Episodes
Friday Dec 01, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 3rd December 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 3rd of December 2023
The news headlines:
ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 update
Youth country representatives sought
YOTA month has begun
The 2023 World Radio Conference has reached the halfway point in its four-week deliberations. After numerous meetings, the 23cm topic has made progress at the sub-working group level, and the outcome is expected to progress up the WRC committee structure for adoption. Meanwhile, attention is also being paid to a wide variety of other current and future agenda proposals where amateur frequency allocations are in scope, from HF and VHF upwards into the microwave bands. IARU President Timothy Ellam, VE6SH arrived to support the amateur radio team at the Conference and was able to record an ITU interview which is available online. The RSGB special focus page continues to have regular updates and additional details. You can find the page at rsgb.org/wrc-23
The RSGB is looking for four licensed radio amateurs to help raise the profile of wireless communication amongst young people. Initially, we’re looking for RSGB members based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to engage young people in the hobby. Volunteers in these new roles will represent the RSGB at externally organised events and will plan and deliver outreach events. If you have plenty of ideas, a passion for getting young people involved in amateur radio and experience of running small-scale events, we would be very keen to hear from you. For full details of these roles visit rsgb.org/volunteers and for an informal discussion please email RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk
Youngsters on the Air month has now begun. Callsign GB23YOTA is active for the duration of the month, with a range of groups, clubs and individuals having reserved operating slots. Cray Valley Radio Society is active with the callsign between 12 pm and 6 pm today, the 3rd. Tomorrow, Monday the 4th of December, Wick High School is the first of several schools this week to be operating GB23YOTA. It will be on the air between 8 am and 5 pm. Sandringham School will be active on Wednesday the 6th of December between 8 am and 4 pm, as well as Mallaig High School who will be hosting the callsign on Thursday the 7th of December between 8 am and 3 pm. Finally, for this week, the RSGB National Radio Centre will be operating as GB23YOTA on Saturday the 9th of December between 9 am and 5 pm. Remember to listen out and have a QSO with a young radio amateur on the air. If you’d like to get involved, you’ve still got time. Email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to register your interest or ask for further information.
The latest RSGB 2023 Convention video to be released is three presentations in one, on the topic of the 23cm band. Barry Lewis, G4SJH talks about amateur and RNSS coexistence in the 23cm band, then John Worsnop, G4BAO considers how the possible RNSS changes will affect narrow band DX and Earth Moon Earth operation. Finally, Dave Crump, G8GKQ looks at the future of ATV on the 23cm band. These presentations were given before the WRC23 conference, and final arrangements will depend on the WRC23 outcome. You can watch the presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
The last of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinars for 2023 is on Monday the 11th of December. It focuses on amateur radio construction and the RSGB Construction Competition. Jenny Curtis M7JNY, Colin Murray GM4EAU, and David Law G0LBK will talk about the projects they worked on and why they decided to submit them to the RSGB Construction Competition in recent years. If you’re interested in trying something new or are wondering whether to submit your construction project to the RSGB competition, this webinar is for you! Watch live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The RSGB Emerging Technology Coordination Committee members will be taking a break from processing Notices of Variation and enquiries from the 20th of December until the 3rd of January. They will reply to emails after that but please be patient as they work through any backlog.
When G-QRP Club Secretary Dick, G0BPS, heard about the Radio Communications Foundation initiative to pay for 60 RSGB Foundation exams taken by young people in full-time education, he asked if the Club could help out. The Club Committee, minus Chairman Steve G0FUW, who is also an RCF Trustee, agreed to sponsor an additional ten exams. The RCF now has the funds and awaits applications from young people who would benefit from a little help in getting started in amateur radio. The G-QRP Club is devoted to low-power communications and has over 4,000 members, mostly in the UK, but also in pretty much every corner of the world. Further information can be found at gqrp.com
And now for details of rallies and events
The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 3rd of December. The event is happening at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. The doors open at 10.30 am, with disabled access from 10 am. For more information contact bdingle@hotmail.co.uk
Also taking place today, the 3rd, is the Royal Wootton Bassett Swapmeet and Auction in Swindon, Wiltshire. There will be approximately 25 tables of items available from private sellers as well as bring-and-buy tables. The auction will include around 300 lots. Location details and event times are on the Event Location page at bvws.org.uk
The Mid Devon Amateur Radio and Computer Fair will take place on Saturday the 9th of December. The venue will be Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre, Mid Devon, EX19 8HZ. It will run from 9 am to 2 pm. Entry is £3 but there is no charge for partners and under 16s. For more information, or to book a table, contact Phil, G6DLJ via email at philbridges@hotmail.com
The Sparkford Wireless Group Tabletop Rally, in aid of the RAIBC, will take place on Thursday the 28th of December from 9.30 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel near Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Entry is £3 and free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, email Bob via wjh069@gmail.com
Now the Special Event News
Datta, VU2DSI is active as AU2JCB until the 11th of December to commemorate the birthdate of Indian physicist and radio pioneer Jagadish Chandra Bose who was born on the 30th of November 1858. He will operate SSB on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands, and FM on the 10 and 6m bands. QSL direct to his home call.
A60WRC is the special callsign in use by members of the Emirates Amateur Radio Society during the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 which is ongoing until the 15th of December. Individual operators may append a serial number to the special callsign, and operate as, for example, A60WRC/1. See QRZ.com for more information.
Special event station VP8FLY is operating throughout the month of December to mark the 75th anniversary of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service. For more information visit QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Burkhard, DL3KZA is active as YB9/DL3KZA from Sumbawa Island, OC-150, until tomorrow, the 4th of December. QSL via home call, direct or via the bureau.
Maurizio, IK2GZU is active as 5H3MB in Tanzania until the 8th of December while doing volunteer work at the Ikelu Hospital and Ilembula Orphanage. In his spare time, he operates SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL, via IK2GZU directly or via the bureau.
Now the contest news
Today, the 3rd, the 144MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 5th of December the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 5th of December, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 6th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 6th, the 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 UK Six Metre Group’s Winter Marathon started on Friday the 1st of December 2023 and runs until Wednesday the 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
The ARRL 160m Contest started at 2200UTC on Friday the 1st of December and ends at 1600UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your signal report. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section.
The ARRL 10m Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 9th of December and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 10th of December. Using CW and Phone on the 10m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American, Canadian and Mexican stations also send their state or province code.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 30th of November 2023
We were lucky last week – the solar flux index remained quite high and, after the geomagnetic upsets around the 25th, we had settled conditions, with the Kp index below two.
Unfortunately, it looks like that is all about to change.
On Tuesday the 28th, two M-class solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections caused a plasma cloud to be directed towards Earth. It is expected to catch up with an earlier coronal mass ejection, or perhaps arrive shortly thereafter.
Moderate G2 storming with a chance for strong G3 storming can therefore be expected, with an increased Kp index.
If this wasn’t bad enough, a very large coronal hole is rotating into an Earth-facing position as well.
This became geo-effective on the 2nd of December, and we can therefore expect any associated plasma in the solar wind early next week. Just how bad it will be is hard to say as it will largely depend on the interplanetary magnetic field of the plasma coming off the Sun. If it's north-facing we might just dodge the bullet but, if it is south-facing, we can expect significant auroral displays and propagation to match.
Either way, it will be worth keeping an eye on solarham.net and also the upper HF bands for signs of auroral-type activity. After an initial surge in the MUF, we can expect band conditions to decline for at least a day or two.
So, all in all, then, we can expect the bands to be disrupted at the end of this weekend ending the 3rd of December.
Next week NOAA predicts the worst will be over by the 8th of December, but we are in uncharted territory and can expect anything to happen. So, work the HF DX if and when you hear it!
On a side note, we are now heading towards winter propagation conditions so expect to hear DX activity on Top Band and 80m at night and especially around sunrise. The 40m band may also throw up some surprises during late afternoon.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The weak but cold easterly pattern is providing some sharp frosts, and scattered showers suggest that Tropo is not likely. However, the overnight cooling temperature inversion inland, or anywhere away from the East Coast, could see temporary Tropo develop overnight and up to about mid-morning. The showers themselves are mostly fairly shallow and don’t look wonderful from a rain scatter perspective.
All of this changes by mid-week as low pressure starts to dominate again and really takes control for the rest of the coming week. This will bring stronger winds, spells of heavy rain and a return to milder air again. It does not, however, encourage thoughts of Tropo becoming a big player next week!
Don’t forget to check in the early mornings for random meteor scatter opportunities and keep an eye on the Kp index for possible aurora. This is the better option with such an active Sun at the moment and, as we said earlier in the HF report, seems to be a strong player as we finish this first weekend of December.
