Entries from July 2012
July 27th, 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 29th July 2012
The news headlines:
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Special Olympic Prefix update
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Olympic Flagship 2 Oscar stations on the air
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Voting taking place for new IARU members
A number of UK amateurs have asked for clarification on the applicability of the special letter O prefix. Despite being very busy with the Olympics, Ofcom has responded to the Society’s request on this matter. It has been explained that the special prefix is a temporary one that is only available to individuals and clubs where the licensee’s callsign has not been changed by a Notice of Variation, NoV. Thus, it is not applicable to Short Contest Calls or Special Event Station callsigns, as these require the use of a callsign different from that of the NoV holder. For licence variations such as the 5MHz and 500kHz NoVs it would be allowable to use the special O prefix, as the licensee’s callsign has not been varied by the NoV. Amateurs should be aware that this clarification does not affect the other terms and conditions within the licence, or a related NoV. Note too that the use of the special prefix started at 00.00BST on 21 July and finishes at 23.59BST on 9 September. Radio amateurs in the UK may still apply for an NoV to use the letter O in place of their regional identifier. Details are on the RSGB website, www.RSGB.org. Anyone logging stations using this special prefix can apply for the Olympic QSO Party Award. Again, full details are on the RSGB website.
Both of the Two Oscar Olympic Flagship Special Event Stations are now up and running. You can follow the progress of Two Oscar Twelve L in London on Twitter, with tweets showing new countries worked and the number of stations in the log. Two Oscar Twelve W in Wales also has a Twitter feed. Details can be found on their websites, just search for the callsigns 2 Oscar 12L and 2 Oscar 12W. A number of other special event stations are celebrating the Olympics, some of which are described later in this news report.
The Federation of Radio Sport of Azerbaijan and the St Vincent & Grenadine Amateur Radio Club are being proposed for membership in the International Amateur Radio Union. The International Amateur Radio Union Calendar notes that the groups have declared that they can satisfy the requirements of the IARU Constitution and Bylaws. As such, their proposed membership has been put up to the vote by all International Amateur Radio Union member societies, who have until 1 November to cast a ballot.
The 15th international EME conference is being held at Churchill College Cambridge between the 15th and 19th August. It is hosted by the UK Microwave Group. This is the first time that this conference has been held in the UK, and it provides an opportunity to learn about this most technically challenging aspect of our great science based hobby. Earth Moon Earth communications has much in common with radio astronomy and deep space communications and, in addition to EME specific lectures, there will be presentations on both these subjects. Two Nobel Physics Laureates from the world of Radio Astronomy will be present at the conference. Joe Taylor, K1JT is a keen EME enthusiast and will be presenting a paper on MAP65, while Professor Antony Hewish, FRS, is the speaker at the conference gala dinner on Saturday 18th. Day passes and a range of accommodation packages from one to four nights are available. With over 150 delegates and 60 partners from 5 continents already registered, this promises to be a great event. All those wishing to attend must pre register for this conference before 1st August. See www.eme2012.com for full details.
Michael, M1CCF had his Kenwood TS-50S and AT-50 tuner stolen last weekend at the W&P Show, at Beltring, in Kent, while operating the special event station GB4WP. The mounting bracket, power and connecting leads were not with the set when stolen. If you get an inquiry for these items, please contact Michael via m1ccf@talktalk.net.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, 29 July, the Horncastle Summer Rally takes place at the Horncastle Youth Centre, Willow Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6DZ. Doors open at 10.30am and admission is £1.50. Tables are £5 and anyone interested should contact Tony, G3ZPU on 01507 527 835.
Also today, 29 July, the Blind Veterans UK Radio & Computer Rally will take place at St Dunstan's, Ovingdean, Brighton, East Sussex BN27BS. Doors open at 10.30am and admission is £2. Tables are £10 and anyone interested should contact Eddie on 01273 300 772.
On 5 August the Chippenham & DARC Radio Boot Sale takes place at the Chippenham Sea Cadet HQ, off Long Close, Chippenham, approximate post code SN15 3JZ. Doors open at 9am for booters, £5 per boot, foot entry on gate is £1, with under 16s free. There is an on site car park and visitors are asked not to park in Long Close.
King’s Lynn ARC Rally & Car Boot will be held on 5 August at Gaywood Community Centre, PE30 4DZ. Doors open at 10am and admission is 2. There will be trade stands and a car boot area. More details from Ray, G3RSV on 01553 849 700.
On 5 August the Lorn Radio Amateur Rally will be held in Crianlarich Village Hall, Crianlarich, near Oban FK20 8QN. Admission is £1 and there will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy and a car boot area.
Now for the news of special events
Today, South Tyneside Amateur radio club is operating from 11am to 4pm at Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland for RNLI Harbour Day. Using GB1SLB, operation will be on 10 to 40 metres. Details from Gerard, M3XYP, whose details are on QRZ.COM.
