GB2RS News Script



GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 21st January 2018

The news headlines:

• Neville Cheadle, G3NUG, silent key

• GMDX Group sponsors new VHF-UHF DX contest

• 15 new SOTA associations added in 2017

It is with great sadness that the RSGB reports that Eric Neville Cheadle, G3NUG passed away unexpectedly on the 14th of January. Neville was an amateur’s amateur. A gentleman of the airwaves, he was also a terrific and prolific operator. Chairman of Chiltern DX Club for many years, Neville was a keen contester and the driving force behind numerous DXpedition operations, many of which he went on himself. He was a long-time RSGB volunteer, including a Board member and organiser of the RSGB HF Convention. He will be missed around the world by his many amateur friends and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

The GMDX Group is sponsoring a new annual competition to promote VHF-UHF DX and contesting activity in the geographical north and west of the British Isles, and to give stations everywhere an opportunity to work those areas. The competition is based on the GMDX Celtic Knot Award, which is for working stations in GM, GI, GD, GW, Cornwall and EI. The Celtic Knot VHF-UHF Competition takes advantage of the activity created by the RSGB VHF-UHF UK Activity Contests. Entry for the Celtic Knot VHF-UHF Competition will be automatic. Simply operate in each UKAC in the normal way, submit a log, or checklog, and GMDX will do the rest. Full details, rules, frequently asked questions and the first update of the monthly progress ladders are already online at

Fifteen new SOTA associations were added during the year 2017, bringing the total to 136 worldwide. These included IA, Isole Africane d`Italia, VO1, Canada – Newfoundland, FG, Guadeloupe, VY1, Canada – Yukon and ZB2, Gibraltar. For any countries not yet represented, the SOTA Management Team is happy to provide advice and support in the aim of bringing qualifying areas into the global programme. Please get in touch via the page .uk/Contact

The DP0GVN WSPR beacon now is in operation from Antarctica. It is in the German Neumayer III Research Station of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research. The installation is part of a scientific project of the Technical University of Munich in cooperation with the University of Bremen and the German national amateur radio society, DARC. The technology consists of a multiband WSPR receiver that can simultaneously monitor up to eight bands from 160 to 6 metres and feed several hundred receive reports per hour to WSPRnet. The 5W multiband transmitter also has been commissioned and is working into a vertical antenna.

The RSGB has responded to a consultation in the Isle of Man regarding licensing additional spectrum in the 3.4GHz band for commercial use. This is immediately adjacent to the UK amateur allocation. Details of the consultation and the RSGB response can be found on the Spectrum Forum section of the website or via GB2RS-0121-A.

[Note to Newsreaders: the original, full URL is ]

The Australian licensing authority will permit all Australian radio amateurs to substitute the VK prefix with AX on Australia Day, the 26th of January. Australia Day commemorates the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788 at Sydney Cove and the establishment of a European settlement at Port Jackson.

W.I.T.C.H. Takeover takes place on Thursday, the 15th of February from 12 noon to 5pm at the National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park MK3 6EB. This event will be a tie-in with a visit and speech by artist John Yeadon, creator of the paintings “Portrait of a Dead Witch” and “Portrait of a Live Witch”. The day will involve an in-depth speech from John Yeadon on the creation of his painting of the Harwell Dekatron, or W.I.T.C.H. computer, 35 years on, followed by the chance for visitors to get their hands dirty and create their own masterpieces with a variety of practical art activities for kids. Tickets cost from £8.67 and can be booked online via GB2RS-0121-B

[Note to Newsreaders: the original, full URL is ]

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

We have no details in the diary for any rallies this weekend. But on the 27th of January the Horncastle Radio Rally will take place at Banovallum School, Mareham Road Entrance LN9 6DA. Entry will be £2. The venue is indoors, on one level, with all the usual attractions including bacon butties. There is free car parking on site. Details from Tony, G3ZPU, on 01507 527 835.

To get your rally or event information into future editions of GB2RS News, in RadCom and on the RSGB website, please email details to radcom@.uk. Please do not just assume we know about your event.

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

Brian, GW4DVB will be operating a small holiday DXpedition to Palm Island in St Vincent and the Grenadines, IOTA reference NA-025. He will operate from the 21st to the 28th January using the callsign J88PI. The equipment will be an FT-991A with 100W into a 10m vertical on the 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands. QSL direct only to PO Box 20:20, Llanharan, Pontyclun, Wales CF72 9ZA. More information at g4dvb.co.uk/

Thomas, DL9OBQ is operating as 9Z4/DL9OBQ from Saint Augustine, Trinidad Island, IOTA SA-011, until the 7th of February. Activity is on 30, 17 and 15 metres using mostly CW. QSL to his home callsign.

