GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 23rd October 2011

The news headlines:

* New web discussion board on RSGB's future

* Amateurs provide Thai emergency communications

* RSGB Intruder Watch activity on 28MHz

The November RadCom is now in the post and should be with UK members by
Monday 24 October. This edition contains details of the proposals to be
discussed at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 19 November at the
NEC in Birmingham. Members are encouraged to read the proposals
carefully. The Society has opened a web-based discussion group to
encourage debate and questions about the Board's proposals. This
facility can be accessed at www.rsgb.org/EGM. The Board encourages all
RSGB members to vote on the proposals, either in person at the EGM, via
the internet, or by post. Full details of how to vote are on page 14 of
the November RadCom.

Amateurs in Thailand are providing essential communication links during
that country's devastating floods. The Radio Amateur Society of
Thailand club station HS0AC has been very busy, as has HS0AB at a
special flood relief centre at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. Thai
amateurs are using 7.060 to 7.063MHz, plus local working on the 2m
band.

Following the improvement in propagation on 28MHz, it appears that
there are many illegal users of this band using low power FM
channelised rigs to operate taxi services. Signals mainly seem to come
from the western part of Russia. Following discussions with the Ofcom
monitoring station at Baldock, information regarding these intrusions
is being gathered by RSGB Intruder Watch. The information will be used
to support a complaint to the Russian authorities in an attempt to
clear this nuisance from what should be an exclusive amateur band.

Due to Tony Horton, G0LKG stepping down as 2E series QSL manager after
12 years, there is now a vacancy for a replacement. The 2E series is
one of the top three QSL groups, with about 40,000 cards per year. This
volunteer position is ideal for someone with time available and who is
keen to make a difference. If you're interested, up for a challenge and
want to help, contact the QSL Bureau by email to .

A number of Portuguese repeaters are believed to be off the air due to
funding issues. There is speculation that they may be amateur radio's
first direct casualties of the economic downturn. The keepers are
reportedly trying to develop sponsorship relationships to generate
funding, but it is not currently possible to predict when the devices
will be back on the air.

The international Telecommunications Union has announced that the
world's newest country, South Sudan, has joined the ITU. It became the
Union's 193rd member state earlier this month. South Sudan has only
been independent since 9 July 2011, but joining the ITU demonstrates
the country's commitment to adhere to the International Radio
Regulations. Pioneering British satellite Prospero was launched from
Australia on 28 October 1971. It remains in orbit, and a team from the
Mullard Space Science Laboratory are planning to re-establish contact,
in time for its 40th birthday this Friday, 28 October. Transmissions
from the satellite were still being heard in 2006, but it is not known
whether the 137.560MHz transmitter is still functional. More details
can be found online at www.tinyurl.com/gb2rs-prospero.

The Society is receiving reports of a new wave of very
plausible-sounding emails that try to obtain money by deception. The
emails appear to be from a fellow amateur, often someone known to you.
The usual pattern is to claim that the person has been mugged while on
holiday abroad, has lost everything, and needs a sum of money in order
to settle their hotel bill and pay for a new flight home. The amount
requested is usually quite specific, for example 2650 euros. If you do
receive an email of this type, it is recommended you make careful
checks on its truthfulness before parting with any money. It is often
the case that the alleged mugging victim is safe and well at home, but
that their email system has been hijacked by the fraudsters * so check
by telephone, not email.

AMSAT South Africa has issued the first call for papers for the 2012
Space Symposium to be held in Durban next May 12th at the University of
KwaZulu-Natal. If you would like to present a paper, please send a
brief synopsis to reach SA AMSAT by no later than 31 January 2012. The
theme will be 50 years of OSCAR, celebrating the launch of the first
amateur radio satellite on 12 December 1961.

Professor Jean-Marie P Wersinger, KI4YAU is asking for help in tracking
the forthcoming amateur radio satellite AubieSat-1. The satellite is
due to be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Tuesday 25
October, and will transmit around 800mW on 437.475MHz. The beacon
signal is sent as 20 words per minute CW, along with telemetry at up to
60wpm. It is likely to be active from around 1221UTC, at which time the
satellite is expected to be over the South Atlantic, but no further
orbit information has currently been released.

