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M1CUK > NEWS 12.03.09 05:26l 513 Lines 21592 Bytes #999 (0) @ EU
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GB2RS NEWS
Sunday 15th March 2009
The news headlines
" Look for better 5MHz propagation
" Countdown to broadcast stations leaving 7MHz
" Act now to continue your repeater insurance
As the end of March approaches, there are three factors of interest to
HF operators that are not a part of our weekly Propagation Report.
First, UK operators holding a 5MHz NoV may like to note that after-dark
propagation on the East-West path to the USA peaks when America also
falls into darkness. To check the condition of the path, listen out for
AM broadcasting stations WWCR in Nashville on 5070kHz and WWRB on
5050kHz which is also in Tennessee. Both employ 100kW. American
operators can check the path in the opposite direction by listening for
the USB AIRMET stations RAF VOLMET on 5450kHz and Shannon VOLMET on
5505kHz. UK operators should find US amateurs congregating on 5403.5kHz
around 0100 to 0200 hours UTC. The path to the Far East can be checked
by listening out, after sunset, for the Chinese Standard Frequency
station BPM. It identifies at regular intervals in Morse code on
5000kHz. The chance of a contact on 5MHz in this direction is remote,
but one or two American radio amateurs are believed to have
authorisation to operate from military bases in the Pacific.
Another important aspect of the end of March is that the portion of the
40 metre band from 7100 to 7200kHz becomes exclusive to the Amateur
Service. Whether all the broadcasters will remove themselves remains to
be seen. However, American radio amateurs are being heard in this
sub-band as late as 1000 hours UTC in the North of the UK. For those
interested in monitoring the parts of the Earth in daylight and
darkness, a freeware program called Geoclock may be found via Google or
other search engine.
-----------------------
Holders of RSGB repeater or beacon public liability insurance are
reminded that their current policy expires on 31 March. Any other
repeater or beacon keepers who would like to avail themselves of this
facility should contact the RSGB Amateur Radio Department for details.
-----------------------
The recent Desecheo Island K5D DXpedition made a grand total of 115,783
QSOs. This apparently means that the DXpedition ranks seventh for
all-time number of QSOs, and first for the most 30m contacts. A special
K5D QSL card is in the final stages of design and will be available in
the next few weeks. QSLs go directly to N2OO and are also being accepted
on-line. The Desecheo 2009 team wants to thank everyone for working them
and helping to make this DXpedition such a success.
------------------------
The Ministry of Defence conduct occasional tests on military systems,
which may result in some loss of service to civilian users of the Global
Positioning System (GPS) including in-car navigation devices and
networks which rely on GPS signals. The MoD has informed Ofcom that
between 6 July and 16 July, at limited periods between 1100 and 1500
they will be conducting a GPS jamming exercise. The location for the
exercise is to sea westwards from N58° 57.4' W003° 13.9' (60 nautical
miles west of Kirkwall). Ofcom warn that it cannot be assumed that any
loss of service is due to jamming exercises.
-------------------------
The Hull Radio Club will be starting a new Foundation course on 4 April.
If any short wave listeners or amateur family members are interested,
contact Ray on 01482 376835. The Horndean and District Amateur Radio
Club, which meets in Horndean, near Portsmouth in Hampshire, will be
running a Foundation Licence course and examination in May. The course
will be split over two weekends, with the lectures being given on
Saturday 2 May between 9am and 5pm, and the practical assessments and
exam being held on Sunday 10 May, again between 9am and 5pm. For further
information, please contact the club secretary, Stuart Swain G0FYX, on
023 9247 2846 or via e-mail: g0fyx@msn.com.
-------------------------
Finally, the clocks go forward one hour throughout Western Europe over
the weekend 28 to 29 March. The UK, Ireland and Portugal will then be
one hour ahead of UTC.
-------------------------
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
There are no rallies this weekend. The next amateur events are all on 29
March.
The Caradon Hill Repeater Group & Callington ARS Rally will take place
at the Callington Community College, Callington, Cornwall PL17 7DR.
Traders have access from 7.30am and the doors open at 10am and 10.30am.
Entry is £2. Contact Jamie, 2E0JLH, on 0779 554 60374.
The Spring Militaria & Electronics & Radio Amateur Hangar Sale will take
place at Hack Green secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW58AP.
Doors open at 10am and entry is £2.50. Contact Rod Siebert on 01270
623353.