For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and falling, going negative on Thursday the 7th. Monday the 4th is apogee when the Moon is furthest away so expect path losses to be at their highest. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Nov 24, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 26th November 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 26th of November 2023
The news headlines:
2023 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference
RSGB 2023 Convention presentation on Ofcom consultation
Tonight@8 webinar
The first week of the 2023 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference has seen discussions get underway on a wide variety of agenda items. Notably for amateur radio, IARU Region 1 reports that new ITU Recommendation M.2164 on guidance for amateur and amateur satellite usage in the 1240 to 1300MHz range has now been published online. The IARU has also published an accompanying guide on its website – to read it visit tinyurl.com/IARU2023 The recommendation is the culmination of a challenging four-year development period. It now forms a key component of the WRC-23 discussions, which are ongoing, relating to WRC-23 agenda item 9.1b. The RSGB special focus web page has regular reports and background on both 23cm and other frequency bands. To read more, visit rsgb.org/wrc-23
In the latest RSGB 2023 Convention presentation to be released, RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB provides another informative session on the Ofcom Consultation. He also looks ahead to other changes in prospect across HF to microwaves from the IARU and WRC-23. He outlines the RSGB’s response to the Ofcom Consultation and takes questions about the next steps. Work by specialist RSGB volunteers is integral to the RSGB’s strategic focus on spectrum and licensing. You can watch the presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
Put the date in your diary for the final RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2023. On Monday the 11th of December there will be a focus on amateur radio construction. Previous category winners Jenny Curtis M7JNY, Colin Murray GM4EA and David Law G0LBK, will talk about their construction projects and what they gained from entering the RSGB Construction Competition. Join the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB’s special BATC channel or the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
There is a great programme of live webinars lined up for early in 2024. We begin on Monday the 15th of January with an update on WRTC 2026 which is going to take place in the UK. Chairman and Project Manager Mark Haynes, M0DXR, and other members of the WRTC 2026 team, will join us live for this presentation. They will explain what WRTC is about and provide an overview of what the UK’s Organising Committee are planning for the 2026 event. Find out how you can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event – either as a spectator, volunteer, competitor or referee. If you saw Mark’s RSGB 2023 Convention presentation, this Tonight@8 webinar will tell you what has been happening since! Find out more about this and the other webinars in the spring programme on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The November issue of RadCom Basics is now available. Among others, it contains articles on getting started with SOTA and building a 2m band antenna. To find out more, visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics
Don’t forget that Youngsters on the Air month is taking place throughout December. The month is aimed at helping youngsters get active on the amateur bands. It could be giving a demonstration at a local school or youth club or helping a young person to send a greetings message. Callsign GB23YOTA will be active for the duration of the month. Cambridge University Wireless Society is the first group to use the callsign. Listen out for them on Friday the 1st and Saturday the 2nd of December. Cray Valley Radio Society will be following them on Sunday the 3rd of December. A full list of operating slots can be found on QRZ.com These slots will be first-come, first-served, so check your calendars and reserve your place as soon as possible. To find out more about YOTA month visit rsgb.org/yota-month You can also email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to register your interest, or simply ask for further information.
The RSGB shop’s Black Friday sale is on now and ends on Thursday the 30th of November. Members, and non-Members alike, will find bargains on a large number of books with up to 50% off the usual retail price. Check out rsgbshop.org
A recent Ofcom investigation has resulted in the conviction of a man who was deliberately causing interference to amateur radio users in the Hull area. The investigation involved the use of automatic monitoring equipment as well as ground-based engineers who monitored live transmissions. The case went to court and the defendant was found guilty of the unlicensed use of radio equipment, illegal possession of radio apparatus, and causing deliberate interference to wireless telegraphy – all of which are offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act. To read more on this story visit tinyurl.com/OFCOM-INV
And now for details of rallies and events
The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 3rd of December. The event will be held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. The doors open at 10.30am for visitors, with disabled access from 10am. For more information, contact bdingle@hotmail.co.uk
Mid Devon Amateur Radio and Computer Fair will take place on Saturday the 9th of December. The venue will be Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre, Mid Devon, EX19 8HZ. The event will run from 9am to 2pm. Entry is £3 but there is no charge for partners and under 16s. for more information, or to book a table, contact Phil, G6DLJ via email at philbridges@hotmail.com
The Sparkford Wireless Group Tabletop Rally, in aid of the RAIBC, will take place on Thursday the 28th of December from 9.30am to 1pm. The event will be held at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel near Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Entry is £3 and free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, email Bob via wjh069@gmail.com
Now the Special Event News
LA100K is the special callsign in use by the Akademisk Radioklubb, LA1K to celebrate the 100th anniversary since its foundation. Based in Trondheim, it is the oldest amateur radio club in Norway. The special callsign will be in use until the 31st of December.
The Turkish Radio Amateurs Association is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on the 29th of October 1923. A number of special callsigns, including TC100YEAR, will be in use until the end of 2023.
Now the DX news
Tom, VK2WN will be active as AX37EUDXF until the 30th of November to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the European DX Foundation. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or Club Log's OQRS. He does not use the bureau.
Take, JI3DST will be active from the Miyako Islands, AS-079, until the 19th of December. He will be operating SSB, CW and FT8 using a variety of callsigns including JS6RRR. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
The CQ World Wide DX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th of November. It ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 26th of November. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. The UK is in zone 14.
On Monday the 27th of November, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 28th of November, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 29th of November the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest will run from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
The UK Six Metre Group’s Winter Marathon runs from Friday the 1st of December 2023 to Wednesday 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
The ARRL 160m Contest starts at 2200UTC on Friday the 1st of December and ends at 1600UTC on Sunday the 3rd of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is a signal report. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section.
On Sunday the 3rd of December, the 144MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 23rd of November 2023
What a difference a week makes! Last week the solar flux index was at 118 but, by Thursday the 23rd, it had climbed up to 190 with the Sun’s surface covered in spots with up to nine groups showing.
The maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path was estimated at more than 40MHz at times. This, coupled with a Kp index of around two to three, was quite good for HF.
But it isn’t all good news. There has been quite a bit of solar flare activity, and the promise of more to come. A significant eruption was recently observed beyond the northeast limb. This may result in a coronal mass ejection, but this will likely be directed away from Earth.
Active regions 3490 and 3492 remain the main regions of focus and are listed as the most likely to produce a noteworthy solar flare. The current flare threat stands at 55% for a moderate M-Flare and 10% for a strong X-Flare.
DX this week included 4W8X in Timor-Leste and Don, 3B8/G3XTT in Mauritius.
The 10m band was good last week with the KQ2H repeater on 29.620MHz FM coming in strongly in the afternoon. There were plenty of SSB signals to work between 28.4 and 28.5MHz as well.
A scan from 28.200MHz to 28.300MHz around 2pm on the 23rd revealed plenty of beacons being received including IQ8CZ, IQ8BB and IZ8RVA in Italy; SV6DBG and SV2RSS in Greece; WW2BSA in New Jersey; K4PAR in Georgia; KA3JOE in Pennsylvania; and K5AB in Texas. All of these run less than 20W. For a full list of 10m beacons choose ‘Beacons and Repeaters’ from the ‘On the air’ tab at rsgb.org
Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline to be in the range of 145 to 155. Geomagnetic conditions may be reasonably settled with a Kp index of two to three, although a coronal mass ejection or two could soon alter that!
So, make the most of the good HF conditions while you can, especially in this weekend’s CQ World Wide DX CW Contest.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
Weather patterns are settling and, with the current cold north-westerly wind, there are signs of something useful for eastern areas in the form of potential rain-scatter from heavy showers running down the North Sea.
In the west, we have an area of high pressure with a chance of Tropo but, in cold low-level air near the surface, this may not be very reliable.
The chance of high-pressure building is probably limited and we are already seeing a return to more changeable weather.
The bulk of the coming week will be controlled by low pressure with rain or showers.
So, we have the possibility of further rain scatter, but little chance of significant Tropo, except perhaps if high pressure tries to make a comeback in the north the following weekend.
The November Orionids meteor shower is making an appearance on the 28th with a low Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, of three per hour for meteor scatter operators.
Keep checking for auroral modes and don’t forget that this can give LF bands a flutter to the signal, as was heard on 40m CW on Wednesday evening. In really strong events with a Kp index above, say, six then check the usual places for activity on the 6, 4 and 2m bands.
For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising to maximum on Wednesday the 29th. Path losses are low to start the week but rising. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Nov 17, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 19th November 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 19th of November 2023
The news headlines:
World Radio Conference WRC-23
VHF Contest Committee survey
“Taking Amateur Radio into schools” RSGB presentation released
World Radio Conference WRC-23 opens on Monday the 20th of November. Over the coming four weeks, a wide variety of agenda items will be considered, of which the 23cm band is a high-priority item for amateur radio. IARU volunteers have worked hard over the past four years in preparation for this. The RSGB will be attending as part of the Ofcom UK delegation. The RSGB’s social media and special focus page at rsgb.org/wrc-23 will feature regular postings whilst the conference is underway.
Following a really productive contest forum at the RSGB Convention, and a number of suggestions generated by the committee or raised in discussions with contesters, the VHF Contest Committee would like feedback to help finalise the VHF Contest rules for next year. The survey doesn’t have many questions so it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes of your time to fill it out, but the committee would really appreciate your views. Of course, there is also an opportunity for you to give feedback outside of those specific questions. You’ll find the survey at tinyurl.com/VHFCC and it will remain open until the end of the month.
As part of its commitment to outreach and the growth of amateur radio, the RSGB has released a presentation from its 2023 Convention, called “Taking amateur radio into schools”. Lyall Smith GM4XID, Chris Leviston M0KPW, and Simon Harris G4WQG, share their experiences of inspiring school pupils to explore and have fun with amateur radio. Lyall set up an amateur radio club in his school whilst Chris started an afterschool club at his daughter’s primary school. Simon, with the help of friends at his amateur radio club, created links with his son’s technical college that have snowballed to other schools in the area. The presentation shows how individual radio amateurs and clubs can make positive and productive links with schools and will give you tips and encouragement for getting involved with your local schools.
