GB2RS

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 7th January 2024

GB2RS News
Sunday the 7th of January 2024
The news headlines:
RSGB Regional Team vacancies
RSGB volunteer interviewed by the BBC
RSGB National Radio Centre seeks to expand its team of volunteers
 
The news team and all the staff at RSGB HQ would like to wish our newsreaders, listeners and online readers a very happy New Year. We would like to remind everyone that we always welcome your news, by email, to radcom@rsgb.org.uk and the deadline is 10 am sharp on Thursday mornings. The GB2RS script is usually uploaded to the RSGB website by 4.30 pm each Friday afternoon.
Are you interested in supporting your local radio amateurs and promoting amateur radio where you live? The RSGB Regional Team has eight Regional Representative vacancies across the UK where you could make a difference. Last year, Regional Reps got involved in a variety of activities including British Science Week and YOTA Month to help spread the word about amateur radio in their regions. If you have the passion to do this, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election to find out how to apply. The deadline for applications is the 31st of January.
It was great to hear RSGB volunteer Peter Marcham, G3YXZ on BBC Radio Oxford on New Year's Day. Peter volunteers at the RSGB National Radio Centre, as well as being a tour guide at Bletchley Park. He spoke to radio presenter Sophie Law about his volunteering after sending the words "Bletchley Park Guide" to a three-word, text-in feature on why listeners were up early on New Year's Day. Search for Sophie Law on BBC Sounds, choose the New Year’s Day programme and listen from 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 25 seconds.
There is so much happening at the RSGB National Radio Centre that it needs to expand its team of volunteers! If you can volunteer on a Friday or Saturday, you will be particularly welcome. The NRC has a fabulous set-up, and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You should enjoy meeting people and be able to volunteer for one or two days per month as part of a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk
We have received the sad news that both Mick Senior, G4EFO and Martyn Vincent, G3UKV have become Silent Keys recently. Mick was a former Regional Representative for Region 10, and the keeper of a number of local repeaters. Martyn was the District Representative for Shropshire, North Worcestershire and West Birmingham. Previously, he volunteered for the RSGB as the Regional Representative for Region 5 and as a member of the Nominations Committee. He was also a very well-respected member of the microwave and contesting communities. Our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time.
This year marks 150 years since the birth of Guglielmo Marconi in 1874. The Cornish Radio Amateur Club will be organising International Marconi Day this year on the 27th of April. For more information and updates, visit the GB4IMD Facebook page.
The RSGB’s RadCom team is looking for authors to contribute to the magazine. Previously unpublished features and articles are always welcome for consideration, and authors are paid for any content that is used. To contact the RadCom team please email radcom@rsgb.org.uk
And now for details of rallies and events
The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. Tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked in from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via m5zzz@outlook.com or 07777 699 069.
The Canvey Rally will be held on Sunday the 4th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders on site. For more information contact Richard Stanley on 07725 551 263 or email g7oed@icloud.com 
The MIDCARS Radioactive Rally will be held on Sunday the 11th of February at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. There will be a wide variety of trader stalls covering every aspect of amateur radio. Raffles will be held throughout the Rally. Refreshments and snacks will be available in the hall and parking is immediately adjacent to the venue.
Now the Special Event News
Today, the 7th is the last chance to work special callsign EH5XMAS. The station is operated by members of Radio Club Lliria, EA5RCL in celebration of Christmas and the New Year. QSL via the bureau to EA5RCL, Logbook of the World and eQSL.
On the 14th of January 2024, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe the Second will abdicate and leave the throne to her son who will become His Majesty King Frederik the Tenth, when he is sworn in as the new King of Denmark. For this reason, amateur radio associations FRA and EDR will activate Special Event Stations within The Kingdom of Denmark including Greenland and the Faroe Islands. OZ24QUEEN will be active from 0000UTC on the 12th of January until 2359UTC on the 14th of January. OZ24KING will be active from 0000UTC on the 14th of January until 2359UTC on the 16th of January. These callsigns, and others, will be active on many amateur radio bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and several digital modes. All amateur bands and all modes may be used. For more information see QRZ.com
The Radio Club of Haïti is on the air until the 31st of January with special callsign HH220Y. The station is active to celebrate Haïti’s 220th anniversary of independence. Operators are active on the 160 to 10m bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL via N2OO.
