GB2RS News

Sunday, the 26th of October 2025

The news headlines:

Youngsters on the Air Month takes place in December, and the RSGB would love you to take part in this annual event. Special callsign GB25YOTA will be active throughout the month. Whether you are an individual, club, school, university or social group, this is a fantastic opportunity to host the callsign and get young radio amateurs active on the amateur bands. The Society would love to see Scouts, Girlguiding and Cadet groups taking part too. The RGSB has changed the procedure for booking operating slots this year, so it is easier to see availability. Visit rsgb.org/yota-month and click on the schedule to view which time slots are available. These aren’t fixed and can be adjusted to suit your timings. You’ll then need to email RSGB YOTA Month Coordinator Jamie, M0SDV via [email protected] to register as a GB25YOTA host and book your slot. Jamie can also help with any questions about taking part for the first time. The Society is aiming for the callsign to be hosted every day during December to enable more youngsters to have a taste of amateur radio. Be part of this great goal and book your operating slot today.

The main VHF and HF contest trophy presentations were held at the RSGB 2025 Convention on Sunday, the 12th of October. A list of the winners and photos from the presentation can now be seen on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/trophies and selecting ‘Awards photos galleries’ from the menu on the right-hand side. During the presentation, the prestigious ROTAB Trophy was awarded to John Warburton, G4IRN, for outstanding and consistent DX work. The RSGB would like to congratulate John and all the winners who received a trophy.

Following the well-deserved retirement of QSL Bureau Manager Richard Constantine, G3UGF, the RSGB Board is making arrangements to ensure the continued smooth operation of the QSL Bureau service. Members should continue to send outgoing QSL cards to PO Box 5, Halifax, as usual. Similarly, incoming cards will continue to be distributed by your existing sub-manager, and stamped, addressed envelopes should still be sent directly to them. The Board is currently finalising new management arrangements for the Bureau and will provide a further update once these are in place. The Board wishes to record its sincere thanks to Richard for his many years of dedicated service to the Society and to the amateur radio community.

Following Ofcom’s recent implementation of Phases 2 and 3 of the amateur radio licence review, it has updated its main guidance document. Please ensure you use the October 2025 edition so that you are using the latest information. Ofcom has also clarified that if you hold a Special Contest Callsign NoV and you change your individual or club callsign, the SCC NoV is still valid. This is because your Full Amateur Radio Licence reference number has not changed. If you do hold an SCC NoV and you have changed your individual or club callsign, please send an email to [email protected]  stating your old callsign, your new callsign and your SCC, so the RSGB Contest Support Committee Chair can update the issued SCC list.

And now for details of rallies and events

Today, the 26th, the Galashiels Radio and Computer Rally is taking place at The Volunteer Hall, St John's Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors open at 11 am and admission costs £3. Disabled access is available from 10.45 am. For more information, visit galaradioclub.co.uk

The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and there are only limited places left, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Now the Special Event news

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Dutch Marine Radio Amateur Club, special callsign PA40MARAC is active until the 31st of December. A QSO with this station earns ten points towards the Marine Amateur Radio Club Award. For more details, visit the PI4MRC page at QRZ.com

Tarragonès Radio Club, EA3RCY, will be on the air throughout November using the special callsign AO25TWHS. The station is active to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage designation of ancient Tarraco. Operators will be using a variety of bands and modes. All radio amateurs and shortwave listeners are invited to take part and earn a commemorative award certificate. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/AO25TWHS

Now the DX news

Harald, DF2WO, is active as XT2AW from Burkina Faso until tomorrow, the 27th. He usually operates CW, FT4, FT8 and SSB on various bands. He also works via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via OQRS and Logbook of the World.

Mike, VE2XB, is active as VY0ZOO from Coral Harbour on Southampton Island, NA-007, until the 18th of December. Listen for activity on the 80 to 10m bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VE2XB.

Now the contest news

The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest started at 0000 UTC yesterday, the 25th, and ends at 2359 UTC today, the 26th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.

Tomorrow, the 27th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 2000 to 2200 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.

On Tuesday the 28th, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 29th, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.

The United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 1st of November and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 2nd of November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and EI stations also send their district code. For full details, including the team competition and area codes, visit ukeicc.com  or rsgbcc.org. Scores from RSGB members operating within the UK and Crown Dependencies will be included in the HF Championship.

The 144MHz CW Marconi Contest starts at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 1st and ends at 1400 UTC on Sunday, the 2nd of November. Using CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Worked All Britain DX Contest also starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 1st and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 2nd of November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 12th of November. Visit the Worked All Britain website to read more about the rules for the contest

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 23rd of October.

It looks like Earth dodged a bullet last week when a large coronal mass ejection, or CME, erupted on the far side of the Sun on Tuesday, the 21st of October.

Had that CME been Earth-directed, we could have endured a strong, or possibly an extreme, geomagnetic storm with dazzling displays of aurora. The source of the eruption was possibly sunspot region 4246, which is now past the Sun’s west limb.

The ACE spacecraft detected high levels of protons streaming past Earth, but they remained below the minor S1 radiation storm threshold.

In other news, we have had a quiet geomagnetic week, which has allowed the ionosphere to shine. The solar flux index has been modest, ranging from 130 to 150, but propagation has been aided by improved geomagnetic conditions.

During the past week, the 10m band was humming with activity. Lots of stations were preparing for the CQ World Wide SSB Contest, which ends today, the 26th.

8P5A in Barbados has been romping in during the afternoon, as has HZ0YL in Saudi Arabia.

Other DX worked last week, according to the CDXC Slack chat group, includes VK9DX on Norfolk Island on 12m SSB; 6O3T in Somalia on 40m CW; and PJ6Y on Saba and St Eustatius using SSB on the 12m band. This last station is a young radio amateurs’ DXpedition by the Pacific Island DX Group.

Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will stay in the 140 to 150 range with the Kp index starting the week low but then rising. We may expect a Kp index of 5, or even 6, around the 28th to the 31st of October. Look for auroral conditions and lower maximum usable frequencies during this period.

Meanwhile, make the most of the long-range propagation on the higher bands while the Kp index is low.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

The period of weather up to the end of the week ending the 2nd of November looks distinctly unsettled, with the weather pattern driven by an Atlantic jet stream pointing straight at the British Isles.

This will mean that further periods of stormy weather are possible with strong winds and heavy rain. This is not a time to expect much tropo for VHF or UHF, but it is a good period for the GHz bands to explore rain scatter propagation.

The foF2 and foEs graphs at propquest.co.uk  have been experiencing some data supply issues recently. It's worth noting that strong jet streams and fast-moving weather systems, as we have now, can bring a chance of out-of-season Sporadic-E.

A good example on the evening of Sunday, the 19th of October, can be found if you check the archive tab. This four-hour active period was possibly associated with a slowly advancing jet stream as seen on the Sporadic-E blog tab for that date.

Meteor scatter operators had the Orionids, which peaked on the 22nd, to play with last week. The broad zone of activity may continue to provide weakening interest through the coming week.

The Kp index has been relatively subdued recently, but the message is once again to continue to monitor for the chance openings by noting when the Kp index reaches 5 or more, or if you start to hear LF CW signals take on a fluttery note.

For EME operators, the Moon’s declination is at a minimum today, the 26th, so Moon window lengths and peak elevation are both low. Apogee was early on Friday the 24th, so path losses are falling again. 144MHz sky noise rises over the weekend, reaching some 3300K today, the 26th, before falling steadily to low levels the following Friday.

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

GB2RS News

The news headlines:

Following the introduction of the current amateur licensing framework in February 2024, Ofcom has now implemented most of the remaining changes associated with Phases 2 and 3. Ofcom updates its online Licensing Portal to accommodate applications for new M8 and M9 Intermediate callsigns, more flexible special event callsigns, and other changes, including easier revalidation. It also starts a gradual move to single personal call signs. For example, the revocation of lower licence callsigns is automatically triggered by a new application. Both Ofcom and the RSGB have released guidance for radio amateurs about these changes. You can see both documents by going to rsgb.org/guidance-resources. Please also note that the Ofcom licensing portal now requires longer and stronger passwords, so you may need to reset yours first before you can make any changes.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday, the 12th of October 2025

The news headlines:

The Society is excited to announce the launch of the RSGB mobile app. This fantastic new members’ benefit allows you to enjoy RadCom, RadCom Basics and RadCom Plus wherever you are. Complementing the RSGB’s existing web app, with the new mobile app, you can save editions to read offline, bookmark articles to enjoy later, and have seamless access to extra digital content. With easy-to-use navigation, the app is your one-stop shop for RSGB publications. You can download it now via the Apple App and Google Play stores or go to rsgb.org/radcom  for the links.

The second day of the RSGB 2025 Convention is well underway with a great line-up of presentations. If you have been unable to attend in person, you can catch up with the livestream on the Society’s YouTube channel via youtube.com/thersgb. The livestreams for both days will remain available for everyone to watch and offer a programme full of engaging speakers to help you discover, learn and progress within amateur radio. Presentations include Radio Communications Foundation Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, who explains how you can use radio technology to engage and inspire non-radio amateurs. Hans Summers, G0UPL of QRP Labs, talks about polar modulation, and you can also watch a fascinating panel discussion in which representatives of four amateur radio groups or societies discuss what they have been doing to help their club thrive. Whether you’ve attended the Convention in person or watched the livestream, the Society would love to hear your feedback. Share your thoughts on the event by going to rsgb.org/feedback  for those who have attended the event and rsgb.org/livestream-feedback  for those who watched the event online.