Pontefract and District Amateur Radio Society will put GB0YD on the air for the eighth year running to celebrate Yorkshire Day on 1 August. They will be operating from Blakey Ridge, near the North Yorkshire town of Kirbymoorside. This is WAB Square SE69 and Locator IO94MJ. The all-weather station will be ready to greet walkers and other visitors, including patrons of the nearby Lion Inn public house. They will be on the air from dawn till dusk, operating on 80 to 10m plus 4m and 2m. All contacts will be confirmed by QSL via the bureau.
GB2VET will be on the air today for Veteran's Weekend, held at the East Park, Holderness Road, Hull. The event is run by the East Yorkshire branch of the Royal Air Force ARS. The station will be mainly active on 20, 40 and 80 meters as well as VHF, UHF and D-Star. At 3pm today, weather permitting, there will Parachute Regiment Freefall Team display. Other attractions include WW2 battle re-enactments and a 1940s show band.
In addition to the Flagship stations mentioned earlier, several other Olympic special event stations are one the air as a celebration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Manchester and Warrington there are three. GB2012MS is at the Metro-Vicks Rugby & Cricket Club house, off Glebelands Road, Manchester M33 6LR. GB2012MW is at West Manchester Radio Club, Meanley Road, Astley, M29 7DW. GB2012MV, based at Grappenhall Community Centre, Warrington WA4 2SG has a Twitter feed with details of the stations worked and their visitors, such as the RSGB President. GB2012OSP is on the air from Fancys Family Farm, Portland, DT5 1FR, and South Essex Amateur Radio Society is operating GB1HF close to the 5km Olympic mountain biking course at Hadleigh Farm in South Essex.
And now the DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
This weekend, TC0KLH will be active from Kefken Island lighthouse during the IOTA contest.
HB9EOU and HB9CVC will be on the island of St Barthelemy until 4 August. They will use the callsign TO2D. The IOTA reference is NA-146.
A multi-national team will be on the air from St Paul Island off the coast of Canada until 1 August. St Paul Island is a separate entity for the DXCC Award and the callsign to be used is CY9M. They will be active on all bands from 6m to 160m and the QSL Manager is M0URX.
Two Croatian amateurs are with the NATO-led troops in Afghanistan. They are Maj, 9A7TJ and Vlado, 9A3QM and they can be heard as T6TJ and T6VT respectively until the end of September. QSLs for both operators go via 9A6AA.
Zik, DK8ZZ will be active again as 9A/VE3ZIK from Croatia until 18 August. QSL via DK8ZZ, bureau and Logbook of The World.
John, 9M6XRO and Steve, 9M6DXX will be operating as 9M4SLL from Pulau Layang Layang, Spratly Islands, which is IOTA reference AS-051, from 7 to 13 August. Activity will be on 10 to 80m using CW, SSB and RTTY. There will be two stations with linear amplifiers to vertical antennas on the edge of the ocean. QSL via M0URX, please use his online QSL request service for both direct and bureau cards, located at http://m0urx.com/oqrs.
The final list of operators for the 8-20 August D64K expedition to the Comoro Islands, AF-007, has been announced. Operator details, QSLing policy and other information can be found at www.d64k.net.
Steven, DO6UL will be active as DO6UL/P from Usedom Island, EU-129 until 10 August. QSL via his home callsign, direct or via the bureau.
Now the contest news
The 24 hour IOTA Contest finishes as 1200UTC today, 29 July. The exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference, which is EU-005 for mainland Great Britain and EU-115 for mainland Northern Ireland.
The times given for the 80m Sprint contests in the August RadCom were incorrect. They have all been shortened to 1900-2000UTC. The 2m Backpackers on 4 August should have read 1300-1700UTC. The exchange for this 4th contest in the series is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.
Also on the 4th, the 144MHz low power contest takes place from 1400 to 2000UTC. Using all modes the exchange is also signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.
The following day, on the 5th, the 432MHz low power contest takes place from 0800 to 1200UTC, Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.
RoPoCo 2 is the first of this month’s HF contests. It takes place for 90 minutes, 0700 to 0830UTC on Sunday 5th, using CW only on the 80m band. In your first QSO you send a signal report and your own full postcode. For subsequent QSOs you send the postcode of the station you worked in your previous QSO. This contest relies on accuracy of the exchange, so if you receive a postcode that you know is wrong, eg impossible, or a corrupted version of your own, you should pass it on as you receive it, not corrected or amended.
The UK Microwave Group’s Microwave Field Day also takes place on 5 August from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using the 1.3 and 10GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 20th to Thursday the 26th of July, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 27th of July.
With no large complex sunspot regions visible, solar activity was very low to low. Several small groups produced the occasional C class solar flares which took place on the 21st, 23rd, 24th and 26th. The largest solar flare was a C4, which took place on the 24th. Solar flux levels increased from 90 units on the 21st to 115 by the 26th. The average was 99 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 26th was 125 units, that’s two units down on last week. X-ray flux levels increased from B1.7 units on the 21st to B3.5 units by the 26th. The average was B2.8 units. Geomagnetic activity was at quiet to unsettled levels throughout the period. A weak coronal hole disturbance and maybe a slight glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection contributed towards the sight increase in activity. The only quiet day was the 26th, with an Ap index of 3 units. The average was Ap 9 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds vary between 330 and 600 kilometres per second during the period. Particle densities increased briefly to 14 particles per cubic centimetre during the 14th, otherwise, densities were low. Bz varied between minus 7 and plus 8 nanoTeslas every day, except for the quietest day, the 26th, which varied between minus 3 and plus 4 nanoTeslas.
