GB2RS

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for January 29th 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 29th of January 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB Construction Competition
RSGB Elections
Tonight@8 webinar
 
Have you been busy making something recently? Don’t forget that you have just five weeks left to enter the RSGB Construction Competition. The four categories are Beginners; Construction excellence; Innovation; and Software. The judges will give special recognition to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24 and also to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. There are cash prizes in every category. The RSGB Communications Manager chatted to last year’s winners and runners-up and shared their stories in the January and February editions of RadCom, so take a look and be inspired! Details about how to enter the competition are on the RSGB website at: rsgb.org/construction-competition
If you’re interested in helping to see amateur radio, and the RSGB, continue to thrive over the coming years, this is a final reminder that the closing date for RSGB President, Elected Director and Regional Representative roles is this Tuesday, the 31st of January. Candidate packs, forms and further details can be found at rsgb.org/election
On Monday the 6th of February, Anthony Luscre, K8ZT will talk about QRP operating on the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar. Find out more on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars and put the date in your diary for another fascinating live presentation.
We are delighted to announce that, as part of our Coronation celebration activities, Ofcom has approved "R" as the optional Coronation regional secondary locator prefix for all radio amateurs. You will be able to use this for the whole of May and June 2023. More information will be reported closer to the date of the Coronation.
Aged 26 or under? Love all things radio? Why not join the RSGB Youth Team? The team currently has over 30 members across the UK, who work together to encourage young people into the hobby. You'll be involved in planning events, attending shows and writing articles. Get involved, gain skills and make new friends! See the new youth video “Try it!” on the RSGB YouTube channel and find out how to get involved in the Youth Team via the Society’s website: rsgb.org/youth
Today, the 29th, from approximately 1200UTC, James, M0GQC, Fraser, MM0EFI, David, EI5IMB and Chris, M0RSF will be activating four separate Worldwide Flora and Fauna areas on 20 and 40m SSB. They will post their working frequencies on the Worldwide Flora and Fauna website. All calls are welcome.
 
And now for details of rallies and events
The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held today, Sunday the 29th of January, at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via contact@m1dhv.co.uk
The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact sears.enquiries@gmail.com for further information.
The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk
West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of February. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htm
Andover Radio Amateur Club has unfortunately had to cancel its boot sales this year. The sales were due to be held on the 23rd of April and the 3rd of September.
 
Now the Special Event News
Throughout the month of January, Weston-super-Mare Radio Society has been operating special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923. There are still a few days left, before the end of the month, to work the station if you don’t already have it in your logbook.
Special callsign GB2WC will be active until the 31st of January. The station is operating to promote the World Radiosport Team Championship due to be held in July in conjunction with the IARU HF World Championships. More details about the World Radiosport Team Championship can be found by visiting wrtc.info
7U7C is the special callsign used by members of the 7X2VFK Radio Club to mark the 7th African Nations Championship, the biennial football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football. The callsign will be active until the 4th of February.
 
Now the DX news
Jeff, VA3QSL will be active as P4/VA3QSL from Aruba, SA-036, until the 8th of February. He will be operating SSB, CW and digital modes on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, the bureau or his home call.
Andre, ON7YK will be active from Bijilo, Gambia until the 24th of February. He will be operating as C5YK on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via eQSL, Logbook of the World or directly to his home call.
Francis, F6BWJ will be active as FM/F6BWJ from Martinique, NA-107, until the 10th of March. He will be operating CW, PSK and RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands. He will upload his log to the Logbook of the World and Club Log.
Gerard, F2JD will be active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 13th of March. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the bureau.
 
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December last year. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
The CQ Worldwide 160m DX Contest ends its 48-hour run today, Sunday the 29th of January, at 2200UTC. Using CW only, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. American stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province.
The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint ends its 24-hour run today, Sunday the 29th of January, at 1200UTC. Using RTTY only, the exchange is a serial number.
On Wednesday the 1st of February, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB only, the exchange is your six-character locator.
On Wednesday the 1st of February, the 144MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs for four hours from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 only, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 1st of February, a separate 144MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs for two hours from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 only, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Sunday the 5th of February, the 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
 
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 26th of January 2023
As of Thursday, we had a strange situation whereby all the current visible sunspots were in one hemisphere of the Sun. But this isn’t that unusual, as the two hemispheres usually peak at different times in the cycle.
In a couple of years, we may well have the reverse situation.
Nevertheless, the solar flux index declined and stood at 172 on the 26th when this report was prepared. While there are plenty of sunspots, they are all relatively small, unlike a week ago when active region 3190 was on the visible face.
Last week saw the Sun being settled geomagnetically, with the Kp index not exceeding three. We have had some M-class flares, but nothing stronger.
NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will decline to 175 before increasing again at the beginning of next month. We can expect quiet geomagnetic conditions for a time, but NOAA predicts that the Kp index will rise again around the 1st and then from the 7th to the 10th of February.
Meanwhile, the 3YOJ Bouvet Island DXpedition, located at 54.42 degrees South, 3.36 degrees East, is getting closer to its final location. So, it's time to start looking at propagation predictions for this sought-after entity. Bouvet lies almost exactly due south from the UK. If you have a beam point it at 180 degrees or 0 degrees for the long path.
The short path is likely to give you the best results, that is 80 to 100% reliability, with the 15m band open from 0800 to 2100UTC. There are shorter 12m and 10m openings during the day, with 10m open from 1200 to 1400UTC and again from 1700 to 1800UTC. 20m should give the best results overall from 1700 to 0200UTC, although it is likely to be the busiest band.
30m and 40m also offer up good propagation from 1700 to 0400UTC.
There is also a weaker long-path opening predicted on 17m from 1000UTC until 1600UTC with 50% probability. These were all calculated with VOACAP online and Proppy.
The UK appears to have good HF propagation to Bouvet overall but make sure you are on the right band at the right time!
 
And now the VHF and up propagation news
There has been some very focused tropo in the last week, especially on 70cm and 23cm digital modes around the edge of some high pressure from the UK into eastern Europe and the southern Baltic.
This shows the value of looking for paths along the edge of extensive highs, rather than across the centre, where the inversion dips lower and may duct the path into the ground.
The coming week offers further high-pressure systems, mostly over the Atlantic to the west of Britain or to the south. So, perhaps paths towards Spain or the Canary Islands are worth a look. The northern half of the charts will see deep lows, much stronger winds and rain or showers, so introducing rain scatter options and testing the antennas.
Other modes are available, of course, but the good practice of watching the clusters should keep everyone informed so that you don’t miss out.
It’s still worth a check for aurora, and random meteor scatter is always an option around dawn, even in the current meteor shower minimum period that lasts until the Lyrids in mid-to-late April.
With the Moon at peak declination on Thursday, this is a good week for EME with long Moon availability windows. That said, Moon apogee next Saturday means that EME path losses are high. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, reaching 500 Kelvin on Wednesday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for January 22nd 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 22nd of January 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB Elections
RSGB Band Plans
RSGB Convention Videos
 
