Entries from August 2011
August 25th, 2011 · Comments
This is the combined RSGB podcast in iTunes format, compiled by Ed VK2ARE. Please note as the complete text will not be visible on an iPhone/iPOD (limit on device), to read the complete text please go to http://gb2rs.podbean.com.
GB2RS NEWS
Sunday 28th August 2011
The news headlines:
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RSGB SSB Field Day preparations
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23rd IARU Region 1 Conference details announced
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Region 1 amateurs asked to be aware of emergency traffic
The first contest in September is a big and popular one, namely RSGB SSB Field Day. SSB Field Day was very much introduced to be a club event and can form a great introduction to SSB contesting for your club’s newcomers, or an opportunity for some of the operators who have slogged away on 80m during the club championships to make some DX contacts on the HF bands. Because HF and LF contesting is quite different in terms of the openings that you can experience, SSB Field Day is a super way to introduce people to the fun of HF Contest operating. With Open and Restricted sections, it runs for 24 hours next weekend, 3 and 4 September. If you want to give some points away from home, it’s a quick-fire exchange of signal report and serial number. Participants will find it useful to have a suitable number ready to give Asian stations that are taking part in the All Asian DX Contest. The Asians will be looking for your age, rather than a serial number, YL ops may give ‘00’.
During the 22nd General Conference of IARU Region 1, held last week in South Africa, a new Executive Committee was elected to serve for the next three years. The committee includes RSGB past President Colin Thomas, G3PSM. Also announced at the conference were details of the 23rd General Conference of IARU Region 1. It will be hosted by the Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs in Varna on the Black Sea in September 2014.
The activation of the American Hurricane Watch Net on 22 August in response to Hurricane Irene is a reminder that amateur radio continues to play a part in gathering and distributing information for the weather and emergency services each year. Radio amateurs in Region 1 are reminded that certain frequencies may be in use by nets in North and Central America to track and deal with the consequences of these severe weather events. It is possible for Region 1 amateurs to cause unintentional QRM to these nets so please listen carefully if operating near 14.300MHz, 14.325MHz and 14.265MHz. Frequencies used in Cuba are 3.740, 7.045, 7.080 and 7.110MHz. Frequencies used in Central America are 3.690, 3.750, 7.060, 7.075, 7.090 and 7.098MHz. Local emergency communications groups may also activate if a hurricane approaches their area and those frequencies would be announced at the time.
In August, Mario Lorenz, DL5MLO, from AMSAT-DL gave a presentation on amateur radio space communications as part of the Hacker Space Program track at the Chaos Communication Camp 2011. The 5 day event, held near Berlin, Germany, attracted hackers and makers from across Europe. Building amateur radio satellites has always been challenging and involves using technology in creative ways, so has great appeal to the hacker community. Mario's talk was entitled, From OSCAR 1 to Mars and beyond - Amateur Space Exploration – The last 50 years, Now, and the Future. An hour long video of the talk, in English, is now available on the web at http://tinyurl.com/ChaosCommsAMSAT.
Six News, the quarterly magazine from the United Kingdom Six Metre Group is now available in three electronic formats. It has been available in pdf format for several years but now each issue is also published in both epub and mobi format, which are compatible with mobile devices including Kindle. The hard copy magazine is still posted to members but a new Internet Only discounted membership with access to download Six News in all file formats is available at £10 per annum. Six News contains a plethora of information for anyone interested in 50MHz with articles on antenna design, propagation, equipment, operating, DXpeditions, data modes, EME and detailed band reports. Details are on the internet at http://uksmg.org.
The Dutch National Amateur Radio Society headquarters station PI4AA is now a part of that nation’s RTVS Media broadcasting. The amateur radio report airs every last Tuesday of the month from 8 to 9pm local Netherlands time. The broadcast area is south-east and east area of Holland on terrestrial stations 105.3 and 107.8MHz FM. Listeners outside of The Netherlands can tune in on the web at tinyurl.com/dutch-hamcast.
Castles And Stately Homes On The Air will be holding a UK and Ireland Heritage event during the month of September 2011 to coincide with the European Heritage Month. This is an opportunity to access locations which may previously have been inaccessible or closed to the public. For more information on regional dates and opening go to www.cashota.co.uk. The dates have been set for Castles And Stately Homes On The Air annual Castles weekend in 2012. The event will be held over 2 weekends on 18-19 May and 25-26 May. The organisers would like to invite both last year’s participants and any new activators to apply to be an award station. More details can be found at www.cashota.co.uk, or by contacting Chris, M0DOL on 0772 058 0968.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Milton Keynes ARS Rally takes place today, 28 August, at Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and GB2BP will be on the air. Why not make this a family day and visit the Bletchley Park museum too? More details can be seen at www.mkars.org.uk.
On bank holiday Monday, 29 August, Huntingdonshire ARS Rally takes place at St Neots Community College, Barford Rd, St Neots PE19 2SH. Doors open at 10am and admission is £2. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a Bring & Buy and RSGB bookstall. Contact Clive Burchell, G3NKQ on 01480 810473 for more information.
