RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 11th August 2024

9 aug · GB2RS

00:17:06

GB2RS News

Sunday the 11th of August 2024

The news headlines:

The RSGB 2024 Convention will have a mix of presentations, workshops and forums to suit a broad range of interestsThe RSGB welcomes University Technical College South Durham Radio Club to its School Zone webpageThe RSGB’s Awards Manager has issued an update about operating awards

The RSGB Convention this year will have a mix of presentations, workshops and forums to enable you to take part in the content that suits you. On Saturday morning there will be an EMC and EMF Update presentation, followed by an informal EMC and EMF Clinic in the afternoon. Led by RSGB EMC Committee Chair John Rogers, M0JAV with Ian White, GM3SEK and Peter Zollman, G4DSE who are two of the committee’s EMF Consultants, these sessions are not to be missed. Head to the presentation to hear the latest updates and then take your EMC and EMF problems to the clinic where John, Ian, Peter and other specialists will be available to help. This is just one of the great amateur radio topics being covered at this year’s event. To book your Convention tickets, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention

The RSGB is thrilled to welcome the University Technical College South Durham Radio Club to its School Zone webpage. The Club, which is operating using callsign M1UTC, is being led by Professor Ian Neal, M0KEO who is also the RSGB's British Science Week Coordinator. The Club is looking forward to operating at the start of the new term in September. If you’d like to view contact details for this, or any of the other school and college amateur radio clubs, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/school-zone The RGSB also has a list of university amateur radio clubs, which you can find by visiting rsgb.org/university-corner If you are part of a school, college or university club that isn’t currently listed on any of these pages, please email the name of the club, contact details and any supporting weblinks to [email protected]

As part of the RSGB’s commitment to keeping members updated, the Awards Manager has issued some key messages about RSGB operating awards so far this year. Lindsay Pennell, G8PMA is always keen to hear from radio amateurs about the type of awards they enjoy and new ones they would like the RSGB to develop if possible. One of the ideas he is considering is a series of variations on the Marathon/Challenge idea that runs over a specified time period to achieve target criteria – would that interest you? Also, if you’re a keen award chaser and would like to share your story, Lindsay would love to hear from you! You can contact him via [email protected] and you can see the key messages on his page of the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org.uk and search for Awards Manager.

Don’t forget to listen out for all the stations that will be on the air during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of August. This is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been more than 500 entries from over 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net

The British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between Saturday the 24th and Monday the 26th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website at nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2024’ link.

National Hamfest 2024 is taking place on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For those eager to secure their spot, online ticket sales are open and an early-bird discount is available until the 31st of August. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk

Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.

And now for details of rallies and events

Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society’s Hamfest is taking place today, the 11th of August. The venue is Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne in Dorset. The doors are open from 9 am to 4 pm and admission, which includes parking, costs £5. Catering and a bar are available on-site. For more information visit frars.co.uk/hamfest

Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society’s Annual Radio Rally is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 18th of August at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby. The doors will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, but sellers can gain access from 8 am. The admission fee is £4 per person. Pre-booked pitches cost £15. On the day, pitches will cost £20. For more information email [email protected] or visit rugbyats.co.uk

West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Summer Rally is set to take place on Sunday the 18th of August at St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. The doors open at 10 am. For further information and bookings, email [email protected] or phone 07796 264 569.

Now the Special Event news

Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club will be active from all three lighthouses on Rathlin Island during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of August. Operators will be working on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW and FT8. Listen out for special event callsigns, GB1RP, GB2EL and GB2WL which will all be in use. For more information, visit the QRZ.com page for each of the callsigns.

Danish Amateur Radio Experimenters are activating special event stations in Denmark to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Islands on the Air, or IOTA. There will be various activities from both fixed island amateur radio stations and from island expeditions to some of the 101 Danish IOTA islands. All amateur radio bands can be used with CW, SSB, RTTY and several digital modes. A diploma for contacts, and shortwave listener reports, with special event stations achieved during the period from the 1st of July to the 31st of August 2024 will be available. All logs will be uploaded to Clublog and Logbook of the World. For more information visit the OZ60IOTA page at QRZ.com

The Unicom Radio Club is operating using the special event callsign GB1URC until the 4th of September. The activity marks the official introduction of this international Club to the amateur radio community. For more information visit unicomradio.com/gb1urc

Now the DX news

Emil, DL8JJ is active as OX/DL8JJ from Greenland until the 15th of August. He is operating on the HF bands using CW from a camp at Tasiilaq, NA-151, and from various locations on the main island, NA-018.

Rafael, NN3RP is active as YN2RP from Nicaragua until the 20th of August. He is operating using SSB, CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or directly to NN3RP.

Now the contest news

On Tuesday the 13th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also, on Tuesday the 13th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th and runs until 2359UTC today, Sunday the 11th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Wednesday the 14th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 14th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.

On Thursday the 15th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 8th of August 2024

Well, so much for the experts! NOAA predicted that the solar flux index would fall last week when it increased to a whopping 303 on Thursday the 8th.

But this high solar flux number was accompanied by a strong risk of solar flares, so it was not all plain sailing. We have had 15 M-class and two X-class solar flare events over the past three days and the threat remains high.

Coronal mass ejection activity on Wednesday resulted in NOAA and the Space Weather Prediction Centre warning of possible moderate G2 geomagnetic storming towards the later part of week ending the 11th of August. This could see the Kp index rise and the maximum usable frequency fall.

Hopefully, conditions will improve after the weekend.

Last week was a good one for HF propagation with a high solar flux index and low Kp index. The 10m band was open to Brazil in the late afternoon, and this appeared to be F2-layer propagation and not multi-hop Sporadic-E.

Meanwhile, the 15m band has perhaps been the DX band of choice with long openings to the Far East, at least on FT8, and North America at the same time. HF conditions should also improve as we move into September, but more on that closer to the time.

Attention now shifts to N5J on Jarvis Island, an uninhabited 4.5-kilometre-squared coral island in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands. The DXpedition is active on all bands and their website at Jarvisisland2024.com can provide you with personalised propagation forecasts – let us know if you work them.

Using Proppy at soundbytes.asia or VOAcap at voacap.com, shows that 20, 17 and 15m short-path seem to offer the best chance of working the DXpedition, with morning openings from around 0600 to 1000UTC. There is also a potential long-path opening between 1800 and 2000 UTC, with a possibility of the 10m band at 1900 UTC. Both are near polar paths and may be adversely affected by a high Kp index.

CDXC members with good stations have already reported QSOs with N5J on the 17m band using FT8.

Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the range of 185 to 240. Geomagnetic conditions will depend on whether we have more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and the chance of those remains high.

An Earth-facing coronal mass ejection could send the Kp index soaring, and that will no doubt lead to reduced maximum useable frequencies and noisy bands. So, fingers crossed for more quiet geomagnetic conditions and low Kp indices!

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

The summer tries to deliver but, overall, the pattern has a rather unsettled flavour to it for the coming week.

On the positive side, we see a transient area of high pressure crossing southern Britain over this weekend, ending today the 11th. This could give some Tropo conditions but, after this, the Atlantic westerly flow brings a succession of fronts and showers to most areas.

In terms of propagation, this suggests that rain scatter will have the best of it in the week ahead.

The Sporadic-E season remains a good fallback and surprised us in East Anglia mid-morning on Tuesday the 6th of August with 144MHz Sporadic-E propagation to YU, HA, 9A and LZ moving around towards Italy as the opening progressed.

All were workable with 100W and a white stick antenna on FT8. For the coming week, the jet stream activity will probably start by favouring paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Later in the week, a new jet stream will drive southeast into Iberia, opening up chances for paths to EA and CT.

The Perseids meteor shower this week will provide welcome new fuel for Sporadic-E and, as a result, like most years, we’ll see openings into the first week of September.

The meteor scatter highlight is the Perseids meteor shower, which peaks on Monday and Tuesday. So, there are plenty of opportunities to try a new mode or fill in some missing grid squares if you are already involved in meteor scatter.

Many websites explain what it's all about, but one to start you off is g7rdx.co.uk Also, try looking for videos of meteor activity on SDR radios to get an idea of what it all sounds like.

The solar conditions lately have been rather disturbed. It would not be surprising if the Kp index was to suggest that aurora could be a possibility if it gets to 5 or higher.

Moon declination is negative and reaches minimum on Thursday the 15th, which means there will be short Moon visibility windows and low peak elevation. Path losses will decrease throughout the week and 144MHz sky noise is low over the weekend, but climbing to reach a high peak of over 3200 Kelvin on the 15th.