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

Today, Sunday 23 October, the Galashiels and District ARS radio rally
takes place at The Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels,
Scottish Borders TD1 3JX. Admission is £2.50 and the main opening time
is 11.30. There is a Bring and Buy, trade stands, catering and a prize
draw. Details from Jim, GM7LUN on 01896 850 245 or .

Also today, the Callington Amateur Radio Society Rally is at Callington
Community College, Launceston Road, Callington, Cornwall PL17 7DR.
Opening at 10am, admission is £2 and attractions include trade stands,
a Bring & Buy, catering and a prize draw. Contact John, G4PBN, 01822
835 834, or email lumley85- .

On 29 and 30 October the North Wales Rally is at John Bright School.
Llandudno LL301LF from 10am. There will be trade stands, a Bring and
Buy, catering and disabled facilities. Contact John, G4PBN, on 01822
835 834. Sunday 30 October sees the Holsworthy Amateur Rally at
Holsworthy Community College, Victoria Hill, Holsworthy EX22 6JD.
Details from Roger Williams, on 07773 983 691.

Now for the news of special events

The White River Light Station in Whitehall, Michigan will be on the air
as W8L on Sunday 23 October. The event is sponsored by the Muskegon
Area Amateur Radio Council and the station will be operating on 40 to
10m, SSB and CW.

On Sunday 23 October Leiston Amateur Radio Club will be operating
GB2LSM on HF from the Long Shop Museum in Leiston, Suffolk.

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

The third annual North American Summits On The Air activation takes
place next weekend, 22 and 23 October. Typical operating frequencies
are 7.040, 7.032, 10.116, 14.060, 14.062, 14.282, 14.285 and 14.342MHz.

G3RWF will be active as 5X1NH from Uganda for three weeks, starting on
23 November. He will concentrate on the low bands. QSL via his home
callsign.

DK7PE will be active as TL0CW from the Central African Republic from 26
October to 3 November. QSL via his home call.

OS1T will be active as PJ4J on Bonaire Island from 27 October to 9
November 2011. The focus will be on RTTY, SSB and the WARC bands, but
other bands may also be used depending on the propagation.

4X/N6HD will be operating from Israel until 3 November. He will be on
160 to 10m using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign or Logbook of
the World.

JK1KSB will be on the air as 8Q7SO from Mirihi Island Resort in the
Maldives between 28 October and 3 November. Activity will be holiday
style on 80 to 10m using CW, RTTY, SSB and PSK31. QSL via JK1KSB,
either via the bureau or to the address on QRZ.com.

Now the contest news

On 25 October the 50MHz and SHF UKAC contests take place from 1900UTC
until 2130UTC. Operating on 6m and 13cm to 3cm respectively, the
exchange is RST, serial number and locator.

Thursday 27 October sees the 80m Club Sprint from 1900UTC until
2030UTC. Operating on 3.5MHz SSB, the exchange is serial number and
name. Next weekend, 29 & 30 October, it's the CQWW DX SSB contest,
running from 0000UTC until 2359UTC. Use SSB on all contest bands from
3.5-28MHz and exchange RST plus Zone, which is 14 for the UK.

And now the solar factual data for the period from the 10th to the 16th
of October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, on the 17th of October

There was no shortage of sunspot groups this week with up to ten
visible on most days. Several regions produced occasional C class solar
flares but one group that increased in size and magnetic complexity
every day produced numerous C class flares every day later in the
period. No M or X class solar flares took place. Solar flux levels
increased from 126 units on the 10th to 151 by the 16th. The average
was 136 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 16th was 118,
that's four units up on last week. X-ray flux levels increased from B3
units to B8.6 by the 16th. The average was B4.9 units. Geomagnetic
activity was quiet with the Ap index in single figures every day. The
most disturbed day was the 15th with an Ap index of 8 units. The
average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw
solar wind speeds increase from 320 kilometres per second to 490 by the
15th. Particle densities were very low, with only one particle per
cubic centimetre on the 12th. Even for the rest of the period densities
remained in single figures. Bz never varied more than minus 9 and plus
8 nanoTeslas during the period. The combination of the increase in
solar flux levels, low geomagnetic activity and seasonal improvement
made for good propagation across the HF range, right up to 28MHz, where
all continents and the T32C DXpedition were workable.

