GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 16th January 2011

The news headlines:

Cadets' usage of 5MHz WSPR is clarified

IARU Technical Consultant appointment

South African Radio League proposal

Non-amateur cadet stations have been getting long-distance reports of
their 5MHz transmissions using the amateur Weak Signal Propagation
Reporting network but problems have arisen with their unusual callsign
formats. Consultation between the RSGB 5MHz working group and the cadet
organisations has resolved these.

CCF, ACF, and ATC cadets are permitted to communicate with amateurs on
the 5MHz channels and some have been trying the WSPR mode on the 5288.5
kHz channel. A large number of amateur stations worldwide monitor this
channel and report the signals heard via the wsprnet.org website.
However, the WSPR transmission format is only capable of coding regular
amateur callsigns of the prefix, digit, suffix format, but the cadet
callsigns are not in this form. After some initial trials by cadets it
was clear that any ad-hoc modification of cadet callsigns could cause
trouble.

To avoid the possibility of misleading or confusing callsigns being
seen on WSPR, the RSGB 5MHz working group has suggested that the cadets
modify their callsigns by transposing the digits and the letters in the
cadet callsign and in some cases adding an initial letter M. This
creates a dummy amateur callsign in the form M89X or M89YZ. The cadet
organisations have agreed to implement this suggestion, which will make
it possible to correctly identify transmissions from these cadet
stations.

IARU President Tim Ellam VE6SH/G4HUA has appointed Ian Greenshields,
G4FSU, as an IARU Technical Consultant, to represent IARU at various
regulatory meetings such as ITU meetings and to promote IARU objectives
at those meetings.

The South African Radio League is preparing documentation to gain access
to additional spectrum on the 160 meter band for amateur communication
in that nation. South African radio amateurs are being invited to make
input by sending their views as to why it is necessary to expand the
very narrow allocation currently available. Responders are asked to
include items such as propagation studies and of what benefit an
expanded 160 meter allocation will be. The South African Radio League
proposal will be presented at the next SARL and the Independent
Communications Authority of South Africa liaison meeting, planned for
February of 2011.

In just under a week an exciting nine day fund-raising event will start.
SOS Radio Week was created to raise money for the Royal National
Lifeboat Institution. Anyone can participate, be they clubs,
individuals, adults or youths. Simply register on the event web site,
download a sponsorship form and raise at least ?5. As an encouragement
there are over ?700 worth of prizes from Icom, the SRC Young Persons
award, a radio from Martin Lynch and four antennas from Sigma Euro-Comm
to give away. There are currently 47 stations registered. In addition
there is an award scheme for amateur radio operators that work
registered SOS Radio Week stations during the event. The event starts at
00:00 on 22 January and concludes at 23:39 on the 30th. Further details
can be found at www.sosradioweek.org.uk.

HM Queen Elizabeth II has awarded the Tristan Government Treasurer
Lorraine Repetto, ZD9CO an MBE for services to the community of Tristan
da Cunha in the New Year's Honours List published on 31 December 2010.

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

Dover Radio Rally will be held today, 16 January, at Whitfield Village
Hall, Dover CT16 3LY, which is on the A2 just outside of Dover. The
event was revived last year and was such a success that extra space has
been arranged for the rally this year. The focus will be on radio
related items, rather than other electronic bits and bobs. The website
www.doverradiorally.com has all the usual information.

The Red Rose Winter Rally will be held at the George H Carnall Leisure
Centre, Kingsway Park,

M41 7FJ today, 16 January. There is free car parking and doors open at
11am. There will be trade stands, a Bring and Buy as well as an RSGB
bookstall. Details from Steve on 07502 295 141.

Advance notice now for the next rally, due to take place on 30 January.
The Horncastle Winter Rally will be held in the Horncastle Youth Centre,
Lincolnshire LN9 6DZ. Doors open at 10.30am and admission will be ?1.50.
Details from Tony, G3ZPU on 01507 527835, or email .

