GB2RSNEWS
Sundaythe 10th of December 2017
Thenewsheadlines:
- Croatians get 5MHz plus Top Band extensions
- RSGB Raspberry Pi lecture online
- MSF maintenance shutdown
On the 24th of November, the Croatian Regulatory Authority published changes to the rules on amateur radio communications in the Republic of Croatia. According to these changes, Croatian radio amateurs now have access to the WRC-15 60m amateur secondary allocation of 5351.5 to 5366.5kHz with 15W EIRP. They now also have access to the 160m band from 1810 to 2000kHz, with 1.5kW maximum power from 1810 to 1850kHz and 1kW between 1850 and 2000kHz.
The RSGB has released the video of the RSGB Convention 2017 Raspberry Pi lecture by Mike Richards, G4WNC. Members can view it via the RSGB video portal. Mike’s presentation includes a range of practical Pi projects to encourage people to get their Raspberry Pi out of the drawer and into use. These uses include a data modes terminal using FLDIGI and WSJT-X, a DVB-T dongle receiver and using the Pi to control things around the shack. Also released this week were Latest Developments in IOTAby the IOTA management team and 51LYC Brings Pukapuka Atoll OC-098 in North Cook Islands on the air by Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC. All three can be found via the RSGB video portal,
The MSF 60kHz time and frequency signal broadcast from Anthorn Radio Station will be shut down on the 14th of December from 1000 to 1400UTC. The interruption to the transmission is required to allow maintenance work to be carried out safely. The MSF radio signal is a dedicated time broadcast that provides an accurate and reliable source of UK civil time, based on the NPL time scale UTC.
The Codebreakers’ Wall is a specially reserved area in the grounds of Bletchley Park for veterans, their families and supporters of Bletchley Park to have their names engraved into a brick to share with loved ones for many years to come. A digital version of the wall is now available soon so you can search for names, locate bricks in the Codebreakers’ Wall and discover the stories behind the bricks. Go to to learn more.
A meeting was held on the 2nd of December between the President of IARU Region 1 and the President of the European Radio Amateurs’ Organisation. Also present were the Chair of IARU Region 1’s Spectrum and Regulatory Liaison Committee and the Secretary-General of EURAO.The meeting was held against a background of both IARU Region 1 and EURAO having Letters of Understandingwith CEPT, enabling participation in the work of CEPT. Both organisations accepted that they had shared objectives, identified some specific areas for interworking and will continue a constructive dialogue into the future.
Due to a change in work circumstances and a significantly increased workload, Sara McGarvey, 2I0SSW has reluctantly decided that she needs to step down from her RSGB Board responsibilities and thus has tendered her resignation as an Elected Board member of the RSGB. The Chairman and Board would like to thank Sara for her contribution to the Society especially associated with YOTA 2017. Sara will be continuing with her Deputy Regional Manager role in Northern Ireland. Details of all the Board and Regional vacancies are in the January 2018 RadCom, along with information about the nomination process.
Andnowforthedetailsofralliesandeventsforthecomingweek
We have no rallies in the diary before Christmas. But, on the 29th of December, the Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Table Top Rally will take place at Sparkford Village Hall, Church Road, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JN.
Ifyouhaveanyrallyoreventinformationyou’dliketoappearinfutureeditionsofGB2RSNews,inRadComandontheRSGBwebsite,. Our list of rallies for 2018 is still looking quite empty so please, if you are a rally organiser, let us know the details as soon as possible.
AndnowtheDXnewscompiledfrom425DXNewsandothersources
Lester, W8YCM is on the air until January 2018as 6Y6Y from Westmoreland Parish at Negril, Jamaica, IOTA reference NA-097. Activity is holiday style on various HF bands. QSL direct to home call.
Elvira, IV3FSG is on the air as E44YL from Bethlehem until the 18th of December. Activity is on the HF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and various digital modes. QSL via IK3GES.
Rich, PA0RRS is operating as 9M2MRS from Penang Island, AS 015, until the 31st of January 2018. Activity is on 40 to 10 metres using CW, SSB and PSK. QSL to home call.
Ulmar, DK1CE is on the air as V5/DK1CE near Omaruru in Namibia until the 15th of December. Activity is on 80 to 10 metres using CW and some SSB. QSL to home call.
