GB2RS

GB2RS News

Sunday the 17th of September 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Strategic Priorities

RSGB 2023 Convention

YOTA month

The RSGB Board has chosen four strategic priorities for the Society to focus on until the 2024 AGM. These are the growth of amateur radio; membership of the RSGB; spectrum and licensing; and ensuring the continued financial stability of the Society. These priorities will set the framework for the RSGB’s activities over the coming months. Both HQ staff and volunteers across the range of RSGB teams will be involved in planning how best to implement these four priorities. Look out for further details in the coming weeks.

The RSGB 2023 Convention has a great speaker programme and there are also some fantastic forums to take part in. The RSGB HF and VHF Forums will take place on Sunday, and on Saturday in conjunction with ICQPodcast, the RSGB is offering Convention attendees the chance to discuss two important topics. The first will challenge you to consider and take responsibility for the issues within amateur radio today – for example, is amateur radio just about what you like? Should someone else fix the issues you see? The second forum will focus on QRM and how both newcomers and experienced radio amateurs can sometimes feel frustrated or discouraged by on-air activities. In both forums you can discuss personal experiences, share ideas, and help to promote positive interactions with fellow radio amateurs. You will leave with a notepad full of ideas. The only way to participate in these forums is to be at the Convention, so do book your package or tickets now! Full information about the updated programme, speakers, the drop-in buildathon and the social scene are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention

December is Youngsters on the Air, or YOTA, month and is an exciting opportunity for you, your club, school, or social group to host an amateur radio station with the aim of getting youngsters active on the amateur bands. Once approval from Ofcom is received, the RSGB will provide access to the special callsign GB23YOTA and a full list of operating slots will be made available on QRZ.com. These slots will be first-come, first-served, so check your calendars and reserve your place as soon as possible. If you’d like to register your interest for YOTA month, or simply ask for further information, you can email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected]

The RSGB Learning Team is calling out for your help – it is looking for volunteers to get involved in the development, implementation and relaunching of the new Discovery Challenge, which is a revamp of the Individual Scheme from the Beyond Exams initiative. The team is proposing to split the activities into three levels – Explorer, Adventurer and Master. If you’d like to help out with these exciting changes, or would just like to share some ideas or feedback, you can contact Mark Burrows, 2E0SBM the Beyond Exams Coordinator at [email protected]

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

The popular Railways on the Air weekend, coordinated by Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club, usually takes place on the weekend closest to the 27th of September each year. This date celebrates the anniversary of the first steam-powered passenger railway journey which took place on the 27th of September 1825. The first passenger train ran on a line in North East England from Darlington to Stockton. This year, the event will run on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of September with lots of special event stations on the air. For more information, to register, and t

GB2RS News

Sunday the 10th of September 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB 2023 Convention

RSGB 2023 outreach and buildathons

National Coding Week

 

 

The RSGB 2023 Convention will be held this year from the 13th to the 15th of October. It is an action-packed weekend of amateur radio and includes the AMSAT-UK Colloquium which will be held during the Convention again. You can chat to the Special Interest Groups and RSGB Committees over a coffee, browse the latest amateur radio equipment and maybe even win a great prize if you buy a ticket in the DXpedition Fund raffle. There will also be two interesting forums on Saturday run in partnership with ICQPodcast. For the first time, the Convention will also have a clear focus on outreach and practical activities as the RSGB provides opportunities for individuals and clubs to ‘have a go’ and be inspired to try new things in their local areas. The draft programme will be available in the October RadCom but is also available now on the RSGB website to give you an idea of the fantastic range of talks that will be happening over the weekend. Find out more and take advantage of the early-bird booking price which is available until the 14th of September – go to rsgb.org/convention