Could you help to shape the future of amateur radio? The RSGB is looking for volunteers who are willing and able to give their time and enthusiasm to ensure that amateur radio and the Society continue to develop and thrive. There is still time to stand for the eight elected roles. Would one of these roles suit your skills, experience and enthusiasm? You can stand for RSGB President, elected Board Director or for one of the five Regional Representative roles. The closing date is the 31st of January and the results of the elections will be announced at the AGM on the 15th of April. Candidate packs and information about the nomination process can be found on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election
The 2023 RSGB Band Plans are now available online and in the February edition of RadCom. Whilst there are no formal changes compared to 2022, an accompanying background article explains what may be in prospect in the year ahead which has both major IARU and World Radio Conference events. The Band Plans can be viewed by visiting: rsgb.org/bandplans 
As a benefit for its members, the RSGB has released two Convention videos just for members to view. Peter Duffett-Smith, GM3XJE talks about the input impedance of feeders, whilst ‘Sprinkles or Mirrors’, the presentation by Chris Deacon, G4IFX, discovers the true nature of six-metre sporadic-E. Both videos are available in the RSGB online members’ portal. Over the next few weeks, the Society will release more videos into this portal so RSGB members have the benefit of watching these presentations first. Log into the RSGB website, go to www.rsgb.org/videos and then choose the Convention lectures section.
RSGB District Representative Martyn Vincent, G3UKV was interviewed on BBC Radio Shropshire recently for “Learn your name in Morse Code Day”. Martyn spoke to Michaela Wylde about amateur radio, CW and his club, Telford and District Amateur Radio Society. He gave a demonstration of how to send his name in Morse code and played an example of what Morse sounds like in a contest on the 40m band. You can hear the interview on BBC Sounds where Michaela was sitting in for the Mark Elliott show on the 11th of January. The interview starts at 12 minutes and five seconds into the programme.
The Cray Valley Radio Society will be running a two-day face-to-face Foundation licence course on Saturday the 4th and Saturday the 11th of February, with a paper exam on the second Saturday. A few places remain available on a first-come first served basis. Located in Eltham London SE9, the course will also provide practical advice and instruction to assist candidates in setting up a station. For the online application form, please go to CVRS.org and open the training tab.
The Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is running an Intermediate license training course on the weekend of the 18th and 19th of March 2023. This classroom-based course runs from 9 am to 5.30 pm on both days and is held in a quiet village hall near Newbury in Berkshire. Each course is limited to eight students, enabling the trainers to provide the highest standard of training to each student. The team of six instructors, each specialising in a topic, will help you gain all the knowledge you need to pass the Intermediate exam. If you are interested or know someone who might be, then please contact the course secretary Lloyd, M5LDF via m5ldf.uk@gmail.com or complete the online enquiry form via nadars.org.uk/courses.asp
 And now for details of rallies and events
The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via contact@m1dhv.co.uk
The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact sears.enquiries@gmail.com for further information.
The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk
West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of February. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htm
Now the Special Event News
Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston-super-Mare Radio Society will be operating a special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923.
Special event station GB2KW will be active until the 28th of January. The station, located near Inverness in Scotland, will be using vintage equipment manufactured by KW Electronics Limited during the 1960s and 70s. QSL via Logbook of the World.
Special callsign GB2WC will be active until the 31st of January. The station is operating to promote the World Radiosport Team Championship due to be held in July in conjunction with the IARU HF World Championships. More details about the World Radiosport Team Championship can be found by visiting wrtc.info
 Now the DX news
Andres, SM0HPL will be active as 5X7W from Uganda until the 23rd of January. He operates a QRP station using a vertical antenna four stories up in his accommodation block. He will be using CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS page, Logbook of the World and eQSL.
Chris, WA7RAR will be active as 8P9CB from Barbados, NA-021, until the 25th of January. He will be operating using SSB and some CW on the 20 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to his home call.
If you are interested in logging Jersey, EU-013, on 160m, then the next CQ Worldwide 160m CW contest could be your opportunity. Bob, GU4YOX will be operating from Jersey as MJ5E in the contest next weekend. QSL via Logbook of the World, directly to Bob’s home call, or via the Bureau. More details can be found on the MJ5E QRZ.com page.
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December last year. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
On Tuesday the 24th of January, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 25th of January, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW only, the exchange is your six-character locator.
The CQ Worldwide 160m DX Contest runs from 2200UTC on Friday the 27th of January to 2200UTC on Sunday the 29th of January. Using CW only, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. American stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province.
The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint runs from 1200UTC on Saturday the 28th of January to 1200UTC on Sunday the 29th of January. Using RTTY only, the exchange is a serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 20th of January 2023
The solar flux index has continued to remain above 200, which is good news for the upper HF bands.
10m continues to surprise people with 10m FM around 29.600MHz bringing transatlantic contacts to many. AM around 29.000MHz is also bringing some exciting contacts.
The Sun is currently peppered with spots, with the recent solar flux index of 234 being the highest since 2014. But solar flares and coronal mass ejections remain a threat. We have had numerous M-class flares over the week, but nothing stronger.
The Kp index hit four on Wednesday the 18th due to a glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection and we can expect it to rise again on Friday or Saturday due to an Earth-facing coronal hole.
The Chilton and Fairford ionosondes remain offline so please select Dourbes if using Propquest.co.uk. The critical frequency, as measured at Dourbes, remains above 7MHz from around sunrise onwards, giving a MUF over 3,000km of more than 30MHz for much of the day. So do make the most of 10m, which is probably at its best right now. Make hay, or DX contacts, while the Sun shines, as they say!
The good news is that the Space Weather Prediction Centre expects the solar flux index to remain above 200 for the next week. It says the Kp index might rise again to perhaps five on the 26th and 27th, but may otherwise be two to three in the early part of next week.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The overall weather pattern remains rather changeable at first, but with a tendency to form high pressure, initially in the south, more generally after mid-week. 
In terms of propagation, a welcome return of Tropo conditions is likely, although it may take a while to develop more widespread lift conditions. Sometimes it takes a high-pressure region to become a ‘cloudy high’ to give the best chances of widespread Tropo. Ideally, the high needs to be located such that cloudy Atlantic air can move in across the country underneath the temperature inversion.
It’s still worth a check for aurora, as the Sun is very active at the moment but it's probably a good time to put away Sporadic-E thoughts until the spring.
Random meteor scatter is always an option around dawn, but we are now into the meteor shower minimum period that lasts until the Lyrids in mid-to-late April.
Yesterday’s Moon perigee means that EME path losses are at their lowest but will slowly rise throughout the week. Declination is rising and goes positive on Thursday so Moon availability windows will lengthen. 144MHz sky noise is low all week, only going much above 300 Kelvin next Saturday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for January 15th 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 15th of January 2023
The news headlines:
M0RWX activates all G summits in one year
Direct to Full exams
New display at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park
 
Robert, M0RWX from Malmesbury, Wiltshire activated every single SOTA summit in England, within the calendar year of 2022. This is an unprecedented achievement, but it doesn't end there.  Robert also activated extensively in France, Scotland and Wales and a little in Benelux, during 2022, recording a total of 326 activations, and a mammoth 1476 activator points in the year – almost 1.5 Mountain Goats. Robert is now targeting an activator completion of Wales during 2023 and, thereafter, spending longer on each summit, experimenting with more bands and modes. For more information about Summits on the Air please visit sota.org.uk
Bookings for the Direct to Full exam are now open. The exam can only be taken online but can be booked by individuals or clubs. Go to the RSGB’s exam booking page and follow the process for an individual or club booking. The Society has also published a mock paper for the Direct to Full exam which can be found at rsgb.org/mock-exams
After several months of restoration and development, a Wheatstone Tape Perforator and Wheatstone High-Speed Morse Transmitter have gone on display in the RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. Used extensively from the 1940s until at least the late 1960s such systems enabled the transmission of Morse signals either via telegraph or by wireless at consistently high speeds, without errors, such that might have been introduced by hand-sent Morse. The display is connected to an audio oscillator so, with a push button on the outside of the display case, visitors are able to start the transmitter, see the paper tape being read, and hear Morse characters being sent.
The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park is looking to create a new wall display, illustrating some simple radio set-ups, to inspire newcomers to get started in amateur radio. If you would like to have a photo of your radio shack on display, please send in a good-quality image, showing you operating your radio, or your radio bench. The radio shack could be located anywhere from your loft, to your back bedroom, garden shed, car or on a mountaintop. Remember, the point of this project is to inspire people to get started in the hobby, so the photos need to show a diverse mix of operators and the radio set-up shouldn’t be overly complex. The most suitable photos will be selected and a montage display created, with the title: Take a look at my radio station. If you would like to enter, send your photos to: nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk
The Online Amateur Radio Community provides amateur radio licence training via Zoom. The next Intermediate course is due to commence during the first week of February. The course, which costs £5 to join, will run for eight weeks. The next Full licence training course will start on Wednesday the 17th of April and run for nine weeks. The fee for the Full course is also £5. For further information please visit www.oarc.uk
The GB2RS news service would like to increase the coverage of VHF FM and SSB broadcasts in Northern Ireland. Applicants must be an RSGB member holding a Full or Intermediate licence. If you would like to find out more, without obligation, please get in touch with the GB2RS News Manager, Steve G4HPE, via gb2rs.manager@rsgb.org.uk More information about the RSGB’s news service can be found at rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule
Following the recent items in The Times and on the BBC Radio 4 PM programme about a rise in the use of Morse Code in America, the RSGB contacted BBC Three Counties Radio and arranged an interview for Mervyn Foster, G4KLE. Mervyn is a volunteer at the RSGB National Radio Centre, an RSGB District Representative and a lifelong devotee of Morse Code. He spoke to Andy Collins on the breakfast show on Friday the 13th of January. You can listen to the interview on BBC Sounds which starts one hour and fifty-three minutes into the programme.
 
And now for details of rallies and events
The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via contact@m1dhv.co.uk
The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact sears.enquiries@gmail.com for further information.
The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk
 
Now the Special Event News
Today, the 15th is the last chance to work special callsign PD23HNY. The station is active from The Netherlands in celebration of the New Year. QSL cards will not be issued but a certificate will be available for download.
Today is also the last chance to log special callsigns SP90ENIGMA and SP90ENG. Both stations are operating to mark the 90th anniversary of Polish cryptologists’ first successes in breaking the Enigma code. 
Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston-Super-Mare Radio Society will be operating a special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923.
Special event station GB2KW will be active until the 28th of January. The station, located near Inverness in Scotland, will be using vintage equipment manufactured by KW Electronics Limited during the 1960s and 70s. QSL via Logbook of the World.
 
Now the DX news
Earl, WA3DX will be active from Senegal until the 20th of January. He will operate FT8 and some SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to his home call.
Harald, DF2WO will be active as D44TWO from Sao Tiago, AF-005, Cape Verde until the 21st of January. He will operate FT8, some SSB and some CW on the 160 to 6m bands, and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS account.
John, N9EAJ plans to be active as HC1FIT from a mountaintop location near the city of Otavalo in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador until the 22nd of January. He will be operating SSB and some CW on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL directly to N9EAJ.
 
