Entries from October 2011
October 26th, 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 30 October 2011
The news headlines:
On 23 October an earthquake struck the Van region of Eastern Turkey. Radio Amateurs from the Turkish national society, TRAC, are responding to assist with communications in the area. Please avoid causing QRM to emergency traffic on 7.092MHz USB. USB is being used to allow communications with a government station.
The Five Star DXers Association T32C DXpedition to Christmas Island has now finished. Despite initial difficulties with their container of equipment not reaching the island, the team finished with over 213,000 contacts and this is the first time an expedition has exceeded 200,000 QSOs, congratulations to all involved. Of that total, it looks like there were 48,914 individual callsigns worked. The total number of QSOs into Europe was 59,692. As the team start making their way back home more details will become available.
The FCC has issued an Experimental License grant to K4LCD to operate on 130kHz and 500kHz with the callsign WF2XXQ. The permit is valid until 1 October 2016 and is tied to the ongoing Very Low Frequency Amateur Radio Experiment. More information is available online at tinyurl.com/4235u7s.
A well known low cost airline has added Manchester to their routes flying to Memmingen in Germany. This may be of interest to those thinking of travelling to the HamTronic amateur radio exhibition, because Friedrichshafen is about an hour's drive from Memmingen. It is also possible to make the journey by train. The show will take place in Friedrichshafen from 22 to 24 June 2012.
Due to an administrative mistake, last week's GB2RS Rallies and Events and Local News contained incorrect information. The editorial team apologise unreservedly for the inconvenience this caused. The procedure for preparing Local News has now been revised and the chance of a re-occurrence has been significantly reduced.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, 30 October, is the second day of the North Wales Rally is at John Bright School, Llandudno LL30 1LF. Opening at 10am, there will be trade stands, a Bring and Buy, catering and disabled facilities. Details from Liz Cabban, GW0ETU on 07760 190 355 or lizcabban@yahoo.co.uk.
Today, 30 October, sees the Holsworthy Amateur Rally at Holsworthy Community College, Victoria Hill, Holsworthy EX22 6JD. Details from Roger Williams, on 07773 983 691.
The Foyle & District ARC Rally will take place on 6 November at the Best Western White Horse Hotel, 68 Clooney Road, Derry BT47 3PA. Doors open at 12 noon and there will be trade stands, the RSGB QSL bureau and IRTS in attendance.
The West London Radio & Electronics Show, otherwise known at the Kempton Rally, will take place on 6 November at Kempton Park racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. Doors open at 10am and there will be trade stands, RSGB bookstall and lectures. More information from Paul, M0CJX, on 08451 650 351.
Now for the news of special events
Caddington Scout and Cub group is holding a communication week starting on 14 November to be held at Scout HQ, Dunstable Road, Caddington, Bedfordshire. They will be using the callsign GB1CSC. The station will be run by Mark, G1AYH and he asks that if you hear the Scouts and Cubs, please give them a call.
MM0DHQ will be transmitting from Kilwinning Abbey, in Scotland as part of Castles and Stately Homes on the Air on 1 November. All details can be found at www.cashota.co.uk.
Almonte Amateur Radio Club in Canada will be running a 24 hour special event station, VA3AAR, on 6 November to celebrate the 150th anniversary of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. A commemorative QSL card will be available.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
3XY1D will be on the air from Guinea until 1 November. Operation will be on 6 through to 160 metres using CW, SSB and digital modes. One station will be exclusively dedicated to RTTY, PSK31 and SSTV. QSL via DL7DF, direct or via the bureau.
LA5UF will be on the air from Easter Island as CE0Y/LA5UF between 3 and 11 November. Activity will be on CW and PSK31. QSL only via his home callsign.
Bill, N7OU is operating from the South Cook Islands until 7 November using the callsign E51NOU. He will then travels to the North Cook Islands where he will stay until 22 November. He will be using the same callsign from both DXCC entities so recommends that operators are careful with logbook entries.
TU2T will be on the air from the Ivory Coast until 11 November. Direct QSLs go via I2YSB and bureau cards go via IK2CIO.
VK7ZX will be on the air from King Island off the Tasmania coast from 3 to 7 November, mainly on 20m and 40m. You can find out more at www.kingislandlight150.com. QSL via VK7ZE, either direct or via the bureau.
Now the contest news
Today, 30 October, is the second day of the CQWW DX SSB contest, finishing at 2359UTC. Use SSB on all contest bands from 3.5-28MHz and exchange RST plus Zone, which is 14 for the UK.
