GB2RS

GB2RS News

Sunday the 30th of April 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Coronation activities

RSGB Membership portal

High-altitude balloon launch

 

As the Coronation weekend approaches, don’t forget all the amateur radio activities that are being organised by the RSGB to mark this special event. Ofcom has kindly agreed that UK and Crown Dependency radio amateurs may use the “R” prefix in their callsigns during May and June 2023 – just apply for the Notice of Variation via the RSGB website. The RSGB has also created three new awards you can achieve for taking part in Coronation activities. In addition, the callsign GB23C can be used by individuals and clubs from the 10th of May until the end of June, and there is a special Beaconnect activity throughout May and June. Details of how to get involved with either of these will be announced soon on the RSGB website. Finally, there are ideas for outreach activities for use with people of all ages. Go to rsgb.org/coronation for more information.

Are you an RSGB member? Have you logged into your online membership portal recently? It is important to check your personal information and ensure your preferences are up to date. You can also opt into receiving a number of direct benefits such as the weekly email GB2RS newsletter and notifications about RadCom Plus and RadCom Basics. A new option is to receive emails about the RSGB’s online events click on that and make sure you don’t miss out! Log into the RSGB membership portal via rsgb.org/members or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

hi-impact, based on the Wirral, is planning another high-altitude balloon launch. This one will feature on the team’s live-stream platform and be viewed by a number of schools across the UK and beyond. The team is planning to launch two high-altitude balloons. One will be running with a HABDuino and the other with some help from AmbaSat, using LoRA. The HABDuino side will be running on the standard setup – 434.650MHz USB, 50 Baud RTTY, 450Hz Shift, 7N1 data format and with the callsign ‘hi-impact’. If you're planning to upload telemetry to SondeHub, you'll need Dave Akerman's HABBase software and Fldigi. The launch, from Cilcewydd in Wales, will be between 11 and 11.15 am on Wednesday the 3rd of May. More information can be found on hi-impact’s Facebook page and on Twitter via @hiimpactconsult

The RSGB is seeking to recruit a new Technical Editor for RadCom. Reporting to the Managing Editor, the successful candidate will need a wide range of radio and electronic knowledge, including amateur radio. The RSGB is looking for someone who is positive, enthusiastic about technology, has an excellent command of English and has a good eye for detail. For more information about the role and how to apply, see rsgb.org/careers

 

And now for details of rallies and events

Ripon Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 30th of April, at Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PT. Traders can gain access from 7 am and tables are £12 each. Doors open to the public from 10 am and entrance is £3 per person. For more information and directions visit g4sjm.co.uk

Thorpe Camp Hamfest Rally will take place on Sunday the 7th of May. The venue will be Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre and the entrance fee will be £4 per person. Traders should arrive from 7 am. The rally will take 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 will take place on Sunday the 7th of May at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking available. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £2.50. For more information contact Roger by phone on 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 G51

GB2RS News

Sunday the 23rd of April 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Coronation activities

RSGB AGM announcements and videos

RSGB Board Chair

 

The RSGB is delighted that Ofcom has confirmed that the callsign GB23C can be used for the RSGB’s Coronation Special Special Event Station. Cray Valley Radio Society members led by Bob, M0MCV and Dave, G4BUO are organising the flagship amateur radio station that will use this callsign from the 3rd to the 8th of May. The Special Special Event Station will be on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, along the riverside in Greenwich. From the 10th of May onwards, the callsign will be available for individuals and clubs to use until the end of June 2023, and further details about this will be announced shortly. Ofcom has also kindly agreed to a block of 676 Special Special Event Station callsigns for the RSGB’s Be a Connect activity for the Coronation. These are GB23BAA to BZZ, which will be available throughout May and June. More details on how to obtain one of these will be given next week, but meanwhile, you may wish to find a beacon site you could activate one or more times for this event. Finally, if you are planning outreach activities with local clubs and groups, take a look at the paper circuit template the RSGB has just shared on its website – go to rsgb.org/coronation and choose the coronation activity ideas tab in the right-hand menu.

