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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 13 April

The news headlines

* RSGB AGM in Bristol

* Elvaston Castle rally cancelled

* Curfew to combat repeater abuse

The RSGB AGM takes place on Saturday 19 April from 11am at the Novotel
hotel in Bristol. It will be followed by an EGM. Full details of the
agenda and business for both meetings were circulated to Members in the
April RadCom. Following the AGM there will be a dinner in celebration
of amateur radio. Further details are on the RSGB web site at
www.rsgb.org/agm.

The RSGB has been asked to announce that this year's Elvaston Castle
rally has been cancelled. Originally planned for 8 June, the organisers
say that there are various issues to blame, including insurance
problems.

Bristol Channel Repeater GB3BC is on curfew. It is being switched off
every night from 11.45pm until 7am until further notice. This is due to
unacceptable levels of night-time repeater abuse. For more information
contact the Keeper, GW8ERA, by email to .

Friday 18 April is World Amateur Radio Day. This year's theme is
Amateur Radio: A Foundation for Technical Knowledge. World Amateur
Radio Day celebrates the day the International Amateur Radio Union was
founded. More details of World Amateur Radio Day can be obtained from
Don, G3BJ, by email to .

On 21 March amateurs in Bosnia-Herzegovina began using their new E7
callsigns. We understand that at present E7+two and E7+three callsigns
have been issued. From 14 April the country's communications regulator
starts accepting applications for single letter calls. These should
start being issued in May. E7 callsigns replace the T9 series following
an ITU decision announced on 8 August last year.

A reminder that there will be an RSGB Train the Trainers session in
Crawley on Saturday 26 April. The course is free of charge to
instructors. For more information, and to register, contact Gavin
Keegan, G6DGK, telephone 01825 722045 or email . It is
important to register as soon as possible. Further Train the Trainer
sessions are scheduled for Wythall on 18 May, Ramsgate on 31 May, and
Chippenham on 7 June. More details are on the Train the Trainers
calendar at www.g8osn.org.uk.

Wyre Forest Repeater Group D-Star repeater GB7WF is now operational on
new frequencies. The change was implemented to avoid issues with
licence exempt low power devices on the original input frequency. The
input is now 430.7875MHz and the output is 439.7875MHz. The repeater
group say that GB7WF is the first D-Star repeater in the Midlands. Full
details of the repeater, including coverage data and technical
information, is on the web at www.wfrg.net.

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Further to our report in the 30 March GB2RS we understand that BBC
Radio Wales had a successful visit to the Barry Amateur Radio Society.
The resulting feature on amateur radio will be broadcast on BBC Radio
Wales on Saturday 3 May 2008 at 1pm, and repeated on Sunday 4 May at
4.30pm. It will also be available for 7 days to download as a podcast
on the BBC Website.

The QSL Manager for G6AAA to ZZZ and G3EAA to HZZ calls is retiring.
Eddie Murphy, G0VVT, has provided sterling service for many years. He
requests that no further SAEs are sent to him. A replacement QSL
Manager is currently being sought and details will be announced as soon
as they are available.

And now rallies and events for the coming week [Note to Newsreaders:
Please use your judgement on which of the 13 April events to read out,
based on your location and time slot.]

On Sunday 13 April the Andover Radio Club Boot Sale takes place at
Wildhern Village Hall and Playing field, SP11 0JE, just off the A343.
Details from Martin, M0MWS, on 01980-612070 or on the web at
www.arac.co.uk.

On Sunday 13 April the Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club has its annual
rally from noon at The Share Centre, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh.
Details from Alan Gault, GI6PYP, on 07771 811484/028 66341108, or by
email to .

On Sunday 20 April the UK Microwave Group Spring Round Table takes
place at the University of Bath. Pre- booking is essential. Details are
at www.microwavers.org/events.htm.

