GB2RS

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 8th September 2019

The news headlines:

British success in FoxO competition

New exam sample questions released

5MHz Newsreader needed

Tuesday was the first race in the European Radio O Championships in Slovenia. This race was the FoxO competition, where the hidden transmitters are roughly indicated by a circle on the map. The competitor has to orienteer to the area of the circle and then use radio direction finding to locate the hidden transmitter. There is no flag, just a SportIdent box beside the transmitter. John Marriott, M0OJM was over the line in second place in the M70 category, just 6 seconds ahead of the bronze medallist. Congratulations to John.

As promised last week, the RSGB has just released documents with sample questions for every syllabus item in the Foundation and Intermediate exams. These new resources will provide additional help to tutors and candidates as they prepare for the exams under Syllabus 2019. The Society has also published a sample optical marking sheet to demonstrate to candidates what they will be given if they choose to do the paper format exam. All of these documents can be found on the RSGB website at www.rsgb.org/mock-exams. Further resources are being finalised and will be released over the next few weeks, so look out for new announcements.

Owing to retirements, the GB2RS 5MHz Team has need for readers on the rota of its Sunday afternoon national broadcast at 1500UTC on 5398.5kHz USB. We would welcome applicants, who should contact the RSGB’s GB2RS Manager via email to [email protected] in the first instance. Note that 5MHz readers need to possess a Full UK amateur radio licence and should be RSGB Members.

Four new videos from the 2018 RSGB Convention have been uploaded to the RSGB YouTube channel. Palle Hansen, OZ1RH speaks about Troposcatter on the VHF bands; Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC shares his thrilling and unforgettable IOTA experiences of H44R & H40D; John Worsnop, G4BAO speaks on the Wednesday Night Digifest, and Steve Nichols, G0KYA looks at the top HF propagation questions and some possible answers. All of these videos, and many more, are at www.youtube.com/theRSGB

The annual maintenance shutdown of the MSF service, the dedicated time broadcast, has been announced. The service will be off-air from 1000 to 1400BST on the 12th of September. If the weather is unsuitable for work to be carried out, then the service will not be turned off.

Due to unusual circumstances, there will be no GB2RS news broadcast from Germany on 40m today, Sunday the 8th of September. Normal service should resume next week.

On Saturday the 14th of September there will be many Churches and Chapels on the Air activations. CHOTA activity is usually SSB on the 80, 40 and 20m bands from 10am to 4pm. Groups that have told us they intend to run stations are mentioned later and in this week’s Local News. See WACRAL.org under the CHOTA tab for a full list of participating stations.

There’s still time to apply to be part of the Youngsters on the Air Winter Camp in the Netherlands from the 12th to the 15th of December. The closing date for applications is the 30th of September. See www.rsgb.org/yota

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. The provisional programme of lectures and workshops is now online at www.rsgb.org/convention. John Rogers, M0JAV and David Lauder, G0SNO will be running an RFI Clinic. The session will consist of a short presentation on the tools and techniques used to locate and identify RFI sources. Then a number of test setups will be available using radios, SDRs and spectrum analysers to let you see and hear some of these common RFI sources. If you have an unusual source then bring it along for them to investigate. Full details of tickets, weekend packages and the Buildathon can be found at www.rsgb.org/convention.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 7th of September, the Caister Lifeboat Rally will be held at Caister Lifeboat station, Tan Lane, Caister on Sea, Norfolk NR30 5DJ. Access is via the car park in Beach Road. Doors open from 9.30am. There will be a raffle and the onsite café and museum will also be open. A special event station will be on the air. Details from Zane, M1BFI on 0771 121 4790.

Next Saturday, the 14th, the Fog on the Tyne Rally will take place at Whitehall Road Methodist Church Hall, Bensham, Gateshead NE8 4LH. Doors open at 10.30am. Entrance is £1.50 and includes an entry for the raffle. There will be a Bring & Buy, junk stall, RSGB book stand and many traders. Car parking is available. Enrolment for Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced exam courses and Morse class will take place at the rally. Details from Nancy, G7UUR on 0799 076 0920.

Next Sunday, the 15th, the West Tyrone ARC Rally will be held at Omagh Rugby Club, 7 Mellon Park Drive, Omagh BT78 5NE. Doors open at 11am and admittance is £3. There will be a talk in station, trade stands, special interest groups, a Bring & Buy and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar are available on site. A prize draw will take place. More information from Philip, MI0MSO on 0784 902 5760.

Please send details of your 2020 rally and event plans as soon as possible to [email protected].

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

Chip, KB1QU will be active as 9G5QU from Ghana from the 8th to the 21st of September. In his spare time he will operate CW, FT8, FT4 and some SSB on the 40, 30 and 20m bands. QSL via Logbook of The World, or direct to N4GNR.

Francesco, IV3TMM will be active as 9U3TMM from Burundi until the 17th of September. He will operate SSB and digital modes on the 60 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS and Logbook of The World.

Fred, DH5FS will be active as E51SFS from Rarotonga, IOTA reference OC-013, between the 8th and the 16th of September, then from Aitutaki, OC-083, between the 20th and the 25th of September. DXCC-wise, both count for the South Cook Islands. QSL via his home call, direct or via the bureau.

Puiu, YO5BIM will be active in is spare time as P29VIM from Papua New Guinea until the 22nd of September. He operates CW, FT8 and JT9 on all bands. QSL via his home callsign.

Randy, K5SL will be active holiday style as PJ4/K5SL from Bonaire, SA-006, until the 14th of September. He will operate mainly CW on the 40, 30, 20 and 17m bands. QSL via his home callsign.

Now the special event news

During the month of September, Dutch special event stations PA75PARA, PA75BTF and PA75OMG will be on the air to commemorate the 75 years since British, American and Polish airborne forces tried to capture the river bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegen. PA75OMG will be active from 12 to 22 September.

Thames Amateur Radio Club will operate GB2MFM on the 14th and 15th of September to raise awareness of existing military sites, particularly in Essex and Kent. GB2MFM will be at a WW2 Pill Box at Wat Tyler Country Park, near Basildon.

GB2SCC will be activated at St Cynllo Church in the village of Coed Y Bryn, Ceredigion, Wales, between 10am and 4pm on the 14th of September. They expect to be active on 80m and 40m SSB from IO72TB. QSL via the bureau.

Bush Valley ARC will operate a CHOTA station on the 14th from Dungiven Parish Church BT47 4LG.

Marsham ARS will operate their CHOTA station from St Andrew’s Church using GB1SAC. All visitors are welcome and the tower will be open as usual.

September 2019 marks the centenary of radio in the Cambridge area. As well as a celebration day to be held on the 29th of September at Foxton, to which all local amateurs are invited, local clubs have activated the callsign GB1CAM and will be operating it throughout September. Further details are at cdarc.org.uk.

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

It’s a very busy time for contests.

The RSGB SSB Field Day and the IARU Region 1 Field Day end their 24 hour run at 1300UTC today, the 8th. Both use the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands and the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The 144MHz Trophy contest ends its 24 hour run an hour later at 1400UTC today, the 8th. So does the IARU 144MHz contest. Using all modes, the exchange for both contests is signal report, serial number and locator.

The All Asian DX contest ends its 48 hour run at 2359UTC today, the 8th. Using SSB only on the 1.8 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal report and your age. YL operators may send 00.

There are two contests that start and finish today, the 8th. The 5th 144MHz Backpacker contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Running from 1000UTC to 1400UTC next Sunday is the Worked All Britain 2m QRO Phone Contest. Using SSB and FM, the exchange is signal report, serial number and WAB square.

On Monday the 80m Autumn series runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using SSB only, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Tuesday the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC, using FM only. It is immediately followed by the all-mode 432MHz UK Activity Contest from 1900 to 2130UTC. The exchange for both contests is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Thursday the 50MHz Machine Generated Mode Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1900UTC. The exchange is signal report and your 4-character locator. It is immediately followed by the all-mode 50MHz UK Activity Contest from 1900 to 2130UTC. This time the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Friday the 13th is the Straight Key Contest organised by the Regional Department of the Polish Amateur Radio Union in Lodz. It takes place between 1700 and 1900UTC on the 80m band. Rules, in English, can be read at https://ot15.pgk.net.pl/675.html

The WAE DX SSB contest runs for 48 hours next weekend from 0000UTC on the 14th to 2359UTC on the 15th. Using the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Note the EU stations only work non EU stations.

Next Sunday, the 15th, is another very busy day for contests.

The UK Microwave Group contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC on the 24 to 76GHz bands. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC on the 15th. It is immediately followed by the IRTS 2m Counties Contest from 1330UTC to 1500UTC. Both contests use SSB and FM and the exchange is signal report and serial number, with EI and GI stations also giving their county.

The BARTG Sprint 75 contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC on the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands. Using RTTY only, the exchange is just your serial number.

The 70MHz AFS contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC next Sunday, the 15th. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA & G4BAO on Friday the 6th of September.

Our prediction last week that there would be a major geomagnetic storm turned out to be correct, although we got the timing a little wrong. The solar material from a coronal hole actually hit the Earth in the early hours of Saturday morning, rather than later that day, sending the three-hourly Kp index up to five. Such was its intensity that eventually the Kp index hit six. The solar wind speed exceeded 600 kilometres per second during the main event and auroras were reported around high northern and southern latitudes.

Some listeners reported a pre-auroral enhancement. Phil, GU0SUP found that 15m was alive late on Friday evening with South American stations on FT8. He also worked HK3GSO, ZS1DX and a few JAs on 30m. But by Saturday morning the HF bands were impacted and DX was a little harder to find. Next week NOAA predicts the solar flux index will remain around 67 or 68 as we continue into solar minimum.

After the potential for unsettled geomagnetic conditions at the beginning of the weekend, due to yet another coronal hole, things should then remain settled for the rest of the week. It seems that coronal hole activity will once again dominate forecasts for the time being.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

The pattern for the coming week offers high pressure as the predominant feature in the south of the UK, with a continuing chance of Tropo to the south into France and Spain. The northern half of Britain will see areas of low pressure passing by the far north of Scotland, which will possibly bring some rain scatter at times and preclude any widespread prolonged Tropo.

It’s probably the final curtain for Sporadic-E as we head into mid-September. There have been some very isolated openings on 10m, but 6m is getting very sparse now. Just remember that the data shows that it’s not a zero for Sporadic-E outside the main summer months, but it’s quite hard to predict. Best to use the many clusters available to make sure you don’t miss anything.

The end of this week sees the full Moon, known as the Harvest Moon, falling within 14 days of the autumn equinox. However, the week starts with relatively high sky noise on 144MHz of more than 1,000 kelvin. Path loss increases throughout the week as the Moon moves towards apogee. This would not be an ideal week for small station EME. On a brighter note, the full Moon next weekend occurs at low declination, which will favour those stations without elevation. The full Moon may, clouds permitting, allow a good visual sighting for beam alignment. For those lucky enough to run reasonable size antennas on the bands above 1GHz, there will be scope to work EME throughout the week.

There are no major meteor showers this week. The September Epsilon-Perseids minor shower is active from around the 5th to the 21st of September, with a peak on the 10th. This shower is not expected to produce a large return, however. But it should be worth monitoring the usual meteor scatter frequencies on 6m and 2m as the unexpected might happen!

