GB2RS

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 13th. August 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 13th of August 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB Intruder Watch Service volunteer needed
New RSGB NRC promotional video
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
 
The RSGB Intruder Watch Service is looking for a volunteer to act as Coordinator when Richard Lamont, G4DYA retires from the role in September. The function of the Intruder Watch Service is to monitor and receive reports of intrusions of non-amateur transmissions into amateur radio bands and to collate reports and alert Ofcom to persistent and regular intruders. The responsibilities of the volunteer include: submitting details of intruders to the IARU Monitoring Service on behalf of the UK; membership of the RSGB Spectrum Forum; and providing reports for the Spectrum Forum, RadCom and the RSGB Yearbook. The successful applicant for the position will have a station capable of reliable monitoring of amateur bands, up-to-date knowledge of transmission modes and modulation methods in order to be able to identify transmissions, and the ability to receive reports of intruders from other amateur stations by email. If you’re interested in finding out more about this role, please email the RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair, Murray Niman, G6JYB at spectrum.chairman@rsgb.org.uk 
Have you been to the RSGB National Radio Centre? Would you like to encourage your family and friends to visit and find out more about amateur radio? We’ve just released a promotional video that gives a whistle-stop tour of all the fantastic things at the NRC in just one minute. Find it on the RSGB’s YouTube channel or on the National Radio Centre web page on our website at rsgb.org/nrc
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is coming up soon. The event is usually held on the third weekend of August which this year is the 19th and 20th. It is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been over 500 entries from more than 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net
A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is still open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link.
The RSGB is reminding all radio amateurs that they are required to revalidate their licence with Ofcom at least every five years. If it has been a while since you did that, go to ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence or email spectrum.licensing@ofcom.org.uk
The date has been confirmed for the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT. It will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November 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.
Don’t forget that booking is open for the RSGB Convention which is being held between the 13th and 15th of October. For more information visit rsgb.org/convention
 
And now for details of rallies and events
The Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society Hamfest is being held today, Sunday the 13th of August from 9 am to 4 pm. The venue is Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA. Admission is £5 and this includes parking. Talk-in will be on 145.550MHz. On-site catering, bar facilities and an RSGB Bookstall will be available. Indoor and field pitches are available and car-boot traders are welcome from 7 am. For more information, email tbaker@tiscali.co.uk, visit frars.co.uk or phone 07743 475 018.
The Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society Rally will take place on Sunday the 20th of August. The venue will be Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9PY. The event will begin at 10 am. For more details contact Steve, G8LYB on 07956 855 816, email rally@rugbyats.co.uk or visit rugbyats.co.uk
Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally will take place on Sunday the 20th of August. The venue will be The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9.30 am and admission will be £2. Free car parking and refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10. To book, contact Steve via m5zzz@outlook.com or phone 07777 699 069.
The Red Rose Summer Rally will take place on Sunday the 20th of August. The venue will be St Joseph’s Hall, Leigh WN7 2PJ. The event will feature free parking, a café, traders, individual stands, club stands, low-cost bring and buy and a raffle for a new digital radio. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk
Now the Special Event News
Special event station PA14JAMBO will be active until Thursday the 17th of August from Spaarnwoude for the 14th Haarlem Jamborette, a large international scout camp that takes place in the Netherlands every four years. Look for activity on SSB, CW, and digital modes. QSL via PA9LUC and eQSL.
Special event station CX90RCU will be operating until Thursday the 31st of August to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Radio Club Uruguayo, CX1AA, founded on the 23rd of August 1933. QSL via the bureau, direct, or via Logbook of the World.
Now the DX news
Josiah, KI5UBT and John, N5VOF will be active as VP5/KI5UBT and VP5/N5VOF from Providenciales, NA-002, on the Turks and Caicos Islands, until tomorrow, the 14th of August. They are operating SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 2m bands. QSL direct-to-home calls.
Bo, OZ1DJJ  will be active again, from Greenland, as OX3LX from Tasiilaq on Ammassalik  Island, NA-151, until the 15th of August. He will focus on the QO-100 satellite and the 6 and 4m bands, but he will also be QRV on the HF bands. He will then go to Ittoqqortoormiit, on the main island of Greenland. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or direct to OZ0J.
Also active from Tasiilaq will be Emil, DL8JJ, operating as OX/DL8JJ until tomorrow, the 14th of  August. In his spare time, he will operate CW with 10W.
Frans, DJ0TP will be active as TK/DJ0TP from the main island of Corsica, EU-014, until the 3rd of September. QSL via DJ0TP’s home call and Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
Today, the 13th of August, the Worked All Europe DX CW Contest ends its 24-hour run at 2359UTC. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 15th of August, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 17th of August, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 10th of August 2023
Sunspot activity continues as we head towards the solar maximum. Or have we already gone past that point? Identifying solar maximum can only really be done in retrospect. That is after we have already had it!
Solar maximum is now forecast for early to mid-2025 so we still have some way to go.
Last week the Solar Flux Index declined from 176 on the 5th, to 153 on the 10th.
Geomagnetic conditions were mainly settled, other than a Kp index of 6.67 on the 5th. This was due to an incoming plasma cloud from a coronal mass ejection, or CME, that left the Sun on the 2nd of August.
We had not one, but two X-class flare events recently. These occurred on the 5th and the 7th. The event on the 5th was long in duration with a peak flux at 2221UTC. Luckily it was from active region 3386, which was right on the edge of the visible solar disk, so any associated CME was directed away from Earth.
The second event at 2046UTC on the 7th was also from AR3386, which by now had rotated just out of view of the Earth, so again its associated CME was not Earth-directed.
So, we were lucky on both counts. If this sunspot region is still active on its return, we could be in for a rough ride. Keep an eye out from around the 20th of this month when it should reappear.
HF conditions have been variable, with occasional F2-layer openings on the 10m band. The 15m band has produced some good DX including 5W1SA in Samoa on FT8. The 17m band produced Roland, TR8CR in Gabon on CW for Laurie, G3UML. S79KW in Seychelles was worked by Hugh, EI2HI on 10m SSB, but it has otherwise been quite quiet. Expect more HF DX activity later next month.
Next week, NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will be in the low 160s, with a maximum Kp index of two. If that does pan out, we can expect fairly good HF conditions.
But as always, watch out for solar flares and CMEs that can’t be predicted terribly well. A solar flare could result in a sudden ionospheric disturbance but that would be relatively short-lived. A CME, which might follow a flare in about two days, could see the MUF drop for a day or more.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The brief period of high pressure around the middle of last week will be long gone by the weekend and new Atlantic lows will again dominate the UK weather. At first, this will be mainly over the northern half of Britain before moving to the western side of the country later in the week.
This means that any Tropo at the end of the previous week is not here to stay. The low-pressure input will bring rain scatter propagation modes and, since we are supposedly in the summertime, the rainfall events may be quite heavy or even thundery in places, so there may be good scattering for the GHz bands.
The Sporadic-E season is still simmering with a few brief moments of single hop within Europe, but also some longer multi-hop paths including to the Far East and VK on 10m.
The upper air pattern of jet streams may still be able to trigger a few openings during the coming week, although it is looking much weaker than last week and possibly mainly biased towards northern areas like the Baltic and Scandinavia.
Meteor scatter is one mode that should do well, especially at first with the peak of the Perseids this weekend. It can be quite interesting to monitor the 2m meteor scatter calling channel and stand outside watching for meteors, especially if it’s a bit warmer! The shower has a broad peak so should still provide activity during the coming week.
Lastly, the Sun continues to offer occasional disturbed conditions with a chance of high Kp indices and possible aurora. The easiest solution is to monitor the Kp index and perhaps your favourite Scottish beacon for signs of auroral flutter.
With the Moon at maximum declination this weekend, with long Moon visibility windows, it's the Microwave EME contest. Moon apogee is next Wednesday so path losses are at their highest until then. 144MHz sky noise is moderate until late Tuesday when the Sun and the Moon are close in the sky until Thursday when levels drop back to low.   
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 6th August 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 6th of August 2023
The news headlines:
Tonight@8 events on Ofcom consultation
YOTA summer camp in Hungary
RSGB coding resources and activities
 