And finally the solar forecast. This week the slightly more activity side of the Sun is expected to be looking our way. Solar activity and solar flux levels will not reach as high as they did on the last rotation. Solar activity is expected to be low, with only a small chance of increasing to moderate levels. Solar flux levels should be in the 130’s for most of the week. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be at ‘active’ levels for the next few days due to a recurring coronal hole. However, the coronal hole on this rotation is smaller than on the last rotation. Quiet conditions should return by midweek but although an Earth directed coronal mass ejection is unlikely, it cannot be totally ruled out. Paths this week to South Africa 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 1200 and 1600 hours. Sporadic-E is expected to take place most days between 28 and 70MHz. Occasional openings on 144MHz are still possible but, in general, will be less intense and not as widespread as at the peak of the season.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
July 26th, 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 22nd July 2012
The news headlines:
It’s not too late for UK amateurs to apply for the special prefix to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. The Notice of Variation application can be found on the RSGB website at www.rsgb.org/olympics. The special callsigns run until 2359BST on 9 September. The letter O, Oscar, will be added to calls, or replace the regional identifier.
The IOTA Contest takes place on 28 and 29 July and there are some important rules changes for participants. The scoring for Island-World and World-World QSOs has changed, to increase the importance of working island stations. The World Multi-op category has been discontinued. A QSY rule for Island Multi-Op stations has been introduced, because some entrants have been operating with more than one multiplier station. Finally, low power expedition entrants are now allowed to use any antenna. The 2012 rules are on the Contest Committee section of the RSGB website. All operators are asked to please be careful to use contest preferred band segments, as penalties will be applied to stations who do not observe these limits.
Over in the USA, Brian, WA1ZMS, is making the final preparations to ship the GB3WGI 144MHz transatlantic beacon transmitter over to Northern Ireland. Thanks to the kind donation of antenna parts and clamps from G4CQM at Powabeam Antennas, beacon keeper Gordon, GI6ATZ, is in the process of building the antenna system for the beacon, and installing the emergency shutdown system. It is hoped to have the beacon up and running before the year end.
Because of an increase in applications for digital gateways in the 2m band, a number of changes have been proposed to the channels used. A Litmus Test consultation exercise was carried out by the RSGB, and an amended bandplan has now been published on the RSGB website. The opportunity was also taken to correct an error in the 4m bandplan.
Following the success of the QSO party to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Society is running a similar event to commemorate the Olympics. The object is to work as many special United Kingdom O callsign amateur stations as possible, ie callsigns beginning with GO, MO and 2O. In keeping with the previous style of event, people are asked to log the name of the distant operator. Hopefully, other information will be exchanged also, such as the sender's chosen name, a real signal report, the sender's location and station equipment data. Participation in the Olympic QSO Party is open to licensed radio amateurs in the UK and overseas. Full details are in August’s RadCom, on page seven.
An incorrect phone number was printed on page 44 of the August RadCom, in the Transmit-Receive Sequencer article. The correct telephone number is 01234 832 700, not as printed. The editorial team apologises for this error.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
We have no details of any rallies taking place this weekend.
On 29 July, the Horncastle Summer Rally takes place at the Horncastle Youth Centre, Willow Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6DZ. Doors open at 10.30am and admission is £1.50. Tables are £5 and anyone interested should contact Tony, G3ZPU on 01507 527 835.
Also on 29 July, the Blind Veterans UK Radio & Computer Rally will take place at St Dunstan's, Ovingdean, Brighton BN2 7BS. Doors open at 10.30am and admission is £2. Tables are £10 and anyone interested should contact Eddie on 01273 300 772.
Now for the news of special events
As a celebration of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, two flagship amateur radio stations will be active during the Games as part of the Cultural Olympiad. The Cray Valley Radio Society is to host England's celebration from the Royal Borough of Greenwich, using 2O12L, that’s two Oscar one two Lima. A similar amateur radio celebration is happening in Barry, South Wales, where the callsign will be 2O12W, that’s two Oscar one two whisky.
Both teams are looking to make as many contacts as possible throughout the UK, Europe and the world during the Games, particularly with countries participating in the Games. They will be operating 24/7 from Wednesday 25 July until Sunday 9 September, and will be open to the public from Thursday 26 July. The London station will be open from 10am to 4pm and the Welsh station from 10am to 5pm daily. Commemorative QSLs will be available for both stations. For more information about the stations, their locations, operating frequencies and QSL information, check out www.2o12l.com and www.2o12w.com.
South Tyneside Amateur radio club is operating from Marine Walk, Roker, Sunderland for RNLI Harbour Day on Sunday 29 July from 11am to 4pm. Using GB1SLB, operation will be on 10 to 40 metres. Details from Gerard, M3XYP, whose details are correct on QRZ.com.