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

A 6-metre DXpedition to Sable Island is scheduled to take place from 25
June until 7 July. VE3IKV, K5AND and W3CMP will be active there as CY0X
using CW SSB. Operation will also occur on 20m and 40m, but at a lower
priority than six. For more information go to www.cy0x.com.

Alfio, IT9EJW/p, and Giovanni, IT9GAC/p, will be QRV on 13 or 20 April,
weather depending, from Faraglioni dei Ciclopi (EU-025). QSLs via
homecalls (d/B). See www.mdxc.org/ciclopi for information.

Maarten, DU9/PA3GZU, will operate from Mindanao Island, OC-130, from 12
April until 12 May. Operation will be holiday style, mostly SSB and
PSK31 on 20m. QSLs via home call, via bureau preferred.

Now the contest news

Tuesday 15 April is the RSGB 1.3 and 2.3GHz activity evening

On 16 April the RSGB 80m Club Championship takes place from 1900 until
2030, on SSB. The exchange is RS and serial number.

Sunday 19 April sees the EU Sprint contest on SSB from 1600 until 1959,
on the 80, 40 and 20 metre bands. The exchange is your callsign, the
other station's callsign, serial number plus your name or nickname.

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And now the solar factual data for the period from the 31 March to 6
April, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS and Martin Harrison, G3USF

The three sunspot regions that were visible were magnetically simple
and decayed slowly day by day. The solar disc became spotless on the
4th. Solar activity was low on the 3rd when two small C class solar
flares occurred. The remaining days saw activity at very low levels.
Solar flux levels decline from 79 units on the 31st to 69 by the 6th.
The average was 76 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 6th was
72 units, that's one unit down on last week. X-ray flux levels declined
from A 3.3 units on the 31st to below the minimum recording level on
the 5th and the average was A1.9 units. A large coronal mass ejection
took place on the 5th. It took place on the far side of the Sun and was
not directed towards Earth. The SOHO spacecraft provided some excellent
images of the event. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels, the
Ap index on the 2nd was only 1 unit. Activity increased in the second
half of the 4th and continued till the end of the period. The most
disturbed day was the 5th with an Ap of 21. The average was Ap 9 units.
The ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 310 kilometres
per second to 760 by the 5th. Particle densities were low except for
the 4th which increased to 15 particles per cubic centimetre. Bz varied
between minus 2 and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between
minus 14 and plus 10 nanoTeslas during the disturbance.

For much of the week, HF conditions showed a small improvement when
paths to southern Africa and South America were in particularly good
shape for substantial periods. There were strong east-west openings on
14MHz. F2 daytime critical frequencies increased to 6.3MHz on the 4th
and averaged 5.8MHz. The darkness hour lows averaged 2.5MHz. The
disturbance brought VHF aurora * but only at very high latitudes on the
4th.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is
expected to be looking our way. Next weekend may see the return of the
sunspot groups that were visible at the end of last month. Solar flux
levels are expected to be around the 70 mark but could increase at the
end of the week to around 80 units. We should see a quiet week this
week geomagnetically speaking. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes should be about 19MHz for the south and 16MHz for the north.
The darkness hour lows should be about 9MHz. Paths this week to
Australia should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent
success rate of around 20MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90
per cent success rate will about 16MHz, the best time to try this path
will be between 0900 and 1300 hours UTC.

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

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Next, the Local News:

Please note that details of all RSGB-affiliated clubs and societies

can be found on the RSGB website, including e-mail 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 SOUTH-EAST