1 November sees the 144MHz UK Activity Contest taking place from 2000 to 2230UTC using all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Next weekend, the Marconi CW Contest runs for 24 hours from 1400UTC on the 5th on the 144MHz band. There are 6- and 24-hour sections for single operator fixed stations and all others, so it need not constitute a huge commitment. Incidentally, this contest runs concurrently with an IARU co-ordinated contest. You can submit a single set of logs for entry to both events, because entries will be submitted to the IARU event unless you specifically request otherwise. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 17th to the 23rd of October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 24th of October
Numerous sunspot groups were visible every day with up to 11 groups on the 17th and the 21st. Most were small and quiet but a couple of groups were large enough and magnetically complex to produce M class solar flares. Solar activity increased to moderate when M class flares took place on the 20th, 21st and the 22nd. On the 22nd a filament erupted producing a coronal mass ejection and hours later another spectacular coronal mass ejection took place with the M class solar flare. Both the STEREO and SOHO spacecraft took some amazing images of both events. Solar flux levels increased from 153 units on the 17th to a new high for this cycle at 168 units by the 21st. The average was 156. The 90 day solar flux average on the 23rd was 122 units, that’s four units up on last week. X-ray flux units varied little day to day and the average was B8.8 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every day and the average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 450 kilometres per second on the 17th to a slow 270 kilometres per second by the 23rd. Particle densities were low with levels no higher than 5 particles per cubic centimetre during the period. As one would expect, Bz showed little variation every day and only fluctuated between minus and plus 6 nanoTeslas. With the main factors influencing HF propagation even more favourable than in earlier weeks, MUFs at times verged on 40MHz and all continents were again workable up to 28MHz.
Over recent days some strange propagation as taken place on 28MHz with stations heard and worked at good signal strengths with distances between 60 and 200 miles apart within the UK. Also, stations with a distance of between 250 and 300 miles away are much stronger than normal. It would appear not to be Sporadic-E, tropo or backscatter propagation. Many experienced operators have commented that they have never heard anything like this before over many decades.
And now the solar forecast. Looking at the last few solar rotations, this would suggest that the quiet side of the Sun will be looking our way. Solar activity should be mostly low, with only C class solar flares taking place, but an M class flare cannot be totally ruled out. Solar flux levels should be around the 120s for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity should be quiet at first but during the second half of the week activity could increase due to a small coronal hole. A warning, though unlikely, that if solar activity increased to high then a coronal mass ejection could increase activity for several days. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 30MHz. Darkness hour lows should be around 10MHz. Paths this week to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 36MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 30MHz. With the path going over the equator into the southern hemisphere it should not be affected by any weak to moderate levels of geomagnetic activity.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
October 19th, 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 23rd October 2011
The news headlines:
-
New web discussion board on RSGB's future
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Amateurs provide Thai emergency communications
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QSL sub manager wanted for 2E series
The November RadCom is now in the post and should be with UK members by Monday 24 October. This edition contains details of the proposals to be discussed at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 19 November at the NEC in Birmingham. Members are encouraged to read the proposals carefully. The Society has opened a web-based discussion group to encourage debate and questions about the Board's proposals. This facility can be accessed at www.rsgb.org/EGM after 20 October. The Board encourages all RSGB members to vote on the proposals, either in person at the EGM, via the internet, or by post. Full details of how to vote are on page 14 of the November RadCom.
Amateurs in Thailand are providing essential communication links during that country's devastating floods. The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand club station HS0AC has been very busy, as has HS0AB at a special flood relief centre at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. Thai amateurs are using 7.060 to 7.063MHz, plus local working on the 2m band.
Due to Tony Horton, G0LKG stepping down as 2E series QSL manager after 12 years, there is now a vacancy for a replacement. The 2E series is one of the top three QSL groups, so this volunteer position is ideal for someone with time available and who is keen to make a difference. If you’re interested, up for a challenge and want to help, contact the QSL Bureau by email to qsl@rsgb.org.uk.
A number of Portuguese repeaters are believed to be off the air due to funding issues. There is speculation that they may be amateur radio's first direct casualties of the economic downturn. The keepers are reportedly trying to develop sponsorship relationships to generate funding, but it is not currently possible to predict when the devices will be back on the air.
