GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 27th May 2012

The news headlines:

* NoV issued for new 2m transatlantic propagation study

* Queen's Diamond Jubilee QSO Party Award reminder

* RSGB responds to Ofcom's consultation on proposed Wireless Telegraphy Act Regulations

On 18 May, Ofcom issued a NoV for another propagation beacon to test
the possibility of a 144MHz transatlantic path from the UK. Located at
Lough Navar Forest in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, at 349m ASL it
will have a clear take off over the sea. GB3WGI will radiate on
144.487MHz towards North America, initially with an ERP of 100 watts
relative to a dipole, with plans to increase this if licensing allows.
This beacon was made possible due to the generous donation of a
transmitter by Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, the man behind the US 70MHz
beacon, and NoV holder, Gordon Curry, GI6ATZ, who is providing the site
and site services. This NoV is particularly welcome from Ofcom in what
is clearly a busy Olympic year and the VHF weak signal community in the
US and the UK thank them for their efforts. No date is yet fixed for
the installation of the beacon, but plans are well under way and an
announcement will be made in due course.

Amateurs are reminded that the Q special prefix runs until 10 June and
that contacts with stations using this special prefix count to the
award for those who wish to apply for their Queen's Diamond Jubilee QSO
Party Award. Full details, including how to apply for a Q prefix, are
on the RSGB website at www.rsgb.org/jubilee

This week the RSGB responded to Ofcom's consultation on proposed
Wireless Telegraphy Act Regulations. It has made a formal input to the
Ofcom consultation on proposed new Regulations to provide Ofcom with
powers to take action in cases of interference from non wireless
telegraphy apparatus. Whilst the immediate proposal is to implement the
new Regulations in time for the Olympic Games, the action by Ofcom
highlights the point that the Society has advocated on many occasions *
the need for Ofcom to have statutory powers in cases of serious
interference to the spectrum from non- WT apparatus. Ofcom has
indicated that it intends to prepare Regulations for ongoing
application after the Olympic Games and part of the RSGB response
emphasises the need for such powers. The text of the RSGB response can
be found online at www.rsgb.org/news/articlelinks.php?id=0362. The
consultation remains open until 28 May 2012.

Today, 27 May, William Williams, GW8TGS will be an Olympic Torchbearer
as part of the team carrying the Flame through Aberystwyth around
1814BST. Having taken part in several charity runs and raising over
£15,000 for charity, William, GW8TGS was nominated by the Rotary Club
of Aberystwyth for his fund raising and his other voluntary work.
William says he feels honoured to be taking part in this
once-in-a-lifetime event.

The International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend is held in August
every year. So far registrations are going well, with Australia on 42
entries ahead of its rival Germany, with 36 registrations. There are
215 entries from 30 countries and the numbers are rising each week.
Among those activating ten lightships are Australia, Belgium, England,
Finland, Germany, Netherlands, and the USA. The basic objective of the
weekend is to increase awareness of lighthouses and lightships and
their need for preservation and restoration, and at the same time to
promote amateur radio and foster international goodwill. International
Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend is on 18 and 19 August and registration
is available on the website www.illw.net.

2012 is the Centenary of the Wireless Institute of Australia being
established in the State of Queensland, Australia. A special Centenary
callsign, VK100WIQ, will be activated from 1 June through to 31 July by
way of the WIA affiliated radio clubs in Queensland. There is also a
Centenary QSL card and a Centenary award available. Details of the QSL
card and award can be found at www.wia.org.au.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast. Cuban amateurs have received permission to
use more digital modes on the airwaves. In addition to PSK31, QPSK31,
AMTOR, PACKET and RTTY, Domino Contestia, Olivia, MFSK, JT65 and almost
all variants of PSK have been added. Another important step is that
they have now have access to the national society's internal network
using packet radio nodes and have permission to use packet gateways in
cross bands.

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

GB2RS has not received any details of rallies taking place this
weekend, 27 and 28 May.

The Central Scotland Mini Ham Radio Convention will take place on 2
June. It will be held at Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre,
Templar Rise, Livingston EH54 6DG. Doors open at 10am, and there will
be trade stands, a Bring & Buy as well as lectures and an RSGB
bookstand.

On 3 June, the Spalding & District Annual Rally will take place at The
Sir John Gleed Technology School, Halmer Gardens, Spalding, Lincs, PE11
2EF. Doors open at 10am and there will be trade stands, free car
parking and catering facilities at the event. More details from John,
G4NBR, on 07946 302 815.

Now for the news of special events

The Geoparks Communications Weekend finishes today, 27 May. EI2GEO will
be on the air from Tankardstown on the Copper Coast Geopark in Co.
Waterford. Activity will mainly be on HF.

