GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 10th October 2010

The news headlines

Encouraging response to RSGB questionnaire

Church broadcasts affecting 28MHz

4th Buildathon planned

The survey of amateur radio within the UK was formally launched last
weekend at the National Hamfest with a personal questionnaire for all
radio amateurs. In its first week nearly 600 questionnaires have been
completed. 69% of those completing the questionnaire have been RSGB
members, but it is encouraging to note that 18% were from radio amateurs
whose membership of the RSGB had lapsed and the remainder had never been
members of the National Society. The survey will be active until 31st
December and all radio amateurs are encouraged to participate as well as
give help to those who find difficulty in accessing the internet or
using computers. There will be an opportunity to complete the
Questionnaire at this weekend's RSGB Convention. The survey can be found
online at www.rsgb.org/survey.

The Irish Radio Transmitters Society has asked amateurs and SWLs to keep
a listening watch around 28.265MHz FM as there have been incursions by
churches on this frequency heard throughout Europe at up to S9+20dB.
Recently there has also been a church in the Dublin area transmitting on
28.030MHz in the CW portion of the band. Please send details of names
etc used so IRTS can try to identify locations and report them to ComReg
for investigation. All information should be sent to Ger McNamara,
EI4GXB, the IRTS IARUMS coordinator, by email to .

The 4th Bath Buildathon is planned for Saturday 8 January. The project
looks like being a superhet receiver for 20m, but that is still to be
confirmed. The Buildathon group are also running another Intermediate
course to start on Thursday 4 November. The classes are held close to
Bath city centre between 7 and 9pm every Thursday. Enquiries for both
the Intermediate course and the Buildathon should be directed to Steve,
G0FUW, on 01225 464394 evenings 7-9pm, except Thursdays, or via email to
.

ZS8M from Marion Island has been approved for DXCC credit. Those who
have had cards rejected for this operation can e-mail for
an update to their DXCC account. Please refer to your LoTW account or
the live daily listings for confirmation that an update has been done.

Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is holding a Foundation course
during November with the exam planned for 4 December. Cost per student
will be ?40, including a copy of Foundation Licence Now! and the exam
itself. Information and application forms can be obtained from the
Course Leader Victor, G1PKS, by phone on 020 8653 2946 or by email to
.

Porthmadog and District Amateur Radio Society is taking part in Jamboree
on the Air and Jamboree on the internet. This year's theme is The Right
to be Heard and they'll be exploring freedom of speech across the world.
The event in Bangor is being hosted by The Bangor University Guides and
Scouts of Bangor Students from 10am to 6pm on the 16th and 17th of
October. All local Guides and Scouts are invited to the PADARS JOTA
station at Bangor University's Ffriddoedd site to share experiences and
ideas.

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

Today, Sunday 10 October is the final day of this year's RSGB Convention
at Horwood House, Little Horwood near Milton Keynes. Lectures continue
until 3pm. Details at www.rsgb.org/rsgbconvention.

The Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society holds its Autumn Junk sale at the
Scout Hall Christie Place Fochabers in Moray on Saturday 16 October from
12 noon. The doors are open for setting up tables from 11am. Entry is ?1
and a raffle will be drawn around 1pm.

Galashiels and District ARS will be holding its Annual Radio and
Computer Rally in The Volunteer Hall, St John's Street, Galashiels TD1
3JX on Sunday 17 October. Doors open 11am and admission is ?2.50. There
will be traders, Bring and Buy and Refreshments. Details from Jim,
GM7LUN on 01896 850245.

Also on Sunday 17 October, the Blackwood and District ARS Rally will be
held at Coleg Gwent, Risca Road, Cross Keys NP11 7ZA. Doors open at
10.40 and admission is ?2. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy,
special interest groups and catering. Details from Dave, GW4HBK, on
01495 228 516.

The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place in Floral Hall, 7
The Esplanade, Hornsea, East Yorks HU18 1NQ on Sunday 17 October. Doors
open at 10.30am. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy, special
interest groups and an RSGB bookstall.

Advance notice now for the G QRP Club Mini Convention in conjunction
with the Halifax Radio Society on Saturday 23 October at Rishworth
School, Ripponden. Doors open at 10am and admission is ?2. Lectures on
QRP subjects, Bring & Buy, surplus and junk, components, kit traders and
much more. A full programme of lectures in the purpose built lecture
theatre will also take place.

