GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 22nd July 2012

The news headlines:

* Still time to get your O callsign

* Changes to IOTA Rules

* Latest news on transatlantic 2m beacon

It's not too late for UK amateurs to apply for the special prefix to
celebrate the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. The Notice of
Variation application can be found on the RSGB website at
www.rsgb.org/olympics. The special callsigns run until 2359BST on 9
September. The letter O, Oscar, will be added to calls, or replace the
regional identifier.

The IOTA Contest takes place on 28 and 29 July and there are some
important rules changes for participants. The scoring for Island-World
and World-World QSOs has changed, to increase the importance of working
island stations. The World Multi-op category has been discontinued. A
QSY rule for Island Multi-Op stations has been introduced, because some
entrants have been operating with more than one multiplier station.
Finally, low power expedition entrants are now allowed to use any
antenna. The 2012 rules are on the Contest Committee section of the
RSGB website. All operators are asked to please be careful to use
contest preferred band segments, as penalties will be applied to
stations who do not observe these limits.

Over in the USA, Brian, WA1ZMS, is making the final preparations to
ship the GB3WGI 144MHz transatlantic beacon transmitter over to
Northern Ireland. Thanks to the kind donation of antenna parts and
clamps from G4CQM at Powabeam Antennas, beacon keeper Gordon, GI6ATZ,
is in the process of building the antenna system for the beacon, and
installing the emergency shutdown system. It is hoped to have the
beacon up and running before the year end.

Because of an increase in applications for digital gateways in the 2m
band, a number of changes have been proposed to the channels used. A
Litmus Test consultation exercise was carried out by the RSGB, and an
amended bandplan has now been published on the RSGB website. The
opportunity was also taken to correct an error in the 4m bandplan.

Following the success of the QSO party to mark the Queen's Diamond
Jubilee, the Society is running a similar event to commemorate the
Olympics. The object is to work as many special United Kingdom O
callsign amateur stations as possible, ie callsigns beginning with GO,
MO and 2O. In keeping with the previous style of event, people are
asked to log the name of the distant operator. Hopefully, other
information will be exchanged also, such as the sender's chosen name, a
real signal report, the sender's location and station equipment data.
Participation in the Olympic QSO Party is open to licensed radio
amateurs in the UK and overseas. Full details are in August's RadCom,
on page seven.

An incorrect phone number was printed on page 44 of the August RadCom,
in the Transmit-Receive Sequencer article. The correct telephone number
is 01234 832 700, not as printed. The editorial team apologises for
this error.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast. And now for the details of rallies
and events for the coming week

We have no details of any rallies taking place this weekend.

On 29 July, the Horncastle Summer Rally takes place at the Horncastle
Youth Centre, Willow Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6DZ. Doors open
at 10.30am and admission is £1.50. Tables are £5 and anyone interested
should contact Tony, G3ZPU on 01507 527 835.

Also on 29 July, the Blind Veterans UK Radio & Computer Rally will take
place at St Dunstan's, Ovingdean, Brighton BN2 7BS. Doors open at
10.30am and admission is £2. Tables are £10 and anyone interested
should contact Eddie on 01273 300 772.

Now for the news of special events

As a celebration of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, two
flagship amateur radio stations will be active during the Games as part
of the Cultural Olympiad. The Cray Valley Radio Society is to host
England's celebration from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, using 2O12L,
that's two Oscar one two Lima. A similar amateur radio celebration is
happening in Barry, South Wales, where the callsign will be 2O12W,
that's two Oscar one two whisky.

Both teams are looking to make as many contacts as possible throughout
the UK, Europe and the world during the Games, particularly with
countries participating in the Games. They will be operating 24/7 from
Wednesday 25 July until Sunday 9 September, and will be open to the
public from Thursday 26 July. The London station will be open from 10am
to 4pm and the Welsh station from 10am to 5pm daily. Commemorative QSLs
will be available for both stations. For more information about the
stations, their locations, operating frequencies and QSL information,
check out www.2o12l.com and www.2o12w.com.