The international Telecommunications Union has announced that the world's newest country, South Sudan, has joined the ITU. It became the Union's 193rd member state earlier this month. South Sudan has only been independent since 9 July 2011, but joining the ITU demonstrates the country's commitment to adhere to the International Radio Regulations.
The Society is receiving reports of a new wave of very plausible-sounding emails that try to obtain money by deception. The emails appear to be from a fellow amateur, often someone known to you. The usual pattern is to claim that the person has been mugged while on holiday abroad, has lost everything, and needs a sum of money in order to settle their hotel bill and pay for a new flight home. The amount requested is usually quite specific, for example 2650 euros. If you do receive an email of this type, it is recommended you make careful checks on its truthfulness before parting with any money. It is often the case that the alleged mugging victim is safe and well at home, but that their email system has been hijacked by the fraudsters – so check by telephone, not email.
AMSAT South Africa has issued the first call for papers for the 2012 Space Symposium to be held in Durban next May 12th at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. If you would like to present a paper, please send a brief synopsis to reach SA AMSAT by no later than 31 January 2012. The theme will be 50 years of OSCAR, celebrating the launch of the first amateur radio satellite on 12 December 1961.
Professor Jean-Marie P Wersinger, KI4YAU is asking for help in tracking the forthcoming amateur radio satellite AubieSat-1. The satellite is due to be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Tuesday 25 October, and will transmit around 800mW on 437.475MHz. The beacon signal is sent as 20 words per minute CW, along with telemetry at up to 60wpm. It is likely to be active from around 1221UTC, at which time the satellite is expected to be over the South Atlantic, but no further orbit information has currently been released.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
On Sunday 16 October the Blackwood and District ARS Rally takes place at Coleg Gwent, Risca Road, Cross Keys, NP11 7ZA. Doors open at 10.40 and admission is £2. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and a Bring & Buy. More details from Dave, GW4HBK on 01495 228 516.
The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place on 16 October at the Floral Hall, 7 The Esplanade, Hornsea, East Yorkshire, HU18 1NQ. Doors open at 10am. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy as well as special interest groups. Details from Rick, M0CZR by e-mail to R106221@aol.com.
On 29 and 30 October the North Wales Rally is at John Bright School. Llandudno LL301LF from 10am. There will be trade stands, a Bring and Buy, catering and disabled facilities. Contact John, G4PBN, on 01822 835 834.
Sunday 30 October sees the Holsworthy Amateur Rally at Holsworthy Community College, Victoria Hill, Holsworthy EX22 6JD. Details from Roger Williams, on 07773 983 691.
Now for the news of special events
The White River Light Station in Whitehall, Michigan will be on the air as W8L on Sunday 23 October. The event is sponsored by the Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council and the station will be operating on 40 to 10m, SSB and CW.
On Sunday 23 October Leiston Amateur Radio Club will be operating GB2LSM on HF from the Long Shop Museum in Leiston, Suffolk.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
The third annual North American Summits On The Air activation takes place next weekend, 22 and 23 October. Typical operating frequencies are 7.040, 7.032, 10.116, 14.060, 14.062, 14.282, 14.285 and 14.342MHz.
G3RWF will be active as 5X1NH from Uganda for three weeks, starting on 23 November. He will concentrate on the low bands. QSL via his home callsign.
DK7PE will be active as TL0CW from the Central African Republic from 26 October to 3 November. QSL via his home call.
OS1T will be active as PJ4J on Bonaire Island from 27 October to 9 November 2011. The focus will be on RTTY, SSB and the WARC bands, but other bands may also be used depending on the propagation.
4X/N6HD will be operating from Israel until 3 November. He will be on 160 to 10m using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign or Logbook of the World.
JK1KSB will be on the air as 8Q7SO from Mirihi Island Resort in the Maldives between 28 October and 3 November. Activity will be holiday style on 80 to 10m using CW, RTTY, SSB and PSK31. QSL via JK1KSB, either via the bureau or to the address on QRZ.com.
Now the contest news
On 25 October the 50MHz and SHF UKAC contests take place from 1900UTC until 2130UTC. Operating on 6m and 13cm to 3cm respectively, the exchange is RST, serial number and locator.
Thursday 27 October sees the 80m Club Sprint from 1900UTC until 2030UTC. Operating on 3.5MHz SSB, the exchange is serial number and name.
