GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 26th February 2012

The news headlines:

* National Radio Centre opens its doors

* Improved access at 5MHz

* New RSGB VHF Manager

The National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park opened its doors for the
first time on Saturday 25 February. It is initially operating for three
days a week, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, while the displays and
exhibits are put through their paces. The formal opening is expected to
take place in late spring. The date will be announced later.

Following proposals from the RSGB to Ofcom, aimed at harmonising NoV
access to 5MHz with that access enjoyed by radio amateurs in other
countries, the Society has received an offer from the MoD. It was
reported earlier that the MoD were unable to meet our request for
access over a continuous range, ie a band, so at our request have
offered a number of small frequency blocks, which include all of the
present 3kHz wide channels. Since the response is quite complex, the
Society is to seek views using its new Litmus Test process on how it
should respond. This Litmus Test will be open to all UK radio amateurs
and will commence on 1 March. More information can be found on the RSGB
website, following the link on the home page to Consultations.

The Society is pleased to announce that Terry Stevens, G8DKS has been
appointed VHF Manager, with immediate effect. The role covers the
development of the hobby and spectrum management issues, both
nationally and internationally, on frequencies between 30MHz and 1GHz.

In the March edition of RadCom it was announced that the Society is
about to start a month's consultation on the draft Spectrum Strategy
that has been prepared by the RSGB Spectrum Forum. The consultation
will go live on Thursday 1 March. The draft strategy and links to the
online response form can be found by following the We Need Your Views
link on the right hand side of the RSGB home page. We hope that as many
amateurs as possible will provide us some feedback on this important
subject, and that where possible people will help others who are not
familiar with the web or have a disability that otherwise would make it
difficult to participate.

Ofcom has today published an addendum to the second consultation on
assessment of future mobile competition and proposals for the award of
800MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum. The addendum clarifies proposals for the
spectrum portfolios that would be available to opted-in bidders if
Everything Everywhere was to divest its 1800MHz spectrum before the
planned auction at the end of 2012.

Ofcom has announced a GPS jamming exercise between 5 and 9 March near
RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria. From 8am to 6pm there will be multiple
jammers based within 5km of N55° 04.000' W002° 34.000', operating
within the 24MHz band centred around 1575.42MHz. It is stressed that,
as in previous exercises, Safety of Life operations will, at all times,
take precedence over exercise activities. And now for the details of
rallies and events for the coming week

Today, 26 February, the Rainham Radio Rally takes place at the Rainham
School for Girls, Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham ME8 0BX. The opening
time is 10am. Details from Trevor, G6YLW on 07717 678 795.

The Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on 4
March at the Wood Green Animal Shelter, King's Bush Farm, on the A1198
London Road at Godmanchester PE29 2NH. Doors open at 10am and entry is
£3. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy with talk in on S22.
Contact John, G0GKP, on 01954 200 072.

Also on 4 March, the Exeter Radio & Electronics Rally takes place in
America Hall, De La Rue Way, Pinhoe Exeter EX4 8PW. Doors open at
10.30am and admission is £2. There will be trade stands and a Bring &
Buy. More information from Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374.

Now for the news of special events

On Saturday 3 March, the Northampton Radio Club will be activating
special event station GB5XX at Daventry Town Council Museum, from 10am
to 4pm. The station is commemorating 80 years since the first short
wave broadcasts to the Empire from Daventry radio station, 5XX.
Operation will be on 20m, 17m, 2m and 70cm. More information from John
Cockrill, G4CZB on 01604 832 584, in the evenings only please.

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

Jean-Pierre, F6ITD will operate SSB and digital modes on the HF bands
from Guadeloupe, which is IOTA reference NA-102, until 13 March. QSL
via his home callsign, either direct or via the bureau.

DJ0IF and SP7VC will be on the air from Madeira Island, which is IOTA
reference AF-104, from 29 February to 7 March as CT9/home callsign.
They will be in ARRL DX SSB Contest on 3 and 4 March as CR3L. QSL for
CR3L is via DJ6QT and for CT9/DJ0IF and CT9/SP7VC via their home
callsigns.

