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GB2RS News
Sunday the 1st of December
The news headlines:
Join the final 2024 RSGB Tonight@8 live webinarUpdate on the RSGB strategic priority of spectrum and licensingRSGB HF Contest Committee announces changes to contests in 2025The final RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2024 is being broadcast tomorrow, Monday the 2nd of December. Join Tim Hier, G5TM for a talk on the various HF antennas available for portable operating. He’ll also discuss how to use very basic modelling software to ascertain the choices you have at your disposal. Tim will look at topics ranging from balancing the convenience of multi-band systems with some trade-off in performance to looking at using 40 metres portable. He’ll also look at how to power your station and the advantages of operating HF portable. Tim is the RSGB RadCom Basics Editor so he will also highlight content in that publication that viewers will find helpful. Watch the webinar live 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 has taken the next steps to support its strategic focus on spectrum and licensing. The Society is now formally engaged in work for the 2027 and 2031 ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences. The RSGB has introduced a new special focus page on WRC-27 and WRC-31 which you can find via rsgb.org/wrc-27 This page includes topics such as 6G telecoms and satellites, wireless power, space weather, and lunar communications. Supporting a new WRC-31 opportunity, the RSGB is also grateful to Chris Whitmarsh, G0FDZ and Roger Ray, G8CUB for a great overview of amateur innovation above 275GHz. You can read this on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/terahertz
The RSGB HF Contest Committee has announced some changes to its HF contests for 2025. These cover the FT4 Series, the 1.8MHz Contests, the Commonwealth Contest, Field Day registration and also self-spotting. For full details go to rsgbcc.org/hf
Youngsters on the Air Month begins today and Marlborough Scout Group will be the first team of youngsters to operate. They are on the air up until midday today, and then again after 6 pm. Also operating today is the Cambridge University Wireless Society, which is hosting the callsign GB24YOTA between 12 pm and 6 pm. Listen out for the group again on Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th of December. Other operators this week include Wick High School Radio Club on Monday, the RSGB National Radio Centre’s GB3RS station on Tuesday, Sandringham School on Wednesday and Thurso Scouts on Friday. Go to QRZ.com and search for GB24YOTA to view the full schedule and operating times. If you’d like to host the callsign, you’ve still got time. Visit rsgb.org/yota-month to find out more and then email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to register your interest.
Don’t forget that if you want to take an exam online at home, the last date you can do that this year is Friday the 20th of December. Exams will resume on Monday the 6th of January 2025 and the booking system will be available over the festive season so you can book exams for January onwards. Book online on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/exampay
The next in the series of 145 Alive events is taking place on Sunday the 26th of January 2025. The organisers are looking for volunteer Net Controllers to help cover as many Maidenhead squares in the UK as possible. Whether you’ve been a Net Controller before or not, the team would love to hear from you. Find out more about the events by visiting the 145 Alive Facebook Group. To volunteer, send your intended individual, group or club callsign and your intended location and Maidenhead Square to [email protected]
The weekly shortwave broadcast from the Deutsche Amateur Radio Club, or D.A.R.C as it is also known, will be aired from Woofferton in England for the first time in January 2025. The broadcast will be made from an existing BBC broadcasting complex that is operated by the subsidiary company Encompass Media, where there are a total of ten transmitters and just as many antennas. The station in Austria that is currently used by the Club is ceasing its shortwave operations at the end of December this year. Thanks to successful negotiations, the first programme will be broadcast from Woofferton on Sunday the 5th of January 2025 on the previously used frequency of 9670kHz. Full details of how to access Radio D.A.R.C are on the Club’s website via darc.de
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
The Wiltshire Radio Winter Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 1st of December, at Kington Langley Village Hall in Kington Langley, located just off Junction 17 of the M4. Doors open at 9 am and close at 1 pm. Admission is £3. Indoor tables are £10. Car boot pitches are £10 for a car-size pitch and £15 for a van-size pitch. Hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information email [email protected]
The Mid-Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair is on Sunday the 8th of December at Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre. Doors are open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry is £3 per person and there is no charge for partners and under 16s. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available, as well as hot food and refreshments. The cost for traders is £5 per 6ft frontage with tables supplied. Booking in advance is recommended. Mains electricity is also available on request. Traders are asked to pre-book as soon as possible. Please contact Phil, G6DLJ via 07990 563147 or email [email protected]
The Sparkford Radio Rally is on Sunday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil. Doors are open to traders from 7.30 am and from 9.30 am to the general public. Admission is £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available. For more information, please contact Luke via 07870 168197 or email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
Ian Astley, M0IAA will be operating as GB1WH on Wednesday the 11th of December. The special event station is being run to support and promote the excellent work done by Wakefield Hospice. To donate to the hospice or to hear more from Ian, visit QRZ.com
The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club will once again be running the special callsign GB0MC between the 1st and 26th of December. The ‘MC’ in the callsign stands for Merry Christmas. The Club would like to invite everyone to call in and give them a hearty “HoHoHo” and tell them what radio equipment you would like from Santa this year. The Club will also be live streaming on its YouTube Channel.
OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liege Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year 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.
Now the DX news
The 9L5A team, part of the F6KOP Club, is active from Sierra Leone until the 8th of December. The members will operate on the 160 to 6m bands and QO-100. QSL via F5GSJ, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS.
The A35GC Team is currently active from Tonga until Friday the 6th of December. The IOTA reference is OC-049. The members will operate on the 160 to 6m bands, using CW, SSB, FT4, FT8 and RTTY. QSL via LZ1GC, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS.
The TO9W Team is active again from Saint Martin Island until the 13th of December. The IOTA reference is NA-105. The members will operate on the 160 to 10m bands, with a focus on the 40, 80 and 160m bands. QSL via W9ILY, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS.
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon started at 0000UTC today and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January 2025. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
On Tuesday, the 3rd of December, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday, the 3rd of December, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday, the 4th of December, the RSGB 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 of December, the RSGB 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 ARRL 160m Contest starts at 2200UTC on Friday the 6th of December and ends at 1600UTC on Sunday the 7th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is a signal report for UK stations. US and Canadian stations will also send their ARRL or RAC section numbers.
On Sunday the 8th of December, the RSGB 144MHz AFS Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. 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 28th of November 2024.
Last weekend’s CQWW CW contest was a reminder of just how good HF propagation can be near sunspot maximum.
The whole world was workable on the contest bands up to 10 metres, including the Far East, Australasia, the Caribbean and South America. It was a great opportunity to increase your DXCC total and have fun at the same time.
This week’s solar flux index crept back above 200 again, peaking at 225 as this report was being prepared. Geomagnetic conditions have been surprisingly good over the past seven days with a peak Kp index of 3.67 on the 24th of November.
There have been no X-class solar flares, but there has been a total of 13 M-class and 54 minor C-class flares over the past seven days. There have been coronal mass ejections, notably on the 25th of November, but they have not been Earth-directed as of the 28th.
So, to summarise, HF conditions have been pretty good.
We are now entering the Winter period for HF propagation, which tends to favour the low bands. So 160m, 80m and 40m come into their own and night-time DXing becomes the norm. Look for greyline openings to the west at sunrise on 80m and 160m, and also short, but good, openings on 40m in the late afternoon.
Nighttime may bring good DX on 80m and 40m, including the Caribbean and South America.
NOAA predicts that the SFI will remain in the low 200s next week, and while geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be good at first, the Kp index may rise to four on the 4th to 6th of December. This could result in reduced MUFs until the Kp index recovers.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The unsettled theme continues through most of the next week or two. The only signs of slightly enhanced prospects for Tropo are as we close this week, and even that is restricted to some eastern areas for paths across the North Sea.
A second option may temporarily appear around the middle of the coming week as a weak high crosses southern areas, but this one looks to be a cold high and probably not so good as a vehicle for Tropo.
The meteor scatter prospects are aided by the last throes of the Leonids which fade away by this weekend, and the Orionids which peaked on Thursday the 28th of November, but last through the coming week.
The unsettled weather should offer some useful GHz bands rain or snow scatter, since there will be several active weather systems around. This early in the winter is a great time for strong shower activity around the still relatively warmer seas.
The auroral prospects are worth checking after recent activity. Look for watery-sounding signals on the LF bands as a good clue along with Kp index values greater than four.
Last week saw some fleeting signs of Sporadic E on the Dourbes ionosonde graphs on propquest.co.uk, especially on Monday the 25th of November. This occurred typically around the middle of the day and was probably driven by the very strong jet stream and the current meteor activity.
The Moon’s declination is negative, reaching minus 28 degrees on Monday and we are close to eclipse on Sunday. That’s followed by two days of high 144MHz sky noise, so with path losses still high, EME operators should probably take the opportunity to check their antennas after last week’s gale.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 24th of November
The news headlines:
The past and the future – the RSGB releases more Convention presentationsRSGB Tonight@8 on HF antennas – join the last live event of 2024Encourage youngsters on the air during YOTA MonthThe RSGB continues to share some great presentations from its recent annual Convention. The two this week look back to the important history of amateur radio and contrast that with how amateur radio might be influenced by modern technology. Don Beattie, G3BJ discussed the very different amateur radio environment of 1924, and the history and events of October that year when the first two-way trans-global radio communication between the UK and New Zealand took place. This centenary celebration is just one of a range of activities that have included RadCom articles and a re-enactment of the contact at Mill Hill School. In his presentation on using AI to write simple amateur radio applications, RSGB Board Chair Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX considers how using AI software can improve productivity and bring the ability to write effective software within the reach of more people. This presentation is being released separately as part of the RSGB’s focus on encouraging coding and programming activities amongst the amateur radio community. You can find a range of coding resources on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coding To watch both presentations, go to the RSGB YouTube channel and choose the ‘RSGB 2024 Convention’ playlist.
The final RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2024 is on Monday the 2nd of December. The presentation by Tim Hier, G5TM will focus on the various HF antennas available for portable operating. He will also look at how to use very basic modelling software to ascertain the choices you have at your disposal. Tim’s ethos when working portable is simple, “Five minutes from arrival to operating and no more”. Tim is also the editor of RadCom Basics and will refer to content in that RSGB publication that will help radio amateurs who want to try portable operating. Watch the webinar live 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
Youngsters on the Air Month begins one week today. Callsign GB24YOTA will be active for the month, hosted by a range of groups, clubs and individuals. Marlborough Scout Group will be the first team of youngsters to operate. They will be on the air before midday on Sunday the 1st of December, and then again after 6 pm on the same day. Also operating the special callsign next Sunday will be the Cambridge University Wireless Society. They will be hosting the callsign between 12 pm and 6 pm. Remember to listen out and have a QSO with a young radio amateur on the air. If you’d like to get involved, you’ve still got time. Go to QRZ.com and search for GB24YOTA to check availability and then email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to register your interest.
