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M1CUK > NEWS 29.02.08 21:00l 543 Lines 22397 Bytes #999 (0) @ EU
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GB2RS NEWS
Sunday 2 March
The news headlines
• Science Week approaches
• BBC close European World Service transmitters
• Museums on the Air extended
This year’s National Science and Engineering Week runs from Friday 7 to
Sunday 16 March. Organised by the British Association for the
Advancement of Science, the programme has around 2,000 events throughout
the UK. Its aim is to celebrate science, engineering and technology,
including of course amateur radio.
One such event is run by Hilderstone Radio and Electronics Club. They
will be at Chatham House Grammar School on Saturday morning 8 March to
demonstrate amateur radio and electronics. There will be opportunities
to see some of the latest advances in communication technology including
D-Star digital communication via the internet. These will be alongside
traditional radio communication on the short, VHF and UHF bands. The
school’s radio and electronics club will also be displaying some of
their robots.
----------------------
The BBC has announced that all its shortwave radio transmissions to
Europe ceased on 18 February 2008. Although they recognise that this
will be a loss to some of their listeners, they point out that BBC World
Service radio programmes are delivered to Europe via other platforms
including longwave at night. The experimental Digital DRM transmissions
for North East continental Europe will continue unaffected. Full details
of World Service sound broadcasts can be found on the web at
bbc.co.uk/worldservice. The BBC's World Service grew from the original
Empire Service, which was inaugurated in 1932. Last year it celebrated
its 75th anniversary, with an estimated world audience of some 180
million.
-----------------------
Last week, we brought you the news that International Museums Weekend
takes place on 14 and 15 June. This has now been extended to two
weekends by adding 21 and 22 June. Those intending to join in should
register their museum on the International Museums Weekend website,
www.ukradioamateur.co.uk/imw. The organiser can be contacted on email at
harry.m1byt@tiscali.co.uk, or by telephone on 07740 030 644 or 0113 2866
897.
-----------------------
ARRL’s DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, has clarified the situation
regarding the DXCC status of newly independent Kosovo. It cannot be
added to the list of DXCC entities until it becomes a member of the UN,
or if it receives a prefix block from the ITU. The date of inclusion in
DXCC will be the date that either of these conditions is met.
-----------------------
It is reported that some amateurs in the Czech Republic will soon have
access to the 4 metre band.
There are plans to issue up to 20 special permits for 70.2 to 70.3MHz
with 10 Watts ERP. The permits will be valid until 31 December 2008.
------------------------
In these increasingly safety conscious days, it pays to take all
possible precautions when running an event. Keith Hotchkiss, G0FEA, has
created sample risk assessment documents for amateur radio special event
stations. These are available for free download from his personal web
site, www.yaesu.org.uk. The site also includes a variety of other health
and safety documents.
------------------------
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Sunday 2 March is the second day of the Military and Vintage Radio Club
annual indoor table top vintage radio and military radio junk sale in
south-east London. The venue is Firepower, the Royal Artillery Museum,
Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. Further details can be obtained by telephone on
0208 654 2582, or on the web at www.firepowerradiorally.zoomshare.com.
On Sunday 2 March, the Exeter radio and Electronics Rally takes place at
America Hall, Pinhoe, Exeter. Further information from Pete, G3ZVI on
07714 198374.
The Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place on
Sunday 2 March. The venue is the Britten Arena, Wood Green Animal
Shelter, King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.
For more details contact David, G8JKV, on 01223 355254, or email
rally@cdarc.co.uk.
Sunday 9 March sees the Bournemouth Radio Society’s 20th Annual Sale. It
is at the Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Kinson,
Bournemouth. Doors open at 9.30. Further details are available from
John, G0HAT on 07719 700771.
The Wythall Radio Club Radio and Computer Rally takes place from 10am on
Sunday 9 March. The venue is the Woodrush Sports Centre. Shawhurst Lane,
Hollywood, near Birmingham. Details can be found on the web at
www.wrcrally.co.uk, or from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412819, email
g0eyo@blueyonder.co.uk.
More details of these and future events can be found in the March
edition of RadCom.
---------------------
Now for the news of special events
Until 16 March, GB4IPY will be operational as part of International
Polar Year. The reference number is WAP-098 which is valid for WAP
Awards. Further information can be found at www.charlesm0oxo.piczo.com.
No fewer than eleven Lithuanian special event stations are currently
active with the prefix LY90. This is to celebrate the 90th anniversary
of independence in the Lithuanian Republic.
---------------------
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources.