Coventry Amateur Radio Society will put GB50CCC on the air until 19
June for the Coventry Cathedral Celebration.

Chorley and District Amateur Radio Society will be on air over the
Queen's Diamond Jubilee bank holiday weekend with the club call MX0ISN.
A special QSL card is being produced for this event and details are on
qrz.com.

South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society will be operating GB0GMO from
Grantham Museum on 1 and 2 June to mark the re-opening of the museum.
They will be using voice modes on all bands from 6m to 40m and also on
2m from 10am to 4pm when the museum is open. A special QSL card will be
available either direct or via the RSGB bureau.

South Lancs Radio Club will be on the air from Ashurst Beacon main car
parking area airing the callsign MQ0SLR/P between 10am until 6pm on 2
June. Then on 3 June from 10am to 4pm they will be on the air from
Shackerley Community Centre using MQ0SLR/P.

The Kent Weald Radio Club will be operating from the Headcorn
Aerodrome, Kent for the duration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee week
beginning on 1 June. The club will be using the special event callsigns
GB1ER and GB1HA working the HF, VHF & UHF bands. Visitors are welcome
to call in to see the operation. Further details are available from
Patrick, G0UXG via e-mail to .

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

F5IRO has received his Ugandan callsign 5X5RO. He will be operating CW
and PSK during his spare time until 8 June. QSL via F8DFP.

OK7MT, OK5MM and OK2PP will be operating stroke P4 until 31 May. They
will use the callsign P40H in the WPX CW Contest that finishes at
midnight tonight, 27 May. QSL via OK7MT.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast. European Football Championship 2012 On The
Air is an activity organised by Polish and Ukrainian amateurs. From 1
June to 5 July there will be numerous special event stations active on
the air. More detailed information can be found at
http://efc2012.pzk.org.pl.

A multi-national group will operate from the Kingdom of Bhutan until 6
June. The callsign will be A5A. They will be active on all bands from
10 to 80m and will take part in the WPX CW Contest that finishes at
midnight tonight, 27 May.

Craig, MM0SSG is now on the air from Luanda in Angola until around the
end of October. Workwise he is employed on an offshore oil platform but
he is active as D2SG when back on land. His QSL manager is GM4FDM.

Now the contest news

Today, 27 May, is the third 70MHz Cumulative contest taking place from
1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the band the exchange is signal
report, serial number and locator.

The CW leg of the WPX Contest finishes at midnight tonight, 27 May,
after a gruelling 48 hours. There are numerous entry categories,
single/multi-band, single/multi-op, QRP/low/high-power, etc. Exchange a
report and serial number.

The 70MHz UK Activity Contest takes place from 1900 to 2130UTC on 29
May. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and
locator.

NFD takes place next weekend, 2 and 3 June during the Queen's Diamond
Jubilee weekend. Incidentally, the Contest Committee considered
changing the date of NFD so that it would not coincide with the Jubilee
weekend, but decided not to because lots of other countries also have
their Field Days on the same weekend. Running from 1500 to 1500UTC on
the 1.8 to 28MHz bands, the exchange is signal report and serial
number.

The UK Six Metre Group's Summer E's Contest runs for 24 hours on 2 and
3 June from 1300 to 1300UTC on the 50MHz band. Using all modes,
exchange a signal report, serial number, locator and, if you are a
member of UKSMG, your membership number.

The UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest takes place on 3 June on the
1.3, 2.3 and 3.4GHz bands. Running from 1000 to 1600UTC and using all
modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 18th to
Thursday the 24th of May, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday 25th
of May.