The RSGB VHF Contest Committee is currently planning the rules for the 2025 VHF contests. Following some discussion at the RSGB Convention, the committee members have some questions on which they would appreciate feedback from contestants, with particular topics focused on VHF Field Day and the Back Packers events. You can find the survey online at tinyurl.com/VHFCC2025 and it will close on Friday the 6th of December.
Members of Wokingham u3a Amateur Radio Group have secured a new club call sign, G5UTA. The group operated the callsign for the first time during the national u3a week in September. G5UTA can be used by any u3a member with a Full licence, in support of a u3a event or demonstration. You can read more about the new callsign, including how to apply for authorisation to use it, in the January 2025 edition of RadCom. To find out more about amateur radio as a subject area within u3a, you can contact its new subject adviser Paul, G0NDN via the u3a website at tinyurl.com/u3asubjects
The historic VLF transmitter at Grimeton Radio Station in Sweden is celebrating one hundred years since it was put into commercial operation. The unique Alexanderson alternator operates using callsign SAQ. To mark the centenary a special transmission will take place at 1000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December using CW on 17.2kHz. The event will be livestreamed on the organisation’s YouTube Channel using the handle @AlexanderSAQ. You can find out more about the event via alexander.n.se
And now for details of rallies and events
The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society Dinner is at the Creg-ny-Baa on Friday the 29th of November. Tickets are £25. For more information, including details of the menu and how to book, visit iomars.im
The Wiltshire Radio Winter Rally is on Sunday the 1st of December at Kington Langley Village Hall in Kington Langley, located just off Junction 17 of the M4. Doors open at 9 am and close at 1 pm. Admission is £3. Indoor tables are £10. Car boot pitches are £10 for a car-size pitch and £15 for a van-size pitch. Hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information email [email protected]
The Mid-Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair is on Sunday the 8th of December at Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre. Doors are open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry is £3 per person and there is no charge for partners and under 16s. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available, as well as hot food and refreshments. The cost for traders is £5 per 6ft frontage with tables supplied. Booking in advance is recommended. Mains electricity is also available on request. Traders, please pre-book as soon as possible. Please contact Phil, G6DLJ via 07990 563147 or email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
A special event callsign 9Y20TATT is active until the 29th of November 2024 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society. All amateurs are invited to make contact. Limited edition QSL cards will be available, and certificates can be requested by amateurs making at least five unique contacts. Find out more on the event website via 9y20ta.tt
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of Radio Beograd in 1924, members of the Belgrade Amateur Radio Club, YU1ANO in Serbia are active as YT100RB and YU1924RB until the 30th of November. For details of a certificate that is available for contacting these stations see yu1ano.org
OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liege Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year 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.
The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club will once again be running the special callsign GB0MC between the 1st and 26th of December. The ‘MC’ in the callsign stands for Merry Christmas. The Club would like to invite everyone to call in and give them a hearty “HoHoHo” and tell them what radio equipment they would like from Santa this year. The Club will also be live streaming on its YouTube Channel.
Now the DX news
HC5CW and HC2AP are active as HC5CW/8 and HD8CW from San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands until the 28th of November. The IOTA reference is SA-004. They will operate on the HF bands, CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via M0OXO or OQRS.
The FW7AA Team is active from Wallis Island until the 29th of November 2024. The IOTA reference is OC 054. They will operate on the HF Bands. QSL via W7YAQ, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS.
The 9L5A Team, who are members of the F6KOP Club, will be active from Sierra Leone between the 27th of November and the 8th of December. They will operate on the 160 to 6m bands and QO-100. QSL via F5GSJ, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS.
Now the contest news
The CQ World Wide DX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 23rd of November and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 24th of November. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.
On Tuesday, the 26th of November, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm, 9cm, 6cm and 3cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday, the 27th of November, 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 28th of November, the RSGB 80m Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW on the 80m band only, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of November.
We’ve had yet another week of relatively calm geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux index has been in the 160s and despite having 14 M-class solar flares over seven days, we haven’t had any coronal mass ejections to contend with.
As a result, the daytime maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path has been high, reaching more than 35MHz at times.
The MUF declines after sunset, as expected, settling at about 12-13MHz, meaning the only HF band open to DX has been the 10MHz or 30-metre band.
DX this week has included 3D2Y in Rotuma. This Pacific DXpedition has been spotted in Europe, on 20m, 15m and 17m CW, so plenty of choice as to which band you try.
E51SGC in Rarotonga on the Cook Islands has also been spotted across many of the HF bands, but they will be leaving on the 24th of November. The good news is that the team of Stan LZ1GC and Ted LZ5QZ are moving on to Tonga as A35GC from the 25th of November until the 7th of December 2024.
Gerben (PG5M) is active on the Falkland Islands as VP8G and has been spotted on 20m, 15m and 10m CW. He is there until the 25th of November so get in quickly!
Next week, NOAA predicts that the SFI may rise to the mid-250s again. Geomagnetic conditions are largely predicted to be good, although do keep an eye on solarham.com for updates.
And don’t forget the CQ Worldwide CW contest this weekend which should bring a lot of DX to the HF bands.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO.
The weather is now in an unsettled phase with areas of low pressure bringing alternating spells of mild wet and windy weather interspersed with colder brighter and breezy showery weather.
This raises a couple of radio-related points; one is that we will see some very strong and potentially damaging winds in some areas, so check daily forecasts and make sure your mast guys are secure; and secondly an absence of any marked high-pressure Tropo weather.
Rain and snow scatter may be worth checking on the GHz bands in such unsettled weather. Meanwhile, meteor scatter is worthy of greater attention as next week’s list of showers includes the small Alpha Monocerotids shower and the tail end of the big Leonids shower.
This introduces another potential nugget of interest in that it is widely accepted that meteors form the source material for Sporadic-E. Despite being out of season in the traditional sense, the prevalence of stronger jet streams in unsettled weather makes the next week a possible ‘watch period’ for Es.
If you are curious about what these might look like, check out the propquest.co.uk website and look for the near vertical incidence skywave or NVIS tab for Wednesday the 20th of November 2024.
During the two events in the middle of the day and evening, the critical frequency of the Es layer reached values of nearly 10MHz, which could equate to four-metre propagation on a good day. You will see the Es blog tab upper air charts also show a jet stream of greater than 100 knots.
For EME operators, the Moon has passed peak declination so Moon availability and peak elevation will be falling. Path losses are high and rising towards apogee on Tuesday the 26th. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 17th of November
The news headlines:
The RSGB has launched a new practical events section on its websiteThe RSGB Awards Manager has added categories to the IARU Region 1 AwardThere is still time to host the Youngsters on the Air Month call signThe RSGB is keen to promote practical events for radio amateurs as a way of developing their skills and retaining their interest in amateur radio. The Society has also demonstrated that buildathons are a great way of engaging new audiences, giving people a taste of amateur radio in a fun and supportive environment. As part of its strategy, the RSGB held two workshops at the 2024 Convention to introduce individuals to radio-related usage of Micro Controller Units, or MCUs as they are often known. The Society also holds annual build-a-radio events at Bletchley Park for youngsters, with the kits provided by the Radio Communications Foundation. To support radio amateurs to try practical skills themselves or to put on their events, the RSGB has published a new section on its website that is dedicated to practical events. You’ll find a guide to running a buildathon, detailed information from the MCU workshop as well as a short video to inspire you! Feedback from the RSGB’s events has been wholly positive with requests for similar activities around the country. Could your club host an event and perhaps even boost its numbers at the same time? Find out more at rsgb.org/practical-events
The RSGB Awards Manager has announced that, with the support of the Board, he has added new categories of achievement to the IARU Region 1 Award. These include WARC bands only, 10MHz only, 18MHz only and 24MHz only. The standard IARU Region 1 Award check spreadsheet should continue to be used for these categories. However, award chasers are advised to keep separate versions for each band or set of bands. There are no mode or power restrictions and there is no distinction between fixed and portable stations; you just have to be operating within the same country for all QSOs used in the application. There aren’t any limitations on the start dates for the awards other than the dates for particular countries as identified in the check sheet. This reflects, for example, when a country became a member of the IARU. The RSGB would like to thank the award chasers who contributed to the discussions about adding new categories.
With just two weeks to go until Youngsters on the Air Month, operating slots for GB24YOTA are fast filling up. The special call sign will be active throughout December and is a fantastic opportunity to get youngsters active on the amateur bands. Whether you are part of a school, university, youth group, club or individual, the RSGB would love you to be involved. The Society would be delighted to see the callsign hosted every day during December and see as many youngsters on the air as possible. Be part of this goal by visiting QRZ.com and searching GB24YOTA to check availability. Operating slots aren’t fixed and can be adjusted to suit your timings, so don’t delay. Email Jamie, M0SDV via [email protected] now. Visit rsgb.org/yota-month to find out more.
The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. There will also be reduced hours on New Year’s Eve when the centre will be closing at 2 pm. Following the seasonal closures, the NRC will also be closed for essential maintenance works on the 2nd of January 2025. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Remember that RSGB Members can download a free entry voucher for Bletchley Park from the RSGB website via rsgb.org/bpvoucher.
Visitors to and from CEPT countries such as the UK can now operate more easily in the Cayman Islands, which has now joined the CEPT T/R 61-01 Reciprocal agreement. This change was agreed at the CEPT meeting last month.
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
The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Winter Rally is taking place on Saturday the 23rd of November at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden in Rochdale. The usual traders and caterers will be attending. Doors open at 10 am and entry is £3. Plenty of parking will be available. For more information contact the Treasurer and Rally Organiser, Martin Shore, via [email protected] or call 07587 709006.
The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur’s Club Annual Rally is taking place on Sunday the 24th of November at Spennymoor Leisure Centre in County Durham. The usual traders will be attending. Catering, ample parking and disabled facilities will be available. For more information, please visit barac.org.uk
The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society Dinner is at the Creg-ny-Baa on Friday the 29th of November. Tickets are £25. For more information, including details of the menu and how to book, visit iomars.im
The Wiltshire Radio Winter Rally is on Sunday the 1st of December at Kington Langley Village Hall in Kington Langley, located just off Junction 17 of the M4. Doors open at 9 am and close at 1 pm. Admission is £3. Indoor tables are £10. Car boot pitches are £10 for a car-size pitch and £15 for a van-size pitch. Hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information email [email protected]
The Mid-Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair is on Sunday the 8th of December at Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre. Doors are open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry is £3 per person and no charge for partners and under 16s. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available, as well as hot food and refreshments. Traders £5 per 6ft frontage with tables supplied. Booking in advance is recommended. Mains electricity is also available on request. Traders, please pre-book as soon as possible. Please contact Phil, G6DLJ via 07990 563147 or email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
A special event callsign 9Y20TATT is active from the 22nd of November until the 29th of November 2024 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society. All amateurs are invited to make contact. Limited edition QSL cards will be available, and certificates can be requested by amateurs making at least five unique contacts. Find out more on the event website via 9y20ta.tt
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of Radio Beograd in 1924, members of the Belgrade Amateur Radio Club, YU1ANO in Serbia are active as YT100RB and YU1924RB until the 30th of November. For details of a certificate that is available for contacting these stations see yu1ano.org
Special callsign HB50VC is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Swissair Amateur Radio Club, HB9VC. QSOs will be uploaded to the Logbook of the World. QSL cards will not be provided. You can download a certificate for working this special event station from tinyurl.com/HB50VC-24
Now the DX news
HC5CW and HC2AP will be active as HC5CW/8 and HD8CW from San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands between the 19th and 28th of November. The IOTA reference is SA 004. They will operate on the HF bands, CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via M0OXO or OQRS.
