GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 12th February 2012

The news headlines:

* RSGB launches two consultations

* Warrington club gains Olympic callsign

* Dominican Republic amateurs get 5MHz allocation

The RSGB will shortly be introducing two new consultations to draw
Members into the RSGB policy creation process. Some topics will also be
open to non-Members. The processes are being piloted on two issues and
we hope that many people will feel able to contribute. The first
consultation looks at the RSGB's Spectrum Strategy. The second seeks
views on how we could celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with some
form of QSO Party.

The proposed Spectrum Strategy is being developed by the RSGB Spectrum
Forum. It will take into account the outcomes of the current World
Radiocommunication Conference, which is due to end on 17 February. It
is expected that the Spectrum Strategy consultation will commence on 1
March. All UK amateurs are invited to read and comment on the proposals
and post their responses online.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee QSO Party consultation uses a different
approach. People will be invited into an internet discussion list to
seek a consensus on a proposed draft for the QSO Party. We have called
this approach a Litmus Test. The QSO Party Litmus Test will go live on
Wednesday 15 February.

Further information and access to the consultations can be found at
www.rsgb.org.uk/consultations.

Warrington Amateur Radio Club has been granted the Olympic call sign
GB2012MV, for Manchester Venue. The station will be located at the
Salford University campus and will operate on VHF, HF and D-STAR. Old
Trafford will be a venue for the Olympic football competition.

Amateur Radio operators in the Dominican Republic have recently been
granted permission to use seven 5MHz channels. These are the same
channels as used in the UK. Modes currently permitted are SSB and CW.

Following the recent earthquake in the Central Philippines,
communications have been set up on HF as the emergency activity of
amateur radio becomes established in the earthquake and landslide hit
areas. Eddie Valdez, DU1EV, Chief Operating Officer for IARU society
PARA, said that Ham Emergency Radio Operations (HEROs) has activated
the emergency frequencies of 144.740MHz and 7.095MHz.

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

The Harwell Radio & Electronics Rally will take place today, 12
February, at Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot. Doors open
at 10.30am and there is plenty of free car parking. Admission is £2.50,
with accompanied under 12s free. There will be trade stands and a flea
market as well as special interest groups at the event. More details
from Ann, G8NVI on 01235 816 379.

The Northern Cross Rally will take place at Thornes Park Stadium,
Horbury Road Wakefield WF2 8TY today, Sunday 12 February. The usual mix
of traders and groups will attend, including the RSGB bookstall and a
local wind up mast manufacturer. Entrance is £3 per person and
refreshments are available. Doors open at 10.30am. You are advised NOT
to park on the road outside as it has double yellow lines on it, but
use the available car parks. For more information, contact Ken 2E0SSQ
on 07900 563117, before 8pm hours please. The organisers of the Swansea
Rally, planned for 26 February, have been obliged to cancel it. They
hope to be able to re-schedule it later in the year. Details from
Roger, GW4HSH, on 01792 404 422.

Bournemouth Radio Society regrets to announce that, due to
circumstances beyond their control, it has been necessary to cancel
this year's sale, originally scheduled for Sunday 11 March. Please
contact John, G0HAT on 07719 700 771 with any enquiries.

Now for the news of special events

On 18 February, the Surrey Radio Contact Club is activating a Thinking
Day On The Air station. Using the callsign GB4ADD for the 4th.
Addiscombe Girl Guides, the station will be in the Church Hall at
Christ Church Methodist, 114, Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon, Surrey,
CR0 6AD. They will be there from around 10.30am and expect to stay for
around three hours. There is ample on site parking.

Itchen Valley Amateur Radio club is helping Girlguiding Chandlers Ford
Division celebrate World Thinking Day, over the weekend of 18 and 19
February, with the callsign GB0CFG. Visitors are always welcome at the
Scout Hut, Brickfield Lane, Chandlers Ford. Further details from Liz,
M0ACL, on 02380 254 599.

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

Francois, F8DVD will be active as TM8AAW until 26 February, including
the 9th Antarctic Activity Week of 20 to 26 February. He will operate
on 10 to 40 metres, mostly SSB, from his home QTH in Macon, France. QSL
via home callsign, direct or bureau.