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
Today, the 15th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 17th of January, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 19th of January, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 21st of January, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80m and 40m SSB Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using SSB only, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
 
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 13th of January 2023
It seems X-class solar flares appear like buses; you wait for ages and then three turn up at once! Over the last week, we have had X-class flares on the 7th, 9th and 10th.
The latest, at the time of writing, saw sunspot region 3186 rotate into view off the Sun’s northeast limb and produce an X1.0 solar flare at 2247UTC on the 10th. It may have thrown some plasma into space in the form of a coronal mass ejection but, as it is not yet directly facing Earth, any associated coronal mass ejection was likely directed away from us.
Over the coming days, it will become Earth-facing and more activity is expected, with sudden ionospheric disturbances and coronal mass ejections becoming the norm. If this does occur, expect the MUF to take a dive, perhaps only for 20 minutes to an hour, if X-ray radiation from a flare impacts us, and for a day or so if a coronal mass ejection hits us.
So, although we currently have an SFI in the 190s, it will be hit-and-miss as to whether HF propagation will be good or bad. The best advice is to monitor the bands and don’t be surprised if we have some fallow days if the Kp index rises.
Excitement is building as the 3Y0J Bouvet DXpedition team is on its way. At the time of writing, they had reached Cape Verde en route to the Falkland Islands. Then they have a long boat trip with departure estimated for the 14th of January. Depending on the weather, expect them to be operating from late January for 22 days. We’ll take a close look at HF propagation to Bouvet in a later GB2RS report.
Meanwhile, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index is unlikely to remain as high as it is. It says it may drop into the 150s, although its predictions haven’t been too accurate recently. Nevertheless, 150 is still admirable. Let’s hope that the Kp index stays low to give the best hope of DX on the upper HF bands.
 
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The unsettled weather pattern remains in place for the coming week and the main changes concern a deeper low in the sequence being strong enough to bring a temporary burst of colder northerlies.
This seems possible later this weekend and early next week. In terms of propagation, it’s looking like rain- or snow-scatter for the GHz bands will be the more likely mode. There is a possibility of some high pressure to the south after mid-week, over France and Biscay, but only reachable from the southern fringes of the British Isles with very limited tropo options.
There has been some strong Sporadic-E showing on the Dourbes graphs on propquest.co.uk on occasion, but we are coming towards the end of the mid-winter Es window this week.
Random meteor scatter and aurora are both options this week. The minor Gamma-Ursae-Minorids meteor shower reaches a low maximum on the 18th. As usual, look to benefit from the pre-dawn peak of random meteors.
The Sun is very disturbed, so you’ll need to track the daily behaviour of the Kp index for aurora prospects. Ideally, it should be five or preferably higher for aurora.
The Moon reaches maximum negative declination this coming Thursday, and at perigee on Saturday, so EME path losses are low and Moon availability windows are short. 144MHz sky noise increases all week, peaking at over 2000 Kelvin on Thursday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for January 8th 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 8th of January 2023
The news headlines:
Marconi international amateur radio award
2023 Tonight@8 series
Direct to Full exams
The news team and all the staff at RSGB HQ would like to wish our newsreaders, listeners and online readers a very Happy New Year. We would like to remind everyone that we always welcome your news, by email, to radcom@rsgb.org.uk, and the deadline is 10am sharp on Thursday mornings. The GB2RS script is uploaded to the RSGB website by 4.30pm each Friday afternoon.
“Marconi Was Here!” is an international amateur radio award organised by ARI Fidenza Radio Club. The main objective of the award is to commemorate historically some of the most important and significant Italian cities where Marconi performed scientific experiments in radio engineering, long distance communications, radio direction-finding and others; experiments that, in the following periods, revealed themselves to be crucial for technical and scientific advancement and the progress of wireless communications. The award period lasts the whole of the 2023 year. Each month is dedicated to a specific Italian city connected to the story of Guglielmo Marconi and is paired to a different special callsign. Further details, special callsigns and award rules can be found at  www.arifidenza.it
The RSGB’s Spring 2023 series of Tonight@8 webinars kicks off this Monday the 9th of January when Ben Lloyd, GW4BML will be talking about Portable Operating. As well as explaining briefly the definition and benefits of portable operating, Ben will also share a little about his amateur radio adventures. These focus mainly on SOTA, working DX and contesting, but all by operating portable. Ben will run through everything that is packed away in his rucksack to enable successful activation. You can watch and ask questions live on our YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Further information about this and other webinars can be found on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars
Following the introduction of the Direct to Full syllabus in July, bookings for the Direct to Full exam will begin this week. You can only take the exam online but you can book as an individual or through your club via the RSGB website. The first exam slot will be on Saturday the 21st of January and the exam will last for two-and-a-half hours. The bookings page will be updated with the Direct to Full information on Wednesday the 11th of January. Go to rsgb.org/exampay to make a booking.
Are you keen to see amateur radio thrive? Do you have the time and enthusiasm to support other radio amateurs and to help shape the RSGB of the future? If so, you still have the opportunity to be nominated in the RSGB elections. This year there are nine roles to be filled and the results will be announced at the Society’s AGM in April 2023. An explanation of how to apply for the various roles, as well as the candidate packs and forms for President, Elected Board Director and Regional Representative, are all on the Society’s website. The deadline for the Nominated Board Director role has now passed but the closing date for other roles is the 31st of January 2023. Find out more at rsgb.org/election
The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed for one day on the 10th of January 2023 to allow electrical maintenance work to be undertaken. When booking a visit on any other day, remember that RSGB members can download a free entry voucher to Bletchley Park from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bpvoucher
The RSGB’s RadCom team is looking for authors to contribute to the magazine. Previously unpublished features and articles are always welcome for consideration, and we will pay authors for any content we use. At the moment, the team is particularly interested in hearing from people who enjoy writing about antennas. To contact the RadCom team please email radcom@rsgb.org.uk
There is still time to apply for the volunteer roles of RSGB Lecture Chair and RSGB Social Diversity Officer. You can find out more about both of these important roles on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/volunteers
The RSGB was sad to learn that Peter Bruce, GM0CXQ recently became a silent key. Peter was very active as a Radio Amateur in Shetland both as a Zetland Amateur Radio Club member, exams officer and as a District Representative for the RSGB. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via contact@m1dhv.co.uk
The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact sears.enquiries@gmail.com for further information.
The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk
Now the Special Event News
Special callsign PD23HNY will be active from The Netherlands until the 15th of January in celebration of the New Year. QSL cards will not be issued but a certificate will be available for download.
Special callsigns SP90ENIGMA and SP90ENG will be active until the 15th of January. Both stations will be operating to mark the 90th anniversary of Polish cryptologists’ first successes in breaking the Enigma code. 
Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston super Mare Radio Society will be operating special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923.
Vasteras Radio Klubb in Sweden is celebrating 80 years of existence in 2023. To mark the occasion, the club will be using the callsign 8S80AA throughout 2023 on all bands from 160 to 2m. The special callsign includes a prefix that has never before been assigned. Details of awards connected to the special event can be found by viewing the 8S80AA QRZ.com page.
During 2023, the British Railways Amateur Radio Society will be marking 55 years since the withdrawal of steam from the British Railways service in 1968.The callsigns in use during the year will be special event station GB0LMR and the club callsign GX4LMR. The station will be active from Preston and mainly operated by British Railways Amateur Radio Society member Mark, G1PIE. QSL via the Bureau and e-QSL or direct to Pam, 2E1HQY, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope. More information can be found via the relevant QRZ.com pages.
Now the DX news
Take, JI3DST will be active from Tanega Island, AS-032, until the 10th of January. He will be operating using SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Darren, VK4MAP will be active as FW/VK4MAP from the Wallis and Futuna Islands, in the South Pacific, until the middle of January. He will be operating using SSB on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL directly to his home call.
Earl, WA3DX will be active from Senegal until the 20th of January. He will operate FT8 and some SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to his home call.
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
The ARRL RTTY Roundup ends its two-day run today, Sunday the 8th of January, at 2359UTC. Using the 80 to 10m bands, where contesting is permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American stations also send their state. Canadian stations send their province.
On Tuesday the 10th of January, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 10th of January, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 11th of January, the 432MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator.
On Thursday the 12th of January, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 14th of January, the Worked All Britain 1.8MHz Phone Contest runs from 1900 to 2300UTC. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.
On Sunday the 15th of January, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 6th of January 2023
Firstly, a happy New Year to all our listeners. Let’s hope that the propagation gods continue to smile on us in 2023!
The solar flux index is back near the 150 mark having seen a low of 128 on December the 23rd and a recent high of 165 on New Year’s eve.
Geomagnetic conditions had been mainly settled. That was until the Kp index hit five on the fourth thanks to a fast-moving enhanced solar wind. This may have come from an Earth-facing coronal hole on the Sun’s equator.
Propagation-wise, conditions have been good, but not exceptional. The main DX station on the bands has been Thierry, FT8WW on Crozet Island off the coast of South Africa. Thierry has been very active on FT8 and CW, but the pileups have been massive.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the range of 140-150. Geomagnetic conditions should remain quiet with no visible coronal holes coming into view at the time of writing. Expect the Kp index to be around two to three.
And finally, don’t forget the low bands, including 160 and 80 metres, which tend to come into their own at this time of year. Look for a night-time path between the UK and the DX, and also consider enhancements just before sunrise for signals from the West.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The main weather theme for the next week is once again a continuation of low-pressure systems crossing the country with periods of strong winds and rain.
This suggests that tropo produced by high pressure will not feature again this week. It does, however, make rain scatter a possibility on the GHz bands, either from active frontal systems or from showery weather that these systems bring.
The unsettled weather is being driven by an active jet stream pattern, which offers good opportunity for ‘out of season’ Sporadic-E triggers, particularly towards Italy and round to Scandinavia.
These are very rare events in winter, but it will be possible to pick up signs of some Es on the Propquest.co.uk foEs plots on some days. So, don’t give up hope and monitor the clusters up to the middle of the month, at least.
The disturbed solar conditions put aurora a bit higher up the agenda this week.
For meteor scatter enthusiasts, last week’s two-hour outburst of the Quadrantids shower was the ‘last hurrah’ of showers until the late April Lyrids.
We are entering the annual ‘lull’ in shower activity, with just the minor Gamma-Ursae-Minorids active from the 10th of January to the 22nd reaching a low maximum on the 18th. Look to benefit from the pre-dawn peak of random meteors.
The Moon is at apogee today, Sunday, and declination is positive until late next Friday. Moon windows will slowly shorten and zenith angles decrease, while EME path losses decrease. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for December 25th 2022