South Tyneside Amateur radio club is operating from Marine Walk, Roker,
Sunderland for RNLI Harbour Day on Sunday 29 July from 11am to 4pm.
Using GB1SLB, operation will be on 10 to 40 metres. Details from
Gerard, M3XYP, whose details are correct on QRZ.com.

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Football tournament in Manchester
is being marked by two special event stations. GB2012MV will be
operated by Warrington Amateur Radio Club from their club shack at Bell
House Lane, Grappenhall, Warrington. South Manchester Radio and
Computing Club will be operating GB2012MS from Trafford MV Rugby &
Cricket Club, Finley Bank, Sale. The stations will be operating on HF,
VHF and UHF. Transmissions start on 25 July, the start of the football
tournament. They will end on 9 September, the closing ceremony of the
Paralympics.

GB2012OSP is planned for operation from Fancy's Family Community Farm
on Portland Heights. The station is being organised by Dave Aitch,
G1OCN and has free public access and a good view of the sailing events.
Details will be on QRZ.com.

South Essex Amateur Radio Society will be operating GB1HF close to the
5km Olympic mountain biking course at Hadleigh Farm in South Essex. The
station is located opposite the venue at the bottom of Benfleet Downs
and will be operated at various times and days on several bands and
modes from 27 July to 28 August.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast. And now the DX news compiled from 425
DX News and other sources

The CY9M DXpedition to St Paul Island, IOTA NA-094, will have six
transceivers, four amplifiers and a wide range of antennas. They will
be on the air from 26 July to 1 August using 160 to 6 metres, SSB, CW
and digital modes. QSL via M0URX, direct or bureau, but preferably
through his online QSL request service.

Bodo, DF8DX will be active as BW/DF8DX from Taiwan, IOTA AS-020, on 22
to 25 July. He will also be on the air as DU8/DF8DX from Mindanao
Island, OC-130, from 26 July to 10 August. QSL via DF8DX, direct or via
the bureau.

HB9EOU and HB9CVC will be active as TO2D from St Barthelemy, IOTA
NA-146, from 22 July to 4 August. They will operate SSB and RTTY on 40
to 6 metres. QSL via HB9EOU.

VE3DZ and VA2WA will be active as FP/VE3DZ and FP/VA2WA from St. Pierre
et Miquelon, NA-032, until 31 July. They will operate CW, SSB and RTTY
with two stations on 160 to 6 metres. An online QSL request service for
bureau and direct cards will be available after the expedition.

Rick, NE8Z will be active again from Ecuador until 31 July. He will be
on the air on 40 to 10 metres as HC1MD from Cumbaya using CW and RTTY,
HC1MD/HC1 from Mount Cayambe using CW, as HC1MD/HC3 from Loja again
using CW only and as HC1MD/HC5 from Cuenca also using CW only. QSL via
K8LJG.

Now the contest news

Today, Sunday 22nd, sees the Low Power Contest taking place. There are
two power categories, 10W and 3W, and sections for fixed and portable
stations. That makes four categories, and a trophy is awarded to the
winner of each. Running from 0900 to 1600UTC on the 3.5 and 7MHz bands,
the exchange is signal report, serial number and power.

The 70MHz Trophy Contest also takes place toady, Sunday 22nd. Running
from 1000 to 1600UTC and using all modes, the exchange is signal
report, serial number, locator and postcode.

On Monday 23 July the SHF UK Activity Contest takes place on 2.3GHz and
up from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report,
serial number and locator.

On Tuesday 24 July, from 1900 to 2130UTC, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest
takes place. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial
number and locator.