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

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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 22nd September 2024
20 sep· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 22nd of September
The news headlines:
The RSGB Convention is just three weeks awayThe RSGB has announced that routine bookings for paper exams will ceaseTake advantage of group activity opportunities at the RSGB National Radio Centre
The RSGB Convention is just three weeks away and there is a fantastic programme planned. Whatever your amateur radio interests or experience there will be something for you. In addition to the presentations, you could take part in a workshop to learn more about microcontroller programming – spaces are limited so make sure you book soon if you want to be part of that event. There will also be an EMF and EMC Clinic, contest forums and a chance to find out more about a wide range of amateur radio special interest groups. The social side of the Convention is important too, whether you’re catching up with friends over coffee or enjoying the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. Day or weekend tickets for the Convention are still cheaper if you buy in advance rather than on the door, and the deadline for advance tickets is Monday the 7th of October. To find out more about the programme, the speakers and to book your tickets, go to the RSGB Convention web pages at rsgb.org/convention
The RSGB has announced that from the 29th of November it will stop taking routine bookings for paper exams. Currently 97% of amateur radio licence examinations are taken online using the TestReach platform, either at home under remote supervision or in a club setting. Following the implementation of Syllabus v1.6 on the 1st of September 2024, the new examination question bank will only be maintained online. Generating paper exams will involve significant additional work for the RSGB Examinations Department, with the associated costs. You will be able to apply for a paper exam on the grounds of special educational needs in the same way that you can currently request special requirements such as extra time or a reader. To do that you need to email the Exams Department via [email protected] To read the full details of the changes, including the three important dates you need to know, please go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org and search for ‘Exam Announcements’.
Do you work with young people at a school, or perhaps with a youth group such as the Scouts, Guides or Cadets? Are you looking for an activity that provides hands-on learning opportunities for them? The RSGB National Radio Centre currently has availability for two private evening visits in December as part of the Society’s activities for Youngsters on the Air month, or YOTA month as it is often called. Sessions typically last two hours and include an introduction to amateur radio, before the youngsters are split into smaller groups to complete a variety of activities. These can include Morse code, VHF communication using handhelds, shortwave radio communication and satellite communication. The group size is limited to a maximum of 12, and there must be one adult accompanying every four students. If you’d like to find out more about this unique learning opportunity, email the RSGB National Radio Centre Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]
The next Bletchley Park 1940s weekend is taking place at the moment. If you are visiting for the event, make sure you drop into the RSGB National Radio Centre where you’ll be able to see a number of World War Two receivers on display. Don’t forget that RSGB members can get free entry to Bletchley Park, which also includes admission to the RSGB National Radio Centre. You can access this fantastic offer by logging into the RSGB membership portal via rsgb.org/members and selecting ‘Visit Bletchley Park’.
Don’t forget that National Hamfest 2024 is coming up on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk
Railways on the Air weekend usually takes place on the weekend closest to the 27th of September. This date celebrates the anniversary of the first steam-powered passenger railway journey which took place on the 27th of September 1825. The first passenger train ran on a line in the North East of England from Darlington to Stockton. Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club coordinates the event and this year it will take place over the weekend of the 28th and 29th of September. For more information visit rota.barac.org.uk
The next event in the popular 145 Alive series takes place on Sunday the 29th of September. The event will run from 1 pm to 4 pm and there will be nets operating in most Maidenhead Squares across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To take part in the event, which is designed to promote FM activity on the 2m band, all you need to do is call in and make contact with others. The organisers are looking for more net controllers. For more information contact Mark Savage, M0XIC via the 145 Alive Facebook page.
On Monday the 7th of October the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar will be with Ian White, GM3SEK who will give a presentation entitled ‘Aircraft Scatter, the Hitch-Hikers Guide’. Aircraft scatter is about bouncing VHF and UHF radio signals off high-flying aircraft – effectively ‘hitching a ride’ with someone else’s plane to extend your everyday working range up to 800km. For example, if you are one of the hundreds who get involved in the monthly UK Activity Contests on the 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands, you will already be using aircraft scatter routinely and it will be responsible for some of your best QSOs. So how does aircraft scatter work? And if it’s so useful, why haven’t we heard more about it? Join the webinar live at 8pm on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/webinars
Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week
And now for details of rallies and events
Weston super Mare Radio Society Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, the 22nd. The venue is The Campus Community Centre, Worle, Weston super Mare, BS24 7DX. For further information and to book a table email [email protected]
On Saturday the 5th of October Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society is holding a surplus equipment sale in aid of club funds. The venue will be Cwmduad Community Centre, Cwmduad, Carmarthenshire, SA33 6XN. The doors are open for traders from 8am, and for visitors from 10 am. Disabled access will be available from 9.30 am. The entrance fee for visitors will be £2. For more information, or to book a table, email [email protected]
The 49th Welsh Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 6th of October at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport, NP18 2YE. Traders can gain access from 7am and the doors will be open for visitors from 9.30am. The entrance fee is £3 per person and free parking will be available. For more information email Mike Rackham, GW4JKV via [email protected] or phone 07976 368 250.
Now the Special Event news
Today, the 22nd, Mid Ulster Amateur Radio Club is active with the callsign GI5LOW from Blacks Farm in Tandragee to celebrate the G-QRP Club’s 50th anniversary. The callsign will be active from around 9am and the station is operating using all modes on the HF bands and FM on the 2m and 70cm bands. Also, from 2pm, Philip, MI0MSO will be giving a talk on, and practical demonstration of, programming a LoRa board as a tracking unit on 433MHz.
During the annual Railways on the Air weekend on the 28th and 29th of September the British Railways Amateur Radio Society will be operating using the callsign GB1FRT on behalf of the Furness Railway Trust in Preston. Activity will be on the 40m band using SSB. QSL via the Bureau. To read more about the station visit brars.info and QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Today, the 22nd, is the last chance to work Harald, DF2WO who is active as XT2AW from Burkina Faso. He is QRV on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB and FT4. You might also be able to catch him via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World.
Listen out for members of Guisborough and District Amateur Radio Club who are active from the Isle of Lewis using their Club callsign MS0NYM. The station will be active from today, the 22nd, to Saturday the 28th of September. Operators will be available on a variety of bands using CW, FT8 and phone.
Now the contest news
Today, the 22nd, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 24th, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 25th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
On Thursday the 26th, the Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The CQ World Wide DX RTTY Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 28th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 29th of September. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.
On Sunday the 29th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 19th of September 2024
It was a topsy-turvy time for HF propagation last week with a declining solar flux index and geomagnetic disturbances thanks to coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, from the Sun.
The solar flux index declined to the mid-160s, and the Kp index had a couple of excursions to more than 7. These were due to CMEs and the second, which occurred on Tuesday the 17th, was associated with the X4.5 solar flare on Saturday the 14th.
Luckily, it was 0300UTC when the CME hit the Earth, so only die-hard UK DXers were affected. With a G4 geomagnetic storm raging, the maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path fell to less than 6MHz, but did manage to recover to 8.45MHz by dawn.
The rest of Tuesday was subdued with the maximum useable frequency never really getting above 21MHz. This is why the advice is often to avoid DXing when the Kp index climbs high, as the upper HF bands will likely be closed.
By comparison, on Thursday the 19th the Kp index was 2.67 and the maximum useable frequency over 3,000km was above 28MHz again.
NOAA puts the risk of another X-class flare at 10%, and an M-class event at 55%. So, we are not out of the woods yet.
Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre says the solar flux index may decline slightly but could then rise to be in the 232 to 240 range. Geomagnetic storming is predicted for the 26th to the 29th, when the Kp index could rise to 5.
Meanwhile, autumnal HF conditions should soon be kicking in with better propagation to North America. If the solar flux stays high, we can expect excellent 28MHz propagation, perhaps to the mid-west and Pacific states.
North-South HF paths, such as the UK to South Africa and South America, should also be good around the equinox period.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The last week of Tropo gave us good conditions across the North Sea and up and down the country on the VHF and UHF bands.
It is very likely that there will be a big change of weather type over this weekend, ending today the 22nd, to a much more unsettled pattern with low pressure dominating during the coming week.
In fact, there will be a sequence of lows, fronts and showery interludes to set the template for next week. This means that rain scatter is a good candidate for propagation on the GHz bands, which could be useful on the evening of Tuesday the 24th during the SHF UK Activity Contest. Meanwhile, tropo takes a back seat for a while.
The solar activity continues to be of interest and, again, the message is to monitor the Kp index to keep one step ahead of events in case any aurora spring up.
Meteor scatter is mainly down to random activity, although the daytime Sextantids peaks on Friday the 27th of September, but with a low zenith hourly rate of 5.
For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising, reaching +29 degrees next Tuesday, so Moon visibility windows will continue to lengthen. Path losses are increasing as we passed perigee last week. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, dropping back to low next Thursday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 15th September 2024
13 sep· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 15th of September
The news headlines:
The RSGB is looking for its next Youth ChampionSuccess for an RSGB member at the IARU ARDF ChampionshipToday is the last chance to book early bird tickets for the RSGB Convention
The RSGB is looking for its next volunteer Youth Champion. This could be one role or split between people who focus on different aspects of it. The Youth Champion will work closely with RSGB Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML and the RSGB Outreach Team to ignite interest and develop links with schools, universities, Scouts, Guides and the general public. They will also help to support current young amateurs and motivate them to try new things within amateur radio after they gain their license. This role needs someone proactive, good at building relationships with young people, and passionate about inspiring the next generation of radio amateurs. For the full role description go to rsgb.org/volunteers and if you would like to apply or find out more, contact Ben Lloyd via [email protected]
The 24th IARU Region 1 ARDF Championships in Bulgaria saw an RSGB member on the podium. David Williams, M3WDD took the silver medal position in the M60 category of the 144MHz Classic five-transmitter race at the Championships held at Primorsko, Bulgaria earlier this month. David had come so very close to winning being only 14 seconds behind the winner Jozef Simecek of Slovakia. There were four races altogether. The week of competition started with the Sprint race on 80m followed the next day by the 2m five-transmitter Classic race for the M60 category in which David did so well. A well-earned rest day followed and after that came the 80m five-transmitter race. The week ended with the Foxoring event, a combination of direction finding and orienteering, again using the 80m band. You can see the results in full, and read more about ARDF, at rsgb.org/ardf
Don’t forget that the RSGB Convention early bird price ends today, Sunday the 15th of September. There’s a range of great presentations planned, a fantastic microcontroller workshop to take part in, as well as all the fabulous social opportunities to enjoy like the Gala Dinner. Go to rsgb.org/convention to find out more and book your tickets.
Have you ever tried LoRa? Or Node Red? Have you used the Raspberry Pico for coding or played a Morse game with an Arduino? These are just some of the great activities on the RSGB’s website that are available for National Coding Week which begins this Monday, the 16th of September. Whether you fancy doing something different for a club night or would like to sample something new just for fun, there’s an activity to inspire you! You could even try combining your love of amateur radio with the software interests of a young family member. The RSGB is offering nine activities this year so head over to rsgb.org/coding and get involved.
The next Bletchley Park 1940s weekend is taking place on the 21st and 22nd of September. If you are visiting for the event, make sure you drop into the RSGB National Radio Centre where you’ll be able to see several World War Two receivers on display. Don’t forget that RSGB members can get free entry to Bletchley Park, which also includes admission to the RSGB National Radio Centre. You can access this fantastic offer by logging into the RSGB membership portal via rsgb.org/members and selecting ‘Visit Bletchley Park’.
Don’t forget that National Hamfest 2024 is coming up on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk
And now for details of rallies and events
The Broadcast Engineering Museum near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is new and a work in progress, so it only opens a few days each year. Today, from 11 am to 4 pm, the Museum is having an open day. The Museum contains a vast collection of historic broadcasting equipment and memorabilia, some restored and working, on display in a former RAF sergeants' mess. Free parking is available on-site. For more information email [email protected] or visit becg.org.uk
The British Vintage Wireless Society is holding a swap meet and auction today, the 15th at the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8JH. Stallholders can gain entry from 9 am. Admission for visitors will be available from 9.30 am for £8. The auction starts at 12.30 pm and hot and cold refreshments will be available all day. For more information visit bvws.org.uk or email Jeremy Owen, G8MLK at [email protected]
The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is taking place on Saturday the 21st of September. The venue will be Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Doncaster, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open for visitors from 9.30 am until 4 pm and admission will cost £3 per person. Disabled access will be available from 9.15 am. For more information, including booking and contact details, visit g0raf.co.uk/rally
Weston Super Mare Radio Society Radio and Electronics Rally will take place on Sunday the 22nd of September from 10 am. The venue will be The Campus Community Centre, Worle, Weston super Mare, BS24 7DX. For further information and to book a table email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
To celebrate the G-QRP Club's 50th anniversary special callsign G5LOW, and all its regional variants, will be QRV until the 30th of September. In addition, several overseas stations will be joining in with the event. For more information, including details of commemorative certificates that will be available for chasers, visit tinyurl.com/GQRP50
Advance notice now that during October and November, special callsign PZ5JT will be back on the air from Surinam during the jungle training of the Royal Dutch Army and Marines. The station is operated by personnel from the signal regiment and they will be working on the 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. Operators will be using in-service military L3Harris radios from different locations and will welcome your call.
Now the DX news
Carl Gorse, 2E0HPI will be operating from multiple locations for the Parks On The Air scheme around the Lancashire area from tomorrow, the 16th, to Friday the 20th of September. He will be using Yaesu FT-857d and Xiegu G90 transceivers with 20W. Listen out for Carl on all bands from 160 to 10m using FT4, FT8 and SSB.
Maxim, OH7O will be active as 3D2YY from Viti Levu, OC- 016, on Fiji until the 19th of September. He will operate mostly SSB and some slow CW on the 40 to 10m bands, and possibly the 80m band, from different locations around the island. See QRZ.com for more information.
Now the contest news
Today, the 15th, the 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 14th and runs until 2359UTC today, Sunday the 15th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Today, the 15th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using All modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, today, the 15th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Irish stations also give their county.
The IRTS 2m Counties Contest is also taking place today, the 15th, from 1330 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Irish stations also give their county.
Also today, the 15th, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number.
Tomorrow, the 16th, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 17th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 19th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 22nd, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 12th of September 2024
Last week showed that HF conditions are improving as we head into the autumn.
With a solar flux index still above 200, there was plenty of DX available to work. CDXC members reported working VP6WR on the Pitcairn Islands, KH8T on American Samoa and 3D2USU on Fiji, which is not a bad catch for early September.
A little closer to home, 9A168TESLA in Croatia has been popping up for short periods celebrating the 168th anniversary of the birthday of electrical pioneer Nikola Tesla. Watch DX Summit closely for operating times.
The daylight maximum useable frequency, or MUF, over 3,000 kilometres remains above 28MHz on the whole, although a raised Kp index tends to reduce this.
Geomagnetic conditions remained relatively calm with the Kp index below 3 all week. That changed on Thursday the 12th as material from a coronal mass ejection, or CME passed the ACE spacecraft in the early hours.
The solar wind speed increased to more than 500 kilometres per second and the Bz swung south. On Thursday the 12th, the Kp index was 5 and the Met Office Space Weather department was forecasting potentially unsettled conditions for this weekend, ending today the 15th.
At the same time an X-class flare occurred, with lowered MUFs due to increased D-layer absorption.
Two large coronal holes on the Sun’s surface are also now Earth-facing and threaten to add to the solar wind this weekend.
According to NOAA’s predictions, the solar flux index should stay in the 210 to 225 range next week, although a large number of spots are about to rotate off the Sun’s visible disk.
This may be compensated by an active region that’s about to rotate into view. This has been emitting C-Class and lower-level M-flares and could potentially be the same region that produced several energetic eruptions off the far side of the Sun over the past week. Time will tell.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The heavy showers at the end of last week produced some good rain scatter, but no QSOs in the UK were noted due to the showers not coinciding with GHz contests and few suitable home stations were active to take advantage of them.
After a gradual build-up of pressure over this weekend, ending the 15th, high pressure is suggested by most models during the coming week. However, there is some uncertainty about the position of the high.
Currently, models are favouring the north of Britain and this means that in the south, although still on the edge of high pressure, there could be a brisk northeasterly breeze, which may weaken the inversion prospects. It’s not clear if the Tropo will be functioning in time for the 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest today, the 15th, but should be helpful for the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 17th and the 70MHz UK Activity Contest on Thursday the 19th.
Solar conditions are still likely to offer the chance of the occasional elevated Kp index, which is a good sign of possible aurora. It will be interesting to see how things evolve this weekend, ending the 15th, as a series of expected CMEs are due to reach Earth.
The amateur bands between 10m and 2m are the ones to check as well as looking out for ‘watery’ sounding signals on the HF bands. Remember it doesn’t have to be dark for radio aurora, so don’t wait for dusk before checking.
Meteor scatter is mainly down to random activity in the coming week. However, with the September Epsilon Perseids stream still active until the 21st, having peaked on the 9th, conditions may be slightly enhanced.
For EME operators, Moon declination is negative but rising and going positive again on Wednesday the 18th. Moon visibility windows will continue to rise while path losses decrease as we approach perigee on Wednesday the 18th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate for the whole of next week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 8th September 2024
6 sep· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 8th of September
The news headlines:
Book your RSGB Convention tickets nowThere are several vacancies in the RSGB’s Regional TeamRemember to call in to the CHOTA stations on Saturday
The RSGB Convention is just five weeks away and an exciting programme of presentations and practical activities is being prepared. The early bird price for day tickets ends on the 15th of September and this year there won’t be any extensions to that date! As well as three streams of presentations across the weekend there will be an introductory workshop on microcontroller programming. This workshop is part of the Society’s aim to widen the programming skills in the amateur radio community and to introduce people to something new. On Saturday morning RSGB experts will give an EMC and EMF update presentation, followed by an informal EMC and EMF clinic in the afternoon. The RSGB HF and VHF contest forums will take place on Sunday. Throughout the weekend there will be opportunities to talk to RSGB representatives and to members of many special interest groups who could inspire you to try a different aspect of amateur radio. The RSGB 2024 Convention – your convention, your way. To book your day tickets and to book for the workshop, go to rsgb.org/convention
The RSGB has 13 regions, each covered by a Regional Representative and a team of District Representatives. This volunteer team is an important link to clubs and a potential source of support and information for individual radio amateurs. There are several vacancies in the Regional Team and this month we’re highlighting two regions. In Region 5 there is an opportunity for someone to volunteer as a District Representative covering Gloucestershire, Hereford and South Worcestershire. There are also two vacancies in Region 13 for District Representatives to cover Leicestershire and Rutland, and also North Lincolnshire. If you’re interested in supporting local radio amateurs and clubs in those areas, please contact the appropriate Regional Representative. You can find their details by going to our website at rsgb.org/regions and clicking on the region in which you live.
Next Saturday, the 14th, lots of amateur radio stations will be on the air to take part in the Churches and Chapels on the Air event, also known as CHOTA. The event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm and operation will be focused on the 80, 40 and 20m bands. To see the list of churches and chapels taking part visit the ‘CHOTA’ tab on the World Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and Listeners website at wacral.org
Several changes have been made to the RSGB contest trophies process, for logistical and resource reasons. For example, instead of engraving each trophy, the winner will be presented with a quality certificate at the Trophy Presentations on Sunday morning at the RSGB Convention. For each award, a high-quality photograph will be taken of the winner with their trophy, and that photo will be available for the winner if they would like it. RSGB HQ will now administer all trophies for the AGM event. The full changes are shown in the updated trophy policy on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/trophies If you have any questions about these changes, please contact the RSGB Trophy Manager Mike Franklin, G3VYI via [email protected]
Over the course of a year, radio amateur Maggie laquinto, VK3CFI attempted to make contact with Russian cosmonauts on the Mir space station. Maggie used her amateur radio skills and equipment to monitor the orbit of the space station and listen to the frequencies that it used. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Maggie relayed crucial information to cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev. In a recent BBC programme, Maggie’s son Ben laquinto speaks to Megan Jones. You can listen to the programme by searching for ‘The woman who spoke to the space station’ on the bbc.co.uk website.
And now for details of rallies and events
Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally is taking place today, the 8th, at Caister Lifeboat station, Caister on Sea, NR30 5DJ. The doors are open from 9 am to 8 pm and there is no admission fee. Sellers can gain access from 8 am. For more information email Zane, M1BFI via [email protected] or phone 07711 214 790.
The Broadcast Engineering Museum near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is new and a work in progress, so it only opens a few days each year. The next open days are coming up on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of September from 11 am to 4 pm. The Museum contains a vast collection of historic broadcasting equipment and memorabilia, some restored and working, on display in a former RAF sergeants' mess. Free parking is available on-site. For more information email [email protected] or visit becg.org.uk
The British Vintage Wireless Society is holding a swap meet and auction on Sunday the 15th of September. The venue will be the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8JH. Stallholders can gain entry from 9 am. Admission for visitors will be available from 9.30 am for £8. The auction starts at 12.30 pm and hot and cold refreshments will be available all day. For more information visit bvws.org.uk or email Jeremy Owen, G8MLK at [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
To celebrate Malaysia Day, special callsign 9M61S is active until the 16th of September. Operators will be working on the HF bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. For more information see QRZ.com
Special callsign DL250CDF is active until the 30th of September to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of painter Caspar David Friedrich, an icon of the German Romantic movement. The station is operating on the HF bands using CW, digital modes and SSB. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the Bureau, eQSL and Logbook of World. For details of a certificate that is available visit tinyurl.com/DL250CDF
Now the DX news
Bob, ZL1RS is active as E51EME from Rarotonga, OC-013, in the South Cook Islands until the 15th of September. He is focusing on operating FT8 on the 6m band, with 6m EME using Q65-60A as a secondary activity. QSL via Club Log's OQRS and Logbook of the World. See QRZ.com for more information and updates.
Bernard, DL2GAC is active as H44MS from Malaita, OC-047, in the Solomon Islands, until the 15th of September. He operates SSB and some FT8 on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Bernard’s home call, directly or via the Bureau. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
The All Asian DX Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 7th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 8th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and your age.
SSB Field Day started at 1300UTC on Saturday the 7th and ends at 1300UTC today, the 8th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The 144MHz Trophy Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 7th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 8th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Today, the 8th, the Worked All Britain 2m QRO Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.
Also today, the 8th, the 5th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 10th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 10th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 11th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 11th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
Also on Wednesday the 11th, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 12th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 15th, the 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1200 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday the 14th and runs until 2359UTC on Sunday the 15th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Sunday the 15th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using All modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Sunday the 15th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Irish stations also give their county.
The IRTS 2m Counties Contest is also taking place on Sunday the 15th from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Irish stations also give their county.
Also on Sunday the 15th, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is your serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 5th of September 2024
Last week was underlined by continued high solar flux indices and excellent 10m band propagation to CY9C on Saint Paul Island near Newfoundland.
The DXpedition, which has now ended, was often at S9+ on 28MHz up to two hours after sunset. This may be a sign that better autumnal HF conditions are just around the corner and bodes well for the rest of the year.
The average sunspot number has now exceeded 200 for the first time in 23 years. This puts it significantly better than Solar Cycle 24 and it looks like there is more to come.
Propquest.co.uk reports that maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path are now often above 28MHz, so look out for DX on the 10m band. This will improve as the month goes on. September is a good month for north-south paths and paths to North America will improve as we head into October.
So, get your higher HF band antennas sorted out, as this autumn could be fun!
During the week just past, there were 21 M-class flares, but no X-class events. The Kp index has been under 5 all week, which no doubt helped HF propagation flourish.
Large coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, did occur on the 1st and 3rd of September, but these appear to be related to far-side events, well beyond the northwest limb and were directed away from Earth. But that active region is now rotating into view so buckle up for potential Earth-directed CME activity.
Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre suggests that the solar flux index will remain in the 240 to 250 range. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for today, the 8th of September but, as we always say, keep an eye on solarham.com for up-to-date solar information as things are likely to change each day.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The slightly enhanced Tropo conditions were welcome for the 144MHz UK Activity Contest on the 3rd of September. However, in the coming week, the opposite is now the case for many parts of the country as low pressure is set to dominate the weather charts.
There may be some weak ridges of high pressure nearby or even over northern Britain this weekend, but it is not looking great.
If pressed for a direction, it looks better across the North Sea to northern Europe and southern Scandinavia in the first part of the week.
Much of next week will have low pressure in control, and it will be worth looking for rain scatter on the GHz bands.
