GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 16th October 2011

The news headlines:

* RSGB pre-releases RadCom pages

* 2012 Bath Buildathon announced

* Talks on possible 5MHz extension

In advance of the Extraordinary General Meeting announced last week,
the RSGB has pre-released the RSGB Matters section of the November
RadCom. The pages set out the background to the EGM and are being sent
by email to all affiliated clubs. The Society encourages all Members to
read the information and help shape the future of the RSGB. RadCom is
being printed this weekend and is due to be delivered to UK members by
next Monday, 24 October.

The date of the 5th Bath Buildathon has been confirmed as Saturday, 7
January 2012. For those that are not familiar with the concept, the
basic idea is for a group of radio enthusiasts to lock themselves in a
room for a day and build a radio project under the watchful eye of a
few experienced mentors. These events are ideal for intermediate
students or other licensed amateurs who have never raised solder smoke
in anger before. This year the event will cost £60 to include a 20m SSB
superhet receiver kit, room hire, tea and coffee, etc. The Bath
Buildathon Crew will be providing all tools and test equipment required
and no previous experience is needed, just a bucket load of enthusiasm!
Booking forms for the Buildathon are available by email from
or by post from G0FUW, who is QTHR in the Yearbook
and on QRZ.com.

Following their meeting with the Ministry of Defence earlier in the
month, Ofcom has been in touch with the RSGB to discuss harmonisation
improvements to the 5MHz Experiment. Whilst MoD is not in a position to
release a continuous tuning band like that available to some other
countries, they have agreed to consider some additional bandwidth for
access by UK NoV holders. We will bring you any further news as it
develops.

Amateur satellites SRMSAT and Jugnu were successfully launched by an
Indian rocket from Sriharikota in the early hours of Wednesday 12
October. The satellites are in near-equatorial orbit and cannot be
received in the UK, but will be providing useful science for the Indian
university teams that built the CubeSats. The SRMSAT web page is at
http://srmsat.in.

The RSGB Convention that took place in Milton Keynes over the weekend
of the 7-9 October was the largest in the event's history. The five
streams of lectures were well attended and there was standing room only
in some lecture rooms.

Following the creation of a Youth Co-ordinator portfolio during the
Region 1 General Conference at Sun City in August, the Region 1
Executive Committee has appointed Lisa Leenders, PA2LS, to the role.
Lisa will be working with the Youth Co-ordinators from the various
member societies to promote amateur radio amongst young people in
Region 1. Lisa's contact details will be made available under the Youth
section of the IARY Region 1 web site, www.iaru-r1.org. Lilford
District Scouts in Leigh, near Wigan, are looking for a volunteer
Foundation tutor who could run a course sometime between mid-November
and February. Whilst the Scouts cannot offer any payment beyond limited
assistance with transport costs, they do have a well-equipped venue and
plenty of enthusiasm. Ideally, they would like to have some new
Foundation licensees in time for the next JOTA. If you can help, please
contact Carl Thorp, 2E0LVO, via email to
.

Long-standing software developer George Murphy, VE3ERP, has hung up his
keyboard and is retiring from further development on HAMCALC. For those
who are unfamiliar with the software, HAMCALC is a collection of useful
calculators for amateur radio use, widely used throughout the amateur
community. The latest version of HAMCALC can be downloaded at
www.cq-amateur-radio.com.

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

Today, Sunday 16 October, the Blackwood and District ARS Rally takes
place at Coleg Gwent, Risca Road, Cross Keys NP11 7ZA. There are trade
stands, a Bring and Buy and special interest groups. The rally opens at
10.30 and costs £2. Talk in is on S22. Contact Dave, GW4HBK, on 01495
228 516.

Also Today, Sunday 16 October, the Hornsea Amateur Radio Club rally is
at Floral Hall, 7 The Esplanade, Hornsea, East Yorks HU18 1NQ. Opening
at 10.30, there are trade stands, a Bring and Buy, RSGB bookstall and
special interest groups including RAFARS. Details from Rick, M0CZR, by
email to .

The Galashiels and District ARS radio rally takes place on Sunday 23
October at The Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, Scottish
Borders TD1 3JX. Opening time is 11.30, admission is £2.50 and there
are trade stands, a Bring and Buy and other attractions. Details from
Jim, GM7LUN on 01896 850 245.

The Callington Amateur Radio Society Rally is on Sunday 23 October at
Callington Community College, Launceston Road,Callington, Cornwall PL17
7DR. The opening time is 10am, admission is £2 10am, £2, and there are
trade stands, a Bring and Buy and other attractions. Contact John,
G4PBN, on 01822 835 834.

Now for the news of special events

As this is JOTA weekend, there are numerous Scout special event
stations on the air. The October RadCom contains a list of over 20
special event stations that have issued for the event.