And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 13th to
Thursday the 19th of July, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the
20th of July

The large sunspot group from last week continued to dominate the solar
disc until it rotated out of view during the 18th. It produced several
M class solar flares and then, on the 19th, produced a long duration M7
solar flare. Solar activity was low on the 13th and the 15th. Solar
flux levels declined from 148 units on the 14th to 100 by the 19th. The
average was 130 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 19th was
128, that's seven units up on last week. X-ray flux levels peaked at C1
units on the 16th and the 17th but then declined to B5.8 by the 19th.
The average was B8.2 units. In last week's report I mentioned the X1
solar flare that took place on the 12th and the associated coronal mass
ejection that was heading our way. This arrived during the afternoon of
the 14th. Initially, the storm was not too strong but during the early

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast. hours of the 15th activity increased.
Bt, the total magnetic strength of the solar wind, was not that high,
but what made the disturbance so strong was that the Bz remained
southward for over 32 hours. The Ap index on the 15th was 86 units and
40 units on the next day. It was not until the 18th that activity
returned to quiet levels. The average was Ap 25 units. Solar wind data
from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 320
kilometres per second to 720 by the 14th. Speeds then declined 370
kilometres per second by the end of the period. Particle densities were
low at first but increased late on the 14th, peaking at 35 particles
per cubic centimetre on the 15th. Bz varied between minus and plus 3
nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between minus 19 and plus 7 nanoTeslas
during the disturbance. Radio aurora began on the evening of the 14th
and continued through to the early hours of the 17th. It peaked during
the afternoons of the 15th and 16th, when it reached all parts of the
UK. Contacts were reported on 50, 70, 144MHz and there were even one or
two reports on 432MHz * but not in the UK. However, some night-owls
were treated to a rare red visual aurora display as far south as East
Anglia. Es continued on 28, 50 and 70, including a strong 70MHz opening
to the Canary Islands on the 18th.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is
expected to be looking our way. However, activity could show signs of
increasing towards next weekend. Solar activity is expected to be low
but the occasional M class solar flare could take place and increase
activity to moderate levels. Solar flux levels could be slightly below
the 100 mark at first but could start to increase after midweek.
Geomagnetic activity is expected to be mostly quiet but around midweek
a weak disturbance could take place due to a small coronal hole. MUFs
during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 22MHz for the
south and 19MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about
13MHz. Paths this week to India should have a maximum usable frequency
with a 50 per cent success rate of around 21MHz. The optimum working
frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 16MHz. The best
time to try this path will be between 1100 and 1700 hours. Sporadic-E
should take place on most days.

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

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
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. Wythall Radio Club is holding club net on 145.225MHz today and
next Sunday. Monday sees a curry night at Monsoon, Wythall, and on
Tuesday there's an internet night at the shack, led by G7DDN. Details
from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

Friskney and East Lincolnshire Communications is holding a club net on
Monday from 7pm, on 144.165 USB, vertical polarisation. On Wednesday
there is a M3+M6 club net on GB3FR from 7.30pm, and on Friday there is
a club HF net on 3.748MHz from 8pm. For more information contact the
FELCC Information Line on 07554 362 020.

South Birmingham Radio Society is cleaning and repairing the tower on
Monday, then doing shack and aerial work on Friday. Contact Don, on
01214 581 603.

Lincoln Short-Wave Club is taking part in the 50MHz UK AC on Tuesday.
There's a sausage and burger night at the BSA Club on Wednesday from
8pm that cost £2. Guests are welcome. Thursday sees a club net on
145.375MHz from 8pm, and Saturday morning sees the surgery in the
shack, followed by participation in the IOTA contest. For more
information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is having a big barbecue on
Wednesday to celebrate winning the RSGB Club of the Year contest.
Saturday sees a visit to Wooferton radio transmitting station. Contact
Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday 23
July Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is visiting
Courtyard Books by kind permission of Brian, G4ClB. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548 478, daytime.

On Monday 23 July Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is holding
its construction competition. Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.

On Tuesday 24 July Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is having a
technical talk. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to
.

On Tuesday 24 July Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is doing
EME planning for 2m or 70cm. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on
01509 504 319.

On Wednesday 25 July Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding an open
meeting, putting the shack on the air and holding training classes.
Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078 003.

On Wednesday 25 July South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society is having an
informal evening. Contact Nigel, M0CVO, on 01476 402 550.

On Friday 27 July Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a video
night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND We start with clubs that have several
events this week. Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the Low
Power Contest on Sunday. On Wednesday there's a briefing for the IOTA
contest, and the IOTA contest weekend itself starts on Saturday at
Bewholme. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240 573.

