Entries from February 2012
February 24th, 2012 · 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 26th February 2012
The news headlines:
The National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park opened its doors for the first time on Saturday 25 February. It is initially operating for three days a week, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, while the displays and exhibits are put through their paces. The formal opening is expected to take place in late spring. The date will be announced later.
Following proposals from the RSGB to Ofcom, aimed at harmonising NoV access to 5MHz with that access enjoyed by radio amateurs in other countries, the Society has received an offer from the MoD. It was reported earlier that the MoD were unable to meet our request for access over a continuous range, ie a band, so at our request have offered a number of small frequency blocks, which include all of the present 3kHz wide channels. Since the response is quite complex, the Society is to seek views using its new Litmus Test process on how it should respond. This Litmus Test will be open to all UK radio amateurs and will commence on 1 March. More information can be found on the RSGB website, following the link on the home page to Consultations.
The Society is pleased to announce that Terry Stevens, G8DKS has been appointed VHF Manager, with immediate effect. The role covers the development of the hobby and spectrum management issues, both nationally and internationally, on frequencies between 30MHz and 1GHz.
In the March edition of RadCom it was announced that the Society is about to start a month's consultation on the draft Spectrum Strategy that has been prepared by the RSGB Spectrum Forum. The consultation will go live on Thursday 1 March. The draft strategy and links to the online response form can be found by following the We Need Your Views link on the right hand side of the RSGB home page. We hope that as many amateurs as possible will provide us some feedback on this important subject, and that where possible people will help others who are not familiar with the web or have a disability that otherwise would make it difficult to participate.
Ofcom has today published an addendum to the second consultation on assessment of future mobile competition and proposals for the award of 800MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum. The addendum clarifies proposals for the spectrum portfolios that would be available to opted-in bidders if Everything Everywhere was to divest its 1800MHz spectrum before the planned auction at the end of 2012.
Ofcom has announced a GPS jamming exercise between 5 and 9 March near RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria. From 8am to 6pm there will be multiple jammers based within 5km of N55° 04.000’ W002° 34.000’, operating within the 24MHz band centred around 1575.42MHz. It is stressed that, as in previous exercises, Safety of Life operations will, at all times, take precedence over exercise activities.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, 26 February, the Rainham Radio Rally takes place at the Rainham School for Girls, Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham ME8 0BX. The opening time is 10am. Details from Trevor, G6YLW on 07717 678 795.
The Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on 4 March at the Wood Green Animal Shelter, King's Bush Farm, on the A1198 London Road at Godmanchester PE29 2NH. Doors open at 10am and entry is £3. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy with talk in on S22. Contact John, G0GKP, on 01954 200 072.
Also on 4 March, the Exeter Radio & Electronics Rally takes place in America Hall, De La Rue Way, Pinhoe Exeter EX4 8PW. Doors open at 10.30am and admission is £2. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. More information from Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374.
Now for the news of special events
On Saturday 3 March, the Northampton Radio Club will be activating special event station GB5XX at Daventry Town Council Museum, from 10am to 4pm. The station is commemorating 80 years since the first short wave broadcasts to the Empire from Daventry radio station, 5XX. Operation will be on 20m, 17m, 2m and 70cm. More information from John Cockrill, G4CZB on 01604 832 584, in the evenings only please.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
Jean-Pierre, F6ITD will operate SSB and digital modes on the HF bands from Guadeloupe, which is IOTA reference NA-102, until 13 March. QSL via his home callsign, either direct or via the bureau.
DJ0IF and SP7VC will be on the air from Madeira Island, which is IOTA reference AF-104, from 29 February to 7 March as CT9/home callsign. They will be in ARRL DX SSB Contest on 3 and 4 March as CR3L. QSL for CR3L is via DJ6QT and for CT9/DJ0IF and CT9/SP7VC via their home callsigns.