Next Sunday, 4 September, the Telford Hamfest is taking place at the Enginuity Museum, Coalbrookdale, Telford, TF8 7DU. Doors will open at 10.30am and the usual traders will be present. The organisers have a large number of radio valves for sale. The Bring & Buy will be operating as usual. This year the lecturer will be Roger G4ROJ, with his fascinating talk and demonstration of kites and balloons used as antenna supports. There are two sessions, 11am & 1pm. There is limited seating so be early. The organisers recommend that, if you come to the Hamfest from the North, East or West, use the M54 and leave it at Junction 6. Enginuity is just 7 minutes from there. From the South, via Much Wenlock, take the Telford road. Turn off right for Ironbridge and then left up the hill to Coalbrookdale.
Now for the news of special events
Due to an administrative error, the table of special event stations in the September RadCom contains details for August. A corrected version is on the RadCom Plus website at www.rsgb.org/radcomplus. The editorial team apologises for this error.
On the Isle of Wight, Brickfields Amateur Radio Society will be operating GB4AC at Wolverton Manor, helping to support the charity Age Concern on Saturday 3 September and Sunday 4 September. Contact with GB4AC gives a point for CASHOTA G155, The Isle of Wight County Award, IOTA EU120 and WAB square SZ48.
On 3 and 4 September, the Radio club of Binche will activate the special event station ON4WAR to commemorate the Belgian Resistance during WWII. Operation will be from 9am to 6pm local time on Saturday 3 September and from 8am to 4pm on the Sunday. QSL via ON7RY, either direct or via the bureau. More details are available at www.on7ry.be.
Throughout September, Preston ARS will put GB4BOB Battle of Britain on the air operating from the club shack. Then, on 3 September, GB0PH will be on the air for Pontefract Heritage, operating from Pontefract Castle. On 4 September GB4CON will be on the air from the Festival @ The Farm at Farmer Copleys, Ravensknowle Farm. This is a fun day with many attractions.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
The 4W6A Timor-Leste DXpedition is now less than one month away. Top Band operators will be pleased to hear that the team now has a Titanex V160E vertical antenna for use on 160m that is 87ft, or 26.5m high. Listen out for 4W6A from 16 to 26 September.
OK1XD will be active from Lichtenstein portable HB0 between 1 and 10 September. Operation will be holiday style on 10m through to 80m using mainly RTTY and PSK31, with some SSB and CW. QSL via his home callsign, either direct or via the bureau.
I2KRR is a volunteer technical support person to the Catholic mission in Vanimo and will be active as P29FR in Papua New Guinea until March of 2012. He operates on 40, 20 and 15m SSB with his time on the air limited to the local evenings, plus Saturday and Sunday afternoons. QSL without any IRCs to I2RFJ, either direct or by the Bureau.
George, K3GV, will be active as K3GV/VY2 from Prince Edward Island between 1 and 30 September. Activity will be mainly on 20 and 15m. QSL via his home callsign.
Now the contest news
The IRTS 2m Counties Contest takes place today, 28 August, from 1300 to 1500 using both FM and SSB. For stations outside EI/GI, work EIs and GIs only, giving them a signal report and serial number. In return you can expect to receive a signal report, serial number and County. There are awards for the highest entrant from outside EI in each section. This often results in them going to GI, but not always – indeed, some sections often have no entries from outside EI. For a list of the 32 Irish counties, see EI8IC’s website at www.mapability.com/ei8ic/contest/eicounty.php.
On 3 September the Bulgarian LZ Open Club has organised a Simulated Emergency Situation Contest. The aim is to improve the ability of the amateur radio operators to act independently in case of distress or natural disasters. The contest simulates what happens when the conventional communications and power mains are broken and there is an immediate need of exchange of information between the place of the disaster and the outside world. The rules are published on http://lzopen.com/lzopenfield20/index.htm. Everybody is invited to participate.
Next weekend, 3 and 4 September, the RSGB SSB Field Day takes place from 1300 to 1300UTC. Operation is on all bands from 3.5 to 28MHz; the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The 144MHz trophy also runs for 24 hours over the weekend 3 and 4 September, from 1400 to 1400UTC. There are five sections to choose between, depending on how much time you can devote, whether you’re at home or away, and single- or multi-op. The last three hours of the 144MHz Trophy coincides with the first three hours of the fifth and final 144MHz Backpackers’ Contest, which continues for one hour afterwards. In the Backpackers’ there are 10 watt ‘Hilltopper’ and 3 watt ‘Backpacker’ sections. Those who operate from – or use power from – a vehicle, can only enter the Hilltopper section. For those unfamiliar with backpacker contesting, there are antenna and height restrictions in both sections.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 15th to the 21st of August, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 22nd August.
First this week the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers which are for November, December 2010 and January 2011. These are 26.5, 28.8 and 31.0 respectively.