A reminder that the second of the RSGB’s special Tonight@8 events on the Ofcom Consultation will take place on Monday the 7th of August. This time the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. The Consultation also affects anyone who isn’t currently licensed but is thinking about taking their exams in the next couple of years. After a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions on this important Ofcom Consultation. For this event, you can submit a question in advance by 6pm today, Sunday the 6th of August. Send a brief question with your name and callsign to comms@rsgb.org.uk You can also ask a question on the night via the live chat. This is an important event – do join it live on Monday via the RSGB YouTube channel. To find out more about the Consultation and this event go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview You can watch a recording of the first Tonight@8 event on the Ofcom Consultation via the RSGB’s YouTube channel.
The 2023 Youngsters on the Air, or YOTA, summer camp in Hungary began this weekend and lasts for a week. The four young people representing the RSGB are Alexander Du Rose, 2E0FMZ who is the Team Leader; Henry-James Robinson, M7HJR; Hannah Lee, M7YYQ; and Jake Saul, M7JNS. Each day, they will be sharing news of the activities they enjoy and the amateur radio skills they learn. Take a look at their updates over the coming week on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary and read their fuller report in the October issue of RadCom.
As part of the RSGB’s commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the Society is providing resources and creating coding activities for people to get involved in throughout the month of September 2023. From the BBC Micro:bit to Node-RED and GNU Radio, there are some great activities you could try yourself with your club or arrange at a local school or community group. If you are an experienced coder, the Society would like you to support this initiative by passing on your enthusiasm to a local school or STEM club with the help of the suggested activities. If you are new to coding and have no idea what Python is or a Raspberry Pi, then the activities will set you on the path of discovery! Find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coding. If you would like to get involved, contact ESRG member John Hislop, G7OHO via g7oho@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB has responded to an Ofcom consultation on licensing Enhanced Long-Range Navigation, or eLoran, systems. This would use a new network of 400kW EIRP transmissions at around 90 to 110kHz to provide an alternative to GPS for Position, Navigation and Timing, or PNT. The response, which can be found on the RSGB’s Spectrum Forum webpages, focussed on the high levels of out-of-band emissions that would affect the weak signal 136kHz amateur allocation, as well as transparency on transmitter licensing. The consultation response can be viewed by visiting thersgb.org/go/sfpapers
The ARRL, the national association for amateur radio in the USA, has filed comments against a proposal that would introduce high-power digital communications to the shortwave spectrum that, in many instances, is immediately adjacent to the amateur HF bands. You can read the full story, which is titled ‘ARRL Files Comments Against “Seriously Flawed” HF Rules Petition’, via arrl.org/news
And now for details of rallies and events
Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, is taking place today, Sunday the 6th of August, at Midland Air Museum, Coventry. It is a meet-up, show-and-tell, test and fix-it, and bring-and-buy event from 10.30 am to 4 pm. There are full ATV and Microwave test facilities available for QO-100, 5.6GHz FM, Portsdown, MiniTiouner, Ryde, and power amplifiers and preamps.
King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 33rd Great Eastern Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 6th of August. The venue is Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4EL. The doors open to visitors at 9 am and admission is £2.50. The doors open to traders from 7 am. An outdoor pitch costs £8 and an indoor table costs £10. Car parking is free. There are trade stands and a bring-and-buy area. On-site catering is available. For more information email rally.klarc@gmail.com or visit klarc.org.uk
Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club’s 28th annual mini-rally night will take place on Friday the 11th of August. It will be held in the Community Centre, Main Hall, Port Seton from 6 pm to 9 pm. Tables will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The entrance fee is £2 for everyone. Disabled access and food will be available. For more information email bob.gm4uyz@talktalk.net
The Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society Hamfest will be held on Sunday the 13th of August from 9 am to 4 pm. The venue will be Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA. Admission is £5 and this includes parking. Talk-in will be on 145.550MHz. On-site catering, bar facilities and an RSGB Bookstall will be available. At the landowner’s request, no dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Indoor and field pitches are available and car-boot traders are welcome from 7 am. For more information, email tbaker@tiscali.co.uk, visit frars.co.uk or phone 07743 475 018.
 
Now the Special Event News
DR45HAAN is the special callsign for DARC's Ortsverband Haan to celebrate its 45th anniversary. The station will be active until the 30th of September. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and direct cards via DL7ET.
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. Listen for the callsign on the HF bands on SSB, CW, digital modes and via 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. For more information see QRZ.com
9A66AA is the special callsign that Tom, 9A2AA will be using throughout 2023 to mark his 66th year in amateur radio. QSL via Tom’s home call.
9M8SOTA and 9M8BOTA are the special callsigns that 9M8HAZ and others will be using during 2023 while operating from various mountains and beaches in Sarawak, East Malaysia. QSL for both callsigns via 9M8HAZ directly, Logbook of the World and Club Log.
 
Now the DX news
Anton, RG0C will be active as RG0C/P from the Shantar Islands, AS-044, and surrounding area, until the 10th of August. He will operate low power CW on 20m. QSL via home call.
Mek, SP7VC and Kasia, SQ7OYL will be active as OY/SP7VC from Iceland until the 17th of August. Look for activity on the 20, 6, 4 and 2m bands.
Frans, DJ0TP will be active as TK/DJ0TP from the main island of Corsica, EU-014, until the 3rd of September. QSL via DJ0TP’s home call and Logbook the World.
 
Now the contest news
The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon ends its three-month run today, Sunday the 6th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.
Also today, Sunday the 6th, the 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator. UK and Crown Dependency stations send the first two letters of their postcode.
On Tuesday, the 8th of August, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
This is followed by the 432MHz UK Activity Contest which runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 9th of August, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 9th of August, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.
On Thursday the 10th of August, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
 
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 3rd of August 2023
The Sun continued to be very active over the last week with a large number of sunspots, numerous C- and M-class flares, and a coronal mass ejection or two.
A coronal mass ejection is predicted to hit Earth this weekend, which could see the Kp index rise, but this is not expected to be too extensive.
Active region 3380 expanded in both size and magnetic complexity, firing off numerous solar flares. Luckily it is now rotating out of view so is no longer a threat.
The Solar Flux Index remained above 170 all week with a sunspot number of 135 on Thursday. Don’t forget that this doesn’t mean there were 135 sunspots, as each group counts ten towards the total. Three sunspots in three groups equals thirty plus three, or thirty-three.
Geomagnetic conditions were mixed with one period giving a Kp index of four, and many when it was over three.
The main DX being chased this week wasn’t actually too far away. The 1A0C station at the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which confusingly is actually in Rome, gave amateurs plenty of opportunity to add to their band slot totals. The station was raising money for humanitarian charitable projects and was easy to work from the UK. 
Next week NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the Solar Flux Index will remain in the 165 to 170 region. The Kp index shouldn’t rise above three, although that rather depends on whether we have any coronal mass ejections.
There are also signs that we are starting to leave the Summer HF doldrums. MUFs over a 3,000km path have occasionally gone over 28MHz at times. But we are still a long way from Autumn HF conditions, despite the weather!
 
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The unsettled weather is here for a little longer, but there may be an end in sight as we move through the second half of next week. 
To begin, there will be areas of low pressure in control bringing rain or showers and more rain scatter on the GHz bands.
Midweek, the high edges in from the west and remains close to the southeast into the next weekend, but lows and weather fronts will probably return to the western areas by the end of the week. Nonetheless, this should be a period of Tropo for many areas, if only temporarily for western areas.
Meteor scatter could be good with a steady advance towards the peak of the Perseids on the 12th and 13th of August. It might even be warm enough to stand outside in the southeast and listen to the pings while watching the evening sky for meteor trails!
Aurora can’t be discounted either should the Kp index show higher values than, say, 5 and there have been a number of auroral contacts reported by Nordic stations over the last week.
In August there is still some Sporadic-E to be had as luckily the jet stream pattern is still quite busy giving ample triggers for Sporadic-E due to the turbulence they create. As often mentioned, a good time to check, if you are a busy person, is around teatime or late afternoon.
Moon declination goes positive on Saturday so Moon visibility windows will lengthen throughout the week. We are past perigee so path losses are rising again. 144MHz sky noise is low but rising, reaching moderate levels next weekend.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 30th July 2023