Phil, G3SWH and John, G3OLU/EA5ARC will be operating as 3DA0PW from the well-equipped Hawane Resort in Swaziland. The station includes Elecraft K3 transceivers, Icom IC-2KL amplifiers, an A4S at 24m and an A3WS at 20m, a wire 4-square for 40m and a vertical for 80m complete with thirty 20m long radials. The two will active until 29 February, CW only, on 80 through to 10 metres. Plans are to have two stations active as much as possible each day. Subject to a good internet connection, there will be an online log on Phil's website and daily uploads to LoTW. QSL via G3SWH either direct, via OQRS or via the bureau.
Now the contest news
Sunday 26 February sees the first 70MHz Cumulative, which runs from 1000-1200, 70MHz only, on all modes. The exchange is RST plus serial number and locator.
The 50MHz UK Activity Contest takes place from 2000 to 2230UTC on 28 February. Using all modes on the band the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
At the same time the SHF UK Activity Contest takes place on the 2.3 to 10GHz bands. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The 144/432MHz Contest takes place for 24 hours on 3 and 4 March. There are Open and Single-op categories and 6-hour and 24-hour sections, with 6-hour entrants being able to split their operating into two sessions if they wish. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The ARRL International DX contest runs for the full 48 hours of the weekend of 3 and 4 March on the 1.8 to 28MHz bands. Work US stations in the contiguous 48 States, plus Canadians. Send a signal report and your transmit output power. There are sections for QRP as well as low and high power. US stations send a signal report and 2-letter State abbreviation, while Canadian stations send a signal report and 3-letter Province code.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 10th to Thursday the 16th of February, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 17th of February.
Only a small number of sunspot groups were visible this week. Most of these were small and quiet with only a couple of groups producing small C class solar flares on the 19th, 20th and the 21st. The remaining days activity was at very low levels. Solar flux levels varied little day to day and averaged 105 units, however, on the 20th flux levels increased to 111 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 23rd was 130 units, that’s two units down on last week. X-ray flux levels averaged B2 units and varied little. Geomagnetic activity started at very quiet levels with an Ap index of only 2 units on the 17th but by the 19th and the 20th activity increased due to a small coronal hole disturbance. The most disturbed day was the 20th with an Ap index of 17 units. The average was Ap 8 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 280 kilometres per second on the 18th to 650 by the 20th. Particle densities were low every day except for the 18th and the 19th which increased to 32 and 19 particles per cubic centimetre respectively. Bz varied between minus and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quietest day and between minus 12 and plus 10 nanoTeslas during the disturbance. Aurora was noted late on 19th and during the afternoon on the 20th, though mainly on 50MHz. The higher HF bands were patchy, though on a couple of days MUFs were comfortably above predicted values.
And finally the solar forecast. Later this week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to be rotating into view. Therefore, solar activity is expected to be very low to low. Solar flux levels should be not much higher than 100 units. Geomagnetic activity is expected to very quiet for the first half of the week but towards next weekend activity could increase slightly due to a small coronal hole. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 27MHz for the south and 24MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. Paths this week to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
February 17th, 2012 · 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 19th February 2012
The news headlines:
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New worldwide 472kHz band created
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David Aslin, G3WGN leaves RSGB Interim Board
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GI HF Conference and DiGIcon announced for June
After more than ten years work by the RSGB, other national societies and a huge effort by IARU, the World Radio Conference has created a new amateur band at 472 to 479 kHz. In addition, the Amateur Service has secured an agenda slot for WRC 2015 to consider a band near 5.3MHz. These achievements are in the same category as work which, in past years, resulted in the WARC bands, the extension of 7MHz, and the 136kHz band. The Society is beginning discussions with Ofcom on how and when the new 472kHz band might be implemented. We will also address the question of the existing 500kHz NoVs that expire at the end of February. The Society will shortly begin work with the IARU to prepare for the 5MHz agenda item.
RSGB Chairman Bob Whelan, G3PJT, reports that David Aslin, G3WGN, has decided to leave the Interim Board. David has reluctantly concluded that the heavy demands of the RSGB cannot be reconciled with his other responsibilities. During his short time on the Board, David has been able to bring his wide experience to bear on the challenges facing the Society, for which we are grateful. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.