After the spotless day on the 14th, sunspot groups started to appear the following day and again on the 16th. Both these regions produced low strength C class solar flares. On the 20th a further group appeared, this was the return of old region 1260 which produced one M class solar flare on its last rotation. So far this group has remained small and quiet. Solar flux levels increased steadily from 90 units on the 15th to 101 by the 20th and 21st. The average was 97 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 21st was 96, that’s the same level as last week. X-ray flux levels varied little day to day and averaged B2.1 units. On the 15th, geomagnetic activity was slightly unsettled due to a recurring coronal hole. The remaining days were quiet and the average was Ap 6 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 650 kilometres per second on the 16th to 320 by the 20th and 21st. Particle densities were low every day. Bz varied between minus 7 and plus 6 nanoTeslas on the 15th, which was the most disturbed day, and between minus 3 and plus 4 nanoTeslas on the quietest day. The 19th saw some good Sporadic-E with an opening to the UK on 144MHz.
And now the solar forecast. A lot will depend this week on how active the returning sunspot groups are. Solar activity could be at moderate levels on some days but only very low to low if the sunspot groups are quiet. Likewise, solar flux levels could be as high as 120 units or as low as around the 100 mark with a quiet Sun. Either way a slight decline should take place towards next weekend. As always, almost anyway, geomagnetic activity is much easier to forecast. The coming week is expected to see a modest rise in activity towards next weekend as a recurring coronal hole takes effect. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 22MHz for the south and 19MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 11MHz. Paths this week to India should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50% success rate of around 23MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90% success rate will be about 18MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1200 and 1700UTC. Sporadic-E is still possible on some days, but as every year the end of August signals the end of the summer sporadic-E season. Occasional openings can still take place on the odd days up to the end of October but no more forecasts will be made in this report. Remember though, there is a short but reliable winter season that takes place around the Christmas and New Year period.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
August 17th, 2011 · Comments
This is the combined RSGB podcast in iTunes format, compiled by Ed VK2ARE. Please note as the complete text will not be visible on an iPhone/iPOD (limit on device), to read the complete text please go to http://gb2rs.podbean.com.
GB2RS NEWS
Sunday 21st August 2011
The news headlines:
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G5RP Trophy nominations sought
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ComReg grants EI amateurs up to 1500 watts in contests
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IARU Region 1 conference concluded
The G5RP Trophy is an annual award to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. However, the award is not limited to youngsters or the newly-licensed, the HF DX bug can bite at any age or after many years of experience on other bands. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2011, 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. This prestigious award will be presented this year at the RSGB Convention on 7 to 9 October. Please send your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, QTHR, or by e-mail to ian.greenshields@gmail.com, to arrive no later than Friday 23 September.
A few months ago the Irish Radio Transmitters Society announced that, after some two years of negotiations, Irish regulator ComReg had agreed that EI licensees would be allowed to run high power in specified contests. Everything then went quiet for a couple of months, but ComReg has now published a document on their web site implementing the change. Consequently, suitably equipped Irish contesters are now able to run 1500 watts in major HF contests and 1000 watts in VHF/UHF contests. The list of permitted events is similar to the one in which UK stations may use short contest callsigns, although more contests could be added to the list in due course. Interestingly, the increased power limit applies to 4m and the whole of the 160m band, but, curiously, not the 10m band.
The 22nd International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 General conference, held in Sun City, South Africa has now concluded. For details on the papers, discussions and a gallery of photographs go to the IARU Region 1 website, www.iaru-r1.org.
Thanks to the work of volunteers from the British Amateur Television Club, videos of the presentations given at this year's AMSAT-UK International Space Colloquium are now available online at www.uk.amsat.org.
Telemetry from the recently-launched ARISSAT-1 suggests that the spacecraft's battery is failing faster than expected. The satellite works when it is in sunlight but resets itself when it goes into eclipse. The ARISSAT-1 team is closely monitoring the situation and is posting news updates at www.arissat1.org.
This weekend the 14th Annual International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend takes place. Stations will be on the air until 2359UTC on the 21st. The basic objective of the fun event is to promote awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation, to promote amateur radio, and to foster International goodwill. For an official lists of entrants, which total 439 including 18 lightships, check out the website at www.illw.net.
In addition to scheduled ATV streaming of GB2RS news in the UK via batc.tv and audio podcasts, scheduled transmissions of the GB2RS News are now available courtesy of VK7AX in Tasmania. These broadcasts started on Monday 15 August at 2000hrs local Tasmania time, which is 1000UTC, via voice repeaters, ATV, ATV Video Stream, EchoLink & Allstar.
A Wainwrights on the Air activity weekend will take place on 27 to 29 August. Stations operating from a number of the Lake District Fells, mostly using 2m FM, calling S20, will be on the air. New Activators and Chasers are encouraged to join in. More details can be found at www.wota.org.uk.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
The Rugby, Princethorpe, Annual Radio Rally takes place today, 21 August, at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby CV23 9PX. Doors open from 10am to 4pm and admission is £2. Contact Tony on 07759 684 411.
Milton Keynes ARS Rally takes place on 28 August at Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and GB2BP will be on the air. Why not make this a family day and visit the Bletchley Park museum too? More details can be seen at www.mkars.org.uk.
On bank holiday Monday, 29 August, Huntingdonshire ARS Rally takes place at St Neots Community College, Barford Rd, St Neots PE19 2SH. Doors open at 10am and admission is £2. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, Bring & Buy and RSGB bookstall. Contact Clive Burchell, G3NKQ, on
01480 810 473.