Next weekend, 29 & 30 October, it's the CQWW DX SSB contest, running from 0000UTC until 2359UTC. Use SSB on all contest bands from 3.5-28MHz and exchange RST plus Zone, which is 14 for the UK.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 10th to the 16th of October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, on the 17th of October
There was no shortage of sunspot groups this week with up to ten visible on most days. Several regions produced occasional C class solar flares but one group that increased in size and magnetic complexity every day produced numerous C class flares every day later in the period. No M or X class solar flares took place. Solar flux levels increased from 126 units on the 10th to 151 by the 16th. The average was 136 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 16th was 118, that’s four units up on last week. X-ray flux levels increased from B3 units to B8.6 by the 16th. The average was B4.9 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet with the Ap index in single figures every day. The most disturbed day was the 15th with an Ap index of 8 units. The average was Ap 5 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 320 kilometres per second to 490 by the 15th. Particle densities were very low, with only one particle per cubic centimetre on the 12th. Even for the rest of the period densities remained in single figures. Bz never varied more than minus 9 and plus 8 nanoTeslas during the period. The combination of the increase in solar flux levels, low geomagnetic activity and seasonal improvement made for good propagation across the HF range, right up to 28MHz, where all continents and the T32C DXpedition were workable.
And now the solar forecast. This week the more active side of the Sun is expected to be looking our way. Solar activity should be low every day, there is a good chance that activity could increase on some days. Solar flux levels are expected to be in the 120’s for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity should start at quiet levels but by next weekend a small coronal hole disturbance could increase activity slightly. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 30MHz, or slightly higher particularly in the south. Darkness hour lows are expected to be about 11MHz. One of the largest HF contests of the year takes place next weekend, that’s the CQ SSB worldwide contest. HF propagation is looking good with openings to all continents on all the higher bands including 28MHz. Hopefully, the coronal hole disturbance will have little effect but maybe the Sunday will be the better of the two days.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
October 12th, 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 16th October 2011
The news headlines:
-
RSGB pre-releases RadCom pages
-
2012 Bath Buildathon announced
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Successful launch for Indian CubeSats
In advance of the Extraordinary General Meeting announced last week, the RSGB has pre-released the RSGB Matters section of the November RadCom. The pages set out the background to the EGM and are being sent by email to all affiliated clubs. The Society encourages all Members to read the information and help shape the future of the RSGB. RadCom is being printed this weekend and is due to be delivered to UK members by next Monday, 24 October.
The date of the 5th Bath Buildathon has been confirmed as Saturday, 7 January 2012. For those that are not familiar with the concept, the basic idea is for a group of radio enthusiasts to lock themselves in a room for a day and build a radio project under the watchful eye of a few experienced mentors. These events are ideal for intermediate students or other licensed amateurs who have never raised solder smoke in anger before. This year the event will cost £60 to include a 20m SSB superhet receiver kit, room hire, tea and coffee, etc. The Bath Buildathon Crew will be providing all tools and test equipment required and no previous experience is needed, just a bucket load of enthusiasm! Booking forms for the Buildathon are available by email from G0FUW@tiscali.co.uk or by post from G0FUW, who is QTHR in the Yearbook and on QRZ.com.
Amateur satellites SRMSAT and Jugnu were successfully launched by an Indian rocket from Sriharikota in the early hours of Wednesday 12 October. The satellites are in near-equatorial orbit and cannot be received in the UK, but will be providing useful science for the Indian university teams that built the CubeSats. The SRMSAT web page is at http://srmsat.in.
The RSGB Convention that took place in Milton Keynes over the weekend of the 7-9 October was the largest in the event's history. The five streams of lectures were well attended and there was standing room only in some lecture rooms.
Following the creation of a Youth Co-ordinator portfolio during the Region 1 General Conference at Sun City in August, the Region 1 Executive Committee has appointed Lisa Leenders, PA2LS, to the role. Lisa will be working with the Youth Co-ordinators from the various member societies to promote amateur radio amongst young people in Region 1. Lisa’s contact details will be made available under the Youth section of the IARY Region 1 web site, www.iaru-r1.org.
Lilford District Scouts in Leigh, near Wigan, are looking for a volunteer Foundation tutor who could run a course sometime between mid-November and February. Whilst the Scouts cannot offer any payment beyond limited assistance with transport costs, they do have a well-equipped venue and plenty of enthusiasm. Ideally, they would like to have some new Foundation licensees in time for the next JOTA. If you can help, please contact Carl Thorp, 2E0LVO, via email to carl.thorp@1stastleyscouts.org.uk.