Wakefield & District Radio Society continues its Intermediate and
Advanced courses from 13:30 on Monday. There is a barbecue at HQ on
Thursday, with a charge of £1 per hot item in addition to the normal £1
subscription. On Saturday the Intermediate and Advanced courses
continue from 13:30. Contact Ken, G8FSO, on 07900 563 117.

Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is holding its grand summer junk sale on
Monday. On Saturday the club commences its weekend event for the IOTA
contest, operating as M3M or MM3M. More information from Peter Day,
G3PHO, by email to .

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday 23
July Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is on the air and continues
its Advanced course. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday 23 July Bolton Wireless Club is having a talk on the work of
the RNLI by Derek, G7LFC. For details, send an email to
.

On Tuesday 24 July Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
by Chris, M5XYZ on the children's charity event. Contact Sheila, on
07867 516 836.

On Tuesday 24 July Otley Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the
50MHz UKAC Contest and holding a Morse class. Details from Paul,
2E0PAK, on 07768 996 370.

On Wednesday 25 July Denby Dale Radio Club is on the air from 19.30 on
145.575MHz. Details from Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

On Wednesday 25 July Goole Radio and Electronics Society is holding a
barbecue. Contact Ken, G6YYN, on 01757 638 539.

On Thursday 26 July South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having
a PC clinic with Dave, G4UGM. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693
999.

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

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Sunday 22 July Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in the RSGB Low Power Contest on 80m and 40m CW from Walker
Park, Aberdeen. Contact Fred Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

On Sunday 22 July Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club is having a barbecue
alongside receiver testing and an antenna workshop. Please note there
will be no meeting on Thursday. Details from Ellis Gaston, GM0HPK, on
07979 692 580.

On Tuesday 24 July Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club evening. Details from Norman, GM1CNH, on 07740 946 192.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast. On Thursday 26 July Aberdeen Amateur
Radio Society is holding a Morse class and is on the air. Contact Fred
Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

On Friday 27 July West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is looking at
the Raspberry PI computer with MM0YEQ. Details from Sam, GM4BGS, on
07771 554 035.

On Saturday 28 July Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club commences
its weekend event for the RSGB IOTA Contest from the Island of Tiree.
More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA We start with clubs that have
several events this week. Radio Society of Harrow is calling CQ
GX3EFX/P from Old Redding today. On Wednesday they are taking part in
the WAB Follow the Torch event as GX4WAB, then the club Summer Activity
commences on Friday. More information from Linda, G7RJL, on 02083 868
586.

Farnborough & District Radio Society is running a Top Band net on
1.995MHz from 8 to 9pm on Monday. On Wednesday there is a maritime
history talk on The Halifax Event. Friday sees an 80m CW net from 1 to
2pm on 3.750MHz, then a 2m net from 8 to 9pm. Details from Neville,
G3SPD, on 01252 404 816.

Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society is visiting the Essex
Secret Nuclear Bunker on Tuesday. On Thursday there's a talk by G3YVF
on amateur radio electronics, and Friday sees the start of operating
GB2OLG from the remote shack. Details from Charles, G4VSZ, on 07982 244
788.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Sunday 22
July Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the Low
Power contest. Contact Rob, G4LMW, on 01635 862 737.

On Tuesday 24 July Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack.
For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Tuesday 24 July Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is holding a club
net from 8.30pm. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 24 July Dorking & District Radio Society is transmitting
from the Devil's Dyke. Contact Garth, G3NPC, on 01737 359 472.

On Tuesday 24 July Harwell Amateur Radio Society is having a shack
activity night. Details from Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524 844.

On Tuesday 24 July Stevenage & District Amateur Radio Society is having
a briefing on the L/C meter club project. . Contact Martin Juhe M0XJP,
on 07973 793 770.

On Wednesday 25 July Chesham & District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air with a 2m net via GB3VA & GB3AL. More details from Terry, G0VFW, on
01442 831 491.

On Wednesday 25 July Darenth Valley Radio Society is having a natter
night, with radio on the air. Bob, M0RAW, 01322 663804, to


On Wednesday 25 July Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is having a
talk and demo of covert radios by John Elgar- Whinney at the Taplin
centre. Details from Gordon, on 01424 431 909.