As part of the RSGB’s commitment to the growth of amateur radio, Regional Representative David De La Haye, M0MDB will be giving a presentation at the RSGB Convention in which he will explain more about the Regional Team and how its members can support you to do amateur radio outreach in your local area. A particular focus will be on organising the ever-popular buildathon events. Once you’ve picked up some tips, you can then have a go at building one of a range of kits provided by Kanga Products. The RSGB Convention buildathon is a drop-in event on Saturday the 14th of October which runs from 10.30am to 5pm. You can also confirm your preferred time by pre-booking a slot for a deposit of £5, which is refundable against the cost of the kit you choose to build. Pre-booked time slots will be allocated as first-come, first-served, so make sure to book now! For full details and to book your slot, visit the RSGB website at rsgb.org/buildathon

National Coding Week runs from the 18th of September, but the RSGB is dedicating the whole of September to a focus on amateur radio and coding. There is a range of activity sheets on the RSGB website and we know of schools and amateur radio clubs that are getting involved. Whether you’d like to try the BBC:Microbit, have a go at Node RED or find out more about GNU Radio, this is a great way to try something new, extend your skills, or share your knowledge with your local club, school or community group. If you’d like some support or advice, contact RSGB volunteer John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected], and if you’re planning an event let the RSGB know – email [email protected] so the Society can share your stories and photos to inspire others!

Air Ambulance Week 2023 is finishing today, the 10th of September. Lots of amateur radio stations are active on the air to help raise awareness of the lifesaving work that is carried out by the UK’s air ambulance charities. Please give them a call! More information about Air Ambulance Week 2023 can be found by visiting airambulancesuk.org

Amateur radio has been mentioned in the mainstream media twice this week. RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM, was interviewed in a BBC news feature about the demise of longwave radio. You can read it online by searching for “Long wave radio fans mourn fading frequencies”. Secondly, Helen Sharman, the first person from the UK to go into space, was chatting on The Naked Scientists podcast about using amateur radio on the International Space Station to talk to school pupils. Search for “Helen Sharman: chatting with Mikhail Gorbachev” and skip to three minutes and 49 seconds into the podcast.

 And now for details of rallies and events

Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 10th

GB2RS News

Sunday the 3rd of September 2023

The news headlines:

Ofcom Consultation

RSGB 2023 Convention

RSGB Foundation Awards

Time is running out to respond to Ofcom’s consultation “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework”. The deadline is Monday the 4th of September. The RSGB will be sending its own formal response, but Ofcom is interested in the views of every radio amateur. This is the biggest review of amateur radio licensing and callsign policy in a generation and your response will count. Please remind your amateur radio friends and colleagues to make time to send in their response so their views are heard too. The RSGB has information, videos and guidance on its website at rsgb.org/licencereview

Have you booked for the RSGB 2023 Convention yet? The ‘early bird’ booking price has been extended to the 14th of September, so join hundreds of others at this fantastic amateur radio event over the weekend of the 13th to the 15th of October. The keynote speaker will be Colonel John Doody who will discuss his radio communication experiences across the frequency spectrum from HF, VHF, SHF and satellite communications from 1965 to the present day. Colonel Doody is a retired officer of the UK Royal Corps of Signals, the author of “From Stripes to Stars” and he served at GCHQ and the former Communications-Electronics Security Group for ten years as Head of Information Assurance Customer Services. John has a wealth of knowledge across the whole spectrum of cyber security, information assurance, cryptography and radio communications. The rest of the Convention programme is nearly complete and includes expert speakers on a wide range of amateur radio topics. From portable contesting and SOTA, to antennas, radio astronomy, and developments in electronic equipment to detect RF electrical interference, you will be spoilt for choice! More details will appear in the October issue of RadCom and the RSGB will be publishing the draft programme on its website soon. For more information and to book go to rsgb.org/convention

Have you just passed your Foundation licence? Or are you an established Foundation licence holder who is looking for a new challenge? The RSGB has just launched a new range of Foundation Awards that are available to UK Foundation licence holders from September 2023. There is an HF Award, a VHF Award and a third Award where you can choose to use a mix of any bands permitted by the licence, but you need to gain a larger number of contacts on a greater number of bands. These Awards give you plenty to choose from whatever you enjoy within amateur radio. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/foundation-awards