Long-standing software developer George Murphy, VE3ERP, has hung up his keyboard and is retiring from further development on HAMCALC. For those who are unfamiliar with the software, HAMCALC is a collection of useful calculators for amateur radio use, widely used throughout the amateur community. The latest version of HAMCALC can be downloaded at www.cq-amateur-radio.com.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, Sunday 16 October, the Blackwood and District ARS Rally takes place at Coleg Gwent, Risca Road, Cross Keys NP11 7ZA. There are trade stands, a Bring and Buy and special interest groups. The rally opens at 10.30 and costs £2. Talk in is on S22. Contact Dave, GW4HBK, on 01495 228 516.
Also Today, Sunday 16 October, the Hornsea Amateur Radio Club rally is at Floral Hall, 7 The Esplanade, Hornsea, East Yorks HU18 1NQ. Opening at 10.30, there are trade stands, a Bring and Buy, RSGB bookstall and special interest groups including RAFARS. Details from Rick, M0CZR, by email to R106221@aol.com.
The Galashiels and District ARS radio rally takes place on Sunday 23 October at The Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, Scottish Borders TD1 3JX. Opening time is 11.30, admission is £2.50 and there are trade stands, a Bring and Buy and other attractions. Details from Jim, GM7LUN on 01896 850 245.
The Callington Amateur Radio Society Rally is on Sunday 23 October at Callington Community College, Launceston Road,Callington, Cornwall PL17 7DR. The opening time is 10am, admission is £2 10am, £2, and there are trade stands, a Bring and Buy and other attractions. Contact John, G4PBN, on 01822 835 834.
Now for the news of special events
As this is JOTA weekend, there are numerous Scout special event stations on the air. The October RadCom contains a list of over 20 special event stations that have issued for the event.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
The T32C DXpedition is going strong from Christmas Island. On 10 October the team announced they had broken the 100,000 QSO barrier. The team hopes to set a few new records before the end of the event. There is still time to work the DXpedition, which is covering as many band and mode slots as it can with the limited equipment at its disposal.
Now the contest news
Today, Sunday 16 October, the Second 50MHz Contest takes place from 0900-1200. Operation is all mode on the 50MHz band and the exchange is RST, serial number and locator.
Tuesday 18 October sees the UHF UKAC from 1900-2130. Operation is all mode on 23cm; RST, serial number and locator form the exchange.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 3rd to the 9th of October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 10th of October.
Several sunspot groups were visible every day with up to eight on the 4th and the 5th. Most groups were small and inactive but several produced C class solar flares every day. Solar activity was low every day. Most flares were small and were not associated with sudden ionospheric disturbances or coronal mass ejections. Solar flux levels declined from 130 units on the 4th to 118 by the 8th. The average was 124. The 90 day solar flux average on the 9th was 114 units, that’s two units up on the previous week. X-ray flux levels varied little and the average was B4.1 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every day except for the 5th which increased to an Ap index of 20 units in response to a glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection that departed the Sun on the 2nd. A small coronal hole disturbance arrived on the 9th when the Ap index was 13 units. The average was Ap 8 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 480 kilometres per second to 290 by the end of the period. Particle densities were around the 20 particles per cubic centimetre for a three day period starting from the 5th. Bz varied between minus 5 and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quietest day and between minus 10 and plus 11 nanoTeslas on the 5th. On the 20th several UK operators and a number of continental stations, enjoyed an unexpected opening to West Africa on 50MHz. 28MHz was also in excellent shape on a couple of afternoons, with MUFs at times well over 30MHz and low-power beacons as far as the West Coast of North America being copied across much of Europe.
And now the solar forecast. This week the more activity side of the Sun is expected to return into view. Solar activity may not be as high as the last rotation but moderate levels could take place on some days. Solar flux levels are expected to be in the 120’s for most of the week. With no coronal holes expected during the coming week, geomagnetic activity is expected to be at quiet levels. Only a coronal mass ejection heading our way will increase activity and there maybe a slight chance for this to happen. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 30MHz for the south and 27MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 10MHz. Paths this week to Australia should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 28MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 21MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 0800 and 1300 hours. The long path should be open around 0800 and again at 2100 hours, but the MUFs will be around 21MHz.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
October 6th, 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 9th October 2011
The news headlines:
The Society has announced that it will be convening an Extraordinary General Meeting on 19 November 2011. The meeting will allow members the opportunity to comment on proposals to address issues surrounding the governance of the Society. Full details will be in the November issue of RadCom, but the editorial from that issue has been pre-released and can be read on the RSGB website, www.rsgb.org.