The Bath Based Distance Learning team has helped over a thousand students to pass UK amateur radio exams with pass rates consistently above the national average. The next Intermediate course will run from January to May 2024. Students will receive weekly work packages via a virtual classroom. There will be no charge for the training, but students will need to provide their own textbook, scientific calculator, electronic parts and tool kit. Students will also have to arrange their own exam at the end of the course, but advice will be provided at the appropriate time. As part of the application process, there will be some pre-course work to ensure students are able to use the online learning systems and to be sure they are ready to study in January. To receive course application details, please email Bath Based Distance Learning Team Leader Steve, G0FUW, via g0fuw@bbdl.org.uk
The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. There will be reduced hours on New Year’s Eve when the Centre will be closing at 2 pm. Following the seasonal closures, the RSGB National Radio Centre will also be closed for essential maintenance works between the 2nd and 5th of January 2024. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Remember that RSGB Members can download a free entry voucher for Bletchley Park from the RSGB website rsgb.org/bpvoucher
Please send details of your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursday before the Sunday broadcast.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Bazaar is taking place today, Sunday the 19th of November. The venue is Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, CR5 1ES. Doors are open to the public from 10am to 2pm and the entrance fee is £3. Traders, bring and buy, club tables and car parking are available. Please forward general enquiries to bazaar@catsradio.org.uk
The Wiltshire Winter Radio Rally will take place on Saturday the 25th of November from 9am to 1pm. The venue is Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire, SN15 5NJ. Entry costs £3. There is no charge for under 16s. For further information please contact chairman@chippenhamradio.club
Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 3rd of December. The event will be held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. The doors open at 10.30am for visitors, with disabled access from 10 am. For more information, contact bdingle@hotmail.co.uk
Now the Special Event News
Radio Club de Nice is active as TM8AB to commemorate the anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, 8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO in November 1923. Listen for activity on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW, FT8 and SSTV until the 10th of December. QSL via F4KJQ.
Special callsign LX90RTL is in use to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Radio Luxembourg’s first long-wave broadcast. It will be used by various LX operators until the end of the year. Look for activity on the HF bands using SSB, CW, digital modes, and satellite. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the DARC bureau. The logs will be uploaded to Club Log, Logbook of the World and eQSL on a regular basis. See QRZ.com for more information.
Now the DX news
Pierre, VK3KTB and Alexey, VE1RUS are active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 22nd of November. QSL via OQRS.
Maurizio, IK2GZU is active again from Tanzania as 5H3MB until the 8th of December. He is operating using SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL or via IK2GZU.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 21st of November, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 23rd of November, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The CQ World Wide DX CW Contest runs from 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th of November to 2359UTC on Sunday the 26th of November. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. The UK is in zone 14.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of November 2023
We had another roller-coaster week with periods of reasonably settled geomagnetic conditions followed by more unsettled times. Luckily, it didn’t get too bad, as it did when the Kp index hit seven the week before.
This, coupled with a lower solar flux index of 119 on Thursday, has meant HF conditions have not been outstanding. However, we are still buoyed by the seasonal HF conditions, which are generally good in Autumn.
Propquest shows that the F2-layer critical frequency is still maxing out at more than 12MHz around noon. The F2-layer critical frequency is the highest at which radio waves are returned back to Earth when sent directly up into the ionosphere.
This gives us a maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path of more than 40MHz. Interestingly, it also gives us an MUF over a 500km path of more than 14.7MHz. So, look out for long-distance inter-G signals around noon, or thereabouts, on the 20m band. The 30m band remains a pretty solid inter-G band from late morning to mid-afternoon.
Getting back to the geomagnetic conditions, the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field or IMF has been pointing south for long periods which is why the Kp index has been higher than normal. This means the IMF more easily couples to the Earth’s magnetic field, just like two bar magnets aligned north against south.
Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will rise again, perhaps reaching 140 by the end of the week. However, it also forecasts unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 22nd to the 25th, with a forecast Kp index of up to 5. So, get your HF DXing in early next week!
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The seemingly never-ending period of unsettled weather is likely to continue into the coming week.
This means another week with only a limited chance of Tropo for most parts of the country. As something of a longshot, it's worth noting that southern parts of England, especially along the Channel coast, may have access to higher pressure over Biscay after the middle of next week for chance Tropo paths south into western France or northern Spain.
For the rest of us, the weather pattern is rather changeable with a tendency for north-westerly winds. At this time of year, this can often mean that showers form over the surrounding seas. Rain scatter options could be worth checking for stations around the Irish and North Sea coasts.
Meteor scatter is also worth considering, in view of the peak of the Leonids, on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th, at the beginning of this first weekend. It's quite a broad period of activity and, with the minor Moncerotids shower peaking on the 22nd, conditions could still be good throughout the new week.
Lastly a thought about the chances of aurora and the busy solar activity: it's worth keeping a check on the planetary Kp index for signs of aurora – look for a Kp above six.
For EME operators, Moon declination starts at a minimum but rises all week, going positive again late on Wednesday. Losses are at their lowest with Moon perigee on Tuesday the 21st. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. Perigee is when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Nov 10, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 12th November 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 12th of November 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB Construction Competition
RSGB 2023 Convention videos
RSGB QSL Bureau
Now the nights are drawing in, don’t forget about the RSGB Construction Competition. To enable members across the country, and even the world, to take part, entries will again be judged over the internet rather than in person. This year two new categories have been introduced so there are six categories you can enter: Antennas; Beginners; Most creative and/or elegant PCB Design; Construction Excellence; Innovation; and Software and Systems. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded for the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner, who will also be given the Pat Hawker G3VA Award. The deadline for entries is the 1st of March 2024 and you can find out more, including how to enter, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition
The RSGB has released three presentations from its 2023 Convention. The first is the keynote speech in which Colonel John Doody talks about his life in the RF Spectrum during the last 60 years and asks, “Is this a life for you?”. The second presentation is by the RSGB President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM who talks about his experience of 50 years of RSGB membership and explains the wide range of services that are offered to members. He finishes with an overview of the four strategic priorities that the RSGB Board has set until the 2024 AGM. The third presentation is the Discussion with the Board session that was hosted by Don Beattie, G3BJ who has been both an RSGB President and President of IARU Region 1. This builds on the four strategic priorities, includes questions from those attending this discussion forum and answers from the Board Directors. Although the three presentations are separate, the presentation by the RSGB President was immediately before the Board session at the Convention and is referred to in that discussion. You can find all three on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
The RSGB QSL Bureau is pleased to advise that a replacement QSL sub-manager is now in place for the M1, M3, M5, M6 and M7 QSL sub-groups. Ann Eastwood, M7ERT has kindly volunteered to take on all five busy groups. Members can again send 2nd Class stamped, C5-sized collection envelopes to the new address. Contact details are available from the RSGB website. Please remember to number each envelope and indicate your callsign and membership number in the top-left corner as usual.
Essex CW Amateur Radio Club’s activity week runs from Monday the 13th of November to Sunday the 19th of November 2023. This is a friendly non-contest style event to encourage both experienced and new Morse operators. Slow speed operators are especially welcome. Whilst the objective is to contact as many radio amateurs as possible in a week, it is hoped that QSOs go beyond just an exchange of signal reports and become longer chats. Anyone who works at least 25 other stations qualifies for a free PDF award certificate. The stations worked don’t have to be Essex CW Amateur Radio Club members. So, please dust off your key or paddle and get on the air! Listen out for Essex CW club callsigns GX1FCW and GX8CW during the event. More information, and a list of preferred frequencies, can be found at essexcw.uk
Please send details of your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursday before the Sunday broadcast.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Society Winter Rally will take place on Saturday the 18th of November. The venue will be St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, Lancs, OL12 7QR. The doors open from 10am and entry will be £3. The usual traders, caterers and plenty of free parking will be available. All proceeds from this rally will go to a local charity. Last time £1000 was given to the Rochdale Springhill Hospice. For more information, please contact Dave Carden, G3RIK on 01706 633 400 or email dave@cardens.me.uk
The Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Bazaar will take place on Sunday the 19th of November. The venue will be Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, CR5 1ES. Doors open for the public from 10am to 2pm and the entrance fee will be £3. Traders, bring and buy, club tables and car parking will be available. Tables cost £12, with additional tables priced at £8. Please forward general enquiries to bazaar@catsradio.org.uk
The Wiltshire Winter Radio Rally will take place on Saturday the 25th of November from 9am to 1pm. It will take place at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire, SN15 5NJ. Depending on the weather, there may be a small car boot section. Entry costs £3. There is no charge for under 16s. For further information please contact chairman@chippenhamradio.club
Now the Special Event News
Special callsign HB8DELOY is in use by members of the Swiss Air Force Museum's Radio Club, HB4FR, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, 8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO in November 1923. Listen for activity until the 31st of December. QSL via HB9ACA, preferably via the bureau.
RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is operating Special Event Station GX3LQS/P from the 17th to the 19th of November. The event is being held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the RAF receiving its first Typhoon on the 18th of December 2003. To help commemorate the event, members of the former RAF Coningsby Amateur Radio Club will be putting GX3LQS/P on the air from various locations during November and December. Some former club members, supported by RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club, will be operating the callsign from RAF Binbrook from the 17th to the 19th of November. For more details visit QRZ.com
Now the DX news
Ken, LA7GIA and Shani, HA5DDX are active as 7O8AD and 7O8AE respectively, from Socotra Island, AF-028, in Yemen until the 16th of November. The team plans to have up to three stations working on the 160 to 10m bands and will operate using SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via OQRS and Logbook of the World.