The RSGB’s autumn Tonight@8 programme kicks off at 8pm on Monday the 4th of September with a presentation on MINOS Contest Logging Software by Peter Burton, G3ZPB. Peter will look at what MINOS does in terms of contest logging, installation and set-up, plus how to get hands-on when using it in a contest. You can find out more about the presentation and Peter on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars and you can join the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB

Air Ambulance Week 2023 is taking place across the UK from Monday the 4th to Sunday the 10th of September. Lots of amateur radio stations will be on the air to help raise awareness of the lifesaving work that is carried out by the UK’s air ambulance charities, so please give them a call. More information about Air Ambulance Week 2023 can be found by visiting airambulancesuk.org

The popular Churches and Chapels on the Air event, also known as ‘CHOTA’, will be taking place next Saturday the 9th of September from 10am to 4pm. All bands and all modes will be in use. For more information about the event, and to see a list of registered stations, visit wacral.org or email John, G3XYF at [email protected]

 

And now for details of rallies and events

Telford Hamfest is taking place today,

GB2RS News

Sunday the 27th of August 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Board Co-option

RSGB 2023 Convention

IARU Region 1 Conference

 RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX is pleased to announce that the Board has co-opted Ben Lloyd, GW4BML as a Board Director until the AGM in April 2024. Ben had a significant number of votes in the RSGB 2023 Board elections. Ben brings a fresh perspective together with a very active life as a radio amateur in Wales. The Society hopes you will welcome Ben to his new role.

The RSGB 2023 Convention is just seven weeks away and the Society is delighted that AMSAT will be holding its Colloquium during the event again. The RSGB’s programme includes a fantastic range of expert speakers and amateur radio topics. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about the Rockall DXpedition 2023 and the Bouvet 3Y0J DXpedition; Cathy Clarke, G1GQJ will share the history of RAYNET and its importance in the modern world; and there are presentations on aircraft scatter, PCB Building plus working FM satellites on a budget. Following the exciting news that the UK will be the hosts for the World Radiosport Team Championship in 2026, you’ll hear from competitors and referees who took part in the 2022 Championship and gain an insight into the preparations for the 2026 event. For the first time, the Convention will also have a clear focus on outreach and practical activities as the RSGB provides opportunities for individuals and clubs to ‘have a go’ and be inspired to try new things in their local areas. These are just some of the many highlights and the RSGB will be publishing full details in the October RadCom. Keep an eye on rsgb.org/convention for more details over the next couple of weeks. Also, the RSGB is delighted to announce that Keith Hotchkiss, G0FEA has been appointed as the RSGB’s volunteer Lecture Coordinator for the 2023 Convention. Keith will be working with General Manager and Convention Chair Steve Thomas, M1ACB and the rest of the Convention team to create another fantastic event.

IARU Region 1 will hold its next General Conference from the 1st to the 4th of November 2023 in Zlatibor, Serbia. A wide range of papers and proposals are now available online and the RSGB welcomes comments on these. Topics include: general reports; organisational and budget proposals; the new HF Bandplan; VHF, UHF and SHF changes; and consideration of WRC-23, the World Radiocommunication Conference, which follows shortly afterwards. Other themes include: strategic projects and progress, accommodating digital technologies, contests, EMC and other spectrum matters. Comments should be forwarded to the relevant HF, VHF or Microwave spectrum manager, by Thursday the 12th of October, in order to allow time to finalise the RSGB position. You can find a link to the consultation via thersgb.org/go/iaruconsult

Have you replied to the Ofcom consultation about amateur radio yet? And have you read the article by Ofcom Director for Spectrum, David Willis, in the September edition of RadCom? In it, David says: “We fully recognise the contribution amateur radio has made to developing radio technologies over the years, including in the development of radar and LTE. We know how important amateur radio is as a hobby to those who are involved, and that it plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of radio engineers.” This recognition of the importance of amateur radio skills for careers in engineering dovetails with the RSGB’s strategic priority to grow and develop amateur radio. You can read David’s full article on the RSGB website and watch three RSGB presentations that give information and guidance about the Ofcom Consultation. The Society encourages every radio amateur to submit their views about the Consultation proposals – go to rsgb.org/licencereview

