GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 21st March 2010

The news headlines

* Mike Dixon, G3PFR, silent key

* Canadian amateurs now on 137kHz

* DXpedition member sought

The Society is saddened to report the death of Dr Mike Dixon, G3PFR,
who passed away on Wednesday 17 March. Mike was a very influential and
active figure in the amateur microwave community. He was chairman of
the RSGB Microwave Committee several times, and later became the RSGB
Microwave Spectrum Manager. Mike wrote the RadCom Microwaves column
from 1984 until 1999, and represented the RSGB at numerous conferences.
In 2006 Mike Dixon was awarded Life Vice Presidency of the RSGB in
recognition of his work. He will be sadly missed. A fuller tribute to
Mike will be published in the May edition of RadCom.

The regulatory body in Canada has approved access by Canadian radio
amateurs to the 135.7 to 137.8kHz band, subject to certain conditions.
Stations in the amateur service using frequencies must not exceed a
maximum radiated power of 1W EIRP and shall not cause harmful
interference to stations of the radio navigation service.

The Grantham Amateur Radio Club 2010 DXpedition is looking for one more
person for their trip to island of Fyn in Denmark. The plan is to leave
Grantham on 17 June and arrive back on the 25th. Accommodation and
ferry crossings are already booked. Anyone interested or wanting more
info please call Alan, G0RCI on 01476 402559 between noon and 9pm. The
group say this could be an ideal outing for someone new to pile ups.

There has been high praise for the Radio Club of Chile following the
earthquake and aftershocks. A television news report describes the
Chilean radio amateurs as a collection of dedicated operators scattered
across the country, proving to be an information lifeline during recent
events. While telephones and the internet largely failed, many of the
radio operators had back-up power and were able to provide vital lines
of communication, picked up by National Radio Chile and rebroadcast,
giving status of various affected areas. The report went further to say
that claims that ham radio is dying were put to rest as these operators
provided such vital communication links. The Radio Club of Chile has
expressed its thanks to the world's radio amateurs for keeping
emergency frequencies free during their nation's time of need.

A plan to help the US lead the world in providing its citizens with
super-fast internet has been officially released. The Federal
Communications Commission aims to ensure every American in the country
has broadband connections by 2020. This report shows the UK in a very
favourable light with DSL connections, but as yet little fibre. It
would appear that cable has not made any real progress. The in-home
distribution remains a concern for amateur radio especially with the
push to interconnect many home devices with PLT. Smart Metering and
Smart Grid requirements are also being pushed by all National
Administrations and the EU. Work by RSGB and IARU continues to minimise
the potential for interference where PLT is used to provide these
connections. Thilo Kootz and John Pink were contributors at the meeting
of the CISPR PLT project team this week, which was held at the DARC HQ
in Germany. Delegates attending came from JA, W, F, ON, HB9, DL, and of
course G.

Milan, OK1IF has received permission to use 5258.5 to 5261.5kHz for CW
and SSB experimental operation. The permitted output power is 100W and
the licence is valid until 31 December 2010.

The Mongolian Radio Sport Federation has opened a QSL Bureau. The
address to use is MRSF QSL Bureau, PO Box 573, Ulaanbaatar 16092,
Mongolia.

Tamworth Amateur Radio Society will be running a Foundation course on
10, 17 and 24 April, with registration on 25 March between 8-9 pm, at
St. Francis' Church, Tamworth. Further details can be had by contacting
Bob, G1BCZ on 07811 646870 or by email to
tamworthradio.trainingatgmail.com.

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

Today, 21 March, the 25th Wythall Radio Club Radio and Computer Rally
takes place at Woodrush Sports Centre, Shawhurst lane, Hollywood near
Birmingham B47 5JW. The location is 2 miles from junction 3 of the M42.
Doors open from 10am to 3pm and entry is £1.50. There will be trade
stands and a Bring & Buy. Talk in is on S22. Details from Chris, G0EYO
on 07710 412 819.

The Callington Amateur Radio Society Rally also takes place today, 21
March, at the Callington Community College, Launceston Road,
Callington, Cornwall PL17 7DR. Doors open at 10am and entry is £2.
There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. Contact Chris on 07973
418 371.