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

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 1st September 2019

 

The news headlines:

Good news for the two metre band

More positive news from CEPT ahead of WRC-19

Syllabus 2019 mock exams

The past week has seen CEPT meet in Turkey, where it finalised its positions on a wide range of WRC-19 Agenda Items, including proposals for WRC-23. So let’s look at the matters that interest radio amateurs. At 144MHz, after a major effort, the 144 to 146MHz frequency range was successfully withdrawn from the French WRC-23 aeronautical proposal. This hot topic had been the subject of detailed submissions by the IARU, France and Germany. This excellent result for amateur radio occurred in parallel to a number of other proposals being adopted to support aeronautical interests. There’s more positive news at 50MHz. CEPT confirmed its common position for an overall 50 to 52MHz secondary allocation for IARU Region 1. Following requests from both the RSGB and the UK Six Metre Group to Ofcom, we are pleased to announce that the UK has signed an optional footnote in the CEPT proposal for national Primary status in the 50 to 50.5MHz segment, along with a number of other countries. In most microwave bands it is pleasing to report that the CEPT positions adopted should result in no further regulatory change to the amateur 5GHz Secondary and 47GHz Primary allocations, as well as innovative UK usage above 275GHz. However, for the 23cm band, following intense discussions, a WRC-23 proposal was considered necessary to ensure the protection of new satellite navigation systems such as Galileo from amateur emissions in the 1240 to 1300MHz range. The draft Resolution that would guide such studies excludes the removal of the existing amateur Secondary allocations. Commenting on the overall outcome, IARU Region 1 President Don Beattie, G3BJ praised the IARU team of volunteers and their contributions; and was pleased that regulators had recognised the strength of the amateur case. The RSGB will shortly add further details and copies of key papers to its online focus pages at www.rsgb.org/wrc-19. The October edition of RadCom will also feature further information as the process now moves towards the final stage at the World Radio Conference this autumn.

In preparation for Syllabus 2019, which comes into effect this Sunday, 1 September the RSGB has added to the range of documents for tutors and candidates. Foundation, Intermediate and Full licence mock exam papers are now available from the Society’s website. They include a new handy syllabus reference column to help candidates check the appropriate part of the syllabus if they need further revision on specific questions. You’ll find all of these documents on the special Syllabus 2019 part of the RSGB website, www.rsgb.org/mock-exams. The Syllabus Full Specification document has been updated with a few minor changes that are shown in the Change Log at the end. Additional supporting materials will be released soon, including documents that will provide sample questions for every syllabus item in each of the exams.

Hot on the heels of August’s Youngsters On The Air summer camp in Bulgaria, IARU Region 1 YOTA will be running a winter camp in the Netherlands from the 12th to the 15th of December. We’ve secured five places at the camp for RSGB Members who are aged 16 to 25. The camp, which will take place in a forest setting, promises to be lots of fun, and will include a variety of workshops and activities. The RSGB will cover the majority of the cost of the event, with attendees contributing £50. To apply to take part, please contact Board Director Mark Jones, G0MGX, via email to [email protected]. The closing date for applications is the 30th of September. Find out more at www.rsgb.org/yota

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. The provisional programme of lectures and workshops is now online at www.rsgb.org/convention. The Buildathon on Saturday evening includes food and also the SMD Sudden 2, a 40m direct conversion receiver, made and supplied by Kanga Products UK. All necessary equipment will be provided, along with a team to assist you through the build. For more info, to book your Buildathon place, for weekend packages or day tickets, go to www.rsgb.org/convention. Early Bird discounts end at midnight tonight, the 1st of September.

With over 60,000 visitors to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park so far in 2019, we are looking to recruit new volunteers to engage with the public and give radio demonstrations. If you’re interested in becoming an NRC volunteer you should be passionate about meeting people, feel confident explaining the hobby, as well as operating the NRC’s radio station, GB3RS. You must be a licensed amateur, an RSGB Member and be prepared to work a minimum of one or preferably two days per month. You will be joining a team of enthusiastic, friendly and dedicated volunteers and full training will be given. Travel expenses are paid to volunteers living within reasonable travelling distance and NRC volunteers enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. Please email [email protected] for further information.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 1st of September, the Telford Hamfest and G-QRP Convention takes place at Harper Adams University, near Telford, TF10 8NB. See www.telfordhamfest.org.uk for more information.

Next Sunday, the 7th of September, the Caister Lifeboat Rally will be held at Caister Lifeboat station, Tan Lane, Caister on Sea, Norfolk NR30 5DJ. Access is via the car park in Beach Road. Doors open from 9.30am. There will be a raffle and the onsite café and museum will also be open. A special event station will be on the air. Details from Zane, M1BFI on 0771 121 4790.

Please send details of your 2020 rally and event plans as soon as possible to [email protected].

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

Laurent, F8BBL will be active as TK19IOTA between the 6th and the 22nd of September. He plans to operate from IOTA groups EU-014, which is the main island of Corsica, EU-100, which is Cerbicales, EU-104, which is Sanguinaires and EU-164, which is Lavezzi. He operates mainly CW. QSL via F8BBL either direct or via the bureau and Logbook of The World.

Yuri, N3QQ, Cezar, VE3LYC, Sandro, VE7NY and Adrian, KO8SCA will be active as K7TRI from Tillamook Rock, IOTA reference NA-211, between the 6th and the 9th of September. They will operate CW and SSB on the 40 to 17m bands with two stations active around the clock. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS, or via VE3LYC.

Members of the Russian Robinson Club will activate Sledge Island in Alaska, NA-120, until the 2nd of September. The callsign will be KL7RRC/P. QSL info is via Club Log OQRS.

Now the special event news

Today, the 1st of September, the Radio Club of Binche will activate ON44WAR to commemorate the sacrifice of the Belgian Resistance in WWII, especially those of the Refuge B 40 in Waudrez. On the hour, for 30 minutes, a Whaddon MK VII Paraset will be used to make CW transmissions on the 7MHz band. The following half hour will be SSB transmissions on the 7MHz band. QSL via ON7RY; more information is at www.on7ry.be

During the month of September, Dutch special event stations PA75PARA, PA75BTF and PA75OMG will be on the air to commemorate the 75 years since British, American and Polish airborne forces tried to capture the river bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegen. PA75OMG will be active from 12 to 22 September. PA75SODS will be on the air to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Schelde.

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX contest ends its 24 hour run at 1200UTC today, the 1st of September. Using the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and District code.

On Monday the Pioneer FT4 Series runs from 1900 to 2000UTC, using FT4 only on the 3.5MHz band. The exchange is signal report followed by your 4-character locator. Do read the rules carefully for this new contest.

On Tuesday the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 18550UTC, using FM only. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. At the same time, the Machine Generated Mode 144MHz Activity Contest takes place, exchanging your report and 4-character locator. From 1900 to 2130UTC it’s the 144MHz UK Activity Contest, using all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the UK EI Contest Club 80m event runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB only, the exchange is your 4-character locator.

On Saturday the CWops CW Open Contest runs from 0000UTC to 2359UTC. Using the 1.8 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is serial number and name. The contest has three 4-hour sessions.

Next weekend is the RSGB SSB Field Day. Running from 1300UTC on the 7th to 1300UTC on the 8th, it uses the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands. The exchange is signal report and serial number.

Also next weekend is the 144MHz Trophy contest, this time running from 1400UTC on the 7th to 1400UTC on the 8th. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Another contest over next weekend is the All Asian DX contest. It runs from 0000UTC on the 7th to 2359UTC on the 8th. Using SSB only on the 1.8 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal report and your age. YL operators may send 00.

In a busy weekend of contests, the IARU Region 1 Field Day runs from 1300UTC on the 7th to 1300UTC on the 8th. Using SSB only on the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

Finally for contests over the full weekend, it’s the IARU 144MHz contest. This runs from 1400UTC on the 7th to 1400UTC on the 8th. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

There are two contests on next Sunday only. The 5th 144MHz Backpacker contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Running from 1000UTC to 1400UTC next Sunday is the Worked All Britain 2m QRO Phone Contest. Using SSB and FM, the exchange is signal report, serial number and WAB square.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA & G4BAO on Friday the 30th of August.

The past week was characterised by a low solar flux index and relatively-calm geomagnetic conditions. There were reports of numerous Sporadic-E openings this week that livened up the 10m band. On Thursday these spread from Serbia through to Germany, Finland and Norway and were probably caused by a strong jet stream, which can be seen on the Met Office 300millibar charts.

The Space Weather Services Bureau of Meteorology in Australia has been reporting that its T index, which can be best thought of as an "equivalent sunspot number", has been hovering around zero after weeks of being very negative. This suggests that maximum usable frequencies may be up to 20% better than we have been experiencing, partly due to quieter geomagnetic conditions and partly due to the seasonal change. Nevertheless, the Chilton ionosonde has been recording daytime F2 critical frequencies of about 4.3 to 4.7MHz, giving a maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path of between 14 and 18MHz.

Next week NOAA predicts a solar flux index of 67, but a large T-shaped coronal hole on the Sun threatens to push the K index up to six late on Saturday 31st or Sunday 1st as solar matter hits the Earth’s magnetic field. This may result in depressed HF conditions after an initial enhancement. These should settle by Tuesday or Wednesday, leaving the rest of the week with a K index of two or three and potentially better conditions.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

The last week brought some welcome late season Sporadic-E to many parts of the UK, even reaching 2m on one occasion. This was an unusually-widespread opening geographically, with most areas from Scandinavia round to Portugal being worked. Sporadic-E is possible into early September, so be sure to check the various blogs and clusters for activity. You haven’t got much time left to bag those missing squares!

The coming week will see unsettled weather generally with some showers or spells of rain, especially in the north. This may give a few opportunities for rain scatter. The south will be closer to high pressure over the continent and has the best chance of tapping into some Tropo conditions, although it’s not really a strong option until near the end of the week, when high pressure builds in from the Atlantic.

The Moon is past perigee and declination goes negative again tonight, reaching minimum a week today. The EME week will be characterised by shortening Moon windows and rising path losses. There are no major meteor showers this week so stick with the usual pre-dawn enhancement for the best meteor scatter conditions.

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

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 25th August 2019

 

The news headlines:

Syllabus 2019 candidate & tutor information

145MHz Russian EME Contest

Join the W1AW 150th birthday celebration

As the introduction of Syllabus 2019 approaches, the RSGB has a range of materials to help candidates and tutors prepare. The Reference Data Booklets for each level of exam are now on the website and the Exam Secrets book, referred to by Board Director Mike Bruce, M0ITI in his recent RadCom article, has been updated to include new material on software defined radio and digital matters. The instructor’s version of the Practical Assessment Record Sheets can be downloaded from the RSGB website and we now have a good stock of the printed candidate versions at HQ. To see and download the booklets and instructor PARS, go to www.rsgb.org/exam-forms

The 145MHz Russian EME Contest is intended to encourage worldwide activity on 2m moonbounce and support VHF activity in remote regions in Russia and around the globe. Each different DXCC country and each Russian region form a multiplier. The contest runs for 48 hours ending at 2359UTC today, the 25th. Use digital modes and CW only on the 2m band. The full rules and scoring system are at https://tinyurl.com/y4gtxdgn

The Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday Celebration runs from the 31st of August to the 8th of September. It commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of ARRL co-founder – and first President – Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW. The objective is to work as many participating stations as possible. W1AW and all ARRL members will append /150 to their callsigns during this event. Stations will exchange a signal report and their ARRL/RAC Section. A total of 84 multipliers are available. DX stations will send a signal report and the letters DX instead of their Section. All bands except 60, 30, 17, and 12m can be used. Contacts may be made on CW, phone and digital modes. Incentives are available for using different modes, operating portable, and using social media, among others. Logs will be scored, and downloadable certificates will be available. See www.arrl.org for further details.

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. The Buildathon on Saturday evening is a little different this year. Presented as an alternative to the Gala Dinner, those attending the Buildathon get a hot & cold buffet and an evening of surface mount construction. The event includes the food and also the SMD Sudden 2, a 40m direct conversion receiver, made and supplied by Kanga Products UK. All necessary equipment will be provided and there’s a helpful team of volunteers to assist you through the build. For more info, to book your Buildathon place, for weekend packages or day tickets, go to www.rsgb.org/convention. Early Bird discounts have been extended until the 1st of September.

There were almost 400 entries in the last IARU Region 1 50/70MHz contest. Congratulations to GM4ZUK/P in IO86RW for 11th place and to G8X in IO80HV for placing 24th in the Single Operator 50MHz section. G8T in JO01KJ was 10th in the 50MHz multi operator section and G0VHF/P in JO01PU was placed 11th. Provisional results for this very popular contest are available at www.iaru-r1.org

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 25th, is the second day of the Montrose Air Station open Day and Radio Rally will take place at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, Waldron Road, Broomfield, Montrose DD10 9BD. It is an indoor event and tables are available to sell your own equipment. The event opens to the public from 10am. Minor catering will be available. Details from Ewan, MM0BIX on 01674 676 740.