On Wednesday 25 July Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on the
Secret Listeners by Paul, G3SEM. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on
01603 898 678.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast. On Wednesday 25 July Worthing &
District Amateur Radio Club is planning for Fire Brigade open day, plus
a talk by Phil, G4UDU, entitled 2 weeks, 6 countries and a radio show.
Contact John, G8FMJ, on 01273 593 232.

On Thursday 26 July Bittern DX Group is meeting at Pinewood Park
Leisure Club. Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404 154.

On Thursday 26 July Edgware & District Radio Society is on the air with
equipment provided by Eddie, M0HIE. More information from Mike, G4RNW,
on 02089 500 658.

On Thursday 26 July Hilderstone Radio and Electronics Club is having a
natter night and holding a planning meeting for the Wok event on 4
August. Contact Chrissie Turner, by email to .

On Thursday 26 July Horsham Amateur Radio Club is holding a fox hunt.
Details are on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

On Thursday 26 July Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society is having an
HF activity night. Contact David Leech, G7DIU, on 01480 431 333.

On Thursday 26 July Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding a barbecue at Barry's field. Details from John Burnett, M6JBU,
on 07860 804 793.

On Thursday 26 July Vange ARS is holding a natter night. Contact Steve,
G0KVZ, on 01268 552 606.

On Friday 27 July Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is holding a
junk sale. Contact Ron, G3KBR, on 01223 501 712.

On Friday 27 July Fort Purbrook Amateur Radio Club is having a natter
night. Details from Mick Ponsford, M0GWD, on 02392 366 699.

On Friday 27 July Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
night with equipment testing for SSB Field Day. Contact Rob, 2E0RJA, on
01444 232 129.

On Friday 27 July South Essex Amateur Radio Society commences operating
special event station GB1HF for the Olympic Games. Operation will be at
various times and days to 23 August. Details form Dave, G4UVJ, on 01268
697 978.

On Friday 27 July Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society starts its
annual camp. Contact Andrew Maish, G4ADM, on 02083 353 434.

On Saturday 28 July Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club continues
its Foundation course. Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Saturday 28 July Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society is
supporting Love Loughton day, coinciding with the first day of the
London Olympics. Contact Marc Litchman, G0TOC, on 02085 021 645.

On Saturday 28 July Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society is taking
part in the IOTA contest. Contact Rob, G4LMW, on 01635 862 737.

On Sunday 29 July Waterlooville Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
WW2 radar systems. Details from Rich, G4IBW, on 0772 225 002.

On Sunday 29 July Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is at the
Blind Veterans UK Radio Rally at St Dunstans. Contact John, G8FMJ, on
01273 593 232.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST Exeter Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
on limited space dipoles in the Moose Centre on Monday. Its 2m net is
on Tuesday at 19.45 and the 4m net on Thursday at 19.00. Contact Nick,
2E0NRJ, on 01363 775 756.

On Monday 23 July Riviera Amateur Radio Club is having a club night
with MX0RIV on the air. Details from Alan Wyatt, G2DXU, by email to
.

On Monday 23 July Weston Super Mare Radio Society is having a natter
night and Morse class. Details from Paul, G3SDH, on 01761 221 206.

On Tuesday 24 July Mid Somerset Amateur Radio Club is having a social
evening at the King's Arms, Shepton Mallet. Contact Nick, 2E0FGQ, on
01749 346 320.

On Thursday 26 July Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having an
activity night and preparing for the IOTA Contest. Contact Den, M0ACM,
on 07810 317 750.

On Thursday 26 July Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is running homebrew HF
tests. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to .

On Friday 27 July Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a Shelter Box
presentation. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
.

On Saturday 28 July Plymouth Radio Club commences its weekend event for
the RSGB IOTA contest. Details from Rob James, 2E0ONO, via email to
.

NEWS FOR WALES On Thursday 26 July Aberystwyth & District Amateur Radio
Society is having a club night on the air on 145.500 then 145.550MHz.
Details from Ray, GW7AGG, on 01970 611 853.

Copyright © RSGB 2012. Not for public release before Monday 23 July
2012 except as a GB2RS broadcast.