GB2RS News
Sunday the 25th of December 2022
 
The news headlines:
Coronation of King Charles III
RSGB Elections
New edition of RadCom Plus released
 
Season’s greetings to all our listeners! Today’s GB2RS news script will the final one of 2022. Today’s news reading is optional, as the RSGB appreciates that not all newsreaders will be available as normal, but the script will be on the RGSB website so all can see it. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the newsreaders, who read the news on a variety of platforms, for their service to their fellow amateurs throughout the year. We’d also like to remind amateurs that there is a long-standing convention to listen for news broadcasts on Sundays before transmitting to allow news reading to go ahead without interference. Thank you to all those who listen on Sunday mornings, and the other times that the news is read, to those who call in afterwards to speak to the newsreaders, and to everyone who listens via various platforms. Please note, there will be no script prepared for broadcast on Sunday the 1st of January 2023 due to RSGB HQ being closed from 12.30pm on Friday the 23rd of December until 8.30am on Tuesday the 3rd of January 2023. Newsreaders may, of course, choose to run a net at their normal transmission time, but under their own callsign only.
The RSGB is making plans to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort in May 2023. The Coronation theme is looking towards the future while being rooted in our traditions, which the Society would like to incorporate in its celebrations. The UK has an ancient chain of fire-based beacons and the RSGB is considering ways that these might be used in the plans. As well as organising events for radio amateurs, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate amateur radio to the public and to gain publicity in the media. If you have any thoughts about how to use the fire beacon chain, or if you have ideas for activities on the Coronation theme that could be used as outreach to the public, please contact the RSGB Coronation Lead, Alan Messenger, G0TLK on special.projects@rsgb.org.uk
Are you keen to see amateur radio thrive? Do you have the time and enthusiasm to support other radio amateurs and to help shape the RSGB of the future? If so, you still have the opportunity to be nominated in the RSGB elections. This year there are nine roles to be filled and the results will be announced at the Society’s AGM in April 2023. An explanation of how to apply for the Nominated Board Director process, as well as the candidate packs and forms for President, Elected Board Director and Regional Representative, are all on the Society’s website. The deadline for the Nominated Board Director role is the 3rd of January 2023 whilst the closing date for other roles is the 31st of January 2023. Find out more at rsgb.org/election
The RSGB is pleased to announce that a new edition of RadCom Plus, Volume 7, Issue 1, is out now. RadCom Plus is the RSGB’s digital technical supplement and RSGB Members can read it in HTML5 flipbook, PDF and ePub formats. This issue contains almost forty pages, including an article on an active dipole antenna and another on the construction of a portable dish for operating on the 23 and 13cm bands. RadCom Plus can be accessed via www.rsgb.org/radcom-plus
The RSGB is releasing three more 2022 Convention videos between Christmas and New Year to give radio amateurs some great content to watch during the festive season. Dr Colin Forsyth from UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory gives a fascinating presentation about Space Weather, whilst Prof Norman Billingham, M0EBI talks about plastics for the radio amateur. Jim Bacon, G3YLA reviews what the 2020s have told us about Sporadic-E. The presentations will be published on three separate days so if you subscribe to the RSGB YouTube channel you will know when they’re available. Go to youtube.com/theRSGB
 
And now for details of rallies and events
The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30am to 1pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167.
The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via contact@m1dhv.co.uk
The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact sears.enquiries@gmail.com for further information.
 Now the Special Event News
To celebrate the festive season, the Market Reef DX Association in Finland will be using special callsign OG1XMAS. The team will be active on all bands and modes until Monday the 26th of December. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log or directly to OH1NOA.
Special callsign PD22SANTA will be active from The Netherlands until the 31st of December in celebration of the holiday season. QSL cards will not be issued but a certificate will be available for download.
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Summits On The Air France, special callsign TM15SOTA will be active until the 30th of December. QSL via eQSL.
Throughout 2022, the BBC Amateur Radio Group has been celebrating the centenary of British broadcasting using the callsign GB100BBC. There is still time to catch the station on air, with the final day of operation being New Year’s Eve. Between Christmas and the new year, operation will take place from the club headquarters shack located on the top floor of BBC Broadcasting House in central London. The team hope to work as many stations as possible to wrap up the year of special activity.
Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston super Mare Radio Society will be operating GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923.
 Now the DX news
Lester, W8YCM will be active as W8YCM/6Y from Jamaica, NA-097, until January 2023. QSL directly via his home callsign.
Andre, ON7YK will be active in Bijilo, Gambia until the 24th of February 2023. He is available as C5YK on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via eQSL, Logbook of the World or directly to his home callsign.
Gerard, F2JD will be active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 13th of March 2023. He will be operating using CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA, directly or via the Bureau.
 Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
On Monday the 26th of December, the Deutsche Amateur Radio Club Christmas Contest runs from 0830 to 1100UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their district or non-member code.
Also on Monday the 26th of December, the 50MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
It’s not a contest but the Worked All Britain Christmas Party runs from Monday the 26th of December to Friday the 6th of January. Using all bands and modes, the exchange is your Worked All Britain Book number.
On Tuesday the 27th of December, the 70MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 28th of December, the 144MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 29th of December, the 432MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
 Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 22nd of December 2022
The solar flux index stayed around 150 over the last week, bringing some choice DX to the higher HF bands. However, solar flares continue to plague us, bringing short-lived band fade-outs at times. These have all been moderate C- and M-class flares. It is uncertain as to whether or not there will be an X-class flare soon.
Meanwhile, try and work some Arctic Circle DX. Santa’s broadcasting arm, Santa Radio, OF9X, will be active again, on all amateur radio bands, using CW, SSB and digital modes until the end of the year.
On any band, from 10MHz and up, it should be fine to make contact with OF9X during the day, with 80m and 40m being ideal for night-time contact. The DX cluster is probably the best way to find where they are operating.
NOAA predicts that the solar flux may decline slightly over the next week, perhaps going down to 125. But then it should rebound, maybe making it to 160 by the first week of January.
Unfortunately, solarham.com is currently offline. Kevin, VE3EN, who produces the site, says that hopefully this downtime will be short-lived. Keep an eye on the URL as it remains one of the most useful sites for radio amateurs.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
There will be a very unsettled flavour to the Christmas propagation weather with many lows tracking across the country into the New Year. There will be spells of strong winds to provide a few nail-biting moments for antennas, but the main theme is for bands of rain and heavy showers. These will be capable of producing some rain scatter on the GHz bands on most days in one part of the country or another. Cold air will be present at times to give some snow scatter in places, although primarily over northern Britain.
The chances of traditional high-pressure systems bringing some festive tropo are very low indeed with the nearest high displaced well away over southeast Europe. The solar conditions will doubtless be worth considering as a possible indicator of auroral propagation if the Kp index rises above about five or six.
Mid-winter Sporadic-E, can surprise us over the period from now to roughly mid-January. A good example was shown on the Dourbes ionosonde on Monday the 19th of December when the Sporadic-E critical frequency reached 5.45MHz at 2300UTC and coincided with a jet stream nearby.
There will be plenty of jet stream activity, so it is well worth checking the clusters. Don’t be too fixed upon the usual times for Sporadic-E since these events tend to be driven by the timing of significant weather features.
For meteor scatter enthusiasts, the Leonis Minorids are still active but past their maximum, so we await the Quadrantids to peak with a zenithal hourly rate of around 120 between the 3rd and 4th of January.
Unlike other meteor showers that tend to stay at their peak for about two days, the peak period of the Quadrantids lasts only a few hours.
Moon declination is rising, so Moon windows will continue to lengthen, and zenith angles increase, while EME path losses increase after Christmas Eve’s perigee. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for December 18th 2022

GB2RS News
Sunday the 18th of December 2022
 
The news headlines:
Train the Trainers courses
RSGB Convention videos
Planning Advisory Committee recruitment
 
