1

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 25 May

The news headlines

* Emergency frequencies for Chinese earthquake

* ARISS Chairman in CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame

* 7MHz allocation for Italian Amateurs

Most amateurs will have heard about the earthquake that hit Sichuan,
China on 12 May. According to Chinese Radio Sports Association, 14.270,
7.050 and 7.060MHz are being used by the amateur radio emergency
service in the rescue. A group of radio amateurs have been transmitting
from Wenchuan but their signal is reported to be very weak. Please keep
the frequencies clear for emergency use.

ARISS Europe chairman Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, has been inducted into the
CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. Honorary President and former CEO of the
Belgian amateur radio society, Gaston founded AMSAT Belgium and has
been one of the prime movers in getting, and keeping, amateur radio
activity in the manned space programme.

Eddy Murphy, G0VVT, would like amateurs to note that he is no longer
the QSL Manager for the G6 AAA- ZZZ series and the G3 EAA-HZZ. New
managers are being appointed and we'll bring you those details as soon
as possible.

425 DX News reports that Italian amateurs can now use 7.1-7.2 MHz for
the time being on a secondary basis. They can use a total radiated
power not exceeding 24dbW.

The Worked All Britain AGM will take place on Sunday 1 June at the
Spalding Mobile Rally at 12.30pm. There will be an important vote on a
new simplified series of WAB awards at this meeting. Full details are
on the WAB website www.worked-all-britain.co.uk or available from the
Secretary G7GJU QTHR.

Astronaut and amateur radio operator Ron Parise, WA4SIR, passed away on
Friday 9 May, following a long battle with cancer. Ron flew as a
payload specialist on two Space Shuttle missions. He first went
on-orbit in December 1990 on the Space Shuttle Columbia. During his two
Space Shuttle flights, WA4SIR talked to hundreds of amateurs on the
ground. He was also instrumental in the development of a simple amateur
radio system that could be used in multiple configurations on board the
Space Shuttle.

Andy GW6JSO, MW0GUV, has been granted an NoV to run the GB3CM Echolink
Node unattended.

Peter, GM4DTH, is interested in putting together a portable operation
to include the PW QRP 144MHz Contest on 8 June. He is considering
setting up an HF station with the three element Triband aerial and a 17
element on 144MHz on VHF. The location and station configuration will
depend on how many are interested. Contact Peter by e-mail at
.

2

The 2009 Yearbook is in preparation and all RSGB and Independent RAYNET
Groups are asked to confirm their contact details to RSGB Public
Service Board Member, Robin, GM3ZYE. RAEN (Network)-only Groups need
not do so as their details will be sent from Network records. Images of
RAYNET or community activities, including demonstration stations, would
be most welcome. If used, credit will be given. Please send
medium-sized JPEG. E-mail to , or to 'Glenamour',
Newton Stewart, DG8 7AE.

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

On Sunday 1 June the Spalding & District Annual Rally will be held at
The Sir John Gleed Technology School, Halmer Gardens, Spalding, Lincs,
PE11 2EF. Doors open at 10am. More details from Alan, M0NBR, on 0767
797296, e-mail .

Also on Sunday 1 June will be the Red Rose QRP Festival in Formby Hall,
Alder Street, Atherton M46 9EY. There is free car parking and doors
open at 11am.

Now for the news of special events

GB6GEO will be operating on 25 May from Kents Cavern, Torquay as part
of the European Geopark Week. It will be using frequencies around
3.680MHz, 7.080MHz, 14.180MHz, 21.180MHz and 28.480MHz, SSB and CW. Two
metres will also be used on FM/SSB as well as six metres.

Mal Bonner, G8ALB, will be operating GB1SCC celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of the foundation of the South West Essex Technical College
Caving Club. Operation will be from 28 May to 3 June at Dalesbridge
Centre, Austwick near Settle, North Yorks. Expect activity on most HF
bands, 4m and 70cm

Members of the Portugal's Algarve DX Group will activate seven
lighthouses simultaneously between 31 May and 1 June. Operations will
take place on 40, 30, 20 and 17m. There may be some operations on 80
and 15m. The modes used will be CW, SSB and RTTY. A free award will be
issued to anyone who contacts all seven special lighthouse callsigns
during activity operations. QSL via CT1GFK, by the Bureau or direct.

Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club are operating GB50RMM until 15
June. They plan to use HF (SSB and CW) and FM voice satellite where
possible from the Royal Marines Museum, Eastney, Portsmouth. For more
information regarding the Museum see www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk.

There are a number of special event stations on air on 1 June. Look out
for GB2ASS and GB4LRG from near Chippenham and GB2GED from Croydon. All
three will be using most HF bands and 2m.

Also on 1 June, GB2MOP will be active from Tanygroes, Cereigion. There
is no Top Band or 2m activity planned.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the French Department Ville de
Paris, TM7S will be active until 7 June. QSL via F6KVP. Information on
the relevant award can be found at www.arp75.free.fr.

Look for special event stations BT1OB, BT1OJ, BT1OH, BT1OY and BT1ON to
be QRV from 18 May to 17 September in celebration of the 2008 Beijing
Olympic Games. The last letter of each callsign corresponds to the
colour in Chinese of each of the rings of the Olympic flag. QSL via
BA4EG.

3

And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News, the Ohio-Penn DX
Bulletin and other sources.

Rich, WA3FPK will be in Rwanda until 5 June. He has been issued the
callsign 9X0A. He plans to be active in his spare time, mainly on 20
metres SSB, especially during his last week in the country. QSL via
KA1CRP.

GB0IPA will be active from Piel Island during the CQ WPX CW Contest on
24 and 25 May. Operators will be M0JFE, 2E0EDX, 2E0OYG, 2E0OCC, 2E0RXX,
2E0BAX, M3ZRY.

Franz, DC7NF is on the air as 5X7FN until the end of June. Activity is
mainly on 40 and 20m using SSB and generally around 1700 to 2100UTC.
QSL to DC7NF.

Harry, AC8G will be QRV as FJ/homecall from 22 to 27 May. Activity will
be on 160 to 6m using SSB during his morning hours. QSL to AC8G.

Bob, K0OK will be QRV as VP5/homecall from 21 to 28 May from
Providenciales. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW and SSB.

SP9PLK, the club station of the 2nd Mechanized Corps of the Polish Land
Forces, will be active as HF9GA on 14 - 29 May and again on 2 - 30
June. QSL via SP9PLK.

The Brunei Darussalam Amateur Radio Association (BDARA) is back on air
with a number of roadshows in May. On Sunday 25 May, they will be on
air from Anduki Jubilee Recreational Park in the Belait District; and
Sunday 1 June, from the Kuala Belalong Mini Park in the Temburong
District. All events will run from 10am to 4pm and use their V8
callsign.

Now the contest news [Note to Newsreaders: please use your judgement on
whether to read the 25 May contest information, depending on your time
slot.]

The 2008 CQ World-Wide WPX CW Contest is taking place this weekend
until 2359GMT Sunday. No WARC bands are allowed.

The RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest is taking place on 27 May between
1900 and 2130UTC. Exchange is RST, serial number and 6 character
locator.

And now the solar factual data for the period from 12 to 18 May
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The solar disc was spotless until the 16th when 3 sunspot groups
emerged. All 3 groups were small, magnetically simple and inactive.
Solar activity was very low. Solar flux levels increased from 68 units
to 72 by the 18th. The average was 70 units. The 90 day solar flux
average on the 18th was 71 units, that's the same level as last week.
Geomagnetic activity was quiet everyday with the Ap index only varying
between 2 and 4 units. The average was 3 units. The ACE spacecraft saw
solar wind speeds vary between 300 and 430 kilometres per second
throughout. Particle densities were low except for the 15th which
increased briefly to 13 particles per cubic centimetre. Bz varied
little with the quiet geomagnetic field with fluctuations of only minus
5 and plus 7 nanoTeslas.