The solar side of things means that we should be alert to the chance of aurora if the Kp index rises. The autumn is often a good time of the year for these. It will be useful to monitor the Kp index, especially if you hear any signals sounding ‘watery’ on the HF and LF bands.
It’s always worth a reminder that the Sporadic-E season does not drop off a cliff at this time of year. That said, it does become very infrequent and restricted to lower bands or digital modes under the influence of jet streams. The southward paths to Iberia and the western Mediterranean look most promising next week for an out-of-season chance Sporadic-E event.
There is one small meteor shower this week. The September Epsilon-Perseids peaks with a low zenithal hourly rate of five tomorrow, the 9th. This shower produced unexpected outbursts in 2008 and 2013, but modelling indicates that 2024 activity should be nothing unusual.
For EME operators, Moon declination is now negative and falling further, reaching minus 29 degrees next Wednesday. Moon visibility windows continue to fall, as will peak Moon elevation, while path losses are decreasing after apogee. 144MHz sky noise increases from moderate today, the 8th, reaching over 2,500 Kelvin next Wednesday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 1st September 2024
30 aug· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 1st of September
The news headlines:
RSGB collaborates on a special contact with the International Space StationThe RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar autumn programme starts tomorrow, the 2ndThe RSGB is getting ready for National Coding Week
We are delighted to announce that the Radio Society of Great Britain and ARISS, in conjunction with Girlguiding Surrey West and Brooklands Museum including the Innovation Academy, have been collaborating on a special event due to take place on Saturday the 5th of October. Girlguiding President, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh will attend a planned contact with the International Space Station as part of a visit to promote the engagement and involvement of girls and young women in science, technology, engineering and maths. Further details of the contact and the event will be announced in late September.
The RSGB’s autumn Tonight@8 programme starts this Monday, the 2nd of September. Brian Coleman, G4NNS will give an update on the Meteor Beacon Project which is a cooperation between the worlds of amateur radio and astronomy. The first phase of this project was completed in May 2022 when the UK meteor beacon GB3MBA went on the air from the Sherwood Observatory of the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society. It enabled studies of meteor events over the UK using simple equipment and made possible a range of STEM projects featuring radio and astronomy. The second phase of the project, which Brian will describe in the presentation, is to develop a network of receivers streaming their data via a central server for detailed studies of individual meteor events. You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or a special BATC channel. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The RSGB is getting ready for National Coding Week which begins on the 16th of September. This national event is in its 11th year and encourages people of all ages to try coding, or programming as it is also called. During the next few days, the RSGB’s Outreach Team will release two new coding activities for you to try on your own, with members of your local club, or at a school or other youth group. These are in addition to the seven activities the Society shared last year. This is a great opportunity to see how coding can link with your usual amateur radio activities, or for you to try something new. If you are planning an activity or an event or would like some support, please email the RSGB National Coding Week Coordinator Nigel Thrower, G3YSW via [email protected] You can find the coding activities on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coding
The British Science Association has announced that applications for kick-start grants will open on the 17th of September 2024. The grants are provided to help schools in challenging circumstances to deliver events and activities as part of British Science Week. To find out more visit the British Science Week website and enter ‘Grant applications for British Science Week 2025’ in the search box located in the top right-hand corner. If you need some inspiration on how to get involved, the RSGB is already planning for the March event. You can go to rsgb.org/bsw to find out more, as well as to view activity ideas and lesson plans from previous years. If you’d like to get involved or have any questions, you can email the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator, Ian Neal, M0KEO at [email protected]
RSGB Members can ensure that they are the first to hear about the Society’s online webinars and events by registering to receive updates by email. Simply log into the RSGB members’ portal, select the ‘Manage Preferences’ tab and click the online events option. By selecting this preference you’ll be kept up to date on events such as the Tonight@8 webinars, which are already shaping up to have a brilliant programme for the Autumn. Keep an eye on your mailboxes for more news about these soon.
Don’t forget that the popular Churches and Chapels on the Air event, also known as CHOTA, is taking place on Saturday the 14th of September. Lots of stations will be on the air from 10 am to 4 pm so please give them a call. The operation will be focused on the 80, 40 and 20m bands. To see the list of churches and chapels taking part visit the ‘CHOTA’ tab on the World Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and Listeners website at wacral.org
The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park, or NRC, will be closed for one day on Monday the 16th of September to allow time for some minor decorating and cleaning. Don’t forget that RSGB members can gain free entry to Bletchley Park and the NRC by downloading a voucher from rsgb.org/bpvoucher
And now for details of rallies and events
Telford Hamfest is taking place today, Sunday the 1st of September at Harper Adams University near Newport, Shropshire. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £5. Children up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. Free parking, catering, an RSGB bookstall, and a bring-and-buy area are available on site. For more details visit tdars.org.uk or email John, M0JZH at [email protected]
The Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally is due to take place on Sunday the 8th of September at Caister Lifeboat station, Caister on Sea, NR30 5DJ. The doors will be open from 9 am to 8 pm and there is no admission fee. Sellers can gain access from 8 am. For more information email Zane, M1BFI via [email protected] or phone 07711 214 790.
The Broadcast Engineering Museum near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is new and a work in progress, so it only opens a few days each year. The next open days are coming up on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of September from 11 am to 4 pm. The Museum contains a vast collection of historic broadcasting equipment and memorabilia, some restored and working, on display in a former RAF sergeants' mess. Free parking is available on-site. For more information email [email protected] or visit becg.org.uk
Now the Special Event news
Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society is taking part in Churches and Chapels on the Air again this year with special event station GB2SCC. The station will be operating on Saturday the 14th of September from 0900 to 1500UTC on the 40 and 17m bands using SSB. Operators will also be available for VHF and UHF FM calls. For more information see QRZ.com
Austin, M0MNE, who is a marine engineer in the Merchant Navy, will be operating special callsign GB0MND on the HF Bands and flying the British Red Ensign from the seafaring town of South Shields, home of the world's longest-operating marine training college. This is to commemorate Merchant Navy Day on the 3rd of September and the merchant seafarers all over the world who work tirelessly, day in and day out, keeping global trade afloat. The station will operate from the 3rd of September until World Maritime Day on the 26th of September. On the 3rd of September, Austin will be concentrating on SSB and CW on the 40, 20 and 15m bands. During the rest of the month, he will be working on all bands using SSB, CW, FT8, and digital modes such as Olivia, Domino, Hell and SSTV. More information about the station and Merchant Navy Day is available via QRZ.com
Callington and District Amateur Radio Society will activate Special Event Station GB0EKF for the annual Esedhvos Kernow Festival of Cornish Culture which this year is being held in Callington, Cornwall on Saturday the 7th of September. Listen out for GB0EKF on the local repeaters, HF bands and via the QO-100 satellite.
Now the DX news
Domenico, IK1MNF is active as IK1MNF/IA5 from Isola d'Elba, EU-028, until the end of September. He is operating using SSB on the 20 to 6m bands. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Yann, F1SMB is active as FO/F1SMB from French Polynesia until the 15th of September. His main QTH will be Tahiti, OC-046, with a side trip to Fakarava, OC-066. Usually, he operates FT8 and SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL to F1SMB directly or via the Bureau, Logbook of the World or eQSL.
Now the contest news
The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 31st of August and runs until 1200UTC today, the 1st of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland stations also send their district code.
The Worked All Britain DX Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 31st of August and ends at 1200UTC today, the 1st of September. The exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square, where applicable. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 11th of September. Visit the Worked All Britain website for more information and to read more on the rules for the contest.
Tomorrow, the 2nd, the Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 3rd, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 3rd, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 4th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 4th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
Also, on Wednesday the 4th of September, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
SSB Field Day runs from 1300UTC on Saturday the 7th to 1300UTC on Sunday the 8th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The 144MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400UTC on Saturday the 7th to 1400UTC on Sunday the 8th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 7th, the CWops CW Open takes place in three four-hour sessions between 0000 and 2359UTC. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number and name.
The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 7th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 8th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and your age.
On Sunday the 8th, the 5th 144MHz Backpackers Contest takes runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Sunday the 8th, the Worked All Britain 2m QRO Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using AM, FM and SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 29th of August 2024
We had a good week for HF propagation, at least until we had a Kp index of 5.67 on Wednesday the 28th. This was caused by the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field moving into a south-pointing position.
Luckily, it didn’t last long and geomagnetic conditions were back to normal by Thursday.
The solar flux index remains above 200 with no sign of it dropping. But solar flare activity has not diminished either with 16 M-class flares over the past seven days and more than 60 C-class events. There remains a 55% chance of a further M-class flare and a 10% chance of an X-class event.
Tuesday the 27th saw some good activity on the upper HF bands with the 10m band opening up at times. VK has been heard on 28MHz in the mornings, which bodes well for the coming months.
The top DX choice this week has been CY9C on Saint Paul Island near Newfoundland. The team is active on all bands until the 5th of September using CW, SSB, FT8, Super Fox and RTTY. VOACAP Online shows that the 20 and 17m bands offer the best chance for a contact and are open from 0900 to 2000 UTC. The 30m band is another strong contender from 2000 to 1000 UTC.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start at around 250 but could end the week at 275. As always, it estimates the Kp index will be at 2 all week, but this will depend upon coronal mass ejections, so keep an eye on solarham.com for daily updates.
If a solar flare and associated coronal mass ejections do occur, expect the Kp index to rise after about 48 hours, with a lowering of the maximum useable frequency.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The autumn season usually brings thoughts of Tropo since areas of high pressure can often be a feature of this time of year. Most models predict that there will be high pressure moving in to offer Tropo conditions today, the 1st.
Thereafter, the models differ, and some bring low pressure over the country for much of the coming week, while others maintain a high-pressure story and the continuation of Tropo.
This is potentially useful for the 144MHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday and Wednesday and, if it lasts, the 144MHz Trophy Contest next weekend along with the Backpackers contest on Sunday the 8th.
With the uncertain feel of the forecast at the moment, we may find rain scatter is the main option on the GHz bands.
Meteor scatter is again reduced to non-shower random events with just a minor shower, the Aurigids, peaking on the 31st of August. This shower has produced brief unexpected outbursts with a zenithal hourly rate of around 30 to 50 per hour in 1935, 1986, 1994 and 2019.
Random meteor flux is at its annual maximum in September with relatively good rates, especially during morning hours. Pre-dawn is the best time to try.
The solar conditions continue to provide chance auroras. Keep one eye on the Kp index and lock the frequency of some northern European beacons into your rig’s memory.
Lastly, it's the nominal end of the 2024 summer Sporadic-E season and the daily blogs on Propquest have finished. However, some years can produce surprise Sporadic-E events during the first week of September.
Moon declination starts the weekend still high but falling, going negative again on Thursday the 5th. So, Moon visibility windows will also fall, as will the peak Moon elevation.
Moon apogee is also next Thursday so path losses are still increasing. 144MHz sky noise is low until Monday but, shortly after moonrise that day, the Sun and the Moon become close in the sky and continue to be until after moonset on Tuesday.
This means sky noise will be very high, especially at VHF, due to wide antenna beamwidths.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 25th August 2024
23 aug· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 25th of August 2024
The news headlines:
The RSGB 2024 Convention will feature a microcontroller programming workshopYou can take the RSGB Morse competency test at National Hamfest this yearRSGB Board Director Peter Bowyer, G4MJS to take on Board Liaison roles for contesting and trophies
At this year’s RSGB Convention, there will be a workshop to introduce attendees to microcontroller programming through a short presentation followed by practical exercises. The Society aims to widen the programming skills in the amateur radio community and introduce individuals to radio-related usage of Micro Controller Units, or MCUs. If you attend the workshop, you will receive a genuine Arduino board, a set of DuPont wires, a breadboard and two specific devices which you will be able to take away with you at the end of the workshop. The exercises will take you through using the Arduino IDE, basic programming and interfacing to the provided devices. You need to pre-register as spaces are limited to just 20 people. The workshop and hardware are free, but in return for the £10 booking fee, you will receive a copy of the book “Microcontroller Know How” by Mark Jones, G0MGX. You must be a ticket holder for the Convention to be able to take part. To find out more and to book your place, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention and choose the workshops and forums tab on the right-hand menu.
If you’re going to the National Hamfest on the 27th and 28th of September, why not try the RSGB Morse competency test? You don’t have to book in advance, just visit the RSGB village area. You can be tested at 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 or 30 words per minute so you don’t have to be a CW expert. If you pass the test, you’ll either receive a certificate on the day or it will be sent to you electronically shortly after. Eric Arkinstall, M0KZB is the RSGB Morse Competency Project Lead and he will guide you through the test process. If you don’t want to do the test you can still drop in to try Morse for the first time or pick up some hints and tips. It will be a busy event so whilst there will be headphones available, you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Eric looks forward to seeing you at the event! If you have any questions, please contact Eric via [email protected]
The RSGB Board Chair has announced that new Director Peter Bowyer, G4MJS will take on the Board Liaison roles for contesting and trophies. If you would like to contact Peter, his email address is [email protected]
This year’s Youngsters on the Air camp in the Czech Republic finished on Friday the 23rd of August after an action-packed week. The RSGB representative Rhys Williams, M0WGY took part in a range of amateur radio activities that included kit building, ARDF and surface-mount technology as well as a day trip into Prague. Rhys also made the most of the great station setup and enjoyed plenty of airtime. This included making over 100 QSOs on the 40m band whilst operating special callsign OL24YOTA, which he has said was good to practise his pile-up management. You can read more from Rhys by going to rsgb.org/yota-camp and reading his daily blog. This year’s camp was organised by the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group together with the Czech Radio Club.
The next event in the popular 145 Alive series takes place on Sunday the 29th of September 2024. The event will run from 1 pm to 4 pm and there will be nets operating in most Maidenhead Squares across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To take part in the event, which is designed to promote FM activity on the 2m band, all you need to do is call in and make contact with others. The organisers are looking for more net controllers. If you would like to run a net, contact Mark Savage, M0XIC via the 145 Alive Facebook page.
The date has been confirmed for the Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. The event will take place on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife. Lunch will be provided and an optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. The programme is now confirmed and online booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by emailing Colin, GM4HWO at [email protected]
National Hamfest is only a few weeks away. Early-bird advance tickets are currently available but this offer finishes on Saturday the 31st of August. Visit nationalhamfest.org.uk for more details and booking information.
And finally, don’t forget to listen out for all the stations that are on the air for the British Inland Waterways on the Air event this weekend. To read more about the event visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website at nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2024’ link.
And now for details of rallies and events
Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place today, the 25th. The venue is Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes, MK8 9AA. The doors open to the public from 9 am. The entrance fee is £3 and free parking is available. For trader and exhibitor enquiries please email [email protected] Outdoor pitches and indoor tables are available. For more information visit mkars.org.uk
Torbay Annual Communications Fair is also taking place today, the 25th, at Newton Abbot Racecourse, TQ12 3AF from 10 am. This is an indoor event with free parking, a bring-and-buy area, an RSGB bookstall and on-site catering. For more information email [email protected]
Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally is taking place tomorrow, Monday the 26th, at Ernulf Academy, St Neots, PE19 2SH. The gates open for traders at 7 am and for the public at 9 am. The entrance fee is £3. Free car parking, an RSGB bookstall, a bring-and-buy area, catering, and indoor and outdoor stalls will be available. For more information email [email protected] or phone 01480 214282.
Saffron Walden Radio Ham and CB Club Rally will run from Friday the 30th of August to Sunday the 1st of September in the CM22 6BH area. For more information about fees, and directions, visit the event’s Facebook page or email [email protected]
Telford Hamfest is set to take place on Sunday the 1st of September at Harper Adams University near Newport, Shropshire. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £5. Children up to age 16 will be admitted free of charge. Free parking, catering, an RSGB bookstall, and a bring-and-buy area will be available on site. For more details visit tdars.org.uk or email John, M0JZH at [email protected]
September marks the golden anniversary of the G-QRP Club, which was started by the Reverend George Dobbs, G3RJV in 1974. The Club will be marking its 50th anniversary at its annual Convention over the weekend of the 31st of August to the 1st of September. The event takes place in parallel with the Telford Hamfest at the Harper Adams University Campus near Newport, Shropshire. Following a buildathon and social supper on the Saturday, there are a number of speakers lined up on Sunday, including Hans Summers, G0UPL talking about his QRP kits. Non-members are welcome to come along on the Sunday and enjoy the Hamfest and the G-QRP Club talks. Full details are on the G-QRP Club website at gqrp.com Following the Convention, the Club is running an activity period called ‘Low and Clear’ throughout September. A number of QRP stations are being activated across the UK and in other countries, with ‘LOW’ or ‘QRP’ in their special callsigns. Stations working a number of them will receive a certificate, and the ‘best’ logs will be awarded prizes which have been donated by traders who advertise in the Club’s journal Sprat. Again, details can be found on the Club’s website. You can find details of a new RSGB book celebrating 50 years of the G-QRP Club in the September issue of RadCom.
Now the Special Event news
Special callsign YQ60YODXC is active until the 31st of August to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the YO DX Club. For details of certificates that are available, see QRZ.com
Marking the 25th anniversary since Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, special callsign HF25NATO will be active until the 31st of August. QSL via Logbook of the World or Club Log's OQRS. A certificate will be available for download via tinyurl.com/hf25nato
Now the DX news
Today, the 25th, a team from Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is operating a Parks on the Air station on Lihou Island, just off the coast of Guernsey. The park reference for the location is GG-0005 and activity is planned from 6 am to 3 pm. Operators will be using SSB and data modes on the HF bands but will also be available on the 2m band for local calls.
Alex, SQ9UM is active as D4UM from Sal Island, AF-086, in Cape Verde until tomorrow, the 26th. He is operating CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Alex’s home call. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog.
Holger, DG3FEH is active as S79/DG3FEH from Mahe [MA-HAY], AF-024, in the Seychelles until the 27th of August. He is operating using SSB on the 40, 20 and 15m bands and also via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via the Bureau to Holger’s home call.
Now the contest news
The World-Wide Digi DX Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 24th of August and runs until 1200UTC today, Sunday the 25th of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Today, the 25th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 27th, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 31st of August and runs until 1200UTC on Sunday the 1st of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland stations also send their district code.
The Worked All Britain DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 31st of August and runs until 1200UTC on Sunday the 1st of September. The exchange is a report, serial number and Worked All Britain square, where applicable. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 11th of September. Visit the Worked All Britain website for more information and to read more on the rules for the contest.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 22nd of August 2024
We had yet another week with a high solar flux and relatively calm geomagnetic conditions.
The solar flux index ended up at 239 on Thursday the 22nd, while the Kp index has been below 4 since Sunday the 18th. There are currently 11 active sunspot regions on the Sun’s surface and there is a 20% chance of a major X-class solar flare according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
There are signs that HF propagation may be improving, but it will probably be another month or so before we see any large change. This is due to the summer doldrums that see the ionosphere harder to ionise due to a change in its chemical composition.
By mid to late September, we will start to see a change to autumnal conditions and DX will start to open up again on the higher bands. Having said that, there is still DX to be had. The N5J DXpedition to Jarvis Island in the Pacific Ocean proved that the DX is workable, but the path was mainly open to well-equipped stations with beams and linear amplifiers.
15m remains the best DX band and there are occasional openings on the 12m band. The 10m band may come into its own as we head into September and October.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, solar cycle 25 likely reached its highest sunspot number yet of at least 299 on the 8th of August. This may increase further, but we may be close to solar maximum.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around 200 to 210. Geomagnetic conditions will depend almost entirely on the occurrence of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs. And, as we are at a particularly active part of the solar cycle, flares and CMEs are very prevalent.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The overview for the coming week is that, although some fronts will affect the north and west at times, there are only a few that reach down to the southeast of Britain. This means that rain scatter is more likely in northern areas.
There will be weak high pressure over southern areas for much of the coming week and, although not enough for a full-blown Tropo event, conditions should be a little ‘up', especially for paths into the near continent or across the North Sea.
Meteor scatter is back to a more random approach since the broad peak of the August Perseids comes to an end. The solar conditions mean that auroras can be a possible element of operating excitement in the coming week. Remember to look out for a disturbed Kp index value of 6 or greater.
The last part of the sporadic-E season is playing out this week taking us to the end of the month. These 'last hurrahs' are usually characterised by QSOs of very limited duration on the 10m band, or perhaps up to 6m, and mainly over the southern half of Europe.
This usually favours southern UK stations but, notwithstanding the previous comments, some years have seen isolated Sporadic-E events in the first part of September. But they are certainly not reliable.
Moon declination is positive but still rising, reaching maximum on Wednesday, so long Moon visibility windows and high peak elevations continue. We are past perigee now, so path losses are increasing again. 144MHz sky noise is low but increasing to a moderate 500 Kelvin on Wednesday before falling back to low at the end of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 18th August 2024
16 aug· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 18th of August 2024
The news headlines:
Plans for the RSGB 2024 Convention continue to take shapeNew amateur radio exam reference documents have been releasedOfcom has released a new video on amateur radio licence revalidation
The RSGB Convention is just eight weeks away and the programme is shaping up to be a fantastic mix of interesting presentations for every radio amateur, regardless of experience. There will also be practical sessions and time to chat with representatives from RSGB committees and groups. For a reminder of the wide range of RSGB representatives who were there last year and the great work they all do for the Society, its members and the wider amateur radio community, watch the Convention Chat video that has just been released. Head over to the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB and then don’t forget to book your ticket for this year’s event at rsgb.org/convention
The RSGB Exams Teams are pleased to release the exam reference documents for Syllabus 1.6 at Foundation, Intermediate and Full levels. You can find them on the RSGB website by searching for ‘Exam Forms’. If you are taking an exam before the 1st of September, please make sure you use the previous versions which will remain on the website until that date. They have also released the updated mock exams for all levels including new questions from the question bank relating to licensing and operating. These are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/mock-exams
Ofcom has released a new step-by-step video on its YouTube channel to assist radio amateurs in the process of revalidating a UK amateur radio licence using the online licensing portal. Ofcom does note that whilst it is a requirement to revalidate your licence every five years, it is recommended to do it annually. Ensure you keep your details up to date and make a diary reminder to renew each year. You can find the video by going to the RSGB website at rsgb.org and searching for ‘licence revalidation’. On that page, you will also find a helpful FAQ section prepared by the Society on the topic.
Do you belong to your local u3a group? Are you keen to share your passion for amateur radio with others? As part of the RSGB’s commitment to grow the hobby, the Society would love to hear from RSGB members who would like to spread the word to local u3a groups. As we all know, getting involved in amateur radio provides the opportunity to gain new interest, learn different skills and form social connections, which fits well with u3a’s ethos. Register your interest to join an RSGB Teams meeting sometime in September to discuss ideas for engaging u3a groups. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to be involved.
The RSGB Youngsters on the Air representative Rhys Williams, M0WGY, arrived in Prague, Czechia on Friday the 16th of August for this year’s YOTA summer camp. The camp is organised by the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group together with the Czech Radio Club and finishes on Friday the 23rd of August. These camps offer participants an unforgettable experience and are a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn more about amateur radio, take part in construction activities and make international friendships. To keep up to date with how Rhys is getting on, you can go to rsgb.org/yota-camp and read his daily blog. You can also follow his journey by visiting the RSGB on its Facebook and X pages. Simply search for ‘@thersgb’ to find the Society’s profile page.
Don’t forget that International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is taking place at the moment. There are lots of operators on the air so why not give them a call? To see a list of registered stations, visit illw.net
Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.
And now for details of rallies and events
Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society’s Annual Radio Rally is taking place today, the 18th, at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby. The doors are open from 10 am to 4 pm, the admission fee is £4 per person and pitches cost £20. For more information email [email protected] or visit rugbyats.co.uk
West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Summer Rally is also taking place today, the 18th, at St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. The doors open at 10 am. For further information email [email protected] or phone 07796 264 569.
Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of August. The venue will be Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes, MK8 9AA. The doors open to the public from 9 am. The entrance fee will be £3 and free parking will be available. For trader and exhibitor enquiries please email [email protected] Outdoor pitches and indoor tables are available. For more information visit mkars.org.uk
Torbay Annual Communications Fair is set to take place on Sunday the 25th of August at Newton Abbot Racecourse, TQ12 3AF from 10 am. This will be an indoor event with free parking, a bring-and-buy area, an RSGB book stall and on-site catering. For more information email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club is active from all three lighthouses on Rathlin Island today, the 18th. Operators are working on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW and FT8. Listen out for special event callsigns, GB1RP, GB2EL and GB2WL which will all be in use. For more information, visit the QRZ.com page for each of the callsigns.
Special callsign SK100FRK is active until the end of the year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Falu Radio Club, SK4AO. All amateur bands are in use and operators are working with SSB, CW and FM. For details of a diploma that is available visit QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Frans, DJ0TP is active as TK/DJ0TP from Corsica, EU-014, until the 4th of September. The station was spotted recently on the 20m band using FT8. QSL via Frans’ home call and Logbook of the World.