This week sees the start of another major DXpedition, this time to
Clipperton Island in the Pacific. The callsign will be TX5C and the
expedition will run six stations simultaneously on CW, SSB and digital
modes using all bands between 160 and 10 metres. The planned start date
is Friday 7 March and the operation will last 12 days. In addition to
the amateur radio activity, the expedition includes scientists and a
doctor. There’s much more information on the web at www.clipperton2008.or
g.
From Sunday 9 March, a week-long expedition will operate from various
castles and forts on the Isle of Man. Club calls GT4KPT, GT8LED and
GT3GWB will used. They expect to activate several WAB areas during the
week.
G3RWF is active from Uganda as 5X1NH until 22 March. His operation will
be limited because he is on holiday but he expects to operate all HF
bands except 160 metres. Modes will be CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK. He will
run 100 watts to wire antennas. QSL to G3RWF.
F8CHM will be active as FR5EZ from Reunion Island, IOTA number AF-016,
until 21 March. He expects to be active on the HF bands and 6 metres, CW
and SSB.
-------------------
Now the contest news
The RSGB 144MHz and 432MHz contest finishes at 1400 on Sunday 2 March.
All modes are permitted and the exchange is RST, serial number and
locator.
Also ending on Sunday 2 March is the ARRL DX SSB Contest on all HF bands
which runs until 2359. The exchange is RST and serial number.
On Monday 3 March, the RSGB 80m Club Championship data contest takes
place on the 80m band between 2000 and 2130UTC. Exchange RST and serial
number.
Tuesday 4 March sees the RSGB 144MHz activity and club championship,
starting at 2000 and finishing at 2230UTC. All modes are permitted and
the exchange is RST, serial number and locator.
Over the weekend of 8 and 9 March there is the RSGB Commonwealth
Contest, known historically as BERU. There should be plenty of
Commonwealth DX activity for UK stations to work in this CW event. It is
held on 80 to 10 metres from 1000 on the Saturday to 1000 on the Sunday.
The exchange is RST and serial number. The event again includes the Team
Contest with teams from Canada, UK, Australia, DX, New Zealand and a new
one this year representing Africa. Medals for the Team Contest have been
sponsored by
Paul O'Kane, EI5DI, whose contesting software SDC is specifically
designed for the Commonwealth Contest.
Further details of the Commonwealth Contest are at www.beru.org.uk.
On Sunday 9 March, a session in the RSGB 70MHz Cumulative contest runs
between 1000 and 1200UTC.
All modes are permitted and the exchange is RST, serial number and
locator.
-----------------------
And now the solar factual data for the 18th to the 24th of February,
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS.
With the solar disc spotless everyday, solar activity was very low.
Solar flux levels remained almost static and only varied between 71 and
72 units. The average was 71.5 units. The 90 day solar flux average on
the
24th remained at the same level as last week at 75 units. X-ray flux
levels once again were below the minimum reporting level. As forecast,
geomagnetic activity started at unsettled levels due to a recurring
coronal hole. However, activity from the 20th declined to quiet levels.
The most disturbed days were the 18th and the 19th, both with an Ap
index of 12 units. The average was Ap 7 units. The ACE spacecraft saw
solar
wind speeds decline from 650 kilometres per second on the 19th to 400 by
the 24th. Particle densities were low throughout. Bz varied between
minus and plus 6 nanoTeslas on the 18th and between minus 3 and plus
3 nanoTeslas on the quietest day.
In short, a fairly uneventful bottom-of-the-cycle week. We will have a
few more of those before we see an unequivocal upturn. Much of the
interest at HF continued to centre on the VP6DX expedition. Despite
remaining frustratingly elusive for UK operators on the higher bands,
the operation, like the major contests, demonstrated that propagation
possibilities at the bottom of the cycle can be better than pessimists
had suggested. Meanwhile, VHF and UHF conditions were more or less back
to normal after ten-or-so days of extended tropo.
And now the solar forecast. All the signs are that solar activity will
continue at very low levels for the coming week. Solar flux levels
should be in the low 70s for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity
should be quiet until around Friday when a large recurring coronal hole
will increase activity. 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 around 8MHz. 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,
should be about 18MHz. The best time to try this path will be between
0800 to 1400 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
On Sunday 2 March Bromley And District Amateur Radio Society is running
a Foundation course at Victory Social Club, Kechill Gardens. Details on
the web at www.bdars.org, or by email to bdars@g0tlk.me.uk.
On Sunday 2 March Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a Sunday morning
fox hunt. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.
On Monday 3 March Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is having
a talk on stamp collecting by G2TGB. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460
947.
On Monday 3 March Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having its AGM. Contact
G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.
On Monday 3 March Southdown Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by
Chris, G4ZCS, on antenna feeder loss. Contact John, G3DQY, on
01424,424,319, or by email to vaughdqy@aol.com.