Thank you to everyone who has responded to the RSGB’s call for Jamboree on the Air participation. Samuel McCutchion, M0UEL, is the RSGB Youth Champion for Scouts, Cadets and Guides and has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event. To view the list, go to rsgb.org/jota  and select the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air’ link on the right-hand side of the page. If you are planning to get involved with JOTA and would like to be added to the list, please get in touch via [email protected]  with a summary of your station name, callsign and any other relevant information. The RSGB would love to see your photos of Scouts getting involved with JOTA, so tag @theRSGB and also use #JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. If you’re not involved with a JOTA station, do listen out for them on the air and encourage the young operators. This year’s event is taking place between the 17th and 19th of October.

Volunteers at the RSGB National Radio Centre had a particularly busy weekend at the end of September. It was 1940s weekend at Bletchley Park for which the Centre set up the GB1SOE station, and over the weekend, RSGB volunteers welcomed almost 1,100 visitors through the doors. If you’d like to be part of this engaging and motivated team, the NRC Coordinator is currently looking for a volunteer specifically to join the Friday team. If you’d like to find out more about this role, email Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]

RAF Air Cadets Exercise Blue Ham will take place on the 60m band from 0700 to 1600UTC over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of October. To operate, you must be a Full licence holder. More details can be found on the alphacharlie.org.uk  website.

The RSGB wishes to record, with sadness, the passing of GB2RS Newsreader Peter Valentine, G0NQZ, at the grand age of 101. Age was no barrier to Peter. At a mere 96, he walked 96 miles for his local hospital charity, and he was still broadcasting GB2RS from Eastbourne in his 100th year. He was described by a fellow Newsreader as a true ambassador for amateur radio. Peter had a wonderfully distinctive voice on the air, and for many years, he also read a talking newspaper for the blind. Our thoughts are with Peter’s wife, Heather and family.

Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 

And now for details of rallies and events

Today, the 12th of October, the Autumn Dartmoor Radio Club Rally is taking place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. For more information, email [email protected]

Also today, the 12th, Hornsea Amateur Radio Club’s Annual Rally is taking place at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. Exhibitors can gain access from 8 am, and visitors are welcome from 10 am. For more information, email [email protected]

The next Essex CW Amateur Radio Club Bootcamp will take place on Saturday, the 18th of October. It will be held at the 3rd Witham Scout and Guide HQ. Places are limite,d so email [email protected]  as soon as possible to book your place.

Now the Special Event news

Special callsign AT25GOA is active to celebrate HamFest India 2025. Look for activity on the 80 to 10m bands using CW, FT8, FT4 and SSB. QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ.com  and Club Log. See QRZ.com  for more information.

The International Amateur Radio Club at ITU HQ in Geneva is active with the 4U0ITU callsign until the end of the year. The station is operating in celebration of the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or directly to the International Amateur Radio Club.

Now the DX news

Today, the 12th, is your last chance to work Harry, JG7PSJ, who is active as WH0RU from Saipan, OC-086, on the Northern Mariana Islands. He usually operates CW and SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to JG7PSJ.

Bo, OZ1DJJ, is active as OX3LX from Greenland, NA-018, until the 21st of October. The station is spotted regularly on the HF bands using FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS or via OZ0J.

Now the contest news

On Tuesday the 14th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also on Tuesday the 14th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 15th, the RSGB Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Thursday the 16th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Sunday the 19th, the RSGB 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Oceania DX CW Contest started at 0600 UTC on Saturday, the 11th and runs until 0600 UTC today, the 12th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The Worked All Germany Contest runs from 1500 UTC on Saturday, the 18th, to 1500 UTC on Sunday, the 19th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Wednesday the 8th of October

We finally got rid of the high-speed solar wind stream, which caused havoc on the HF bands. But we are not out of the woods yet!

Last week saw the Kp index hit 6.67 on the 2nd of October, and it was often up around 4 or more. Even though the Kp index eventually reduced, the ionosphere took its time to recover, and things were not back to near normal until Tuesday, the 7th.

Meanwhile, the solar flux index decreased to 131 by the 8th, so the HF bands were hardly humming by this time.

DX on the 10m band was hard to find. Openings to Europe were commonplace, but longer paths were not so good, with only weak North American stations being heard later in the day.

A minor G1 geomagnetic storm watch was in effect for 48 hours from the 7th of October, when at least one faint coronal mass ejection was predicted to pass the Earth. Only minor C-class solar flares occurred during the week, but that didn’t help too much.

CDXC members were reporting DX, such as V85T in Brunei on 15m and A52G in Bhutan on 20m – both using CW. However, there was not much to work on the higher bands. Southerly paths were a little better with 5X2I in Uganda reported on the 17m band using FT8.

Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 130 to 140, but it is also predicting geomagnetic disturbances today, the 12th. After that, the Sun may quieten a little with a maximum Kp index of 2 for the rest of the coming week before more geomagnetic disturbances. The Kp index is forecast to be 4 or 5 during the weekend of the 18th and 19th.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

The coming week is dominated by high pressure, either over the UK or near enough to influence the propagation and provide a prolonged period of Tropo weather.

It's probably worth mentioning a few ground rules about Tropo operating. Firstly, large areas of high pressure can produce widespread lift conditions due to the strength of the elevated temperature inversion 1 to 1.5km above the ground. The longer the high lasts, the lower this descends, so limiting the maximum distance across the centre of the high.

Try beaming around the edge rather than across the centre. Secondly, there may be surface temperature inversions at night or in foggy weather, and these will provide temporary enhancements. Thirdly, the clue for a good ‘radio’ temperature inversion is the presence of fog or layers of cloud, which give a better moisture contrast and ducting prospects.

One last point. Try other modes like SSB or CW rather than sticking to repeaters which can get very crowded in lift conditions.

There is no rain scatter in the frame this week, and the Draconids meteor shower has just passed, so back to random activity on that front. On the 8th of October, the Sporadic-E graphs at propquest.co.uk  showed that there had been occasional spikes up to 5MHz or so. This may liven up the 10m band if we get any more. There have been a few weak auroral events, but nothing too exciting.

For EME operators, the Moon’s declination is still increasing, reaching its peak today, the 12th, so long Moon windows and high peak elevation continue. Path losses are rising again after perigee on the 8th. 144MHz Sky noise will be moderate to low for the coming week.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday, the 5th of October 2025

The news headlines:

Today, Sunday the 5th of October, is the last day for you to buy your RSGB 2025 Convention and dinner tickets. The online ticketing portal closes at 11:59 p.m. tonight, so please act quickly to ensure your attendance. You will be able to purchase a Convention ticket at the door, but not at the reduced rate currently available. The event is taking place between the 10th and 12th of October in Milton Keynes, and this year’s theme is “Discover, Learn, Progress”. To start planning your weekend, go to rsgb.org/convention  and download the Convention programme and speaker information. You’ll also be able to view the menus, as well as see what forums and drop-in sessions you can attend. Click on ‘What else is happening at the Convention?’ to find details on the AMSAT-UK Colloquium, Special Interest Groups, as well as information on Friday’s tour of Bletchley Park and the RSGB National Radio Centre. Don’t forget that if it is your first time at the event, pop along to the new ‘Welcome desk’ that will be set up in the bar on the Friday evening. If you’re going to the Convention, remember to make sure you have your QR code ready to collect your badge at the conference centre. This can either be on your mobile or as a printed copy. The QR code can be found in your purchase email, as well as in the reminder email, which will be sent out this week. If you are unable to travel to the Convention, the RSGB will be livestreaming a selection of lectures. Find out how to join the livestream via rsgb.org/livestream  If you have tickets for the Gala Dinner on Saturday and wish to reserve a table with friends, send your name and callsign details to [email protected]

Jamie Williams, M0SDV, will be talking you through a DXpedition to the Marshall Islands for the RSGB’s next Tonight@8 webinar tomorrow, the 6th of October. In February 2025, the V73WW team made 103,864 QSOs using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. The team of six came from four countries, with the operators having an average age of only 28. Jamie is a 24-year-old radio amateur who has been involved with the hobby since 2015 and has been busy with contests and DXpeditions ever since. The Tonight@8 webinars are livestreamed for free on the RSGB’s YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch the presentations and ask questions online. Go to rsgb.org/webinars  for more information.

Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA, is taking place between the 17th and 19th of October. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the groups within the Scout Association. Samuel McCutchion, M0UEL, is the RSGB Youth Champion for Scouts, Cadets and Guides, and he is compiling a list of JOTA stations which will be shared on the RSGB website. Sam is encouraging everyone to get involved either by putting a station on the air or listening out for the JOTA stations. If you are part of a Scouting group and are planning to get involved with JOTA, then please contact [email protected]  with a summary of your station name, callsign and any other relevant information.

The RSGB is offering four awards for GB2RS news broadcasts that were logged between the 1st of August and the 30th of September. The awards are part of several activities that have been taking place to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the weekly news broadcast. Applications for awards should be submitted no later than the 31st of October 2025, and should be sent to the RSGB Awards Manager via [email protected]. The certificates are free of charge and will be supplied as a PDF. Find out more via rsgb.org/gb70rs

On Wednesday, the 8th of October, YouTuber James, M0GQC, will be broadcasting his next live episode from the RSGB National Radio Centre. James will be active from approximately 6.30 pm on the 40m band using the GB3RS callsign. His channel @HamRadioOnline is an interactive show where people can call in or simply watch the station live on YouTube. If you haven’t already got the Centre’s callsign in your logbook, this is a great opportunity to do so.