Jean-Louis, F6ITS left France in August 2023 for a round-the-world voyage. He recently obtained a Gambian licence and will be active as C5GM until the end of the year. For the time being he is operating using SSB and CW. QSL via EA7FTR.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 20th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The World Wide Digi DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 24th of August and runs until 1200UTC on Sunday the 25th of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator.
On Sunday the 25th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 15th of August 2024
Last week was notable for its auroral activity, high solar flux index and variable HF conditions.
Monday the 12th saw the Kp index rise to 7 as coronal mass ejection material struck the Earth, sparking visible aurora as far south as Cornwall. But by lunchtime on Tuesday things were back to normal with a Kp index below 2.
The rest of the week remained fairly settled with the occasional blip up to a Kp index of 4. Meanwhile, HF conditions have been variable with N5J on Jarvis Island in the Pacific being the main DX being chased. This has turned out to be a difficult catch for all but the better-equipped stations in the UK.
The operators are active on SSB, CW and FT8, using the SuperFox and Fox and Hound modes, and are working until the 20th of August. So, have a listen and give them a call.
The peak times are around 0500 to 1200UTC for a short-path contact, and around 1800UTC for a long-path contact. See jarvisisland2024.com for frequency details and the latest news.
Otherwise, the maximum useable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path has been more than 18MHz and often 21MHz during daylight. Night-time MUFs have been more than 14MHz when there have been no geomagnetic disturbances.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start at around 260 but decline to perhaps 210 as the week progresses. This is still enough for some good HF propagation. Predictions are less certain about geomagnetic disturbances, other than a rise on the 22nd of August.
Solarham.com predicts that a coronal mass ejection associated with an X1.1 solar flare last Wednesday will pass Earth by the 18th of August, so we may expect the Kp index to rise today.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The period of alternating hot summer days and unsettled spells with rain or heavy showers looks like the recipe for the coming week.
The weak ridges of high pressure could prove useful for some Tropo on occasion. In the summer months, Tropo is often more pronounced over nearby waters such as the North Sea and south across Biscay or the English Channel. But it can also feature overnight and, if we are lucky, may help with the 23cm UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 20th.
These high-summer active fronts or heavy showers can be very good for rain scatter. Since temperature plays an important role in the intensity of summer thunderstorms, the resulting rain scatter is often best in the afternoon and early evening. On rare occasions, daytime storms can drift north from France to be over the UK during the night.
The Perseids meteor shower peak has passed now, with some good QSOs reported. It’s a broad shower and there should still be some worthwhile meteor input to play meteor scatter next week.
The recent solar conditions have produced a disturbed Kp index and there were some impressive visible and radio auroras from 10m up to 6m last week. It's worth watching out for a high Kp index above, say, 6 and be ready to listen for radio Aurora in the afternoon.
Lastly, the Sporadic-E season struggles on with varying degrees of success, but it's still very much a player for another two or three weeks. The upper air charts show that there should be some strong jet streams and thus potentially good sources of the turbulence required for Sporadic-E. Use the Propquest.co.uk NVIS graphs to see if Dourbes in Belgium is showing any spikes.
Moon declination is negative but rising now. It won’t go positive until Wednesday, so short Moon visibility windows and peak elevation continue to increase. Wednesday is also perigee, the Moon’s closest point to Earth and when path losses are at their lowest. 144MHz sky noise is moderate to low over the coming week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 11th August 2024
9 aug· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 11th of August 2024
The news headlines:
The RSGB 2024 Convention will have a mix of presentations, workshops and forums to suit a broad range of interestsThe RSGB welcomes University Technical College South Durham Radio Club to its School Zone webpageThe RSGB’s Awards Manager has issued an update about operating awards
The RSGB Convention this year will have a mix of presentations, workshops and forums to enable you to take part in the content that suits you. On Saturday morning there will be an EMC and EMF Update presentation, followed by an informal EMC and EMF Clinic in the afternoon. Led by RSGB EMC Committee Chair John Rogers, M0JAV with Ian White, GM3SEK and Peter Zollman, G4DSE who are two of the committee’s EMF Consultants, these sessions are not to be missed. Head to the presentation to hear the latest updates and then take your EMC and EMF problems to the clinic where John, Ian, Peter and other specialists will be available to help. This is just one of the great amateur radio topics being covered at this year’s event. To book your Convention tickets, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention
The RSGB is thrilled to welcome the University Technical College South Durham Radio Club to its School Zone webpage. The Club, which is operating using callsign M1UTC, is being led by Professor Ian Neal, M0KEO who is also the RSGB's British Science Week Coordinator. The Club is looking forward to operating at the start of the new term in September. If you’d like to view contact details for this, or any of the other school and college amateur radio clubs, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/school-zone The RGSB also has a list of university amateur radio clubs, which you can find by visiting rsgb.org/university-corner If you are part of a school, college or university club that isn’t currently listed on any of these pages, please email the name of the club, contact details and any supporting weblinks to [email protected]
As part of the RSGB’s commitment to keeping members updated, the Awards Manager has issued some key messages about RSGB operating awards so far this year. Lindsay Pennell, G8PMA is always keen to hear from radio amateurs about the type of awards they enjoy and new ones they would like the RSGB to develop if possible. One of the ideas he is considering is a series of variations on the Marathon/Challenge idea that runs over a specified time period to achieve target criteria – would that interest you? Also, if you’re a keen award chaser and would like to share your story, Lindsay would love to hear from you! You can contact him via [email protected] and you can see the key messages on his page of the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org.uk and search for Awards Manager.
Don’t forget to listen out for all the stations that will be on the air during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of August. This is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been more than 500 entries from over 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net
The British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between Saturday the 24th and Monday the 26th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website at nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2024’ link.
National Hamfest 2024 is taking place on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For those eager to secure their spot, online ticket sales are open and an early-bird discount is available until the 31st of August. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk
Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.
And now for details of rallies and events
Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society’s Hamfest is taking place today, the 11th of August. The venue is Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne in Dorset. The doors are open from 9 am to 4 pm and admission, which includes parking, costs £5. Catering and a bar are available on-site. For more information visit frars.co.uk/hamfest
Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society’s Annual Radio Rally is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 18th of August at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby. The doors will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, but sellers can gain access from 8 am. The admission fee is £4 per person. Pre-booked pitches cost £15. On the day, pitches will cost £20. For more information email [email protected] or visit rugbyats.co.uk
West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Summer Rally is set to take place on Sunday the 18th of August at St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. The doors open at 10 am. For further information and bookings, email [email protected] or phone 07796 264 569.
Now the Special Event news
Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club will be active from all three lighthouses on Rathlin Island during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of August. Operators will be working on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW and FT8. Listen out for special event callsigns, GB1RP, GB2EL and GB2WL which will all be in use. For more information, visit the QRZ.com page for each of the callsigns.
Danish Amateur Radio Experimenters are activating special event stations in Denmark to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Islands on the Air, or IOTA. There will be various activities from both fixed island amateur radio stations and from island expeditions to some of the 101 Danish IOTA islands. All amateur radio bands can be used with CW, SSB, RTTY and several digital modes. A diploma for contacts, and shortwave listener reports, with special event stations achieved during the period from the 1st of July to the 31st of August 2024 will be available. All logs will be uploaded to Clublog and Logbook of the World. For more information visit the OZ60IOTA page at QRZ.com
The Unicom Radio Club is operating using the special event callsign GB1URC until the 4th of September. The activity marks the official introduction of this international Club to the amateur radio community. For more information visit unicomradio.com/gb1urc
Now the DX news
Emil, DL8JJ is active as OX/DL8JJ from Greenland until the 15th of August. He is operating on the HF bands using CW from a camp at Tasiilaq, NA-151, and from various locations on the main island, NA-018.
Rafael, NN3RP is active as YN2RP from Nicaragua until the 20th of August. He is operating using SSB, CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or directly to NN3RP.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 13th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 13th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th and runs until 2359UTC today, Sunday the 11th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Wednesday the 14th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 14th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Thursday the 15th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 8th of August 2024
Well, so much for the experts! NOAA predicted that the solar flux index would fall last week when it increased to a whopping 303 on Thursday the 8th.
But this high solar flux number was accompanied by a strong risk of solar flares, so it was not all plain sailing. We have had 15 M-class and two X-class solar flare events over the past three days and the threat remains high.
Coronal mass ejection activity on Wednesday resulted in NOAA and the Space Weather Prediction Centre warning of possible moderate G2 geomagnetic storming towards the later part of week ending the 11th of August. This could see the Kp index rise and the maximum usable frequency fall.
Hopefully, conditions will improve after the weekend.
Last week was a good one for HF propagation with a high solar flux index and low Kp index. The 10m band was open to Brazil in the late afternoon, and this appeared to be F2-layer propagation and not multi-hop Sporadic-E.
Meanwhile, the 15m band has perhaps been the DX band of choice with long openings to the Far East, at least on FT8, and North America at the same time. HF conditions should also improve as we move into September, but more on that closer to the time.
Attention now shifts to N5J on Jarvis Island, an uninhabited 4.5-kilometre-squared coral island in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands. The DXpedition is active on all bands and their website at Jarvisisland2024.com can provide you with personalised propagation forecasts – let us know if you work them.
Using Proppy at soundbytes.asia or VOAcap at voacap.com, shows that 20, 17 and 15m short-path seem to offer the best chance of working the DXpedition, with morning openings from around 0600 to 1000UTC. There is also a potential long-path opening between 1800 and 2000 UTC, with a possibility of the 10m band at 1900 UTC. Both are near polar paths and may be adversely affected by a high Kp index.
CDXC members with good stations have already reported QSOs with N5J on the 17m band using FT8.
Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the range of 185 to 240. Geomagnetic conditions will depend on whether we have more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and the chance of those remains high.
An Earth-facing coronal mass ejection could send the Kp index soaring, and that will no doubt lead to reduced maximum useable frequencies and noisy bands. So, fingers crossed for more quiet geomagnetic conditions and low Kp indices!
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The summer tries to deliver but, overall, the pattern has a rather unsettled flavour to it for the coming week.
On the positive side, we see a transient area of high pressure crossing southern Britain over this weekend, ending today the 11th. This could give some Tropo conditions but, after this, the Atlantic westerly flow brings a succession of fronts and showers to most areas.
In terms of propagation, this suggests that rain scatter will have the best of it in the week ahead.
The Sporadic-E season remains a good fallback and surprised us in East Anglia mid-morning on Tuesday the 6th of August with 144MHz Sporadic-E propagation to YU, HA, 9A and LZ moving around towards Italy as the opening progressed.
All were workable with 100W and a white stick antenna on FT8. For the coming week, the jet stream activity will probably start by favouring paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Later in the week, a new jet stream will drive southeast into Iberia, opening up chances for paths to EA and CT.
The Perseids meteor shower this week will provide welcome new fuel for Sporadic-E and, as a result, like most years, we’ll see openings into the first week of September.
The meteor scatter highlight is the Perseids meteor shower, which peaks on Monday and Tuesday. So, there are plenty of opportunities to try a new mode or fill in some missing grid squares if you are already involved in meteor scatter.
Many websites explain what it's all about, but one to start you off is g7rdx.co.uk Also, try looking for videos of meteor activity on SDR radios to get an idea of what it all sounds like.
The solar conditions lately have been rather disturbed. It would not be surprising if the Kp index was to suggest that aurora could be a possibility if it gets to 5 or higher.
Moon declination is negative and reaches minimum on Thursday the 15th, which means there will be short Moon visibility windows and low peak elevation. Path losses will decrease throughout the week and 144MHz sky noise is low over the weekend, but climbing to reach a high peak of over 3200 Kelvin on the 15th.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 4th August 2024
2 aug· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 4th of August 2024
The news headlines:
Bookings are open for the RSGB 2024 Annual ConventionSchools will soon be able to apply for an ISS contactThe RSGB has announced its National Coding Week Coordinator
The RSGB is delighted to announce that bookings are now open for its 2024 Annual Convention. This year, in response to requests for more flexibility, the Society has created a new booking system that allows attendees to create a Convention package that suits their preferences for attendance and hotel accommodation. In addition, the keynote speaker for the event has been confirmed. Rafal Lukawiecki, EI6LA has led the projects to modernise the Irish licence teaching curriculum and is also part of the International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 working group tasked with modernising its Ethics and Operating Procedures guide. Rafal has been a popular speaker at major IT conferences since 1998 and has shared keynote platforms with Bill Gates and Neil Armstrong. For further details, including how to book, visit the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention
Schools in Great Britain and Northern Ireland will soon be able to apply for an amateur radio contact with an astronaut on the International Space Station. If the application is successful, the contacts could take place in the latter half of 2025. The RSGB is encouraging schools to apply as it is a great opportunity to integrate space into the STEM curriculum and to have the excitement of their pupils speaking to an astronaut! Go to the ARISS website at ariss-eu.org to find out more and download an application form in the ‘School Contacts’ section. The timeframe for submitting applications is between the 1st of September and the 26th of October 2024. If you want to be inspired, watch the RSGB’s celebration video of the ten Tim Peake school contacts in the ‘Excitement of amateur radio’ playlist on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
The RSGB is delighted to announce that Nigel Thrower, G3YSW will be the RSGB’s National Coding Week Coordinator this year. The Society took part in this national event for the first time last year and many groups had fun with the activities it supplied. You can see the activities on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coding This year the RSGB wants to develop its involvement and Nigel will help to lead and coordinate that. This event isn’t just for youngsters, so people of all ages and experience can take part. The RSGB is planning to publish some new activities but, if you enjoy programming or coding as part of your amateur radio activities, please get in touch! The society is looking for people to share tried and trusted ideas or activities that will inspire others. It is also keen to hear from radio amateurs who could help to lead activities with groups or clubs in their area. National Coding Week runs from the 16th to the 22nd of September. If you’d like to get involved or want to find out more, please contact Nigel via [email protected]
The RSGB’s popular Tonight@8 webinar series takes a break in August, but there are two great presentations lined up for the start of the autumn programme. On Monday the 2nd of September, Brian Coleman, G4NNS will give an update on the Meteor Beacon Project. The following month, on Monday the 7th of October, there’s a chance to hear about "Aircraft Scatter – the Hitch-Hikers Guide" by Ian White, GM3SEK. Put the dates in your diary now and find further details on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The G5RP Trophy is an annual award to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed. It is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2024, now is the time to send in your nomination. Your nominee should be an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show, for example, a good total of new countries worked or some serious HF DXpedition activity. Please send your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU by email to [email protected] to arrive no later than Friday the 13th of September 2024.
The RSGB remote exam invigilation team was delighted that the 8,000th Foundation candidate took and passed their exam online recently. This is a significant milestone since the Society introduced remote invigilation exams in 2020. The RSGB would like to thank the dedicated remote invigilation team and send its good wishes to all the candidates as they discover more about amateur radio!
The July 2024 edition of RadCom Basics is now available on the RSGB website for members to read. RadCom Basics is aimed at new licensees or anyone who enjoys reading about the fundamental principles behind the many facets of amateur radio. Among others, this edition includes articles which cover the checking and testing of components, building and tuning dual-band end-fed half-wave antennas and the benefit of operating by the sea. To read RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics
Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.
And now for details of rallies and events
Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club Convention for Amateur TV 2024, also known as CAT 24, is taking place today, the 4th, from 10 am to 4 pm. The venue is Midland Air Museum, Rowley Road, Coventry, CV3 4FR. The Convention provides opportunities for amateurs to meet, take part in show-and-tell activities, use test and fix equipment, and enjoy a bring-and-buy event. For more information follow the ‘Events’ tab at batc.org.uk
King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 34th Great Eastern Radio Rally is taking place today, the 4th. The Rally is being held at Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn in Norfolk. The doors open at 9 am and admission will cost £2.50. Traders are welcome from 7 am. An outdoor pitch will cost £8, and indoors it will be £10 per table. Car parking is free. There will be trade stands, a bring-and-buy area and catering will be available on-site. For further information and reservations email [email protected]
Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society’s Hamfest is taking place on Sunday the 11th of August. The venue is Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne in Dorset. The doors will be open from 9 am to 4 pm and admission, which includes parking, costs £5. Catering and a bar will be available on-site. For more information and to make bookings visit frars.co.uk/hamfest
Now the Special Event news
International Cat Day is taking place on Thursday the 8th of August. To celebrate this, GB4CAT will be on the air from West Sussex from Thursday afternoon until the following Sunday evening. Activity will be on the HF bands, mainly on the 40m band, but the higher bands as well if they are open. As cats are loved internationally, Ed, M0MNG will attempt to speak as many foreign languages on the air as possible... even if it's just a word or two! Please see QRZ.com for more details.
In celebration of the Olympic Games, Thierry, FY4JI is active as TO973FY from French Guiana until the 10th of August. He is operating SSB and FT8 and was spotted recently on the 10m band. QSL via EA5GL.
Now the DX news
Tom, W1EAT, is active as W1EAT/VK4 from Hamilton Island, OC-160, until tomorrow the 5th of August. He is operating QRP on the 20m band only. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to Tom’s home call.
Pierre, VK3KTB is active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 7th of August. He is mainly available on the 20, 15 and 10m bands, and also occasionally on the 17 and 12m bands. He operates SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS.
Now the contest news
Today, the 4th, the 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
On Tuesday the 6th, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 7th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Thursday the 8th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon started on Saturday the 4th of May and ends today, Sunday the 4th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th and runs until 2359UTC on Sunday the 11th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 1st of August 2024
We had another week of high solar flux but unsettled geomagnetic indices.
The solar flux index, or SFI, was above 200 from the 27th of July onwards. There was a worry that multiple coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, might push the Kp index up during the week. In the end, the Kp index didn’t rise above 5. But why was that?
The first of several CME eruptions was expected to pass Earth on the 29th of July. The solar wind speed increased from 330 kilometres per second to around 450 kilometres per second, but only a brief period of minor G1 geomagnetic storming was observed. The solar wind stream was fast, at more than 450 kilometres per second, but its frozen-in magnetic field was predominantly North-facing or neutral. So, it didn’t couple with the Earth’s magnetic field, and we ended up with a Kp index of only 5.
If we had had a south-facing interplanetary magnetic field or Bz it could have been much worse.
As it was, the ionosphere was affected on Wednesday the 31st of July. However, by 1830UTC things were back to normal, with a critical frequency of 7.4MHz, which gives a maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path of around 21MHz.
Further disturbances on Thursday the 1st of August saw the Kp index rise to 5 again, but it was short-lived and only lasted for one three-hour period.
So, we are still in a period of high solar activity, with numerous M- and even X-class flares, coronal mass ejections and high sunspot numbers. With a cluster of sunspots rotating into view right now, it should be an interesting week ahead!
The SFI is predicted to fall next week, perhaps to the 180s or 190s. Meanwhile, HF propagation remains good at times, although we are still feeling the effects of the summer doldrums, with reduced daytime maximum usable frequencies.
Keep an eye on solarham.com for up-to-date geomagnetic information.
The 15m band is still the favoured daytime DX band, with occasional F2-layer openings on the 12m and even 10m bands. However, most 10m openings are still due to Sporadic-E.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The weather patterns that drive some of our radio propagation conditions are in the process of changing.
As we ended the previous week, there were still regions of high pressure near enough to southern areas for some useful Tropo across the North Sea, English Channel and south over Biscay.
The slow change towards low pressure dominating the charts will be gradually extending its influence over the whole country as we move into next week, so less Tropo and more interest in rain scatter.
This has been available over some northern areas recently and from heavy thunderstorms in the south. It is probably going to be a useful mode for exploring the GHz bands in the coming week, particularly where heavy thundery rain occurs.
Meteor scatter is also a worthwhile pursuit since we are still in the broad period of the Delta Aquariids meteor shower and that eventually blends into the August Perseids later in the month.
The solar conditions continue to be challenging and the Kp index has been high enough to make it worth thinking of checking for auroral conditions – either fluttery signals on the LF bands overnight, or perhaps auroral conditions on the VHF bands. The Kp index gets mentioned on all propagation websites these days, but spaceweather.com is a good source for that and much else too.
Sporadic-E is still worth checking out and, although the summer jet stream pattern is usually pretty weak, it is still there, and the position is perhaps a bit more northerly now than earlier in the summer. This means that paths towards the east to Scandinavia and the Baltic might be worth looking for, although other directions can still happen, of course.
Moon declination started to fall from Friday the 2nd, so Moon window lengths and peak Moon elevation will follow suit. With apogee on Thursday the 8th, path losses will be at their highest for the month. 144MHz sky noise is low until the evening of Saturday the 3rd when we see the Moon and Sun close in the sky until moonset on Sunday. After that, the sky noise is low.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 28th July 2024
26 jul· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 28th of July 2024
The news headlines:
Two new Directors have been co-opted to the RSGB BoardThe RSGB welcomes two new Regional Representatives The RSGB National Radio Centre is looking for volunteers
When Paul Nichols, M0PVN resigned as an RSGB Director in May, it created a vacancy on the Board. The Board decided that it was in the Society's interests to expand the Board to nine people to help implement the Society’s strategic priorities. Under Article 37 it has co-opted Peter Bowyer, G4MJS and Peter Ransom, M0SFZ as Directors to serve until the 2025 AGM. Peter Ransom recently passed his Full licence so that he could build and tinker with RF equipment, to add to his ongoing interest in writing amateur radio software and designing his own PCBs. He has a passion for technology and communication and has had a career that combines technical expertise with strategic vision. He hopes to use that knowledge and experience to help the Board to ensure that the Society remains relevant to the amateur radio community. Peter Bowyer has been in and around IT all his career and currently helps organisations with their Agile development strategies. He has been licensed for 45 years, but says he is still learning new things. He's an avid contester, having served on the VHF Contests Committee, he has written a column for RadCom and is a past chair of the UK Six Metre Group. The RSGB welcomes them both to the Board.
The RSGB is delighted to announce the co-option of two Regional Representatives. Peter Lowrie, MI5JYK is based in Region 8 and Brian Woolnough, M5ADQ in Region 12. They will serve in these roles until the RSGB 2025 AGM. You can see contact details for either of them, or any member of the Regional Team, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/regions
There is so much happening at the RSGB National Radio Centre that it needs to expand its team of volunteers! The NRC has a fabulous set-up and you’ll be given full training on using the GB3RS radio station. You should enjoy meeting people and be able to volunteer for one or two days per month as part of a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]
From the 27th of July to the 3rd of August, the Essex International Jamboree is welcoming around 10,000 scouts and guides, including 2,000 supporting volunteers from around the world, to Boyton Cross near Chelmsford. As part of the programme, amateur radio station GB24EIJ will be running a wide range of communications and electronics activities. The organising team intends the station to be active on the HF, VHF and UHF bands, using various modes. To read more about the Essex International Jamboree visit eij.org.uk
The Broadcast Engineering Museum near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is new and a work in progress, so it only opens a few days each year. The next open days are coming up on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of September from 11am to 4pm. The Museum contains a vast collection of historic broadcasting equipment and memorabilia, some restored and working, on display in a former RAF sergeants' mess. Free parking is available on site. For more information email [email protected] or visit becg.org.uk
Don’t forget to book your tickets for National Hamfest 2024 which is taking place on the 27th and 28th of September. There is still a chance to secure early-bird ticket discount, but this is only available until the 31st of August. National Hamfest promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For more information, and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk
Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.
And now for details of rallies and events
Today, the 28th, Wiltshire Radio Summer Rally is taking place at Kington Langley Village Hall, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. The event is running from 9am to 1pm, admission is £3 and indoor tables cost £10. To take part in the car boot sale, a car-sized pitch costs £10 and a van-sized pitch is £15. Hot and cold refreshments are available on site. For more information email [email protected]
Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club Convention for Amateur TV 2024, also known as CAT 24, will take place on Sunday the 4th of August from 10am to 4pm. The venue will be Midland Air Museum, Rowley Road, Coventry, CV3 4FR. The Convention provides opportunities for amateurs to meet, take part in show-and-tell activities, use test and fix equipment, and enjoy a bring-and-buy event. For more information follow the ‘Events’ tab at batc.org.uk
King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 34th Great Eastern Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday the 4th of August. The Rally will be held at Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn in Norfolk. The doors open at 9am and admission will cost £2.50. Traders are welcome from 7am. An outdoor pitch will cost £8, and indoors it will be £10 per table. Car parking is free. There will be trade stands, a bring-and-buy area and catering will be available on site. For further information and reservations email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
Special event station TM67JO is active to celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games which began on Friday the 26th of July. The operators include F1LFL on SSB, F5PZT using FT8 and FT4, and F5TFW on CW. QSL to F1LFL via the Bureau or directly. For more information about the special event station, which will be operating until the 11th of August, visit QRZ.com
Marking the 25th anniversary since Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, special callsign HF25NATO is active until the 31st of August. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Only 100 limited edition QSL cards will be distributed. These will be issued first-come, first-served so call in quick! For details of a certificate that is available visit tinyurl.com/hf25nato
Now the DX news