and EAST ANGLIA On Sunday 13 April Andover RAC is holding its Car Boot
Sale at Wildhern Village Hall. Contact Martin, M0MWS, on 01980 612 070,
or on the web at www.arac.co.uk. On Sunday 13 April Leiston Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on weather by Jim Bacon, G3YLA. Contact
Dave, G4HUP, on 01473 737 717, or by email to . On
Monday 14 April Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is having
its club net. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947. On Monday 14 April
Coulsdon ATS is having a test and swap evening. Contact Andy, G8JAC, on
. On Tuesday 15 April Maidenhead and District
Amateur Radio Club is having a natter night. Contact John, G8RYW, on
01628 628 463, or by email to . On Tuesday 15 April
Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is operating HF. Contact
Neil, M0ARH, on 01438 217 077. On Wednesday 16 April Chesham and
District Amateur Radio Society is visiting the Museum of Technology at
Hemel Hempstead. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 831 491, or by email to
. On Wednesday 16 April Dover Radio Club is
having a social evening at the Bell Public House. Contact Brian, G4SAU,
by email to . On Wednesday 16 April Havering and
District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on rockets by Pete Barrett
from HART Rockets. Contact Dave, 2E0EBV, on 07956 594 514. On Wednesday
16 April Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an informal evening.
Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099, or by email to
. On Wednesday 16 April North Kent Radio Society is
having a talk on Trinidad. Contact Dave, G4YIB, by email to
. On Wednesday 16 April Reading and District
Amateur Radio Club commences its Intermediate Licence Course. Details
from Harry Hogg, by email to . On Wednesday 16 April
Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is having a round table
suggestions evening. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893. On Thursday
17 April Bittern DX Group is having its final planning meeting for
GB0GFH, celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the Great Fire of Holt.
Contact Keith, G0GFQ, on 01263 588 506, by email to , or
on the web at www.bittern-dxers.org.uk. On Thursday 17 April Colchester
Radio Amateurs is having a talk by Alan Cross, G0HKG, on the ZL
Special. Contact Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766543784 or by email to
.

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On Thursday 17 April Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social at
The Frog and Nightgown, Faygate. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.
On Thursday 17 April King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and 2 metre club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, on
, or on the web at www.klarc.org.uk. On Thursday
17 April Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is having its
spring junk sale. Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757. On Thursday
17 April Sutton and Cheam Radio Society is having a talk on loops and
other small antennas by Professor Mike Underhill, G3LHZ. Contact John,
G0BWV, on 020 8644 9945, or by email to . On Friday 18
April Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio night and
table top sale. Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103, or by email to
. On Friday 18 April Torbay Amateur Radio Society is
having an operating night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to
. On Friday 18 April Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is
having a talk on the world of repeaters courtesy of the Guildford
Repeater Group. Details on the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk. On
Saturday 19 April Whitton Amateur Radio Group is running its Foundation
Exam. Contact Chris, 0870 760 5082, or on the web at www.warg.info.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Monday 14 April Cornish Radio Amateur Club
is holding its AGM. Contact Ian, 01872 561 058. On Tuesday 15 April
West Devon Radio Club is having its inaugural night at the Salvation
Army Congress Hall Rooms. Contact Mr Ritter, M0ZOL, on 01752601823. On
Wednesday 16 April South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a
horticultural evening with Mrs Susan Grace. Contact Len, G4RZY, on
01275 834 282. On Wednesday 16 April Trowbridge and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a natter night. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864
698, E/W. On Thursday 17 April Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is holding its
AGM. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to . On Friday 18
April Bournemouth Radio Society is having an illustrated talk by Chris
McKay on public timekeeping. Contact John, G0HAT, on 07719 700 771.

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 14 April Gloucester Amateur Radio And
Electronics Society is having a visit from RSGB Regional manager Dave
Gourley, G0MJY. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime, or on
the web at www.g4aym.org.uk. On Monday 14 April Stratford Upon Avon
District Radio Society is having a talk on mobile aerial matching by
Jack, G3VYE. Contact Jack, G3VYE, on 01926 641 988, or by email to
. On Tuesday 15 April Derby and District Amateur Radio
Society is having a video show. Contact Martin, G3SZJ, on 01332 556
875. On Tuesday 15 April Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club
is having a practical evening. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