GB2RS NewsSunday the 30th of July 2023
The news headlines:• Tonight@8 events on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation• Bar-coded stamps• GB2RS in Morse code
The RSGB is holding two special live Tonight@8 events focused on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation, and it encourages all radio amateurs to take part. On Monday the 31st of July the session will look at contests, operating and callsign policy, in an event that might be of particular interest to Full licensees. On Monday the 7th of August, the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. Instead of the usual webinar style, these events will be forums where, after a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions. Questions can be submitted on the night of the event via live chat, or you can send in a question in advance. Advance questions can be by email or a short, clear video of you asking your question. In either case, please keep the question short and include your name and callsign. Send questions, by 12 noon on the Friday before the event, to comms@rsgb.org.uk and find out more about the events and the consultation on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview From tomorrow, the 31st of July, you should not apply non-bar-coded stamps with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s image to any mail. In doing so the sender or recipient may have to pay a surcharge. This news is highlighted to radio amateurs who use stamped-addressed QSL card envelopes. Please ensure all stamped-addressed envelopes have valid bar-coded stamps on them. This only applies to stamps with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s image on them and does not apply to stamps which have other pictures on them. These can continue to be used. Royal Mail will exchange all non-barcoded stamps with new bar-coded ones for free. To do this, download a form from the Royal Mail website, complete it and include it alongside the stamps that are being returned. For more information, and to download a form, visit royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stampsGB2RS newsreader Graham, G4JBD has developed an online tool which plays Morse code based on the current GB2RS News script at a variety of different speeds. To help simulate a realistic HF-operating environment, the system can be set to include man-made band noise, or QRM, and/or natural band noise, or QRN. To try the system for yourself, visit thersgb.org/go/gb2rsmorseThe July 2023 edition of RadCom Basics is now available and includes more topics to inspire those who are new to amateur radio and those who want to refresh their skills and knowledge. This edition includes the stories of the winner and runner-up in the RSGB Construction Competition Beginners’ category; Part 2 of ‘Repairing circuit board tracks’; a design for a simple multi-band vertical HF antenna; Part 6 in the ‘Basic fault-finding series; and an account of Lee, G4EJB’s recent visit to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. To view RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basicsThe RSGB is also pleased to announce that a new edition of RadCom Plus, Volume 8, Issue 1, is out now. RadCom Plus is the RSGB’s digital technical supplement and RSGB Members can read it in HTML5 flipbook, PDF and Epub formats. This issue includes an article on a compact broadband active antenna for VHF and UHF and another on operating on the 30THz band. RadCom Plus can be accessed via rsgb.org/radcom-plus
And now for details of rallies and events Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event starts at 9 am and finishes at 1 pm. There is a £3 entry fee. Indoor tables are sold out, but there is plenty of Car Boot space available. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further information please contact rally@chippenhamradio.clubPart 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, will take place on Sunday the 6th of August at Midland Air Museum, Coventry. It is a meet-up, show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring-and-buy event from 10.30 am to 4 pm. There will be full ATV and Microwave test facilities available for QO-100, 5.6GHz FM, Portsdown, MiniTiouner, Ryde, and power amplifiers and preamps.King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 33rd Great Eastern Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 6th of August. The venue will be Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4EL. The doors open to visitors at 9 am and admission is £2.50. The doors open to traders from 7 am. An outdoor pitch costs £8 and an indoor table costs £10. Car parking is free. There will be trade stands and a bring-and-buy area. On-site catering will be available. For more information email rally.klarc@gmail.com or visit klarc.org.ukNow the Special Event NewsDR45HAAN is the special callsign for DARC's Ortsverband Haan to celebrate its 45th anniversary. The station will be active until the 30th of September. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and direct cards via DL7ET.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. Listen for the callsign on the HF bands on SSB, CW, digital modes and via 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. For more information see QRZ.com
Now the DX newsToday is the last chance to contact Giuseppe, IK5WWA who is active as IM0C from San Pietro Island, EU-165. He is QRV on the 40 to 2m bands. QSL via his home call.The IP1X team is active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, today, the 30th. They are operating CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands in the IOTA Contest. QSL via IU1JCZ, direct or via the bureau. For more details and updates check QRZ.comMD1U is active in the IOTA Contest today, the 30th, as part of a DXpedition to Scarlett Point Tower on the Isle of Man. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS page and Logbook of the World. For more information see QRZ.comSunny, VU2CUW, a member of the 42nd Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, will be based at Maitri Station, Antarctica for around one year. In his spare time, he will be active as AT42I. QSL via VU2CRS. Ersoy, TA2OM has been active as 3C3CA from Bioko Island, AF-010, in Equatorial Guinea since October 2022. His current plans are to stay there until sometime in August. He uploads his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World on a regular basis.Now the contest newsThe RSGB IOTA, or Islands On The Air, Contest will end at 1200UTC today, the 30th of July, Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.Today, the 30th of July, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.On Tuesday the 1st of August, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.Also on Tuesday the 1st of August, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.On Wednesday the 2nd of August, 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 2nd of August, 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 Saturday the 5th of August, the EU HF Championship runs from 0000 to 2359UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is a signal report and the last two digits of the year you were first licensed. On Saturday the 5th of August, the 4th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.Also on Saturday the 5th of August, the 144MHz Low Power Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.The Worked all Britain 144MHz Low Power contest takes place on Saturday the 5th of August from 1400 to 1800UTC. Please note that the maximum power that can be used in this contest has been increased to 25W. The exchange is a report, serial number and Worked all Britain square, if applicable. Entries should be submitted to the contest manager by the 15th of August. For full details of the rules please see the Worked all Britain website.On Sunday the 6th of August, the 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon ends its three-month run on Sunday the 6th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator.Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 27th of July 2023It was a mixed bag last week with periods of settled conditions, but two periods when the Kp index was above four. These unsettled geomagnetic conditions impacted HF, subduing signals and generally not helping at all.The cause was a coronal mass ejection, or CME, that passed Earth late on Tuesday the 25th of July. This triggered a minor G1 geomagnetic storm with the solar wind speed above 500km/s and the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field pointing south. By the early hours of Thursday morning, the Kp index was down to 2.33, but there was talk of another CME threatening to push it up again. We ‘dodged a bullet’ on the 24th of July when a large halo CME was observed leaving the Sun. It was so powerful that, despite taking place on the other side of the Sun, energetic proton levels streamed past Earth. By Wednesday lunchtime things were back to normal.By Thursday there were ten active regions visible on the Sun, with a solar flux of 167.Daytime HF conditions are still relatively poor, although the evenings are beginning to show an improvement. We probably won’t see a return to excellent HF conditions until September or October.Having said that, at 1230UTC on Thursday, there were openings on 15m FT8 to Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Anguilla, despite the predicted MUF over 3,000km being around 19MHz. In other words, make sure you actually listen to the bands!Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will be in the range of 155 to 170. The Kp index is forecast to be around two. There may be a blip on Wednesday the 3rd of August when it is forecast to rise to three. As always, this is likely to change if we get more solar flares and associated CMEs.And now the VHF and up propagation newsThe coming week is likely to continue its unsettled theme although, unlike last week, this time we may find a temporary ridge of high pressure building over southern England at the end of the week.  It’s some way off and much could change before we get there, but there is a hint of some Tropo next Friday, perhaps lasting into the Saturday afternoon for the 144MHz Low Power Contest. The rest of this week and much of next will, however, stay firmly in the unsettled pattern with just rain scatter to console us.The Sporadic-E season often provides activity on the 6m band into the first week of September, so plenty of time to look for those chance QSOs. Last week saw a huge opening to Japan and a smaller opening to North America so there is still plenty to look for. The current spell of unsettled weather is driven by a strong jet stream across the Atlantic into northern Europe and maybe a positive sign for Sporadic-E paths that cross it, say to Iberia, round through Italy to the Balkans.Other modes are relatively-low probability when compared with Sporadic-E, but the disturbed solar conditions could make Aurora a contender on those occasions when the Kp index is above five.Meteor scatter activity continues to increase as we head into the August Perseids, which peak around the 12th and 13th of August.The Moon reaches minimum declination on Sunday, becoming positive again late next Saturday so there will be short Moon windows early in the week. Perigee is on Wednesday so path losses are low. 144MHz sky noise is high this coming weekend turning low late Monday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS NewsBulletin for 23rd July 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 23rd of July 2023
The news headlines:
Tonight@8 events on Ofcom consultation
RSGB 2023 Convention
RSGB Region 3 District Representatives
 
The RSGB is holding two special Tonight@8 events focused on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation. On Monday the 31st of July it will look at contests, operating and callsign policy, in an event that might be of particular interest to Full licensees. On Monday the 7th of August the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. Instead of the usual webinar style, these events will be forums where, after a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions. We encourage radio amateurs to be part of these events. Questions can be submitted on the night via the live chat, or you can send in a question in advance. Advance questions can be by email or a short, clear video of you asking your question. In either case, please include your name and callsign as well as your question. Send questions to comms@rsgb.org.uk or for further information about the Consultation, the events and the panellists go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview
The RSGB’s 2023 Convention will be held from the 13th to the 15th of October at Kents Hill Park Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. The Convention packs in a full weekend of the very best amateur radio lectures from around the world. With lecture streams, forums, special interest groups, presentations and all the usual activities, there is something for everyone. Join hundreds of others for what is also one of the best social events in amateur radio. Bookings are open now and you can take advantage of early bird pricing until the end of August. You’ll find the booking link and more information on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention
The RSGB is looking for members in Region 3, the North-West of England, to step forward as volunteer District Representatives. If you’d like to make a difference to other radio amateurs in this area, provide advice and support, represent the RSGB and its Members, and also attend local rallies, please email Region 3 Regional Representative, Martyn Bell, M0TEB at: rr3@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB’s Examinations and Syllabus Review Group, or ESRG, has provided an additional set of four mock exam papers. These cover Foundation, Intermediate, Full and Direct to Full exams. You can find the papers on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/mock-exams
A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link.
Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place today, the 23rd, at the Society’s HQ at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors are open from 10 am and a food bar is available. For more information and directions visit g0ghk.com
Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9 am and finish at 1 pm. There is a £3 entry fee. Indoor tables are sold out, but there is plenty of Car Boot space available. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further information please contact rally@chippenhamradio.club
Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, will take place on Sunday the 6th of August at Midland Air Museum, Coventry. It is a meet-up, show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring-and-buy event from 10.30 am to 4 pm. There will be full ATV and Microwave test facilities available for QO-100, 5.6GHz FM, Portsdown, MiniTiouner, Ryde, and power amplifiers and preamps.
King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 33rd Great Eastern Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 6th of August. The venue will be Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4EL. The doors open to visitors at 9 am and admission is £2.50. The doors open to traders from 7 am. An outdoor pitch costs £8 and an indoor table costs £10. Car parking is free. There will be trade stands and a bring-and-buy area. On-site catering will be available. For more information email rally.klarc@gmail.com or visit klarc.org.uk
Now the Special Event News
Special callsign DL0SOP is active until the 31st of July for the 65th edition of the Sea of Peace Award. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL or direct to DL4SVA. For more information about the award visit dl0sop.darc.de
VX7NA is the special callsign in use by the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association, until tomorrow the 24th of July, to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The Association is based on Vancouver Island, NA-036. QSL via VE7NA.
Now the DX news
The IP1X team will be active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, on the 29th and 30th of July. They will operate CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands and will be active for 24 hours during the IOTA Contest. QSL via IU1JCZ, direct or via the bureau. For more details and updates check QRZ.com
MD1U will be active during the IOTA Contest on the 29th and 30th of July during a Dxpedition to Scarlett Point Tower on the Isle of Man. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS page and Logbook of the World. For more information see QRZ.com
Roland, F8EN is again active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only. QSL via F6AJA, direct or via the bureau.
Ersoy, TA2OM has been active as 3C3CA from Bioko Island, AF-010, in Equatorial Guinea since October 2022. His current plans are to stay there until sometime in August. He uploads his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World on a regular basis.
Didier, F6BCW is active as FO/F6BCW from Huahine Island, OC-067, in French Polynesia until the 25th of October. He operates CW and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via F6EXV, Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Now the contest news
On Tuesday the 25th of July, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Thursday the 27th of July sees the data leg of the 80m Club Championships run from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
Next weekend is the RSGB IOTA, or Islands On The Air, Contest. It runs from 1200UTC on the 29th to 1200UTC on the 30th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.
Please note that the Worked All Britain 144MHz Low Power Contest which was due to be held on Saturday the 29th of July has been moved to Saturday the 5th of August. A further announcement is expected next week.
Next Sunday, the 30th of July, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 20th of July 2023
The Sun continues to be peppered with spots with a solar flux index of 189 on Thursday the 20th. However, sunspots can bring solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections, or CMEs, which can be detrimental to good HF conditions.
We have been relatively lucky over the last week as the flares have mostly been minor C-class and a few M-class events. There have been no X-class flares, so ionospheric disturbances have been minor.
A large CME observed from active region 3363 is expected to mostly miss our planet. But the edge of the plasma cloud was still forecast to deliver a glancing blow to our geomagnetic field on Thursday the 20th of July.
A Polar Cap Absorption, or PCA, event was also in progress from the morning of Monday the 17th of July. This was caused by the proton flux rapidly increasing and affecting HF paths over the poles. The proton flux is gradually decreasing but may still have a detrimental effect for a while yet.
Region 3363, which was massive, has now disappeared behind the southwest limb and will no longer be a threat. That is, at least until its return in about two weeks’ time. It will be interesting to see how big it is on its return.
Other than the Kp index hitting 4.67 on the 16th and 17th, geomagnetic conditions have been quiet with the Kp index at one or two over the past few days, which means HF conditions have been quite good.
Daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path have been consistently above 18MHz and often above 21MHz at times. Nighttime MUFs over the same path have been higher than 14MHz, and often 18MHz, at least during the first part of the night.
This means that if you hear signals on 24 or 28MHz the likelihood is that they are due to Sporadic-E propagation.
Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will remain at about 160 to 170. It is also predicting a Kp index of two all week. If that happens, we can probably expect good HF conditions for this time of year. However, with this many sunspots, there is always the strong risk of solar flares and CMEs. So, keep an eye on solarham.net for real-time conditions.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The continuing spell of unsettled weather will stay with us for the coming week, so any signs of Tropo will be very limited indeed. This means that rain scatter will once again be a predominant propagation mode for those equipped on the GHz bands to use it.
Higher temperatures in summer mean strong convective cells, like thunderstorms, and better reflectivity from the larger raindrops, which can be held aloft by the stronger updrafts in the storm clouds. The reflectivity depends upon the 6th power of the diameter of the raindrop and the number of drops in the beam, so even a small increase in drop size gives a big increase in reflectivity.
Sporadic-E remains in play for a good while yet, so stay alert to cluster reports and, in particular, 10m and 6m beacons. If time is limited, check 1600 to 1700UTC to gain maximum benefit.
The usual other modes are still possibilities, of course. Starting with Aurora, in view of the recently disturbed solar conditions, you should monitor the Kp index for large values above say Kp=5. 
Secondly, the Perseids meteor shower will peak between the 12th and 13th of August, but evidence of meteor material from the Perseids is already appearing.
Officially, the shower starts to appear from around the 17th of July. The 50MHz and 144MHz bands have already produced some very short-lived bursts of FT8 signals that may be due to meteors. 
The Delta Aquariids may also be responsible for these very sporadic bursts. As we move towards the Perseids peak you should expect an increasing number of bursts.
As the Moon begins its monthly descent towards minimum declination on the 29th, path loss will decrease. However, the Moon will be close to Sagittarius A on the 28th, leading to very high noise. This will be prevalent on the lower VHF bands.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for 16th July 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 16th of July 2023
The news headlines:
Ofcom consultation video guidance
World Radiosport Team Championships
RSGB coding activities
 
