GB2RS

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 14th September 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday, the 14th of September 2025
The news headlines:
RCF Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, on inspiring the next generation of radio amateurs
The RSGB LoRa balloon is to be launched this week
Will Richardson, 2E0WYA, has been co-opted to the RSGB Board as Vice Chair
Radio Communications Foundation Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, will be at this year’s RSGB Convention to deliver a fascinating lecture on using radio technology to engage and inspire non-radio amateurs. In particular, he will look at this within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education settings, using the subject to connect with young people. Matthew Phillips, G6WPJ, will also be at the Convention, where he will be discussing the use of low-power software-defined radio to rejuvenate medium- and short-wave broadcasting. These are two of nearly 50 speakers who will be delivering engaging and topical presentations for Convention attendees. If this isn’t enough to entice you, visit the Convention web pages via rsgb.org/convention, where you’ll find details on workshops, a drop-in session on the UK Meteor Beacon Project, and information on the AMSAT-UK Colloquium. In addition to the usual GB3HQ operation that will run throughout the event, at this year’s Convention, a special 145 Alive net will be hosted by GB3HQ from 12 pm to 3 pm on the Saturday. You will be able to join the net or simply check in on the day and all callers will be recorded in the log. The Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre between the 10th and 12th of October.
Only a few days remain until the RSGB LoRa balloon is launched. If you haven’t already heard about the event, you still have time to take part. Go to rsgb.org/lora-balloon  and download a detailed guide to help you build and code your LoRa tracker board. You can also find a link to a video in which Fraser, MM0EFI, demonstrates the process. The balloon launch takes place on Saturday, the 20th of September, at approximately 11 am BST. The challenge is open to all radio amateurs, but to be eligible to win one of the two available prizes, you must be an RSGB individual member or an affiliated club.
The RSGB Board is pleased to announce that it is co-opting Will Richardson, 2E0WYA to the Board to serve until the 2026 RSGB AGM. He will also serve as the Board Vice Chair. Will has significant senior management skills and experience and will be a great asset in helping the Board move forward with the RSGB strategy.
The Autumn term is starting at schools and colleges around the country, and the RSGB Outreach Team is continuing its DMR project to help young people get on the air. If you are a teacher who would like to take your amateur radio licence and set up a school club, there is support in place to help you. In collaboration with the Radio Communications Foundation, the RSGB is offering to pay the licence exam fee for nine teachers to help get you and your school club started. In addition, once you have your licence, you can apply for a free DMR kit on loan for three months to help set up your club. If you are a teacher interested in starting a school radio club, please email RSGB Youth Chair Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, via youthchampion.school@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB regrets that the RSGB National Radio Centre will be closed on Tuesday, the 23rd of September. Volunteers from the Centre will be delighted to welcome you every other day that week. Don’t forget that RSGB members can visit the world-famous Bletchley Park estate and the RSGB National Radio Centre for free. Download your voucher by going to rsgb.org/bpvoucher
The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and there are only eight places left. So, book now to avoid disappointment. 
Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 
And now for details of rallies and events
On Saturday, the 20th of September, Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place at St Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover CT17 0HL. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the entrance fee is £3.
The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is also coming up on Saturday, the 20th. The rally will be held at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 3 pm. For more information and trader bookings, visit emerg.uk/rally
Now the Special Event news
The Brazilian Amateur Radio Broadcast League is active with special callsign PV203BR until tomorrow, the 15th. Listen for activity on all bands and modes and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World.
The Dutch Lighthouse Hunt event is running until the 30th of September. Members of the Dutch Radio Group are using 11 special callsigns, each representing a different lighthouse in the Netherlands. For more information and details of awards that are available for working the stations, visit the PA01LH page at QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Chas, NK8O, is active again as 5H3DX from Tanzania until the 21st of September. He operates CW, FT4 and FT8 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or directly to Chas.
Harold, DF2WO, is active as 9X2AW from Rwanda until the 27th of September. He usually operates CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on various bands, including 6m and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
Today, the 14th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Today, the 14th, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also today, the 14th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.
The IRTS 2m Counties Contest is also running today, the 14th, from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.
Tomorrow, the 15th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 16th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 18th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 21st, the RSGB 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1200 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Sunday the 21st, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of September
As of Thursday, the 11th of September, it looked like someone had thrown a switch on the Sun to turn off all new sunspots! Unless there is a big change, there will be no sunspots visible on the Sun’s surface today, the 14th.
It is clear we are no longer at solar maximum.
A bigger problem is a large coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, which is rotating to be Earth facing. It is on the Sun’s equator, so it is ideally placed for maximum disruption to the Earth. A high-speed solar wind stream should reach Earth by the 14th of September, and geomagnetic storming may be possible at higher latitudes. Expect maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, to drop and trans-polar paths to be affected once the Kp index rises.
HF is now starting to improve as we head towards mid-September. By 1000UTC, Propquest shows that the MUF over a 3,000km path can be as high as 31MHz, as long as the Kp index stays low. This should continue to improve as we head into October.
The best DX last week continued to be T30TTT in Western Kiribati, this time on the 40 and 17m bands using FT8. 9J2FI in Zambia also put in an appearance on the 17m band using FT8. TZ4AM in Mali was spotted on the 15m band using SSB. For Morse enthusiasts, HC5AI in Ecuador was working on the 15m band using CW, according to the CDXC Slack chat group.
NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start the coming week at 125 but then gradually improve to reach 145 by the end of the week. As mentioned earlier, the Kp index is set to reach 4 or 5 between the 14th and 16th of September due to the coronal hole.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The present spell of unsettled weather is likely to remain the main driver of weather-related propagation modes for the next week. Low-pressure systems are following the jet stream across the Atlantic and over the UK, which is a typical track for this time of the year. This means that we should expect to experience the odd example of rain scatter for the GHz operators, and occasional strong winds will start to test that we have our antennas in good order after the quieter weather during the summer.
This is not to say that there won’t be any Tropo, but we will have to look for it carefully. In a mobile weather pattern such as this, the periods of high pressure tend to act as separators between the lows and, as a result, they usually move with similar speed. This makes them short-lived and thus not particularly good at establishing strong inversions for Tropo. There are two low-grade possibilities. One is around Tuesday the 16th as a weak transient ridge moves across the country. The second will be as another weak ridge moves across on Friday, the 19th.
The meteor scatter situation is still pretty much in a random activity state, although there was a minor shower of the Epsilon Perseids, which peaked on the 9th and may have a few left in the tail-off. However, in general, it's more realistic to assume we’re dealing with random activity. Aurora, on the other hand, has been putting in an appearance lately, so keep watching the Kp index for values climbing above 5.
Now for an update on EME. Today, the 14th, marks the Moon’s maximum declination – its highest point in the sky. Perigee, when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, was passed on September the 9th, so path losses are increasing. Sky noise is low and will remain so until the 20th to 22nd, when the new Moon is very close to the Sun.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 7th September 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday, the 7th of September 2025
The news headlines:
WRTC, QO-100 and how to have a thriving club – be part of these discussions at the RSGB Convention
Listen out for special GB2RS broadcasts from the NRC as part of GB70RS celebrations
The RSGB replies to the latest Ofcom 2.3GHz consultation
The World Radiosport Team Championship 2026 takes place in the United Kingdom, and Mark Haynes, M0DXR, is the Chairman of the Organising Committee. Join Mark at the RSGB Convention on Saturday, the 11th of October, to find out how the team is progressing for the event, which will host 100 operators from all around the world. If operating via QO-100 is something you would like to try, join Paulo, F5VMJ/G0MUW, as he shares his experience of the mode, including his home setup and how to go portable. In a new-style presentation for this year, representatives from four amateur radio clubs will be joining a panel at the Convention. They will each discuss different aspects of their club activities that are contributing to the club’s success and growth. Join the conversation, share your thoughts and experience, and be inspired. If you’d like to get practical during the Convention weekend, there are a variety of opportunities, including three workshops. The majority of workshop tickets are now sold, so book now to avoid disappointment. With only five weeks until the Society’s annual Convention, secure your place via rsgb.org/convention. The RSGB Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between the 10th and 12th of October.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news broadcast, GB2RS. The celebrations continue with three special broadcasts scheduled from the RSGB National Radio Centre, or NRC, on Sunday, the 28th of September. Three Newsreaders will broadcast GB2RS from the NRC on the 40m band, the 2m band and via the QO-100 satellite. These readings will be in addition to those in the weekly GB2RS broadcast schedule. Special event station GB70RS will be used for pre- and post-News nets. In addition, each Newsreader will start the broadcast with a special message from the RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX. Find out timings and frequencies via rsgb.org/gb70rs 
The RSGB has responded to a further Ofcom consultation, which would see new users sharing spectrum within the 2.3GHz amateur band. The latest proposals would enable a new class of short-notice outdoor deployments in the 2320 to 2340MHz range, for up to 14 days at a time. In its response, the RSGB has taken the opportunity to highlight strong concerns regarding the amateur weak signal segment at 2320MHz. This follows earlier Ofcom proposals last year for indoor use only in this frequency range. The response and background information can be found on the RSGB Spectrum Forum web pages. Go to rsgb.org/spectrum-forum  and choose the ‘Papers and consultations’ tab on the right-hand side.
This month is all about amateur radio and coding for the RSGB. Two exciting activities have been developed for you to get involved with. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced coder, you can get stuck into both the Python Pocket Morse activity and the LoRa high-altitude balloon challenge. Don’t forget to let the Society know how you get on. Share your story and photos with the RSGB Communications Team via comms@rsgb.org.uk
RSGB Board Chair Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, has announced that Peter Bowyer, G4MJS, is stepping down from his role as RSGB Director due to an unexpected and significant increase in his professional duties. In addition to this Board vacancy, two further vacancies will arise when the RSGB election cycle starts in a few months. Both Len Paget, GM0ONX and Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, will stand down from the Board due to term limits. Members are encouraged to offer their services to the RSGB for this important duty. If you'd like a chat about the role, contact the Nominations Committee Chair, Will Richardson, 2E0WYA via nominations.chair@rsgb.org.uk
Royal Air Force Air Cadets Exercise Cloud Warmer is taking place on the 60m band from 7.45 pm to 8 pm until the 31st of December. To operate, you must be a Full licence holder and comply with the Band Plan Licence Schedule Notes. Listeners will note traffic on 5354 and 5363kHz, and amateurs can join in and pass information. Military Radio Exercise, or MRE, callsigns will be in use throughout the exercise period. More details will be available soon via alphacharlie.org.uk
On Saturday, the 13th, lots of amateur radio stations will be on the air to take part in the Churches and Chapels on the Air event, also known as CHOTA. The event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm. Although stations will be working on a variety of bands and modes, most operating will take place on the 40m band using SSB. More details are available at wacral.org
And now for details of rallies and events
On Saturday, the 20th of September, Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place at St Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover CT17 0HL. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the entrance fee is £3.