Livio, IZ3BUR will be transmitting as J52EC from a mission in Cumura, in Guinea-Bissau, from the 24th of January to the 21st of February. QSL to his home callsign.

Mathias, DL4MM will be on the air as P4/DL4MM from Aruba from the 24th to the 31st of January. Activity is on the low bands. He will be active as P40AA in the CQ World Wide 160m CW contest. QSL to his home callsign.

Jeff, K8ND is operating as PJ2ND from the Signal Point station in Curaçao until the 5th of February. Activity is on the HF bands. He and Jim, W8WTS will be on the air as PJ2T in the CQ World Wide 160m CW contest. QSL PJ2ND via K8ND and PJ2T via W3HNK.

Rudi, DK7PE plans to be on the air as V5/DK7PE from Omarura in Namibia from the 24th to the 31st of January. Activity will be on the HF bands with an emphasis on 160 and 60 metres. This includes being an entry in the CQ World Wide 160 Meter CW contest. QSL to his home callsign.

Daniel, KD9HNL is operating as VP2MDH in Montserrat until the 29th of January. Activity is on various FM satellites. QSL via Logbook of The World.

Now the special event news

GB1LBC will be on the air from Silloth RNLI Lifeboat Station on the 27 and 28th of January, to raise awareness of the work the volunteer crews undertake in the coastal waters of the UK. Main operating bands will be 40m voice and 20m digital modes, mostly PSK and FT8. Other bands may be used if conditions allow. QSL information is on .

An increasing number of special event callsign applicants seem to miss the publicity tick box on the application form. If you do not tick the box on the second page of the form, Ofcom cannot pass your details to RSGB for publicity in the RadCom Special Events table, on the RSGB website, and in this section of GB2RS News. We would encourage all applicants to make sure they do tick the box that lets us help publicise their event.

Now the contest news

On Tuesday the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3 to 10GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The CQ WW 160m DX Contest runs for 48 hours, starting 2200UTC on Friday the 26th. Using CW only on the 1.8MHz band, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone, with US stations sending their State and Canadian stations sending their Province. Remember that D-Region absorption will render the band pretty much useless during daylight hours.

The BARTG RTTY Sprint runs from 1200UTC on the 27th to 1200UTC on the 28th. Using the 3.5 to 28MHz bands, the exchange is serial number.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday 19th January.

Last week saw unsettled HF conditions in the first half, but more settled ones later on. A high-speed stream from a coronal hole pushed the K index to four and five last weekend, and maximum usable frequencies were depressed until at least Thursday. The HF bands were often very lacklustre, with even 20m struggling to show much DX, although the E31A Eritrea DXpedition was audible at times on bands up to 15 metres. The lower bands were humming though, with Andy, M0NKR reporting that he had worked Hawaii, KH7 on 40 metres.

Daytime critical frequencies are currently hitting a maximum of about 5.5MHz, which means 40 metres is not open to close-in contacts. For inter-G work we suggest that 80 or 60 metres would be the best options. Daytime maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path, derived from Chilton Ionosonde data and available at propquest.co.uk, are currently between about 18-22MHz around mid-day.

The 4U1UN international beacon on 14.100MHz is currently being heard in the UK on most afternoons, although the higher frequency 18.110 and 21.150MHz transmissions are generally more elusive.

Next week, we have the effects of another coronal hole to contend with. The high-speed solar wind, which may exceed 500 kilometres per second, is expected to impact the Earth by Saturday 20th, and we may see the K index rising to five. After a potential short-lived enhancement, expect maximum usable frequencies to be adversely affected through to around Tuesday or Wednesday. The rest of the week should be more settled geomagnetically.

NOAA predicts the solar flux will remain hovering around the 70 mark, as the only sunspot visible is a tiny fleck, which looks very unthreatening.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

The unsettled weather will continue into next week, but at least it may provide some strong rain shower activity at times, which is good for microwave band rain scatter. As a matter of interest, as the winter progresses, the seas cool and eventually maritime showers around the coasts become less significant for this propagation mode. We then have to wait for the land to warm in the spring and give us the familiar April showers!

The other VHF interest may involve some marginal Tropo conditions over southern Britain later in the week as high pressure builds across the near continent. The effects may mainly be confined to southern Britain, with paths to Europe and perhaps across the southern North Sea to the Baltic.

