DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SAVE THIS …



GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 15th December 2013

The news headlines:

• GB2RS and RSGB Christmas Schedule

• Ofcom issues statement on amateur licence progression

• FUNcube-1 Whole Orbit Data now available

 

There will be no GB2RS news readings on 29 December or 5 January. Normal service will be resumed on Sunday 12 January. RSGB HQ will close for the Christmas and New Year holiday at noon on Tuesday 24 December and re-open at 8.30am on Thursday 2 January.

During the wide debate about the forthcoming amateur radio licence review to be carried out by Ofcom, several amateurs have been in touch with the RSGB to express concern that they will either be required to progress to become Full licensees or to surrender their Foundation or Intermediate licence and give up the hobby. In response Ofcom have provided the following statement. “It is not Ofcom’s intention to discourage people from the hobby but we want to set up a framework that encourages those interested in pursuing the technical hobby to stretch their knowledge and operating skill. In our analysis we will be consulting on any changes to the licensing arrangements but we will be taking into account the accessibility and diverse interests provided by the hobby and we won’t be designing a regime that leaves or pushes people out.”

You can now download FUNcube-1, AO-73, Whole Orbit Data as a .csv file from the Data Warehouse. The file is produced at 23:59 every day and contains data for the preceding 24 hours. It contains all the channels shown on the Whole Orbit Data graph, which shows the latest orbit data captured. The Whole Orbit Data page is at .

Signals from WG2XRS, one of the USA special transmitting licences for the 75kHz band, crossed the Atlantic in early December using the newly added OP65 mode. 17 Opera monitor stations spread across the USA and western Europe listened for the transmissions, which started at 2200UTC. The first transmission period produced substantial automated signal reports from stations on the east side of the USA. Only Wolf in Germany, in JO52HP, decoded the signal. He is well known to those who experiment on the LF bands for providing reports on test transmissions. He decoded the 75kHz signal at 0225UTC, a distance of 6,246km. Tests are continuing.

A 60m beacon is transmitting PSK31 from South Africa on 5.250MHz at 5 minute intervals. Should you hear this beacon please send a signal report to beacon@zs6kts.co.za and a copy to propresearch@.za. Include your locator number with the report. Operated by the Kempton Park Amateur Radio Technical Society, it is hoped to add CW and WSPR in the near future.

Thousands of amateur radio operators around the world were able to say "Hi" to NASA's Juno spacecraft in October as it went past Earth on its way to Jupiter. The "say Hi" project was made possible by the fact that Juno passed within 350 miles of the Earth's surface on 9 October in a manoeuvre to gain momentum for its July 2016 encounter with Jupiter. Juno did not return the greeting or even directly decode the messages but the Juno team evaluated the Waves instrument data containing the messages when the spacecraft was still over 37,000 kilometres from the Earth.

A European windstorm named Oskari has brought down the famed 330 foot high Radio Arcala 160 and 80 metre tower and antenna at Finland’s OH8X station. The mammoth structure collapsed peacefully, not hitting any of the other six towers, not hurting people or damaging buildings. Inspectors are trying to evaluate the cause of the failure. Listen for OF9X on 20m from Radio Arcala over the holiday season.

The special event callsign celebrating the RSGB Centenary will be operated today and tomorrow by Greenisland Electronics ARS operating from Carrickfergus on the 10 to 80m bands using CW, SSB and data. On Monday and Tuesday the callsign passes to Lagen Valley ARS in Lisburn, running 10 to 80m using CW, SSB and RTTY. Wednesday sees the Marconi Radio Group operating from Ballycastle on all bands. Friday, Lagen Valley ARS are back in action running 10 to 80m using CW, SSB and RTTY. Finally for this week, Saturday and Sunday sees MI0MSR operating the callsign from Ballymoney using the 10, 15, 17 and 20m bands with PSK31 and RTTY. Details of how to get your QSL card are on the RSGB website, .uk, under the Operating drop down menu, clicking on Centenary Station.

Ofcom has published a statement confirming its plans to amend current regulations to allow the use of a wider range of transmission standards for 11m Citizens Band Radio in the UK. These will include AM, DSB and SSB, which will bring the UK in line with other European countries. Implementation is expected around the middle of 2014.