A team of amateurs is active as TJ9MD from Cameroon using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL direct to IK2VUC or via Logbook of the World. For more information visit mdxc.support/tj9md
Now the contest news
The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 11th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 12th of November. Using RTTY only on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Today, the 12th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 15th, the Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 16th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 18th, the second 1.8MHz Contest runs from 1900 to 2300UTC. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and District Code.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 9th of November 2023
Last week was characterised by very unsettled geomagnetic conditions which took their toll on the high-frequency bands.
The Kp index hit seven on the 5th of November, sparking visible aurora all over the UK. This also caused auroral conditions on the bands with many people commenting on the auroral flutter on the lower HF bands and hearing auroral-type signals on the 10m band.
Unfortunately, these conditions didn’t improve very quickly, and the upper bands were badly affected as the subsequent geomagnetic storm continued.
By late afternoon on the 6th, HF began to return to normal with MUFs over a 3,000km path hitting more than 28MHz again.
The solar flux index, at this point, was 146, with eleven C-class flares being detected on Monday, but nothing worse.
Unsettled geomagnetic conditions continued on and off until the morning of Thursday the 9th when the Kp index finally got down below four and stayed there.
A quick check of the 10m band on Thursday afternoon revealed the W1AW CQ practice transmissions on 28.0675MHz, plus two to ten-watt beacons audible from Gibraltar, Italy, Greece and the Eastern seaboard of the USA. The band was open, but not exactly humming!
Also on Thursday, the data feed to Propquest.co.uk failed, resulting in a lack of graphs for the F2-layer critical frequency and extrapolated MUFs. Let’s hope it returns quite quickly.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be around 150 and the Kp index will be around 2 or 3. If that is the case, we can expect conditions to be a little better. But, as always, a coronal mass ejection could soon put an end to the fun with an increased Kp index and decreased MUFs.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The current spell of unsettled weather is likely to continue for another week at least, with some fairly strong weather systems possible, which could bring gales and heavy rain.
With fast-moving systems it’s pointless, with such a long lead time, to try and nail down the exact timings of each individual system. Once again, Tropo will not be a big player in VHF/UHF operating this week, except perhaps over this weekend, the 11th and 12th, as a transient weak ridge crosses the country.
You might still see the odd ’spike’ of higher E-layer critical frequencies on the propquest.co.uk NVIS charts when it comes back online. Lately, these have been during the mid-morning period so maybe give the 10m and 6m bands a cursory check during the coming week. It's not entirely clear why the bands have been so reliable during the recent week, but may be a response to meteor input.
We are approaching the peak of the Taurids meteor shower over the 12th and 13th of November. This is followed by the much larger Leonids towards the end of next week on the 17th and 18th of November. This also means that it's worth listening for some meteor scatter signals throughout the next week or so.
There was a nice auroral opening on 6m up to 2m late in the afternoon on the 5th of November, with the planetary Kp index reaching 6 to 7. This produced rare visual aurora sightings down to the south coast. Auroral CW and SSB signals sound ‘watery’ on the LF bands and very raspy and whispery on HF and VHF.
For EME operators, Moon declination is negative and falling again, reaching a minimum on Thursday the 16th. Path losses continue to fall and 144MHz sky noise is low, apart from Monday the 13th when the Sun and Moon are close in the sky. From Wednesday, it rises to a high of 2,900 Kelvin on Thursday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Nov 03, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 5th November 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
GB2RS NewsSunday the 5th of November 2023
The news headlines:• Exam funding for youngsters• Tonight@8 webinar• RSGB affiliated club Course and Exam Finder map
The Radio Communications Foundation, or RCF, is a small charity that seeks to promote radio engineering and amateur radio. Last year, several teachers identified the cost of Foundation exams as a barrier for some young people. The RCF Trustees considered how they might help. Funding exams for every youngster was seen to be unaffordable, and unnecessary, in many cases. As a start, and to help those with the greatest need, the Trustees have agreed to fund 60 Foundation exams each year. The funding will be available to anyone who is under the age of 21, in full-time education and needs help with the exam fee. Fifteen exams will be funded every three months. The first batch of 15 exams will be funded in January 2024. If any of the allocated funds are not used, they will be rolled over to the next quarter. No money will change hands as the RCF Trustees will simply make the bookings and pay the RSGB. In time, there will be a simple online application form. In the meantime, anyone seeking funding should send their details to rcfsecretary@commsfoundation.org with a supporting statement from a parent or guardian about why they would benefit from an RCF-funded exam. Details of their interest in amateur radio, and how they have trained, or are training, for the Foundation exam will also help the Trustees make their decisions. If the scheme proves to be successful, and amateurs continue to donate to the RCF, there may be scope for increasing the number of exams funded each year. Further details about the RCF, and how to donate, can be found at commsfoundation.orgDon’t forget to be part of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar tomorrow, Monday the 6th of November. Colin Summers, MM0OPX will give an entry-level talk aimed at newcomers to amateur radio. He will touch on antennas generally but will focus on the end-fed half-wave antenna including details of construction, transformers and performance. Find out more at rsgb.org/webinarsThe RSGB-affiliated club Course and Exam Finder map has been relaunched this week. All affiliated clubs were invited by email to submit information about the courses and exams that they run. The replies that were received are now on the RSGB website. If you use the search function and it doesn’t show any results, you will need to widen your search area. If your club provides training or holds exams and it isn’t shown on the map, please go to rsgb.org/examupdate and complete the form. If you need any help, you can email exams@rsgb.org.uk Additional information will be uploaded each week, so please submit any changes before 3 p.m. on Fridays.The RSGB is delighted to welcome Elaine Richards, G4LFM as the new volunteer RSGB Archivist. Elaine is a former RadCom Managing Editor and was keen to continue to oversee the RSGB archives when she retired from her RadCom role last year. If you would like more information about an old amateur radio photo or document or want to check something in the RSGB archives, you can contact Elaine via archivist@rsgb.org.ukThank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets at the RSGB Convention last month to raise money for the DXpedition Fund. The Fund has already made donations to expeditions such as Bouvet, Swains, Rockall and Tuvalu this year. If you're planning a DXpedition to a rare destination and would like to apply, go to the RSGB website and search for ‘DXpedition Fund’.
And now for details of rallies and eventsBushvalley Amateur Radio Club Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 5th of November. The venue is Limavady United Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady, BT49 0DF. Several traders are in attendance and there is a bring-and-buy stand. The doors open at 11 am and car parking is available on site. For more information visit bushvalleyarc.org or email bushvalleyarc@gmail.comHolsworthy Radio Rally is also taking place today, Sunday the 5th of November. The venue is Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Well Park, Western Road, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6DH. There are traders, a bring-and-buy area and catering available. Access for traders is available from 8 am. The doors open to the public at 10 am. See m0omc.co.uk for more information and contact details.A final reminder now that the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT, will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November. Please email Colin, GM4HWO via gm4hwo@gmail.com for more information.The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Society Winter Rally will take place on Saturday the 18th of November. The venue will be St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, Lancs, OL12 7QR. The doors open from 10 am and entry will be £3. The usual traders, caterers and plenty of free parking will be available. All proceeds from this rally will go to a local charity. Last time £1000 was given to the Rochdale Springhill Hospice. For more information, please contact Dave Carden, G3RIK on 01706 633 400 or email dave@cardens.me.ukThe Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Bazaar will take place on Sunday the 19th of November. The venue will be Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, CR5 1ES. Doors open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm and the entrance fee will be £3. Traders bring and buy, club tables and car parking will be available. The tables cost £12, with additional tables priced at £8. Please forward general enquiries to bazaar@catsradio.org.uk
Now the Special Event NewsThe ONZ Oostkust Radioclub, ON6HC is active on all bands and modes as OR79CLM until the 12th of November. The special callsign's suffix stands for Canadian Liberation March, the annual event that celebrates the liberation of the Belgian town of Knokke on the 1st of November 1944. QSL via the bureau. For more information, and details of an available certificate, visit onz.beThe Amateur Radio Union of Serbia, YU1SRS, hosted the 26th IARU Region 1 General Conference between the 1st and 4th of November. Special callsign YT26IARU was issued to mark the occasion and may be operated until the 31st of December by the hosting Society, as well as by the Conference amateur radio station. QSL via Logbook of the World.
Now the DX newsPierre, VK3KTB and Alexey, VE1RUS are active again as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 22nd of November. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS.Philippe, F1DUZ is active as FG4KH from Guadeloupe, NA-102, until the 7th of November. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via F1DUZ.