Following the success of DiGIcon in 2009 and last year’s GI HF Conference, West Tyrone Amateur Radio Club is planning another Conference. It will be held on Saturday 16 June 2012. A number of speakers have already been secured for the Conference, and the organisers are currently working on the programme. There are still a few slots available. Do you feel that you could enhance the program by giving a talk, demonstration or workshop? If so, contact Philip, MI0MSO on 07793 386 795, or email mi0mso@yahoo.co.uk to express your interest.
ESA’s Vega launcher made its maiden flight at 10:00 UT on Monday 13 February. The payload included eight Cubesats with amateur radio downlinks. Reception reports started coming in within two hours of launch; the first reports from the UK were at about 12.07. One of the Cubesats, PW-Sat, includes a voice repeater. Its uplink is on 435.020MHz and the downlink is at 145.900MHz. More details on the satellite missions, including operating frequencies, can be found at www.uk.amsat.org.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
We are not aware of any rallies planned for this weekend.
On Sunday 26 February the Rainham Radio Rally takes place at the Rainham School for Girls, Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham ME8 0BX. The opening tim is 10am. Details from Trevor, G6YLW, on 07717 678 795.
A reminder that the Swansea Rally, planned for 26 February, has been cancelled. Details from Roger, GW4HSH, on 01792 404 422.
Now for the news of special events
GB2PP will be operating today on 80, 40 and 2m from Co Londonderry, in support of the Phoenix Project for ADHD. Details can be found on QRZ.com.
Coventry Amateur Radio Society will be operating GB4WWR on 26 February to commemorate the Daventry Experiment. The station will be at the Birth of Radar memorial in Litchborough, on the Northampton Road, approximately 2.5 miles South of Weedon. The NGR is SP650 557. Activity will be on 80, 40 and 20m, SSB. More information from G8GMU on 07801 862 686.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
Chris Dimitrijevic, VK3FY, has announced the permanent cancellation of the 2013 VK0HI Heard Island DXpedition.
Dave, G3TBK will be active from the Caribbean Island of St Vincent as J88DR until 15 March. This will include an entry in the Commonwealth Contest, as well as both the CW and SSB sections of the ARRL DX Contest. Operation will be on CW, SSB and RTTY, on all bands from 1.8 to 28MHz. QSL to G3TBK, either direct or through the RSGB Bureau. Please ensure bureau cards are marked via G3TBK.
Laura, F4GEJ, Mathias, F0GQX and Eric, F5NBK will be on a family DXpedition to the Dominican Republic from 22 to 29 February. They will be signing HI7/homecall. Operation will be mainly SSB and digital, from Punta Cana on the island’s east coast. QSLs to home call, direct or via the French bureau. Details are on QRZ.com.
Now the contest news
Today is the second day of the ARRL International DX Contest, which takes place for the whole 48 hours of the weekend. Operation is CW only, from the 1.8 to 28MHz bands. The exchange is RST plus TX power, although W stations send their State and VE stations send their Province.
Tuesday the 21st sees the 1.3GHz UKAC, running from 2000 to 2230 on the 23cm band. Operation is all mode, and the exchange is RST, serial number and locator.
The 80m Club Championships CW leg continues on Thursday 23rd from 2000 to 2130. RST and serial number form the exchange.
The CQ WW 160m DX Contest runs for 48 hours from 2200 on Friday 24th. Operation is on 160m only, SSB, and the exchange is RS, serial number and CQ Zone, which is 14 for the UK. W stations send their State and VE stations send their Province.
The French REF Contest runs for 36 hours from 0600 on Saturday 25th. Work French stations only, sending a report and serial number. Expect to receive a report and a Department code, or a prefix from French overseas territories.
Sunday 26 February sees the first 70MHz Cumulative, which runs from 1000-1200, 70MHz only, on all modes. The exchange is RST plus serial number and locator.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 10th to Thursday the 16th of February, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 17th of February.
First this week the latest smoothed monthly sunspot numbers which are for May, June and July 2011 and are 47.6, 53.2 and 57.2 respectively.