A new event will be taking place on 29 March. The South Gloucestershire
Rally will be held at the Avon Scouts Activity Centre, Woodhouse Park,
Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire BS32 4LX. Doors open at 10am,
although traders have access from 7.30am. Contact Peter Cabban, G4OST,
on 01454 612689.
Finally, a new date of 29 March for the Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club
Annual Rally At The Share Centre, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, Ulster. Doors
open at 12 noon. Details from Ian on 0286 632 6693.
---------------------------
Now for the news of special events
The Galway Radio Experimenters Club will be operating a portable station
from Inis Mor on the Arann Islands for the duration of St. Patrick's
day,17 March. Using the callsign EJ4GRC, they will be operating on all
bands and modes and a commemorative QSL card will be sent to all
stations worked and also to any SWLs that hear the station and request a
card. This is the first outing by the Club to the Arann Islands.
Foyle & District Amateur Radio Club have been issued the special event
callsign GB5SPD to celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. They will be on air
from 14 to 20 March. Further details on www.mn0aku.org.
TC18M will be on the air between 17 and 19 March to commemorate a
Turkish naval victory in 1915. The station will be using the HF bands
both SSB and CW. The QSL manager is TA3FB and details can be found on
qrz.com.
There has been a series of lighthouse activations around Istanbul by TC
Special Wireless Activity Team. The next date, location and callsign is:
21 and 22 March from the Rumeli Turkeli Lighthouse using the callsign
TC1RLH.
--------------------
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources.
VK9GMW will be active from Mellish Reef in a low-key DXpedition between
22 March and 6 April. The operation will have a strong low-band focus.
QSL via HA7RY direct, by the Bureau or using Logbook to the World. The
dates of this operation are approximate and subject to change with
little notice
F5TGR will be active as stroke FG from Guadeloupe between 14 and 28
March. Look for him from 40m up to 10m using CW and SSB. QSL via F5TGR.
LT9L will operate from the shores of Lake Luna in Argentina. Activity
will be on the 80, 40, 20 and 15 metre bands using CW, SSB, PSK, RTTY
and SSTV. QSL via EA5FL and the address is correct at qrz.com.
An International DXpedition will activate Lord Howe Island between 23
March and 3 April using the callsign VK9LA.
----------------------
Now the contest news
The final 70MHz Cumulative Contest of the season takes place on 15 March
from 2000 to 2230. The exchange is signal report, serial number and
locator.
17 March sees the RSGB 1.3 and 2.3GHz Activity Contest. Using all modes
on these two bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and
locator.
The RSGB 80m Club Championship SSB leg is on 19 March from 2000 to 2130.
The exchange is signal report and serial number.
RTTY fans have the BARTG HF RTTY event between 21 and 23 March. The
contest runs from 0200 to 0200 using all bands from 3.5 to 28MHz. The
exchange is signal report, serial number and time in GMT.
CW and SSB operators have the Russian DX Contest over the weekend of 21
and 22 March. Using the 1.8 to 28MHz bands, the exchange is signal
report and serial number.
On 24 March the RSGB 50MHz Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230.
using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and
locator.
------------------------
Now the solar report for the period from the 2nd to the 8th of March,
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS.
The solar disc was spotless everyday except for the 6th and the 7th when
a very small two spot sunspot group appeared. Solar activity was very
low. Solar flux levels remained at 69 units everyday except for the 4th
which increased one point to 70. The average was 69. The 90 day solar
flux average on the 8th was 70 units, that's the same level as last
week. X-ray flux levels remained below the minimum reporting level every
day. Geomagnetic activity was quiet throughout, saying that, a coronal
hole disturbance arrived early on the 8th but it's effect on propagation
was minimal and the Ap for the day was only 8 units. The average was Ap
4 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds
increase from 310 kilometres per second to 450 by the 8th. Particle
densities were low except for the 5th which increased to 22 particles
per cubic centimetre and the 8th which increased to 14. Bz varied little
on the quiet days and between minus 7 and plus 9 nanoTeslas on the 8th.
And finally the solar forecast. This week should see solar activity
continue at very low levels. The solar disc could be spotless on most
days. Solar flux levels are expected to be around the 70 mark all week.
Geomagnetic activity is expected to be at quiet levels everyday. MUFs
during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 18MHz for the
south and 15MHz for the north. The darkness hour lows should be about
9MHz. Paths this week to South Africa should have a maximum usable
frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 24MHz. The optimum
working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 20MHz.