The RSGB has just released a video in which RSGB Spectrum and licensing expert Murray Niman, G6JYB, explains more about Ofcom’s Consultation on “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework”. This is the biggest revamp of amateur radio licensing and callsign policy in a generation. The video forms part of the RSGB’s wider guidance for radio amateurs on this Consultation. You can watch it on the RSGB’s YouTube channel or on the Society’s consultation web page at rsgb.org/licencereview
The UK has been awarded the hosting rights for the 10th World Radiosport Team Championships, which will take place in July 2026. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Olympic Games of amateur radio’, the WRTC is hosted by a different nation every four years. To find out more about this radio contest event, which will take place in East Anglia, see wrtc2026.org
As part of the RSGB’s commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the Society is providing resources and creating coding activities for people to try throughout the month of September. From the BBC Micro:bit to Node-RED and GNU Radio, there will be detailed activity sheets available on the RSGB’s website. The RSGB hopes this will give you ideas to try yourself, with your club or to use as a workshop at your local school or community group. Some clubs are already planning workshops and there will be details of those on the website to inspire you too. Find out more at rsgb.org/coding
Each RSGB Board Director has a liaison role between the Board and specific aspects of the Society’s work. The General Manager also has operational responsibilities. The RSGB’s Board web page now has a list of the different responsibilities for the current Board. The Society hopes that RSGB Members will be able to use this as a guide to help them know who to contact if they have questions, concerns or ideas about any areas of the Society’s activities. You can contact each Board Director, and the General Manager, via the email address shown by their name. Go to rsgb.org/board to find out more.
A reminder now that every Thursday, a global net called ‘APRSThursday’ takes place using the Automatic Packet Reporting System, also known as APRS, for 24 hours. For amateurs who have APRS equipment, it is an opportunity to explore the mode and make contacts with other stations joining the net. The APRS frequency is 144.800MHz in Europe, and each week between 300 and 500 operators take part in the net. Further information can be found via aprsph.net
And now for details of rallies and events
The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of July. The venue is Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission is £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details.
The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Sunday the 23rd of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10am and a food bar will be available. For more information visit g0ghk.com
Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9am and finish at 1pm. There is a £2 entry fee for traders. Indoor tables cost £10. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans it is £15. For further information please contact Chairman@Chippenhamradio.club
Now the Special Event News
Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House will be on the air on Friday the 21st of July using the callsign GB4VLB. The station will be active on the 60 to 10m HF bands, and the 6m VHF band, using SSB and CW modes. QSL via Logbook of the World. For more information visit QRZ.com
Special callsign TM110TDF is active until the 23rd of July to mark the 110th Tour de France. The station will be operating on the HF bands using SSB, CW and digital modes as well as 2m EME. QSL via F8GGZ.
 Now the DX news
A team of amateurs is active as KH8RRC from Tutuila, OC-045, in American Samoa until the 18th of July. They are operating using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the 80 to 6m bands from a mountain-top location within the American Samoa National Park. This will be the first ever Parks on the Air activity on the island. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or direct to KB2FMH.
An Italian DXpedition team is active from the Democratic Republic of the Congo until the 18th of July. 9Q1AA and 9Q1ZZ are operating using SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8. See i2ysb.com/idt for more information including a band plan. QSL direct to I2YSB.
Look for Peter, PJ5/PA4O and Ad, PJ5/PE6Q who are active from Sint Eustatius, NA-145, until the 18th of July. They are operating using CW, SSB and FT8 on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS.
Now the contest news
Today, Sunday the 16th, the International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and TX power.
On Monday the 17th of July, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 18th of July, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 20th of July, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
 Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 13th of July 2023
Last week saw the arrival of one of the biggest sunspots of this cycle. Active region 3363 could swallow the Earth four times over. It is a source of M-class flares, but at the time of writing hasn’t produced any X-class events.
A new sunspot region 3372 has just rotated into view and has also been the source of eight M-class flares, one of which may have caused a coronal mass ejection that could give a glancing blow to the Earth this weekend – watch this one for more activity as it rotates into an Earth-facing position.
Meanwhile, the Solar Flux Index has been hovering around the 200 mark, meaning daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path are around 21MHz, sometimes slightly lower. At night this falls to around 14 to 18MHz so don’t write off HF once the sun sets.
Next week, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre has the Solar Flux Index around 175. While we have been lucky that Earth has not been subjected to too much geomagnetic disruption, after any disturbance across the weekend, the Space Weather Prediction Centre has forecast that the Kp index will be around two again all week.
So it may be ideal for DX, like Silvano 9Q1AA/9Q1ZZ in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who has been active on the 10 and 15m bands recently. Or the KH8RRC DXpedition to American Samoa which is active until the 18th.
Remember, there is DX to be worked – you’ve just got to pick the right band and time.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The predominant theme this week is driven by low pressure systems, meaning further days of heavy rain or thundery showers and a distinct lack of Tropo from areas of high pressure.
However, there is a split in the different models' view for southern Britain later in the coming week in which some try to build a ridge across southern UK and France from the Azores high. Check the forecast charts from Wednesday onwards to see which version ‘wins’.
In the meantime, the heavy rain will continue the recent good run of rainscatter on the GHz bands.
Sporadic-E will probably continue to be a feature on most days somewhere in Europe. Last Wednesday night saw another good opening to Newfoundland.
Remember that there are plenty of online clusters and map plots showing where the focus of activity is located. Each day a blog is published on propquest.co.uk detailing the locations of likely Sporadic-E activity, based upon the positions of various weather features suspected of being responsible for the location of Sporadic-E patches.
The recent behaviour of the Sun has regularly affected the prospects for VHF propagation by interaction with the Earth’s magnetic field giving a high Kp index, above five, which can be a sign of auroral conditions.
A high Kp index is potentially a bad thing for Sporadic-E prospects, some operators suggesting that it is possible that solar flare activity may also be a negative influence on Sporadic-E. Meteor scatter prospects continue to improve due to two broad-peaked showers coming up later in the month.
This weekend sees maximum Moon declination but losses are high as we approach apogee next Thursday. 144MHz sky noise is moderate until Monday when the Sun is close to the Moon for the whole day’s pass, lasting until 9am on Tuesday. After this, sky noise is low for the rest of the week.  
And that’s all from the propagation team this week