The S9Z Team will be active from Sao Tome Island between the 11th and 20th of November. The IOTA reference is AF 023. They will operate on the 160 - 6m bands, CW, SSB, Digital modes, and also EME on 432MHz.
The 9L5A Team, who are members of the F6KOP Club, will be active from Sierra Leone between the 27th of November and the 8th of December. They will operate on the 160 - 6m bands and QO-100. QSL via F5GSJ, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS.
Now the contest news
Tomorrow, Monday the 18th of November, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using FT4 on the 80m to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is a signal report.
On Tuesday, the 19th of November, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday, the 21st of November, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The CQ World Wide DX CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 23rd of November and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 24th of November. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of November.
The solar flux index took a downturn this week, ending up at 150. The visible solar disk is looking rather bare compared with a couple of weeks ago.
This is the lowest SFI value since the 2nd of May 2024, but it is only a matter of time before we see another sunspot appear as we make our way through solar maximum.
The good news is that we have been pretty devoid of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, with only a few M-class flares occurring. Any CMEs were not Earth-directed and so the Kp index stayed low.
As a result, the bands are still playing ball. A quick look on 10 metres at 10.00UTC on Thursday the 14th showed the 4X6TU (Israel), OH2B (Finland) and LU4AA (Argentina) International Beacon Project beacons were romping in on 28.200MHz.
Going down to 15 metres it was even better, with ZL6B (New Zealand), VK6RBP (Australia) and JA2IGY (Japan) all audible on 21.150MHz.
Also, the proton flux from the Sun remains low, which bodes well for polar paths.
Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasts that the solar flux index will rise again, no doubt as new or returning sunspots appear, perhaps putting us into the low 200s.
From a geomagnetic perspective, unsettled conditions are forecast for Wednesday, the 20th of November when the Kp index could rise to four.
Looking further ahead, fingers crossed for the 23rd and 24th weekend when the CQ Worldwide CW contest takes place!
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO.
It was more of the same on 50MHz last week, with what may be a mix of Es and F2-layer propagation producing morning openings in the afternoon to the Gulf States, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
On the higher bands, with the high pressure just hanging on in its colder guise, next week looks distinctly on the wintry side for some areas.
The high pressure has, along with its predecessor, given us at least two weeks of Tropo conditions on the VHF bands. The expected change-over to low pressure takes place on Sunday and drives a colder northerly weather pattern down across the UK, even to southern areas. This means that the majority of next week is a good time to look for rain scatter.
Regarding meteor scatter, the peak of the Leonids occurs today, the 17th of November, with rates of 15-20 per hour.
Also, occasional peaks of the Kp index above four should tempt us to beam north for chance aurora openings. As usual, check the VHF beacons and clusters for signs of activity during the afternoon and evenings when the auroral oval is displaced southwards nearer to our part of the world.
It's a good week for EME operators, the Moon reaches peak declination on Monday morning, but path losses are rising as we have passed perigee on Thursday the 14th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, reaching 500 Kelvin on Sunday night.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 10th of November
The news headlines:
The RSGB launches its 2025 Construction CompetitionThe RSGB Contest Club needs volunteers for the second World Wide Award event Watch more great content from the RSGB 2024 ConventionThe RSGB has launched its Construction Competition for 2025. Entries to this annual competition will again be judged online to allow RSGB members from the UK and across the world to participate and demonstrate their creativity. In line with the Society’s strategic priority of growth, there will be a new Outreach category this year in which members are encouraged to submit a project that can be reproduced in a school or public environment. The other five categories are beginners, construction excellence, innovation, software and antennas. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner, who will also be declared the recipient of the Pat Hawker G3VA Award. The winner of the beginner category will also receive the Gavin Nesbitt, MM1BXF trophy. The results of the competition will be announced during the 2025 RSGB Annual General Meeting in April. For full details of the competition and how to enter, visit the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition
The RSGB Contest Club is excited to announce that the second World Wide Award event will be taking place in January 2025 and it is looking for volunteers to take part. Last year’s event included 28 RSGB members who made more than 109,000 contacts. The Society’s Contest Club has confirmed there are currently special activator stations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, if volunteers from Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man would like to participate then further callsigns can be added. QSOs can be made using SSB, CW, and digital modes. To be involved you will need to be an RSGB member and hold a Full Licence. To find out more about the event search ‘RSGB Contest Club’ on the RSGB website and scroll down to the section titled World Wide Award 2025. Then email [email protected] to register your interest.
The Society has released some more great content from its recent Annual Convention. In its ‘Discussion with the Board’ session, the RSGB Board outlined progress with the strategic priorities and answered questions from Convention attendees about the strategy and a range of other topics. The session wasn’t on the live stream, but you can see it now on the RSGB YouTube channel. On the Friday night of the Convention, the RSGB Comms Manager asked people in the bar if they had tried anything new in amateur radio during the last year. You can hear their answers in the latest Convention Chat video. What would your answer be? You can watch both videos in the RSGB 2024 Convention playlist at youtube.com/theRSGB
The 19th International Amateur Radio Union Region 3 Conference was hosted by the Thailand National Society in Bangkok and concluded on Friday the 7th of November. The hybrid event saw the RSGB attending online, which included accounting for a seven-hour time zone difference. The Conference was opened on Monday the 4th of November by national and international dignitaries. Numerous papers and reports were considered including the latest proposals for a global 40m band plan, emergency communications reports, as well as modernisation of its organisation. The region which covers Asia-Pacific countries has also started its work for the next World Radio Conference in 2027. You can view papers from the event by visiting tinyurl.com/IARUR3
Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146/147MHz NoV for a further year. It is available on a non-interference basis and the NoV is subject to a 30-day notice period of change or withdrawal. Full licence holders can apply for the 146/147MHz NoV on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, also known as ARISS, will be conducting Slow Scan TV operations from the International Space Station between the 11th and 18th of November. There will be 12 images to catch during the week-long experiment, which will be on the theme of the 40th anniversary of amateur radio in human spaceflight. Find out more by visiting the ARISS social media pages or via ariss.org
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
The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Winter Rally is taking place on Saturday the 23rd of November at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden in Rochdale. The usual traders and caterers will be attending. Doors open at 10 am and entry is £3. Plenty of parking will be available. For more information contact the Treasurer and Rally Organiser, Martin Shore, via [email protected] or call 07587 709006.
The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur’s Club Annual Rally is taking place on Sunday the 24th of November at Spennymoor Leisure Centre in County Durham. The usual traders will be attending. Catering, ample parking and disabled facilities will be available. For more information, please visit barac.org.uk
The Wiltshire Radio Winter Rally is on Sunday the 1st of December at Kington Langley Village Hall in Kington Langley, located just off Junction 17 of the M4. Doors open at 9 am and close at 1 pm. Admission is £3. Indoor tables are £10. Car boot pitches are £10 for a car-size pitch and £15 for a van-size pitch. Hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information email [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
George, MM0JNL is active as GB0GTS until the 18th of November to raise awareness of homeless military veterans in association with The Great Tommy Sleepout organised by The Royal British Legion Industries. The station will be operating on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB. There may also be some activity on the 2m band. George will operate at least one full night outside as part of the Great Tommy Sleepout. More details are available at QRZ.com
Special callsign GB200LB will be active from the 4th to the 31st of January 2025 to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of the Braille code. More information to follow.
Now the DX news
Maurizio, IK2GZU is active as 5H3MB from Tanzania until the 11th of November while doing volunteer work at a local school. In his spare time, he will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL or direct via IK2GZU.
A team of operators is active as XT2MD from Burkina Faso until the 11th of November. They will operate on HF bands and EME. QSL via IK2VUC, bureau or direct.
VK9CV is active from Cocos in the Keeling Islands until the 15th of November. The group will operate using CW, SSB, FT8, RTTY and QO-100 on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via OK6DJ and Logbook of the World.
HC5CW and HC2AP will be active as HC5CW/8 and HD8CW from San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands between the 19th and 28th of November. The IOTA reference is SA 004. They will operate on the HF bands, CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via M0OXO or OQRS.
Now the contest news
The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 9th of November and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 10th of November. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 12th of November the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 12th of November is the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest which runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 13th of November the RSGB 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 13th is the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour contest which 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.
The RSGB 80m Autumn Series SSB Contest runs on Wednesday the 13th of November from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band only, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 14th of November, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The RSGB Second 1.8MHz Contest runs from 2000UTC to 2300UTC on Saturday the 16th of November. Using CW on the 1.8MHz band only, the exchange is a signal report, serial number and district code. A list of the district codes is available on the RSGB Contest Committee website via rsgbcc.org.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of November.
We had another week of high solar flux and good conditions on HF.
Solar activity remained at high levels thanks to an impulsive X2.3 solar flare around active region 3883 at 13:40 UTC on the 6th of November, but the event was not responsible for a coronal mass ejection (CME).
The Kp index remained below 4.5 all week, with a solar flux index in the range of 240-260. That was more than enough to keep the ionosphere very active.
A recent report on spaceweather.com suggested that the solar cycle may have peaked in the Sun’s southern hemisphere but may still have a way to go in its northern hemisphere.
It's usual for there to be two peaks in a solar cycle as the two hemispheres are seldom synchronised. We will have to wait and see, but it could mean another three to six months of high SFI numbers as the northern hemisphere catches up.
A solar filament located in the southwest quadrant erupted on the 7th of November. A coronal mass ejection, or CME as it is also known, occurred but appeared to be off the Sun-Earth line, so no major impacts are expected.
A sunspot group turning into view from off the southeastern limb has been assigned active region 3889 and is producing M-class solar flares. The probability of further M-class flares stands at 80%. Meanwhile, the risk of an X-class flare currently stands at 35%.
A coronal hole is currently Earth-facing and could cause some disruption sometime around Saturday 9th.
The solar proton flux has decreased to normal levels, so polar paths should now be unaffected.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the SFI could decline into the range of 165-185. Geomagnetic disturbances are forecast for the 11th and 12th, and again on the 15th, with the Kp index predicted to reach four.