Phil, G3SWH and John, G3OLU/EA5ARC will be operating as 3DA0PW from the
well-equipped Hawane Resort in Swaziland. The station includes Elecraft
K3 transceivers, Icom IC-2KL amplifiers, an A4S at 24m and an A3WS at
20m, a wire 4-square for 40m and a vertical for 80m complete with
thirty 20m long radials. The two will active until 29 February, CW
only, on 80 through to 10 metres. Plans are to have two stations active
as much as possible each day. Subject to a good internet connection,
there will be an online log on Phil's website and daily uploads to
LoTW. QSL via G3SWH either direct, via OQRS or via the bureau.

Now the contest news

Sunday 26 February sees the first 70MHz Cumulative, which runs from
1000-1200, 70MHz only, on all modes. The exchange is RST plus serial
number and locator.

The 50MHz UK Activity Contest takes place from 2000 to 2230UTC on 28
February. Using all modes on the band the exchange is signal report,
serial number and locator.

At the same time the SHF UK Activity Contest takes place on the 2.3 to
10GHz bands. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator. The 144/432MHz Contest takes place for 24 hours on
3 and 4 March. There are Open and Single-op categories and 6-hour and
24-hour sections, with 6-hour entrants being able to split their
operating into two sessions if they wish. Using all modes the exchange
is signal report, serial number and locator.

The ARRL International DX contest runs for the full 48 hours of the
weekend of 3 and 4 March on the 1.8 to 28MHz bands. Work US stations in
the contiguous 48 States, plus Canadians. Send a signal report and your
transmit output power. There are sections for QRP as well as low and
high power. US stations send a signal report and 2-letter State
abbreviation, while Canadian stations send a signal report and 3-letter
Province code.

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

Only a small number of sunspot groups were visible this week. Most of
these were small and quiet with only a couple of groups producing small
C class solar flares on the 19th, 20th and the 21st. The remaining days
activity was at very low levels. Solar flux levels varied little day to
day and averaged 105 units, however, on the 20th flux levels increased
to 111 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 23rd was 130 units,
that's two units down on last week. X-ray flux levels averaged B2 units
and varied little. Geomagnetic activity started at very quiet levels
with an Ap index of only 2 units on the 17th but by the 19th and the
20th activity increased due to a small coronal hole disturbance. The
most disturbed day was the 20th with an Ap index of 17 units. The
average was Ap 8 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw
solar wind speeds increase from 280 kilometres per second on the 18th
to 650 by the 20th. Particle densities were low every day except for
the 18th and the 19th which increased to 32 and 19 particles per cubic
centimetre respectively. Bz varied between minus and plus 3 nanoTeslas
on the quietest day and between minus 12 and plus 10 nanoTeslas during
the disturbance. Aurora was noted late on 19th and during the afternoon
on the 20th, though mainly on 50MHz. The higher HF bands were patchy,
though on a couple of days MUFs were comfortably above predicted
values.

And finally the solar forecast. Later this week the quiet side of the
Sun is expected to be rotating into view. Therefore, solar activity is
expected to be very low to low. Solar flux levels should be not much
higher than 100 units. Geomagnetic activity is expected to very quiet
for the first half of the week but towards next weekend activity could
increase slightly due to a small coronal hole. MUFs during daylight
hours at equal latitudes should be around 27MHz for the south and 24MHz
for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. Paths this week
to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per
cent success rate of about

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 27 February Friskney & East
Lincolnshire Communications Club is holding a club net on 144.165MHz
USB from 7pm. Contact Chris, M0MFP, on 01507 442 240.

On Monday 27 February Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
having an informal, workshop and operating evening. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478, daytime.

On Monday 27 February South Birmingham Radio Society is putting the
shack on the air and having a ragchew. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Monday 27 February Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is
holding a skittles evening. Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.