The next Essex CW Amateur Radio Club Boot Camp will be held on Saturday, the 18th of October 2025. Due to cancellations, a few places have become available. If you would like a day practising and improving your CW skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, then email Steve, G4OCP at [email protected] before the 7th of October.

And now for details of rallies and events

Today, the 5th, the 50th Welsh Radio Rally is taking place at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport in South Wales. The doors are open for traders from 7 am and for the public from 9.30 am. Admission costs £3. For more information, email [email protected]

On Sunday, the 12th of October, the Autumn Dartmoor Radio Club Rally will take place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. For more information, email [email protected]

Also on Sunday the 12th, Hornsea Amateur Radio Club’s Annual Rally will take place at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. Exhibitors can gain access from 8 am, and visitors are welcome from 10 am. For more information, email [email protected]

Now the Special Event news

To celebrate 130 years since the birth of radio and 100 years since the formation of the International Amateur Radio Union, lots of special event stations are active from Italy. You can see live updates on all of the stations and their most recent contacts via the II1IARU page at QRZ.com

Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS, which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information, visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com

Now the DX news

Nine operators are active with five stations as V6D from Chuuk, OC-011, in Micronesia until tomorrow, the 6th. The station is active on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and RTTY. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred, or via DL4SVA. See v6d.mydx.de  for more information.

Bernhard, DL2GAC, is active again as H44MS from Malaita Island, OC-047, in the Solomon Islands until the 25th of November. Listen for activity on the 80 to 6m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL directly via Bernhard's home call or the Bureau.

Now the contest news

Both the IARU and RSGB 432MHz to 245GHz Contests started at 1400 UTC yesterday, the 4th, and end at 1400 UTC today, the 5th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC today, the 5th of October. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The RSGB Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC tomorrow, the 6th. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Tuesday, the 7th of October, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also on Tuesday, the 7th of October, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday, the 8th of October, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 four-hour Activity Contest runs from 1700 UTC to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 8th of October, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 two-hour Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and four-character locator.

On Thursday, the 9th of October, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Oceania DX CW Contest starts at 0600 UTC on Saturday, the 11th and ends at 0600 UTC on Sunday, the 12th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of October 2025

Last week was characterised by very unsettled geomagnetic conditions with a Kp index that reached 7.33 on the 30th of September and was often above 5. This is not good for HF propagation!

But what caused this? A high-speed solar wind stream at around 750 kilometres per second, coupled with the Bz component of the Sun's magnetic field pointing south, led to the disruption. But there didn’t seem to be any particular solar event that triggered the high-speed solar wind stream.

The Russell-McPherron effect is probably to blame. This is a phenomenon where the alignment of the Earth's and the Sun's magnetic fields, during the equinoxes around March and September, allows charged particles from the solar wind to more easily penetrate the Earth's magnetosphere.

This enhanced connection leads to more intense geomagnetic storms and increased aurora activity as the Bz aligns favourably with the Earth's magnetic field at these times. This may pass as we get further into October.

As a result of the geomagnetic storm, maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, have often been lower than normal. A quick listen on 28MHz on Wednesday, the 1st of October, confirmed the poor conditions. It's a shame, as October is normally a fantastic month for HF DX.

The solar flux index peaked at 187 on the 30th of September, having been above 170 since the 28th of September.

Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain above 150 to 160 all week. The good news is that geomagnetic conditions are forecast to improve, with a maximum Kp index of 3. If that comes to pass, we can expect HF to be better after a day or two, and we might be able to make the most of the autumnal conditions for DX.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

The current spell of unsettled weather, mainly over northern areas, is typical of the season, but it’s also common to find high pressure passing by in between the deeper lows. In the current pattern, the highs are mainly for the southern half of Britain. This will bring some good Tropo conditions at times for the VHF and UHF bands. 

As we head into autumn, these lifts may linger through much of the morning on some days before the temperature rise breaks down any temperature inversion. A good clue is that it’s usually over when the overnight fog clears.

On the other hand, there will probably be some good rain scatter opportunities on the GHz bands as the active lows push fronts across the country, especially in the north. There are signs that we may return to high pressure over the country during the RSGB 2025 Convention weekend from the 10th to the 12th of October.

We have a meteor shower to play with during the coming week. The Draconids peak on Wednesday, the 8th of October, but the shower stream is spread over the whole of the week.

Lastly, there have been some reasonable auroral events recently, so, as usual, keep a watch on the Kp index going over 5 since, as we said earlier, these autumn months are very much favoured for auroral activity.

For EME operators, the Moon’s declination is increasing and goes positive tomorrow, the 6th, so lengthening Moon windows and increasing peak elevation is the story for the coming week.

Path losses continue to fall as we approach perigee on the 8th of October. 144MHz sky noise will be low for much of the next seven days.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday, the 28th of September 2025

The news headlines:

Before we begin today’s news bulletin, we would like to share a special message from the RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, to mark the 70th anniversary of GB2RS. Bob says, “It is with a profound sense of respect and appreciation that today we mark the 70th anniversary of the GB2RS News service. Since 1955, volunteers have given their time and their voice to keep our radio community informed, connected, and inspired. For many of us, GB2RS has been a constant and familiar presence in our radio lives. On behalf of the RSGB, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have played a part in this remarkable story for the last seventy years. Today, we honour their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values and spirit that the GB2RS News service so proudly represents.”

 And now we move to today’s news items.

The programme for this year’s RSGB Convention has nearly 50 presentations for you to enjoy, including leading industry speakers such as Mike Walker, VA3MW from FlexRadio and Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs. There will also be well-known names such as Neil Smith G4DBN, RadCom Technical Editor Peter Duffett-Smith GM3XJE, Brian Coleman G4NNS and Walt Hudson K4OGO, known to many as ‘Salty Walt’. This annual RSGB event is your only opportunity within the UK to have access to this level of knowledge, learning and networking opportunities. As well as a packed full lecture programme, there will be nearly 20 special interest groups in attendance, so if you are thinking of pursuing a different area of the hobby, this is the perfect time to explore your options. To guarantee a place, you will need to purchase a ticket online via rsgb.org/convention before advance sales close on Sunday the 5th of October. Buying your ticket online not only guarantees your place, but it also saves you money when compared to on-the-door ticket prices. If you are arriving on Friday, why not join a private tour of Bletchley Park at 2.30 pm, which has been arranged especially for Convention attendees. In addition to this, and new for this year, RSGB National Radio Centre volunteer Patrick, 2E0IFB, will be running an informal introduction on getting started with low-earth orbiting satellites. The RSGB Convention takes place from the 10th to the 12th of October at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes.

The RSGB was pleased to welcome Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park last week. Callum enjoyed seeing the history of radio, watching live CW contacts and listening to his voice coming back from space, having been relayed via a satellite. Callum was invited to meet a small group of senior RSGB representatives who emphasised the important role of amateur radio in encouraging young people into an engineering career. Getting involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths activities gives a great foundation that could lead some young people to follow in the footsteps of radio amateur pioneers who led the development of many wireless technologies that we rely on today. Most importantly, the visit gave the RSGB an opportunity to show the problems that ElectroMagnetic Disturbance can cause to wireless reception. Examples of EMD include household appliances, Broadband FTTC and green energy from solar panels and windfarms, where the signal levels are thousands of times stronger than the expected levels given in ITU recommendations. EMC Chair John Rogers M0JAV and Board Chair Stewart Bryant G3YSX explained that unless the year-on-year increases in background noise are stopped, many critical services and infrastructures could be impacted soon, just as the amateur radio bands are today. The RSGB looks forward to meeting again with Callum, who is the Parliamentary Private Secretary for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Don’t forget to listen out for three special one-off broadcasts from the RSGB National Radio Centre today. The broadcasts are part of the celebrations, which are taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of GB2RS. Listen out at 1 pm, 2.30 pm and 4 pm. Go to rsgb.org/gb70rs  for details of frequencies and newsreaders. All listeners are welcome to join the pre- and post-News nets, which will be operating using the special event station GB70RS.

The RSGB LoRa high-altitude balloon launch took place on Saturday, the 20th of September and was a great success despite tricky weather conditions, which included rain and high winds. The balloon soared at a peak altitude of 48,556 feet before landing in a remote location in the Thursden Valley. Winners of the competition to win a £200 Moonraker voucher will be announced at the RSGB 2025 Convention on Sunday, the 12th of October. If you’re wondering what you can do with your LoRa tracker now that the RSGB challenge has finished, go to rsgb.org/lora-balloon for a handy guide on how you can continue the fun. If you took part and would like to be included in a special feature in the December edition of RadCom, send your photos and a short summary of your activity to [email protected] by Wednesday, the 1st of October.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from the 23rd of July to the 2nd of August 2026. The organisers are looking for amateur radio operators to volunteer and assist with radio, spectrum and other technical tasks. To register as a radio volunteer, email [email protected] to be sent a code that you can enter into the volunteer booking portal. For more information and to apply to become a volunteer, visit the ‘Volunteering’ tab at glasgow2026.com

Wednesday, the 1st of October, sees the launch of UKBOTA's second annual celebration of the work carried out by the volunteers of the Royal Observer Corps. Activate or hunt any UKBOTA ROC bunker reference during October to qualify. More details are available at ukbota.org

Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 

And now for details of rallies and events

Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society is holding a surplus equipment sale on Saturday, the 4th of October, at the Cwmduad Community Hall. The doors will be open from 8.30 am for traders, 9.30 am for disabled access and from 10 am for all visitors. All radio amateurs and shortwave listeners are welcome. Limited parking is available outside the hall, and more is available on the main road. For more information, or to book a table, contact Andy, GW0JLX, on 07768 282 880.