Meanwhile, we do urge you to get on 10 metres, which is currently experiencing some fine DX openings. This month and next will probably give the best chance of good 10-metre propagation for a while.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
Another week has just passed with daily F2-layer propagation on 50MHz providing morning openings to Southeast Asia, and the Americas in the afternoon. Expect more in the coming week.
The current spell of high pressure has had a good run with some excellent Tropo conditions, with the best DX along the side of the high pressure.
This weekend will see the high finally giving way as weak Atlantic fronts move in from the west. This will soon be replaced by a new high building in the colder air behind the weekend fronts. It may look like Tropo should come back, but this high may be less productive.
The major change of weather pattern comes before mid-week, when it may turn more unsettled as low pressure moves closer to eastern areas from the North Sea. This general move towards more unsettled conditions will continue through the end of the week.
In terms of propagation, good Tropo will be replaced by some patchy rain scatter opportunities for the GHz bands from about the middle of next week.
Staying with scatter modes, meteor scatter looks promising with the Taurids peaking on Tuesday the 12th and the Leonids due to peak on the following weekend on Sunday the 17th.
The solar conditions continue to offer chance occurrences of aurora due to solar flares or CMEs so, as usual, keep a watch on the Kp index going above Kp=4.
An occasional reminder of the possibility of out-of-season Es for the digital modes is timely. Recently the critical frequency of the Es layer has reached 7MHz on the Dourbes ionosonde plotted on www.propquest.co.uk and in theory, this would be good enough for a 6m band path.
For EME operators, Moon declination is negative but rising, going positive again on Tuesday the 12th. Path losses are falling as we approach perigee next Thursday the 14th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate to low this coming week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 3rd of November
The news headlines:
RSGB President honoured by RAYNET-UKWatch the RSGB November Tonight@8 live webinarEncourage youngsters to get on the air during DecemberAt the recent RAYNET-UK AGM, the Brian Tindill Shield was awarded to RSGB President John McCullagh MBE, GI4BWM for his outstanding contribution to amateur radio and RAYNET in Northern Ireland. It highlighted in particular his outstanding contribution to providing emergency radio coverage during his voluntary service with RAYNET.
The latest RSGB Tonight@8 webinar is tomorrow, Monday the 4th of November. Mike Griffiths will present ‘Listening to the Enemy’ which looks at the experience of Scouser Harry Griffiths, G2DFH and his move to the St Erth receiving station in Cornwall. Like many other radio amateurs, Harry was drafted into the military during World War II specifically for his radio skills. During this live presentation, Mike will look at what Harry’s experience was like as he started to work for MI6 and the mysterious Radio Security Service. Watch this interesting webinar live 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
Youngsters on the Air month is fast approaching and the RSGB would love you to take part in this annual event. Special callsign GB24YOTA will be active throughout December. Whether you are an individual, club, school or social group, this is a fantastic opportunity to host the callsign to get youngsters active on the amateur bands. The Society would love to see scouts, guides and cadet groups taking part too. Follow the lead of the two new RSGB Youth Champions and register now. Look for GB24YOTA on QRZ.com to check availability and then visit rsgb.org/yota-month to find out how to secure your slot. Operating slots get booked up quickly, so don’t delay. The Society is aiming to have the callsign hosted every day during December this year to enable more youngsters to have a taste of amateur radio, so be part of this great goal!
The Society is currently looking to recruit an RSGB member to be the 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 please go to rsgb.org/volunteers
Jamboree on the Air, or JOTA as it is also known, was very busy with large numbers of stations and callsigns active across the weekend. The RSGB would like to thank everyone who contacted the Society with details of their stations so they could be added to the RSGB website. It was great to see so many local clubs and societies, as well as individual radio amateurs, working with scouting groups to deliver a brilliant event for scouts across the country. Don’t forget that there will be a report on JOTA in RadCom. If you’d like to be included, please send details and photos from your event to [email protected] by the 15th of November.
If you have ever considered progressing your licence from Foundation to Intermediate, the Bath Based Distance Learning team has a great track record with passes well above the national average. The next Intermediate level course will run from January to May 2025. To take part in the course, all applicants must complete some pre-course work using BBDL systems. The closing date for applications is the 6th of December 2024. The team will also be running a Full licence course starting in August 2025. For further information on either of these please contact Steve, G0FUW via [email protected]
Do you have some spare time to support fellow radio amateurs? Are you passionate about the future of amateur radio? Do you support the work of the RSGB? The Society currently has several volunteer vacancies within the Regional Team and would love to hear from you if you’d like to fill one of the roles. This week the RSGB is highlighting two vacancies in Region 9 for District Representatives to cover Oxfordshire and West London. If you live in one of those areas and are interested in getting involved, please contact the Region 9 Representative Ron White, G6LTT via [email protected] If you live in a different part of the country you can see all the other Regional Team vacancies on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers
The 19th International Amateur Radio Union Region 3 Conference is being held in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 4th to the 8th of November. The RSGB will join the conference remotely, represented by Spectrum Forum Chair, Murray Niman, G6JYB. There will be a special event station in operation from the conference using the call sign HS19IARU. For more information go online and search for “IARU Region 3 Conference 2024”.
The ARRL has awarded a Special Recognition to the team representing the IARU at the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference in 2023. The ARRL extended its appreciation to the team and said that their outstanding contribution and results have benefited the amateur radio service worldwide. The team includes RSGB Microwave Manager Barry Lewis, G4SJH and RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB.
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
The Holsworthy Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 3rd of November at Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Well Park, Western Road, Holsworthy in Devon. There are traders, a bring-and-buy area and catering. The venue has disabled access, free parking and entry is £3 per person. The doors open to traders from 8am and to the public from 10am. For more information email Chris, M0KNF at [email protected]
The Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will be on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland in Fife. Lunch will be provided, and an optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Online booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by email to Colin, GM4HWO at [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
George, MM0JNL is active as GB0GTS until the 18th of November to raise awareness of homeless military veterans in association with The Great Tommy Sleepout organised by The Royal British Legion Industries. The station will be operating on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB. There may also be some activity on the 2m band. George will operate at least one full night ‘roughing it’ outside as part of the Great Tommy Sleepout. More details are available at QRZ.com
Special callsign GB200LB will be active from the 4th to the 31st of January 2025 to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of the Braille code. More information to follow.Now the DX news
Maurizio, IK2GZU is active as 5H3MB from Tanzania until the 11th of November while doing volunteer work at a local school. In his spare time, he will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via IK2GZU.
Now the contest news
The RSGB 144MHz CW Marconi Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 2nd of November and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of November. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The International Police Association Radio Club invites all radio amateurs around the world to take part in its contest which takes place every year on the first complete weekend in November. This year, the CW section occurred on Saturday the 2nd of November from 0600 to 1800UTC. The SSB section takes place today Sunday the 3rd of November from 0600 to 1800UTC. More information about the contest and the award programme are available at iparc.de
Tomorrow, Monday the 4th of November, the RSGB 80m Autumn Series DATA Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band only, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday, the 5th of November, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 5th of November, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 6th of November, the RSGB 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 6th of November is the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour contest which 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.
On Wednesday the 6th of November 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.
The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 9th of November, and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 10th of November. Using RTTY 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 31 October 2024.
Last weekend’s CQWW SSB contest showed just how good autumnal HF conditions can be. Many contestants worked more than 100 countries or DX entities on each and every HF band.
With a solar flux index of 238 on Saturday and 246 on Sunday, plus low Kp indices all weekend, it was about as good as it could get. There were two three-hour periods where the Kp index hit four and 4.33, but it was otherwise in the ones and twos.
An X-class solar flare occurred on Saturday the 26th at around 07:15 hrs UTC, but this had little effect and the MUF over a 3,000km path was back above 28MHz quite quickly.
The rest of the week saw numerous M-class and C-class solar flares occur and a Kp index that did get up to four at times, but once again the MUF remained above 28MHz during daylight for most of the time.
Interestingly, there have been times when the critical frequency over the UK has hit 14MHz, making 20m almost a local chat band via Near Vertical Incidence Sky Wave or NVIS communications! These openings may be short-lived so make the most of them should they occur.
Nighttime critical frequencies have generally been around 4.5-6MHz, meaning a MUF over a 3,000km path over 14MHz in the first half of the night and around 10-12MHz in the second half.
The solar proton flux has been above the 10MeV warning threshold but is now falling as of Thursday 31st. This may improve signals that pass through the polar regions, such as the UK to the far west of Canada and Alaska, and the UK to Japan.
Next week NOAA predicts that the SFI will start at around 240, but perhaps fall to around 195-200 as the week progresses. ESA predicts that the solar wind speed could increase around November 4th and could cause disruption.
As always, we are at the mercy of solar flares and CMEs, which could disrupt HF propagation, so we recommend keeping an eye on solarham.com for daily updates.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The Autumn Equinox period continued to bring F2-layer propagation to 50MHz with almost daily morning openings to VK and JA and afternoon openings to the Americas for some.
Stations in the far South and West of the island were favoured. Side scatter in the Indian Ocean brought the JAs on a 90-degree beam heading, an effect noted at previous sunspot maxima.
The autumn is typically a time for quiet settled weather, a season of mist, and this is where we are going for the period through to the end of next week. It's worth a couple of reminders of how it all works since, although it's likely to be pretty much the same ‘big picture’ of dominant high pressure, there will be subtle differences.
Firstly, there are two types of high pressure; one that builds in warm air and the other in cold air. The warm air version is the current offering, and this means quite cloudy conditions at times with moist air below the temperature inversion and very dry air above the inversion.
Second, the quality of the ducting is determined by the change of the refractive index across the inversion and a large part of the refractive index change comes from a contrast of moisture, so signs of cloud and/or fog moisture are good omens for a lift. We may swap over to a cold air high later next week, which could lessen the Tropo quality.
Meteor scatter prospects are on hold pending the Leonids meteor shower, which peaks mid-November. A dominant high pressure means that rain scatter is not likely to be a big player for the GHz bands next week.
There is a possible heads-up for aurora since the solar conditions still offer chances for the Kp index to rise – anything over Kp=4 is worth a longer look – and don’t forget that ‘watery’ signals on the lower HF bands such as 40m and 80m are also a good sign.
For EME operators, Moon declination reaches a minimum (that is, maximum negative declination) next Tuesday when the Moon only reaches nine degrees peak elevation and is only above the horizon for six hours between 1200 and 1800hrs. Path losses, on the other hand, are falling all week.