Now the DX news
Eric, F5LCX will be active as V5/F5LCX from Namibia until the 11th of January. He plans to operate with both mobile and fixed stations for a few hours on a daily basis – probably during the evening hours. QSL via Logbook of the World.
Brad, VK2BY will be active again as HS0ZNR from the Nam Yuen district in northeastern Thailand until the 14th of January. He will be QRV on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL directly to VK2BY and Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Friday the 1st of December 2023. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.
The ARRL RTTY Roundup ends its two-day run today, Sunday the 7th of January, at 2359UTC. Using the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American stations also send their state. Canadian stations send their province.
On Tuesday the 9th, 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 9th, 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 10th, 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 10th, 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 11th, 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 Sunday the 14th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Datamodes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 4th of January 2024
Welcome to the first HF propagation report of 2024 – it looks like it will be business as usual!
A massive X5-class solar flare occurred on the 31st of December. Luckily, this happened at 2155UTC so didn’t affect the ionosphere over the UK. But it did launch a large coronal mass ejection, which was forecast to possibly hit the Earth on the 2nd of January. It looks like it largely missed us, although low-energy proton levels streaming past Earth continued to rise and were at the minor S1 radiation storm threshold on Wednesday the 3rd.
Had active region 3536 been directly facing Earth when the flare was observed, a stronger proton event and geomagnetic storm would have been very likely. Only minor HF signal degradation through the polar zones should be expected because of the minor S1 storm. So, it looks like we dodged the bullet again, but this is a warning that there could be more to come.
Otherwise, the solar flux index declined to the 140s over the Christmas period, although it looks like it may increase over the coming week.
NOAA predicts it could be in the range of 150 to 160 next week, with a maximum Kp index of 3 on Monday the 8th, or Tuesday the 9th. However, this could soon change if we have another solar flare and subsequent coronal mass ejection, which could see the Kp index rise two days later. So, make the most of HF when the Kp index is low!
Otherwise, the winter period is when the low bands, from 160 to 40m, come into their own. While solar maximum is not the best time for low-band propagation, there will still be plenty of DX to be worked. Generally speaking, winter is a good time for east-west paths on HF too.
Taking a closer look at 40 metres, the band should open for DX in an easterly direction during the late afternoon and towards the south at sunset. Paths during the afternoon may also include West Coast USA in mid-winter. Relatively local contacts should be possible during the day, as the critical frequency remains above 7MHz during daylight.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
A new year brings a change of weather type and, after some residual rainfall events at the tail end of the previous week, we should be seeing a marked improvement in the weather as high-pressure returns fairly generally across the country by this first weekend of January, ending today, the 7th.
This will remain near, or very close by, for much of the coming week and into the following weekend. It is good news for Tropo, initially over the North Sea towards southern Scandinavia and the Baltic region, but will probably change to favour the western side of Britain in the second half of the week. This is nice timing to coincide with the 70cm band RSGB contests during the week on Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday the 10th of January.
Up until the middle of the month, we should be alert to rare mid-winter sporadic-E propagation. With a very contorted jet stream pattern during the whole period, the chances are better than average. This is another piece of good timing for the 50MHz UK Activity Contest on Thursday the 11th.
We were going through the Quadrantids meteor shower as this report was being written, so this may provide a little boost to meteor scatter into some of the coming week. Rain scatter will be a rapidly diminishing option during the period as high pressure builds next week. The solar conditions continue to produce elevated Kp index events. So, again, check for auroral openings although, generally, aurora is usually better towards the Spring.