Now for the news of special events
The Radio Society of Harrow will be operating GX3EFX and demonstrating amateur radio from a 14th Century small barn at the Harrow Museum for the Harrow in Leaf Show on 28 and 29 August. The museum site consists of a granary, large 16th century tithe barn, with 12th century moated manor house built by the Bishop of Canterbury.
For rugby enthusiasts, look out for ZL4RUGBY operated by ZL4PW from 19 August until 31 October. This is to celebrate the 2011 Rugby World Cup being played in New Zealand.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
A group of nine operators from the Telford & District ARS are activating Guernsey under the callsign GP3ZME/P until Wednesday 24 August. They have equipment for all the HF bands, plus 6 and 2 metres, 23cm and all the microwave bands right up to 24GHz. Their locator is IN89QK and further details can be seen on the Telford club website, www.TDARS.co.uk.
W7GJ plans to be active from Samoa on a 6m EME DXpedition during the final week of August. His callsign will be 5W0GJ. QSL direct to W7GJ.
A number of operators from South Korea and Japan will operate from the South Korean island of Cheju, which is IOTA reference AS-026, from 19 to 26 August using the callsign D9A. The QSL manager is DS4EOI.
Peter, EI7CC is returning to Lesotho for a short holiday from 18 to 30 August and will be active again as 7P8PB. He hopes to upload his logs to Logbook of the World on a daily basis.
DH2AK and DL1THM will be active as PJ2/DH2AK and PJ2/DL1THM from the island of Curacao from 21 August to 8 September. They will be using an IC-7000 and Buddipole and operating holiday style.
Now the contest news
The Brazilian CVADX Contest CW leg takes place this weekend, 20 and 21 August, from 2100 to 2100UTC. There are lots of different categories and most points to be gained by working Brazilian stations. The SSB leg takes place next weekend, 28 and 29 August. Full rules are online at www.craec.info/2010/images/docs_pdf/cvarules.pdf.
23 August sees the 50MHz UKAC taking place between 1900 and 2130UTC. Using all modes on the band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on 23 August, the SHF UK Activity Contest takes place at the same time, 1900 to 2130UTC, on the 2.3 to 10GHz bands. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The 80m Club Sprint takes place on 25 August between 1900 and 2030. It’s the SSB leg and the exchange is both callsigns, serial number and name.
The IRTS 2m Counties Contest takes place on 28 August from 1300 to 1500 using both FM and SSB. For stations outside EI/GI, work EIs and GIs only, giving them a signal report and serial number. In return you can expect to receive a signal report, serial number and County. There are awards for the highest placed entrant in each section ‘outside of EI’. This often results in them going to GI, but not always – indeed, some sections often have no entries from outside EI. For a list of the 32 Irish counties, see EI8IC’s website at www.mapability.com/ei8ic/contest/eicounty.php.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 8th to the 14th of August, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 15th of August.
Right at the start of the period two of the three large active regions had rotated out of view, but before the last group disappeared it produced the largest solar flare so far this cycle. This flare was rated as an X6/2B, which took place on the 9th, taking solar activity to high levels. Before this, on the 8th, activity was moderate when a M3 flare occurred from the same region. By the 14th the visible solar disc was spotless. This is only the second day with a spotless Sun so far this year; the other was the 27th of January. Solar activity was very low from the 12th. Solar flux levels reflected this by declining from 102 units on the 8th to 83 by the 12th and the 13th. The average was 90 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 14th remained at the same level as the previous week, at 96 units. X-ray flux levels declined from B4.3 units on the 9th to A8.2 by the 13th. The average was B1.8 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every day, except for the 8th, which was slightly unsettled with an Ap index of 10 units. Due to the location of the X6 solar flare to the solar limb the ejected material associated with the coronal mass ejection was directed away from Earth and did not cause any magnetic disturbance. The average was Ap 7 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 650 kilometres per second on the 9th to 300 by the 13th. Speeds then increased to around 500 kilometres per second during the 14th. Particle densities were low every day except for late on the 13th and early on the 14th when they increased to 20 particles per cubic centimetre. Bz varied no more than minus and plus 4 nanoTeslas except for the 14th which varied between minus 6 and plus 10 nanoTeslas.
And now the solar forecast. The first of the three large sunspot groups that generated all the solar flare activity on their last rotation are expected to return. The first should already be in view, however, this was the least active of the three. The other two more active groups are expected on the 21st and the 24th. The level of solar activity will depend on how active these regions are. There is a reasonable chance that activity could increase to moderate levels on some days. Close observations of the STEREO behind images will give a clue of their solar flare potential several days before they rotate into view. Solar flux levels are expected to be around the 110 mark but levels could be lower if the returning regions are not active. Geomagnetic activity could be unsettled today due to a coronal hole and again around Friday and Saturday due to another coronal hole. In both instances only a mild disturbance is expected. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be about 22MHz for the south and 19MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be around 11MHz. Paths to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 27MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 22MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1400 and 2100 hours UTC. We are now approaching the end of this summer’s Sporadic-E season, but, saying that, opening are still expected, but not every day and probably not on 144MHz.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
August 10th, 2011 · Comments
This is the combined RSGB podcast iniTunes format, compiled by Ed VK2ARE. Please note as the complete text willnot be visibleon an iPhone/iPOD (limit on device), to read the complete text please go to http://gb2rs.podbean.com.