The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is also coming up on Saturday, the 20th. The rally will be held at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 3 pm. For more information and trader booking, visit emerg.uk/rally
Now the Special Event news
On Saturday the 13th, special event station GB5SH will be active from St. Hilda's Church in Hartlepool during the CHOTA event. The operation will be mostly on the 40m band using SSB and the 2m band using FM. You can read more details at QRZ.com
Operators from the Romanian Federation of Amateur Radio are active as YO2025ENESCU  as part of the George Enescu International Festival. Details of certificates that are available for working at the station are available via tinyurl.com/enescu25
Now the DX news
Maxim, OH7O, is active as XW4YY from Laos until the 11th of September. He is operating SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS. For more information and updates, visit oh7o.com
Chas, NK8O, is active as 5H3DX from Tanzania until the 21st of September. He is operating CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or directly to NK8O.
Now the contest news
The All Asian DX Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and your age.
Today, the 7th, the Worked All Britain 2m SSB Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. This year, the QRO and QRP contests are combined. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website.
Also, today, the 7th, the 5th RSGB 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The RSGB 144MHz Trophy Contest started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Both RSGB SSB Field Day and IARU Region 1 Field Day started at 1300 UTC on Saturday, the 6th, and end at 1300 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
Also, on Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 11th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 13th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 14th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Sunday the 14th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 14th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.
Also, on Sunday the 14th, the IRTS 2m Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.
On Sunday the 14th, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Wednesday the 3rd of September
Last week’s aurora may have come as a bit of a surprise! The propagation segment for GB2RS is usually written on a Thursday, but the aurora was sparked by a solar flare that took place two days later, at 2002 UTC on the 30th of August.
As we don’t have a crystal ball, we couldn’t have predicted it!
The Kp index hit 3 late on the 1st of September, with aurora visible over much of the UK. HF propagation was affected with sudden swings in the maximum usable frequency over most of the day on Tuesday, the 2nd of September.
At the time of writing, a geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect with the solar wind speed above 500 kilometres per second. September is a good month for aurora due to the Russell-McPherron effect, when the Earth’s axis aligns perpendicularly to the Sun-Earth line during the equinox. This creates ideal conditions for a reconnection between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field. So, keep an eye on solarham.com for daily updates.
The Sun remains active with plenty of sunspots. The solar flux index stood at 187 on Wednesday, the 3rd, down from 202 the day before.
HF propagation remains good, out of the auroral periods, and as we progress into September, it should improve even more. Some of the best DX this week included VK2/SP9FIH on Lord Howe Island using the Superfox FT8 mode, and T30TTT on Western Kiribati using both CW and FT8. Other choice DX included 3C3W in Equatorial Guinea on FT8, TJ1GD in Cameroon on 20m CW, and 5H8HZ in Tanzania on 30m FT8.
Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will decline to 160, and then perhaps 125. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast until the 10th, with a maximum Kp index of 4 predicted. This may be due to a large elongated coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, which became Earth-facing on Wednesday, the 3rd.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
Rain and sequences of low pressure will drive the weather agenda for much of the coming week.
The only reasonable chance of Tropo appears to be Friday and Saturday with high pressure to the southeast and support for paths to the continent and across the North Sea. It is worth noting that, in general, short-lived highs like this one do not have the necessary time to generate a strong, elevated inversion before declining. So don’t expect too much.
Rain scatter, on the other hand, is much more likely to be worth considering for the gigahertz stations next week, with plenty of rain events coming along.
The Sporadic-E season daily blogs have now finished for this year, but you may still find it worthwhile looking at the Dourbes graph at propquest.co.uk. You will notice the odd blip on the foEs trace, so keep it in mind for the 10 and 6m bands – at least for the next week.
Meteor scatter is still in random territory for this period. We are between the Perseids in mid-August and the Draconids, which peak on the 8th of October. This means that the pre-dawn morning hours will be good times to try.
There were some auroral signals during the 2m UK Activity Contest on Tuesday, the 2nd. We are coming into the autumn season when conditions tend to be more favourable for aurora.
The message is, of course, to monitor the Kp index for values rising above 4 or 5. Remember, these three-hourly planetary readings can smooth out shorter-duration peaks, so maybe don’t wait for it to get to the dizzy heights of 6 or 7 before taking an interest.
Moon declination is still negative, not going positive until Monday, the 8th. So, Moon window lengths and peak elevation will continue to increase. Path losses are still falling until perigee on Wednesday, the 10th. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 31st August 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday the 31st of August 2025
The news headlines:
Plan your RSGB Convention weekend with the newly released programme
Volunteer for the RSGB as the Honorary Mature Members’ Officer
RSGB representatives and practical activities at the National Hamfest
 Have you bought your ticket for this year’s RSGB Convention yet? The weekend’s draft programme has just been released, detailing all the inspiring speakers that the Society has lined up for your enjoyment. If you want to improve your technical knowledge, be sure to add the presentation by Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs, to your must-see list. Hans will introduce the concept of polar modulation SSB, along with the story of the practical implementation of polar modulation SSB in the QRP Labs QMX and QMX+ transceivers. Perhaps you’d like to get some operating tips? In which case, Walt Hudson, K4OGO, is one to add to your weekend schedule. Walt, also known as ‘Salty Walt’, will discuss different types of antennas and his experience with them when operating portable. If you’d like to discover something new within amateur radio, then join Kjetil Vinorum, LB4FH, for a presentation on ‘elmering’ in an online world. In addition, Mike Walker, VA3MW, will present an exclusive look at the new Aurora transceiver from FlexRadio Systems and will showcase how the Aurora pushes the boundaries of software-defined radio. With a wide-ranging programme to spark your interest, three exciting workshops, the Special Interest Groups room, GB3HQ and much more, this year’s Convention is one not to be missed. The event takes place between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of October at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. Tickets are selling fast, so to view the full programme and book, go to rsgb.org/convention 
The RSGB has announced an exciting new volunteer role, which will be tasked with attracting older people to amateur radio. The Honorary Mature Members’ Officer will also be responsible for retaining and engaging with our existing senior members. The individual will research organisations or groups with memberships that include older people who may be interested in amateur radio as a hobby. They will also help to identify ways the RSGB can support lifelong enjoyment of amateur radio, including accessibility, training and social engagement. If you are an RSGB member and interested in this role, go to rsgb.org/volunteers  to read the full description. If you’d like to apply or have a chat about the role, email the Nominations Committee Chair, Will Richardson, 2E0WYA via nominations.chair@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB will have a large presence at the National Hamfest at Newark Showground on Friday, the 5th and Saturday, the 6th of September. In addition to an extensive book stall and membership stand, the Society will be running a range of exciting practical activities and demonstrations. These include a semi-interactive display of the CubeSat and a web-based dashboard from a Tiny Ground Station running remotely. There will be the opportunity to play ‘MORSE’, a minimalist, wave-based strategy game operated with just two controls. You can also have your CW skills tested at a range of speeds. On Saturday, there will be an opportunity to get hands-on, building a Kanga FM receiver kit. The activities are all free of charge, and there is no need to book in advance. Members of the RSGB Board, staff and representatives from specialist committees and teams will also be in attendance and are looking forward to meeting you, answering your questions and offering support.
If you know an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show, you have until Friday, the 12th of September, to nominate them for the RSGB’s G5RP Trophy. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed but is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. Please email your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, via hf.manager@rsgb.org.uk
Worked All Britain’s new Summer Saunter award is being extended to include an Autumn Amble. There is now a rota of volunteers to act as regular net controllers from 10.30 am UK time on the 40m band. Other nets will run on an ad hoc basis, whenever activity is planned. To find out more, visit the Worked All Britain website.
 And now for details of rallies and events
Telford Hamfest is taking place today, Sunday, the 31st of August, at Harper Adams University Sports Hall. The doors open at 10.15 am. Admission is £5, but young people up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. Lots of fascinating titles are available at the RSGB bookstall on site. More details are available at tinyurl.com/tdars25
On the 14th of September Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally will be held at Caister Lifeboat Station, Caister-on-Sea, NR30 5DJ. The doors will be open to visitors from 9 am to 2 pm, and there is no entrance fee. For more information, email Zane, M1BFI via m1bfi@outlook.com
Now the Special Event news
Members of Central Uusimaa Radio Amateurs Association, OH2AP, are active throughout 2025 as OF60AP to celebrate their club's 60th anniversary. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. For details of a certificate that is available for working the station, see tinyurl.com/oh2ap25
Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS, which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information, visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Antonio, IK7WUL, is active as TY2AA from Benin until the 7th of September. Recently, the station was spotted on the 10m band using SSB. For more information, visit the TY2AA page at QRZ.com
Domenico, IK1MNF, is active as IK1MNF/IA5 from Isola d'Elba, EU-028, until the end of September. He is mainly using SSB on the 20 to 6m bands. QSL via Domenico’s home call. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log.
Now the contest news
The World-Wide Digi DX Contest started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 30th and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 31st of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator.
On Monday the 1st, the RSGB Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 2nd, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 2nd, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 3rd, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 3rd, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
Also, on Wednesday the 3rd, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and your age.
On Saturday the 6th, the CWops CW Open takes place in three four-hour sessions between 0000 and 2359 UTC. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number and name.
The RSGB 144MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Both RSGB SSB Field Day and IARU Region 1 Field Day start at 1300 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and end at 1300 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Sunday the 7th, the Worked All Britain 2m SSB Contest runs from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. This year, the QRO and QRP contests are combined. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website.
On Sunday the 7th, the 5th RSGB 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 28th of August 2025
This week saw a change in HF propagation with a perceptible move towards more autumnal conditions.
The 10 and 12m bands have started opening up to the USA, at least on FT8. As we move into September, this will improve further. Also, as we head towards the Autumnal Equinox, we can expect better conditions on north-south paths, such as the UK to South Africa.
The week saw the solar flux index climb to 226 on Thursday, the 28th, thanks to a host of sunspots, mainly in the Sun’s southern hemisphere.
Over the last seven days, the Sun also provided us with 12 M-class solar flares. Any associated coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, were not Earth-directed, so these had little effect, and the Kp index stayed firmly at 3 or below. The latest updates suggest that there is only a ten per cent chance of a strong X-class solar flare.
FT8 continues to be the preferred HF mode, or so it seems, with stations in China, Japan, Indonesia and Cameroon making their way into UK logs on the 12m band.