144MHz sky noise is moderate to high, peaking at more than 3,000 Kelvin on Tuesday the 5th before dropping back to moderate levels.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 27th of October
The news headlines:
The RSGB releases a snapshot video of the exciting Girlguiding ISS contact You can listen to the Chair of the RSGB’s Propagation Studies Committee on the latest episode of the ICQ podcastThe RSGB has begun releasing presentations from its 2024 ConventionOn the 5th of October, in her first official engagement as Girlguiding Patron, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh joined 100 excited Brownies, Guides and Rangers in making a live amateur radio contact with the International Space Station. The event was organised by The Radio Society of Great Britain and Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, or ARISS as it is usually known, in collaboration with the UK Space Agency, Girlguiding Surrey West and Brooklands Museum’s Innovation Academy programme. The aim was to promote the engagement and involvement of girls and young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Everyone had a fantastic day and after the contact, the girls enjoyed a variety of STEM activities including making Snail Morse keys, playing Morse battleships, learning about the CubeSat Simulator and making stomp rockets. The RSGB has created a short video snapshot of the day which you can see on its YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB – take a look!
The latest episode of the ICQ Podcast is available to listen to online and features RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair, Steve Nichols, G0KYA. During episode 441 Martin Butler, M1MRB talks to Steve about propagation and how the sunspot cycle has taken off to impact conditions positively. They also discuss Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation, which is also known as HamSCI, a collective that enables university researchers to collaborate with radio amateurs in scientific investigations. To access the interview, select episode 441 at icqpodcast.com and listen from 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The RSGB 2024 Convention weekend brought together hundreds in person and thousands via the livestreams. As well as the ‘Convention in a nutshell’ video released last week, the Society has now published two of the main presentations. The first is the keynote speech about the future of amateur radio licensing and education by Rafal Lukawiecki, EI6LA. The second looks at inspiring the next generation by the RSGB’s two new Youth Champions Chris Aitken, MM0WIC and Rhys Williams, M0WGY. You will find both presentations, as well as the full two days of live stream content, in the RSGB 2024 Convention playlist on the Society’s YouTube channel. Remember to subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss additional presentations when they’re published. There is also still time to share your feedback about the in-person event or the live stream, but the feedback forms will close at the end of this month. Head over to rsgb.org/feedback if you attended the event, or rsgb.org/livestream-feedback if you watched via the livestream. Let the team know what you enjoyed!
If you are thinking of taking an amateur radio exam before Christmas, there are two important dates you need to be aware of. The last date you can take an exam at a club, whether online or on paper, is Friday the 13th of December. If you want to take an exam online at home, the last date you can do that is Friday the 20th of December. The RSGB Exams Team will, where possible, post-out exam results before HQ shuts over Christmas and New Year. Exams will resume on Monday the 6th of January 2025 and the booking system will be available over the festive season so you can book exams for January onwards. You can book online on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/exampay
On Friday the 18th of October the RSGB, Mill Hill School and a team of radio amateurs in New Zealand took part in a special celebration to mark the centenary of the first successful two-way trans-global communication between radio amateurs in the UK and New Zealand. The original contact between Frank Bell, 4AA in New Zealand and Cecil Goyder, 2SZ in Mill Hill School in North London was re-enacted at the school on a wavelength as close as possible to the original. Members of Goyder’s family watched the re-enactment and chatted to pupils. As part of wider celebrations for the day, the school put on activities including a build-a-radio workshop. Students at the school showed significant interest in amateur radio, with several students signing up to be part of a new radio club that will be set up by the school’s physics teacher. The overall event was led by RSGB Life Vice-President Don Beattie, G3BJ who said that he was delighted by the success of the event and that it had allowed pupils to learn how ground-breaking that first radio contact was with New Zealand. Call sign G2SZ was operational for four days surrounding the centenary, during which operators achieved approximately 1,250 contacts. To find out more about this unique celebration go to www.gb2nz.com and search for ‘GB2NZ re-enactment’ on the RSGB website.
The Memorial Day QSO Party is an activity providing participants with an opportunity to honour amateur radio operators who are now Silent Key. The event is being sponsored and managed by the First Class CW Operators’ Club and is open to all licensed amateurs. The event begins at 0900UTC on the 1st of November 2024 and ends at 0859UTC on the 2nd of November. More information is available at g4foc.org or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]
Ofcom has notified stakeholders that the next release of its licensing service will be delayed due to issues that have arisen during software development. According to the Ofcom website, the delays have impacted Phases 2 and 3 of the planned changes to the amateur radio licensing framework. Phase 2 includes changes to new Intermediate callsigns, special event station rules and restrictions on the number of callsigns an individual may hold. Revised plans are expected to be published soon. You can read the update on the Ofcom website via tinyurl.com/OFCOMOCT24
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
The Galashiels Rally is taking place today, the 27th of October at the Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors will be open from 11 am. The admission fee is £3 and there will be refreshments, traders and a bring-and-buy area to enjoy. For more information contact [email protected] or visit galaradioclub.co.uk
The Holsworthy Radio Rally will be taking place on Sunday the 3rd of November at Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Well Park, Western Road, Holsworthy in Devon. There will be traders, a bring-and-buy area and catering. The venue has disabled access, free parking and entry will be £3 per person. The doors will be open to traders from 8 am and to the public from 10 am. For more information email Chris, M0KNF at [email protected]
The Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will be going ahead on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland in Fife. Lunch will be provided, and an optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Online booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by email to Colin, GM4HWO at [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
George, MM0JNL is active as GB0GTS until the 18th of November to raise awareness of homeless military veterans in association with The Great Tommy Sleepout organised by The Royal British Legion Industries. The station will be operating on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB. There may also be some activity on the 2m band. George will operate at least one full night ‘roughing it’ outside as part of the Great Tommy Sleepout. More details are available at QRZ.com
Special callsign SX80FF will be used from various locations, including Crete as SV9/SX80FF until the 31st of October. The purpose of the activity is to honour the 80 fallen Greek firefighters and aerial firefighting crews who lost their lives in the line of duty. The station was spotted recently on the 60m band using FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL and QRZ.com logbook. Paper QSL cards will not be available.
Now the DX news
A team of operators is active as YJ0VV from Efate, OC-035, Vanuatu until the 29th of October. The team is operating SSB, CW and digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands with two high-power stations and a selection of seven antennas. QSL via K4NHW directly or via the Bureau. QSOs will be uploaded to Clublog and Logbook of the World.
Maurizio, IK2GZU is active as 5H3MB from Tanzania until the 11th of November while doing volunteer work at a local school. In his spare time, he will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via IK2GZU.
Now the contest news
The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 26th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 27th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.
Tomorrow, the 28th, the RSGB 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 Wednesday the 30th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
The RSGB 144MHz CW Marconi Contest starts at 1400 UTC on Saturday the 2nd and ends at 1400 UTC on Sunday the 3rd Of November. Using CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The International Police Association Radio Club invites all radio amateurs around the world to take part in its contest which takes place every year on the first complete weekend in November. This year, the CW section will take place on Saturday the 2nd of November from 0600 to 1800 UTC. The SSB section will take place on Sunday the 3rd of November from 0600 to 1800 UTC. More information about the contest and the award programme are available at iparc.de
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 24th of October 2024
Last week’s solar conditions couldn’t have been much better. We had a week of high solar flux indices, relatively calm geomagnetic conditions and, other than an X-class solar flare, not much else to report.
The solar flare originated from active region 3869 and reached a strong X3.3 in the early hours of October 24th. This event was associated with a coronal mass ejection, or CME, based on solar dimming following the event, but because the flare location was located off the east limb, it was directed mostly away from Earth.
Once again, all the sunspots are in the southern hemisphere, but activity appears to be growing. This could spell trouble over the next week.
This weekend, the 26th and 27th, the CQ Worldwide SSB contest is taking place and conditions should be excellent, with a combination of high solar flux and autumnal HF conditions.
Maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, are generally higher than 28MHz from dawn until dusk. Nighttime MUFs over 3,000km are still just above 14MHz, although you might get better results by dropping down to 10MHz if the 20m band doesn’t work for you.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may rise again, perhaps hitting 185 as we enter November. However, this current bunch of sunspots, which are rotating to be Earth-directed next week, appear more active and we could see more solar flares and CMEs, which could throw a spanner in the works.
A solar flare could impact the ionosphere by increasing D-layer absorption, for up to an hour or so, and possibly launch a coronal mass ejection.
If a CME hits the Earth, expect the MUF to plummet, at least for a day or two until the ionosphere recovers.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The Autumn Equinox period brought some amazing ionospheric propagation to 50MHz on Thursday last week with stations in the UK working morning paths to VK, JA, DS and XV among others.
Typically for 50MHz DX, the skip zones were sharp and moved rapidly. Stations even a few kilometres apart experienced very different signals and paths. Those with a low noise floor had a huge advantage as signals were generally weak in the UK and only good for FT8. However, some reports of a VK station at +5 bucked this trend.
Next week will offer some reasonable Tropo conditions, although not without some occasional interruptions from weak frontal systems, especially in the far southwest and the far northwest of Britain. It’s not clear if these represent good rain scatter options, but they are more likely to temporarily curtail any Tropo for a while.
The solar conditions continue to feed the occasional aurora alert our way, so it’s always good to monitor the Kp index for signs of it increasing above 4. It won’t always go on to produce a radio aurora, but it's worth keeping an eye on things.
The meteor scatter prospects continue to be elevated by the decline of the Orionids, which peaked on Tuesday the 22nd, and the Taurids, which are a very low-rate shower, but technically cover a broad period into December. The Leonids are the next major shower, but that doesn’t peak until mid-November.
Lastly, looking at the out-of-season Sporadic-E prospects, there are always days with minor enhancements of the critical frequency of the Sporadic-E layer, as shown on the propquest.co.uk graphs. Certainly, there are stronger jet streams available in the autumn and winter, but other elements of Sporadic-E are not so favourable. It’s usually a very marginal outcome at best, but good enough for the 10 or 6m bands and mostly for digital modes such as FT8.
It could well be that trans-equatorial propagation, or TEP, is a more fruitful venture.
For EME operators, Moon declination is positive, but falling, going negative on Tuesday the 29th. Path losses are rising, reaching a maximum at apogee on the morning of Wednesday the 30th. 144MHz sky noise is low until Friday the 1st of November when the Sun and Moon are close in the sky.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 20th of October
The news headlines:
The RSGB welcomes your feedback on its 2024 ConventionToday is the last chance to get involved with JOTA 2024The RSGB is looking for Youth ChampionsThe RSGB’s 2024 Convention took place last weekend and brought together hundreds in person, as well as many more from across the globe who watched via the livestream. The Society is already receiving an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, but if you did attend the Convention and haven’t yet completed the feedback form, please go to rsgb.org/feedback and share your thoughts. If you watched the livestream the Society would also love to hear your feedback. Please visit rsgb.org/livestream-feedback and let the team know what you think of the online event. The feedback forms will be closed at the end of October. The live streams for both days will remain available for everyone to watch, so if you’d like to catch up on the selection of presentations that were aired, go to the RSGB website and search for ‘Convention 2024 Livestream’. As well as talks from the weekend, you’ll find exclusive special interviews and pre-recorded videos.