For EME, this week we see a negative Moon declination, falling to a minimum by Wednesday. So, Moon windows will be short and peak Moon elevation will be low. Path losses are also low, but we are still over a week away from perigee, the closest approach of the Moon to the Earth. 144MHz sky noise increases all week culminating in the Sun and Moon being close in the sky on the 11th.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 24th December 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 24th of December 2023
The news headlines:
Examinations and Syllabus Review Group to update syllabus
The RSGB election process is underway
Volunteer Youth Country Representatives sought
 
Season’s greetings to all our listeners! Today’s GB2RS news script will be the final one of 2023. Today’s news reading is optional, as the RSGB appreciates that not all newsreaders will be available, but the script will be on the RGSB website so all can see it. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the newsreaders, who read the news on a variety of platforms, for their service to their fellow amateurs throughout the year. We’d also like to remind amateurs that there has been a long-standing convention to listen for news broadcasts on Sundays before transmitting, to allow news reading to go ahead without interference. Thank you to all those who listen on Sunday mornings, and the other times that the news is read, to those who call in afterwards to speak to the newsreaders, and to everyone who listens via various platforms. Please note, there will be no script prepared for broadcast on Sunday the 31st of December 2023 due to RSGB HQ being closed from 4.30 pm on Friday the 22nd of December until 8.30 am on Tuesday the 2nd of January 2024. Newsreaders may, of course, choose to run a net at their normal transmission time, but under their own callsign only.
Following its consultation on proposed changes to the amateur radio licence, Ofcom has recently published the “General notice of proposal to vary amateur radio licences”. The timescale for putting the licence changes into effect means that the Examinations and Syllabus Review Group has been working on the revised syllabus, version 1.6, in parallel with the Ofcom consultation. To read the full explanation, and see the draft sections, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/training and choose the ‘Trainer Information’ link in the righthand menu.
The RSGB election process is underway and the closing date for RSGB Nominated Directors is Wednesday the 3rd of January. In being a Director, you are responsible for taking strategic decisions that steer the direction of the Society and provide leadership and motivation to implement its strategy. If you have the right skills and attributes that you think can help the Society develop for the future, then please get in touch. Contact the Nominations Committee Chair, Bob Beebe, GU4YOX via nomimations.chair@rsgb.org.uk   On the RSGB website there is information about the Elected Director and Regional Representative roles available and the process for standing for those roles. You can also read an important statement from Don Beattie G3BJ, former RSGB President and IARU Region 1 Past-President, in which he outlines what he thinks are the necessary skills for Board Directors and encourages people to play their part in the future of the Society. Go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election to find out more.
A reminder now that 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. These volunteer Youth Country Representatives will represent the RSGB at externally organised events and will plan and deliver outreach activities. 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, see rsgb.org/volunteers and for an informal discussion, please email RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML at: gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk
If you live in Region 11 you could support your local amateur radio community by becoming an RSGB District Representative. DR111 covers Cornwall and the Scillies, whilst DR114 focuses on Dorset. If you would like to find out more, please contact the Region 11 Regional Representative, Andrew Jenner, G7KNA. There are also District Representative vacancies in Region 3 and Region 10 – find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers
Two more RSGB Convention presentations will be published on YouTube over the Christmas holidays. In the first, Nobby Styles, G0VJG describes the challenging and hazardous DXpedition to Europe’s rarest IOTA location, Rockall Island. The second presentation, by David Lauder, G0SNO, outlines the RSGB EMC Committee investigations into sources of RF electrical interference from recent developments in electronic equipment, including electric vehicle charging. Subscribe to the RSGB YouTube channel to be notified when these presentations are available and get ready for some great Christmas viewing! Go to youtube.com/theRSGB to subscribe.
Youngsters on the Air month is nearly at a close. The month has been filled with some brilliant activity from young people using the special callsign GB23YOTA. Thank you to everyone who has been involved, from those who have been supervising young amateurs, to those making contact on the air. There is more GB23YOTA activity planned before the end of the year, so please continue to listen out and get involved. On Friday the 29th of December, M0YTE will be supervising 2E0YOG between 12 pm and 6 pm. Following this, on Saturday the 30th of December, Hilderstone Radio Society will be back operating the special callsign between 12 pm and 6 pm. If you have been involved with Youngsters on the Air month and have photos and a short report that you’d like to share, there will be a special feature in the March issue of RadCom. Email radcom@rsgb.org.uk by the 21st of January.  
And now for details of rallies and events
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
The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked-in from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via m5zzz@outlook.com or 07777 699 069.
