GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 19th February 2012

The news headlines:

New worldwide 472kHz band created

David Aslin, G3WGN leaves RSGB Interim Board

GI HF Conference and DiGIcon announced for June

After more than ten years work by the RSGB, other national societies and
a huge effort by IARU, the World Radio Conference has created a new
amateur band at 472 to 479 kHz. In addition, the Amateur Service has
secured an agenda slot for WRC 2015 to consider a band near 5.3MHz.
These achievements are in the same category as work which, in past
years, resulted in the WARC bands, the extension of 7MHz, and the 136kHz
band. The Society is beginning discussions with Ofcom on how and when
the new 472kHz band might be implemented. We will also address the
question of the existing 500kHz NoVs that expire at the end of February.
The Society will shortly begin work with the IARU to prepare for the
5MHz agenda item.

RSGB Chairman Bob Whelan, G3PJT, reports that David Aslin, G3WGN, has
decided to leave the Interim Board. David has reluctantly concluded that
the heavy demands of the RSGB cannot be reconciled with his other
responsibilities. During his short time on the Board, David has been
able to bring his wide experience to bear on the challenges facing the
Society, for which we are grateful. He leaves with our very best wishes
for the future.

Following the success of DiGIcon in 2009 and last year's GI HF
Conference, West Tyrone Amateur Radio Club is planning another
Conference. It will be held on Saturday 16 June 2012. A number of
speakers have already been secured for the Conference, and the
organisers are currently working on the programme. There are still a few
slots available. Do you feel that you could enhance the program by
giving a talk, demonstration or workshop? If so, contact Philip, MI0MSO
on 07793 386 795, or email to express your interest.

ESA's Vega launcher made its maiden flight at 10:00 UT on Monday 13
February. The payload included eight Cubesats with amateur radio
downlinks. Reception reports started coming in within two hours of
launch; the first reports from the UK were at about 12.07. One of the
Cubesats, PW-Sat, includes a voice repeater. Its uplink is on 435.020MHz
and the downlink is at 145.900MHz. More details on the satellite
missions, including operating frequencies, can be found at
www.uk.amsat.org.

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

We are not aware of any rallies planned for this weekend.

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

A reminder that the Swansea Rally, planned for 26 February, has been
cancelled. Details from Roger, GW4HSH, on 01792 404 422.

Now for the news of special events

GB2PP will be operating today on 80, 40 and 2m from Co Londonderry, in
support of the Phoenix Project for ADHD. Details can be found on
QRZ.com.

Coventry Amateur Radio Society will be operating GB4WWR on 26 February
to commemorate the Daventry Experiment. The station will be at the Birth
of Radar memorial in Litchborough, on the Northampton Road,
approximately 2.5 miles South of Weedon. The NGR is SP650 557. Activity
will be on 80, 40 and 20m, SSB. More information from G8GMU on 07801 862
686.

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

Chris Dimitrijevic, VK3FY, has announced the permanent cancellation of
the 2013 VK0HI Heard Island DXpedition.

Dave, G3TBK will be active from the Caribbean Island of St Vincent as
J88DR until 15 March. This will include an entry in the Commonwealth
Contest, as well as both the CW and SSB sections of the ARRL DX Contest.
Operation will be on CW, SSB and RTTY, on all bands from 1.8 to 28MHz.
QSL to G3TBK, either direct or through the RSGB Bureau. Please ensure
bureau cards are marked via G3TBK.

Laura, F4GEJ, Mathias, F0GQX and Eric, F5NBK will be on a family
DXpedition to the Dominican Republic from 22 to 29 February. They will
be signing HI7/homecall. Operation will be mainly SSB and digital, from
Punta Cana on the island's east coast. QSLs to home call, direct or via
the French bureau. Details are on QRZ.com.

Now the contest news

Today is the second day of the ARRL International DX Contest, which
takes place for the whole 48 hours of the weekend. Operation is CW only,
from the 1.8 to 28MHz bands. The exchange is RST plus TX power, although
W stations send their State and VE stations send their Province.

Tuesday the 21st sees the 1.3GHz UKAC, running from 2000 to 2230 on the
23cm band. Operation is all mode, and the exchange is RST, serial number
and locator.