On Sunday, the 5th of October, the 50th Welsh Radio Rally takes place at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport in South Wales. The doors open for traders from 7 am and for the public from 9.30 am. Admission costs £3. For more information, email [email protected]

On Sunday, the 12th of October, the Autumn Dartmoor Radio Club Rally takes place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. For more information, email [email protected]

Also, on Sunday the 12th, Hornsea Amateur Radio Club’s annual rally takes place at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. Exhibitors can gain access from 8 am, and visitors are welcome from 10 am. For more information, email [email protected]

Now the Special Event news

Paul, VK5PAS, is active as VI8POL until tomorrow, the 29th, to celebrate Australia's annual National Police Week. Recently, the station was spotted using FT8 on the 20m band. QSL via VK5PAS, Logbook of the World and eQSL.

Eight special call signs are in use until the 12th of October to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Swedish Amateur Radio Association. Look for activity on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. For details of an award that is available for working the stations, visit tinyurl.com/ssa-100

Now the DX news

The Salamis Radio Team is active as SX8AJX from Salamina Island, EU-07, until Tuesday, the 30th of September. Operators are using CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands and via satellite. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log. 

Janusz, SP9FIH, is active as VK9/SP9FIH from Christmas Island, OC-002, until Friday, the 3rd of October. Look for activity on the 30 to 10m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via Club Log's OQRS.

Now the contest news

The CQ World Wide DX RTTY Contest started at 0000 UTC yesterday, the 27th, and ends at 2359 UTC today, the 28th of September. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.

Also, today, the 28th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday, the 1st of October, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 1st, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.

Also, on Wednesday the 1st, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.

The Oceania DX SSB Contest runs from 0600 UTC on Saturday, the 4th to 0600 UTC on Sunday, the 5th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Saturday, the 4th of October, the RSGB 2.3GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 UTC to 2200 UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also, on Saturday the 4th, the RSGB 1.2GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 UTC to 2200 UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Both the IARU and RSGB 432MHz to 245GHz Contests run from 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 4th, to 1400 UTC on Sunday, the 5th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Sunday, the 5th of October, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 UTC to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 25th of September

Last week was good for HF propagation for a number of reasons. Firstly, we are now entering autumn, which offers better propagation prospects than summer. Secondly, the solar flux index has remained high at up to 184 as of last Thursday, the 25th.

We had a week of near-normal geomagnetic conditions, with a low Kp index, no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections, and a relatively quiet solar wind.

These have all combined to give excellent HF propagation, including openings on the 10m band using FM and transatlantic 10m contacts being possible in the afternoon.

The maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path, according to Propquest, has mainly been in excess of 30MHz during daylight hours.

The KQ2H repeater in upstate New York, with an output frequency of 29.620MHz, has been loud at times in the afternoon and is a good indicator of HF propagation. Expect it to get better as we enter October. Other US stations have also been heard on the 10m band using FM, including one in Ohio.

Steve, G0KYA, was surprised to hear the GB3XMB 10m beacon on 28.287MHz from Waddington, Lancashire this week. Steve remarked that it is 175 miles to Norfolk as the crow flies. He said that the signal didn’t sound like backscatter, so that’s quite a distance for 10m ground wave.

Another DX worked, according to CDXC, included FP5KE, the St. Pierre and Miquelon DXpedition. The station could be heard on everything from Top Band to 10m.

V6D in Micronesia has been worked on the 40 and 17m bands using CW.

Other highlights include D2USU in Fiji on the 12m band using FT8, and 9Y49R in Trinidad and Tobago on the 10m band using FM.

Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index may fall to the 159 to 170 range. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be poor tomorrow, the 29th, with a Kp index of 5, and again between the 3rd and 5th of October, also with a predicted Kp index of 5. Expect decreased MUFs for a few days until the ionosphere recovers.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

The next week or so looks to be typical for autumn. It will be a mix of Atlantic weather systems bringing lows and their fronts, which may offer some rain scatter for those on the GHz bands.

The other side of the coin is areas of high pressure or mostly weak ridges, in this case mainly affecting the south and east of the country. This is the point where Tropo operators can move in with paths probably favouring the North Sea and Scandinavia up to this weekend and then across to the continent and down to Spain during the coming week.

It is worth remembering that Tropo can exist throughout the 24 hours across water and along coasts like the North Sea and English Channel, although the portion of a path overland can weaken during daytime.

The meteor scatter prospects remain in the random territory, so they are best in the early morning.

Recent activity with geomagnetic disturbances suggests that aurora should continue to be part of the operating list in the coming week. Check for a hollow note or warble on HF signals and for a Kp index greater than 5, then consider turning your VHF arrays to the north.

For EME operators, Moon declination reaches its minimum tomorrow, the 29th, so from then on, we will see lengthening Moon windows and increasing peak elevation. The Moon’s distance from Earth started to decrease after apogee on Friday, the 26th, meaning path losses are falling. 144MHz Sky noise will be high today, the 28th, and peaks at around 2800 Kelvin tomorrow, the 29th, before dropping back to low for the rest of the week.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday, the 21st of September 2025

The news headlines:

Tickets for the RSGB Convention at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes are still available to purchase online, but hurry as advance sales close on Saturday the 4th of October. You will be able to buy a Convention ticket on the door but not at the reduced rate that is available now. Your ticket will give you access to numerous presentations including two on the funding available to interesting and innovative amateur radio projects. The RSGB Legacy Fund supports a wide range of projects and Legacy Committee Chair, Richard Horton, G4AOJ will give some recent examples that have been allocated funding. He’ll also talk you through how the application and approval process works. The California-based Amateur Radio Digital Communications foundation has its roots in amateur radio and the technology of internet communication. Steve Bunting, M0BPQ and Chris Smith, G1FEF will give an overview of ARDC’s grants which are also open to international charities, non-profits, schools and universities. If you’re thinking of a new project that would benefit amateur radio or help to bring it to new audiences, these are two presentations you won’t want to miss! Find details on these and all the other Convention presentations via rsgb.org/convention  You’ll also find a new web page outlining what else is happening during the weekend. If you’re attending the Convention for the first time, then pop along to the RSGB’s new ‘welcome desk’ on the Friday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and then from 8pm to 9pm. The desk is aimed at first-time or solo attendees, although anyone can come and say hello. A member of the RSGB HQ team and other RSGB volunteers will be on hand to greet you and introduce you to like-minded people, and act as a familiar face throughout the weekend if you need any help. The RSGB Convention takes place between the 10th and 12th of October.

Every radio amateur knows that it is important to identify yourself clearly when operating. This includes the mandatory use of a Regional Secondary Locator, or RSL, if you hold an Intermediate callsign in the 2-series. For example, your callsign would start with 2E0 if you’re in England or 2M0 if you’re operating in Scotland. This mandatory use of the RSL is shown in the Ofcom licence conditions. You can find a link to that document on the RSGB licence updates web page at rsgb.org/licence-review

Calling all young radio enthusiasts wherever you are in the world! The RSGB Outreach Team is thrilled to launch its first official DMR Youth Net. The first net will be on Tuesday the 30th of September at 1900UTC and the RSGB Youth Talk Group 23554 is available on the DVSPh and Brandmeister Networks. Whether you're just starting out or already love getting on the air, this bi-weekly net is your chance to build confidence speaking on the radio, connect with fellow young operators from around the world, and join in without needing to set up antennas at home. Hosted by RSGB Youth Outreach Team Leaders Chris Aitken, MM0WIC and Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, the net is designed to grow with you. As your skills and confidence develop, you could even take the mic and chair future sessions! We’re also offering loan kits that include a DMR handset and hotspot to help schools and home educators get started. Just fill out the form at tinyurl.com/RSGByouth-net  and we’ll be in touch. Tune in, speak up, and be part of something exciting!

The RSGB National Radio Centre will be hosting the World War Two SOE station, GB1SOE in the foyer of the Centre on Saturday the 27th of September. On Sunday the 28th of September, it will also be hosting three special one-off broadcasts to mark the 70th anniversary of GB2RS, which will include a special greetings message from the RSGB President. The special event station GB70RS will be used for the pre- and post-News nets. Go to rsgb.org/gb70rs  for full details. For those visiting the Centre over the weekend, Bletchley Park is hosting one of its 1940s weekends. RSGB members can visit the world-famous estate for free by downloading a voucher via rsgb.org/bpvoucher

The RSGB has several volunteer vacancies within the Regional Team including District Representative roles in Cambridgeshire, East Sussex and Lancashire. This is an incredibly rewarding role that gives you the opportunity to help your fellow radio amateurs. If you are passionate about the future of amateur radio, support the work of the Society and are an RSGB member, then apply now by contacting the Regional Representative in that region. View the full list of regional team volunteering vacancies via rsgb.org/volunteers

Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected]  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 

And now for details of rallies and events

Weston-super-Mare Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, the 21st, at The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare. The doors open at 7.30am for traders and at 10am for the public. Refreshments are available on site and a raffle will be held at 11am. For more information contact Daniel via [email protected]

On Sunday the 5th of October, the 50th Welsh Radio Rally will take place at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport in South Wales. The doors open for traders from 7am and for the public from 9.30am. Admission costs £3. For more information email [email protected]

Now the Special Event news

Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society will be running special event station GB2RMR on Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of September. The station will operate from 9.30am to 4pm each day at the Riverside Miniature Railway in St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. The team will be using HF, VHF and UHF equipment. More details are available via QRZ.com

Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com

Now the DX news

Tom, OH6VDA is active again as JW6VDA from the Svalbard Amateur Radio club in Longyearbyen [LONG-YEER-BE-IN], EU-026, until tomorrow, the 22nd. The station is active on various HF bands using SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred. More details are available via QRZ.com

Rikk, WE9G is active as WE9G/KH2 from Guam, OC-026, until Friday the 26th of September. The station is mostly operating digital FT modes but also some CW and SSB. Listen for activity on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World or via WE9G.