Jeff, W7BRS is active as VK2/W7BRS from Lord Howe Island, OC-004, until the 1st of August. He is operating using CW, SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS.
A team of five UK operators will attempt to activate MM0UKI from the Flannan Islands, EU-118, in August. The uninhabited island group is 20 miles west of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. It is the 6th most wanted IOTA location in Europe and the 2nd in the UK, after Rockall. The team consists of Rockall DXpedition veteran Nobby G0VJG, John G4IRN, Paul G4PVM, Mike GM5AUG and Jamie M0SDV. The trip is weather dependent and departure to the island is planned for the 1st of August, with the 2nd being a contingency day. Activity will be on the 40 to 6m bands, using SSB and CW from three stations. Operating will continue until the first available weather window for departure on the 4th of August or thereafter. The QSL Manager for the trip is Charles, M0OXO.
Now the contest news
The IOTA Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th and finishes at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 28th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.
Today, the 28th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 3rd of August, the 4th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
Also on Saturday the 3rd, the 144MHz Low Power Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
On Sunday the 4th, the 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
On Saturday the 3rd, the EU HF Championship runs from 0000 to 2359UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and the last two digits of the first year you were licensed.
The Worked All Britain 144MHz SSB Low Power Contest will take place on Saturday the 3rd of August from 1400 to 1800UTC. The maximum power allowed for this contest is 25W. The exchange is report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 13th of August. Full rules for the contest are available on the Worked All Britain website.
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon started on Saturday the 4th of May and ends on Sunday the 4th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 25th of July 2024
We had yet another week of high sunspot numbers and low geomagnetic disturbances, but will it last?
We dodged a bullet last week after a weak coronal mass ejection, or CME, on Tuesday the 23rd failed to generate a geomagnetic storm. This was from a faint halo CME observed on Sunday, which was much weaker than expected when it hit Earth.
A further M2.4 flare, near the eastern limb on Tuesday, produced a coronal mass ejection, but that was directed away from Earth.
So, we ended the week with a Kp index that never rose above 2, despite up to 19 M-class solar flares occurring. Our luck must run out some time!
The main HF DX this week has been the K8R DXpedition on American Samoa. This has been workable on all bands from 20 to 10m, especially using FT8. They have been trialling a new Super Fox mode on FT8. If you are interested in using this mode, you will need the latest version of the WSJT-X software.
Daylight maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path have reached more than 24MHz, with 28MHz available at times on some paths. This will, no doubt, improve as we head towards the autumn.
Nighttime MUFs over a similar path length have exceeded 14MHz and often reached 18MHz at times. Make the most of the nighttime openings as they will die off as we head towards the end of the summer.
Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the range of 165 to 175 and the Kp index will be a maximum of 2 all week. As ever, this will be dependent on any solar flares and associated CMEs. A CME could easily push the Kp index up and the MUF down.
Four sunspot groups have just rotated into view so keep a close eye on them on solarham.com At least one is classed as “growing” and could be a contender for trouble over the next week by way of solar flares and CMEs.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The area of high pressure which develops over this weekend will bring the prospect of Tropo conditions at the start of the new week.
The high will drift slowly east towards Denmark by midweek but could still provide the chance of Tropo conditions across the North Sea until Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a weather front will reach northwest Scotland on Monday and edge slowly south whilst a small thundery low develops near the southwest of Britain. This combination will bring a gradual transition to more unsettled weather with a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands for the second half of the week.
The Delta Aquariid meteor shower is active from the 12th of July to the 23rd of August. With no noticeable peak, it is expected to reach its maximum rate of 25 per hour on or around the 30th of July.
We should have more than just random meteors to use for meteor scatter operation, so it's worth trying meteor scatter on the VHF bands. Also, given clear skies and darkness over the next few weeks, it's worth having a look out for them with the naked eye or photographically.
This extra input of meteors may well improve the prospects for Sporadic-E, which have perhaps seemed a little less than enthusiastic recently. Meteor debris from meteor showers, or random meteors, provides the fuel for Sporadic-E. These ionised trails in the E region above 100km can be affected by wave motion caused by jet streams much lower down at around 10km.
Fortunately, there are a number of useful jet streams on the forecast charts for next week with a slight preference for paths to Scandinavia and eastern Europe.
Moon declination is positive and rising, reaching maximum on Thursday the 1st of August, so Moon windows are long with high peak Moon elevation. We passed perigee on the 24th so path losses are on the increase. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 21st July 2024
19 jul· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 21st of July 2024
The news headlines:
The RSGB has released new training manuals for amateur radio examsPlans for the RSGB Convention in October are taking shapeICQ Podcast Episode 434 features interviews with RSGB representatives at Friedrichshafen
The RSGB is pleased to announce that it has released new training manuals for the Foundation, Intermediate and Full licence exams. These books are in addition to the existing manuals and reflect changes to the syllabus due to the new licence conditions. The RSGB will start examining to version 1.6 of the syllabus from the 1st of September 2024 and the new manuals will help tutors and students to prepare for exams from that date. If you are taking an exam before the 1st of September, you should continue to use the existing manuals. There isn’t a single manual for the Direct to Full exam, but you can buy a bundle of all three licence-level manuals for a discounted price. The manuals are available from the RSGB via rsgbshop.org/training and you can also read more about them in the August RadCom.
This year the RSGB Convention will take place between the 11th and 13th of October at Kents Hill Park in Milton Keynes. It is the place to be if you are interested in everything and anything to do with amateur radio. The Society is delighted that the event will be sponsored by Martin Lynch & Sons and that AMSAT will be holding its Colloquium during the Convention again this year. Following a recent call for proposals, the RSGB received some fantastic offers of presentations and practical activities. The programme is starting to take shape and will be organised into three streams called ‘Getting Started’ – aimed at those who want to try something new; Operating and Technical. To find out more about the programme, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention or read the update in the August RadCom.
ICQ Podcast has released episode 434 of their podcast, which includes a report from Ham Radio Friedrichshafen. The team chatted with RSGB General Manager, Steve Thomas M1ACB about a wide range of topics, including international liaison and the RSGB Convention. You can listen to this section from one hour and 17 minutes into the podcast. You can also hear RSGB President John McCullagh GI4BWM, Board Chair Stewart Bryant G3YSX and Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman G6JYB talking about licence changes, outreach and spectrum. You can find this part of the interview from one hour and 39 minutes into the show. Listen to the podcast at icqpodcast.com For more information on the licence changes, see rsgb.org/licence-review
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is coming up soon. The event is usually held on the third weekend of August which this year is the 17th and 18th. It is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been more than 500 entries from over 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net
Don’t forget that the British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between Saturday the 24th and Monday the 26th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website at nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2024’ link.
The National Hamfest 2024 is taking place on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For those eager to secure their spot, online ticket sales are open and an early-bird discount is available until the 31st of August. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk
And now for details of rallies and events
Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally is taking place today, the 21st of July. The venue is Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 8 am for traders. Refreshments are available from the Museum’s cafeteria. Admission for visitors costs £3. For further information email [email protected]
The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally is also taking place today, the 21st of July, at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors are open from 10 am. More details are available at g0ghk.com
On Sunday the 28th of July, the Wiltshire Radio Summer Rally will take place at Kington Langley Village Hall, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. The event will run from 9 am to 1 pm, admission will be £3 and indoor tables cost £10. To take part in the car-boot sale, a car-size pitch costs £10 and a van-size pitch is £15. Hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
Tom, NL7RR is active on Wake Island, OC-053, until Tuesday the 23rd of July. In his spare time, he is operating as NL7RR/KH9 on or around 14.200MHz between 0600 and 0800UTC. QSL directly via Tom’s home call.
Vincent, F4BKV is active as XW4KV from Laos until Wednesday the 24th of July, with limited operation via the QO-100 satellite as well as QRP activity on the 15m band using SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS or directly via his home call.
Now the DX news
The IP1X team is active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, on the 27th and 28th of July using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, or to IU1JCZ directly or via the Bureau. For more details and updates visit QRZ.com
Special callsign DL0SOP is active until the 31st of July for the 66th edition of the Sea of Peace Award. The station was heard recently on the 80, 40, 30 and 20m bands using CW. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL or directly to DL4SVA. For details of an award that is available for contacting the station, visit tinyurl.com/DL0SOP24
Special callsign OL80CARBON is active until the 30th of November to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Carbon during World War Two. The operation involved the dropping of paratroopers in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. A team of operators is active using CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. More information is available on QRZ.com
Now the contest news
Today, the 21st, the International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1200 UTC and from 1300 to 1600 UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power.
On Tuesday the 23rd, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 25th, the 80m Club Championship Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The IOTA Contest runs from 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th to 1200UTC on Sunday the 28th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.
On Sunday the 28th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 18th of July 2024
We had another great week in terms of HF propagation. The solar flux index was at a remarkable 224 on Thursday the 18th, and the Kp index had been consistently in the ones and twos all week.
It doesn’t get much better than this, HF-wise, although it's a shame it's not autumn with the associated good HF autumnal propagation.
Given that we are in the summer HF doldrums, there has been a lot of DX on the bands. 15m has been very good during late afternoons, and open to all continents, with Australia, Asia, Africa, North America and South America all workable on FT8 at the same time.
On Thursday the 18th, there were 17 active sunspot regions visible, which contributed to the high solar flux index. Two X-class solar flares brought short-term solar fadeouts on the 14th and the 16th, but any associated coronal mass ejection has been mainly directed away from Earth.
For those new to HF propagation, this is good news. Remember, a high solar flux index is generally good, while a high, perhaps more than four, Kp index is generally bad.
Daytime maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path have been consistently above 21MHz. Nighttime MUFs have been more than 14MHz, and often 18MHz, at times.
But will this continue? Probably not.
Of the 17 visible sunspot groups, six are classed as ‘growing’. There have been coronal mass ejections from sunspots on the edge of the Sun, but they have not been Earth-directed. But, as these spots rotate to be Earth-facing, a coronal mass ejection could be more problematic.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may fall, perhaps into the 170s to 180s range.
The Kp index is predicted to be around 2, but if we do have an Earth-facing coronal mass ejection that could easily climb to 4 or 5, with an associated drop in the maximum usable frequency.
So, will it be another week without a high Kp index? Maybe that is too much to hope for!
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
Last week ended with a decaying high over Germany and fronts pushing in across western Britain. With such warm air over the UK at first, even temporarily, there will be a reasonable chance of Tropo over nearby cooler waters around our coasts, especially along the English Channel and southern North Sea.
Incidentally, for anyone taking a VHF rig with them on holiday to the Mediterranean resorts, you can expect typical summer semi-permanent, very strong maritime Tropo ducts over any sea path to neighbouring islands or countries.
Returning to the UK, we have a series of fronts and lows lined up for the coming week. In summer months these can often have a showery element to them, so expect some heavy rain and thunder at times, but at least there'll be rain scatter to make up for it!
Meteor scatter is again a random experience, with no major showers this week. Try around, or just before, dawn for best results. The solar conditions have been all over the place with flares and weak auroral responses, but nothing dramatic for VHF radio.
Sporadic-E, on the other hand, has done fairly well for digital mode activity, especially for transatlantic paths, but is slightly subdued where higher signal levels are required for SSB and CW. Although the weather is expected to be unsettled, the jet stream activity is less widespread than recently. If anything, the western side of Europe seems in a better spot with quite good options for paths to Iberia. Remember, most years will see activity into the first week of September, so don’t give up yet.
The Moon is at minimum declination on Friday the 19th so we start the week with short Moon windows and falling path losses as we approach perigee on the 24th. Perigee is the point at which the Moon is closest to the Earth. 144MHz sky noise starts very high but declines to medium next week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
- Lyssna Lyssna igen Fortsätt Lyssnar...
- Lyssna senare Lyssna senare
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 14th July 2024
12 jul· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 14th of July 2024
The news headlines:
The RSGB is looking for a Company SecretaryThe RSGB Planning Advisory Committee needs volunteersAn RSGB video summarises the Ofcom licence changes
The RSGB is looking to recruit an RSGB Member to be the Society's Company Secretary. This volunteer position plays a key role in the Society’s governance and provides vital support in running Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Stephen Purser, GW4SHF took on the role temporarily after the previous Company Secretary stepped down. The Board is grateful to Stephen for stepping in at short notice last year and is keen to find a good candidate to take the role forward. If you feel you have the necessary skills to fulfil this important role, would like more information or to discuss what is required, please email [email protected] in the first instance. The Board Chair will then contact you for a chat. If you email to apply for the position, please include a current CV. In line with all volunteer roles, the Board welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds. For full information on the role, please go to rsgb.org/volunteers.
The RSGB Planning Advisory Committee still needs additional volunteers to join its advisory panel. Volunteers deal with queries from members about problems they face in getting planning permission for masts and antennas. These enquiries can be for support in making an application to the local council, or in submitting an appeal. If you have a relevant professional background, not necessarily as a planner, or have some knowledge of how the planning system works, please get in touch. Find out more about the committee at rsgb.org/pac and then email the Board Liaison for planning Len Paget, GM0ONX at [email protected] to arrange a chat.
The RSGB has released a video summary of the Ofcom licence changes that came into effect in February this year. This is an extended version of the video shown at the Society’s AGM. It covers the range of updates from power increases and callsigns, to additional options for Foundation licensees and new opportunities for sharing amateur radio with people who do not have a license. It also looks at the next phases of Ofcom’s licence changes. If you don’t feel you’re making the most of the new licence conditions, or you’re unsure about some of the changes, why not watch this short video and see what you could do! You can find it on the RSGB YouTube channel and on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licence-review
Callum, M0MCX reports that DX Commander is having an open day on Saturday the 17th of August. The event will include operating two amateur radio stations. One will be an HF station with a Kenwood TS-990s transceiver. The other station will be an Icom IC-9700 operating on the VHF bands. The stations are located in a low-noise environment and visitors are welcome to enjoy using them. Attendees are also welcome to visit the new expanded antenna field, check out DX Commander’s new secret projects and maybe enjoy some food. The RSGB will be in attendance with Region 5 Representative Mark Savage, M0XIC manning the bookstall. The doors will be open from 12 pm to 4 pm. Numbers are limited so visit the DX Commander website and click the ‘Register’ button to book your place. For more information visit dxcommander.com
This year, International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will run from 0001UTC on the 17th of August to 2400UTC on the 18th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. You can read more at illw.net
Advance notice now that the next Essex CW Boot Camp and Conference will be held on Saturday the 26th of October at the 3rd Witham Scout and Guide HQ. Spaces are limited so book your place early to avoid disappointment. If you are interested in attending, visit essexcw.uk and follow the ‘Boot Camp & CW Conference’ link for more information.
And now for details of rallies and events
Cambridge Repeater Group Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 14th, at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridgeshire, CB22 6RN. The doors open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 7.30 am for traders. The event features a car boot sale, talk-in, trade stands, clubs and a bring-and-buy area. A free marshalled car park and burger van will be available on site. For more information visit cambridgerepeaters.net and click on the Rally tab.
Also, today, Sunday the 14th, Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally is taking place at Rasen Festival Hall, Caistor Road, LN8 3HT. The doors open at 10 am and entry will cost £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. More information, including contact details, is available via tinyurl.com/LSWC2024
The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is also taking place today, Sunday the 14th of July. The venue is Reading Rugby Club, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Reading, RG4 6ST. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and at 8 am for traders. Refreshments and ample parking will be available. For more information visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk
Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 21st of July. The venue will be The Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 8 am for traders. Refreshments will be available from the Museum’s cafeteria. Admission for visitors costs £3. For further information email [email protected]
The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally is also set to take place on Sunday the 21st of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10 am. More details are available at g0ghk.com
Now the Special Event news
During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, look for TM67JO which will be active for 15 days between the 26th of July and the 11th of August. The operators will include F1LFL on SSB, F5PZT using FT8 and FT4, and F5TFW on CW. QSL to F1LFL, via the Bureau or directly.
Special callsign HB50VC is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Radio Amateur Club Swissair, HB9VC. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World. QSL cards will not be provided, but details of a participation certificate are available at tinyurl.com/HB50VC
Now the DX news
Eric, KV1J is active as FP/KV1J from Miquelon Island, NA-032, until Tuesday the 16th of July. Eric is operating primarily using SSB and FT8, plus some CW, RTTY and FT4. He is QRV on the 80 to 6m bands but with a focus on the 12, 10 and 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, eQSL, via Eric’s home call directly or via the Bureau. For more information see tinyurl.com/FPKV1J
Giovanni, IZ2DPX will be active as TO7PX from Reunion Island, AF-016, until Thursday the 18th of July. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL directly to IK2DUW.
Now the contest news
The IARU HF World Championship started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 13th of July and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 14th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone.
Today, the 14th, the next session of the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz Cumulative Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Tomorrow, the 15th, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900UTC to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 16th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 18th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 20th, the 70MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400UTC to 2000UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
On Sunday the 21st, the International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC, and from 1300 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of July 2024
We had another week of reasonably settled geomagnetic conditions and a high solar flux index.
The solar flux index was at 214 on Thursday the 11th, while the Kp index has been around 2 to 3 all week. That’s generally good news for HF.
However, a small coronal hole is now facing Earth and a solar wind stream flowing from this zone was predicted to reach Earth by the 13th of July. This could result in an elevated Kp index and lower maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs for short. It probably won’t last too long, so expect conditions to be back to normal by tomorrow, the 15th.
Active region 3738 is dominating the Sun’s surface but has only been the source of minor C-class solar flares and will remain a threat for moderate M-class flares. All other regions have been mostly stable.
The daytime MUF over a 3,000km path has often exceeded 24.9MHz, with some better-equipped stations reporting contacts into Australasia on the 10m band.
Night-time MUFs over a similar distance are still consistently above 14MHz. Make the most of this as they are likely to drop as we head out of summer and into autumnal conditions.
The MUF is extrapolated from the Dourbes ionosonde data and should only be used as a guide – it may often be higher, especially in some directions.
The most sought-after DX this week has been K8K/K8R in American Samoa. The DXpedition is testing out all systems on all bands, using CW, SSB and FT8, ahead of the upcoming Jarvis Island DXpedition. The station has been worked from the UK on the 30 to 10m bands, mainly by well-equipped stations, and has been testing the FT8 Superfox mode with some success.
Otherwise, contestants in the RSGB’s 80m SSB Club Championship on Wednesday the 10th reported fair conditions, but a very, very noisy band. Noise is often a limiting factor, especially on the lower HF bands.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline to the 180 to 190 range. Geomagnetic conditions may be unsettled today, the 14th, with a Kp index of 4 at times. The second half of the coming week should be more settled, as long as we don’t have a coronal mass ejection.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The overall picture is of unsettled weather still being around for the coming week, but there will be some temporary moments of weak high pressure to alleviate incessant rain.
As we end the current week, pressure will rise over western areas bringing a chance of Tropo for paths down the Irish Sea and across Biscay. There will also be a second period of high pressure for a time in the middle of next week, favouring the south. This gives us at least a chance of Tropo for this week’s UK Activity Contests on the 23cm and 4m bands.
The ‘unsettled’ part of the story is worth noting, especially if we get some heavy thundery downpours, which should be great for rain scatter. Continuing with scatter modes, there is always meteor scatter as a diversion and the advice is to look in the early hours before daybreak when random meteors are more likely.
Solar conditions are still not entirely settled so there remains a chance of aurora should the Kp index rise to 5 or more. The Sporadic-E season is still doing good business within Europe, but it feels as though it’s not been quite so noticeable as during June for UK stations.
The jet stream pattern is trying to help next week with several useful segments over northwest Europe, which should improve the chances of Sporadic-E paths from the UK into the continent.
Moon declination went negative again on Friday the 12th, which also corresponds to apogee, the point at which the Moon is furthest from Earth. So, Moon peak elevation and path losses will continue to fall again next week. 144MHz sky noise starts low early next week rising to a high of 2100 Kelvin on Friday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
- Lyssna Lyssna igen Fortsätt Lyssnar...
- Lyssna senare Lyssna senare
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 7th June 2024
5 jul· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 7th of July 2024
The news headlines:
A revised Direct to Full examination syllabus has been releasedThe RSGB has announced its representative for the 2024 YOTA campThe RSGB British Science Week Time challenge is an opportunity for constructors
The new amateur radio licence has now been in effect for a few months and changes to the licence conditions have necessitated revision to the examination syllabus. Tony Kent, G8PBH, who is the RSGB Examinations Standards Committee Chair, has announced that he is pleased to release version 2.0 of the Direct to Full syllabus, including these revisions. Compared to the version in current use, the only section that has seen major changes is Section 1: “Licensing and station identification”. Section 2: “Operating practices and procedures” has seen some minor changes, for example with regard to suffixes. The RSGB will begin examining to version 2.0 of the syllabus on the 1st of October 2024. It will not be taking any bookings for Direct to Full examinations to take place in September. You can find the syllabus on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/direct-to-full
The RSGB is pleased to announce that it will be represented at this summer’s Youngsters on the Air camp by Rhys Williams, M0WGY / AJ6XD. The event, which is organised by the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group together with the Czech Radio Club, will be held between the 16th and 23rd of August 2024 in Prague, Czechia. Rhys is currently studying aerospace engineering at Cambridge University and is going on to do a PhD in engineering at Oxford University from September. He says he has found a lot of joy in the building aspect of amateur radio and enjoys contesting with his university amateur radio club. Find out more about Rhys and this inspirational annual YOTA camp on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-camp
Are you looking for your next construction challenge? Then the RSGB British Science Week Time challenge could be for you. The task is to provide a method of either measuring the frequency of a radio frequency source or signal or providing a time reference to a radio operator or radio system. You must use readily available components, materials or other resources. The activity is open to all ages and is divided into three categories: under 18 or still in school; under 21 or an undergraduate up to the age of 23; and a category with no age restriction. You can enter as an individual or as a group. The winner of each category will win a prize of £150 with the winners being announced at this year’s RSGB Convention in October. The deadline for entries is the 1st of September. You can find out more, including how to enter, by visiting rsgb.org/bsw and selecting the ‘Time-related challenge’ link under the BSW24 header.
Don’t forget you can get involved in the new GR2HQ Challenge next weekend, the 13th and 14th of July, as part of the IARU HF World Championship contest. You can take part as individuals but also benefit your club, so why not encourage your club members to take part whether they are regular contesters or not? During the contest, Headquarters Stations represent their countries and the RSGB’s station GR2HQ will be run by a network of about a dozen stations around the UK and islands. You will be able to submit your log, including QSOs with GR2HQ, to the RSGB contest robot for the GR2HQ Challenge. If you include your club or group name when you submit your log, each QSO with GR2HQ will count towards an aggregate score for your club or team. You can read more in the June RadCom feature on the GR2HQ Challenge and you can see the rules on the RSGB website at thersgb.org/go/gr2hq
TX Factor has released its latest episode in which there is a look at the IC-R15 communications receiver, the latest offering from Icom. Bob, G0FGX and Mike, G1IAR discuss how best to configure the Anytone BT-01 Bluetooth microphone with the Anytone AT-D578, which will be a boon for mobile operating. Finally, there is the second part of a feature on operating via the QO-100 satellite with the Groundstation 2 from DX Patrol. Watch this and previous episodes on the TX Factor website at txfactor.co.uk or on its YouTube channel.
A reminder that the next RSGB Tonight@8 webinar is tomorrow, Monday the 8th of July when Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs will give a presentation on the QMX+ multi-mode 160 to 6m transceiver kit design and features. This is a great opportunity to find out more and ask questions live on the night. You can watch on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Find out more about the webinar on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
And now for details of rallies and events
Barford Radio Rally is taking place today, the 7th, at Barford Village Hall and Green, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors. The event features trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a charity raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry is £2.50 per person but under 16s will be admitted free of charge. To read more about the event visit norfolkamateurradio.org or email David, G7URP via [email protected]
The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally is also taking place today, the 7th, at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. The doors open at 10.30 am and admission costs £3. Traders bring and buy, club stalls, car parking and catering are all available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.
Cambridge Repeater Group Rally will take place next Sunday the 14th, at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridgeshire, CB22 6RN. The doors open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 7.30 am for traders. The event features a car boot sale, talk-in, trade stands, clubs and a bring-and-buy area. A free marshalled car park and burger van will be available on site. For more information visit cambridgerepeaters.net and click on the Rally tab.
Also on Sunday the 14th, the Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally is taking place at Rasen Festival Hall, Caistor Road, LN8 3HT. The doors open at 10 am and entry will cost £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. More information, including contact details, is available via tinyurl.com/LSWC2024