The 80m Club Championships CW leg continues on Thursday 23rd from 2000
to 2130. RST and serial number form the exchange.

The CQ WW 160m DX Contest runs for 48 hours from 2200 on Friday 24th.
Operation is on 160m only, SSB, and the exchange is RS, serial number
and CQ Zone, which is 14 for the UK. W stations send their State and VE
stations send their Province.

The French REF Contest runs for 36 hours from 0600 on Saturday 25th.
Work French stations only, sending a report and serial number. Expect to
receive a report and a Department code, or a prefix from French overseas
territories.

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.

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 Friday
the 17th of February.

First this week the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers which are
for May, June and July 2011 and are 47.6, 53.2 and 57.2 respectively.

Sunspot groups were visible every day, with five visible on the 12th.
Most groups were small and quiet, even the larger groups were
magnetically simple. Due to this solar activity was only low at first
and then declined to very low levels from the 13th. Solar flux levels
declined from 112 units on the 11th to 103 by the 16th. The average was
108 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 16th was 132 units,
that's four units down on last week. In fact, at the start of the year
the 90 day solar flux average stood at 145 units. X-ray flux levels
averaged B2.1 units and varied little day to day. Geomagnetic activity
started at quiet levels with an Ap index of only 3 units on the 12th,
but by the 14th a coronal mass ejection had arrived and lasted all of
the next day. Even thought the disturbance was weak, a respectable Ap
index of 25 units was recorded on the 15th, this was due to a long
period of southward orientation of the magnetic Bz component of the
solar wind. The average was 8 units. Solar wind data from the ACE
spacecraft saw solar wind speeds vary between 300 and 470 kilometres per
second. Particle densities were very low every day throughout the
period. Bz varied between minus 3 and plus 5 nanoTeslas on the quietest
day and between minus 9 and plus 4 nanoTeslas on the 15th. From early
evening of the 14th and again from noon to late evening on the 15th, a
radio aurora took place for European operators, though largely confined
to high latitudes. MUFs dropped by some 30 per cent below recent values,
with east-west and high-latitudes paths particularly degraded. Recovery
was under way during the 16th, though the higher bands were still very
patchy.

And finally the solar forecast. This week will see the quiet side of the
Sun 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
31MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate
will be around 25MHz. The best time to try this path will be between
1200 to 1700 hours.

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 20 February Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is
having a newcomers night and informal evening. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on
01452 548 478, daytime.

On Monday 20 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is holding a committee
meeting. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Monday 20 February South Birmingham Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Monday 20 February Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk by Andy Thomas, entitled A Russian Odyssey. For more information
contact Peter D Rivers, G4XEX, on 01858 432 105.

On Tuesday 21 February Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is holding
a video night. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 21 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is taking part in the
1.3GHz UKAC. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788
356.

On Tuesday 21 February Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is
flying paper planes. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504
319.

On Tuesday 21 February Wythall Radio Club is having a visit by P R Hall
Embroidery to discuss club merchandise. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on
07710 412 819.

On Wednesday 22 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is holding a formal
meeting from 20.15. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on
01427 788 356.

On Wednesday 22 February Midland Amateur Radio Society is making field
day plans, checking equipment and running training classes. Details from
Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078 003.

On Wednesday 22 February South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society is having
an informal evening. Contact Nigel, M0CVO, on 01476 402 550.

On Wednesday 22 February Telford & District Amateur Radio Society
invites members to bring and explain any physics oddities they may know.
Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 23 February Lincoln Short-Wave Club is running its simplex
club net on 145.375MHz and taking part in the 3.5MHz Club Contest CW.
For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.

On Thursday 23 February Salop Amateur Radio Society is watching John's
home movies. Details on the club website at www.salop-ars.org.uk.

On Thursday 23 February Solihull Amateur Radio Society is having
presentation and discussion on electric vehicles by PhilšBarber, M0PBA.
Details from P T Gaskin, G8AYY, on 01216 287 383.

On Thursday 23 February South Birmingham Radio Society is holding
training classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Friday 24 February Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a radio
workshop evening for HF, VHF and UHF. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777
363.

On Friday 24 February South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 01214 581 603.