Now the contest newsThe 144MHz CW Marconi Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 4th of November and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 5th of November. Using CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.On Monday the 6th, the Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.On Tuesday the 7th, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.Also on Tuesday the 7th, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.On Wednesday the 8th, 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 8th, 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 9th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.On Saturday the 11th, the Club Calls 1.8MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 2000 to 2300UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and your affiliated society information.The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 11th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 12th of November. Using RTTY only on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.On Sunday the 12th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of November 2023The last two weeks have not been too bad for HF propagation, but not particularly good either. The solar flux index hit lows of 119 on the 22nd of October and 121 on the 24th, but subsequently recovered and stood at 159 on Thursday the 2nd of November.This at least allayed the fears of some amateurs that Solar Cycle 25 was over!But, as the solar flux index rose, geomagnetic conditions became slightly unsettled. The maximum Kp index was 4.67 on the 29th of October but has subsequently recovered to between 1 and 3.This didn’t affect HF too much with the daylight maximum useable frequency over 3,000km remaining steadfastly over 28MHz all week, even hitting 43MHz on Thursday the 2nd.As a result, the bands have been humming with lots of DX being worked. Phil, GU0SUP reports working Jan, E51JAN on the North Cook Islands on 12m FT8 Fox and Hound mode at around 1630UTC. He said that, as it was almost dark, he didn't expect to hear anything, but had a good copy on him at 190 degrees, so gave him a call. He came straight back.Phil said that this was a big surprise, and he is not sure how it worked. It was quite a skewed path, with pretty much no copy on the real headings, short or long path.He also worked YJ0TT Vanuatu on 10m at 0843UTC that morning, and later at 1741UTC on 20m FT8 Fox and Hound mode. As Phil said: “Two new DXCCs in one day!” So, the moral of the story is to keep on trying – you never know what you will work!Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will decline slightly to the 130s. A bigger problem is a massive coronal hole, which is rotating into an Earth-facing position. This could cause the Kp index to rise, possibly on Sunday the 5th or Monday the 6th. NOAA also predicts a geomagnetic disturbance on November 9th when the Kp index could rise to four. Otherwise, it suggests fairly settled conditions and a general Kp index of two. As always, keep an eye on solarham.net for up-to-date information.
And now the VHF and up propagation newsThe current spell of unsettled weather with areas of low pressure, strong winds and rain or showers will probably remain over the coming week to the 12th of November. This again suggests that Tropo will not be a feature of VHF/UHF operating and perhaps there are just a few weak options for rain scatter to lift the mood. Since comments last week about out-of-season Sporadic-E propagation, we are still getting weak Sporadic-E signals on the graph plots on propquest.co.uk which peaked at 5.35MHz at Dourbes on Wednesday the 1st of November, at 1700UTC. This may have been enough to produce paths on 6m band data modes. Favoured times of day for these chance events are typically around 10 a.m. or 5 p.m.Meteor scatter prospects are still good since the decaying Orionids are probably lingering up until the 7th, and we approach the peak of the Taurids around the 12th of November. The week after, we’ll be looking forward to the November Leonids. So if you’ve not tried meteor scatter yet, this may be a good time to read up on modes, frequencies and operating techniques.Lastly, a brief mention of aurora, which is always possible given a decent coronal hole event like last week. So keep a check on the Kp index for larger values above, say, 5.For EME operators, Moon declination is at maximum this weekend, meaning long Moon windows and high Moon elevation. Path losses are at their highest over the period due to apogee on Tuesday the 6th and 144MHz sky noise is low all week.And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Oct 27, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 29th October 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 29th of October 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB Convention videos
Amateur radio exam dates
Tonight@8 webinar
The RSGB has released its first video from the 2023 Convention. RSGB General Manager and Convention Chair, Steve Thomas, M1ACB, talks to RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM and IRTS President Enda Broderick, EI2II. The two Presidents discuss their views on the opportunities, challenges and great things happening in amateur radio at the moment. You can see this video on the RSGB YouTube channel or its website at rsgb.org/convention
While other videos from this year’s Convention are being prepared, the Society is releasing a bumper collection of presentations from its 2022 Convention, which previously had only been available for members to view. You can see these at youtube.com/theRSGB in the playlist called RSGB 2022 Convention. The topics range from VHF transverters and VHF contesting to RadCom HF predictions and also using the right tools to work more 144MHz DX. There is bound to be a presentation that you will enjoy and find inspiring, so take a look!
If you are thinking of taking an amateur radio exam before Christmas, there are two important dates you need to be aware of. The last date you can take an exam at a club, whether online or on paper, is Wednesday the 13th of December. If you want to take an exam online at home, the last date you can do that is Wednesday the 20th of December. The RSGB Exams Team will, where possible, post exam results before HQ shuts over Christmas and New Year. Exams will resume on Wednesday the 3rd of January 2024 and the booking system will be available over the festive season so you can book exams for January onwards. You can book online at rsgb.org/exampay
Don’t forget to be part of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar on Monday the 6th of November. Colin Summers, MM0OPX will give an entry-level talk aimed at newcomers to amateur radio. He will touch on antennas generally but will focus on the end-fed half-wave antenna including details of construction, transformers and performance. Watch this live presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
Youngsters on the Air Month is taking place in December. This means you have just over one month to think about how you, your club, school, or social group can get involved and help youngsters to get active on amateur bands. It could be giving a demonstration at a local school or youth club or helping a young person to send a greetings message. You can also listen out for the GB23YOTA callsign and make a QSO with a young radio amateur on the air. The RSGB has applied for Ofcom approval for special call sign GB23YOTA, which will be active for the duration of the month. A full list of GB23YOTA operating slots can be found on QRZ.com. These slots will be first-come, first-served, so check your calendars and reserve your place as soon as possible. To find out more about YOTA month and to see what has taken place in previous years visit rsgb.org/yota-month You can also email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to register your interest, or simply ask for further information.
A reminder now that the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November. The event will take place at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged. Microwave test facilities will be provided, and the event will be an opportunity 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. Full information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk/about Please email Colin, GM4HWO via gm4hwo@gmail.com for more information.
And now for details of rallies and events
Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society Surplus Equipment Sale will take place on Saturday the 4th of November. The venue will be Cwmduad Community Hall. The doors will open at 8 a.m. for sellers. Visitors are welcome from 10 am. There will be a £2 entry fee per person and light refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Andy, GW0JLX via 07768 282 880 or email g0jlx@mail.com
Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 5th of November. The venue will be Limavady United Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady, BT49 0DF. Several traders will be in attendance and there will be a bring-and-buy stand. Car parking is available on site and the doors will open at 11 am. For more information visit bushvalleyarc.org or email bushvalleyarc@gmail.com
Holsworthy Radio Rally will also be taking place on Sunday the 5th of November. The venue will be Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Well Park, Western Road, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6DH. There will be traders, a bring-and-buy area and catering available. Access for traders is available from 8 a.m. The doors open to the public at 10 a.m. See m0omc.co.uk for more information and contact details.
Now the Special Event News
Tom, VK2WN will be active as AX37EUDXF until the 30th of November to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the European DX Foundation. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL and Club Log's OQRS.
On the 10th of October 1923 the BBC, then the British Broadcasting Company, opened its seventh transmitter and based it in Aberdeen. Using the callsign GB2BD, the BBC Amateur Radio Group and Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society are celebrating 100 years of broadcasting from the north-east of Scotland on the 3rd and 4th of November 2023. The date chosen for this event falls between the start of transmissions and the centenary of the first Gaelic broadcast by the BBC.
Now the DX news
Yuri, VE3DZ will be active as HQ9A from Roatan Island, NA-057, Honduras until the 31st of October, including an entry in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest. Outside of the contest, he will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on the HF bands. QSL via his home call. He plans to upload his log to Logbook of the World and Club Log.
Kou, JP1IHD will be active again as JD1BQP from Chichijima, AS-031, until the 2nd of November, including an entry in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest. QSL via the bureau to JD1BQP, or direct only to JP1IHD. He will upload his log to Logbook of the World and Club Log.
Now the contest news
The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 28th of October and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 29th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.
On Wednesday the 1st of November, the Silent Key Memorial Contest runs from 0600 to 0859UTC. Using CW only on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is a signal report and a Silent Key callsign.
Also on Wednesday the 1st of November, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 1st of November, the 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.
On Wednesday the 1st of November, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB only on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
The 144MHz CW Marconi Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 4th of November and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 5th of November. Using CW 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 26th of October 2023
It was not a good week for the ionosphere with the Solar Flux Index, or SFI, falling to less than 130, plus some disturbed geomagnetic conditions as well.
On Wednesday the 24th, the SFI fell to 121, while the following day the Kp index hit 4.33 thanks to a coronal mass ejection from a filament eruption. Minor to strong geomagnetic storms continued on Thursday afternoon and evening with a warning that Aurora sightings may have been possible in the north of the UK that evening.
So, does this mean that Solar Cycle 25 is over? Most definitely not!
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has just issued a revised prediction for solar activity during Solar Cycle 25, saying solar activity will increase more quickly and peak at a higher level than that predicted by an expert panel in December 2019. The updated prediction now shows Solar Cycle 25 peaking between January and October of 2024, with a maximum sunspot number between 137 and 173.
Meanwhile, the critical frequency remained relatively high at around 11 to 12MHz around lunchtime, which still gives a maximum usable frequency, or MUF, for paths over 3,000km of more than 28MHz. October remains a good month for higher-band HF propagation with many reports of contacts into the Pacific on the 15, 12 and 10m bands.
The bad news is that this weekend’s CQ World Wide SSB Contest could be hit by poor geomagnetic conditions later on. Two large coronal holes on the Sun recently rotated into an Earth-facing position which could mean a raised Kp index and reduced MUFs.
A coronal hole is a cooler, less dense region of the Sun with open magnetic field lines that allow solar plasma to flood out.
We expect the solar material to hit the Earth today, the 29th, either in the afternoon or evening, perhaps continuing into Monday, with an associated warning of aurora as the Kp index rises.
Looking to next week, NOAA predicts the SFI will increase, perhaps hitting the 140 to 145 mark by the end of the week. The ionosphere may also remain unsettled until around Wednesday the 1st of November, although the rest of the week should be better.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
This autumnal weather pattern is keeping up its attack on the UK during the coming week.