Falkirk & District Amateur Radio Society will be holding a Junk Sale
today, Sunday 21 March, at Lodge Zetland Masonic Hall, Bo'ness Road,
Grangemouth FK3 8AN. Doors open at 12 noon but anyone who has booked a
table or would like one will get access from 11am. There will also be
an RSGB book stand. Hot refreshments will be available all day.
Information from Peter, GM8GAX, on 01259 761012.

On Sunday 28 March, from 9.30am to 4pm, the Pembrokeshire Radio Society
will be holding their annual Bring & Buy sale. Admission is £1 and
includes a free cup of tea or coffee. Tables are still available.
Contact Elwyn, GW0GUY on 01437 760026.

Also on Sunday 28 March, the South Gloucestershire Rally take place at
the Avon Scouts Activity Centre, Woodhouse Park, Almondsbury BS32 4LX,
which is about 1.5 miles from the M4/M5 junction. Doors open at 9.30am
for disabled visitors and 10am for other visitors. Entry is £2 and no
dogs are permitted except assistance dogs. There will be trade stands,
a flea market and a car boot sale. Contact Peter Cabban, G4OST on 01454
612689. The Spring Militaria, Electronics & Radio Amateur Hangar Sale
will take place on 28 March at Hack Green secret Nuclear Bunker,
Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AP. Doors open at 10am and entry is £2.50.
Contact Rod Siebert, on 01270 623353.

Now for the news of special events

The Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society will be activating GB0VUL
throughout March to promote awareness and publicity of the Vulcan
Bomber. The main operation will be 20 and 21 March when a station will
be run by Norman, M0JEC from the ATC Hut in St Michael's Road Newbury.
Visitors most welcome. Full details at QRZ.com.

Listen out for GB0BS on Saturday 27 March for the Boston Scouts at
Butterwick in Lincolnshire.

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

Olivier, ON4EI will be activating Bere Island, which is IOTA reference
EU-121, as EJ8GQB between 21 and 29 March. Activity will be 160 through
to 10m using SSB and RTTY. He will also take part in the CQ WPX SSB
Contest on 27 and 28 March.

Dim, UT5UGR will be active as FM/KL7WA from Martinique, which is IOTA
reference NA-107, until 29 March. This will include entry in the CQ WW
WPX SSB Contest as TO7A. QSL for both callsigns via UT5UGR.

Andrei, NP3D will be active as HR2/NP3D from Honduras until 29 March.
He will operate on all bands and modes, with a focus on 160 metres and
will participate in the CQ WW WPX SSB contest as HQ2T. QSL via W3HNK or
RW6HS and Logbook of The World.

Roberto, IV3IYH will be active as TG9IRP from Guatemala until 1 April,
including an entry in the CQ WPX SSB Contest. He will operate SSB, CW
and RTTY on 80 through to 10 metres. QSL via IK2ILH, direct or via the
bureau.

Now the contest news

The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group's HF RTTY Contest takes place
this weekend and finishes as 0200UTC on 22 March. Exchange a signal
report, a serial number and the time in GMT.

23 March sees the 50MHz UK Activity Contest taking place between 2000
and 2230UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator. The CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest takes place
between 0000 and 2359UTC on 27 and 28 March. Using all bands from 1.8
through to 28MHz, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

Now the solar factual data for the period from the 8th to the 15th of
March, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS and Martin Harrison, G3USF on the
15th of March.

Solar activity continued to be mainly very low, though small C-class
flares were reported on the 12th,13th and 14th. The Sun was spotless
from the 6th to the 9th, but then a new spot group appeared, and the
solar flux up from 76 on the 6th to 89 on the 14th. The average for the
week was 84 * an increase of 5 on the previous week. The 90-day average
went up one point to 82. The X-ray flux averaged A4.3. The geomagnetic
field was mainly quiet, with the Ap index in single figures every day.
However, the 11th and 12th were very slightly disturbed as a
consequence of solar hole activity. Wind speeds rose from 295km/sec on
the 8th to 510km/sec on the 12th before falling to 325km/sec on the
14th. VHF aurora was noted on the evening of the 11th, but only at very
high latitudes. Particle densities were consistently low and the
interplanetary magnetic field varied by only a few nanoTeslas. HF
propagation remained relatively good with predicted values being
achieved.