After a forced break during Covid, the RSGB will be restarting Train the Trainers courses in the spring of 2023. It is hoped that three courses will be run across the country. The team would like to run the courses where demand is greatest, rather than arrange three courses where there is no demand. If you are an existing trainer, or would like to become one, and would like to attend a course during the year, please contact  g7lfc@rsgb.org.uk  The team would also like to hear from clubs that are willing to host a course so that it can match demand with availability. For further details about the course, what it covers and what is required from hosts, please visit rsgb.org/train-the-trainers
The RSGB has released four individual presentations from its 2022 Convention which cover a wide and interesting range of topics. Philip Lawson, G4FCL gives an introduction to test equipment whilst Phil Catterall, G4OBK talks about adventure radio in Europe. Taking a look back into history, Dr David Abrutat provides a fascinating insight into Bletchley Park and the Y Services between 1939 and 1945. Finally, as a link with December’s YOTA month, young radio amateurs Dan McGraw, M0WUT and Hamzah Shah, 2E0HXS share their experiences and learning from the YOTA summer camp in Croatia this year. Find these and other RSGB Convention presentations on its YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
The RSGB Planning Advisory Committee assists RSGB Members with planning advice. It is looking to recruit additional committee members to help with this valuable service. You should be involved with, or retired from, a discipline associated with the planning process or have a good working knowledge of the planning process. The committee would particularly like to add a planning enforcement officer or a lawyer to the panel. The duties include assisting Members with planning enquiries, enforcement notices and appeals but will not include the actual preparation of planning applications on behalf of Members. If you think you can assist, please contact the RSGB Planning Advisory Committee Chair John Mattocks, G4TEQ by email at pac.chairman@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB HQ email system encountered a technical fault between the afternoon of Tuesday the 13th of December and the morning of Wednesday the 14th of December. If you emailed the RSGB during this period, it is likely that your message was not received and will need to be resent. To help, the RadCom team has extended the deadline for submissions to the magazine to Monday the 19th of December. So, there is still time to send in reports and items for the Club Calendar and Around Your Region sections of RadCom. The RSGB apologies for any inconvenience the fault may have caused.
The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed for two days on the 10th and 11th of January 2023 to allow electrical maintenance work to be undertaken. When booking a visit on any other day, remember that RSGB members can download a free entry voucher to Bletchley Park from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bpvoucher
The RSGB has made two announcements about exams this week. The first gives details of how to book for the Direct to Full exam from January, and the second outlines necessary changes to the exam fees. Further details of both can be found on the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/exams and choose the Exam Announcements option in the righthand menu.
RSGB HQ will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 12.30pm on Friday the 23rd of December until 8.30am on Tuesday the 3rd of January 2023. Next Sunday, the 25th of December, the GB2RS News script will be prepared as usual and read at the discretion of individual news readers. There will be no GB2RS broadcast on Sunday the 1st of January 2023. During the holidays, if you need information about amateur radio, exams or RadCom you’ll find lots of pages on the RSGB website, www.rsgb.org
 And now for details of rallies and events
The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30am to 1pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167.
The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via contact@m1dhv.co.uk
The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact sears.enquiries@gmail.com for further information.
 
Now the Special Event News
Special event station CN22JIM ends its two-week run today, the 18th, from the High Atlas Mountain range in Morocco. The ‘India Mike’ suffix to the callsign was chosen in celebration of International Mountain Day which is held on the 11th of December each year. QSL via RW6HS.
Today, the 18th , is the last chance to work the nine special event callsigns hosted by The Qatar Amateur Radio Society to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Look out for the HQ station callsign A722FWC, as well as eight callsigns that contain sequential numbers, from A71FIFA to A78FIFA. The stations are active on the HF bands and via the QO-100 Satellite. QSL via the bureau, Logbook of the World or directly.
Today is also the last opportunity to log special callsign PV22CUP. The Brazilian Amateur Radio League is using the callsign in celebration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL.
Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Summits On The Air France, special callsign TM15SOTA will be active until the 30th of December. QSL via eQSL.
Special event stations GB1900HA and GB1900HW have been operating since the 24th of January to mark the 1900th anniversary of the beginning of the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. The defensive fortification is the largest Roman archaeological feature in the British Isles. The stations will be active until Friday the 23rd of December.
 Now the DX news
Tony will be active as 3D2AG/P from Rotuma Island, Fiji, OC-060, until the 20th of December. He hopes to operate using CW, SSB, RTTY and some FT8 on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log.
Lester, W8YCM will be active as W8YCM/6Y from Jamaica, NA-097, until January 2023. QSL directly via his home callsign.
Vincent, F4BKV will be active as XW4KV from Laos until the 23rd of December. His main activity will be on QO-100 from as many as 12 grids. He will also do some operating on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via F4BKV and Logbook of the World.
 Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
Today, the 18th of December, the Stew Perry Top Band Challenge will end its 24-hour run at 1500UTC. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
On Tuesday the 20th of December, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
 Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 16th of December 2022
Things hotted up last week with a healthy increase in sunspot activity. The number of sunspots ramped up, giving us a solar flux index of 165 by Thursday.
The other upside was the fact that geomagnetic conditions were quite settled with the Kp index remaining between one and three all week.
There were some downsides. We have had an increase in the number of solar flares, with a total of 14. Of these, 11 were M-class. This is all happening around active region 3165, which is now a prime candidate for an X-class solar flare, the most powerful.
There were reports of poor HF propagation on the morning of the 15th, which can possibly be attributed to the solar flares on the Sun. The graph of the maximum useable frequency, measured at Dourbes, looks rather like a roller coaster ride, with the extrapolated MUF over 3,000km being more than 38MHz at 9.15am and below 19MHz 20 minutes later.
The moral of this story is that if HF propagation seems to fail just give it 20 minutes and see if it recovers.
According to NOAA, the high solar flux index won’t continue for much longer. It predicts that the SFI will reduce to between 115 and 120. The Kp is also predicted to stay low, at least until the 22nd when it is forecast to rise to five, possibly because of a returning coronal hole from 27 days ago.
And finally, both the Chilton and Fairford Digisondes are offline at the moment, so please select Dourbes if using Propquest.co.uk
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The cold weather will be displaced as a temporary mild spell brings higher temperatures, plus wet and windy weather, during this weekend. 
Eventually, colder westerly air with showery troughs will return from the west, but still with further bands of rain. There will probably be some good rain and snow scatter opportunities for the GHz bands. Tropo looks a bit thin, although there may be a brief enhancement on Sunday morning to France and the Low Countries but this will be gone by the afternoon.
The other modes like meteor scatter and aurora are still a consideration, but much less predictable.
With the Geminids meteor shower past its peak, there are two minor showers to look out for this week.
The Leonis Minorids are active from the 5th of December to the 4th of February, reaching a maximum on the 20th of December with a low Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, of around five. The Ursids are active from the 17th of December to the 26th of December reaching a maximum on the 22nd of December, also with a low ZHR of around 10.
Moon declination went negative on the 17th, so Moon windows will continue to shorten and zenith angles decrease. EME path losses are falling as we head towards perigee on Christmas Eve. 144MHz sky noise is increasing all week and on Friday we get close to an eclipse, so it will be very high during the whole Moon pass.
Lastly, to repeat the ‘heads up’ from last week about midwinter Sporadic-E, it is still worth mentioning since it usually becomes a reference after the event, and it would be nice to be there before it happens!
So, employ the usual check of HF and VHF clusters from 10 to 4m and use www.propquest.co.uk and its EPI or Es probability index plots to see where the most likely areas for Es are located.
Like summer events, rarer mid-winter Es are often associated with powerful jet streams and this unsettled weather is a good source for these.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for December 11th 2022