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for July 9th 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 9th of July 2023
The news headlines:
New ATV display at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre
Film award for members of Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
A new amateur TV display has just been installed at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre, with signals received via the wide-band segment of the geostationary satellite QO-100. The Society is delighted to be able to demonstrate amateur TV as a permanent display at the NRC, helping to highlight yet another exciting aspect of our technical hobby. A special configuration, developed in conjunction with the British Amateur Television Club, incorporates a touch screen from which visitors can select a signal to be tuned, decoded and displayed on the large monitor. The RSGB would like to thank Justin, G8YTZ for designing the display and working with the BATC for the specially adapted configuration.
A short film produced by members of the Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has won a top award at the 2023 Doric Film Festival. The film was the joint winner in the ‘Groups’ category of the prestigious festival that showcases the distinctive Doric language and culture, most closely associated with North-East Scotland. The film includes a specially written fiddle music theme, based on Morse code. You can find the film by searching for ‘Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society Groups DFF Entry’ on YouTube.
A reminder now that International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is coming up soon. The event is usually held on the third weekend of August which this year is the 19th and 20th. It is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been more than 500 entries from over 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net
There is so much happening at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre that it needs to expand its team of volunteers! If you can volunteer at weekends, you will be particularly welcome. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. You should enjoy meeting people and be able to volunteer for one or two days per month. For more information please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk
Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 9th of July, at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN.  The doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There are traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.
The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 16th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission will be £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details.
The Finningley ARS Rally 2023 will take place on Sunday the 23rd of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10 am and a food bar will be available. For more information visit g0ghk.com
Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9 am and finish at 1 pm. There is a £2 entry fee for traders. Indoor tables cost £10. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further information please contact Chairman@Chippenhamradio.club
Now the Special Event News
Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is running a special event station GB5IG until the 14th of July to celebrate the 19th Island Games, which is held every two years. The station will be active using SSB, digital modes, possibly satellite and CW, on HF, VHF and UHF bands. More information is available on QRZ.com
VX7NA is the special callsign in use by the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association, until the 24th of July, to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The Association is based on Vancouver Island, NA-036. QSL via VE7NA.
Now the DX news
Pierre, VK3KTB will be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 12th of July. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS.
Rag, LB3RE will be active on the 40 to 6m bands as DU1/LB3RE from Luzon Island, OC-042, until the 18th of July. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log, or via his home call.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active as OX3LX from Qaanaaq, on the main island of Greenland, NA-018, until the 18th of July. He will focus on the 6 and 4m bands but will also be QRV on the HF bands. A side trip to Herbert Island, NA-134, or Meteorite Island, is possible. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log, or direct to OZ0J.
 Now the contest news
Today, Sunday the 9th of July, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The IARU HF Championship ends its 24-hour run at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 9th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone. The UK is in zone 27. In particular, listen out for the RSGB HQ station operating as GR2HQ from a variety of different locations using CW and SSB. A team of operators at different stations will be on the air simultaneously on all the available contest bands.
On Tuesday the 11th of July, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 11th of July, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Wednesday the 12th of July, 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 12th of July, 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 Wednesday the 12th of July, the 80m Club Championship SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Thursday the 13th of July, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 15th of July, the 70MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2000UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode.
On Sunday the 16th of July, the International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and TX power.
 Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 6th of July 2023
NOAA’s prediction that the Solar Flux Index, or SFI, would decline last week didn’t come to fruition. In fact, the SFI stayed in the 160s and 170s until Thursday, when it declined to 155.
The Sun produced more than 160 sunspots in June, the highest monthly number in more than two decades. This has led some newspapers to run more doom and gloom stories about solar Armageddon, while we amateurs look forward to some F2-layer DX!
Unfortunately, more sunspots do mean more chance of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, but we have to take the rough with the smooth.
As an example, we had an X1-class solar flare on the 2nd of June. This occurred at 2314UTC so didn’t affect the UK, but did cause an R3 radio blackout over the west coast of the USA and Pacific.
Otherwise, there is still DX to be bagged for well-equipped stations, such as Eric, FP/KV1J on St Pierre and Miquelon islands on 12m FT8, and Marek, FH4VVK, on Mayotte island, on 10m FT8. Other DX worked this week by CDXC members includes the 4W6RU DXpedition on Timor Leste on various bands; Robert, 9N7AA in Nepal on 12m FT4; and V31XX in Belize on 20m CW.
Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre has the SFI at 155, rising to 175 by the end of the week. Unfortunately, the Kp index is forecast to rise to four over the weekend, possibly due to a large Earth-facing coronal hole, and again up to Kp five on the 12th and 13th. If it happens, expect noisy bands and a decline in the maximum usable frequency.
As always, we encourage you to get on the HF bands, in the evening, nighttime and especially around dawn, which is when a lot of HF DX is being worked.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
Low pressure dominates the whole weather pattern this coming week, driven by an active meandering jet stream across the Atlantic.
This provides several regions where the turbulence, generated on the edge of these strong winds up at 10km, can propagate upwards to trigger Sporadic-E propagation at about 110km height in the E region.
So, unsurprisingly, Sporadic-E will feature as a ‘go-to mode’ for the coming week. Typically, single-hop paths within Europe will produce very strong signals, whereas multi-hop paths, for example across the Atlantic, will require several such refraction points from Sporadic-E patches, plus intervening reflections from the sea surface, and will have much higher losses.
These will usually be weak signals and probably very fleeting in view of the complex geometry of such paths.
Tropo need not concern us this week, but rain scatter is worth a look since the unsettled weather will provide several heavy rainfall events in some areas. Look for the brighter echoes on the rainfall radar displays, especially those associated with thunderstorms.
Random meteors could be useful in the early morning hours. We also have the start of two showers, Alpha Capricornids and Delta Aquarids, during next week, which don’t actually reach a peak until the end of July. So prospects for meteor scatter and Sporadic-E propagation are improving this month.
The aurora chances may be reasonable initially in view of the recent coronal hole transition, so keep an eye on the Kp index.
Moon declination goes positive on Sunday so there will be lengthening Moon windows. Path losses are currently low but will rise all week. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for July 2nd 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 2nd of July 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB Tonight@8 webinar
High-altitude balloon launch
Alexanderson Day
 
 
Don’t forget that the RSGB’s next Tonight@8 webinar is this Monday the 3rd of July, when Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ will be presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. The Tonight@8 webinars are live-streamed for free on the RSGB’s YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch the presentations and ask questions online. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars
The team from hi-impact, based on the Wirral, is planning another high-altitude balloon launch. This time, working alongside staff and pupils from West Kirby School and College, they will launch a high-altitude balloon at 11 am, on the 11th of July 2023, from their usual location in Cilcewydd, near Welshpool in Wales. They will be running a HABduino and encourage all amateurs and short-wave listeners to upload telemetry to SondeHub. The frequency will be 434.650MHz USB, transmitting 50 Baud RTTY, 425Hz Shift and using 8N1 data format. The callsign is WKRS_HAB. More information can be found on hi-impact’s Facebook page and on Twitter via @hiimpactconsult
Today, Sunday the 2nd of July is Alexanderson Day and the Alexander Association plans to activate the Grimeton VLF transmitter. The transmitter is located in Sweden and is the only remaining example of an early radio transmitter known as an ‘Alexanderson Alternator’. To read more about the Alexander Association visit tinyurl.com/ALEXDAY23
Marcus, G0IJZ has recently carried out antenna modelling of the Grimeton VLF antenna using NEC-5 software. You can read more about this on a blog that Marcus has contributed to via tinyurl.com/MWALDEN
Amateurs are reminded that the special callsign GB23C, used to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, stopped being available for use on Friday the 30th of June. The availability of special callsigns GB23BAA to GB23BZZ, used for Beaconnect events, also ended at the same time. The optional ‘R’ Coronation regional secondary locator prefix is also no longer available for use.
The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on the morning of Monday the 3rd of July. This is to allow time for work to install a new amateur TV display. Following the work, the Centre plans to re-open around lunchtime.
This year the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website, nharg.org.uk, and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link.
And now for details of rallies and events
The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue is Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. For more information contact radio@dcpmicro.com and visit norfolkamateurradio.org
The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 9th of July at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There will be traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.
The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 16th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission will be £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue will be in attendance to provide a First Response service. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details.
 
Now the Special Event News
Today is the last chance to work F1IEH who is active as TM100GPF in celebration of the ‘24 Hours of Le Mans' event. The special callsign's suffix stands for ‘Grand Prix de France’, the motor race held in June 1906 that has become known as the first Grand Prix. QSL via F1IEH’s home call.
As part of the ‘Crank It Up!’ STEM Event at Beamish Museum today, the 2nd of July, The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club is operating a special event station GB4BM from the 1950s Welfare Hall. They will be operating a range of amateur radio equipment covering HF Voice, HF Data, VHF FM, SSB, DMR and internet-assisted modes. The digital and internet-assisted stations are being run by the Extended Freedom Network team and will allow the special event station to be contacted by a very diverse range of connection types from across the world. For further details visit extendedfreedom.network
Commemorating the role that radio, and radio amateurs, had in rescuing the survivors of the airship 'Italia' disaster, special callsigns RT95NS, RT95MS and RT95KG are active until the 12th of July. The suffixes memorialise the radio amateurs who first picked up the SOS call on the 3rd of June 1928, and radio operators on board two of the ships that participated in the search and rescue operations. R1LK will also be active onboard the amateur radio station of the 'Krasin', the icebreaker that reached the castaways on the 12th of July 1928. Certificates will be available on hamlog.online for contacts made with these stations.
 