GB2RS NEWS
Sunday 14th August 2011
The news headlines:
The International Amateur Radio Union General Conference takes place from 12 to 19 August in Sun City, South Africa and will be streamed live via the internet. To listen to the IARU conference stream you need to have iTunes installed. Here are the instructions for installing and setting up iTunes. Download the latest version of iTunes, which is free, from www.apple.com/uk/itunes. Double-click on the downloaded file to start installation. To prevent iTunes from automatically updating and managing the music on your PC or MAC, un-tick all the options in the Installation Options screen that’s shown during the installation. To set up the Stream, run iTunes, open the Advanced drop down menu and select Open Stream and place the following link into the URL field, http://live.datamatix.at:8032/listen.pls and press OK. That’s it; the conference will now show as an Internet song and can be played and paused at will. For more information please refer to the iTunes help file.
The RSGB is offering those wishing to obtain a UK amateur radio licence the opportunity to complete one, or more, of the required Radio Communication Examinations over the weekend of the RSGB Convention, 8 to 9 October. Candidates must book their examinations prior to the event and must provide evidence they have completed the required practical assessments. The contact for further information and for booking examinations is the RCE Department at RSGB HQ on 01234 832700. Candidates for the Foundation or Intermediate examinations must also contact Brian Reay, G8OSN by e-mail to g8osn.rsgb@gmail.com or telephone 01634 376316. This is so that their progress on practical assessments can be verified. If required, Brian can also advise on finding a local tutor to complete practical assessments in advance of the Convention. It is essential that Foundation and Intermediate candidates have their progress verified by Brian before the Convention.
The amateur radio satellite ARISSat-1 has been deployed from the International Space Station and its 145.950MHz FM/SSTV and 145.920MHz BPSK signals have been received around the world. The signal levels from ARISSat-1 should be similar to those expected from the AMSAT-UK FUNcube-1 satellite. The AMSAT-UK team are keen to discover what will be the minimum and best type of antennas for schools to use with a FUNcube Dongle software defined radio. Therefore, user experience with the ARISSat-1 signals will be very valuable in making this determination. To encourage everyone to receive the 145.920MHz BPSK ARISSat-1 telemetry signal, AMSAT-UK are offering a FUN reward for listeners. Check out www.uk.amsat.org for more details.
At the end of today, 14 August, the Early Bird booking discount for the RSGB Convention comes to a close. There is a full programme of lectures on a wide variety of topics from microwave to DXpeditions and antenna design to propagation. On Friday 7 October the Martin Lynch and Sons Buffet Dinner will be accompanied by entertainment and the Saturday DX dinner is being MC’ed by Radio Four presenter Jim Lee, G4AEH. For more information, including booking, take a look at www.rsgb.org/rsgbconvention.
The Northern Ireland HF Conference takes place on Saturday 20 August at the Technology Education Centre, Omagh BT78 1FA. Registration is from 11am and admission is £3. Several speakers have been booked, including Malcolm, GI8AFS speaking on HF Beacons, Paul O'Kane, EI5DI talking about DXpeditions and Logging and the RSGB’s Carlos Eavis, G0AKI, speaking about the IOTA programme. More information can be found on the internet at http://wtarc.co.uk/GIHFConference.aspx.
Thailand is the latest country to join the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend that takes place next weekend, 20 and 21 August. Simon Luttrell, HS0ZIB, will be operating from the Golden Jubilee Lighthouse at Phromthep Cape, Phuket. With just days to go, the organisers have already exceeded previous records of participation. The 48-hour event is not a contest but is plenty of fun. More information on all the stations taking part can be found on the internet at http://illw.net.
Over the last year, Radio Amateurs of Canada has been in discussions with Industry Canada with the objective of obtaining access to the 60m band. Industry Canada has now informed RAC that, at this point, it sees no reason not to respond favourably to the RAC request for frequencies at 60m on a no protection, non-interference basis. If all goes well, Canadian amateurs may expect to gain access to frequencies at 60m some time this autumn.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Flight Refuelling ARS are holding their annual Hamfest rally today, Sunday 14 August, at the Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground at Merley, near Wimborne , Dorset. BH21 3DA. Gates open to the public at 10am. Talk-in will be on S22.
The Friskney & East Lincolnshire Communications Club Rally and General Car Boot Sale is being held today, Sunday 14 August, in the Friskney Village Hall, Church Road, Friskney, Lincs. This is approximately 6.5 miles south of Skegness. Doors open from 10am to 4pm and admission is £1.50. Details from Bren, 2E0BDS, on 01754 820 060.
The GI HF Conference takes place on 20 August at the Technology Education Centre, Omagh, BT78 1FA. Registration from 11am. More details from Philip, MI0MSO, e-mail mi0mso@yahoo.co.uk.