Today, the 20th, is the last day of Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the Scout Association. The Society has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event and has shared it on its website. The list is available by going to rsgb.org/jota and choosing the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air’ link on the right hand side of the page. The RSGB would love to see your photos of Scouts getting involved with JOTA, so tag @theRSGB and also use #JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. If you’re not involved with a JOTA station do listen out and encourage the young operators on the air. There will be a report in RadCom so please send details and photos from your event to [email protected] by the 15th of November.
Following the recent appointment of two Youth Champions for schools and universities, the RSGB is keen to expand the team. The Society is looking for a Youth Champion for scouts, guides and cadets, and another to lead activities and create resources to support young people once they have gained their Foundation licence, motivating them to try new things within amateur radio. The four Youth Champions will work closely as a team, as well as with the RSGB Board Liaison, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML and the RSGB Outreach Team. Together, the Youth Champions will also create a youth team and run a net or sked to involve all youngsters. Do you have what it takes to engage with young people and support them on their amateur radio journey? Another part of each Youth Champion’s role is to give input and support for current activities, such as promoting and participating in Youngsters on the Air Month each December. If you are proactive, experienced at managing your own time efficiently, a good leader who can build relationships and mentor young people, and you are passionate about growing the number of young people involved in amateur radio, then one of these roles could be for you! Take a look at the youth activities on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/youth and see some of the great things that are happening already. If you’re interested in being part of the team, contact Youth Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via [email protected]
The date has been confirmed for the Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. It will be going ahead on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland in 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, at the moment, 43 people have booked to attend the event. There are only 7 places left so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Online booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by email to Colin, GM4HWO at [email protected]
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 2 of the British Amateur Television Club Convention for Amateur TV 2024, also known as CAT 24, is taking place on Saturday the 26th of October. The online event will run from 10 am until 3 pm and will feature talks about ATV-related topics. For more information visit batc.org.uk/live
Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group’s Rally is also taking place on Saturday the 26th of October at Elim Pentecostal Church, North Road, Carrickfergus. The doors will be open from 11.30 am and refreshments will be available. More information, including contact details, is available on the Group’s Facebook page.
The next Essex CW Boot Camp is scheduled to go ahead on Saturday the 26th of October. The event is an opportunity to meet your friends and enjoy a day of CW activities, tea, coffee and cakes. If you are interested in attending and have not yet registered, email [email protected] For more information about the event visit essexcw.uk
The Galashiels Rally is taking place on Sunday the 27th of October at the Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors will be open from 11 am. The admission fee is £3 and there will be refreshments, traders and a bring-and-buy area to enjoy. For more information contact [email protected] or visit galaradioclub.co.uk
Now the Special Event news
Special event station PF16F is active to say farewell to the F-16 fighter aircraft, or Fighting Falcon. After 45 years of service, from 1979 to 2024, the F-16 will retire from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Members of Radio Club Limburg will be operating the callsign until the 30th of November 2024 and hope to work as many amateur radio operators across the world as possible. For more information about the station visit rclb.nl/pf16f
As part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of the world’s first trans-global two-way radio communication, special callsign GB2ZL has been active at times from the UK. This is in addition to the main UK activity from GB2NZ, G2SZ and others. On Tuesday the 15th of October, the GB2ZL station, operated by Chris GM3WOJ from near Inverness, made a remarkable QSO with the ZL4AA team located just North of Dunedin. The ZL4AA station was operated by Dave ZL4DK, Mike ZL4OL and Stephen ZL4BN. This QSO, on the 40m band, long path at 0721UTC, was made using CW. 559 reports were exchanged each way and the operators at both ends were thrilled to make the contact. At each end of the QSO was an 80-year-old all-valve military transceiver from New Zealand, the iconic ZC1. These radios date from 1944, just 20 years after the first UK to New Zealand QSO. For more information about the station and the ZC1 transceiver visit the GB2ZL page at QRZ.com
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. Details of a certificate that is available for working the station are available at QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Harold, DF2WO is active as 9X2AW from Rwanda until the 22nd of October. He is operating using CW, FT4 and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. You might also catch Harold operating via the QO-100 satellite. When possible, he also hopes to be QRV on the 6m band. QSL via OQRS.
Stephane, F5UOW is active as FR/F5UOW from Reunion Island, AF-016, until the 28th of October. He is operating using CW only on the 17 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World only.
Now the contest news
The Worked All Germany Contest started at 1500UTC on Saturday the 19th and ends at 1500UTC today, the 20th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Today the 20th, the RSGB 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 22nd, the RSGB 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 24th, the RSGB Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday the 26th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday the 27th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 17th of October 2024
The past week has been characterised by a low geomagnetic Kp index and excellent conditions on HF, including the 10m band. With a solar flux index between 168 and 195, and a Kp index that never rose above 4, conditions have been better than the previous week, which suffered from the bad effects of solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
This came as NASA, NOAA and the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced that the Sun has reached its solar maximum period, which should continue for the next year.
The announcement was not unexpected, and the exact period of maximum activity won’t be known for some time. But it was a wake-up call for radio amateurs to get on the bands and make the most of the conditions!
NOAA anticipates additional solar and geomagnetic storms during the current solar maximum period and during the declining phase of the solar cycle.
The solar flux index fell from its 200-plus highs to be in the 160 to 195 range last week. But this was still more than enough to keep the ionosphere running. Maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path have been consistently over 28MHz during daylight, falling to around 11MHz overnight.
Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the solar flux index will rise into the 200s again, but we may also get some geomagnetic disturbances, namely on the 22nd and 23rd when the Kp index might rise to around 4.
Meanwhile, October can be one of the best months for HF propagation with good 10m band openings to Australasia in the morning and North and South America in the afternoon.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The current unsettled spell of weather seems likely to continue into next week and is not atypical at this time of year. We should expect a more changeable pattern around the autumn as the main polar front jet stream migrates south across the UK into its winter state over the Mediterranean.
That said, there may well be some brief interludes when the extended region of high pressure across Europe influences conditions over the British Isles, more specifically the southeastern corner.
This is shown by some models around midweek for potential Tropo from southeastern England into the continent or across the North Sea to northern Europe and southern Scandinavia.
The obvious mode to result from this unsettled weather will be rain scatter and it is probable that the GHz bands will enjoy this period of weather.
Meteor scatter in October has a few showers to maintain interest. The Orionids and the Taurids are both active during the coming week. In fact, the Orionids, associated with the comet Halley, peak on Monday and Tuesday.
Just a final note about Sporadic-E, which is ‘out of season’. Remember that there are no ‘zero Sporadic-E months’ and recent indications have tended to show the response of raised critical frequencies of the Sporadic-E layer occurring around the middle of the day on the propquest.co.uk NVIS graphs.
You may also see peaks earlier in the day around dawn, which is the peak time for meteor input. Beware, it is easy to get hooked on out-of-season Sporadic-E hunting!
For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising. Path losses are rising again after the perigee on Thursday the 17th. So, we have increasing peak Moon elevations and longer Moon windows until Tuesday the 22nd. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate for the rest of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 13th of October
The news headlines:
The RSGB 2024 Convention is taking place this weekendTwo new volunteer Youth Champions have been appointed by the RSGBCelebrations are underway to mark the first trans-global two-way radio communicationThe RSGB Convention has been in full swing this weekend. If you haven’t been able to attend, the RSGB has provided a packed live stream on each day and those live streams are available for anyone to view. Full of presentations, interviews and videos to inspire you, this is another way to enjoy your Convention, in your way. Either go directly to the RSGB YouTube channel or head over to rsgb.org/livestream to see the programme of presentations and the links to the livestreams.
The RSGB is delighted to announce the appointment of two new volunteer Youth Champion roles. Chris Aitken, MM0WIC will be the RSGB’s School Youth Champion and Rhys Williams, M0WGY/AJ6XD will be the University Youth Champion. Chris is a Computing Science teacher at Wick High School, Caithness. Since 2023, Chris has been running the Wick High School Radio Club, GM0WHS, providing students with a wide range of experiences in amateur radio. He has four students who have passed their Foundation licence exam and are now taking on leadership roles within the club and assisting the latest cohort in their studies. He is also a member of the RSGB Outreach Team. You can contact Chris via [email protected] Rhys represented the RSGB at the Youngsters on the Air Camp in Prague this year. He sent back daily reports on his activities which you can still see on the website under the summer camps tab at rsgb.org/yota He is starting a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Oxford and is keen to help the RSGB support the growth of amateur radio in universities across the UK. You can contact Rhys via [email protected] Ben Lloyd, GW4BML is the Board Liaison for youth activities. He said that he welcomes Chris and Rhys to their new youth volunteer roles and looks forward to working closely with them in the future to attract and grow RSGB youth membership. He explained that the three of them have already had some positive conversations and shared some good ideas, which they will be putting into place over the coming months.
This week marks the centenary of the world’s very first trans-global two-way radio communication. On the 18th of October 1924 Frank Bell, 4AA, from New Zealand, and Cecil Goyder, 2SZ, from North London, changed how we communicate forever by making contact on amateur bands. To commemorate this historic contact, special callsigns will be active, and awards and QSL cards will be available for those who make contact with these special stations. GB2NZ and ZM100DX have already been active since the start of the month. Starting tomorrow, until the 20th of October, calls reflecting Goyder’s callsign, G2SZ, and Bell’s, ZL4AA, will be active. This will include activity here in the UK from Mill Hill School in North London which is the original location from which Goyder made his contact. On Friday the 18th of October, radio amateurs will also be recreating and re-enacting the first contact between Goyder and Bell. It is hoped that the QSO will be made on a wavelength close to that used in 1924. To find out more about this unique celebration go to gb2nz.com
YOTA Month is just around the corner, and the RSGB is looking for volunteers to host the GB24YOTA callsign throughout the month of December. As in previous years, schools, clubs, guide and scout groups and also individuals are invited to host young radio amateurs whilst they operate with the callsign. Each day during the month has been split into a number of operating slots that you can book. In recent years, this system has allowed many more youngsters to get on the radio throughout the month. You can see the operating calendar by visiting QRZ.com and searching for GB24YOTA. Operators should be below the age of 26. Those who do not hold a Full amateur radio licence should be supervised by an appropriate Full licensee whilst operating. The RSGB is pleased that previous activators have already reached out to book their operating slots but there are still many more up for grabs! To book an operating slot or for more information about YOTA Month, please email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected]
During last month’s Hamfest in Newark, the ICQ Podcast team spoke with RSGB President John McCullagh GI4BWM, RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant G3YSX and RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas M1ACB. Listen to Episode 440 of the podcast series to hear them discuss some of the many events that the Society is currently involved with. This includes the recent Amateur Radio on the International Space Station contact, which Girlguiding and HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh took part in, as well as the RSGB Convention. The second part of the interview, which features the Chair of the RSGB’s Propagation Studies Committee, Steve Nichols, G0KYA will be aired during upcoming Episode 441. Visit icqpodcast.com to listen to episode 440 now.