And now the solar forecast. This week the more active side of the Sun
is expected to be looking our way. Solar activity should be low every
day, there is a good chance that activity could increase on some days.
Solar flux levels are expected to be in the 120's for most of the week.
Geomagnetic activity should start at quiet levels but by next weekend a
small coronal hole disturbance could increase activity slightly. MUFs
during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 30MHz, or
slightly higher particularly in the south. Darkness hour lows are
expected to be about 11MHz. One of the largest HF contests of the year
takes place next weekend, that's the CQ SSB worldwide contest. HF
propagation is looking good with openings to all continents on all the
higher bands including 28MHz. Hopefully, the coronal hole disturbance
will have little effect but maybe the Sunday will be the better of the
two days.

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 25 October Bromsgrove & District
Amateur Radio Club is making plans for the shack. Contact Chris, M0BQE
on 01905 776 869.

On Monday 25 October Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
having an informal evening. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478,
daytime.

On Monday 25 October Leicester Radio Society is having a talk on The
Slums of Leicester by Ned Newitt. Contact Alex, G8FCQ, on 07531 201
640.

On Monday 25 October South Birmingham Radio Society is having an aerial
working party. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Monday 25 October Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is
having a talk on the computer control of receivers by G8UKT. Contact
G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.

On Monday 25 October Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society is having a
visit and talk by the Snowdonia Radio Company. More information from
Robert Bird, by email to .

On Monday 25 October Wythall Radio Club continues its Advanced Course.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Tuesday 26 October Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a practical evening. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on
01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 26 October Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is
planning its programme for 2012. Details from Don, G4CYG, on 01926 424
465.

On Tuesday 26 October Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
looking at the club website. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Tuesday 26 October Wythall Radio Club is having a homebrew evening.
Details from Christopher Pettitt, G0EYO, by email to
.

On Wednesday 27 October Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society
is having a skittles match with CARA. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452
548 478, daytime. On Wednesday 27 October Lincoln Short-Wave Club is
putting G5FZ on the air. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO,
on 01427 788 356.

On Wednesday 27 October Midland Amateur Radio Society is running
Foundation and Morse classes. Norman, G8BHE, QTHR, 01214 229 787

On Thursday 28 October Brigg & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on sun spots and solar activity by amateur astronomer Geoff Tew.
Details from John, 2E0III, on 01652 632 938.

On Thursday 28 October Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night and commences revision for the Intermediate exam. Details on the
club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Friday 29 October Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
workshop evening. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

On Saturday 30 October Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air and doing jobs around the shack. For more information contact Pam
Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Sunday 31 October Midland Amateur Radio Society is at the Landudno
Rally. Contact Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

On Sunday 31 October South Birmingham Radio Society is visiting the
North Wales Rally at Llandudno. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 25 October Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club is on the air and having a natter night. Contact
Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday 25 October Bolton Wireless Club is having an activity night,
looking at tracking of bees by radio with G4MVU, plus having a honey
tasting. For details, send an email to .

On Monday 25 October Macclesfield & District Radio Society is looking
at homebrew aerials. More information from Roger Bell, M0GMG, on 07712
589 163.

On Monday 25 October Scarborough Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
by G0UVR on quad and low band antennas. Details from Jerry Scarr,
G6LBL, on 01751 476 601.

On Monday 25 October Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
software defined radio by Josh, M0JMO. More information from Peter Day,
G3PHO, by email to .

On Monday 25 October South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
holding its monthly technical forum. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619
693 999.

On Tuesday 26 October Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is
conducting radio operations at Waverton Institute. Details from Barbara
Green on 07957 870 770.

On Tuesday 26 October Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society
continues its Foundation and Intermediate training. Contact Martin,
M0GQB, on 01422 341 317. On Tuesday 26 October Otley Amateur Radio
Society is taking part in the 50MHz UKAC. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on
07768 996 370.

On Wednesday 27 October Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is participating in
the 80m CW Club Sprint. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240
573.

On Wednesday 27 October Otley Amateur Radio Society continues its
Foundation licence course. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768 996 370.

On Thursday 28 October Preston Amateur Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Richard, M0RDZ, on 07855 873 566.