The Rugby Princethorpe Annual Radio Rally takes place on 21 August at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby CV23 9PX. Doors open from 10am to 4pm and admission is £2. Contact Tony on 07759 684 411.
Now for the news of special events
On 20 August Sutton Coldfield Radio Society will be running a demonstration station at the charity fun mile held at Mile Oak Rovers Recereation Group, Price avenue, Mile Oak, Tamworth from 1 to 5pm. Probably using the club call of GX2RSC, members and non members are welcome.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
From until 22 August, MM5AHO and crew will operate maritime mobile from a 10m yacht on Scotland's west coast visiting inaccessible lighthouses. This year prime target destinations are Skerryvore, which is 12 miles off Tiree in the Atlantic, and Dubh Artach (pronounced "doob arr-tack") 15 miles off the isle of Colonsay. Both are rock mounted Stevenson built lights and both are subject to heavy weather. Sixty foot waves have been measured at Dubh Artach, so both operations are strictly weather permitting. In the event of poor weather, a series of lesser, but never-before-activated lighthouses will be visited. Equipment on board comprises an FT-857, running 100W into an antenna formed by the insulated backstay of the yacht's mast, plus two verticals. It is hoped to land on each rock, but radio operations are unsafe ashore so they will be conducted from the boat, anchored as close as is safe.
A group of Worked All Britain members aims to be active from Fair Isle from Tuesday 16 August for a week. Whilst this is not particularly rare from an IOTA viewpoint, being part of the Shetland, EU-102 group, it is in the extremely rare HZ 100km Ordnance Survey square from a WAB perspective. Accommodation has been secured in the South Lighthouse and the stay there will also coincide with International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend on 20 and 21 August, when it is hoped to also activate the North Lighthouse. They hope to have facilities for all bands from 160m to 2m. The South Lighthouse itself is located in the WAB 10km square HZ16 and is only a few hundred metres from the other three squares, HZ17, HZ26 & HZ27. The transportation of their vehicle to the island has been arranged on the ferry Good Shepherd IV so mobile, as well as portable operation is possible. The group will use the callsign GS4WAB from the South Lighthouse and GS7WAB for other mobile and portable operations. Activity on 5MHz is possible and the callsigns of individual members with NOVs will be used on this band. Operation from other islands in the Shetland group may be possible prior to and after the week on Fair Isle. Any changes to these plans will be published on the WAB website, www.worked-all-britain.co.uk.
OJ0UR will be on the air from Market Reef from until 20 August. This one counts as EU-053 for the Islands on the Air Award as well as being a separate DXCC entity. QSL Manager is M0URX.
PA/IZ4AMS will stay on Texel Island, which is EU-038, from 14 to 17 August. QSL via IZ4AMS.
PY2XB and PT2OP have landing permission for Balique in the Natural Reserve of Parazinho. They plan to become active as PQ8XB and PQ8OP from 17 to 24 August. QSL PQ8XB via PT7WA either via the bureau or direct and PQ8OP via PT2OP, again either via the bureau or direct.
Now the contest news
Today, 14 August, the 70MHz Cumulative takes place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Tuesday 16 August sees the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest taking place between 1900 and 2130UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The Brazilian CVADX Contest CW leg takes place on 20 and 21 August from 2100 to 2100UTC. There are lots of different categories and most points to be gained by working Brazilian stations. Full rules are online at www.craec.info/2010/images/docs_pdf/cvarules.pdf.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 1st to the 7th of August, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 8th of August.
Coronal mass ejections, sudden ionospheric disturbances, polar cap absorption events, proton flares, auroras and coronal mass ejection cannibalism all took place during the period. The three large sunspot groups reported in last week’s news continued to rotate across the visible disc. They were large and magnetically complex, just what is needed for strong solar flares. Solar activity was high on the 3rd and the 4th with large M class solar flares taking place, the largest was a M9/2N proton flare early on the 4th. On the quieter days numerous C class solar flares took place. In total five M and over sixty C class solar flares took place. Solar flux levels declined from 125 units on the 1st to 105 by the 7th. The average was 115 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 7th was 96 units, that’s one unit up on last week. X-ray flux levels declined slightly and averaged B4.1 units. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels but on the 4th the first of three coronal mass ejections arrived, which was barely noticeable, unlike the other two. The coronal mass ejection of the 3rd was well on its way to Earth when the much larger and faster coronal mass ejection from the 4th caught it up and, as a result, a coronal mass ejection cannibalism took place. The most disturbed day was the 5th with an Ap index of 49 units, the most disturbed day so far this year. The average was Ap 15 units. Data from the ACE spacecraft showed solar wind speeds decline from 710 kilometres per second on the 1st to 340 by the 4th, however, on the 5th speeds had increased to 660 kilometres per second due to the arrival of the CME. Particle densities increased to 36 particles per cubic centimetre on the 5th, otherwise they were low every day. Bz varied between minus 2 and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quiet days but at the height of the disturbance on the 5th varied between minus and plus 21 nanoTeslas. Also at the height of the storm there were fine visual auroral displays and a radio aurora that spread well to the south on 50, 70 and 144MHz. More unusually, one or two 432MHz contacts were reported from high latitudes.