A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event is taking place this weekend and will finish tomorrow, Monday the 28th. The event is open to a

GB2RS News

Sunday the 20th of August 2023

The news headlines:

National Coding Week

G5RP Trophy nominations

RSGB 2023 Convention

 

National Coding Week is taking place from the 14th of September, but the RSGB is dedicating the whole of September to amateur radio and coding activities. This is a great way to try something new, extend your skills or share your knowledge with your local club, school or community group. You can find out more on the RSGB’s coding page at rsgb.org/coding  and, if you would like to get involved, please contact ESRG member John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected]  If you are taking part, whether on your own or in a group, the RSGB would love to share what you’re doing so that you can inspire others. Please email details to [email protected]

The G5RP Trophy is an annual award designed to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed. It is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2023, now is the time to send in your nomination. Your nominee should be an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show, for example, a good total of new countries worked or some HF DXpedition activity. Please send your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU by email via [email protected]  Nominations should arrive no later than Friday the 15th of September 2023.

The RSGB Convention is being held between the 13th and 15th of October. The programme is nearly finalised and contains some fantastic speakers on a range of amateur radio subjects. In addition, there will be a buildathon where you will also gain invaluable advice about how to run a similar event at your club, local school or community group. The early bird booking price has been extended to the 14th of September so don’t miss out – book now! Full details of the programme will be published soon. For more information and to book, visit rsgb.org/convention

Today, Sunday the 20th of August, John, GW3JVB is operating from Steep Holm Island in the Bristol Channel. The Worked All Britain square for the location is ST26 and the IOTA reference is EU-120. John hopes to be operational from approximately 1000UTC to 1930UTC. Using SSB, he is most likely to be working on 40 and 20m, but may also be available on other bands, depending on the weather and conditions. If you hear John on the air, please give him a call. You can read more about John’s amateur activities on his blog via gw3jvb.uk

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is taking place this weekend. There are lots of stations on the air waiting for your call. To see a list of registered stations, visit illw.net

Neil Bauers, G4JUV has created ‘Camper Ham UK’ on Facebook. It is for anyone who likes camping and operating their radios, both licensed and shortwave listeners. Motorhomes, vans, caravans, tents and bivvy bags are all OK. Just take a radio! As well as the usual technical discussions about radios and antennas, the group is interested in antenna-friendly camping sites and good spots for portable operation. In the future, there may be meetups organised by group members. For more information search for ‘Camper Ham UK’ on Facebook.

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

The Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 20th of August. The venue is Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9PY. The event begins at 10 am. For more details contact Steve, G8LYB on 07956 855 816, email [email protected] or visit rugbyats.co.uk

Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally is also taking place today, Sunday the 20th of August. The venue is The Festiva

GB2RS News

Sunday the 13th of August 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Intruder Watch Service volunteer needed

New RSGB NRC promotional video

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend

 

The RSGB Intruder Watch Service is looking for a volunteer to act as Coordinator when Richard Lamont, G4DYA retires from the role in September. The function of the Intruder Watch Service is to monitor and receive reports of intrusions of non-amateur transmissions into amateur radio bands and to collate reports and alert Ofcom to persistent and regular intruders. The responsibilities of the volunteer include: submitting details of intruders to the IARU Monitoring Service on behalf of the UK; membership of the RSGB Spectrum Forum; and providing reports for the Spectrum Forum, RadCom and the RSGB Yearbook. The successful applicant for the position will have a station capable of reliable monitoring of amateur bands, up-to-date knowledge of transmission modes and modulation methods in order to be able to identify transmissions, and the ability to receive reports of intruders from other amateur stations by email. If you’re interested in finding out more about this role, please email the RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair, Murray Niman, G6JYB at [email protected] 

Have you been to the RSGB National Radio Centre? Would you like to encourage your family and friends to visit and find out more about amateur radio? We’ve just released a promotional video that gives a whistle-stop tour of all the fantastic things at the NRC in just one minute. Find it on the RSGB’s YouTube channel or on the National Radio Centre web page on our website at rsgb.org/nrc

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is coming up soon. The event is usually held on the third weekend of August which this year is the 19th and 20th. It is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been over 500 entries from more than 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net

A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is still open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link.