The RSGB has been delighted with the number of responses that it has received in response to its call for Jamboree on the Air participation, which is taking place between the 18th and 20th of October. The Society has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event and has shared it on its website. The list is available by going to rsgb.org/jota and choosing the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air’ link on the right hand side of the page. If you are planning to get involved with JOTA and would like to be added to the list, please get in touch via [email protected] with a summary of your station name, callsign and any other relevant information. The RSGB would love to see your photos of Scouts getting involved with JOTA, so tag @theRSGB and also use #JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. If you’re not involved with a JOTA station do listen out for them on the air and encourage the young operators.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally is taking place today, the 13th. The venue is Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton in Devon. The usual bring-and-buy area, trader stands, refreshments and free parking are available. The doors are open from 10 am and admission costs £2.50. For more information visit dartmoorradioclub.uk or email [email protected]
Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally is also taking place today, the 13th, at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. The doors are open from 10 am. For more details visit hornseaarc.com or contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252 293.
The Mexborough and District Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place on Saturday the 19th of October at The Place, Castle Street, Conisborough, Doncaster. The doors will be open from 10 am to 4pm but traders can gain entry from 8am. Light refreshments will be available and the rally will feature a bring-and-buy sale. The cost for booking a table is £5. To book please email [email protected]
The date has been confirmed for the Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. It will be going ahead on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland in 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, at the moment, 35 people have booked to attend the event. There are 15 places left so please book as soon as possible. Booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by email to Colin, GM4HWO at [email protected]
Now the Special Event news
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of Radio Beograd in 1924, members of the Belgrade Amateur Radio Club, YU1ANO, in Serbia, are active as YT100RB and YU1924RB until the 30th of November. For details of a certificate that is available for contacting these stations, see yu1ano.org
Special callsign HB50VC is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Swissair Amateur Radio Club, HB9VC. QSOs will be uploaded to the Logbook of the World. QSL cards will not be provided. You can download a certificate for working this special event station from tinyurl.com/HB50VC-24Now the DX news
The PX0FF Dxpedition team is active from Fernando de Noronha, SA-003, until the 21st of October. The team is working on the 160 to 6m bands, including the 60m Band, using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via DJ4MX, ClubLog, OQRS and Logbook of the World.
A team of amateurs will be active as C91BV from Mozambique from the 17th to the 24th of October. Operators will be working on the HF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via EB7DX. For more information about the DXpedition, see QRZ.com
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 15th, the RSGB 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 16th, the RSGB 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.
On Thursday the 17th, the RSGB 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 Worked All Germany Contest starts at 1500 UTC on Saturday the 19th and ends at 1500 UTC on Sunday the 20th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Sunday the 20th, the RSGB 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes 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 Wednesday the 9th of October 2024
What a difference a week makes when it comes to HF propagation!
This last week has been characterised by solar flares, coronal mass ejections, or CMEs for short, and an elevated Kp index. Put together, this has resulted in dire conditions on HF, reminiscent of a solar minimum.
A visible aurora was seen from the UK once again after the Kp index hit 7.33 on the 8th of October.
Numerous CMEs have hit the Earth and the solar proton flux has risen, resulting in a moderate S2 radiation storm as particles blasted away from the flare site.
This means poor trans-polar paths until the solar wind abates and the storm settles.
Maximum usable frequencies have been badly affected and struggled to get much past 14MHz over a 3,000km path on the 8th of October. Geomagnetic storms were also forecast for Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th.
That’s a shame as, before the CMEs hit, HF had been humming with a lot of DX on the 28MHz band and many five-watt beacons romping in from the USA.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may drop back into the 170s, but it’s anyone’s guess as to how geomagnetic conditions will pan out.
We have had three X-class solar flares over the past week and on Wednesday the 9th the probability of another X-class solar flare was estimated at 30% and an M-class event at 75%. So, it may be a case of ‘batten down the hatches’ on HF until the storm conditions pass.
This is not uncommon at this point in the solar cycle and unsettled conditions are likely to continue as we move along the downward portion towards the solar minimum.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The current spell of unsettled weather is probably going to flip into high-pressure mode a couple of times during the coming week. The first of these will be today, the 13th, and through the first half of next week.
However, by Wednesday the next change back to low pressure should be with us, closely followed by another attempt to build high pressure later in the week.
This offers something for everyone with prospects for rain scatter on the GHz bands and the possibility of Tropo.
The prospects for meteor scatter are also good with October offering several useful meteor showers.
While 50 and 70MHz are the best for the mode, look at 144.360MHz in MSK144 digimode. Or, if it’s a shower peak, 144.200MHz, the SSB meteor scatter calling channel, to see what’s around.
The solar conditions continue to behave like a solar maximum and, with several recent powerful flares and CMEs to stir things up, we should continue to check the bands for signs of aurora.
The recent RSGB CW 80m Autumn Series Contest on Monday the 7th of October was about as auroral as it gets with a strong flutter on signals and a challenging hour and a half for participants – so not just an effect for VHF.
The RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest coming up next week on Tuesday the 15th may be on the changeover from high pressure to low. Tropo might be limited to eastern areas for paths across the North Sea to northern Europe.
For EME operators, Moon declination is still negative but will rise to positive by Tuesday night. Path losses are falling towards a minimum at perigee on Thursday the 17th.
So, we have increasing peak Moon elevations and longer Moon windows with the lowest loss for the coming week. 144MHz sky noise is low for the rest of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 6th of October
The news headlines:
The deadline for advance tickets for the RSGB 2024 Convention is tomorrow, Monday the 7th of OctoberThe RSGB is interested in what you did for National Coding WeekThe RSGB’s next Tonight@8 webinar will take place tomorrow, the 7th of OctoberThe theme for this year’s RSGB Convention is “Your Convention, Your Way” and the Society is providing a range of activities and presentations as well as different ways to get involved. There is still just time to buy your tickets in advance, but hurry as advance sales for attending the Convention or the dinners closes tomorrow, Monday the 7th of October. You will be able to buy a Convention ticket on the door but not at the discounted rate that is available now. At the event, there will be a varied programme of presentations regardless of your amateur radio interests or experience, as well as practical workshops and Morse competency tests. You’ll also find a room full of special interest groups to chat to who could inspire you to try something new! If you’re unable to travel to the Convention, a small number of presentations will be live-streamed and will be available on the RSGB YouTube channel without the need to pre-register. The RSGB has released two ‘Convention Chat’ videos recently and will be releasing two more over the coming week, so find out what others think of the Convention and see who you might bump into in the bar! For full programme details and speaker information and to book in advance, go to the RSGB Convention web pages at rsgb.org/convention
Did you take part in National Coding Week this year? The RSGB had nine activities to inspire you to take part, including two new worksheets developed by the Society’s Outreach Team. Whether you took part by yourself, at a club night, or with friends and family, the RSGB would love to hear from you. To be included in the RadCom December feature on National Coding Week please send a summary of your activity, along with any photos, to [email protected] by the 17th of October. The worksheets will remain on the RSGB website for people to try, so if you would still like to have a go head over to rsgb.org/coding and get involved.
The next RSGB Tonight@8 live webinar is tomorrow, Monday the 7th of October. Ian White, GM3SEK will present ‘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. It may sound rather technical, but with some explanations from Ian, aircraft scatter might soon feel very easy. During the talk, Ian will consider how aircraft scatter works, and if it’s so useful, why haven’t we heard more about it? Join the webinar live at 8 pm 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
grid.radio is a web application born out of the frustration that Rose, 2E0RXO and many others experienced during spontaneous, often unplanned, Parks on the Air activations. During busy moments, someone would inevitably ask for a Worked All Britain square or another reference that she wasn’t prepared for. There wasn’t a single, simple resource to quickly gather this information with a fast-loading, modern interface. Many websites would spend more time loading advertisements than displaying the necessary information, delaying communication and increasing the pending pile-up. After several months of facing the same issue and finding herself still unprepared, Rose, a Computer Science graduate, decided to solve the problem with code. She created a fast, free web app that can be installed on the home screen of any phone or tablet or accessed on a desktop computer for pre-activation planning. You can also share links so others can easily find out where you are operating from. Once installed, the app will even work without a data connection. Development is ongoing, with feedback from all amateur radio operators welcomed via the contact details on Rose’s QRZ.com page. To learn more about this useful web app visit grid.radio
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
The 49th Welsh Radio Rally is taking place today, the 6th, at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road in Newport. Traders can gain access from 7 am and the doors are open for visitors from 9.30 am. The entrance fee is £3 per person and free parking is available. For more information email Mike Rackham, GW4JKV via [email protected] or phone 07976 368 250.
The Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 13th of October. The event will be held at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton in Devon. There will be the usual bring-and-buy area, trader stands, refreshments and free parking available. The doors will be open at 10 am and admission will be £2.50. For more information visit dartmoorradioclub.uk or email [email protected]
The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally will also take place on Sunday the 13th of October. The venue will be Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. The doors will be open from 10 am. For more details visit hornseaarc.com or contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252 293.
Now the Special Event news
Special callsign PH80LIB will be in use from various locations until the 10th of November to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the southern Netherlands in the autumn of 1944. Activity will be on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via the Bureau. See QRZ.com for more information.
OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liege Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year 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.
Now the DX news
Michal, OM2DX is active as TO2DX from Reunion Island, AF-016, until tomorrow the 7th of October. He is operating CW, RTTY and FT8 on the 60 to 10m bands. QSL via OM2DX. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Gunter, DK2WH is active again as V51WH, and V55Y in contests from Namibia until the 12th of November. He operates SSB, FT8 and some CW on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via DK2WH.
Now the contest news
The Oceania DX SSB Contest started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 0600UTC today, Sunday the 6th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The RSGB October 432MHz to 245GHz Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 6th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The IARU 432MHz to 245GHz Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 6th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Today, the 6th, 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.
On Monday the 7th, the RSGB Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 8th, the RSGB 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 8th, the RSGB 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 Tuesday the 8th, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 1900 to 2000 UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their county code.
On Wednesday the 9th, the RSGB 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 9th, the RSGB 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 10th, the RSGB 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 Oceania DX CW Contest starts at 0600UTC on Saturday the 12th and ends at 0600UTC on Sunday the 13th of October. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 3rd of October 2024
In the first week of October, the 10m band began to show what it is capable of. With a solar flux index in the high 200s and calm geomagnetic conditions, DX was plentiful.
Nick, VK9DX on Norfolk Island was audible on SSB all morning on Wednesday the 2nd and only wanted to work G stations. This made him popular in the UK, but less so in other countries!