The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is also taking place on Sunday the 14th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Reading, RG4 6ST. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and at 8 am for traders. Refreshments and ample parking will be available. For more information visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk
Now the Special Event news
Special callsign OR100LGE is used by members of Liege Radio Club, ON5VL throughout 2024 to celebrate the Club's 100th anniversary. Look for activity on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via ON6YH. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log.
SK100FRK is the special callsign in use by the Falu Radio Club, SK4AO to celebrate the 100th anniversary since it was founded. The station will be active until the end of 2024 and details of an available award can be found at QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Bo, OZ1DJJ is active as OX3LX from Greenland until the 16th of July. He is QRV on the 6 and 4m bands, as well as on the HF bands, often using FT8. QSL via OZ0J.
Zsolt, HA8PX is active as S79/HA8PX from Mahe, AF-024, in the Seychelles until Wednesday the 10th of July. He operates mainly CW, but also some SSB and FT8, on various bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or directly.
Now the contest news
VHF National Field Day started at 1400 UTC on Saturday the 6th of July and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 7th of July. Using all modes on the VHF bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Today, the 7th, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 9th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 9th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 10th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 10th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Wednesday the 10th, the 80m Club Championship Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 11th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The IARU HF World Championship starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 13th of July and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 14th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone.
On Sunday the 14th, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 4th of July 2024
After a rough spot last weekend, the Sun has since behaved itself, allowing HF propagation to get back to normal. To recap, the Kp index hit 7.67 on Friday the 28th of June, thanks to incoming plasma from a coronal mass ejection. For a time, it looked like we might have a repeat performance of the 10th of May when the Kp index hit 9 and there was a visible aurora across the UK.
This time around, however, conditions calmed down again and 24 hours later the Kp index was back to 2.33. Since then, the Sun has remained calm with only two M-class and zero X-class flares, and the Kp index is back in the 1 to 3 range.
This means that the ionosphere has had a chance to build up and we have been seeing MUFs over a 3,000km path exceeding 21MHz and often reaching 24MHz. That’s pretty good considering we are in the Summer HF doldrums.
An analysis of the Sun's active sunspot regions shows that two are growing, five are declining and one is stable.
WSPRNet.org shows that signals have been getting to the UK from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Far East on the 15m band, while 28MHz is still mainly open to short-hop Sporadic-E contacts across Europe.
The solar flux index has declined over the past week and was sitting at 167 on Thursday the 4th of July. Next week, NOAA predicts it will remain around the 170 mark, with quiet geomagnetic conditions.
However, solar flares and coronal mass ejections remain hard to predict so keep an eye on Solarham.com and Propquest.co.uk for a real-time view of solar and geomagnetic conditions.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The weather sequence to the end of next week is much like an autumn pattern in that the story is all about areas of low pressure, showers and weather fronts. None of this suggests that Tropo will be a feature of the weather. In fact, high-pressure systems simply do not appear on the charts at all.
We can leave rain scatter on the list and, since it is technically summer, or meant to be, there is a lot of energy in any showers. Indeed, some may be heavy and thundery and are probably good rain-scatter candidates. Meteor scatter, in the absence of major showers, is most likely around the dawn period when random meteors tend to be more prevalent.
The solar conditions continue to offer much variability and it is always worth checking for elevated Kp index values, which can be a signal for aurora to occur. As a general guide check the bands when Kp reaches 5 or higher.
The Sporadic-E season continues, although recently there have been some higher-than-ideal Kp indices, which unlike for aurora need to be at lower values, say below a Kp index of 3, for ideal Sporadic-E conditions.
The other ingredient that tends to promote Sporadic-E is the presence of jet streams in the upper atmosphere around 10 to 15km up. It is believed that these can generate atmospheric gravity waves that can propagate up to the E region at 110km where they become part of the process for making Sporadic-E.
This unsettled autumn-like weather is providing plenty of jet streams, so it continues to be worth checking for Sporadic-E. A quick look at the upper air pattern suggests that paths towards Scandinavia and the Baltic may be productive, and perhaps to Iberia later next week.
Moon declination is close to maximum positive this coming weekend so Moon peak elevation will be high. Moon apogee is on Friday the 12th so EME path losses continue to increase. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News bulletin for 30th June 2024
28 jun· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 30th of June 2024
The news headlines:
The IARU HF Championship is coming upLearn about the QMX+ transceiver at the next RSGB Tonight@8 webinarThe Examinations Standards Committee has published its annual report
The IARU HF Championship contest will be held between the 13th and 14th of July and there is a great opportunity for you to get involved in a different way this year. During the contest, ‘Headquarters Stations’ represent their countries and the RSGB’s station GR2HQ will be run by a network of about a dozen stations around the UK and islands. This year, the RSGB Contest Committee has introduced a new challenge to encourage individual stations to work the GR2HQ station on each band-mode slot. You will be able to submit your log, including QSOs with GR2HQ, to the RSGB contest robot for the GR2HQ Challenge. If you include your club or group name when you submit your log, each QSO with GR2HQ will count towards an aggregate score for your club or team. There will be two results tables, one for individuals taking part and one for clubs, so your QSOs can contribute to both! Why not encourage your club members to take part in this special challenge whether they are regular contesters or not. By contacting the GR2HQ station you’ll also help the RSGB’s position in the contest – last year the RSGB came third and the Society would love to improve on that result. You can read more in the June RadCom feature on the GR2HQ Challenge and you can see the rules on the RSGB website at thersgb.org/go/gr2hq
The next RSGB Tonight@8 webinar is on Monday the 8th of July when Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs will give a presentation on the QMX+ multi-mode 160 to 6m transceiver kit design and features. This is a great opportunity to find out more and ask questions live on the night. You can watch on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Find out more about the webinar on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The Examinations Standards Committee has published its annual report, relating to activities in 2023. Whilst the report shows that in 2023 there were fewer candidates across all licence levels, the number of people taking exams so far in 2024 has increased significantly. Another item in the report relates to the preparations that are being made to release the bank of questions for the Full licence exam. The ESC Chair, Tony Kent, G8PBH says that it has long been recognised that a review of the question bank, particularly at Full level, is well overdue and has been delayed multiple times by things such as the need to revise the syllabus for EMF and the new licence changes. Reviewing the question bank is the next priority of the ESC and the Exams and Syllabus Review Group and will begin on the 1st of September when Syllabus 1.6 is up and running. The ESC and ESRG believe it is better that this review is conducted before the bank is published as this should reduce the workload on the community and the exams teams in making and responding to queries on questions that may be withdrawn. They are hoping to release the questions in January 2025. To see the full ESC report go to rsgb.org/esc and click on the minutes, papers and reports tab on the right.
The team from hi-impact based on the Wirral is planning its first high-altitude balloon launch of 2024. This time, working alongside staff and pupils from Monks Coppenhall Academy near Crewe, they will launch at 11am on Wednesday the 3rd of July 2024, from their usual location in Cilcewydd, near Welshpool in Wales. They will be running a HABduino and encourage all amateurs and short-wave listeners to upload telemetry to SondeHub. The frequency will be 434.650MHz USB, transmitting 50 Baud RTTY, 425Hz Shift and using 7N1 data format. The callsign is MONKS_HAB. Updates will be posted on hi-impact’s Facebook page and on X @hiimpactconsult
This year, the Churches and Chapels on the Air event will take place on Saturday the 14th of September. If you are planning to put your church or chapel on the air, please email John, G3XYF via [email protected] and he will add you to the list of participants.
And finally, don’t forget that today, the 30th, is Alexanderson Day. The unique Alexanderson alternator, with the callsign SAQ, is scheduled for two transmissions on 17.2kHz using CW. At 0830UTC, the alternator will be started up and at 0900UTC the first transmission will take place. A second transmission is scheduled for 1200UTC. You can read more about the event and historic transmitter at alexander.n.se
And now for details of rallies and events
Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s annual rally is taking place today, the 30th, at Stockwood Park in Luton. As always, there will be plenty of plots available on the day for £10 each. The fee for car parking will be £4 per vehicle for visitors. Both of the usual entrances for traders and visitors remain unchanged. However, the road that runs along part of Newlands Road on the south side of the park is closed so please plan your route accordingly. For more information visit ddrcbootsale.org
Burton on Trent Amateur Radio Club Mini Rally and Barbecue is set to take place on Saturday the 6th of July. The venue will be The Barley Mow public house, Burton on Trent, DE5 9AP. Ample car parking will be available, and admission will be free. In addition to all the usual stalls, there will be a live demonstration of the Club’s remote access station. For more information phone Barry on 01283 540570 or see the Club’s Facebook page.
Barford Radio Rally is coming up next Sunday, the 7th, at Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. Doors open at 9am for visitors. The event features trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a charity raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry is £2.50 per person but under 16s will be admitted free of charge. To read more about the event visit norfolkamateurradio.org or email David, G7URP via [email protected]
Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally is also taking place next Sunday, the 7th, at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. The doors open at 10.30am and admission will cost £3. There will be traders, bring and buy, club stalls, car parking and catering is available on site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.
Now the Special Event news
Durham and District Amateur Radio Society is participating as one of the bonus stations in the popular 13 Colonies special event. The special callsign GB13COL has been issued for the occasion and will be active from 1300UTC on the 1st of July to 0400UTC on the 8th of July. The primary focus of the event will be the HF bands, but the station will also be working on VHF and UHF bands, and via satellite, for QSOs using SSB, CW, FM and various digital modes. If you would like to visit the club, or want further information about GB13COL, please contact Ray, G0VLF on 07904196283 or email [email protected]
Special callsign GX4LMR will be operated by The British Railways Amateur Radio Society from the 5th to the 14th of July to commemorate the first amateur tests on a moving railway train in 1924. Operators plan to concentrate on the 40m band, depending on conditions. QSL via the Bureau.
Now the DX news
Sylvia, OE5YYN is active as OE20SOTA until the 31st of October to mark the 20th anniversary of Austria joining the Summits on the Air programme. For details of a certificate that is available see QRZ.com
A member of the 69th Russian Antarctic Expedition, Igor, RQ8K will be stationed at Progress Station, Antarctica until the end of April 2025. In his spare time, Igor is active as RI1ANE and uses FT8 on the HF bands regularly.
Now the contest news
Today, the 30th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Tomorrow, the 1st, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 2nd, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 2nd, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 3rd, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 3rd, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
VHF National Field Day starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 6th of July and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 7th of July. Using all modes on the VHF bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 7th, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 27th of June 2024
We had another lucky week with quite a high solar flux index, low Kp geomagnetic numbers, few solar flares and no coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, of note. In fact, you couldn’t ask for better!
But is that all about to change? With nine active solar regions on the Sun’s surface and the return of old region 3664, now renamed 3723, it would be a brave person to suggest otherwise.
So, let’s take a closer look at the Sun. Of the nine active regions that are visible, four are classed as stable, one is classed as declining and four are classed as growing.
With a solar flux index of 181, there is plenty of UV radiation around. However, we are currently in the summer doldrums so maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs, are lower than they are in the Autumn and Winter. In other words, we are not going to see a return to reliable worldwide DX conditions on the higher bands until mid to late September.
There is currently only a 5% chance of a strong X-class solar flare, although a bright coronal mass ejection was observed for a second day off the Sun’s west limb. This was directed away from our planet so shouldn’t affect us.
NOAA predicts that the Kp index could rise due to CME arrivals from an event that left the Sun on the 24th of June. Expect a Kp of 4 or 5, with a reduction in the MUF until the geomagnetic disruption abates. It also predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the region of 190, hopefully with a low Kp index after the ionosphere settles again.
MUFs over a 3,000km path are generally between 18 and 23MHz during daylight and around 18MHz at night. This means that for the next month or so we may expect 14MHz to remain open throughout the night.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The current week finishes with a return to unsettled weather and cooler air, after a brief taste of summer, particularly in the south of Britain.
There will be lows drifting in from the Atlantic during the coming week, as well as the occasional passing weather front. Although there was some Tropo last week, during the brief period of high pressure, this is unlikely to be repeated in the coming week.
Therefore, we have a continuing random chance of some rain scatter, but you will need one of the many online weather radar displays to track the scatter regions down. Since next week also looks windier, you might have to keep one hand on the rotator!
Meteor scatter is once again down to random events, which means an early start in the shack to capture the higher rates in the early mornings.
The solar conditions continue to keep trying to creep into VHF affairs with a higher Kp index and thoughts of radio aurora, but it's probably not a strong shout.
Now to our last item – Sporadic-E. There is still the broad summer Sporadic-E peak, which extends into the first week of September in a good year, so you have plenty of time. It will not always be there but, in a test analysis of Dourbes data in June 2022, 84% of the days reached 10m, with 18% up to 6m and around 10% to 4m or above. This makes it worth using the 10m band to highlight the regions of activity and then check the 6m beacons in case it strengthens to bring in the higher bands.
Moon declination goes positive again this coming weekend so Moon peak elevation and window lengths will increase. Perigee was on Thursday the 27th so EME path losses are increasing again. 144MHz sky noise is low at the start of the coming week and moderate later. From Friday afternoon on the 5th of July to midday on Saturday, the Moon and the Sun are very close in the sky, meaning high noise for all but the narrowest beamwidth antennas.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 23rd June 2024
21 jun· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 23rd of June 2024
The news headlines:
RSGB Convention workshops and practical sessions – what would you like?RSGB Team interviewed by ICQ Podcast at the Dayton Hamvention in MayDon’t forget to try the updated RSGB Discovery Scheme
Do you like making things? Are you interested in finding out more about the Raspberry Pi or programming an Arduino? Have you heard about the NanoVNA and DragonOS but don’t know where to start? The RSGB wants its 2024 Convention to offer practical sessions to help radio amateurs try something new, develop their skills and go away inspired! If you can offer to run a workshop or a practical session over the weekend of the 11th to the 13th of October, or you’d like to take part in one, please email the RSGB Convention Team via [email protected] by the 3rd of July. As part of its strategy, the RSGB wants to ensure that this prestigious annual event not only meets the needs of its members but also helps every radio amateur to share their love of the hobby with others.
Members of the RSGB Team, including RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM and RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB, had a successful time at the Dayton Hamvention in May. The event was a brilliant opportunity to engage with radio amateurs from around the world and it resulted in 132 people joining the RSGB. It also provided several media opportunities with podcasters, YouTubers and local news outlets. Martin Butler, M1MRB from ICQ Podcast was one of those who interviewed the President and the General Manager. The interview covered a wide range of topics, from using the new licence conditions as part of outreach, to the RSGB’s role in defending the spectrum and even to the RSGB President’s amateur radio activities with both RAYNET UK and SOTA! For the full interview go to Episode 432 on icqpodcast.com and listen just before two hours into the episode.
Have you tried the updated RSGB Discovery Scheme? Now called the Discovery Logbook, there are fewer requirements, an easy-to-follow programme and exciting links with external organisations such as Parks On The Air and Worked All Britain. There are also some great RSGB Awards to work towards if you’d like to include those in your programme of activities. As a relatively new radio amateur, Jim, ME7HEF had found that the sheer breadth of the hobby made it a little difficult to know where to start. The Discovery Scheme gave him a simple structure to try various aspects of amateur radio and he has enjoyed it. Read more about Jim’s experience on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/your-stories and follow the links to find out how you could try something new using the Discovery Logbook.
The RSGB is looking for an individual to take on the complex role of Editor of the annual RSGB Yearbook, following the retirement of the previous Editor. This is a paid post, working part-time from home for a few months each year, and is offered as a fixed-term contract. You will need experience of editing material from a wide range of sources and working to deadlines, as well as having attention to detail. An understanding of desktop publishing programs such as InDesign will be helpful along with knowledge of the breadth of amateur radio in the UK today. If you are interested in this post, please email [email protected] with an appropriate CV or covering statement of your abilities.
Last weekend was 1940s weekend at the Bletchley Park Museum. The RSGB National Radio Centre, or NRC, supported the event by hosting the World War Two Special Operations Executive radio station, GB1SOE. The station, operating on the 40m band, attracted lots of visitor attention, as did GB3RS which was busy on the air as part of the Museums on the Air weekend. NRC volunteers made QSOs and invited visitors to pass greetings messages. If appropriate, the volunteers used the new licence conditions to allow visitors to run QSOs themselves under supervision. The weekend was a huge success and 1,211 people visited the RSGB National Radio Centre. The Society would like to thank all the NRC volunteers who delivered such an enjoyable weekend.
Alexanderson Day will take place on Sunday the 30th of June 2024. The unique Alexanderson alternator, with the callsign SAQ, is scheduled for two transmissions on 17.2kHz using CW. At 0830UTC, the alternator will be started up and at 0900UTC the first transmission will take place. A second transmission is scheduled for 1200UTC. You can read more about the event and historic transmitter at alexander.n.se
The Bath Based Distance Learning team is busy enrolling students into its pre-course classroom for its forthcoming course for the Full Licence exam. The team has received enquiries about whether its course is suitable for the Direct to Full exam. The course content focuses on the Full level syllabus items, which are only a part of the Direct to Full syllabus. Learners are expected to know the Foundation and Intermediate material already. Parallel study is possible, but the Bath Based Distance Learning Full Licence course alone would not be sufficient to ensure a pass in a Direct to Full exam. More details can be found in the latest edition of RadCom, but please note that the email address provided to RadCom was incorrect; anyone wanting details of the Bath Based Distance Learning course should email Steve, G0FUW, using [email protected]
Guisborough and District Amateur Radio Club is organising a mini DXpedition to Scotland, on the Isle of Lewis from the 22nd to the 29th of September. The team has a couple of spaces left and welcomes amateurs from other clubs who would like to join in. For more information email [email protected]
And finally, don’t forget to listen out for all the amateur stations that will be on the air during the Museums on the Air activity today, the 23rd. For more information about the event visit tinyurl.com/imw2024
And now for details of rallies and events
The Newbury Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 23rd of June. The venue is Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. The event includes a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors open to sellers at 8 am, and to visitors at 9 am. Lots of free parking is available and entry costs £3 for visitors. A seller’s pitch costs £15. For more information visit nadars.org.uk
Dunstable Downs Radio Club would like to invite everyone to its annual boot sale and radio rally on Sunday the 30th of June at Stockwood Park in Luton. As always, there will be plenty of plots available on the day for £10 each. The fee for car parking will be £4 per vehicle for visitors. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s Facebook page. To add yourself to the email list visit ddrcbootsale.org
Burton on Trent Amateur Radio Club Mini Rally and Barbecue is set to take place on Saturday the 6th of July. The event will take place at The Barley Mow public house, Burton on Trent, DE5 9AP. Ample car parking will be available, and admission will be free. Apart from all the usual stalls, there will be a live demonstration of the Club’s remote access station. For more information phone Barry on 01283 540570 or see the Club’s Facebook page.
Now the Special Event News
Marking the 25th anniversary since Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, special callsign HF25NATO will be active until the 31st of August. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Only 100 limited edition QSL cards will be distributed. These will be issued first-come, first-served so call in quick! For details of a certificate that is available visit tinyurl.com/hf25nato
Special callsign SK100FRK is active from Sweden to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Falu Radio Club’s formation in 1924. The station is active until the end of the year on all bands and operators are using SSB, CW and FM. For details of an available award see QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Domenico, IK1MNF is active as IK1MNF/IA5 from Isola d'Elba, EU-028, until the end of September. He is operating using SSB on the 20 to 6m bands. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log. QSL via Domenico's home call.
Chas, NK8O is active as 5H3DX from near Dodoma, Tanzania until the 30th of June. He is operating using CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL directly to NK8O or via eQSL.
Now the contest news
Today, the 23rd, the 50MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 25th, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 27th, the 80m Club Championship SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Sunday the 30th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 20th of June 2024
We had a relatively quiet week, with the Sun generally being settled. There were coronal mass ejections, but they were on the far side of the Sun and not Earth-directed.
There were no X-class flares, although we did have a few C- and M-class events.
The solar flux index declined to 167 but has since recovered and stood at 196 on Thursday the 20th. Active regions 3712, 3713 and 3716 are all large and 3712 has been emitting flares. However, all three regions will soon rotate out of view, so should not be a threat in the coming week.
As such, HF conditions have been reasonable given the time of year. Maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path during daylight have generally been between 14 and 21MHz, although there have been occasional openings up to 24MHz. Sporadic-E remains the main propagation mode on the 10m band.
Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 175 to 190 range and geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be mainly settled.
However, the far-side coronal mass ejections we have been seeing suggest we could be in for a rough ride in about a week to ten days. So, this week could be a good time for HF propagation.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The weather is trying to change to a more summer-like pattern, which means that the main jet stream will be farther north than recently and this will make Sporadic-E harder to find than during the recent strong jet stream pattern over Europe.
For most UK stations, the emphasis on Sporadic-E paths will gradually shift from the typical central Europe and Mediterranean to perhaps Scandinavia and the Baltic states.
The relatively new player this time around will be high pressure which comes and goes during the period but should bring some useful Tropo. In these high-summer days, sea or coastal paths are often good, but paths across hot land do not fare well in summer during the daytime. Concentrate on the night or early morning, especially if it is foggy.
There will be occasions when small lows and fronts edge into the south and west of the British Isles and, in typical summer fashion, may bring a risk of thundery showers. Any local, heavy rain means good conditions for rain scatter on the GHz bands. Meteor scatter again remains in the random category, which usually peaks around the dawn period.
Lastly, a note about aurora which has been kept at arm’s length although there have been several periods with a slightly enhanced Kp index. The light summer nights mean that visible auroras are very unlikely but do look out for noctilucent clouds on the northern horizon around midnight.
Noctilucent clouds are thin, wispy clouds that glow with a blue or silvery hue at night when illuminated by sunlight from below the horizon.
The Moon is at minimum declination this coming weekend so peak elevation is low and windows of usage are short. EME path loss is falling as we approach perigee next Thursday the 27th. 144MHz sky noise is high this weekend but falls to low early next week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 16th June 2024
14 jun· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 16th of June 2024
The news headlines:
The RSGB’s annual Convention is coming up in OctoberNational Coding Week returns in SeptemberExercise Blue Ham is taking place this week
This year, the RSGB’s annual Convention will take place from the 11th to the 13th of October. What would you like to see at the Convention? This year the Society is offering everyone the opportunity to propose a presentation, a topic, a practical session or a project to share. Are you involved in some new research? Have you discovered something new in amateur radio that you’re keen to share? Are you part of an interesting project that will take amateur radio to new audiences? Or have you helped to make amateur radio more accessible to people with different abilities? If you’d like to offer, or suggest, a presentation on these, or any other topics, please send your proposal to the Convention Team. As part of its strategy, the RSGB wants to ensure that this prestigious annual event not only meets the needs of its members but also helps every radio amateur to share their love of the hobby with others. The deadline for proposals is Wednesday the 3rd of July so it is important to send in your ideas as soon as possible. Email [email protected] and make sure you put ‘Convention proposal’ and the topic in the email title.
National Coding Week runs in September. Coding – or programming as it used to be called – is used in a range of amateur radio activities. This year the Society would like to develop its activities further by appointing a volunteer National Coding Week Coordinator. Could you encourage people, help them with their ideas and work with HQ teams to publicise and support activities? If you love computer programming and think you could help others enjoy it through amateur radio, why not think about offering an activity or volunteering to be the RSGB’s National Coding Week Coordinator? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
RAF Air Cadets are running the ever-popular Blue Ham Radio Communications Exercise, on the 60m band, between the 17th and 21st of June. Subject to your licence conditions, the Blue Ham team hopes that you can put some time aside to join in with the cadets and staff who will be ready to take your calls. The Blue Ham Team will issue you with a participation certificate if, during the period of the exercise, you contact 20 or more special military cadet callsigns with an MRE prefix. For more information visit alphacharlie.org.uk Please note that only Full licensees may operate on the 60m band.
The May 2024 edition of the IARU Region 1 Monitoring System Newsletter is now available. The newsletter contains details of intrusions into amateur bands, and you can access it via tinyurl.com/IARUMAY24
This year, the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 24th and 26th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website at nharg.org.uk and follow the BIWOTA 2024 link.
And now for details of rallies and events
The East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally, is taking place today, the 16th of June. The venue is Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton, IP10 0PW, just off the A14. The doors open at 9.30 am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. The site has free car parking and catering is available. For more information, contact Kevin, G8MXV on 07710 046 846 or visit eswr.org.uk
The Bangor and District Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Saturday the 22nd of June at Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church Halls. The doors open at 11.30 am. For more information, the Society can be contacted via its Facebook page.
The Newbury Radio Rally is set to take place on Sunday the 23rd of June. The venue will be Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There will be a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors open to sellers at 8 am, and to visitors at 9 am. Lots of free parking will be available and entry will cost £3 for visitors. A seller’s pitch costs £15. For more information visit nadars.org.uk
Dunstable Downs Radio Club would like to remind everyone that its annual boot sale has been postponed until the 30th of June. This is due to the site being used by BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend music festival. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s Facebook page and reminder emails will be sent out closer to the time. To add yourself to the list, visit ddrcbootsale.org and sign up for email reminders.
Now the Special Event News
Look out for special callsign GB9DAT which is active until the 28th of June to help promote digital modes in amateur radio. Operators are using a variety of digital modes including FT8, FT4, PSK and RTTY, among others. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or directly to MM0DFV.