On Tuesday 4 March Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
Hylands House by Ceri Lowen and Richard Oscroft. Contact Martyn, G1EFL,
on 01245 469 008.
On Tuesday 4 March Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night and social evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247
2846, or on the web at www.hdarc.co.uk.
On Tuesday 4 March Leiston Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
weather satellites. Contact Dave, G4HUP, on 01473 737 717, or by email
to g4hup@btinternet.com.
On Tuesday 4 March North Kent Radio Society is having a natter night.
Contact Dave, G4YIB, on nkrs@crystaldave.com.
On Wednesday 5 March Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a general meeting. Contact Terry, G0VFW, on 01442 506 344, or by
email to terry.g0vfw@ntlworld.com.
On Wednesday 5 March Dover Radio Club is having a talk on operating in
Barbados by Peter, G0KOK. Contact Brian, G4SAU, by email to
g4sau@DARC.org.uk.
On Wednesday 5 March Havering and District Amateur Radio Club is having
an informal evening. Contact Dave, 2E0EBV, on 07956 594 514.
On Wednesday 5 March Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a table top
sale. Contact Mark Taylor, G0LGJ, on 01362 691099, or by email to
narc@g0lgj.co.uk.
On Wednesday 5 March Southdown Amateur Radio Society is operating at the
Halisham shack. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424,424,319, or by email to
vaughdqy@aol.com.
On Wednesday 5 March Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on radiosondes by Walter Blanchard, G3JKV. Contact Roy, G4GPX, on
01903 753 893.
On Thursday 6 March Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is starting new
Morse classes in Danbury Village Hall. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245
469 008.
On Thursday 6 March Colchester Radio Amateurs is having a presentation
by Trinity House. Contact Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766543784 or by email to
colchesterradioamateurs@hotmail.co.uk.
On Thursday 6 March Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a used
equipment sale. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.
On Thursday 6 March King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and 2 metre club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
ray-g3rsv@supanet.com, or on the web at www.klarc.org.uk.
On Thursday 6 March Maidenhead and District Amateur Radio Club is having
an informal evening. Contact John, G8RYW, on 01628 628 463, or by email
to g8ryw@tesco.net.
On Thursday 6 March Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having its AGM. Contact David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757.
On Friday 7 March Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having talks, "how
I started in radio". Contact Sue, G6YPY, on 01273 845 103, or by email
to sue@figgerit.co.uk.
On Friday 7 March Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having an operating
night. There will be no club meeting on 21 March. Contact Dave, G6FSP,
by email to g6fsp@tars.org.uk.
On Friday 7 March Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a talk on
Micro DX by Roger Western, G3SXW. Details on the web at
www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.
On Saturday 8 March Radio Society of Harrow is taking part in Science
Week with a weekend operation of GB2HM from the Harrow Museum. See
website for more details. Contact Linda, G7RJL, on 020 8386 8586,
or on the web at www.g3efx.org.uk.
-----------------------------
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST
On Wednesday 5 March Bath Amateur Radio Club is having an informal
evening. Contact Rob, M0TFO, on 01225 351 016, robpegs@hotmail.com.
On Wednesday 5 March Cornish Radio Amateur Club is having a talk by
David, G3NPB. Contact Ian, on 01872 561 058.
On Wednesday 5 March South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a kit
builder's evening with Muriel, G4YZR. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275 834
282.
On Wednesday 5 March Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on LF operating on 137 and 500kHz by Tom, G3OLB and Colin, G3HYV.
Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234, or by email to
g3wni@btinternet.com.
On Wednesday 5 March Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a talk by RSGB representative Dick Elford, G0XAY. Contact
Tony, G0WMB, by email to tonytsgarc@beeb.net.
On Wednesday 5 March Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a look at the Longleat Rally video archives, reliving 45 years of
the much loved and sadly defunct radio rally with Shaun O'Sullivan,
G8VPG. Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698, evenings and weekends.
On Thursday 6 March Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
construction contest. Contact Mike, M5CBS, on 01793 826 465.
On Thursday 6 March Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a construction
contest. Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to g.swain@tesco.net.
-------------------------------
NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS
On Monday 3 March Aldridge And Barr Beacon Amateur Radio Club is meeting
on the air. Contact Roy Horton, G4GRM, on 01922 691646, or by email to
leslie137@btinternet.com.
On Monday 3 March East Kent Radio Society is having a used equipment
sale. Contact Paul, G3VJF, on 01227 365 384, by email to
ekrsoc@gmail.com, or on the web at www.paulnic.com/ekrs.
On Monday 3 March Gloucester Amateur Radio And Electronics Society is
having a talk on Arrowsmith Timetable by Brian, G4CIB. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.
On Tuesday 4 March Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is having
its junk sale. Contact Martin, G3SZJ, on 01332 556 875.
