GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 27th November 2011

The news headlines:

* RSGB EGM Results

* EME Conference info on Twitter

* Changes to the 5MHz band in USA

135 people attended the RSGB EGM held on Saturday 19 November. The
meeting resulted in Special Resolution 1 to create the Interim Board
being passed with 85 percent of those voting at the meeting or by proxy
voting for the Special Resolution. For Ordinary Resolutions 2-9 to
appoint individual members to the Board, the votes ranged between 83
and 86 percent of those voting. Special Resolution 1 required a 75
percent majority, the others a simple majority. Details of the meeting,
including a recording of proceedings and the detailed report from
Electoral Reform Services can be found online at www.rsgb.org/EGM/. The
new Board now starts work immediately and regular updates will be
carried on the RSGB website and in RadCom.

There is now an official Twitter information feed for the 15th
International EME Conference to be held in Cambridge in August 2012.
The Twitter feed can be found at twitter.com/moonbounce2012. More
information on the conference is available online at www.eme2012.com.

On November 18 the FCC announced changes for amateur radio operation at
5MHz in the USA. The key changes are that the FCC deleted the channel
5366.5 USB with a centre frequency of 5368.0kHz, and replaced it with
channel 5357.0kHz USB with a centre frequency of 5358.5kHz. Changes
have been made to now allow upper sideband, RTTY, data and CW; with
specific limitations, as well as a maximum power level of 100 watts PEP
effective radiated power referenced to a dipole. The changes won't
become effective until 30 days after the publication of the
announcement. Full details can be read at www.arrl.org/news.

Roger, G3MEH is looking at the feasibility of running an Advanced
course early next year. It would need eight Sunday afternoon sessions
running from 2pm to 6pm for tuition at The White Hill Community Centre,
Chesham HP5 1AG. If the course ran on consecutive Sundays then sitting
the exam on Saturday 3 March would be just possible, otherwise the next
opportunity would be on Thursday 9 May. If you are interested in the
course, please contact Roger, by e-mail to .

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

The final rally of the year is due to take place on 4 December. The
Bishop Auckland Radio Amateurs Club Rally will be held in Spennymoor
Leisure Centre, Co Durham DL16 6DB. Doors open at 10.30am and admission
is £1.50 with accompanied under 14s free. There will be trade stands
and a Bring & Buy. More details from Mark, G0GFG on 01388 747 497. Now
for the news of special events

G4PF and M0GWW will be running a special event station to celebrate
Lancashire Week, using the callsign GB0LD. The NoV finishes today, 27
November, with the Loyal Toast being read at 9pm tonight, which is
Lancashire Day. The station will be run from the village of Hoghton in
central Lancashire and will use all bands from 70cm to 160m. More
information can be found on QRZ.com.

GB2NFG will be operating today, Sunday 27 November 2011, 1000 to
1600UTC as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations open day for the
New Forest Group of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club. The
event is being held at Copythorne Village Hall, Pollards Moor Road,
Copythorne, Southampton SO40 2NZ. Operation will take place on the HF
bands and 2m. There will be vintage tractors and other vintage vehicles
on show as well as various exhibitions and stands. Admission is free
and radio amateurs and their families would be especially most welcome.
For further details contact Keith, G8MZF on 02380 849 395 or call him
on 145.500MHz on the day.

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

Jonathan, G0DVJ, Mike, W0MU and Jim, N1NK will operate as J6M from St.
Lucia as a team in the CQWW CW contest that finishes as midnight
tonight, 27 November.

Following on from his recent visit to Guinea in West Africa with the
3XY1D team DL7DF is now headed for Kenya for a holiday until 6
December. He will reactivate his Kenyan callsign, 5Z4HW, which he had
previously used in February 2004 and February/March 2008.

A team of German amateurs will be active from Banana Island off the
coast of Sierra Leone until 4 December. They will use the callsign 9L0W
and for the island chasers the IOTA reference is AF-037. QSLs go via
DK2VW.

Steve White, G3ZVW will once again be active as ZD8N from Ascension
Island until 2 December. Activity will be on 10 to 80 metres using CW,
SSB and the digital modes. He is also expected to participate in the
CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via his home callsign, by the bureau or direct.

Phil, F4EGS, is back in Chad and active as TT8PK until 23 December. He
has been reported a number of times although activity is limited to his
spare time. QSL via F4EGS.

Mark, 6W/AA1AC from will be on the air from 4 to 11 December from
Senegal. He plans to be on 80 through 10m. QSL via the bureau or direct
to his home call.

Peri, HB9IQB, will be in Palestine in December and has a licence to
operate as E4/HB9IQB. He'll be using a K2/100 into wire verticals
mostly on CW on 12, 17 and 30. More details on
www.hb9iqb.ch/palestine.html. Now the contest news

The CQWW DX CW Contest takes place over the whole weekend, 26 and 27
November, finishing at midnight tonight. With propagation on the upper
HF bands improved over recent years, at times we can expect the CW
segments of all the contesting bands to be very busy indeed. The
exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is Zone 14.