Now the contest news

Today, the 21st, the RSGB 70MHz Affiliated Series Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also today, the 21st, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number.

On Tuesday the 23rd, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 24th, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.

On Thursday the 25th, the RSGB Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The CQ Worldwide DX RTTY Contest runs from 0000UTC on Saturday the 27th to 2359UTC on Sunday the 28th of September. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14.

On Sunday the 28th, 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 18th of September 2025.

Last week we said that it looked like someone had thrown a switch on the Sun and all the sunspots had vanished. Well, this week we’re pleased to report they’re back!

We have eight sunspot groups, spread evenly throughout the Sun’s hemispheres. Interestingly, the northern hemisphere sunspots are close to the equator, which is what you would expect at this point in the latter part of the solar cycle. The southern spots are somewhat higher in latitude, perhaps indicating that there might still be the potential for a double peak.

On Thursday the 18th, the solar flux index stood at 147 and the Kp index at 2. This suggests that HF conditions might be pretty good, at least until the next geomagnetic disturbance.

There have been no M- or X-class solar flares over the past week.

The solar wind speed dropped from a high of 800 kilometres per second on Tuesday the 16th, to a more reasonable 538 kilometres per second on Thursday the 18th. However, the Bz has been pointing south at times, which can cause problems with a raised Kp index.

The maximum useable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path generally allows for operation between 21 and 24MHz during daylight and 7 and 10.1MHz at night. At 0845UTC on Thursday the 18th, a quick check of the NCDXF beacons on 21.150MHz showed reception of CS3B in Madeira and 4X6TU in Israel.

On 24.930MHz, 4S7B in Sri Lanka, ZS6DN in South Africa, and CS3B in Madeira could be heard. On 28.200MHz the only audible beacon was 4X6TU in Israel.

The NCDXF beacons are a quick way to check worldwide HF propagation in just three-minutes per band, from 20 to 10m. For more details visit ncdxf.org/beacon

HF DX this week has included FP5KE on St Pierre and Miquelon, which is operating until the 26th of September. PJ7K on St. Maarten, which is active until the 22nd of September, was worked; and VK9NT on Norfolk Island, which is operating until the 27th of September, also made it into UK logbooks. Check the DX cluster for the latest spots.

Next week NOAA predicts the solar flux index will remain in the range of 125 to 135. The Kp index is forecast to remain low at 2 all week. A coronal hole threatens to push the Kp index higher, perhaps late today, the 21st, or tomorrow, the 22nd.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

The first part of the coming week will be under the influence of the unsettled weather pattern with lows and fronts affecting the British Isles. So, it feels like there will be a few more days for the GHz rain scatter folk to play.

Be aware that even among low-pressure systems there can be fleeting moments of good Tropo. On Friday the 19th there were ideal Tropo conditions over southern Britain and south across Biscay to Spain as well as east across the North Sea.

The big change takes place on Wednesday as an area of high pressure starts to build over the UK. This could last through to the end of the week. So, there is plenty of time to develop some good Tropo conditions over large parts of the UK and near-continent.

There will probably be an elevated inversion some 1 or 2km above the surface. This will be caused by the high itself and may provide ducting conditions throughout the 24-hour period. This may be supported by temporary surface inversions overnight due to the ground cooling.

These features tend to take a while to establish, which suggests that the latter part of the coming week may be the best time to operate. The effect will only just be starting to influence conditions over the western side of the UK for the SHF UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 23rd.

Regarding the aurora prospects, it feels like we should be keeping a watch throughout this autumn period when the Earth’s magnetic field couples with the solar wind more effectively. Earlier last week the Kp reached 5, which is a good trigger to get interested in beaming north for those fluttery auroral signals.

Meteor scatter remains in between events at the moment with no major showers in the period. So, it’s random meteors only which, as we know, tend to favour the early morning, pre-dawn hours.

We are outside the traditional Sporadic-E season now but, as you may have noticed on the Propquest graphs, there has been the occasional spike on the foEs plot up to 5MHz or so. This is plenty to generate some strong short-skip European signals on the HF bands, especially 10m.

In the morning on Wednesday the 17th, Sporadic-E was probably triggered by the powerful jet stream moving east over the near continent. There may well be further occasions with strong jet streams during the next week, so keep checking the NVIS tab at propquest.co.uk to see if the foEs trace spikes again.

Now for an EME update. Moon declination is decreasing, from its maximum on the 14th of September. The Moon’s distance from Earth is also increasing until apogee on the 27th and 28th of September. This means path losses are growing over the next week. Sky noise will remain low until the 29th and 30th of September.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday, the 14th of September 2025

The news headlines:

Radio Communications Foundation Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, will be at this year’s RSGB Convention to deliver a fascinating lecture on using radio technology to engage and inspire non-radio amateurs. In particular, he will look at this within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education settings, using the subject to connect with young people. Matthew Phillips, G6WPJ, will also be at the Convention, where he will be discussing the use of low-power software-defined radio to rejuvenate medium- and short-wave broadcasting. These are two of nearly 50 speakers who will be delivering engaging and topical presentations for Convention attendees. If this isn’t enough to entice you, visit the Convention web pages via rsgb.org/convention, where you’ll find details on workshops, a drop-in session on the UK Meteor Beacon Project, and information on the AMSAT-UK Colloquium. In addition to the usual GB3HQ operation that will run throughout the event, at this year’s Convention, a special 145 Alive net will be hosted by GB3HQ from 12 pm to 3 pm on the Saturday. You will be able to join the net or simply check in on the day and all callers will be recorded in the log. The Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre between the 10th and 12th of October.

Only a few days remain until the RSGB LoRa balloon is launched. If you haven’t already heard about the event, you still have time to take part. Go to rsgb.org/lora-balloon  and download a detailed guide to help you build and code your LoRa tracker board. You can also find a link to a video in which Fraser, MM0EFI, demonstrates the process. The balloon launch takes place on Saturday, the 20th of September, at approximately 11 am BST. The challenge is open to all radio amateurs, but to be eligible to win one of the two available prizes, you must be an RSGB individual member or an affiliated club.

The RSGB Board is pleased to announce that it is co-opting Will Richardson, 2E0WYA to the Board to serve until the 2026 RSGB AGM. He will also serve as the Board Vice Chair. Will has significant senior management skills and experience and will be a great asset in helping the Board move forward with the RSGB strategy.

The Autumn term is starting at schools and colleges around the country, and the RSGB Outreach Team is continuing its DMR project to help young people get on the air. If you are a teacher who would like to take your amateur radio licence and set up a school club, there is support in place to help you. In collaboration with the Radio Communications Foundation, the RSGB is offering to pay the licence exam fee for nine teachers to help get you and your school club started. In addition, once you have your licence, you can apply for a free DMR kit on loan for three months to help set up your club. If you are a teacher interested in starting a school radio club, please email RSGB Youth Chair Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, via [email protected]

The RSGB regrets that the RSGB National Radio Centre will be closed on Tuesday, the 23rd of September. Volunteers from the Centre will be delighted to welcome you every other day that week. Don’t forget that RSGB members can visit the world-famous Bletchley Park estate and the RSGB National Radio Centre for free. Download your voucher by going to rsgb.org/bpvoucher

The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and there are only eight places left. So, book now to avoid disappointment. 

Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. 

And now for details of rallies and events

On Saturday, the 20th of September, Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place at St Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover CT17 0HL. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the entrance fee is £3.

The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is also coming up on Saturday, the 20th. The rally will be held at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 3 pm. For more information and trader bookings, visit emerg.uk/rally

Now the Special Event news

The Brazilian Amateur Radio Broadcast League is active with special callsign PV203BR until tomorrow, the 15th. Listen for activity on all bands and modes and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World.

The Dutch Lighthouse Hunt event is running until the 30th of September. Members of the Dutch Radio Group are using 11 special callsigns, each representing a different lighthouse in the Netherlands. For more information and details of awards that are available for working the stations, visit the PA01LH page at QRZ.com

Now the DX news

Chas, NK8O, is active again as 5H3DX from Tanzania until the 21st of September. He operates CW, FT4 and FT8 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or directly to Chas.

Harold, DF2WO, is active as 9X2AW from Rwanda until the 27th of September. He usually operates CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on various bands, including 6m and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World.

Now the contest news

Today, the 14th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Today, the 14th, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also today, the 14th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.