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

We have no details of rallies taking place during the rest of December. The next event in the diary is Bath Buildathon on 4 January. Booking is essential and the project is the 20m PSK Centenary Receiver. Intermediate Practical Assessments will also be available on the day. Contact Steve Hartley, G0FUW, by email to G0FUW@tiscali.co.uk.

If you have any rally or event information you’d like to appear in future editions of the News and in RadCom, please email details to GB2RS@.uk.

Now for the news of special events

ZS9MADIBA is a special event station to celebrate Nelson Mandela's legacy. It will be operated around South Africa. QSLing is via the bureau or by sending your QSL to SARL, PO Box 1721, Strubensvallei 1735, South Africa. You may also use Logbook of the World.

A special callsign, 3A60ARM, will be in use until the end of this month in Monaco to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the local radio association. QSLs should be sent via the 3A2 bureau and a special QSL card will be available in early 2014.

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

Ivo, 9A3A is now active as 9L1A from Sierra Leone for more than three months. 9L1A is a reissued callsign; QSL for the current operation is via 9A2AA, direct or via the bureau.

Jim, F5MCC will be active as FM/F5MCC from Martinique, NA-107, until 21 December. He will operate CW and SSB on the 10 to 40m bands. QSL via his home callsign, bureau preferred.

Erik, LA2US will be active as JW2US from Bear Island, EU-027 for six months, starting in December until May 2014. He will operate mainly CW in his spare time. QSL via LA2US, direct or via the bureau, plus Logbook of The World and eQSL.

Now the contest news

To promote activity on 6m during the winter, the UK Six Metre Group has introduced a new event to complement their Summer E’s Contest. Called the Winter Marathon, it will be held over a two-month period, commencing on 1 December 2013 and ending on 31 January 2014. It’s a 100% Locator square chase, with no points for individual QSOs, but as well as normal QSOs you can claim the squares worked in other 6m contests over the period. The exchange is signal report and locator.

The ARRL 10m Contest ends at 2359 today, 15 December, having been running for 48 hours. In this event everyone can work everyone. Please visit the website to see all the categories. The exchange is signal report and serial number with Ws, VEs and XEs sending their State or Province code.

On Tuesday the 1.3GHz UKAC takes place from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 6th to Thursday the 12th of December, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 13th of December.

The number of sunspot groups increased from 5 on the 7th and the 8th to 10 by the 10th. Most were small and simple but a couple were much larger. However, solar activity was only at low levels except for the 7th which increased to moderate levels when the only M class solar flare took place. Solar flux levels increased from 151 units on the 6th to 175 by the 9th. The average was 165 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 12th was 135 units, that's seven units up on last week. X-ray flux levels declined from C1 units on the 6th to B7.3 units by the 11th. The average was B8.7 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every day except for the 8th when activity increased due to a coronal hole disturbance. The disturbance was strong but short lived. The Ap index on the 8th was 17 units and the average for the period was 4 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 320 kilometres per second on the 6th to 690 by the 8th. Speeds then declined once the disturbance was over to 270 kilometres per second by the 12th. Particle densities were low except for the 7th and the 8th, which increased to 34 and 30 particles per cubic centimetre respectively. On the quiet days Bz varied between minus 2 and plus 1 nanoTeslas and between minus 24 and plus 20 nanoTeslas on the most disturbed day. HF band conditions were very good most days. Another high pressure system produced excellent propagation on the VHF and UHF bands up to 10GHz. All in all a good week.

Finally, the solar forecast for the coming week. This week solar activity is expected to be mostly low but there is a good chance that activity could increase to moderate levels on some days. Solar flux levels are expected to be around the 160s at first but may decline during the week. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet every day provided no coronal mass ejections head our way. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 33MHz, maybe slightly lower for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. Paths this week to Japan should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 26MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 20MHz. The best time to try this path will be around 0800 hours. A small but reliable winter Sporadic-E season takes place during the second half of December and lasts into the first half of January.

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

We start with clubs that have several events this week. Wythall Radio Club has its club net on 145.225MHz at 8pm today and next Sunday. Tuesday sees the regular Morse class at 7.45 and preparation for the club contest from 8.30pm. The regular shack social is on Friday from 7.30pm. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.