On Tuesday 29 November the 70MHz UK Activity Contest takes place
between 2000 and 2230UTC. Using all modes the exchanges is signal
report, serial number and locator.

The ARRL 160m CW Contest runs from 2200UTC Friday evening to 1600UTC
Sunday afternoon on 2 to 4 December. For UK stations, the action takes
place during the hours when North America and the UK are both in
darkness, around 2200 to 0800UTC. Work American stations including KL7,
KH6 and US overseas territories and Canadian stations only. For
single-ops there are QRP, low-power, high-power categories. It's
similar for multi-op stations, except that there's no QRP category. A
vertical antenna or an inverted-L with a high vertical section and an
efficient radial or earthing system are very much to be desired for
this one. The exchange is signal report and American and Canadian
stations also send their ARRL/RAC section number.

Next Sunday, 4 December, the 144MHz AFS takes place. This will be the
third in this season's Super League competition. From 0900 to 1700UTC,
using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and
locator.

On Tuesday 6 December the 144MHz UK Activity Contest takes place from
2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator.

And now the solar factual data for the period from the 14th to the 20th
of November, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 21st of November.

First this week the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers which are
for February, March and April are 33.4, 36.9 and 41.8 respectively.
Without being to optimistic this sunspot cycle could be higher than
presently predicted. How much higher, well, we will have to just wait
and see. The peak is due around the start of 2013.

The solar disc started with 13 sunspots groups visible on the 14th. As
some groups rotated out of view more were coming into view on the
opposite side of the Sun. Most were small and quiet but a few groups
produced numerous C class solar flares everyday. Solar activity was low
everyday except for the 15th which increased to moderate when three
small M1 class solar flares took place. Considering the number of solar
flares taking place the impact on propagation was minimal. Solar flux
levels declined from 161 units on the 14th to 140 by the 19th and the
20th. The average was 146. The 90 day solar flux average on the 20th
was 138 units, that's three units up on last week. X-ray flux levels
declined from C1 units on the 15th to B6 by the 20th and the average
was B8 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet everyday. The period
started with an Ap index of zero on the 14th. The most disturbed day
was the 15th with an Ap index of only 6 units. The average was Ap 2
units, making it one of the quietest weeks of the year. Solar wind data
from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds around the 350 kilometres
per second on most days but increased briefly to 480 kilometres per
second on the 16th. Particle densities remained low everyday. Bz showed
little variation throughout. On the 19th Bz remained positive all day.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the more active side of the
Sun is expected to be coming into view. Solar activity could be
moderate on some days. Solar flux levels look set to rise and be around
the 170's later in the week. There are now no coronal hole disturbances
expected and if no coronal mass ejections take place that are directed
towards Earth then a quiet geomagnetic week is expected. MUFs during
daylight hours at equal latitudes should be well above 30MHz for the
whole of the UK. Darkness hour lows should be around 10MHz. Paths this
week to the Middle East should have a maximum usable frequency with a
50 per cent success rate of around 34MHz. The optimum working frequency
with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 26MHz. The best time to
try the path will be between 0900 and 1300 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 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 28 November Derby RAYNET Amateur Radio
Group begins enrolling students for the various exam courses. Contact
Martin, G7MKS, via email to .

On Monday 28 November Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
having an informal meeting. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478,
daytime.

On Monday 28 November Leicester Radio Society is having a raffle with
John Eley, G3LMR. Details from John, G0IJM, on 07939 121 132.

On Monday 28 November South Birmingham Radio Society is planning for
field day. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Monday 28 November Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is
having a talk on the Flexradio 5000 software defined transceiver by
Terry, G3MXH. Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.

On Monday 28 November Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society is holding
its AGM. More information from Robert Bird, by email to
.

On Tuesday 29 November Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 29 November Forest of Dean Amateur Radio Group is having a
table top sale & Foundation Course. Details on 01594 549 110.

On Tuesday 29 November Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding a practical evening. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on
01509 504 319.

On Wednesday 30 November Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a talk on
contesting and the N1MM logging program by Dave Cree, G3TBK. For more
information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Wednesday 30 November Midland Amateur Radio Society is running
training classes and planning the Christmas party and exhibition
display. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078 003.

On Wednesday 30 November South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society is having
an informal evening. Contact Nigel, M0CVO, on 01476 402 550. On
Wednesday 30 November Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
working on winter projects. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Friday 2 December Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a VHF night. Contact Chris, M0BQE, on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 2 December Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having part 1 of
a talk on the Fair Isle DXpedition. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777
363.

On Friday 2 December Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a banquet of
Lincolnshire festive fayre followed by a raffle and festive party
games. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Friday 2 December South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Saturday 3 December Lincoln Short-Wave Club is in the shack.. For
more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 28 November Sheffield Amateur
Radio Club is holding its grand winter junk sale. More information from
Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to .

On Monday 28 November South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
holding a technical forum. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Monday 28 November Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is
having a quiz night with Ted, G3WBB. More information from J
Duddington, G4BFH, on 01253 853 554.