Sunspot groups were visible every day, with five visible on the 12th. Most groups were small and quiet, even the larger groups were magnetically simple. Due to this solar activity was only low at first and then declined to very low levels from the 13th. Solar flux levels declined from 112 units on the 11th to 103 by the 16th. The average was 108 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 16th was 132 units, that’s four units down on last week. In fact, at the start of the year the 90 day solar flux average stood at 145 units. X-ray flux levels averaged B2.1 units and varied little day to day. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels with an Ap index of only 3 units on the 12th, but by the 14th a coronal mass ejection had arrived and lasted all of the next day. Even thought the disturbance was weak, a respectable Ap index of 25 units was recorded on the 15th, this was due to a long period of southward orientation of the magnetic Bz component of the solar wind. The average was 8 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds vary between 300 and 470 kilometres per second. Particle densities were very low every day throughout the period. Bz varied between minus 3 and plus 5 nanoTeslas on the quietest day and between minus 9 and plus 4 nanoTeslas on the 15th. From early evening of the 14th and again from noon to late evening on the 15th, a radio aurora took place for European operators, though largely confined to high latitudes. MUFs dropped by some 30 per cent below recent values, with east-west and high-latitudes paths particularly degraded. Recovery was under way during the 16th, though the higher bands were still very patchy.
And finally the solar forecast. This week will see the quiet side of the Sun rotating into view. Therefore, solar activity is expected to be very low to low. Solar flux levels should be not much higher than 100 units. Geomagnetic activity is expected to very quiet for the first half of the week but towards next weekend, activity could increase slightly due to a small coronal hole. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 27MHz for the south and 24MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. Paths this week to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 31MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 25MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1200 to 1700 hours.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
February 10th, 2012 · Comments Off
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 12th February 2012
The news headlines:
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RSGB launches two consultations
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Warrington club gains Olympic callsign
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Dominican Republic amateurs get 5MHz allocation
The RSGB will shortly be introducing two new consultations to draw Members into the RSGB policy creation process. Some topics will also be open to non-Members. The processes are being piloted on two issues and we hope that many people will feel able to contribute. The first consultation looks at the RSGB’s Spectrum Strategy. The second seeks views on how we could celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with some form of QSO Party.
The proposed Spectrum Strategy is being developed by the RSGB Spectrum Forum. It will take into account the outcomes of the current World Radiocommunication Conference, which is due to end on 17 February. It is expected that the Spectrum Strategy consultation will commence on 1 March. All UK amateurs are invited to read and comment on the proposals and post their responses online.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee QSO Party consultation uses a different approach. People will be invited into an internet discussion list to seek a consensus on a proposed draft for the QSO Party. We have called this approach a Litmus Test. The QSO Party Litmus Test will go live on Wednesday 15 February.
Further information and access to the consultations can be found at www.rsgb.org.uk/consultations.
Warrington Amateur Radio Club has been granted the Olympic call sign GB2012MV, for Manchester Venue. The station will be located at the Salford University campus and will operate on VHF, HF and D-STAR. Old Trafford will be a venue for the Olympic football competition.
Amateur Radio operators in the Dominican Republic have recently been granted permission to use seven 5MHz channels. These are the same channels as used in the UK. Modes currently permitted are SSB and CW.
Following the recent earthquake in the Central Philippines, communications have been set up on HF as the emergency activity of amateur radio becomes established in the earthquake and landslide hit areas. Eddie Valdez, DU1EV, Chief Operating Officer for IARU society PARA, said that Ham Emergency Radio Operations (HEROs) has activated the emergency frequencies of 144.740MHz and 7.095MHz.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
The Harwell Radio & Electronics Rally will take place today, 12 February, at Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot. Doors open at 10.30am and there is plenty of free car parking. Admission is £2.50, with accompanied under 12s free. There will be trade stands and a flea market as well as special interest groups at the event. More details from Ann, G8NVI on 01235 816 379.
The Northern Cross Rally will take place at Thornes Park Stadium, Horbury Road Wakefield WF2 8TY today, Sunday 12 February. The usual mix of traders and groups will attend, including the RSGB bookstall and a local wind up mast manufacturer. Entrance is £3 per person and refreshments are available. Doors open at 10.30am. You are advised NOT to park on the road outside as it has double yellow lines on it, but use the available car parks. For more information, contact Ken 2E0SSQ on 07900 563117, before 8pm hours please.