Today, the 25th, the Torbay Annual Communications Fair will be held at Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon TQ12 3AF. Doors open at 10am, with disabled visitors gaining access at 9.30am. The indoor event has plenty of free parking on site. There will be a Bring & Buy and catering will be available on site. Details from Pete, G4VTO, on 01803 864528.

Today, the 25th, the Milton Keynes ARS Rally will take place at the Irish Centre, Manor Fields, Watling Street, Bletchley MK2 2HX. Entry is £3 per person. There is free parking and on-site catering. Doors open from 9am. Additional information is at www.mkars.org.uk/rally

On Bank Holiday Monday, the 26th, the Huntingdonshire ARS Annual Rally will be held at Ernulf Academy, St Neots PE19 2SH. Talk in will be on 145.550MHz by GX0HSR. Gates open at 9am for the public and entry is £3. There is free car parking, an RSGB Bookstall, Bring & Buy and indoor and outdoor stands. Catering is provided on site. Contact Malcolm, M0OLG via [email protected] for details.

Next Saturday, the 31st, the Telford Hamfest Buildathon takes place in the evening. Contact Martyn on 01952 255 416.

On Sunday the 1st of September, the Telford Hamfest and G-QRP Convention takes place at Harper Adams University, near Telford, TF10 8NB. See www.telfordhamfest.org.uk for more information.

Now is the time to let us know your rally and event plans for 2020. To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – the earlier you tell us the better. We need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom, and do our best to give you free publicity for as many months as possible.

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

YP0F will be active from Fericirii Island, IOTA reference EU-191, from the 27th of August to the 1st of September. A team of four will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via YO9RIJ.

The VIC Amateur Radio Contest DX Club will be active as 4U500M between the 1st and the 30th of September to mark the 500th anniversary of the first voyage around the globe under the lead of Ferdinand Magellan. This activity counts for Austria for DXCC and for the Vienna International Centre for the CQ DX Marathon. QSL via UA3DX, direct or bureau.

K9HZ will be active from his J68HZ station on St Lucia until the 4th of October. He will operate on the 40 to 6m bands and QSLs go via his home call.

Francesco IV3TMM will be on the air as 9U3TMM from Bujumbura in Burundi from the 31st of August to the 17th of September. Look for him on the 60 to 6m bands on SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via Club Log OQRS.

Members of the Russian Robinson Club will activate Sledge Island in Alaska, NA-210, from the 28th of August to the 2nd of September. The callsign to be used is KL7RRC/P. QSL info is via Club Log OQRS.

Now the special event news

Special event station GB8NCI will be on the air today, the 25th, for the second day from 10am to 8pm. Operating from the National Coastwatch Institution station in Exmouth, Devon, it’s celebrating the 25th anniversary of the NCI. There will be an open house and the public will be invited to view the radio station and, where appropriate, pass a greetings message under supervision. SSB and CW will be mainly on 40m, 20m and 2m, together with other HF bands if conditions allow. Locator is IO80HO. Region 11 Regional Representative Dean, G0UIL and District Representative DR117 Tony, M0THJ will be coordinating and operating on both days, helped by a member of the Exmouth ARC and an NCI Watchkeeper who holds an amateur licence.

British Inland Waterways on the Air 2019 takes place over the August bank holiday, the 24th to 26th of August. The event is open to all amateurs who are boaters, cyclists or who otherwise use the canals, rivers, towpaths or riverbanks for work or recreation. If you are interested in registering your station for the event or for more information, please visit www.nharg.org.uk/biwota 

On the 31st of August and the 1st of September, the Radio Club of Binche will activate ON44WAR to commemorate the sacrifice of the Belgian Resistance in WWII, especially those of the Refuge B 40 in Waudrez. On the hour, for 30 minutes, a Whaddon MK VII Paraset will be used to make CW transmissions on the 7MHz band. The following half hour will be SSB transmissions on the 7MHz band. QSL via ON7RY; more information is at www.on7ry.be

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

Just a reminder that August is the month of the traditional summer holiday, so there are no RSGB HF contests this month.

Today, the 25th, the UK Microwave Group High band contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 5.7 and 10GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Tuesday the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3 to 10GHz bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Next weekend the UK and Ireland Contest Club DX contest runs from 1200UTC on Saturday to 1200UTC on Sunday. Using the 3.5 to 28MHz bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and District code.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA & G4BAO on Friday the 23rd of August

The last seven days have seen quiet geomagnetic conditions but, equally, zero sunspots and a solar flux index of around 67. Nevertheless, the Lighthouses on the Air event last weekend saw UK stations finding people to talk to, even if real DX was a little thin on the ground.

Saturday the 17th saw numerous short-skip openings on 40m that were probably due to Sporadic-E. Path lengths of less than 150 miles were reported by GB0HL in Norfolk, which meant UK stations were able to talk to others around the country on seven megahertz. This was at a time when the critical frequency, as reported by the Chiltern Digisonde, was only 4.1MHz.

Make the most of any potential Sporadic-E openings on HF as the season is fast coming to an end. But it will be replaced by better Autumnal F2 layer conditions so it is not all bad news. As the ionosphere cools there will a shift towards more monatomic rather than diatomic species, and these are easier to ionise. As a result we can expect MUFs to rise in late September or early October.

Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will remain around 67-68 and geomagnetic conditions will remain settled until the 1st of September, when the K index could rise to five due to material from another solar coronal hole impacting the Earth’s magnetic field. Therefore, after a potential pre-auroral enhancement, expect MUFs to be adversely affected for a couple of days next weekend.

And now the VHF and up propagation news

Microwave bands rain scatter was the main player last week, but it's looking like we start the period with some high pressure controlling the weather pattern over the UK. This could herald the return of useful Tropo conditions. This Tropo period should probably last until midweek as temperatures gradually rise to high-summer values before a breakdown, with a chance of thunderstorms from mid-week. It often happens that in very hot weather, the Tropo tends to favour sea paths and night-time over the land. The last part of the coming week appears to be heading towards lower pressure with showery weather and cooler conditions, but it should offer some more chances for rain scatter from any big cumulonimbus thunder clouds.

Sporadic-E is showing up on 10m on most days, but getting harder to find on 6m. It's not done yet, but be guided by the clusters and beacons and you should be able to make use of any that does crop up.

One minor meteor shower, the Aurigids, peaks a week today with a Zenith Hourly Rate of six.

With the Moon reaching peak declination this Tuesday, and perigee coming up on Friday, it’s a good week for EME with long daytime Moon windows and lowest path losses.

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

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 18th August 2019

 

The news headlines:

IARU prepares for key CEPT meeting

YOTA 2019 finishes this weekend

146MHz band gets extra year

 

The final CEPT Conference Preparatory Group meeting prior to WRC-19 takes place from the 26th of August. Most of its papers are now available, including on current hot topics in the 6m, 2m and 23cm bands, where RSGB volunteers have been working hard to support the IARU. In summary, at 50MHz IARU hopes that the European Common Proposal for WRC-19 will be supported, with as many administrations as possible signing the optional footnote to allow amateurs Primary access on a national basis in the lower part of the band. The 144-146MHz band is subject to the French proposal for a WRC-23 agenda item for aeronautical use. IARU and its Member Societies have been busy in recent weeks. IARU has submitted a paper to the meeting that includes background on amateur usage and regulatory concerns. It also includes a basic technical analysis showing the impracticality of such a proposal and believes there are much more appropriate parts of the spectrum for such an application. Turning to 23cm, there has been concern about a few cases of interference from amateur signals to the Galileo navigation system, specific to its E6 sub-band at 1260-1300MHz. It is IARU’s firm view, and stated in the paper it has submitted, that this should be properly studied within CEPT, rather than proposed as an agenda item for WRC-23. IARU experts will be present in the CEPT meeting to explain on these topics and other agenda items of interest, including other microwave bands and wireless power. You can read more at www.rsgb.org/wrc-19 

The ninth annual Youngsters on the Air Summer Camp comes to a close this weekend. Special callsign LZ19YOTA will be on the air during the event, hosted by the Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs. QSL LZ19YOTA via the bureau to LZ1BJ. The experiences of the British team are at www.rsgb.org/yota2019.

Ofcom has agreed to extend for a further year the Notice of Variation (NoV) for 146-147MHz to encourage radio amateurs to experiment and test new communications schemes and systems. The current NoVs expire on 31 October 2019. Any Full licence holder may apply for an experimental NoV for the 146-147MHz band: go to www.rsgb.org/nov for details. In the last year, 578 NoVs were issued for this segment.

In Australia, Roland, VK4FB and Stefan, VK4CSD completed what is being claimed as the world’s first FT8 contact on 122GHz. The distance spanned during the 11th of August contact was 92.08km. The received signals were –17dB on one end and –20dB on the other.

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. The Buildathon on Saturday evening is a little different. Presented as an alternative to the Gala Dinner, those attending the Buildathon get a hot & cold buffet and an evening of surface mount construction. The event includes the food and also the SMD Sudden 2, a 40m direct conversion receiver made and supplied by Kanga Products UK. All necessary equipment will be provided and there’s a helpful team of volunteers to assist you through the build. For more info, to book your Buildathon place, weekend packages or day tickets, go to www.rsgb.org/convention. Early Bird discounts have been extended until the 1st of September.

The G5RP Trophy is an annual award to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2019, 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. Please send your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, by e-mail to [email protected] to arrive no later than Friday the 6th of September.

The ATU African Preparatory Meeting prior to WRC 19 takes place between the 26th and the 30th of August. ATU is one of the four Regional Telecommunications Organisations in Region 1 and the IARU will be present at the meeting. The IARU has particular interest in the 50MHz, 5 and 47GHz issues being discussed. There is no evidence yet that the 144-146MHz and 1240-1300MHz band issues being considered in CEPT will be discussed in the African Preparatory Meeting but the IARU will be prepared should this happen.

Six News issue 140 is now available for UK Six Metre Group members to download from the website. Go to www.uksmg.org for more details.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 18th of August, the Rugby ARS Rally will take place at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby CV23 9PY. Admission is £3 and the NGR for sat navs is SP395710. Doors open from 10am to 4pm, with traders having access from 8.30am. There is a car boot area. Catering is available on site. Details from Steve, G8LYB on 0795 685 5816.

Next weekend, on the 24th and 25th, the Montrose Air Station open Day and Radio Rally will take place at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, Waldron Road, Broomfield, Montrose DD10 9BD. It is an indoor event and tables are available to sell your own equipment. The event opens to the public from 10am. Minor catering will be available. Details from Ewan, MM0BIX on 01674 676 740.

Next Sunday, the 25th, the Torbay Annual Communications Fair will be held at Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon TQ12 3AF. Doors open at 10am, with disabled visitors gaining access at 9.30am. The indoor event has plenty of free parking on site. There will be a Bring & Buy and catering will be available on site. Details from Pete, G4VTO on 01803 864528.

Next Sunday, the 25th, the Milton Keynes ARS Rally will take place at MKARS, Irish Centre, Manor Fields, Watling Street, Bletchley MK2 2HX. Entry is £3 per person. There is free parking and on-site catering. Doors open from 9am. Additional information is at www.mkars.org.uk/rally

On Bank Holiday Monday, the 26th, the Huntingdonshire ARS Annual Rally will be held at Ernulf Academy, St Neots PE19 2SH. Talk in will be on 145.550MHz by GX0HSR. Gates open at 9am for the public and entry is £3. There is free car parking, an RSGB Bookstall, Bring & Buy and indoor and outdoor stands. Catering is provided on site. Contact Malcolm, M0OLG via [email protected] for details.

Now is the time to let us know your rally and event plans for 2020. To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – the earlier you tell us the better. We need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom, and do our best to give you free publicity for as many months as possible.

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

Thor, DK7RD, Paul, G4PVM and Col, MM0NDX will be active as MS0INT from the Shiant Isles, IOTA reference EU-112, between the 23rd and the 25th of August. Plans are to operate CW, SSB and FT8 on the HF bands. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS, or via M0SDV.