Now for the news of special events

The Porthmadog and District Amateur Radio Society is supporting SOS
Radio Week again this year. The club will be operating on 22 and 23
January from 10am to 6pm both days from Criccieth life boat station. And
on 29 and 30 January from 10am to 6pm the club will be operating from
the Porthmadog Yacht club The society will be using the callsign GB0PLB.
All visitors will be welcome to come along and join in or support.

Crewe Heritage Centre Amateur Radio Club will also be taking part in the
SOS Radio week, using GB4CHC on Sunday 23, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30
January. The Club will have two HF stations, one on SSB and one on
digimodes. They are being sponsored per country contacted and money
raised will go to the RNLI.

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

Diego, LU8DIP will be on various South Shetland Islands from now to
about middle of March as LU8DIP/Z and LU1ZS on Base Teniente Camara Half
Moon Island. QSL via LU4DXU.

Alan, VK3XPD, Kevin, VK4UH and Mike, VK3KH are active from Norfolk
Island, which is IOTA reference OC-005, as VK9NA until 20 January. QSL
via VK3KH either direct of via the bureau.

Now the contest news

The UHF UK Activity Contest takes place on 18 January from 2000 to
2230UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3 and 2.3GHz bands, the exchange is
signal report, serial number and locator. Please note that there are
rule changes to the UKACs this year, including new entry categories for
10 watt stations, and active users of the DX cluster and chat channels
such as ON4KST. There is also a change to the locator squares multiplier
rule. To ensure you enter the right category and avoid claiming the
wrong score, please check the full rules on the Contest Committee
website at www.rsgbcc.org/vhf before the start.

The data leg of the 80m Club Championships takes place on 20 January
from 2000 to 2130UTC. The exchange is signal report and serial number.
Remember the maximum power allowed in Club Champs is 100 watts, but for
Foundation licensees and those who enjoy low power operation there's
also a 10 watt category.

The BARTG RTTY Sprint Contest takes place on 22 and 23 January from 1200
to 1200UTC on all bands from 3.5 to 28MHz. Single band entries are not
allowed in this event and BARTG have an interesting rule whereby any
single operator station that has been placed in the Top 10 in any BARTG
contest in the past three years must enter the `expert' category. The
contest exchange for this event is serial number only.

Now the solar report and forecast compiled by Martin Harrison, G3USF.

Solar activity has remained low to very low, with just two small C-class
flares reported on the 3rd and 4th. They had little or no impact on
propagation. The solar flux recovered from the low levels of the
Christmas period, reaching 92 on the 3rd before falling back to average
87 over the week ending January 9th. The 90-day average, which is the
best pointer to underlying trends, gained one point to 84. This time
last year it was 75. The X-ray flux averaged A8.0. For most of the time
geomagnetic activity remained at the low levels of recent weeks, but a
brief magnetic disturbance on the 7th reached minor storm level,
depressing MUFs at HF and bringing radio aurora in the early hours of
the 7th, when most European operators were probably asleep. Solar wind
speeds increased from 285klm/sec on the 3rd to 690km/sec on the 9th,
when Earth was within a recurring high-speed coronal stream. Particle
densities briefly reached 70 per cubic centimetre but were otherwise in
single figures, while the interplanetary magnetic field varied between
plus14 and minus 16 nanoTeslas around the same time. It, too, showed
only minor variation during the quieter periods. Overall, the HF bands
were generally in good shape, with MUFs at times reaching 28MHz, which
was open on several days. 160 and 80 metres provided good openings to
North America during the breakfast period, while the West Coast was
workable on 7MHz by the long path around 1600UTC.

Now the forecast. Solar activity is likely to remain low or very low
during the coming week, with only occasional C-class flares. The solar
flux looks likely to be in the mid-to-high 80s and geomagnetic activity
is expected to remain low. In short, though the Sun can always spring a
surprise, conditions during the coming week will probably show little
change. The low bands will still be close to their seasonal best, while
MUFs at equal latitudes will reach around 25MHz in the south and 22MHz
in the north. Darkness hour lows will be around 8MHz. Paths to the
Middle East will have a maximum usable frequency in the region of 25MHz.
The optimum working frequency at which there should be a 90 per cent
chance of a contact, will be about 21MHz. The path should be workable
between around 0800 to 1600UTC with 1000 to 1400 the optimum times.