Jean-Pierre, F6ITD will operate SSB and digital modes on the HF bands
from Guadeloupe, which is IOTA reference NA-102, until 13 March. Look
him for as FG/F6ITD from Basse-Terre until 19 February and then from La
Desirade. QSL via his home callsign, direct or via the bureau.

Al, W6HGF will be active as FP/W6HGF from Miquelon Island, IOTA
reference NA-032, until 20 February. Operation is planned to be focused
on digital, mostly RTTY, including an entry in the CQ WW WPX RTTY
contest. QSL via W6HGF, either direct or via the bureau.

Now the contest news

The first of this year's CQWW WPX contests is RTTY, which takes place
for the entire 48 hours of the weekend of the 11th and 12th. There are
categories for QRP, low and high power, single or multi-operator
stations, various numbers of transmitters and even single-operator
stations where the operator has been licensed for less than three
years. With the HF bands now in good shape, 10m could well be busy for
long hours. The exchange is signal report and serial number.

For 24 hours this weekend, the PACC Contest will be running on CW and
SSB. Work as many Dutch stations as possible per band, giving RST and
serial number. Dutch stations give RST + two-letter Province
abbreviation, of which there are twelve in all. The multiplier is the
number of provinces worked per band and, once again, there are numerous
entry categories.

The RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest takes place on 14 February between
2000 and 2230UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator. The following day, 15 February, the RSGB 80m club
championships data leg takes place between 2000 and 2130UTC. The
exchange is signal report and serial number. The ARRL International DX
Contest takes place for the whole 48 hours of the weekend of 18 and 19
February. This event has a loyal band of followers in the UK and is a
great one in which to build up your list of States contacted, if you
are working towards the Worked All States Award. On the final weekend
of the month there are two major international SSB events, but no clash
of bands. Using CW only, the exchange is signal report and transmit
power, although W stations send their State and VE stations send their
Province.

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

There were fewer sunspot groups visible during the period with only 3
groups visible on the 5th and the 6th. On the remaining days only 2
groups were visible. Solar activity declined to very low levels for the
first three days but then, on the 6th, an M1 class solar flare took
place unexpectedly. Solar flux levels, as expected, declined from 111
units on the 3rd to 97 by the 8th. This is the first time that the
solar flux levels were below the 100 mark since August last year. The
average was 105 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 9th was 136
units, that's five units down on last week. X-ray flux levels averaged
B2.3 units, which is well down compared to previous weeks. Geomagnetic
activity started at quiet levels, but on the 7th and the 8th a weak
coronal hole disturbance took place with an Ap index of 15 and 10 units
respectively. The average was Ap 6 units. Solar wind data from the ACE
spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 390 kilometres per
second on the 3rd to 540 by the 7th. Particle densities were low every
day. Bz varied between minus and plus 5 nanoTeslas on the quiet days
and between minus and plus 7 nanoTeslas during the most disturbed day.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the more active side of the
Sun is expected to be looking our way. However, looking at the latest
images from the STEREO Behind spacecraft, this side of the Sun is not
as active now compared to the last rotation. Therefore, solar activity
is expected to be at low levels, with only a small chance of activity
increasing higher than that. Solar flux levels should be around the
120's. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet every day unless a
coronal mass ejection heads our way. MUFs during daylight hours at
equal latitudes should be around 28MHz for the south and 25MHz for the
north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. 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 22MHz. The best time to try this
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 13 February Gloucester Amateur Radio &
Electronics Society is closed for the school holidays. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478, daytime.

On Monday 13 February South Birmingham Radio Society is making plans
for the rally season, including Wythall in March. Contact Don, on 01214
581 603.

On Monday 13 February Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is
having an introduction to the loop fed VHF Yagi by Terry, G3MXH.
Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.

On Tuesday 14 February Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding a committee meeting. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to
.

On Tuesday 14 February Eagle Radio Group is having a presentation by
Ian Hole, G0OUG, entitled renew your body. Contact John, M6JMS, on
01754 873 926.

On Tuesday 14 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is taking part in the
432MHz UK AC from 8pm at the shack. For more information contact Pam
Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Tuesday 14 February Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
looking at computer maintenance & use with Andrew, G8SEG. More
information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 14 February Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is having a
talk and demonstration on Echolink. Details from Rich Moles, M0UVA, via
email to .