Special callsign OE20SOTA is active until the 31st of October to mark the 20th anniversary of Austria joining the Summits on the Air programme. Operators have been heard recently on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. For details of an available certificate, for making 20 or more contacts with the station, see QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Elvira, IV3FSG is active as 5U5K from Niger until the 20th of June. She is operating SSB, FT8, FT4, RTTY and some CW on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL directly to IK2DUW.
Erwin, DK5EW is active as SV8/DK5EW from Crete Island, EU-015, until the 20th of June. He is QRV on the 6 and 4m bands only, from grid locator KM15. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or directly to Erwin’s home call.
Now the contest news
The 50MHz Trophy Contest started at 1400UTC on the 15th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 16th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The All Asian DX Contest started at 0000UTC on the 15th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 16th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your signal report and age.
Today, the 16th, the Worked All Britain 6m Phone Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using phone on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. More information is available from the Worked All Britain website.
Tomorrow, the 17th, the FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 18th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 19th, the 80m Club Championship CW Contest takes place from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 20th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 23rd, the 50MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 13th of June 2024
No sooner do we say that conditions will remain good than the Sun emits an X-class solar flare! Such is the challenge of writing propagation predictions.
Nevertheless, after the X1.5-class flare on the 10th of June, things settled again and, at the moment, there are no incoming coronal mass ejections, or CMEs for short, to report. With a Kp index of less than 1 on Thursday the 13th, and a solar flux index of 165, it looks like HF conditions could be quite good.
However, the Sun’s proton flux has increased and is close to the 10 million electron volts warning threshold. This means that paths through the polar regions might be disrupted. Protons can herald the arrival of a CME two or three days later, although NOAA is not predicting any disruption.
On the 13th of June, the critical frequency was between 7 and 8MHz, meaning a maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path of around 21 to 24MHz. The 10m band will be open, mainly to Sporadic-E. However, F2-layer propagation on the 10m band will be sparse.
NOAA predicts the solar flux index will fall to around 155 today, the 16th, before climbing again to around 195 in a week. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be quiet all week, but that may be because solar flares and CMEs are hard to predict at this point in the solar cycle.
As always, make hay on the HF bands while the Sun shines! And make the most of the Sporadic-E propagation on the higher HF bands as June is probably a peak month for this.
Finally, the latest sunspot data show that the average sunspot number for May was 171.7, the highest in 22 years. However, the ARRL reports that shortwave conditions were above average on only six days out of the entire month of May, and mostly poor on half of the days due to geomagnetic disturbances and solar flares.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The current spell of seemingly endless, poor weather is struggling to provide much Tropo. The general theme is low pressure bringing weather fronts with rain or, if not that, then scattered heavy showers.
This again points to rain scatter for the GHz Bands as the mode worth exploring. There is just one glimmer of Tropo hope in that the latest model predictions are starting to inject the notion of a ridge developing over southern areas, initially around mid-week but perhaps more so at the end of the week. Although, it's fair to say that other models hang on to the low-pressure theme. That said, it's worth checking from the middle of next week onwards.
There are no significant meteor showers this week so continue to check for random meteors around dawn.
The solar conditions have continued to trickle charge the auroral oval with an occasionally enhanced Kp index indicating possible aurora. This is unlikely to be visible at this time of the year although, if you are outside with a clear view to the north, you might be rewarded with a seasonal look at noctilucent clouds to make up for it.
High-summer Sporadic-E propagation is providing daily contacts so it’s worth checking the bands each day. The daily blogs always have something to show on the 10m band and many days there are reports of contacts on the 6m band. Remember these openings are not always reachable from all parts of the UK. One of the characteristics of Sporadic-E is that at each end of the path the ‘signal footprint’ is very small. Even in a busy opening, signals may still pass you by but you should continue to monitor in case a Sporadic-E path opens up that does include your station at one end!
Moon declination is negative again from this weekend, ending today the 16th. EME path loss was at its highest at apogee on Friday the 14th. 144MHz sky noise starts the week low but rises steadily, reaching over 3,000 Kelvin on Friday the 21st.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
- Lyssna Lyssna igen Fortsätt Lyssnar...
- Lyssna senare Lyssna senare
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 9th June 2024
7 jun· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 9th of June 2024
The news headlines:
TX Factor is marking its tenth anniversary by launching its 30th episodeChanges to the four-year planning rule in EnglandBath Based Distance Learning’s next Full licence course is starting soon
TX Factor is marking its tenth anniversary by launching its 30th episode. It looks at how radio technology has advanced since Marconi conducted some of his early transmissions. The episode includes the first of a two-part feature on operating via the QO-100 geostationary satellite with a look at the hardware and software needed to achieve your first QSO at home or out mobile. Bob, G0FGX reviews the FTM-500D which is the latest mobile transceiver from Yaesu and demonstrates the many advanced features of this versatile FM and digital rig. There is a visit to Sidmouth Amateur Radio Society which secured a derelict former sports social club from the local council and turned it into a community hub and the club’s new QTH. Watch this interesting episode and don’t miss out on the TX Factor free-to-enter draw with a chance to win three RSGB publications. You can see this and previous episodes on txfactor.co.uk
The four-year planning rule has offered a degree of protection for antennas and masts that have been erected without planning permission. Under this rule any installations which had been installed and unchanged for four years or more were protected against planning enforcement action. However, as of the 25th of April 2024, this rule ceased to exist in its current form in England under changes introduced under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. The rule has been replaced by a more stringent ten-year period for the exemption from enforcement for residential dwellings. This change does not affect Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where the four-year rule will continue to apply. Any installation that was substantially completed before the introduction of the Act will still be subject to the four-year rule meaning, for most radio amateurs, the ten-year rule will not apply until the 24th of April 2028. For more information on planning matters visit rsgb.org/planning
Bath Based Distance Learning’s next Full licence course runs from August to December, with exams in January. There is no charge for the training, but applicants must work through some pre-course material and complete a quiz to be eligible for a place. To request full details, and an application form, please email Bath Based Distance Learning’s Team Leader, Steve, G0FUW via [email protected]
A reminder that the RSGB is asking radio amateurs to share their ideas on the theme of ‘change and adapt’, as part of plans for British Science Week 2025. The event is run by the British Science Association and celebrates science, technology, engineering and maths. The 2025 theme offers a huge range of opportunities for creativity and discovery. Ideas could cover any area from construction to propagation, from making QSOs under supervision to space and satellites. This is a chance to show young people in schools, or anyone in your local community, just how interesting and enjoyable amateur radio can be. Please send ideas to the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator Ian Neal, M0KEO at [email protected] To find out more about the previous year’s activities, or next year’s theme, you can visit rsgb.org/bsw
Don’t forget that you have the opportunity to get even more out of your RSGB membership. If you recommend a friend who hasn’t been an RSGB member during the last 12 months, you will both receive £10 cashback when they become a member paying by direct debit. Whether you’re an individual RSGB member or an affiliated club, you can sign up as many friends as you like. Membership of the RSGB gives you a range of fantastic benefits so why not encourage others to join? Members have access to RadCom, exclusive online resources, RSGB award schemes and contests, as well as advice from the Society’s specialist committees. The RSGB’s representation to Ofcom and its ability to defend the spectrum nationally and internationally is more powerful through strength in numbers. Go to the special RSGB 'Join a friend' web page to find all the information you’ll need to take advantage of this offer, including a link to the online form: rsgb.org/join-a-friend
A new exhibition entitled ’What Happened Next’ will open to the public on Friday the 14th of June in the Pye Building at the Cambridge Museum of Technology. It will explore the period after the Pye Group was acquired by Philips in 1967 and track the progress of these organisations up to the present day. More information on the Cambridge Museum of Technology is available at museumoftechnology.com
The 2024 Gateways on the Air event will take place between the 15th and 23rd of June. The event aims to promote and increase RF activity via UK simplex gateways. The event is hosted by the FreeSTAR International network and will feature special event stations GB0GOA and GB4GOA. Confirmed simplex gateways are listed at gota.org.uk
CDXC: The UK DX Foundation is holding its annual DX Convention and dinner on the 20th of July. This year there will be a new venue: The Littlebury Hotel, Bicester, OX26 6DR. The CDXC AGM will be held at 11 am and there will be a series of talks in the afternoon. Mark, M0DXR will be speaking about WRTC 2026. Mike, G4WNC is covering all things SDR. Nigel, G3TXF will be discussing the impact of FT8 on DXpeditions. And Gregg, W6IZT will be describing the build and operation of his 'Rig in a Box' for DXpeditions. Non-members of CDXC are most welcome to come for the day and the evening dinner. Full details and booking information can be found by following the link on the CDXC homepage at cdxc.org.uk
Do you live in the southeast of England and could you spare an hour on Sundays to help inform radio amateurs in your area? The GB2RS news service is looking for new volunteer newsreaders in Essex, London, and the counties to the south and southeast, ideally to broadcast on the 2m or 70cm bands using FM. RSGB members with Full or Intermediate licences, who have a good VHF or UHF station, are needed to help improve our coverage. There is flexibility in deciding a band, mode and time that would suit individual circumstances. If you are interested in finding out more about what the role entails, please contact the GB2RS News Manager, Steve Richards G4HPE, via [email protected] There is also more information on the RSGB website, at rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule
And finally, don’t forget to listen out for all the amateur stations that will be on the air during the Museums on the Air activity next weekend, the 15th and 16th. For more information about the event visit tinyurl.com/IMW2024
And now for details of rallies and events
The Junction 28 Radio Rally is taking place today, the 9th, at Alfreton Sports Centre, DE55 7BD, one mile from M1 Junction 28. The doors are open from 10.15 am and admission is £4. For more information visit snadarc.com or contact [email protected]
The Mendips Rally is also taking place today, the 9th. The event is being held at Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, BS39 6UA. The doors are open from 9 am to 1 pm and admission is £2. Access for traders will be available from 7.30 am. Inside tables cost £8 and field pitches are £5 each. Hot and cold refreshments, and free car parking, are available on-site. For more information contact Luke at 07870 168 197 or email [email protected]
The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Summer Rally is set to take place on Saturday the 15th of June at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. The doors open at 10 am and entry will cost £3. The usual traders and caterers will be present and plenty of free parking will be available. All proceeds from this event will be donated to a local charity. Last year the organisers were able to donate £4,000 from rally sales and Silent Key donations to the Rochdale Springhill Hospice. For more information, email Dave, G3RIK at [email protected]
The East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally, will be held on Sunday the 16th of June. The venue will be Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton, IP10 0PW, just off the A14. Doors open at 9.30 am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. The venue has free car parking and catering is available on site. For more information, contact Kevin, G8MXV on 07710 046 846 or visit eswr.org.uk
Now the Special Event News
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Radio Belgrade, members of the Belgrade Amateur Radio Club are active as YT100RB and YU1924RB until the 30th of November. For details of an available certificate, see yu1ano.org
9A100RKZ is the special callsign celebrating the 100th anniversary since Radioklub Zagreb was founded on the 24th of March 1924. The callsign will be active throughout 2024 and details of an award for contacting the station are available via QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Dave, WJ2O is active as VP6DF from Pitcairn Island, OC-044, until tomorrow, the 10th of June. He is running low power and operating CW on the 40 to 10m bands. He may also operate on the 160 and 80m bands, depending on working conditions. QSL via N2ZN and Logbook of the World.
John, W5JON is active as V47JA from Saint Kitts, NA-104, until the 13th of June. He is operating SSB and FT8 on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or directly to W5JON.
Now the contest news
The IARU ATV Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 8th and ends at 1800UTC today, Sunday the 9th of June. Using TV on 432MHz and up frequencies, the exchange is a serial number, four-digit code and locator. More details on the rules for this contest are available at tinyurl.com/IARUATV
Today, the 9th, the Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using AM, FM, SSB, CW and a maximum of 5W on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also today, the 9th, the 2nd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Monday the 10th, the 80m Club Championship will run from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 11th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 11th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 12th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 12th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Thursday the 13th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The 50MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 15th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 16th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 15th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 16th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is your signal report and age.
On Sunday the 16th, the Worked All Britain 6m Phone Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using phone on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. More information is available from the Worked All Britain website.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 6th of June 2024
It seems that we haven’t had a repeat performance of the auroral conditions caused by active sunspot region 3697. For Aurora watchers, that could be a disappointment, but for HF lovers it means the bands have been quite settled.
The Kp index has been at 3 and below, while the solar flux index has been consistently above 175 all week. As a result, HF conditions have been quite good with maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path being regularly over 21MHz and often 24MHz.
It is always a good idea to operate on the highest HF band that is open as absorption decreases the higher you go.
Meanwhile, Sporadic-E propagation brought interest to the 10m band with stations from all over Europe being workable for long periods, but more of that in the VHF report.
On the 5th of June, a filament located in the northeast quadrant erupted. The event flung a coronal mass ejection into space that doesn’t appear to be Earth-directed. But this shows that we are still in the danger zone for major solar events, and anything could happen.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around 175, but we expect some geomagnetic disruption today, the 9th of June, with a predicted Kp index of 4. Otherwise, solar conditions are predicted to be calm next week.
So, if these conditions continue, this is a good time to make the most of the HF bands.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The weather pattern for the coming week is dominated by low pressure, which means there is unlikely to be any significant Tropo to speak of.
There will probably be several opportunities for those on the GHz bands to search for rain scatter. However, these events look to be moving showers or rain bands, which means that you’ll need to be pretty agile with the rotator to keep on the scattering target.
With the solar conditions continuing to keep the pot simmering it's not impossible that the Kp index could rise high enough to promote an aurora, but it's a low probability.
The early part of June is well regarded for minor meteor events and should be worth a look for those using meteor scatter modes.
There were several Sporadic-E openings early in the week that finish today, the 9th. Sporadic-E was reported up to the 2m band on a few occasions. Last Sunday, the 2nd, lasted up to three hours on the path from Eastern England down to the Italian peninsula.
Events initially get picked up on the 10m band and then move up through the VHF bands of 6m, 4m and finally 2m as the Sporadic-E propagation strengthens. In this peak of the Sporadic-E season, the openings on the lower bands, such as 10 and 6m, can be present for much of the day and certainly quite late into the evening.
Follow the weather patterns on the daily Sporadic-E blog on propquest.co.uk and you should be able to point in the right direction for an opening. Multi-hop paths to the Far East or the Americas require a good antenna like a beam, but single-hop European Sporadic-E propagation can be very strong, and any antenna will do the job.
Moon declination is at its maximum this weekend for the DUBUS 10 and 24GHz EME contest, but EME path loss is rising. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
- Lyssna Lyssna igen Fortsätt Lyssnar...
- Lyssna senare Lyssna senare
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 2nd June 2024
31 maj· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 2nd of June 2024
The news headlines:
Nominations for IARU President and Vice President have been ratifiedThe next RSGB Tonight@8 webinar is coming upRSGB National Radio Centre to operate D-Day anniversary special event stations
IARU member societies have ratified the nomination of Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA and Thomas Wrede, DF2OO as IARU President and Vice President, respectively, for a five-year term which began on the 9th of May 2024. On starting his 4th term as President, Tim Ellam thanked member societies for their support, congratulated Thomas Wrede on his election as Vice President, and also offered a special and heartfelt thank you to Ole Garpestad, LA2RR who retired as IARU Vice President. You can read more on this story via the IARU website at tinyurl.com/IARU2024
The RSGB Tonight@8 webinar this Monday, the 3rd of June, examines how amateur radio can be accessible and enjoyable even if you have sight, hearing or mobility difficulties. Three radio amateurs will explain how they have adapted their equipment, written software or used extra support from the RSGB or other radio amateurs, to enable them to enjoy all that amateur radio has to offer. There will also be input from Sight Matters, an Isle of Man charity helping to assist over 700 visually impaired members. The charity has recently discovered how much amateur radio can offer people with visual impairments and it has formed the Sight Matters Amateur Radio Club. This aims to encourage new people into the hobby and to help assist existing licence holders back onto the air. Whether this webinar is relevant to you, a friend or colleague, or you’re in a club that is wondering how to support all radio amateurs to enjoy the hobby, make a note of the date and be inspired! You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB special BATC channel or YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
The RSGB’s National Radio Centre will be operating a special event callsign GB2DAY to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War Two. The station will be active between the 6th and 9th of June. In addition, volunteers will be hosting the special demonstration station GB1SOE on Saturday the 15th of June. Don’t forget that RSGB members can gain free entry to Bletchley Park and the RSGB’s National Radio Centre by downloading a voucher from the RSGB website: rsgb.org/bpvoucher
The RSGB Board recently spent an afternoon visiting RSGB Headquarters, meeting staff and gaining a more detailed understanding of the work of this professional team. Later that day, the Board received training from members of the senior team about their specialist areas. During the Board meeting the following day, the Board decided to continue with its chosen four strategic priorities until the 2025 AGM. These priorities are the growth of amateur radio; membership of the RSGB; spectrum and licensing; and ensuring the continued financial stability of the Society. To make further progress with the outcomes of the recent growth workshop, the Board allocated a member of its team to champion each of the seven workstreams. Each workstream champion will now create a volunteer team, prioritise work tasks, set measurable objectives, define what success looks like, list deliverables and establish reporting mechanisms and frequency. More details will be shared about these over the coming months.
Do you have some spare time to support fellow radio amateurs? Are you passionate about the future of amateur radio? Do you like a challenge? The RSGB currently has volunteer vacancies for Regional Representatives in Region 7 South Wales, and Region 12 England East and East Anglia. Could you fill one of those roles? To learn more about being a Regional Representative see the RSGB website or contact the Regional Team Forum Chair, Keith Bird, G4JED via [email protected]
Next week is the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week in the UK. As always, the RSGB will be taking part in this national event and thanking its volunteers for the great work they do for the Society and amateur radio generally. The Society will be sharing stories about some of its volunteers on its social media channels and then you’ll be able to read more details on the RSGB website later in the week at rsgb.org/your-stories
The May 2024 edition of RadCom Basics is now available. RadCom Basics is aimed at new amateurs and those who wish to refresh their skills and knowledge. Among others, this edition contains articles to help you learn about checking and testing components, how to keep your transmissions clean and how to build and tune an end-fed half-wave antenna for the 40 to 10m bands. Read more via rsgb.org/radcom-basics
And now for details of rallies and events
Spalding and District Amateur Radio Society’s Annual Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 2nd of June. This year sees the event taking place at a new venue: Spalding Rugby and Football Club, Centenary Park, Drain Bank North, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 6AF. The event features a free on-site car park, inside and outside traders, an RSGB bookstall and an outside boot area. General admission is £3 per person. For more information visit sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally
The Junction 28 Radio Rally is coming up on Sunday the 9th of June at Alfreton Sports Centre, DE55 7BD, one mile from M1 Junction 28. The doors will be open from 10.15 am and admission will be £4. For more information visit snadarc.com or contact [email protected]
The Worked All Britain Awards Group will be holding its 2024 AGM from 12 pm at the Junction 28 Rally. Those unable to attend in person but wishing to join online via Zoom should email the Group’s secretary at [email protected]
The Mendips Rally is set to take place on Sunday the 9th of June. The Rally will be held at Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, BS39 6UA. The doors will be open from 9 am to 1 pm and admission will be £2. Access for traders will be available from 7.30 am. Inside tables cost £8 and field pitches are £5 each. Free car parking and hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information contact Luke at 07870 168 197 or email [email protected]
Now the Special Event News
Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society will be active as GB0WVR during Market Harborough Carnival on Saturday the 8th of June. The team of operators is planning to use SSB, FT8 and some CW on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands. There may also be activity on the 40m band, depending on the working conditions. Listen out for the callsign which will be active from 10 am until late in the evening. For more information see QRZ.com
Throughout June, Stockport Radio Society will be active with the callsign GB0COL to mark the 80th anniversary of Colossus, the world’s first fully electronic computer. Bands and modes to be used include FM on the 2m band, SSTV and VHF digital voice. SSB, CW and RTTY will be used on the HF bands. Operators are also planning to be active via the QO-100 satellite. For more information visit g8srs.co.uk/gb0col
Next weekend, Torbay Amateur Radio Society will be active with a special event callsign GB80DCS to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The station will be working from Slapton Sands in Devon from the afternoon of Friday the 7th of June until approximately 1200UTC on Sunday the 9th of June. A team of operators plans to use phone and CW on the HF and VHF bands. More information is available via QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Roland, F8EN is active as TR8CR from Gabon until at least the end of June. He will operate CW only and will celebrate his 96th birthday while there. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the Bureau. Roland can usually be found on the 30 to 10m bands using CW.
Tosy, JA6VZB is active as JD1BQW from Chichijima, AS-031, in Japan, until the 5th of June. He plans to concentrate on the 12 and 6m bands using FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, Club Log's OQRS, or the Bureau.
Now the contest news
National Field Day started at 1500UTC on Saturday the 1st of June and ends at 1500UTC today, the 2nd of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Contest started at 1300UTC on Saturday the 1st and ends at 1300UTC today, Sunday the 2nd of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and membership number.
Today, the 2nd of June, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0900 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on 1.3, 2.3 and 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The ARRL International Digital Contest started at 1800UTC on Saturday the 1st and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 2nd of June. Using any digital mode, excluding RTTY, on the 160 to 6m bands, the exchange is your four-character locator.
On Tuesday the 4th, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 4th, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 5th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 5th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
The IARU ATV Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 8th and ends at 1800 UTC on Sunday the 9th of June. Using TV on 432MHz and up frequencies, the exchange is a serial number, four-digit code and locator. More details on the rules for this contest are available at tinyurl.com/IARUATV
On Sunday the 9th, the 2nd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Sunday the 9th of June, the Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using AM, FM, SSB, CW and a maximum of 5W on the 2m band, the exchange is signal, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 30th of May 2024
Last week was characterised by relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions and a fairly high solar flux. But is that all about to change?
Active region 3664 has returned. It is now named 3697 and has already emitted an X1.4-class solar flare. You may recall that it was AR 3664 that caused the aurora that was visible all over the UK around the 10th and 11th of May.
As Solarham.com says, “The chances for an Earth-directed eruption will increase with each passing day as the active sunspot region turns into a better geoeffective position.”
Scientists now believe that the coronal mass ejection associated with the long-duration X1.4-class flare on Wednesday the 29th may pass close enough to Earth to generate moderate G2 geomagnetic storming beginning on the 31st of May – just in time for this weekend’s National Field Day!
Otherwise, HF propagation has generally been good with decent F2-layer openings up to 21 and even 24MHz at times.
The 17 and 15m bands look to provide the best DX, with paths to the east in the morning, and to the west during late afternoon and early evening.
The 10m band is subject to Sporadic-E openings, with F2-layer openings mainly restricted to paths to South Africa and South America.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 165 to 200 range, with quiet geomagnetic conditions. However, that is perhaps a little optimistic as active region 3697, or perhaps 3691, could easily throw a spanner in the works, with a flare and associated CME potentially sending the Kp index skywards.
So, as always, keep an eye on the current state of the Sun at solarham.com, and work the bands while they are open!
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The close of the current week offers a temporary return of high pressure for this weekend. This should be good for some Tropo conditions for western parts of the UK. The weather turns a bit more unsettled going through the coming week, especially over northern Britain, but also occasionally in the south.
Rain at this time of the year can often be heavy and thundery with good prospects for GHz bands rain scatter, but this may have to wait for the end of next week when a low moves north from France towards the southern UK.
The early part of June is a time of several minor meteor showers. These should offer scope for meteor scatter operators as well as provide some fuel for Sporadic-E propagation which rocket measurements show consists of long-lived meteor ions.
Sporadic-E propagation is often associated with the position of jet streams in the upper troposphere due to the turbulence that these fast-flowing currents of air generate.
In the coming week, the jet stream pattern becomes much weaker, although still with a few options. Daily blogs are available at Propquest.co.uk for those who are interested.
Don’t ignore the prospects for multi-hop transatlantic paths to the United States and particularly the Caribbean, which are usually well supported in the early part of the season before the upper winds over the Caribbean change over to high-summer slacker flow.
Equally, multi-hop Sporadic-E paths to the Far East are worth checking in the early morning following the effects of the now displaced northerly meandering jet stream flow across northern Russia.
Moon declination went positive again on Saturday the 1st of June, so the coming week will see lengthening Moon windows. EME path loss is falling, reaching a minimum at perigee today, Sunday the 2nd of June. 144MHz sky noise is low apart from Thursday when the Sun and Moon are close in the sky.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
- Lyssna Lyssna igen Fortsätt Lyssnar...
- Lyssna senare Lyssna senare
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 26th May 2024
23 maj· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 26th of May 2024
The news headlines:
The RSGB’s Exams and Syllabus Review Group is seeking volunteersRSGB representatives had a successful time at Dayton HamventionThe RSGB Discovery scheme has just been relaunched in a new format
The Exams and Syllabus Review Group – or ESRG as it is often known – is looking for new members to move the group forward. Its current task is to approve a new Direct to Full syllabus and to write and approve new questions for the new exams in September due to licence changes. The group meets online every Tuesday between 3 pm and 4.30 pm, with members of the Exam Standards Committee, but meeting times can be changed to accommodate everyone. ESRG volunteers need to be Full licence holders, members of the RSGB and be able to give a few hours a week. This is your chance to shape the future as we move to Syllabus 2.0 in 2025. To volunteer or find out more, contact the ESRG Chair Andrew Lenton via [email protected]