The 10m band has also been humming with South America rolling in during late afternoon and early evening. This can only get better as we move into September and October.
NOAA predicts that the coming week will start with a solar flux index of 155 tomorrow, the 1st. This may be a little pessimistic, but we’ll see. It also predicts that the solar flux index will drop off as the week progresses, ending the week at 125.
Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be good for the first half of the week, but then decline from the 4th of September. Batten down the hatches as a Kp index of 6 is forecast for the 5th, with unsettled conditions lasting until the 10th of September. Check for auroral HF signals on the 5th, or even the possibility of visible aurora from the UK.
We recommend you get your HF DXing in early next week!
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
Last week saw some lovely late-season Sporadic-E on the 6 and 4m bands, including Spain, Italy, and east into Ukraine. There was an opening to Brazil on the 24th that reached as far as East Anglia, but, as usual, stations on the south coast and west of the country had the best of the transatlantic QSOs.  
This is the last bulletin in the nominal 2025 Sporadic-E season, which lasts from May to August. However, last week was a good reminder not to give up too soon, as there were several CW and SSB paths showing up, particularly on the 10 and 6m bands. There were also a few reports on the 4m band.
The daily Sporadic-E blogs on propquest.co.uk  come to an end today, the 31st, but the site will continue to provide the maps as usual. To help you, notes on how to interpret the maps are available on the website. Thanks to all the Sporadic-E operators who have submitted logs to the various clusters this year.
The change over to unsettled weather is now complete, and we will see rain and thunderstorms in most areas from time to time. It’s a good period to check out rain scatter propagation if you are set up for the gigahertz bands.
The heavier rain is well-captured by the many online rain radar displays to help you track the most active scattering volumes, which move with the stronger winds quite high up in the atmosphere. Speeds of 30 to 60 miles per hour are common.
There is one note of contrast with the model evolution after midweek. One branch sticks with low pressure to the following weekend, while another outcome tries to bring in a ridge of high pressure and a chance of Tropo propagation. If the latter turns out to be the actual evolution, it may prove useful for the 144MHz Trophy and Backpackers Contest next weekend. However, it may not have arrived in time for the 144MHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday.
The solar conditions are still providing some interest for auroral propagation, but with a Kp index less than 3, nothing of use radio-wise. Look for a Kp index increase beyond 7 for that. Meteor activity is currently between major showers, so expect random activity, which suggests early mornings for checking out meteor scatter prospects.
Moon declination is negative, reaching a minimum on Monda,y the 1st. So, it’s a week to check out your equipment rather than to operate. With the Sun still high in the sky, it’s easy to check system performance with Sun noise. Path losses started to fall after apogee on Friday the 29th. 144MHz sky noise is close to 3,000 Kelvin on Monday, dropping back to moderate on Wednesday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 24th August 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday the 24th of August 2025
 
The news headlines:
Apply to be the RSGB Youth Activities and Engagement Champion
The Tonight@8 webinar series is back with a brilliant autumn line-up
Hans Summers, G0UPL confirmed as the RSGB Convention after-dinner speaker
The RSGB Youth Team is looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and innovative person to join its team as the Society’s volunteer Youth Activities and Engagement Champion. The role will take the lead on youth-focused activities and create resources for young Foundation licence holders. If you would like to help inspire young people to explore new aspects of amateur radio, then read the full role description via rsgb.org/volunteers  and then get in touch with the Youth Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk  This exciting role will be working collaboratively with Ben, as well as the existing Youth Champions and RSGB Outreach Team. You can see some of the amazing projects the team has been working on by visiting the RSGB Youth web pages via rsgb.org/youth
The Tonight@8 autumn programme kicks off on Monday the 1st of September with a fascinating presentation from Kristen McIntyre, K6WX. During the 45-minute session Kristen will explain Maxwell's Equations in a visual and relatable way that aims to leave viewers with an understanding of a topic that can often feel impenetrable. Maxwell’s Equations are essential for radio amateurs and explain how RF signals propagate, antennas radiate, and common-mode currents form. By the end of this informative webinar, you’ll be able to see how Maxwell’s four simultaneous differential equations combine to bring the world of radio to life. Kristen discovered amateur radio when she was a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1979 and has been active ever since. Among other roles, she is the ARRL First Vice President and has also recently been inducted into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. Learn more about Kristen and this not to be missed webinar by going to rsgb.org/webinars 
Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs has been confirmed by the RSGB as the after-dinner speaker at its Convention in October. Following the gala dinner, Hans will be sharing the emotions he experienced during the nine months he spent adding SSB to the QMX transceiver. Tickets for the gala dinner, along with those for the full Convention programme and the three exciting workshops, can be purchased via rsgb.org/convention  This year’s RSGB Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of October. Book now and join like-minded radio amateurs for an action-packed programme.
The RSGB Examination Standards Committee is pleased to announce the publication of an updated version of the Direct to Full syllabus. The significant changes from the previous version are the moving of some points between Section One on Licensing and Section Two on Operating. These changes bring the Direct to Full syllabus into line with the latest version of the three-part syllabus. You can find the updated syllabus and change documentation on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/syllabus  These changes will come into effect from January 2026, so please choose the correct version of the syllabus for the date you plan to take your exam.
Four young RSGB members have spent the last week near Paris for this year’s Youngsters on the Air summer camp. The event was a huge success with activities that included group member Sophie, M7IJG asking a question to Astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT during the camp’s ARISS contact with the International Space Station. Hear more from the young radio amateurs by reading their blog via rsgb.org/yota-camp
RSGB members, and the wider amateur radio community, are invited to a ‘Meet the President Day’ at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre on Thursday the 28th of August. The Society’s President, Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, will be present throughout the day to welcome members, hear their views, and discuss the work of the Society in supporting and promoting amateur radio. RSGB members, don’t forget to download your free entry voucher to Bletchley Park via rsgb.org/bpvoucher
The Maritime Radio Historical Society in the United States, in cooperation with the Cipher History Museum, has arranged to transmit an Enigma message via the maritime radio coast station KPH, near San Francisco. The transmission will take place on Saturday the 30th of August at 2000UTC. KPH listeners, intercept operators and codebreakers everywhere are invited to try their hand at receiving the transmission and decrypting the message. For more information, including details of certificates that are available for decrypting the message, visit tinyurl.com/mrhs2025
And now for details of rallies and events
Today, the 24th, the Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes. Free on-site parking, catering and disabled facilities are available. The entrance fee is £3. The doors open to the public from 9am. For more information visit mkars.org.uk/mkrally
The Torbay Amateur Radio Society Rally is also taking place at Newton Abbot Racecourse today, the 24th. The doors open at 10am and entry costs £3. You can find out more via torbayars.org
Tomorrow, the 25th, the Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society Radio Rally will take place at the Ramsey Rural Museum, Wood Lane, Ramsey, PE26 2XD. For more information visit tinyurl.com/hunts25
Telford Hamfest is taking place on Sunday the 31st of August at Harper Adams University Sports Hall. The doors open at 10.15am. Admission is £5 but children up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. The G-QRP Club will be present again with a Saturday Buildathon. More details are available at tinyurl.com/tdars25
Now the Special Event news
In memory of Maximilian Kolbe, special callsign 4A2MAX is active until the 31st of August. Kolbe is venerated by the Catholic Church as the patron saint of amateur radio operators. Activity will be on the 80 to 6m bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com or via EA5GL.
To celebrate the International Amateur Radio Union's 100th anniversary, members of the Atlantic Coast DX and Contest Group are active as CG9IARU throughout August. The station was spotted recently on the 20m band using SSB. QSL via VE9CF. See QRZ.com for more information. 
Now the DX news
Aldir, PY1SAD is active as 8R1TM from Guyana until the 23rd of September. He is operating CW, SSB and digital modes on all bands and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com, or directly to PY1SAD.
Don, KW7R is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands until September. He operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
Today, the 24th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 26th, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The World Wide Digi DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 31st of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of August
Last week was relatively good from an HF propagation standpoint, with only a few periods with an elevated Kp index thanks to a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole.
The Kp index hit 4.67 on the 19th of August and 4 again on the 20th due to the solar wind hitting earth at more than 600 kilometres per second. Luckily, the interplanetary magnetic field remained mostly neutral, or north-facing, and the density was low, saving us from more disruption.
Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 120 by Thursday the 21st. This is still high enough to affect the ionosphere, but well down on recent highs in the 140s and 150s.
The daytime critical frequency has mostly remained above 7.5MHz, meaning the 40m band has managed to remain good for inter-UK contacts. This has also meant that maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path hit 21MHz and even 24.9MHz at times. Nighttime critical frequencies have been around 5MHz, giving an MUF over 3,000km of below 14MHz and sometimes even as low as 10MHz.
It may be another month or so before we see daytime F2-layer openings starting again on 28MHz. In the meantime, focus your efforts during daylight on 21MHz and below.
T30TTT in Western Kiribati remains one of the DX stations to chase, mostly on 18 and 21MHz. The operators are alternating between using CW, SSB and FT8. Other choice DX worked included Jim, E51JD on South Cook Islands who has been active on the 17m band using SSB. TY5AD in Benin, Africa has been worked on the 10m band using FT8. And 3G1P, an IOTA DXpedition in Chile, was logged on the 15m band using SSB.
Closer to home, today, the 24th, is the last chance to work OG0C on the Aland Islands.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 120s, until the end of the month when it could rise to 130 and even 150. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 28th of August when the Kp index could hit 4.
Otherwise, make the most of the relatively settled conditions over the first half of next week to work some choice DX!
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
After this weekend, the weather changes from a Tropo high pressure pattern to an unsettled story with areas of low pressure and fronts together with wind and rain. This will remove any Tropo options and replace them with a possibility of rain scatter on the GHz bands.
The auroral conditions have recently produced minor enhancements, although nothing too exciting so far radio-wise. It’s worth noting that the autumn, along with spring, are times of the year when auroras are more likely. So, it’s a good time of the year to keep abreast of the Kp index, especially if the Kp index goes above 5.
We are at the tail end of the broader period of the Perseid meteor shower, ending today, the 24th. This leaves random meteor activity as the only option for a while. As those of you who are active in the mode already know, it tends to favour the early pre-dawn period for better chances of catching meteor scatter.
Sporadic-E is hanging on for the last week or two of the 2025 season, but opportunities become much rarer. You’ll need to keep a close watch on band reports to capture these increasingly fleeting events. In the main Sporadic-E season, there are usually two well-defined peaks of activity in the morning and late afternoon. However, in the tail of the Sporadic-E season you are just as likely to find it around the middle of the day as at any other time.
The daily Sporadic-E blogs at propquest.co.uk  finish at the end of August, but in some years the last events have extended into the first week of September. 