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On Tuesday 15 April Wythall Radio Club is having a talk on antenna
modeling by Chris, G0EYO. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819, or by
email to , or on the web at
www.wythallradioclub.co.uk. On Wednesday 16 April Lincoln Short-Wave
Club is having its surplus equipment sale. Contact John, G1TSL, on
01526 323 153. On Wednesday 16 April Telford and District Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk by M0TAW on the Whaddon MK7 SAS Paraset.
Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677, or by email to
. On Thursday 17 April RAF Waddington
Amateur Radio Club is having a discussion about software to decode
digital modes and Morse code. Contact Martin, M0MDF, on 01522 752 785,
or by email to . On Thursday 17 April
Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on contesting by Malcolm,
G0EBD. Details on the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk. On Thursday 17 April
Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is putting the club station on air.
Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893, or by email to
. On Friday 18 April Coventry Amateur Radio
Society is taking part in the second round of the 2m DF trophy. Contact
John, G8SEQ, on 02476 273 190, or by email to .
On Saturday 19 April Lincoln Short-Wave Club is operating GB2CWP at
East Kirkby. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323 153.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 14 April Angel of the North
Radio Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Steve Townsley, G7SPN, on
voice over IP and SIP proxies. Contact Nancy, G7UUR, on 07990 760 920
(day), 0191 477 0036 (night), or by email to ,
or on the web at www.anarc.net. On Monday 14 April Bolton Wireless Club
is having a talk on slow-scan television techniques by Bob, M1NUS and
Steve, M1DOT. Contact . On Monday 14 April
Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a foxhunt plus pea and pie
supper. Contact Trevor, M0TWS. On Monday 14 April Thornton Cleveleys
Amateur Radio Society is having a contest discussion led by Dave,
G8KBH. Contact Jack, G4BFH, by email to .
On Tuesday 15 April Chester and District Radio Society is having a talk
on experiences of working for Cable and Wireless by Les Green. Details
on the web at www.chesterdars.org.uk, or by email to
. On Tuesday 15 April Stockport Radio Society is
having a talk on HF and APRS mobile with Chris Pomfrett, M0EEG. Contact
David, M1ANT, on 0161 456 7832. On Wednesday 16 April Hambleton Amateur
Radio Society is having a talk by Tony, G3MAE on the Mini VNA Analyser.
Contact Tim, G0TYM, on 01642 711 334, or by email to ,
or on the web at www.radioclubs.net/hambletonars. On Wednesday 16 April
Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the 80m Club SSB contest.
Contact Sue, G6UQA, on 01482 668 041, or on the web at
www.hornseaarc.co.uk. On Wednesday 16 April Wirral and District Amateur
Radio Club is having a natter night at The Ring O'Bells, West Kirby.
Contact Tom, G4BKF, on 07050 291 850.

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On Friday 18 April East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having its
technical forum. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671, or by email
to . On Friday 18 April Mexborough and
District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk from RSGB DRM Keith
Johnson. Contact Sharon, M0BOH. On Friday 18 April South Manchester
Radio and Computer Club is having a talk on electronic organs by Dave,
G4UGM. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999. On Friday 18 April
Tynemouth Radio Club is holding its AGM. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email
to .

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND From Friday 9 Ma7 the Border Amateur Radio Society
changed its meeting night to the second Friday of the month. For more
information contact Ray Evans, GM0CDV, on 01573 228730. On Monday 14
April Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is visiting the
Scottish Parliament. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723. On
Wednesday 16 April Paisley (YMCA) Amateur Radio Club is having a film
night. Contact Jim, GM3UWX. On Thursday 17 April Aberdeen Amateur Radio
Society is on the air. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663, or on
the web at www.aars.freeserve.co.uk. On Friday 18 April West Of
Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having a club night. Details on the
web at www.wosars.org. On Saturday 19 April Cockenzie and Port Seton
Amateur Radio Club is having a 10 pin bowling night. Contact Bob,
GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR WALES No news items have been received for Wales this week.

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

And that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast,

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.