And now the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to be looking our way. Solar activity should be at very low levels most days. There is, though, a slight chance of a C class solar flare taking pace on the occasional day and therefore solar activity would increase to low levels. Solar flux levels should be around the 100 mark or slightly lower for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity could be quiet today but activity is expected to increase due to a recurring coronal hole that could last till almost the weekend. On its last rotation it lasted four days and the highest daily Ap figure was 19 units. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be about 20MHz for the south and 17MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 11MHz. Paths this week to Australia should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 21MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 15MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 0900 and 1200UTC. There should be a long path opening of similar values during the late evening. Sporadic-E is expected on some days with openings now on 144MHz unlikely to take place.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
August 3rd, 2011 · Comments
Hi, this is the combined iPOD version of the RSGB files recorded by G4NJH combined into the needed format and kept as a history by Ed VK2ARE. Please note that the iPOD often truncates the text,so to read the complete script please go to my RSGB blog at gb2rs.podbean.com.
Well I am safely back from the VK9HR DXPedition which turned out a great success despite less than perfect propagation. If you worked VK9HR or VK9IR (during the IOTA contest), thanks for taking part in this globally important Amateur Radio event. I really enjoyed being on the other end of some big pile-ups and was very impressed with the patience shown by those hunting down another DXCC/IOTA location! I will be including a report from the DXPedition operators side in my next Aussie correspondent section for the ICQPODCAST. Now on with the text for the GB2RS new bulletin:
GB2RS NEWS
Sunday 7 August 2011
The news headlines:
The National Communications Authority of Portugal has accepted a proposal to amend the upper frequency limit on the 6m band, effective from 4 April 2012. That coincides with the date of the complete switch-off of the analogue TV broadcasting transmissions and the changeover to digital terrestrial television. The new limits of the band allocation for Portugal will be from 50 to 52MHz once analogue television disappears from that spectrum.
Amateurs in the Netherlands now have access to bands at 500kHz and 70MHz. This after the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation issued a Decree on 6 July changing the National Frequency Plan. The revised band plan shows an amateur service bands at 501 to 505kHz that will remain available until 1 January 2014. It also shows a new allocation from 70.0 to 70.5MHz that has no time limit.
Pic-A-Star is an SDR radio designed by Peter Rhodes, G3XJP, which was serialised in RadCom. It also appears in the RSGB Radio Communication Handbook. Milton Keynes ARS and Milton Keynes Museum are inviting all constructors of Pic-A-Stars to a one-day get together. This will be on Sunday 11 September from 11am to 4pm at the Milton Keynes Museum. Constructors of the Pic-A-star project are invited to bring their radios for a gathering and exchange of ideas. Star add-on circuits are also welcome. Entry will be free, but it would be nice to leave a small donation to the Museum. Constructors of other equipment designed by Peter are also welcome but the emphasis will be on the Pic-A-Star project. There will be test equipment and an antenna available on the day. Further details and directions are available online at
www.radio-kits.co.uk/pic_a_star/event.htm.
The Limerick 2m repeater on 145.725MHz is now on the air again after being shut down due to vandalism at the repeater site. Limerick Radio Club is grateful for the many generous donations received, which have gone towards installation of a new security door. A new run of hardline coax has also been installed from the hut to the mast.
On Friday 12 August, Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club will be holding a fun ARDF event and barbecue at the IBM Sports Clubhouse, Hursley. The ARDF event will take place from 6.30pm onwards with the barbecue starting at 7.30pm. All equipment will be supplied and, as this is a fun and social event, spouses and children will be welcome to participate. There is no requirement to hold an amateur radio licence. Full details are available on the club website, www.ivarc.org.uk. Itchen Valley club members should note that this is a change of venue and there will be no meeting at the club house in Brickfield Lane.
Advance notice now. To celebrate their 80th anniversary, Midland Amateur Radio Society will be holding an open day at the club from 10am to 4pm on 24 September. There are plans are for displays of photographs, QSL cards, the original 1931 minute books and the cups and awards. There will also be refreshments and the opportunity to meet the training staff, plus the chance to operate GB8OTH. More information on the society, which is based in Stirchley, Birmingham, can be found on the club web site at www.radioclubs.net/mars.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
King’s Lynn ARC Rally & Car Boot will take place today, 7 August, at Gaywood Community Centre, PE30 4DZ. Doors open at 10am and admission is £1.50. There will be trade stands and a car boot area. Details from Ray, G3RSV, on 01553 671 307.
The Lorn Radio Amateur Rally also takes place today, 7 August, at Crianlarich Village Hall, Crianlarich, near Oban, FK20 8QN. Doors open at 10am and there will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. Details from GM0ERV by email to stewart.mciver@btinternet.com.
Cockenzie & Port Seton ARC is holding its 18th Annual Mini-Rally Night on Friday 12 August in the Community Centre, Main Hall, Port Seton. Bring along your own junk and sell it yourself. Tables are on a first come first served basis, £2 for everyone. Doors are open from 8.30 to 9.30pm.
Flight Refuelling ARS will be holding its annual Hamfest rally next Sunday, 14 August at the Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground at Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA. Gates open to the public at 10am. Talk-in will be on S22.