The IRTS 2m Counties Contest is also running today, the 14th, from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.

Tomorrow, the 15th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.

On Tuesday the 16th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Thursday the 18th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Sunday the 21st, the RSGB 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1200 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also, on Sunday the 21st, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of September

As of Thursday, the 11th of September, it looked like someone had thrown a switch on the Sun to turn off all new sunspots! Unless there is a big change, there will be no sunspots visible on the Sun’s surface today, the 14th.

It is clear we are no longer at solar maximum.

A bigger problem is a large coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, which is rotating to be Earth facing. It is on the Sun’s equator, so it is ideally placed for maximum disruption to the Earth. A high-speed solar wind stream should reach Earth by the 14th of September, and geomagnetic storming may be possible at higher latitudes. Expect maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, to drop and trans-polar paths to be affected once the Kp index rises.

HF is now starting to improve as we head towards mid-September. By 1000UTC, Propquest shows that the MUF over a 3,000km path can be as high as 31MHz, as long as the Kp index stays low. This should continue to improve as we head into October.

The best DX last week continued to be T30TTT in Western Kiribati, this time on the 40 and 17m bands using FT8. 9J2FI in Zambia also put in an appearance on the 17m band using FT8. TZ4AM in Mali was spotted on the 15m band using SSB. For Morse enthusiasts, HC5AI in Ecuador was working on the 15m band using CW, according to the CDXC Slack chat group.

NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start the coming week at 125 but then gradually improve to reach 145 by the end of the week. As mentioned earlier, the Kp index is set to reach 4 or 5 between the 14th and 16th of September due to the coronal hole.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

The present spell of unsettled weather is likely to remain the main driver of weather-related propagation modes for the next week. Low-pressure systems are following the jet stream across the Atlantic and over the UK, which is a typical track for this time of the year. This means that we should expect to experience the odd example of rain scatter for the GHz operators, and occasional strong winds will start to test that we have our antennas in good order after the quieter weather during the summer.

This is not to say that there won’t be any Tropo, but we will have to look for it carefully. In a mobile weather pattern such as this, the periods of high pressure tend to act as separators between the lows and, as a result, they usually move with similar speed. This makes them short-lived and thus not particularly good at establishing strong inversions for Tropo. There are two low-grade possibilities. One is around Tuesday the 16th as a weak transient ridge moves across the country. The second will be as another weak ridge moves across on Friday, the 19th.

The meteor scatter situation is still pretty much in a random activity state, although there was a minor shower of the Epsilon Perseids, which peaked on the 9th and may have a few left in the tail-off. However, in general, it's more realistic to assume we’re dealing with random activity. Aurora, on the other hand, has been putting in an appearance lately, so keep watching the Kp index for values climbing above 5.

Now for an update on EME. Today, the 14th, marks the Moon’s maximum declination – its highest point in the sky. Perigee, when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, was passed on September the 9th, so path losses are increasing. Sky noise is low and will remain so until the 20th to 22nd, when the new Moon is very close to the Sun.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday, the 7th of September 2025

The news headlines:

The World Radiosport Team Championship 2026 takes place in the United Kingdom, and Mark Haynes, M0DXR, is the Chairman of the Organising Committee. Join Mark at the RSGB Convention on Saturday, the 11th of October, to find out how the team is progressing for the event, which will host 100 operators from all around the world. If operating via QO-100 is something you would like to try, join Paulo, F5VMJ/G0MUW, as he shares his experience of the mode, including his home setup and how to go portable. In a new-style presentation for this year, representatives from four amateur radio clubs will be joining a panel at the Convention. They will each discuss different aspects of their club activities that are contributing to the club’s success and growth. Join the conversation, share your thoughts and experience, and be inspired. If you’d like to get practical during the Convention weekend, there are a variety of opportunities, including three workshops. The majority of workshop tickets are now sold, so book now to avoid disappointment. With only five weeks until the Society’s annual Convention, secure your place via rsgb.org/convention. The RSGB Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between the 10th and 12th of October.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news broadcast, GB2RS. The celebrations continue with three special broadcasts scheduled from the RSGB National Radio Centre, or NRC, on Sunday, the 28th of September. Three Newsreaders will broadcast GB2RS from the NRC on the 40m band, the 2m band and via the QO-100 satellite. These readings will be in addition to those in the weekly GB2RS broadcast schedule. Special event station GB70RS will be used for pre- and post-News nets. In addition, each Newsreader will start the broadcast with a special message from the RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX. Find out timings and frequencies via rsgb.org/gb70rs 

The RSGB has responded to a further Ofcom consultation, which would see new users sharing spectrum within the 2.3GHz amateur band. The latest proposals would enable a new class of short-notice outdoor deployments in the 2320 to 2340MHz range, for up to 14 days at a time. In its response, the RSGB has taken the opportunity to highlight strong concerns regarding the amateur weak signal segment at 2320MHz. This follows earlier Ofcom proposals last year for indoor use only in this frequency range. The response and background information can be found on the RSGB Spectrum Forum web pages. Go to rsgb.org/spectrum-forum  and choose the ‘Papers and consultations’ tab on the right-hand side.

This month is all about amateur radio and coding for the RSGB. Two exciting activities have been developed for you to get involved with. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced coder, you can get stuck into both the Python Pocket Morse activity and the LoRa high-altitude balloon challenge. Don’t forget to let the Society know how you get on. Share your story and photos with the RSGB Communications Team via [email protected]

RSGB Board Chair Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, has announced that Peter Bowyer, G4MJS, is stepping down from his role as RSGB Director due to an unexpected and significant increase in his professional duties. In addition to this Board vacancy, two further vacancies will arise when the RSGB election cycle starts in a few months. Both Len Paget, GM0ONX and Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, will stand down from the Board due to term limits. Members are encouraged to offer their services to the RSGB for this important duty. If you'd like a chat about the role, contact the Nominations Committee Chair, Will Richardson, 2E0WYA via [email protected]

Royal Air Force Air Cadets Exercise Cloud Warmer is taking place on the 60m band from 7.45 pm to 8 pm until the 31st of December. To operate, you must be a Full licence holder and comply with the Band Plan Licence Schedule Notes. Listeners will note traffic on 5354 and 5363kHz, and amateurs can join in and pass information. Military Radio Exercise, or MRE, callsigns will be in use throughout the exercise period. More details will be available soon via alphacharlie.org.uk

On Saturday, the 13th, lots of amateur radio stations will be on the air to take part in the Churches and Chapels on the Air event, also known as CHOTA. The event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm. Although stations will be working on a variety of bands and modes, most operating will take place on the 40m band using SSB. More details are available at wacral.org

And now for details of rallies and events

On Saturday, the 20th of September, Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place at St Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover CT17 0HL. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the entrance fee is £3.

The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is also coming up on Saturday, the 20th. The rally will be held at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 3 pm. For more information and trader booking, visit emerg.uk/rally

Now the Special Event news

On Saturday the 13th, special event station GB5SH will be active from St. Hilda's Church in Hartlepool during the CHOTA event. The operation will be mostly on the 40m band using SSB and the 2m band using FM. You can read more details at QRZ.com

Operators from the Romanian Federation of Amateur Radio are active as YO2025ENESCU  as part of the George Enescu International Festival. Details of certificates that are available for working at the station are available via tinyurl.com/enescu25

Now the DX news

Maxim, OH7O, is active as XW4YY from Laos until the 11th of September. He is operating SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS. For more information and updates, visit oh7o.com

Chas, NK8O, is active as 5H3DX from Tanzania until the 21st of September. He is operating CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or directly to NK8O.

Now the contest news

The All Asian DX Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and your age.

Today, the 7th, the Worked All Britain 2m SSB Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. This year, the QRO and QRP contests are combined. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website.

Also, today, the 7th, the 5th RSGB 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The RSGB 144MHz Trophy Contest started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Both RSGB SSB Field Day and IARU Region 1 Field Day started at 1300 UTC on Saturday, the 6th, and end at 1300 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Tuesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also, on Tuesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.

Also, on Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Thursday the 11th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 13th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 14th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Sunday the 14th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Sunday the 14th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.

Also, on Sunday the 14th, the IRTS 2m Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county.

On Sunday the 14th, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Wednesday the 3rd of September

Last week’s aurora may have come as a bit of a surprise! The propagation segment for GB2RS is usually written on a Thursday, but the aurora was sparked by a solar flare that took place two days later, at 2002 UTC on the 30th of August.

As we don’t have a crystal ball, we couldn’t have predicted it!

The Kp index hit 3 late on the 1st of September, with aurora visible over much of the UK. HF propagation was affected with sudden swings in the maximum usable frequency over most of the day on Tuesday, the 2nd of September.

At the time of writing, a geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect with the solar wind speed above 500 kilometres per second. September is a good month for aurora due to the Russell-McPherron effect, when the Earth’s axis aligns perpendicularly to the Sun-Earth line during the equinox. This creates ideal conditions for a reconnection between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field. So, keep an eye on solarham.com for daily updates.

The Sun remains active with plenty of sunspots. The solar flux index stood at 187 on Wednesday, the 3rd, down from 202 the day before.

HF propagation remains good, out of the auroral periods, and as we progress into September, it should improve even more. Some of the best DX this week included VK2/SP9FIH on Lord Howe Island using the Superfox FT8 mode, and T30TTT on Western Kiribati using both CW and FT8. Other choice DX included 3C3W in Equatorial Guinea on FT8, TJ1GD in Cameroon on 20m CW, and 5H8HZ in Tanzania on 30m FT8.

Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will decline to 160, and then perhaps 125. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast until the 10th, with a maximum Kp index of 4 predicted. This may be due to a large elongated coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, which became Earth-facing on Wednesday, the 3rd.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

Rain and sequences of low pressure will drive the weather agenda for much of the coming week.

The only reasonable chance of Tropo appears to be Friday and Saturday with high pressure to the southeast and support for paths to the continent and across the North Sea. It is worth noting that, in general, short-lived highs like this one do not have the necessary time to generate a strong, elevated inversion before declining. So don’t expect too much.

Rain scatter, on the other hand, is much more likely to be worth considering for the gigahertz stations next week, with plenty of rain events coming along.

The Sporadic-E season daily blogs have now finished for this year, but you may still find it worthwhile looking at the Dourbes graph at propquest.co.uk. You will notice the odd blip on the foEs trace, so keep it in mind for the 10 and 6m bands – at least for the next week.

Meteor scatter is still in random territory for this period. We are between the Perseids in mid-August and the Draconids, which peak on the 8th of October. This means that the pre-dawn morning hours will be good times to try.

There were some auroral signals during the 2m UK Activity Contest on Tuesday, the 2nd. We are coming into the autumn season when conditions tend to be more favourable for aurora.

The message is, of course, to monitor the Kp index for values rising above 4 or 5. Remember, these three-hourly planetary readings can smooth out shorter-duration peaks, so maybe don’t wait for it to get to the dizzy heights of 6 or 7 before taking an interest.

Moon declination is still negative, not going positive until Monday, the 8th. So, Moon window lengths and peak elevation will continue to increase. Path losses are still falling until perigee on Wednesday, the 10th. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday the 31st of August 2025

The news headlines:

 Have you bought your ticket for this year’s RSGB Convention yet? The weekend’s draft programme has just been released, detailing all the inspiring speakers that the Society has lined up for your enjoyment. If you want to improve your technical knowledge, be sure to add the presentation by Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs, to your must-see list. Hans will introduce the concept of polar modulation SSB, along with the story of the practical implementation of polar modulation SSB in the QRP Labs QMX and QMX+ transceivers. Perhaps you’d like to get some operating tips? In which case, Walt Hudson, K4OGO, is one to add to your weekend schedule. Walt, also known as ‘Salty Walt’, will discuss different types of antennas and his experience with them when operating portable. If you’d like to discover something new within amateur radio, then join Kjetil Vinorum, LB4FH, for a presentation on ‘elmering’ in an online world. In addition, Mike Walker, VA3MW, will present an exclusive look at the new Aurora transceiver from FlexRadio Systems and will showcase how the Aurora pushes the boundaries of software-defined radio. With a wide-ranging programme to spark your interest, three exciting workshops, the Special Interest Groups room, GB3HQ and much more, this year’s Convention is one not to be missed. The event takes place between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of October at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. Tickets are selling fast, so to view the full programme and book, go to rsgb.org/convention 

The RSGB has announced an exciting new volunteer role, which will be tasked with attracting older people to amateur radio. The Honorary Mature Members’ Officer will also be responsible for retaining and engaging with our existing senior members. The individual will research organisations or groups with memberships that include older people who may be interested in amateur radio as a hobby. They will also help to identify ways the RSGB can support lifelong enjoyment of amateur radio, including accessibility, training and social engagement. If you are an RSGB member and interested in this role, go to rsgb.org/volunteers  to read the full description. If you’d like to apply or have a chat about the role, email the Nominations Committee Chair, Will Richardson, 2E0WYA via [email protected]

The RSGB will have a large presence at the National Hamfest at Newark Showground on Friday, the 5th and Saturday, the 6th of September. In addition to an extensive book stall and membership stand, the Society will be running a range of exciting practical activities and demonstrations. These include a semi-interactive display of the CubeSat and a web-based dashboard from a Tiny Ground Station running remotely. There will be the opportunity to play ‘MORSE’, a minimalist, wave-based strategy game operated with just two controls. You can also have your CW skills tested at a range of speeds. On Saturday, there will be an opportunity to get hands-on, building a Kanga FM receiver kit. The activities are all free of charge, and there is no need to book in advance. Members of the RSGB Board, staff and representatives from specialist committees and teams will also be in attendance and are looking forward to meeting you, answering your questions and offering support.

If you know an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show, you have until Friday, the 12th of September, to nominate them for the RSGB’s G5RP Trophy. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed but is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. Please email your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, via [email protected]

Worked All Britain’s new Summer Saunter award is being extended to include an Autumn Amble. There is now a rota of volunteers to act as regular net controllers from 10.30 am UK time on the 40m band. Other nets will run on an ad hoc basis, whenever activity is planned. To find out more, visit the Worked All Britain website.

 And now for details of rallies and events

Telford Hamfest is taking place today, Sunday, the 31st of August, at Harper Adams University Sports Hall. The doors open at 10.15 am. Admission is £5, but young people up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. Lots of fascinating titles are available at the RSGB bookstall on site. More details are available at tinyurl.com/tdars25

On the 14th of September Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally will be held at Caister Lifeboat Station, Caister-on-Sea, NR30 5DJ. The doors will be open to visitors from 9 am to 2 pm, and there is no entrance fee. For more information, email Zane, M1BFI via [email protected]

Now the Special Event news

Members of Central Uusimaa Radio Amateurs Association, OH2AP, are active throughout 2025 as OF60AP to celebrate their club's 60th anniversary. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. For details of a certificate that is available for working the station, see tinyurl.com/oh2ap25

Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS, which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information, visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com

Now the DX news

Antonio, IK7WUL, is active as TY2AA from Benin until the 7th of September. Recently, the station was spotted on the 10m band using SSB. For more information, visit the TY2AA page at QRZ.com

Domenico, IK1MNF, is active as IK1MNF/IA5 from Isola d'Elba, EU-028, until the end of September. He is mainly using SSB on the 20 to 6m bands. QSL via Domenico’s home call. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log.

Now the contest news

The World-Wide Digi DX Contest started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 30th and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 31st of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator.

On Monday the 1st, the RSGB Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Tuesday the 2nd, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also, on Tuesday the 2nd, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 3rd, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 3rd, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest.

Also, on Wednesday the 3rd, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.

The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and your age.

On Saturday the 6th, the CWops CW Open takes place in three four-hour sessions between 0000 and 2359 UTC. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number and name.

The RSGB 144MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Both RSGB SSB Field Day and IARU Region 1 Field Day start at 1300 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and end at 1300 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Sunday the 7th, the Worked All Britain 2m SSB Contest runs from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. This year, the QRO and QRP contests are combined. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website.

On Sunday the 7th, the 5th RSGB 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 28th of August 2025

This week saw a change in HF propagation with a perceptible move towards more autumnal conditions.

The 10 and 12m bands have started opening up to the USA, at least on FT8. As we move into September, this will improve further. Also, as we head towards the Autumnal Equinox, we can expect better conditions on north-south paths, such as the UK to South Africa.

The week saw the solar flux index climb to 226 on Thursday, the 28th, thanks to a host of sunspots, mainly in the Sun’s southern hemisphere.

Over the last seven days, the Sun also provided us with 12 M-class solar flares. Any associated coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, were not Earth-directed, so these had little effect, and the Kp index stayed firmly at 3 or below. The latest updates suggest that there is only a ten per cent chance of a strong X-class solar flare.

FT8 continues to be the preferred HF mode, or so it seems, with stations in China, Japan, Indonesia and Cameroon making their way into UK logs on the 12m band.

The 10m band has also been humming with South America rolling in during late afternoon and early evening. This can only get better as we move into September and October.

NOAA predicts that the coming week will start with a solar flux index of 155 tomorrow, the 1st. This may be a little pessimistic, but we’ll see. It also predicts that the solar flux index will drop off as the week progresses, ending the week at 125.

Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be good for the first half of the week, but then decline from the 4th of September. Batten down the hatches as a Kp index of 6 is forecast for the 5th, with unsettled conditions lasting until the 10th of September. Check for auroral HF signals on the 5th, or even the possibility of visible aurora from the UK.

We recommend you get your HF DXing in early next week!

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

Last week saw some lovely late-season Sporadic-E on the 6 and 4m bands, including Spain, Italy, and east into Ukraine. There was an opening to Brazil on the 24th that reached as far as East Anglia, but, as usual, stations on the south coast and west of the country had the best of the transatlantic QSOs.  

This is the last bulletin in the nominal 2025 Sporadic-E season, which lasts from May to August. However, last week was a good reminder not to give up too soon, as there were several CW and SSB paths showing up, particularly on the 10 and 6m bands. There were also a few reports on the 4m band.

The daily Sporadic-E blogs on propquest.co.uk  come to an end today, the 31st, but the site will continue to provide the maps as usual. To help you, notes on how to interpret the maps are available on the website. Thanks to all the Sporadic-E operators who have submitted logs to the various clusters this year.

The change over to unsettled weather is now complete, and we will see rain and thunderstorms in most areas from time to time. It’s a good period to check out rain scatter propagation if you are set up for the gigahertz bands.

The heavier rain is well-captured by the many online rain radar displays to help you track the most active scattering volumes, which move with the stronger winds quite high up in the atmosphere. Speeds of 30 to 60 miles per hour are common.