After three years of negotiation the Radio Amateur Association of Greece has been given permission for its headquarters club station, SZ1SV, to use the channel centred on 5400kHz. SZ1SV is permitted to use 5398.5 to 5401.5kHz for SSB, CW and digital modes, with a maximum power of 100W. Since the permission is based upon propagation studies, the Greek association is planning to operate a beacon, somewhat similar to our own 5MHz chain, when the station is not being used for contacts. The RSGB has been working closely with Manos, SV1IW, President of the Radio Amateur Association of Greece, on their planned usage of this channel for beaconing, so that this can exist alongside our and others usage of the channel for QSOs. Plans for the beacon have yet to be finalised, but it will likely operate every 15 minutes, with an alternating CW and PSK31/PSK63 identifier. The beacon may be capable of being remotely switched as a further measure to minimise interference to other users of the channel.
This year’s Jamboree On The Air takes place on 15 and 16 October. NA1SS, which is the International Space Station, is going to be on the air throughout the JOTA weekend. Astronaut Mike Fossum, KF5AQG, who is also a Scoutmaster, is going to be on the air during breaks from his work schedule. He should be available on most of the passes around the world. The uplink is 144.490 and the downlink is 145.800MHz, both plus and minus Doppler shift as the ISS passes overhead. Within this year's JOTA, an emergency communications exercise will take place on Saturday, 15 October in the afternoon, European time zone. This simulated emergency test will include the Headquarters station, HB9S, of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which will be operated by amateurs from five different countries.
The MM0RAI/P Rockall DXpedition was a success. The amateurs managed to land on the rock, IOTA reference EU-189, and set up the station. Operation started on 1 October at 1545UTC and they stopped transmitting on 2 October at 0652UTC. Online logs will be available soon. For more information, including photographs, check out the website at www.rockall.be.
India’s latest amateur radio satellites, SRMSAT and JUGNU, are now at the Indian Space Research Organisation spaceport at Sriharikota, ready to launch on 12 October. VU2WMY says he used an AMSAT-UK FUNcube Dongle SDR to receive telemetry from SRMSAT and JUGNU during environmental tests.
Bletchley Park Trust has been granted 4.6 million pounds from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the regeneration of Bletchley Park. The investment will enable the restoration of iconic Codebreaking Huts 1, 3 and 6, and create a world-class visitor centre and exhibition in the currently derelict Block C as soon as £1.7 million in match funding has been raised. Not only will this development allow the conservation of buildings of highly significant heritage value, it will considerably improve the educational offering and visitor experience at Bletchley Park.
The next Advanced revision course run by the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society starts on Thursday 27 October. This short revision course is aimed at those who have already studied at home or elsewhere. It will be held on Thursday evenings between 7 and 9pm at Danbury Village Hall from 27 October to 1 December. The exam will be held on Monday, 5 December. For more details on this or the other CARS training courses speak to Clive, G1EUC, on 01245 224 577.
Entries for the Lifeboat Amateur Radio Society's annual SOS Radio Week are now being accepted. SOS Radio Week 2012 is nine days of sponsored operating from 21 to 29 January. It is open to individuals, groups and clubs. Participants can operate from home, their club HQ, the local shopping centre, a Lifeboat Station, in fact anywhere they like. There's no minimum time you need to dedicate, just as much time as you can spare. All money raised goes to the RNLI. In the past two years, amateur radio operators taking part in SOS Radio Week have raised over £7,200. If you'd like to take part, please register on the website, www.sosradioweek.org.uk.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, 9 October, the Autumn Militaria & Electronics & Radio Amateur Hangar Sale takes place at Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. Doors open at 10am and admission is £2.50. There will be civil, military and vintage radio equipment plus vehicle spares and more. Contact Rod Siebert on 01270 623 353.
On Sunday 16 October the Blackwood and District ARS Rally takes place at Coleg Gwent, Risca Road, Cross Keys, NP11 7ZA. Doors open at 10.40 and admission is £2. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and a Bring & Buy. More details from Dave, GW4HBK on 01495 228 516.
The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place on 16 October at the Floral Hall, 7 The Esplanade, Hornsea, East Yorkshire, HU18 1NQ. Doors open at 10am. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy as well as special interest groups. Details from Rick, M0CZR by e-mail to R106221@aol.com.
