Irish Radio Transmitters Society
Radio News Bulletin
Sunday 20th December 2009

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Echo Ireland

Most members will have received the 36 page December issue of Echo Ireland by no
w. Among its many interesting articles is the story of John EI6IJ who has kindl
y donated his car to IRTS. The article goes on to detail the method by which th
e car will be sold and how the proceeds of the sale will be utilised.

Those interested in purchasing the car are reminded that in the first instance t
hey are required to forward an "Expression of Interest" to the Society's Treasur
er by December 28th at the latest. Those submitting an Expression of Interest a
re not in any way obliged to make a bid for the car but bids will only be accept
ed from those who have submitted an Expression of Interest.

Expressions of Interest should be made by post or email to the Society Treasurer
at QTHR or

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80m Counties Contest

You are reminded that the IRTS 80m Counties Contest takes place on New Year's Da
y. Full rules are on the IRTS Website.

We are pleased to announce that the Shannon Basin Club has kindly donated perpet
ual trophies for the section winners in this contest. In addition the committee
at its latest meeting agreed to award a perpetual trophy to the leading 'Rookie'
operator in this contest. In this case a 'Rookie' operator is someone who has r
eceived his first license in the previous 12 months and is operating under his o
wn callsign and from his home station.

Please spread the word to the new comers and encourage them to participate in wh
at for many will be their first contest.

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AREN

On December 9th Last AREN members participated in an exercise with Dunmore East
Coast Guard. AREN was able to provide communications into what is otherwise a co
mmunications black-spot and had members available for logistical support through
out the county, region and country.
Many thanks to those who participated have a good Christmas, and we look forward
to meeting everyone early in 2010.

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Galway VHF Group Amateur Radio Course

The Galway VHF Group will be running an ongoing course for the Radio Amateur's E
xamination. Applicants may enter onto this course at any time. The course will c
onsist of lectures with slides, handouts and a CD Rom for study at home. The per
iod of study will be at your own pace with a view to sitting the examination at
the earliest possible time.

Anyone wishing to participate in this course should contact Steve EI5DD at the f
ollowing E-Mail address

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C.A.R.A Visit to Hurdy Gurdy Radio Museum

The club would like to thank Tony, John and Gerry for a level of welcome that ro
yalty could only expect. After this they were introduced to the teapot, grateful
ly replenished with tea & coffee with buns and banter.
Meeting Tony, John and Gerry was good craic, eventually getting around to the to
ur, which was conducted by Gerry with additional info added by Tony and John who
managed to answer any question that were asked, no matter how bizarre.
With the Museum Tour finished, Tony informed the group it was time for the rooft
op tour, up the narrow spiral staircase to the roof on what was a fresh day in H
owth, nice antenna setup & amazing view, although starting to turn blue, now the
group realised why Tony didnt come up, but sent poor John, hi hi.
After more refreshments and chat it was time to head home, with goodbyes said an
d the Group stood outside for a few moments, puzzled by how so much fitted into
such a small space.
A visit to the Museum is highly recommended, for the hospitality alone
C.A.R.A would like to thank Tony, Gerry & John for their hospitality and would a
lso like to wish all a Happy XMas

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Wicklow Town Club Formation

Iain EI5GN has received lots of interest in starting up a radio club in Wicklow
Town. The first meeting is scheduled for January 13th at 20.00pm 2010. More deta
ils will be available soon; Iain can be contacted at or at Q
THR.

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Chinese Satellite XW-1

China launched its first Amateur Radio Satellite on 15th December, five days ahe
ad of schedule. The Satellite is called XW-1 (Hope One)
The XW-1 carries three Amateur Radio transponders for FM, AX.25 / Digital and SS
B/CW initial tests appear to indicate they are all working.
The CW beacon can be heard on 435.790 +/- 9 kHz Doppler shift.
China is presently operating an all band special event station with the call sig
n BT3WX to celebrate their new Satellite, the QSL manager is BA1DU.

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OSCAR-11 makes another appearance

Update on the 25 year old Amateur Radio satellite OSCAR-11 (UO-11).Having interm
ittent activity the system resets and it may be possible to Rx again over the ho
liday period.
After reset the activity seems to occur every 10-20 days so the next period of a
ctivity may be between December 22 and January 1

It may be possible to listen out for it on 145.826 MHz FM

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DXpedition of the Year survey

The 'DX World of Ham Radio' web page is conducting an online survey to see which
expedition warrants the title
'DXpedition of the Year 2009'.
Special engraved trophies will be shipped to the top three DXpeditions of 2009.
To participate in the survey, go to:
http://dx-hamspirit.com

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Rallies

Phoenix A.R.C
The Rally will be held as usual at Coolmine Community School near Blanchardstown
on Sunday 14th February 2010.Doors open from 9am to 2.30pm. Usual traders will
be present and to encourage a real Amateur Radio orientated Rally bring and buy
tables will be free of charge.
For tables contact Tony at 087-2349997 or Tom at 01-8211043 This is the first ra
lly of the New Year and usually a very enjoyable occasion. Refreshments and plen
ty of car parking are available.

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This week in History

1879 Edison demos his incandescent light at Menlo Park, NJ. USA.
1890 Telephone service introduced in Japan, Tokyo - Yokahama

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Seasons Greetings

The IRTS Radio News Team would like to wish all our friends in Radio & SWLs a Me
rry Christmas. In particular we would like to thank the Newsreaders for their de
dication in providing their service to the Society and for everyone who has list
ened or checked in with reception reports.

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Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be
forwarded to Charlie EI8JB, preferably via e-mail to charlie dot carolan at gmai
l dot com Or by phone to 087-6265418 News can also be submitted via e-mail to ne
wsteam at irts dot ie for automatic forwarding to both the radio and printed new
s services.
Please note that items for the radio news should
reach the editor no later than midday on Thursday in
order to be guaranteed inclusion in the following
Sundays bulletin.