We are now in the annual low in sporadic meteor activity, which lasts until the Lyrids shower at the end of April. This means that random meteor scatter contacts will be harder to complete.

The Moon’s declination is increasing this week and it is coming closer after last week’s apogee. With positive declination from Tuesday and falling losses, conditions will get better for EME as the week progresses. Lowest losses coincide with next weekend, so get those antennas pointing at the moon.

And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

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

We start with news from Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association that they will be running a Foundation Licence course on the weekend of the third and fourth of March, with the exam on the 11th. If you are interested in joining the course, please make contact as soon as possible via email to training@g5bk.uk.

Now for clubs that have several events this week. Wythall Radio Club has its net at 8pm today and next Sunday on 145.225MHz or GB3WL. On Tuesday there’s a Morse class and the regular nibbles night in the shack is on Friday from 7.30pm. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on 0771 041 2819.

Coventry Amateur Radio Society has an open net on Monday from 8pm on 145.375MHz FM and / or 7.16MHz SSB ± QRM. Thursday sees an open net from 8pm on 50.175MHz SSB and on Friday there’s a video night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 0795 877 7363.

Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is having informal activities on Monday. The main club net is on Wednesday from 7.30pm on 145.475MHz FM. On Thursday there’s a net on 145.475MHz from 7.30pm, often then moving to 80m SSB. Friday sees a net from 7.30pm on 432.220MHz USB. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01242 699 595, daytime.

Leicester Radio Society is having a Morse class on Monday followed by a talk on radio waves from the stars by Keith, G6UBP. Thursday sees a drop-in session for a cuppa and biscuits with Alex, G8FCQ from noon to 5pm. Contact Sandra Morley, G0MCV, on 0793 027 4044.

Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is having a shack night on Monday. Thursday sees the club net from 8pm on 145.325MHz, and there’s a shack night and projects update on Friday. For details contact Paul Gamble, G1SGZ, via email to pr@.uk.

Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society has a club meeting on Monday. Tuesday sees a DMR open net from 7.20pm on GB7FW slot/local 2. Details from Robert Bird, via email to rob2e0zap@.

Malvern Hills RAC is having an informal evening on Tuesday. Wednesday sees the club net on 145.350MHz FM from 8pm. Contact Dave, G4IDF, on 01905 351 568.

Rugby ATS has CW practice and training, radio operation and projects on Tuesday. On Saturday there’s a presentation and discussion by Steve, G8LYB on using Minos for contesting & PC troubleshooting, plus the HF & VHF shack will be on the air alongside radio operation and projects. Contact Steve, G8LYB, on 0178 857 8940.

Salop Amateur Radio Society has its club CW net on Tuesday from 4.30pm on 144.070MHz. Wednesday sees the club net on GB3LH from 8.30pm and on Thursday there’s a video evening. For details, email salopamateurradio@.

South Birmingham Radio Society has its regular coffee morning from 11am on Tuesday. Thursday sees training classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL and on Friday there’s work in the shack. Contact Gemma, M6GKG, by email to gemmagordon.m6gkg@.

Staffordshire Portable Amateur Radio Club has a meeting on Tuesday at Bolehall Manor Club. Saturday sees a visit to Chasewater Country Park. For details, see .

Worksop Amateur Radio Society is having a club night on Tuesday. On Thursday there’s an introduction to APRS. Details on 0789 062 6684.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. Burton Amateur Radio Club has its net today on 145.575MHz from 7.30pm. Contact Mike Lewis, M0XMX, on 0785 068 5961.

On Monday Stratford upon Avon & District Radio Society has its net on 145.275MHz FM from 8pm. Contact Clive, G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.

On Tuesday Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is having another brush with art with Albert, G1KSC. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Tuesday Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is having mini talks. Details from Don, G4CYG, on 01926 424 465.

On Wednesday Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding an open meeting and review of 2018 rallies to visit. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 0780 807 8003.

On Wednesday South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society has its net on GB3GR from 8pm. Contact Andrew, M0NRD, on 0796 906 2859.

On Wednesday Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is holding its second winter projects evening. Details from John Humphreys, M0JZH, on 0782 473 7716.

On Friday Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club is having a club night. Contact John, G4OJS, on 0788 9678 303.