During the week ahead the solar flux is likely to be mainly in the 80s,
but there is a fair chance of a fresh spot group emerging and driving
it higher. C-class flares are possible and there will be an outside
chance of an isolated M-class flare. The geomagnetic field is expected
to be predominantly quiet with occasional unsettled periods. MUFs at
equal latitudes will be about 23 MHz in the south and 20 MHz in the
north. Darkness lows will be about 8MHz. This week marks the spring
equinox, so north-south paths should be in seasonal good shape. Paths
to the Middle East should have a maximum usable frequency, at which
there will be a 50 per cent chance of success, of about 26MHz and an
optimum working frequency of about 21MHz. The best time should be
between 0900 and 1600UTC.

And that's all for this week from the propagation team.

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 MIDLANDS On Sunday 21 March Midland Amateur Radio Society
is attending the Wythall radio rally. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on
01214 229 787. On Sunday 21 March South Birmingham Radio Society has a
club stand at the Wythall radio rally. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.
On Sunday 21 March South Notts Amateur Radio Club starts its weekend
event operating GB2GG for Science and Engineering Week. Details from
Terry, M0RIA, via the web at www.radioclubs.net/snarc. On Monday 22
March Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is having a
workshop and operating night. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478,
daytime. On Monday 22 March South Birmingham Radio Society is reviewing
the club rally stand. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603. On Monday 22 March
Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is building an 80m kit with
M0LDY. Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664488. On Tuesday 23 March Derby &
District Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM. Contact Richard
Buckby, by email to radioatdadars.org.uk. On Tuesday 23 March
Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is having a book and
magazine night. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.
On Tuesday 23 March Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is having a
technical topics evening. Details from Bernard, M1AUK, on 01926 420
913. On Wednesday 24 March Bolsover Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk about radio astronomy and associated subjects by Michael & Brian
from the Observatory. For details, send an email to
postmasteratg4rsb.org.uk. On Wednesday 24 March Hinckley Amateur
Radio Society is on the air. Details from John, M0JAV, on 07836 731544.
On Wednesday 24 March Lincoln Short-Wave Club will be operating G5FZ
and having a social gathering at the BSA Social Club. For more
information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356. On Wednesday 24
March Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding a laptop computer
training class and putting the shack on the air. Details from Norman,
G8BHE, on 01214 229 787. On Wednesday 24 March South Notts Amateur
Radio Club is having an open forum for members. Details from Terry,
M0RIA, via the web at www.radioclubs.net/snarc. On Wednesday 24 March
Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk entitled
"Understanding your operating position: the geology of your QTH" by
Andrew Jenkinson, projects officer for the Shropshire Geological
Society. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677. On Thursday 25 March
RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is having a shack and chat night with
radio and antenna play. New faces are welcome. For more information
contact Bob, G3VCA, by email to g3vcaatpyewipe.co.uk. On Thursday 25
March Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on meteor scatter by
Nick, M5DND. The club website is www.salop-ars.org.uk. On Thursday 25
March South Birmingham Radio Society is having a construction evening.
Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603. On Friday 26 March Coventry Amateur
Radio Society it is President's night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958
777363. On Friday 26 March Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is