Moon declination is still positive, but falling, going negative on Monday. So, Moon window lengths and peak elevation will follow suit. Path losses are rising again as we approach apogee on Friday the 29th. 144MHz sky noise was low until lunchtime on Friday the 22nd, when the Sun and the Moon were very close in the sky. This continued throughout the Moon window on yesterday, the 23rd, and will revert to moderate-to-low next week. 
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 17th August 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday, the 17th of August 2025
The news headlines:
Read daily updates from the RSGB’s YOTA summer camp team
‘Women in amateur radio’ panel to be held at RSGB Convention in October
The RSGB Awards Manager announces a new awards series
This year’s Youngsters on the Air summer camp begins tomorrow, Monday, the 18th of August, and the RSGB is sending a team of four young members to take part. YOTA camps are an amazing opportunity for young people to operate the latest amateur radio equipment, take part in construction activities and make international friendships. The Society will be keeping you up to date with the group’s progress by sharing daily updates and photos. This year’s camp is taking place near Paris and is being organised by REF, the French national amateur radio society, and the IARU. Read the daily blog updates by visiting rsgb.org/yota-camp  and selecting ‘YOTA Paris 2025’ from the right-hand menu. The Society will also be sharing updates via its Facebook and X channels. If you’d like to get involved with getting young people on the air, why not participate in YOTA Month in December 2025? If you’d like to host special callsign GB25YOTA or if you’d like to find out more, email the YOTA Month Coordinator, Jamie, M0SDV via yota.month@rsgb.org.uk
The list of confirmed speakers for this year’s RSGB Convention continues to grow, with a further round of names released. If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, be sure to book online now to secure your place and watch Dan McGraw, M0WUT, explain PCB design for low-voltage switched-mode power supplies. You’ll also be able to get an insight into what has been learnt from Solar Cycle 25, with a presentation by the Chair of the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee, Steve Nichols, G0KYA. The Society has also confirmed that RSGB RadCom Technical Editor Peter Duffett-Smith, GM3XJE, will be presenting a lecture on the importance of understanding the input impedance of your transmitter. The IRTS Youth Officer Ana Cañizares, EI5IXB, will be sharing her experience of getting young people in Ireland involved in amateur radio. In addition, the RSGB has announced that it will be holding a ‘women in amateur radio’ panel discussion. This exciting session will highlight five women who enjoy different aspects of amateur radio and will discuss the various opportunities, challenges and potential barriers that may exist in engaging more girls and women with amateur radio. Find out more about these thought-provoking presentations by going to rsgb.org/convention  and selecting RSGB 2025 Convention speakers from the right-hand menu. The Convention takes place between the 10th and 12th of October and is a must-do on every radio amateur’s calendar.
The RSGB Awards Manager has introduced a new awards series for amateur radio contacts with stations across all UK country and Crown Dependency prefixes. The Worked All UK and Crown Dependency Prefixes Award offers several different sub-sets, with the rules varying slightly for each. The idea for the award was put forward as a way of encouraging, or tapping into, intra-UK activity as well as encouraging contact with UK amateurs. Get involved with this new award by going to rsgb.org/awards  and selecting ‘Worked All UK and Crown Dependency’ from the right-hand menu. You can find details of other awards offered by the Society using the same link.
National Coding Week takes place during the third week of September, and the RSGB is dedicating the whole of the month to amateur radio and coding activities. This year, the Society has created two new activities for you to try. Both build on worksheets it shared in previous years; however, you don’t have to have done those first. The Python Pocket Morse activity has been developed by the RSGB Maker Champion Tom Wardill, 2E0JJI and is a low-cost opportunity to learn some Morse and programming together. The exercise will cover using a BBC Micro:bit V2 and the ‘more advanced’ Python programming instead of the previous block programming mode. It is intended as a gentle introduction to both Python and small computer programming and can be done without any previous knowledge of the micro:bit. You can download the full instructions by going to rsgb.org/coding  and selecting ‘Python Pocket Morse’ from the right-hand menu. The other new activity is the LoRa balloon challenge. As well as the manual, which guides you through the process of building your own LoRa tracker and seeing how far your signal can reach, the Society has released a video in which Fraser, MM0EFI, demonstrates the process. Find both on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/lora-balloon
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend started at 0001UTC on Saturday, the 16th and ends at 2400UTC today, the 17th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. To find out more and to view a list of participating stations, visit illw.net
This year’s British Inland Waterways on the Air event will run from Saturday, the 23r,d until Monda,y the 25th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. To find out more, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website at nharg.org.uk  and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2025’ link.
Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 
 And now for details of rallies and events
Today, the 17th, Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally opens its doors at 10 am. More details are available at g0ghk.com
Also today, the 17th, the West Manchester Radio Club Red Rose Summer Rally is taking place at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ from 10 am. More information is available by following the ‘Red Rose Rally’ tab at wmrc.co.uk
On Sunday, the 24th the Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes. Free on-site parking, catering and disabled facilities will be available. The entrance fee is £3. The doors open to the public from 9 am. For more information, visit mkars.org.uk/mkrally
Also on Sunday the 24th, the Torbay Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Newton Abbot Racecourse. The doors open at 10 am and entry costs £3. You can find out more via torbayars.org
Now the Special Event news
Leicester Radio Society is active as GB8OVJ until tomorrow, the 18th, to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The station is operating on the HF, 2m and 70cm bands. Operators are using CW, phone, FT4, FT8, SSTV and RTTY. More information is available at QRZ.com
4U0ITU is the callsign in use by the International Amateur Radio Club at ITU HQ in Geneva. The station is active in celebration of the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS.
Now the DX news
Steve, ZL2KE, is active as E51KEE from Rarotonga, OC-013, on the South Cook Islands until tomorrow, the 18th of August. He is operating CW and some SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL directly to IK2DUW. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Phill, C21TS, is active in Nauru until September 2025. He has made over 83,000 QSOs so far and hopes to reach 100,000 contacts before leaving the island. Recently, the station was spotted on the HF bands using FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 19th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 21st, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 24th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of August
Last weekend was characterised by unsettled geomagnetic conditions caused by a massive coronal hole on the Sun.
At one point, the Kp index got up to 6, with a corresponding decrease in maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs. The Dourbes Digisonde failed to record much at all over six hours. Luckily, that disruption had passed by Monday the 11th as the ionosphere started to get back to normal.
Meanwhile, the solar flux index reached a peak of 153 on the 10th, before dropping back to 140 on Thursday, the 14th. There have been numerous C-class solar flares and ten M-class events over the past five days, but nothing of note.
The MUF over a 3,000km path exceeded 24.9MHz at times, but has generally been between 21 and 24MHz.
Another coronal hole is Earth-centric at the moment and could cause some disruption, with increased Kp indices by tomorrow, the 18th or Tuesday the 19th.
HF DX has been good at times, with the stand-out station being T30TTT in Western Kiribati. The station has been worked on many bands, including 20, 15 and 10m using CW, as well as FT4 and FT8. After two weeks, there will be just one operator who is there until mid-September. So you have plenty of time to work him.
Stanley, AH6KO, in Hawaii, has also been spotted on the 15m band using CW. This is a relatively rare opportunity and good for anyone chasing their Worked All States award.
A little closer to home is Henri, OJ0JR on Market Reef, who has been easily workable on the 30m band using FT8. Get in quick, though, as he is only there until tomorrow, the 18th.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 140 to 150 range. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for tomorrow, the 18th, until Wednesday the 20th, probably caused by the coronal hole mentioned earlier. Better conditions are predicted for the 23rd to the 27th with a maximum Kp index of 3.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
Last week’s propagation highlights were SSB and CW QSOs between the UK and Las Canarias on both the 23 and 13cm bands between G4GLT, EA8DMF, ED8BRZ and EB8AYA. 
There may be more Tropo next week with high pressure close to, or over, the British Isles. However, at this time of the year, any Tropo will be due to temperature inversions. These can be at the surface and are especially persistent over water, so look for marine paths across the North Sea or up the east coast to Scotland.
Other potentially good marine paths might be across the Channel or Biscay to Spain and beyond. The hot days of high summer break down these surface inversions over the land during the day so, if your station is inland, your best chances of Tropo in summer will often be overnight and until mid-morning.
Inversions can also be elevated in the region of the high pressure, say between 1 and 2km above ground, giving good DX prospects that are not affected by the heating of the summer day. In this high-pressure period, it is much more likely to be a surface inversion that drives the Tropo.
There will be little rain in prospect except for parts of Ireland, South Wales and southwest England, where a few thundery showers are possible. However, these will not be particularly good for rain scatter.
There continue to be some aurora alerts, so monitor the Kp index and if it is rising to, say, 6, try beaming north on the 10, 6, 4 and 2m bands in turn to see if any genuine auroral signals are coming back.
Lastly, the Sporadic-E season is coming into its closing weeks. 10m is a good band to check first. If Sporadic-E is very short-skip there, try moving up to 6m or beyond for a strong event. Digital modes are best, so use these to get clues as to where the CW and SSB paths might show up next.
Meteor scatter operators have been very busy during the Perseids meteor shower. The Perseids should still provide some activity in the coming week.
Moon declination is positive and rising until Tuesday the 19th, so Moon window lengths and peak elevation will follow suit. Path losses are rising again as we are now past perigee. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all next week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for August 10th 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday, the 10th of August 2025
The news headlines:
Three fantastic workshops have been announced for the RSGB Convention
The RSGB National Radio Centre has won a prestigious award
Ensure that Ofcom has your correct contact details
Discover new skills at this year’s RSGB Convention in October by securing your place in one, or all three, of the workshops that will be taking place. On Friday, the 10th of October, the RSGB is giving you the opportunity to build on the basics of Arduino programming with a six-hour workshop that will cover programming Direct Digital Synthesis for RF generation. This session will also include how to use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to write software. You are welcome to book this workshop even if you’re not able to attend the whole Convention this year. If programming is new to you, then Saturday’s two-hour workshop is a great place to get started. This session will introduce you to microcontroller unit programming through a short presentation followed by practical exercises. Alternatively, on Sunday, you can book into a two-hour antenna building workshop that will guide you through the process of constructing a 49:1 balun for use in a QRP end-fed long-wire antenna. Spaces for the workshops are limited, and pre-booking is essential. The workshops are subsidised by the RSGB Legacy Funds, and every attendee will also receive a £5 RSGB book voucher. Find out more and guarantee your place by going to rsgb.org/convention  and selecting ‘Workshops’ from the right-hand menu. Book your Convention tickets using the same link. Early-bird pricing closes tomorrow, Monday, the 11th of August, so ensure you book now to get the best available price.