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 Monday 17 January Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
operating on VHF. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 17 January South Birmingham Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting and putting the shack on the air. Contact Don, on 0121
458 1603.

On Tuesday 18 January Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is having a
video show. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 18 January Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a video evening. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504
319.

On Wednesday 19 January Hinckley Amateur Radio Society is looking at
digital control of the FT-847. Details from John, M0JAV, on 07836
731544.

On Wednesday 19 January Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356.

On Wednesday 19 January Midland Amateur Radio Society is having an open
meeting, putting the shack on the air and running training classes.
Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Wednesday 19 January Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
planning portable events. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 20 January Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association is having a
video evening. Contact Derek Thom, G3NKS, on 01242 241099.

On Thursday 20 January South Birmingham Radio Society is holding
training classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Friday 21 January Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a committee meeting. Contact Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 21 January Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a video
evening. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.

On Friday 21 January Melton Mowbray Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on Worked all Britain by Dave Brooks G4IAR. For more information
contact Geoff, G3STG, on 01664 480 733.

On Friday 21 January Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is having a
junk sale. Details from Ken Frankcom, G3OCA, on 01332 720976.

On Friday 21 January South Birmingham Radio Society Friday is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Saturday 22 January Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air and working around the shack. For more information contact Pam Rose,
G4STO, on 01427 788356.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

Scarborough Amateur Radio Society is changing its venue for January,
February and March. The club will meet in the Festival Suites as the
main Pavilion is closed until April.

On Monday 17 January Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on operating procedure and best practice by Nancy Bone. Contact
Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036.

On Monday 17 January Bolton Wireless Club is having its New Year get
together at the Watergate Toll Toby Carvery, Over Hulton. For details,
send an email to .

On Monday 17 January Scarborough Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
on sunspots and HF propagation by Mario Brashill, G2DPA. Details from
Jerry Scarr, G6LBL, on 01751 476601.

On Monday 17 January Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is running a mini flea
market followed by an open forum. More information from Peter Day,
G3PHO, by email to .

On Monday 17 January Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on heath & safety by John, G8RDP. Contact Colin Hirst, G0EPY, by
e-mail to .

On Monday 17 January Workington and District Radio and IT Group is
having a talk on baluns, traps and dipoles by Jim, G3ZPD. For more
information get in touch with Barry Easdon, G0RZI, on 01946 812092.

On Tuesday 18 January Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a bring and tell at Burley Hall. Details from Barbara Green on 07957
870770.

On Tuesday 18 January Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a presentation by Richard, M0RBG on the RSGB 80m Club Contest and
computer logging. Contact Martin, M0GQB, on 01422 341317.

On Wednesday 19 January Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
G3TLI. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Wednesday 19 January Maltby & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding a computer clinic. Contact Keith, G1PQW, on 07701 156 678.

On Thursday 20 January Ripon & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a night on the air. Contact Rob Hall, M0RBY, on 0787 608 5631.

On Thursday 20 January South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
revisiting antenna analysers with Dave, G4UGM. Details from Ron, G3SVW,
on 0161 969 3999.

On Thursday 20 January Wakefield & District Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting and is on the air. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ, on 07900
563117.

On Friday 21 January East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a bring
in something interesting evening. For more information contact Alistair,
G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Saturday 22 January Wakefield & District Radio Society commences its
Intermediate course at 1.30 pm. The cost will be ?75 per candidate,
which includes the course itself, a course manual, the exam fee,
refreshments and temporary membership of the Society for the duration of
the course. Candidates will also be required to pay for any construction
materials they use for the course project and for a basic tool kit. The
Society's excellent shack and antenna facilities will be available
during the course for those that wish to use them. More details are on
the web at www.wdrs.org.uk or contact the Chairman, Ken Quinn, 2E0SSQ on
07900 563 117.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

All RSGB affiliated clubs in Northern Ireland are reminded that the
closing dates for entries for the Regional section of RSGB's Club of the
Year awardšis 25 January 2011. Further details from Peter, mi5jyk, by
email to .

