GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 4th December 2011

The news headlines:

* RSGB Club of the Year competition reminder

* Experimental D-Star repeater

* 5MHz operation from Niue Island

The RSGB Club of the Year Competition, sponsored by Waters and Stanton,
is an RSGB Regional Team initiative designed to encourage local radio
clubs to do more in their communities to promote amateur radio. Locally
based, the idea is get recognition of your club's efforts by the
amateur radio community. Independently judged, the competition
concentrates on your club's contribution to promoting amateur radio,
its contribution to training and education, charitable activities and
general club activities. Each region presents its own trophy and all
the trophy winners from around the UK are entered into a national
competition where we select a National Club of the Year and two runner
ups. There are trophies for the national winners and cash prizes too,
so it is well worth entering. Details are available on the RSGB website
at www.rsgb.org/cluboftheyear.

The Mid Cornwall Beacon and Repeater Group has obtained an NoV from
Ofcom to operate an experimental D-Star repeater on the existing GB3HB
repeater frequencies on 70cm. It will have the callsign GB7MC and
operation will commence today, 4 December. The output frequency will be
433.375MHz and the input frequency will be 434.975MHz. The existing
GB3HB voice repeater has now been closed down and removed for
refurbishment and updating. The experimental D-Star repeater, GB7MC,
will continue to operate during 2012 until the new GB3HB voice repeater
is ready. For more information, or to send a report, go to the group's
website at www.mcbarg.co.uk.

For 60m band enthusiasts there is news from Chris, GM3WOJ. He is now
active as ZK2V on Niue Island in the Pacific and has obtained
permission to operate on 5403.5kHz. This special permit is only valid
from 1 to 7 December local time.

James Miller, G3RUH remotely reconfigured the tracking and receiving
system at the AMSAT-DL amateur radio facility in Bochum, Germany to
receive the NASA Mars Science Laboratory X-Band telemetry. The signal
was received automatically, no-one had to be physically on-site. Read
the full story at www.uk.amsat.org.

A very interesting TV programme from 1979 can now be watched on the
web. Called Wartime Radio: The Secret Listeners, the programme is
illustrated with archival film and photographs as well as interviews
with those involved. The documentary traces the evolution of civilian
involvement in radio-based intelligence during both world wars. Take a
look at www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/5108.

Congratulations to G4DEZ, who was the highest placed UK station in the
IARU Region 1 September 145MHz Contest single operator entry. He was
placed 35th out of 1178 entries, with his best DX being OL3Y. The
Parallel Lines Contest Group, G8P, was the highest placed UK
multi-operator entry. They were placed 6th from 388 entries, with the
best DX being OE1W. Congratulations to both entries. And now for the
details of rallies and events for the coming week

The final rally of the year is due to take place today, 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.

Saturday 17 December sees the 10th Waters and Stanton annual Christmas
open day, which is sponsored by Yaesu UK Ltd. Chelmsford Amateur Radio
Society, Essex CW Club, RSGB rep Mark Sanderson and staff from Yaesu
will be in attendance.

Friskney & East Lincolnshire Communications Club Mid-Winter Tabletop
Sale and Auction will take place on 3 January at the Friskney Village
Hall, Church Road, Friskney, Lincolnshire PE22 8RR. The event includes
the Special Event Station GB2YR. Doors open 7pm and entry is £1.50.
Tables are 2 for 1 at £4 and there will be free tea & coffee. Details
from Ian Donnelly, 2E0XOD, 07554 362 020.

Now for the news of special events We have no details of special events
for the forthcoming week.

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

Buddies in the Caribbean is a group of amateur radio operators who
specialise in DXpeditions with low power and a Buddipole. They are
visiting St Lucia again from 4 to 12 December. They plan to run three
stations in CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK on 10 to 160m. They will use the
callsign J68UN in the ARRL 10m Contest on 10 and 11 December. For
details of the operators, Google Buddies in the Caribbean. QSLs via
home callsign direct, Logbook of the World and eQSL.

Martin, G3ZAY, Michael, G7VJR, Harumi, JF1PJK, Joe, JA1LZR, and Yutaka,
JQ2GYU, will be active as GJ6UW on SSB, CW and RTTY on all bands from
Jersey, which is IOTA EU-013, from 2 to 7 December. If the conditions
on 160m and 80m are good they want to listen especially for Asia and
Japan. QSL via M0BLF either via the bureau, direct or via Logbook of
the World.

Volker, DL8WEM will be active as J79WE from Dominica, which is NA-101,
until 8 December. He operates mainly CW on 10 to 40 metres. QSL via his
home callsign.

Now the contest news

The ARRL 160m CW Contest runs until 1600UTC on Sunday afternoon, 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 and KH6 plus US overseas
territories and Canadian stations only. For single-ops there are QRP,
low power and 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 or RAC section number.

Today, 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.

The next Amateur Television Repeater Contest takes place from 1200UTC
on Saturday 10 December until 1200UTC on Sunday 11 December using all
amateur TV repeaters. Stations are encouraged to participate, or just
look for increased amateur TV activity on their local TV repeater.
Talkback is most likely to be found on 144.75MHz FM. Details of how to
enter the contest can be found on the BATC website, www.batc.org.uk;
entrants do not need to be BATC members.

