GB2RS

GB2RS News

Sunday the 9th of July 2023

The news headlines:

New ATV display at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre

Film award for members of Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend

A new amateur TV display has just been installed at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre, with signals received via the wide-band segment of the geostationary satellite QO-100. The Society is delighted to be able to demonstrate amateur TV as a permanent display at the NRC, helping to highlight yet another exciting aspect of our technical hobby. A special configuration, developed in conjunction with the British Amateur Television Club, incorporates a touch screen from which visitors can select a signal to be tuned, decoded and displayed on the large monitor. The RSGB would like to thank Justin, G8YTZ for designing the display and working with the BATC for the specially adapted configuration.

A short film produced by members of the Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has won a top award at the 2023 Doric Film Festival. The film was the joint winner in the ‘Groups’ category of the prestigious festival that showcases the distinctive Doric language and culture, most closely associated with North-East Scotland. The film includes a specially written fiddle music theme, based on Morse code. You can find the film by searching for ‘Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society Groups DFF Entry’ on YouTube.

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

There is so much happening at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre that it needs to expand its team of volunteers! If you can volunteer at weekends, you will be particularly welcome. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. You should enjoy meeting people and be able to volunteer for one or two days per month. For more information please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]

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 Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 9th of July, at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN.  The doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There are traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.

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

The Finningley ARS Rally 2023 will take place on Sunday the 23rd of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10 am and a food bar will be available. For more information visit g0ghk.com

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

Now the Special Event News

Guernsey

GB2RS News

Sunday the 2nd of July 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Tonight@8 webinar

High-altitude balloon launch

Alexanderson Day

 

 

Don’t forget that the RSGB’s next Tonight@8 webinar is this Monday the 3rd of July, when Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ will be presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. The Tonight@8 webinars are live-streamed for free on the RSGB’s YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch the presentations and ask questions online. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars

The team from hi-impact, based on the Wirral, is planning another high-altitude balloon launch. This time, working alongside staff and pupils from West Kirby School and College, they will launch a high-altitude balloon at 11 am, on the 11th of July 2023, from their usual location in Cilcewydd, near Welshpool in Wales. They will be running a HABduino and encourage all amateurs and short-wave listeners to upload telemetry to SondeHub. The frequency will be 434.650MHz USB, transmitting 50 Baud RTTY, 425Hz Shift and using 8N1 data format. The callsign is WKRS_HAB. More information can be found on hi-impact’s Facebook page and on Twitter via @hiimpactconsult

Today, Sunday the 2nd of July is Alexanderson Day and the Alexander Association plans to activate the Grimeton VLF transmitter. The transmitter is located in Sweden and is the only remaining example of an early radio transmitter known as an ‘Alexanderson Alternator’. To read more about the Alexander Association visit tinyurl.com/ALEXDAY23

Marcus, G0IJZ has recently carried out antenna modelling of the Grimeton VLF antenna using NEC-5 software. You can read more about this on a blog that Marcus has contributed to via tinyurl.com/MWALDEN

Amateurs are reminded that the special callsign GB23C, used to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, stopped being available for use on Friday the 30th of June. The availability of special callsigns GB23BAA to GB23BZZ, used for Beaconnect events, also ended at the same time. The optional ‘R’ Coronation regional secondary locator prefix is also no longer available for use.

The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on the morning of Monday the 3rd of July. This is to allow time for work to install a new amateur TV display. Following the work, the Centre plans to re-open around lunchtime.

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

And now for details of rallies and events

The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue is Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. For more information contact [email protected] and visit norfolkamateurradio.org

The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 9th of July at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There will be traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.

The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 16th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission will be £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue will be in attendance to provide a First Response service. Visit mcmichaelrall

GB2RS News

Sunday the 25th of June 2023

The news headlines:

Ofcom consultation on updating the amateur radio licensing framework

RSGB Tonight@8 webinar

‘Fly Your Satellite!’ programme

An Ofcom consultation titled “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework” opened on Friday the 23rd of June 2023. According to Ofcom, the proposals set out in the consultation aim to “provide greater operating freedom for radio amateurs; and make the process of getting and using a licence simpler, clearer and more responsive.” The closing date for responses is the 4th of September 2023. All radio amateurs are strongly encouraged to read the consultation via Ofcom’s website directly. You can also find the consultation by visiting rsgb.org/licencereview and clicking the Ofcom logo. The RSGB will provide guidance on how to respond to the consultation via the same web page in due course. 