The Society is proud to announce that the RSGB National Radio Centre has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Winners of this award are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. The award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over 12 months. The award reflects the passion and dedication of the RSGB’s volunteers, and the fantastic role they play in promoting amateur radio. Start planning your visit to the NRC by going to rsgb.org/nrc. If you’re an RSGB member, download your free entry voucher at rsgb.org/bpvoucher
The RSGB is encouraging radio amateurs to check that their contact details registered with Ofcom are up to date. As well as confirming your home address and email address are correct, you can also select your communication preferences. Ofcom will use these details to contact radio amateurs about the implementation of phases two and three of its planned updates to the amateur radio licensing framework. This stage will include changes to new intermediate callsigns and rules for Special Event Stations. Find out more about licensing in the UK via rsgb.org/licensing
Peter Duffett-Smith, GM3XJE, is retiring as the Editor of RadCom Plus. Peter is staying on in the role of RadCom Technical Editor, which has been keeping him very busy for the last few years. If you are interested in applying for the role of RadCom Plus Editor, please email radcom@rsgb.org.uk
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will run from 0001UTC on Saturday, the 16th, to 2400UTC on Sunday, the 17th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. To register for the event and view a list of participating stations, visit illw.net
The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration is available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and over 20% of the tickets are already sold. So, book now to avoid disappointment. 
Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 
And now for details of rallies and events
Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society Hamfest is taking place today, the 10th, at Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset. The doors are open from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission, which includes parking, is £5. Talk-in is on 145.550MHz. For more information, visit frars.co.uk/hamfest-2025
Also today, the 10th, the Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society Annual Radio Rally is taking place at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby, CV23 9PY. More information is available at rugbyats.co.uk
On Sunday, the 17th, Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally will begin at 10 am. The details are available at g0ghk.com
Also on Sunday, the 17th, the West Manchester Radio Club Red Rose Summer Rally is taking place at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. The doors open at 10 am. More information is available by following the ‘Red Rose Rally’ tab at wmrc.co.uk
Now the Special Event news
Special event station GB1HAF will be active on Saturday, the 16th of Augus,t in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. Operators will be working on the 40m, 20m, 10m, 2m and 70cm bands using SSB and, possibly, data modes and CW.
The East Midlands Electronics and Radio Group will be on the air to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day between the 15th and 17th of August. Using the callsign GB1BK, the Group will operate from the former RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire. Operators expect to be available on the 40 and 20m bands using SSB. They will also be working on the 2m band using FM. If you hear them, give them a call.
Now the DX news
Don, KW7R, is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands. He is there on a work assignment until September 2025. In his spare time, he operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World.
George, VU2DGR, is active as AT44I from the Bharati Research Station. He is a member of the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The station was heard recently on the 20m band using SSB. QSL via George's home call.
Now the contest news
The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest started at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 9th and ends at 2359 UTC today, Sunday, the 10th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The RSGB Machine Generated Modes Contest started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 9th, and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 10th of August. Using machine-generated modes on the 6 and 2m bands, the exchange is your report and four-character locator.
On Tuesday, the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 13th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 13th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Thursday, the 14th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of August
Over the last week, we had nearly ideal solar conditions for HF propagation. These included low geomagnetic indices and a reasonable solar flux index, hovering around the 150 mark.
Other solar events of note included six M-class solar flares.
The only stumbling block is the time of year, with summer seeing lower maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, and poorer propagation due to changes in ionospheric chemistry. We will have to wait another month or so to see conditions pick up.
The main HF DX this week has been T30TTT from Western Kiribati, mainly on FT8 and CW and focusing on the 20 and 17m bands. TJ1GD from Cameroon was worked on the 17m band using FT8. E51KEE on the South Cook Islands was logged on the 17 and 15m bands using CW. And finally, AH6KO in Hawaii was worked on the 15m band using CW.
But this may all be set to change.
A coronal mass ejection observed on Tuesday, the 5th, may deliver a glancing blow to the Earth's geomagnetic field. This may also coincide with an expected high-speed stream from a very large coronal hole on the Sun’s surface. NOAA predicts that the Kp index could rise to 5 or 6.
The hole is so large and elongated that we could see unsettled conditions occurring in the coming week.
NOAA predicts unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 11th to the 14th of August. It also predicts more unsettled conditions from the 18th to the 22nd, with a maximum Kp index of 5. Expect reduced MUFs and poor HF conditions, especially for paths over the poles.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The main setting for the weather pattern over the next week is a tendency for high pressure in the south and lower pressure to the north of Britain. There may be some input from a low over France around the middle of the week. This might introduce some thundery showers and a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands.
Meanwhile, occasional weak frontal systems will bring patchy rain to the far northwest, but probably not so good for rain scatter opportunities.
The Tropo at this time of year can be very good around the coasts and occasionally inland overnight. However, it tends to weaken inland during the heating of the day. Out at sea, temperatures remain fairly constant and maintain an ideal cool, moist layer at the sea surface overlain by a layer of warm, dry air from the land. This provides Tropo 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mid-August is good for meteor scatter with the peak of the Perseids on the Tuesday night of the 12th and 13th. Apart from digital-mode QSOs, it’s good for late summer evening sky watching. It is fascinating to listen to the VHF SSB meteor scatter frequencies while watching to get the full experience. It’s a broad shower, so don’t worry if you must pick a night either side of the peak.
The chances of an aurora are not zero, with further minor alerts to remind us that it's worth checking. The main mode for DX is probably still going to be Sporadic-E, which has roughly another four weeks to run. Don’t expect something every day, as it tends to become more random towards the latter part of the season.
Moon declination is negative, but rising again, so Moon window lengths and peak elevation will increase. Path losses are also falling, reaching a minimum at perigee on Thursday, the 14th of August. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all next week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for August 3rd 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday the 3rd of August 2025
The news headlines:
Call for G5RP Trophy nominations
Get involved with the RSGB National Radio Centre’s Spy Transmitter activities this summer
The QSL Bureau has announced an update to the G4M to S series card collection
The G5RP Trophy is an annual award to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed but is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2025, now is the time to send in your nomination. Your nominee should be an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show. For example, they have a good total of new countries worked or some serious HF DXpedition activity. Please email your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, via hf.manager@rsgb.org.uk to arrive no later than Friday, the 12th of September.
The RSGB’s National Radio Centre has confirmed that the first of its Summer Spy Transmitter events is taking place on Tuesday, the 5th of August. This family-friendly activity will turn you into spy hunters as you explore Bletchley Park looking for hidden transmitters. The event starts at 10.30 am and spaces are limited to 12 groups. If you are unable to make this date, two further events have been confirmed on the 14th and the 20th of August. Full details of the activity are available via the ‘What’s on’ section of the Bletchley Park website via bletchleypark.org.uk 
Do you have a callsign in the G4M to S series? If so, the QSL Bureau has announced a change to your card collection group. All cards and envelopes are being transferred to the current G4T to Z manager, Peter, G4XEX to form a new enlarged G4M to Z group. The current manager, Cliff, G4MAR, has retired, and the Bureau thanks him for his service to members. Details of QSL sub-managers and addresses can be found via rsgb.org/qsl  and selecting ‘List of QSL sub-managers' from the right-hand menu.
RSGB volunteers will be running Morse activities and operating using DMR at the West Sussex International Jamboree on Thursday, the 7th, and Friday, the 8th of August. Listen out for youngsters operating as GB0WSJ using DMR on RSGB Youth Talk Group 23554, Worldwide Talk Group 91 and UK Call Talk Group 2350. They’d appreciate a call between 9.30 am and 5 pm on Thursday and 9.30 am and 12 pm on Friday.
The July 2025 edition of RadCom Basics is now available. RadCom Basics is aimed at new amateurs and those who wish to refresh their skills and knowledge. Among others, this edition contains articles to help you learn about spectrum analysers, Near Vertical Incidence Skywave propagation and using a doublet as a multi-band antenna. To access all RadCom publications, visit rsgb.org/radcom
HamSCI – The Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation – is preparing for a series of upcoming meteor scatter experiments. Operating will take place during two well-known meteor showers: The Perseids on the 12th and 13th of August and the Geminids on the 12th and 13th of December. The aim is to collect data during meteor scatter events using the 10 and 6m bands. For more information visit hamsci.org/msqp
Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 
And now for details of rallies and events
Part 1 of the BATC Convention for Amateur TV 2025 is taking place today, the 3rd, at Midland Air Museum in Coventry. The doors are open from 10 am to 4 pm. The Convention includes show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring and buy.
Kings Lynn Amateur Radio Club Rally is also taking place today, the 3rd, at Gaywood Community Centre, PE30 4EL. The doors are open from 9 am and the entrance fee is £2.50. For more information, email rally.klarc@gmail.com or call 07709 074 951.
Cockenzie And Port Seaton Amateur Radio Club’s Annual Mini Rally and Junk Night will take place on Friday, the 8th of August. The venue will be Port Seaton Community Centre, South Seaton Park, Port Seaton EH32 0BG. The doors will be open to the public from 6 to 8.30 pm.
Now the Special Event news
Members of the Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece, SZ1A, are operating a special event station, SX17ASTRO, until the 8th of August. The station is active to celebrate the 17th Panhellenic Expedition of Amateur Astronomers. A number of certificates are available for working the station. For details of these and more information about the station, visit tinyurl.com/SZ1A2025
Special event station 8K3EXPO is active from the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Japan, until the 13th of October. Recently, the station was spotted using FT8 on the HF bands. More information is available at QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Michel, F5LRL, is active as CN2DX from near Kenitra, Morocco, until the 20th of August. He is operating CW, SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Michel’s home call.
Special callsign LA100A is active throughout 2025 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio two-way contact between Norway and the USA in November 1925. QSL directly, via the Bureau or QRZ.com.
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon started on Saturday, the 3rd of May and ends today, the 3rd of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Today, the 3rd, the RSGB 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
On Tuesday, the 5th, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 5th, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 6th, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 6th, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
The RSGB Machine Generated Modes Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday, the 9th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday, the 10th of August. Using machine-generated modes on the 6 and 2m bands, the exchange is your report and four-character locator.
The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 9th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday, the 10th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 31st of July 2025
Last week was very much a repeat performance of the week before. We had relatively calm geomagnetic conditions and few solar flares to contend with. The only flares were minor C-class events.
The Kp index never got above 3, and the solar flux index was in the 140s to 150s.
The F2-layer maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path rose to 21MHz but didn’t get much higher, which is normal for the summer period.