The organisers of the Swansea Rally, planned for 26 February, have been obliged to cancel it. They hope to be able to re-schedule it later in the year. Details from Roger, GW4HSH, on 01792 404 422.
Bournemouth Radio Society regrets to announce that, due to circumstances beyond their control, it has been necessary to cancel this year’s sale, originally scheduled for Sunday 11 March. Please contact John, G0HAT on 07719 700 771 with any enquiries.
Now for the news of special events
On 18 February, the Surrey Radio Contact Club is activating a Thinking Day On The Air station. Using the callsign GB4ADD for the 4th. Addiscombe Girl Guides, the station will be in the Church Hall at Christ Church Methodist, 114, Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 6AD. They will be there from around 10.30am and expect to stay for around three hours. There is ample on site parking.
Itchen Valley Amateur Radio club is helping Girlguiding Chandlers Ford Division celebrate World Thinking Day, over the weekend of 18 and 19 February, with the callsign GB0CFG. Visitors are always welcome at the Scout Hut, Brickfield Lane, Chandlers Ford. Further details from Liz, M0ACL, on 02380 254 599.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
Francois, F8DVD will be active as TM8AAW until 26 February, including the 9th Antarctic Activity Week of 20 to 26 February. He will operate on 10 to 40 metres, mostly SSB, from his home QTH in Macon, France. QSL via home callsign, direct or bureau.
Jean-Pierre, F6ITD will operate SSB and digital modes on the HF bands from Guadeloupe, which is IOTA reference NA-102, until 13 March. Look him for as FG/F6ITD from Basse-Terre until 19 February and then from La Desirade. QSL via his home callsign, direct or via the bureau.
Al, W6HGF will be active as FP/W6HGF from Miquelon Island, IOTA reference NA-032, until 20 February. Operation is planned to be focused on digital, mostly RTTY, including an entry in the CQ WW WPX RTTY contest. QSL via W6HGF, either direct or via the bureau.
Now the contest news
The first of this year’s CQWW WPX contests is RTTY, which takes place for the entire 48 hours of the weekend of the 11th and 12th. There are categories for QRP, low and high power, single or multi-operator stations, various numbers of transmitters and even single-operator stations where the operator has been licensed for less than three years. With the HF bands now in good shape, 10m could well be busy for long hours. The exchange is signal report and serial number.
For 24 hours this weekend, the PACC Contest will be running on CW and SSB. Work as many Dutch stations as possible per band, giving RST and serial number. Dutch stations give RST + two-letter Province abbreviation, of which there are twelve in all. The multiplier is the number of provinces worked per band and, once again, there are numerous entry categories.
The RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest takes place on 14 February between 2000 and 2230UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The following day, 15 February, the RSGB 80m club championships data leg takes place between 2000 and 2130UTC. The exchange is signal report and serial number.
The ARRL International DX Contest takes place for the whole 48 hours of the weekend of 18 and 19 February. This event has a loyal band of followers in the UK and is a great one in which to build up your list of States contacted, if you are working towards the Worked All States Award. On the final weekend of the month there are two major international SSB events, but no clash of bands. Using CW only, the exchange is signal report and transmit power, although W stations send their State and VE stations send their Province.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 3rd to Thursday the 9th of February, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 10th of February.
There were fewer sunspot groups visible during the period with only 3 groups visible on the 5th and the 6th. On the remaining days only 2 groups were visible. Solar activity declined to very low levels for the first three days but then, on the 6th, an M1 class solar flare took place unexpectedly. Solar flux levels, as expected, declined from 111 units on the 3rd to 97 by the 8th. This is the first time that the solar flux levels were below the 100 mark since August last year. The average was 105 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 9th was 136 units, that’s five units down on last week. X-ray flux levels averaged B2.3 units, which is well down compared to previous weeks. Geomagnetic activity started at quiet levels, but on the 7th and the 8th a weak coronal hole disturbance took place with an Ap index of 15 and 10 units respectively. The average was Ap 6 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 390 kilometres per second on the 3rd to 540 by the 7th. Particle densities were low every day. Bz varied between minus and plus 5 nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between minus and plus 7 nanoTeslas during the most disturbed day.