Now the DX news
Don, K6ZO will be active as 7Q6M from northern Malawi until, possibly, the end of July. He expects to put special emphasis on the 6m band during his visit. He is joined by Jerry, W1IE and Bill, KC4D today, the 2nd of July. Their operations will likely be restricted to the evening hours of 1800 to 0000UTC and occasionally the early morning hours of 0300 to 0500UTC. See QRZ.com for QSL information.
Roland, F8EN is active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only, usually on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via F6AJA.
 
Now the contest news
The VHF National Field Day Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1400UTC today, the 2nd of July. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m and 70cm bands, and 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also today, the 2nd of July, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Monday the 3rd of July, the 80m Club Championship CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Tuesday the 4th of July, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Also on Tuesday the 4th of July, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 5th of July, 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 5th of July, 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 Sunday the 9th of July, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The IARU HF Championship starts its 24-hour run at 1200UTC on Saturday the 8th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone. The UK is in zone 27.
 
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 29th of June 2023
The solar flux index stayed in the 150s and 160s last week, which is good news for HF propagation. From a flare and CME perspective, we have been lucky in that we have only had a few solar flares, all of which have been C- or M-class.
As a result, the Kp index has remained fairly low, being in the range of one to three after the rise to a Kp of five on the 25th due to the solar wind’s magnetic field, or Bz, tipping south.
We are, however, still in the summer doldrums, so daytime DX is limited thanks to D-layer absorption. We still recommend checking the bands at night as the MUF over 3,000km is still exceeding 14MHz and often reaching 18MHz at times. During the day Sporadic-E may still keep you entertained on the higher HF bands.
 
Daytime critical frequencies are around 5.2 to 6.7MHz according to the Dourbes ionosonde, which means you may find close-in contacts tricky on the 40m band at times, whereas more DX distances are still fine. Near vertical incidence skywave or NVIS, 40m signals may not be returned to Earth with that critical frequency.
Looking ahead, active sunspot region 3354 was pointing directly at the Earth on Thursday but has so far been behaving itself with mostly C-class flare events. It is still the most likely candidate for a coronal mass ejection, or CME, over the weekend.
Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre has the Solar Flux Index declining to 130 before picking up later in the week to perhaps 145. The Kp index should remain around two unless we have a CME which could see it rising to five with the attendant lowering of the MUF.
Meanwhile, you can get an idea of the best times to work various parts of the world by using the free Proppy software at soundbytes.asia/proppy or via VOACAP.com
 
And now the VHF and up propagation news
The next week or so looks likely to continue in a very unsettled theme with low pressure residing over Scandinavia for much of the time and producing a west or north-westerly pattern over the UK.
This will mean that tropo propagation will not be a large part of our operations during the period ahead. On the other hand, the frequent spells of fronts with prolonged rain or heavy summer showers will make rain-scatter modes a good use of time on the GHz bands.
Talking of scatter modes, we are not in a major meteor shower at present, so random meteors are a good fail-safe although it can entail spending a lot of time in the process.
The solar conditions, as previously mentioned, can be unsettled at the moment, and thus there is a potential for radio aurora if the Kp index goes above seven or so, even though daylight makes visible events unlikely at this time of the year.
Lastly, the Sporadic-E situation is still our primary focus as we move into July. Days with good jet stream activity over Europe are good signs, whereas a high Kp index or solar flares are generally not so good.
Of course, there are many other parameters involved and one of the critical components is likely to be the random meteor count which shows how much meteor debris might be available to make the Sporadic-E patches. In a roundabout way, if you monitor the meteor pings you might get a feel for how the Sporadic-E prospects are stacking up.
The Moon declination is negative all week so there will be short Moon windows. Tuesday’s perigee means that path losses are at their lowest for the month. 144MHz sky noise is high this weekend but falling back to low levels by the end of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for June 25th 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 25th of June 2023
The news headlines:
Ofcom consultation on updating the amateur radio licensing framework
RSGB Tonight@8 webinar
‘Fly Your Satellite!’ programme
An Ofcom consultation titled “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework” opened on Friday the 23rd of June 2023. According to Ofcom, the proposals set out in the consultation aim to “provide greater operating freedom for radio amateurs; and make the process of getting and using a licence simpler, clearer and more responsive.” The closing date for responses is the 4th of September 2023. All radio amateurs are strongly encouraged to read the consultation via Ofcom’s website directly. You can also find the consultation by visiting rsgb.org/licencereview and clicking the Ofcom logo. The RSGB will provide guidance on how to respond to the consultation via the same web page in due course. 
The next RSGB live Tonight@8 webinar will take place at 8pm on Monday the 3rd of July, with Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. Eric, who has written numerous amateur radio and electronics articles over the past 30 years, says that almost every ham radio station can benefit from a separate receiving antenna. Effective receiving antennas are optimised for best signal-to-noise ratio, not necessarily the greatest gain. Tune in to the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel to hear Eric discuss the countless interesting means of building high signal-to-noise ratio receiving antennas. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars
The ‘Fly Your Satellite!’ programme, initiated by the European Space Agency, presents an exciting challenge for radio amateurs and space enthusiasts worldwide to establish communication via the LEDSAT CubeSat digipeater. This unique opportunity invites participants to connect with the ESA Education Office ESTEC Ground Station in the Netherlands through the satellite digipeater, with a chance to win a special prize – a custom QSL card issued by the ESA Education Office and the LEDSAT team. Running from the 26th of June to the 30th of July, this challenge offers an exciting chance for radio enthusiasts to engage with space technology and demonstrate their communication skills. For more information go to the European Space Agency website at esa.int and search for “Connect and communicate with a satellite via the LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge.”
It was with profound shock and sadness that the RSGB learnt of the untimely loss, at the age of 49, of Mr Alexandre ‘Sasha’ Kholod, Chairman of the CEPT WRC-23 Conference Preparatory Group. Alex was head of international frequency planning for the Swiss regulator and was widely respected and influential in CEPT and ITU. Of note to amateurs is that he chaired CEPT Project Team C which led to the successful ITU Region 1 50MHz allocation for the amateur service at World Radio Conference 19 in November 2019. His warm and professional personality will be sadly missed.
 
And now for details of rallies and events
The Newbury Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 25th of June. The venue is Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There is a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors open to sellers at 8 am and visitors at 9 am. Ample free parking is available and entry for visitors is £3. A seller’s pitch costs £15. On-site catering and disabled facilities are available. For more information, email NewburyRally@nadars.org.uk and visit nadars.org.uk
The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue will be Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. For more information contact radio@dcpmicro.com and visit norfolkamateurradio.org
The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 9th of July at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There will be traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering is available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.
The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 16th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club, which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission will be £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue will be in attendance to provide a First Response service. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details.
Now the Special Event News
German radio club DK0SM will be on the air as DL75BAL to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. The club plans to be active from the 28th of June to the 2nd of July and will be looking for UK stations on HF and on EchoLink via DL0STM. More information is available via the DL75BAL QRZ.com page.
Special callsign GB1HEM will be active for 28 days from the 1st of July in support of Air Ambulances UK. A certificate will be available for making contact with the station on any band from 80 to 10m using SSB, PSK, DMR or FT8. More information is available via the GB1HEM QRZ.com page.
Durham and District Amateur Radio Society is participating as one of the bonus stations in the popular 13 Colonies special event. The special callsign GB13COL has been issued for the occasion and will be active from 1300UTC on the 1st of July to 0400UTC on the 8th of July. The primary focus of the event will be the HF bands, but the station will also be working on VHF and UHF frequencies and via satellite. QSOs using SSB, CW, FM and various digital modes are welcome. QSL instructions can be found on the GB13COL QRZ.com page. For more information about the event email Ray, G0VLF on g0vlf@yahoo.co.uk
From the 6th to the 9th of July, Hartlepool Amateur Radio Club will be celebrating the arrival of the Tall Ships Race to Hartlepool with the special event callsign GB0TSH. The station will be active on the HF, VHF and UHF bands and welcomes all contacts. For more details, contact Stan G7VGM via stan.g7vgm@gmail.com
 
Now the DX news
Franco, IZ5IUY will be active as IL7/IZ5IUY from San Domino, EU-050, one of the Tremiti Islands in the Adriatic Sea, until the 29th of June. He is operating using SSB on the 40 to 6m bands, and on the 2m and 70cm bands. QSL is possible via his home call, but via the bureau is preferred.
Take, JI3DST will be active from Shodo Island, AS-200, until the 5th of July. He will operate SSB and CW as JJ5RBH. He is paying special attention to the 6m band. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World.
Roland, F8EN is active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only, usually on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via F6AJA.
 