A team from Norfolk Amateur Radio Club was active as GM0FRT/P from the Shetland Islands for the IOTA contest. They were workable from JO02NN on 14 and 21MHz for much of the contest period. The distance to Shetland from central UK is about 887km, or 551 miles. Given the distance involved, the 21MHz openings were probably Sporadic-E, but they were loud for hours on end.
Other DX worked last week included T30TTT from Western Kiribati on the 10m band using FT8 over the North Pole. 9M8A from East Malaysia was also on the 10m band using FT8. XW4KV from Laos was on the 12m band operating FT8. 3B9SP on Rodriguez Island put in an appearance on the 17 and 12m bands using FT8. The station was also worked using CW on the 40, 30, 20 and 15m bands.
That’s not a bad haul for summer DX and if the Kp index can stay low, we could get similar next week.
Speaking of which, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 150 to 160 next week. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the period of the 7th to the 14th of August, with a maximum predicted Kp index of 5.
And finally, there is talk of a possible large sunspot group on the far side of the Sun.
The region in question belongs to a cluster of spots, including AR 4136, 4139 and 4143, last seen earlier this month. Solar rotation will carry what remains of these regions back into view next week. So, keep an eye on solarham.com  for up-to-date details.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The slightly unsettled theme to the weather will remain into next week, although there are signs that high pressure will try to return in the middle of the week for a time.
Models disagree on details, with some bringing another thundery low into the south later. This means that there will be some Tropo at times and, in high summer, this tends to be generally strongest around the coasts. To benefit from these conditions inland it’s better to wait for night cooling.
As usual with thundery weather, it’s a good chance to listen for rain scatter on the GHz bands. Another mode that still deserves attention is meteor scatter. Look out for the early stirrings of the August Perseids, which peak around the 12th and 13th of the month. 
Surprisingly, Aurora is staying in the limelight. Periodic alerts are suggesting it's worth turning your VHF beams north if you notice any signs of fluttery HF signals or discover the Kp index has risen to 5 or above. If auroral activity appears on the 10 or 6m bands, then check the higher bands as the event develops.
Sporadic-E is now in its occasional phase as we move into August. It is less common than in June, but still worth considering. Check the usual cluster maps and Propquest to see how the day is unfolding.
Moon declination is negative, falling to a minimum on Tuesday, the 5th. So, Moon windows and peak elevation will also decline. Path losses reached maximum at apogee on the 1st of August, so are starting to fall again. 144MHz sky noise starts the coming week moderately, but will rise to high levels by Monday. It will reach over 300 Kelvin by Tuesday evening before falling back.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for July 27th 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday the 27th of July
The news headlines:
RSGB confirms more speakers for its Convention in October
Get involved with the RSGB LoRa high-altitude balloon challenge
The RSGB releases a high-contrast logbook to improve accessibility
 The RSGB has shared details of more presentations that you can enjoy at its Convention in October. If you’d like to broaden your technical knowledge, you’ll enjoy presentations by Bob Burns, G3OUU, on ‘Getting the most from an oscilloscope’ and ‘Ladder crystal filter design’. As part of the Society’s focus on supporting modern amateur radio operating practices, Paul Galwas, M0WLG, will be discussing ‘Can we ‘DX’ over an IoT mesh?’. The comprehensive programme of speakers also includes Dr Marcus Walden, G0IJZ, who will explain the numerical modelling of the historical Grimeton VLF antenna, and Paul Beaumont, G7VAK, who will take ‘A brief look at Number Stations: 1950 to the present’. With even more captivating and thought-provoking speakers already confirmed, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to guarantee attendance. Buy your tickets before Monday, the 11th of August, to ensure you receive early-bird ticket pricing. Tickets are available to purchase via rsgb.org/convention
National Coding Week takes place in the third week of September, and the RSGB is once again dedicating a whole month to amateur radio and coding activities. As part of the Society’s strategy to encourage practical skills development, it is inviting you to take part in its LoRa high-altitude balloon challenge. The project has been developed by the RSGB Outreach team and takes place on Saturday, the 20th of September. The balloon will be equipped with a LoRa digipeater, and your challenge is to follow the instructions provided and build a LoRa tracker. If your tracker build is successful, it will beam up packets to the airborne relay, which will transmit them to a local i-gate. Your goal is to get your signal the furthest distance from the launch. Anyone can enter, but to win one of the prizes, you need to be an RSGB member. Get involved as a single operator or as a team in your RSGB-affiliated club. The RSGB is delighted that Moonraker is sponsoring this event and will award a £200 Moonraker voucher to the winner of each category. Find out how to get involved with this exciting LoRa event by going to rsgb.org/lora-balloon
The RSGB is proud to announce the release of a new high-contrast logbook designed to support amateur radio operators with visual impairments or learning difficulties. Responding to feedback from members and accessibility advocates, the RSGB developed the logbook with wider spacing and a high-contrast black-and-yellow design to improve ease of use. This release reflects the RSGB’s wider commitment to improving accessibility across all areas of the Society and amateur radio as a whole. The organisation continues to explore ways to make the hobby more inclusive and user-friendly for all participants. This version will be available through Amazon and is expected to be a useful addition for both seasoned operators and newcomers looking for a more accessible logging option. As part of its long-term vision, the RSGB is looking to recruit a dedicated team to assess and enhance accessibility throughout the Society and help shape a more inclusive future for amateur radio. If you’re interested in contributing to this important initiative, please email RSGB Board Director Nathan Nuttall, 2M0OCC, via 2m0occ@rsgb.org.uk
Since the launch of its DMR project in May, the RSGB Outreach team is delighted that four schools and one homeschool have signed up. The project aims to help young people get on the air and build their confidence in making QSOs. Each of the successful applicants will be loaned a TYT DMR handheld radio and a Pi-Star-based hotspot. The RSGB Youth Chair and Youth Champion for Schools, Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, is supporting two new school amateur radio clubs that have chosen this as an entry-level activity for their club members. DMR is particularly useful in a school club scenario where antenna placement is a challenge and can be easily deployed, giving young people access to the world. During the summer holidays, the DMR handsets will be used at the West Sussex International Jamboree with Regional Representative 10, Simon Harris, G4WQG, attending the event and Wick High School Radio Club member Jacob, MM7IFL, supporting remotely via DMR. Listen out for further updates after the summer when the RSGB plans to get a youth net operational on Brandmeister Talk Group 23554. The net aims to encourage young operators to get on the air and become comfortable with QSO structure and general rag-chewing. If you want to start a school club or are interested in being part of the DMR project, email Chris via youthchampion.school@rsgb.org.uk
The prospect of a USA constellation of 240 commercial satellites that would use 430 to 440MHz for wideband control and telemetry has prompted an unprecedented response from the amateur radio community to a Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, consultation. FCC Proceeding 25-201 would see AST SpaceMobile utilise much of 430 to 440MHz for downlinks, as well as a series of ground stations around the world. The RSGB and several other IARU member societies, along with the ARRL and over 2,000 individuals, have submitted comments to this consultation. The IARU itself has also issued a statement on the matter. Links for this, including the RSGB response, can be found on the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/spectrumforum and then choose the ‘Papers and consultations’ option in the right-hand menu. Following the main submission deadline of the 21st of July, the FCC process has further phases to go through.
Amateur radio operators are invited to take part in a special operating event in August, celebrating the rich history of the UK’s wartime and Cold War airfield bunkers. AFB25 – that’s Airfield Bunkers 2025 – is a nationwide activity taking place from Friday the 1st to Sunday the 31st of August. Organised by UK Bunkers on the Air, or UKBOTA, the event encourages amateurs to activate historic airfield sites with known bunker installations. All bands and modes are welcome. Special recognition awards will be given for activators, hunters and shortwave listeners' efforts. To learn more, including how to participate and which locations qualify, visit tinyurl.com/AFB-2025
 And now for details of rallies and events
Wiltshire Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 27th, at Kington Langley Village Hall, Church Road, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. The doors open for traders at 7 am and 9 am for visitors. Refreshments are available on site. You can find out more by visiting chippenhamradio.club
Part 1 of the BATC Convention for Amateur TV 2025 is taking place on Sunday, the 3rd of August at Midland Air Museum in Coventry. The doors will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. The Convention will include show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring and buy.
Also, on Sunday, the 3rd of August, King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club Rally is taking place at Gaywood Community Centre, PE30 4EL. The doors will open at 9 am and the entrance fee will be £2.50. An outdoor trader’s stall costs £8, and an indoor one is £10. To book, email rally.klarc@gmail.com or call 07709 074 951.
Now the Special Event news
Special callsign 5P0TA will operate from Bornholm Island, EU-030, from the 31st of July to the 3rd of August in connection with this year's European Ham Radio Show meet-up event. Both presenters and viewers of The European Ham Radio Show on YouTube will gather with the goal of activating all of the POTA parks on Bornholm Island within four days. Both 5P0TA and the participants' own call signs will be used. They are aiming to use as many modes and bands as conditions allow. Attending from the UK are Charlotte, 2M0LVY and Steve, M1SDH. If you hear them on the air, give them a call!
Throughout 2025, José, HP2AT, is using the special callsign H82AT to celebrate his 35th anniversary in amateur radio. Recently, the station has been spotted on the HF bands using CW, FT4 and FT8. All QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ.com, Club Log, eQSL and Logbook of the World. Paper cards will not be available.
Now the DX news
Today, the 27th, is your last chance to catch the IP1X team, which is active from Gallinara Island, EU-083. The team is using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, via the Bureau or directly to IU1JCZ. More information is available at QRZ.com
Red, DL1BUG is active as TY5FR from Cotonou, Benin, in West Africa until the 6th of August. He is operating using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World or via Red’s home call.
Now the contest news
Today, the 27th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The RSGB IOTA Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday, the 26th and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday, the 27th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.
On Monday, the 28th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.
On Saturday, the 2nd of August, the EU HF Championship runs from 1200 to 2359UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and the last two digits of the year you were first licensed.
Also on Saturday, the 2nd of August, the RSGB 4th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
On Saturday, the 2nd, the 144MHz Low Power Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday, the 3rd, the 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon started on Saturday, the 3rd of May and ends on Sunday, the 3rd of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 24th of July
It was a bit of a mixed bag last week. The first half saw settled geomagnetic conditions, but from the 22nd of July, we had a disturbance thanks to output from a solar coronal hole.
This saw the Kp index rise to 4.67 and ultimately 5. The stream from the Sun reached around 730 kilometres per second, while the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field, or IMF, was mostly neutral with a few brief periods when it pointed slightly south.
So, its effects were perhaps not as bad as they could have been. The coronal hole has now rotated out of view, so we may have some better days. Meanwhile, the solar flux index has been in the range of 140 to 150, which is pretty good.
There were no M-class or higher solar flares over the past week, which is unusual.