And finally the solar forecast. This week the more active side of the Sun is expected to be looking our way. However, looking at the latest images from the STEREO Behind spacecraft, this side of the Sun is not as active now compared to the last rotation. Therefore, solar activity is expected to be at low levels, with only a small chance of activity increasing higher than that. Solar flux levels should be around the 120’s. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet every day unless a coronal mass ejection heads our way. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 28MHz for the south and 25MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. 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 22MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 0900 and 1300 hours.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
February 3rd, 2012 · 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 5th February 2012
The news headlines:
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The first two weeks of WRC-12
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Using Olympics logos, also called Games Marks
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Advanced exam processed in record time
Colin Thomas, G3PSM, is the RSGB representative on the UK Delegation to WRC-12. He reports here on the first two weeks of work.
After two weeks of intense discussions, the 3000 plus delegates at the World Radio Conference 2012 are slowly but surely coming to consensus on many of the agenda items. A number of items have been finalised, including agenda item 1.22 that looked at the subject of Short Range Devices. It was decided that no changes were necessary to the Radio Regulations with regard to this subject.
Unfortunately no such consensus has yet been reached on agenda item 1.23, which proposes an allocation to the amateur service in the region of 500kHz. After 12 meetings of the sub working group dealing with this matter, the segment 472-479kHz has been identified as the most suitable band. This represents a very small compromise from the European proposal of 472-480kHz. It is however a major compromise by those administrations and regional groups who proposed 461-469 plus 471-478kHz or 472-487kHz. Despite this, and considerations taking into account the protection of aeronautical non-directional beacons, the Arab Spectrum Management Group and Iran still maintain a position of no allocation to the amateur service. This agenda item will next be discussed next Tuesday in a higher authority committee.
Another agenda item taking up a lot of talk time is 1.15, which deals with allocations for HF Oceanic Radars. While not directly affecting existing amateur services, there have been discussions around a possible allocation around 5MHz. This is the frequency area in which many countries, including the UK, have agreed channels for the amateur service. The original proposal from the United States for a 200kHz allocation has been drastically reduced to a 25kHz allocation in this area, but discussions continue.
Under agenda item 8.2, Future Conference Agenda Items, Cuba has proposed a 50kHz allocation to the 5MHz amateur service. This proposal was unexpected and has little support from other administrations; however, the International Amateur Radio Union has pledged their support and is lobbying administrations to support it.
The conference still has two weeks to run and nothing concerning the amateur service has yet been decided.
Colin Thomas is posting daily reports from WRC-12 on the RSGB website.
Although Ofcom has now granted permission for UK radio amateurs to use special prefixes over this summer, this permission does NOT extend to use of the various logos associated with the Games on QSL cards etc. These logos, or Games Marks as they are called, are strictly controlled by LOCOG and are not free for individuals and organisations to use without express permission. You can read about their use at the Frequently Asked Questions on the www.london2012.com website. Project ECHO, concerned with the two main special stations, is the exception and has been granted permission to use the Inspire logo in a limited way. If any further information emerges we will inform members.
An Advanced licence exam took place across the country on the evening of Tuesday 31 January. By 3pm on Friday 3 February, all papers that had arrived back at RSGB HQ had been processed and the results uploaded to Ofcom. A few papers have not yet reached RSGB HQ; these will be processed when they arrive.
Provisional results of the 2011 Islands On The Air contest have now been published. Despite low sunspot levels, the contest organisers received over 2,300 logs, the highest number yet. More than 632,000 QSOs were made and this has enabled them to adjudicate 75% of all QSOs. The highest scoring station in the contest was the Bristol Contest Group, GJ6YB, who operated from Jersey and achieved a score of just under 15 million points from over 3,300 QSOs. The 2012 contest takes place on 28 and 29 July. The contest organisers have indicated that there will be a number of significant rule changes in 2012, notably to the scoring to emphasise island QSOs. For the same reason, there will no longer be a World multi-op category, as they are anxious to refocus the contest on working islands, rather than building points through non-island stations working other non-island stations.