The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Football tournament in Manchester is being marked by two special event stations. GB2012MV will be operated by Warrington Amateur Radio Club from their club shack at Bell House Lane, Grappenhall, Warrington. South Manchester Radio and Computing Club will be operating GB2012MS from Trafford MV Rugby & Cricket Club, Finley Bank, Sale. The stations will be operating on HF, VHF and UHF. Transmissions start on 25 July, the start of the football tournament. They will end on 9 September, the closing ceremony of the Paralympics.
GB2012OSP is planned for operation from Fancy’s Family Community Farm on Portland Heights. The station is being organised by Dave Aitch, G1OCN and has free public access and a good view of the sailing events. Details will be on QRZ.com.
South Essex Amateur Radio Society will be operating GB1HF close to the 5km Olympic mountain biking course at Hadleigh Farm in South Essex. The station is located opposite the venue at the bottom of Benfleet Downs and will be operated at various times and days on several bands and modes from 27 July to 28 August.
And now the DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
The CY9M DXpedition to St Paul Island, IOTA NA-094, will have six transceivers, four amplifiers and a wide range of antennas. They will be on the air from 26 July to 1 August using 160 to 6 metres, SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via M0URX, direct or bureau, but preferably through his online QSL request service.
Bodo, DF8DX will be active as BW/DF8DX from Taiwan, IOTA AS-020, on 22 to 25 July. He will also be on the air as DU8/DF8DX from Mindanao Island, OC-130, from 26 July to 10 August. QSL via DF8DX, direct or via the bureau.
HB9EOU and HB9CVC will be active as TO2D from St Barthelemy, IOTA NA-146, from 22 July to 4 August. They will operate SSB and RTTY on 40 to 6 metres. QSL via HB9EOU.
VE3DZ and VA2WA will be active as FP/VE3DZ and FP/VA2WA from St. Pierre et Miquelon, NA-032, until 31 July. They will operate CW, SSB and RTTY with two stations on 160 to 6 metres. An online QSL request service for bureau and direct cards will be available after the expedition.
Rick, NE8Z will be active again from Ecuador until 31 July. He will be on the air on 40 to 10 metres as HC1MD from Cumbaya using CW and RTTY, HC1MD/HC1 from Mount Cayambe using CW, as HC1MD/HC3 from Loja again using CW only and as HC1MD/HC5 from Cuenca also using CW only. QSL via K8LJG.
Now the contest news
Today, Sunday 22nd, sees the Low Power Contest taking place. There are two power categories, 10W and 3W, and sections for fixed and portable stations. That makes four categories, and a trophy is awarded to the winner of each. Running from 0900 to 1600UTC on the 3.5 and 7MHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and power.
The 70MHz Trophy Contest also takes place toady, Sunday 22nd. Running from 1000 to 1600UTC and using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.
On Monday 23 July the SHF UK Activity Contest takes place on 2.3GHz and up from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday 24 July, from 1900 to 2130UTC, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest takes place. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 13th to Thursday the 19th of July, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 20th of July
The large sunspot group from last week continued to dominate the solar disc until it rotated out of view during the 18th. It produced several M class solar flares and then, on the 19th, produced a long duration M7 solar flare. Solar activity was low on the 13th and the 15th. Solar flux levels declined from 148 units on the 14th to 100 by the 19th. The average was 130 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 19th was 128, that’s seven units up on last week. X-ray flux levels peaked at C1 units on the 16th and the 17th but then declined to B5.8 by the 19th. The average was B8.2 units. In last week’s report I mentioned the X1 solar flare that took place on the 12th and the associated coronal mass ejection that was heading our way. This arrived during the afternoon of the 14th. Initially, the storm was not too strong but during the early hours of the 15th activity increased. Bt, the total magnetic strength of the solar wind, was not that high, but what made the disturbance so strong was that the Bz remained southward for over 32 hours. The Ap index on the 15th was 86 units and 40 units on the next day. It was not until the 18th that activity returned to quiet levels. The average was Ap 25 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 320 kilometres per second to 720 by the 14th. Speeds then declined 370 kilometres per second by the end of the period. Particle densities were low at first but increased late on the 14th, peaking at 35 particles per cubic centimetre on the 15th. Bz varied between minus and plus 3 nanoTeslas on the quiet days and between minus 19 and plus 7 nanoTeslas during the disturbance. Radio aurora began on the evening of the 14th and continued through to the early hours of the 17th. It peaked during the afternoons of the 15th and 16th, when it reached all parts of the UK. Contacts were reported on 50, 70, 144MHz and there were even one or two reports on 432MHz – but not in the UK. However, some night-owls were treated to a rare red visual aurora display as far south as East Anglia. Es continued on 28, 50 and 70, including a strong 70MHz opening to the Canary Islands on the 18th.