Five new sunspot groups appeared during the period, with eight groups
visible on the 20th. Most sunspot groups were small and quiet. A couple
of regions were large enough to produce small C class solar flares, 17
in total for the period. Solar activity was very low on the 20th, 21st
and the 22nd. Solar flux levels declined from 132 units on the 18th to
116 by the 24th. The average was 125 units. The 90 day solar flux
average on the 24th was 116 units, that's one unit up on last week.
X-ray flux levels varied little day to day and the average was B3.6
units. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels but on the 20th a
small disturbance arrived, this relates back to the M5 solar flare from
the 17th. The Ap was 11 units. More elevated conditions took place on
the 22nd and 23rd when the Ap was 18 and 19 units respectively. This
was due to a recurring coronal hole. The only quiet day was the 19th,
with an Ap index of 5 units. The average was Ap 10 units. Solar wind
data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 320
kilometres per second on the 21st to 700 by the 23rd. Particle
densities were low every day, however, on the 20th they increased to 11
particles per cubic centimetre. Bz varied between minus 4 and plus 6
nanoTeslas on the quietest day and between minus and plus 11 nanoTeslas
during the coronal hole disturbance.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast. And finally the solar forecast. At first
this week the quiet side of the Sun should be looking our way but from
about midweek new active regions should be rotating into view. Solar
activity is expected to be mostly low. Solar flux levels should
increase and be in the 120's by next weekend. Overall, geomagnetic
activity should be mostly quiet every day. MUFs during daylight hours
at equal latitudes should be around 24MHz for the south and 21MHz for
the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 14MHz. Paths this week to
South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent
success rate of about 28MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90
per cent success rate will be around 21MHz. The best time to try this
path will be between 1400 and 2100 hours. Sporadic-E is expected to
take place most days with openings up to 70MHz at least. Openings on
144MHz are also possible on the occasional days with the favoured times
during the mid morning and again in the late afternoon, but remember
not exclusively.

And that's all for this week from the propagation team.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast.

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 We start with clubs that have several events this
week. Friskney and East Lincolnshire Communications Club has a club net
on 144.165 USB, vertical polarization, from 7pm on Monday 28 May. On
Wednesday there is a M3+M6 club net on GB3FR from 7.30pm. On Friday 1
June there is a club HF net is on GB3FR from 8pm. For more information
contact the FELCC Information Line on 07554 362 020.

Lincoln Short-Wave Club is participating in the 50MHz UK Activity
Contest on Tuesday 29 May. On Wednesday there is a talk at the BSA Club
by Jim, G0EJQ and Steve, M5ZZZ on what's new at the RSGB. On Thursday
31 May there is a simplex club net on 145.375MHz from 20.00. On
Saturday 2 June it's the Diamond Jubilee special event station GQ5FZ
from the shack all day and a posh barbecue. For more information
contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

Wythall Radio Club continues its Intermediate course on Monday 28 May.
Tuesday is a free `n' easy evening, then on Thursday the Lew Williams'
Shield CW event comes to an end. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710
412 819.

Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is celebrating Olympic Torch
Bearing Day in Shropshire on Wednesday 30 May with a field event and
refreshments. Then on Saturday 2 June it's National Field Day (CW) with
G3JKX et al. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday 28
May Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is having an
informal meeting. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478, daytime.

On Monday 28 May Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is holding
its AGM & surplus sale. Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.

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

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

On Tuesday 29 May Worcester Radio Amateurs Association is having a club
on air night on 145.350MHz FM from 7.30pm. Details from Rich Moles,
M0UVA, via email to .

On Wednesday 30 May Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding training
classes and is on the air. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078
003.

On Wednesday 30 May South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society is having an
informal evening. Contact Nigel, M0CVO, on 01476 402 550.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast. On Thursday 31 May Salop Amateur Radio
Society is having a demo of the Buddipole antenna by Alasdair, M0UAL.
Details on the club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Friday 1 June Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club is holding an
antenna workshop. Contact Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 1 June South Birmingham Radio Society is doing shack and
aerial work. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Sunday 3 June Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association is operating
GQ5BK at Brizen Jubilee Party. Details from Derek Thom, G3NKS, on 01242
241 099.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND We start with clubs that have several
events this week. On Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
Monday 28 May by Steve, M1ERS on a new home for Sheffield ARC. On
Saturday 2 June the club commences its RSGB National Field Day weekend
event as G2AS/P. More information from Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to
.

On South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is holding a technical
forum on Monday 28 May and on Thursday is watching the Story Of
Electricity video. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

Tynemouth Amateur Radio Club is having Morse tuition and putting G0NWM
on the air on Friday 1 June, then on Saturday commences its RSGB
National Field Day weekend event. Details from M6KLO, by email to
.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday 28
May Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact Nancy
Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday 28 May Bolton Wireless Club is having a talk by Chris, G4HYG
on HF digimodes with a contest bias. For details, send an email to
.

On Tuesday 29 May Chester & District Radio Society is looking at The
Other Man's Shack . Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.

On Tuesday 29 May Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is having a
members' night. Contact Sheila, on 07867 516 836.

On Thursday 31 May Ripon & District Amateur Radio Society is holding a
show and tell evening. Details from Rob Hall, M0RBY, on 07876 085 631.

On Friday 1 June East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a radio
components catalogues evening. For more information contact Alistair,
G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Saturday 2 June Hornsea Amateur Radio Club commences its weekend
National Field Day event at Bewholme. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV,
on 01377 240 573.