The RSGB is reminding all radio amateurs that they are required to revalidate their licence with Ofcom at least every five years. If it has been a while since you did that, go to ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence or email [email protected]

The date has been confirmed for the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT. It will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged. Microwave test facilities will be provided, and the event will be an opportunity to purchase components and microwave-related items. The cost is £12 and this includes a buffet lunch. A dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Full information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk/about  Please email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected] for more information.

Don’t forget that booking is open for the RSGB Convention which is being held between the 13th and 15th of October. For more information visit rsgb.org/convention

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society Hamfest is being held today, Sunday the 13th of August from 9 am to 4 pm. The venue is Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA. Admission is £5 and this includes parking. Talk-in will be on 145.550MHz. On-site catering, bar facilities and an RSGB Bookstall will be available. Indoor and field pitches are available and car-boot traders are

GB2RS News

Sunday the 6th of August 2023

The news headlines:

Tonight@8 events on Ofcom consultation

YOTA summer camp in Hungary

RSGB coding resources and activities

 

A reminder that the second of the RSGB’s special Tonight@8 events on the Ofcom Consultation will take place on Monday the 7th of August. This time the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. The Consultation also affects anyone who isn’t currently licensed but is thinking about taking their exams in the next couple of years. After a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions on this important Ofcom Consultation. For this event, you can submit a question in advance by 6pm today, Sunday the 6th of August. Send a brief question with your name and callsign to [email protected] You can also ask a question on the night via the live chat. This is an important event – do join it live on Monday via the RSGB YouTube channel. To find out more about the Consultation and this event go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview You can watch a recording of the first Tonight@8 event on the Ofcom Consultation via the RSGB’s YouTube channel.

The 2023 Youngsters on the Air, or YOTA, summer camp in Hungary began this weekend and lasts for a week. The four young people representing the RSGB are Alexander Du Rose, 2E0FMZ who is the Team Leader; Henry-James Robinson, M7HJR; Hannah Lee, M7YYQ; and Jake Saul, M7JNS. Each day, they will be sharing news of the activities they enjoy and the amateur radio skills they learn. Take a look at their updates over the coming week on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary and read their fuller report in the October issue of RadCom.

As part of the RSGB’s commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the Society is providing resources and creating coding activities for people to get involved in throughout the month of September 2023. From the BBC Micro:bit to Node-RED and GNU Radio, there are some great activities you could try yourself with your club or arrange at a local school or community group. If you are an experienced coder, the Society would like you to support this initiative by passing on your enthusiasm to a local school or STEM club with the help of the suggested activities. If you are new to coding and have no idea what Python is or a Raspberry Pi, then the activities will set you on the path of discovery! Find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coding. If you would like to get involved, contact ESRG member John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected]

The RSGB has responded to an Ofcom consultation on licensing Enhanced Long-Range Navigation, or eLoran, systems. This would use a new network of 400kW EIRP transmissions at around 90 to 110kHz to provide an alternative to GPS for Position, Navigation and Timing, or PNT. The response, which can be found on the RSGB’s Spectrum Forum webpages, focussed on the high levels of out-of-band emissions that would affect the weak signal 136kHz amateur allocation, as well as transparency on transmitter licensing. The consultation response can be viewed by visiting thersgb.org/go/sfpapers