And finally the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to be looking our way. However, activity could show signs of increasing towards next weekend. Solar activity is expected to be low but the occasional M class solar flare could take place and increase activity to moderate levels. Solar flux levels could be slightly below the 100 mark at first but could start to increase after midweek. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be mostly quiet but around midweek a weak disturbance could take place due to a small coronal hole. 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 13MHz. Paths this week to India 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.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
July 13th, 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 15th July 2012
The news headlines:
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Government Minister opens RSGB National Radio Centre
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Terry Stevens, G8DKS, Silent Key
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Optical Morse code in space
On Wednesday 11 July, Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport officially opened the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes. After a tour of the new building and unveiling a plaque in the entrance, Ed Vaizey, MP said, “The National Radio Centre will do an enormous amount to spread the knowledge about the history of radio and its continuing importance in the 21st century.” Joining the RSGB to celebrate the opening of the NRC were many high profile visitors, including Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, Vice-President of the IARU and Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, CEO & Secretary of the ARRL. Many of the NRC’s valued sponsors were represented, as were those who work hard to demonstrate and showcase the NRC to the public. The National Radio Centre is open Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4.30pm. More details, and photographs of the event, can be found on the website, www.nationalradiocentre.com.
It is with great sadness that the RSGB has learned of the death of Terry Stevens, G8DKS, RSGB VHF Manager. Only two weeks ago Terry was representing the Society at meetings in Friedrichshafen. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Meanwhile, David Butler, G4ASR has offered to step into the role until a permanent VHF Manager can be appointed.
The amateur radio CubeSat FITSAT-1 will carry an optical communications experiment that aims to write Morse Code across the night sky using high intensity LEDs. It launches to the ISS on 21 July, from where it will be deployed in September. For more information see www.uk.amsat.org/2037.
Guernsey RAYNET group is taking part in the Worked All Britain event following the Olympic torch using GP7WAB today, Sunday 15 July. Planned operation will be from 0800 until 2255UTC on all HF bands plus 6m, 2m and 70cm as conditions allow. As Jersey ARS are also taking part on the same day, it's expected that many beams will be pointing south and the groups are hoping for better band conditions than of late. Further details from Tom, 2U0TKB on 07781 405083.
Several operations have been approved for DXCC credit. These include the 2012 operations 3C0E from Annobon, 3C6A from Equatorial Guinea, 5X1RO from Uganda and XW4XR from Laos. Also approved are the 2011 J25DXA and 2010 J28RO operations from Djibouti. If you've had any of these operations rejected in a recent DXCC submission, please send an email to bmoore@arrl.org to be put on the list for an update.
UK amateurs may be interested to learn that there have been changes to the UK card checkers for the ARRL DXCC Award. Ian, G0KRL has retired as the G postal checker after 12 years. A huge vote of thanks is owed to Ian for his sterling service. He remains on the field checkers list for any local customers. G5LP is taking over as the G postal checker and his contact details are on the RSGB website. There is no change for the other UK areas; GM3YTS is still the postal checker. 160m contacts and deleted entities may now be Field checked. For the 160m cards the checker must be on the 160m DXCC list. In the UK, G5LP, G4BWP, GM3YTS are qualified to check 160m cards. DXCC has introduced an online application form and its use is requested by anyone who has access to it. Any questions may be sent to G4BWP via email to fredch@homeshack.freeserve.co.uk or to the postal checker by standard mail, enclosing an SAE for a reply. Check out the RSGB website at www.rsgb.org/committees/spectrumforum/details-of-hf-awards.php.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, 15 July, the McMichael Rally and Boot Sale takes place at Reading Rugby Club, just off the A4 east of Reading. There is free car parking and the gates open at 9.30am. Admission is £2. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and a car boot area. More details from Pete, G8FRC on 01189 695 697.
QRP in the Country takes place today, Sunday 15 July, at Upton Bridge Farm, Long Sutton, Langport, Somerset TA10 9NJ, regardless of the weather. Organiser Tim Walford says the cattle sheds have been cleaned and it will be indoors if the weather stays bad. The farm gate opens at 10am. Don’t forget to bring your entries for the Ten Part Receiver Challenge, he adds.
There are no details of rallies taking place next weekend. On 29 July, the Horncastle Summer Rally and the Blind Veterans UK Radio and Computer Rally are scheduled to take place.
Now for the news of special events
Riviera Amateur Radio Club will be operating a portable station from Brixham Breakwater on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 July in support of RNLI Torbay's Lifeboat Week 2012. The club callsign MX0RIV will be active on HF and VHF. Up-to-date frequencies are on the club website, www.rivieraarc.org.uk.
The RSGB team in the IARU contest that ends today, 15 July, is using GO2HQ. This is in advance of the general validity of O prefix NoVs, which commence at 0000BST on 21 July.
F5SKW and several other French radio amateurs will be on the air throughout today, 15 July, as TM70TRS or TM70TE from the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower, Paris. This activity is to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the French Army Signal Corps. The operation will use CW, SSB and RTTY on the HF and VHF bands. A special QSL card will be available. QSL via the F6KHX Amateur Radio Club or F5OGL, direct or via the REF QSL Bureau.
GB2VET, celebrating the Army, Navy and Air Force Reunion's 10 anniversary, will be operational from 27 to 29 July from East Park in the city of Hull. Plans are to operate all available bands using both World War 2 and modern gear. Modes will include D-Star on VHF and UHF. There will also be a display of vintage equipment as well.