GB2RS News
Sunday the 11th of December 2022
The news headlines:
RSGB Elections
Australian Licensing Changes
GB22YOTA at the National Radio Centre
The RSGB is calling for volunteers who are willing and able to give their time and enthusiasm to ensure the Society continues to develop and thrive. This year there are nine roles to be filled and the results will be announced at the RSGB’s AGM in April 2023. An explanation of how to apply for the Nominated Board Director process, as well as the candidate packs and forms for President, Elected Board Director and Regional Representative, are all on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/election
At the end of September 2022, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, or ACMA, proposed that Australia’s amateur radio operators move to a class-based licensing scheme in July 2023, opening a consultation period that closed at the end of November 2022. The Wireless Institute of Australia has replied to the ACMA proposals with a comprehensive evidence-based response. The ACMA proposes moving Australia’s radio amateurs from individual apparatus licences to one licence for the amateur service as a whole. The principal reason cited is a reduction in the administrative burden for both the ACMA and the amateur radio community. The immediate benefit would be that licence and licence-renewal fees would disappear. The Wireless Institute of Australia’s response to the consultation can be found at tinyurl.com/WIAsubm
The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park is pleased to announce that it will be hosting GB22YOTA on Saturday the 17th of December. Any young amateurs, or those who are interested to learn more about amateur radio, are welcome. The National Radio Centre is located within the grounds of the Bletchley Park Museum. Entry details and opening times can be found on the Bletchley Park website. RSGB members can download an entry voucher for a free day pass to the National Radio Centre from the members’ portal on the RSGB website.
The RSGB is looking for volunteers for two new roles: RSGB Lecture Chair and RSGB Social Diversity Officer. The deadline for applications is Monday the 16th of January. Full details of both roles, including how to apply, are on the Society's website at www.rsgb.org/volunteers
Does your school or college run an amateur radio club? Or are you interested in setting up a club at your school or college? Following the success of University Corner, the RSGB’s online list of universities with amateur radio clubs, the Society has launched School Zone. This brings together details of schools and colleges that have an active amateur radio club. If your school or college has a club and would like to be included in the online list, please send details to comms@rsgb.org.uk Contact details should include the club callsign, if it has one, the school website URL and an email address for the teacher or adult who runs the club. If you are a pupil member of the club, please check those details before you send them to the RSGB. You can find the new School Zone webpage at rsgb.org/school-zone 
The RSGB’s Transatlantic Centenary Tests is running throughout December to celebrate the Centenary of the first amateur radio signals to cross the Atlantic. There are awards available for working the special stations. Over 40,000 QSOs were made in the first week. There are still opportunities to get involved so go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/tct to book an operating slot.
The RSGB’s RadCom team is looking for authors to contribute to the magazine. Previously unpublished features and articles are always welcome for consideration. At the moment, the team is particularly interested in hearing from people who enjoy writing about antennas. To contact the RadCom team please email radcom@rsgb.org.uk
And now for details of rallies and events
The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1 pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167.
The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via contact@m1dhv.co.uk
The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact sears.enquiries@gmail.com for further information.
Now the Special Event News
Datta, VU2DSI will be active as AU2JCB until Tuesday the 13th of December to commemorate the birthday of Indian physicist and radio pioneer Jagadish Chandra Rose. He will be operating on the HF and VHF bands using SSB and FM. QSL directly to his home callsign.
Members of Wingles Radio Club in France will be active as TM90GF until Saturday the 17th of December. The special callsign marks the 90th anniversary of the death of General Gustave-Auguste Ferrie, a pioneer in the field of military radio communications. QSL via the bureau, eQSL or directly to F4KLR.
The Qatar Amateur Radio Society has announced that nine special event callsigns will be active until Sunday the 18th of December to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Look out for the station HQ callsign A722FWC, as well as eight callsigns that contain sequential numbers, from A71FIFA to A78FIFA. The stations are active on the HF bands and via the QO-100 Satellite. QSL via the bureau, Logbook of the World or directly.
Special callsign PV22CUP will be active from Brazil until Sunday the 18th of December. The Brazilian Amateur Radio League is using the callsign in celebration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL.
Now the DX news
Ferdy, HB9DSP will be active as 5H3FM from Zanzibar Island, AF-032, Tanzania until Tuesday the 13th of December. He will operate SSB and some FT8 on the 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or via his home call.
Take, JI3DST will be active from Miyakojima, AS-079, until Thursday the 15th of December. He will be operating SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via Club Log and LogBook of the World.
Lester, W8YCM will be active as W8YCM/6Y from Jamaica, NA-097, until January 2023. QSL directly via his home callsign.
Now the contest news
The ARRL 10m Contest ends today, the 11th, at 2359UTC. Using CW and phone, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American, Canadian and Mexican stations also send their state or province code.
On Tuesday the 13th of December, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 13th of December, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 14th of December, the 432MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator.
On Thursday the 15th of December, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Next Saturday the 17th of December, the Stew Perry Top Band Challenge will start at 1500UTC and run for 24 hours. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 9th of December 2022
There’s an old Chinese curse that says: “May you live in interesting times”. Well, the last week has been very interesting from an HF propagation perspective!
The solar flux index increased from 111 on the 30th of November, to 148 on Thursday the 8th. During that time, we had more than 50 C-class solar flares and two M-class flares, while the Kp index ranged from one to five. So, it’s been a bit like having all four seasons in one week!
HF propagation has varied dramatically as a result, with round-the-world echoes and spotlight propagation being very prevalent at times. Spotlight propagation is defined as a small geographic area that is favoured with good propagation at any given time.
The Norfolk Amateur Radio Club operated G6ZZ for 48 hours as part of the transatlantic centenary celebrations and worked more than 1,500 stations. Station manager Chris, G0DWV reports his highlights as: “Hearing my own echo as the signal went around the world on several occasions, being called by VK, Australia, and ZL, New Zealand, at 5/9+30dB with no one else on the band. And hearing echoes that made it impossible to understand the caller's voice.”
At the moment, it seems like it would be easy to dismiss an HF band as being closed when it could be wide open half an hour later.
The Sun is currently peppered with spots of all sizes. The USAF predicts that the good conditions could continue for a few days yet, with the solar flux index falling from 150 on Sunday to 110 by the end of the week.
Calm geomagnetic conditions may continue and there are currently no coronal holes in view. But please note that it only takes a single coronal mass ejection to spoil things.
And don’t forget that the low bands come into their own in Winter as well. This is a good time to look for DX on 160, 80 and 40 metres, especially in the late afternoon, after dark and at sunrise.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
This week’s VHF propagation highlight is the Geminids meteor shower. This is predicted to reach a broad peak over several days on either side of 1300UTC on the 14th of December.
The Geminids zenithal hourly record has reached 140-150 in all recent years so expect a good one with SSB QSOs possible for the better-equipped stations using good operating techniques, and the chance of 70cm digimode QSOs as well. The broad peak has a habit of declining quite quickly once it’s over.
In this present turn to cold winter conditions, prospects for high pressure and tropo are looking limited, apart from a weak ridge over northern Britain. Although even this is not a strong player.
Current weather conditions may appeal to the experimentally minded. Intense cold and snow-covered ground can produce strong shallow surface temperature inversions, so there may be interesting tests to be done in some parts of the country. Also, watch out for snow scatter on the high GHz bands if you see snowstorms around.
The solar-driven conditions mentioned in the previous section suggest that further possibilities exist for auroral propagation, given a high Kp index.
The dearth of Sporadic-E during the autumn months usually has a brief respite around this time of the year from mid-December to mid-January. It's very random but follow the usual summer routine of checking the clusters and maps to select the right directions. Although these isolated events can occur at the usual afternoon or evening times for Es, they can and do crop up in the morning and around the middle of the day.
Moon declination is positive but decreasing this week so Moon windows will shorten and zenith angles decrease. Path losses are at their highest with the Moon at apogee on Sunday night. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for December 4th 2022

GB2RS News
Sunday the 4th of December 2022
The news headlines:
Special Contest Calls, Expansion of Qualifying Events
Exams and Syllabus Review Group Recruitment
Bath-Based Intermediate Licence Distance Learning
Ofcom has recently authorised an expansion of the list of Special Contest Call qualifying contests. It now includes the World Wide DIGI contest and the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 contest. Full details of how to apply for a Special Contest Call can be found on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/scc
The RSGB is seeking to appoint additional members to the Exams and Syllabus Review Group, formerly known as the Exams Group. Membership of the Group now includes places for club tutors who hold a Full amateur radio licence and have taught the Full Syllabus for at least two years. If you are interested in making an application or require further information, please email the Examination Standards Committee Chair Tony Kent, G8PBH at esc.chair@rsgb.org.uk Further information about the ESRG can be found on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/esrg
The closing date for applications for the next Bath Based Distance Learning course for the Intermediate exam is Thursday the 7th of December. Following application, students must complete some short pre-course study and a quiz to ensure they are able to use the Bath Based Distance Learning systems and to see if it suits their needs. That work must be completed by the 21st of December. The course starts on the 4th of January 2023 with exams expected in May. For full details and an application form, please e-mail Steve, G0FUW, via g0fuw@bbdl.org.uk
The RSGB’s final Tonight@8 webinar of 2022 is this Monday the 5th of December. David Palmer, G7URP will explore 100 years of BBC technology and innovation. You can watch the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or via BATC. There is more information about the presentation and how to take part on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The RSGB has released two further RSGB 2022 Convention presentations this week, the first of which wasn’t part of the Convention live stream so is brand new to people watching online. Werner Hasemann, DJ9KH explains the preparations and realisation of a low-budget DXpedition in his presentation “Z66DX, Activating Kosovo under special circumstances”. The second presentation is called “Digital ATV, Opening New Horizons” in which Dave Crump, G8GKQ describes how easy it is for the home constructor to transmit and receive digital ATV without the need for the specialist camera or receiving equipment that used to be required. These and other presentations are in the RSGB 2022 Convention playlist on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
There are two big events taking place during December. YOTA Month encourages youngsters to get on the air and the RSGB has supported this for many years. The special callsign GB22YOTA is being hosted by schools, clubs and individuals so listen out for it on the air and have a chat with the young operators. The RSGB’s Transatlantic Centenary Tests also run throughout December and there are awards available for working the special stations. There are still opportunities to get involved in both events so go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-month to find out how to host the YOTA callsign or check out rsgb.org/tct to book an operating slot for the Transatlantic Tests.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1 pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring-and-buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167.
We regret to announce that the Callington Amateur Radio Society 2023 Rally, usually held on the last Sunday in March, has been cancelled because of a conflict with an alternative amateur radio-related event at the venue on the same day. Notice of the alternative event will be provided by the organiser.
Now the Special Event News
On Thursday the 1st of December, GB1WH began operating. The Special Event Station has been established to promote the work done by Wakefield Hospice. For more information, visit the GB1WH QRZ.com page.
GB1LJF began its on-air activities on Thursday the 1st of December. The Special Event Station is operating to celebrate the manufacturing of the English Electric Lightning aircraft in Lancashire. More information is available via the GB1LJF QRZ.com page.
Now the DX news
Ed, N2HX will be active as PJ7PL from Sint Maarten, NA-105, until the 10th of December. He will be operating CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via his home call.
Ferdy, HB9DSP will be active as 5H3FM from Zanzibar Island, AF-032, Tanzania until the 13th of December. He will operate SSB and some FT8 on the 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or via his home call.
The Qatar Amateur Radio Society has announced that nine special event call signs will be active until the 18th of December to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Look out for station HQ A722FWC, as well as eight call signs that contain sequential numbers, from A71FIFA to A78FIFA. The stations are active on the HF bands and via the QO-100 Satellite. QSL via the bureau, Logbook of the World or directly.
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
The ARRL 160m Contest ends today, the 4th, at 1600UTC. Using CW only on the 160m band, the exchange is a signal report. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section.
Today, the 4th, the 144MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 6th of December, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 6th of December, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 7th of December, the 144MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 only on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator.
On Thursday the 8th of December, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The ARRL 10m Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th of December and runs until 2359UTC on Sunday the 11th of December. Using CW and phone, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American, Canadian and Mexican stations also send their state or province code.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 2nd of December 2022
Last week was characterised by unsettled geomagnetic conditions that had not been forecast.
The Kp index fluctuated between three and five nearly all week, resulting in reduced HF propagation, especially over polar paths. The solar wind just refused to abate with speeds over 600km/s being commonplace. A southward-facing Bz interplanetary magnetic field just added to the problems.
In the CQ Worldwide CW contest last weekend, signals from the west coast and Midwest were badly affected, with one station in Colorado sounding very fluttery and weak. Strong aurorae were also recorded in the polar regions.
Nevertheless, some good scores were made in the contest. It was a case of making do with what was available, HF propagation-wise!
By Thursday, the Fairford Digisonde was reporting F2-layer critical frequencies in the region of 10MHz, with an extrapolated MUF over 3,000km well above 28MHz around noon.
Sunspots remained on the decline all week with the solar flux index struggling to get to 110. But the good news is that could now all change. Solarham.net reports that the beginning of December will see a potential influx of sunspots.
A new active region is now beginning to turn into view off the southeast limb and was the source of a number of minor C-Flares on Wednesday.
In addition to this, old regions 3140, 3141 and 3145 from earlier in November are about to turn back into view from behind the northeast limb.
NOAA predicts the solar flux index could increase to 120-125 next week, which would be a welcome upturn. We may also be entering a more settled phase with regard to the Kp index too, with NOAA predicting a maximum index of two or three all week.
However, a solar coronal hole will become Earth-facing on Saturday, so we expect the Kp index to rise perhaps late Sunday or Monday.
The ionosonde data server in the States, for the Propquest foF2 graphs, is still having problems, but it is being worked on. In the meantime, you will see a backup plot from Fairford to keep things going.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The main weather theme for the coming week is that of colder north-easterly winds, but with some high pressure off the North West to give a chance of slightly enhanced Tropo, at first in western Britain. This will probably be spoiled, in eastern areas, by showers coming in from the North Sea.
GHz band rain-scatter options with the North Sea showers should be worth considering but, on this occasion, the showers may be relatively limited. So, don’t expect too much.
The solar conditions are still showing signs of activity, which can bring some VHF propagation options, such as aurora on 6m to 2m given a good trigger. So, look for high Kp indices above about five or six to make it worth checking.
Meteor scatter is, of course, an ever-present option for surprising us with any random activity. These sporadic meteors are more frequent around dawn, and the big Geminids shower in December is less than a fortnight away.
Moon declination is positive and increasing this week. So, Moon windows will lengthen and zenith angles will increase. Path losses are high and increasing this week. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate, reaching 500 Kelvin next Friday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for November 27th 2022