Members of the RSGB Team, including RSGB General Manager, Steve Thomas M1ACB and the RSGB President, John McCullagh GI4BWM had a successful time at the Dayton Hamvention last weekend. The event was a brilliant opportunity to engage with radio amateurs from around the world and resulted in 132 people joining or rejoining the RSGB. There were also several podcasters, YouTubers and local news outlets in attendance. This included WHIO, which is a local US news channel, who interviewed RSGB President, John McCullagh GI4BWM. This was shared on local TV news, radio, as well as online. Josh from Ham Radio Crash Course also did a live stream to his 346,000 YouTube subscribers, which included a chat with RSGB General Manager, Steve Thomas M1ACB and the RSGB President. You can find links to view these clips on the RSGB notices section of the RSGB website.
The RSGB Discovery scheme has just been relaunched in a new format. Now called the Discovery Logbook, there are fewer requirements, an easy-to-follow programme and exciting links with external organisations such as Parks on the Air and Worked All Britain. There are also some great RSGB Awards to work towards if you’d like to include those in your programme of activities. The RSGB hopes that these links will enable radio amateurs to discover new ways of enjoying their hobby with the guidance and support of experts in those fields. There are three difficulty levels and the first of these, called Explorer, has just been launched. To see the programme activities, find out how to get involved or talk to the Society about linking your organisation with the Discovery Logbook, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/discovery
British Science Week is an annual event run by the British Science Association celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths. The event, which is taking place between the 7th and 16th of March 2025, will have the theme ‘change and adapt’, which lends itself perfectly to amateur radio in the 21st century. As part of its commitment to encourage new radio amateurs into the hobby, the RSGB will again be providing resources and activities to inspire people of all ages to get involved. The RSGB is now collecting ideas for activities for primary and secondary schools, or for use with the wider community. The 2025 theme offers a huge range of opportunities for creativity and discovery. Ideas could cover any area of the hobby, from construction to propagation, from making QSOs under supervision, to space and satellites. Whatever the idea, the Society would love to hear from you. Please send ideas to the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator Ian Neal, M0KEO at [email protected]. To find out more about previous activities you can visit rsgb.org/bsw and britishscienceweek.org
The popular Electromagnetic Field event, also known as ‘EMF Camp’, is taking place between the 30th of May and the 2nd of June. The event is a non-profit camping festival for those with an inquisitive mind. Over 3,000 like-minded people, including scientists, engineers and radio amateurs, are expected to attend the event in Eastnor, Herefordshire. For more information visit emfcamp.org
Guisborough and District Amateur Radio Club is organising a mini DXpedition to Scotland, on the Isle of Lewis from the 22nd to the 29th of September. The team has a couple of spaces left and welcomes amateurs from other clubs who would like to take part. For more information email [email protected]
And now for details of rallies and events
Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally takes place on Sunday the 26th of May at Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors are open from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. The entrance fee will be £2. There will be a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar will be available on-site. For more information contact Michael, G7TWX, on 07826 924 192, or email [email protected]
Spalding and District Amateur Radio Society’s Annual Rally will take place on Sunday the 2nd of June. This year sees the event taking place at a new venue: Spalding Rugby and Football Club, Centenary Park, Drain Bank North, Spalding, Lincs, PE12 6AF. The event will feature a free on-site car park, inside and outside traders, an RSGB bookstall and an outside boot area. General admission is £3 per person. For more information visit sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally
The Junction 28 Radio Rally is coming up on Sunday the 9th of June at Alfreton Sports Centre, DE55 7BD, one mile from M1 Junction 28. The doors will be open from 10.15 am and admission will be £4. For more information visit snadarc.com or contact [email protected]
The Worked All Britain Awards Group will be holding its 2024 AGM from 12 pm at the Junction 28 Rally. Those unable to attend in person but wishing to join online via Zoom should email the Group’s secretary at [email protected]
Now the Special Event News
Hull and District Amateur Radio Society is running a special event station GB0HUL from the 31st of May to the 2nd of June. The station is active to mark 100 years of amateur radio in Hull and to celebrate the 95th birthday of Honorary Club member Bernard Atkinson, G0SWO. Listen out for operators on the HF and VHF bands using SSB, FT4 and FT8.
Special event stations CS2GPDX, CR2GPDX and CR3GPDX are active until the 31st of May to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Portuguese DX Group. The stations will operate on all HF bands using SSB, CW, FT8, FT4 and RTTY. QSL via Logbook of the World only. For details of certificates and trophies that are available, see QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Martin, MW0BRO is active as ZC4GW from Dhekelia in Cyprus (British Sovereign Base Area) until tomorrow, the 27th of May. He is operating CW only on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via MW0BRO. QSOs will be uploaded to Club-Log and Logbook of the World.
Rolf, DO4RKR is active as 8Q7KR from the Maldives, AS-013, until the 31st of May. He is working with 30W and operating SSB only on the 10m band. QSL via Rolf's home call, directly or via the Bureau.
Now the contest news
The CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 26th of May. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Today, the 26th, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 28th of May, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 30th of May, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
National Field Day starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 1st of June and ends at 1500UTC on Sunday the 2nd of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Contest starts at 1300UTC on Saturday the 1st of June and ends at 1300UTC on Sunday the 2nd of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and membership number.
The ARRL International Digital Contest runs from 1800UTC on Saturday the 1st of June until 2359UTC on Sunday the 2nd of June. Using any digital mode, excluding RTTY, on the 160 to 6m bands, the exchange is your four-character locator.
On Sunday the 2nd of June, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0900 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3, 2.3 and 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Wednesday the 22nd of May 2024
After the extremely unsettled HF conditions on the 10th and 11th of May, it was gratifying to see things returning to normal last week.
The Kp index has returned to being in the range of 1 to 4 and, with a solar flux index still in the 190s, we have seen some good propagation around the world.
But make no mistake – it probably won’t last!
Active region 3664, the source of so much mayhem a couple of weeks ago, will soon return from its trip around the Sun. It has probably been the source of a major flare while on the Sun’s far side and there is a good chance we may get a repeat performance of last month.
Meanwhile, make hay while the Sun shines!
NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will increase above 200 next week, but unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for tomorrow, the 27th of May, and at the end of the month and into early June.
Daytime critical frequencies have been between 8 and 9.3MHz, making 40m a good band for inter-G QSOs. These have also meant that the maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path has often exceeded 24 to 27MHz, making 12m a viable band for DX. Note that this is a little patchy, so if you don’t hear anything on 24MHz just wait a while or check later.
Nighttime critical frequencies are usually around 6 to 7MHz, meaning 20m is generally open all night with occasional openings on 17m.
We are now well into the Sporadic-E season so there should be lots of short-skip into Europe on the 12 and 10m bands to play with.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The end of the current week, in the lead-up to the bank holiday weekend, shows a low and its thundery rain moving north and leaving behind a slack area of pressure with a weak trend towards building a ridge over the country.
The bulk of next week is showing up with a slack westerly pattern and weak fronts brushing past. From midweek, and towards next weekend, the frontal systems will be more active with longer periods of heavier rain possible.
The end result for most VHF and up operators is that there may be some occasional Tropo events, especially overnight during the slacker period with the weak ridge over the country by the start of the weekend.
A more likely option will again be rain scatter which will produce better scattering from the larger raindrops now the summer season is upon us, and thundery developments are more common. Check the many online weather radars for your tracking beam headings.
Meteor scatter will also be worth considering since we are approaching the period when many lesser showers appear to pep up the background meteor count. This will be useful for meteor scatter operators and serve the Sporadic-E folk well.
The solar activity continues to deliver random events which take the Kp index to high values. Remember that a Kp index greater than 5 indicates the chance of aurora propagation.
The primary mode at this time of the year is Sporadic-E. The late May and early June period is often regarded as a peak time for monitoring your favourite VHF beacons. As many will know, the 10m band is a useful starting point for identifying the beginning of an opening, and then you should check the higher bands in turn as the event strengthens. This is often indicated by the skip distance shortening on the 10m band.
The other basic operating tip is to use the daily blog on the Propquest.co.uk website for commentary on the effectiveness of the various upper air patterns such as jet streams, which can influence the location where Sporadic-E propagation occurs.
There are no major meteor showers this week so, in between the Sporadic-E, look around dawn for the best random meteor prospects.
Saturday the 22nd sees the lowest Moon declination of the month so next week will see some lengthening Moon windows. EME path loss is falling, but we are still over a week from perigee, its closest point to Earth. 144MHz sky noise starts the week high, as it reached over 2500 Kelvin on Saturday the 25th. It is low for the rest of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
- Lyssna Lyssna igen Fortsätt Lyssnar...
- Lyssna senare Lyssna senare
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 19th May 2024
17 maj· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 19th of May 2024
The news headlines:
RSGB Board liaison roles updateThe Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is closing soonThe UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon is under way
Each RSGB Board Director has a liaison role between the Board and specific aspects of the Society’s work. This focuses very much on the work done by RSGB volunteers in committees, groups and teams as well as by the Honorary Officers. The Board has just agreed on the liaison roles for the coming year. To find out more or to see contact details for each Board Director, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/board
The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is closing soon. Its final open day will be on the 8th of June 2024. According to the Museum’s website, after this time it will start to dispose of its exhibits. The Museum attempts to tell the story of RAF Signals. Among its attractions, it contains a lot of working equipment which can be demonstrated, including transmitters, receivers and radar consoles. To read more about the Museum, and learn how you can visit it before it closes, visit signalsmuseum.uk
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon is underway. The activity is open to all amateur radio operators worldwide and membership of the Group is not required. The objective is to work as many four-digit grid squares as possible between the 4th of May and the 4th of August on the 6m band. Logs can be submitted until the 18th of August 2024. You can find out more at uksmg.org
The latest RadCom contesting column is now available for all to read on the RSGB website. Since April 2024 this exclusive content has been shared online each month following the publication of each RadCom issue. This useful resource shares various aspects about contesting including a tip of the month, a featured UK contester, as well as a contest of the month. This month Nick Totterdell, G4FAL, who is the HF Contest Committee Chairman, looks at the history of contesting. To find out more, and to read this month’s column, visit rsgb.org/radcom-contesting
A reminder now that International Museums Weekend will be taking place on the third and fourth weekends in June. This year, those weekends are the 15th and 16th, and the 22nd and 23rd of June. Special event stations will be operating from a wide variety of museums from many different countries. To read more about the event, and to register to take part, visit tinyurl.com/IMW2024
Don’t forget that lots of stations are on the air to celebrate SOS Radio Week throughout May. The event takes place each year to celebrate the work of the volunteers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Independent Lifeboats and National Coastwatch Stations around the British Isles. A commemorative certificate is available to all official stations that record their contacts on the website together with awards for the top individual and club, or group, stations on each band from 160m to 70cm. To read more about the event visit sosradioweek.org.uk
And now for details of rallies and events
The Braehead Rally is taking place today, the 19th of May, at the Braehead Arena from 10 am. Free on-site parking, bring and buy and refreshments are available. For more information contact Paul via email at [email protected]
Also today, the 19th of May, the Dartmoor Radio Club Rally is being held at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, PL20 6AL. The doors open at 10 am. For more information, please contact Roger Hann on 07854 088 882 or email [email protected]
Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of May at Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors are open from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. The entrance fee will be £2. There will be a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar will be available on-site. For more information contact Michael, G7TWX, on 07826 924 192, or via email at [email protected]
Dunstable Downs Radio Club would like to remind everyone that its annual boot sale has been postponed until the 30th of June. This is due to the site being used by BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend music festival. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s Facebook page and reminder emails will be sent out closer to the time. To add yourself to the list, visit ddrcbootsale.org and sign up for email reminders.
Now the Special Event News
Today, the 19th, RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club will be back at the International Bomber Command Centre for its Inspire Ride 2024 event, which this year will pay tribute to the men of Stalag Luft III who took part in the ‘Great Escape’ in March 1944. Operators expect to be working on the HF bands, using SSB and some CW, as well as FM on the 2m band. The station will be using a special event call sign GB5ESC, between 10 am and 4 pm.
North West Group Amateur Radio Club, MN0NWG is running a special event station GB0AEL until the 31st of May to commemorate the anniversary of Amelia Earhart's transatlantic flight. On the 20th and 21st of May 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly nonstop and alone across the Atlantic Ocean. Recently, the station has been heard on the HF bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL via MI0HOZ, directly or via the Bureau.
The United Nations Global Service Centre Amateur Radio Club, 4U1GSC, in Brindisi, is active as 4U29MAY until the 31st of May. The special callsign is active to promote the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, which is on the 29th of May. The station has been worked recently on the 20 and 15m bands using CW. QSL via 9A2AA.
Now the DX news
Chris, WA7RAR is active as 8P9CB from Barbados, NA-021, until the 26th of May. All of his operations are portable at various locations throughout the island, especially Parks on the Air sites. He is QRV on the 20 to 10m bands using CW and SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World, or directly to WA7RAR.
Roland, F8EN is active again as TR8CR from Gabon until at least the end of June. He will operate CW only and will celebrate his 96th birthday while there. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the Bureau. Roland can usually be found on the 30 to 10m bands using CW.
Now the contest news
The 144MHz May Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 18th and ends at 1400UTC today, the 19th of May. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode.
Today, the 19th, the 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode.
Tomorrow, the 20th, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 21st, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 22nd, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using data modes on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 26th of May. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Sunday the 26th, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using All modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of May 2024
After last weekend’s auroral spectacular, it was nice to see the Sun calm down a little and the bands get back to normal. But that didn’t last long.
To recap, on Friday the 10th of May the Kp index shot up to 9, due to the effects of a number of coronal mass ejections, while the HF bands closed down in the subsequent geomagnetic storm.
While there was visible aurora across the UK and Europe, HF propagation suffered and didn’t start to recover until the late afternoon on Saturday the 11th.
The main culprit, active region 3664, has now rotated out of view, but that doesn’t mean we are out of the woods just yet.
Solar flares can cause short-term disruption to HF propagation due to their X-rays penetrating deep into the D-region and causing signals to be absorbed. Subsequent coronal mass ejections can cause longer-term degradation of the F2 layer with reduced maximum usable frequencies, noisy bands and auroral conditions.
At the time of writing, the Kp index stood at 6 again so it looks like unsettled geomagnetic conditions are continuing with a moderate G2 geomagnetic storm in progress.
Low to moderate activity is now expected, with a slight chance of further strong-class flares. The regions currently on the visible disc are smaller and simpler, with isolated M-flares possible from these. However, a new active region, now rotating into view, has already emitted an X-class solar flare.
Next week, the United States Air Force predicts that the solar flux index may remain in the 160 to 180 range. HF conditions remain a lottery as they can be badly affected by solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
It is best to keep an eye on solarham.com for updates, and also propquest.co.uk for near real-time reports of the critical and maximum usable frequencies.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The weather remains on the unsettled side of things with areas of rain and some thunderstorms over the country, especially the south as we end this week. As this report is being read out, high pressure is becoming established over northern and western Britain.
This may eventually take a tenuous hold over the rest of the country during the second half of the coming week and into next weekend, the 25th and 26th.
This high pressure, although fairly weak, may help with some Tropo for those in northern Britain in the 144MHz May Contest and the Backpackers Contest this weekend, ending on the 19th. It may also be helpful to those taking part in the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest on the 21st. However, the conditions may not be of much use in the south as another low arrives from the continent.
Overall, rain scatter on the GHz bands will probably be worth exploring in the rainy areas again, since some of the showers may be heavy and thundery.
The prospects for Aurora are still worth keeping in mind despite the recent stunning event. Minor non-visible events can still provide a reasonable radio aurora to explore.
The Sporadic-E season continues to develop. And with such unsettled weather, there are plentiful jet streams to act as source regions for turbulence, which can propagate up to the E region where they can generate Sporadic-E.
We are currently at the tail end of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. A few meteors from this shower will continue to appear, but no major shower is expected this week.
The lowest Moon declination occurs this coming Friday. With the Moon being full on the 23rd, a clear sky should reveal an impressive ‘Flower Moon’.
For EME, path loss will still be relatively high, although the Moon is starting to move back towards its closest point to Earth, or perigee.
144MHz sky noise starts the week low but rises to high on Saturday the 25th.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
- Lyssna Lyssna igen Fortsätt Lyssnar...
- Lyssna senare Lyssna senare
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 12th May 2024
10 maj· GB2RS
GB2RS News
Sunday the 12th of May 2024
The news headlines:
New RSGB Trophy Manager announcedQuestionnaire launched to help shape the future of the Commonwealth Contest Learn about designing PCBs using KiCAD during the next Tonight@8 webinar
We are pleased to announce that Mike Franklin, G3VYI will be the new RSGB Trophy Manager. He will focus on the Contest Trophy collection and HQ will now manage the AGM Trophies. Jacqui Goodey, G6XSY, the retiring RSGB Trophy Manager, will support Mike’s transition into this role. She will also take responsibility for the historical aspect of our trophies. You can contact Mike via [email protected] and Jacqui will have the new email address [email protected] The RSGB thanks Mike and Jacqui for volunteering for this important work.
Following the RSGB Commonwealth Contest in March, a small group of representatives have been reviewing possible changes that they hope will encourage more participation in future contests. The group includes representatives from countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The RSGB HF Contest Committee is now calling on both regular entrants and those who have never entered before but may do so in the future, to complete a questionnaire to help shape the next steps in the discussion. The questionnaire is open until Monday the 20th of May and can be found by visiting tinyurl.com/cwctest2024
The latest Tonight@8 webinar is tomorrow, Monday the 13th of May. Mike Willis, G0MJW will be giving an introduction to designing printed circuit boards using the popular open-source KiCAD package. The presentation covers the basics in real time, starting with a circuit sketch, going through the process of converting that into a schematic diagram, and then using that to create a printed circuit board design. It will then conclude with how to send this out for production. Watch this live presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX has announced that, due to the pressure of work, Paul Nichols, M0PVN has resigned as an RSGB Board Director. Paul runs a busy and growing legal practice which, like many professional roles, requires long hours each day. Paul has offered to be a Legal Adviser to the Board. Stewart has welcomed him to that role and thanked him for his input to the RSGB during the last year.
Today, the 12th, lots of amateur radio stations are on the air as part of Mills on the Air Weekend 2024. The event takes place across the UK every May with more than 300 windmills and watermills usually taking part. For more information, and to view a list of registered stations, visit ddars.net/mills.html
The date has been confirmed for the 12th Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. It will go ahead on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife. Lunch will be provided, and an optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Online booking will open in July 2024. Updates, when available, will be published on the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk For more information, email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected]
And now for details of rallies and events
The RetrotechUK event is taking place today, the 12th. The venue is Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. The doors open at 10.30 am with an entry fee of £10. A fee of £25 applies for early-doors entry at 9 am. This is an annual event organised by the British Vintage Wireless Society. There are almost 200 dealer stalls, clubs and private sellers. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the wide range of retro equipment. For more information email [email protected] and visit retrotechuk.com
Barry Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place on Saturday the 18th of May. The venue will be Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. Doors open from 9.30 am and admission is £3. Access for traders is available from 7.30 am. For more information, traders and exhibitors can ring Nigel, GW1CUQ on 02920 892 580. For general enquiries ring Steve, 2W0VOG on 07900 560 080 or email [email protected]
The Braehead Rally will be taking place next Sunday the 19th of May at the Braehead Arena from 10 am. There will be free on-site parking, bring and buy and refreshments available. For more information contact Paul via email at [email protected]
Also on Sunday the 19th of May, the Dartmoor Radio Club Rally will be held at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, PL20 6AL. The doors open at 10 am. For more information, please contact Roger Hann on 07854 088 882 or email [email protected]
Now the Special Event News
Special event station GB1SCW is active today, the 12th, from the National Coast Watch Station at Shoreham by Sea. Operators are celebrating the work of the National Coast Watch and RNLI as part of SOS Radio Week. Listen out for the station on the 40m to 70cm bands using SSB, CW, FM, and digital modes. See QRZ.com for more information.
The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club is once again supporting the International Men's Mental Health Month and helping to raise the profile of Men's Mental Health 2024 throughout the international amateur radio community. Club members will be operating from their headquarters at Patrington Haven, East Yorkshire using special callsign GB0MMH. The station will be active throughout the weekends of the 17th to 19th of May and the 14th to 16th of June across all the HF bands. Please listen out for the operators and give them a call. Your support will help raise the awareness of men's mental health. For more information see QRZ.com
Poole Amateur Radio Society, supported by the Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society, the British Amateur Television Club and the Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society, will be operating GB4PRS to support the RNLI Poole lifeboat festival over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of May. This is a celebration of the RNLI saving lives for 200 years and a full programme of events and visitor attractions has been organised by the RNLI, culminating with a historic ship sail-past on the evening of Sunday the 19th at 4 pm. The free-of-charge event will be open between 11 am and 4 pm and thousands of visitors are expected to visit. The station will be set up on Poole Quay, adjacent to the RNLI HQ. As well as demonstrating the use of radio in emergency situations, the station will also be participating in the SOS Radio Week activity. The station will be contacting other amateur radio stations at various RNLI lifeboat centres around the UK, as well as other lifesaving institutions nationally and internationally. A commemorative QSL card will be available. Anybody with permission to operate adjacent to, or from, a lifeboat station is invited to arrange a scheduled contact and participate in this major RNLI event. For more information, please contact [email protected]
Also in support of RNLI SOS Radio Week, the Wirral Amateur Radio Society will be active as GB2HLS on Sunday the 19th of May. The station will be operating from the Hoylake Lifeboat Station, Wirral, CH47 3AL from 10 am to 4 pm. More information is available at tinyurl.com/SOSG3NWR or from Bill, G4YWD on 07804 884 245.
Now the DX news
Ric, DL2VFR is active as SM2/DL2VFR from Holmon Island, EU-135, until the 14th of May using CW and some SSB. He may also be QRV as SM5/DL2VFR from IOTA group EU-084 on the 15th or 16th. QSL via Ric’s home call. QSOs will be uploaded to the Logbook of the World and Club Log.
Three amateurs from Stockport Radio Society are hoping, subject to appropriate weather for the crossing, to activate Great Saltee Island, EU-103, from Tuesday the 14th to Friday the 17th of May using the callsign EJ6KP/P. This will be a daylight activity only as the team is not permitted to stay overnight. Listen out for the operators on the 40, 20 and 15m bands using SSB.
Harold, DF2WO is active as 9X2AW from Rwanda until the 17th of May. He is operating CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS.
Now the contest news
Today, the 12th, the 70MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode.
Tomorrow, the 13th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 16th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The 144MHz May Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 18th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 19th of May. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode.
On Sunday the 19th of May, the 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 9th of May 2024
Disrupted solar conditions continued this week with X-class solar flares aplenty.
Four X-class events on the 8th and 9th of May prompted coronal mass ejections, which could join together to impact the Earth this weekend. We can expect a strong G3 event with the Kp index rising to 6 and the potential for visible aurora in the UK.
It’s hard to be positive about this as HF conditions this weekend, ending today the 12th, are likely to be very disrupted with reduced MUFs and noisy bands.
But do look out for auroral signals, perhaps on the 10m band, and above, and a potential HF band enhancement just as the plasma cloud hits.
The solar flux index hit 227 on Thursday the 9th, which is one of the highest we have had in this cycle. But don’t get carried away as it is forecast to decline.
Meanwhile, conditions have been typical for this time of year, with reduced F-layer propagation on the 10m band, offset by the start of the Sporadic-E season. The lower HF bands are staying open later in the evening, and may even increase to all night on the 20m band, as we head towards June and July.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will drop below 200, but remain at or above 175 all week. After this weekend’s chaotic geomagnetic conditions, we can expect the Kp index to fall to 2, but increase again on the 13th, to perhaps 4.
In the meantime, solar maximum is still predicted to be later this year, although geomagnetic disturbances are likely to increase on the downward part of the cycle. So, buckle up for a rough ride!
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
We end the current week with high pressure over the country and some occasional Tropo paths, especially over surrounding waters. The high will decline from the west as we progress through this weekend.
At the time of reading on Sunday, the transition will be all but complete and low pressure will remain in control for much of the coming week. This means periods of rain, heavy showers or thunderstorms and quite windy weather at times. In terms of propagation, a shift to rain scatter is a good choice for those equipped for the GHz bands for the week ahead.
Recent solar activity continues to offer chances of auroras so remember to monitor the Kp index and check for fluttery signals on the HF bands and raspy signals on VHF. The many clusters and band reports should be a good tool for these conditions.
Lastly, the Sporadic-E season is having a few starting twitches. Earlier in the evening of Wednesday the 8th there was a short opening of about an hour to Scandinavia on 6m CW from a patch in the middle of the North Sea. The positions of the jet streams may not entirely suit further openings in the shorter term but, as the low-pressure moves in next week, things could improve for Sporadic-E paths to Iberia and central Mediterranean.
With the Eta Aquariids peak now past, the next big meteor shower isn’t until July with the Delta Aquariids. But before the Delta Aquariids, we can look forward to the Arietiids in late May.
However, the Eta Aquariids will continue to produce the odd ping or burst. Last week there was plenty of evidence of meteors continuing to burn up after the peak. There may still be the odd one during the coming week together with the usual background sporadic meteor returns.
As the Moon starts to decline this week, the distance between the Moon and Earth is also beginning to increase and with it the path loss increases to a maximum on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th. However, sky noise will remain low all week. The Moon is favourably placed for daytime operation this week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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