GB4GBO will be on the air celebrating the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Operated by the Sands Contest Group at various times between 21 July and 10 September, the group hope to work many stations.
And now the DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
The St Paul Island CY9M operation will be on the air from 26 July to 1 August. This rare island is located approximately 14 miles northeast of the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. QSL via M0URX.
Special event callsign 3G90AA will be in use on all bands and modes until 31 July to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Radio Club of Chile. QSL via CE3AA.
Heinz, DL4AO/P is active from Fehmarn Island, EU-128, until 20 July. He plans to operate CW, RTTY, PSK and JT65A on 30, 20, 17, 15 and 12 metres. QSL via his home callsign, the bureau is preferred.
Frank, DL1FT is active holiday style as ES0FTZ from Saaremaa Island, EU-034, until 19 July. His preferred bands are 40 and 20 metres. QSL via DL1FT, Logbook of The World and eQSL.
Now the contest news
The 2012 IARU HF World Championships takes place this weekend, 14 and 15 July, ending at 1200UTC today. The objective of this contest is to contact as many other amateurs around the world as possible, especially IARU Member Society HQ stations, using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre bands, on phone and or CW. The UK HQ station will be active and looking for as many QSOs as possible on as many HF contesting bands and modes as possible with as many people as possible. This includes UK stations. They will be using a very special callsign for the event, GO2HQ, which should get them noticed. The exchange is signal report and ITU zone, which for the UK is 27. As in previous years, there are awards for individuals and clubs who work the UK HQ station. The rules are at www.gr2hq.com.
On 17 July the UHF UK Activity Contest takes place from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On 19 July it’s the data leg of the 80m club championships running from 1900 to 2030UTC. The exchange is the usual signal report and serial number.
Sunday 22nd sees the Low Power Contest taking place. There are two power categories, 10W and 3W, and sections for fixed and portable stations. That makes four categories, and a trophy is awarded to the winner of each. Running from 0900 to 1600UTC on the 3.5 and 7MHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and power.
The 70MHz Trophy Contest on Sunday 22nd is one that has increased in popularity, especially now that more countries have access to the band. Last year there was a record number of entries. Running from 1000 to 1600UTC and using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 6th to Thursday the 12th of July, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 13th of July.
As one large sunspot group rotated out of view on the 6th, another rotated into view on the 7th. The departing region produced an X1 class solar flare on the 6th and a number of M class solar flares every day until it disappeared. The new region also produced the occasional M class solar flare and, on the 12th, an X1 solar flare. This was accompanied by a large coronal mass ejection that is heading our way. Solar flux levels increased from 158 units on the 6th to 178 by the 8th, levels then declined to 162 by the 11th. The average was 167 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 12th was 127 units, that’s six units up on last week. X-ray flux levels declined from C2.4 units on the 6th to B7 by the 12th. The average was C1.1 units. Geomagnetic activity started at unsettled levels due to a coronal hole disturbance on the 6th. The only quiet day was the 7th, with an Ap index of 8 units, but by the next day a series of coronal mass ejections arrived from the solar flare activity that occurred several days earlier. This lasted for the rest of the period. The 9th was the most disturbed day, with an Ap index of 38 units. The average was Ap 16 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds vary between 370 and 560 kilometres per second. Particle densities were moderate to high until the 11th and then declined to low until the end of the period. Bz varied between minus 9 and plus 10 nanoTeslas on the most disturbed day, the 9th. The Bz remained negative for almost all of the 9th, and it was for this reason that the Ap figure was so high. 50MHz and 70MHz Es propagation continued on most days. Radio aurora was reported on 50 and 144MHz on several days, the best of which was the 9th, when stations in southern England reported contacts during the afternoon and early evening.
And finally the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to be rotating into view. There will however be a large sunspot group visible, which could be capable of producing the occasional M class solar flare. Solar flux levels are expected to decline and by next weekend be around the 120 mark. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be at quiet levels, however, if an Earthward directed coronal mass ejection takes place then activity would increase. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 23MHz for the south and 20MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be about 14MHz. Paths this week to South America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate will be 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 1400 and 2200 hours. Sporadic-E is expected most days on the lower VHF bands. The chance of an opening taking place on 144MHz is now becoming less.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
July 6th, 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 8th July 2012
The news headlines:
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Society publishes proposals for strategy and new governance arrangements.
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Final call for 2 metre data band plan consultation
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Olympics frequency regulations start taking effect
On 7 July, the Society published two very important consultative documents. These are on the RSGB website and in the August Edition of RadCom. They contain proposals for a 3-year strategy for the society, together with new governance arrangements. All members are encouraged to participate during the consultation period that runs until 20 August. You can make comments by joining in two Litmus Tests to be conducted via the website, by e-mail either to strategy@rsgb.org.uk or governance@rsgb.org.uk or by post to RSGB HQ.