Nowthespecialeventnews
The main Special Event Station news is GB17YOTA, for Youngsters on the Air month. This callsign will be aired by clubs up and down the country during the month of December. Today, the 10th, sees Mid Ulster ARC operating it.The King’s School Radio Club in Ottery St Mary, Devon takes up the mantle on Monday. Worcester Radio Amateurs Association are on the air on the 12th, followed by Aberystwyth & District ARS on the 13th and Swansea Radio Society on the 14th. Silcoates School radio club will bring it to life on the 15th and Durham and District ARS take to the airwaves on the 16th and 17th. A list of activations can be found on page 8 of the December edition ofRadCom.
Commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's reunification, Hong Kong licensed radio amateurs are being allowed to use the special prefix VR20 on a voluntary basis until the 30th of June 2018.
DT23WOP from the Republic of Korea is on the air until February 2018 for the 23rd Olympic Winter Games. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via HL1IWD.
The traditional Santa Claus Land station OH9SCL is operating during December from Finnish Lapland. Activity is mainly on 160 to 10 metres using all modes, including FT8. QSL via OH9AB.
Nowthecontestnews
This weekend’s ARRL 10m contest ends its run at 2359UTC today, the 10th. Using CW and phone only, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American and Canadian stations will also exchange their State or Province code.
On Tuesday the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2000UTC. It is immediately followed by the 432MHz UK Activity Contest, using all modes, from 2000 to 2230UTC. The exchange is the same, signal report, serial number and locator.
The UK Six Metre Group’s Winter Marathon continues. There are no set operating times, just work as many Locator squares as you can. You can upload your log as many times as you like, while you build your score.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Friday the 8th of December.
Last week, the effects of the high-speed solar wind from another coronal hole saw the K index climb to five on Tuesday and remain relatively high throughout Wednesday and Thursday. The ionosphere took a hit and daytime maximum usable frequencies struggled to exceed 18MHz at times. By Thursday, conditions were starting to improve a little, but the HF bands were still noisy with a distinct lack of signals.
The solar disk also remained fairly unblemished by sunspots, other than one very tiny group of three that saw the solar flux index climb, if that is the right word, to 68. This will most likely be the trend for the next 18 months or so as we experience the end of solar cycle 24.
Daytime critical frequencies have been around 5-6 megahertz, which means 60 and 80 metres remain the best bands for UK-wide short skip in daylight. Night-time critical frequencies of around three megahertz mean 80m is largely closed to short skip, although both it and 40 metres are potentially open to longer distances.
This weekend, another coronal hole is rotating into an earth-facing position and NOAA predicts we may have disturbed geomagnetic conditions from Monday the 11th through to Wednesday the 13th. Conditions should then be more settled through to next weekend.
The solar flux index is predicted to continue to hover around the 68-70 mark and, with such a poor prognosis for HF propagation, it might be worth concentrating on night-time DX, or looking at using more efficient data modes, such as PSK or FT8 on the 20 and 30 metre bands during daylight.
And now the VHF and up propagation news.
This week, the nights of the 13th and 14th see the peak of the Geminids, one of the largest meteor showers of the year. The Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, is an idealised number for the visually-observed meteors seen under a moonless sky with the radiant at the zenith. There will be many more radio meteor reflections observed than this number. The Geminids has a ZHR rate of 120, so look for plenty of good, strong meteor bursts on the lower VHF bands.
As well as the usual digimodes, SSB and CW QSOs can often be made in this shower, if you get your operating technique nice and slick. There is no moonlight on Wednesday night, so, if the skies are clear, go outside and take a look for bright meteors.
We are in a cold northerly weather pattern for this week and with minor troughs running south and small lows developing; this type of weather is very poor for Tropo. That leaves us just a hope for some rain/snow scatter on the gigahertz bands from some of the heavy wintry showers, which will be fairly commonplace near the coasts. More organised areas of rain and snow may affect some areas during the week. As usual, use the various radar visualisation tools online to track the precipitation.
Moon declination goes negative on Monday night and losses are rising as the Moon moves away. Due to this, EME opportunities will be shorter and signals lower.
And that’s all from the propagation team this week
Next, the Local News:
Please note that details of all RSGB-affiliated clubs and societies can be found on the RSGB website, including email addresses and website links where known.
[Note to Newsreaders: Please read the local news items appropriate to the service area of your transmission.]