GB2RS News
Sunday the 27th of November 2022
The news headlines:
146 to 147MHz NoV Extension
HF DXpedition FundTrustee Required
RSGB Convention Presentations
Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146 to 147MHz Notice of Variation for a further year. It is available on a non-interference basis and the NoV is subject to a 30-day notice period of change or withdrawal. Full licence holders can apply for the 146 to 147MHz NoV via the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov
The RSGB assists HF DXpeditions to the rarer countries through a fund that is supported each year from the proceeds of a raffle held at the annual RSGB Convention, as well as income from legacies and donations. The Society is looking to appoint a fifth Trustee for the HF DXpedition Fund who, given the increasing number of applications, will also act as Secretary to the group. Applicants should be enthusiastic HF DXers with an interest in DXCC and IOTA. For further information about the role and how to apply, go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers
The RSGB has released two individual 2022 Convention presentations. In the first, Professor Alwyn Seeds, G8DOH talks about “Building a VHF/UHF Contest Station”. The second presentation is by Hans Summers, G0UPL who explains “The QCX CW transceiver kit story: design, development, five years of production and evolution”. Part of the second presentation was live-streamed during the Convention but you can now watch it all on the RSGB YouTube channel – go to youtube.com/theRSGB and choose the RSGB 2022 Convention playlist.
On Saturday 3 December at 1400UTC, AMSAT SA and the South African Radio League are hosting a webinar about Hamprojects. This is a platform to facilitate complex projects that are beyond the possibility of individuals or even one amateur radio society or club. The concept was developed by Willi Vollenweider, HB9AMC as part of the IARU Region 1 Shaping the future of Amateur Radio initiative. During the webinar, Willi will explain Hamprojects in detail and how individual radio amateurs and groups, or amateur radio cubs, can participate or initiate their own projects and attract international participation. The webinar is free to attend and open to anyone who has an interest in technology and a desire to become part of future innovation. Register as soon as possible, as participation is limited to 150 persons, via tinyurl.com/hamrprojects
Don’t forget the Transatlantic Centenary Tests event that starts at 0000UTC on Thursday the 1st of December and runs for the whole month. There are awards available for working the special stations and, if you are an RSGB Member and hold a Full Licence, still opportunities to book an operating slot. Go to rsgb.org/tct for full information.
And now for details of rallies and events
Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will be held today, the 27th, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. Doors open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £2 and free to under-14s who are accompanied by an adult. Talk-in will be on 2m channel V44. Contact Bob Dingle, G0OCB on 07710 023 916 for further information.
The Midlands Round Table event will be held on Saturday the 3rd of December. The day will follow a relaxed schedule with talks aimed primarily at Microwave, Amateur Television, Amateur Satellite and other innovative areas of amateur radio. There will be tables provided free of charge for the junk sale and for any free items attendees wish to give away. The event is being held at Eaton Manor, Eaton-under-Heywood, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 7DH. The event venue will be open from 9 am and proceedings will start at 10 am. Questions and requests should be directed to Paul, G8AQA on 01694 771 441.
The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1 pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167.
Now the Special Event News
Leyland and District Amateur Radio Club will be active as GB9LD for Lancashire Day today, the 27th of November. Activity will take place on the 40m to 70cm bands. At 1500UTC the club will read the Lancashire Day Proclamation on HF and toast His Majesty King Charles III, Duke of Lancaster. All are welcome to join in. Enquiries to ladar@mail.com
On Thursday the 1st of December, GB1WH will begin operating. The Special Event Station has been established to promote the work done by Wakefield Hospice. For more information, visit the GB1WH QRZ.com page.
GB1LJF begins its on-air activities on Thursday the 1st of December. The Special Event Station is operating to celebrate the manufacturing of the English Electric Lightning aircraft in Lancashire. More information is available via the GB1LJF QRZ.com page.
Now the DX news
Today, the 27th is the last chance to work Alex, K6VHF. He is active as 4L1FP from Tbilisi Georgia. He is operating SSB, CW and FT8 on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log or directly to K6VHF.
Don, K6ZO will be active as 7Q6M from Malawi until the 29th of November. He will be available on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB and CW. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to K6ZO.
Special Event Station CX100B will be active until the 30th of November. The station is operating to celebrate the centenary of the first radio broadcast in Uruguay which took place on the 6th of November 1922. QSL via CX1AA and Logbook of the World.
Special callsign ZW200ESQ is active until the 30th of November to celebrate the bicentennial of the Brazilian Navy. Operations will take place from the premises of the Brazilian Naval School’s Communication Group. Activity will be on all bands from 80m to 70cm using CW, SSB, digital modes and FM on satellite. QSL via the bureau or directly to PY1JR.
Bob, W7YAQ and Al, K7AR will be active as K8H from Tutuila Island, OC-045, American Samoa until the 1st of December. They will be operating two stations on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log, Logbook of the World or via W7YAQ.
Now the contest news
Today, the 27th, the CQ Worldwide DX CW Contest ends its 24-hour run at 2359UTC. Using CW only on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone.
On Monday the 28th of November the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is a report and four-character locator.
Thursday the 1st of December sees the start of the UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
The ARRL 160m Contest begins at 2200UTC on Friday the 2nd of December and finishes at 1600UTC on Sunday the 4th of December. Using CW only on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section.
Next Sunday, the 4th of December, the 144MHz AFS Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday 25th November 2022
We dodged a bullet last week when a large coronal hole failed to produce a geomagnetic disturbance. Despite many predictions that we could expect an upturn in the Kp index, it looks like the solar wind missed the Earth, probably because the hole was too low in the Sun’s southern hemisphere.
As a result the Kp index never went higher than 4, actually 3.67 globally, and things remained calm. This was good news for HF, although a low solar flux index below 120 all week was nothing to get excited about. At the same time, the improvement in low-band conditions, as we head into late Autumn, is making up for it. Top Band contacts have been recorded with 3B8 Mauritius, and Peter, G3PHO has even made it into the USA in the late afternoon on 160m FT8.
So, if you’ve never worked much on Top Band, and you have the antenna for it, give it a try. Failing that, try the top end of 80m SSB around sunrise in the UK for contacts with the USA.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around the 120-125 mark. The good news is that there are no large coronal holes currently visible and there have only been minor C-class flares with CMEs that have not been Earth-directed, so geomagnetic conditions are likely to be good. That is, at least until the 1st of December when we have a predicted Kp index of four, which may disrupt contacts mainly on polar paths.
This is good news for this weekend’s CQ Worldwide CW contest, which is a great opportunity for you to up your country totals or for your Worked All States award.
Now a footnote for those occasions when the propquest.co.uk graphs are not updating. It can be a local effect at one of the stations, such as Chilton, which has been offline recently. Usually selecting one of the tick boxes in the top right of the graphs will show Fairford or Dourbes when available.
However, last week and maybe still, we have a complete blank for all three ionosonde station plots, which is much more likely to be a server issue in the States where the data is hosted. You can check the Propquest server is working by selecting the “Archive” or “Averages” tabs. In any event, the ionosonde data plots will come back automatically once any issues have been resolved.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The unsettled spell of weather continues into the first half of next week so could provide some further rain scatter opportunities on the GHz Bands.
The broad south-westerly pattern may well switch over to an easterly after midweek as high pressure builds across Scotland. This could bring a return of Tropo for some parts, but looks a bit weak, while the south will continue to be affected by low-pressure systems.
It will feel colder, with some models hinting at wintry conditions being a possibility, so wrap up well if you plan to do any portable operation!
The Alpha Monocerotids meteor shower noted last week is over but the small November Orionids, active until the 6th of December, reaches its peak on Monday the 28th.
Get ready for the big Geminids meteor shower in December. It commences on the 4th reaching a ZHR of over 100 between the 14th and 15th. More about this closer to the shower peak.
Moon declination is increasing again and goes positive on Friday. So Moon windows will lengthen and zenith angles will increase. Path losses, on the other hand, start to increase again this week after last Friday’s perigee. We have to wait until mid-2026 before maximum declination coincides with the lowest path loss, but we are moving in that direction again. 144MHz sky noise is low all week, not getting above 300 Kelvin until next Sunday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for November 20th 2022