This means that low-pressure systems will remain in control and it’s unlikely that Tropo will get much of a look-in! That leaves rain scatter as the best of a bad bunch with heavy rain, especially any heavy showers around the coasts, being the most likely to offer good reflection points for GHz band operators.
The remaining options for propagation are aurora, which is not entirely out of the question since we have a large coronal hole navigating its way into a favourable position, as was mentioned earlier.
There are many websites and widgets that show the latest Kp value and it’s definitely worth adding one to your favourites list.
The other mode of possible interest is that of meteor scatter and, although we have just passed the peak of the Orionids, it came along just right for the 6m Affiliated Societies Contest on Sunday the 22nd of October, when some out-of-season Sporadic-E propagation made a welcome appearance with paths to Italy, Sardinia and Spain being reported. The slow decay of the Orionids means that we still have the coming week to enjoy the remnants until early November.
For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising this week with lengthening Moon windows and increasing Moon elevation. Path losses start low but are increasing. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, peaking at 500 Kelvin on Wednesday the 1st of November.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Oct 20, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 22nd October 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 22nd of October 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB 2023 Convention
ARISS contact with St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School
Tonight@8 webinar
The RSGB’s 2023 Convention took place last weekend and brought together hundreds of amateurs in person as well as many more across the world who watched the livestream. RSGB General Manager and Convention Chair, Steve Thomas, M1ACB said that in addition to the usual varied programme of lectures, he was delighted as Convention Chair to have led the team that introduced new aspects to the weekend, such as the all-day drop-in Buildathon on Saturday which encouraged people to enjoy making something for themselves, and also to learn how to run a similar event at their local club or group to help others develop practical skills. The RSGB Convention saw presentations about taking amateur radio into schools, young radio amateurs travelling to YOTA camp, as well as the usual mix of fascinating technical talks about many aspects of amateur radio today. There were also more RSGB Committees and Groups at the Convention to highlight the important work that the RSGB does through its volunteers. Steve said that the Convention planning team is already receiving an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, but he encourages anyone who attended the Convention to complete the feedback form if they haven’t already done so - go to rsgb.org/feedback and share your thoughts. The Society will share a small number of Convention presentations on YouTube over the coming weeks and will provide many more for members to view as part of the benefit of RSGB membership. In addition, you will be able to watch a series of special interviews that were recorded over the weekend. The interview with the RSGB and IRTS Presidents has been released this week and you can see it on the RSGB YouTube channel and also on the RSGB Convention web page at rsgb.org/convention
Children at St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School in Broadstairs, Kent had an ‘out of this world’ experience this week, with an ARISS contact between the school and NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, KI5WSL on board the International Space Station. It was an exciting and inspiring day for all involved. RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX attended the event and met ESA reserve astronaut Meganne Christian, who encouraged the children to ‘dream big’. The event, which featured on local BBC and ITV news programmes that evening as well as BBC Radio Kent, can be watched on the ARISS YouTube channel.
The RSGB polled its Facebook group for new and returning licensees, which showed that basic introductions to contesting and antennas were the top two topics of interest. In October the RSGB ran a Tonight@8 webinar which covered an introduction to contesting, and in November it is focusing on antennas. On Monday the 6th of November, Colin Summers, MM0OPX will give an entry-level introduction to antennas generally, including a focus on end-fed half-wave antennas, transformers, construction and performance. Join the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. To find out more about this, and other RSGB webinars, go to rsgb.org/webinars
Today is the last day of Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the Scout Association. There are many stations active over the weekend so please listen out for the young operators on the air. Some groups have shared details of callsigns that are active over the weekend and the RSGB has compiled a list on its website – go to rsgb.org/jota and choose the “JOTA Stations on the Air” link on the right hand side of the page. The RSGB would love to see your photos of Scouts getting involved with JOTA, so tag the RSGB and also use the hashtag JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. There will be a report in RadCom so please send details and photos from your event to radcom@rsgb.org.uk by the 14th of November.
A reminder that the RSGB National Radio Centre will be closed to the public from Saturday the 28th of October until Sunday the 5th of November inclusive because Bletchley Park will be hosting the first global summit on Artificial Intelligence. Please note that this closure period includes an additional two days than was previously announced by Bletchley Park. For information about the closure, please see the Bletchley Park website at bletchleypark.org.uk
Today, the 22nd, is the second day of the RAF Air Cadets Blue Ham Radio Communications Exercise. Cadets are contacting radio amateurs on the shared section of the 5MHz band. A Blue Ham participation certificate is available to those who contact 15 or more special Cadet callsigns during the exercise. Just search online for ‘Exercise Blue Ham’ to find out more.
There is just over one week of UK Bunkers On The Air 2023 to go, and what a month it has been so far! Activators have reported multiple pile-ups and higher-than-expected levels of hunters. Due to the popularity of the event, the organisers have decided to continue with a rolling programme from the 1st of November. Look out for new bunker references and challenges in the New Year. All activators who submit an activator tracker will be entered into a prize draw. To view the rules and information visit bunkersontheair.org
And now for details of rallies and events
The Galashiels Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 22nd of October at the Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors open at 11 a.m. Entrance is £2.50, although under-16s will be admitted free of charge.
Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group Rally will take place on Saturday the 28th of October. The venue will be Elim Pentecostal Church, North Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. The doors will open for vendors at 9 a.m. and for everyone else at 11.30 a.m. Refreshments will be available. There will be a bring-and-buy stall, and everyone is very welcome to attend.
The Essex CW Boot Camp will take place on Saturday the 28th of October. The venue will be 3rd the Witham Scout & Guide HQ, Powers Hall End, Witham, Essex, CM8 2HE. The doors open at 8.30 am for registration. Entrance is £10 and this includes free drinks and cakes. Advance registration is advised as places are limited. For more information email g0ibn1@yahoo.com or phone 0745 342 60 87
Now the Special Event News
Members of ARI Pordenone and ARI Belluno will be active as II3RDV until the 31st of October. The special callsign is active to mark the 60th anniversary of the Vajont Dam disaster. On the 9th of October 1963, a massive landslide plunged into the reservoir, causing a 250m-high mega-tsunami. QSL via IV3EHH.
“Amateur Radio” magazine, the official journal of the Wireless Institute of Australia, will reach 90 years of continuous publication this month. To mark this milestone, the Wireless Institute of Australia has obtained the special event call sign VK90AR. The callsign will be in use until the 31st of December and may be used by any member of the Wireless Institute of Australia as well as any affiliated club. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS.
Now the DX news
Today, the 22nd, is the last chance to work The Radio Club de Provins, F6KOP which is active as TO8FH from Mayotte, AF-027. A large team is operating CW, SSB and digital modes, as well as QO-100, on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, OQRS, or via F5GSJ. See the TO8FH Facebook page for more information and updates.
Harald, DF2WO is active as XT2AW from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso until the 26th of October. He operates all modes on the HF bands, the 6m band and via QO-100. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS.
Now the contest news
Today, Sunday the 22nd of October, the 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The Worked All Germany Contest started at 1500UTC on Saturday the 21st of October and ends at 1500UTC today, Sunday the 22nd of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their DOK reference.
On Tuesday the 24th of October, the 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.
On Wednesday the 25th of October, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
On Thursday the 26th of October, the Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
The CW World Wide DX SSB Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 28th of October and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 29th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 19th of October 2023
We had a quieter week, with both lower sunspot numbers and better geomagnetic conditions. The Solar Flux Index was at 135 on Thursday the 19th, down from 156 the week before. Let’s hope this is a temporary lull in Solar Cycle 25’s progression.
We had no M-class or higher flares to contend with and the Kp index was generally below 3 all week. Only on Thursday did things start to become a little more unsettled as the Kp index climbed to 3.67 in the morning, with warnings that worse may be to come due to a coronal mass ejection on the 16th of October.
So, the earlier part of the week was best for HF propagation with many stations reporting DX contacts including T2C, a German DXpedition to Tuvalu, and YL2GM’s one-person DXpedition to Tristan da Cuhna.
It's nice to see DX opening up, especially on the higher bands.
Propquest.co.uk reports that, generally, the maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path remains above 28MHz during daylight hours so make the most of the 10 and 12m bands. The maximum usable frequency, or MUF, is the highest radio frequency that can be used for transmission between two points on the Earth by reflection from the ionosphere.
Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will rise to around 145 all week while geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be stable with a Kp around 2 to 3. But, as always, watch out for coronal mass elections and their impact.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
We are struggling to find anything optimistic regarding Tropo in this unsettled spell of weather and again it may well be down to rain scatter to provide the entertainment.
Once out of the summer thunderstorm season, the results are rarely as good, even though you’ll be spoiled for choice! There will be a transient weak ridge over some eastern areas on Tuesday, but only acts as a separator between the lows and is not expected to be effective for Tropo.
Incidentally, in this fairly typical spell of unsettled autumnal weather, strong winds and heavy rain can be a notable feature and put stress on antennas and coax, so make a note of any weak points and use the next fine spell to put things right!
What propagation remains is the usual stop-gap pair of modes – meteor scatter and aurora – both of which could be worth checking during the coming week.
A reminder that the Orionids shower, active from the 2nd of October to the 7th of November, peaks today, the 22nd, with an average Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, of around 20.