Michael, DL2GMI will visit Bernhard, H44MS / DL2GAC on Malaita, OC-047, in the Solomon Islands from the 23rd of August to the 3rd of September. He plans to be active as H44MI on 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6m using SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of The World or via his home call, either direct or via the bureau.

Alessandro, IZ1AZA will be active as OY/IZ1AZA from the Faroe Islands, EU-018, between the 21st and the 26th of August. He will operate SSB and CW on the 40 and 10m bands. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS, Logbook of The World, or via his home call.

Michele, IW7EGQ will be active as SV8/IW7EGQ from Zakynthos Island, EU-052, between the 20th and the 28th of August. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS.

Now the special event news

Two local clubs are taking part in the bicentennial commemoration Peterloo Massacre incident in Manchester, which happened on the 16th of August 1819. South Manchester Radio Club is running GB200PLM for the next three weeks, for which you can find information via www.smrcc.org.uk. Oldham ARC is organising a special event, GB2PL, to take place during a picnic and unveiling of a memorial stone. They’ll be using on UHF, VHF and some HF from about 11am today, the 18th of August. QSL via the bureau and eQSL.

Special event station GB8NCI will be on the air from 10am to 8pm on the 24th and 25th of August. Operating from the National Coastwatch Institution station in Exmouth, Devon, it’s celebrating the 25th anniversary of the NCI. There will be an open house and the public will be invited to view the radio station and, where appropriate, pass a greetings message under supervision. SSB and CW will be mainly on 40m, 20m and 2m, together with other HF bands if conditions allow. Locator is IO80HO. Region 11 Regional Representative Dean, G0UIL and District Representative DR117 Tony, M0THJ will be coordinating and operating on both days, helped by a member of the Exmouth ARC and an NCI Watchkeeper who holds an amateur licence.

British Inland Waterways on the Air 2019 takes place over the August bank holiday, the 24th to 26th of August. The event is open to all amateurs who are boaters, cyclists or who otherwise use the canals, rivers, towpaths or riverbanks for work or recreation. If you are interested in registering your station for the event or for more information, please visit www.nharg.org.uk/biwota 

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

Just a reminder that August is the month of the traditional summer holiday, so there are no RSGB HF contests this month.

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

Next Sunday, the 25th, the UK Microwave Group High band contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 5.7 and 10GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA & G4BAO on Friday the 16th of August.

We had more of the same last week with zero sunspots, but no geomagnetic disturbances. The good news is that there appear to be no Earth-facing coronal holes coming around the Sun, although there are significant holes around the solar polar regions.

The tool at Propquest.co.uk has been showing an interesting phenomenon over the past week. It appears that the critical frequency, and therefore maximum useable frequency, have been increasing after sunset. This means that the higher HF bands, such as 20 or even 17m, may be staying open longer. It also means that 80m is often open for UK contacts after dark, at least until nearly midnight. Daytime DX is still a little harder to come by as D-layer absorption still reigns supreme, but it is worth looking for greyline contacts around sunset.

Next week NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be at 67 and the geomagnetic K index will be at two. This means we can expect 20 or perhaps 17m to be the highest bands in use, other than contacts via Sporadic-E, which is now declining as we head towards September.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

The recent run of unsettled weather has produced some heavy thundery downpours in places and some nice rain scatter propagation across the UK on the microwave bands. This weekend is looking like more of the same, but as pressure builds again in the south it’ll change to Tropo as the preferred mode for paths into the continent. Northern Britain will however remain nearer the low pressure and provide a few further options of rain scatter.

Sporadic-E is putting in the odd appearance on 10m, 6m and 4m, but getting very hard to find now. Next week should start with the best chances with a jet stream over the near continent, but this will probably weaken later, so focus on the first half of the week.

As we move away from the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, don’t feel all is over, as it’s a broad peak and always worth exploring meteor scatter propagation if you haven’t tried it yet.

The Moon was at apogee yesterday so EME path losses are at their highest this weekend. They will fall as the week progresses and with declination going positive again late on Monday, Moon windows will lengthen and the Moon’s peak elevation will increase all week.

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

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 11th August 2019

 

The news headlines:

Record numbers visit NRC

YOTA 2019 in Bulgaria

ILLW next weekend

 

The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park experienced record numbers of visitors in July. Before last month, the highest number of visitors was 10,713 in August 2018. July 2019 saw 10,860 visitors to the NRC, with several days seeing over 500 visitors through the door. If you’re interested in becoming an NRC volunteer you should be passionate about meeting people, feel confident explaining the hobby, as well as operating the NRC’s radio station, GB3RS. You should be a licensed amateur, an RSGB Member and be prepared to work a minimum of one (preferably two) days per month. You will be joining a team of enthusiastic, friendly and dedicated volunteers and full training will be given. Travel expenses are paid to volunteers living within reasonable travelling distance and NRC volunteers enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. Please email [email protected] for further information.

Up to 80 young radio amateurs, primarily from IARU Region 1 but including participants from other parts of the world, will gather in Bulgaria from today, the 11th of August for the ninth annual Youngsters on the Air Summer Camp. Special callsign LZ19YOTA will be on the air during the week-long event, hosted by the Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs. Activities will include kit building and an opportunity to visit the surrounding region, including the Acom amplifier factory. QSL LZ19YOTA via the bureau to LZ1BJ. You can read about the experiences of the British team at www.rsgb.org/yota2019.

The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend runs from 0001UTC on Saturday the 17th August to 2359UTC on the 18th. The event came into being in 1998 as the Scottish Northern Lights Award, run by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group. ILLW now attracts over 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. To see a list of this year’s special event stations, go to https://illw.net/ and this week’s propagation report has details on which lighthouses you are likely to be able to hear and work.

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. Dave Sumner, K1ZZ will open the convention with his talk on Our Global Amateur Radio Community. Dave is the Secretary for the IARU and has recently written a very thought-provoking article in the ITU’s magazine on the value of radio amateurs around the world, see https://tinyurl.com/rsgb-itunews. Nobby Styles, G0VJG will speak about his DXpedition to Wallis Island and RSGB Members can read a brief account of this in the September RadCom. To book weekend packages or day tickets and to read more about the RSGB Convention, go to www.rsgb.org/convention. The Early Bird discounts have been extended until the 1st of September.

Region 1, Scotland South and Western Isles, has a number of vacancies for Deputy Regional Representatives. District 13, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, District 16, the Borders, and District 17, Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, are all vacant. If you would like to know more about the role and what it entails, contact the Regional manager for Region 1, Tony Miles, MM0TMZ by email to [email protected].

The DXCC Most Wanted entities list has been updated on Club Log. The complete list contains 340 entities, with the top five most wanted being North Korea, Bouvet Island, Crozet Island, Scarborough Reef and San Felix Islands. The list is available at https://secure.clublog.org/mostwanted.php

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 11th sees the Flight Refuelling ARS Hamfest take place at Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3DA. A talk-in station will be on S22. There is car parking on site and doors are open from 10am to 4.30pm. Admission is £4, which includes parking. There will be trade stands with indoor and field pitches and a car boot area. Lectures will take place during the day. No dogs are allowed, except Guide dogs, which is a condition set by the landowner. More from Tony Baker, G3PFM on 0774 347 5018.

Next Sunday, the 18th of August, the Rugby ARS Rally will take place at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby CV23 9PY. Admission is £3 and the NGR for sat navs is SP395710. Doors open from 10am to 4pm, with traders having access from 8.30am. There is a car boot area. Catering is available on site. Details from Steve, G8LYB on 07956 855816.

Now is the time to let us know your rally and event plans for 2020. To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – the earlier you tell us the better. We need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom, and do our best to give you free publicity for as many months as possible.

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

A group of mainly German amateurs will activate TO5M from the St Pierre and Miquelon Islands, IOTA reference NA-032, until the 18th of August. They will be on all bands from 160 to 6m on SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via Club Log OQRS.

A team of ZS operators will activate Robben Island, AF-064, from the 15th to the 20th of August. They will use the callsign ZS9V. Look for them mainly on 10, 15 and 20m SSB. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. QSL manager is M0OXO.

Gil, IZ2DLV is active as 8Q7GB from Nika Island, AS-013, until the 18th of August. Activity is holiday style on the 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15m bands using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of The World or ClubLog.

Members of the DX Punta Maya Group will be active as T45FM from the Punta Maya Lighthouse, NA-105, in Cuba from the 15th to the 19th of August. Activity will be on the 160 to 10m bands using CW, SSB and the digital modes. An emphasis will be on the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend. QSL via RW6HS.

Now the special event news

Advance notice now for British Inland Waterways on the Air 2019. This annual event takes place over the August bank holiday, the 24th to 26th of August. The event is open to all amateurs who are boaters, cyclists or who otherwise use the canals, rivers, towpaths or riverbanks for work or recreation. Many clubs and individual amateurs who are on or near the UK inland waterways obtain Special Event Station callsigns. Others operate mobile or portable stations using their own callsigns. If you are interested in registering your station for the event or for more information, please visit www.nharg.org.uk/biwota 

Bushvalley ARC is taking part in the lighthouse on the air event this year from Rathlin Island. The club has eight members travelling to the island to activate the three lighthouses there. The event runs from the 17th to the 18th of August. For live updates and frequencies please keep an eye on their Facebook page.

The FT8 Digital Mode Club is commemorating its 2nd anniversary and eight special event stations will be on air in a number of countries until the 24th of August. An FTDMC Anniversary Award can be earned, with various levels to the award. Full details of the participating stations, and the awards, are at www.ft8dmc.eu

The bicentennial commemoration of the Peterloo Massacre incident in Manchester that happened on the 16th of August 1819 has two local clubs marking the event. South Manchester Radio Club is running GB200PLM for the next three weeks with information on www.smrcc.org.uk. Oldham ARC are organising a special event to take place during a picnic and unveiling of a memorial stone using GB2PL on UHF, VHF and some HF from the park’s Rotary Club Wheel area from about 11am on the 18th of August. QSL via the bureau and eQSL.

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

Just a reminder that August is the month of the traditional summer holiday, so there are no RSGB HF contests this month.

Today, the 11th, the 5th 70MHz Cumulative Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The WAE DX CW contest runs for 48 hours over this weekend ending at 2359UTC on the 11th. It’s CW only on the 3.5 to 28MHz bands. The exchange is signal report and serial number, but EU stations must only work non-EU stations to count.

On Tuesday the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC, using FM only. It is immediately followed by the all-mode 432MHz UK Activity Contest from 1900 to 2130UTC. The exchange for both contests is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Thursday the 70MHz UK Activity Contest takes place from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday the 9th of August.

Matter from a solar coronal hole hit the Earth last week as predicted. However, we got the date wrong, as it actually impacted us on Monday and not Sunday, as it was moving slightly slower than we thought. This sent the Kp index up to five as the Earth’s geomagnetic field was disturbed and where it stayed for four consecutive Kp sessions, or 12 hours in total. There were reports of a pre-auroral enhancement on 10 metres, but overall HF conditions were down as a result.

Tuesday was characterised by reduced maximum usable frequencies, but by Wednesday the solar wind stream had calmed down and the ionosphere soon got back to its normal sunspot minimum doldrums. There was DX to be chased though, with the CY9C St Paul Island DXpedition off Nova Scotia being workable on the lower HF bands, especially 20m, and being very audible in the UK.

Next week NOAA predicts a calm Sun with a solar flux index of 67 and zero sunspots. After potentially unsettled geomagnetic conditions this weekend due to a coronal hole, the rest of the week should be fine, with a maximum Kp index of two or three.