Now the Special Event News
Once again, Santa Radio, OF9X will be active until the 31st of December on all amateur radio bands using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or via OH2BH. The activity is organised by the Radio Club of Pusula, OH9W and Radio Arcala, OH8X. 
Listen out for members of Denby Dale Amateur Radio Society who are celebrating the festive period with a series of special callsigns including GB0HNY. For more information visit QRZ.com
Look for special callsign PC100II which is active throughout December to celebrate the centenary of the third two-way contact between Europe and America conducted by Henk Jesse, PCII in the Netherlands, and 2AGB in the USA during the night of the 26th and 27th of December 1923. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, or via PA1AW.
Now the DX news
Moise, F4EZG is active as 5R8VE from the main island of Madagascar, AF-013, until the 3rd of January 2024. He is operating using SSB and FT8 on the 20 to 10m bands. QSL via F4EZG, Logbook of the World and eQSL.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 26th, the 50MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also, on Tuesday the 26th, the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club Christmas Contest runs from 0830 to 1100 UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their district or non-member code.
It’s not a contest but the Worked All Britain Christmas Party runs from Tuesday the 26th of December to Saturday the 6th of January. Using all bands and modes, the exchange is your Worked All Britain book number.
On Wednesday the 27th, the 70MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 28th, the 144MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Friday the 29th, the 432MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of December 2023
We filed last week’s GB2RS propagation report and, shortly after, we had the biggest X-ray solar flare event this cycle!
This just shows how hard it is to predict solar activity and why long-term HF predictions are problematic. Anyway, back to the solar flare which occurred at 1702UTC on the 14th of December. This was an X2.8 event that was also responsible for a coronal mass ejection.
Luckily, the Sun had already set in the UK but if you were working the USA, Caribbean or South America on HF, you may have found the path suddenly disrupted. If that did happen to you, please let us know.
The full halo coronal mass ejection, or CME, that followed headed mostly to the west, although a glancing blow was predicted to hit us on the 15th or 16th of December. It eventually hit late on the 17th of December, pushing the Kp index to six on the morning of the 18th of December. HF conditions remained fairly unsettled after that.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 140 to 150 range again and that the Kp index will be no more than two. However, that geomagnetic prediction may be wishful thinking. There are a lot of sunspots at the moment and active region 3529 may be a strong candidate for flare and CME action over the coming week.
So, our message is: work the DX when you can and don’t ignore the lower bands, such as 40, 80 and 160 metres, which may offer some good DX at night in the middle of winter.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The weather pattern over the Christmas period is set up as a teaser between very mild, and cold enough for some wintry weather. However, it probably won’t be cold enough – except in the north – to get too excited before the 25th.
To set the scene and give you a chance to ‘roll your own forecasts’ in view of the long lead time for this forecast, the atmosphere is part way through its normal transition from summer-time Atlantic jet streams over Iceland to winter jet streams over the Mediterranean. 
We are currently in the middle, and this puts the main jet stream path across the British Isles. It will produce alternating periods of mild and cold weather – very difficult to pin down even a few days ahead, let alone into the New Year!
What we can get from this, in terms of propagation, is a good chance of the meandering jet stream being able to invoke a mid-winter Sporadic-E event for some of us. However, the times are less predictable than in the summer, so just keep a listen out on the 10m and 6m bands for activity, it would be a shame to miss any.
Tropo has done well over the last weekend, so a large high to the south of the UK, over the continent, is worth looking out for especially paths south to Iberia or east to the Baltic.
Lastly, look out for the lesser modes of scatter from rain or meteors, which will continue to be a random option, as well as the potential for aurora.
For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising, reaching a maximum on Boxing Day. Path losses are rising to a maximum on New Year’s Day. 144MHz sky noise is moderate all week.
Finally, a big thank you from the propagation team for the 'fine business' effort you all put into getting on the bands to explore and report these exciting propagation modes… Merry Christmas!