On 12 February, amateurs worldwide will be able to enjoy a virtual tour of the station at ARRL HQ in a live webcast starting at 2200UTC. W1AW, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station, at ARRL Headquarters in Connecticut has appeared in many logs. Anyone with an internet connection will be able to watch the tour at www.awecast.tv/channels/arrl/.
The FCC Spread Spectrum tests have got off to a good start. At 0052UTC on 1 February, Jose Ros, EA5HVK made the opening decode of the first FCC – SS authorised experimental station, WF9XJD, on 10.132MHz, at a rock bottom level of -22dB S/N. With worsening conditions and after a change to 7.055MHz, the QSO was completed using MF-4 mode. Taking advantage of the north-south propagation, a 10 minute QSO with YV5MM followed at substantially higher signal levels. A further eight or more experimental stations are due on the HF bands over the next few weeks, taking the first steps to clarify the data mode designations applicable to the USA amateur radio data mode operators.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, 5 February, the 27th Canvey Radio & Electronics Rally will be held at The Paddocks, Long Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JA, which is at the southern end of A130. Doors open at 10.30am. Details from Dave, G4UVJ, on 01268 697 978 during the evening please.
Also today, 5 February, the Radio-Active Rally will take place in the Civic Hall, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10.30am and there will be trade stands and Bring & Buy. More information from Simon Chettle, G8ATB, on 01270 841 506.
The G3TFC Silent Key Auction of ex military & commercial radio equipment will take place on 11 February in the Coventry area. Admission is by ticket only. Details and lists of the equipment for sale can be obtained from Stuart J Mckinnon, G0TBI on 07860 496 516, or by email to stuartjmckinnon@aol.com.
The Harwell Radio & Electronics Rally will take place on 12 February at Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot. Doors open at 10.30am and there is plenty of free carparking. Admission is £2.50 with accompanied under 12s free. There will be trade stands and a flea market as well as special interest groups at the event. More details from Ann, G8NVI on 01235 816 379.
The Northern Cross Rally will take place at Thornes Park Stadium, Horbury Road, Wakefield WF2 8TY on Sunday 12 February. The usual mix of traders and groups will attend, including the RSGB bookstall and a local wind up mast manufacturer. Entrance is £3 per person and refreshments are available. Doors open at 10.30am. You are advised NOT to park on the road outside as it has double yellow lines on it, but use the available car parks. For more information, contact Ken, 2E0SSQ on 07900 563117, before 8pm please.
The organisers of the Swansea Rally, planned for 26 February, have been obliged to cancel it. They hope to be able to re-schedule it later in the year. Details from Roger, GW4HSH, on 01792 404 422.
Now for the news of special events
GB80PW will be on the air on 9 February to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Practical Wireless magazine. On air on the 2nd Thursday of the month throughout 2012, Rob Mannion, G3XFD and Phil Ciotti, G3XBZ plan to be active from 10am to 4pm. They will be concentrating on 7MHz, mainly SSB and PSK31, with some operation on 14MHZ SSB and PSK 31.
GB50WVR will be on the air, starting on Friday 10 February, and then throughout 2012 on various dates, to celebrate 50 years of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Full details are on qrz.com.
And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
W6HGF will be on the air stroke FP from Miquelon Island between 10 and 20 February. Activity will be on 10 through to 160 metres but focused on the digital modes, mostly RTTY. QSL via Logbook of the World or to W6HGF, direct or via the bureau.
HU2DX will be on the air from El Salvador until 10 February. The usual prefix in El Salvador is YS so this operation will also be of interest to prefix hunters. The QSL manager is DH7WW.
3B8GY will be on the air from Mauritius Island, IOTA reference AF-049, from 5 to 25 February. They will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. They will participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest on 18 and 19 February. QSL via SP2JMB.
Expect quite a bit of activity to take place from Guantanamo Bay in February. KN4KL will operate as KG4KL until 18 February using SSTV, RTTY, SSB, PSK and maybe CW. WB4DNL will operate as KG4DL from 6 to 14 February using mostly CW. Finally, W4WV will operate as KG4WV from 6 to 23 February using SSB, PSK, RTTY and maybe CW. QSL via their home callsigns.