And now the solar factual data for the period from the 21st to the 27th
of November, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 28th of November.

The solar disc had numerous sunspot groups visible every day. Most were
small and quiet but several were large enough to produce small C class
solar flares, 39 in total for the period. The occasional solar flare
produced small coronal mass ejections. On the 26th a long duration C1
solar flare and an associated eruptive filament produced a large
coronal mass ejection. Solar flux levels declined from 142 units on the
22nd to 133 by the 26th, the average was 138. The 90 day solar flux
average on the 27th was 141, that's three units up on last week. X-ray
flux units declined from B5.1 units on the 21st to B3.9 by the 26th.
The average was B4.4 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every day
with the highest daily figure of Ap 6 units on the 22nd and the 27th.
The average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw
solar wind speeds vary between a slow 240 kilometres per second to a
normal 470 kilometres per second. Particle densities were low
throughout. Bz never varied more than minus and plus 9 nanoTeslas for
the period.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the active side of the Sun is
expected to be rotating out of view. Solar activity should be low every
day with the chance of increasing on the occasional day. Solar flux
levels should decline and be around the 150's by next weekend.
Providing no coronal mass ejections head our way geomagnetic activity
should be at quiet levels all week. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes are expected to be well over 30MHz for the whole of the UK.
Darkness hour lows should be around 10MHz every day just before local
sunrise. Paths this week to Australia should have a maximum usable
frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 32MHz. 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 0800 and 1300 hours.
Overall, the long path will be several megahertz down and a couple of
hours later than the short path.

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 First, some advance information. Friskney & East
Lincolnshire Communications Club will be running Foundation and
Intermediate courses in February and March 2012. For further details
contact Ant Freeman, M0HAZ, on 07956 654 481.

On Monday 5 December Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
operating on HF or VHF. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478,
daytime.

On Monday 5 December South Birmingham Radio Society is on the air and
making plans for the Christmas party. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Monday 5 December Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is starting
its 2m club net on 145.275MHz FM and then QSYing to 4m. For more
information contact Peter D Rivers, G4XEX, on 01858 432 105.

On Monday 5 December Wythall Radio Club is holding an Advanced exam.
Details from Colin, M0GJM, on 07598 540 507.

Leicester DX Club has changed its meeting to Tuesdays at 7.30pm.
Meetings currently take place at the Winstanley Arms, Braunstone LE3
2WB, but a new venue will be announced after Christmas. Details from
Ellen, M0HEL on 07902 626 920.

On Tuesday 6 December Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is holding
a junk sale. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 6 December Forest of Dean Amateur Radio Group continues its
Foundation training course. Details on 01594 549 110.

On Tuesday 6 December Friskney and East Lincolnshire Communications
Club is having its Christmas dinner. Contact Chris, M0MFP, on 01507 442
240.

On Tuesday 6 December Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a video evening. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509
504 319.

On Wednesday 7 December Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air and having a natter night. For more information contact Pam Rose,
G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Wednesday 7 December Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding an
open meeting with the shack on the air and running training classes.
Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078 003. On Wednesday 7 December
Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is holding a committee meeting
at Stafford Park. HQ is closed. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 8 December South Birmingham Radio Society is having
training classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Don, on 01214 581
603.

On Friday 9 December Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its Christmas dinner. Contact Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 9 December Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having an
introduction to Projection 2012. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

On Friday 9 December South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Friday 9 December Wythall Radio Club is holding its Christmas party.
Details from Colin, M0GJM, on 07598 540 507.

On Saturday 10 December Lincoln Short-Wave Club is in the shack and
holding its Saturday surgery. For more information contact Pam Rose,
G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Saturday 10 December Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is holding
its Christmas dinner. For more information contact Peter D Rivers,
G4XEX, on 01858 432 105.

Next week, on Wednesday 14 December, Lincoln Short Wave Club will be
holding a teleconference workshop with Bob Heil, K9EID. Using a 2-way
Skype video and audio link, there will be a facility to interact with
Bob, who is not only a microphone maker for amateur radio but also for
many top musicians including Stevie Wonder and Joe Walsh. There will be
a £1 admission charge, which will include tea, coffee and biscuits.
More information from Steve Burke, by email to
.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 5 December Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club is holding an Advanced examination. Contact Nancy
Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday 5 December Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
amateur radio in Spain by Nevil Brinnen, G3VDV. More information from
Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to .

On Monday 5 December Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having
a natter night. More information from J Duddington, G4BFH, on 01253 853
554.

On Tuesday 6 December Chester & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding a committee meeting. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244
343825.

On Tuesday 6 December Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding Foundation and Intermediate training courses including an on
the air session and discussion about 2m collinear aerials. Details from
Anthony Vinters, G0WFG, on 01422 822636.