On Tuesday 4 March Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is
having its annual dinner. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.
On Tuesday 4 March Wythall Radio Club is taking part in the 2m Club
Championship from the shack. Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819, or
by email to g0eyo@blueyonder.co.uk, or on the web at
www.wythallradioclub.co.uk.
On Wednesday 5 March Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having an open house. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677, or by email
to mjstreetg3jkx@blueyonder.co.uk.
On Thursday 6 March RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is on the air and
having a chatter night. Contact Martin, M0MDF, on 01522 752 785, or by
email to martin@farmer4.freeserve.co.uk.
On Thursday 6 March Salop Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Details on the web at www.salop-ARS.org.uk.
On Thursday 6 March Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is having a natter
night. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893, or by email to
colin.marks2@ntlworld.com.
On Friday 7 March Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association is having a
constructors exhibition. Contact Pat, G3IKR, on 01386 792 542.
On Friday 7 March Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on the
history of Caludon Castle by John Clarke OBE. Contact John, G8SEQ, on
02476 273 190, or by email to johng8seq@ntlworld.com.
On Saturday 8 March Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is running a
Foundation Course at St Francis Church Leyfields. Contact Colin Marks,
G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893, colin.marks2@ntlworld.com.
On Sunday 9 March Wythall Radio Club is running the Wythall Radio Rally.
Contact Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819, or by email to
g0eyo@blueyonder.co.uk, or on the web at www.wythallradioclub.co.uk.
-----------------------
NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
On Monday 3 March Macclesfield and District Radio Society is on the air
and having a social evening. Contact Tom, M1EYP, on 01625 612 916, by
email to tommyread@hotmail.com, or on the web at www.gx4mws.com.
On Monday 3 March Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by M0GDX
on ground planes and loopholes. Contact Trevor, M0TWS.
On Monday 3 March Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having a
show and tell evening. Contact Jack, G4BFH, by email to
jack.duddington@btinternet.com.
On Tuesday 4 March Chester and District Radio Society is having a
surplus sale. Details on the web at www.chesterdars.org.uk,
info@chesterdars.org.uk.
On Tuesday 4 March Stockport Radio Society is having a planning meeting
for the Reddish Rally. Contact David, M1ANT, on 0161 456 7832.
On Wednesday 5 March Hambleton Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by
Steve, G8IHT on 'Digital and fuzzy modes'. Contact Tim, G0TYM, on 01642
711 334, by email to g0tym@amsat.org, or on the web at
www.radioclubs.net/hambletonars.
On Wednesday 5 March Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
podcasts and amateur radio by Chris, G6KIA at The Old Bakery, Mereside,
Hornsea. Contact Sue, G6UQA, QTHR.
On Wednesday 5 March Maltby and District Amateur Radio Society is on the
air on VHF and UHF from the shack. Contact Keith, G1PQW, on 07801 156
678, or on the web at www.maltbyradio.org.uk.
On Wednesday 5 March Wirral and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
natter night at The Hoylake Lights, Hoylake. Contact Tom, G4BKF, on
07050 291 850.
On Friday 7 March East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a radio
magazine evening. Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671,
alistair.mackay@talk21.com.
On Friday 7 March South Manchester Radio And Computer Club is discussing
NARSA Rally preparations. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.
On Friday 7 March Tynemouth Radio Club is having an operating night.
Contact Tony, G8YFA, by email to tony.regnart@gmail.com.
-----------------------------
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND
On Tuesday 4 March Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on mobile radio installation. Contact Norman, 07740 946
192, or on the web at uk.groups.yahoo/group/ms0liv.
On Wednesday 5 March Paisley (YMCA) Amateur Radio Club is having a talk
on mini portable operating. Contact Jim, GM3UWX.
On Thursday 6 March Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a junk
sale. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663, or on the web at
www.aars.freeserve.co.uk.
On Friday 7 March Border Amateur Radio Society is having a junk and
surplus sale. Contact Ray, GM0CDV, on 01573 228730.
On Friday 7 March Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is having
a normal club night. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.
On Friday 7 March West Of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having a
club night. Details on the web at www.wosars.org.
-----------------------------
NEWS FOR WALES
On Monday 3 March Dragon Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
Professor David Last, GW3MZY, on 'Where in the world is Llanfairpwll?'.
Contact Martin, GW3PRL.
On Tuesday 4 March Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society is on the air.
Contact Les, GW8PSJ, on 01239 811922.
-----------------------------
NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
On Thursday 6 March Bangor and District Amateur Radio Club is having
talks on wire antennas by Harry, GI4JTF and Logger32 by Pete, GI4VIV.
Contact Mike, GI4XSF, on 028 4277 2 383.
-----------------------------
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
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Message timed: 18:38 on 29 Feb 08
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