Don’t forget that it is International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on the 17th and 18th, which should attract more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. A full list can be found at illw.net, but please note that with ionospheric conditions the way they are you may struggle to work nearby UK lighthouses on 40m due to the low critical frequency, and 80m may be closed from mid-morning until late afternoon due to D-layer absorption. But feel free to try for the European stations and those further afield on 40 and 20m.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

The next week or so is looking decidedly unlike summer with a tendency for low pressure, especially in the north. Wind, rain, thunder and no Tropo is hard to sell, but there are usually some positives even in bad weather! Let's start with a strong positive, which is a good jet stream pattern for Sporadic-E. In this case a marked upper trough crosses the country with segments of strong jet stream winds over the UK and near continent. In the closing weeks of the Sporadic-E season, a strong jet stream is a real bonus, so pursue the usual summer operating rules and check the 10m and 6m bands late morning and late afternoon.

Another positive is that the Perseids meteor shower is approaching its peak, so expect excellent meteor scatter conditions over the coming days. The broad peak of the 11th to the 13th of August may cause meteor ionisation, which is an important component in the formation of Sporadic-E.

Now the bad news. There is pretty much a total absence of high pressure, so it's unlikely that Tropo will feature much, if at all. Strong winds will remind us to check the antennas are in good shape for winter. Trying to end on a positive note, thunderstorms are useful if you are into GHz bands rain scatter from the large cumulonimbus clouds.

Moon declination is at its minimum, most negative, today, so the Moon will be very low in the sky at its zenith. Losses are still increasing as we approach apogee on Saturday, so it’s a poor week for EME.

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

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 4th August 2019

 

The news headlines:

WRC-19 - Request to Support 50MHz

Celebrating W5LFL from space

RSGB Convention news

 

As the run-up to WRC-19 gathers pace, the UK Six Metre Group has also written to Ofcom in support of a positive approach to Agenda Item 1.1 concerning the future of the 50MHz band in ITU Region 1. At present, harmonisation and activity is impeded by the lack of a formal 50MHz ITU Region 1 amateur allocation. Whilst seeking positive UK support for the agenda item that is at the final preparation stage in CEPT, the UK Six Metre Group also expressed concern at recent proposals by some countries to cut the entire band down to just 200kHz wide. The RSGB welcomes the latest submission and is also continuing its own efforts to promote and defend amateur bands at 50MHz, 144MHz and 1296MHz, amongst others that are in scope of the various WRC-19/23 proposals.

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, otherwise known as ARISS, is celebrating the life and accomplishments of astronaut, scientist and amateur radio pioneer Owen Garriott, W5LFL, who became a silent key earlier this year. There may just be time to catch the end of the commemorative slow-scan television event featuring images from his work with ham radio during his missions in space. Transmissions began on the 1st of August and are scheduled to continue until 1815UTC today, the 4th. Transmissions will be on 145.800MHz FM using SSTV mode PD-120. Received images may be posted, so visit the ARISS website for updates and more information at www.ariss.org.

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. With use of the first geostationary satellite for amateur use rapidly climbing, visitors will be able to listen to Dave Crump, G8GKQ talk about Use of the QO-100 Wideband Transponder for DATV. Neil Smith, G4DBN will speak on Choosing the right digital mode for the job, particularly useful when digital modes are so useful at this point in the solar cycle. Alwyn Seeds, G8DOH will draw on his long professional and amateur experience to explain many of the pitfalls and mistakes made when selecting feedlines and coaxial connectors. Although focused on VHF/UHF issues, this talk, Coax and connectors, the forgotten ingredient of high performance VHF/UHF stations, should be of interest to all radio amateurs. To book weekend packages or day tickets and to read more about the RSGB Convention, go to www.rsgb.org/convention. The Early Bird discounts are due to end on the 18th of August.

ARISS has successfully completed a battery of stressful tests required as part of the final certification of the next generation radio system for launch to and operation on the International Space Station. In July, compatibility tests were undertaken to ensure that the ARISS hardware will not interfere with the ISS systems or other payloads. These tests verified that the ARISS Interoperable Radio System, or IORS, will not introduce harmful signals back into the ISS power system and is quiet enough to meet ISS acoustic requirements. Successful completion of these tests represents a key milestone in preparing the IORS for launch. ARISS can now begin final assembly of the flight units and prepare for their safety certification before launch. ARISS is working towards launch-ready status by the end of the year.

The latest edition of the VHF Newsletter is now available from the IARU Region 1, as is the VHF Handbook, version 8.50, with the recommendations of the Interim meeting in Vienna. You can download a copy from the IARU Region 1 website, www.iaru-r1.org.

A new edition of RadCom Basics is now out. RSGB Members can read it today by going to www.rsgb.org/radcom-basics, where you can also register to receive notification of subsequent issues as they become available. This edition looks at using repeaters in other areas, using WSPR and how to take part in September’s SSB Field Day.

Celebrating the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group’s 60th anniversary, special callsign GB60ATG will be used from the various DXCC Entities in the UK until the 30th of June 2020. QSL via M0OXO. Complete information on the event and the BARTG Diamond Jubilee Award can be found at http://bartg.org.uk.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 4th of August, the 30th King’s Lynn ARC Great Eastern Radio Rally will take place at Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4EL. Doors open at 9am and traders have access from 7am. Admission is £2.50, with free car parking. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. There are amateur radio pitches outside as well as tables in hall. Details from Ted, G4OZG on 01553 768701.

Today, the 4th of August, the Crianlarich Radio Rally, organised by Lomond Radio Club, will be held at Crianlarich Village Hall, Main Street, Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8QN. The doors will open at 10am. There will be a Bring & Buy, traders and an RSGB Bookstall. Catering will be available on site. Contact Bill, via [email protected] for further details.

On Friday the 9th of August the twenty-sixth Cockenzie & Port Seton Mini Rally will be held in the Community Centre, Main Hall, Port Seton. Bring along your own junk and sell it yourself. Tables on a first come first served basis. The entry fee is £2 and the doors open from 6pm to 9pm.

Sunday the 11th sees the Flight Refuelling ARS Hamfest take place at Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3DA. A talk-in station will be on S22. There is car parking on site and doors are open from 10am to 4.30pm. Admission is £4, which includes parking. There will be trade stands with indoor and field pitches and a car boot area. Lectures will take place during the day. No dogs are allowed, except Guide dogs, which is a condition set by the landowner. More from Tony Baker, G3PFM on 0774 347 5018.

To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – we need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom.

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

The slightly delayed CY9C St Paul Island DXpedition is now on the air. CY9C has been spotted on the 40, 30, and 20m bands, with a lot of initial activity on FT8 using Fox/Hound mode, in addition to some CW and SSB. The DXpedition will continue until the 8th of August. All operations will be from the Northeast Island and the DXpedition has already has been approved for DXCC credit. The IOTA reference is NA-094. The propagation report later in this bulletin has info on your best chances of working the DXpedition.

Sugi, JI3KDH will be in the Maldives, AS-013, until the 7th of August. Using the callsign 8Q7SU on the 20 to 10m bands, the operation is CW only. QSL via Logbook of The World.

Darek, SP9DLM will be active as 4L/SP9DLM from Kobuleti, Georgia from the 4th to the 16th of August. He will be active on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of The World, eQSL, or via SP9DLM either direct or via the bureau.

Giovanni, IZ2DPX will be active as 5R8PX from Nosy Be, AF-057, until the 17th of August. He will operate SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. QSL via IK2DUW direct and Logbook of The World; the log will be uploaded to Club Log.

Rick, AI5P is on Lord Howe Island, OC-004, operating as VK9APX until the 10th of August. Look for him on the 40 to 17m bands using on CW and FT8. QSLs go via his home call.

A multi-national team of YL operators will be active as OL88YL from the OK5Z contest station near Brno in the Czech Republic until the 8th of August. QSL via HB9FPM.

Now the special event news

GB100HAL has been issued to commemorate 100 years of RAF Halton, in conjunction with the many events that are taking part celebrating the anniversary. The call may also be claimed towards the Airfields on the Air Award and is recognised by RAFARS for all their awards. The callsign will be used most Saturdays up until the end of the year.

The FT8 Digital Mode Club is commemorating its 2nd anniversary and eight special event stations will be on air in a number of countries between the 10th and the 24th of August. An FTDMC Anniversary Award can be earned, with various levels to the award. Full details of the participating stations, and the awards, are at www.ft8dmc.eu

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

Just a reminder that August is the month of the traditional summer holiday, so there are no RSGB HF contests this month.

Today, the 4th, the 432MHz Low Power contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.

On Tuesday the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM only, its exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. At the same time the 144MHz Machine Generated Mode contest takes place, with the exchange of signal report and 4-character locator. It is immediately followed by the all-mode 144MHz UK Activity Contest, from 1900 to 2130UTC. The exchange for this contest is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Thursday the 50MHz machine Generated Mode Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. The exchange is signal report and 4-character locator. It is immediately followed by the all-mode 50MHz UK Activity Contest, from 1900 to 2130UTC. The exchange for this contest is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Sunday the 11th the 5th 70MHz Cumulative Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The WAE DX CW contest runs for 48 hours over the weekend of the 10th and 11th of August. Starting at 0000UTC on the 10th and ending at 2359UTC on the 11th, it’s CW only on the 3.5 to 28MHz bands. The exchange is signal report and serial number, but EU stations must only work non-EU stations to count.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday the 2nd of August.

A solar coronal hole pushed the Kp index to three last week and the solar flux index was static at 66. The plasma from the hole impacted the Earth on Wednesday, but it didn’t have the dire results that many had predicted. In fact, there was a pre-auroral enhancement that saw the maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path climb to more than 18MHz at 2030UTC on Tuesday the 30th. Two even larger coronal holes followed, matter from which is expected to hit the Earth today, the 4th. These latter holes have a positive polarity though, so the solar wind may not connect fully with the Earth’s magnetic field.

Next week NOAA has the solar flux index pegged at 67, but the good news is that once the high-speed solar wind stream from this latest coronal hole calms down we can expect more settled geomagnetic conditions.

In other news, 40m has been humming at night with many reports of US and Caribbean stations being worked.

The CY9C DXpedition to St Paul Island, off Nova Scotia, should now be under way. It’s planned to last until the 8th of August. The VOACAP online HF prediction tool shows that 20m from 2100 to 2200UTC may be favourite for a contact. Thirty metres offers an even better opportunity from 2000UTC to midnight, but is obviously restricted to CW and data modes. Later, 40 and 80 metres take over through the early hours, until sunrise. Good news for lesser-equipped stations is that CY9C is using FT8 in Fox and Hound mode at times.

And now the VHF and up propagation news

The end of this last week and most of next will still be on the unsettled side of high summer with areas of low pressure close to the British Isles. At this time of the year it often means heavy showery bursts of rain with a risk of thunder in places, so that’s a good signal for rain scatter on the microwave bands. High pressure is just putting in an appearance over the North Sea and Biscay, which means that some Tropo paths might develop to the continent.

We have a feeling that the Sporadic-E season is in its last phase now, but don’t abandon the idea that Sporadic-E can still occur, since some good openings have been seen in previous years even into the first week of September. Keep a check on the clusters for the much rarer openings in August. They can be productive, although tend to be short-lived.

Moon declination goes negative on Monday so peak Moon elevations will be under 20 degrees by the end of the week. EME Moon windows will therefore be short. Path losses will still be reasonable though as we are still two weeks from apogee.

While the Perseids meteor shower doesn’t reach its peak for another week, the shower is quite broad so you can expect improving meteor scatter conditions as the week progresses.