There is one note of contrast with the model evolution after midweek. One branch sticks with low pressure to the following weekend, while another outcome tries to bring in a ridge of high pressure and a chance of Tropo propagation. If the latter turns out to be the actual evolution, it may prove useful for the 144MHz Trophy and Backpackers Contest next weekend. However, it may not have arrived in time for the 144MHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday.

The solar conditions are still providing some interest for auroral propagation, but with a Kp index less than 3, nothing of use radio-wise. Look for a Kp index increase beyond 7 for that. Meteor activity is currently between major showers, so expect random activity, which suggests early mornings for checking out meteor scatter prospects.

Moon declination is negative, reaching a minimum on Monda,y the 1st. So, it’s a week to check out your equipment rather than to operate. With the Sun still high in the sky, it’s easy to check system performance with Sun noise. Path losses started to fall after apogee on Friday the 29th. 144MHz sky noise is close to 3,000 Kelvin on Monday, dropping back to moderate on Wednesday.

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

GB2RS News

Sunday the 24th of August 2025

The news headlines:

Apply to be the RSGB Youth Activities and Engagement Champion

The Tonight@8 webinar series is back with a brilliant autumn line-up

Hans Summers, G0UPL confirmed as the RSGB Convention after-dinner speaker

The RSGB Youth Team is looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and innovative person to join its team as the Society’s volunteer Youth Activities and Engagement Champion. The role will take the lead on youth-focused activities and create resources for young Foundation licence holders. If you would like to help inspire young people to explore new aspects of amateur radio, then read the full role description via rsgb.org/volunteers  and then get in touch with the Youth Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via [email protected]  This exciting role will be working collaboratively with Ben, as well as the existing Youth Champions and RSGB Outreach Team. You can see some of the amazing projects the team has been working on by visiting the RSGB Youth web pages via rsgb.org/youth

The Tonight@8 autumn programme kicks off on Monday the 1st of September with a fascinating presentation from Kristen McIntyre, K6WX. During the 45-minute session Kristen will explain Maxwell's Equations in a visual and relatable way that aims to leave viewers with an understanding of a topic that can often feel impenetrable. Maxwell’s Equations are essential for radio amateurs and explain how RF signals propagate, antennas radiate, and common-mode currents form. By the end of this informative webinar, you’ll be able to see how Maxwell’s four simultaneous differential equations combine to bring the world of radio to life. Kristen discovered amateur radio when she was a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1979 and has been active ever since. Among other roles, she is the ARRL First Vice President and has also recently been inducted into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. Learn more about Kristen and this not to be missed webinar by going to rsgb.org/webinars 

Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs has been confirmed by the RSGB as the after-dinner speaker at its Convention in October. Following the gala dinner, Hans will be sharing the emotions he experienced during the nine months he spent adding SSB to the QMX transceiver. Tickets for the gala dinner, along with those for the full Convention programme and the three exciting workshops, can be purchased via rsgb.org/convention  This year’s RSGB Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of October. Book now and join like-minded radio amateurs for an action-packed programme.

The RSGB Examination Standards Committee is pleased to announce the publication of an updated version of the Direct to Full syllabus. The significant changes from the previous version are the moving of some points between Section One on Licensing and Section Two on Operating. These changes bring the Direct to Full syllabus into line with the latest version of the three-part syllabus. You can find the updated syllabus and change documentation on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/syllabus  These changes will come into effect from January 2026, so please choose the correct version of the syllabus for the date you plan to take your exam.

Four young RSGB members have spent the last week near Paris for this year’s Youngsters on the Air summer camp. The event was a huge success with activities that included group member Sophie, M7IJG asking a question to Astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT during the camp’s ARISS contact with the International Space Station. Hear more from the young radio amateurs by reading their blog via rsgb.org/yota-camp

RSGB members, and the wider amateur radio community, are invited to a ‘Meet the President Day’ at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre on Thursday the 28th of August. The Society’s President, Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, will be present throughout the day to welcome members, hear their views, and discuss the work of the Society in supporting and promoting amateur radio. RSGB members, don’t forget to download your free entry voucher to Bletchley Park via rsgb.org/bpvoucher

The Maritime Radio Historical Society in the United States, in cooperation with the Cipher History Museum, has arranged to transmit an Enigma message via the maritime radio coast station KPH, near San Francisco. The transmission will take place on Saturday the 30th of August at 2000UTC. KPH listeners, intercept operators and codebreakers everywhere are invited to try their hand at receiving the transmission and decrypting the message. For more information, including details of certificates that are available for decrypting the message, visit tinyurl.com/mrhs2025

And now for details of rallies and events

Today, the 24th, the Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes. Free on-site parking, catering and disabled facilities are available. The entrance fee is £3. The doors open to the public from 9am. For more information visit mkars.org.uk/mkrally

The Torbay Amateur Radio Society Rally is also taking place at Newton Abbot Racecourse today, the 24th. The doors open at 10am and entry costs £3. You can find out more via torbayars.org

Tomorrow, the 25th, the Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society Radio Rally will take place at the Ramsey Rural Museum, Wood Lane, Ramsey, PE26 2XD. For more information visit tinyurl.com/hunts25

Telford Hamfest is taking place on Sunday the 31st of August at Harper Adams University Sports Hall. The doors open at 10.15am. Admission is £5 but children up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. The G-QRP Club will be present again with a Saturday Buildathon. More details are available at tinyurl.com/tdars25

Now the Special Event news

In memory of Maximilian Kolbe, special callsign 4A2MAX is active until the 31st of August. Kolbe is venerated by the Catholic Church as the patron saint of amateur radio operators. Activity will be on the 80 to 6m bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com or via EA5GL.

To celebrate the International Amateur Radio Union's 100th anniversary, members of the Atlantic Coast DX and Contest Group are active as CG9IARU throughout August. The station was spotted recently on the 20m band using SSB. QSL via VE9CF. See QRZ.com for more information. 

Now the DX news

Aldir, PY1SAD is active as 8R1TM from Guyana until the 23rd of September. He is operating CW, SSB and digital modes on all bands and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com, or directly to PY1SAD.

Don, KW7R is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands until September. He operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World.

Now the contest news

Today, the 24th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Tuesday the 26th, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The World Wide Digi DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 31st of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of August

Last week was relatively good from an HF propagation standpoint, with only a few periods with an elevated Kp index thanks to a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole.

The Kp index hit 4.67 on the 19th of August and 4 again on the 20th due to the solar wind hitting earth at more than 600 kilometres per second. Luckily, the interplanetary magnetic field remained mostly neutral, or north-facing, and the density was low, saving us from more disruption.

Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 120 by Thursday the 21st. This is still high enough to affect the ionosphere, but well down on recent highs in the 140s and 150s.

The daytime critical frequency has mostly remained above 7.5MHz, meaning the 40m band has managed to remain good for inter-UK contacts. This has also meant that maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path hit 21MHz and even 24.9MHz at times. Nighttime critical frequencies have been around 5MHz, giving an MUF over 3,000km of below 14MHz and sometimes even as low as 10MHz.

It may be another month or so before we see daytime F2-layer openings starting again on 28MHz. In the meantime, focus your efforts during daylight on 21MHz and below.

T30TTT in Western Kiribati remains one of the DX stations to chase, mostly on 18 and 21MHz. The operators are alternating between using CW, SSB and FT8. Other choice DX worked included Jim, E51JD on South Cook Islands who has been active on the 17m band using SSB. TY5AD in Benin, Africa has been worked on the 10m band using FT8. And 3G1P, an IOTA DXpedition in Chile, was logged on the 15m band using SSB.

Closer to home, today, the 24th, is the last chance to work OG0C on the Aland Islands.

Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 120s, until the end of the month when it could rise to 130 and even 150. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 28th of August when the Kp index could hit 4.

Otherwise, make the most of the relatively settled conditions over the first half of next week to work some choice DX!

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO

After this weekend, the weather changes from a Tropo high pressure pattern to an unsettled story with areas of low pressure and fronts together with wind and rain. This will remove any Tropo options and replace them with a possibility of rain scatter on the GHz bands.

The auroral conditions have recently produced minor enhancements, although nothing too exciting so far radio-wise. It’s worth noting that the autumn, along with spring, are times of the year when auroras are more likely. So, it’s a good time of the year to keep abreast of the Kp index, especially if the Kp index goes above 5.

We are at the tail end of the broader period of the Perseid meteor shower, ending today, the 24th. This leaves random meteor activity as the only option for a while. As those of you who are active in the mode already know, it tends to favour the early pre-dawn period for better chances of catching meteor scatter.

Sporadic-E is hanging on for the last week or two of the 2025 season, but opportunities become much rarer. You’ll need to keep a close watch on band reports to capture these increasingly fleeting events. In the main Sporadic-E season, there are usually two well-defined peaks of activity in the morning and late afternoon. However, in the tail of the Sporadic-E season you are just as likely to find it around the middle of the day as at any other time.

The daily Sporadic-E blogs at propquest.co.uk  finish at the end of August, but in some years the last events have extended into the first week of September. 

Moon declination is still positive, but falling, going negative on Monday. So, Moon window lengths and peak elevation will follow suit. Path losses are rising again as we approach apogee on Friday the 29th. 144MHz sky noise was low until lunchtime on Friday the 22nd, when the Sun and the Moon were very close in the sky. This continued throughout the Moon window on yesterday, the 23rd, and will revert to moderate-to-low next week. 

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