So overall, HF propagation was humming, at least until the Kp index hit 5.
Maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path during daylight continue to be around 21MHz, but often dip to 18MHz at times. Nighttime conditions can be variable. If the 14MHz band isn’t open for you, try 10MHz.
Earlier in the week, some daytime tests with WSPR on the 20m band saw stations logged from Australia and the far west of Canada. DP0POL, the Polarstern research vessel doing work in the Artic, was also logged.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline slightly to be in the range of 130 to 135. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be settled until the 1st of August, when the Kp index could rise to 4. This period of unsettled conditions, with reduced MUFs, could last until the 4th of August.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
We will see the return of a weak ridge of high pressure today. This will last until the middle of the coming week.
The second half of the week will be a little more unsettled with some occasional spells of rain. This suggests that some Tropo is possible, before a gradual swap over to rain scatter. However, high pressure near the Azores may still influence the western side of Britain.
This week will see the peak of two meteor showers, the Alpha Capricornids and Delta Aquariids. These are worth checking out, if only to get your practice time in before one of the major showers of the year – the Perseids on the 12th and 13th of August.
Barely a day passes without some auroral alert, and this can be an exciting mode. Several good indicators are available, such as when the Kp index is above 5, or watery-sounding signals on the 40 and 20m bands. If you hear these, try looking north on the 6, 4 or 2m bands.
Sporadic-E continues to be mentioned on the clusters somewhere in Europe on most days. But remember that it’s a very localised mode and is rarely available for everyone at the same time.
The best way to track it down is to use the clusters and a good list of beacons, to see who your ‘locals’ are working on FT8. It's a very hit-and-miss mode. Meteor activity is a good indicator, whereas a high Kp index is a bad one. Whether it happens is often a balance between many opposing components. So, even a potentially good day may not be good where you are.
The good news is that the last openings of the summer can occur into the first week of September.
Moon declination is still positive but going negative again on Tuesday, the 29th. Moon windows and peak elevation will reduce. Path losses are rising now as we are past perigee. 144MHz sky noise starts the coming week low but will rise to moderate by the weekend.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for July 20th 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday the 20th of July 2025
The news headlines:
The RSGB launches GB70RS awards to celebrate 70 years of GB2RS
New volunteer RSGB STEM Champion announced
Visit the RSGB National Radio Centre during the summer holidays
The RSGB’s weekly news broadcast, GB2RS, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Society is inviting you to collect awards for listening and logging GB2RS News broadcasts between Friday, the 1st of August and Tuesday, the 30th of September. There are four categories, including a basic listener award and a regular listener award. Full details of the programme, the rules and how to apply for your certificate are available by searching GB70RS at QRZ.com. To read about the awards and wider celebrations that are taking place for the 70th anniversary of GB2RS, go to rsgb.org/gb70rs
RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, has appointed Ian Stevenson, G3YNU, as the volunteer RSGB STEM Champion. This new role fits with the RSGB’s strategy to bring amateur radio to new audiences and to highlight the link between amateur radio and science, technology, engineering and maths. Ian brings a wealth of experience to this role, having been a mathematics teacher for ten years, with a further 23 years in Higher Education as a Senior Lecturer in ICT and Education. Ian also played a pivotal role in establishing the RSGB School Links Project, which introduced classroom activities that connect amateur radio with the school curricula. The project was established following Tim Peake’s Principia mission to the International Space Station, which included ten UK ARISS school contacts during Tim’s time in space. In his new RSGB role, Ian is enthusiastic about fostering close ties with STEM organisations and STEM ambassadors across the UK, including those already engaged with the RSGB. If you’d like to contact Ian to share suggestions that may enhance the RSGB’s STEM outreach programme, you can contact him via stem.champion@rsgb.org.uk
If you are looking for an activity to keep the children busy during the summer holidays, why not plan a visit to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park? The knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers will be on hand to give an introduction to radio technology, how it works and why it is still relevant today. There are interactive displays as well as the opportunity to get a certificate for sending your name in Morse code. There will also be three more of the successful Spy Transmitter events during the summer, so keep an eye on the Bletchley Park website and the RSGB comms channels if you’d like to take part. Start planning your visit by going to rsgb.org/nrc. Don’t forget that as a membership benefit, RSGB members can visit the world-famous Bletchley Park estate, including the RSGB National Radio Centre, for free. Download your voucher by going to rsgb.org/bpvoucher
Did you know that the Radio Communications Foundation offers funding to young people who need help with the Foundation licence exam fee? They need to be under the age of 21 and in full-time education. If you know someone who may be eligible, help spread the word and promote this programme. To find out more and submit an application, go to commsfoundation.co.uk  and select ‘RCF Grants’ from the sub-menu.
This year marked the centenary of the unique mechanical Alexanderson Alternator transmitter at Grimeton near Varberg in Sweden. GB2RS Newsreader and NRC volunteer Brian Hardy, G4BIP, travelled to Sweden for a special 70th birthday trip with his partner Hilary, G7SOI. On the 2nd of July, they were able to watch SAQ being operated on a frequency of 17.2kHz as part of the celebration. Brian was even allowed to key up the station in advance of the formal transmission and send some test messages. Despite SAQ having a power output of 80kW, nobody came back to his CQ call! However, it was a big tick on his 'bucket list'! The station is usually fired up twice a year and is well worth a visit. You can discover much more, including a fascinating YouTube video of the centenary event, via alexander.n.se
The UK Six Metre Group’s AGM will be held via Zoom on Sunday, the 27th of July 2025 at 17:00 UTC. The AGM will include receiving the Group’s financial report, presentation of officers’ reports and elections. For more information about the Group, visit uksmg.org
Don't forget that 145 Alive is taking place today from 12 to 3 pm. According to the organisers, there will be 47 individual nets on the air from diverse high points all over the UK and Ireland with over 1,000 participants! To take part, all you need to do is call into a local net and make contact with others on the 2m band. You can find more information on the 145 Alive Facebook page. Alternatively, you can email 145aliveuk@gmail.com
And now for details of rallies and events
Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally is taking place today, the 20th, at Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors open at 7 am for traders and at 9.30 am for visitors. Refreshments are available from the Museum's cafeteria. Admission for visitors and car-booters costs £3 and is £10 for traders. For more details, email secretary@bsears.co.uk
The Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Radio Rally is taking place today, the 20th, at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors are open from 10 am and admission costs £3. This is an indoor event, and ample free parking is available. For more information, phone Steve, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com
Wiltshire Radio Rally will take place on Sunda,y the 27th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall, Church Road, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. The doors open for traders at 7 am and at 9 am for visitors. Refreshments will be available on site. You can find out more by visiting chippenhamradio.club
Now the Special Event news
Special callsign DL0SOP is active until the 31st of July for the 67th edition of the Sea of Peace Award. More details about the award are available via tinyurl.com/seaofpeace  QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World and eQSL.
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Singapore becoming an independent republic on the 9th of August 1965, Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society's members are allowed to replace their normal prefix, 9V1, with the special prefix S60 until the 9th of August. So if you want to put some S60 calls in your log, now is the time!
Now the DX news
Michael, VE2XB is active as TF/VE2XB from Olafsvik, Iceland, EU-021, until the 25th of July. He is operating CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Michael’s home call.
The IP1X team will be active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, on the 26th and 27th of July. The team will operate CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, via the Bureau or directly to IU1JCZ. More information is available at QRZ.com.
Now the contest news
Today, the 20th, the RSGB International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600 UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power.
On Tuesday the 22nd, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 24th, the RSGB 80m Club Championship Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The RSGB IOTA Contest starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 26th and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 27th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.
On Sunday the 27th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 17th of July.
Space weather has been a bit like our terrestrial weather this week. We have had sunspots, some C-class solar flares, some coronal mass ejections and a large coronal hole – unsettled, you could say!
Luckily, the coronal mass ejections were not Earth-directed, but the Kp index did rise to 5 on the 15th of July and again late on the 16th of July. The large coronal hole, which may have been responsible, is well south on the Sun’s surface and should rotate out of Earth’s view by the beginning of the coming week.
Meanwhile, the Sun appears to have woken up, spot-wise, with 11 groups on the 17th of July, four of which are classed as growing, while two are stable and three are declining. Two groups are unclassified at this time.
This resulted in an increase in the solar flux index to 152 on Thursday, the 17th.
Overall, this means quite reasonable HF conditions considering the time of year. Recent DX spots included the JW0V DXpedition to Svalbard on both SSB and FT8, and C93RRC in Mozambique on 17m CW, plus 30, 20 and 10m FT8.
Conditions have been up and down, with daytime maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path reaching 28MHz at times, but then quickly declining to 18 or 19MHz ten minutes later. All we can advise is to keep listening!
Nighttime MUFs over a 3,000km path have generally been exceeding 10MHz, and occasionally reaching 14MHz.
We may start to see nighttime 14MHz openings tailing off as we head into late July.
Next week, NOAA is a little pessimistic with a predicted solar flux index in the range of 118 to 130. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions, with a possible Kp of 4, are forecast for Tuesday, 22nd of July.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The unsettled weather over this weekend will continue through the first part of the coming week. Some of the rain will be heavy and possibly thundery, so there is a good chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands.
After mid-week, the pattern may change enough for a weak ridge of high pressure to build close to the UK and this may offer some Tropo opportunities. It may not be strong enough for it to persist through the warmth of a July day. Thus, most places will have better Tropo prospects overnight.
The solar conditions have recently fired off a steady stream of aurora alerts, and we should probably expect similar in the coming week.
Meteor scatter is often on people’s minds during late summer since we have two showers towards the end of this month and, of course, next month’s Perseids. This month, both the Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids peak around the 30th of July, but we are already in the broad spread of dates for activity.
Sporadic-E is still happening on most days somewhere within Europe, but even UK stations can expect regular FT8 activity and a fair chance of CW or SSB paths for stronger events.
Last Wednesday saw another early afternoon opening into the USA. These stronger events need a low Kp index, below 3, and some jet stream activity to generate turbulence that can spread upwards to the E region.
In the coming week, we will certainly have some jet stream activity, so it should be worth monitoring your favourite beacons for activity. It’s always helpful to have a list of favourite beacons at the ready to cover a range of directions. For example, one in Finland, Poland, Hungary, Italy and Spain should cover it.