The next RSGB live Tonight@8 webinar will take place at 8pm on Monday the 3rd of July, with Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. Eric, who has written numerous amateur radio and electronics articles over the past 30 years, says that almost every ham radio station can benefit from a separate receiving antenna. Effective receiving antennas are optimised for best signal-to-noise ratio, not necessarily the greatest gain. Tune in to the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel to hear Eric discuss the countless interesting means of building high signal-to-noise ratio receiving antennas. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars

The ‘Fly Your Satellite!’ programme, initiated by the European Space Agency, presents an exciting challenge for radio amateurs and space enthusiasts worldwide to establish communication via the LEDSAT CubeSat digipeater. This unique opportunity invites participants to connect with the ESA Education Office ESTEC Ground Station in the Netherlands through the satellite digipeater, with a chance to win a special prize – a custom QSL card issued by the ESA Education Office and the LEDSAT team. Running from the 26th of June to the 30th of July, this challenge offers an exciting chance for radio enthusiasts to engage with space technology and demonstrate their communication skills. For more information go to the European Space Agency website at esa.int and search for “Connect and communicate with a satellite via the LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge.”

It was with profound shock and sadness that the RSGB learnt of the untimely loss, at the age of 49, of Mr Alexandre ‘Sasha’ Kholod, Chairman of the CEPT WRC-23 Conference Preparatory Group. Alex was head of international frequency planning for the Swiss regulator and was widely respected and influential in CEPT and ITU. Of note to amateurs is that he chaired CEPT Project Team C which led to the successful ITU Region 1 50MHz allocation for the amateur service at World Radio Conference 19 in November 2019. His warm and professional personality will be sadly missed.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Newbury Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 25th of June. The venue is Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There is a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors open to sellers at 8 am and visitors at 9 am. Ample free parking is available and entry for visitors is £3. A seller’s pitch costs £15. On-site catering and disabled facilities are available. For more information, email [email protected] and visit nadars.org.uk

The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue will be Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. Fo

GB2RS News

Sunday the 18th of June 2023

The news headlines:

His late Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan’s UK amateur radio equipment

Coding and amateur radio

RSGB Convention 2022 presentations

 

The Radio Society of Great Britain is delighted to announce that Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan has chosen to donate the UK amateur radio equipment of His late Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan to the Society. His Majesty was a great ambassador for amateur radio and, whenever his official duties allowed him, his radio callsign JY1 could be heard on the amateur bands. His Majesty always operated modestly, never announcing himself as King Hussein, always just ‘Hussein from Jordan’. A permanent display is being organised at the RSGB National Radio Centre so that the equipment can be used to help inspire people to get involved in amateur radio and promote communication, friendship and understanding throughout the many countries and cultures of the world. The RSGB extends its thanks to Her Majesty for this generous donation.

National Coding Week has been run for many years in the third week of September. Coding is used increasingly in amateur radio, and the BBC Micro:bit and the Arduino have made it easier for radio amateurs of all ages to discover more about this. As part of its commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the RSGB will be providing resources and creating coding activities for people to get involved in throughout the month of September. The Society is keen to hear from volunteers who have ideas for this initiative and would like to be part of it. Further details will follow but, if you’re interested, in the first instance please contact Exam and Syllabus Review Group member John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected]

The RSGB has released two further Convention 2022 presentations. In the first, Noel Matthews, G8GTZ provides an introduction to the challenges of operating on 122GHz and gives an overview of the VK3CV-designed transverter boards which have put operation within the reach of amateurs without requiring advanced electronic and mechanical engineering skills. He tells the story of how he and Dave, G1EHF used the boards to work up from their first QSO over 2km to breaking the UK record for 122GHz at 36.5kms. Secondly, in a presentation called “HF propagation – what do the numbers mean?” RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA unravels what terms such as Solar flux index, SSN, A and K index, and Solar Wind Speed mean and explains how to find the best HF conditions. You can watch both on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB

After serving for nine years, the RSGB Trophy Manager is retiring and the Society is looking for a new volunteer for this role. The position is part of the RSGB Volunteer Leadership Team, reporting to the Board. Working in close relationship with the three Contest Committees and the RSGB General Manager, the Trophy Manager looks after the RSGB’s trophies arranges for their engraving and presentation to recipients and maintains the trophies’ history. If you are interested in applying for the role or would like to find out more, please email [email protected]