Coventry Amateur Radio Society has its club net on Monday and Friday on 145.375MHz. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.

South Birmingham Radio Society is on the air and having a ragchew on Monday. The regular coffee morning is on Tuesday from 11am and Friday sees work in the shack, fuelled by party leftovers. Contact Mick Cleary, G7RRP, on 07595 696 359.

Rugby ATS is taking part in the 1296MHz UKAC on Tuesday. On Saturday there’s a video about vintage electronics and valves by Mike, G8CTJ. Contact Steve, G8LYB, on 01788 578 940.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday Aldridge and Barr Beacon Amateur Radio Club is closed. Contact Albert, G0KFS, on 01922 614 169.

On Monday Gloucester Amateur Radio and Electronics Society has its annual buffet. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01242 699 595, daytime.

On Monday Leicester Radio Society is holding its Christmas bring and share evening. Contact Alex, G8FCQ, on 07531 201 640.

On Monday Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society is holding an open net on 70.475MHz from 7.30pm. More information from Robert Bird, by email to spirit.guide@hotmail.co.uk.

On Tuesday Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is having a fish and chip supper. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to radio@.uk.

On Tuesday Dudley and District Amateur Radio Society is taking part in the SHF 23cm UKAC and holding its Christmas celebrations. More information from Carl Roberts, M0ZCR, by email to m0zcr@live.co.uk.

On Tuesday Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club is having a playing cards fun night. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Wednesday Midland Amateur Radio Society is closed. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 07808 078 003.

On Wednesday Telford and District Amateur Radio Society is having a mince pie and mulled wine social evening. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday Central Radio Amateur Circle Group has its Christmas get together at the Turf Tavern from 7.30. Contact Martin Hallard, G1TYV, on 07906 905 071.

On Thursday RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is holding a nibbles night. Details from Bob, G3VCA, on 0791 166 250.

On Friday Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio Club is holding its Christmas meeting. Contact Chris, M0BQE on 01905 776 869.

On Friday Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a Christmas buffet. Details from Dave Wilde, G1YAI, by email to treasurer@.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

The new South East Northumberland Amateur Radio Club meets on Wednesday evenings from 7pm at the Memorial Hall, Saint Michaels Avenue, New Hartley Village NE25 0RP. The club callsign is MX0HML, and they intend to run Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced courses. Contact Johnny, M0JAQ by email to senars2013@.

South Tyneside Amateur Radio Society has announced that it is now closed for Christmas and will reopen on Monday 6 January at 7pm.

On Monday Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is having a demonstration of a new type of repeater by Zoltan. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.

On Monday Bolton Wireless Club is holding a table top sale. For details, send an email to boltonwireless@.

On Monday Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is holding its Christmas dinner. More information from Peter Day, G3PHO, by email to sarc@.uk.

On Monday Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is holding its Christmas party. Contact John E Rodway, G4FRK, on 01253 862 810.

On Tuesday Chester and District Radio Society Christmas is having a talk by RSGB regional manager Kath Wilson. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.

On Tuesday Fleetwood Radio Enthusiasts Group is having a talk on CB set up plus installation and SWR Contact John Earnshaw, M0JFE, on 07940 815 659.

On Tuesday Halifax and District Amateur Radio Society is having a pie and pea supper evening at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Mytholmroyd. Pre-booking is essential to ensure they have enough pies for all. Details from Martin, M0GQB, on 01422 341 317.

On Tuesday Stockport Radio Society is holding its AGM and Christmas social. Contact Nigel Roscoe, on 07973 312 699.

On Wednesday Denby Dale Radio Club is having a talk on 50 years in TV repairs by Denis, G8BZY. Details from Richard, M0RBG, on 07976 220 126.

On Wednesday Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having a beer and stew evening for members and families. Contact Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553 401.

On Thursday South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is holding its Christmas party. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

No news items have been received for Northern Ireland this week.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND

Stirling and District Amateur Radio Society is open today from 10.30am till late afternoon for construction, training, projects and operating. The weekly club meeting is on Thursday. More information from John McGowan, by email to gm0fsv@.