The RSGB’s AGM was held online last Saturday, the 15th of April. If you missed the live event, you can see the results of the elections and follow links to the trophy awards and the construction competition winners on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/agm. You can also catch up on the full live stream or watch individual sections on the Society’s YouTube channel. The RSGB has released separate videos of the outgoing President’s review of 2022, its new short Convention promo, and the interesting presentation about preparing the GB2RS propagation reports by the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair, Steve Nichols, G0KYA. You can see them all in the RSGB 2023 AGM playlist on YouTube via youtube.com/theRSGB  

Following the RSGB AGM on Saturday the 15th of April, a brief Board meeting was held to consider necessary appointments. The Board was aware that Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, who had been in a dual role since the recent resignation of Richard Horton, G4AOJ, had expressed a willingness to continue as Chair if required. It was agreed that Stewart should be co-opted to the Board under the terms of Article 37 and was asked to join the meeting. Stewart was then elected unanimously to serve as RSGB Board Chair until the 2024 AGM.

This a reminder now that SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at midnight on the 1st of May and concludes at midnight on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independent lifeboat and coastal rescue groups. Individual amateur radio operators and clubs are invited to register to become an official SOS Radio Week station and operate under their own callsign, their club’s or a special event callsign to raise awareness of the great work these volunteers perform. Awards are available for registered stations that make the most contacts on each of the 160m to 70cm bands and using various modes. Registration is now open and further details can be found at sosradioweek.org.uk

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Rally, also known as both the ‘NARSA Rally’ and the ‘Blackpool Rally’, is taking place today, Sunday the 23rd. The venue is Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool FY2 9AA. For more details contact Dave, M0OBW on 01270 761 608, email [email protected] or visit narsa.org

GB2RS News

Sunday the 16th of April 2023

The news headlines:

Nominated Board Director Vacancy

Regional Forum Facebook pages

SOS Radio Week

 

If you are an RSGB Member you still have time to apply for the RSGB Nominated Board Director vacancy. The RSGB needs a strong and effective Board and this could be your opportunity to be part of that. The deadline for applications is Monday the 17th of April. To find out more, go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers or, for an informal discussion, please email Nominations Committee Chair Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected]

The RSGB Regional Forum has created Facebook pages for each of the 13 regions. These pages focus on regional amateur radio communities and are moderated by members of the RSGB Regional Team. Whilst the pages share a similar style, they are very different in content. Selected posts are created by the RSGB moderators to maintain some news content from the RSGB, but the main content comes from clubs, individual licensees and also event organisers in those regions. The pages also provide a forum where anyone can ask for help with any part of the hobby. Clubs are positively encouraged to post news and events on the pages. You can find them on Facebook by searching for ‘RSGB Region’ and the number of your local region, for example, ‘RSGB Region 1’.

SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at midnight on the 1st of May and concludes at midnight on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independent lifeboat and coastal rescue groups. Individual amateur radio operators and clubs are invited to register to become an official SOS Radio Week station and operate under their own callsign, their club’s or a special event callsign to raise awareness of the great work these volunteers perform. Awards are available for registered stations that make the most contacts on each of the 160m to 70cm bands and using various modes. Registration is now open and further details can be found at sosradioweek.org.uk

The outgoing RSGB President Stewart Bryant, G3YSX and the incoming RGSB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will be at the NARSA rally in Blackpool on Sunday the 23rd of April. This is a great opportunity to meet John, have a chat and welcome him to his role. There will also be an official handover of the presidential chain on the stage area at the Norbreck Hotel. Find out more about the rally via the event website at narsa.org.uk

Tuesday the 18th of April is World Amateur Radio Day. The IARU is excited to mark the occasion, and the 98th anniversary of its founding, with an event to promote the United Nations Human Security for All initiative, also known as ‘HS4A’. Special event stations have been operating since the 11th of April and will be available to work until the last week of April. For more information visit iaru.org and choose ‘On the Air’ from the menu options.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of April. The venue is Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors opened at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally features a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website.

The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of April. The venue is Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There is plenty of parking, wheelchair access and full catering available. The doors open

GB2RS News

Sunday the 9th of April 2023

The news headlines:

The RSGB’s Annual General Meeting

RSGB Convention Presentations

Ofcom Plan of Work for the 2023-24 year

The RSGB’s Annual General Meeting will be held online on Saturday the 15th of April. As well as the formal business of the meeting, there will be an announcement of the results of the Board Director elections. The President will give a video review of 2022 and the Society will announce the recipients of its annual awards and trophies, as well as the winners of its construction competition. At the end of the meeting, there will be a live presentation by RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA who will look at the methods used to create the propagation report for GB2RS, including HF, VHF and Moon bounce. This year you will be able to ask questions at the AGM via the live chat on YouTube but if you have a question about the formal business, you must submit this in advance. If you are an RSGB member, don’t forget to vote for the two candidates that you would like to see as Board Directors for the next two years. You can find out more about each of them on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/candidates and then there is a link at the top and the bottom of the page to cast your vote. Read their personal statements, watch the videos and see if their background, skills and aspirations match your view of what the Society needs. The decision concerning who to vote for is entirely yours, but please do vote – it only takes a few minutes and will help to ensure that the RSGB Board reflects your views. You can find full details about the AGM on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/agm