The G-QRP Club is running a fun event called the Summer Sizzler from Saturday the 17th to Sunday the 25th of June. This is not a contest, rather it is a relaxed on-air QRP event. It is an ideal opportunity to meet and greet new and old friends, to test your latest homebrew creations and to fill the bands with friendly QRP activity. The best logbook for the event will win the inaugural GM3OXX trophy. This will be decided upon by adjudicators and will not necessarily be awarded to the entrant with the most contacts. Unusual or remarkable logbooks have just as much chance of winning. For more information visit gqrp.com/awards.htm

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets are running their popular radio communications event Exercise Blue Ham on the 60m shared band from the 19th

GB2RS News

Sunday the 11th of June 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB President's IRTS speech

Contest group map

Distance learning for Full licence exam

 

RSGB President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM received a warm welcome when he attended the IRTS AGM Gala Dinner recently. He talked about the challenges faced by national societies, as well as the success of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinars and online exams, which were introduced during the pandemic. John also stressed the importance of engaging young people in amateur radio, through the Society’s work with schools and universities. He is featured on page 10 of the June issue of Ham Radio Ireland Magazine.

As part of the RSGB’s new Club Finder facilities, the Society has launched an online map that shows affiliated contest-only clubs and groups. If you’d like to get involved in a group, you can use the map to search locally and more widely. Depending on the club entry you will be able to see which contests they participate in as well as their contact and website information. If you are part of an RSGB-affiliated contest group or club, please check your details and, if they need updating, log into the RSGB members’ portal. New information will be uploaded to the map every Friday afternoon. You can find the map on the RSGB’s contest web page at rsgb.org/radiosport

Since 2011, the Bath Based Distance Learning team has helped nearly one thousand students to obtain their Full licence. Student feedback is always very positive and the pass rate continues to be well over 80%, compared with a national average of around 66%. The BBDL team is now planning another Full-licence level course. The course will run from the end of August to December, with exams in January. Students receive weekly work packages via an online classroom and have access to weekly online tutorials. Each student is allocated to one of the remote tutors who provide feedback and additional guidance. There are weekly quizzes to check on progress and at the end of the course there are a number of mock exams. There is no charge for the training, but applicants must work through some pre-course material and complete a quiz to be eligible for a place. This focuses on the ‘new’ Intermediate topics that were introduced to the syllabus in 2019. The aims of the pre-course classroom are to make sure applicants can use the BBDL systems and to ensure that they are ready for the current Full training syllabus. Each student will need to provide their own RSGB Full licence textbook and arrange their own exam at the end of the course. Advice will be provided as part of the course. The deadline for course applications is Tuesday the 25th of July. To request full details and an application form, please email BBDL Team Leader, Steve, G0FUW, via [email protected]

International Museums on the Air will take place on the weekends of the 17th and 18th, and the 24th and 25th of June. A participation award will be issued to all stations that register. The registration process is simply to assist the organisers with the administration of the event and provides those taking part with an indication of how many stations will be active and exactly where the museums involved are located. To read more details about the event, and to register, please visit: tinyurl.com/MOTAW

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Mendips Rally is taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6TY. The entrance fee is £2. The doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. For bookings and enquiries please contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email [email protected]

The Junction 28 Radio Rally is also taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £4. There is a fee of £12 to book a table in advance. A bar and refreshments are available on-si

GB2RS News

Sunday the 4th of June 2023

The news headlines:

Volunteers’ Week

New edition of RadCom Basics

RSGB Emerging Technology Co-ordinating Committee

 

The RSGB is in the middle of celebrating Volunteers’ Week which runs from the 1st to the 7th of June. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Society and the RSGB wants to thank everyone who gives their time and expertise to support it, and amateur radio, across such a wide range of roles. Head over to the special web page at rsgb.org/volunteers-week to hear from just some of the RSGB’s volunteers, keep an eye on the RSGB’s social media channels and look out for the special feature in the July issue of RadCom.

The new edition of RSGB’s RadCom Basics is out now. It includes articles about using FT8 and the Reverse Beacons to gauge HF propagation; repairing circuit board tracks; a compact 160m vertical; basic fault-finding; and the doublet antenna. If you’re an RSGB member go to the website at rsgb.org/radcom-basics to read this issue. If you’d like to receive an email as soon as the latest RadCom Basics is available, log in to the RSGB Membership Services portal and go to the Manage Preferences section.