The ARRL, the national association for amateur radio in the USA, has filed comments against a proposal that would introduce high-power digital communications to the shortwave spectrum that, in many instances, is immediately adjacent to the amateur HF bands. You can read the full story, which is titled ‘ARRL Files Comments Against “Seriously Flawed” HF Rules Petition’, via arrl.org/news

And now for details of rallies and events

Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, is taking place today, Sunday the 6th of August, at Midland Air Museum, Coventry. It is a meet-up, show-and-tell, test and fix-it, and bring-and-buy event from

GB2RS NewsSunday the 30th of July 2023

The news headlines:• Tonight@8 events on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation• Bar-coded stamps• GB2RS in Morse code

The RSGB is holding two special live Tonight@8 events focused on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation, and it encourages all radio amateurs to take part. On Monday the 31st of July the session will look at contests, operating and callsign policy, in an event that might be of particular interest to Full licensees. On Monday the 7th of August, the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. Instead of the usual webinar style, these events will be forums where, after a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions. Questions can be submitted on the night of the event via live chat, or you can send in a question in advance. Advance questions can be by email or a short, clear video of you asking your question. In either case, please keep the question short and include your name and callsign. Send questions, by 12 noon on the Friday before the event, to [email protected] and find out more about the events and the consultation on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview From tomorrow, the 31st of July, you should not apply non-bar-coded stamps with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s image to any mail. In doing so the sender or recipient may have to pay a surcharge. This news is highlighted to radio amateurs who use stamped-addressed QSL card envelopes. Please ensure all stamped-addressed envelopes have valid bar-coded stamps on them. This only applies to stamps with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s image on them and does not apply to stamps which have other pictures on them. These can continue to be used. Royal Mail will exchange all non-barcoded stamps with new bar-coded ones for free. To do this, download a form from the Royal Mail website, complete it and include it alongside the stamps that are being returned. For more information, and to download a form, visit royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stampsGB2RS newsreader Graham, G4JBD has developed an online tool which plays Morse code based on the current GB2RS News script at a variety of different speeds. To help simulate a realistic HF-operating environment, the system can be set to include man-made band noise, or QRM, and/or natural band noise, or QRN. To try the system for yourself, visit thersgb.org/go/gb2rsmorseThe July 2023 edition of RadCom Basics is now available and includes more topics to inspire those who are new to amateur radio and those who want to refresh their skills and knowledge. This edition includes the stories of the winner and runner-up in the RSGB Construction Competition Beginners’ category; Part 2 of ‘Repairing circuit board tracks’; a design for a simple multi-band vertical HF antenna; Part 6 in the ‘Basic fault-finding series; and an account of Lee, G4EJB’s recent visit to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. To view RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basicsThe RSGB is also pleased to announce that a new edition of RadCom Plus, Volume 8, Issue 1, is out now. RadCom Plus is the RSGB’s digital technical supplement and RSGB Members can read it in HTML5 flipbook, PDF and Epub formats. This issue includes an article on a compact broadband active antenna for VHF and UHF and another on operating on the 30THz band. RadCom Plus can be accessed via rsgb.org/radcom-plus

And now for details of rallies and events Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event starts at 9 am and finishes at 1 pm. There is a £3 entry fee. Indoor tables are sold out, but there is plenty of Car Boot space available. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further informati

GB2RS News

Sunday the 23rd of July 2023

The news headlines:

Tonight@8 events on Ofcom consultation

RSGB 2023 Convention

RSGB Region 3 District Representatives

 

The RSGB is holding two special Tonight@8 events focused on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation. On Monday the 31st of July it will look at contests, operating and callsign policy, in an event that might be of particular interest to Full licensees. On Monday the 7th of August the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. Instead of the usual webinar style, these events will be forums where, after a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions. We encourage radio amateurs to be part of these events. Questions can be submitted on the night via the live chat, or you can send in a question in advance. Advance questions can be by email or a short, clear video of you asking your question. In either case, please include your name and callsign as well as your question. Send questions to [email protected] or for further information about the Consultation, the events and the panellists go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview

The RSGB’s 2023 Convention will be held from the 13th to the 15th of October at Kents Hill Park Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. The Convention packs in a full weekend of the very best amateur radio lectures from around the world. With lecture streams, forums, special interest groups, presentations and all the usual activities, there is something for everyone. Join hundreds of others for what is also one of the best social events in amateur radio. Bookings are open now and you can take advantage of early bird pricing until the end of August. You’ll find the booking link and more information on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention

The RSGB is looking for members in Region 3, the North-West of England, to step forward as volunteer District Representatives. If you’d like to make a difference to other radio amateurs in this area, provide advice and support, represent the RSGB and its Members, and also attend local rallies, please email Region 3 Regional Representative, Martyn Bell, M0TEB at: [email protected]

The RSGB’s Examinations and Syllabus Review Group, or ESRG, has provided an additional set of four mock exam papers. These cover Foundation, Intermediate, Full and Direct to Full exams. You can find the papers on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/mock-exams

A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link.

Please send details of all your news and events to [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

The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place today, the 23rd, at the Society’s HQ at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors are open from 10 am and a food bar is available. For more information and directions visit g0ghk.com

Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9 am and finish at 1 pm. There is a £3 entry fee. Indoor tables are sold out, but there is plenty of Car Boot space available. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further information please contact [email protected]

Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, will take place on Sunday the 6th of August at Mid

GB2RS News

Sunday the 16th of July 2023

The news headlines:

Ofcom consultation video guidance

World Radiosport Team Championships

RSGB coding activities

 

The RSGB has just released a video in which RSGB Spectrum and licensing expert Murray Niman, G6JYB, explains more about Ofcom’s Consultation on “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework”. This is the biggest revamp of amateur radio licensing and callsign policy in a generation. The video forms part of the RSGB’s wider guidance for radio amateurs on this Consultation. You can watch it on the RSGB’s YouTube channel or on the Society’s consultation web page at rsgb.org/licencereview

The UK has been awarded the hosting rights for the 10th World Radiosport Team Championships, which will take place in July 2026. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Olympic Games of amateur radio’, the WRTC is hosted by a different nation every four years. To find out more about this radio contest event, which will take place in East Anglia, see wrtc2026.org

As part of the RSGB’s commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the Society is providing resources and creating coding activities for people to try throughout the month of September. From the BBC Micro:bit to Node-RED and GNU Radio, there will be detailed activity sheets available on the RSGB’s website. The RSGB hopes this will give you ideas to try yourself, with your club or to use as a workshop at your local school or community group. Some clubs are already planning workshops and there will be details of those on the website to inspire you too. Find out more at rsgb.org/coding

Each RSGB Board Director has a liaison role between the Board and specific aspects of the Society’s work. The General Manager also has operational responsibilities. The RSGB’s Board web page now has a list of the different responsibilities for the current Board. The Society hopes that RSGB Members will be able to use this as a guide to help them know who to contact if they have questions, concerns or ideas about any areas of the Society’s activities. You can contact each Board Director, and the General Manager, via the email address shown by their name. Go to rsgb.org/board to find out more.

A reminder now that every Thursday, a global net called ‘APRSThursday’ takes place using the Automatic Packet Reporting System, also known as APRS, for 24 hours. For amateurs who have APRS equipment, it is an opportunity to explore the mode and make contacts with other stations joining the net. The APRS frequency is 144.800MHz in Europe, and each week between 300 and 500 operators take part in the net. Further information can be found via aprsph.net

And now for details of rallies and events

The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of July. The venue is Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission is £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details.

The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Sunday the 23rd of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10am and a food bar will be available. For more information visit g0ghk.com

Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9am and finish at 1pm. There is a £2 entry fee for traders. Indoor tables cost £10. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans it is £15. For further information please contact [email protected]

Now the Special Event News

Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House will be on the air on Friday the 21st of July using the callsign GB4VLB. The station will be active on the 60 to 10m HF bands, and the 6m VHF band, using SSB and CW modes. QSL via Logbook of the World. For more