A recent item on GB2RS and a fuller article in July’s RadCom detailed proposed changes to the 144MHz data band plan and the intention to consult on these changes using a Litmus Test via the RSGB website. Responses have been generally very positive and it is intended to bring the consultation to an end on 15 July. A final call for comments will be posted on the website this week. Anyone wishing to make an input can find the consultation at www.rsgb.org/consultations. Owing to a technical issue, if you have previously posted on this Litmus Test, you will have to recreate your user account if you wish to post again. This was caused by our moving the Litmus Test to a new server. The Society apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
As previously announced by Ofcom, the temporary restrictions on 70cm, 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz around Games venues are now in force until 23 September. Changes to repeaters affected by Annex C of the Ofcom 70cm restrictions have also been implemented. GB3OK at Orpington, Kent and GB3NS at Banstead, North Surrey have changed to their new 9MHz split operating frequencies. GB3EK at Margate in East Kent has temporarily reduced power; whilst the new temporary Olympics repeater GB3OY in East London has begun operation. The RSGB website has details of these, as well as important updates for the temporary usage of 2m and Ofcom's enhanced enforcement powers that also come into effect later this month, at www.rsgb.org/Olympics. The next edition of RadCom will also include details, as well as the latest arrangements for special events and operating opportunities.
A new DX record has been achieved on the ageing OSCAR-7 satellite. This was between Wyatt, AC0RA in Iowa and Bill, OM3BD in the Slovak Republic. Their GPS-measured 7849km QSO between grid squares EN31vx and JN88mf surpassed the prior 7843km record set in 2010. To make the path, OM3BD was running a Yaesu FT-847 with SP2000 preamp fed by a pair of 10 element Yagis on 2m and an 8 element Yagi for 70cm. AC0RA also used a Yaesu FT-847 transceiver with a 7 element Yagi on 2m and a 12 element Yagi on 70cm.
Tasmania's first D-Star repeater is on the air. VK7RRR is the southernmost D-Star repeater in the world, and the first and only such public digital voice repeater in Tasmania. The system operates in the 70cm band, listening on 432.725MHz and transmitting on 438.125MHz with 50 watts of output power.
There have been four named storms in the Atlantic already this year. Although none have made the news, it is time for the 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 some frequencies may be in use by nets in North and Central America. It is possible for Region 1 amateurs to cause unintentional interference to these nets. 14.300MHz is used by the Maritime Mobile Service Net daily and, as well as handling traffic from Maritime Mobile Stations, also gathers weather reports from maritime stations to assist forecasters. 14.325MHz is used by the Hurricane Watch Net and the net is established whenever it appears that a storm may affect the US mainland. The net gathers weather information and links to the American National Hurricane Centre. 14.265MHz is used by the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, which provides Health and Welfare traffic links for those in affected areas, as well as supporting the Salvation Army Disaster relief response should a hurricane strike. A number of other frequencies are used by specific countries and details of those can be found on the IARU Region 1 website, www.iaru-r1.org.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
The 49th Cornish Radio Amateurs Club Rally takes place today, 8 July, at Penair School, St Clements, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30am and admission is £2. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. Details from Steve on 01209 844 939.
On 15 July, the McMichael Rally and Boot Sale takes place at Reading Rugby Club, just off the A4 east of Reading. There is free car parking and the gates open at 9.30am. Admission is £2. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and a car boot area. More details from Pete, G8FRC on 01189 695 697.
QRP in the Country will take place on 15 July at Upton Bridge Farm, Long Sutton, Langport, Somerset TA10 9NJ, regardless of the weather. Organiser Tim Walford says the cattle sheds have been cleaned and it will be indoors if the weather stays bad. The farm gate opens at 10am. Don’t forget to bring your entries for the Ten Part Receiver Challenge!
Now for the news of special events
Poldhu Amateur Radio Club will be operating GB5TEL from Goonhilly Earth Station on Wednesday 11 July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first transatlantic TV transmission via Telstar.
Riviera Amateur Radio Club will be operating a portable station from Brixham Breakwater on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 July in support of RNLI Torbay's Lifeboat Week 2012. The club callsign MX0RIV will be active on HF and VHF frequencies. Up-to-date frequencies are on the club website, www.rivieraarc.org.uk.
GB10SOTA, celebrating 10 years of Summits on the Air, continues from the summit of Mount Snowdon, GW/NW-001. Using HF, VHF and UHF, operation will continue until 15 July from the summit of the highest mountain in England and Wales. Details are on QRZ.com.
The RSGB team for the forthcoming IARU contest on 14 and 15 July has obtained the special callsign GO2HQ for use in this Olympics year. This is in advance of the general validity of O prefix NoVs, which commence at 0000BST on 21 July.
GB4TDF will be on the air to celebrating the 99th year of the Tour de France. Operating from Hancocks Radio Hut Low Bentham, Lancaster until 23 July. Main operators will be Barrie, G1JYB, Stephany, G1LAT, and members of Sands Contest Group.
Moroccan operators will use the special prefix 5C13 until 27 July in celebration of the 13th anniversary of the crowning of Mohammed VI as King of Morocco. QSL as directed by each operator.
Netherlands special event station PC100NOM will be active until 29 July to commemorate then 100th anniversary of The Netherlands Open Air Museum in the city of Arnhem. The operator is PA0FAW who is using CW, SSB and PSK on the various HF bands. QSL via PA0FAW, either direct, via the bureau or electronically using eQSL. SWL reports are also welcome.
And now the DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources
N6NB and W6TAI will be active as E51YNB and E51TAI from Rarotonga for the IARU HF World Championship on 14 and 15 July. Their operation is expected to start a few days before the contest and last several days after the competition concludes. They will be on 15 to 40m, using SSB only. QSL both callsigns via N6NB.
Members of the Trinidad and Tobago ARS will also be active as 9Y4HQ during the IARU HF World Championships. Operations will be on all of the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL only via DF2RG, either direct or via the bureau.
Quito Radio Club will be on the air as HD081QRC, Hotel Delta Zero Eighty One, between 14 and 22 July, to commemorate the founding of that organisation 81 years ago. Activity will be on all bands using CW and SSB. QSL HC1JQ direct or via the bureau.
W5JON will once again be operating as V47JA from his holiday home overlooking Calypso Bay on St Kitts from 12 July until 2 August on 6 to 80m using SSB. He also plans to take part in the IOTA Contest later in July. QSLs to W5JON either direct or via Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
VHF NFD takes place over this weekend, ending at 1400UTC today, 8 July. At one time there was only one section in VHF NFD, these days there are six sections, including two for single-ops who stay at home and sweep the bands looking for the portable entrants. The number of teams, sweepers excluded, entering is almost the same now as it was 15 years ago, which is the earliest date of the results on the Contest Committee website. Using all modes on the 50 to 1296MHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Today, Sunday 8th, the third leg of the 144MHz Backpackers Contest takes place. Most of it overlaps the final part of VHF NFD, but it continues for one hour after VHF NFD ends. The maximum power in this event is 3 watts. Running from 1100 to 1500UTC and using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Tuesday 10 July sees the 432MHz UK Activity Contest taking place from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Wednesday 11 July sees the SSB leg of the 80m Club Championships from 1900 to 2030UTC. The exchange is the usual signal report and serial number.
The 2012 IARU HF World Championships will take place next weekend, 14 and 15 July, beginning at 1200UTC on the 14th and ending at 1200UTC on the 15th. The objective of this contest is to contact as many other amateurs, especially IARU Member Society HQ stations, around the world as possible using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre bands, on phone and/or CW. The UK HQ station will be active and looking for as many QSOs as possible on as many HF contesting bands and modes as possible with as many people as possible. This includes UK stations. As mentioned earlier, the UK HQ station will be using a very special callsign for the event, GO2HQ, which should get them noticed. They will be the only Golf Oscar station in the world. The exchange is signal report and ITU zone, which for the UK is 27. As in previous years, there are awards for individuals and clubs who work it, see the rules on www.gr2hq.com.
And now the solar factual data for the period from Friday the 29th of June to Thursday the 5th of July, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on Friday the 6th of July
Two large sunspot groups dominated the solar disc all week and produced large solar flares every day. Solar activity was moderate but increased to high on the 2nd, 4th and the 5th. Seven M class solar flares took place on the 4th and ten on the 5th. Sudden ionospheric disturbances and coronal mass ejections were associated with the larger flares. Over one hundred smaller C class solar flares took place throughout the period. Solar flux levels increased from 117 units on the 29th to 166 by the 2nd. The average was 149 units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 5th was 121, that’s 3 units up on last week. X-ray flux levels increased from B3.9 to C2.6 units by the 5th. The average was B8.4 units. Geomagnetic activity was dominated by the coronal hole disturbance that arrived on the 30th when the Ap index was 27 units and lasted until the 3rd. Only the 29th was quiet, with an Ap of 5 units. The average was Ap 16 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds increase from 360 kilometres per second on the 29th to 730 by the next day. Speeds then gradually declined to 450 kilometres per second by the end of the period. Particle densities were moderate for the first 3 days, reaching a peak of 25 particles per cubic centimetre during the morning of the 30th. Bz initially varied between minus 6 and plus 5 nanoTeslas on the 29th, but increased to minus and plus 12 nanoTeslas during the disturbance. VHF aurora was reported from high latitude stations during the early evening of the 2nd. A good 144MHz Es opening to Portugal, Spain and Morocco took place around 1800 hours on the 4th, with one or two stations also working Madeira and the Canary Islands. Es occurred daily up to 70MHz.
And finally the solar forecast. This week the active side of the Sun is expected to be rotating out of view. Solar activity should be moderate on some days. Solar flux levels should remain around present levels but could decline later in the week to around 130 units. Geomagnetic activity could increase due to any coronal mass ejections that head our way, however, if none do, then activity should remain mostly low. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be about 23MHz for the south and 20MHz for the north. Darkness hour lows should be around 14MHz. Path this week to Australia 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 15MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 0800 and 1100 hours. During the evening peaking around 2200 hours the long path will be at its best with an MUF of around 27MHz and the optimum working frequency of about 21MHz. Sporadic-E is expected to take place all most every day, with openings occasionally up to 144MHz.
And that’s all for this week from the propagation team.
Tags: Ham Radio