Over the Easter weekend, the RSGB will release two more presentations from its 2022 Convention. David Stansfield, G0EVV talks about the challenge and thrill of operating portable from mountain summits, whilst Olof Lundberg, G0CKV shares experiences from his DXpeditions to 3B8. Subscribe to the RSGB YouTube channel so you will be alerted when each presentation is available – go to youtube.com/theRSGB and subscribe!

Ofcom has published a Statement on its proposed Plan of Work for the 2023 to 2024 year. The Statement describes plans for a review of amateur licensing arrangements. According to the document, consultation on the work is planned for the first quarter of the year. A subsequent statement is scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year. Once more details are available, the RSGB will review the consultation and provide guidance to UK amateurs on how to respond to Ofcom. To read the Statement in full visit www.ofcom.org.uk and choose the ‘Latest news’ option from the ‘News centre’ tab at the top of the page.

The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on Monday the 17th of April for an essential upgrade to the radio equipment. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause.

And now for details of rallies and events

Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected]

The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website.

The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale will also take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There will be plenty of parking

GB2RS News

Sunday the 2nd of April 2023

The news headlines:

March 2023 edition of RadCom Basics

Coronation activities

Nominated Director vacancy

 

The March 2023 edition of RadCom Basics is now available on the RSGB website for Members to read. It is for new licensees or anyone who wants an introduction to a different aspect of amateur radio. This edition features articles which cover: QRP operating, an introduction to Andy’s Ham Radio Linux software, basic fault finding and how to have fun on the 10m band. To read RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics

The RSGB has just published a new section on its website with further details of its Coronation celebration activities. More information will be added over the coming weeks so do check back for updates. Go to rsgb.org/coronation to find out more.

The resignation of Richard Horton, G4AOJ has left an RSGB Board vacancy for a Nominated Director. The Society needs to embrace new methods of working to help meet the changing needs of the amateur community. Candidates with experience in change management, for example, would be welcomed. The RSGB needs a strong and effective Board; this could be your opportunity to be part of that. To find out more, go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers or, for an informal discussion, please email Nominations Committee Chair Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected]

The RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar series continues this Monday the 3rd of April with a presentation called “Sheep Worrier: A High Altitude Balloon Flight and Recovery System” by Heather Nickalls, M0HMO. Heather will cover an introduction to flying High Altitude Balloons, the radio systems involved, some science experiments she did on her flights, the recovery system developed to help find the payload when it lands and, of course, lots of pictures from ‘almost’ the edge of space. You can ask questions live during the presentation via the RSGB YouTube channel or the special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars

Matthew Smith, M0VWS is moving on from his role as RadCom Technical Editor to pursue other opportunities. The RSGB thanks Matthew for all his work and wishes him well for the future. The RSGB is now seeking to recruit a new Technical Editor for RadCom. Reporting to the Managing Editor, the successful candidate will need a wide range of radio and electronic knowledge, including amateur radio. The RSGB is looking for someone positive, enthusiastic about technology, has an excellent command of English and has a good eye for detail. For more information about the role and how to apply, see rsgb.org/careers

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hanger Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 2nd of April. The venue is Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. The sale includes electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.hackgreen.co.uk

Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected]

The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website.

The Holsworthy

GB2RS News

Sunday the 26th of March 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Elections

RSGB Membership and communications

Coronation regional secondary locator

 

If you are an RSGB Member, don’t forget to vote for the two candidates that you would like to see as Board Directors for the next two years. You can find out more about each of them on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/candidates and then there is a link at the top and the bottom of the page to cast your vote. Read their personal statements, watch the videos and see if their background, skills and aspirations match your view of what the Society needs. The decision about who to vote for is entirely yours, but please do vote – it only takes a few minutes and will help to ensure that the RSGB Board reflects your views. 