 
Now the contest news
Today, the 25th of June, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Today, the 25th of June, the 50MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Monday the 26th of June, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report.
On Tuesday the 27th of June, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Saturday the 1st of July, the VHF National Field Day Contest starts its 24-hour run at 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m and 70cm bands, and 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 2nd of July, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. 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 22nd of June 2023
We had yet another week of high solar flux, plenty of sunspots, but also a major solar flare.
The Solar Flux Index reached 180 on the 20th of June with a massive spread of sunspots across both solar hemispheres. But an X-class solar flare erupted on the same day. This was only just X-class though, as at X1.1 it barely hit the requirements. Luckily, its associated coronal mass ejection was directed away from Earth.
We passed the summer solstice this week so are now heading towards Autumn. Don’t worry too much, though, as there is plenty of summer left, complete with its lower daytime maximum usable frequencies and high levels of D-layer absorption. Fortunately, multi-hop Sporadic-E is also bringing occasional DX on the higher bands.
As we pointed out last week, nighttime MUFs remain high, partly due to seasonal norms and partly due to the high solar flux.
There were reports this week of 15m CW still being open at 3.30 am local time, when Paul, MM0ZBH worked the VP6A DXpedition on Ducie Island. There have also been many reports of VP6A being worked on the 80m band at around 0800 UTC.
Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre puts the Solar Flux Index at around 165 to 180 again. We can expect unsettled geomagnetic conditions once again around the 27th and 28th of this month.
Daytime F-layer MUFs over a 3,000km path are generally around 21MHz, but there are occasional surprises. Sporadic-E still dominates on the 10m band. At night, MUFs over 3,000km are often around 14 to 18MHz, again with some surprises at times.
And now the VHF and up propagation news
After a slow change to a more summer-like pattern of showers and sunshine with occasional fronts in the last week, it does seem like it's a continuation for the coming week.
This means further opportunity for rain scatter on the GHz bands and with a reasonable chance of tracking the storms with any of the online weather radars.
There will be a tendency for higher pressure close to southern Britain with possible Tropo, which will extend south across Biscay to northern Spain or farther south towards the Canaries and perhaps beyond. It may even offer paths east across the southern North Sea towards Denmark.
There have been some reasonable Sporadic-E paths within Europe and beyond to the Americas. Paths have also opened eastwards to the Far East or Middle East and there is no reason not to expect similar for the coming week.
As next week progresses, the jet stream distribution may favour paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic, plus across the Atlantic to the States.
The recent unsettled solar conditions may affect the prospects for Sporadic-E propagation if the Kp index becomes too high, but on the plus side it could then be worth checking for aurora. Don’t forget that random meteors can provide a few chance QSOs using meteor scatter propagation and there have been audible meteor ‘pings’ on some Sporadic-E QSOs recently, so they do exist!
Moon declination goes negative again on Monday – so shortening Moon windows. Path losses will fall all week, and 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate until next weekend when it reaches more than 2500 Kelvin on Sunday.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for June 18th 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 18th of June 2023
The news headlines:
His late Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan’s UK amateur radio equipment
Coding and amateur radio
RSGB Convention 2022 presentations
 
The Radio Society of Great Britain is delighted to announce that Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan has chosen to donate the UK amateur radio equipment of His late Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan to the Society. His Majesty was a great ambassador for amateur radio and, whenever his official duties allowed him, his radio callsign JY1 could be heard on the amateur bands. His Majesty always operated modestly, never announcing himself as King Hussein, always just ‘Hussein from Jordan’. A permanent display is being organised at the RSGB National Radio Centre so that the equipment can be used to help inspire people to get involved in amateur radio and promote communication, friendship and understanding throughout the many countries and cultures of the world. The RSGB extends its thanks to Her Majesty for this generous donation.
National Coding Week has been run for many years in the third week of September. Coding is used increasingly in amateur radio, and the BBC Micro:bit and the Arduino have made it easier for radio amateurs of all ages to discover more about this. As part of its commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the RSGB will be providing resources and creating coding activities for people to get involved in throughout the month of September. The Society is keen to hear from volunteers who have ideas for this initiative and would like to be part of it. Further details will follow but, if you’re interested, in the first instance please contact Exam and Syllabus Review Group member John Hislop, G7OHO via g7oho@rsgb.org.uk
The RSGB has released two further Convention 2022 presentations. In the first, Noel Matthews, G8GTZ provides an introduction to the challenges of operating on 122GHz and gives an overview of the VK3CV-designed transverter boards which have put operation within the reach of amateurs without requiring advanced electronic and mechanical engineering skills. He tells the story of how he and Dave, G1EHF used the boards to work up from their first QSO over 2km to breaking the UK record for 122GHz at 36.5kms. Secondly, in a presentation called “HF propagation – what do the numbers mean?” RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA unravels what terms such as Solar flux index, SSN, A and K index, and Solar Wind Speed mean and explains how to find the best HF conditions. You can watch both on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB
After serving for nine years, the RSGB Trophy Manager is retiring and the Society is looking for a new volunteer for this role. The position is part of the RSGB Volunteer Leadership Team, reporting to the Board. Working in close relationship with the three Contest Committees and the RSGB General Manager, the Trophy Manager looks after the RSGB’s trophies arranges for their engraving and presentation to recipients and maintains the trophies’ history. If you are interested in applying for the role or would like to find out more, please email gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk
The G-QRP Club is running a fun event called the Summer Sizzler from Saturday the 17th to Sunday the 25th of June. This is not a contest, rather it is a relaxed on-air QRP event. It is an ideal opportunity to meet and greet new and old friends, to test your latest homebrew creations and to fill the bands with friendly QRP activity. The best logbook for the event will win the inaugural GM3OXX trophy. This will be decided upon by adjudicators and will not necessarily be awarded to the entrant with the most contacts. Unusual or remarkable logbooks have just as much chance of winning. For more information visit gqrp.com/awards.htm
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets are running their popular radio communications event Exercise Blue Ham on the 60m shared band from the 19th to the 23rd of June from 7 pm to 9 pm local time. Contact can be made via USB Voice, PSK31 or Olivia 16/500. Details can be found by following the ‘Exercise Blue Ham’ link at alphacharlie.org.uk
 
And now for details of rallies and events
The East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally, will take place today, Sunday the 18th of June. The venue is Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW, just off the A14. The doors open at 9.30 am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. The venue has free car parking. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a bring-and-buy area, special interest groups, an RSGB bookstall and much more. Catering is available on-site. For more information contact Kevin, G8MXV on 07710 046 846 and visit eswr.org.uk
The Newbury Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of June. The venue will be Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There will be a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors will open to sellers at 8 am and visitors at 9am. Ample free parking will be available. Entry is £3 for visitors. A seller’s pitch costs £15. On-site catering and disabled facilities will be available. For more information, email NewburyRally@nadars.org.uk and visit nadars.org.uk
The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue will be Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. For more information contact radio@dcpmicro.com and visit norfolkamateurradio.org
The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 9th of July at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There will be traders, bring-and-buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.
 
Now the Special Event News
Today is the last chance to work PD2023APD. The station is active to mark Autistic Pride Day which is held on the 18th of June each year. Listen for the callsign on the 10, 20 and 40m bands. See QRZ.com for more information.
Special callsign AU40NRO is active on the HF bands until the 30th of June to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Institute of Amateur Radio in India. QSL via VU2NRO.
VI75G is the callsign being used by the Geelong Amateur Radio Club throughout 2023 to celebrate its 75th anniversary. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via VK3ATL.
 
Now the DX news
Today is the last chance to work Yuris, YL2GM who is active as VU7W from the Lakshadweep islands in the Arabian Sea. He is operating from Minicoy Island, AS-106, with a focus on the 6m band although he is also using other bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred, or direct to YL2GN.
Roland, F8EN is active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only, usually on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via F6AJA.
Ersoy, TA2OM has been active as 3C3CA from Bioko Island, AF-010, Equatorial Guinea since October 2022. His current plans are to stay there for another two months. He usually operates using FT8 on the HF bands and he uploads his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World on a regular basis.
 
Now the contest news
The 50MHz Trophy Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1400UTC today, the 18th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
Today, the 18th of June, the Worked All Britain 6m Phone Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using phone on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.
The All Asian DX Contest ends its 48-hour run at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 18th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and age.
On Tuesday the 20th of June, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Thursday the 22nd of June, the 80m Club Championship SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Sunday the 25th of June, the 50MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 25th of June, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
 Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 15th of June 2023
We had another week of sound HF propagation, helped by relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions, a lack of bad solar flares, and some good multi-hop Sporadic-E openings.
The Kp index never rose above three and was mostly ones and twos. This was no doubt helped by no M-class or higher solar flares and no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. A large filament did break away from the Sun on the 12th of June, but luckily it was directed away from Earth.
The solar flux index declined to the mid-140s after reaching 172 on the 6th of June.
Paul, GM4ULS sent in an impressive log of 10m SSB contacts with Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. These were mostly during the late afternoon although Paul says the openings often started around noon. F2-layer propagation was the first thought, but closer analysis suggests that these were more likely to be multi-hop Sporadic-E.
If these contacts die out as we progress through the summer that should confirm that they were multi-hop Sporadic-E. Paul does have one tip. He listens to 27.555MHz, which is the SSB CB calling frequency. If he hears activity there he then fires up on the 10m band.
Other DX this week has included VP6A on Ducie Island in the South Pacific. This DXpedition should be active until the 26th of June, so there is still plenty of time to work them. 8Q7KB in the Maldives should also be on until the 21st of June.
Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the Solar Flux Index will start the week at around 150, rising to 170 as the week progresses. After a geomagnetic disturbance this weekend that may see the Kp index rise to four, and is likely caused by a coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, we may expect quieter conditions next week with a maximum Kp index of two.
 