On Saturday 25 February Friskney and East Lincolnshire Communications
Club is running a field day using the club callsign M0LFC. Contact
Chris, M0MFP, on 01507 442 240.

On Saturday 25 February 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 20 February Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is on the
air. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday 20 February Bolton Wireless Club Local is having a talk on QRM
cancellation by Stephen, G3OAG. For details, send an email to
.

On Monday 20 February Sheffield Amateur Radio Club Talk is having a talk
on fossils by John Collins, G8JHG. More information from Peter Day,
G3PHO, by email to .

On Monday 20 February Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on power supply design by G3WBB. More information from J
Duddington, G4BFH, on 01253 853 554.

On Tuesday 21 February Chester & District Radio Society is having a talk
on antennas and propagation from VLF to VHF by Dr Brian Austin. Contact
Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.

On Tuesday 21 February Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on the Special Operations Executive by Bill, G4IOD.
Details from Anthony Vinters, G0WFG, on 01422 822 636.

On Tuesday 21 February Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society is having a
film night. Contact Sheila, on 07867 516 836.

On Tuesday 21 February Stockport Radio Society is having a talk on
avionics by Kieron Murphy, M5KJM and Peter Ridley, M1PTR. More
information from Nigel Roscoe, on 07973 312 699.

On Wednesday 22 February Hambleton Amateur Radio Society is having an
operating night. More information from Tony Wilson, G3MAE, on 01609 881
530.

On Wednesday 22 February Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is looking at
component behaviour with frequency. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on
01377 240 573.

On Wednesday 22 February Maltby & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding its AGM. More information from Keith, G1PQW, on 07801 156 678.

On Wednesday 22 February Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553 401.

On Thursday 23 February Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the
RSGB 80m Club Contest CW. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240
573.

On Thursday 23 February Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is taking part in
the RSGB 80m Club Contest from the club station, G3RCM. More information
from Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to .

On Thursday 23 February South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is
having a talk on Magical Morse by Bill, G4NOL. Details from Ron, G3SVW,
on 01619 693 999.

On Thursday 23 February Wakefield & District Radio Society is holding a
committee meeting is on the air. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ, on 07900 563 117.

On Friday 24 February East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 24 February Tynemouth Amateur Radio Club is looking at the
vertical Moxon antenna. Contact Bob, M6KLO, by email to .

On Saturday 25 February Wakefield & District Radio Society continues its
Foundation course from 13:30. Contact Dr David Lockwood, G4CLI, on 07748
221 855.

NORTHERN IRELAND

On Thursday 23 February Greenisland Electronics Amateur Radio Society is
having an enrolment night for its new 10-week Intermediate Course. The
meeting is at Knockagh Lodge, 236 Upper Road, Greenisland. Details from
Peter Lowrie, MI5JYK, by email to .

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Tuesday 21 February Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society is
holding Morse code practice. Details from Norman, GM1CNH, on 07740 946
192.

On Wednesday 22 February Glenrothes & DRC is having a chaired discussion
to highlight members' radio interests and activities. Details from
Laurie, MM0LJA, via email to .

On Wednesday 22 February Lothians Radio Society is having a talk on
modifying PC PSUs for radio applications by Brian Flynn, GM8BJF. Contact
Andy Sinclair, by email to .

On Thursday 23 February Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is on the air and
holding a Morse class. Contact Fred Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA

We start with advance notice that The South Essex Amateur Radio Society
is changing its meeting day and moving to a new venue next month. From
13 March, meetings will be at the Members Bar of the Island Yacht Club,
Point Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7TX. The monthly meetings will be on the
second Tuesday of the month, instead of Wednesdays. For more information
contact Dave Speechley, G4UVJ, on 01268 697 978 or see
www.southessex-ars.co.uk.

On Monday 20 February Braintree & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a construction evening. For more information contact John, M5AJB,
on 01787 460 947.

On Monday 20 February Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having part 2 of the
BBC talk by Tony Crake, G0OVA. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday 20 February East Kent Radio Society is having a talk by Bob,
2E0ATZ. Details from Karl Davies, M1DFM, on 01227 710 120.