Vlad, 5H1WX, on Mafia Island, Tanzania, was another strong signal on the morning of the third. Meanwhile, the 3D2V Rotuma Island DXpedition near Fiji on the 10m band using FT4 was another catch for many people.
The Kp index managed to remain low for the first half of the week, but there were warnings that a coronal mass ejection, which was attributed to the X7.1 solar flare on the 1st of October, might upset things later in the week.
With a good spread of sunspots, mainly in the Sun’s southern hemisphere, there could be more flares over the coming days.
Scott Mcintosh, the solar physicist who predicted a busier than average Cycle 25, has now questioned whether we are past solar maximum. The fact that there are now fewer sunspots in the Northern Hemisphere suggests that we may be past the peak, but only time will tell.
Meanwhile, NOAA predicts the solar flux index may decline towards the 200 mark next week. The Kp index is predicted to go to 4 this weekend. With four of the ten active sunspot groups now classed as growing, we may expect further solar activity and geomagnetic disturbances over the next seven days.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The brief period of high pressure that arrived towards the end of the previous week is currently being nudged away to the east into Europe.
The coming week is dominated by very unsettled conditions with a succession of deep lows near or crossing the country and there’s even one that contains the remnants of an old hurricane.
The result is that next week will provide copious amounts of wet and windy weather, so no Tropo for us, but there may be several areas of heavy rain for a try at rain scatter on the GHz bands.
We hope you have all checked out your antennas after last week’s reminder since the winds may be quite testing for some areas.
The solar conditions have been stirred up recently by several flares so, as usual, keep an autumn watch out for auroras.
Lastly, there are plenty of meteor scatter opportunities aside from any random meteor activity. Try investigating one of the many meteor websites to see the full list of options.
For EME operators, Moon declination is at its minimum on Wednesday. So, it is a good week for checking out systems before the Sun also gets too low in the sky to make sensible Sun noise measurements over the winter. Path losses are still high but starting to fall.
If you’re fortunate to have a clear low horizon you’ll make some contacts, but with peak Moon elevation only eight degrees on Wednesday, you’ll be lucky! 144MHz sky noise in general is high to moderate for the rest of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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GB2RS News
Sunday the 29th of September
The news headlines:
There is still time to book tickets for the RSGB 2024 ConventionThe RSGB is helping to promote JOTA activities in OctoberThe RSGB has responded to a recent Ofcom Consultation concerning the 2.3GHz bandWith just two weeks until the RSGB Convention, this year’s event is the place to go if you are interested in anything and everything to do with amateur radio. There will be a host of expert speakers presenting on topics ranging from Sporadic-E and how to use AI to write amateur radio applications, to panel debates on amateur radio modes and presentations on inspiring the next generation of radio amateurs. The presentation summaries and speaker biographies are now available on the RSGB speaker page. AMSAT-UK has started to release news of its presentations too and you can see those on the RSGB’s Convention programme. There really is something for everyone. If you haven’t already bought your ticket, be sure to secure it by Monday the 7th of October when the online booking process will close. Buying tickets before the event will save you up to £5 off the usual 'on the day' ticket prices. Due to demand, the RSGB has also arranged an extra introduction to microcontroller programming workshop that will take place on the Sunday morning. There are still some tickets available for Saturday’s Gala Dinner too. To book your tickets for any part of the weekend or to find out more about the programme go to rsgb.org/convention
Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA, is taking place between the 18th and 20th of October. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the groups within the Scout Association. Some groups have already shared details of activities that will be taking place over the weekend and the RSGB plans to compile and share a list of these on its comms channels. If you are part of a Scouting group and are planning to get involved with JOTA then please get in touch via [email protected] with a summary of your station name, callsign and any other relevant information.
The RSGB has responded to a recent Ofcom Consultation which would see new users sharing spectrum within the 2.3GHz amateur band. Whilst the new devices may be limited to indoor use, the RSGB has taken the opportunity to highlight concerns regarding the weak signal 2320MHz segment. In addition, the RSGB has also indicated its wish to review the current restrictions that apply to this band that date back to 2013, when it was subject to Public Sector Spectrum Release. The response and background information can be found in the Spectrum Forum web pages at rsgb.org/spectrum-forum
The October edition of RadCom includes an article about the very first two-way radio communication between the UK and New Zealand, something that Sir Edward Appleton, radio physicist and Nobel laureate, later described as “probably the most dramatic moment in the history of the development of the short waves.” The contact was between two radio amateurs, one in Mill Hill School, London and the other on a sheep farm in New Zealand. Centenary celebrations will be taking place in New Zealand and at Mill Hill School, and special event callsigns will be active from today until late October. GB2NZ and ZM100DX will be active each day during that period and, for the week of the centenary, the near-actual callsigns used in 1924, G2SZ and ZL4AA, will be active from the 14th to the 20th of October. A commemorative certificate will be available for those who make contacts with the event stations. For more information on the Goyder-Bell award, and to find out more about the centenary celebrations, go to gb2nz.com
Lots of amateur radio stations are on the air this weekend for the Railways on the Air event. The occasion marks 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. Activity will be centred around 3.65, 7.15 and 14.25MHz. For more information visit rota.barac.org.uk
The September 2024 issue 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. This issue includes articles on antenna building, home construction and getting fit with amateur radio. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to receive updates about RadCom Basics via the RSGB Membership Portal. RSGB members can read RadCom Basics by going to rsgb.org/radcom-basics
The September 2024 issue of RadCom Plus, the online magazine for the more technically minded radio amateur, has been published. The first article was written by RSGB Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, and is an introduction to using AI to write computer software. Next, is a contribution from Tony Preedy, G3LNP about how to make an efficient magnetic loop antenna. The third article, by Andy Talbot, G4JNT dives into the interesting, but perhaps unfamiliar, mathematics behind the encoding algorithms used in digital data programs which we all use. The final article is the fourth in the continuing series by Barry Chambers, G8AGN about his pioneering experiments at 30THz. RSGB Members can read past and present issues of RadCom Plus via rsgb.org/radcom-plus
Don’t forget to listen out for all the 145 Alive activity which is taking place today, Sunday the 29th. Operators will be active from 1pm to 4pm 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. For more information contact Mark Savage, M0XIC via the 145 Alive Facebook page.
And now for details of rallies and events
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 10am. Disabled access will be available from 9.30am. 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 29th, the British Railways Amateur Radio Society will be active with special callsign GB1FRT on behalf of the Furness Railway Trust in Preston. Operation will be on the 40m band using SSB. QSL via the Bureau. To read more about the station, visit brars.info and QRZ.com
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 will operate on the 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. In-service military L3Harris radios from different locations will be in use and the operators will welcome your call. To read more about this station visit QRZ.com
Now the DX news
John, W5JON is active as V47JA from Saint Kitts, NA-104, until the 1st of October. He is operating using SSB and FT8 on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to W5JON.
Vlad, OK2WX is active as 5H1WX from Mafia Island, AF-054, Tanzania until the 6th of October. He is operating using CW, SSB and FT8 on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via I8KHC. More information, including a detailed QSL policy, is available via tinyurl.com/5H1WX2024
Now the contest news
The CQ World Wide DX RTTY Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 28th and ends at 2359UTC today, 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.
Today, 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.
On Tuesday the 1st, the RSGB 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 1st, the RSGB 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 2nd, the RSGB 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 2nd, the RSGB 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.
On Wednesday the 2nd, 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.
The Oceania DX SSB Contest starts at 0600UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 0600UTC on Sunday the 6th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The RSGB October 432MHz to 245GHz Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 6th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The IARU 432MHz to 245GHz Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 6th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 5th of October, the RSGB 2.3GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on 2.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Saturday the 5th of October, the RSGB 1.3GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Wednesday the 25th of September 2024
Solar activity is back to moderate levels with an M3.7 solar flare detected on the 22nd of September. Newly assigned AR 3835 in the southeast quadrant is the main source and the event looks to have thrown a stream of plasma into space.
The latest model suggested a possible passage near our planet by the 25th and it looks like the prediction was correct. The Space Weather Prediction Centre issued a G1 geomagnetic storm watch and visible aurora may be likely at very high latitudes. Expect maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs for short, to decline if the Kp index is above 4 or 5.
Other than a large number of C-class solar flares in the past five days, this was the biggest eruptive event to occur.
The solar flux index had declined to 172 on Wednesday the 25th but is unlikely to decrease much further. Note that nearly all the sunspots are in the Sun’s southern hemisphere at the moment.
Meanwhile, daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path are now consistently over 28MHz under quiet geomagnetic conditions. This is good news for fans of the 10m band. Night time MUFs over 3,000km are around 14 to 16MHz, so it looks like we may soon lose the 24-hour DX openings on the 20m band, which are prevalent in the summer months.
Increasing solar proton flux at the moment means paths over the Arctic Circle may be compromised.
Daytime critical frequencies remain over 8MHz and often reach nearly 11MHz, so NVIS communications around the UK on the 40m band remain commonplace but may disappear later in the evening.
NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will increase next week but may not reach the 200s. Keep an eye on solarham.com for daily updates.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The present run of unsettled weather has become firmly established and, although many parts of the country have not seen the torrential rain and flooding of last week, there will be some rain at times in most parts of the country during the first week of October.
There are a couple of brief periods in the models when a weak ridge of high pressure is due to cross southern areas, but these are not seen as great for Tropo.
The week beginning Monday the 30th of September sees at least two major lows pass close to northern Britain. One occurs as this weekend draws to a close and there may be another one later in the week. These types of changeable patterns are notorious for problems with detailed predictions beyond a few days, although the general weather type is well forecast.
Just a reminder that strong wind events at the end of a long summer can be a big shock to antennas, so now is a very good time to check that all is well in the guying department.
Having discounted Tropo as an option, the obvious choice will be rain scatter on the GHz bands, but some of these events may produce very fast-moving echo sources. So, it could be quite a challenge although last week saw plenty of good rain scatter conditions.
Meteor scatter is again largely dependent upon random meteors with just a couple of lesser showers, the Kappa Leonids and Sextantids, which see out the end of September.
The auroral situation continues to provide some excitement, and the autumn months are a good time of the year for such things.
For EME operators, Moon declination is still positive until Tuesday evening, so Moon visibility windows are shortening. Path losses are high with apogee next Wednesday the 2nd of October. Thursday the 3rd sees near-eclipse conditions when the Sun and Moon are close in the sky meaning high noise with wider beam width antennas. 144MHz sky noise is, in general, low for the rest of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week
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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 CentreThe 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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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 ConventionThe 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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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 SaturdayThe 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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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 WeekWe 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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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 trophiesAt 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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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 revalidationThe 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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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 awardsThe 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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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 CoordinatorThe 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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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 volunteersWhen 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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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 FriedrichshafenThe 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.