On Tuesday 14 February Wythall Radio Club is holding a committee
meeting. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

On Wednesday 15 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is putting G5FZ on the
air for the 3.5MHz CC Data contest and having a video night. For more
information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Wednesday 15 February Midland Amateur Radio Society is on the air,
discussing rally visits and training classes. Details from Norman,
G8BHE, on 07808 078 003.

On Wednesday 15 February Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in the UKAC contests with Dave, G0CER. Contact Mike, G3JKX,
on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 16 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is holding its club
simplex net on 145.375 MHz from 8pm. For more information contact Pam
Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Thursday 16 February Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Details on the club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk. On Thursday
16 February South Birmingham Radio Society is having training classes
with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Friday 17 February Coventry Amateur Radio Society is holding a
skittles night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

On Friday 17 February Melton Mowbray Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on the work of the Leicestershire Repeater Group by G4AFJ. For
more information contact Geoff, G3STG, on 01664 480 733.

On Friday 17 February South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Saturday 18 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is in the shack from
nine `till noon 09.00 * Noon. For more information contact Pam Rose,
G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND We start with advance notice that
Southport and District Amateur Radio Club will be running its next
Intermediate Licence course from 17 March. This will lead to the exam
on 21 April. The programme is by distance learning plus tutor support,
a practical training session and a theory revision session, followed by
the exam. The club still has some places available. Any Foundation
licensees wishing to upgrade their amateur radio licence should contact
the course administrator, Rob Harwood G0HRT on 07413 937 075 or via
ASAP. The venue is Ormskirk, Lancashire.

On Sunday 12 February Wakefield & District Radio Society is at the
Northern Cross Rally, Thornes Park Athletics Stadium, Horbury Road,
Wakefield, WF2 8TY. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ, on 07900 563 117.

On Monday 13 February Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on parasitic oscillation by Chris Herring. Contact Nancy Bone,
G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday 13 February Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having the third
part of its contest workshop, looking at handling pile ups and weak
signals. More information from Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to
.

On Monday 13 February Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on geography and travel by M3ZPN. More information from J
Duddington, G4BFH, on 01253 853 554.

On Tuesday 14 February Chester & District Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.

On Tuesday 14 February Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is on
the air. Details from Anthony Vinters, G0WFG, on 01422 822 636.

On Tuesday 14 February Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting. Contact Sheila, on 07867 516 836.

On Wednesday 15 February Denby Dale Radio Club is having a talk on
search and rescue dog training by Ken Sloan. Details from Richard,
M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

On Wednesday 15 February Hambleton Amateur Radio Society is preparing
for TDOTA. More information from Tony Wilson, G3MAE, on 01609 881 530.
On Wednesday 15 February Hornsea Amateur Radio Club 80m is taking part
in the CC Data and watching a DVD. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on
01377 240 573.

On Wednesday 15 February Maltby & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its pre-AGM discussion. More information from Keith, G1PQW, on
07801 156 678.

On Wednesday 15 February Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having
an HF data night. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553 401.

On Wednesday 15 February Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is taking part in
the 80m CC Data from the club station, G3RCM. More information from
Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to .

On Thursday 16 February South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having an international quiz night with John, SA3BRB. Details from Ron,
G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Thursday 16 February Wakefield & District Radio Society is on the
air and holding a committee meeting. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ, on 07900 563
117.

On Friday 17 February East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a
technical forum. For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642
475 671.

On Friday 17 February Tynemouth Amateur Radio Club is putting G0NWM on
the air and running Morse tuition. Contact Bob, M6KLO, by email to
.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND West Tyrone Amateur Radio Club is running a
course for the Intermediate Exam. The course runs on the afternoons of
Saturday 18 & 25 February, 10, 24 and 31 March. The exam will take
place on Tuesday 3 April. The cost of the course is £65 which includes
all materials and the exam fee. The last date for registrations is
Wednesday 15 February. A registration form can be downloaded from
www.wtarc.co.uk.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 14 February Livingston & District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club evening. Details from Norman, on 07740
946 192.

On Wednesday 15 February Glenrothes & DRC is having a talk on
switched-mode power supplies. Details from Laurie, MM0LJA, by email to
.