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Tuesday 18 January Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is
having an operating evening. Details from Norman, on 07740 946192.

On Wednesday 19 January Glenrothes & District Radio Club is holding an
EGM. Details from Dave Francis, on 01383 823878.

On Wednesday 19 January West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is
working on construction projects & licence training. More information
from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

On Thursday 20 January Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding its
AGM. More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 21 January West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having
presentations, guest speakers, a quiz and a raffle. More information
from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715512.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA

Advance notice now that the Hastings Electronics & Radio Club has been
obliged to cancel its repeater group auction planned for 29 January due
to a lack of items for sale. Donations to Hastings Repeater Group are
still urgently required to keep GB3ES and GB3HE on the air this year.
For more information contact Gordon on 01424 431909.

On Monday 17 January Basingstoke Amateur Radio Club is holding a junk
sale. Details from Clive, G4ODM, on 01256 326050.

On Monday 17 January Burnham Beeches Radio Club continues the talk on
propagation by Dave, G8XCK. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Tuesday 18 January Andover Radio Amateurs Club is having a club night
and holding a committee meeting. Details from Martin, M0MWS, on 07776
181646.

On Tuesday 18 January Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack.
For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720815.

On Tuesday 18 January Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its AGM. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878089.

On Tuesday 18 January Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a club
net night. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday 19 January Havering & District Amateur Radio Club is having
an informal evening. Contact John, M0UKD, on 07817 365354.,


On Wednesday 19 January Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a DVD evening. Contact Phil, G4UDU, on 01903 816684.

On Thursday 20 January Cray Valley Radio Society Club is having an
activity planning meeting. Details from Bob, M0MCV, on 020 8265 7735
after 8pm.

On Thursday 20 January Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social
evening. Details are on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 20 January Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a rig checkout and taking part in the Data Mode Contest. Details
from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Thursday 20 January Sutton & Cheam Radio Society is having the story
of GB3VHF by Chris Whitmarsh, G0FDZ. More information from John, G0BWV,
on 020 8644 9945.

On Friday 21 January Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is looking
at Morse for all abilities. More information from Ron Huntsman on 012233
501712.

On Friday 21 January Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
night. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371.

On Friday 21 January Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a club
night. Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 22 January Harwell Amateur Radio Society is holding its
annual dinner. Contact Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524844.

On Sunday 23 January Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is holding its
annual luncheon at the Kings Arms, Ninfield, from noon. Contact Ron,
G4VBK, on 01424 428428.

On Sunday 23 January Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society is
having its New Years' lunch at the Metropolitan Police Sports Club,
Chigwell. Contact Marc Litchman, G0TOC, on 020 8502 1645.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

On Monday 17 January Appledore & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night with QSL Cards. Contact Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on 01237
473251 for more information.

On Tuesday 18 January Blackmoor Vale Amateur Radio Society is having an
HF evening in the club shack. Contact Tony, G0GFL, on 01258 860741.

On Tuesday 18 January West Devon Radio Club is having a bring and buy
sale. Further information from Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752 291588.

On Wednesday 19 January Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is holding
its Christmas and New Year dinner. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666
234 for more information.

On Wednesday 19 January Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a video night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.

On Wednesday 19 January Trowbridge & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its AGM. Details from Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698, evenings and
weekends.

On Thursday 20 January Newquay & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a beginner's guide to local ATV by Keith Holland, G3MCD. Contact
Joe Bell, M6JOE, on 01726 891557.

On Thursday 20 January South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a
training session on shack equipment. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834
282.

On Thursday 20 January Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.

On Thursday 20 January Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on the
RA17 by G7LNJ. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to
.

On Friday 21 January Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
.

NEWS FOR WALES

Rhondda Amateur Radio Society is due to begin new Foundation and
Intermediate courses soon. Could those interested come along to the club
on Tuesday evenings from 7pm. The club meets at St Barnabus Church Hall,
Penygraig, Rhondda. Contact John Howells on 01443 432542.