RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 8th October 2023

GB2RS News

Sunday the 8^th of October 2023

The news headlines:

• RSGB 2023 Convention
• New Intruder Watch Coordinator
• 2m band NoV extension

 

With just one week to go until the RSGB 2023 Convention, your time is running out to book packages or pre-book day tickets. The deadline is midnight today, Sunday the 8^th of October, so head over to rsgb.org/convention and follow the booking links. You will still be able to buy day tickets at the Convention so do go along and enjoy not only the fantastic presentations in the RSGB programme and AMSAT-UK Colloquium but also the fun of catching up with other radio amateurs in person. If you live too far away to attend in person, there will be a live stream of some Convention content each day over the weekend. This year you will need to register in advance to watch that livestream, so reserve your free slot soon. You can find out more details about the live stream on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/livestream

The RSGB is delighted to welcome Vaughan Ravenscroft, M0VRR as its new Intruder Watch Coordinator. There were a number of applicants for this volunteer role and the Society would like to thank them all for their interest and enthusiasm. Thanks must also go to Richard Lamont, G4DYA for his hard work and dedication to this important role over the last five years. You can contact Vaughan via iw@rsgb.org.uk

Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146 or 147MHz NoV for a further year. It is available on a non-interference basis and the NoV is subject to a 30-day notice period of change or withdrawal. Full licence holders can apply for the 146 or 147MHz NoV on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov

The RSGB’s news service, GB2RS, is one of the largest volunteer groups in the Society. Every Sunday, right across the UK, over 100 readers broadcast the latest mix of amateur radio stories, propagation forecasts, contesting and DX information, together with local club activities. There are plenty of ways to tune in, on-air and on the web. Have a look at rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule where you can download the full list of transmissions. Recently, a new broadcast for north Wales has been introduced. Brian, GW6VEI and Hugh, GW0WWQ transmit from the Denbigh area on 80m at 10.30 am local time with excellent regional coverage. Another new recruit, Sean, M0OEG is now delivering the news twice each Sunday via GB3EG in Wigan. One Newsreader recently reached an outstanding personal milestone. On 3^rd September 2023, John, G0NAJ celebrated his 25^th year of reading the GB2RS news in the Greater Manchester area. His first broadcast was in 1998 when the paper news script was still being sent through the post each week from RSGB HQ! John now reads from Dukinfield alongside colleagues on 4m and 2m FM. The Society would like to thank John for his long dedication to GB2RS. If you would like to find out more about becoming a GB2RS Newsreader, please contact Steve, G4HPE via gb2rs.manager@rsgb.org.uk

A reminder now that, during the month of October, a new event known as ‘UK Bunkers On The Air’ is taking place. This is a good opportunity to get out and do some portable activity before the winter closes in. Awards are available for chasers, activators and short-wave listeners. Overseas amateurs and short-wave listeners are very welcome to chase activators and apply for awards. For more details, search for ‘Bunkers On The Air’ on Facebook, email bunkersontheair@gmail.com and visit bunkersontheair.org  The website has ‘spotter’ and ‘sked’ tools to make chasing easier.

Thursday the 12^th of October sees the launch of a new conference which seeks to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. The aim is “to foster collaboration between learners, educators and industry, harnessing the power of innovation and technology to enhance learning experiences and open doors to new opportunities.” The event will take place at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool from 8.45am to 4pm. To find out more, or to get involved, visit brilliantfestival.com

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The UK Six Metre Group’s 2023 AGM will be held via Zoom today, Sunday the 8^th of October from 6 pm BST. The brief formal part of the meeting will be followed by a talk from Antoine, 3D2AG entitled “Extending 6m DX boundaries from the Heart of the South Pacific." Zoom details have been emailed to members. Non-members will be welcome to join the call but will not be able to vote on AGM business. For more information about the group, visit uksmg.org

The 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT, is taking place between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11^th of November at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. There are still places available to book. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will also be opportunities to purchase components and microwave-related items. The cost is £12 and this includes a buffet lunch. A dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Online registration is available at gmroundtable.org.uk  For more information email Colin, GM4HWO via gm4hwo@gmail.com

The Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 15^th of October. The venue will be Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be bring-and-buy, trader stands, free parking and refreshments available. The doors will open at 10 am and admission will be £2.50. For more information, contact Roger on 07854 088 882 or email 2e0rph@gmail.com

The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally will also take place on Sunday the 15^th of October. The venue will be Driffield Showground, YO25 9DW. For more information, contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252 393 or email lbjpinkney1@hotmail.co.uk

 

Now the Special Event News

Special callsign OQ95RCL is in use throughout 2023 by Radio Club Leuven, ON4CP, in Belgium, to celebrate its 95^th anniversary. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, the bureau, or direct to ON3AR.