On Thursday 28 October Ripon & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on off centre fed antenna designs. Details from Rob Hall, M0RBY,
on 07876 085 631.

On Thursday 28 October South Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is holding
its AGM. Contact Chris Wiseman, G0RDK, on 01782 773 185.

On Thursday 28 October South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having a talk on CNC machines by Ged, G8RSI. Details from Ron, G3SVW,
on 01619 693 999.

On Friday 29 October East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Saturday 30 October Wakefield & District Radio Society commences its
Foundation & Advances courses. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ, on 07900 563 117.

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

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 26 October Kilmarnock & Loudoun Amateur
Radio Club is having a club night. Contact Graham, MM3GDC, by email to
.

On Tuesday 26 October Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding Morse code practice. Details from Norman, on 07740 946 192.

On Wednesday 27 October Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on antennas for small gardens by RSGB Region 1 Manager Len Paget,
GM0ONX. Contact Bill Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505 613 633.

On Wednesday 27 October West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is
having construction projects and licence training by The Solder Group.
More information from Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415 715 512.

On Thursday 28 October Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a talk.
More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663. On Friday 29
October West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having presentations,
guest speakers, a raffle & quiz.. More information from Fred Coombes,
2M0BIN, on 01415 715 512.

On Saturday 30 October Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
taking part in the CQWW SSB contest. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ,
on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA On Sunday 24 October Loughton &
Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society is having a fish & chips night.
Contact Marc Litchman, G0TOC, on 02085 021 645.

On Tuesday 26 October Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the
shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Tuesday 26 October Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a club
net night. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 26 October Dorking & District Radio Society is having a talk
by Brian Oakley on behind the scenes at Bletchley Park in WW2. Contact
Garth, G3NPC, on 01737 359 472.

On Tuesday 26 October Harwell Amateur Radio Society is having a shack
activity night. Contact Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524 844.

On Tuesday 26 October Horndean & District Amateur Radio Club is holding
its AGM. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 02392 472 846.

On Wednesday 27 October Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is on
the air. More details from Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 27 October Darenth Valley Radio Society is having a talk
on printed circuit board construction by Ray, G0FDU. For more
information send an email to Ray, .

On Wednesday 27 October Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk by Steve, G6ALU on the 80m kit. For more information
contact Rob, G3LMW, on 01635 862 737.

On Wednesday 27 October Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an
informal, construction, workshop and Bright Sparks evening. Details
from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Wednesday 27 October Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is
putting GX3WOR on the air for the 80m Club Sprint. For more information
contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 28 October Bittern DX Group is planning development and
training events. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404 154.

On Thursday 28 October Echelford Amateur Radio Society is having a
natter night, Bring & Buy and CW practice. Contact John, G4GSC, on
01784 451 898.

On Thursday 28 October Edgware & District Radio Society is having a
talk on visiting the Galapagos Islands by Mike, G4RNW. More information
from Mike, G4RNW, on 02089 500 658. On Thursday 28 October Reading &
District Amateur Radio Club is holding its autumn junk sale. Details
from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Thursday 28 October Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
planning for CQWW. Details from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

On Friday 29 October Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
night. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239 371.

On Friday 29 October Waterlooville Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on the RAF. Details from Rich, G4IBW, on 02392 680 852.

On Friday 29 October Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its AGM. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 02088 747 456.

On Saturday 30 October Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in CQWW. Details from David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Monday 25 October Bristol RSGB Group is
having a talk by Phil Whitchurch, G3SWH, on the VK9X/G6AY Christmas
Island DXpedition. Details from Robin, G3TKF, on 01225 420 442.

On Wednesday 27 October Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is
operating the club station. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234
for more information.

On Wednesday 27 October Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417 048.

On Thursday 28 October South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Thursday 28 October Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

On Friday 29 October Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having an
audio/visual presentation on the local newspaper. For more information
contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to .

NEWS FOR WALES On Thursday 27 October Marches Amateur Radio Society is
holding an informal quiz night at the Black Park Miners Museum, close
to the Chirk McDonalds. All are welcome and there is talk-in on
GB3UO.Details from Marc Griffiths, MW6TDG.

On Friday 29 October Newport Amateur Radio Society is closed. Details
from Ross Clare, GW3NWS, on 01633 880 146.