On Thursday 16 February Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a
beginners guide to contesting by Norman Mackenzie, GM3WIJ. Details from
Fred Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

On Thursday 16 February Paisley Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
SOTA by MM6ANL. Contact Bill Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505 613 633.

On Friday 17 February Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
having a radio check night with John, MM0JXI. More information from
Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA We start with advance notice
that Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is holding its first
Foundation Licence course from 16 to 24 March. Apply to Eric Curling by
email to or visit the club website at www.radarc.org.

On Monday 13 February Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society is having a
talk on contest logging by G0KZT. Details from Steve Beal, G3WZK, by
email to .

On Monday 13 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is holding its Club
net from 19.30 on repeater GB3NB, 145.625MHz output. Everyone is
welcome. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Monday 13 February Swale Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
repeaters by Ian, G6DUI. Non-club members are welcome to attend the
meeting. Details from Phil, G0JBA, on 01233 330 127.

On Monday 13 February West Kent Amateur Radio Society is having a
presentation by Keith, G4JED, on the history of RAYNET, its
developments over the years, and the current operations of RAYNET in
Kent. Details from Keith, G4JED, via email to
.

On Tuesday 14 February Bedford and District Amateur Radio Club is
looking at PSK31. Details from Bob Leask, G3XNG, by email to
.

On Tuesday 14 February Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the
shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Tuesday 14 February Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is running a
club net from 8.30. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 14 February Harwell Amateur Radio Society is holding its
annual construction contest. Contact Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524 844.

On Wednesday 15 February Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Wednesday 15 February Lymington Community Centre Radio Club is
starting a new Foundation class from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Lymington
Community Centre. Contact M0LCC on 01590 672 337.

On Wednesday 15 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is taking part in
the RSGB 80m CC Data and holding an informal meeting. The shack will be
open and the workshop will be available. Details from Chris Danby,
G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Wednesday 15 February Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a discussion evening and putting GX3WOR on the air. Contact
John, G8FMJ, on 01273 593 232.

On Thursday 16 February Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is holding a
Foundation exam. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Thursday 16 February Colchester Radio Amateurs are hearing about
J6/G0DVJ. More information from Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766 543 784.

On Thursday 16 February Cray Valley Radio Society is having a club
meeting. Details from Malcolm Bryan, G8MCA, on 07906 433 965. On
Thursday 16 February Horndean & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
presentation by the British Association for Immediate Care, Hampshire
division. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 02392 472 846.

On Thursday 16 February Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social
evening at The Limeburners, Newbridge, RH14 9JA. Details are on the web
at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 16 February Lowestoft & District PYE Amateur Radio Club is
having a club night at the shack. Details from Lee, 2E1LJL, on 01502
564 242.

On Thursday 16 February Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on DIY ADS-B by Don, G4LOO. Details from John Burnett,
M6JBU, on 07860 804 793.

On Thursday 16 February Sutton & Cheam Radio Society is having a talk
on Heathkit refurbishment and home construction techniques by Bob
Burns, G3OOU. Details from Darren, M0PRV, on 07525 753 702.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Monday 13 February Exeter Amateur Radio
Society is having a club night at the Moose Centre. Contact Nick,
2E0NRJ, on 01363 775 756.

On Monday 13 February Weston Super Mare Radio Society is having a
natter night. Details from Paul, G3SDH, on 01761 221 206.

On Tuesday 14 February Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club is having the
2nd part of Charlie Ollis' talk of life on cargo ships and as a radio
operator at Portishead Radio, GKA. Contact Nick, M6NJB, on 01749 346
320.

On Tuesday 14 February Plymouth Radio Club is holding its AGM. Details
from Rob James, 2E0ONO, via email to .

On Tuesday 14 February Poldhu Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
the Helston Railway by Alan Burton. Details online at www.gb2gm.org.

On Wednesday 15 February Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is having a video night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417
048.

On Thursday 16 February Cornish Radio Amateur Club is holding a
workshop evening. Details from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844 939.

On Thursday 16 February South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is holding a
social networking workshop. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 07838
695 471.

On Friday 17 February Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having
an activity night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

On Friday 17 February Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
.

NEWS FOR WALES We have received advance information from the Blackwood
club, GW6GW, that they are starting an Intermediate course on Friday 24
February at 7pm. The classes will be at Oakdale Comprehensive School.
More details are on the club website, www.gw6gw.co.uk.