The Society is looking for a volunteer to join the RSGB Emerging Technology Co-ordinating Committee, or ETCC, to act as Regional Representative for the Central England region. The function of the ETCC is to assist radio amateurs seeking an NoV to operate repeaters, gateways or beacons within the UK. The successful applicant will have broad experience of radio system engineering, analogue and digital modes, local topography and propagation theory. If you’re interested in this role, email ETCC Chair Andrew Barrett, G8DOR by the 9th of July via [email protected] 

The RSGB National Radio Centre welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month and needs to expand its team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming an NRC volunteer, you should enjoy meeting people and be prepared to work a minimum of one – preferably two – days per month. The team is particularly interested in recruiting new volunteers who are able to work at the weekend. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information about volunteering, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]

Don’t forget to join the RSGB’s live Tonight@8 webinar this Monday, the 5th of June, when Mike Richards, G4WNC will be giving a live presentation on Node-RED for radio amateurs. Node-RED is a visual programming language that is very powerful but surprisingly easy to use. The language has matured over recent years and has the potential to be a valuable tool for radio amateurs. Watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars

The Worked All Britain group will be holding its AGM on Sunday the 11th of June at 12 pm. The venue will be the meeting room of Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. For further information contact Paul, M1AIB via: [email protected] or visit the Worked All Britain website.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

Spalding Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 4th of June. The venue is Holbeach United Youth Football Club, Pennyhill Road, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PR. The doors open at 10 am. Disabled access is available from 9.30 am. Admittance is £3. The event will feature a car boot area, catering, a flea market and trade stands. For more information Contact Graham, G8NWC on 07754 619 701, email [email protected] or visit: sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally

The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Summer Rally will take place on Saturday the 10th of June. The venue will be Sai

GB2RS News

Sunday the 28th of May 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Tonight@8 webinar

RSGB Beaconnect loop experiments

RSGB School Zone web page

 

On Monday the 5th of June, the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar will feature Mike Richards, G4WNC who will give a presentation on Node-RED for radio amateurs. Node-RED is a visual programming language that is very powerful but surprisingly easy to use. The language has matured over recent years and has the potential to be a valuable tool for radio amateurs. In this talk, Mike will provide an introduction to Node-RED programming techniques. He will conclude with a live demonstration to show just how easy it can be to add extra facilities to your rig. Watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars

Three weekends have been identified for some RSGB Beaconnect loop experiments. On the 3rd and 4th of June, there will be some regional loops and nets. On the 10th and 11th of June, there will be an England-only loop and net based round the activators who have registered for Beaconnect callsigns so far, but the Society would welcome new activators in the West of England and East Anglia. Finally, on the 24th and 25th of June there will be an attempt at a multiple nations loop, although to do so the Society will need activators in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to join in with these activities, register for a Beaconnect callsign via the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/coronation and choose the Beaconnect information page.

The RSGB’s School Zone web page brings together radio amateurs in schools and colleges. The Society wants to help people to share their experience and expertise in establishing and running a radio club for young people. The RSGB has just launched a new page as part of this section called ‘School Zone stories’ where it is highlighting some of the great amateur radio activities that are happening in these, and other, schools. If you’re a school with an amateur radio club and want to be added to the list, or a radio amateur or club that is linking with local schools, the RSGB would love to add your information and stories to School Zone. Go to rsgb.org/school-zone to find out more, or send your stories and photos to [email protected]

Have you seen the RSGB Live News web page? It brings together the Society’s social media feeds, latest YouTube videos and front-page news in one place. Launched a few years ago, people found it very useful, so the RSGB is highlighting it again now for those who have become radio amateurs or returned to amateur radio more recently. Take a look at rsgb.org/live for a taster and then go to the individual comms channels to find out more.

The Worked All Britain group will be holding its AGM on Sunday the 11th of June at 12pm. The venue will be the meeting room of Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. For further information contact Paul, M1AIB via: [email protected] or visit the Worked All Britain website.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 28th of May. The venue is Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors are open from 10.10 am to 2.30 pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. Admittance is £2. There is a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar are available on-site. For more information, contact Michael Wright, G7TWX on 07826 924 192, or on email via [email protected]

Spalding Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 4th of June. The venue will be Holbeach United Youth Football Club, Pennyhill Road, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PR. The doors open at 10 am. Disabled access is available from 9.30 am. Admittance is £3. The event will feature a car boot area, catering, a flea market and trade stands. For

GB2RS News

Sunday the 21st of May 2023

The news headlines:

Youngsters on the Air camp

RSGB Board appointment

RadCom Basics Editor

 