On Tuesday 28 February Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 28 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is taking part in the
50MHz UKAC from the Shack. For more information contact Pam Rose,
G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Tuesday 28 February Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
having a practical evening. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on
01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 28 February Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is holding
a project night. Details from Rich Moles, M0UVA, via email to
.

On Tuesday 28 February Wythall Radio Club is having a talk on garden
antennas by Callum, M0MCX. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

On Wednesday 29 February Friskney & East Lincolnshire Communications
Club is holding a M3 + M6 members club net on GB3FR from 7.30pm.
Contact Chris, M0MFP, on 01507 442 240.

On Wednesday 29 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a talk by
Jim, G0EJQ, on the future of the RSGB. For more information contact Pam
Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Wednesday 29 February Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding
laptop computer training classes. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808
078 003.

On Wednesday 29 February Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is
planning its contest, portable and 2m DF hunts for 2012. Contact Mike,
G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 1 March Lincoln Short-Wave Club is running its club net on
GB3LM from 20.00. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on
01427 788 356. On Thursday 1 March Salop Amateur Radio Society
continues its Foundation course, having a natter night and holding a
committee meeting. Details on the club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Thursday 1 March South Birmingham Radio Society is having training
classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Friday 2 March Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
radio operation in VK by G8SEQ. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

On Friday 2 March Friskney & East Lincolnshire Communications Club is
holding a club net on GB3FR from 8pm. Contact Chris, M0MFP, on 01507
442 240.

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

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

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 27 February Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914
770 036.

On Monday 27 February Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is watching the BBC
video about early radio, Shock and Awe. More information from Peter
Day, G3PHO, by email to .

On Monday 27 February South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
holding a technical forum. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Monday 27 February Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is
holding a discussion group. More information from J Duddington, G4BFH,
on 01253 853 554.

On Tuesday 28 February Chester & District Radio Society is having an
operating evening. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.

On Tuesday 28 February Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society
commences its new Foundation course. Anyone wishing to join should
e-mail at or phone Martin, M0GQB, on 01422 341 317.

On Tuesday 28 February Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is having a
radio doctor's night with Bob, G3VVT. Contact Sheila, on 07867 516 836.

On Wednesday 29 February Denby Dale Radio Club is visiting to Mirfield
ATC, including a Heart Start first aid training session aimed at
electrical and radio type situations. Details from Richard, M0RBG, on
07976 220 126.

On Wednesday 29 February Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is holding a
committee meeting. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240 573.

On Wednesday 29 February Maltby & District Amateur Radio Society starts
its Buildathon. More information from Keith, G1PQW, on 07801 156 678.

On Wednesday 29 February Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is watching
the VHF NFD video. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553 401. On
Thursday 1 March South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having a
talk on 10 events from history by Nigel, M6NDG. Details from Ron,
G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Thursday 1 March Wakefield & District Radio Society is holding a
social evening and is on the air from the club shack. Contact Ken,
2E0SSQ, on 07900 563 117.

On Friday 2 March East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a radio
magazines evening. For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on
01642 475 671.

On Friday 2 March Tynemouth Amateur Radio Club is running Morse tuition
and putting G0NWM on the air. Contact Bob, M6KLO, by email to
.

On Saturday 3 March Wakefield & District Radio Society is holding an
Advanced exam at 1400. There is no Foundation course today. Contact Dr
David Lockwood, G4CLI, on 07748 221 855.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Thursday 1 March Bangor & District Amateur
Radio Club is having a presentation on D-Star by Charlie, GI4FUE.
Contact Mike, GI4XSF, on 02842 772 383.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 28 February Livingston & District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club evening. Details from Norman, GM1CNH, on
07740 946 192.

On Wednesday 29 February Glenrothes & DRC is holding an operating
evening from 7.30pm. Details from Laurie, MM0LJA, via email to
.