On Wednesday 7 December Denby Dale Radio Club is having a talk on
transistor characteristic curves by Ian G4LUG. Details from Richard,
M0RBG, on 07976 220 126. On Thursday 8 December Ripon & District
Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on RAYNET. Details from Rob
Hall, M0RBY, on 07876 085 631.

On Thursday 8 December South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having a talk about 42 years ago by Ron, G3SVW. Details from Ron,
G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Friday 9 December East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is holding a
technical forum. For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642
475 671.

On Saturday 10 December Denby Dale Radio Club is visiting LAM
Communications. Details from Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Mid Ulster Amateur Radio Club will be holding
an Intermediate course over 12 weeks, starting Wednesday 11 January
2012. Foundation licensees wishing to advance to the next step should
register for the course by Monday 12 December. To register go to
www.muarc.com/courseapplicationform.htm and complete the form. More
information can be gained by contacting the exam secretary Martin,
MI0YMF, on 02838 852 712.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 6 December Livingston & District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club evening. Details from Norman, on 07740
946 192.

On Wednesday 7 December Ayr Amateur Radio Group is having a talk on
ILLW in Western Scotland. Details from Tom Ferguson, GM1OST, on 01292
532 088.

On Thursday 8 December Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is on the air.
More information from Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 9 December Borders Amateur Radio Society is having a
demonstration and talk on PSK and slow scan TV by Landles Fairbairn,
GM4XZZ. Details from MM0YLG on 07944 912 751.

On Saturday 10 December Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
holding its Christmas night. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on
01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA 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.

On Monday 5 December Braintree & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club social. For more information contact John, M5AJB, on
01787 460 947.

On Monday 5 December Burnham Beeches Radio Club is holding its
Christmas event. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720. On Monday 5
December East Kent Radio Society is having an HF operating evening with
Paul, M3PSE. Details from Karl Davies, M1DFM, on 01227 710 120.

On Monday 5 December Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a talk on the
GSM mobile phone network infrastructure by David Smith, M0SXD. Contact
John, G3MCX, on 02086 883 322.

On Tuesday 6 December Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the
shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Tuesday 6 December Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is holding a
club meeting. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday 7 December Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding a general meeting. More details from Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831
491.

On Wednesday 7 December Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an
informal, construction and shack evening. Details from Chris Danby,
G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Wednesday 7 December Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on Hollywood science by Jonathan Hare, G1EXG. Contact
Phil, G4UDU, on 01903 816 684.

On Thursday 8 December Bittern DX Group is having an informal meeting
at Pinewood Park Leisure Club. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404
154.

On Thursday 8 December Echelford Amateur Radio Society is holding its
Christmas party. Contact John, G4GSC, on 01784 451 898.

On Thursday 8 December Edgware & District Radio Society is having a
junk sale. More information from Mike, G4RNW, on 02089 500 658.

On Thursday 8 December Lowestoft & District PYE Amateur Radio Club is
running its construction competition. Details from Lee, 2E1LJL, on
01502 564 242.

On Thursday 8 December Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is holding
its AGM followed by a cheese and wine evening. Details from Pete,
G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Thursday 8 December Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a mince pie Evening. Contact John Burnett, M6JBV, on 07860 804
793.

On Friday 9 December Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on nanowave communications and the new red LED beacon by Jenny
Bailey and Bernie Wright. Contact Ron, G3KBR, on 01223 501 712.

On Friday 9 December Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is holding its
Christmas social and quiz. Details from Liz, M0ACL, on 02380 254 599.

On Friday 9 December Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is holding its
Christmas dinner. Contact Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239 371.

On Friday 9 December Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society is
having its Christmas social. Contact Andrew Maish, G4ADM, on 02083 353
434.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Wednesday 7 December Taunton & District
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on the SteppIR antenna by Kelvin,
M0AID and Rob, G0WSC. More information from Peter Robinson, G0EYR, on
07811 635 819.

On Wednesday 7 December Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk by Rex, G4RAE on how he got into amateur radio.
Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417 048.

On Wednesday 7 December Trowbridge & District Amateur Radio Club is
holding its Christmas social & presentation night. Details from Ian,
G0GRI, on 01225 864 698, evenings and weekends.

On Thursday 8 December South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on social networking. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 07838
695 471.

On Thursday 8 December Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is holding
its Christmas dinner. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

On Thursday 8 December Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
logging by M0WOB & M6AIG. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to
.

On Friday 9 December North Bristol Amateur Radio Club is holding its
Christmas party. More information from Dick on 01454 218 362.

On Friday 9 December Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having an
operating night. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
.

NEWS FOR WALES On Monday 5 December Dragon Amateur Radio Club is
visiting Waters and Stanton. More information from Stewart Rolfe,
GW0ETF, on 07833 620 733.

On Tuesday 6 December Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is closed. Details
from Carl Morris, MW0TBB, by email to .

On Thursday 8 December Aberystwyth & District Amateur Radio Society is
having Morse and mince pies with Dyson, GW3DRV. Details from Ray,
GW7AGG, on 01970 611 853.

On Friday 9 December Newport Amateur Radio Society is having a hands on
evening, getting the FR50B going. More information from Ross Clare,
GW3NWS, on 01633 880 146.