On Tuesday Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is holding its winter solstice activity night from 7 till 10pm. More information from Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

On Tuesday Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society is having a club evening. Details from Norman, GM1CNH, on 07740 946 192.

On Wednesday Ayr Amateur Radio Group has its Christmas dinner. More information from Ralph Riddiough, GM4SQO, on 01292 285 281.

On Thursday Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding its Christmas party. Contact Fred Gordon, MM0ODL, on 01975 651 365.

On Thursday Paisley Amateur Radio Club is having an operating evening Stuart, MM0PAZ, 07527 801710

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA

On Monday Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is having its Christmas social evening. For more information contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947.

On Monday Burnham Beeches Radio Club is having a video evening. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628 625 720.

On Monday Surrey Radio Contact Club is holding its Christmas social evening. Details from John, G3MCX, on 020 8688 3322.

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

On Tuesday Bromley and District Amateur Radio Society is having mince pies and a quiz. Details from Andy, G4WGZ, on 01689 878 089.

On Wednesday Dover Radio Club is holding its Christmas social evening at St Margarets. Contact Pete, M0PKH, by email to peter.halloway@.

On Wednesday Havering and District Amateur Radio Club is having an informal evening. More information from John, M0UKD, on 07890 222 111.

On Wednesday Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is holding a quiz. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Wednesday Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is having its Christmas party. Contact John, G8FMJ, on 01273 593 232.

On Thursday Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society is having a social evening. Details from Charles, G4VSZ, on 07982 244 788.

On Thursday Colchester Radio Amateurs are having their Christmas social. More information from Jeff, G7TAT, on 07899 894 435.

On Thursday Cray Valley Radio Society is holding its Christmas social evening in one of the local pubs from 8pm. Contact Lawrie, G4FAA, on 0208 300 1894, evenings and weekends.

On Thursday Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is closed. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 02392 472 846.

On Thursday Horsham Amateur Radio Club is having a social evening at The Crown, Capel. Details from Alister, G3ZBU, on 01932 242 243.

On Thursday Lowestoft and District PYE Amateur Radio Club is holding its AGM. Contact Tim Ward, 2E0TJW, on 07810 481 182.

Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is having a Mince Pie Evening on Thursday and a talk on the Holy Island IOTA DXpedition by Bryan, M0BIK on Friday. More information from John Burnett, 2E0OAK, on 07860 804 793.

On Sunday Thanet Radio and Electronics Club is having its Christmas construction party. Contact Denis, M0ZDE, by email to contact@.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST

We start with news that an Advanced exam will be held in the Torquay area on Thursday 30 January. For more information or to book a place contact Pam Helliwell, G7SME, via email to pam@.

Now for clubs that have several events this week. On Monday Exeter Amateur Radio Society has its HF net on 3.675MHz from 7.45pm. The 2m net is on Tuesday on 145.575MHz at 7.45pm. Contact Nick, M0NRJ, on 01363 775 756.

Riviera Amateur Radio Club is holding a meeting and putting MX0RIV on the air on Tuesday. The club net is on Friday from 8pm on 145.425MHz. Contact Alan Wyatt, G2DXU, by email to rivieraarc@.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Sunday Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on cyber security by Paul, M0EYT. Contact John, G4POF, by email to g4pof@.

On Monday Appledore and District Amateur Radio Club is holding its Christmas party. Contact Brian Jewell, M0BRB, on 01237 473 251 for more information.

On Thursday Cornish Radio Amateur Club is holding its Christmas party. Details from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844 939.

On Thursday Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is having a mince pies evening. More information from Rodney Edwards, M0RGE, on 01935 825 791.

On Friday Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter night. For more information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to g6fsp@.uk.

NEWS FOR WALES

On Monday Dragon Amateur Radio Club is holding its Christmas social evening. More information from Stewart Rolfe, GW0ETF, on 07833 620 733.

On Monday Llanelli Amateur Radio Society is holding its Christmas dinner. Contact Craig, MW0MXT, on 01269 845 773.

On Thursday North Wales Radio Society is holding its Christmas party. Contact Liz Cabban, by email to lizcabban@vodafoneemail.co.uk.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download