As the RSGB continues to expand the use of its new Membership and management systems, it will make greater use of electronic communications to advise Members of important changes to their fees, benefits and offers as well as to send notifications for important publications and events. If you are an RSGB Member, please remember to keep your preferences and personal information up to date, including your callsign and email address, by logging into the Society’s Membership portal via rsgb.org/members or by contacting [email protected]

As part of our Coronation celebration activities, Ofcom has approved “R” as the optional Coronation regional secondary locator prefix for all UK radio amateurs to use during May and June 2023. You will need to apply for a Notice of Variation – or NoV – and the form is now available on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov

A group of radio amateurs in Jersey will be using a special event callsign GB3KCJ as part of the Coronation celebrations. An opportunity exists for groups in each of the UK Nations who have a regional secondary locator, and the Crown Dependencies, to apply for similar special event callsigns. Applications for special event callsigns can be made through the Ofcom web portal, as usual. Using the same format as the Jersey special event station callsign, applicants might consider the following if they are available: Scotland: GB3KCM; Wales: GB3KCW; Northern Ireland: GB3KCI; Guernsey: GB3KCU; and the Isle of Man: GB3KCD.

The RSGB’s Tonight@8 summer programme begins on Monday the 15th of May when Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY will talk about “The T41-EP ALPS: A High-Performance CW Decoder”. Jack and Al collaborated to build the T41-EP, a seven-band, 20W, CW/SSB SDR transceiver but this presentation is chiefly about how they developed the high-performance CW decoder. The two were awarded the RSGB’s Bennett Prize in 2021 for their article on their “Double-Double Magnetic Loop” antenna article in the February 2020 issue of RadCom. Full details of all the webinars in the summer programme are on our website – there are some great topics, so take a look and put the dates in your diary! Go to rsgb.org/webinars to find out more.

If you are an RSGB Member who is interested in online webinars and events, don’t miss out! Log into the RSGB Members’ portal, choose the preferences tab and click the online events option. The RSGB will be using this mailing list in future to send out details of forthcoming online events, for example, the packed programme of Tonight@8 live webinars that are booked until July. Go to rsgb.org/members

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hanger Sale will take place on Sunday the 2nd of April. The venue will be Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. The sale will include electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.hackgreen.co.uk

Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admis

GB2RS News

Sunday the 19th of March 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB AGM and Elections

RSGB Board vacancy for a Nominated Director

Tonight@8 Webinar

 

Voting for candidates in the RSGB elections is now open. On the Society’s website, you can see details about the Calling Notice, Resolutions, elected Board Director candidate statements and video interviews, as well as the voting process and a link to vote. Voting ends at 9 am on Thursday the 13th of April. The RSGB will be holding its AGM online this year on Saturday the 15th of April and will live stream the event. This year, RSGB Members have the opportunity to submit written questions in advance or to ask questions via the live chat on YouTube during the AGM. You can read further information in the April RadCom and on the Society’s website at www.rsgb.org/agm

The resignation of Richard Horton, G4AOJ has left an RSGB Board vacancy for a Nominated Director. The Society needs to embrace new methods of working to help meet the changing needs of the amateur community. Candidates with experience in change management, for example, would be welcomed. The RSGB needs a strong and effective Board; this could be your opportunity to be part of that. To find out more go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers or for an informal discussion please email Nominations Committee Chair Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected]

The RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar series continues on Monday the 3rd of April with a presentation called “Sheep Worrier: A High Altitude Balloon Flight and Recovery System” by Heather Nickalls, M0HMO. Heather will cover an introduction to flying High Altitude Balloons, the radio systems involved, some science experiments she did on her flights, the recovery system developed to help find the payload when it lands and, of course, lots of pictures from ‘almost’ the edge of space. You can ask questions live during the presentation via the RSGB YouTube channel or a special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars

Barry Lewis, G4SJH, the RSGB’s Microwave Manager, is the IARU Lead on WRC23 AI9.1b.  He reports that the IARU has carried out the only statistical study regarding the WRC-related 23cm Galileo issue. You can read more information about it on the IARU Region 1 website at iaru-r1.org The post includes links to the background and updates on the developments.