The best time to try this path will be between 0800 and 1800 hours UTC.
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 e-mail addresses and website
links where known.
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST and EAST ANGLIA
The Newbury and District Amateur Radio Club are holding an Intermediate
training weekend on 21 and 22 March, with the practical and exam on 25
April. For more information or to register your interest please contact
the course organiser, Steve Elliott, M0SEL on 07799 897 839 or by email
to s_elliott293<at>btinternet.com.
On Monday 16 March Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk by the fundraisers for Essex air ambulance. Contact John,
M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.
On Monday 16 March Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a practical demo
of Echolink and E-QSO by G0SKA. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.
On Tuesday 17 March Andover Radio Amateurs Club is looking at operating
modern transceivers. Contact Martin, M0MWS, on 0777 618 1646.
On Tuesday 17 March Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is operating from
the shack. Contact Steve, 0142 720815.
On Tuesday 17 March Verulam Amateur Radio Club is having an astronomical
talk by Paul, G4YQC. Contact Ralph, 01923 265572.
On Wednesday 18 March Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is on
the air and having a CW training session. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442
831 491.
On Wednesday 18 March Dover Radio Club is having its Annual General
Meeting. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to g4sau<at>DARC.org.uk.
On Wednesday 18 March Fareham and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on the oscilloscope by Derek, G4JLP. Contact Ken, M0KLS, on 02392
797 240.
On Wednesday 18 March Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a visit by
RadCom Editor Elaine Richards, G4LFM. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on
01362 691099.
On Wednesday 18 March Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a radio discussion evening. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.
On Thursday 19 March Cray Valley Radio Society is having a radio quiz
with G8ITB. Contact Bob, BRS32525, on 020 8265 7735 after 8pm.
On Thursday 19 March King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ral-g3rsv<at>supanet.com.
On Thursday 19 March Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
working on the club project. Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.
On Thursday 19 March Sutton and Cheam Radio Society is having a talk on
the technology behind entertaining light by Chris Chew, M3YGO. Contact
John, G0BWV, on 0208 6449945.
On Friday 20 March South Essex Amateur Radio Society Rally is having a
meal at The Chichester, Rawreth, Wickford. Contact southessex.ARS<at>btin
ternet.com.
On Friday 20 March Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a talk on
the G3XFD Experience by John Warburton, G4IRN. Details on the web at
www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.
On Saturday 21 March Bittern DX Group is having its annual dinner at The
Feather's Hotel, Holt. Contact Keith, G0GFQ, on 01263 588 506.
--------------------
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST
The inaugural meeting for the formation of The Jersey Amateur Radio
Repeater Group will be at the Jersey Amateur Radio Society club house at
La Moye on Wednesday 25 March at 7.30pm. Proposals or nominations for
committee posts can be made in advance or on the night of the meeting
and should be addressed to Rob Luscombe on 07797 923916 or by email to
robialbion<at>yahoo.co.uk.
On Monday 16 March Appledore and District Amateur Radio Club is holding
its AGM. Contact Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on 01237 473251.
On Tuesday 17 March West Devon Radio Club is having a loop construction
night. Contact Jules Cuddy, M1AGY, on 01752291588.
On Wednesday 18 March South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having an open
night. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834 282.
On Wednesday 18 March Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is
watching a video. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234.
On Wednesday 18 March Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a video night. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048.
On Wednesday 18 March Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a natter night. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698.
On Thursday 19 March Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750.
On Thursday 19 March Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
D-Star by G6LLP. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to g.swain<at>tesco.net.
On Friday 20 March Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having an operating
night. Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to g6fsp<at>tars.org.uk.
----------------
NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS
On Sunday 15 March Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a
DF fox hunt for fun with the first transmission at 10:30. Contact Dave
Wilde, G1YAI, by email to webmaster<at>hrrarc.com.
On Monday 16 March Gloucester Amateur Radio And Electronics Society is
having a DF hunt. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.
On Monday 16 March South Birmingham Radio Society is having a committee
meeting. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.
On Monday 16 March South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur Radio
Club is having a junk sale. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773 783658.
On Monday 16 March Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society is having a CW
introduction evening. Contact Simon, G8PAN, on 07977 266643.
On Tuesday 17 March Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on how radio amateurs played a vital part in wartime intelligence
gathering. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to radio<at>dadars.org.uk.
On Tuesday 17 March Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on the up and downs of kite design and construction by
Brian, G4JCH and Ian, G8SNF. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.