Now for the news of special events

Today, 10 October, G0FQN, G1PIE and 2E1HQY will be on the air from the
Worth Valley Railway during the steam gala using the call GB5WVR. More
details are on qrz.com.

On Saturday 16 October, Jack, G0FQN, Mark, G1PIE and Pam, 2E1HQY will be
on the air from Ribblehead Station celebrating 175 years of the Great
Western Railway using the callsign GB4SCL. Details are on qrz.com.

GB5BUS will be on the air from Bangor University's Ffriddoedd site
Common Room, Bangor on 16 and 17 October as part of JOTA between 10am
and 6pm each day. There will be talk in on 145.550MHz, S22, during these
hours.

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

A team will be active from Bilene, Mozambique between 15 and 31 October
with a variety of C91 callsigns. For Jamboree On the Air on 16 and 17
October they will operate as C91MS while during the CW WW DX SSB Contest
they will operate as C91WW. Between these two events they will operate
under their individual callsigns. Most activity will be SSB, although
they may be able to do some CW, PSK31 and RTTY. The QSL manager for the
expedition is GI4FUM. Further information at www.3da0ss.net.

Arnaud, F4FOO and the F6KJG Radio Club will be active as TM40FO from the
Foret d'Orient Regional Nature Park on 15 to 17 October. QSL via F4FOO,
either direct or via the bureau.

Now the contest news

On 12 October, the 432MHz UKAC takes place between 1900 and 2130UTC.
Using all modes the exchange will be signal report, serial number and
locator.

14 October sees the CW leg of the 80m Club Sprint taking place between
1900 and 2030. The exchange is serial number and name.

Next weekend, on 17 October, the second 50MHz Contest takes place from
0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes, the exchange will be signal report,
serial number and locator.

Advance notice now for the UHF UK Activity Contest on 19 October between
1900 and 2130UTC. Using the 1.3 and 2.3GHz bands, the exchange will be
signal report, serial number and locator.

And now the solar factual data for the period from the 27th of September
to the 3rd of October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 4th of
October.

The solar disc had spots visible every day, in fact, three groups were
present most days. However, solar activity was very low except for the
28th when a small C class solar flare took place. Solar flux levels
increased from 83 units on the 27th to 91 by the 29th, but then
gradually declined to 80 by the 3rd. The average was 86 units. The 90
day solar flux average on the 3rd was 81, that's one unit up on last
week. X-ray flux levels declined from B1.4 units on the 29th and the
30th to A8.7 by the 3rd. The average was B1.1 units. Geomagnetic
activity was quiet with the Ap index in single figures every day. The
most disturbed was the 28th with an Ap index of 7 units. The average was
Ap 4 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind
speeds decline from 580 kilometres per second on the 29th to 290 by the
3rd. Particle densities were low throughout. Bz varied between minus 8
and plus nanoTeslas on the 28th and between minus 2 and plus 3 on the
quietest day which was the 30th.

And now the solar forecast. This week the active side of the Sun is
expected to be rotating into view. Solar activity should be mostly very
low but later in the week activity could increase if any C class solar
flares take place. Solar flux levels are expected to increase from
around the 80 mark at first to approaching the 90's towards next
weekend. Geomagnetic activity should be mostly quiet this week with no
coronal holes facing Earth. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes should be around 24MHz for the south and 21MHz for the north.
Darkness hour lows are expected to be around 10MHz. Paths this week to
South Africa should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent
success rate of around 31MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90
per cent success rate will be about 25MHz. The best time to try this
path will be between 0900 and 1600 hours.

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 10 October Wythall Radio Club has the Lord Pettitt Shooting
Competition. Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Monday 11 October Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club is looking
at filters. Contact Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Monday 11 October Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
having a workshop evening. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478,
daytime.

On Monday 11 October South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 11 October Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society has a
talk on the Arduino electronics prototyping platform by G Bulmer.
Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664488.

On Monday 11 October Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on D-Star by Paul Smith of Tamworth Radio Club. More information
from Robert Bird, by email to .

On Monday 11 October Wythall Radio Club Advanced Course. Details from
Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to .

On Tuesday 12 October Eagle Radio Group is having a talk on the radio
side of Wi-Fi by Charles, G0CBM. Details from Terry, G0SWS, on 01507
478590.