The RSGB has received a statement from National Hamfest (Lincoln) Ltd confirming that, due to several factors, there will not be a National Hamfest event in 2023. The organisers of the event say that there will be a bigger and better event next year at Newark Showground on the 27th and 28th of September 2024. To read the full statement from National Hamfest (Lincoln) Ltd visit nationalhamfest.org.uk

And now for details of rallies and events

The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hanger Sale will take place on Sunday the 2nd of April. The venue will be Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. The sale will include electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.hackgreen.co.uk

Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected]

The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For mo

GB2RS News

Sunday the 12th of March 2023

The news headlines:

YOTA Summer Camp in Hungary

Saint Patrick's Day Award Event

RSGB Company Secretary

 

Applications are open to be part of the RSGB team going to the Youngsters on the Air summer camp in Hungary. The event will take place from the 5th to the 12th of August 2023. This is a chance in a lifetime for young RSGB Members to represent their country and national society. You could be a team member if you are aged between 15 and 25, or a team leader if you are aged between 18 and 30. We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in meeting other young amateurs, supporting local and regional YOTA activities, and developing ideas regarding the future of amateur radio. For more information and the application form, either head over to our website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary or email the Youth Champion Liam Robbins, G5LDR via [email protected]

The annual Saint Patrick's Day Award Event takes place over a 48-hour period from 1200UTC on the 16th of March to 1200UTC on the 18th of March to allow worldwide participation in all time zones. The Saint Patrick's Day Award is 48 hours of non-competitive fun. Everyone can participate in the event, whether they are licensed or not. You can register to be a participating station by completing a short registration form online at stpatricksaward.com

The RSGB is looking to recruit an RSGB Member for the voluntary position of Company Secretary. The position plays a key role in the Society’s governance and provides vital support in the running of Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting. The deadline for applications is Monday the 24th of April. You can find out more about the role on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers If you feel you have the necessary skills to fulfil this important role or would like more information, email the General Manager’s department via [email protected]

The RSGB has released two more 2022 Convention presentations for radio amateurs to enjoy. In “Antennas for an effective contest station” Lee Volante, M0MTN reviews many of the options available to the HF contester when making antenna choices. He considers how antenna type, height, location and available resources have to be balanced with the type of contest and a contester's personal goals. The “Further exploration of SDR” by Gordon Lean, G3WJ covers the design and performance of Software Defined Radio systems from direct carrier generation to the use of units incorporating the GNU-Radio design software. It also focuses on experience and actual use of equipment on all bands from 80m to 10GHz and some of the benefits and difficulties associated with SDR operation. You can watch them both on the RSGB YouTube channel or in the RSGB members’ portal at rsgb.org/videos

GB3ORK, the Orkney Islands 5MHz beacon has closed down following the expiry of its Notice of Variation. It was the last of a chain of three beacons that once provided a wealth of data for the “5MHz Experiment” prior to the band being formally allocated. The RSGB thanks its keeper for the time and dedication given.

On Tuesday the 14th of March 2023, the Radio Security Service Memorial Amateur Radio Society will be enjoying a talk by Brian Clarke about his experiences in working at Gilnahirk Listening Station, part of the Y Station network. This is a pre-recorded talk, but Brian will be present to take questions at the end of the talk, which runs for about 45 minutes. The talk will be via Zoom and anyone is free to attend. For more information contact Roger Bradley, MI0WWB via [email protected]

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The British Vintage Wireless Society Meet is taking place in Biggleswade today, Sunday the 12th of March. The venue will be the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. The event will feature traders selling vintage radios and TVs, and components including valves and test gear. There will be a large bring-and-buy area and r

GB2RS News

Sunday the 5th of March 2023

The news headlines:

New GB2RS broadcast

Tonight@8 webinar

Train the trainers course

 

We’re pleased to announce a new West Midlands GB2RS broadcast on the 4m band. Eddie, G0VVT, already broadcasts each Sunday evening from Stoke-on-Trent on 2m FM, 6m FM via GB3SX and on 70cm both simplex and via the GB7ST DMR repeater. He has now added 4m to his schedule. So, if you are in the area, please join him at 6 pm local time on 70.425MHz FM. You can download the full GB2RS broadcast schedule from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule

Don’t forget the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar tomorrow, Monday the 6th of March. Barry Lewis, G4SJH, the RSGB’s Microwave Manager, will talk about contesting in the microwave and millimetre wave bands at 23cm and above. You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or a special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars

The Train the Trainers course is designed to help amateur radio trainers deliver interesting and engaging courses. It imparts some of the latest best practices in education from front-line teachers in a fun and friendly environment. Further details are available on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/train-the-trainers The team would like to apologise for any late replies to emails received following its December announcement of Train the Trainers courses for 2023, which was due to personal circumstances beyond its control. If you are interested in attending a Train the Trainers course or are a club that can host a course during 2023, then please contact the team by emailing [email protected] The team needs 25 delegates to make a course viable and have already received offers of venues in Essex, Bristol and Livingston in Scotland. So, if you are in or around one of these areas and would like to attend a course, the team would particularly like to hear from you.