DO5ALX, operating as V31RU and DG7RO, operating as V31TF plan to be active from Belize until 26 February. They plan to concentrate on 30, 17 and 12 metres RTTY and SSB and to take part in the CQ WW WPX RTTY Contest as a Multi-Two entry. QSL via home calls.
Now the contest news
The 432MHz AFS contest is the final Super League event of the 2011/2012 season. It takes place for four hours today, Sunday 5th, from 0900 to 1300UTC. A French contest coincides with the first couple of hours, so don’t forget to take advantage of the activity by beaming that way early on. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The European Phase Shift Keying Club’s PSK63 Contest finishes today, 5 February, at 1200UTC. Using the 3.5 to 28MHz, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The wait for the start of the new 80m Club Championship series is over and it begins this month with an SSB session on the 6th. Remember please that for the entire Club Championship series the maximum power that should be run is 100 watts output. For Foundation licensees and those who welcome an additional challenge, there is also a QRP, 10 watt output, section. Look out for SSB activity from 2000 to 2130UTC, with the exchange being signal report and serial number.
The 144MHz UK Activity Contest takes place from 2000 to 2230 on 7 February. Using all modes on the band the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The First 1.8MHz Contest takes place for four hours, from 2100 on the evening of the 11th to 0100 on the 12th. Entries can be CW-only, SSB-only or mixed mode. Exchange a signal report, serial number and your District Code, which is the first two letters of your postcode. For those who live in postcode areas that begin with a single letter, these are padded out to two letters. A full list of District codes can be found on the Contest Committee website or in the RSGB Yearbook.
The first of this year’s CQWW WPX contests is the RTTY, which takes place for the entire 48 hours of the weekend of 11/12th. There are categories for QRP, low and high power, single or multi-operator stations, various numbers of transmitters and even single-operator stations where the operator has been licensed for less than three years. With the HF bands now in good shape, 10m could well be busy for long hours. The exchange is signal report and serial number.
For 24 hours of the same weekend the PACC Contest will be running on CW and SSB. Work as many Dutch stations as possible per band, giving RST and serial number. Dutch stations give RST + two-letter Province abbreviation and there are twelve in all. The multiplier is the number of provinces worked per band and once again there are numerous entry categories.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 27th of January to the 2nd of February, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 3rd of February.
On the 27th, as one of the large active sunspot groups was rotating out of view, it produced an X1 solar flare. This is the first X class solar flare since the beginning of November. Associated with this flare was a coronal mass ejection and a sudden ionospheric disturbance. After this flare, solar activity was very low to low, with only small C class solar flares taking place on some days. Solar flux levels on the 27th were 142 units, this figure was enhanced due to the X class solar flare, a more realistic figure would have been around 120 units. Levels then declined to 110 units by the 29th but then recovered to 118 units by the 2nd. The average was 119 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 2nd was 141 units, that’s two units down on last week. X-ray flux levels declined from B5.9 units on the 28th to B2.2 units by the 1st. The average was B3.3 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet every day. The coronal mass ejection from the X1 solar flare missed planet Earth and headed for the STEREO ahead spacecraft. The solar wind measuring equipment there detected the blast as it passed. Back here, the average for the period was Ap 5 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 580 kilometres per second on the 27th to 330 by the 31st. Particle densities were low except for the morning of the 31st, which increased briefly to 23 particles per cubic centimetre. Bz varied between minus and plus 8 nanoTeslas on the 30th and between minus 4 and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quieter days.
And finally the solar forecast. The slightly more active side of the sun is expected to rotate into view as the week progresses. At first solar activity is expected to be at low levels but activity could increase to moderate levels later in the week. Solar flux levels should increase and by next weekend be around the 130s. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be mostly quiet but could increase slightly around the 12th when a weak coronal hole disturbance could take place. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 29MHz for the south and 26MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 8MHz. Paths this week to the Middle East should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 30MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about 24MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1000 and 1400 hours.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