Moon declination is positive again, reaching maximum on Tuesday, the 22nd, with associated long Moon windows and high peak elevation. Path losses continue to fall until perigee today, Sunday, the 20th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, but Thursday the 24th sees the Moon and Sun close in the sky until early the following day.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for July 13th 2025

GB2RS News
Sunday, the 13th of July 2025
 
The news headlines:
The RSGB announces speakers for its annual Convention in October
Get involved with chasing awards this summer
RSGB Regional Representatives elect a new Regional Forum Chair
The RSGB is delighted to announce that the Keynote Speaker for its 2025 Convention will be Professor Lucie Green. She is a Professor of Physics and a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory of the University College London. She has also presented many TV and radio programmes, including The Sky at Night and Stargazing Live. During her talk, Professor Green will provide an update on the proposed Moon-Enabled Sun Occultation Mission, which she is working on with fellow UK researchers. The project will enable the team to study the conditions that create solar storms, leading to improvements in forecasts of space weather on Earth. As well as releasing details of the Keynote Speaker, the RSGB has published a teaser of its Convention programme. This includes Neil Smith, G4DBN, who will share his experience of taking complex ideas and turning them into stories that connect with wider audiences. Many of you will be familiar with Neil from the popular BBC series “The Secret Genius of Modern Life”, for which he recreated a device invented by Leon Theremin. Bill Rothwell, G0VDE, will show you that DXpeditions don’t always need to involve masses of equipment, and that one person can make a successful trip with only the luggage they carry. RSGB Propagation Studies Committee member Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL, will explore Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances, whilst Brian Coleman, G4NNS, will give you the latest update on the UK Meteor Radar System. Read the full list of confirmed speakers by going to rsgb.org/convention  and selecting the “RSGB 2025 Convention speakers” option from the right-hand menu. The RSGB 2025 Convention is taking place at Kents Hill Conference Centre between the 10th and 12th of October. Book your ticket now and join like-minded people for a fun-filled weekend.
Set yourself a challenge this summer and get involved with awards chasing. The RSGB awards are open to everyone, whatever your age, licence level and personal interests. They encourage you to push yourself further, learn something new and can even help you to make tweaks to your station to maximise performance. If HF is your mode, then visit rsgb.org/awards  and get involved with the IARU Region 1 Award, which encourages you to make contacts with member countries. If VHF or UHF is your preference, then challenge yourself to the 50MHz Continents and Countries Award. Several Foundation awards are aimed at getting new licensees on the air and helping build confidence. For younger RSGB members, there are two awards designed to show the breadth that amateur radio offers. The RSGB Scouts, Cadets and Girlguiding Youth Champion, Samuel McCutchion, 2E1UEL, recently completed the Radio Surfer Award and shared his experience with us. Read how he got on by going to rsgb.org/award-stories 
At a recent meeting of the RSGB Regional Forum, the RSGB Regional Representatives elected George Crawford, MM0JNL, as the Regional Forum Chair. George represents Scotland South and Western Isles as the Representative for Region 1. He got involved in amateur radio in 2020 and gained his Full licence by March 2021. George has also been a GB2RS Newsreader. Along with the rest of the Regional Team, George is keen to continue to help RSGB members and the wider amateur radio community, and to promote amateur radio and the Society at public events. He will be attending Kirriemuir Show on the 19th of July to showcase amateur radio to the agricultural and rural communities. You can hear more details about that in the Special Event News section of this week’s GB2RS News.
Last week, senior RSGB staff and some members of the RSGB Board met for two days to discuss the next implementation phase of the Society’s strategy. The discussions covered several topics, including how to ensure the Society stays relevant to the modern radio amateur. Those discussions led to some initial plans for the next six months that focus on one or two clear goals. More details of the plans will be shared over the coming weeks, including in strategy updates and at the ‘Meet the Board’ session at the RSGB Convention in October. Following the RSGB’s attendance at Dayton and Friedrichshafen, it was also noted that the Society is held in high esteem around the world and that many other national societies are keen to learn from the RSGB’s achievements.
Ben, M7FRS and John, G0JDL, are hoping to be operating aeronautical mobile in a Cessna 172 for about an hour tomorrow, Monday the 14th, over the skies of Norfolk and Suffolk. The pair will be departing from Beccles Airfield at around midday. They will initially be on the 2m band FM calling frequency of 145.500MHz before changing frequency. As per the new licensing arrangements, they will be using less than 500mW. Listen out for them, as they'd love to get you in their log! 
During this weekend’s IARU HF World Championship, five stations will be active on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB and CW and tested under field conditions. They will be using the exact planned equipment for the WRTC 2026 event as a trial. The operating location will be a cluster of sites within the grounds of the Euston Estate in Suffolk. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS. There will be two awards available for chasers during this event, so listen out for the following callsigns: GB0WR, GB2WR, GB5WR, GB8WR and GB9WR. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/wrtctest
The next in the popular 145 Alive series will take place on Sunday, the 20th of July, from 12 pm to 3 pm. The event will have over 40 stations and 1,000 participants from all over the UK and Ireland. To take part on the day, simply call into a local net and make contact with others. You can find more information, including details of the nets, the operators, their locations and operating frequencies on the 145 Alive Events Facebook page.
And now for details of rallies and events
The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, the 13th, at Oak Trees Event Field, Cocks Lane, Warfield, Bracknell, RG42 6JE. Traders are welcome from 8 am. The doors will be open for visitors from 9 am to 3 pm. The entrance fee is £4 per person. A trader’s table costs £15 and this includes admission for two people.
Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Saturday, the 19th of July at Welwick Village Hall, North Lane, Welwick, HU12 0SH. The doors will be open from 10 am to 3 pm, and visitor entrance costs £3. Indoor tables are fully booked, but there is still outdoor space available at £5 per table. Please bring your own table. For more information, email rally@hfdxarc.com
Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally will take place on Sunday, the 20th of July at Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors open at 7 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Refreshments are available from the Museum's cafeteria. Admission for visitors and car-booters costs £3 and £10 for traders. For more details, email secretary@bsears.co.uk
The Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Radio Rally will take place on Sunday, the 20th of July at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 10 am and admission costs £3. This is an indoor event, and ample free parking will be available. Over 50 tables of traders and special interest groups will be present. Booking a table costs £10. For more information, phone Steve, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com
Now the Special Event news
On Saturday, the 19th of July, RSGB Region 1 Representative George, MM0JNL, will be hosting special event station GB4KAS at the Kirriemuir Show in Angus, Scotland, from 10 am to 5 pm. This new venture is intended to showcase the RSGB and amateur radio to the agricultural and rural community. It will also allow unlicensed guest operators to have some supervised radio operating time and, hopefully, have their first international radio contact. The station will be operating using SSB on the HF bands and FM on the 2m band. If you hear the operators on the air, give them a call!
GB70RS is the special callsign helping to celebrate 70 years of the RSGB’s News Service, GB2RS. This coming week, the callsign is being aired by Dave, G4IDF, on all bands from 80 to 6m, plus 4m and 2m, using SSB and FT8. If you hear Dave, give him a call! A special QSL card is available. See QRZ.com for more details.
Now the DX news
Eric, KV1J is active as FP/KV1J from Miquelon Island, NA-032, until tomorrow, the 14th. He is operating using CW, FT4, FT8 and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, eQSL or via Eric’s home call, directly or via the Bureau. For more information visit QRZ.com
Pierre, VK3KTB, is active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 24th of July. He operates using CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands when time permits. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
The IARU HF Championship started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27.
The GR2HQ Challenge also started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27.
Today, the 13th, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47, and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 15th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 16th, the RSGB 80m SSB Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 17th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 19th, the RSGB 70MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2000 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and the first two letters of your postcode.
On Sunday the 20th, the RSGB International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600 UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 10th of July 2025
Last week was characterised by settled geomagnetic conditions, but a relatively low solar flux index.
The Kp index hit 5.33 on the 6th and 7th of July but was otherwise around 1 or 2 for the rest of the week. These settled conditions were helpful to HF propagation, although the maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path didn’t get much above 21MHz.
This is likely to be due to the HF summer doldrums, and we are unlikely to see it rise much more until September, once the F2 layer has switched to autumnal propagation conditions.
Meanwhile, the solar flux index remained steadfastly in the range of 115 to 120. This is enough to provide fair propagation, but not enough to set new DX records!
But there was DX to be worked, including T30TT in western Kiribati, on the 20 and 15m bands using the FT8 Fox and Hounds mode. Also, ZD7FT was operating on St Helena Island on the 17m band using SSB, and C94RRC was active on the 10m band from Mozambique using FT8.
Laurie, G3UML on the CDXC Slack group, commented that there was a lot of DX around, including FP/KV1J on the 17m band using SSB on Miquelon Island. Additionally, TY5AD was on the 17m band using CW from Benin. And FY4JI was on the 17m band using SSB from French Guiana.
Now the bad news. A very large solar coronal hole will begin to face Earth this weekend. A solar wind stream flowing from this zone is expected to reach Earth with the main influence occurring today, the 13th, and tomorrow, the 14th.
If the Bz of the plasma cloud points south, we can expect disturbed geomagnetic conditions and a reduction in the maximum usable frequency, or MUF for short.
NOAA predicts unsettled conditions, with a Kp index of 4 between the 15th and 16th of July. The solar flux index is expected to be in the range of 105 to 125 for the next week.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The hot weather continues to set the agenda in the short term. Something to note is that for VHF and UHF Tropo ducting, the ideal is for warm, dry air to sit on top of cool, moist air.
These conditions are commonplace over the nearby seas as hot, dry air moves out across the coast to overlay the cool, moist air near the sea’s surface. Think of the North Sea, English Channel, Irish Sea and Biscay as being very good Tropo paths in high summer. But the award goes to the Mediterranean, where very strong ducting conditions are pretty much a given if you happen to be sitting on an exotic holiday beach. 
Back at home... if you live inland, then you will be out of luck during the heat of the day since there is no cool, moist surface air. But in the evening, as the ground cools and perhaps cool sea air moves inland, you could find yourself coupled into the Tropo conditions that those on the coast have been enjoying all day.
In other words, for most of the country, Tropo will be better overnight and early morning.
The other modes are worth checking of course, especially Sporadic-E, which is continuing to give some paths on most days, at least for digital modes, but also for those using SSB or CW. 
Most days, there will be some direction available from the UK on the 10m band, and perhaps on the 6m band, with many online clusters to show you where the current paths are located.
We really must get used to the idea that Sporadic-E can be very localised, and you will only know about it if someone calls CQ. If you do that, you may be surprised by how good conditions have been all along!
Disturbed solar conditions should keep aurora as a possibility. Meteor scatter is often worth checking, with two showers peaking later in the month. The middle part of the coming week looks like turning more unsettled for a time, so rain scatter is also an option for the GHz bands.
Moon declination is increasing again, reaching maximum on Tuesday, and path losses are falling. So, it’s time to put the feeder back into the dish. 144MHz sky noise is moderate to start the week but decreasing to low after the weekend.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.