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 17th December 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 17th of December 2023
The news headlines:
Ofcom document on changes to amateur radio licensing released
YOTA month continues
WRC-23 concludes
Earlier this week, Ofcom released a document titled “Updating the Amateur Radio Licensing Framework”. The document states that amateur radio licences will be changing in 2024 and provides details of the changes that are planned. These include adjustments to the overall licensing framework and rules in a number of areas including callsigns, technical parameters, licence format, terms and conditions. To read the document in full, as well as a range of associated documents and resources generated by the RSGB and Ofcom, visit rsgb.org/licence-review
Youngsters on the Air month is well underway with some great activity from a range of schools, universities and radio societies. If you’d like to get involved, you can listen out for special callsign GB23YOTA and make these young operators feel welcome on the air. Today, the callsign is being operated between 9 am and 6 pm under the supervision of RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML. Young members of the Hereford Amateur Radio Society, and other local youngsters, will be getting on the air. Later this week, on Thursday the 21st of December between 6 pm and midnight, Ben will also be helping a fully licensed young radio amateur activate a SOTA summit. They will be working the 160m and 80m bands with the YOTA callsign. On Saturday the 23rd of December, Tommy M7OMY, supervised by M0BOY, will be back on the air for the duration of the day and night. There is still time to get involved with Youngsters on the Air month – just email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to book a slot or ask for further information.
Following four weeks of deliberations, the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference concluded in Dubai on Friday the 15th of December with the signing of the ‘Provisional Final Acts’ and a closing ceremony. The numerous changes don’t formally take effect until the 1st of January 2025 and preparations are already underway to agree the agenda for future WRC events. The RSGB’s special focus pages have the final news report and photos. To view these, visit rsgb.org/wrc-23  The results will be reviewed by the Spectrum Forum after the Christmas break, alongside IARU and domestic changes.
The UK Meteor Beacon project is now in its second phase, and both phases have been supported by the RSGB Legacy Fund. At the RSGB 2023 Convention, Brian Coleman, G4NNS outlined the plan for the second phase. A network of receivers will be developed, streaming their data via a central server for detailed study of individual meteor events. This is a cooperation between the ‘worlds’ of amateur radio and astronomy. You can now watch Brian’s presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB  The RSGB Legacy Fund supports a wide range of amateur radio projects. You can find out more and download an application form on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/legacy
The RSGB election process has begun and there are eleven roles to fill. These include eight Regional Representatives covering a wide range of regions, as well as an elected Director and two Nominated Directors. Bob Beebe, GU4YOX is the new Chair of the Nominations Committee and he is keen to see people volunteer. He says that being a Director of the RSGB is a great opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the Society and the RSGB needs the best people to come forward to play their part. If you don’t feel you can volunteer, do you know someone who would make a good Director? Do you know someone committed to amateur radio, in touch with the leading thinking in amateur radio today, and capable of contributing to the Society’s work in a team environment? If so, ask them to stand for election or as a Nominated Director. Find out more about the RSGB election process, and all the available roles, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election
Following feedback from the amateur radio community, the RSGB’s Learning Team is launching a revised Discovery Scheme in the New Year. This will be a revamp of the Individual Scheme from the Beyond Exams initiative and consists of three levels of participation. The ‘Explorer’ level is aimed at newcomers to amateur radio and will run from January to March 2024. The ‘Adventurer’ level, which will run from April to June 2024, is targeted at those who have been involved with amateur radio for a while and wish to progress. Requiring more significant experience, the ‘Master’ level will run from July to December 2024. For more information, contact Beyond Exams Coordinator Mark Burrows, 2E0SBM​ via be.coordinator@rsgb.org.uk
As the 2023 year draws to a close, we’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the newsreaders who read the RSGB news on a variety of platforms for their service to their fellow amateurs throughout the year. We respectfully ask amateurs to check carefully before using 145.525MHz on a Sunday as there are many GB2RS broadcasts throughout the day on this frequency. Thank you to all those who listen on Sunday mornings, and the other times that the news is read, to those who call in afterwards to speak to the newsreaders, and to everyone who listens via various other platforms.