Low geomagnetic figures made for some good propagation at 14MHz, where
Japan was reported in the morning and around lunchtime, and the West
Coast of the United States was reported in the afternoon, with India
also making a good showing. However, there were few F-layer openings on
bands above 14MHz.

4

Sporadic-E lived up to its name, with several blank days and one really
good day, the 13th, when there were openings on 28, 50 and 70MHz, with
reported MUFs probably in the region of 90MHz.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is
expected to be looking our way. Solar activity should be very low.
Solar flux levels once again should be around the 70 mark. Geomagnetic
activity is expected to be unsettled from midweek onwards due to a
recurring coronal hole. The disturbance is not expected to be strong
but should last till next weekend. MUFs during daylight hours at equal
latitudes should be about 17MHz for the south and 14MHz for the north.
The darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. Paths this week to the
east coast of North America should have a maximum usable frequency with
a 50 per cent success rate of around 19MHz. The optimum working
frequency with a 90 per cent success rate should be about 14MHz. The
best time to try this path will be between 1300 and 2200 hours UTC.
Sporadic-E should take place on some days with openings likely up to
70MHz and just possibly approaching 144MHz.

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

5

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 25 May Radio Society Of Harrow is having a
mini field day and picnic at Old Redding view point car park, HA3 6SE.
Contact Linda, G7RJL, on 020 8386 8586, or on the web at
www.g3efx.org.uk or Chris on 01895 621 310.

On Monday 26 May Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is
running its club net. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.

On Tuesday 27 May Home Counties ATV Club is having a talk by British
Amateur Television Club chairman Peter, G3PYB. Contact Dave, M0SAT, on
, or on the web at www.gb3hv.com.

On Tuesday 27 May Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
visit by the RSGB president Colin Thomas, G3PSM, who will be giving a
talk entitled "What has the RSGB ever done for me?". Contact Stuart,
G0FYX, on 023 9247 2846, or on the web at www.hdarc.co.uk.

On Tuesday 27 May Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society is
taking part in the UK 50MHz activity contest. Contact John McCutcheon,
01462 459254.

On Wednesday 28 May Colchester Radio Amateurs is running its
Intermediate License Training Course at St Helena School. Contact David
Chambers, M1AMI, on 01206 870989, or on the web at www.g3co.ccom.co.uk.

On Wednesday 28 May Crawley Amateur Radio Club is having an overview of
Dayton Hamvention 2008. Contact John, G3VLH, on 01342 714 402.

On Wednesday 28 May Dover Radio is holding its club net on GB3KS.
Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to .

On Wednesday 28 May Havering and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a technical topics evening with Oliver, G3TPJ. Contact Dave, 2E0EBV, on
07956 594 514.

On Wednesday 28 May Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its AGM. Contact Richard, G3ZGC, on 01635 46241,
.

On Wednesday 28 May Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a bright
sparks informal meeting and CW NFD briefing. Contact Mark Taylor,
G0LGJ, on 01362 691099, or by email to .

On Wednesday 28 May Reading and District Amateur Radio Club continues
its Intermediate License Course. Contact Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Wednesday 28 May Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is putting
GX3WOR on the air. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

6

On Thursday 29 May Bittern DX Group is doing its final planning for
GB0BTW. Contact Keith, G0GFQ, on 01263 588 506, , or on
the web at www.bittern-dxers.org.uk.

On Thursday 29 May Colchester Radio Amateurs is having a talk about.
Contact David Chambers, M1AMI, on 01206 870989, or on the web at
www.g3co.ccom.co.uk.

On Thursday 29 May 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 Friday 30 May 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 30 May Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a fox hunt.
Contact Ray, G4FFY, on 020 8644 7589.

On Friday 30 May Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having its monthly
meeting. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to .

On Friday 30 May Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society is having
a VHF DF hunt. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456, or on the web at
www.gx3wim.org.uk.

On Sunday 1 June Bromley and District Amateur Radio Society is running
its Intermediate Course at Victory Social Club, Kechill Gardens.
Details on the web at www.bdars.org, or by email to .