On Monday 20 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is running its club net
on GB3NB from 19.30. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Monday 20 February Surrey Radio Contact Club is having a discussion
on auto ATUs, led by Pat, G4FDN. Contact John, G3MCX, on 02086 883 322.

On Tuesday 21 February Bedford and District Amateur Radio Club is
chatting with its twin town radio club, Ortsverband Bamberg, B05, on
7.127 +-QRM. Details from Bob Leask, G3XNG, by email to
.

On Tuesday 21 February Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the
shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

On Tuesday 21 February Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society is
planning the programme for 2012. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878
089.

On Tuesday 21 February Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is running its
club net from 8.30. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Tuesday 21 February Verulam Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM.
Contact Ralph, G1BSZ, on 01923 265 572.

On Wednesday 22 February Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is holding
its AGM and having an SDR demo by Wilf, M0GYE. Details from Gordon, on
01424 431 909.

On Wednesday 22 February Newbury & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a presentation on satellite communications and project OSCAR by
Chris, M0DQO. Contact Rob, G4LMW, on 01635 862 737.

On Wednesday 22 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
the bells and whistles of the modern transceiver by Malcolm, G3PDH.
Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Thursday 23 February Bittern DX Group Club is holding an event
planning meeting at Pinewood Park Leisure Club. Details from Linda,
G0AJJ, on 01692 404 154.

On Thursday 23 February Echelford Amateur Radio Society is having an
illustrated talk on the T32C story by Justin Snow, G4TSH. Contact John,
G4GSC, on 01784 451 898.

On Thursday 23 February Edgware & District Radio Society is having a
talk on the Wright Brothers and others by Mike Stewart, G4RNW. More
information from Mike, G4RNW, on 02089 500 658.

On Thursday 23 February Lowestoft & District PYE Amateur Radio Club is
having a club night at the shack. Details from Lee, 2E1LJL, on 01502 564
242.

On Thursday 23 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the
RSGB 80m Club Championship CW. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603
898 678.

On Thursday 23 February Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on Bletchley Park by G4JTR and G4JNU. Details from Pete, G8FRC,
on 01189 695 697.

On Thursday 23 February Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk by Gary M6PLT on TCP/IP and DNS. Details from John
Burnett, M6JBU, on 07860 804 793.

On Friday 24 February Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk by Mark, G4AXX on T32C propagation. Contact Ron, G3KBR, on 01223
501 712.

On Friday 24 February Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
by Graham, M0NSA on APRS. Details from Liz, M0ACL, on 02380 254 599.

On Friday 24 February Radio Society of Harrow is holding a technical
clinic for checking the state of your transmitter at The Elsie Fischer
Room, St Lawrence Centre, St Lawrence Church, 2 Bridle Road, Eastcote,
Pinner HA5 2SJ. More information from Linda, G7RJL, on 02083 868 586.

On Friday 24 February Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society is on
the air. Contact Andrew Maish, G4ADM, on 02083 353 434.

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

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

On Monday 20 February Appledore & District Amateur Radio Club is going
back to basics with Laurence, G4XHK. Contact Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on
01237 473 251 for more information.

On Monday 20 February Weston Super Mare Radio Society is having a talk
on internet linking, IRLP & gateways. Details from Paul, G3SDH, on 01761
221 206.

On Wednesday 22 February Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417 048.

On Thursday 23 February 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 Friday 24 February Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317 750.

On Friday 24 February Torbay Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM.
For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to .

NEWS FOR WALES

On Sunday 19 February Porthmadog and District Amateur Radio Society is
re-starting its weekly net at 1900 on GB3DW using the club callsign,
MC0GQO. The society meets on the third Thursday of the month at
Porthmadog Yacht Club. Contact details are at www.PDARS.co.uk.

On Monday 20 February Dragon Amateur Radio Club is using the club
antenna analyser. More information from Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF, on 07833
620 733.

On Tuesday 21 February Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is having a `do you
remember?' session with Pat, GW0WER. Details from Carl Morris, MW0TBB,
by email to .

On Thursday 23 February 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.

On Thursday 23 February Marches Amateur Radio Society members looking at
power supply theory, fault finding and repair. Details from Marc,
2W0MDG, on 07590 038 866 or on the newly updated club website at
www.marchesradiosociety.org.6