RSGB HQ will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 4.30 pm on Friday the 22nd of December until 8.30 am on Tuesday the 2nd of January 2024. Next Sunday, the 24th of December, the GB2RS News script will be prepared as usual and read at the discretion of individual news readers. There will be no GB2RS broadcast on Sunday the 31st of December 2023 but many newsreaders will be holding informal nets in their usual broadcasting slots. During the holidays, if you need information about amateur radio, exams or RadCom you’ll find lots of pages on the RSGB website at rsgb.org
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 at rsgb.org/bpvoucher
GB2RS News on the Isle of Man is delivered by a team of four Newsreaders and is widely heard thanks to the extensive GB3IM UHF repeater network. Please note that, from the 7th of January 2024 onwards, the transmission is moving to the new time of 4 pm. For a complete list of GB2RS broadcasts, please download the Broadcast Schedule from rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule
And now for details of rallies and events
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
The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. Tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked in from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via m5zzz@outlook.com or 07777 699 069.
Now the Special Event News
Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, special callsign PH23XMAS will be active until the 28th of December. Following this, special callsign PH24HNY will be active from the 28th of December to the 31st of January. For more information, visit QRZ.com
Listen out for members of Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society who are active during December using special callsign GB5XMS. The station is active on the HF bands using CW, data and SSB.
Now the DX news
Harald, DF2WO is active as XT2AW from Burkina Faso until the 19th of December. He operates all modes on the HF and 6m bands and via QO-100. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World.
Gab, HB9TSW has been active as Z68BG from the Slatina Air Base in Kosovo since the 5th of December. He is operating CW only in his spare time until the 19th of December. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via his home call.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 19th, 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 21st of December, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of December 2023
We had a fairly settled time last week with only the solar wind and some solar flare activity to contend with.
Sunspot region 3514 produced a moderately strong M5.8 solar flare on the 14th of December. This event was responsible for a coronal mass ejection, or CME, but that was directed to the west and missed the Earth.
The problem with the solar wind is that its Bz has mostly been pointing south, which means it more easily couples with the Earth’s magnetic field allowing solar plasma to flood in. The result was that the Kp index mostly remained high, with the index hitting three or four across the midweek period.
While not excessive, this has affected HF to an extent, although the daytime MUF over 3,000km has remained above 28MHz on most days.
What you may find is that the higher bands are now closed until later in the morning and that they close earlier in the afternoon as well. This is partly due to the time of year and partly due to the lower solar flux index we are experiencing.
The solar flux index improved slightly over the past week, ending at 135 on Thursday, having been in the 120s earlier.
Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 125 to 140. It is predicting unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 16th to the 19th of December, with a maximum Kp index of five.
Now for a propagation forecast. Santa’s broadcasting arm, Santa Radio OF9X, is active again from near the Arctic Circle on all amateur radio bands, using CW, SSB and FT8, until the end of the year. The activity is organised by the Radio Club of Pusula, OH9W and Radio Arcala, OH8X.
Keep an eye on DXSummit.fi to find out where they are operating. So far, they have been spotted on the 160, 40, 20, 12 and 10m bands. The Proppy prediction chart shows that anywhere between 10MHz and 28MHz is fair game during daylight, while 7MHz and below will work better at night.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
As expected, the return of a significant region of high pressure developing over the continent as this week ends will bring some enhanced Tropo conditions from the southern UK into the continent and across Biscay to northern Spain.
It is also possible that the traditionally preferred policy of beaming around the edge of a high for DX paths will make looking east into northern Germany, Poland and the Baltic a fair prospect, but only until around Tuesday the 19th when a cold front moves south and breaks the path. This is a pity since it will be before Tuesday’s 1.3GHz Contest and Thursday’s 70MHz UK Activity Contest, which look like missing the best conditions.
The second half of the coming week will be dominated by low pressure to the north of Britain and a series of fronts and showery troughs driving south, bringing much colder air with a risk of wintry weather. It will also become very windy at times.
This removes Tropo from the picture, but rain scatter may be worth considering, although the shower echo regions will be moving briskly. Use online rain radar displays to help you.
The other modes of meteor scatter and aurora are worth leaving on the list with the remains of the December Geminids still with us.
Don’t forget that out-of-season Sporadic-E propagation often appears in the period from mid-December to mid-January, so check the 10 and 6m bands periodically for activity.