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

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Monday 28 May Ayr Amateur Radio Group is holding
its 75th Anniversary Dinner. Details from Tom Ferguson, GM1OST, on
01292 532 088.

On Tuesday 29 May Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a club evening. Details from Norman, GM1CNH, on 07740 946 192.

On Wednesday 30 May Ayr Amateur Radio Group is holding a group meeting.
Details from Tom Ferguson, GM1OST, on 01292 532 088.

On Wednesday 30 May Glenrothes & DRC is preparing for National Field
Day. Details from Laurie, MM0LJA, via email to
.

On Thursday 31 May Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is on the air and
running a Morse class. Contact Fred Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

On Friday 1 June Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is having a
normal club night. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723

On Saturday 2 June Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
operating MM0CPS at Port Seton Gala Day. More information from Bob,
GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

On Saturday 2 June Glenrothes & DRC commences its National Field Day
weekend event. Details from Laurie, MM0LJA, via email to
.

On Saturday 2 June Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is at
the Central Scotland Mini Ham Radio Convention. Details from Norman,
GM1CNH, on 07740 946 192.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA We start with clubs that have
several events this week. On Tuesday 29 May and Saturday 2 June Brede
Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack. For more information
contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society is having an introduction
to transistors by G3YVF on Thursday 31 May. On Friday 1 June the club
starts operating GB2QJ on HF and VHF from the club shack. Details from
Andrew, M6AAE, on 07403 325 075.

Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is running a club net from 8.30 on
Tuesday 29 May, and on Sunday 3 June they are attending the W&S Open
Day. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an informal meeting on Wednesday
30 May, including Bright Sparks and opening the club shack and
workshop. On Saturday 2 June the club commences its weekend event for
National Field Day. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Sunday 27
May Waterlooville Amateur Radio Club is holding a chat night. Details
from Rich, G4IBW, on 0772 225 002.

On Monday 28 May Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a construction
evening. Contact John, G3MCX, on 02086 883 322.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast. On Tuesday 29 May Radio Society of Harrow
is having an informal evening at Rayners Lane. More information from
Linda, G7RJL, on 02083 868 586.

On Wednesday 30 May Havering & District Amateur Radio Club is watching
the T32C DVD. More information from John, M0UKD, on 07890 222 111.

On Thursday 31 May Bittern DX Group is meeting at Pinewood Park Leisure
Club. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404 154.

On Thursday 31 May Horsham Amateur Radio Club is holding a fox hunt.
Details are on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 31 May King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to ral- .

On Thursday 31 May Lowestoft & District PYE Amateur Radio Club is
having a club night at the shack. Details from Lee, 2E1LJL, on 01502
564 242.

On Thursday 31 May Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a Top Band pedestrian DF hunt with Gary, M6PLT as the fox. Details from
John Burnett, M6JBU, on 07860 804 793.

On Friday 1 June Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club is having a
talk on inductors, transformers and tuned circuits by Bob, G3OOU.
Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Friday 1 June Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is holding a surplus
equipment sale. Details from Rob, 2E0RJA, on 01444 232 129.

On Friday 1 June Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is holding its AGM.
Details are on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 2 June Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society is taking
part in National Field Day. Contact Rob, G4LMW, on 01635 862 737.

On Sunday 3 June Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society continues its
Intermediate course. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878 089.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST On Monday 28 May Exeter Amateur Radio Society
is having a talk on HF DX Operations with GX4ARE, then on Thursday it's
the 2m club net on 145.575MHz at 19:45. The 4m club net is on Thursday
on 70.425MHz at 19:00. Contact Nick, 2E0NRJ, on 01363 775 756.

On Monday 28 May Bristol RSGB Group is having a talk by Tony Bettley on
what really happened at the T32C DXpedition". Details from Robin,
G3TKF, on 01225 420 442.

On Monday 28 May Riviera Amateur Radio Club is having a club night.
Contact Alan Wyatt, G2DXU, via email to .

On Monday 28 May Weston Super Mare Radio Society is holding a Morse
class & natter night. Details from Paul, G3SDH, on 01761 221 206.

On Wednesday 30 May Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417 048.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast. On Thursday 31 May South Bristol Amateur
Radio Club is holding an open house and on the air night. Details from
Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 07838 695 471.

On Thursday 31 May Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having an
activity night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

NEWS FOR WALES

On Thursday 31 May Aberystwyth & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club night on the air on 145.500 then 145.550. Details from
Ray, GW7AGG, on 01970 611 853.

On Sunday 3 June Carmarthan Amateur Radio Society is having a rig check
by GW4RVA. Contact Lloyd, 2W0LLT, on 01239 711 297.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 21 May 2012
except as a GB2RS broadcast.