On Tuesday 29 November Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is
having an operating evening. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244
343 825.

On Tuesday 29 November Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk by Bill, G4IOD on the importance of Cornwall to the world
of communications. Contact Anthony Vinters, G0WFG, on 01422 822 636.

On Wednesday 30 November Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM.
Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240 573.

On Thursday 1 December 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 1 December South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having a talk on Brazil by Doug, G8ILW. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on
01619 693 999.

On Friday 2 December East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND There will be a meeting for those interested
in the 2012 Project White Star - The Titanic Special Event Station held
in the Knockagh Lodge, 236 Upper Road, Greenisland on Saturday 3
December at 12.30pm. This meeting is open to all amateurs who wish to
get involved be it as individuals or as representatives of their
respective clubs. The station is striving to be the Official Titanic
Commemoration Station in the UK. For more information on the project,
contact Peter, MI5JYK, by e-mail to .

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 29 November Livingston & District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club evening. Details from Norman, on 07740
946 192.

On Thursday 1 December Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding a junk
sale. More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Thursday 1 December Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society is having a
technical talk on masthead amplifiers, introducing the club
construction project for 2012. Contact Jim Nicol, MM0SMD, on 01340 820
134.

On Friday 2 December Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
having a normal club night. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875
811 723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA On Sunday 27 November Coalhouse
Fort Amateur Radio Society is discussing Remembrance day. Contact John
Parker, M1DUC, by email to .

On Monday 28 November Felixstowe & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding a junk sale. More information from Paul, G4YQC, by email to
.

On Tuesday 29 November Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the
shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Wednesday 30 November Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a practical instructional evening on the club rigs by Terry,
G0VFW. More details from Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 30 November Crawley Amateur Radio Club is having a fun
contest with Horsham ARC. More information from John, G3VLH, on 01342
714 402.

On Wednesday 30 November Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an
informal, construction, shack night and Bright Sparks. Details from
Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678. On Wednesday 30 November Worthing
& District Amateur Radio Club is putting GX3WOR on the air. Contact
Phil, G4UDU, on 01903 816 684.

On Thursday 1 December Cray Valley Radio Society is having a
presentation by Bob Treacher, M0MCV, on the Cray Valley Radio Society
of the 1970s. Details from Malcolm Bryan, G8MCA, on 07906 433 965.

On Thursday 1 December Horndean & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a natter night and social evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 02392 472
846.

On Thursday 1 December Horsham Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM.
Details are on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 1 December Lowestoft & District PYE Amateur Radio Club is
having a club night at the shack. Details from Lee, 2E1LJL, on 01502
564 242.

On Friday 2 December Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is
holding its Christmas social. Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Friday 2 December Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society is
holding its Christmas Buffet and Bring & Buy sale. Contact Marc
Litchman, G0TOC, on 02085 021 645.

On Friday 2 December Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
night and table top sale. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239 371.

On Friday 2 December Radio Society of Harrow is holding its
construction contest. More information from Linda, G7RJL, on 02083 868
586.

On Friday 2 December Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is having
its annual dinner at the Toby Carvery, Richfield Avenue, Reading.
Details from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Friday 2 December Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a talk by
Olof Lundberg, G0CKV on the practicalities and realities of antennas.
Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 3 December Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the
shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Saturday 3 December Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having its
Christmas lunch at the Lodge Inn, Battlesbridge. Contact Martyn, G1EFL,
on 01245 469 008.

On Saturday 3 December Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having its
Christmas dinner. Details are on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Sunday 4 December Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is holding
its breakfast meeting at the Goring Cafe. Contact Phil, G4UDU, on 01903
816 684.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Monday 28 November Bristol RSGB Group is
having a talk on radio aurora by Graham Kimbell, G3TCT. Details from
Robin, G3TKF, on 01225 420 442.

On Monday 28 November Exeter Amateur Radio Society is having a club
night at the Moose Centre. Contact Nick, 2E0NRJ, on 01363 775 756.

On Tuesday 29 November West Devon Radio Club is holding a Bring & Buy
sale as part of an open evening with refreshments. Further information
from Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752 291 588.

On Wednesday 30 November Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is planning its programme. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417
048.

On Thursday 1 December Cornish Radio Amateur Club is holding its main
club meeting. Details from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844 939.

On Thursday 1 December South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a QSL
card evening. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 07838 695 471.

On Thursday 1 December Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a fun quiz. Details from Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

On Thursday 1 December Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having mini talks.
Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to .

On Friday 2 December North Bristol Amateur Radio Club is relaxing and
chatting. More information from Dick on 01454 218 362.

On Friday 2 December Jersey Amateur Radio Society will have a talk on
the QSL bureau from Mathieu, MJ0ASP who has recently taken on the role
of QSL Manager for Jersey. Club members and non members are all
welcome. More detail from Rob by e-mail at .

On Friday 2 December Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
.

NEWS FOR WALES On Friday 2 December Newport Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on amateur radio in the 50's and 60's by GW3MPP and
GW3NWS. More information from Ross Clare, GW3NWS, on 01633 880 146.