On Friday Spalding & District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on off-grid radio by Nick, G4BMH. Details from Graham Boor, G8NWC, on 0775 461 9701.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

We start with clubs that have several events this week. Denby Dale Radio Club has its net via GB3HD from 10.30am today and next Sunday. Details from Darran, G0BWB, on 0797 442 3227.

Stockport Radio Society continues its Foundation course today. Tuesday sees a Skills Night and on Friday it’s the net from 2pm on 433.525MHz FM. Next Saturday and Sunday sees the conclusion of the Foundation course and exam. Details from Heather Stanley, M6HNS, on 0750 690 4422.

Hartlepool Amateur Radio Club has its net on Wednesday on 145.575MHz. Friday sees a club night. Contact Anthony Elliott, M0VED, on 0792 699 8014.

Now back to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is having a talk. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday Bolton Wireless Club is having an open charity evening with pasty and peas and a table top sale. For details, send an email to boltonwireless@.

On Monday Macclesfield & District Radio Society is working on the club project. For details, email info@.

On Monday Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is watching a video. Details from John E Rodway, G4FRK, on 01253 862 810.

On Tuesday Chester & District Radio Society is holding a surplus sale. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.

On Wednesday Blyth Radio Club is holding a Foundation training evening. More information from John, 2E0DCV, on 0191 237 1729.

On Wednesday Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is planning for Radioactive. More information from Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 0791 931 5547.

On Wednesday Sheffield & District Wireless Society is having a technical and training evening. Contact Krystyna, 2E0KSH, on 0788 406 5375.

On Thursday South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is discussing digital radio, including D-Star and other formats. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

On Thursday Spen Valley Amateur Radio Society is holding a shack meeting. Details from Russell, G0FOI, on 01274 875 038.

On Friday East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is discussing whether we are hoarders. For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday Tynemouth Amateur Radio Club is having a club night. For details, see .

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

On Wednesday West Tyrone Amateur Radio Club is discussing the Raspberry Pi and its uses in amateur radio. For details, email info@.uk.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

On Tuesday Dundee Amateur Radio Club is having a club night and training evening. Contact Martin, 2M0KAU, on 0776 370 8933.

On Wednesday Glenrothes & District Radio Club is having a chat about the Field Day programme. More details from Dougie, MM6KNR, via email to dougie@digitalmaker.co.uk.

On Wednesday Lothians Radio Society is having a talk on 3D printing by Neil Gillies. Contact Mike Burgess, MM0MLB, via email to secretary@.

On Wednesday Perth & District Amateur Radio Group is holding a normal club night, to which all are welcome. More information from Ron Stratton, via email to mm3ygi@.

On Thursday Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding a construction and on the air evening. Contact Fred Gordon, GM3ALZ, on 01975 651 365.

On Friday West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by Alan, GM0USI on operating portable on 10GHz. For details, see .uk.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA

We start with a note from Worthing and District Amateur Radio Society that they have moved premises. The club now meets at Lions Hall, 21 Roberts Road, Lancing BN15 8AR. For details contact Al, M0OAL, via email to information@.uk.

Now for clubs that have several events this week. Hastings Electronics and Radio Club has its net today and next Sunday on 144.575MHz from 11am. On Wednesday there’s an operating, chat and on the air evening. Details from Gordon, on 01424 431 909.

Radio Society of Harrow has its club net on 1938kHz LSB from 12 noon today and next Sunday. Monday sees a net on 145.500MHz or 145.350MHz FM from 8.15pm. Details from Linda, G7RJL, via email to lcasey100@.

Surrey Radio Contact Club has a net on 1905kHz from 9.30am today and next Sunday. Monday sees a chat and fix-it evening with John, G8MNY. On Thursday there’s a club net on 70.300MHz from 8pmand Friday sees a net on 145.350MHz from 8pm. Contact John, G3MCX, on 020 8688 3322.

Fort Purbrook Amateur Radio Club has an open net on Monday from 9pm on 144.275MHz. Friday sees club station G3CNO on the air plus a review of winter projects. Details from Chris, G3WIE, via email to g3wie@.uk.

Peterborough & District Amateur Radio Club has its net on Monday on 1.980MHz. On Tuesday there’s a members' show and tell on their favourite radio. Details from Alan Ralph, via email to secretary@padarc.co.uk.

Loughton & Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society has its net on Thursday from 8pm on 144.725MHz. Next Saturday and Sunday sees a Foundation course and exam. Details from Dave De La Haye, M0MBD, on 0798 016 5172.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday Essex Ham has its net on GB3DA from 8pm, with chatroom and audio feed at . Contact Pete, M0PSX, via email to news@essexham.co.uk.