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

The T32C DXpedition is going strong from Christmas Island. On 10
October the team announced they had broken the 100,000 QSO barrier. The
team hopes to set a few new records before the end of the event. There
is still time to work the DXpedition, which is covering as many band
and mode slots as it can with the limited equipment at its disposal.

Now the contest news

Today, Sunday 16 October, the Second 50MHz Contest takes place from
0900-1200. Operation is all mode on the 50MHz band and the exchange is
RST, serial number and locator. Tuesday 18 October sees the UHF UKAC
from 1900-2130. Operation is all mode on 23cm; RST, serial number and
locator form the exchange.

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

Several sunspot groups were visible every day with up to eight on the
4th and the 5th. Most groups were small and inactive but several
produced C class solar flares every day. Solar activity was low every
day. Most flares were small and were not associated with sudden
ionospheric disturbances or coronal mass ejections. Solar flux levels
declined from 130 units on the 4th to 118 by the 8th. The average was
124. The 90 day solar flux average on the 9th was 114 units, that's two
units up on the previous week. X-ray flux levels varied little and the
average was B4.1 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every day except
for the 5th which increased to an Ap index of 20 units in response to a
glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection that departed the Sun on the
2nd. A small coronal hole disturbance arrived on the 9th when the Ap
index was 13 units. The average was Ap 8 units. Solar wind data from
the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 480 kilometres
per second to 290 by the end of the period. Particle densities were
around the 20 particles per cubic centimetre for a three day period
starting from the 5th. Bz varied between minus 5 and plus 3 nanoTeslas
on the quietest day and between minus 10 and plus 11 nanoTeslas on the
5th. On the 20th several UK operators and a number of continental
stations, enjoyed an unexpected opening to West Africa on 50MHz. 28MHz
was also in excellent shape on a couple of afternoons, with MUFs at
times well over 30MHz and low-power beacons as far as the West Coast of
North America being copied across much of Europe.

And now the solar forecast. This week the more activity side of the Sun
is expected to return into view. Solar activity may not be as high as
the last rotation but moderate levels could take place on some days.
Solar flux levels are expected to be in the 120's for most of the week.
With no coronal holes expected during the coming week, geomagnetic
activity is expected to be at quiet levels. Only a coronal mass
ejection heading our way will increase activity and there maybe a
slight chance for this to happen. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes should be around 30MHz for the south and 27MHz for the north.
Darkness hour lows should be about 10MHz. Paths this week to Australia
should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate
of around 28MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent
success rate will be about 21MHz. The best time to try this path will
be between 0800 and 1300 hours. The long path should be open around
0800 and again at 2100 hours, but the MUFs will be around 21MHz.

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 email 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 October Gloucester Amateur Radio &
Electronics Society is having a VHF operating and workshop evening.
Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478, daytime.

On Monday 17 October South Birmingham Radio Society is holding a
committee meting. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Monday 17 October Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is having a
beginners guide to working satellites and data modes such as PSK31. For
more information contact Peter D Rivers, G4XEX, on 01858 432 105.

On Tuesday 18 October Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is
discussing technical topics. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to
.

On Tuesday 18 October Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on power supplies by Andrew, G7SEG. More information from
Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Wednesday 19 October Midland Amateur Radio Society Club is holding
its AGM and presenting awards. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078
003.

On Wednesday 19 October South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society is having
an informal evening. Contact Nigel, M0CVO, on 01476 402 550.

On Wednesday 19 October Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
working on its winter projects. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 20 October Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association is holding
a silent key sale. Contact Derek Thom, G3NKS, on 01242 241 099.

On Thursday 20 October Salop Amateur Radio Society is holding its
pre-AGM meeting. Details on the club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Thursday 20 October Solihull Amateur Radio Society is holding its
AGM. Details from P T Gaskin, G8AYY, on 01216 287 383.

On Thursday 20 October South Birmingham Radio Society is having
training classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Don, on 01214 581
603. On Friday 21 October Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a
quiz night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

On Friday 21 October South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 17 October Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on
01914 770 036.

On Monday 17 October Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having an awards
and trophies presentation evening. More information from Peter Day,
G3PHO, by email to .

On Monday 17 October Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having
an address by the new chairman. Details on the web at www.tcars.org.uk.

On Tuesday 18 October Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on vintage radio by GW8N. Details from Barbara Green on
07957 870 770.

On Tuesday 18 October Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is
finalising its programme of events for the next year, continuing its
Intermediate and Foundation training courses and testing the new
aerial. Contact Martin, M0GQB, on 01422 341 317.

On Tuesday 18 October Stockport Radio Society is having a presentation
on stereo players by John Shufflebotham. More information from Nigel
Roscoe, on 07973 312 699.

