpeditions by Michael Wells, G7VJR.
Contact David Leary, G8JKV on 01223 355254. On Friday 21 August Wey
Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a club night. Details on the web
at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk. On Saturday 22 August Gorleston Amateur
Radio Society is having a lunch time meeting at the Short Blue Public
House, Gorleston. Contact David, G3OEP, on 01493 662 323. On Sunday 23
August Andover Radio Amateurs is having a club boot sale at Wildhern.
Contact Martin, M0MWS, on 0777 618 1646. On Sunday 23 August Chelmsford
Amateur Radio Society is operating VHF From Sandford Mill. Contact
Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

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NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST There is a proposal to organise a RAYNET Group
in Jersey. RAYNET members from Guernsey are visiting to give a talk and
to see if there is sufficient interest in Jersey. The talk will be held
at the Jersey Amateur Radio Society clubhouse at La Moye on Wednesday
19 August at 7.30pm. On Monday 17 August Appledore and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a chat night. Contact Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on
01237 473251. On Tuesday 18 August Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio Society
is erecting its stand for the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, which it
will be attending on Wednesday 19 August. Contact Tony G0GFL, on 01258
860741. On Tuesday 18 August West Devon Radio Club is having an antenna
night. Contact Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752291588. On Wednesday 19
August Exmouth Amateur Radio Club is having an operating and mystery
night. Contact Mike, G1GZG, on 01395 274172. On Wednesday 19 August
Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on digital
modes by Eugene Morgan, G4AIU. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666
234. On Wednesday 19 August Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club i shaving a video night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454
417048. On Wednesday 19 August Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a
technical visit to Totnes Fire Station. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email
to g6fspattars.org.uk. On Wednesday 19 August Trowbridge and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a natter night. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on
01225 864 698, evenings and weekends. On Thursday 20 August Newquay and
District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by G3ZYY on the 6m
band. Contact Joe Bell, M6JOE, on 01726 891557. On Thursday 20 August
South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having its summer darts match.
Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282. On Thursday 20 August Swindon and
District Amateur Radio Club is having a natter night. Contact Den,
M0ACM, on 07810 317750. On Friday 21 August Torbay Amateur Radio
Society is having a natter night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
g6fspattars.org.uk.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 17 August Gloucester Amateur Radio And
Electronics Society is having a picnic at Saul Junction from 7pm
Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime. On Monday 17 August
Leicester DX Group is having a construction night. Contact Clive, M3CGH
via the web at www.leicesterdx.co.uk. On Monday 17 August South
Birmingham Radio Society is checking aerials, poles and tents for the
next field day contest. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603. On Monday 17
August South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a junk sale. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773 783658. On
Monday 17 August Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is having a
family picnic and barbeque at Prince Rupert View Point. Contact Peter D
Rivers, G4XEX, on 01858 432105.

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On Tuesday 18 August Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is having
a video show. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to
radioatdadars.org.uk. On Tuesday 18 August Loughborough and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Mike, ZL2CC on the ZL7T Chatham
Island DXpedition 2009. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319. On
Wednesday 19 August Lincoln Short-Wave Club i shaving a talk on EME by
Howard, G4CCH. Contact Pam Rose, on 01427 788356. On Wednesday 19
August Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding laptop computer
training class. Contact Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787. On Wednesday
19 August South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on Morse by
G4NSP. Contact Terry, M0RIA, via the web at www.radioclubs.net/snarc.
On Wednesday 19 August Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a fox hunt. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677. On Friday 21
August Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio Club is taking part in
Hills on the Air. Contact Chris, M0BQE, on 01905 776 869. On Friday 21
August Coventry Amateur Radio Society i staking part in the 3rd round
of the G4ZMC Trophy. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363. On Friday 21
August Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a general club
meeting and forum evening. Contact Dave Wilde, G1YAI, by email to
webmasterathrrarc.com. On Friday 21 August South Birmingham Radio
Society is having a construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458
1603.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 17 August Angel Of The North
Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191
4770036. On Monday 17 August Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is holding
its summer DF hunt. Contact Trevor Wood, M0TWS, by email to
trevorwood6atyahoo.co.uk. On Monday 17 August Thornton Cleveleys
Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by Dr Tony Llewellyn on his days
as an amateur. Contact John Foster, M3WAZ, on 01253 399377. On Tuesday
18 August Chester and District Radio Society is having a radio picnic
at the Hammer Arms Hotel. Contact Barbara Green on 0151 339 9183. On
Tuesday 18 August Halifax and District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air at Blackstone Edge. Contact Anthony Vinters, on 01422 822636. On
Tuesday 18 August Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is having a
social evening. Contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on 07852 200232. On
Tuesday 18 August Otley Amateur Radio Society Club is having a shack
night. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370. On Tuesday 18 August
Stockport Radio Society is having a practical demonstration of knots
with Steve Holgate, G8YTP. Contact Nigel Roscoe, on 0161 428 8413. On
Tuesday 18 August Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
Zeppelin radio by Jim, G3NFB. Contact Roger, M0DWQ, on 07868 000 705.
On Wednesday 19 August Goole Radio and Electronics Society is having a
social evening. Contact Ken, G6YYN, on 01757 638539.

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On Wednesday 19 August Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a debate
and discussion led by Rick, M0CZR. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on
01377 240573. On Wednesday 19 August Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society
is checking and fitting antennas. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on
01606553401. On Thursday 20 August South Manchester Radio and Computer
Club is having a technical Q & A with Bill, G4SVR. Contact Ron, G3SVW,
on 0161 969 3999. On Friday 21 August East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club
is having a radio magazines evening. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642
475 671. On Friday 21 August Tynemouth Radio Club is having a talk on
the Radarbox receiver. Contact Graham Errington, on 07812 172136.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 18 August Livingston and District Amateur
Radio Society What's in the Box?' by Norman Stewart GM1CNH. Contact
Norman, on 07740 946192. On Wednesday 19 August Kingdom Amateur Radio
Society is having a presentation night. Contact Brian, MM0XBD, on 01383
738905. On Thursday 20 August Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having
a quiz night. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

NEWS FOR WALES On Monday 17 August Llanelli Amateur Radio Society is on
the air. Contact Craig, MW0MXT, on 01269 840292.

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.