GB2RS News
Sunday the 20th of November 2022
The news headlines:
December is YOTA Month
Transatlantic Centenary Tests 2022
RSGB Construction Competition
 
December is Youngsters On The Air month. This is an opportunity for individuals, clubs, groups and schools to run an amateur radio station with the aim of getting youngsters active on the air. The RSGB is inviting applications to host the special callsign GB22YOTA. To register your interest email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk with details of the activity you are planning. Please include your name, organisation and the callsign of the Full licensee who will host the activation. To see the GB22YOTA activation schedule, visit the GB22YOTA page at qrz.com.
The RSGB is hosting the Transatlantic Centenary Tests 2022 on the HF bands for the month of December. Unlike those of the 1920s, which consisted of one-way communication, this event will encourage worldwide two-way communication with UK and Crown Dependency stations. There will be a series of awards available for making QSOs with those who are activating historic RSGB callsigns. The Club Log team has kindly agreed to provide the supporting infrastructure for this. The Society is looking for RSGB members to take part and make this historic event a success. You can read more on page 54 of the December RadCom and be inspired by the RSGB Convention Transatlantic Test presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel. To find out how to take part, go to rsgb.org/tct
Do you enjoy amateur radio construction? Would you like to try making something for the first time? The RSGB’s Construction Competition welcomes entries in four categories – Beginners, Construction Excellence, Innovation, and Software. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded for the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner who will also be declared the winner of the Pat Hawker G3VA Trophy. The deadline for entries is 1 March 2023 so you have plenty of time to construct something during the long winter evenings. To find out more, including how to enter, see the full details on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition
Most of you will have experienced RF interference problems of one sort or another over the years. In this world of advanced digital technology and increasing wireless connectivity, the probability of interference is high and increasing rapidly. This is giving rise to an ever-increasing pollution of the radio spectrum which is threatening all wireless communication. To counter these problems, the RSGB EMC Committee makes the relevant authorities aware of issues by taking measurements and surveying any available documents and reports. The committee needs volunteers to help with that task. Deep technical knowledge or experience in EMC work is not necessary, but ideally, candidates should have a good understanding of radio. If you are an RSGB member and would like to help, please contact emc.chairman@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed from Tuesday the 22nd of November until Friday the 25th of November for the upgrading of essential equipment and the installation of a new fire alarm system. The Society apologises for any inconvenience this causes.
The RSGB’s Examination Standards Committee has published its annual report, covering the operation of amateur radio exams during the calendar year of 2021. Search for Examination Standards Committee on the RSGB website at rsgb.org and you can read the report in the minutes, papers and reports sub-page.
The RSGB was saddened to learn that John Bazley, G3HCT passed away on the 11th of November in a nursing home in Queensland, Australia. John was President of the RSGB in 1979 and was a Life Member. In 1995 he was made a Life Vice President. He was also the IARU Region 1 representative to the CEPT Working Group on Frequency Management. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
And now for details of rallies and events
The 43rd Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Radio and Electronics Bazaar will be held today the 20th of November. The venue will be Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 1ES. For more information contact bazaar@catsradio.org.uk
Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will be held next Sunday, the 27th, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. Doors open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £2 and free to under-14s who are accompanied by an adult. Talk-in will be on S22. Contact Bob Dingle, G0OCB on 07710023916.
Now the Special Event News
Leyland and District Amateur Radio Club will be active as GB9LD for Lancashire Day on Sunday the 27th of November 2022. Activity will take place on the 40m to 70cm bands. At 1500UTC the club will read the Lancashire Day Proclamation on HF and toast His Majesty King Charles III, Duke of Lancaster. All are welcome to join in. Enquiries to ladar@mail.com
On Thursday the 1st of December, GB1WH will begin operating. The Special Event Station has been established to promote the work done by Wakefield Hospice. For more information, visit the GB1WH QRZ.com page.
GB1LJF begins its on-air activities on Thursday the 1st of December. The Special Event Station is operating to celebrate the manufacturing of the English Electric Lightning aircraft in Lancashire. More information is available via the GB1LJF QRZ.com page.
Now the DX news
Christopher, HB9FIY will be active as ZD7CA from Saint Helena Island, AF-022, until the 26th of November. He will be operating SSB, PSK, RTTY, VarAC and CW on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via EA5GL.
Don, K6ZO will be active as 7Q6M from Malawi until the 29th of November. He will be available on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB and CW. QSL via Logbook of the World or direct to K6Z0.
Ed, N2HX will be active as PJ7PL from Sint Maarten, NA-105, until the 10th of December. He will be operating SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8. QSL via his home call.
Now the contest news
On Thursday the 24th of November, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW only on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 22nd of November, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Next weekend the CQ Worldwide DX CW Contest runs for 24 hours from 0000UTC on Saturday. Using CW only on the 160 to 10m bands, where contesting is permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 18th of November 2022.
The good HF conditions continued last week with a low Kp index and a reasonable solar flux. But is that all about to change?
The problem is a large coronal hole in the Sun’s southern hemisphere, which became geoeffective on Thursday. The hole is at mid-latitude, so is not completely in line with Earth. But its large size means that we could see a strong solar wind, which may hit the Earth this weekend, potentially pushing the Kp index up for a couple of days at least.
Sunspots have been adequate rather than outstanding. The main active groups have now rotated out of view, but there are some new ones just appearing over the Sun’s limb.
The HF bands have been excellent and many newer amateurs have had their first taste of 10m in full flow.
Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index could decline to the range 105-115. The Kp index is predicted to rise to four at least until the 22nd. We may then get respite for a day or two before it rises again to three or four.
In other words, we have probably seen the best of the settled HF conditions for a while. Just what effect the enhanced solar wind and increased Kp index this weekend will have on maximum usable frequencies is hard to predict.
Typically, an increased Kp index can result in reduced MUFs, but whether we will see it impact 10 metres, especially with the predicted lower SFI, we will just have to wait and see.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
After last weekend’s excellent tropo, with 24GHz propagation from the South East of England to the near continent, we now have a seemingly never-ending period of unsettled weather continuing through the coming week.
This is driven by a strong jet stream flow across the Atlantic. Since it’s a low pressure and rain scatter period once again, it’s worth a reminder that, although we are way out of season with regards to Sporadic-E, it can still be seen on the foEs graphs on the Propquest.co.uk website and can be particularly useful for the LF bands.
Focusing back on VHF and above, the prevalence of low pressure during the week suggests Tropo is unlikely to entertain us. The only modes remaining to discuss are meteor scatter as we slowly fade from the peak of the Leonids, and finally the prospect of a random aurora if we have further disturbed solar conditions.
This week’s active meteor showers are the Alpha Monocerotids which are active until November the 25th and reach a low ZHR maximum on Monday the 21st of November. Also, the November Orionids, are active until December the 6th but don’t peak until the 28th.
Moon declination went negative on Saturday so Moon windows will shorten and zenith angles decrease. Path losses are still low but with perigee on Friday, path losses will fall all week. 144MHz sky noise slowly increases, reaching a maximum of over 2,500 Kelvin on Friday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.