On Wednesday 19 October Denby Dale Radio Club is holding its AGM.
Details from Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

On Wednesday 19 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a washup
meeting after the rally. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240
573.

On Thursday 20 October Ripon & District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air and having a club night. Details from Rob Hall, M0RBY, on 07876 085
631.

On Thursday 20 October South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having a talk on The Great Train Robbery by Doug, G8ILW. Details from
Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Friday 21 October East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND No news items have been received for Northern
Ireland this week.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 18 October Livingston & District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club evening. Details from Norman, on 07740
946 192.

On Wednesday 19 October Lothians Radio Society is having a surplus
equipment sale at St Fillan's Church Hall, Buckstone Drive, Edinburgh
EH10 6PH, from 7.30PM onwards. Contact Andy Sinclair, by email to
.

On Thursday 20 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is on the air.
More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 21 October Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
having a DVD night. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811
723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA On Monday 17 October Burnham
Beeches Radio Club starts its construction project. Contact Dave,
G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday 17 October East Kent Radio Society is having a holiday photos
evening. Details from Karl Davies, M1DFM, on 01227 710 120.

On Monday 17 October Felixstowe & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on amateur radio use of the Clansman radio system by
Iain, G0OZS. More information from Paul, G4YQC, by email to
.

On Monday 17 October Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a fix it,
advice, chin wag and move it on evening. Contact John, G3MCX, on 02086
883 322.

On Tuesday 18 October Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its construction contest. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689
878 089.

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

On Tuesday 18 October Verulam Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
antennas and VSWR by David, G4HHJ. Details from Tony, 2EOWAP, on 01727
853 087.

On Wednesday 19 October Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on aerial design principles by Roger, G3MEH. More details
from Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 19 October Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on the history of light bulbs John Narborough. Contact
Phil, G4UDU, on 01903 816 684.

On Thursday 20 October Colchester Radio Amateurs is holding its AGM.
More information from Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766 543 784. On Thursday 20
October Cray Valley Radio Society Club is hosting a Buildathon, run by
Richard, G8ITB. This meeting will be a hands-on building session
comprising of two categories, simple and experimental, where members
will begin to construct a project from one of the categories. Details
from Malcolm Bryan, G8MCA, on 07906 433 965.

On Thursday 20 October Horndean & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its AGM. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 02392 472 846.

On Thursday 20 October Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social
evening at The White Horse, Maplehurst. Details are on the web at
www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 20 October Lowestoft & District PYE Amateur Radio Club is
having a club night at the shack. Details from Lee, 2E1LJL, on 01502
564 242.

On Thursday 20 October Sutton & Cheam Radio Society is having a talk on
noise eliminating products by Graham Somerville of bhi. More
information from John, G0BWV, on 02086 449 945.

On Friday 21 October Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society is
having a Fish-'n'-chips night. Contact Marc Litchman, G0TOC, on 02085
021 645.

On Friday 21 October Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is holding its
AGM. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239 371.

On Friday 21 October Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a talk by
Roger Western, G3SXW on the Balkans Bonanza. Details on the web at
www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 22 October Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is
holding a Foundation exam. Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Saturday 22 October Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is having an
auction of used & surplus equipment at Holy Redeemer Church Hall, Upper
Church Road. Doors open 9am for the auction at 10.15. Details from
Gordon, on 01424 431 909.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Monday 17 October Appledore & District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on QSLing by Don, G0RQL. Contact
Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on 01237 473 251 for more information.

On Tuesday 18 October West Devon Radio Club is looking at constructing
and testing homebrew wire antennas and baluns. Further information from
Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752 291 588.

On Wednesday 19 October Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a video night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417 048.

On Wednesday 19 October Trowbridge & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Details from Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698,
evenings and weekends. On Thursday 20 October Cornish Radio Amateur
Club is holding an workshop evening at Gweal an Top school. Details
from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844 939.

On Thursday 20 October South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is planning for
2012. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 07838 695 471.

On Thursday 20 October Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on the British Forces Broadcasting Service by Phil, M0PBZ.
Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

On Thursday 20 October Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
life after the Foundation Licence by G3ICO. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP,
by email to .

On Friday 21 October North Bristol Amateur Radio Club is holding a
skittles night. More information from Dick on 01454 218 362.

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

On Saturday 22 October Isle of Wight Radio Society will be celebrating
its 53rd birthday. It will also be opening its new radio shacks at the
club premises, Haylands farm, Salters Road, Haylands, Ryde, PO33 3HU.
The shack opening will take place at 3pm. Contact Peter, 2E1PHW on
07515 155 214.

NEWS FOR WALES On Monday 17 October Dragon Amateur Radio Club is
visiting Moelfre Lifeboat Station. More information from Stewart Rolfe,
GW0ETF, on 07833 620 733.

On Tuesday 18 October Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by
a guest speaker. More information from Patrick, 2W0HUU, on 07947 701
927.