Now for the news of special events
Bedford and District Amateur Radio Club will be operating GB4BMA from Broham Mill on National Apple Day, 16 October.
There will be many special event stations on the air for JOTA on 15 and 16 October. The October RadCom contains a list of over 20 special event stations that have issued for the event.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
DJ7RJ will be operating as FR/DJ7RJ from Reunion Island, which is IOTA reference AF-016, until 26 October. He will operate CW and SSB on 160 to 10 metres, with a focus on the low bands, using a 500 watt amplifier into an inverted L antenna. QSL via his home callsign, direct or via the bureau.
IZ4AMS/P will be active from Tinetto Island, IOTA reference EU-083, from 9 to 10 October. He will be using the 80, 40 and 20 metre bands. QSL via his home callsign.
After just four days, the T32C DXpedition has passed the 50,000 QSO milestone. It has turned out to be something of an unplanned Field Day style operation and they now have no expectations of the container of equipment arriving while they are on Christmas Island. Instead, the team hand-carried just over one metric tonne of equipment to the island. They are extremely grateful to all those who loaned equipment at short notice to help enable the DXpedition to take place and be successful. They will continue to make regular updates on the website and Michael, G7VJR will no doubt update Twitter while he is there. The online log on ClubLog is getting a very high hit rate and they are uploading logs twice a day, at 7am and 7pm local time. More information at www.t32c.com.
Now the contest news
Tuesday 11 October sees the 432MHz UK Activity Contest take place from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The 80m Club Sprint takes place on 12 October from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW, the exchange is serial number and name.
The second 50MHz contest takes place on 16 October from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
And now the solar factual data for the period from the 26th of September to the 2nd of October, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 3rd of October.
First, before a busy period to report, the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers. For December 2010, January and February 2011 they are 28.8, 31.0 and 33.4 respectively.
A couple of large groups dominated the solar disc during the period and were responsible for the eight M class solar flares that took place. Other groups were visible but were small and quiet. Numerous C class solar flares took place every day. Sudden ionospheric disturbances and coronal mass ejections accompanied some of the larger solar flares. Solar flux levels declined slightly from 148 units on the 26th to 131 units by the 2nd. The average was 138 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 2nd was 112 units, that’s four units up on last week. X-ray flux levels declined from C1.4 units on the 26th to B3.8 units by the 28th, though a small increase was made by the end of the period. The average was B5.6 units. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels on the 26th, but around midday a coronal mass ejection arrived and shortly after a major storm was in progress. Two of the 3 hourly Kp indices reached 8 later that day. The storm continued until the afternoon of the 29th. The only quiet days were the 30th and the 1st when the Ap index of 8 and 9 units were recorded respectively. The average was Ap 23 units. That’s the highest weekly average since December 2006. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase rapidly from 320 kilometres per second to 700 as the disturbance arrived on the 26th. Speeds then erratically declined to 420 kilometres per second by the 2nd. Particle densities reached 38 particles per cubic centimetre on the 26th, otherwise densities were low. Bz fluctuated between minus 30 and plus 28 nanoTeslas on the 26th and between minus and plus 5 nanoTeslas on the quietest day. MUFs dropped sharply – though, as suggested in last week’s report, there were also periods when HF propagation was enhanced. Many auroral contacts were made on 6, 4 and 2 metres, at least as far south as the south coast.
And now the solar forecast. The present level of solar activity looks set to continue. Solar activity should be at least moderate on some days with a slight chance that activity could increase to high on the occasional day. Solar flux levels should be around the 120’s. That figure is a guide and could be lower with a quiet Sun or higher with an active Sun. Geomagnetic activity should be at active levels today due to the effects of a coronal hole, but as in recent weeks a coronal mass ejection could arrive on any day this week. If, however, none arrive, then activity should be quiet for the rest of the week. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 30MHz for the south and 27MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be around 10MHz. As always these figures are based on quiet geomagnetic levels and will be somewhat lower if activity increases. Now a look at the predications for the low frequency bands to the T32C DXpedition to Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean. Top Band will be very difficult to work but the best time will be around 0400 and 0630. The best time on 80 metres will between 0530 and 0630 but may be open an hour before and after that on the better days. Unlike Top Band and 80 metres, which will need the path in total darkness, 40 metres could be worked with a longer window for at least up to an hour after sunrise. The best times will be between 0400 and 0830 with a peak around 0530. All times are UTC.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