9A66AA is the special callsign that Tom, 9A2AA is using throughout 2023 to mark his 66^th year in amateur radio. QSL via his home call.

 

Now the DX news

Elvira, IV3FSG is active as 6W/IV3FSG from Senegal until the 16^th of October. She usually operates using SSB and digital modes. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or direct to IK2DUW.

Anders, SM0HPL is active again as 5X7W from Uganda until the 27^th of October. He operates QRP with weak, but hopefully readable, signals. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log, Logbook of the World and eQSL.

 Now the contest news

The Oceania DX SSB Contest started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 7^th of October and ended at 0600UTC today, Sunday the 8^th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

Both the IARU and RSGB 432MHz to 245GHz Contests started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 7^th of October and end at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 8^th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest has been brought forward by one week. It will now run from 0900 to 1700UTC today, Sunday the 8^th of October. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Tuesday the 10^th of October, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also on Tuesday the 10^th of October, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 11^th of October, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 11^th of October, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. 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.

On Thursday the 12^th of October the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

 Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 5^th of October 2023

Last week progressed quite well from a solar point of view, at least until the morning of Thursday the 5^th when the Kp index rose to five.

But the Kp high was short-lived and only lasted for one three-hour reporting period.

Until this point, it had been around one to three all week, which meant the ionosphere had a chance to settle and build. As a result, we saw daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path rise well above 28MHz. This was partly due to the seasonal change, which sees daytime MUFs generally rise as we head towards autumn.

Similarly, we are seeing nighttime MUFs declining as we progress through October. The times of seeing the 17 and 20m bands open all night are probably behind us now and they won’t be back until next summer!

The Solar Flux Index held up quite well last week, peaking at 161 on the 1^st of October, before declining slightly to 155 by Thursday the 5^th.

Propagation-wise, we are really starting to benefit from the autumnal changes. Stations worked from the UK recently include the 5W0LM DXpedition to Samoa on 20m CW. The team expects to be on air until the 14^th of October.

The big one this autumn is the W8S DXpedition to Swains Island, a remote coral atoll in the Tokelau Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. We will look at the propagation prospects for working W8S in the GB2RS News next week.

Next week, NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will remain in the 160s. It also predicts a Kp index of two all week. But, with eight active regions on the Sun at present, the risk of a solar flare and/or Coronal Mass Ejection remains high. So, don’t be surprised if we see the Kp index head skywards again, at times, with a reduction in the maximum useable frequency.

And finally, the good news is that the Chilton Digisonde is now back in action. You can select it, as well as Dourbes, at propquest.co.uk

And now the VHF and up propagation news

This first weekend of October could be good for meteor scatter with the peak of the October Draconids tonight, the 8^th, into the 9^th of October.

It should also be quite a good period for Tropo as high pressure over the south provides enhanced paths across the continent to France and Germany. There may also be a path across Biscay to Spain or the Canaries and Azores.

Along with fine and unusually warm weather, it should fit in well with the October 432MHz to 245GHz Contest which ends at 1400UTC today, the 8^th. Hopefully, there will still be something left for the 432MHz FM Activity Contest and UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 10^th.

On the evening of Wednesday the 5^th, an aurora alert arrived, so clearly that’s another mode to keep in mind. From around the 11^th, we will find a trend towards more unsettled conditions with rain and showers and rather windy weather as low pressure takes charge. This will remove Tropo from the operating schedule but may give some rain scatter opportunities.

For EME operators, Moon declination is just past maximum this coming weekend so, as the following week progresses, Moon elevation will fall from its high and Moon windows will shorten. With apogee on Tuesday the 10^th of October, path losses are at, or around, their maximum. 144MHz sky noise is falling, reaching a minimum next Tuesday. The Sun and Moon are close in the sky on Saturday the 14^th meaning high noise all weekend.

And that’s all from the propagation team this week.