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

GB2RS NEWSSunday 28th July 2019

The news headlines:ARISS Russia SSTV test transmissionsLearn how to build a medium wave radio receiverNew RadCom Basics out now

A Russian MAI-SSTV event is planned from the International Space Station for Monday the 29th of July from 1315 to 2125UTC. There will be a second session on Tuesday the 30th of July from 1350 to 1950UTC. Transmissions are expected to be on 145.800MHz FM in SSTV mode PD120. The callsign in use will be RS0ISS. This session is the routine MAI-75 activity that is only active for a few orbits.On the 6th of August, the RSGB invites young people – and an accompanying adult if the child is under 16 – to join them at the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park for a fun and hands-on workshop where they can learn more about radio and electronics. The workshop offers a short introduction to wireless communications before moving on to the construction of a medium wave radio receiver. Aimed at people aged 10 to 18, all tools, test equipment and supervision will be provided. The event is organised by the RSGB, including a goody bag for each young person, and the RCF is kindly funding the kit. There is a choice of two sessions, 9.45am to 12.15pm or 1 to 3.30pm. Tickets are just £7 and you can book at tinyurl.com/rsgb-workshop A new edition of RadCom Basics is out this weekend. RSGB Members can read it today by going to www.rsgb.org/radcom-basics, where you can also find out how to sign up for the RadCom Basics mailing list. Each edition of RadCom Basics explores key aspects of amateur radio in a straightforward and accessible way. RadCom Basics is sent as an email alert to subscribers when each edition is published. This email provides a list of contents and a link to the articles on the RSGB website. This edition looks at using repeaters in other areas, using WSPR and how to take part in September’s SSB Field Day. Ofcom have confirmed their approach for innovation and sharing for mobile phones and wireless broadband in a number of microwave bands, following a consultation earlier this year. In the case of the 2390 to 2400MHz band, they acknowledge the RSGB Spectrum Forum input made in March 2019. Typical amateur uses include datalinks, DATV reception and the ARISS HamTV downlink for schools contacts. The Ofcom statement now confirms amateurs as one of the secondary incumbent users and the basis for our ongoing access. The original RSGB input and a link to the Ofcom consultation and statement is at tinyurl.com/rsgb-2400MHzThe RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. Jim Loughlin, G4DKQ will give a talk on A Brief History of Baldock Monitoring Radio Station. From its opening in 1929 as a receiving station for the Imperial Wireless Chain, Baldock Monitoring Radio Station has seen many changes throughout the ninety years of operation. The talk will cover the milestones in its history up to the present very different operational capabilities of the station. On the 12th, as part of the Contest University, Steve, G0KYA, will look at how propagation plays an important role in contesting and the tools available today for helping to predict for the big event itself. To book weekend packages or day tickets and to read more about the RSGB Convention, go to www.rsgb.org/convention.Celebrating 55 years of offshore radio broadcasting, the Martello Tower Group will be active as GB55RC between the 1st and 5th of August. Activity will take place from the MV Ross Revenge, home of Radio Caroline, moored in the Blackwater estuary. If members of the public are interested in visit the station, a fully insured tender will depart from Mersea Island at 10am and 1pm on the 3rd and 4th of August for the approximately twenty minute journey to the Ross Revenge. Details of the trips can be found on Qr Z.com under GB55RC.The RSGB Radio Communication Foundation is a sponsor of the Arkwright Engineering Academy. On Wednesday the 7th of August, an Arkwright Engineering Academy Foundation Licence training event is being organised by the RSGB at the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. The NRC Radio Room and the station, GB3RS, will be in use for training and practical assessment purposes for most of the day. Whilst GB3RS will still be operational, it does unfortunately mean that the station won’t be available for any visiting radio amateurs to operate. During the day the NRC will remain open to visitors to look around but, we apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by the radio room itself being unavailable. The G5RP Trophy is an annual award to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2019, 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. Please send your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, by e-mail to [email protected] to arrive no later than Friday the 6th of September.And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week Today, the 28th, the Wiltshire Radio Rally and Electronics Fair takes place at Kington Langley Village Hall & playing fields, Church Road, Kington Langley, Chippenham SN15 5NJ. Doors open from 9am to 1pm, with disabled visitors gaining access at 8.30am. Admission is £2. There is a car boot sale, flea market and trade stands. Catering is available on site and there is an RSGB Bookstall. For more information contact Brian, G6HUI on 0772 224 2741.Today, the 28th, Horncastle Summer Rally will take place at the Horncastle Youth Centre, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6DZ. Entry is £2 and the doors open at 10am. Refreshments are available. Contact Tony, G3ZPU on 01507 527835. This will be the last radio rally at the Horncastle Youth Centre as the County Council are closing the building. A new venue is being sought. On the 4th of August, the 30th King’s Lynn ARC Great Eastern Radio Rally will take place at Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4EL. Doors open at 9am and traders have access from 7am. Admission is £2.50, with free car parking. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. There are amateur radio pitches outside as well as tables in hall. Details from Ted, G4OZG on 01553 768701.On the 4th of August, the Crianlarich Radio Rally, organised by Lomond Radio Club will be held at Crianlarich Village Hall, Main Street, Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8QN. The doors will open at 10am. There will be a Bring & Buy, traders and RSGB Bookstall. Catering will be available on site. Contact Bill, [email protected] for further details.To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – we need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom. And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sourcesSP3PS will be active as C5SP from The Gambia until the 5th of August. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the 20 to 6m bands. QSL via his home callsign.Sebastien, F8BDQ will be active as IS0/F8BDQ the main island of Sardinia, IOTA reference EU-024, until the 6th of August. QSL via his home callsign, direct only.Frank, K3TRM will be active as J6/K3TRM from St Lucia, NA-108, until the 3rd of August. He will operate SSB, CW and digital modes of RTTY and FT8, plus satellite, on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS, Logbook of The World, or via his home call either direct or via the bureau. LA/OK1XC and LA/OK3EE will be active from Flemsoya, EU-056, until the 4th of August. QSL via OK1XC.Rick, AI5P will be active holiday-style as VK9APX from Lord Howe Island, OC-004 from the 31st of July to the 10th of August. He will operate CW and FT8 on the 40 to 17m bands. QSL via AI5P.Now the special event news Arrowe Jamboree 2019 is a weekend camp celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the 3rd World Scout Jamboree held at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, Cheshire. Wirral ARS will put GB2APJ on the air from Helsby High School today, the 28th July, using most bands and modes from 3.5MHz through to 5.6GHz.Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public. Now the contest newsThe big contest this weekend is the Island On the Air, or IOTA, contest. It runs for 24 hours until 1200UTC today, the 28th. Using the 3.5 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.Today, the 28th, the UK Microwave group contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 5.7 and 10GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.There are no RSGB HF contests in the month of August. On Saturday the 3rd of August the fourth 144MHz Backpacker contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode. Starting at the same time, but running for two hours longer, the 144MHz Low Power Contest runs from 1400 to 2000UTC. The exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.The WAB 144MHz Low Power Phone contest is also on the 3rd of August from 1400 to 1800UTC. The exchange for this one is signal report, serial number and WAB area.On Sunday the 4th, the 432MHz Low Power contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and postcode.Don’t forget that the UK Six Metre Group Marathon runs until the 4th of August. Using all modes on the 50MHz band, the exchange is just your 4-character locator.Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday the 26th of July. Last week HF was once again dominated by Sporadic-E openings. On Wednesday FT8 contacts were being made across Europe on 28MHz, from Finland in the North to Spain in the South. It was a similar story on Thursday with S9 signals from the Balearic Islands to Norway. As we head towards August it is best to make the most of these as the Es season will start to fade quite soon.Other than Sporadic-E it has been quiet on the HF bands in general.NOAA predicts that next week the Sun will continue to be spotless, with a solar flux index of 67. Geomagnetic conditions are likely to remain settled, with the Kp index predicted to be around two to three. The solar wind is currently more settled, with speeds down into the 300 to 400km per second range. However, a large solar coronal hole is making its way around the Sun. Its equatorial position means it is likely to have an impact on the Earth. Our best guess is that this could be mid-week, likely resulting in increased solar wind speeds, an elevated K index and depressed maximum useable frequencies.And now the VHF and up propagation news.There is a warm, but unsettled theme to the weather in the next week, but like the last few days this hot weather can produce some very strong ducting over the seas around the British Isles. This means that Tropo is always a possibility during this period. The unsettled nature of the weather is also going to lead to some potentially heavy showers on some days, bringing with them a chance of rain scatter.We are still in the Sporadic-E season, so it's always worth checking for openings. They tend to favour mid morning, late afternoon or early evening. Follow the jet stream charts on the various websites, for example propquest.co.uk and use the daily blog to guide you as to which directions seem most likely to produce results. Sporadic-E patches are created by the horizontal wind shear on the edges of these strong upper flows of air in the troposphere. These generate turbulence and launch atmospheric gravity waves up to the E region, where they produce vertical wind shear.The Moon reaches maximum declination on Tuesday and perigee next Friday so it’s a good week for EME.Another propagation mode to signal for attention is meteor scatter, with two small showers this week peaking on Tuesday. The Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids are then followed by the major shower, the Perseids, in the next week or two, with a broad peak around the 12th and 13th of August.And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 21st July 2019

 

The news headlines:

Keeping the spectrum clean

G5RP nominations sought

Ian White, GM3SEK to speak at the RSGB Convention

The radio communications consultancy LS telcom held its 24th annual spectrum summit on the 3rd of July and invited the IARU to participate in a panel session on “Keeping the Spectrum Clean”. The IARU was represented by Barry Lewis, G4SJH, who is the RSGB Microwave Manager. He summarised the impact of the increase in man-made noise observed by radio amateurs in recent years across the HF to UHF frequency ranges and how the amateur community is dealing with this. LS telcom is a consultancy that specialises in spectrum monitoring and was particularly interested to hear the views from the amateur community. The audience of 200 came from 34 countries and included a wide range of representatives from across the radio communications industry and regulatory fields. For more on the summit, go to www.spectrum-summit.com/en/home/

The G5RP Trophy is an annual award 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 2019, 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 serious HF DXpedition activity. This prestigious award will be presented this year at the RSGB Convention in October. Please send your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, by e-mail to [email protected] to arrive no later than Friday the 6th of September.

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. Ian White, GM3SEK will present Clean Up Your Shack - Revisited. This is sure to be a popular talk as there has been around 7000 views on the RSGB YouTube channel of Ian’s 2017 talk. To book weekend packages or day tickets and to read more about the RSGB Convention, go to www.rsgb.org/convention.

With the summer holidays looming, where can you take youngsters that’s fun, educational and free? Bletchley Park, the former top-secret home of Britain’s Codebreakers, is now a vibrant museum and has a packed calendar of interactive exhibitions and events that tell the story of this historic site. Engineering challenges, codebreaking games and immersive displays are just some of the fun summer activities on offer. For a full list of What’s On visit the Bletchley Park website https://bletchleypark.org.uk. Don’t forget RSGB Members can download a free entry voucher and you can always visit the RSGB National Radio Centre whilst you are there. Bring your licence and you can operate the permanent special event station GB3RS.

ICQ Podcast has announced a partnership in the founding of the Homebrew Heroes Award. This annual award is to recognise persons, groups or organisations who help define the frontiers in amateur radio technology through the long-standing tradition of home brew construction. The new awards program is independent of the ICQ Podcast and you can read much more at https://homebrewheroes.org

The VX2A11 team is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing during a DXpedition on Grosse Iles, Iles de la madeleine, NA-038, from the 23rd to the 30th of July. They will also participate in the IOTA contest. See www.facebook.com/vx2a11 for more information.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 21st, sees the Finningley ARS Rally take place at The Hurst Communications Centre, Belton Road , Sandtoft, Doncaster DN8 5SX. Doors open 10am and there is free parking. An indoor and outdoor area will have with major traders and club stalls from microwave components to QRP kits. Hot food and drinks are available all day. Admission is £3. Contact Kevin, G3AAF on 07831 614640 for other details.

Next Sunday, the 28th, the Wiltshire Radio Rally and Electronics Fair will be held at Kington Langley Village Hall & playing fields, Church Road, Kington Langley, Chippenham SN15 5NJ. Doors open from 9am to 1pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 8.30am. Admission is £2. There is a car boot sale, flea market and trade stands. Catering is available on site. For more information contact Brian, G6HUI on 0772 224 2741.

Next Sunday, the 28th, Horncastle Summer Rally will take place at the Horncastle Youth Centre. Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6DZ. This will be the last radio rally at the Horncastle Youth Centre as the county council are closing the building and a new venue is being sought. Entry is £2 and the doors open at 10am. Refreshments are available. Contact Tony, G3ZPU on 01507 527835.

To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – we need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom.

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

The FT8 frequencies for the CY9C DXpedition to St Paul Island, NA-094, planned between the 31st of July and the 8th of August have been announced. See https://cy9c.com for details. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of The World or direct to WA4DAN.