having a talk on popular misconceptions by Ken Frankcom. Details from
Ken Frankcom, G3OCA, on 01332 720976.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 22 March Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club is on the air and having a natter night. Contact
Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036. On Monday 22 March Bolton Wireless
Club is having a project night, building simple aerials including the
Moxon Rectangle for 6 metres. For details, send an email to
boltonwirelessatgmail.com. On Monday 22 March Sheffield Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk on sunspots & the ionosphere by Peter, G3PHO, and
will also continue the club contest workshop series. For more
information contact Trevor Wood, M0TWS, by email to
trevorwood6atyahoo.co.uk. On Monday 22 March Thornton Cleveleys
Amateur Radio Society is discussing the NARSA rally. Details from John
Foster, 2E0EZY, on 01253 399377. On Tuesday 23 March Chester & District
Amateur Radio Society Radio Operations. Details from Barbara Green on
07957 870770. On Tuesday 23 March Otley Amateur Radio Society is taking
part in the 50MHz UKAC and having technical chatter in the Village
Hall. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370. On Wednesday 24 March
Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a club night and holding CW
classes. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573. On Thursday
25 March Preston Amateur Radio Society is having an antenna activity
evening. Contact Richard, M0RDZ, on 0785 587 3566. On Thursday 25 March
South Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on software
defined radio by Paul, M1BKL. Contact Chris Wiseman, G0RDK, on 01782
773185. On Thursday 25 March South Manchester Radio and Computer Club
is having a talk by Jerry on military transport of World War 2. Details
from Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999. On Thursday 25 March York Radio Club
is holding Foundation lessons and Morse class. Details from Tony
Skaife, G4XIV, on 01904 330502. On Friday 26 March East Cleveland
Amateur Radio Club is on the air. For more information contact
Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Monday 22 March Greenisland Electronics
Amateur Radio Society Radio is having a talk on propagation by Charlie
Morrison, GI4FUE. Details from Mi5JYK, by email to
mi5jykatrsgb.org.uk. Mid Ulster Amateur Radio Club will in future, be
operating under the new callsign MN0VFW. The previous call, GI3VFW,
kindly donated to the club by Stanley Eakins, will now be the club's
historical callsign. The club members hope to have as much success and
enjoyment with the new call as they had with the old call.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND If you are listening to GB2RS today via the GB3BT
repeater, listeners are reminded that this repeater is provided by the
Scottish Borders Repeater Group. If you are not yet a member then you
are encouraged to join to help keep this service on the air. Details on
how to join are at www.sbrg.co.uk or from Jim, GM7LUN by email to
. On Sunday 21 March Falkirk & District Amateur Radio
Society is having a junk and surplus equipment sale at Lodge Zetland
Masonic Hall, Grangemouth FK3 8AN. More details from Peter, GM8GAX, on
01259 761012. On Tuesday 23 March Kilmarnock & Loudoun Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk on the work of the repeater group by Crawford
Ross. Contact Graham, MM3GDC, by email to mm3gdcatbtinternet.com. On
Tuesday 23 March Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is having
Morse code practice. For more information contact Norman, on 07740
946192. On Wednesday 24 March Lothians Radio Society is having a talk
on PSK31 and other sound card digital radio modes by Alan, GM3PSP and
Andy, GM7HUD. Contact Andy Sinclair, by email to
lrs_secretaryatmoosedata.com. On Wednesday 24 March Paisley YMCA
Amateur Radio Club is having a training evening. Contact Bill Anderson,
2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633. On Thursday 25 March Aberdeen Amateur Radio
Society is on the air and having a construction evening. More
information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST