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST The Isle of Wight RAYNET Group would like to
invite membership applications from anyone interested in radio, whether
licensed or not. For more information contact Tony Pegg on 01983 868978
or join the Sunday net at 8pm on 144.675MHz.

On Wednesday 28 May South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.

On Wednesday 28 May Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is running
its Morse class and preparing for June NFD. Contact William, G3WNI, on
01823 666 234, or by email to .

On Wednesday 28 May Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, by email to
.

On Thursday 29 May Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is holding
its AGM. Contact Mike, M5CBS, on 01793 826 465.

On Thursday 29 May Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is on the air. Contact
Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to .

On Friday 30 May Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is holding its junk
sale. Contact Phil, GU0SUP.

On Friday 30 May North Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
former Radiocommunications Agency Field Officer John Weedon, G4GAU.
Contact Dick Elford, G0XAY, on .

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 26 May Gloucester Amateur Radio And
Electronics Society is operating at the Escarpment. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime, or on the web at www.g4aym.org.uk.

7

On Monday 26 May Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society is
having an open shack night. Contact John, M1EJG, on 01562 700 513, or
on the web at www.g6oi.org.uk.

On Monday 26 May Stratford Upon Avon District Radio Society is having a
round table chat. Contact Jack, G3VYE, on 01926 641 988,
.

On Monday 26 May Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is having a
bring and sell auction with G8UGL. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299
677, or by email to .

On Tuesday 27 May Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a DF hunt on 160m. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday 27 May Wythall Radio Club is starting its Foundation license
course. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819, or by email to
, or on the web at www.wythallradioclub.co.uk.

On Wednesday 28 May Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a talk on VMARS
ex-military radio. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323 153.

On Thursday 29 May RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Martin, M0MDF, on 01522 752 785, or by email to
.

On Thursday 29 May Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a quiz night
at the Powys club HQ. Details on the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk.

On Friday 30 May Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a wine and
cheese evening. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 079 5877 363.

On Sunday 1 June Lincoln Short-Wave Club is attending the Spalding
rally. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323 153.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Pontefract District Amateur Radio Society
is currently taking final bookings for its Advance licence training
course, which begins on Saturday 31 May. To book, please email
.

On Monday 26 May Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a portable
evening, barbecue and IOTA planning meeting. Contact Trevor, M0TWS.

On Monday 26 May South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is having its
monthly technical forum. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Tuesday 27 May Chester and District Radio Society is having an
outside operations night at The Yield, Kelsall. Details on the web at
www.chesterdars.org.uk, or by email to .

On Tuesday 27 May is having part one of a talk on electronic logic.
Contact Colin, G0NQE, on 01977 677 006, or by email to
.

On Tuesday 27 May Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a technical
discussion led by Bill, G0PZP. Contact Roger, M0DWQ on 01925 813 558,
.

On Wednesday 28 May Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a DF Hunt with
G4YTV as the fox. Contact Sue, G6UQA, on 01482 668 041, or on the web
at www.hornseaarc.co.uk.

On Wednesday 28 May Wirral and District Amateur Radio Club is having DF
practice. Contact Tom, G4BKF, on 07050 291 850.

8

On Thursday 29 May North Wakefield Radio Club is having a family
barbecue night. Contact Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126,
.

On Friday 30 May East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a
technical forum. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671, or by email
to .

On Friday 30 May South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is having a
club outing. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Friday 30 May Tynemouth Radio Club is having a Morse operating
night. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to .

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Wednesday 28 May Lothians Radio Society is having
a DF hunt. Contact Colin, GM4HWO, by email to
, or on the web at
www.lothiansradiosociety.com.

On Wednesday 28 May Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM.
Contact Jim, GM3UWX.

On Thursday 29 May Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a VHF fox
hunt. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663, or on the web at
www.aars.freeserve.co.uk.

On Saturday 31 May Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
taking part in Port Seton Gala Day at the Community Centre Park.
Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

NEWS FOR WALES On Sunday 1 July Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is on the
air. Contact Glyn, MW0BNB, or see the web at www.qsl.net/wars.

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.$$$