For EME operators, Moon declination reached minimum on Friday the 20th so the following week will see lengthening Moon windows. Next Thursday’s perigee means path losses are at their lowest this week. 144MHz sky noise starts high but falls throughout the coming week remaining low to moderate.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Oct 13, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 15th October2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
GB2RS NewsSunday the 15th of October 2023
The news headlines:• RSGB Construction Competition• New chair of the RSGB’s Exams and Syllabus Group• RSGB 2023 Convention
The RSGB recognises the importance of construction as a key element of amateur radio, whether that is using traditional construction skills or is a software or systems engineering project. The Society has launched its 2024 Construction Competition and the deadline for entries is the 1st of March 2024. To enable members across the country, and even the world, to enter, entries will be judged over the internet rather than in person. This year a new category called ‘Antennas’ has been introduced so there are five categories you can enter: Beginners; Construction Excellence; Innovation; Software and Systems; and Antennas. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded for the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner, who will also be declared the winner of the Pat Hawker G3VA Award. You can find out more, including how to enter, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competitionThe RSGB is delighted to welcome Andrew Lenton, G8UUG as the new Chair of the Exams and Syllabus Review Group. The Society would also like to thank Donard de Cogan, M0KRK for his hard work and dedication, including chairing the Group for the past three years. You can contact Andrew via esrg.chair@rsgb.org.ukThe RSGB 2023 Convention takes place over both days this weekend. There is a fantastic range of presentations on a variety of amateur radio topics. If you haven’t already booked, you can buy day tickets on the door or join the Livestream at any time over the weekend. The Livestream contains 12 of the Convention presentations as well as exclusive interviews and additional content. We are asking radio amateurs to register for the Convention Livestream this year. Whether you are there in person, or joining radio amateurs from across the world online, make sure you are part of this major annual event. For more information about the full programme of presentations go to rsgb.org/convention and to register for the Livestream head over to rsgb.org/livestreamAs we get closer to the ITU World Radio Conference, WRC-23, which starts next month, the future of amateur radio, particularly the 23cm band, is of key importance. The ITU News Magazine has a feature article by IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH regarding amateur activity in the 23cm band. This is the topic of a challenging agenda item at the Conference which calls for measures that protect primary radio-navigation services such as Glonass and Galileo from amateur terrestrial and satellite usage. You can read the article by visiting tinyurl.com/TimVE6SHIn related news, the IARU also reports that the last formal preparatory meeting ahead of the WRC on this topic was difficult and could not achieve a consensus on measures such as power and bandwidth limits, or frequency restrictions. The IARU supports further efforts and will continue to try to find a solution regarding suitable recommendations, whilst opposing the unwarranted statutory imposition of such. You can read the IARU’s post on this subject via tinyurl.com/ITUR23cm Also, you can hear the latest updates at the RSGB Convention on Sunday, in a talk by IARU expert and RSGB Microwave Manager Barry Lewis, G4SJH. Jamboree On The Air, or JOTA, is an annual event in which Scouts and Guides all over the world communicate with each other via amateur radio. JOTA 2023 will run from Friday the 20th to Sunday the 22nd of October. You can find out more at jotajoti.info
And now for details of rallies and eventsDartmoor Autumn Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 15th of October. The venue is Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. The event features bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking. The doors open at 10am and admission is £2.50. For more information, contact Roger on 07854 088 882 or email 2e0rph@gmail.comHornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally is also taking place today, Sunday the 15th of October. The venue is Driffield Showground, YO25 9DW. For more information, visit hornseaarc.comPart 2 of the British Amateur Television Club Convention for Amateur TV 2023 will take place on Saturday the 21st of October from 10am until 3pm. The event will feature online talks about ATV-related topics. For more information visit batc.org.uk/eventsThe Galashiels Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 22nd of October. The venue will be the Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors open at 11am. Entrance is £2.50, although under-16s will be admitted free of charge.
Now the Special Event NewsToday, the 15th, is the last chance to work EI4FOTA from the Blasket Islands, EU-007. A team of ‘Friends on the Air’ will be busy activating special locations in and around Ireland until the 31st of August 2024. See QRZ.com for more information.Members of Radio Club F5KDC will be active as TM400BPA until Monday the 16th of October. Listen for activity on the 80, 40 and 20m bands using SSB and CW. The special callsign marks the 400th anniversary of the birth of Blaise Pascal, the French polymath.Listen out for AT30IIH which is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Indian Institute of Hams, or IIH. The IIH’s focus is training and bringing young people into the amateur radio community. QSL via the bureau, direct or via eQSL.
Now the DX newsToday, the 15th, is the last chance to work a team of German amateurs that is active as TX6D from Tahiti, OC-046, in French Polynesia. The team is operating using CW, SSB and digital modes on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL to DL7DF directly or via the bureau, Logbook of the World or OQRS.Uli, DL2AH is active as V73AH until the 16th of October from Majuro, OC-029, in the Marshall Islands. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or direct to DL2AH.
Now the contest newsThe Oceania DX CW Contest started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 14th of October and ends at 0600UTC today, Sunday the 15th of October.On Monday the 16th of October, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report.On Tuesday the 17th of October, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.On Thursday the 19th of October, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.On Sunday the 22nd of October, the 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.The Worked All Germany Contest starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 21st of October and ends at 1500UTC on Sunday the 22nd of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their DOK reference.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 12th of October 2023We had a period of low geomagnetic disturbance last week, which allowed the upper HF bands to shine. There were lots of reports of DX being worked on the 10m band as the Kp Index sat mainly in the ones and twos, with a maximum of Kp 3.33 for one three-hour period on the 9th.The Solar Flux Index, or SFI, also remained in the 150s and 160s, hitting a maximum of 166 on the 9th. All in all, these were very good conditions for high-band DXing, especially at this optimum time in the calendar.As promised last week, let’s take a look at HF paths from the UK to the W8S Swains Island DXpedition in the South Pacific. The good news is that operations are in full swing and are being spotted daily on the DX Cluster.At a distance of approximately 9,500 miles from the UK on the short-path, and 15,300 miles on the long-path, it’s quite a distance for signals to traverse. The short-path beam heading you need to select is a polar path at 350 degrees, and for long-path 169 degrees.The best openings to Swains from the UK start on the 20m band from about 0630UTC. As the morning progresses, move up in frequency until you get to the 10m band around 1000 to 1100UTC. This path should remain open until 1500 or 1600UTC, at which point you can drop down to the 12, 15 or 17m bands.Long-path openings may be a lot weaker, with a short opening on the 15m band from 0600 to 0800UTC. Then move to the 12 or 10m bands from 0700 to 0900UTC. There may also be a long-path evening opening from 1800 to 2000UTC on the 17 and 10m bands. The above predictions are for SSB and CW. You may find FT8 openings extend these times a little.For more details, and to compute your own predictions, see VOACAP.com or Proppy at soundbytes.asia/proppyThis weekend, ending today the 15th, may see some geomagnetic disturbances due in part to a coronal hole. But, as long as we don’t get any coronal mass ejections, this should settle after the weekend. The Solar Flux Index is predicted to remain in the 150s with a maximum Kp index of two. If this turns out to be true, we should have a good week of DX hunting to come.
And now the VHF and up propagation newsThe coming period of weather offers many changes, and it looks as though we have said goodbye to the warm air, with low pressure controlling events. Just a gentle reminder to keep an eye on your antennas as this time of year can produce surprisingly rapid developments of deep low-pressure systems with associated strong winds. Early next week, a temporary high returns to give you a chance to give those antenna supports and guys a once-over while winds are light, and leave the potential Tropo until the evenings and overnight.Incidentally, this new high is essentially a cold air high, so may not be as productive as the recent Tropo of the week just ending.The new high will probably hang around until midweek when it should migrate north to allow an easterly wind across the south. This will probably bring some showery rain along the east coast. It's possible that we may have some rain scatter from these showers.Meteor scatter is always good in October, with high random meteor rates and a number of small showers. Most notable of these is the Orionids Meteor Shower which peaks on the 22nd of October and is active until the 7th of November with an average zenithal hourly rate of around 20.Of course, aurora is also worth keeping in mind if you get any spare time!For EME operators, Moon declination is negative and falling all week, reaching minimum on Friday the 20th with corresponding shortening Moon windows. As we are now past apogee, path losses will continue to fall. 144MHz sky noise starts very high with the annular eclipse on Saturday the 14th. The following week sees it moderate, increasing to a high of over 2000 Kelvin on Thursday.And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Oct 06, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 8th October 2023
Friday Oct 06, 2023
Friday Oct 06, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 8th 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 8th 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 3rd September 2023, John, G0NAJ celebrated his 25th 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 12th 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 8th 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 11th 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 15th 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 15th 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 95th 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 66th year in amateur radio. QSL via his home call.
Now the DX news
Elvira, IV3FSG is active as 6W/IV3FSG from Senegal until the 16th 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 27th 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 7th of October and ended at 0600UTC today, Sunday the 8th 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 7th of October and end at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 8th 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 8th of October. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 10th 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 10th 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 11th 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 11th 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 12th 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 5th of October 2023
Last week progressed quite well from a solar point of view, at least until the morning of Thursday the 5th 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 1st of October, before declining slightly to 155 by Thursday the 5th.
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 14th 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 8th, into the 9th 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 8th. Hopefully, there will still be something left for the 432MHz FM Activity Contest and UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 10th.