On Thursday 1 March Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding a junk
sale. Contact Fred Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

On Thursday 1 March Paisley Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
2M0OXQ & MM0NAE on operating a Yaesu radio. Contact Bill Anderson,
2M0BZZ, on 01505 613 633.

On Friday 2 March 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 26 February Horsham
Amateur Radio Club is holding a fox hunt. Details are on the web at
www.harc.org.uk.

On Monday 27 February Maidstone YMCA Amateur Radio Society is having a
visit from Keith Bird, RSGB region 12 DRM. More information from Howard
Vicary, G0RJN, by email to .

On Monday 27 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is running its club
net from 19.30 on GB3NB. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898
678. On Tuesday 28 February Bedford and District Amateur Radio Club is
looking at construction techniques. Details from Bob Leask, G3XNG, by
email to .

On Tuesday 28 February Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the
shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Tuesday 28 February Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is running a
club net from 8.30. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 28 February Dorking & District Radio Society is having a
talk on early TV receivers by Stephen Niechcial. Contact Garth, G3NPC,
on 01737 359 472.

On Tuesday 28 February Harwell Amateur Radio Society is having a shack
activity night. Details from Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524 844.

On Tuesday 28 February Home Counties ATV Group is having a talk by
Noel, G8GTZ, on the move of GB3HV Mark 2 to Woodcote. Contact Pete,
G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Wednesday 29 February Crawley Amateur Radio Club is having a
presentation on the T32C experience by team member Mike Chamberlain,
G3WPH. More information from John, G3VLH, on 01342 714 402.

On Wednesday 29 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is opening the
shack and workshop, having an informal meeting and Bright Sparks.
Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Thursday 1 March Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society is
having a club meeting. Contact Andrew, M6AAE, on 07403 325 075.

On Thursday 1 March Cray Valley Radio Society is holding its
construction contest. Details from Malcolm Bryan, G8MCA, on 07906 433
965.

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

On Thursday 1 March Horsham Amateur Radio Club is holding a junk sale.
Details are on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

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

On Thursday 1 March Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
visiting Bedford School Observatory & Planetarium. Details from John
Burnett, M6JBU, on 07860 804 793.

On Thursday 1 March Verulam Amateur Radio Club is having a social
evening with the GB3VH repeater group. Contact Ralph, G1BSZ, on 01923
265 572.

On Friday 2 March Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is having a
talk on Linux in the radio shack by Martin Butler, M1MRB. Contact Bob,
G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Friday 2 March Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a club
night. Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 3 March Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack.
For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815. On Sunday 4 March
Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society commences its Foundation
course. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878 089.

On Sunday 4 March East Kent Radio Society is having a talk by Martin,
G4RVV on the development of the armoured tank. Details from Karl
Davies, M1DFM, on 01227 710 120.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Monday 27 February Bristol RSGB Group is
having a talk about moonbounce on microwaves by Chris Bartram, GW4DGU,
the founder of MuTek. Details from Robin, G3TKF, on 01225 420 442.

On Monday 27 February Exeter Amateur Radio Society is having a club
night at the Moose Centre. Contact Nick, 2E0NRJ, on 01363 775 756.

On Monday 27 February Weston Super Mare Radio Society is holding a
Morse class. Details from Paul, G3SDH, on 01761 221 206.

On Wednesday 29 February Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417 048.

On Thursday 1 March Cornish Radio Amateur Club is having a main club
meeting. Details from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844 939.

On Thursday 1 March Saltash & District Amateur Radio Club is having an
introduction to the square four aerial. Contact Brian, M0BHG, on 01752
844 321.

On Thursday 1 March South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is holding a darts
tournament with Fred, G7LPP. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on
07838 695 471.

On Thursday 1 March Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having an
activity night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

On Friday 2 March Saltash & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
presentation on Goonhilly and the next 50 years of space communication
by Des Prouse. Contact Brian, M0BHG, on 01752 844 321.

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

NEWS FOR WALES On Thursday 1 March Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is
holding its AGM. Details from Carl Morris, MW0TBB, by email to
.