On Wednesday 18 March Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having
an Advanced training evening. The room will be available from 7pm.
Contact Dave Wilde, G1YAI by email to webmaster<at>hrrarc.com.
On Wednesday 18 March Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a challenge the
committee evening. Contact John, G1TSL, on 01526 323 153.
On Wednesday 18 March Midland Amateur Radio Society is having a laptop
computer evening. Contact Norman, G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.
On Wednesday 18 March South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having revision
and questions from the weekend. Contact Terry, M0RIA, on the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.
On Wednesday 18 March Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on Marconi by Martyn, G3UKV. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952
299 677.
On Thursday 19 March Salop Amateur Radio Society Is having a natter
night. Details on the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk.
On Friday 20 March Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a committee meeting. Contact Chris, M0BQE, on 01905 776 869.
On Friday 20 March Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a
construction night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363.
On Friday 20 March Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a
club night from 8pm. Contact Dave Wilde, G1YAI by email to
webmaster<at>hrrarc.com.
On Friday 20 March Melton Mowbray Amateur Radio Society is having a talk
on "Who can we talk to tonight?" by Phil, G4LWB and Geoff, G3STG.
Contact Geoff, G3STG, on 01664 480 733.
On Friday 20 March South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.
On Friday 20 March Stenigot 'Chainhome' Amateur Radio Club is having a
table top Sale from 6.30pm. Contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ, on 01507 600202.
On Saturday 21 March South Notts Amateur Radio Club is having a weekend
theory session. Contact Terry, M0RIA, on the web at www.radioclubs.net/sn
arc.
-----------------
NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
On Monday 16 March Angel Of The North Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036.
On Monday 16 March Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having an operating
night for new licensees. Contact Mike Gordon, G0TKO, on 01709 382479.
On Tuesday 17 March Chester and District Radio Society is having a talk
about living on Sakhalin Island, Russia, by Keith Williams. Contact
Barbara Green on 0151 339 9183.
On Tuesday 17 March Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
how to give a presentation by Jim, G3NFB. Contact Roger, M0DWQ, on 07868
000 705.
On Wednesday 18 March Denby Dale Radio Club is having a talk and
demonstration on amateur TV. Contact Gerald, G3SDY, on 01484 602905.
On Wednesday 18 March Goole Radio and Electronics Society is having a
contest planning evening. Contact Ken, G6YYN, on 01757 638539.
On Wednesday 18 March Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having an activity
night and talk by Steve, G4GPY. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on
01377 240573.
On Wednesday 18 March Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having an
activity night plus Foundation and Intermediate training. Contact Peter
Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553401.
On Thursday 19 March South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is having
its equinox equipment sale. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.
On Thursday 19 March York Radio Club is having Morse lessons and radio
exam instruction. Contact Tony Skaife G4XIV, on 01904 330502.
On Friday 20 March East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air.
Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.
On Friday 20 March Tynemouth Radio Club is discussing horizontal antenna
design. Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to mail<at>g0nwm.com.
----------------
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND
On Tuesday 17 March Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club evening. Contact Norman, on 0131 449 7641.
On Wednesday 18 March Ayr Amateur Radio Group is having a construction
evening. Contact Charlie, MM0GNS, on 01563 551704.
On Wednesday 18 March Paisley YMCA Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on the practical use of the humble volt-meter by GM3UWX. Contact Bill
Anderson, 2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633.
On Thursday 19 March Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
Polar Quest. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.
On Thursday 19 March Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club is shining a light
on darkest Borneo with Tom Wylie. Contact Ellis Gaston, GM0HPK, on 01776
820413.
On Friday 20 March Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk by Malcolm Gibson on databases and their uses. Contact Bob,
GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.
On Friday 20 March West Of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having a
health awareness presentation by Craig McNally of the NHS. Contact Fred
Coombes, 2M0BIN, on 01415715512.
-----------------
NEWS FOR WALES
On Tuesday 17 March Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is having a Q and A
session on RSGB matters with RSGB regional manager Mark Harper. Details
on 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.
-------------------------------------------------
73
Trev,
SysOp gb7fcr.#16.gbr.eu
E-Mail trev@gb7fcr.co.uk
Packet Radio <-> InterNet Gateway
RF & Telnet access
BBS Web Site http://www.gb7fcr.co.uk
WinPack Web Site http://www.winpack.org.uk
Message timed: 03:18 on 12 Mar 09
Message sent using WinPack-Telnet V6.80
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Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes.
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