The Friskney & East Lincolnshire Communications Club Rally and General Car Boot Sale will be held on Sunday 14 August in the Friskney Village Hall, Church Road, Friskney, Lincs. This is approximately 6.5 miles south of Skegness. Doors open from 10am to 4pm and admission is £1.50. Details from Bren, 2E0BDS, on 01754 820 060.
Now for the news of special events
Today, 7 August, a few amateurs in the Morecambe Bay area are putting a special event station on for the Heysham Classic Car Rally. They are trying to show the fun of amateur radio to a new audience. So if you’re in the Morecambe area, please feel free to drop in or contact them on air. They will be operating 2m and HF between 10am and 4pm.
Today, Sunday 7 August, Chorley and District Amateur Radio Society is running a special event station from Fleetwood Model Yacht Club, who is celebrating its centenary. The callsign to listen out for is GB2MYA. Further information is on QRZ.com.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
VA3ITA will be on the air from 8 to 11 August, signing as /portable ZB2 in a VHF-only operation from Gibraltar. Operations will be on 6 and 2 metres using a mix of digital, SSB and CW from the east side of the Rock, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Please check his QRZ.com page for the latest news and e-mail him directly to schedule a contact. QSL direct via home callsign either direct or via the bureau.
KF8UN will be in Peru until 16 August. He will be active stroke OA4 and says that he plans to work 20 metres with particular emphasis all day on 8 August. At other times he will be operating holiday style. QSL via his home callsign.
Daniel, DK3CH will be active as 9A/DK3CH from Dugi Otok, which is IOTA reference EU-170, until 10 August. QSL via his home callsign.
TM5SM will be on the air from the Saint Marcouf Islands, which is IOTA reference EU-081, on 11 to 15 August. They will operate CW, SSB and RTTY on all bands except 160 metres. QSL via F5RJM either direct or via the bureau.
Ron, WA8LOW and four other operators will be active as WA8LOW/KH8 from Tutuila in American Samoa, IOTA reference OC-045, until 17 August. They will run four high power stations on 160 to 6 metres using all modes. QSL via WA8LOW.
Now the contest news
The 432MHz Low Power Contest takes place today, 7 August, from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and the first two letters of the postcode.
Also today, 7 August, is the 2nd RoPoCo event. It’s a 90-minute Sunday morning event from 0700 to 0830UTC in which you really need to be on your toes to do well, because the rolling exchange of postcodes is a real challenge. This is the CW leg, the SSB leg having taken place in April.
Tuesday 9 August sees the 432MHZ UK Activity Contest taking place between 1900 and 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The new series of 80m Club Sprints starts in August and lasts four months. It begins with CW on the 10th from 1900 to 2030UTC. The Sprint contest exchange is both callsigns, a serial number and your name (or nickname in the case of some people). After soliciting a QSO you must QSY a minimum of 2kHz before you can call another station or solicit another QSO. Most of the time this will result in you having two QSOs on a frequency before you have to QSY, the first when you call someone and the second when you have taken over the frequency and called QRZ or CQ.
On 14 August the 70MHz Cumulative takes place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
For the entire 48 hours of 14-15 August, European stations work non-Europeans only in the Worked All Europe DX CW Contest. Using CW on the 3.5 to 28MHz bands the exchange is signal report and serial number.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 25th to the 31st of July, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 1st of August.
Right at the start of the period on the 25th a large sunspot group rotated into view. This was followed by another on the 26th and yet another on the 28th. All these three groups were complex enough to produce large solar flares, and this is just what they did. Solar activity increased to high on the 30th when a M9 class solar flare occurred, and moderate on the 27th when a M1 flare took place. The remaining days' activity was low with numerous C class solar flares of varying strength taking place. Several sudden ionospheric disturbances accompanied some of the larger flares. Solar flux levels increased steadily from 87 units on the 25th to 119 by the 31st. The average was 104 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 31st was 95 units, that’s the same level as last week. X-ray flux levels increased from B1.7 units on the 25th to B5 units by the 29th and the average was B3.7. Geomagnetic activity was slightly unsettled on the 25th due to a small coronal hole when the Ap index was 12 units. The following few days saw quiet conditions till the next coronal hole disturbance arrived around midday on the 30th. The most disturbed day was the 30th with an Ap index of 16 units. The average was Ap 8 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds at 650 kilometres per second on the 25th but then to 280 by the 29th. Speeds then increased to end the period at 700 kilometres per second. Particle densities were low every day. Bz varied between minus 12 and plus 10 nanoTeslas on the most disturbed day and between minus 3 and plus 2 nanoTeslas when activity was quiet.
And now the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to be rotating into view. Solar activity is expected to be very low to low. Solar flux levels should be around the 90 mark most days. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be at quiet levels for the next few days but on Thursday a recurring coronal hole is expected. On its last rotation the hole was small and on the most disturbed day the Ap index only reached 13 units. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 22MHz for the south and 19MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 12MHz. Paths this week to Middle East should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 21MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 16MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1100 and 1700 hours. Sporadic-E should take place on most days; there is a chance that the Middle East could be worked via multi-hop Es.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
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