On Tuesday 12 October Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its AGM. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 12 October Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is having a
technical topics evening. Details from Don, G4CYG, on 019 2642 4465.

On Tuesday 12 October Wythall Radio Club is holding a committee meeting.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Wednesday 13 October Lincoln Short-Wave Club has a surplus equipment
sale, booking in from 1930. For more information contact Pam Rose,
G4STO, on 01427 788356.

On Wednesday 13 October Midland Amateur Radio Society has Foundation and
Morse classes plus a committee meeting. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on
01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 13 October Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
following up on the Members' project. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299
677.

On Thursday 14 October Brigg & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
lively talk on linear amplifiers by Dave, M0OGY. Details from John,
2E0III, on 01652 632938.

On Thursday 14 October Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
and pre-AGM night. Details on the web at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Friday 15 October Melton Mowbray Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on solar panel design and installation by Shaun Mowlem. For more
information contact Geoff, G3STG, on 01664 480 733.

On Friday 15 October Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is holding an
egg race with Ken Clarke. Details from Ken Frankcom, G3OCA, on 01332
720976.

On Saturday 16 October Coventry Amateur Radio Society is holding a quiz
night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

On Saturday 16 October Lincoln Short-Wave Club G5FZ on air from the
shack and jobs around the shack. For more information contact Pam Rose,
G4STO, on 01427 788356.

On Saturday 16 October Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society commences
its JOTA weekend event at Banners Gate, Sutton Park. More information
from Robert Bird, by email to .

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

On Monday 11 October Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on homebrew D-Star repeater node GB7NE by David Stansfield. Contact
Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036.

On Monday 11 October Bolton Wireless Club is having a lecture on special
event stations, including CHOTA, by Mark, M0UFC et al. For details, send
an email to .

On Monday 11 October Macclesfield & District Radio Society is having a
DXpedition film night. Contact Roger Bell, M0GMG, on 0771 258 9163.

On Monday 11 October Scarborough Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
by Gordon McNaught. Details from Jerry Scarr, G6LBL, on 01751 476601.

On Monday 11 October Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
backyard EME by G0EWN. More information from Peter Day, G3PHO, by email
to .

On Tuesday 12 October Otley Amateur Radio Society has an open shack
night. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370.

On Wednesday 13 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is preparing for the
rally on the 17th. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Wednesday 13 October Otley Amateur Radio Society has its Foundation
Licence Course. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370.

On Thursday 14 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the
80m Club Sprint, CW, Home stations. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on
01377 240573.

On Thursday 14 October Ripon & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on recycling, freecycling and homebrewing. Contact Rob Hall,
M0RBY, on 0787 608 5631.

On Thursday 14 October South Cheshire Amateur Radio Society continues
its Intermediate course. Contact Chris Wiseman, G0RDK, on 01782 773185.

On Thursday 14 October South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having a chilli con carne evening with Nigel, M6NDG. Details from Ron,
G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 15 October East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Saturday 16 October Otley Amateur Radio Society commences its weekend
JOTA event. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370.

On Sunday 17 October Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is
conducting radio operations at Chester Motor Boat Club, Sandy Lane,
Chester. Details from Barbara Green on 07957 870770.

On Sunday 17 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is running the Hornsea
Rally at Floral Hall. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Sunday 17 October Otley Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the
second 50MHz contest. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996370.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

No news items have been received for Northern Ireland this week.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Tuesday 12 October Kilmarnock & Loudoun Amateur Radio Club is having
a club night. Contact Graham, MM3GDC, by email to .

On Tuesday 12 October Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is
having an operating evening. Contact Norman, on 07740 946192.

On Wednesday 13 October Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is closed for
college/October week break. Contact Bill Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505
613633.

On Wednesday 13 October West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society has
construction projects & licence training by The Solder Group. More
information from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

On Thursday 14 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is on the air and
having a construction evening. More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on
01224 575 663.

On Friday 15 October Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on the 2010 maritime mobile lighthouse weekend by Geoff, MM5AHO.
More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

On Friday 15 October West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society has
presentations, guest speakers, a raffle & a quiz. More information from
Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA

On Sunday 10 October Surrey Radio Contact Club has its 75th Anniversary
Lunch. More information from Ray, G4FFY, on 01732 357474.