NEWSFORTHEMIDLANDS
We start with clubs that have several events this week. Wythall Radio Club has its regular net at 8pm today and next Sunday on 145.225MHz or GB3WL. Tuesday there’s a Morse Class followed by a committee meeting. On Saturday it’s the club Christmas party. Details from Chris, G0EYO, on 07710 412 819.
Coventry Amateur Radio Society has an open net on Monday from 8pm on 145.375MHz FM and / or 7.16MHz SSB ± QRM. Thursday sees an open net from 8pm on 50.175MHz SSB. On Friday it’s the Christmas social night. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777 363.
Gloucester Amateur Radio & Electronics Society is holding its Christmas meeting on Monday. The main club net is on Wednesday from 7.30pm on 145.475MHz FM. On Thursday there’s a net on 145.475MHz from 7.30pm, often moving to 80m SSB. Contact Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01242 699 595, daytime.
Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is having a shack night on Monday. Thursday sees the club net from 8pm on 145.325MHz from 8pm. On Friday there’s a mince pie evening. For details contact Paul Gamble, G1SGZ, via email to .
RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club has its net on Monday from 8pm on 145.325MHz. Thursday ses the club Christmas dinner at the Pyewipe Inn. On Friday there’s a club night. Contact Bob, G3VCA, on 07971 166 250.
South Birmingham Radio Society is checking the aerials and feeders on Monday and has its regular coffee morning from 11am on Tuesday. Thursday sees training classes with Dave Murphy, G8OWL. Contact Gemma, M6GKG, by email to .
Sutton Coldfield Amateur Radio Society is holding its Christmas party on Monday. On Tuesday there’s an open net on 70.475MHz FM from 7.30pm. Details from Robert Bird, via email to .
Malvern Hills RAC is having its Christmas get-together on Tuesday. Wednesday sees the club net on 145.350MHz FM from 8pm. Contact Dave, G4IDF, on 01905 351 568.
Salop Amateur Radio Society has its club CW net on Tuesday from 4.30pm on 144.070MHz. Wednesday sees the club net on GB3LH from 8.30pm and on Thursday there’s a talk & demo on meteor scatter by Nik, M5DND. For details, email .
Worksop Amateur Radio Society is having a club night and taking part in the 70cm UKAC on Tuesday. On Thursday there’s a technical night and 6m UKAC. Details by email to .
Lincoln Short-Wave Club is having a nibbles and natter night on Wednesday. Thursday sees the club net from 8pm on 145.375MHz. On Saturday the shack is open from 9.30am with G6COL on the air. For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788 356.
Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday Leicester Radio Society is having a Morse night followed by committee meeting. Contact Sandra Morley, G0MCV, on 0793 027 4044.
On Monday South Normanton Alfreton & District Amateur Radio Club is holding a club meeting. Details from A Lawrence, 2E0BQS, on 01246 456 625.
On Monday Stratford upon Avon & District Radio Society is having session on a SDR kit build by Quentin, M0OAE. Contact Clive, G0CHO, on 01608 664 488.
On Tuesday Derby & District Amateur Radio Society is holding a committee meeting. For details, email .
On Tuesday Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is discussing operating procedures and what the controls do on your rig. More information from Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.
On Tuesday Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society is holding its Christmas meeting. Contact Don, G4CYG, on 01926 424 465.
On Wednesday Midland Amateur Radio Society is holding its Christmas party from 7.30 pm. Details from Norman, G8BHE, on 0780 807 8003.
On Wednesday Telford & District Amateur Radio Society is having a mince pie and mulled wine social evening, with a presentation by RSGB Examinations Quality Manager Dave Wilson, M0OBW. Details from John Humphreys, M0JZH, on 07824 737 716.
On Thursday Kettering & District Amateur Radio Society has its net on 145.300MHz from 7pm. Details from Ed O'Neill, via email to .
On Friday Melton Mowbray Amateur Radio Society is holding an informal chat. Contact Phil, G4LWB, on 01664 567 972.
On Saturday Staffordshire Portable Amateur Radio Club is meeting at Chasewater Park. Details from Lynn Briggs, M6LIN, on 0192 244 9668.
NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
Westartwithclubsthathaveseveraleventsthisweek.DenbyDaleRadioClubhasitsnetviaGB3HDfrom10.30amtodayandnextSunday.DetailsfromDarran,G0BWB,on07974423227.
Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club continues its Foundation and Intermediate courses on Monday. Next Saturday sees an Intermediate project session plus the Christmas meal at Gateshead Bowling Green Club. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 01914 770 036.
Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on Monday by Paul, G3OSR on HF Propagation. Thursday sees the Christmas dinner. Details from John E Rodway, G4FRK, on 01253 862 810.
On Tuesday Stockport Radio Society is having a radio night. On Thursday there’s a club net on 145.375MHz from 7.30pm. Friday sees a net on 433.525MHz from 2pm. Details from Heather Stanley, M6HNS, on 07506 904 422.
WirralAmateurRadioSocietyis open from 7pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. DetailsfromWilliamDavies,G4YWD,on07804884245.
Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday Bolton Wireless Club is holding an open evening and table-top sale. For details, send an email to .
On Monday Macclesfield & District Radio Society has the shack on the air. For details, email .
On Monday Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a shack night. Contact David, G6DCT, via email to .
On Tuesday Chester & District Radio Society is holding a committee meeting. Contact Bruce Sutherland, M0CVP, on 01244 343 825.
On Tuesday Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society continues its Foundation and Intermediate training, along with operation on digital modes. Details from Martin, M0GQB, on 01422 341 317.
On Tuesday Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM. Contact Andy Morgan, GD1MIP, via email to .
On Wednesday Blyth Radio Club has a Morse class and a club night. Details from John, 2E0DCV, on 0191 237 1729.
On Wednesday Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having a beer & hotpot evening. More information from Peter Paul Fox, G8HAV, on 0791 931 5547.
On Wednesday Rochdale & District Amateur Radio Society is having a club night. Contact Robert, M0NVQ, via email to .
On Thursday Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club is holding training classes and a normal club night. Contact Gail, M3GBB on 0191 372 0473.
On Thursday Ripon & District Amateur Radio Society is having a club night. More information from David Cutter, G3UNA, on 01423 860 778.
On Thursday South Manchester Radio and Computer Club is discussing band plans and allocations. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 01619 693 999.
On Friday East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a radio magazines evening. For more information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.
On Friday Tynemouth Amateur Radio Club is closed. For details, see
On Friday Wakefield & District Radio Society is having a social and natter night. Contact Charles, on 0790 050 0775.
NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
On Sunday Mid Ulster Amateur Radio Club is having its Christmas get-together and GB17YOTA day. All are invited to have a Christmas bite and activate the GB17YOTA call. Details from Dave Parkinson, 20SJV, via email to .
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND
On Tuesday Dundee Amateur Radio Club is having its Christmas meal. Contact Martin, 2M0KAU, on 0776 370 8933.
On Tuesday Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society is having a social evening. Details from Cathie, 2M0DIB, on 01506 433 846.
On Wednesday Perth & District Amateur Radio Group is having a normal club night, to which all are welcome. More information from Ron Stratton, via email to .
On Thursday Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is holding its Christmas party. Contact Fred Gordon, GM3ALZ, on 01975 651 365.
On ThursdayStirling & District Amateur Radio Society is getting up to general amateur radio shenanigans. Contact Lyndsay Keogh, MM6KEO, on 07786 885 566.
On Friday Mid Lanarkshire Amateur Radio Society is having a club night. Contact Kevin, 2M0KVM, on 0772 509 6279.
On Friday West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having a regular club night. For details, see
[Note to Newsreaders: we were specifically asked to include the following item “complete”; it is reproduced here as received.]
“This coming Friday (15th Dec) the West Of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is having it's Christmas party at the Club's premises with entertainment provided by John - GM0KTOand his band - theBlack Diamonds Havana Band . All amateurs are welcome to come along and enjoy the festivities. For further information please checkout the Club's website selecting the Programme tab."
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST and EAST ANGLIA
Westartwithclubsthathaveseveraleventsthisweek.SurreyRadioContactClub has its neton1905kHzfrom9.30amtodayandnextSunday.Thursday sees aclubneton70.300MHzfrom 8pm andonFridaythere’sa club neton145.350MHzfrom8pm.ContactJohn,G3MCX,on02086883322.
Today, Thames Amateur Radio Group is having revision session and exam for local candidates on the Bath Distance Learning Course. On Friday there’s a TARGet night with practical radio projects. Patrick Higham, G8JLM, 01621 855 461,