On Monday Felixstowe & District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on the British Antarctic Survey by Rob Blackwell, M0NIL. More information from Paul, G4YQC, by email to pjw@.

On Tuesday Braintree & District Amateur Radio Society is conducting PAC / PAT testing. Contact Edwin, G0LPO, on 01376 324 031.

On Tuesday Dorking & District Radio Society is having a practical evening on ham radio yesterday, discovered today with David Smith, M0SXD and Paul Ives, G3NIW. Contact David Browning, M6DJB, via email to djb.abraxas@.

On Wednesday Bracknell Amateur Radio Club has an open net from 8pm on 145.375MHz Contact David, M0XDF, via email to M0XDF@alphadene.co.uk.

On Wednesday Bromley & District Amateur Radio Society has its net on 145.400MHz from 9pm. Contact Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878 089.

On Wednesday Crawley Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM. Details form Richard, G3ZIY, on 01342 843 545.

On Wednesday Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club has its net at 8pm on 145.525MHz (S21) ± QRM. Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170.

On Wednesday Darenth Valley Radio Society Radio is on the air and having a natter night. Details from Mike, G8AXA, on 0788 415 7776.

On Wednesday Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having a talk via Skype by David Shoaf from Elecraft. Contact Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 308.

On Wednesday Southdown Amateur Radio Society has its FM net on 145.275MHz at 8.30am, then a cafe meeting at 12.30pm. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424 424 319.

On Wednesday Southgate Amateur Radio Club is holding a social evening at the Beautiful South Restaurant. Contact Keith, G8RPA, via email to g8rpa@.

On Thursday Bittern DX Group Club is meeting at the Crown to plan the 2018 club events calendar. Following the closure of the previous location the club has found a new venue, Aylsham & District Ex-Servicemens Social Club 64 Hungate Street, Norwich NR11 6AA. Details from Peter, G6ZRV, on 01603 879 552.

On Thursday Bredhurst Receiving & Transmitting Society is having a club night. Contact Nicky, via email to secretary@brats-.

On Thursday Hilderstone Radio and Electronics Club is holding an exam. Details from Ian, 2E0DUE, via email to secretary@.

On Thursday Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on the RSGB by Steve Thomas, M1ACB. More information from David, M0VTG, via email to secretary@hunts-hams.co.uk.

On Thursday Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on magnetic loops by Rael Paster, M0RTP. Contact Laurence James, G2DD, on 0758 470 6625.

On Thursday Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is running its construction contest. Details from David, G8UOD on 01234 742 757.

On Thursday Thurrock Acorns Amateur Radio Club has its 2m FM open net from 7.30pm. More information from Gordon, M0WJL, via email to acorns@taarc.co.uk.

On Friday Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM. Contact Richard, G4AWP, on 0770 229 5300.

On Friday Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio night and table top sale. Details from Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239 371.

On Friday Thames Amateur Radio Group has a CW net at 7.30pm on 144.250MHz then a voice net on GB3DA from 8pm. Contact Patrick Higham, G8JLM, on 01621 855 461.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

On Monday Weston Super Mare Radio Society is having a construction, operating and natter night. Contact Martin Jones, G7UWI, on 01934 613 094.

On Tuesday Blackmoor Vale Amateur Radio Society is having an HF evening. Details from Keith, M0TMO, on 01747 851 260.

On Wednesday Gordano Amateur Radio Group is having a club night. More information from Malcolm, G4KPM, via email to mal@g4kpm.co.uk.

On Thursday South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having an open house and on air night. Details from Andrew Jenner, G7KNA, on 0783 869 5471.

On Thursday Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a problem solving evening and committee meeting. Details from Rodney Edwards, M0RGE, on 01935 825 791.

On Friday Torbay Amateur Radio Society is holding its construction competition. Contact John, via email to G4VUD@.uk.

NEWS FOR WALES

On Monday Cleddau Amateur Radio Society is having a quiz night. Contact Heinz, MW0ECY, on 0774 804 7008.

On Monday Marches Amateur Radio Society is running the North East Wales open net from 9pm on 145.425MHz. For details, email steven.bobby20@yahoo.co.uk.

On Thursday Aberystwyth & District Amateur Radio Society has a club net, starting on 145.500MHz. Contact Ray, GW7AGG, on 01970 611 853.

On Thursday North Wales Radio Society is having a talk on Bletchley Park by Peter, GW4UWD. Contact Liz Cabban, GW0ETU, on 0776 019 0355.

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