On Monday 11 October Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society is having a
talk on WSPR by Walter Blanchard, G3JKV. More information from Andy,
G8JAC, by email to .

On Tuesday 12 October Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is preparing for
JOTA. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720815.

On Tuesday 12 October Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a club
net night. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 12 October Harwell Amateur Radio Society has a talk by
Vincent Decker, G0LMX, on a DXpedition to Bhutan. Contact Malcolm,
G8NRP, on 01235 524844.

On Wednesday 13 October Aylesbury Vale Radio Society is having a
discussion evening. Details from Roger, G3MEH, on 01442 826 651.

On Wednesday 13 October Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society has a committee
meeting at Danbury. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday 13 October Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is
doing shack maintenance. More details from Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831
491.

On Wednesday 13 October Darenth Valley Radio Society is holding a junk
sale. For more information send an email to Ray, .

On Wednesday 13 October Farnborough & District Radio Society Club is
having a natter night. Details from Derek, G3OFA, by email to
.

On Wednesday 13 October Harwich Amateur Radio Interest Group is having a
talk on island activations by Kevan, 2E0WMG. Details from Kevan, 2E0WMG,
on 07766 543784.

On Wednesday 13 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an
informal, construction and workshop evening. Details from Chris Danby,
G0DWV, on 01603 898678.

On Wednesday 13 October South Essex Amateur Radio Society is looking
into the sky at night with Bruce, G1JJS. Contact Norman, M0FZW, on 01268
692776.

On Wednesday 13 October Southgate Amateur Radio Club is having a
planning meeting for 2011. Contact David Sharp, M0XDS, by email to
.

On Wednesday 13 October Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its AGM. For more information contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753
893.

On Thursday 14 October Bittern DX Group has an informal club meeting.
Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404154.

On Thursday 14 October Echelford Amateur Radio Society has its annual
quiz with Neil, G8LPA. Contact John, G4GSC, on 01784 451898.

On Thursday 14 October Edgware & District Radio Society is having a
round table discussion of hints and kinks with Steve, G0PQB and everyone
else. More information from Mike, G4RNW, on 0208 950 0658.

On Thursday 14 October Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on flying at its hair-raising best by Colin Couston, M0XSM. Details
from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Thursday 14 October Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its autumn junk sale. Details from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742
757.

On Friday 15 October Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is holding its
AGM. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371.

On Friday 15 October Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a talk on
the RSGB Islands on the Air programme by Roger Ballister, G3KMA. Details
on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 16 October Bittern DX Group commences its weekend JOTA
event. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404154.

On Saturday 16 October Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society commences its
weekend JOTA event at the shack. For more information contact Steve, on
01424 720815.

On Saturday 16 October Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society
starts its weekend event, running GB1HS for JOTA. Contact Marc Litchman,
G0TOC, on 020 8502 1645.

On Saturday 16 October Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in JOTA. Details from Rob, G3LMW, on 01635 862737.

On Saturday 16 October South Essex Amateur Radio Society starts its JOTA
field event, GB2CIS for Canvey Island Sea Scouts. Contact Norman, M0FZW,
on 01268 692776.

On Sunday 17 October Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is operating from
Sandford Mill Museum Commemorating Airship "America", 1910. Contact
Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Sunday 17 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is taking part in JOTA.
Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898678.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

On Wednesday 13 October Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is
discussing the club's calendar of events for 2011. Contact William,
G3WNI, on 01823 666 234 for more information.

On Wednesday 13 October Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.

On Thursday 14 October South Bristol Amateur Radio Club has its autumn
table top sale with Len, G4ZRY. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Thursday 14 October Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Friday 15 October North Bristol Amateur Radio Club has a committee
meeting. Details from Dick on 01454 218362.

NEWS FOR WALES

Following an enforced break due to the sudden loss of their meeting
place, Marches ARS will be holding their first meeting at their new
venue on Tuesday 12 October. This will be a familiarisation meeting and
a chance for members to inspect the new facilities. Marches ARS' new,
permanent, venue is at the Meeting Rooms of the Chirk Methodist Church,
just off the old A5 on the northerly approaches to the town. There is
adequate off road parking. Further details and directions are available
from Dave, MW0AYM on 01691 777242.

On Friday 15 October Newport Amateur Radio Society is having a cheese
and wine party, to which all are welcome. Contact Ross Clare, GW3NWS, on
01633 880146.