For EME operators, Moon declination is negative but rising, going positive on Wednesday the 20th. Path losses are at a minimum at perigee, the Moon’s closest point – this was on Saturday the 16th. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 10th December 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 10th of December 2023
The news headlines:
23cm recommendation approved at WRC-23
RSGB Examinations Standards Committee report published
RSGB Elections process begins
 
The third week of the WRC-23 World Radiocommunication Conference has seen the approval of a new footnote to the 23cm amateur band at 1240 to 1300MHz under Agenda Item 9.1-b. This draws attention to the recently released ITU-R Recommendation 2164 that provides guidance to avoid interference to radio navigation satellite services, or RNSS, such as Galileo. This is a major landmark after four years of hard work which started after WRC-19 and now lays out the basis for guidance and next steps. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH said that the addition of a footnote that provides guidance to administrations in the event of interference to the RNSS is a good regulatory outcome for amateurs and the primary users of this band. You can read more on this story at tinyurl.com/RecRNSS  The IARU team continues its work on other WRC issues including the development of agendas for future conferences. The RSGB special focus page provides regular updates and additional detail. You can find the page at
rsgb.org/wrc-23 
The RSGB Examinations Standards Committee has published its annual report, covering the operation of the amateur radio exams during the calendar year of 2022. You can read the report on the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/esc and click on Minutes, Papers and Reports in the righthand list.
If you are keen to see amateur radio, and the RSGB, continue to thrive over the coming years, this is the time to volunteer for an RSGB Board or Regional Team role. This year the Society is looking for one elected Board Director, two Nominated Board Directors and eight Regional Representatives. You can find candidate packs, forms and further details on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/election If you’re interested but unsure, please read the information set out on the elections web page first and then have an informal chat with the RSGB Company Secretary. Email Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at company.secretary@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB Board is delighted to announce that Bob Beebe, GU4YOX has been appointed as the new Nominations Committee Chair. The Board would like to thank Stephen Purser, GW4SHF for his work in this role over a number of years, and it is pleased that he will continue in his other role as Company Secretary. You can find out more about the Nominations Committee on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nomcom and you can email Bob via nominations.chair@rsgb.org.uk
Don’t forget that the last of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinars for 2023 is at 8 pm tomorrow, 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. 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
EIRSAT-1 launched on a Space X Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA at 1819UTC on Friday the 1st of December 2023. 'EIRSAT-1' stands for 'Educational Irish Research Satellite'. A team of students at University College Dublin, with support from academic and professional staff, has designed, built, tested, and will operate, Ireland's first satellite, a 2U CubeSat. It has a downlink on the IARU coordinated frequency of 437.100MHz. For more information about the project visit eirsat1.ie
The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon is underway. The objective is to work as many four-digit grid squares as possible, between 0000UTC on the 1st of December 2023 and 2359UTC on the 31st of January 2024, on the 6m band. Logs can be submitted until 12 February 2024. For more information visit uksmg.org
It is now the second week of Youngsters on the Air month. Special callsign GB23YOTA has already been operated by a range of schools, universities and radio societies. The RSGB National Radio Centre is active today Sunday the 10th of December using GB23YOTA between 9 am and 5 pm. On Monday the 11th of December Hilderstone Radio Society will be on the air with St Peter-in-Thanet School in Kent between 12 pm and 6 pm. Mallaig High School will be hosting the special callsign for the second time this month between 12pm and 3pm on Thursday the 14th of December. Tommy M7OMY, who was involved with Youngsters on the Air month in 2022, is back again this year and will be operating GB23YOTA supervised by M0BOY for the whole of Saturday the 16th of December. Remember to listen out for all these young operators on the air and help make them feel welcome in the world of amateur radio. If you’d like to get involved and operate GB23YOTA, there is still time. Email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to register your interest or ask for further information. 
And now for details of rallies and events
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
The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Thursday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for bookings and information via m5zzz@outlook.com or 07777 699 069.
Now the Special Event News
On Thursday the 14th of December, from 1700UTC, lots of special event stations from The Netherlands will be on the air. The callsigns in use will follow the format PA01MIL with each station having a unique combination of numbers in the callsign. The operators will be arranged into teams – each team containing two military personnel and one amateur. The stations will work on the HF bands using SSB. The objective of the event is to promote amateur radio so please do give them a call.