Lukas, HB9EBT will be active as D44TEG from Sao Tiago, AF-005, Cape Verde between the 22nd and the 29th of July. He will operate CW on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via his home call, direct or bureau.

Gil, F4FET and Antoine, F5RAB will participate in the IOTA Contest as TM7P from Ile Petite, EU-107. They will be active for a few days before and after the contest, with two stations on the 80 to 6m bands using SSB, CW and RTTY. QSL via F4FET.

Cray Valley Radio Society will be active from St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, EU-011, between the 24th and the 30th of July, including an entry in the IOTA contest as M8C. Outside the contest, the team will be on the air as G3RCV/p. QSLs via Club Log's OQRS either direct or bureau and Logbook of the World.

Thierry, HK2SM and other seven operators will be active as HK1NA from El Morro Grande, SA-082 in Santa Marta Bay on the 27th and the 28th of July. They will operate SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. The log will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of The World.

Now the special event news

Leicester Radio Society will be hosting GB5EHL for Eagle Has Landed will be on air today, the 21st of July using HF and VHF, all modes. A special QSL card will be available.

Baldock Radio station in Hertfordshire will be on air with GB9BRS celebrating 90 years since the station was opened. Operation will be on 2m FM and FT8 as well as 20 and 80m CW and SSB. It is part of a IET open house aimed at young people on the 26th of July, go to www.theiet.org and search for open house.

Arrowe Jamboree 2019 is a weekend camp celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the 3rd World Scout Jamboree held at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, Cheshire. To mark the 90th anniversary, Wirral ARS will put GB2APJ on the air from Helsby High School on Friday the 26th until Sunday the 28th July using most bands and modes from 3.5MHz through to 5.6GHz.

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

Today, the 21st, the 70MHz Trophy contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number locator and postcode.

The Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC today, the 21st. Using CW only on the 3.5 to 14MHz bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and power.

On Tuesday the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3GHz and up bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Thursday the 80m Club Championships data let takes place from 1900 to 2030UTC. The exchange is signal report and serial number.

The big contest next weekend is the Island On the Air, or IOTA, contest. It runs from 1200UTC on the 27th to 1200UTC on the 28th. Using the 3.5 to 28MHz bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference.

On Sunday the 28th, the UK Microwave group contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 5.7 and 10GHz bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Don’t forget that the UK Six Metre Group Marathon runs until the 4th of August. Using all modes on the 50MHz band, the exchange is just your 4-character locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday the 19th of July.

There is very little to say about HF propagation last week. Conditions were relatively settled, thanks to a respite from solar coronal hole activity, but the HF summer doldrums are still taking their toll. The summer ionosphere is composed mainly of diatomic gases rather than monatomic, and these are harder to ionise. This means maximum useable frequencies are lower during the Summer daytime than they are in Winter. However, night-time MUFs tend to be higher, with perhaps 14MHz remaining open much later into the evening in Summer.

The good news was that station 1A0C, The Order of Malta’s Italian Relief Corps, was active on HF, which gave DX chasers something to aim for. Sporadic E was the main mode of propagation to the station, which confusingly, is based in Rome and not Malta. And the result was that many hams were able to put 1A0C in their log on many band slots.

NOAA predicts more of the same next week with the solar flux index around 67 and the K index at two, thanks to a quiet Sun. However, a week is a long time in terms of HF propagation, so there is always the chance we may get a solar coronal hole rotating into view later in the week.

Meanwhile, make the most of the Sporadic-E season, which is now less active than it was. Es can bring forth propagation on all the HF bands, not just 28MHz, so keep looking and call CQ – you might get a surprise.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

Mixed weather at the end of last week, with some weather fronts crossing the country, brought patchy rain and some rain scatter. Thereafter, pressure probably remains low to the north and west of Britain, while a weak ridge remains close to southeast Britain with a chance of Tropo, especially across the North Sea and English Channel. By mid-week the pressure pattern has weakened and after some very warm weather, there is a trend for thundery showers to develop - once again good conditions for rain scatter.

Sporadic-E continues to show a presence as we move to the latter stages of the season. However, the jet stream pattern looks less active over Europe, although the Atlantic domain offers some activity as the jet stream buckles to provides options for paths to the States.

Moon declination goes positive on Tuesday and we are past apogee now, so EME conditions will improve throughout the week with lengthening Moon windows, lower losses and increased moon elevation.

Again there are no major meteor showers this week, but the Piscis Austrinids on the 28th is a small one and just above the horizon in the UK, so continue to look for best DX opportunities via random meteors around dawn.

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

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 14th July 2019

 

The news headlines:

RSGB President writes to Ofcom

New Science Museum exhibition

RSGB Convention lectures

After due consideration, and as reported in GB2RS news on the 5th of July, RSGB President Dave Wilson, M0OBW wrote to Ofcom strongly expressing the RSGB’s concerns about the proposed WRC-23 aeronautical Agenda Item that includes 144-146MHz. A set of appendices were attached to the letter, to enhance understanding of amateur radio usage in this band, and emphasise why any study for such new use would inevitably be fraught with complexity and likely to be unsuccessful. The letter requests regarding three other WRC Agenda Items; 50MHz, Wireless Power Transfer and 23cm/Galileo, where UK/Ofcom support is also sought. For further information please see our focus pages at www.rsgb.org/wrc-19

Discover the remarkable world of codebreaking, ciphers and secret communications in a new exhibition at the Science Museum in London. From the trenches of the First World War to the latest in cyber security, Top Secret explores over a century’s worth of communications intelligence through hand-written documents, declassified files and previously unseen artefacts from the Science Museum Group's and GCHQ’s historic collections. It includes the story of Alan Turing and the team of Bletchley Park codebreakers who broke the Enigma code in 1941. Top Secret coincides with the 100th anniversary of GCHQ and runs until the 23rd of February 2020. The exhibition is free but booking is required. See the Science Museum website at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/‎ for more details.

The RSGB Convention takes place in Milton Keynes from the 11th to the 13th of October. Two of the interesting lectures over the weekend will be Don Field, G3XTT talking about Guest Operating. Being part of a multi-operator contest or DXpedition effort can be fun, it's a great learning experience and he has been involved in many such operations. Tony Canning, G2NF will be speaking on a subject very close to many radio amateurs’ hearts, Urban QRM; What can I do? To book weekend packages or day tickets and to read more about the RSGB Convention, go to www.rsgb.orf/convention

Confused by all the recent talk about the World Radio Conference, CEPT Project teams etc? The RSGB has put together a few slides that explain the layers in the international regulatory cake. They are available at https://tinyurl.com/rsgb-slides and are also part of the wider resource on WRC-19 at www.rsgb.org/wrc-19.

Join VERON, the Dutch National Society, in a 2m propagation experiment on Saturday the 20th of July from 1700 to 1900UTC. Make QSOs on the 2m band in any mode you prefer. It’s not a contest but an experiment to get as many radio amateurs on the band as possible. Club Log is handling the statistics. Upload your QSOs in ADIF format. Find out more on the VERON website www.veron.nl

The RSGB invites young people, and an accompanying adult if the child is under 16 years, to join them at the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park on the 6th of August for a fun and hands-on workshop where they can learn more about radio and electronics. Details are on the Bletchley Park website at https://bletchleypark.org.uk under the What’s On tab.

A further meeting on Wireless Power Transmission was held in Copenhagen in week beginning the 1st of July. This was a sub-group of CEPT Committee SE24 charged with work on a report on generic WPT devices. Don Beattie, G3BJ, representing IARU, made input on its projections of harmful emissions from WPT systems, both generic and wireless electric vehicle charging, operating at the existing harmonic emission limits. The IARU also reported on tests carried out on small WPT devices. The IARU continues to argue for tighter emission limits on harmonics and other spurious emissions from WPT systems, which have the potential to cause sustained harmful interference to incumbent radio services.

A new G-2800DXC rotator has been installed on the tower driving the SteppIR beam for GB3RS, the permanent special event station at the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. The work was completed ahead of schedule and GB3RS is now both back on air and available for visiting amateurs to operate during their visit, please bring your licence with you.

The TX Factor video recently made at the RSGB National Radio Centre about the new geostationary satellite OSCAR 100 is now online. Go to http://www.txfilms.co.uk/txfactor/ and view Episode 23.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 14th, the Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will be held at Penair School, St Clements, Truro TR1 1TN. Doors open from 10.30am to 4pm. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. Catering is available on site. Contact Mike Halloway on 01209 211 069.

Today, the 14th, the McMichael Radio Rally and Boot Sale will take place at Reading Rugby Football Club, Sonning Lane, Sonning on Thames RG4 6ST. Doors open 9.30am to 3.30pm, admission is £3. There will be trade stands and exhibition displays as well as a car boot area. Catering is available on site as well as a bar. More from Min, G0JMS on 07917 830 410.

Today, the 14th, the 23rd Red Rose QRP Festival will be held at St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PR. There is free car parking and the halls are all on one level. Doors open 10.30am. There will be a Bring & Buy, RSGB bookstall, refreshments and bar. Details from Colin, M0IQY on 0741 936 3131.

Next Sunday, the 21st, sees the Finningley ARS Rally take place at The Hurst Communications Centre, Belton Road , Sandtoft, Doncaster DN8 5SX. Doors open 10am and there is free parking. An indoor and outdoor area will have with major traders and club stalls from microwave components to QRP kits. Hot food and drinks are available all day. Admission is £3. Contact Kevin, G3AAF on 07831 614640 for other details.

To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – we need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom.

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

Ignazio, IT9AGZ will be active as IF9/IT9AGZ from Levanzo Island, EU-054 between the 16th and the 28th of July. QSL via his home call.

Harry, JG7PSJ will be active as JG7PSJ/7 from Oshima, AS-206, one of the new IOTA designations, starting around 2200UTC on the 19th of July until around 0600UTC on the 21st. He will operate CW, SSB and RTTY on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via his home call.

JI3CEY will be also be active holiday style as JI3CEY/0 from the island of Sado, AS-206, one of the latest IOTA destinations, between the 20th and the 22nd of July. Plans are to operate SSB and CW on the HF bands. QSL via his home call.

Rick, K6VVA plans to be active as K6VVA/KL7 from Endicott Island, NA-004 from about 2200UTC on the 16th of July until about 1600UTC on the 19th. He will operate CW and some SSB on 40, 30 and 20 metres. IOTA credit for this operation will be obtained only via the Club Log Matching function on the IOTA website.

Now the special event news

Gilwell Park also hosts GB2GP and has been getting Scouts on the air for over 50 years. To celebrate Scouting’s 100 years, GB100GP today, the 14th of July, when Gilwell Park is open to Explorer Scouts and Ranger Guides.

Leicester Radio Society will be hosting GB5EHL for Eagle Has Landed throughout the whole of July to celebrate the first moon landing. In particular they will be on air for the whole weekend of 20th and 21st July using HF and VHF, all modes. A special ASL card will be available.

GB100BM will be on the air to celebrate 100 years of Bentley Motor cars. The station will be operated by members of South Cheshire ARS. Throughout July they will operate on the 80m to 2m bands using SSB, CW, FM and datamodes. A special full colour QSL will be available. QSL is via OQRS, Bureau, Logbook of The World and eQSL.

On the 20th of July, members of Poldhu ARC will be operating GB50AML from the Goonhilly Earth Satellite Station in Cornwall to commemorate the part Goonhilly played in relaying TV signals of the Apollo 11 Moon landing 50 years ago. Look for activity on 40 metres SSB, and 20 metres CW and SSB. QSL via Club Log's OQRS or via G3UCQ.

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

Next The IARU HF Championship 24 hour run ends at 1200UTC today, the 14th. Using SSB on the 1.8 to 28MHz bands the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone, which for the UK is 27.

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

On Thursday the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Saturday the 2nd 40m QSO Party runs from 1000 to 1200UTC. Using SSB only the exchange is 59 and your name.

Next Sunday, the 21st, the 70MHz Trophy contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes the exchange is signal report, serial number locator and postcode.

The Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC on Sunday the 21st. Using CW only on the 3.5 to 14MHz bands the exchange is signal report, serial number and power.

Don’t forget that the UK Six Metre Group Marathon runs until the 4th of August. Using all modes on the 50MHz band, the exchange is just your 4-character locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday the 12th of July.

Last week saw poor geomagnetic conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Kp index hitting five. This was due to a weak coronal mass ejection followed by the onset of a solar wind stream from a coronal hole. A solar wind speed above 650km/s, coupled with a strongly south-pointing Bz field, led to geomagnetic unrest at higher latitudes.

The net result was poor conditions on HF, with even the Chilton ionosonde failing to show much of an ionospheric return on its plots.

The poor conditions continued on Thursday with 20m looking distinctly lacklustre and only one or two stations audible on the band. Conditions are predicted to recover by the weekend.

Next week NOAA predicts the solar flux will continue to be around 67, with zero sunspots. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be settled with a maximum Kp index of two. This means HF conditions may be better next week, although still subject to the summer doldrums.

We have probably seen the best of the Sporadic-E season, but do keep an eye on 10m for short-skip openings. A long-term view is that we may not see better HF F2-layer conditions until the Autumn. On the bright side, today, the 14th, is the last day for the Cricket World Cup special event stations, so make the most of the final activity.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

A period of high pressure is crossing the country this weekend, which should have suppressed the heavy showers of recent days in some areas. Thus rain scatter is now replaced by some Tropo, for a time at least.

Early next week the weather position gets very uncertain with weather models split. One version brings a low across northern Britain from the Atlantic, which brings a showery cold front south by the end of the week to offer a chance of rain scatter again.

The other model outcome is for low pressure to drift into southern Britain from the continent, leaving pressure higher in the north, but introducing showers to the south. Either way, the end result is that the early week Tropo is replaced by the chance of rain scatter again.

As we move into mid-July, Sporadic-E can become less commonplace, but still produce some good openings when they do materialise. The FT8 factor means there’s plenty of chance for QSOs via this mode if signals are too low for SSB and CW.

Moon declination is at a minimum tomorrow, Monday, and apogee is just a week away so path losses will continue to increase as the week progresses and Moon windows will be very short with the moon at low elevations.

There are no major meteor showers this week so continue to look for best DX opportunities via random meteors around dawn.

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

GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 7th July 2019

 

The news headlines:

RSGB President writes to Ofcom

Bletchley youngsters’ hands-on radio

Microwave Manager addresses Spectrum Summit

 

In our next step in an ongoing effort to protect the 144MHz band, the RSGB President has written to Ofcom regarding the recent World Radio Conference WRC-23 aeronautical proposal. Our input summarises the basis for our deep concerns, but also includes an appendix highlighting the multi-faceted nature of amateur radio activity and innovation in this strategically important global Primary allocation. This comes in the run up to a key CEPT meeting in August, where its 48 member states – including the UK – will confirm their common positions for the World Radio Conference this autumn. The letter also includes requests regarding other WRC agenda items including 50MHz, 23cm/Galileo and Wireless Power. The RSGB anticipates being able to publish more details and supporting material in due course.

The RSGB invites young people, and an accompanying adult if the child is under 16 years, to join them at the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park on the 6th of August for a fun and hands-on workshop where they can learn more about radio and electronics. The workshop offers a short introduction to wireless communications, radio propagation and electronic construction, before moving on to the construction of a medium wave radio receiver. The event is aimed at young persons aged 10 to 18. There is a choice of two sessions, a morning or afternoon workshop. Only 8 places are available on each session. Tickets cost £7 each and entry is by pre-booked ticket only. Details will be on the Bletchley Park website at https://bletchleypark.org.uk

This week IARU expert and RSGB Microwave Manager Barry Lewis, G4SJH presented a key address to a panel session on ‘Keeping the Spectrum Clean’ at the 24th Annual Spectrum Summit in Germany that attracted 200 delegates from 34 countries. He said, “The amateur radio community struggles with an ever-growing level of electro-magnetic pollution that is crowding in across the radio spectrum from the lowest frequencies up into the VHF bands. In some frequency ranges, efficient and useful radio communication is becoming compromised. Aftermarket regulation and slowly evolving standards are struggling to be effective in keeping the spectrum clean for all users.” 

Professor Cathryn Mitchell, M0IBG, academic director of the University of Bath Doctoral College and Trustee of the Radio Communications Foundation, has received the 2019 Edward Appleton Medal and Prize for her pioneering research in tomography and data assimilation. This revealed a completely new perspective on the ionosphere in response to extreme space weather. Read the full story at https://tinyurl.com/yxs3k5lc

An item of radio equipment was handed in after the Houghton-le-Spring Free Radio Rally. Please spread the word so the organisers can find the rightful owner, who can contact Ian Laidler, M0RZE on 07977 310 928.

IARU was represented at the recent meeting in Switzerland of CEPT Project Team D. This was the last of the CEPT project team meetings preparing European Common Proposals for a number of agenda items of the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference that takes place during November 2019. From an amateur radio standpoint, WRC-19 agenda item 1.1, which addresses the possibility of an allocation in Region 1 of the 50-54MHz frequency band, was the key issue to be resolved. PTD agreed the text for WRC-19 which, if adopted at the WRC, would see an entry in the international table of allocations for Region 1 and would allocate the 50 to 52MHz frequency band to the amateur service on a secondary basis. In addition a footnote to the international table was agreed which would permit individual CEPT countries to introduce a national primary allocation in the 50.0 – 50.5MHz sub-band. The final meeting of CEPT’s Conference Preparatory Group will take place in the week beginning the 26th of August and will finalise CEPT’s input to WRC-19. The IARU will attend the CPG to represent the views of the Amateur Service.

Visitors to the RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park in June numbered 9,041, which is almost 5,000 more than in June 2018. This gives a total for the first six months of 2019 of 45,588. The RSGB would like to thank the volunteers, who ensure that visitors feel welcomed and find the NRC team knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. A reminder that the main SteppIR beam aerial is having its rotator replaced and feeder cable trays installed between the 8th and the 10th of July. There will be no radio demonstrations using GB3RS during those three days.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Today, the 7th of July, the Barford Norfolk Radio Rally will be held at Barford Village Hall & Green, Barford, Norwich NR9 4AB. Doors open at 9am, with talk in on S22. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a Bring & Buy, raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry is £2 per person, with under 16s free. Contact [email protected].

Next Sunday, the 14th, the Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will be held at Penair School, St Clements, Truro TR1 1TN. Doors open from 10.30am to 4pm. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. Catering is available on site. Contact Mike Halloway on 01209 211 069.

Next Sunday, the 14th, the McMichael Radio Rally and Boot Sale will take place at Reading Rugby Football Club, Sonning Lane, Sonning on Thames RG4 6ST. Doors open 9.30am to 3.30pm, admission is £3. There will be trade stands and exhibition displays as well as a car boot area. Catering is available on site as well as a bar. More from Min, G0JMS on 07917 830 410.

Next Sunday, the 14th, the 23rd Red Rose QRP Festival will be held at St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PR. There is free car parking and the halls are all on one level. Doors open 10.30am. There will be a Bring & Buy, RSGB bookstall, refreshments and bar. Details from Colin, M0IQY on 0741 936 3131.

To get your event into RadCom, onto GB2RS and on the RSGB website, please send details as early as possible to [email protected] – we need to know four months in advance to get your info into RadCom.

And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources

Saty, JE1JKL will be active as 9M6NA from Labuan Island, East Malaysia, IOTA reference OC-133 between the 11th and 16th of July. He will concentrate on the 6m band using FT8. QSL via Logbook of The World and Club Log’s OQRS.

Janusz, SP9FIH returns to Bethlehem in Palestine from the 6th of July to the 3rd of August. He will be using the 80 to 6m bands as E44WE. QSLs go via his home call.

David, DL7ZM will be active as 4L/DL7ZM from Georgia between the 13th and the 21st of July. He will be operating on 6 metres CW, SSB and FT8. QSL direct only to AD0PY; he does not use Logbook of The World.

Dave, WJ2O will be active as MD/WJ2O from the Isle of Man, EU-116, between the 11th and 17th of July. QSL via N2ZN.

John, W2GD will be active as P44W from Aruba, SA-036, between the 11th and the 16th of July. He will operate primarily CW, with main activity during the IARU HF World Championship. QSL via Logbook of The World, or direct to N2MM.

Now the special event news

GB1CMS will be operating today, the 7th of July at a display of military vehicles and battle re-enactments located 7 miles south of Dorking in Capel, Surrey. A listening watch will be maintained on 51.60MHz and a full list of frequencies can be found via tinyurl.com/yx92b4uy

Grey Point Fort ARS will be open for visitors during the Military Vehicle Weekend today, the 7th of July from 10am to 4pm. Visit them at Grey Point Fort, Fort Road, Helen’s Bay, Crawfordsburn BT19 1LD.

Gilwell Park also hosts GB2GP and has been getting Scouts on the air for over 50 years. To celebrate Scouting’s 100 years, GB100GP will be active between the 12th and 14th of July when Gilwell Park is open to Explorer Scouts and Ranger Guides.

Please send special event details to [email protected] as early as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be open to the public.

Now the contest news

The RSGB VHF National Field Day ends its 24 hour run at 1400UTC today, the 7th. Using all modes on the 50 to 1.3GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Today, the 7th, the 3rd 2m Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 80m Club Championships SSB leg runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. The exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Tuesday the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC, using FM only. It is immediately followed by the all-mode 432MHz UK Activity Contest from 1900 to 2130UTC. The exchange for both contests is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Thursday the 50MHz Machine Generated Modes Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1900UTC. The exchange is signal report and four-character locator. It is immediately followed by the all-mode 50MHz UK Activity Contest from 1900 to 2130UTC. The exchange for this contest is signal report, serial number and locator.

Next weekend the IARU HF Championship runs from 1200UTC on the 13th to 1200UTC on the 14th. Using SSB on the 1.8 to 28MHz bands the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone, which for the UK is 27.

Don’t forget that the UK Six Metre Group Marathon runs until the 4th of August. Using all modes on the 50MHz band, the exchange is just your 4-character locator.

Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday the 5th of July.

Good news: this week saw two sunspots appear from the upcoming solar cycle 25. We know this due to their magnetic polarity and locations close to the solar equator. Unfortunately, the sunspots didn’t last very long before vanishing. But it is a start. Earlier this year, an international panel of experts predicted that solar minimum would deepen in 2019 and begin to rebound sometime next year.

Solar conditions continued to be calm, with a low solar flux and a quiet geomagnetic field. This allowed the ionosphere to recover somewhat and there was DX to be had if you chose the right mode and time. For example, T2AR on Tuvalu in the Pacific has been worked by quite a few stations in the UK, on both CW and FT8. The GB19 cricket stations have also been busy and will be active until the 14th of July, so make the most of the time left. KH7XS in Hawaii has also been heard in the UK at S9 on 20m SSB.

The Daily Express predicted doom and gloom for Friday the 5th of July when it said a huge solar storm would hit the Earth. At the time of writing, this seemed unlikely. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the range 67-69, with settled geomagnetic conditions. We hope to get the Propquest.co.uk tool back in action again soon, which has been out of action to a data centre fault in North America.

And now the VHF and up propagation news.

We start off with high pressure to the west of Britain and it should provide some Tropo conditions for most areas this weekend, but will decline next week and become confined to the western side of the country.

The main change in the pattern next week is that a trough of low pressure will become established over the North Sea and produce a gentle but cooler northerly flow over the country. This could produce some heavy showers, over eastern areas in particular, and offer a chance of some rain scatter on the microwave bands.

The Sporadic-E season is still performing for us with 144MHz openings to Italy, and there will be suitable jet streams present to make it an interesting prospect for next week. Check the bands late morning and again late afternoon or early evening to have the best chance of finding some Sporadic-E.

The Moon declination goes negative on Tuesday, and path losses will increase as the week progresses. EME conditions will be best early in the week. There are no major meteor showers this week so continue to look for best DX opportunities via random meteors around dawn.

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