and EAST ANGLIA On Monday 22 March Felixtowe & District Amateur Radio
Society is holding its AGM. More information from Paul, G4YQC, by email
to pjwatbtinternet.com. On Monday 22 March Milton Keynes Amateur
Radio Society is having a general chat night. For more information go
to www.mkars.org.uk. On Tuesday 23 March Brede Steam Amateur Radio
Society is at the shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424
720815. On Tuesday 23 March Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is holding
its club net. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On Tuesday 23
March Dorking & District Radio Society is having a talk on
understanding the quarter wave vertical antenna and its radial
requirements by Garth Swanson, G3NPC. Contact Garth, G3NPC, on 01737
359472. On Tuesday 23 March Harwell Amateur Radio Society is having a
shack activity night. Contact Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524844. On
Tuesday 23 March Horndean & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on police aviation by Dave Boardman. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023
9247 2846. On Wednesday 24 March Chesham & District Amateur Radio
Society is having a construction project evening. Details from Terry,
G0VFW, on 01442 831 491. On Wednesday 24 March Crawley Amateur Radio
Club is having its spring surplus equipment sale, and visitors are
welcome. More information from John, G3VLH, on 01342 714 402. On
Wednesday 24 March Darenth Valley Radio Society is having a talk on
planning applications for aerials by Bill Walker, M0WTW, RSGB deputy
regional manager for Kent. For more information send an email to Ray,
G0FDUatG0KDV.com. On Wednesday 24 March Dover Radio Club is having a
talk on emergency power for radio communications by Nigel, M0NDE. For
more information contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to
g4sauatdarc.org.uk. On Wednesday 24 March Farnborough & District
Radio Society is visiting Martin Lynch & Sons at Chertsey. Details from
Derek, G3OFA, by email to mailatfarnboroughradio.org.uk. On Wednesday
24 March Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is having an ATV talk and
demo. Details from Gordon, on 01424 431 909. On Wednesday 24 March
Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society is watching the IOTA 2009 DVD
and planning for IOTA 2010. Details from Richard, G3ZGC, on 01635
46241. On Wednesday 24 March Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an
informal, construction, workshop and Bright Sparks evening. Details
from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 419204. On Wednesday 24 March
Peterborough & District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Ed Moore
on supersonics, RF harmonics, digital electronics and teddy bears: a
near space adventure. Details from David Howlett, M0VTG, by email to
padarcattesco.net. On Wednesday 24 March Worthing & District Amateur
Radio Club is having a discussion evening at Lancing Parish Hall. For
more information contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893. On Thursday 25
March Bittern DX Group is planning for major events and identifying
training opportunities. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404154. On
Thursday 25 March Echelford Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM.
Contact John, G4GSC, on 01784 451898. On Thursday 25 March Edgware &
District Radio Society is having a talk on the Falklands and South
America by Mike, G4RNW. More information from Mike, G4RNW, on 0208 950
0658. On Thursday 25 March Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a
social evening at The Blue Ship, The Haven. Details are on the web at
www.harc.org.uk. On Thursday 25 March King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is
having a club night and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ral-g3rsvatsupanet.com. On Thursday 25 March Lowestoft & District PYE
Amateur Radio Club is having a club night at the shack. Details from
Phil, G0JSG, on 01502 585448. On Thursday 25 March Reading & District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on the power of the crystal by
Lorne Clarke, M0NEL. Details from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697. On
Friday 26 March Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is holding its
AGM and cheese & wine evening. Details from Lawrence Micallef, M0LCM,
on 07941 972724. On Friday 26 March Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is
having an introduction to internet telephony by Geoff Morgan, G3ROG.
Contact Charlie, M0WYM, on 02380 439560. On Friday 26 March Mid-Sussex
Amateur Radio Society is holding its surplus equipment sale. Contact
Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371. On Friday 26 March Radio Society of
Harrow is holding its AGM. More information from Linda, G7RJL, on 0208
386 8586. On Friday 26 March Whitton Amateur Radio Group is preparing
for the CQWPX SSB Contest. Details on the web at www.warg.info. On
Friday 26 March Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on commercial satellite communications by Peter, G1SHV. Contact
Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456. On Saturday 27 March Cambridge & District
Amateur Radio Club is holding a training course weekend at Foxton.
Details from Lawrence Micallef, M0LCM, on 07941 972724. On Saturday 27
March Gorleston Amateur Radio Society is holding its lunch time meeting
at the Short Blue Hotel, Gorleston. Contact David, G3OEP, on 01493 662
323. On Saturday 27 March Whitton Amateur Radio Group commences its
weekend event, taking part in the CQWPX SSB Contest using the club
contest call M2W. Details on the web at www.warg.info. On Sunday 28
March Waterlooville Amateur Radio Club is having a talk. Details from
Rich, G4IBW, on 02392 680852.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Tuesday 23 March Blackmoor Vale Amateur
Radio Society is having a talk on Clansman military radio by Peter,
M0PDM. Contact Tony, G0GFL, on 01258 860741. On Wednesday 24 March
Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is operating the club station.
Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234 for more information. On
Wednesday 24 March Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Club
On Air Night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048. On Thursday 25
March South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Len,
G4RZY, on 01275 834 282. On Thursday 25 March Swindon & District
Amateur Radio Club is having a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on
07810 317750. On Thursday 25 March Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is on the
air and having a committee meeting. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by
email to steveatg7ahp.co.uk. On Friday 26 March North Bristol Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on radio literatu what's new? by Dick,
G0XAY. More information from Dick on 01454 218362. On Friday 26 March
Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having its presentation night. Entry is
by ticket only. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
g6fspattars.org.uk. On Sunday 28 March Thornbury & South
Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Club is at the South Gloucestershire
Amateur Radio Rally, Woodhouse Campsite. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454
417048. On Sunday 28 March Trowbridge & District Amateur Radio Club is
running a club table at the South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Rally.
Details from Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698, evenings and weekends.

NEWS FOR WALES

On Tuesday 23 March Marches Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
SOTA by Tom Read, M1EYP. Prior to the meeting, which starts at 7.30pm,
Tom will be activating a local summit between 4.30 and 6pm on or around
145.500MHz FM and local stations are urged to try and work him. Non
members are welcome to join us for what will undoubtedly be a
fascinating evening. For more information contact Dave, MW0AYM, on
01691 777242. On Friday 26 March Newport Amateur Radio Society is on
the air and having a natter night. Details from Ross Clare, GW3NWS, on
01633 880146.