On the evening of Wednesday the 5th, an aurora alert arrived, so clearly that’s another mode to keep in mind. From around the 11th, 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 10th 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 14th meaning high noise all weekend.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
Friday Sep 29, 2023
RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 1st October 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
GB2RS News
Sunday the 1st of October 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB 2023 Convention
RadCom Basics Editor retirement
RSGB Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML’s SOTA challenge
We’re counting down to the RSGB 2023 Convention and the Society is putting the final touches to the programme. This year there will be a special, hour-long, session with the RSGB Board where the Directors will present the four strategic priorities that the Society will be focusing on until the 2024 AGM. After that, Convention attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. This will be a positive and productive opportunity to discuss with the Board how the Society, and its members, can meet the challenges facing amateur radio today. The session will be hosted by Don Beattie, G3BJ, who is the former IARU Region 1 President as well as a former President of the Radio Society of Great Britain. The session will be recorded so if you are unable to attend the Convention but would like to hear a particular topic discussed, please email that topic with your name and callsign to comms@rsgb.org.uk before Monday the 9th of October. The discussion will include as many topics as possible but the RSGB cannot guarantee every topic will be covered. Directors will also only answer specific questions from those who attend the session at the Convention. To be part of this discussion and pose your question to the Board, book your package or day ticket to the RSGB Convention today – go to rsgb.org/convention and choose ‘Click here to book online’. Bookings close at midnight on Sunday the 8th of October.
RadCom Basics Editor Lee Aldridge, G4EJB has retired. Over the past few years, Lee has been instrumental in making RadCom Basics a success. His passion for amateur radio and commitment to encouraging newcomers is infectious and has been very well received by readers. The RSGB thanks Lee for his hard work as Editor and is pleased to report that he will continue to write for RadCom Basics and provide regular technical and fault-finding articles. The new RadCom Basics Editor is Tim Hier, G5TM and the RSGB welcomes him to the role. Lee and Tim have worked together to produce the September edition of RadCom Basics. You can contact Tim with ideas or feedback for future editions via radcombasics@rsgb.org.uk RSGB Members can access all issues of RadCom Basics by visiting rsgb.org/radcom-basics
RSGB Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML has taken on the challenge of activating ten summits during 12 days on the remote Scottish islands. He will climb some with his partner and fellow radio amateur Martha, and their two-year-old daughter Lyra. This SOTA – or Summits on the Air – challenge combines Ben’s favourite hobbies of amateur radio and hiking, but it also sometimes brings with it adverse weather conditions and the need to reach remote islands by kayak! Ben is hoping that by sharing his challenge he will not only inspire radio amateurs to try SOTA, but he will also encourage people who love walking and hiking to try amateur radio. You can catch up with his adventures on the RSGB social media channels and through the special playlist of videos on the RSGB YouTube channel. Go to youtube.com/theRSGB and choose the playlist called “RSGB Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML - SOTA challenge”.
The next Tonight@8 live webinar is on Monday the 2nd of October when Lee Volante, G0MTN will give a presentation aimed at newcomers to contesting. He will explore how contesting began, explain why it is rewarding and fun, and demonstrate how anyone can take part in their first contests with equipment they have today. Watch on the RSGB YouTube channel and find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars
The RSGB QSL Bureau reports that, due to unforeseen circumstances, well-known volunteer Roy Taylor, M0RRV is retiring from his post as volunteer sub-manager for the M1 to M7 groups. The Bureau thanks Roy for his valuable service to others and is now seeking a replacement volunteer. Expressions of interest should be emailed to qsl@rsgb.org.uk Members are requested not to send collection envelopes to this group until further notice.
IARU Region 1 will hold its next General Conference from the 1st to the 4th of November 2023 in Zlatibor, Serbia. A wide range of papers and proposals are now available online and the RSGB welcomes comments on these. Topics include: general reports; organisational and budget proposals; the new HF Bandplan; VHF, UHF and SHF changes; and consideration of WRC-23, the World Radiocommunication Conference, which follows shortly afterwards. Other themes include: strategic projects and progress, accommodating digital technologies, contests, EMC and other spectrum matters. Comments should be forwarded to the relevant HF, VHF or Microwave spectrum manager, by Thursday the 12th of October, in order to allow time to finalise the RSGB position. You can find a link to the consultation via thersgb.org/go/iaruconsult
And now for details of rallies and events
The 48th Welsh Radio Rally is taking place today, the 1st of October. The venue is Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport, South Wales, NP18 2YE. The doors will be open from 8am for traders and from 10am for the public. Entry is £3. Free parking, bring and buy and refreshments will be available. For more information email welshradiorally@gw6gw.co.uk
Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 15th 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
Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 15th 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 10am and admission will be £2.50. For more information, contact Roger on 07854 088 882 or email 2e0rph@gmail.com
Now the Special Event News
The British Railways Amateur Radio Society, using the club callsign GX4LMR, is marking 185 years since the opening of Preston railway station in 1838. Mark, G1PIE will be operating during the whole month of October. Activity will be centred on the 40m band using SSB. QSL via the bureau.
Now the DX news
Bob, W7YAQ and Al, K7AR are active as VK9LAA from Lord Howe Island, OC-004, until the 4th of October. They are running two stations on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, or via W7YAQ.
Sajid, VA3QY is active as A22EW from his homeland of Botswana until the 8th of October. He is operating on the 20 to 10m bands. He may also operate on the 6m band. QSL via eQSL.
Brian, GW4DVB is active as J88PI until the 10th of October from Palm Island, NA-025, in the Caribbean. Brian is operating on the 40, 20, 17, 15, 10 and 6m bands using SSB, SSTV and FT8. QSL direct to home call.
Now the contest news
The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th of September and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 1st of October. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Stations from the UK and Ireland also send their District Code. This event replaces the original RSGB DX contest. It is listed on the RSGB contest calendar and, for entrants from the UK and Crown Dependencies, counts towards the HF Championship. This international DX SSB contest also has a Teams section. Team members, with a maximum of three members, can be from different DXCCs and can enter different sections. Rules, in English and eight other languages, can be found under the "DX CONTESTS" menu at ukeicc.com
The Worked All Britain DX Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th of September and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 1st of October. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.
On Monday the 2nd of October, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 3rd of October, the 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 3rd of October, the 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 Tuesday the 3rd of October, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 1900 to 2000UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their county code.
On Wednesday the 4th of October, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 4th of October, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Wednesday the 4th of October, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.
The Oceania DX SSB Contest starts at 0600UTC on Saturday the 7th of October and ends at 0600UTC on Sunday the 8th 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 start at 1400UTC on Saturday the 7th of October and end at 1400UTC on Sunday the 8th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 7th of October, the 2.3GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on 2.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Saturday the 7th of October, the 1.2GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on 1.2GHz frequencies, 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 September 2023
Another week of disrupted solar and geomagnetic conditions saw the Kp index go up and MUFs come down.
A period of minor G1 geomagnetic storming was observed on Tuesday the 26th thanks to an enhanced solar wind stream containing a long-duration southward-facing Bz component. If the solar wind’s Bz magnetic field points south, it more easily couples with the Earth’s magnetic field, allowing solar plasma to flood in.
The net result was a Kp index of 5.67 and visible aurora seen from the UK once again. It is worth reminding people that, at this point in the solar cycle, conditions are being governed more by the Kp index than the solar flux index.
A high Kp index generally results in lower MUFs and poor HF conditions.
During the week, the solar flux index was around 175, declining to 156 on Thursday the 28th. The number of solar flares also decreased as the week progressed. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the range 145 to 155, perhaps hitting 160 on the 7th.
NOAA also predicts quiet geomagnetic conditions with a maximum Kp index of 2. As we said last week, at this point in the cycle solar flares and coronal mass ejections are very prevalent and hard to predict. So, do not be surprised if the Kp index goes up again.
Otherwise, if it remains low, make the most of the good HF conditions that generally follow.
Finally, as it is now October, we can expect another step up in HF conditions as we enter Autumn, so keep an eye on the 10m band, which should be opening up to the US and Canada in the afternoon. There are plenty of 10m beacons to listen for from 28.160 to 28.330MHz, as well as FM repeaters clustered around 29.600MHz.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
Last week saw trans-equatorial openings on 50MHz with V51 Namibia reported all over the UK, as far north as Scotland around 1900UTC.
On the tropo front, last week was fairly unsettled with a visit from Agnes, our first named storm of the season, which affected the north and west.
The coming week is looking much more suitable for VHF radio with high pressure building over the country from Tuesday, bringing a good chance of Tropo as we go through the week.
This may not be fully developed for the 144MHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 3rd, but possibly starting to help lift conditions, in the south at least.
The high pressure will become more widespread over the next week, but by the following weekend of the 7th and 8th of October, the 1.3GHz Trophy may have to deal with more disturbed conditions in western areas. However, conditions will still probably be good for eastern areas across the North Sea to southern Scandinavia.
The meteor scatter prospects are improving as we move towards the October Draconids, which peak on the night of the 8th and 9th. Auroras have also featured recently so should remain in our checklist.
Incidentally, although we are technically outside the main Sporadic-E season, Dourbes ionosonde data plotted on the Propquest website have shown occasional ‘blips’ in the critical frequency of the Sporadic-E layer, for example to 7.5MHz around 1650UTC on Wednesday the 27th of September. This would certainly be enough for 10m and perhaps even 6m chance openings. ‘If in doubt call CQ’ is the take-away message here.
Moon declination goes positive on Friday the 29th of September and reaches its peak the following Thursday. This means increasing Moon elevation and lengthening Moon Windows until then. The downside being that path losses are increasing all week ahead of apogee on the 10th of October.
144MHz sky noise starts off low, increasing to 500 Kelvin next Thursday before dropping again for the weekend.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.
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