Special callsign SX25GTC is in use until the 15th of December to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Greek Telegraphy Club. Listen for CW activity on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. See QRZ.com for information about certificates that are available.
Now the DX news
Burkhard, DL3KZA is active as YB9/DL3KZA from Lombok Island, OC-150, until the 18th of December. QSL via home call, direct or bureau.
The V6EU team is active from Chuuk Island, OC-011, in Micronesia until the 16th of December. The team will operate on the 160 to 10m bands using SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8. QSL via DL2AWG.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 12th, 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 12th, 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.
The ARRL 10m Contest started at 0000UTC yesterday, Saturday the 9th and ends at 2359UTC today, the 10th. 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.
On Wednesday the 13th, 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 13th, 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 14th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The Stew Perry Top Band Challenge runs from 1500 UTC on Saturday the 16th to 1500 UTC on Sunday the 17th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of December 2023
We dodged a bullet last week as a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole sped past the Earth. Although the wind speed was often in excess of 600 kilometres per second, its Bz, or magnetic field, was pointing north. The net result was that most of this passed harmlessly away from Earth and the Kp index remained around three.
Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 130 by Thursday, which is quite a difference from the 194 we had on the 23rd of November.
Solar activity last week reached moderate levels thanks to multiple low-level M-class solar flares detected around active region 3513 in the northeast quadrant. This region also produced frequent C-class flares.
Daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path mostly remained over 28MHz, while nighttime MUFs over a similar path length remained around 10MHz.
As we head towards mid-winter, we may expect these nighttime MUFs to drop, with the result that the 80m band closes down for short-skip early on in the evening – the curse of the inter-UK 80m Club Championship contests!
However, the 80m band may still be open over long distances and we are now entering the best time of year for low-band DXing. Keep an eye on the top end of the 80m band, around sunrise, for transatlantic signals.
Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may recover a little and be in the range of 130 to 150. Geomagnetic conditions will depend upon coronal mass ejections but are predicted to be good, with a peak of Kp4 on the 12th of November. There is a slender coronal hole on the Sun that could cause the Kp index to rise this weekend, ending the 10th, due to its associated solar wind stream. However, it shouldn’t be too bad and any poor HF conditions are likely to be short-lived.
Finally, NOAA has updated its progression forecast for Solar Cycle 25. It now predicts that this cycle will peak somewhere between January and September 2024 with a solar flux index of around 167 to 201.
And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO
The present spell of unsettled weather at the end of the first week of December will run into the first half of next week.
This brings a limited chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands, but there is a strong signal in the models for a major change of weather patterns for the middle of next week. 
This will be the arrival of high pressure around Wednesday the 13th that will probably last into the following weekend, although there is some model variation in how quickly it will move away.
The main result is that, although it begins as a cold air with high pressure with frosts, it will probably develop surface temperature inversions, which will be useful for Tropo. Towards the end of next week, as the centre of the high drifts east, it will allow more moist air at the surface and produce stronger ducting potential as well as develop an upper-level inversion for longer DX paths into the continent.
The evening of the 14th of December sees the peak of the biggest and most reliable meteor shower of the year. The Geminids have the potential for a zenithal hourly rate of 150. The higher 50MHz and 144MHz activity usually provide the best chances, and a reasonably quiet QTH with 100W and a beam will bring you plenty of digimode QSOs.
QSOs are even made by EME-class stations on the 70cm band and strong, long reflections on the lower bands can allow SSB QSOs if you’re persistent enough.
That said, MSK144 and FSK441 digimodes will be the most reliable.
Aurora remains a possibility, but the isolated out-of-season sporadic-E blips on the Propquest NVIS plots last month have quietened down for now.
For EME operators, Moon declination is negative, falling further and reaching its minimum on Thursday the 14th. Path losses are falling towards a minimum at perigee on Saturday the 16th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate until the 12th and 13th when the Moon and Sun are close in the sky.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 3rd December 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.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 26th November 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.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 19th November 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.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 12th November 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.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 5th November 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.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 29th October 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.