The RSGB has announced the team of young members who will be representing the Society and the UK at this summer’s Youngsters on the Air camp. The event, hosted by the Hungarian Radio Amateur Society MRASZ, will take place in Gyor, Hungary between the 5th  and the 12th of August. The team is made up of team leader Alexander, 2E0FMZ and members Henry-James, M7HJR; Hannah, M7YYQ and Jake, M7JNS. You can read more about the camp and the team on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary

The RSGB Board has decided to co-opt Ian Shepherd, G4EVK as a Board Director until the 2024 AGM. Please see the Board’s explanation of this appointment on the Society’s website at thersgb.org/go/boardcoopt

The RSGB is sad to report that RadCom Basics Editor Lee Aldridge, G4EJB wishes to retire later this year. The RSGB thanks Lee for all his hard work and effort in the making of RadCom Basics. If you are interested in taking on the role of RadCom Basics Editor, please email [email protected]

Last year, the RSGB was approached by the BBC to find experts to contribute to its planned series ‘The Secret Genius of Modern Life’. For episode one, which takes a look at the bank card, Neil Smith, G4DBN re-created the Great Seal Bug – a wooden seal, gifted to the US embassy in Moscow in 1945, and which contained a covert listening device. The technology developed for the bug was an early example of RFID, which is what allows contactless card payments to work. Neil has now released a series of fascinating videos on his YouTube channel which explain the history of the Bug as well as the mechanical design and machining needed to re-create it. You can find the videos in Neil’s playlist on ‘Machining and Microwaves’ and you can watch the original BBC Two programme on BBC Sounds – this episode is available for a further seven months.

The RSGB National Radio Centre welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month and needs to expand its team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming an NRC volunteer, you should enjoy meeting people and be prepared to work a minimum of one – preferably two – days per month. The team is particularly interested in recruiting new volunteers who are able to work at the weekend. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information about volunteering, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]

Interest in QRP activity is as strong as ever in the worldwide amateur radio community. QRP activity showcases the ability of radio amateurs to communicate using low power and helps to reduce QRM on amateur bands. This year, QRP Day will be held on the 17th of June. More information is available via the IARU website: iaru.org

 

And now for details of rallies and events

RetrotechUK, hosted by the British Vintage Wireless Society, is taking place today, the 21st of May. The venue is Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. This large annual vintage technology fair features around 200 indoor stalls. Private sellers, clubs and dealers are offering vintage items, including radio, television, hi-fi, vinyl, 78s, gramophones, telephones, communications equipment, spare parts, and much more. There is also a bring-and-buy area and free parking available. The event is open to everyone and general admission from 10.30 am is £10. Early entry from 9 am costs £25. For more details contact Jeremy, G8MLK via email at [email protected], by phone at 07799 110 080, or visit retrotechuk.com

The Dunstable Downs Radio Club Annual National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale is also taking place today, the 21st of May. The venue is Sto

GB2RS News

Sunday the 14th of May 2023

The news headlines:

Coronation activities

RSGB Trophy Manager

Women in Engineering Day

 

Although the Coronation itself has taken place, the RSGB’s Coronation activities run until the end of June. After the successful Special Special Event Station run by Cray Valley Amateur Radio Society, the GB23C callsign is now open for individual radio amateurs and clubs to use. You can find out how to register via the GB23C web page on the RSGB website. You can also get involved in Beaconnect using one of the hundreds of callsigns that Ofcom has made available for this activity. RSGB District Representative Martyn, M0TEB activated GB23BIR with Furness Amateur Radio Society and said the callsign attracted a lot of interest, so they would encourage others to get involved too! You can also download a special Coronation QSL card and work towards three different RSGB Coronation awards. Details of all of these activities are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coronation

After serving for nine years, the RSGB Trophy Manager is retiring and the Society is looking for a new volunteer for this role. The position is part of the RSGB Volunteer Leadership Team, reporting to the Board. Working in close relationship with the three Contest Committees and the RSGB General Manager, the Trophy Manager looks after the RSGB’s trophies arranges for their engraving and presentation to recipients and maintains the trophies’ history. If you are interested in applying for the role or would like to find out more, please email [email protected]

We know that amateur radio is a great foundation for STEM careers. With that in mind, why not help the RSGB celebrate International Women in Engineering Day this June? The Society would love to share your stories of women in engineering roles to inspire future generations. If you, or a girl or woman you know, aspire to work in engineering, are currently working as an engineer or are retired from the profession, do get in touch with the RSGB comms team. Please send a photo and a brief story to [email protected] by Monday 22 May.