The RSGB has just launched a new video called “2022 – a year in numbers”. It links with the March RadCom feature which gave an overview of the continuing amateur radio success story of 2022, in which RSGB HQ staff often led the way. You can watch the video on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB In the April RadCom you will be able to read in detail the work of the RSGB committees and other specialist volunteers.

After the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Northern Syria on the 21st of February, BBC’s Digital Planet spoke to Aziz Şasa, TA1E, who is the President of the Turkish Amateur Radio Association. Aziz explained the vital role of amateur radio as a key communication method in the region. He also talked about how radio amateurs were aiding relief efforts and the use of repeaters for VHF and UHF frequencies. You can hear the interview on BBC Sounds – go to bbc.co.uk/sounds and search for “Data in disaster zones”. The interview starts two minutes and forty seconds into the broadcast.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 5th of March. The venue for the event will be America Hall, De la Rue Way, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8PW. The doors will open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10.15 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £3. Entry for those under 16 is free. There will be trade stands and bring and buy.

The South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society Junk Sale will take place next Saturday the 11th of March at the  Railway Club, Grantham, NG31 7AU. Doors open for traders at 8 am. Traders are asked to bring their own table. Doors are open to the public between 9.30 am and 1 pm. Admission for traders is £5, and for the public £1. Refreshments will be available on-site. Contact Stewart, M0SDM for more details via [email protected]

The British Vintage Wireless Society Meet will take place in Biggleswade on Sunday the 12th of March. The venue will be the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. The eve

GB2RS News

Sunday the 26th of February 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Board Update

New RSGB Youth Champion

Celebrating BBC Broadcasting in Scotland

 

The RSGB President Stewart Bryant, G3YSX has reported that due to the workload of the Board and the number of remaining members, the Board thought it prudent to ask Ian Shepherd, G4EVK to re-join the RSGB Board as a co-opted Director until the AGM. After the AGM and the elections, the Board will look at its membership and will likely make further co-options. The RSGB Company Secretary fulfils an important role in the AGM proceedings and so Stephen Purser, GW4SHF was asked to return to this role until the AGM, whilst the Society appoints a new Company Secretary through the usual process. If you are an RSGB Member and would be willing to undertake the duties of RSGB Company Secretary, or if you would like further information about the role, please contact the General Manager’s department via [email protected]

Liam Robbins, G5LDR has been appointed as the RSGB’s new Youth Champion. He gained his Foundation licence in 2021 and his Full licence in late 2022. Liam plans to encourage the use of amateur radio with local Scouts and he is also keen to revive radio societies at universities and colleges. He is eager to work with younger radio amateurs and to engage with outreach programmes that clubs are already running. Liam is looking forward to working with the current RSGB Youth Team. You can email him at [email protected]

At 7 pm on the 6th of March 1923, BBC broadcasting in Scotland officially began. The studio was housed in a small attic apartment at Rex House in Bath Street, Glasgow, and the transmitter at Port Dundas. Using 1.5kW on 722kHz, the station was allocated the callsign 5SC. This year, 100 years to the day, the BBC Amateur Radio Group will be celebrating the anniversary with a special event callsign GB5SC. The operation will take place on the 4th, 5th and 6th of March, from the present BBC Pacific Quay headquarters, using HF, VHF, UHF and QO-100. The BBC club team is being joined by operators from the West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society. For more information, visit the GB5SC page at QRZ.COM and the wosars. club website.

The next RSGB Tonight@8 live webinar takes place on Monday the 6th of March. Barry Lewis G4SJH, RSGB Microwave Manager, will talk about contesting in the microwave and millimetre wave bands at 23cm and above. He’ll cover the frequency bands, contest activity sessions, special rules and equipment needed. Although similar to VHF and UHF contesting, the microwave and millimetre wave bands bring additional challenges which will be discussed, along with the awards and trophies that can be won. You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel. Find out more on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars

This is a final call for entries in the RSGB Construction Competition as the deadline is this Wednesday, the 1st of March. The four categories are Beginners; Construction excellence; Innovation; and Software. The judges will give special recognition to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24 and also to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. There are cash prizes in every category. If you’re a new licensee or new to construction, don’t be worried about submitting your entry – read the stories of last year’s winners and runners-up and be inspired to enter your project! You can read their stories and find out how to enter on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition

SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at 0000UTC on the 1st of May and concludes at 2359 on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independe