And now the VHF and up propagation news
There has been some excellent Sporadic-E and super Tropo propagation during recent UK Activity Contest events. This is high-season for Sporadic-E, so it's worth a few notes to sharpen your DX potential.
There are often two main 'windows' of activity: mid-morning and late afternoon or early evening.
For early risers, there can be a surprise ‘window’ of activity around 0600 to 0700UTC on some days and this is particularly useful for paths across the pole to Japan and the Pacific.
The tendency is for openings to migrate westwards. Paths across Eastern Europe will be replaced by new paths to Italy or even Iberia as the particular event ‘window’ migrates west.
In this peak season the Sporadic-E operating ‘windows’ may almost merge into one continuous activity period, especially on the lower bands such as 10m and 6m. As paths to Portugal fade, the new cycle may be starting with paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic.
Multi-hop paths will be weaker than single-hop, and often more fleeting due to the complex geometry required, making the slower data modes frustrating. Add this to frequency spreading, and sometimes slick, fast CW can be the best mode if you can find the activity.
The prolonged high pressure has provided some very good Tropo paths, particularly across the North Sea to Scandinavia. This may not be so reliable in the coming week as low-pressure moves in and offers heavy thundery showers as a source of rain scatter for GHz operators. 
Meteor scatter and aurora are always possible, but Sporadic-E will probably be too much of a distraction.
Sunday sees peak Moon declination but with apogee this coming Thursday, path losses will be at their highest. 
144MHz sky noise is moderate until Saturday afternoon when the Sun and Moon are very close in the sky, spoiling the weekend for VHF EME. This “close to eclipse” condition persists until Sunday night after which noise levels are low to moderate for the rest of the week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for June 11th 2023

GB2RS News
Sunday the 11th of June 2023
The news headlines:
RSGB President's IRTS speech
Contest group map
Distance learning for Full licence exam
 
RSGB President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM received a warm welcome when he attended the IRTS AGM Gala Dinner recently. He talked about the challenges faced by national societies, as well as the success of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinars and online exams, which were introduced during the pandemic. John also stressed the importance of engaging young people in amateur radio, through the Society’s work with schools and universities. He is featured on page 10 of the June issue of Ham Radio Ireland Magazine.
As part of the RSGB’s new Club Finder facilities, the Society has launched an online map that shows affiliated contest-only clubs and groups. If you’d like to get involved in a group, you can use the map to search locally and more widely. Depending on the club entry you will be able to see which contests they participate in as well as their contact and website information. If you are part of an RSGB-affiliated contest group or club, please check your details and, if they need updating, log into the RSGB members’ portal. New information will be uploaded to the map every Friday afternoon. You can find the map on the RSGB’s contest web page at rsgb.org/radiosport
Since 2011, the Bath Based Distance Learning team has helped nearly one thousand students to obtain their Full licence. Student feedback is always very positive and the pass rate continues to be well over 80%, compared with a national average of around 66%. The BBDL team is now planning another Full-licence level course. The course will run from the end of August to December, with exams in January. Students receive weekly work packages via an online classroom and have access to weekly online tutorials. Each student is allocated to one of the remote tutors who provide feedback and additional guidance. There are weekly quizzes to check on progress and at the end of the course there are a number of mock exams. There is no charge for the training, but applicants must work through some pre-course material and complete a quiz to be eligible for a place. This focuses on the ‘new’ Intermediate topics that were introduced to the syllabus in 2019. The aims of the pre-course classroom are to make sure applicants can use the BBDL systems and to ensure that they are ready for the current Full training syllabus. Each student will need to provide their own RSGB Full licence textbook and arrange their own exam at the end of the course. Advice will be provided as part of the course. The deadline for course applications is Tuesday the 25th of July. To request full details and an application form, please email BBDL Team Leader, Steve, G0FUW, via g0fuw@bbdl.org.uk
International Museums on the Air will take place on the weekends of the 17th and 18th, and the 24th and 25th of June. A participation award will be issued to all stations that register. The registration process is simply to assist the organisers with the administration of the event and provides those taking part with an indication of how many stations will be active and exactly where the museums involved are located. To read more details about the event, and to register, please visit: tinyurl.com/MOTAW
 
And now for details of rallies and events
The Mendips Rally is taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6TY. The entrance fee is £2. The doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. For bookings and enquiries please contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email mendipsrally@hotmail.com
The Junction 28 Radio Rally is also taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £4. There is a fee of £12 to book a table in advance. A bar and refreshments are available on-site. For more information, directions, and the booking form, visit snadarc.com Alternatively, email secretary@snadarc.com
The East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally, will take place on Sunday the 18th of June. The venue will be Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW, just off the A14. The doors open at 9.30 am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. The venue has free car parking. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a bring-and-buy area, special interest groups, an RSGB bookstall and much more. Catering is available on-site. For more information contact Kevin, G8MXV on 07710 046 846 and visit eswr.org.uk
 
The Newbury Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of June. The venue will be Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There will be a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors will open to sellers at 8 am and visitors at 9 am. Ample free parking will be available. Entry is £3 for visitors. A seller’s pitch costs £15. On-site catering and disabled facilities will be available. For more information, email NewburyRally@nadars.org.uk and visit nadars.org.uk
 
Now the Special Event News
Autistic Pride Day is held on the 18th of June each year. In support of the occasion, special callsign PD2023APD will be active from the 16th to the 18th of June on the 10, 20 and 40m bands. See QRZ.com for more information.
Special event callsign DB23SOWG will be active until the 25th of June. The suffix stands for ‘Special Olympics World Games’, the world's largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities. This year the event is being held in Berlin. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DL2VFR.
The Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society will be using the callsign GB0BAL at HQ RAF Cosford from the 17th of June to the 14th of July. The ‘BAL’ suffix stands for Berlin Airlift. This was a huge humanitarian operation that took place between June 1948 and September 1949. Access to the city of Berlin was blocked in June 1948. The Western Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, an operation to supply the city with necessary resources by air.
The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club is supporting International Men’s Health Week 2023 by using the special callsign GB0MMH from the 16th to the 18th of June. The group will be operating from its clubhouse at Haven Mill, Patrington Haven, 15 miles east of Hull in Yorkshire. Activity will be across various modes and HF bands. For more information, please visit hfdxarc.com
 
Now the DX news
Today is the last chance to work Lars, SM6CUK. He is active from Ven Island, EU-137, as SA6G/7. He is operating on the 40 to 10m bands using CW. QSL via his home call, Logbook of the World and Club Log’s OQRS.
Bob, N7XR is active as V7/N7XR from Kwajalein, OC-028, in the Marshall Islands until late June or early July. He operates CW, RTTY and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS.
T88PB will be active from Koror Island, OC-009, until Monday the 19th of June. He will operate on the HF Bands. QSL via JA0JHQ directly.
 
Now the contest news
The IARU ATV Contest starts on Saturday the 10th of June at 1200UTC and ends on Sunday the 11th of June at 1800UTC. Using TV on 432MHz and up frequencies, the exchange is a serial number, four-digit code and locator.
On Sunday the 11th of June, the 2nd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Sunday the 11th of June, the Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using phone and a maximum of 5W on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Tuesday the 13th of June, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
This is followed by the 432MHz UK Activity Contest which runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
On Wednesday the 14th of June, the 80m Club Championship CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.
On Wednesday the 14th of June, 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 14th of June, 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 15th of June, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The 50MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 17th of June and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 18th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.
The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 17th of June and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 18th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and age.
On Sunday the 18th of June, the Worked All Britain 6m Phone Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using phone on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.
 
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 8th of June 2023
Solar activity has remained at low levels over the past few days with only minor C-class and one M-class flare detected. The majority of these small flares were produced by active region 3327 in the southeast quadrant.
But a large number of sunspots means we are at a high risk of M-class or even higher flares over the next week.
HF conditions for last weekend’s Field Day were good and most teams put in good scores. Sporadic-E wasn’t too evident on HF, but there was plenty of F-layer DX to be had and luckily an anticipated geomagnetic storm never materialised.
The Kp index remained low for the whole weekend, apart from a brief excursion to Kp4 late on Sunday evening, which only lasted until the next three-hourly update.
Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the solar flux index will be in the range of 140 to 155, with 155 coming much later in the week. We may expect some geomagnetic disturbance over this weekend, with the Kp index perhaps reaching four on Sunday the 12th.
Looking further ahead, the 18th to the 21st is predicted to be unsettled with a maximum Kp index of five.
We really are into a period of summer HF propagation now, which is characterised by lower maximum useable frequencies during daylight hours, but higher MUFs during night-time.
According to Propquest, night-time MUFs over a 3,000km path are staying well above 14MHz and even 18MHz all night. You may even find DX on 21MHz up until midnight. So don’t write off the HF bands after dark as you may get some surprises.
 
 
And now the VHF and up propagation news
Sporadic-E produced some remarkable conditions early last week with 50MHz FT8 QSOs made with Australia during the day and afternoon and evening openings to the Caribbean, Central, North and South America on FT8 and CW.
Caribbean signals were still being copied at 2200UTC on some days.
The 5th produced QSOs for many on 70MHz including S01WS in Western Sahara. We are still in the peak Sporadic-E season, so it is well worth keeping a check on band activity via the various clusters or simply listening, particularly in the late afternoon.
The current weather setup is quite typical for this time of year and can be remarkably persistent. Although there have been suggestions of unsettled thundery weather arriving, it may be a brief visit and rather limited in extent. Some eastern areas stay close to the high pressure which becomes more dominant again throughout next week.
This means that Tropo will still be a component of the coming week’s propagation, especially along North Sea coasts, although this will tend to favour northern Britain as the week progresses.
The thundery weather could introduce rain scatter, especially to southern and western areas, and these storms should be easy to track in view of the light upper winds.
Recent solar conditions, as detailed in the previous section, continue to provide propagation variety with chances of aurora plus the usual mention of random meteor scatter.
Moon declination is still negative until Monday, and, as we are past perigee, we will have lengthening Moon windows and rising path losses. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week.