Don’t forget that the RSGB’s May Tonight@8 webinar will be live tomorrow, Monday the 15th of May. Watch the live stream and ask questions as Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY talk about the T41-EP ALPS: A High-Performance CW Decoder.

This a reminder now that Mills on the Air is taking place this weekend. There are plenty of stations on the air, so why not give them a call? For more information, visit the www.ddars.net website or contact [email protected]

Pubs and Clubs on the Air is also taking place this weekend. Today is the last chance to work stations from all over the UK that are active for the event. For more information, email [email protected] or visit the g6tw.co.uk website.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Braehead Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 14th of May. The venue is Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew G51 4BN. Free parking will be available. The doors open for everyone at 10 am and admission is £4. The event will feature Bring and Buy and the Central Scotland Repeater Group AGM. For more information and contact details visit www.braeheadradiorally.com

RetrotechUK, hosted by the British Vintage Wireless Society, will take place on Sunday the 21st of May. The venue will be Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. This large annual vintage technology fair will feature up to 200 indoor stalls. Private sellers, clubs and dealers will offer vintage items, including radio, television, hi-fi, vinyl, 78s, gramophones, telephones, communications equipment, spare parts, and much more. There will also be a bring-and-buy area and free parking available. The event is open to everyone and general admission from 10.30 am is £10. Early entry from 9 am costs £25. For more details contact Jeremy, G8MLK via email on [email protected], by phone on 07799 110 080, or visit www

GB2RS News

Sunday the 7th of May 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Coronation activities

RSGB insurance

Tonight@8 webinar

 

The RSGB has released some updates about its planned Coronation activities. Firstly, a personalised RSGB Coronation QSL card is now available on the Coronation web pages. You can simply enter your callsign and print it off. Following the recent issue of GB23BAA to BZZ by Ofcom, the Beaconnect activity registration is now open. If you go to the Beaconnect web page you will find the registration section which will guide you through the process. Finally, it is now possible for individual radio amateurs and clubs to register to use the GB23C callsign between the 10th of May to the 30th of June. Details can be found on the GB23C web page. For further information on these and all the other Coronation activities being led by the RSGB, go to rsgb.org/coronation

RSGB club insurance, and beacon and repeater insurance, have now been renewed for the year to April 2024. Club insurance certificates can be downloaded from the RSGB website. You will need to log in to obtain your certificate. Beacon and repeater insurance certificates are available for an admin fee of £12 from the RSGB shop. Please allow a couple of days after renewal for your certificate to be dispatched.

The RSGB’s May Tonight@8 webinar is not in its usual slot on the first Monday of the month. To accommodate the two Bank Holidays, the live webinar will be on Monday the 15th of May instead. Put the date in your diary for an interesting presentation by Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY on the T41-EP ALPS: A High Performance CW Decoder.

Matthew, M0MZB from Calder Bridge in Cumbria, has become a SOTA Mountain Goat in impressive style. He reached the 1,000 activation point threshold with an overnight activation of High Stile G/LD-012 in the English Lake District. Matthew set up overnight camp on the summit of the long ridge above the western shore of Lake Buttermere. He operated both on VHF and HF and made a summit-to-summit contact with Alex Hill, G7KSE who was on the Dent summit, G/LD-045. Since getting involved in Summits on the Air, Matthew's expeditions have left many radio amateurs in awe. He has conducted many multi-summit expeditions without motorised transport, traversing between summits entirely on foot or by bicycle. Upon reaching the coveted Mountain Goat status, Matthew commented: "SOTA has given me new ideas for my little expeditions and has put me in touch with lots of new friends. The challenge of Mountain Goat has included many facets, from learning CW to antenna building, from battery technology to fishing poles." For more information about Summits on the Air visit www.sota.org.uk 

Pubs and Clubs on the Air is taking place on the 12th, 13th and 14th of May. If you or your radio club or society is interested in taking part and operating a station, please email [email protected] or visit the g6tw.co.uk website.

Mills on the Air Weekend will take place on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of May. For more information, or to register to take part, visit www.ddars.net or contact [email protected]

 

And now for details of rallies and events

Thorpe Camp Hamfest Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 7th of May. The venue is Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre and the entrance fee is £4 per person. The rally is taking place from 9 am to 1 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available on-site. For more information phone Sylvia or Anthony at 07956 654 481.

Dartmoor Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 7th of May at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. The usual bring-and-buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking are available. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £2.50. For more information contact Roger by phone at 07854 088 882, or email via [email protected]

The Braehead Rally will take place on Sunday the 14th of May. The venue will be Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew