GB2RS News Sunday the 19th of May 2024 The news headlines: RSGB Board liaison roles update The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is closing soon The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon is under way Each RSGB Board Director has a liaison role between the Board and specific aspects of the Society’s work. This focuses very much on the work done by RSGB volunteers in committees, groups and teams as well as by the Honorary Officers. The Board has just agreed on the liaison roles for the coming year. To find out more or to see contact details for each Board Director, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/board The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is closing soon. Its final open day will be on the 8th of June 2024. According to the Museum’s website, after this time it will start to dispose of its exhibits. The Museum attempts to tell the story of RAF Signals. Among its attractions, it contains a lot of working equipment which can be demonstrated, including transmitters, receivers and radar consoles. To read more about the Museum, and learn how you can visit it before it closes, visit signalsmuseum.uk The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon is underway. The activity is open to all amateur radio operators worldwide and membership of the Group is not required. The objective is to work as many four-digit grid squares as possible between the 4th of May and the 4th of August on the 6m band. Logs can be submitted until the 18th of August 2024. You can find out more at uksmg.org The latest RadCom contesting column is now available for all to read on the RSGB website. Since April 2024 this exclusive content has been shared online each month following the publication of each RadCom issue. This useful resource shares various aspects about contesting including a tip of the month, a featured UK contester, as well as a contest of the month. This month Nick Totterdell, G4FAL​​​​, who is the HF Contest Committee Chairman, looks at the history of contesting. To find out more, and to read this month’s column, visit rsgb.org/radcom-contesting A reminder now that International Museums Weekend will be taking place on the third and fourth weekends in June. This year, those weekends are the 15th and 16th, and the 22nd and 23rd of June. Special event stations will be operating from a wide variety of museums from many different countries. To read more about the event, and to register to take part, visit tinyurl.com/IMW2024 Don’t forget that lots of stations are on the air to celebrate SOS Radio Week throughout May. The event takes place each year to celebrate the work of the volunteers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Independent Lifeboats and National Coastwatch Stations around the British Isles. A commemorative certificate is available to all official stations that record their contacts on the website together with awards for the top individual and club, or group, stations on each band from 160m to 70cm. To read more about the event visit sosradioweek.org.uk And now for details of rallies and events The Braehead Rally is taking place today, the 19th of May, at the Braehead Arena from 10 am. Free on-site parking, bring and buy and refreshments are available. For more information contact Paul via email at [email protected] Also today, the 19th of May, the Dartmoor Radio Club Rally is being held at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, PL20 6AL. The doors open at 10 am. For more information, please contact Roger Hann on 07854 088 882 or email [email protected] Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of May at Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors are open from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. The entrance fee will be £2. There will be a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar will be available on-site. For more information contact Michael, G7TWX, on 07826 924 192, or via email at [email protected] Dunstable Downs Radio Club would like to remind everyone that its annual boot sale has been postponed until the 30th of June. This is due to the site being used by BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend music festival. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s Facebook page and reminder emails will be sent out closer to the time. To add yourself to the list, visit ddrcbootsale.org  and sign up for email reminders. Now the Special Event News Today, the 19th, RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club will be back at the International Bomber Command Centre for its Inspire Ride 2024 event, which this year will pay tribute to the men of Stalag Luft III who took part in the ‘Great Escape’ in March 1944. Operators expect to be working on the HF bands, using SSB and some CW, as well as FM on the 2m band. The station will be using a special event call sign GB5ESC, between 10 am and 4 pm. North West Group Amateur Radio Club, MN0NWG is running a special event station GB0AEL until the 31st of May to commemorate the anniversary of Amelia Earhart's transatlantic flight.  On the 20th and 21st of May 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly nonstop and alone across the Atlantic Ocean. Recently, the station has been heard on the HF bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL via MI0HOZ, directly or via the Bureau. The United Nations Global Service Centre Amateur Radio Club, 4U1GSC, in Brindisi, is active as 4U29MAY until the 31st of May. The special callsign is active to promote the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, which is on the 29th of May. The station has been worked recently on the 20 and 15m bands using CW. QSL via 9A2AA. Now the DX news Chris, WA7RAR is active as 8P9CB from Barbados, NA-021, until the 26th of May. All of his operations are portable at various locations throughout the island, especially Parks on the Air sites. He is QRV on the 20 to 10m bands using CW and SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World, or directly to WA7RAR. Roland, F8EN is active again as TR8CR from Gabon until at least the end of June. He will operate CW only and will celebrate his 96th birthday while there. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the Bureau. Roland can usually be found on the 30 to 10m bands using CW. Now the contest news The 144MHz May Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 18th and ends at 1400UTC today, the 19th of May. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Today, the 19th, the 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Tomorrow, the 20th, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 21st, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 22nd, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using data modes on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 26th of May. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 26th, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using All modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of May 2024 After last weekend’s auroral spectacular, it was nice to see the Sun calm down a little and the bands get back to normal. But that didn’t last long. To recap, on Friday the 10th of May the Kp index shot up to 9, due to the effects of a number of coronal mass ejections, while the HF bands closed down in the subsequent geomagnetic storm. While there was visible aurora across the UK and Europe, HF propagation suffered and didn’t start to recover until the late afternoon on Saturday the 11th. The main culprit, active region 3664, has now rotated out of view, but that doesn’t mean we are out of the woods just yet. Solar flares can cause short-term disruption to HF propagation due to their X-rays penetrating deep into the D-region and causing signals to be absorbed. Subsequent coronal mass ejections can cause longer-term degradation of the F2 layer with reduced maximum usable frequencies, noisy bands and auroral conditions.  At the time of writing, the Kp index stood at 6 again so it looks like unsettled geomagnetic conditions are continuing with a moderate G2 geomagnetic storm in progress. Low to moderate activity is now expected, with a slight chance of further strong-class flares. The regions currently on the visible disc are smaller and simpler, with isolated M-flares possible from these. However, a new active region, now rotating into view, has already emitted an X-class solar flare. Next week, the United States Air Force predicts that the solar flux index may remain in the 160 to 180 range. HF conditions remain a lottery as they can be badly affected by solar flares and coronal mass ejections. It is best to keep an eye on solarham.com for updates, and also propquest.co.uk for near real-time reports of the critical and maximum usable frequencies. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather remains on the unsettled side of things with areas of rain and some thunderstorms over the country, especially the south as we end this week. As this report is being read out, high pressure is becoming established over northern and western Britain. This may eventually take a tenuous hold over the rest of the country during the second half of the coming week and into next weekend, the 25th and 26th. This high pressure, although fairly weak, may help with some Tropo for those in northern Britain in the 144MHz May Contest and the Backpackers Contest this weekend, ending on the 19th. It may also be helpful to those taking part in the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest on the 21st. However, the conditions may not be of much use in the south as another low arrives from the continent. Overall, rain scatter on the GHz bands will probably be worth exploring in the rainy areas again, since some of the showers may be heavy and thundery. The prospects for Aurora are still worth keeping in mind despite the recent stunning event. Minor non-visible events can still provide a reasonable radio aurora to explore. The Sporadic-E season continues to develop. And with such unsettled weather, there are plentiful jet streams to act as source regions for turbulence, which can propagate up to the E region where they can generate Sporadic-E. We are currently at the tail end of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. A few meteors from this shower will continue to appear, but no major shower is expected this week. The lowest Moon declination occurs this coming Friday. With the Moon being full on the 23rd, a clear sky should reveal an impressive ‘Flower Moon’. For EME, path loss will still be relatively high, although the Moon is starting to move back towards its closest point to Earth, or perigee. 144MHz sky noise starts the week low but rises to high on Saturday the 25th. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 12th of May 2024  The news headlines: New RSGB Trophy Manager announced Questionnaire launched to help shape the future of the Commonwealth Contest Learn about designing PCBs using KiCAD during the next Tonight@8 webinar We are pleased to announce that Mike Franklin, G3VYI will be the new RSGB Trophy Manager. He will focus on the Contest Trophy collection and HQ will now manage the AGM Trophies. Jacqui Goodey, G6XSY, the retiring RSGB Trophy Manager, will support Mike’s transition into this role. She will also take responsibility for the historical aspect of our trophies. You can contact Mike via [email protected] and Jacqui will have the new email address [email protected]  The RSGB thanks Mike and Jacqui for volunteering for this important work. Following the RSGB Commonwealth Contest in March, a small group of representatives have been reviewing possible changes that they hope will encourage more participation in future contests. The group includes representatives from countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The RSGB HF Contest Committee is now calling on both regular entrants and those who have never entered before but may do so in the future, to complete a questionnaire to help shape the next steps in the discussion. The questionnaire is open until Monday the 20th of May and can be found by visiting tinyurl.com/cwctest2024 The latest Tonight@8 webinar is tomorrow, Monday the 13th of May. Mike Willis, G0MJW will be giving an introduction to designing printed circuit boards using the popular open-source KiCAD package. The presentation covers the basics in real time, starting with a circuit sketch, going through the process of converting that into a schematic diagram, and then using that to create a printed circuit board design. It will then conclude with how to send this out for production. Watch this live presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars The RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX has announced that, due to the pressure of work, Paul Nichols, M0PVN has resigned as an RSGB Board Director. Paul runs a busy and growing legal practice which, like many professional roles, requires long hours each day. Paul has offered to be a Legal Adviser to the Board. Stewart has welcomed him to that role and thanked him for his input to the RSGB during the last year. Today, the 12th, lots of amateur radio stations are on the air as part of Mills on the Air Weekend 2024. The event takes place across the UK every May with more than 300 windmills and watermills usually taking part. For more information, and to view a list of registered stations, visit ddars.net/mills.html The date has been confirmed for the 12th Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. It will go ahead on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife. Lunch will be provided, and an optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Online booking will open in July 2024. Updates, when available, will be published on the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk  For more information, email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected] And now for details of rallies and events The RetrotechUK event is taking place today, the 12th. The venue is Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. The doors open at 10.30 am with an entry fee of £10. A fee of £25 applies for early-doors entry at 9 am. This is an annual event organised by the British Vintage Wireless Society. There are almost 200 dealer stalls, clubs and private sellers. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the wide range of retro equipment. For more information email [email protected] and visit retrotechuk.com Barry Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place on Saturday the 18th of May. The venue will be Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. Doors open from 9.30 am and admission is £3. Access for traders is available from 7.30 am. For more information, traders and exhibitors can ring Nigel, GW1CUQ on 02920 892 580. For general enquiries ring Steve, 2W0VOG on 07900 560 080 or email [email protected] The Braehead Rally will be taking place next Sunday the 19th of May at the Braehead Arena from 10 am. There will be free on-site parking, bring and buy and refreshments available. For more information contact Paul via email at [email protected] Also on Sunday the 19th of May, the Dartmoor Radio Club Rally will be held at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, PL20 6AL. The doors open at 10 am. For more information, please contact Roger Hann on 07854 088 882 or email [email protected] Now the Special Event News Special event station GB1SCW is active today, the 12th, from the National Coast Watch Station at Shoreham by Sea. Operators are celebrating the work of the National Coast Watch and RNLI as part of SOS Radio Week. Listen out for the station on the 40m to 70cm bands using SSB, CW, FM, and digital modes. See QRZ.com for more information. The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club is once again supporting the International Men's Mental Health Month and helping to raise the profile of Men's Mental Health 2024 throughout the international amateur radio community. Club members will be operating from their headquarters at Patrington Haven, East Yorkshire using special callsign GB0MMH. The station will be active throughout the weekends of the 17th to 19th of May and the 14th to 16th of June across all the HF bands. Please listen out for the operators and give them a call. Your support will help raise the awareness of men's mental health. For more information see QRZ.com  Poole Amateur Radio Society, supported by the Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society, the British Amateur Television Club and the Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society, will be operating GB4PRS to support the RNLI Poole lifeboat festival over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of May. This is a celebration of the RNLI saving lives for 200 years and a full programme of events and visitor attractions has been organised by the RNLI, culminating with a historic ship sail-past on the evening of Sunday the 19th at 4 pm. The free-of-charge event will be open between 11 am and 4 pm and thousands of visitors are expected to visit. The station will be set up on Poole Quay, adjacent to the RNLI HQ. As well as demonstrating the use of radio in emergency situations, the station will also be participating in the SOS Radio Week activity. The station will be contacting other amateur radio stations at various RNLI lifeboat centres around the UK, as well as other lifesaving institutions nationally and internationally. A commemorative QSL card will be available. Anybody with permission to operate adjacent to, or from, a lifeboat station is invited to arrange a scheduled contact and participate in this major RNLI event. For more information, please contact [email protected] Also in support of RNLI SOS Radio Week, the Wirral Amateur Radio Society will be active as GB2HLS on Sunday the 19th of May. The station will be operating from the Hoylake Lifeboat Station, Wirral, CH47 3AL from 10 am to 4 pm. More information is available at tinyurl.com/SOSG3NWR or from Bill, G4YWD on 07804 884 245.  Now the DX news Ric, DL2VFR is active as SM2/DL2VFR from Holmon Island, EU-135, until the 14th of May using CW and some SSB. He may also be QRV as SM5/DL2VFR from IOTA group EU-084  on the 15th or 16th. QSL via Ric’s home call. QSOs will be uploaded to the Logbook of the World and Club Log. Three amateurs from Stockport Radio Society are hoping, subject to appropriate weather for the crossing, to activate Great Saltee Island, EU-103, from Tuesday the 14th to Friday the 17th of May using the callsign EJ6KP/P. This will be a daylight activity only as the team is not permitted to stay overnight. Listen out for the operators on the 40, 20 and 15m bands using SSB. Harold, DF2WO is active as 9X2AW from Rwanda until the 17th of  May. He is operating CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. Now the contest news Today, the 12th, the 70MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Tomorrow, the 13th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 16th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The 144MHz May Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 18th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 19th of May. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. On Sunday the 19th of May, the 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 9th of May 2024 Disrupted solar conditions continued this week with X-class solar flares aplenty. Four X-class events on the 8th and 9th of May prompted coronal mass ejections, which could join together to impact the Earth this weekend. We can expect a strong G3 event with the Kp index rising to 6 and the potential for visible aurora in the UK. It’s hard to be positive about this as HF conditions this weekend, ending today the 12th, are likely to be very disrupted with reduced MUFs and noisy bands. But do look out for auroral signals, perhaps on the 10m band, and above, and a potential HF band enhancement just as the plasma cloud hits. The solar flux index hit 227 on Thursday the 9th, which is one of the highest we have had in this cycle. But don’t get carried away as it is forecast to decline. Meanwhile, conditions have been typical for this time of year, with reduced F-layer propagation on the 10m band, offset by the start of the Sporadic-E season. The lower HF bands are staying open later in the evening, and may even increase to all night on the 20m band, as we head towards June and July. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will drop below 200, but remain at or above 175 all week. After this weekend’s chaotic geomagnetic conditions, we can expect the Kp index to fall to 2, but increase again on the 13th, to perhaps 4. In the meantime, solar maximum is still predicted to be later this year, although geomagnetic disturbances are likely to increase on the downward part of the cycle. So, buckle up for a rough ride! And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO We end the current week with high pressure over the country and some occasional Tropo paths, especially over surrounding waters. The high will decline from the west as we progress through this weekend. At the time of reading on Sunday, the transition will be all but complete and low pressure will remain in control for much of the coming week. This means periods of rain, heavy showers or thunderstorms and quite windy weather at times. In terms of propagation, a shift to rain scatter is a good choice for those equipped for the GHz bands for the week ahead. Recent solar activity continues to offer chances of auroras so remember to monitor the Kp index and check for fluttery signals on the HF bands and raspy signals on VHF. The many clusters and band reports should be a good tool for these conditions. Lastly, the Sporadic-E season is having a few starting twitches. Earlier in the evening of Wednesday the 8th there was a short opening of about an hour to Scandinavia on 6m CW from a patch in the middle of the North Sea. The positions of the jet streams may not entirely suit further openings in the shorter term but, as the low-pressure moves in next week, things could improve for Sporadic-E paths to Iberia and central Mediterranean. With the Eta Aquariids peak now past, the next big meteor shower isn’t until July with the Delta Aquariids. But before the Delta Aquariids, we can look forward to the Arietiids in late May. However, the Eta Aquariids will continue to produce the odd ping or burst. Last week there was plenty of evidence of meteors continuing to burn up after the peak. There may still be the odd one during the coming week together with the usual background sporadic meteor returns. As the Moon starts to decline this week, the distance between the Moon and Earth is also beginning to increase and with it the path loss increases to a maximum on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th. However, sky noise will remain low all week. The Moon is favourably placed for daytime operation this week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 5th of May 2024   The news headlines: RSGB insurance update RSGB Legacy Committee Chair appointed SOS Radio Week is under way   RSGB club insurance, and beacon and repeater insurance, have now been renewed for the year to April 2025. Club insurance certificates can be downloaded from the RSGB website. You will need to log in to obtain your certificate. Beacon and repeater insurance certificates are available for an admin fee of £15 from the RSGB shop. Please allow a couple of days after renewal for your certificate to be dispatched. The RSGB Board is pleased to announce it has approved the appointment of Richard Horton, G4AOJ to the role of Legacy Committee Chair. The RSGB Legacy Fund, thanks to the generosity of donors, has significant financial resources available to encourage and develop amateur radio. The Legacy Committee, which is a sub-Committee of the RSGB Board, considers proposals for grants that can be awarded to projects from the RSGB Legacy Fund. The criteria and application form are available on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/legacy  If you have an interesting idea and would like to submit it for funding, you can contact the new Legacy Chair via [email protected] SOS Radio Week is underway. It is an annual event that takes place throughout the month of May to celebrate the work of the volunteers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Independent Lifeboats and National Coastwatch Stations around the British Isles. Between them, members of these organisations save many lives who are in danger along and around the thousands of miles of coastline and further out to sea. This year is the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI, and SOS Radio Week is being co-branded SOS Radio Week 200 for those operators who are supporting the RNLI during the event. Participants can operate from home, a public location, or a lifeboat or Coastwatch station, with the appropriate authorisation from the station manager. A commemorative certificate is available to all official stations that record their contacts on the website together with awards for the top individual and club, or group, stations on each band from 160m to 70cm. To read more about the event visit sosradioweek.org.uk The next in the series of the popular 145 Alive events, to promote the use of 145MHz FM, is coming up on Saturday the 11th of May, from 1pm to 3pm. The event and the supporting Facebook Group was started by Tim, G5TM and from the start of 2024 has been organised by Mark, M0XIC and John, M0XJA. The last successful event took place in January this year, when over 30 nets operated simultaneously across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern and Southern Ireland. Over 900 QSOs took place, with many amateurs operating portable, mobile or from their club or home QTH. If you would like to take part, and find out more about the event and 145 Alive in general, then join the 145 Alive Facebook Group. Next weekend, the 11th and 12th, lots of amateur radio stations will be taking to the air as part of Mills on the Air Weekend 2024. The event takes place across the UK every May with more than 300 windmills and watermills usually taking part. For more information, to register, and to view a list of registered stations, visit ddars.net/mills.html Advance notice now that International Museums Weekend will be taking place on the third and fourth weekends in June. This year, those weekends are the 15th and 16th, and the 22nd and 23rd of June. Special event stations will be operating from a wide variety of museums from many different countries. To read more about the event, and to register to take part, visit tinyurl.com/IMW2024 And now for details of rallies and events Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club’s 40th Annual Radio Rally is taking place today, the 5th of May. The venue is Share Discovery Village, 221 Lisnaskea Road, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, BT92 0JZ. The event features food and drink, bring and buy, RSGB books, the QSL Bureau, and the usual variety of traders. The doors open at 11 am. Traders are asked to arrive around 9 am. Admission, which includes a ticket for the prize draw, will cost £5 or five Euro. Contact Alan at [email protected] to arrange a table. Thorpe Camp Hamfest is also taking place today, the 5th of May at Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, LN4 4PL. The doors open at 9am for buyers and the entrance fee is £5 per person. The event will finish at 1pm. The RetrotechUK event will be held on Sunday the 12th of May. The venue will be Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. The doors open at 10.30 am with an entry fee of £10. A fee of £25 applies for early-doors entry at 9 am. This is an annual event organised by the British Vintage Wireless Society. There will be almost 200 dealer stalls, clubs and private sellers. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the wide range of retro equipment. For more information email [email protected] and visit retrotechuk.com Dunstable Downs Radio Club would like to remind everyone that its annual boot sale has been postponed until the 30th of June. This is due to the site being used by BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend music festival. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s Facebook page and reminder emails will be sent out closer to the time. To add yourself to the list, visit ddrcbootsale.org  and sign up for email reminders. Now the Special Event News Special callsign 9H6HE is in use by the Malta Amateur Radio League to celebrate the swearing-in of Malta's 11th President. Look for activity until the 31st of May on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via Logbook of the World. Paper QSL cards are not available. The RSGB National Radio Centre will be operating a special event callsign GB2DAY to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during the Second World War. The station will be active between the 6th and 9th of June. In addition, volunteers will be hosting the special demonstration station GB1SOE on Saturday the 15th of June. Don’t forget that RSGB Members can get free entry to Bletchley Park and the RSGB’s National Radio Centre by downloading a voucher from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bpvoucher Now the DX news Bo, OZ1DJJ is active as OX3LX from Greenland until the 9th of May. In his spare time, he operates FT8, RTTY and CW. The station was spotted recently on the 10 and 12m bands using FT8. QSL via OZ0J. Logs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log. Tom, NL7RR is active on Wake Island, OC-053, until the 15th of May. Look for KH9/NL7RR to be QRV daily at about 0700UTC on or around 14.200MHz. QSL via Logbook of the World, or direct to Tom’s home call. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log. Now the contest news Today, the 5th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, today, the 5th, the UK Microwave Group Millimetre-wave Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 5th, the Worked All Britain 7MHz Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using SSB on the 40m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. The ARI International DX Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 4th and ends at 1159UTC today, Sunday the 5th of May. Using CW, RTTY and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Italian stations also send their province. The 432MHz to 245GHz Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 4th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 5th of May. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 5th, the 10GHz Trophy runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using All modes on 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 7th, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 7th, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 8th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 8th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 9th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 12th, the 70MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of May 2024 What a strange week we had. With the solar flux index in the 167 range, falling to 130, conditions should have been reasonable. But the Kp index hit 4, and even 5.33, on the evening of Friday the 26th of April, which meant propagation on Saturday the 27th was truly dire. Stations taking part in International Marconi Day on the 27th found the 40m band only open to long skip in the morning. This was due to the critical frequency being below 5MHz. The predicted MUF over a 3,000km path fluctuated between 15MHz and 19MHz for the whole day, which meant only 14MHz was open reliably. As a result, QSOs were hard to come by and many stations reported that it was slow going with virtually no signals from outside of Europe. So what happened? Well, it was a combination of factors. The increased Kp index, due to a fast solar wind, took its toll. And we are now moving to a summer ionosphere, where chemical changes make it harder to ionise. This will mean we should see MUFs dropping as the season progresses, at least during the day. Nighttime MUFs will be higher than in winter. So it may be that the glory days of 28MHz F2-layer propagation are on hold until Autumn, with only short-skip Sporadic-E on the 10m band to keep us entertained. F2-layer propagation is still available on the higher HF bands, but it may be patchy. International Marconi Day station GB0CMS in Caister, Norfolk, reported that its 20m signals were picked up by a reverse beacon network skimmer in Utah, despite not working anyone outside of Europe. Meanwhile, on the morning of the 2nd, Laurie, G3UML was quite surprised to work YJ0CA on Vanuatu on the 15m band using SSB. He also worked 3D2CCC on Conway Reef on the 20m band using CW, and JD1BMH in Japan on the 15m band, also using CW. Next week NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the 125 range, rising to 175 as the week progresses. Geomagnetic conditions are dependent on coronal mass ejections. We have had eight M-class solar flares in the past three days, and a Kp index of 5 on Thursday the 2nd, which doesn’t bode well for next week. So, keep an eye on solarham.com for current conditions and look for the best HF propagation if the Kp index is low for a day or two. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather pattern remains very unsettled for the whole period with areas of low pressure edging north across the UK from the continent. There will be a risk of thundery weather at times with locally heavy rainfall, which will be good for rain scatter on the Gigahertz bands. Tropo looks to be hard to find as we end the current week dominated by low-pressure systems, but there are signs of high pressure returning after mid-week, but only temporarily. This could produce some Tropo paths, especially across surrounding waters such as the Irish Sea, English Channel and North Sea. The nominal summer season of Sporadic-E propagation is upon us and, from May to early September, daily blogs will be provided on the Propquest.co.uk website highlighting the possible Sporadic-E links to the position of the jet streams shown on the upper air charts. It’s well worthwhile getting into the habit of regularly checking the DX clusters and activity maps, since the early season is usually characterised by a complex jet stream pattern with multiple potential locations for Sporadic-E propagation.  Timewise, it eventually settles into a more traditional behaviour with activity often in two phases, one in the morning and the second in late afternoon, early evening. As you listen to this report, the Eta Aquariids meteor shower should be peaking. Unfortunately, the best viewing for the shower, which is part of the debris from Halley’s comet, will be in the southern hemisphere. Nevertheless, this is expected to be one of the best showers this century. For those viewing the shower, a waning Moon means that light levels should be low, making for ideal visual sighting. For EME, the Moon will be waning all week with the new Moon around the 8th of May. The Moon will be rising in the sky throughout the week, with zero declination on the 5th of May and peaking at its highest in the sky on Saturday the 11th of May. The lowest additional path loss occurs today and tomorrow, the 5th and 6th, but high Sun noise, with the Moon close to the Sun at new Moon, occurs shortly afterwards. Later in the week, as the Sun 'leaves' the Moon behind, noise levels, at least on the higher bands will fall to around normal. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 28th of April 2024   The news headlines: New mock papers for amateur radio licence exams have been published A revised amateur radio examination syllabus has been released The RSGB has released the video review of 2023 by its President John McCullagh, GI4BWM The RSGB Exam Syllabus Review Group has published a new set of mock papers covering each of the amateur radio licence exams, from Foundation through to Direct to Full. These papers are in addition to those already available. They are each marked as ‘mock exam paper 3’ and you can find them on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/mock-exams  The new amateur radio licence has now been in effect for a few weeks. Changes to the licence conditions have made it necessary to revise the examination syllabus. The RSGB is pleased to release version 1.6 of the syllabus which includes these revisions. Compared to version 1.5 in current use, the only section that has seen major changes is Section 1 – “Licensing and station identification”. In Section 7 – “Operating practices and procedures” – there were some minor changes, for example regarding suffixes. Exams will start using version 1.6 of the syllabus on the 1st of September 2024. The Society has released the video review of 2023 by RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM. Filmed at the Ofcom Spectrum Management Centre near Baldock in Hertfordshire, the video covers a wide range of very positive activities, events and achievements. The President also talks about the RSGB’s strategic priorities, gaining publicity in the mainstream media, and the important work done by the Society on behalf of all radio amateurs to protect the spectrum. One example is the WRC Conference, where the RSGB Microwave Manager Barry Lewis, G4SJH, led the IARU team responsible for defending amateur use of the 23cm band. You can watch the video on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB At the April Regional Forum meeting, Regional Representative 10, Keith Bird, G4JED was elected as Chair, and Regional Representative 3, Martyn Bell, M0TEB was elected as Secretary. They will both volunteer in these roles until the 2025 AGM. You can find contact details for both Keith and Martyn on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/regions The next in the series of the popular 145 Alive events, to promote the use of 145MHz FM, is scheduled to take place on the 11th of May 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm. The event and the supporting Facebook Group was started by Tim, G5TM and from the start of 2024 has been organised by Mark, M0XIC and John, M0XJA. The last successful event took place in January this year, when over 30 nets operated simultaneously across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern and Southern Ireland. Over 900 QSOs took place, with many amateurs operating portable, mobile or from their club or home QTH. If you would like to take part and find out more about the event and 145 Alive in general, then join the 145 Alive Facebook Group. If you would like to run a net on the 11th of May, contact Mark, M0XIC or John, M0XJA via the Facebook Group. Mills on the Air Weekend 2024 is coming up on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of May. The event takes place across the UK every May with more than 300 windmills and watermills usually taking part. For more information, to register, and to view a list of registered stations, visit ddars.net/mills.html The RAF Air Cadets are pleased to announce that they are running the ever-popular Blue Ham Radio Communications Exercise in June on the 60m band. The exercise will take place between the 17th and 21st of June. Subject to your licence conditions, the Blue Ham team hopes that you can put some time aside to join in with the cadets and staff who will be ready to take your calls. The Blue Ham Team will issue you with a participation certificate if you contact 20 or more special MRE callsigns over the period of the exercise. For more information visit alphacharlie.org.uk  Please note that only Full licensees may operate on the 60m band. South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is running a free online Foundation licence course in May. Anyone who is interested in taking part can find out more by emailing [email protected] When emailing, please include your name, postal address and date of birth. Please also indicate which weekday evenings and times you are available. The weekday evening that the course will take place will be decided by majority preference. MFJ Enterprises has announced in a letter to its customers that it will be ceasing its on-site production at its premises in Starkville, Mississippi on the 17th of May 2024. The news also applies to the sister companies Ameritron, Hygain, Cushcraft and others. MFJ Enterprises has been in business for 52 years and will continue to sell its existing stock after the 17th of May. It will also continue to offer a repair service for out-of-warranty and in-warranty units for the foreseeable future. And now for details of rallies and events The Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club’s 40th Annual Radio Rally is due to take place on Sunday the 5th of May. The venue will be Share Discovery Village, 221 Lisnaskea Road, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, BT92 0JZ. The event will feature food and drink, bring and buy, RSGB books, the QSL Bureau, and the usual variety of traders. The doors open at 11 am. Traders are asked to arrive around 9 am. Admission, which includes a ticket for the prize draw, will cost £5 or five Euro. Contact Alan at [email protected] to arrange a table. Thorpe Camp Hamfest will also take place on Sunday the 5th of May at Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, LN4 4PL. Traders are asked to arrive no earlier than 7 am. The doors open at 9 am for buyers and the entrance fee is £5 per person. The Retrotech UK event will be held on Sunday the 12th of May. The venue will be Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. The doors open at 10.30 am with an entry fee of £10. A fee of £25 applies for early-doors entry at 9 am. This is an annual event organised by the British Vintage Wireless Society. There will be almost 200 dealer stalls, clubs and private sellers. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the wide range of retro equipment. For more information email [email protected] and visit retrotechuk.com Now the Special Event News Special callsign SZ0WARD is in use by the Radio Amateur Association of Greece in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day until the 30th of April. Look for activity on all bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via the Bureau and Logbook of the World. See sv2rck.gr/SZ0WARD for details of an available award. Also in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day, the special callsign TC3WRD is active until the 30th of April. QSL via Logbook of the World. For details of a certificate that is available, see tadx.org/awards The station was spotted recently on the 40m band using FT8. Today is the last chance to work special event station GB6WW which is active from Glasgow, Scotland to commemorate the end of the Second World War. If you have made QSOs with GB6WW on three or more bands, you are eligible to apply for an award. To apply for the award, send an email to [email protected] with the details of your contacts. Please include your callsign, dates of QSOs, and the bands on which they occurred. There is no application fee. Once your QSOs have been verified, the PDF award file will be emailed to you. Now the DX news Jeff, K5WE and Craig, W5CCP are active as TX7W from Raivavae, OC-114,  in the Austral Islands until the 30th of April. They are operating using mainly CW and FT8, with some SSB, RTTY and FT4, on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred but is also available via Logbook of the World, or directly to K5WE. Depending upon a reliable internet connection, logs will be uploaded to Club Log daily, and Club Log's Livestream will be enabled. See k5we.com/tx7w for more information and updates. Listen out for a group of 13 Camb-Hams which is active from the Isle of Mull, EU-008, as GS3PYE until the 3rd of May. The team is QRV on the 80 to 10m bands as well as via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS. You can read a report of the team’s previous visit to the island in 2015 at tinyurl.com/Mull2015 Now the contest news The UK and Ireland DX CW Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th and ends at 1200UTC today, the 28th of April. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland's stations also send their district code. The SP DX RTTY Contest started at 1200UTC on the 27th and ends at 1200UTC today the 28th of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. SP stations also send their province code. The MGM Contest started at 1400UTC on the 27th of April and ends at 1400UTC today the 28th of April. Using machine-generated modes on the 6 and 2m bands, the exchange is your report and four-character locator. Today, the 28th, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint 75 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using 75-baud RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number. On Monday the 29th, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Wednesday the 1st of May, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 1st of May, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Saturday the 4th, the 432MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2000 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The 432MHz to 245GHz Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 4th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 5th of May. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The UK Six Metre Group’s Summer Marathon starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 4th of May and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 4th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. The ARI International DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 4th of May and ends at 1159UTC on Sunday the 5th of May. Using CW, RTTY and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Italian stations also send their province. On Sunday the 5th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Sunday the 5th, the UK Microwave Group Millimetre Wave Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 5th, the Worked All Britain 7MHz Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using SSB on the 40m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 25th of April 2024 We had another week with plenty of sunspots, and HF conditions were quite good in the second half. Earlier, the Kp index reached 3 and 4, which didn’t help maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs for short. For example, on Sunday the 21st, the Kp index rose to 4 and the MUF over a 3,000km path remained stubbornly below 21MHz until later in the morning. This could have been due to a coronal hole on the Sun’s equator, which added to the solar wind. By Wednesday, conditions were nearly back to normal, with a Kp index below 2 and an MUF of more than 24MHz. By Thursday the improvement had continued, giving us an MUF of more than 28MHz by 0900UTC. There have been many reports of 10m band DX being worked, including Sebastien, FK4AX and Pat, FK8HA in New Caledonia in the Pacific on SSB. Sebastien has just got his licence and is keen to work DX from the UK. This shows that it is worth keeping an eye on the CW and SSB portions of the 10m band, which can often throw up surprises. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will decline to around 160. The Kp index is predicted to be around 2 to 3, but that may be wishful thinking. With 16 active regions visible on the Sun’s surface on Thursday, anything could happen. Only minor C- and M-class flares have occurred recently but, as we always say, it wouldn’t take much for those to turn into X-class events. So, make the most of quiet geomagnetic conditions when we have them as, by the time you read or hear this, we could once again have very unsettled conditions indeed. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The cold, unsettled weather will ease its grip over the last few days of this week, ending the 28th of April, but only because the whole area of low pressure is moving across the country this weekend. Low pressure remains close by for much of the following week and only a hesitant return of high pressure west of Ireland will improve things for western Britain at the end of the week. The result is a chance of Tropo for western Britain next week, but it will probably be of limited quality since it is likely to form in cold, dry air across any temperature inversion.  The remaining option in such weather patterns is primarily rain scatter for those on the GHz bands. The many online weather radar displays can be used to highlight the areas of heaviest rain. We are past the peak of the Lyrids meteor shower, but the Eta-Aquarids, with a Zenithal Hourly Rate of 50, peaks next Sunday the 5th around 2100UTC. Until then, rely upon random activity which tends to be better around dawn. The Sun has been more active again recently, so monitor the clusters and Kp index for signs of geomagnetic activity and the chance of an aurora if the Kp index exceeds 5. Sporadic-E tends to produce a few early examples in May ahead of its June peak. Check the DX clusters during the late afternoon or early evening as openings can be very brief early in the season. Start on the 10m band and, if short skip within Europe is present, move up to the 6m band. Digital modes are more sensitive so check FT8 reports to give clues as to where the chances are greatest. For EME operators, the Moon is at minimum declination today, Sunday the 28th, meaning we’ll have short Moon windows to start the coming week. Path losses are falling but perigee, when the Moon is at its closest point, is still over a week away. 144MHz sky noise is high this weekend, ending the 28th of April, but falls too low by the end of the coming week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 21st of April 2024 The news headlines: Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX to continue as RSGB Board Chair The RSGB has vacancies for Regional Representatives The Radio Communications Foundation is recruiting new Trustees   The RSGB Board has met for the first time since the Society’s AGM where three Directors were endorsed to serve as Nominated Directors on the Board and one was confirmed as elected unopposed. The new Board has chosen Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX to continue in the role of RSGB Board Chair until the 2025 AGM. You can find details of all RSGB Board Directors on the Society’s website and the Board Liaison roles will be confirmed and added to the page in the coming weeks. Go to rsgb.org/board for more information. At its recent AGM, the RSGB was delighted to confirm the unopposed election of five Regional Representatives. However, there are still vacancies for Regional Representatives in Region 11, which covers England South-West and the Channel Islands, and also Region 12 which is England East and East Anglia. These vacancies will be filled by co-option until the 2025 AGM. If you live in one of these areas and are passionate about amateur radio, keen to support local radio amateurs and clubs, and have the skills to lead a volunteer team of District Representatives in the region, this could be a role for you! To find out more, please contact Tony Miles, MM0TMZ who is the Board Liaison for the Regional Team via [email protected] The Radio Communications Foundation is a small charity dedicated to encouraging people to take up radio as a hobby or, in the case of youngsters, considering an RF-based career. The RCF is proud to sponsor Arkwright Scholars, work with the RSGB and Bletchley Park to deliver radio-building workshops and make grants for various projects around the UK. Further information is available via the RCF website at commsfoundation.org  The RCF is now looking to recruit a couple of new Trustees to help it deliver its aims. Applicants should have an interest in radio communications and be prepared to be involved in decisions over grant-making, delivering RCF projects and attracting charity funding. The RCF would particularly like to hear from anyone with links to secondary education in the UK. Expressions of interest and applications should be sent to [email protected] preferably by the end of June. Following the introduction in February of the new Ofcom amateur radio licence conditions, the RSGB has continued to provide information and support to radio amateurs to help them make the most of the changes. This has included updates, club talks and a section of the AGM event focused on those licence changes. Go to the RSGB YouTube channel, choose the AGM recording from the ‘live’ tab and then watch two sections. Firstly, the main Board Q&A begins just after one hour and eighteen minutes into the event and includes some licensing questions from members. Secondly, a section from just before two hours and thirty-three minutes focused entirely on the new licence conditions and included three videos and a full live Q&A with four senior RSGB representatives. The Society has also published a wealth of information on its website which you can find at rsgb.org/licence-review Nigel Limb, M7FFU, had a motorbike accident in 2015 that left him with permanent brain damage and partially blind in both eyes, but this didn’t stop him from pursuing his childhood dream of obtaining his amateur radio licence. In December 2023 he passed the Foundation Licence exam. In the early 1970s Sue Jacob, GW7YLS was a shortwave listener and interested in amateur radio, but it wasn’t until she retired and discovered that the exams no longer contained Morse code, that she decided to get more involved. Within 18 months she had passed all three licence levels. One of the great things about amateur radio is that it is accessible to everyone. The RSGB is celebrating this by collecting stories of radio amateurs who have passed their Foundation licence, or progressed through the licence levels, and are now discovering new aspects of amateur radio to enjoy. If you’d like to read more about Nigel, Sue and others, go to rsgb.org/student-stories and, if you’d like to share your story with the Society, email [email protected] and the RSGB will use as many as possible. A new amateur radio Facebook group has been formed for those who like getting out and about in motorhomes, campervans, and caravans. The group welcomes all radio enthusiasts. To find out more, or to join the group, search for ‘UK Motorhome and Amateur Radio Group’ on Facebook. SOS Radio Week is an annual event that takes place throughout May to celebrate the work of the volunteers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Independent Lifeboats and National Coastwatch Stations around the British Isles. Members of these organisations save many people between them who are in danger along and around the thousands of miles of coastline and further out to sea. This year is the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI and SOS Radio Week is being co-branded SOS Radio Week 200 for those operators that are supporting the RNLI during the event. Participants can operate from home, a public location, or a lifeboat or Coastwatch station, with the appropriate authorisation from the station manager. A commemorative certificate will be available to all official stations that record their contacts on the website together with awards for the top individual and club, or group, stations on each band from 160m to 70cm. Registration for individual and group operators is available via sosradioweek.org.uk International Marconi Day will take place on Saturday the 27th of April. Once again, the Cornish Radio Amateur Club is organising and running the event. Lots of amateur radio stations will be operating from sites that Marconi operated from or had a personal connection with. For more information, and to view a list of the stations that are taking part, follow the “International Marconi Day” link on the gx4crc.com  website And now for details of rallies and events Andover Radio Amateur Club Boot Sale is taking place today, the 21st, at Wildhern Village Hall, Tangley, Wildhern, Andover, SP11 0JE. The doors open at 10 am for visitors and at 9 am for sellers. Entry costs £2. The fee for a field pitch is £8 and the cost for a table in the hall is £10. For more information visit arac.org.uk Cambridge Repeater Group Rally was due to take place today, the 21st, at Foxton Village Hall, CB22 6RN. The event has been postponed until Sunday the 14th of July. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected], or visit cambridgerepeaters.net The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Rally, also known as both the ‘NARSA Rally’ and the ‘Blackpool Rally’, is taking place today, the 21st. The venue is Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool, FY2 9AA. For more details contact Dave, M0OBW on 01270 761 608, email [email protected] or visit narsa.org.uk  Now the Special Event News In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day, Martin, OK1RR and Slavek, OK1TN are active as OL1WARD until the 30th of April. They are operating CW only on the HF bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. Paper QSL cards will not be available. DARC special event callsign DA24WARD is active until the 30th of April, also in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the Bureau.  Now the DX news John, AD8J is active as HR9/AD8J from Roatan Island, NA-057, until the 28th of April. He operates CW, FT4, FT8 and possibly SSB, on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or direct to John’s home call. TJ, PE1OJR is active as PJ4TB from Bonaire SA-006, until the 28th of April. He is operating SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. Michael, GM5AUG and Kevan, 2E0WMG will be active from the Western Isles of Scotland, with a focus on Barra and the Uists from Friday the 26th of April until Saturday the 4th of May. Worked All Britain hunters will be interested to know that the team will also be visiting Fiaraidh NF61, and Eriskay NF80, which have never before been activated. The guys will be active on the 2m, 70cm, and HF bands, as well as the LEO satellites, using CW, FM, SSB, and packet radio.  Now the contest news On Tuesday the 23rd, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 24th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday the 25th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The UK and Ireland DX CW Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 28th of April. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland stations also send their district code. The SP DX RTTY Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th of April and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 28th of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. SP stations also send their province code. The MGM Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 27th of April and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 28th of April. Using machine-generated modes on the 6 and 2m bands, the exchange is your report and four-character locator. On Sunday the 28th, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint 75 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using 75-baud RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 18th of April 2024 Last week saw a welcome return of sunspots but, unfortunately, it also brought unsettled geomagnetic conditions. By Thursday the 18th the solar flux index was back above 200, hitting 217. Compare that to the previous week’s 131 and you can see that there is a lot more activity. But, with 12 active regions visible, it looks like we could be in for a bumpy ride over the next seven days. The Kp index hit five on the evening of Tuesday the 16th of April after the interplanetary magnetic field, or Bz, swung southwards, sparking visible aurora in the UK as far south as Dartmoor. This impacted the ionosphere, pushing MUFs over a 3,000km path down, with recovery not showing itself until 0930UTC on Wednesday the 17th. The 10m band is struggling to open at times, although you may find FT8 still passing weak signals. SSB operators might be better advised to look at the 12 and 15m bands which may provide richer pickings. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline to be in the range of 170 at the beginning of the week, falling to between 135 and 140 at the end of the week. The risk of an M-class flare is currently at 75%, with an X-class event at 20%. Despite this, NOAA predicts the Kp index will be around 2 for all of next week. However, there is a chance that a flare and associated CME could scupper that completely. If we do get a coronal mass ejection, or CME for short, we can expect the Kp index to rise roughly 48 hours after the event, perhaps hitting 5 or more and possibly sparking visible aurora from the UK again. Overall then, it's good news on the sunspot front, but not so good for geomagnetic activity, which could see MUFs fall if any solar flares and CMEs come to fruition. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather is likely to remain unsettled, despite temporary high pressure moving across the country this weekend. This may bring some Tropo, but it’s a cold air high and probably not the best for enhanced VHF conditions, except for localised overnight or early morning temporary lifts.  The rest of the time, there will continue to be an unsettled flavour to the weather so this leads to the possibility of rain scatter on the GHz bands, especially if we get heavy April showers. This first weekend coincides with the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower which peaks tonight, the 21st and 22nd, so it’s worth checking the usual meteor scatter frequencies. If you are not familiar with meteor rates and variations from day to day, then visit the excellent Radio Meteor Observing Bulletin at rmob.org which gives an hourly display from various locations around the world. You can find many other useful links to meteor scatter resources by searching for ‘meteor scatter’ at rsgb.org The Sun has woken up a little since last week, and a few auroral flutter signals on the LF bands suggest we shouldn’t give up yet for this spring. As usual, keep a watch for the Kp index going above 5. The late April period can provide some fleeting early season Sporadic-E events, especially for the 10 and 6m bands. A couple of weak 5MHz Sporadic-E critical frequencies were noted during the late afternoon on Wednesday the 17th on the Dourbes plot shown at propquest.co.uk For EME operators, Moon declination goes negative again today, the 21st, but path losses are falling as we passed apogee yesterday, the 20th. 144MHz sky noise is low but will rise to moderate by the end of next week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

  GB2RS News Sunday the 14th of April 2024 The news headlines: RSGB member interviewed by the BBC about the total solar eclipse Ofcom releases video about changes to UK amateur radio licensing World Amateur Radio Day is coming up On Monday the 8th of April, a total solar eclipse gripped North America as radio amateurs worldwide looked on to see its effect on the ionosphere. This included RSGB Propagation Committee associate member Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL, who was interviewed by BBC news on the topic. The article, which was shared across the world, looked at some of the scientific experiments that took place during the eclipse. You can read the article by searching for “The 4-minute window into the Sun's secrets” on BBC news. The RSGB thanks all the WSPR users who responded to Gwyn’s call to action, got involved and shared their results on the RSGB social media channels.  Ofcom has released a video about changes to the UK amateur radio framework covering licensing and callsign changes. It also gives some insight into the forthcoming Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the changes for callsigns and special event stations. You can watch the video at tinyurl.com/ofcomvid World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated each year on the 18th of April. The theme for 2024 is “A Century of Connections: Celebrating 100 Years of Amateur Radio Innovation, Community and Advocacy.” The global event covers all of the IARU regions and runs from 0000UTC on Thursday the 18th of April to 0000UTC on Friday the 19th of April. All radio amateurs are invited to take to the airwaves to show their skills and capabilities to the public. You can read more about the event at tinyurl.com/iaruward During May, the RSGB’s Photo Friday feature on social media will highlight radio amateurs who are taking advantage of the new licence conditions. You could be an individual who is discovering different things to enjoy with the new power levels, or who is encouraging friends and family to get on the air under your supervision. You could be a club involved in special events and outreach to the public. In whatever way you’re making the most of the new licence conditions, the RSGB wants to hear from you! Send a photo and a short description to [email protected] and the Society will share as many stories as possible. On the 11th of April, BBC Radio 4 Feedback presenter Andrea Catherwood looked at why the Long Wave frequency is being shut down by the BBC. She interviewed RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM, and in the final programme, a brief clip was used in which John gave his opinion on the possible impact for some listeners. You can listen to the Feedback show on BBC Sounds, by searching for “Feedback and Long Wave” on the BBC website. The feature starts at 19 minutes and 55 seconds, with the RSGB President featuring at 22 minutes and 18 seconds. This year Dennis, G7AGZ is running special event station GB0CHC again in support of Cornwall Hospice Care. This is Dennis’ 33rd year of fundraising for the charity. The station will be active until the end of April on all bands from 80m to 70cm using SSB, FM and DMR. If you would like to support the cause, search for GB0CHC on the justgiving.com  website The Cornish Radio Amateur Club has re-launched its sought-after Cornish Award Certificate. The award has been around since the 1960s and is given to amateur radio stations based outside of the County of Cornwall who have contacted 20 Cornish-based amateur radio stations. The new award allows the use of HF, VHF and UHF bands using any mode including FM, SSB, CW, and now digital modes such as FT8. Proof in the form of copies of logbook entries showing the 20 stations worked, dates, times and modes is required to qualify. The new award applies to contacts made on or after the 1st of January 2024, and the certificate will be emailed in PDF format. More information can be found via the “Cornish Award” link at gx4crc.com A reminder now that International Marconi Day is coming up on the 27th of April. Once again, the Cornish Radio Amateur Club is organising and running the event. Lots of amateur radio stations will be operating from sites that Marconi operated from or had a personal connection with. For more information, and to view a list of the stations that are taking part, follow the “International Marconi Day” link on the gx4crc.com  website  And now for details of rallies and events Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 38th QRP Convention will be held on Saturday the 20th of April at Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AA. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission will be £3. The event will feature talks, traders, a bring-and-buy area, club stalls and a café. For more information, see yeovil-arc.com or email [email protected] Andover Radio Amateur Club Boot Sale is due to take place on Sunday the 21st of April at Wildhern Village Hall, Tangley, Wildhern, Andover, SP11 0JE. The doors open at 10 am for visitors and at 9 am for sellers. Entry will cost £2. The fee for a field pitch is £8 and the cost for a table in the hall will be £10. For more information visit arac.org.uk  For table bookings email [email protected] Cambridge Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 21st of April at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridgeshire, CB22 6RN. The doors will open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 7.30 am for traders. The event will be a car-boot sale. The rally will feature talk-in, trade stands, clubs, bring and buy, RSGB books, a free marshalled car park and a burger van. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected], or visit cambridgerepeaters.net The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Rally, also known as both the ‘NARSA Rally’ and the ‘Blackpool Rally’, will take place on Sunday the 21st of April. The venue will be Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool, FY2 9AA. For more details contact Dave, M0OBW on 01270 761 608, email [email protected] or visit narsa.org.uk Dunstable Downs Radio Club would like to remind everyone that its annual boot sale has been postponed until the 30th of June. This is due to the site being used by BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend music festival. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s Facebook page and reminder emails will be sent out closer to the time. To add yourself to the list, visit ddrcbootsale.org  and sign up for email reminders.  Now the Special Event News Special event station 5P0WARD will be active from Denmark on the 18th of April to mark World Amateur Radio Day. QSL via Logbook of the World or via OZ1ACB. For more information, including details of awards that are available, visit QRZ.com Special callsign ER30ARM is active to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Amateur Radio Society of Moldova, ER1KAA. Look for activity until the 30th of April. The station was spotted recently on the HF bands using CW and FT8. QSL via the Bureau, directly, and Logbook of the World.  Now the DX news Willy, ON4AVT is active as 6W7/ON4AVT from Warang, Senegal until the 16th of April. He operates using mainly FT8 on the 80 to 10m bands. He will also be QRV on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Bernhard, DL2GAC is active as H44MS from Malaita, OC-047 in the Solomon Islands until the 25th of April. He is QRV on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB and some FT8. QSL via Bernhard’s home call or the Bureau. He will upload his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World.  Now the contest news On Tuesday the 16th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 17th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 18th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using All modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of April 2024 The Sun is still looking a little bare, but the solar flux index has climbed back to 131, as of Thursday the 11th, with four active regions. The promise is that things will improve, especially as we will soon see the return of active region 3615, which was the source of numerous M-class and one X-class flare on its last rotation. Things have been a little sparse on the higher HF bands, with only FT8 being audible or visible on the 10m band at times. Having said that there has been some good FT8 DX to be worked on the 10m band, including Angola, Malawi, China, Japan, Taiwan and the Solomon Islands. During the recent solar eclipse event there were also a lot of US stations on the 10m band using WSPR. These included Bob, K6XX in Santa Cruz, California, who was copiable in the UK at around 1850UTC. This just shows how effective WSPR is as a mode on an otherwise quiet band. There have been some early signs of Sporadic-E on the 10m band using digital modes, including some brief openings to Scotland from eastern UK. We can expect these to improve as we head towards May. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 140 to 150 range with a maximum Kp index of three. If this is correct it means that HF conditions will be roughly the same as last week. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather patterns are showing signs of change after being stuck for quite some time, and the main beneficiary will be VHF operators seeing a chance of Tropo returning to the bands.  The initial unsettled weather over the UK, with high pressure fixed over the continent, will take us through to the middle of the coming week. Thereafter, a high will develop to the southwest of Britain midweek and drift northeast across the country, although some models take the high on a more southerly track. In either event, there should be some useful Tropo in the south and possibly northern areas too. This may be limited to southwestern areas for Tuesday's 23cm UK Activity Contest, but will hopefully be more supportive of the 4m UK Activity Contest on Thursday. Meteor scatter is worth a look next week since we are approaching the 21st and 22nd of April peak of the Lyrids shower at the end of next weekend. The quieter solar conditions have taken aurora down the table, but it's still good practice to watch out for if the Kp index goes above five. Gigahertz-band rain scatter certainly drops down the league table next week as high pressure probably takes over. As we said earlier, the next big thing is the start of the 2024 Sporadic-E season, which slowly comes to life during April for the 10 and 6m bands, especially on digital modes, whereas the real shift up in gear often comes during May. As mentioned last week, it’s worth updating your list of beacons in your rig’s memory while it’s still quiet. For EME operators, Moon declination is at maximum this weekend, ending the 14th, so there will be long Moon windows. We are past perigee, so path losses are rising again. 144MHz sky noise is moderate this weekend then low for the rest of the week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 7th of April 2024 The news headlines: The RSGB 2024 AGM is approaching Don’t forget about the RSGB’s new ‘Join a friend’ referral scheme The next Tonight@8 webinar is taking place tomorrow, the 8th of April   Are you an RSGB member? Have you voted on the AGM resolutions? The deadline for voting is 9 am on Thursday the 11th of April. Online voting is available 24 hours a day, so make sure you use your vote before then. Registration for asking a question live via Zoom has now closed but there is still time to submit a written question in advance – this is the only way for members to ask a question during the formal part of the meeting. During the later Q&A sessions, written questions will be answered before any are asked via YouTube live chat. The AGM itself includes the results of the voting, the Honorary Treasurer’s report, a video review of the year by the RSGB President, as well as announcements of trophies and construction competition winners. There will also be a presentation by Ofcom Group Director, Spectrum, David Willis who will talk about “Making amateur radio licensing fit for the future”. After this presentation, there will be a live Q&A session on the new licence conditions with four senior RSGB representatives. Be part of this important annual event and take the opportunity to ask questions of the Board and about the licensing conditions. The RSGB AGM will take place at 10 am on Saturday the 13th of April on YouTube – be part of it! Find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/agm Don’t forget that the RSGB has launched a new opportunity to get even more out of your RSGB membership. If you recommend a friend who hasn’t been an RSGB member during the last 12 months, you will both receive £10 cashback when they become a member paying by direct debit. Whether you’re an individual RSGB member or an affiliated club, you can sign up as many friends as you like. Membership of the RSGB gives you a range of fantastic benefits so why not encourage others to join? Members have access to RadCom, exclusive online resources, RSGB award schemes and contests, as well as advice from the Society’s specialist committees. The RSGB’s representation to Ofcom and its ability to defend the spectrum nationally and internationally is more powerful through strength in numbers. Go to the special RSGB 'Join a friend' web page to find all the information you’ll need to take advantage of this offer, including a link to the online form at rsgb.org/join-a-friend The latest Tonight@8 webinar is taking place tomorrow, Monday the 8th of April. Whitham Reeve will be looking at high-frequency aurora reflections observed at Anchorage in Alaska in the United States of America. The presentation will include an overview of early investigations and concepts that underlie the observations of aurora reflections and instrumentation. It will also include a selection of spectrum images from 2020 showing aurora reflections. Watch this live presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Are you making the most of the new amateur radio licence conditions already? Or are you still discovering what has changed and how it applies to you? The RSGB website has a range of resources about the Ofcom consultation, the new licence conditions and where to find help and guidance. You’ll find videos, summaries and links to Ofcom’s documentation. This is also a good time to revalidate your licence. Go to rsgb.org/licence-review to find out more and remember to be part of the RSGB AGM if you have a question you’d like to ask.  A reminder that registration is open for Maritime Radio Day 2024 which takes place annually on the 14th and 15th of April. The event is held to commemorate the almost 100 years of wireless telegraphy service for seafarers which ended with the closure in the UK of Portishead Radio on the 30th of April 2000. Commencing at 1200UTC on the 14th of April, and finishing at 2300UTC on the 15th of April, this event is a great opportunity to have a QSO with ex-Marine Radio Officers and Coast Station professionals who exchange details of their previous ships and coast stations. The mode of operation is CW and all of the HF bands are used, including the WARC bands. A certificate of participation will be issued to everyone who submits results. Amateur licence holders are invited to register to take part in Friends of Maritime Radio Day. Shortwave listeners may also submit logs. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/MRD24 Lots of stations are on the air today to join in with this year’s Airfields on the Air event. Amateurs are invited to contact as many of the stations as possible. To learn more about the event, and read a list of registered stations, visit tinyurl.com/2024AOTA Tomorrow, the 8th, a total solar eclipse will head toward the UK from the west. While not visible over the UK, it will likely affect transatlantic VLF and HF radio propagation. RSGB Propagation Committee associate member Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL has a particular interest in the effect of reduced ionisation during the eclipse on second and third hops on 15 to 10m paths from the UK to North America. He encourages occasional WSPR users to dust off their transmitters to operate on those bands from today, the 7th, through to Tuesday the 9th of April, not just on the 8th, to provide results on undisturbed days.   And now for details of rallies and events Holsworthy Spring Rally is being held today, Sunday the 7th of April, at Holsworthy Livestock Market in Devon. The doors open to traders from 8 am, and to the public from 10 am. Wheelchair access, catering and free parking are available. For more information email [email protected] Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 38th QRP Convention will be held on Saturday the 20th of April at Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AA. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission will be £3. The event will feature talks, traders, a bring-and-buy area, club stalls and a café. For more information, see yeovil-arc.com or email [email protected] Andover Radio Amateur Club Boot Sale is due to take place on Sunday the 21st of April at Wildhern Village Hall, Tangley, Wildhern, Andover, SP11 0JE. The doors open at 10 am for visitors and at 9 am for sellers. Entry will cost £2. The fee for a field pitch is £8 and the cost for a table in the hall will be £10. For more information visit arac.org.uk  For table bookings email [email protected]  Now the Special Event News Special event station GB0WYT will be active from RAF Wyton during the Airfields on the Air event on the weekend of the 13th and 14th of April. This is the 12th year that a special event station has marked the event. The callsign will again be operated by RAF Air Cadet Communication Staff and club members from the Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society. This year, due to restrictions, the activity will be run from a site just west of the main runway at Wyton. Operators will be active on the HF bands, subject to working conditions, using CW, phone, RTTY, PSK31 and FT8. FM and SSB will also be in use on the 2m band. Lots of special event stations are on the air today for Autism Awareness Week. For more information, including a list of callsigns that will be active, visit the GB2AA page on QRZ.com  Now the DX news A team of amateurs is active from Vanuatu, OC-035, until the 11th of April. Operators will be QRV on the 40 to 6m bands using SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via OQRS. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. Watch the YJ0VK page at QRZ.com for updates. A team of UK amateurs is about to set off on an expedition to the Isle of Coll in the Inner Hebrides. The IOTA reference for the location is EU008. The team will be on the island on the afternoon of Sunday the 14th of April and is expected to be operating by the evening. The last day of operation will be the 20th of April. Operators expect to be active using CW, FT8 and SSB on most bands from 160 to 10m as well as the 2m band. The team has a portable station and hopes to activate each of the following Worked All Britain Squares: NM 15, 16, 25, and 26. More details are available on GB0SIC’s QRZ.com web page.  Now the contest news FT4 International Activity Day started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 6th and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 7th of April. Using FT4 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. The SP DX Contest started at 1500UTC on Saturday the 6th and ends at 1500UTC today, Sunday the 7th of April. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. SP stations also send their province code. Today, the 7th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, today, the 7th, the Worked All Britain Data Contest runs from 1000UTC to 1400UTC and from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, FT4, JS8, RTTY and PSK on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Club and multi-operator stations can only score points in either one of the operating periods. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 17th of April. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website. On Monday the 8th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 9th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 9th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using All modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 10th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 10th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 11th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 4th of April 2024 Looking at the Sun on Wednesday the 3rd of April, you might be forgiven for thinking we are near sunspot minimum! With a near-total lack of sunspots and a solar flux index of 112, the solar disk was looking pretty bare. Compare that with just two weeks ago when the solar flux index was sitting at 209 on the 23rd of March. But never fear, there seems to be some activity coming up. Two active regions, AR3627 and AR3628, have just rotated into view, but in the meantime make the most of the geomagnetically-quiet conditions. 10m propagation is still holding up, although you may find that the band opens a little later in the morning and shuts earlier in the afternoon. The 4X6TU and VK6RBP IBP beacons were both audible at 0945UTC on Thursday the 4th, while China, Japan, Mongolia and Thailand were copiable on 10m FT8, even with a lowish solar flux index. Higher HF band propagation from the UK has moved from favouring North America to north-south paths, notably to South Africa and South America. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will rise a little, perhaps starting at around 135 and finishing at around 150. Geomagnetic conditions should be reasonably quiet with a maximum Kp index of 3, unless we get a coronal mass ejection that could send it soaring. As always, keep an eye on solarham.net  for current conditions. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO There have been reports of trans-equatorial QSOs on 144MHz from Southern Africa to the Southern Mediterranean, but here in the UK we can only dream due to our northerly location. The next period of weather is unfortunately shaping up to be the same as most of the recent ones, dominated by low-pressure systems driving active weather fronts across the British Isles. It means that Tropo conditions seem unlikely to feature much through to the end of the coming week. Rain scatter for the GHz bands remains the mode of choice with help from some heavy April showers. Meteor scatter options are still best with random meteors before dawn, but we are getting closer to the April Lyrids shower later this month, so not long to wait now. The solar conditions have subsided a little recently, but we remain in scope for further activity, especially since April can be one of the more active months for Aurora. Watch out for fluttery signals on HF or VHF bands, use the various clusters, or save the frequency of one of the northern beacons in your rig’s memory. This is a good time to suggest updating your list of favourite beacons on the 10, 6, 4 and 2m bands since they’ll be useful for the upcoming sporadic-E season too. It’s a good time to take an early look at the sporadic-E prospects before it gets properly busy.  Some background rules which may help are to use propquest.co.uk to see where the jet streams are since Sporadic-E propagation is often associated with turbulence in regions of jet stream activity. Then look for a relatively low Kp index. The other main rules are related to timing. Usually, there are two windows of opportunity, one in the morning and a second in the late afternoon or early evening. However, at the beginning of the season, these are approximate.  Sporadic-E starts on the lower bands like 10m and, if strong enough, will gradually extend to the higher bands. The 10 and 6m bands are probably the ones to check this month. For EME operators, Moon declination goes positive again on Sunday, which is also Moon perigee, its closest point to Earth, so we’ll see lengthening Moon windows, increasing elevation and low path losses. 144MHz sky noise is low until Monday’s total solar eclipse, then moderate for the rest of the week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 31st of March 2024 The news headlines: Chris Whitmarsh, G0FDZ’s lifetime achievement award The RSGB 2024 AGM is coming up The RSGB is providing regular updates on its strategic priorities   Congratulations to Chris Whitmarsh, G0FDZ who has been presented with an RSGB Lifetime Achievement Award by RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM and RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX. Chris is the only amateur in the UK to have had a two-way QSO on every single amateur band for which we are licensed. Chris has been Vice President of Cray Valley Radio Society for over 20 years, and members of the club turned out in force to see the presentation and celebrate his achievement. A reminder that this year’s RSGB AGM will take place at 10 am on Saturday the 13th of April. It is being held online to ensure as many members as possible can watch and take part. The formal business of the meeting will include the results of members’ votes on the resolutions, including the endorsement of three Nominated Directors. RSGB members are encouraged to vote on all the resolutions. This year you can ask the RSGB Board a question in one of three ways: by submitting it in advance via an online form; registering to ask a question live on video via Zoom; or asking via the YouTube live chat during the event. There are deadlines for submitting questions via the online form or Zoom so make sure you don’t miss those! Find out more on the RSGB AGM web pages at rsgb.org/agm At the Discussion with the Board session at the RSGB Convention last year, President John McCullagh, GI4BWM committed the Board to giving regular updates on work being done to fulfil the RSGB’s strategic priorities. Since the beginning of this year, a monthly report has been shared in RadCom and on the RSGB website. These reports have covered a range of activities and achievements involving both staff and volunteers. The Board is committed to continuing this regular communication so look out for the updates in RadCom each month. If you’ve missed any this year, you can find them all on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/strategy-updates Are you aged 18 to 30? Are you passionate about all things radio? Are you ready for exciting experiences, making new friends and shaping the future of amateur radio? Why not apply to be part of the RSGB YOTA team going to the YOTA Czechia summer camp this year? You can find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-camp  You’ll be able to read about the experiences of previous teams and download an application form for the Czechia event. The closing date for applications is the 15th of April for the Team Leader and the 22nd of April for Team Members. The March 2024 edition of RadCom Basics is now available on the RSGB website for members to read. RadCom Basics is aimed at new licensees or anyone who enjoys reading about the fundamental principles behind the many facets of amateur radio. This edition includes articles which cover: the checking and testing of components; working on the 160 and 80m bands with limited space; the importance of antenna radials; what it’s like to take up portable operating; and a guide to clean transmissions. To read RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics At its recent meeting, the CEPT Frequency Management Working Group confirmed that Barry Lewis, G4SJH, in his IARU role, would continue as Chair for a further three-year period, having first been appointed in 2019. The meeting also noted updates to T/R 61-01 that facilitate the temporary operation in a fellow member’s country, for Georgia joining the scheme, as well as editorial changes to accommodate Australian licence changes and Canadian provincial prefixes. Barry has also continued his work in CEPT on the 23cm band, following the outcomes from WRC-23. IARU and RSGB volunteers are also starting ITU WRC-27 preparations, where further bands and topics are of concern to amateur radio. Please note that RSGB HQ will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday the 1st of April. Please continue to send all of your news and updates to [email protected]  The deadline for the GB2RS News is 10 am on Thursday before the Sunday broadcast.   And now for details of rallies and events Holsworthy Spring Rally will be held on Sunday the 7th of April at Holsworthy Livestock Market in Devon. The doors open to traders from 8 am, and to the public from 10 am. Wheelchair access, catering and free parking will be available. For more information email [email protected] Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 38th QRP Convention will be held on Saturday the 20th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3AA. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission will be £3. The event will feature talks, traders, a bring-and-buy area, club stalls and a café. For more information, see yeovil-arc.com or email [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Special event station GB0WYT will be active from RAF Wyton during the Airfields on the Air event on the weekend of the 13th and 14th of April. This is the 12th year that the station has put on a special event station for the event. The callsign will again be operated by RAF Air Cadet Communication Staff and club members from the Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society. This year, due to restrictions, the activity will be run from a site just west of the main runway at Wyton. Operators will be active on the HF bands, subject to working conditions, using CW, phone, RTTY, PSK31 and FT8. FM and SSB will also be in use on the 2m band. Special event station OE100RADIO  is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of regular radio transmissions in Austria in 1924. The station was heard recently on the 40m band using CW. QSL via the Bureau.   Now the DX news Felipe, CE3SX will be active as CB0ZIX from Juan Fernández until the 4th of April. He will be QRV almost exclusively on the 6m band using SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World. Traditional QSL cards will not be available. Thaire, W2APF is active as VP2MDX from Montserrat, NA-103, until the 11th of April. He is operating CW, SSB, FT8 and FM on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or directly to W2APF.   Now the contest news The CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 30th of March and ends at 2359UTC today, the 31st. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Monday the 1st, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330 UTC. Using FM and SSB on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their country. Also on Monday the 1st, the IRTS 2m Counties Contest runs from 1330 to 1500 UTC. Using FM and SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their country. On Tuesday the 2nd, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 2nd, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 3rd, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is the report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 3rd, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 3rd, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The FT4 International Activity Day starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 6th of April and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 7th of April. Using FT4 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. The SP DX Contest starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 6th and ends at 1500UTC on Sunday the 7th. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. SP stations also send their province code. On Sunday the 7th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 7th, the Worked All Britain Data Contest runs from 1000UTC to 1400UTC and from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, FT4, JS8, RTTY and PSK on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Club and multi-operator stations can only score points in either one of the operating periods. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 17th of April. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Wednesday the 27th of March 2024 What a tumultuous time we had last week. Active region 3614 produced an X1.1 solar flare and coronal mass ejection, or CME, in the early hours of the 23rd of March. This impacted Earth’s geomagnetic field sending the Kp index to 8 on the 24th of March. There were simultaneous flares from active region 3614 and the larger region AR3615. The solar wind speed reached more than 850 kilometres per second at the height of the geomagnetic storm, peaking at 880 kilometres per second. The CME started to impact the Earth early in the afternoon of the 24th and, according to Digisonde data, its full effects on the ionosphere started to be felt by 1540UTC. The large AR3615 sunspot cluster continues to evolve as it moves into the Sun’s southwest quadrant. Moderate flaring will remain likely in the short term with a lower chance for another strong X-class flare, although it is around the side of the Sun and is not considered a threat today, Sunday the 31st. All this was not good news for HF propagation, which saw maximum useable frequencies over a 3,000km path plummet on the 24th to less than 18MHz. The ionosphere didn’t fully recover until two days later, with the MUF struggling to get above 18MHz on the 25th. It wasn’t until the afternoon of Wednesday the 27th that we saw the 10m band behaving normally again with the Kp index back in the range of 1 to 3. So, this is what can happen if we have an X-class flare and associated CME. We can expect more of the same to come. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain high at around 175 to 190. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast from the 3rd to the 5th of April when the Kp Index could rise to 4. But keep an eye on solarham.net for a near real-time guide to current solar conditions.   And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The period leading up to the Easter Weekend, and the following week shows up on the forecast charts as dominated by low pressure, feeding several periods of rain and showers across the country.  This unfortunately means that Tropo is again off the menu of weather-related VHF propagation. Of course, wet weather is usually very supportive of rain scatter propagation on the GHz bands and this prolonged period of rain or showers will give the UHF and SHF operators something to occupy their time. Meteor scatter prospects are once again just random, which tends to be better in the hours just before dawn. We can start to look forward to the April Lyrids, which are active in the second half of April with a peak around the 22nd. It’s worth checking out the operating conventions and frequencies now so that you can be ready. Strong aurora has been reported recently, with a Kp index of 8, and a quick listen for fluttery signals on the 80m or 40m bands is often a good clue if you don’t have access to the Kp index at the time. The main mode of interest for the coming months is Sporadic-E and some early propagation is possible, mainly on digital modes on the 10m or 6m bands, but probably very fleeting.  During the summer Sporadic-E season, it's well worth checking the propquest.co.uk  graphs to see what is occurring and get an idea of how it may relate to jet stream weather patterns by cross-checking with the Sporadic-E blog upper air charts. The Sporadic-E Probability Index, or EPI, maps are also potentially useful to see how the favourable regions change with time. In the current pre-season period, it’s more typical to find trans-equatorial propagation, or TEP, as an exotic mode offering paths to the south into South Africa and possibly into South America. For EME operators, Moon declination reaches minimum on Easter Monday, so we’ll see short Moon windows with low elevation. Path losses are falling all week and 144MHz sky noise is moderate, rising to a peak of more than 3,000 Kelvin on Easter Monday before returning to low levels. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 24th of March 2024 The news headlines: New RSGB ‘Join a friend’ referral scheme launched The RSGB’s Planning Advisory Committee seeks volunteers The RSGB’s 2023 Committee reports are available The RSGB has just launched a new opportunity to get even more out of your RSGB membership. If you recommend a friend who hasn’t been an RSGB member during the last 12 months, you will both receive £10 cashback when they become a member paying by direct debit. Whether you’re an individual RSGB member or an affiliated club, you can sign up as many friends as you like. Membership of the RSGB gives you a range of fantastic benefits so why not encourage others to join? Members have access to RadCom, exclusive online resources, RSGB award schemes and contests, as well as advice from the Society’s specialist committees. The RSGB’s representation to Ofcom, and its ability to defend the spectrum nationally and internationally, is more powerful through strength in numbers. Go to the special RSGB 'Join a friend' web page at rsgb.org/join-a-friend  to find all the information you’ll need to take advantage of this offer, including a link to the online form. The RSGB Planning Advisory Committee would like additional volunteers to join its advisory panel. Volunteers deal with queries from members about problems they face in getting planning permission for masts and antennas. These enquiries can be for support in making an application to the local council or in submitting an appeal. If you have a relevant professional background, not necessarily as a planner, or have some knowledge of how the planning system works, please get in touch. The Committee Chair will be happy to give you more information about what is involved and how you can help other radio amateurs. Find out more about the Committee on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/pac and then email John Mattocks, G4TEQ via [email protected] to arrange a chat. The April edition of RadCom contains the annual reports of the RSGB Committees, Honorary Officers, Teams and Groups. These reports give an overview of activities for the many important areas of the Society that support and develop amateur radio. You can also read them on the RSGB website if you go to rsgb.org/vlt and choose the committee reports section in the menu on the righthand side. The RSGB thanks all its many volunteers who give their time to support the Society and the amateur radio community. Leicester Radio Society has launched an Amateur Radio Clubs on the Air activity this weekend, the 23rd and 24th. The aim of the activity is to encourage amateur radio clubs and societies to get on the air and operate. You can read details about an award that is available to both licensed amateurs and shortwave listeners by visiting the G3LRS page at QRZ.com For more information, contact Sandra, G0MCV on 07930 274 044. International Marconi Day is coming up on Wednesday the 27th of April and, once again, the Cornish Radio Amateur Club is organising and running the event. Lots of amateur radio stations will be operating from sites that Marconi operated from or had a personal connection with. For more information, and to view a list of the stations that are taking part, follow the ‘International Marconi Day’ link on the gx4crc.com website. This week, please send all your news and updates to [email protected] by 10 am on Wednesday the 27th of March. The GB2RS News will be compiled a day earlier than usual, due to the Easter bank holidays, and will be available for download on Thursday the 28th of March.   And now for details of rallies and events Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally is taking place today, the 24th of March, at Saint Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover, CT17 0HL. The doors are open from 10 am to 2 pm and the entrance fee is £3. Tables cost £15 each with a maximum of two tables per vendor. For more information visit darc.online/rally The Ripon Rally is also taking place today, the 24th of March. The venue is Great Ouseburn Village Hall, Lightmire Lane, Great Ouseburn, York, YO26 9RL. Lots of parking is available adjacent to the venue. Traders are welcome from 7 am and tables cost £10 each. The doors open for visitors from 10 am and entrance is £3 per person. Visit radars-g4sjm.club for more information. Holsworthy Spring Rally will be held on Sunday the 7th of April at Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworth, Devon. The doors open to traders from 8 am, and to the public from 10 am. Wheelchair access, catering and free parking will be available. For more information email [email protected] Dunstable Downs Radio Club boot sale was due to be held in May. It has been postponed until the 30th of June due to the site being used by BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend music festival. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club’s Facebook page and reminder emails will be sent out closer to the time. To add yourself to the list, visit ddrcbootsale.org  and sign up for email reminders.  Now the Special Event News Celebrating the 95th anniversary of the first amateur radio association in Romania's Arad County, a series of special callsigns, including YR95AR, will be active until the 31st of  May.  The event is being organised by Radioclub Admira, YO2KBQ which is the successor of the club that was established almost a century ago. See QRZ.com for more information. Christian, OE5CCN is active as OE24BI until the 30th of June from the city of Bad Ischl, one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the Bureau and Logbook of the World. Recently, the station was heard on the HF bands using FT8.  Now the DX news Gerard F5NVF, Luc F5RAV and Abdel M0NPT are active as TY5C from Cotonou, Benin until the 29th of March. They are operating CW, SSB and FT8 on various bands, including 6m, and will also be QRV via the QO-100 satellite. QSL directly to F5RAV or via Logbook of the World. Peter, DC0KK is active as 4S7KKG from Sri Lanka, AS-003, until the 30th of March. He operates FT8, FT4, RTTY, and sometimes CW, on the 20 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or directly to his home call.  Now the contest news On Tuesday the 26th, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 27th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday the 28th, the 80m Club Championship Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 30th of March and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 31st of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of March 2024 As we said last week – what a difference a month makes. Only in this case, what a difference a week makes! On Friday the 15th, the solar flux index, or SFI, was at 129 and the Sun did not look very spotty at all. This week it’s all changed. On Thursday the 21st, the solar flux index stood at 176 with seven active regions visible. For HF propagation forecasts, the golden rule is to use smoothed sunspot numbers, or SSN for short, rather than a daily figure – that is, sunspot numbers averaged over the past 12 months. The current SSN is 129, which equates to a solar flux index of about 144. Perhaps the daily figure of 176 has the psychological effect of giving us confidence that the bands will be open! A moderately strong M7.4 solar flare was observed around active region 3615 at 0736UTC on the 20th of March. The region continues to rotate into a better Earth-facing position and will remain a threat for additional solar flares above the M5.0 threshold. If a flare leads to a coronal mass ejection or CME, we could expect a disturbed ionosphere roughly 48 hours later, depending upon the solar wind speed. Also, a large coronal hole on the solar equator became Earth-facing on Thursday the 21st. A coronal hole is a lower-energy area on the Sun with open magnetic field lines that let solar plasma escape. This may lead to a geomagnetic disruption this weekend, ending today the 24th, with increased Kp numbers and a lowering of the maximum usable frequency. Next week, NOAA predicts that the SFI will be in the 155 to 165 range. Geomagnetic conditions are hard to predict, due to coronal hole effects and CMEs, but NOAA puts the Kp figure at two to three. If we get a CME, this could easily rise to five or more. Finally, we are now at the equinox which means that auroras are more likely due to the Russell-McPherron effect. The equinox is also a good time for north-south HF paths. Also, note that the HF bands are staying open for longer with the 4U1UN beacon in New York, the YV5B beacon in Venezuela, and the 4X6TU beacon in Israel audible on 14.100MHz around 2230UTC last week. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO It’s not good news for weather-related propagation with a total absence of high pressure on the charts again and a resulting lack of Tropo for the majority of the coming week. But Tropo is not the only mode to be affected by the weather, rain scatter is too. This has been a player quite often recently and, as we move into the spring, the characteristic ‘April showers’ can be very useful for rain scatter. Their effectiveness is related to the sixth power of the raindrop diameter, so the larger drops in heavier ‘April showers’  can be increasingly valuable on the GHz bands. Many good online weather radar displays are available to allow you to track them for maximum benefit. Other promising mentions should go to Aurora which, as we said earlier, can be more likely around this time of the year when the Earth’s magnetic field is more favourably coupled to the solar wind. Meteor scatter is a lesser option and rests with random chance activity as we are still some way off from any major meteor showers. Sporadic-E and related Trans-Equatorial Propagation, or TEP, in the shorter term during the next month or so, will soon be a major player. For TEP between Europe and southern Africa, check clusters around the middle part of the day. Although usually favouring stations in southern Europe, it can occasionally turn up for UK operators, particularly for those located in the southern half of the country.  As for Sporadic-E, the new season is starting to wake up, so the usual maxim of checking clusters is the best advice, starting with the 10m band and working up to the 6m band. The traditional morning and late afternoon ‘windows' are less reliable in early-season events, so just check anyway if you’re in the shack. For EME operators, Moon declination is still positive, but going negative again this coming Monday. Path losses are at their maximum due to apogee on Saturday the 23rd. 144MHz sky noise is low but rising to moderate by the end of the coming week, reaching more than 1,000 Kelvin on Sunday the 31st. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 17th of March 2024 The news headlines: The RSGB’s 2024 AGM is coming up British Science Week is drawing to a close Changes to examination fees are coming soon This year’s RSGB AGM will take place at 10 am on Saturday the 13th of April and will be held online to ensure as many members as possible can watch and take part. The formal business of the meeting will include the results of members’ votes on the resolutions, including the endorsement of three Nominated Directors. The President will give a video review of 2023 and the Society will announce the recipients of its annual awards and trophies, as well as the winners of its construction competition. At the end of the meeting, there will be a recorded presentation on “Making amateur radio licensing fit for the future” by Ofcom Group Director, Spectrum, David Willis. This will be followed by a live Q&A on the new licence conditions, with four senior RSGB representatives answering your questions: President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM; Board Chair, Stewart Bryant, G3YSX; General Manager, Steve Thomas, M1ACB; and Spectrum Forum Chair, Murray Niman, G6JYB. You can find more information about the candidates, voting and how to ask the Board a question on the RSGB AGM web pages at rsgb.org/agm British Science Week is drawing to a close and lots of exciting activities have been going on. Radio amateurs across the country have been encouraging young people to explore and understand our hobby and there have been some wonderful ways of incorporating the theme of “Time” into amateur radio activities. The RSGB would like to thank those who have shared ideas and resources, promoting the magic of radio communications with young people. There will be a report in the June issue of RadCom to showcase the activities that have happened and to inspire people to get involved next year! Perhaps you ran a construction day, set up and operated a radio station in a school or achieved a QSO with GB3RS at the RSGB National Radio Centre. Whatever you’ve been doing, please send your reports, with separate high-resolution photographs, to [email protected] by the 21st of April 2024. The RSGB would welcome feedback about what worked well, what you learned and how the Society could develop its British Science Week activities next year. Please email the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator Ian Neal, M0KEO at [email protected] to share your thoughts. Early in February the RSGB announced that the fees for Foundation, Intermediate and Full level examinations would increase from the 1st of May 2024. You can now use the online booking system to book an exam before the 1st of May at the current price or select exam dates from the 1st of May at the new prices. Please ensure you make the correct date selection, as booking errors that need to be changed may incur an administration fee as outlined in the exam terms and conditions. To book an exam, go to the Student Information section of the RSGB website and choose the option to book and pay for your exam from the right hand menu. The RadCom Contesting column has new editors! The RSGB Contest Committees will be overseeing the column and have planned a schedule of topics. Some will be written by members of the three contesting committees, and some by others who can share their experiences. As well as information about various aspects of contesting, the committees hope that the column will feature a contesting tip of the month, a featured UK contester, as well as a contest of the month. Once each issue is published, the column content will be shared on the RSGB website to provide a useful resource about contesting. You can see a list of the planned topics at rsgb.org/radcom-contesting  The committees are keen to hear from people who would like to be involved, so if you would like to suggest a missing topic or offer to write something for the column, please email [email protected] And now for details of rallies and events Callington Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, the 17th. The rally is being held in the Town Hall, New Road, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7BD. The doors will be open from 10 am. Entry is £2 each and there is no charge for those under the age of 16. A comprehensive selection of traders, clubs and societies are present along with a bring-and-buy stall and the usual catering service. The venue has excellent disabled access and toilets, and there is ample car parking nearby. More details, including a list of items currently registered for sale at the huge bring-and-buy stand, are available at callingtonradiosociety.org.uk Grantham Amateur Radio Club Radio and Electronics Rally is also taking place today, the 17th. The venue is Grantham West Community Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire. The doors are open from 9 am to 1.30 pm and entry for buyers is £3. Those under the age of 16 will be admitted for free. Ample free parking is available. For more information visit garc.org.uk/rally In Wales, the Pencoed and District Amateur Radio Club Rally is taking place today, the 17th. The event is being held at Sarn and Bryncwils Social Club, Sarn, Bridgend, CF32 9NY. The entrance fee is £2 but there is no charge for those under the age of 16. Doors open to the public at 10 am and refreshments are available. Disabled access is available via a chair lift. For more information contact Leuan Jones at 07791 709 691. The Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 24th of March at Saint Radigunds Community Centre. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm and the entrance fee will be £3. Tables cost £15 each with a maximum of two tables per vendor. For more information visit darc.online/rally The Ripon Rally will also take place on Sunday the 24th of March. The venue will be Great Ouseburn Village Hall, Lightmire Lane, Great Ouseburn, York, YO26 9RL. Lots of parking will be available adjacent to the venue. Traders are welcome from 7 am and tables cost £10 each. The doors open for visitors from 10 am and entrance is £3 per person. For more information visit radars-g4sjm.club Now the Special Event News HI180RD is on the air to celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Dominican Republic declaring its independence from Haiti in 1844. Listen for activity on all bands and modes until the 30th of April. Around 25 operators from five radio clubs will be part of the event. For details of an available certificate, visit QRZ.com A special event call sign EI80MB is active until the 31st of May 2024 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the rescue of 168 German seamen who were rescued from the waters of the Bay of Biscay after a battle between British and German naval forces in 1943. The men were carried out by a small Irish coaster called ‘Kerlogue’ which had the callsign EIMB. The rescue took more than ten hours. QSL via Club Log's OQRS or via EI6AL. Now the DX news Nobby, G0VJG is active as 5H3VJG from Zanzibar Island, AF-032, in Tanzania until the 20th of March. He is operating mainly using SSB and with some CW and FT8. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. QSOs will be uploaded to the Logbook of the World and Club Log. Gerard, F2JD is active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 21st of March. He is operating CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the Bureau. Now the contest news On Monday the 18th, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group HF RTTY Contest started at 0200UTC on Saturday the 16th and ends at 0200UTC on Monday the 18th. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and time. On Tuesday the 19th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using All modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 19th, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and county code. On Thursday the 21st, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of March 2024 What a difference a month makes. We’ve gone from a solar flux index up to almost 200, to one that is down in the 120s. Over the past week, we have had only two M-class solar flares, which means we have had limited coronal mass ejection activity and therefore low Kp indices. Last weekend’s Commonwealth Contest saw UK amateurs making plenty of HF contacts, some with Australia, but everyone agreed that HF propagation was a little lacklustre. There is a daily chance of moderate-class solar flares from AR 3607, the largest sunspot region, but all remaining spots remain mostly small and simple. The solar wind speed has been quite high with sporadic periods of a south-pointing Bz field. This is what has pushed the Kp index to three, but this isn’t a big threat to HF. There is a slight chance of unsettled intervals caused by a weak coronal hole near the south centre of the solar disc coupled with the fast solar wind. NOAA reports that active region 3590 has been detected on the far side of the Sun using helioseismology. This may mean that it will still be active and a threat when it returns in a week or so. This region was the source of the X6 solar flare on the 22nd of February – the largest so far in solar cycle 25. Next week, commencing the 18th of March, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 120 to 130 range, although the US Air Force predicts it could reach 150. Geomagnetic conditions are likely to be mainly settled with a maximum Kp index of two or three.  So, this is a reasonable forecast for HF propagation, which should remain open up to 28MHz during daylight hours. This is also a good time for north-south paths, such as the UK to South Africa, and the UK to South America. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The continuing theme of unsettled weather will produce further spells of rain and heavy showers and once again provide some rain scatter options on the GHz bands. Another thing to mention is that, as we move towards the latter part of the month, the intensity of showers becomes greater due to the additional warmth improving the effectiveness of the rain scatter process. It is very hard to find any traditional Tropo until we get well into the coming week. It may occur on Thursday the 21st when a high will develop a ridge from Biscay across southern Britain and the near continent. This should provide a chance of Tropo for the final few days of the coming week. Unfortunately, this is not in time for the UK Activity Contest on 1.3GHz on Tuesday the 19th, but the 70MHz UK Activity Contest on Thursday the 21st may be luckier. The north of Britain may start to see the next low bringing rain over that weekend, so although it has an early exit from any Tropo, at least being well north gives Scottish stations a head start for any aurora, which tends to favour the spring months. Meteor scatter remains in the random territory – try just before sunrise for best results. But with the next major shower being the Lyrids in late April, we have a while to wait for an uptick in activity. Lastly, a brief mention of Sporadic-E. It has popped up with some weak events on the Dourbes plots on Propquest, but the main season is still a little way off. Maybe check next month for a heads-up on the lower bands like 28 and 50MHz. Of course, digital modes will get a head start, so best to check the clusters and chatrooms for signs of fleeting activity. Some UK stations reported 50MHz trans-equatorial propagation to Africa last week, so check for that. For EME operators, Moon declination reaches a maximum on Sunday, but path losses are starting to increase again. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, falling to low on Wednesday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 10th of March 2024 The news headlines: New rules for HF contests are in place Applications are open for this year’s YOTA camp Listen out for operators taking part in British Science Week   The RSGB HF Contest Committee has introduced a couple of rules to address changes in licence conditions that came into effect on the 21st of February. It has also highlighted power changes to specific contests. The committee is introducing a section for Foundation licensees in some of its contests now that the power limit is increased to 25W. Before finalising the rules for 2025, the committee will consult widely on whether Regional Secondary Locators should remain mandatory in those contests for which the country in which the operator is situated has no bearing on the score. For more details see the RSGB Notices section on the RSGB website. Are you aged between 18 and 25 and passionate about all things radio? Are you ready for exciting experiences, making new friends and shaping the future of amateur radio? Why not apply to be part of the RSGB YOTA team going to the YOTA Czechia summer camp this year? You can find out more on the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/yota and click on the ‘YOTA Summer camps’ link in the righthand menu. You’ll be able to read about the experiences of previous teams and download an application form for the Czechia event. The closing date for applications is the 15th of April for the Team Leader and the 22nd April for Team Members. British Science Week started on Friday the 8th of March and continues until Friday the 17th of March. Please have a look at the list of times that participants will be on the air and try to respond to them. These will nearly all be students who will be making their very first QSOs working with local amateurs. Your contact will make their day and might lead to new radio amateurs! For those participating in British Science Week with stations, remember the offer for skeds from GB3RS at the RSGB National Radio Centre. To find out more, go to rsgb.org/bsw and choose the ‘List of events’ tab on that web page. If you’d like to show what you’re doing during the week, email [email protected] and the RSGB Comms Team will share your photos on social media. Whether or not you’re involved with this year’s British Science Week, it’s time to think ahead to next year’s event! Make contact with your local school or youth group and use the activity suggestions and resources on the RSGB British Science Week web page. The Edinburgh 23cm microwave beacon GB3EDN is back on the air after a move to a new location on the south side of Edinburgh. It has moved about 1.5km south from its previous site in the University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings Campus. The operating frequency is 1296.990MHz. It sends its callsign and QRA locator in both FSK and JT4 once per minute. The new site is about 200m higher than the previous site and it is hoped that coverage is somewhat improved. It has a clear view from the northwest through to the east, giving good coverage up the east coast and across the North Sea to Scandinavia. It is also hoped that there will be better propagation to the south from the new site. More details are available via the ‘Beacons’ link on the Lothians Radio Society’s website at lothiansradiosociety.com And now for details of rallies and events The Hack Green Radio Surplus Hangar Sale is taking place today, the 10th. The venue is Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. The event includes the sale of electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected]  or visit hackgreen.co.uk Callington Radio and Electronics Rally will take place on Sunday the 17th of March. The rally will be held in the Town Hall, New Road, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7BD. The doors will be open from 10 am. Entry will be £2 each but there will be no charge for those under the age of 16. A comprehensive selection of traders, clubs and societies will be present along with a bring-and-buy stall and the usual catering service. The venue has excellent disabled access, toilets, and there is ample car parking nearby. More details, including a list of items currently registered for sale at the huge bring-and-buy stand, are available at callingtonradiosociety.org.uk Grantham Amateur Radio Club Radio and Electronics Rally will be held on Sunday the 17th of March. The venue will be Grantham West Community Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire. The doors will be open from 9 am to 1.30 pm and entry for buyers will be £3. Those under the age of 16 will be admitted for free. There is a cost of £5 per table for sellers. Traders must book and pay in advance. The event will feature an RSGB book stall, hot and cold refreshments and a prize raffle. Ample free parking will be available. To reserve tables, contact [email protected]  For more information visit garc.org.uk/rally Pencoed and District Amateur Radio Club Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 17th of March. The venue will be Sarn and Bryncwils Social Club, Sarn, Bridgend, CF32 9NY. Doors open for traders at 8 am and tables cost £15. The entrance fee will be £2 but there will be no charge for those under the age of 16. Doors open to the public at 10 am and refreshments will be available. Disabled access is available via a chair lift. To book your tables please contact Leuan Jones at 07791 709 691. Now the Special Event News In celebration of International Women’s Day, special callsign TM88YL will be active from France until the 15th of March and, simultaneously, DM88YLF will be operating from Germany. QSL via the Bureau. For more information, visit QRZ.com Special callsign IY9MM is active until the 31st of March to commemorate the experiments conducted by Guglielmo Marconi from the ship 'Regina Elena' in the port of Augusta in 1914. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or direct to IT9MRM. The station was recently spotted on the 40m band using FT8. Now the DX news Eric, F6ICX is active as 5R8IC from Sainte Marie Island, AF-090, until the 31st of March. He operates mainly using CW on the 40 to 10m bands and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World or his home call. Peter, DC0KK is active as 4S7KKG from Sri Lanka, AS-003, until the 30th of March. He operates FT8, FT4, RTTY and sometimes CW on the 20 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or direct to his home call. Now the contest news The Commonwealth Contest started at 1000UTC on Saturday the 9th of March and ends at 1000UTC today, Sunday the 10th of March. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. HQ stations also send ‘HQ’. On Tuesday the 12th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs between 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 12th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 13th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 13th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 13th, the 80m Club Championship Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 14th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group HF RTTY Contest starts at 0200UTC on Saturday the 16th and ends at 0200UTC on Monday the 18th. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of March 2024 As predicted, a coronal mass ejection, or CME for short, affected the ionosphere last weekend, the 2nd and 3rd of March, pushing maximum usable frequencies down and sparking auroral displays that were visible as far south as Cornwall. The plasma hit the Earth around midday on Sunday the 3rd, eventually pushing the Kp index to more than 5 for nine hours. It eventually started to settle again, dropping to 4 for six hours, before then moving back to background levels by the morning of the 4th. The solar wind speed was not that high, being around 350 kilometres per second, but the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field, or IMF, was pointing sharply south for a long period. This allowed the solar plasma to couple with the Earth’s magnetic field more easily, and it flooded in. The maximum usable frequency was impacted, and it took until late morning on the 4th  before the 10m band was usable again over a 3,000km path. This probably impacted northerly paths the most with southerly paths being relatively unscathed. The rest of the week was generally free from coronal mass ejection chaos with the Kp index remaining below 3. Attention is now turning to active region 3599, which has expanded in size. It may therefore be a threat for an M-class solar flare and potential CME. Next week, commencing Monday the 11th, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be around 135, but may then increase to 170 by the 15th. We are heading towards the equinox, which means that geomagnetic disturbances are likely to be more common and harsher. They are almost twice as likely in spring and autumn versus the winter and summer. If the Kp index stays low, though, this can be a good time for HF. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO This weekend, the 9th and 10th, a strengthening southeasterly wind will develop over the country as low pressure moves into Biscay and a strong high builds over Scandinavia. Unfortunately, this may not be useful for Tropo since the high is a long way to the northeast and stronger winds usually prohibit the development of a quality inversion. All this changes again over this second weekend of March, the 9th and 10th, as low pressure pushes fronts into southern Britain. It won’t last long though and a weak ridge will cross the country on Tuesday the 12th, which may bring some Tropo support for southeastern Britain into the continent for the 432MHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, an Atlantic low will cross northern areas with rain and possible rain scatter options, but this will soon clear to leave a weak high over the country and it’s a return to Tropo conditions for the remainder of the week. The upshot of all this is that Tropo will be an off-and-on affair, but worth a look. The other modes, not so much. Although, as we said in the HF section, spring is a good time of the year for auroral activity and, after the recent visible aurora, we should keep a watch for activity and a high Kp index. There has been the odd fleeting pulse of Sporadic-E showing on the Propquest graphs recently. This has been noticeable on the LF bands sometimes but is not yet a big player for the usual Sporadic-E bands of 10m, 6m and beyond. However, on digital modes, UK stations have seen 50MHz trans-equatorial propagation, or TEP, to Africa last week – so check for that. For EME operators, Moon declination is still negative but goes positive again on Monday. Path losses are approaching minimum with perigee today, Sunday the 10th. 144MHz sky noise is low all week except today, the 10th, when the Sun is close to the Moon and in the beamwidth of antennas. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 3rd of March 2024 The news headlines: The Calling Notice for the RSGB’s 2024 AGM is now online New HF beacon list released by the RSGB’s Propagation Studies Committee The next RSGB Tonight@8 webinar is coming up The Calling Notice for the RSGB’s 2024 AGM is now online. The Notice includes the resolutions and information about the three Nominated Directors who are being put forward for endorsement by RSGB members. You can also read the minutes of last year’s AGM. Voting opens on Wednesday the 13th of March. On that same day, you will be able to submit a question for the RSGB Board via a web form or register to ask a question via video on Zoom. For more information go to the Society’s website at rsgb.org/agm The RSGB’s Propagation Studies Committee has released a new HF beacon list, with the 10m band listings completely revamped. The old list, which was started by Martin Harrison, G3USF Silent Key, had been added to over the years but was getting out of date. The only way to make it more accurate was to start again. The Propagation Studies Committee made use of the Reverse Beacon Network which wasn’t available when the list was originally created, plus listeners’ contributions from around the world. The new beacon list can be found at rsgb.org/beacons Have you wondered what happens at a VHF National Field Day? Would you like to take part in one? In this month’s Tonight@8 webinar, on Monday the 4th of March, the RSGB offers two different perspectives. Firstly, RSGB VHF Contest Committee member Richard, G4HGI will talk about how the RSGB VHF Contest Committee uses the VHF Survey and other tools to formulate the rules and calendar for all VHF Contests, with specific emphasis on VHF National Field Day. Secondly, three members of the Lothians Radio Society, GM3HAM will explain how they organise and operate these hilltop events within the Scottish borders. The club has made a short, professional film capturing their 2023 VHF National Field Day weekend. They will show clips of that and of an old cinema film to show how this looked from a technical standpoint at much earlier club competition events in the 1970s. This will be a great evening so put it in your diary and be inspired! You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or a special BATC channel. Go to rsgb.org/webinars to find out more. The RSGB has made two safeguarding announcements. Firstly, the Society’s safeguarding policy has been revised in line with modern practices and you can find it on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/policies  Secondly, if your club relies on the RSGB’s affiliated club insurance for activities that may have a safeguarding requirement, it is important that you are aware of the conditions in Section 10 of that insurance. You can find the insurance details in your club portal on the RSGB website. The Radio Society of Harrow is running a one-day classroom-style Foundation course on Saturday the 23rd of March at its venue in Watford. If you know anyone who would like to join the course, please tell them to email Brian, G3YKB at [email protected]  There will be an optional extra session on the morning of the 24th. Following complaints from some members, the RSGB has investigated a problem with the non-delivery of RadCom on Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It seems that following changes at Royal Mail, the labelling requirement for these copies was incorrectly applied by the printers and these copies didn’t go through the postal system correctly. The Society is sorry that this error has occurred and apologises for any inconvenience caused. It has, of course, asked its printers to ensure that there is no repetition of this problem, and the printer has paid for the two missing copies to be sent to each RSGB member in those areas. If your RadCom doesn’t arrive in future, please email the RSGB membership team via [email protected] so they can send a replacement and track any wider problems. Those who enjoy constructing and operating with low-power devices will be interested to know that a QRP conference is taking part in Rennes in the northwest of France on the 18th of May 2024. The event will include lectures and demonstrations and will be an ideal opportunity for the exchange of information between like-minded amateurs. The organisers are putting together a programme of speakers and are looking for contributors on every aspect of low-power design, construction and operation. To read more about attending and contributing to the event, visit tinyurl.com/QRPCONF You may need to set your web browser to translate the web page from French to English.  And now for details of rallies and events The Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 3rd of March from 10 am to 1 pm. The event is being held at America Hall, Pinhoe, EX4 8PX. For more information, contact Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374 or email [email protected] The Hack Green Radio Surplus Hangar Sale will take place on Sunday the 10th of March. The venue will be Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. The event will include the sale of electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected]  or visit hackgreen.co.uk Callington Radio and Electronics Rally will take place on Sunday the 17th of March. The rally will be held in the Town Hall, New Road, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7BD from 7.30 am until 2 pm. The doors will be open from 10 am. Entry will be £2 each but there will be no charge for those under the age of 16. A comprehensive selection of traders, clubs and societies will be present along with a bring-and-buy stall and the usual excellent catering service. The venue has excellent disabled access, toilets and ample car parking nearby. Tables are still available at £5 for the large size and £3 for the smaller ones. Booking is essential, so please contact Alastair, M0KRR via email at [email protected] or by phone at 01503 262755. Grantham Amateur Radio Club Radio and Electronics Rally will be held on Sunday the 17th of March. The venue will be Grantham West Community Centre, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire. The doors will be open from 9 am to 1.30 pm and entry for buyers will be £3. Those under the age of 16 will be admitted for free. There is a cost of £5 per table for sellers. Traders must book and pay in advance. The event will feature an RSGB book stall, hot and cold refreshments and a prize raffle. Ample free parking will be available. To reserve tables, contact [email protected]  For more information visit garc.org.uk/rally Pencoed and District Amateur Radio Club Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 17th of March. The venue will be Sarn and Bryncwils Social Club, Sarn, Bridgend, CF32 9NY. Doors open for traders at 8 am and tables cost £15. The entrance fee will be £2 but there will be no charge for those under the age of 16. Doors open to the public at 10 am and refreshments will be available. Disabled access is available via a chair lift. To book your tables please contact Leuan Jones at 07791 709 691.  Now the Special Event News Members of the Newfoundland-based Grassroots Amateur Radio Club, VO1GRC are active as VO1TAP until the 18th of March. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL. The callsign commemorates the anniversary of the USS Truxtun and USS Pollux naval disaster that occurred off the coast of Newfoundland on the 18th of February 1942. Members of the Zurich City Police Radio Amateur Club, HB9SP are active on the HF bands as HB20SP throughout 2024 to celebrate their club's 20th anniversary. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, Club Log and QRZ.com  Please do not send any cards via the Bureau.  Now the DX news Uwe, DL8UD is active as V31KO from Belize, in Central America, until the 6th of March. He is operating using SSB, CW and FT8 on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via DL8UD directly or via the Bureau. A group of intrepid amateurs is active as part of the H40WA DXpedition to Temotu Province, OC-065, in the Solomon Islands until the 7th of March. Listen for activity, from up to six stations, on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via M0URX's OQRS page. Now the contest news The 144 and 432MHz Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 2nd of March and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of March. Using all modes on the 2m and 70cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 3rd, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000UTC to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the microwave bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 3rd, The Worked All Britain 80m Contest runs from 1800 to 2200UTC. Please note that this is an SSB-only contest, and the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain area. All entries need to be with the contest manager by the 13th of March. Full Contest rules are available on the Worked All Britain website at worked-all-britain.org.uk The ARRL International DX Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 2nd of March and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmitter power. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province. On Monday the 4th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The Commonwealth Contest starts at 1000UTC on Saturday the 9th of March and ends at 1000UTC on Sunday the 10th of March. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. HQ stations also send ‘HQ’. On Tuesday the 5th, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 5th, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 6th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 6th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Also on Wednesday the 6th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 29th of February 2024 Active region 3590, which was the large sunspot group that threatened us with solar flares and coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, has now moved to the Sun’s limb and is no longer a threat. Region 3590 was potentially dangerous but ultimately wasn’t too bad. Yes, we had flares, but they were only minor C-class and M-class events. Three recent CMEs, which will all probably miss Earth, but with a risk of some glancing influence, are most likely to have arrived by this weekend, ending the 3rd of March. However, old active region 3576 will begin to turn into view off the southeast limb by the end of today, the 3rd. The Kp index rose to 4.67 during one three-hour period on Tuesday the 27th of February, but the disturbance was short-lived and HF propagation wasn’t too badly affected. Speaking of which, there have been some good HF openings to the Pacific area over the last week. Spotted have been 3D2AG in Fiji on the 17m band, VK on the 10m band, and the H40WA Temotu DXpedition to the Solomon Islands. This latter DXpedition has mostly been spotted on FT8 Fox and Hounds mode in the UK. The maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path still remains above 28MHz during daytime, with MUFs over 14 to 15MHz at night. So, as we head into March and towards the spring equinox, HF is still looking good. Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the range of 165 to 170. The Kp index is predicted to be two all week, but that is suspect and dependent on coronal mass ejections – or a lack of them. At this point in the cycle, anything could happen. With six or seven active regions visible, the risk of a flare and CME remains relatively high. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The overall weather pattern remains very unsettled with further active lows and weather fronts crossing the country. There will also be periods with stronger winds and it may be cold enough for some wintry weather, especially over northern hills. The upshot of all this is that Tropo will once again be a rarity, but rain scatter may offer some comfort to those on the GHz bands. Later in the coming week, high pressure will strengthen over Norway and this will produce quite strong winds over the North Sea and eastern UK and perhaps encourage paths to the east, but it’s probably marginal at best in terms of Tropo. The prospects for aurora and meteor scatter are not especially reliable, but it was encouraging to hear of some digital activity on the 6m band earlier in the week to South Africa and Lesotho. This was probably the result of Trans Equatorial Propagation or TEP, as suggested in last week’s news. The spring period is a fairly good time to listen for TEP, timed between the decay of the southern hemisphere summer Sporadic-E season and the start of the northern hemisphere summer Sporadic-E season. It’s well worth checking for similar activity during March for paths to the southern hemisphere via TEP. Signals can be strong enough for SSB or CW modes, so it is not exclusively for digital modes. For EME operators, Moon declination drops to a minimum on Tuesday. Path losses are past their peak now and falling until perigee on Sunday the 10th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate to high, reaching a peak of over 2,500 Kelvin on Tuesday the 12th. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 25th of February 2024 The news headlines: New amateur radio licence conditions are effective Amateurs are reminded to carry out EMF assessments The 2024 Band Plans have been published Ofcom has released its final decisions following its consultation on the amateur radio licensing framework last year. Revised licence conditions became effective on Wednesday the 21st of February 2024. The changes to licence conditions include the optional use of Regional Secondary Locators, increased transmitter power levels and provide a greater opportunity to bring newcomers into amateur radio. There are approximately 100,000 amateur radio licences issued by Ofcom in the UK. Ofcom says that it will shortly be contacting all licensees to provide each with their new licence document. Ofcom is aiming to reissue all UK amateur radio licences by the autumn of 2024. To help this process run as efficiently as possible, please ensure that your contact details are up to date in the Ofcom licensing system. Further updates to the amateur radio licensing framework, including the issuing of M8 and M9 Intermediate callsigns, will be rolled out in two more phases later this year and in the 2024/25 year. A video entitled ‘Updating the amateur radio licensing framework: RSGB overview of key changes’ is available in the Ofcom playlist on the RSGB’s YouTube channel which you can find at youtube.com/theRSGB  In it, RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB and RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB discuss the impact of the new rules. They also describe how the RSGB worked with Ofcom before and during the consultation period to arrive at the best outcome for all UK amateurs. Steve, Murray, and many people across the RSGB have also worked hard to engage with individual amateurs, and amateur radio clubs and groups, to help them prepare for the licensing changes. The RSGB will continue to release information and support for radio amateurs as we all adapt to the new arrangements. You can read more details and guidance on the Ofcom website at tinyurl.com/ARFEB2024 or via the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licensing Given that increased transmitter power limits are now available to UK licensees, all amateurs are reminded that they are required to carry out EMF assessments. To help you do this, advice and an online EMF calculator can be found at rsgb.org/emf The RSGB Band Plans for 2024 were published in the March issue of RadCom. They are also available via the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bandplans  This year’s changes support the new Ofcom licensing framework and guidance, particularly in the VHF and UHF bands. All amateurs are reminded to consult the Band Plans before operating. The list of amateur radio events taking place in British Science Week and the resource suggestions are growing. GB3RS, the radio station at the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park could be available for QSOs with stations operating as part of British Science Week. Contact the RSGB’s BSW coordinator, Ian Neal, M0KEO at [email protected] and he will link you with the NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB to make your arrangements. Please continue to send to Ian the resources you’d like to share and details of British Science Week events you’re organising, including the times you’ll be on the air. The RSGB would like to inspire as many people and groups as possible to get involved! You can access all event and resource details on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bsw The RSGB has been trialling paper wrappers for RadCom as part of its plans to be more environmentally friendly. The Society has been collating feedback and is aware that there have been particular problems with the glueing of the RadCom wrappers this month. Please be assured that the RSGB is discussing this with its supplier to try to resolve the problem before the next issue. During a year when the global landscape shifted once more, with conflicts across the world and economic difficulties touching the lives of individuals, the RSGB was pleased to see that the amateur radio community continues to thrive. It may have changed shape and adapted with the times, but the Society has been there not only to support its members but to defend the spectrum and provide information for all radio amateurs. In the March RadCom, there is a feature called ‘A year in numbers’ which shows some of the great things to celebrate, in which RSGB HQ staff have often led the way. There is an infographic and a short video with the highlights, and you can read the fuller story from page 40 in RadCom and on the website. Go to rsgb.org/strategy-updates and click on “2023 - a year in numbers”. The April RadCom will show in detail the work of the RSGB committees and other specialist volunteers. The amateur radio licence exams will be updated in line with the new licence conditions decided by Ofcom this week. Further information about the timing of those changes can be found on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/syllabus2019 Registration is open for the Mills on the Air event which will take place on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of May. To read more about the event, register and view a list of stations that are taking part, visit ddars.net  and follow the “mills on the air” link. And now for details of rallies and events The British Vintage Wireless Society Biggleswade Swapmeet and AGM is taking place today, the 25th. The venue is The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8JH. A bring-and-buy stall is available with a 10% commission on sales going to the British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum. Stallholders can gain entry from 9 am. The doors open to the public at 9.30 am and admission is £8. For more information visit bvws.org.uk or email [email protected] The Red Rose Winter Rally is also taking place today, the 25th. The venue is St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Access for exhibitors is available from 8.30 am and the event will be open to the public from 10 am. Hot and cold refreshments are available. Further details can be found via West Manchester Radio Club’s website at wmrc.co.uk  Send enquiries to Les, G4HZJ via [email protected] or phone 07796 264 569. The Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally will take place on Sunday the 3rd of March from 10 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at America Hall, Pinhoe, EX4 8PX. For more information, contact Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374 or email [email protected]  Now the Special Event News In celebration of World Radio Day, and the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio broadcasting in Spain, special callsign AO100RADIO will be active until the 29th of February. QSL requests should be sent via the Bureau to EA4URE. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand, RAST members are active as HS60RAST until the 10th of March. QSL via HS6MYW.  Now the DX news Bernhard, DL2GAC will be active as H44MS from Malaita, OC-047, in the Solomon Islands, until the 25th of April. He will be QRV daily, with activity on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB and some FT8. QSL via Bernard’s home call, directly or via the Bureau.  He will upload details of his contacts to Club Log and Logbook of the World. Francis, F6BWJ is active as FM/F6BWJ from Martinique, NA-107, until roughly the middle of March. He is operating CW on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or via the Bureau to his home call.  Now the contest news The French HF Championship, also known as the REF Contest, started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 24th and ends at 1800UTC today, Sunday the 25th. Using SSB on the HF bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. French stations send their department number or overseas territory prefix. The CQ 160m DX Contest started at 2200UTC on Friday the 23rd and ends at 2200UTC today, the 25th. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province. On Monday the 26th, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 27th, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 28th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The 144 and 432MHz Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 2nd of March and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 3rd of March. Using all modes on the 2m and 70cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 3rd, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000UTC to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the microwave bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Britain 80m Contest will take place on Sunday the 3rd of March from 1800 to 2200UTC. Please note that this is an SSB-only contest, and the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain area. All entries need to be with the contest manager by the 13th of March. Full Contest rules are available on the Worked All Britain website at worked-all-britain.org.uk The ARRL International DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 2nd of March and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 3rd of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmitter power. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 22nd of February 2024 We’ve had two X-class solar flares over the past few days. The first occurred at 2307UTC on the 21st of February, so didn’t affect the UK at all. The second erupted at 0632UTC on the 22nd of February and was too early to affect the ionosphere in this region. However, HF paths to the east may have been affected. However, active region 3590 could cause more problems as it rotates into an Earth-facing position. Look out for more flares and potential coronal mass ejections as we head into the weekend. Another problem is a coronal hole on the solar equator, which was Earth-facing on Friday the 23rd and could lead to an increased Kp index today, the 25th if its associated Bz magnetic field points south. Although there are only two sunspot groups visible, the solar flux index is 170, showing just how potent these spots are. Daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path are still exceeding 35MHz, while nighttime MUFs over a similar distance struggle to get above 10 to 11MHz. With the daytime MUF so high, it is a good opportunity to check for low-power 10m beacons. The RSGB’s Propagation Studies Committee has just released a new 10m beacon list, which has been created from scratch using the reverse beacon network and help from amateurs around the world. The new beacon list, which can be found under the Propagation section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/beacons should be more useful than its predecessor as it is based on actual beacons that have been received. But if you hear any beacon that is not on the list, please inform Steve, G0KYA at [email protected] Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline a little into the 160s. As for geomagnetic conditions, it all depends upon what happens with active region 3590. We could be in for a rough ride, or things could be fine – let’s wait and see. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current spell of unsettled weather continues, and this means that Tropo won’t be worth waiting for, other than any temporary short-lived early morning temperature inversions, especially if accompanied by misty low cloud or fog. The main part of the story is again rain scatter, which will have plenty of opportunity to shine in the period to the end of the coming week. Summer thunderstorms are usually full of large raindrops, while winter systems are generally less intense but, in the absence of much else, it’s still worth considering for those on the GHz bands. The other propagation modes of meteor scatter or aurora are even longer shots, but they may still crop up. The best time for random meteor scatter QSOs is around dawn. Lastly, the doldrums for Sporadic-E propagation are still with us and don’t expect too much until we are well into April, even on the 10m band. The high solar flux could see some trans-equatorial 50MHz openings if the Kp index remains low, especially for the far south and west of the UK.   For EME operators, Moon declination starts the weekend positive but drops negative again on Monday. With apogee, when the Moon is at its furthest point from Earth, occurring yesterday, Saturday the 24th, path losses are at their highest for the month this weekend. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 18th of February 2024 The news headlines: Ask the RSGB Board a question during the Society’s 2024 AGM Get involved with British Science Week Registration is now open for Maritime Radio Day 2024   Over the last few years, the RSGB has been developing the way in which the Board can be asked questions at the Society’s online AGMs. Last year people were able to ask questions via the YouTube live chat as well as submitting written questions in advance. This year, in response to members’ feedback, there will be an opportunity to ask a question on video via Zoom. The RSGB Board will still take written questions in advance and will also answer as many questions on the day via the live chat as possible, depending on the time. The RSGB AGM will be held on Saturday the 13th of April and you can find more information about how to take part on the Q&A subpage of the RSGB AGM web section at rsgb.org/agm The RSGB has a collection of resources to help you get involved with British Science Week, which runs from the 8th to the 17th of March this year and has the theme of ‘Time’. If you already have something planned, please let the RSGB know. This will be useful for others to see and might inspire them! There are already several events for British Science Week on the RSGB website. Some of these are open to everyone, so please show your support for them. If you’re going on the air, tell everyone when to listen out for you by sending the RSGB dates, times, bands and modes. The RSGB’s British Science Week coordinator is Ian Neal, M0KEO and you can contact him via [email protected]  Please send Ian the resources you’d like to share and your event details including the times you’ll be on the air. All details are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bsw Registration is now open for Maritime Radio Day 2024 which takes place annually on the 14th and 15th of April. The event is held to commemorate the almost 100 years of wireless telegraphy service for seafarers which ended with the closure in the UK of Portishead Radio on the 30th of April 2000. Commencing at 1200UTC on the 14th of April, and finishing at 2300UTC on the 15th of April, this event is a great opportunity to have a QSO with ex-Marine Radio Officers and Coast Station professionals who exchange details of their previous ships and coast stations. The mode of operation is CW and all of the HF bands are used, including the WARC bands. A certificate of participation will be issued to everyone who submits results. Amateur licence holders are invited to register to take part in Friends of Maritime Radio Day. Shortwave listeners may also submit logs. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/MRD24 There are less than two weeks to go until the deadline for the RSGB Construction Competition. There are six categories to enter this year: Antennas; Beginners; Most creative and/or elegant PCB Design; Construction Excellence; Innovation; and Software and Systems. To enable members from across the country, and even the world, to enter, entries will again be judged over the internet rather than in person. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner, who will also be declared the winner of the Pat Hawker G3VA Award. You can find out more, including how to enter, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition  Don’t forget, the deadline for entries is the 1st of March 2024 so get your entry in before it’s too late. Many amateur radio stations have been on the air this weekend, in conjunction with The Guide Association, to celebrate World Thinking Day on the Air. The aim of World Thinking Day on the Air is to encourage Guides to make friendships with members of other units, using amateur radio as the means of communication. If you, or your club or society, were on the air during the event don’t forget to send your pictures and stories to [email protected]  Please send your reports in by the 23rd of March. And now for details of rallies and events The British Vintage Wireless Society Biggleswade Swap meet and AGM will take place on Sunday the 25th of February. The venue will be The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8JH. A bring-and-buy stall will be available with a 10% commission on sales going to the British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum. Stallholders can gain entry from 9 am. The doors open to the public at 9.30 am and admission will be £8. For more information visit bvws.org.uk or email [email protected] The Red Rose Winter Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of February. The venue will be St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Access for exhibitors will be available from 8.30 am and the event will be open to the public from 10 am. Hot and cold refreshments will be available. Further details can be found via West Manchester Radio Club’s website at wmrc.co.uk  Send enquiries to Les, G4HZJ via [email protected] or phone 07796 264 569. The Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally will take place on Sunday the 3rd of March from 10 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at America Hall, Pinhoe, EX4 8PX. For more information contact Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374 or email [email protected]  Now the Special Event News Today is the last chance to work Francois, F8DVD who is active as TM21AAW to promote the 21st Antarctic Activity Week. He is QRV from his home QTH in France. QSL via Logbook of the World, his home call or the Bureau. Listen out for members of Radio Club Jean Bart, F6KMB who are active today, the 18th, as TM6C during the traditional Dunkirk Carnival. Operators will be working on the HF and VHF bands using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via F6KMB. Celebrating the Scandinavian CW Activity Group's 50th anniversary, special callsign SC50AG is active on the HF bands during February. All QSOs will be confirmed via the Bureau and Logbook of the World. Now the DX news Antonio, IK7WUL is active as TY2AA until Tuesday the 20th of February while on a humanitarian mission to Benin. In his spare time, he operates SSB on the HF bands. QSL via IZ8CCW and Logbook of the World. Chuck, KG9N is active as V26CV from Antigua, NA-100, until Tuesday the 20th of February. He is operating mainly using CW and SSB on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or his home call.  Now the contest news The ARRL International DX Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 17th and ends at 2359UTC today, the 18th. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmitter power. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province. On Tuesday the 20th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 22nd, the 80m Club Championship runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ 160m DX Contest runs from 2200UTC on Friday the 23rd to 2200UTC on Sunday the 25th. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province. The French HF Championship, also known as the REF Contest, starts at 0600UTC on Saturday the 24th and ends at 1800UTC on Sunday the 25th. Using SSB on the HF bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. French stations send their department number or overseas territory prefix. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 15th of February 2024 We had an interesting week with the threat of a major coronal mass ejection at any time with so much sunspot activity. In the end, it pretty much amounted to nothing, with the highest Kp index only reaching 4.33 on February 11th. That’s not to say we didn’t have solar activity. Far from it, as the solar flux index reached 208 on the 12th and has been consistently above 180 all week. We also had high proton levels as the positively charged particles streamed past Earth. This was the result of an eruption early on Monday morning from beyond the southwest limb. This may have affected HF signals going over the poles. Otherwise, we had numerous low-level solar flares to contend with, but none of them were stronger than M-class and so of little consequence. So where did this leave us in terms of HF propagation? All in all, not bad with maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs for short, over 3,000km consistently above 28MHz in daylight hours. Daytime MUFs were peaking above 33MHz according to the Dourbes ionosonde. Looking further ahead, we are now heading towards the equinox period, so we can expect MUFs to fall from their winter highs. The good news is that we can expect north-south paths to improve. The equinox is traditionally a better time for auroral conditions. If you want to work the USA on 28MHz you still have a couple of months left to do so, but expect transatlantic propagation conditions to decline by the time April arrives. The good news is that propagation to South Africa, South America and the Caribbean may improve. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may reduce and be in the range of 155 to 165. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be quiet but, as always, keep an eye on solarham.net for a near real-time update as the risk of a coronal mass ejection, or CME, remains high. To recap, an Earth-facing CME could increase the Kp index, reduce MUFs and generally give poor HF propagation for up to a day.   And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The basic weather pattern remains unsettled with a series of frontal systems crossing the country during the period. This leaves little room for any Tropo other than the occasional transient ridge of high pressure between successive weather systems. It does however give plenty of scope for rain-scatter enthusiasts to try their luck on the GHz bands. The solar conditions continue to give hope for an increased geomagnetic Kp index, which would be a good signal for potential aurora if it goes above 5 as evidenced in visual displays over northern Britain last Tuesday night, the 13th and 14th of February. As usual, the other propagation modes can still surprise us, even though this is not strictly the best time of year. The large number of satellites in operation means that QSOs can be guaranteed even with simple hand-held equipment. So, have a look at the AMSAT-UK pages and the RSGB website for details and give it a go! Also, a reminder that the best time for random meteor scatter QSOs is around dawn and that the high solar flux could see some 50MHz openings if the Kp index remains low, especially for the far South and West of the UK.   For EME operators, the moon reaches peak declination today, Sunday the 18th, so activity should be higher with high peak moon elevations and long moon windows. Path losses are moderate but rising and 144MHz sky noise is moderate, but falling after Monday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

  GB2RS News Sunday the 11th of February 2024 The news headlines: The outcome of the RSGB 2024 Board and Regional Team election process RSGB challenge for British Science Week announced RSGB Spectrum Forum updates The RSGB has announced the outcome of its 2024 Board and Regional Team election process. These results come into force at the RSGB 2024 AGM and, until that time, the current Regional Representatives remain in their roles. The announcement also contains news of the Nominated Directors put forward for endorsement by the RSGB membership next month, as well as two co-options to the RSGB Board, effective until the AGM. For full details of the announcement and the candidates go to the RSGB AGM web page at rsgb.org/agm The theme of British Science Week this year is Time. Both time and the closely related concept of frequency, are of vital importance to radio communications. The RSGB has announced a new challenge for British Science Week linked to this theme. The challenge has categories for every age group and the winner of each group will win a prize. The deadline for entries is the 1st of September and the results will be announced at the RSGB Convention in October. The challenge is as follows: “Using readily available components, material or other resources, provide a method of either measuring the frequency of a radio frequency source or signal or providing a time reference to a radio operator or radio system”. For more details about the challenge, as well as activities to inspire you and resources to help you take part in British Science Week, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bsw A busy year has seen several online Spectrum Forum meetings. Two meetings held in January considered the Ofcom notice period for ‘representations’ and areas where band plan adjustments would be needed, as well as more regular items such as annual group reports. The RSGB website now has these details online. The RSGB’s reply to Ofcom has been added to its special focus page on the Ofcom licence review. Along with other recent representations, this will enable Ofcom to finalise the new licence later this month. The RSGB Spectrum Forum pages have also been updated with the January 2024 group reports and meeting notes, which included the discussions on the provisional changes. To read more, visit rsgb.org/spectrumforum As previously announced by the RSGB Examinations Standards Committee Chair, Tony Kent, G8PBH, the amateur radio licence examinations will need to change to reflect the changes to the licence conditions announced by Ofcom. The scale of the licence changes will have a significant impact on Section 1 of the syllabus, ‘Licensing’, and a small impact on Section 7, ‘Operating’. Ofcom is currently reviewing representations and will publish its final decision, including the final version of the licence, before the 21st of February. The new licence will come into effect before work on the syllabus and examination question bank is completed. The RSGB Examinations Standards Committee has gained approval from Ofcom to continue to examine the current licence conditions for a period of six months following the publication of the new licence. This will allow trainers time to update their courses in line with the new syllabus, and allow candidates that have started their training under the current licence conditions to complete their courses and take the exam. It is expected that examinations of the new licence conditions will begin on the 1st of September 2024. For full details, see the exam announcements page on the RSGB website. The first amateur radio station on the moon, JS1YMG, is now transmitting. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, landed its Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon on the 19th of January 2024. The JAXA Ham Radio Club, JQ1ZVI secured the JS1YMG callsign and has been transmitting Morse code on 437.41MHz since the 19th of January. The probe uses 1W to a UHF antenna, with circular polarisation, and is transmitting what is described as "matters related to amateur business." Radio amateurs have been busy analysing JS1YMG's signal. You can read more about this story on Daniel Estévez, EA4GPZ’s blog at destevez.net The RadCom team is looking for authors who are interested in antennas. So, if you are passionate about the theory, design and construction of antennas, and would like to contribute to the magazine, please email [email protected] And now for details of rallies and events The MIDCARS Radioactive Rally is being held today, the 11th, at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. There will be a wide variety of trader stalls covering every aspect of amateur radio. Raffles will be held throughout the Rally. Refreshments and snacks will be available in the hall, and parking is immediately adjacent to the venue. The British Vintage Wireless Society Biggleswade Swapmeet and AGM will take place on Sunday the 25th of February. The venue will be The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8JH. A bring-and-buy stall will be available with a 10% commission on sales going to the British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum. Stallholders can gain entry from 9 am. The doors open to the public from 9.30 am and admission will be £8. For more information visit BVWS.org.uk or email [email protected] The Red Rose Winter Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of February. The venue will be St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Access for exhibitors will be available from 8.30 am and the event will be open to the public from 10 am. Hot and cold refreshments will be available. Further details can be found via West Manchester Radio Club’s website at wmrc.co.uk  Send enquiries to Les, G4HZJ via [email protected] or phone 07796 264 569. Now the Special Event News In celebration of World Radio Day, a special callsign AO100RADIO will be on the air from Spain until the 29th of February. For more information see QRZ.com The Royal Netherlands Army Signal Regiment is celebrating its 150th anniversary on the 14th and 15th of February. Cadets, servicemen, amateurs and veterans will be on the air for 36 hours with all kinds of historical and in-service radios. Operators will be using the callsign PI4VBD on all bands using SSB and CW. Special event station OL80CLAY will be active from the 12th of February to the 30th of June 2024 from near Prague. Operation Clay took place 80 years ago and was a cover name for an operation executed during World War II in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia by Czech paratroopers trained in England. Their task was to gather intelligence data from Northeast Moravia, send it to London by radio, and cooperate with the local resistance groups. The station will be active on all radio amateur bands. CW will be the main mode of operation, but there will also be activity on SSB, FM and possibly digital modes. Every first QSO will be answered by a special QSL card sent via the Bureau. SWL reports sent via the Bureau to OK2PXJ, or via email, will also be acknowledged. For more information see QRZ.com Now the DX news Francis, F6BWJ is active as FM/F6BWJ from Martinique, NA-107, until the 11th of March. He will operate CW on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or via the Bureau to his home call. Gerard, F2JD is active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 21st of March 2024. He will operate CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA, directly or via the Bureau. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 13th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 13th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 14th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Wednesday the 14th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 14th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 15th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ Worldwide WPX RTTY Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th and ends at 2359UTC today, the 11th. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The PACC Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 10th and ends at 1200UTC today, the 11th. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Dutch stations send their province. The ARRL International DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 17th of February and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 18th of February. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmitter power. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 8th of February 2024 A large sunspot region has been turning into an Earth-facing position and now looks like it could be threatening. Active region 3576 has already emitted a couple of low-class solar flares but could be poised for even more. An M5.1 solar flare was detected around region 3575 on the 7th of February as well. Updated imagery shows that an associated coronal mass ejection, or CME, was likely however, due to the location near the Sun’s south-west limb, it was directed mostly away from Earth. The solar flux index remained high this week, hitting 190 on the 6th before dropping to 188 on the 8th. Geomagnetically, the Sun has been behaving itself with a maximum Kp index of only three on Sunday the 4th. But all eyes will be on active region 3576 next week as it could upset the apple cart. Meanwhile, daylight maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path remain more than 28MHz, which is good for HF. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline to be in the range of 160 to 170. Geomagnetic conditions are also predicted to be settled with a low Kp index. However, as we said earlier, that could all change if we have a violent solar flare and associated coronal mass ejection from region 3576 or any of the many other sunspots. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO Unsettled weather describes the pattern for the coming week, including some colder weather mixed in to provide snowfall for some areas, particularly in northern areas. This characteristic weather type will mean little chance of Tropo during the period. Other propagation modes of interest might be even harder to find unless you are thinking of rain scatter, which could be useful for a few suitably-equipped stations on the GHz bands. Other modes, such as meteor scatter or aurora, are also looking a bit thin. There is always the chance of some random activity, unlike Sporadic-E which is in its late winter lull that usually lasts until April for the 10 and 6m bands. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative and rising, going positive on Monday the 12th. So there will be higher peak Moon elevations and longer Moon windows throughout the week. Path losses were at their lowest at perigee on Saturday the 10th. 144MHz Sky noise is moderate to low. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 4th of February 2024 The news headlines: The RSGB is seeking resources for British Science Week New RSGB Tonight@8 webinar coming up RSGB District Representative opportunities in Region 5 The RSGB is collecting resources to help you get involved with British Science Week, which runs from the 8th to the 17th of March. The theme this year is ‘Time’. If you have any resources and are willing to share them, please send them in. The RSGB has provided some already, including an example risk assessment and some lesson plans. You can also get advice about how to contact your local school or college to offer help. The Society would like to add to its resource base, so please share your ideas. If you already have an event planned, please let the RSGB know. This will be useful for others to see. Let the RSGB know whatever you’re planning so it can be added to the web page. If you’re going on the air, tell everyone when to listen out for you by sending dates, times, bands and modes. Send your information to the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator Ian Neal, M0KEO at [email protected] and to see all the resources go to rsgb.org/bsw  The RSGB’s next Tonight@8 live webinar is this Monday, the 5th of February. Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL will be giving a presentation called “Propagation at HF: What can we learn using digital modes WSPR and FST4W?” Gwyn is an associate member of the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee and will present some new and exciting research. You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel and special BATC channel. For more information about the presentation go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Do you live in RSGB Region 5? Region 5 covers the West Midlands area of England, from Staffordshire to the Welsh borders and down to Gloucestershire. The RSGB is looking for three volunteers to take up the roles of DR52 for Central and East Birmingham; DR53 for Shropshire, North Worcestershire and West Birmingham; and DR54 for Gloucestershire, Hereford and South Worcestershire. If you live in one of those areas and would like to promote amateur radio and support the local amateur radio community, please get in touch with the Regional Representative Neil Yorke, M0NKE via [email protected] – he will be delighted to hear from you! The RadCom team is looking for a VHF/UHF columnist. James Stevens, M0JCQ has recently retired from this role following the birth of another child. The RSGB thanks James for his work on the column and wishes him well for the future. If you are interested in this opportunity to contribute to RadCom, please email [email protected] HamCation is one of the world’s largest annual gatherings of radio amateurs. This year it starts in Orlando, Florida on Friday the 9th and runs until Sunday the 11th of February. The event’s website contains lots of information including details of forums, speakers, prizes and a special event station. You can read all about it via hamcation.com  And now for details of rallies and events The Canvey Rally is being held today, Sunday the 4th of February, at Cornelius Vermuyden  School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. For more information contact Richard Stanley at 07725 551 263 or email [email protected]  The MIDCARS Radioactive Rally will be held on Sunday the 11th of February at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. There will be a wide variety of trader stalls covering every aspect of amateur radio. Raffles will be held throughout the Rally. Refreshments and snacks will be available in the hall, and parking is immediately adjacent to the venue. The Red Rose Winter Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of February. The venue will be St Joseph’s Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Access for exhibitors will be from 8.30 am. The event will be open to the public from 10 am. Hot and cold refreshments will be available. Further details can be found via the West Manchester Radio Club’s website at wmrc.co.uk  Send enquiries to Les, G4HZJ via [email protected] or phone 07796 264 569.   Now the Special Event News Today, the 4th, is the last chance to work the special call sign TM26PVJ. The station is active, on the HF bands, for the 26th festival celebrating the ‘Opening of the Yellow Wine’. This year, the festival is taking place at Arbois in the Jura region of France. QSL via F8GGZ. VI100MB is the special call sign for the Manly-Warringah Radio Society, VK2MB, in Australia, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its formation. The station is active until the 25th of February. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL.  Now the DX news Keith, G3WRO is active as 8Q7WR from the Maldives, AS-013, until the 6th of February. He is operating SSB on the 40 to 10m bands, and possibly also on the 80m band. QSL via Keith’s home call.  Michel, F5LRL is active as CN2DX from near Kenitra, Morocco until the 10th of February. He will operate CW and SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. He is also using FT8 on the 6m band. QSL via EA5GL.  Now the contest news Today, the 4th, the 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 5th, the 80m Club Championship runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 6th, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 6th, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 7th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 7th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 7th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Saturday the 10th, the First 1.8MHz Contest runs from 1900 to 2300UTC. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Also on Saturday the 10th, the Worked All Britain 1.8MHz Contest runs from 1900 to 2359UTC. Please note that this is an SSB-only contest, and all entries need to be with the contest manager by the 20th of February. See worked-all-britain.org.uk for full details of the rules. The CQ Worldwide WPX RTTY Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th of February and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 11th of February. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The PACC Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 10th of February and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 11th of February. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Dutch stations send their province.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 1st of February 2024 We had another week of relatively calm geomagnetic conditions with a maximum Kp index of three. The solar flux index declined from 172 on the 24th to 135 on the 30th. Nevertheless, that is still enough to support propagation on the 10m band, with the maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path generally being between 29 and 36MHz during daylight. Solar activity has been at low levels with only minor C-class flares and one M-class flare detected. Active region 3559 is now located behind the west limb of the Sun and out of direct view. New active region 3567 in the northeast quadrant is showing the most promise as it appears to be in a growth phase. There is currently a 25% chance of a moderate M-class flare, according to the latest NOAA and SWPC update. Earlier in the week, we had a period of moderate S2-level radiation storming. Proton levels streaming past Earth, following a solar flare early on Monday morning, increased but this has now declined. A minor coronal hole also became Earth-facing on the 2nd of February, so we may still expect some disruption today, Sunday the 4th. The 10m band is still romping along, with beacons along the eastern seaboard of the USA coming alive in the afternoon. This weekend, the 3rd and 4th, sees the 10-10 International Winter SSB Contest, so there should be plenty of stations to work on 28MHz. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may rise again, perhaps to 150 today Sunday 4th, and up to 165 a week later. We may have unsettled geomagnetic conditions on the 5th and 6th, with the Kp index predicted to rise to three.   And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO This week, ending the 4th of February, saw high pressure to the south of Britain and fronts over northern areas. For some stations in the southern half of the country, there could be useful Tropo conditions for the 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest taking place today, the 4th. Unfortunately, the frontal activity over the north will move south on Tuesday to remove any chance of these better conditions lasting into the 144MHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 6th of February. The period from mid-week onwards looks dominated by low pressure with rain or showers and generally flat VHF and UHF prospects unless you are set up for rain scatter. Other propagation modes like meteor scatter, aurora or Sporadic-E seem likely to remain in the background for the coming week. For EME operators, moon declination is negative and falling to a minimum on Tuesday the 6th. Path losses are also decreasing since their maximum at apogee on Monday the 29th. But with the low peak moon elevations, only eight degrees on Tuesday, moon windows will be short. 144MHz sky noise is moderate to very high all week going over 3100 Kelvin on Tuesday the 6th. Friday and Saturday see the moon and sun very close together, so Sun noise in antenna beamwidths will be an issue. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 28th of January 2024 The news headlines: The RSGB election deadline is coming up RSGB Build a Radio workshop planned at Bletchley Park Registration for SOS Radio Week is open The deadline for nominations in the RSGB elections is next Wednesday, the 31st of January. If you would like to stand for the one elected Director role, or any of the eight Regional Representative vacancies, you will need to complete the nomination process by 2359UTC on Wednesday. Full details of the process are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election  The Society would encourage anyone with a passion for amateur radio, and a desire to support the amateur radio community, to look at the candidate information and consider stepping forward for one of these roles. You’ll find full information about the skills and experience needed in the candidate packs, and there is still time for an informal chat about the roles and responsibilities if you’d like one. But don’t delay as late applications won’t be accepted! As part of its British Science Week activities, the RSGB is organising two build-a-radio workshops at Bletchley Park on Sunday the 17th of March. Funded by the Radio Communications Foundation, these fun workshops are a great way for young people to try a practical amateur radio activity. The sessions are for youngsters aged 11 to 18 who will build their own VHF FM broadcast receiver using simple tools. The workshops cost £11 for the participant, and if you are an adult accompanying a participant who is aged 16 or under, you will receive free admission to Bletchley Park. These workshops are always very popular so book now if you know a youngster who would like to take part. Go to the Bletchley Park website at bletchleypark.org.uk then choose the What’s On option from the top right-hand menu. SOS Radio Week is an annual event that takes place throughout May to celebrate the work of the volunteers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Independent Lifeboats and National Coastwatch Stations around the British Isles. Members of these organisations save many people who are in danger along, and around, the thousands of miles of coastline and further out to sea. This year is the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI, so SOS Radio Week is being branded ‘SOS Radio Week 200’ for those operators who are supporting the RNLI during the event. Participants can operate from home, a public location, or a lifeboat or Coast watch station, with the appropriate authorisation from the station manager. A commemorative certificate will be available to all official stations that record their contacts on the website, together with awards for the top individual and club, or group, stations on each band from 160m to 70cm. Registration for individual and group operators is now open via sosradioweek.org.uk The RSGB has released a further three presentations from its 2023 Convention. In the first, Professor Simon Watts, G3XXH gives a fascinating presentation about VHF airborne radar and the design and performance of these early systems in World War II. The other two presentations focus on the World Radiosport Team Championship which the UK will be hosting in 2026. The WRTC is held every four years and is considered to be the Olympic Games of radio contesting. At the RSGB Convention, WRTC Chair Mark Haynes, M0DXR gave an overview of what is being planned and how people can get involved either as a spectator, volunteer, competitor or referee. John Warburton, G4IRN gave his perspective on what it is like to be a WRTC referee. The full WRTC planning team also gave an update recently on an RSGB Tonight@8 live webinar. You can see all of these presentations on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB RadCom Basics aims to help newcomers to amateur radio develop their knowledge and experience. Others enjoy reading it as it helps remind them of things they have forgotten or practise a skill they have not used for a while. The January 2024 issue of RadCom Basics is now available. It contains articles that provide advice on getting started with Bunkers on the Air, working on the 160 and 80m bands, constructing a multi-band vertical antenna, and more. You can find RadCom Basics at rsgb.org/radcom-basics The latest issue of RadCom Plus, the online magazine for the more technically-minded radio amateur, was published this week. The first article, by Tom Alldread, VA7TA, is about how to make a protection filter for an SDR or VNA. Following this is a contribution from Sheldon Hutchison, N6JJA who discusses how to make an effective antenna noise canceller. You may recall the article by Andy, G0FVI in October’s RadCom which discussed the principles of antenna noise cancellation. Sheldon investigates exactly how the canceller should work, and his investigations have resulted in his superior design which you can construct for yourself. The third article, by Michael Toia, K3MT, is all about understanding the relationship between a train of square pulses and the harmonic content of its frequency spectrum, not with complicated mathematics, but by using an entirely diagrammatic approach. Those less familiar with mathematics might especially find this article helpful. This issue of RadCom Plus ends with Andy Nehan, G4HUE discussing the design of analogue power supplies. Members of the RSGB can access RadCom Plus via rsgb.org/radcom-plus  And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place today, the 28th, at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors are open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments are available. The tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked in from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via [email protected] or 07777 699 069. The Canvey Rally will be held on Sunday the 4th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders on site. For more information contact Richard Stanley at 07725 551 263 or email [email protected]  The MIDCARS Radioactive Rally will be held on Sunday the 11th of February at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. There will be a wide variety of trader stalls covering every aspect of amateur radio. Raffles will be held throughout the Rally. Refreshments and snacks will be available in the hall, and parking is immediately adjacent to the venue.  Now the Special Event News The Radio Club of Haïti is on the air until the 31st of January with special callsign HH220Y. The station is active to celebrate Haïti’s 220th anniversary of independence. Operators are active on the 160 to 10m bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL via N2OO. Listen out for special event station TM21AAW which will be on the air from the 4th to the 18th of February 2024. The station is active to celebrate the 21st Antarctic Activity Week. Activity will be on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via F8DVD, directly or via the Bureau. For more information about Antarctic Activity Week, visit waponline.it    Now the DX news Mathias, DL4MM will be active as P4/DL4MM and P40AA from Aruba, SA-036, until Wednesday the 31st of January. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, or via DL4MM. Elvira, IV3FSG is active as ZD7Z from St. Helena, AF-022, until the 4th of February. She is operating SSB, CW, RTTY, FT8 and FT4 on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Paper cards can be sent directly to IK2DUW  Now the contest news The CQ 160m DX Contest started at 2200UTC on Friday the 26th and ends at 2200UTC today, the 28th. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th and ends at 1200UTC today, the 28th. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number. On Wednesday the 31st, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Friday the 1st of December 2023. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. On Sunday the 4th of February, the 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 25th of January 2024 We dodged a bullet last week when a coronal mass ejection, or CME, was predicted to be heading our way. In the end, it came to nothing. The CME observed on the 20th of January was expected to pass Earth and deliver possible G2 storm conditions. But a solar wind enhancement, possibly associated with the plasma cloud passing near Earth, saw the Kp index rise to only 3.67 on Wednesday the 24th. The many solar flares, and associated coronal mass ejections, over the past few days make it difficult to give a reliable geomagnetic forecast. Over the past seven days, there have been more than 60 C-class and 18 M-class flares, typical for this point in the solar cycle. Sunspot-wise, the solar flux index has remained high, being more than 170 all week. Critical frequencies have often exceeded 11MHz during daylight hours, which means the 30m band, as well as the 40m band, should be open around the UK. However, nighttime critical frequencies have fallen below 4MHz, meaning that even the 80m band struggles at times. We mentioned last week that the NCDXF beacon VK6RBP in Australia had been heard on 28.200MHz. If you’ve copied VK6RBP you might be interested in trying for some other lower-power Australian beacons on the 10m band. Try listening for the 8W VK4LA/B on 28.206MHz in Brisbane, or perhaps the 10W VK4RST, which is 550km north-west of Brisbane, on 28.266MHz. Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the range of 155 to 175. Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be quiet, other than on the 29th of January when the Kp index is predicted to rise to three. But, as always, keep an eye on solarham.net for a near real-time report. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO Today, the 28th, sees the UK recovering from the two named storms and just getting settled into moving high pressure across northern France, with a second centre crossing central Britain early next week. This offers a chance of Tropo, especially in the south, while fronts continue to affect Scotland. After the middle of the coming week, a more unsettled pattern returns with fronts crossing the country, which might bring some rain scatter for the GHz bands. But, in general, the picture remains unsettled into the end of the week and doesn’t look too exciting for the 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest on Sunday the 4th of February. Other propagation modes that are worth considering are all relatively low-key in the transition into February. This means that meteor scatter is best looked for in the early pre-dawn period when random meteor activity peaks. The other chance might be aurora, and this is simply about checking the behaviour of the Kp index, which measures the disturbance of the earth’s magnetic field by solar activity. Kp indices higher than six are a good sign for aurora.  It looks like we are in a quiet period for Sporadic-E propagation. For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and falling, going negative again on the 30th. Path losses reach their maximum at apogee on Monday the 29th, then start to fall again. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 21st of January 2024 The news headlines: British Science Week is approaching Updates on the RSGB’s Strategic Priorities RSGB election deadline reminder   This year’s British Science Week runs from the 8th to the 17th of March with the theme of Time. This event is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of amateur radio in your local area. The RSGB has some great activity ideas you could try at your local school, Scout or Guiding group or local youth club. Go to the web page at rsgb.org/bsw and click on the activity titles to find everything you need to know to be able to run that activity. Several radio clubs from across the UK have already planned outreach activities for British Science Week and the RSGB hopes its resources will inspire you to get involved too! RSGB volunteer John Hislop, G7OHO has provided these ideas but the Society would love to add other activities to enthuse young people about wireless communication. If you have an amateur radio activity on the theme of Time that you’d like to share, or if you’d like to get involved but aren’t sure how to start, please direct enquiries to the RSGB British Science Week contact, Ian Neal, M0KEO. Ian’s contact details will soon be available at rsgb.org/bsw At the Discussion with the Board session at the RSGB 2023 Convention, the RSGB President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM confirmed that the Board would keep members updated regularly on progress with the new strategic priorities. Two updates have now appeared in the January and February issues of RadCom and they are also available to read on the RSGB website. These updates highlight some important activities and achievements as well as new plans, so the Society encourages every member to take the time to read them. Go to rsgb.org/strategy and choose the ‘Strategy priorities updates’ option from the righthand list. Further updates are being prepared so do check back regularly or look out for them in each RadCom. You can also watch the Discussion with the Board Convention session on the RSGB’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB The deadline for applications for the one elected RSGB Board Director position and eight Regional Representative roles is Wednesday the 31st of January. Amateur radio needs a strong and active national society so don’t leave it to everyone else, step forward for one of these roles and play your part in the future of the RSGB. You'll find guidance and candidate forms on the RSGB elections web page at rsgb.org/election as well as contact details if you want an informal chat before standing for election. A reminder that the RSGB is looking for four licensed radio amateurs to help raise the profile of wireless communication amongst young people across the UK. We have had a good response, but we’d still like to hear from prospective volunteers in Northern Ireland and Wales. These volunteer Youth Country Representatives will represent the RSGB at externally organised events and will plan and deliver outreach activities. If you have plenty of ideas, a passion for getting young people involved in amateur radio and experience of running small-scale events, we would be very keen to hear from you. The deadline is Friday the 16th of February. For full details, see rsgb.org/volunteers and for an informal discussion, please email RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML at [email protected] GB2RS began broadcasting via the Es’hail-2 amateur satellite in May 2021. Every Sunday at 0800UTC you can hear the latest RSGB news on the dedicated narrow-band QO-100 transponder frequency of 10489.855MHz. This has proved so popular that, by the kind permission of AMSAT-DL, from the 4th of February 2024 we’re introducing a second reading at 2100UTC. This will suit our international audience in the western lobe of the footprint. The existing team of three Newsreaders is looking for another volunteer to join them. If you are an RSGB member with a good QO-100 facility and would be interested in broadcasting the news, please contact the GB2RS Manager, Steve, G4HPE at [email protected] for further details. During February, the RSGB’s Photo Friday focus on social media is all about clubs. If you’d like your club to be included, let the RSGB comms team know what you've been up to and who's been involved and share all the brilliant things you've been doing. Email [email protected] by the 31st of January with a brief summary of the activity and some photos, and please make sure that everyone in the photo is happy to have their face on social media! Chris Deacon, G4IFX has been awarded a PhD from the University of Bath after completing research on propagation. His thesis was entitled: “Radio propagation through ionospheric Sporadic-E”. This part-time work over many years involved looking at Sporadic-E on the 6m band, including making novel measurements of signal amplitude, phase, derived Doppler, polarisation and potential time delay to discover the nature of sporadic-E propagation at VHF frequencies. The RSGB Propagation Studies Committee congratulates Chris on this fantastic achievement. You can find out more by searching for Chris’ name on the University of Bath research portal at researchportal.bath.ac.uk  Chris has done a number of presentations about propagation at RSGB Conventions over the years, which you can see on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via [email protected] or 07777 699 069. The Canvey Rally will be held on Sunday the 4th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders on site. For more information contact Richard Stanley at 07725 551 263 or email [email protected]  The MIDCARS Radioactive Rally will be held on Sunday the 11th of February at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. There will be a wide variety of trader stalls covering every aspect of amateur radio. Raffles will be held throughout the Rally. Refreshments and snacks will be available in the hall and parking is immediately adjacent to the venue. Now the Special Event News A team of German amateurs is operating a special event call sign DM24EHF until the 28th of January. The EHF suffix stands for European Handball Federation. The 16th edition of the European Men's Handball Championship is being hosted in Germany from the 10th to the 28th of January. QSL via the bureau, or directly to DL2VFR. The Straight Key Century Club's Straight Key Month is currently underway. The annual on-air event commemorates the Club's founding in 2006 and celebrates the original instruments of early radiotelegraphy including straight keys, bugs and ‘cootie’ keys. Listen out for the K3Y callsign which is being aired from the ten US call areas. Information on the event and QSL instructions can be found at skccgroup.com/k3y “Discovering Marconi” is an international amateur radio diploma organised by the ARI Radio Club of Fidenza in Italy. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great Italian scientist in 1874, this award aims to delve deeper into the thought, vision, capacity and character of Guglielmo Marconi. More details of special callsigns and award rules can be found at arifidenza.it Now the DX news Chris, WA7RAR will be active as 8P9CB from Barbados, NA-021, until the 25th of January. Most of his operations will be portable at various locations, especially Parks on the Air sites. He will be QRV on the 20 to 10m bands using CW and SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World, or directly to WA7RAR. Listen out for Bob, V4/N4RF who is active from Saint Kitts, NA-104, until the 25th of January. He will operate mainly CW, with some FT8 and SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World is preferred but is also available directly via his home call. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 23rd, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The CQ 160m DX Contest starts at 2200UTC on Friday the 26th and ends at 2200UTC on Sunday the 28th. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. American stations send their state and Canadian stations send their province. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 28th. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is a serial number. The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Friday the 1st of December 2023. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 18th of January 2024 We had yet another week with good solar conditions which, at this point in the cycle, is good news. The solar flux index remained in the 170s to 180s range and the Sun is currently peppered with spots. The Kp index never got above 3.33 and that was only for one three-hour period on January the 16th. We were also lucky with solar flares in that we only had minor C-class flares to contend with. An eruption was observed beyond the west limb on January 14th. The event generated a fast-moving coronal mass ejection or CME, but it was directed away from our planet. Daytime MUFs over 3,000km remain high at more than 28MHz. At night this reduces to around 6.9 to 9.5MHz, meaning only the 40m band is mainly open to DX, if at all. HF-wise, this is the best time for low-band DXing, such as 40m band contacts with New Zealand around sunrise, and overnight QSOs on the 80m band with the USA. Other DX being worked by members of CDXC includes XU7AKU in Cambodia on 40m CW in the early evening; V31XX in Belize, VP9KF in Bermuda, on 30m CW around 1000UTC; and E20AX in Thailand on 40m CW around 0930UTC. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may remain in the 160 to 170 range with a maximum Kp index of 2. As always, take that Kp prediction with a pinch of salt as a single Earth-facing coronal mass ejection could send it sky-high with an accompanying lowering of the MUF and generally poor conditions. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The main theme of the VHF and up propagation options is that we have three distinct phases coming up. The first phase is set to end today, the 21st. This will be the final blast of the cold northerly wind, which may produce some rain scatter near coasts from snow showers. It is probably not especially useful for Tropo, even inland, except perhaps for local overnight temporary short-distance enhancements due to surface cooling and night frosts. Phase two is the transition to very unsettled, wet and windy weather, which starts to arrive during this weekend, ending the 21st, and generally sets the pattern for much of the coming week. Maybe it will be a rain scatter option for the GHz bands, but the main radio consideration will be wind potentially damaging antennas, particularly in the south. Phase three will be the introduction of a weak ridge of high pressure over southern Britain in the second half of the coming week and the following weekend. This could bring some more productive Tropo to southern parts of the UK, especially into the last weekend of the month. Other propagation modes are available but don’t seem to be elevated beyond chance occurrences for meteor scatter or aurora. There is a vanishingly small chance of Sporadic-E, as we are in the minimum period for this sort of propagation until after Easter. For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising, reaching a maximum on the 23rd. Path losses increase all week until apogee on Monday the 29th. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate this coming week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 14th of January 2024 The news headlines: RSGB releases new video about changes to amateur radio licensing WRTC 2026 team to appear in an RSGB Tonight@8 webinar Paul Athersmith, M0PLA achieves Mountain Goat award   Following Ofcom’s consultation on the amateur radio licence last year, it released a statement in December 2023. The statement outlined its decision to update the amateur radio licensing framework to ensure the policies and licences meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s radio amateurs while streamlining the licensing process. It also published a General Notice, giving notice of its proposal to vary all amateur radio licences. The RSGB has just released a video in which RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB chats to RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB. Murray recaps some of the headline results of the Ofcom consultation, including where changes have occurred to Ofcom’s proposals. They also talk about what this could mean for radio amateurs in the future. This is a great example of how the RSGB is working not only to defend the spectrum but also to support all radio amateurs to understand and make use of the privileges they enjoy through their amateur radio licence. You can watch this video on the RSGB’s YouTube channel or via the Society’s licence review updates page at rsgb.org/licencereview On Monday the 15th of January, join the RSGB’s first Tonight@8 live webinar of 2024. Led by Chairman and Project Manager Mark Haynes, M0DXR, the WRTC 2026 team will be presenting and answering questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel and BATC channel. The presentation will explain what WRTC is about and provide an overview of what the UK’s Organising Committee is planning for the 2026 event. Find out how you can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event, either as a spectator, volunteer, competitor or referee. Following Mark’s presentation at the RSGB 2023 Convention, this Tonight@8 webinar will bring you up to date with everything that has been happening since. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Paul Athersmith, M0PLA of Telford, Shropshire, has achieved the coveted Mountain Goat award for gaining 1,000 activator points in the Summits on the Air scheme. Paul completed his mission on the summit of Pole Bank, on the Long Mynd in Shropshire. The feat took Paul just over seven years, following his debut activation in December 2016. For more information about SOTA, visit sota.org.uk  The deadline for nominations in the RSGB elections is Wednesday the 31st of January. You still have time to stand for the one Elected Board Director vacancy or for one of the eight Regional Representative vacancies. Do you want to support your local radio amateurs? Are you passionate about seeing the amateur radio community grow and attract new people of all ages? Do you understand the RSGB’s importance in helping to protect the spectrum and the licence privileges all radio amateurs enjoy? If so, this is the time to step forward! If you don’t feel you can volunteer at this time, do you know someone who would be great in one of these roles? Go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election to find out how to get involved before the nomination period closes. RSGB National Radio Centre Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB is a name many will know from visits to the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. Others will know him from contacts they may have made with him on the radio over the many years that Martyn has been an amateur radio licensee. You can learn more about Martyn, and his love for the hobby, in "The Face Behind the Call" in January's Practical Wireless magazine. Journalist Roger Dowling, G3NKH discovers how Martyn came into the hobby and takes a look at his extensive shack. They also talk about volunteering at the RSGB National Radio Centre and the impressive equipment that makes up the GB3RS station. Read more at rsgb.org/nrc The deadline for submissions to the RSGB Construction Competition is the 1st of March 2024. To enable members across the country, and even the world, to take part, entries will again be judged over the internet rather than in person. This year two new categories have been introduced so there are six categories you can enter: Antennas; Beginners; Most creative and/or elegant PCB Design; Construction Excellence; Innovation; and Software and Systems. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner, who will also be given the Pat Hawker G3VA Award. You can watch an RSGB Tonight@8 presentation featuring winners from previous years, and find out how to enter this year, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via [email protected] or 07777 699 069. The Canvey Rally will be held on Sunday the 4th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders on site. For more information contact Richard Stanley at 07725 551 263 or email [email protected]  The MIDCARS Radioactive Rally will be held on Sunday the 11th of February at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. There will be a wide variety of trader stalls covering every aspect of amateur radio. Raffles will be held throughout the Rally. Refreshments and snacks will be available in the hall and parking is immediately adjacent to the venue.   Now the Special Event News The World Wide Award 2024 has been running since the 1st of January and will finish on the 31st of January. The event is being held in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi. The World Wide Award combines CW, SSB and digital mode activity from special event stations around the world. Real-time award tracking for chasers is available at hamaward.cloud/wwa VI100MB is the special callsign for the Manly-Warringah Radio Society, VK2MB to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its formation. The station will be active until the 25th of February 2024. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL.   Now the DX news Pierre-Jean, F4GPK will be active as TO2FY from French Guiana until the 16th of January. He will operate SSB only from the facilities at the local radio club, FY5KE. QSL via eQSL, or direct to his home call. He does not use Logbook of the World or Club Log. Yannick, F6FYD will be active as CN2YD from Marrakech, Morocco until the 15th of March 2024. He plans to operate as CN2YD/P from IOTA group AF-065 sometime during his stay. QSL via F6FYD. Now the contest news Today, the 14th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 16th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 18th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 20th, the Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m SSB Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using SSB only on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Friday the 1st of December 2023. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of January 2024 We couldn't have asked for better solar conditions last week. We had a low Kp index that never got any higher than 2.67, and a solar flux index that started the week at 167 and then rose to 186 by Wednesday. So, at first glance, this looks like ideal conditions for HF. However, we are in the middle of winter and therefore the ionosphere is not at its best. The low bands are also being affected by the higher solar flux and, on the whole, the 14MHz band and above are closing as the night draws in. Daytime critical frequencies remain around 9 to 10MHz, so the 40m band should remain useful for inter-UK work. Nighttime critical frequencies are currently falling to 3.5 to 4.5MHz, which means the 40m band is only open to long skip, if at all.   The critical frequency is the highest that still returns a signal from the ionosphere if sent straight up, and is a good guide as to which bands are open to near vertical incidence skywave or NVIS signals around the UK. On the brighter side, 14MHz has been showing signs of DX. The VK6RBP beacon has been heard on 14.100MHz in the afternoon via the short path and 28.200MHz in the morning via the long path. The 12m band has shown international beacons RR90 in Siberia, OH2B in Finland, LU4AA in Argentina and YV5B in Venezuela, on 24.930MHz in the morning. While the 10m band also highlighted YV5B in Venezuela during mid-morning. Not a massive catch, but better than we were getting two years ago! For the coming week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may fall into the range of 150 to 165. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to remain settled with a maximum Kp index of 2. As always, this could easily change if we have a coronal mass ejection, so keep an eye on solarham.net for near real-time solar conditions.   And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The area of high pressure has been working well for some parts of the country, with Tropo conditions lasting into the start of this weekend, but as a cold front moves South on Saturday the 13th, all will change as the high becomes displaced to the Atlantic. Therefore, there is no significant Tropo for the coming week, but there may be some rain scatter from showers, especially around the coasts. We seem to have passed the period of unusual winter Sporadic-E propagation without much evidence of activity so that just leaves meteor scatter. After the Quadrantids last week, we entered a period of low meteor shower activity, leaving just random meteors until the next major shower, the Lyrids in April. For random meteor scatter, the pre-dawn period works best. The solar conditions can still be instrumental in producing extra propagation treats with chance aurora. Probably the best operating policy is to monitor the geomagnetic Kp-index with high values greater than 6 being a good sign for VHF. For EME operators, this week starts with very low Moon declination, low peak Moon elevation and short Moon windows, but declination is rising and goes positive again on Tuesday. Path losses are still low and reached minimum at perigee on Saturday the 13th. 144MHz sky noise is low for all of the coming week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.  

GB2RS News Sunday the 7th of January 2024 The news headlines: RSGB Regional Team vacancies RSGB volunteer interviewed by the BBC RSGB National Radio Centre seeks to expand its team of volunteers   The news team and all the staff at RSGB HQ would like to wish our newsreaders, listeners and online readers a very happy New Year. We would like to remind everyone that we always welcome your news, by email, to [email protected] and the deadline is 10 am sharp on Thursday mornings. The GB2RS script is usually uploaded to the RSGB website by 4.30 pm each Friday afternoon. Are you interested in supporting your local radio amateurs and promoting amateur radio where you live? The RSGB Regional Team has eight Regional Representative vacancies across the UK where you could make a difference. Last year, Regional Reps got involved in a variety of activities including British Science Week and YOTA Month to help spread the word about amateur radio in their regions. If you have the passion to do this, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election to find out how to apply. The deadline for applications is the 31st of January. It was great to hear RSGB volunteer Peter Marcham, G3YXZ on BBC Radio Oxford on New Year's Day. Peter volunteers at the RSGB National Radio Centre, as well as being a tour guide at Bletchley Park. He spoke to radio presenter Sophie Law about his volunteering after sending the words "Bletchley Park Guide" to a three-word, text-in feature on why listeners were up early on New Year's Day. Search for Sophie Law on BBC Sounds, choose the New Year’s Day programme and listen from 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 25 seconds. There is so much happening at the RSGB National Radio Centre that it needs to expand its team of volunteers! If you can volunteer on a Friday or Saturday, you will be particularly welcome. The NRC has a fabulous set-up, and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You should enjoy meeting people and be able to volunteer for one or two days per month as part of a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected] We have received the sad news that both Mick Senior, G4EFO and Martyn Vincent, G3UKV have become Silent Keys recently. Mick was a former Regional Representative for Region 10, and the keeper of a number of local repeaters. Martyn was the District Representative for Shropshire, North Worcestershire and West Birmingham. Previously, he volunteered for the RSGB as the Regional Representative for Region 5 and as a member of the Nominations Committee. He was also a very well-respected member of the microwave and contesting communities. Our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time. This year marks 150 years since the birth of Guglielmo Marconi in 1874. The Cornish Radio Amateur Club will be organising International Marconi Day this year on the 27th of April. For more information and updates, visit the GB4IMD Facebook page. The RSGB’s RadCom team is looking for authors to contribute to the magazine. Previously unpublished features and articles are always welcome for consideration, and authors are paid for any content that is used. To contact the RadCom team please email [email protected] And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. Tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked in from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via [email protected] or 07777 699 069. The Canvey Rally will be held on Sunday the 4th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders on site. For more information contact Richard Stanley on 07725 551 263 or email [email protected]  The MIDCARS Radioactive Rally will be held on Sunday the 11th of February at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. There will be a wide variety of trader stalls covering every aspect of amateur radio. Raffles will be held throughout the Rally. Refreshments and snacks will be available in the hall and parking is immediately adjacent to the venue. Now the Special Event News Today, the 7th is the last chance to work special callsign EH5XMAS. The station is operated by members of Radio Club Lliria, EA5RCL in celebration of Christmas and the New Year. QSL via the bureau to EA5RCL, Logbook of the World and eQSL. On the 14th of January 2024, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe the Second will abdicate and leave the throne to her son who will become His Majesty King Frederik the Tenth, when he is sworn in as the new King of Denmark. For this reason, amateur radio associations FRA and EDR will activate Special Event Stations within The Kingdom of Denmark including Greenland and the Faroe Islands. OZ24QUEEN will be active from 0000UTC on the 12th of January until 2359UTC on the 14th of January. OZ24KING will be active from 0000UTC on the 14th of January until 2359UTC on the 16th of January. These callsigns, and others, will be active on many amateur radio bands using CW, SSB, RTTY and several digital modes. All amateur bands and all modes may be used. For more information see QRZ.com The Radio Club of Haïti is on the air until the 31st of January with special callsign HH220Y. The station is active to celebrate Haïti’s 220th anniversary of independence. Operators are active on the 160 to 10m bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL via N2OO. Now the DX news Eric, F5LCX will be active as V5/F5LCX from Namibia until the 11th of January. He plans to operate with both mobile and fixed stations for a few hours on a daily basis – probably during the evening hours. QSL via Logbook of the World. Brad, VK2BY will be active again as HS0ZNR from the Nam Yuen district in northeastern Thailand until the 14th of January. He will be QRV on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL directly to VK2BY and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Friday the 1st of December 2023. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL RTTY Roundup ends its two-day run today, Sunday the 7th of January, at 2359UTC. Using the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American stations also send their state. Canadian stations send their province. On Tuesday the 9th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 9th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 10th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 10th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 11th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 14th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Datamodes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 4th of January 2024 Welcome to the first HF propagation report of 2024 – it looks like it will be business as usual! A massive X5-class solar flare occurred on the 31st of December. Luckily, this happened at 2155UTC so didn’t affect the ionosphere over the UK. But it did launch a large coronal mass ejection, which was forecast to possibly hit the Earth on the 2nd of January. It looks like it largely missed us, although low-energy proton levels streaming past Earth continued to rise and were at the minor S1 radiation storm threshold on Wednesday the 3rd. Had active region 3536 been directly facing Earth when the flare was observed, a stronger proton event and geomagnetic storm would have been very likely. Only minor HF signal degradation through the polar zones should be expected because of the minor S1 storm. So, it looks like we dodged the bullet again, but this is a warning that there could be more to come. Otherwise, the solar flux index declined to the 140s over the Christmas period, although it looks like it may increase over the coming week. NOAA predicts it could be in the range of 150 to 160 next week, with a maximum Kp index of 3 on Monday the 8th, or Tuesday the 9th. However, this could soon change if we have another solar flare and subsequent coronal mass ejection, which could see the Kp index rise two days later. So, make the most of HF when the Kp index is low! Otherwise, the winter period is when the low bands, from 160 to 40m, come into their own. While solar maximum is not the best time for low-band propagation, there will still be plenty of DX to be worked. Generally speaking, winter is a good time for east-west paths on HF too. Taking a closer look at 40 metres, the band should open for DX in an easterly direction during the late afternoon and towards the south at sunset. Paths during the afternoon may also include West Coast USA in mid-winter. Relatively local contacts should be possible during the day, as the critical frequency remains above 7MHz during daylight. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO A new year brings a change of weather type and, after some residual rainfall events at the tail end of the previous week, we should be seeing a marked improvement in the weather as high-pressure returns fairly generally across the country by this first weekend of January, ending today, the 7th. This will remain near, or very close by, for much of the coming week and into the following weekend. It is good news for Tropo, initially over the North Sea towards southern Scandinavia and the Baltic region, but will probably change to favour the western side of Britain in the second half of the week. This is nice timing to coincide with the 70cm band RSGB contests during the week on Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday the 10th of January. Up until the middle of the month, we should be alert to rare mid-winter sporadic-E propagation. With a very contorted jet stream pattern during the whole period, the chances are better than average. This is another piece of good timing for the 50MHz UK Activity Contest on Thursday the 11th. We were going through the Quadrantids meteor shower as this report was being written, so this may provide a little boost to meteor scatter into some of the coming week. Rain scatter will be a rapidly diminishing option during the period as high pressure builds next week. The solar conditions continue to produce elevated Kp index events. So, again, check for auroral openings although, generally, aurora is usually better towards the Spring. For EME, this week we see a negative Moon declination, falling to a minimum by Wednesday. So, Moon windows will be short and peak Moon elevation will be low. Path losses are also low, but we are still over a week away from perigee, the closest approach of the Moon to the Earth. 144MHz sky noise increases all week culminating in the Sun and Moon being close in the sky on the 11th. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 24th of December 2023 The news headlines: Examinations and Syllabus Review Group to update syllabus The RSGB election process is underway Volunteer Youth Country Representatives sought   Season’s greetings to all our listeners! Today’s GB2RS news script will be the final one of 2023. Today’s news reading is optional, as the RSGB appreciates that not all newsreaders will be available, but the script will be on the RGSB website so all can see it. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the newsreaders, who read the news on a variety of platforms, for their service to their fellow amateurs throughout the year. We’d also like to remind amateurs that there has been a long-standing convention to listen for news broadcasts on Sundays before transmitting, to allow news reading to go ahead without interference. Thank you to all those who listen on Sunday mornings, and the other times that the news is read, to those who call in afterwards to speak to the newsreaders, and to everyone who listens via various platforms. Please note, there will be no script prepared for broadcast on Sunday the 31st of December 2023 due to RSGB HQ being closed from 4.30 pm on Friday the 22nd of December until 8.30 am on Tuesday the 2nd of January 2024. Newsreaders may, of course, choose to run a net at their normal transmission time, but under their own callsign only. Following its consultation on proposed changes to the amateur radio licence, Ofcom has recently published the “General notice of proposal to vary amateur radio licences”. The timescale for putting the licence changes into effect means that the Examinations and Syllabus Review Group has been working on the revised syllabus, version 1.6, in parallel with the Ofcom consultation. To read the full explanation, and see the draft sections, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/training and choose the ‘Trainer Information’ link in the righthand menu. The RSGB election process is underway and the closing date for RSGB Nominated Directors is Wednesday the 3rd of January. In being a Director, you are responsible for taking strategic decisions that steer the direction of the Society and provide leadership and motivation to implement its strategy. If you have the right skills and attributes that you think can help the Society develop for the future, then please get in touch. Contact the Nominations Committee Chair, Bob Beebe, GU4YOX via [email protected]   On the RSGB website there is information about the Elected Director and Regional Representative roles available and the process for standing for those roles. You can also read an important statement from Don Beattie G3BJ, former RSGB President and IARU Region 1 Past-President, in which he outlines what he thinks are the necessary skills for Board Directors and encourages people to play their part in the future of the Society. Go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election to find out more. A reminder now that the RSGB is looking for four licensed radio amateurs to help raise the profile of wireless communication amongst young people. Initially, we’re looking for RSGB members based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to engage young people in the hobby. These volunteer Youth Country Representatives will represent the RSGB at externally organised events and will plan and deliver outreach activities. If you have plenty of ideas, a passion for getting young people involved in amateur radio and experience of running small-scale events, we would be very keen to hear from you. For full details of these roles, see rsgb.org/volunteers and for an informal discussion, please email RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML at: [email protected] If you live in Region 11 you could support your local amateur radio community by becoming an RSGB District Representative. DR111 covers Cornwall and the Scillies, whilst DR114 focuses on Dorset. If you would like to find out more, please contact the Region 11 Regional Representative, Andrew Jenner, G7KNA. There are also District Representative vacancies in Region 3 and Region 10 – find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers Two more RSGB Convention presentations will be published on YouTube over the Christmas holidays. In the first, Nobby Styles, G0VJG describes the challenging and hazardous DXpedition to Europe’s rarest IOTA location, Rockall Island. The second presentation, by David Lauder, G0SNO, outlines the RSGB EMC Committee investigations into sources of RF electrical interference from recent developments in electronic equipment, including electric vehicle charging. Subscribe to the RSGB YouTube channel to be notified when these presentations are available and get ready for some great Christmas viewing! Go to youtube.com/theRSGB to subscribe. Youngsters on the Air month is nearly at a close. The month has been filled with some brilliant activity from young people using the special callsign GB23YOTA. Thank you to everyone who has been involved, from those who have been supervising young amateurs, to those making contact on the air. There is more GB23YOTA activity planned before the end of the year, so please continue to listen out and get involved. On Friday the 29th of December, M0YTE will be supervising 2E0YOG between 12 pm and 6 pm. Following this, on Saturday the 30th of December, Hilderstone Radio Society will be back operating the special callsign between 12 pm and 6 pm. If you have been involved with Youngsters on the Air month and have photos and a short report that you’d like to share, there will be a special feature in the March issue of RadCom. Email [email protected] by the 21st of January.   And now for details of rallies and events The Sparkford Wireless Group Tabletop Rally, in aid of the RAIBC, will take place on Thursday the 28th of December from 9.30 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel near Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Entry is £3 and free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, email Bob via [email protected] The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked-in from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via [email protected] or 07777 699 069. Now the Special Event News Once again, Santa Radio, OF9X will be active until the 31st of December on all amateur radio bands using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or via OH2BH. The activity is organised by the Radio Club of Pusula, OH9W and Radio Arcala, OH8X.  Listen out for members of Denby Dale Amateur Radio Society who are celebrating the festive period with a series of special callsigns including GB0HNY. For more information visit QRZ.com Look for special callsign PC100II which is active throughout December to celebrate the centenary of the third two-way contact between Europe and America conducted by Henk Jesse, PCII in the Netherlands, and 2AGB in the USA during the night of the 26th and 27th of December 1923. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, or via PA1AW. Now the DX news Moise, F4EZG is active as 5R8VE from the main island of Madagascar, AF-013, until the 3rd of January 2024. He is operating using SSB and FT8 on the 20 to 10m bands. QSL via F4EZG, Logbook of the World and eQSL. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 26th, the 50MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 26th, the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club Christmas Contest runs from 0830 to 1100 UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their district or non-member code. It’s not a contest but the Worked All Britain Christmas Party runs from Tuesday the 26th of December to Saturday the 6th of January. Using all bands and modes, the exchange is your Worked All Britain book number. On Wednesday the 27th, the 70MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 28th, the 144MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Friday the 29th, the 432MHz Christmas Contest will take place between 1400 and 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of December 2023 We filed last week’s GB2RS propagation report and, shortly after, we had the biggest X-ray solar flare event this cycle! This just shows how hard it is to predict solar activity and why long-term HF predictions are problematic. Anyway, back to the solar flare which occurred at 1702UTC on the 14th of December. This was an X2.8 event that was also responsible for a coronal mass ejection. Luckily, the Sun had already set in the UK but if you were working the USA, Caribbean or South America on HF, you may have found the path suddenly disrupted. If that did happen to you, please let us know. The full halo coronal mass ejection, or CME, that followed headed mostly to the west, although a glancing blow was predicted to hit us on the 15th or 16th of December. It eventually hit late on the 17th of December, pushing the Kp index to six on the morning of the 18th of December. HF conditions remained fairly unsettled after that. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 140 to 150 range again and that the Kp index will be no more than two. However, that geomagnetic prediction may be wishful thinking. There are a lot of sunspots at the moment and active region 3529 may be a strong candidate for flare and CME action over the coming week. So, our message is: work the DX when you can and don’t ignore the lower bands, such as 40, 80 and 160 metres, which may offer some good DX at night in the middle of winter. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather pattern over the Christmas period is set up as a teaser between very mild, and cold enough for some wintry weather. However, it probably won’t be cold enough – except in the north – to get too excited before the 25th. To set the scene and give you a chance to ‘roll your own forecasts’ in view of the long lead time for this forecast, the atmosphere is part way through its normal transition from summer-time Atlantic jet streams over Iceland to winter jet streams over the Mediterranean.  We are currently in the middle, and this puts the main jet stream path across the British Isles. It will produce alternating periods of mild and cold weather – very difficult to pin down even a few days ahead, let alone into the New Year! What we can get from this, in terms of propagation, is a good chance of the meandering jet stream being able to invoke a mid-winter Sporadic-E event for some of us. However, the times are less predictable than in the summer, so just keep a listen out on the 10m and 6m bands for activity, it would be a shame to miss any. Tropo has done well over the last weekend, so a large high to the south of the UK, over the continent, is worth looking out for especially paths south to Iberia or east to the Baltic. Lastly, look out for the lesser modes of scatter from rain or meteors, which will continue to be a random option, as well as the potential for aurora. For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising, reaching a maximum on Boxing Day. Path losses are rising to a maximum on New Year’s Day. 144MHz sky noise is moderate all week. Finally, a big thank you from the propagation team for the 'fine business' effort you all put into getting on the bands to explore and report these exciting propagation modes… Merry Christmas! And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 17th of December 2023 The news headlines: Ofcom document on changes to amateur radio licensing released YOTA month continues WRC-23 concludes Earlier this week, Ofcom released a document titled “Updating the Amateur Radio Licensing Framework”. The document states that amateur radio licences will be changing in 2024 and provides details of the changes that are planned. These include adjustments to the overall licensing framework and rules in a number of areas including callsigns, technical parameters, licence format, terms and conditions. To read the document in full, as well as a range of associated documents and resources generated by the RSGB and Ofcom, visit rsgb.org/licence-review Youngsters on the Air month is well underway with some great activity from a range of schools, universities and radio societies. If you’d like to get involved, you can listen out for special callsign GB23YOTA and make these young operators feel welcome on the air. Today, the callsign is being operated between 9 am and 6 pm under the supervision of RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML. Young members of the Hereford Amateur Radio Society, and other local youngsters, will be getting on the air. Later this week, on Thursday the 21st of December between 6 pm and midnight, Ben will also be helping a fully licensed young radio amateur activate a SOTA summit. They will be working the 160m and 80m bands with the YOTA callsign. On Saturday the 23rd of December, Tommy M7OMY, supervised by M0BOY, will be back on the air for the duration of the day and night. There is still time to get involved with Youngsters on the Air month – just email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to book a slot or ask for further information. Following four weeks of deliberations, the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference concluded in Dubai on Friday the 15th of December with the signing of the ‘Provisional Final Acts’ and a closing ceremony. The numerous changes don’t formally take effect until the 1st of January 2025 and preparations are already underway to agree the agenda for future WRC events. The RSGB’s special focus pages have the final news report and photos. To view these, visit rsgb.org/wrc-23  The results will be reviewed by the Spectrum Forum after the Christmas break, alongside IARU and domestic changes. The UK Meteor Beacon project is now in its second phase, and both phases have been supported by the RSGB Legacy Fund. At the RSGB 2023 Convention, Brian Coleman, G4NNS outlined the plan for the second phase. A network of receivers will be developed, streaming their data via a central server for detailed study of individual meteor events. This is a cooperation between the ‘worlds’ of amateur radio and astronomy. You can now watch Brian’s presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB  The RSGB Legacy Fund supports a wide range of amateur radio projects. You can find out more and download an application form on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/legacy The RSGB election process has begun and there are eleven roles to fill. These include eight Regional Representatives covering a wide range of regions, as well as an elected Director and two Nominated Directors. Bob Beebe, GU4YOX is the new Chair of the Nominations Committee and he is keen to see people volunteer. He says that being a Director of the RSGB is a great opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the Society and the RSGB needs the best people to come forward to play their part. If you don’t feel you can volunteer, do you know someone who would make a good Director? Do you know someone committed to amateur radio, in touch with the leading thinking in amateur radio today, and capable of contributing to the Society’s work in a team environment? If so, ask them to stand for election or as a Nominated Director. Find out more about the RSGB election process, and all the available roles, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election Following feedback from the amateur radio community, the RSGB’s Learning Team is launching a revised Discovery Scheme in the New Year. This will be a revamp of the Individual Scheme from the Beyond Exams initiative and consists of three levels of participation. The ‘Explorer’ level is aimed at newcomers to amateur radio and will run from January to March 2024. The ‘Adventurer’ level, which will run from April to June 2024, is targeted at those who have been involved with amateur radio for a while and wish to progress. Requiring more significant experience, the ‘Master’ level will run from July to December 2024. For more information, contact Beyond Exams Coordinator Mark Burrows, 2E0SBM​ via [email protected] As the 2023 year draws to a close, we’d like to take the opportunity to thank all the newsreaders who read the RSGB news on a variety of platforms for their service to their fellow amateurs throughout the year. We respectfully ask amateurs to check carefully before using 145.525MHz on a Sunday as there are many GB2RS broadcasts throughout the day on this frequency. Thank you to all those who listen on Sunday mornings, and the other times that the news is read, to those who call in afterwards to speak to the newsreaders, and to everyone who listens via various other platforms. RSGB HQ will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 4.30 pm on Friday the 22nd of December until 8.30 am on Tuesday the 2nd of January 2024. Next Sunday, the 24th of December, the GB2RS News script will be prepared as usual and read at the discretion of individual news readers. There will be no GB2RS broadcast on Sunday the 31st of December 2023 but many newsreaders will be holding informal nets in their usual broadcasting slots. During the holidays, if you need information about amateur radio, exams or RadCom you’ll find lots of pages on the RSGB website at rsgb.org The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. There will be reduced hours on New Year’s Eve when the Centre will be closing at 2 pm. Following the seasonal closures, the RSGB National Radio Centre will also be closed for essential maintenance works between the 2nd and 5th of January 2024. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Remember that RSGB Members can download a free entry voucher for Bletchley Park from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bpvoucher GB2RS News on the Isle of Man is delivered by a team of four Newsreaders and is widely heard thanks to the extensive GB3IM UHF repeater network. Please note that, from the 7th of January 2024 onwards, the transmission is moving to the new time of 4 pm. For a complete list of GB2RS broadcasts, please download the Broadcast Schedule from rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule And now for details of rallies and events The Sparkford Wireless Group Tabletop Rally, in aid of the RAIBC, will take place on Thursday the 28th of December from 9.30 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel near Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Entry is £3 and free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, email Bob via [email protected] The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. Tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked in from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for tables and details via [email protected] or 07777 699 069. Now the Special Event News Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, special callsign PH23XMAS will be active until the 28th of December. Following this, special callsign PH24HNY will be active from the 28th of December to the 31st of January. For more information, visit QRZ.com Listen out for members of Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society who are active during December using special callsign GB5XMS. The station is active on the HF bands using CW, data and SSB. Now the DX news Harald, DF2WO is active as XT2AW from Burkina Faso until the 19th of December. He operates all modes on the HF and 6m bands and via QO-100. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World. Gab, HB9TSW has been active as Z68BG from the Slatina Air Base in Kosovo since the 5th of December. He is operating CW only in his spare time until the 19th of December. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via his home call. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 19th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 21st of December, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of December 2023 We had a fairly settled time last week with only the solar wind and some solar flare activity to contend with. Sunspot region 3514 produced a moderately strong M5.8 solar flare on the 14th of December. This event was responsible for a coronal mass ejection, or CME, but that was directed to the west and missed the Earth. The problem with the solar wind is that its Bz has mostly been pointing south, which means it more easily couples with the Earth’s magnetic field allowing solar plasma to flood in. The result was that the Kp index mostly remained high, with the index hitting three or four across the midweek period. While not excessive, this has affected HF to an extent, although the daytime MUF over 3,000km has remained above 28MHz on most days. What you may find is that the higher bands are now closed until later in the morning and that they close earlier in the afternoon as well. This is partly due to the time of year and partly due to the lower solar flux index we are experiencing. The solar flux index improved slightly over the past week, ending at 135 on Thursday, having been in the 120s earlier. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 125 to 140. It is predicting unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 16th to the 19th of December, with a maximum Kp index of five. Now for a propagation forecast. Santa’s broadcasting arm, Santa Radio OF9X, is active again from near the Arctic Circle on all amateur radio bands, using CW, SSB and FT8, until the end of the year. The activity is organised by the Radio Club of Pusula, OH9W and Radio Arcala, OH8X. Keep an eye on DXSummit.fi to find out where they are operating. So far, they have been spotted on the 160, 40, 20, 12 and 10m bands. The Proppy prediction chart shows that anywhere between 10MHz and 28MHz is fair game during daylight, while 7MHz and below will work better at night. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO As expected, the return of a significant region of high pressure developing over the continent as this week ends will bring some enhanced Tropo conditions from the southern UK into the continent and across Biscay to northern Spain. It is also possible that the traditionally preferred policy of beaming around the edge of a high for DX paths will make looking east into northern Germany, Poland and the Baltic a fair prospect, but only until around Tuesday the 19th when a cold front moves south and breaks the path. This is a pity since it will be before Tuesday’s 1.3GHz Contest and Thursday’s 70MHz UK Activity Contest, which look like missing the best conditions. The second half of the coming week will be dominated by low pressure to the north of Britain and a series of fronts and showery troughs driving south, bringing much colder air with a risk of wintry weather. It will also become very windy at times. This removes Tropo from the picture, but rain scatter may be worth considering, although the shower echo regions will be moving briskly. Use online rain radar displays to help you. The other modes of meteor scatter and aurora are worth leaving on the list with the remains of the December Geminids still with us. Don’t forget that out-of-season Sporadic-E propagation often appears in the period from mid-December to mid-January, so check the 10 and 6m bands periodically for activity. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative but rising, going positive on Wednesday the 20th. Path losses are at a minimum at perigee, the Moon’s closest point – this was on Saturday the 16th. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 10th of December 2023 The news headlines: 23cm recommendation approved at WRC-23 RSGB Examinations Standards Committee report published RSGB Elections process begins   The third week of the WRC-23 World Radiocommunication Conference has seen the approval of a new footnote to the 23cm amateur band at 1240 to 1300MHz under Agenda Item 9.1-b. This draws attention to the recently released ITU-R Recommendation 2164 that provides guidance to avoid interference to radio navigation satellite services, or RNSS, such as Galileo. This is a major landmark after four years of hard work which started after WRC-19 and now lays out the basis for guidance and next steps. IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH said that the addition of a footnote that provides guidance to administrations in the event of interference to the RNSS is a good regulatory outcome for amateurs and the primary users of this band. You can read more on this story at tinyurl.com/RecRNSS  The IARU team continues its work on other WRC issues including the development of agendas for future conferences. The RSGB special focus page provides regular updates and additional detail. You can find the page at rsgb.org/wrc-23  The RSGB Examinations Standards Committee has published its annual report, covering the operation of the amateur radio exams during the calendar year of 2022. You can read the report on the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/esc and click on Minutes, Papers and Reports in the righthand list. If you are keen to see amateur radio, and the RSGB, continue to thrive over the coming years, this is the time to volunteer for an RSGB Board or Regional Team role. This year the Society is looking for one elected Board Director, two Nominated Board Directors and eight Regional Representatives. You can find candidate packs, forms and further details on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/election If you’re interested but unsure, please read the information set out on the elections web page first and then have an informal chat with the RSGB Company Secretary. Email Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected] The RSGB Board is delighted to announce that Bob Beebe, GU4YOX has been appointed as the new Nominations Committee Chair. The Board would like to thank Stephen Purser, GW4SHF for his work in this role over a number of years, and it is pleased that he will continue in his other role as Company Secretary. You can find out more about the Nominations Committee on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nomcom and you can email Bob via [email protected] Don’t forget that the last of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinars for 2023 is at 8 pm tomorrow, Monday the 11th of December. It focuses on amateur radio construction and the RSGB Construction Competition. Jenny Curtis M7JNY, Colin Murray GM4EAU, and David Law G0LBK will talk about the projects they worked on and why they decided to submit them to the RSGB Construction Competition in recent years. Watch live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars EIRSAT-1 launched on a Space X Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA at 1819UTC on Friday the 1st of December 2023. 'EIRSAT-1' stands for 'Educational Irish Research Satellite'. A team of students at University College Dublin, with support from academic and professional staff, has designed, built, tested, and will operate, Ireland's first satellite, a 2U CubeSat. It has a downlink on the IARU coordinated frequency of 437.100MHz. For more information about the project visit eirsat1.ie The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon is underway. The objective is to work as many four-digit grid squares as possible, between 0000UTC on the 1st of December 2023 and 2359UTC on the 31st of January 2024, on the 6m band. Logs can be submitted until 12 February 2024. For more information visit uksmg.org It is now the second week of Youngsters on the Air month. Special callsign GB23YOTA has already been operated by a range of schools, universities and radio societies. The RSGB National Radio Centre is active today Sunday the 10th of December using GB23YOTA between 9 am and 5 pm. On Monday the 11th of December Hilderstone Radio Society will be on the air with St Peter-in-Thanet School in Kent between 12 pm and 6 pm. Mallaig High School will be hosting the special callsign for the second time this month between 12pm and 3pm on Thursday the 14th of December. Tommy M7OMY, who was involved with Youngsters on the Air month in 2022, is back again this year and will be operating GB23YOTA supervised by M0BOY for the whole of Saturday the 16th of December. Remember to listen out for all these young operators on the air and help make them feel welcome in the world of amateur radio. If you’d like to get involved and operate GB23YOTA, there is still time. Email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to register your interest or ask for further information.  And now for details of rallies and events The Sparkford Wireless Group Tabletop Rally, in aid of the RAIBC, will take place on Thursday the 28th of December from 9.30 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel near Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Entry is £3 and free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, email Bob via [email protected] The Lincoln Short Wave Club Winter Radio Rally will take place on Thursday the 28th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9 am and admission is £2. Ample free car parking and hot refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10 each. At 2 pm, after the Rally, there will be a used equipment auction. Items for the auction will be booked from 1 pm. Contact Steve, M5ZZZ for bookings and information via [email protected] or 07777 699 069. Now the Special Event News On Thursday the 14th of December, from 1700UTC, lots of special event stations from The Netherlands will be on the air. The callsigns in use will follow the format PA01MIL with each station having a unique combination of numbers in the callsign. The operators will be arranged into teams – each team containing two military personnel and one amateur. The stations will work on the HF bands using SSB. The objective of the event is to promote amateur radio so please do give them a call. Special callsign SX25GTC is in use until the 15th of December to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Greek Telegraphy Club. Listen for CW activity on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. See QRZ.com for information about certificates that are available. Now the DX news Burkhard, DL3KZA is active as YB9/DL3KZA from Lombok Island, OC-150, until the 18th of December. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. The V6EU team is active from Chuuk Island, OC-011, in Micronesia until the 16th of December. The team will operate on the 160 to 10m bands using SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8. QSL via DL2AWG. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 12th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 12th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The ARRL 10m Contest started at 0000UTC yesterday, Saturday the 9th and ends at 2359UTC today, the 10th. Using CW and Phone on the 10m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American, Canadian and Mexican stations also send their state or province code. On Wednesday the 13th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 13th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 14th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Stew Perry Top Band Challenge runs from 1500 UTC on Saturday the 16th to 1500 UTC on Sunday the 17th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of December 2023 We dodged a bullet last week as a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole sped past the Earth. Although the wind speed was often in excess of 600 kilometres per second, its Bz, or magnetic field, was pointing north. The net result was that most of this passed harmlessly away from Earth and the Kp index remained around three. Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 130 by Thursday, which is quite a difference from the 194 we had on the 23rd of November. Solar activity last week reached moderate levels thanks to multiple low-level M-class solar flares detected around active region 3513 in the northeast quadrant. This region also produced frequent C-class flares. Daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path mostly remained over 28MHz, while nighttime MUFs over a similar path length remained around 10MHz. As we head towards mid-winter, we may expect these nighttime MUFs to drop, with the result that the 80m band closes down for short-skip early on in the evening – the curse of the inter-UK 80m Club Championship contests! However, the 80m band may still be open over long distances and we are now entering the best time of year for low-band DXing. Keep an eye on the top end of the 80m band, around sunrise, for transatlantic signals. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may recover a little and be in the range of 130 to 150. Geomagnetic conditions will depend upon coronal mass ejections but are predicted to be good, with a peak of Kp4 on the 12th of November. There is a slender coronal hole on the Sun that could cause the Kp index to rise this weekend, ending the 10th, due to its associated solar wind stream. However, it shouldn’t be too bad and any poor HF conditions are likely to be short-lived. Finally, NOAA has updated its progression forecast for Solar Cycle 25. It now predicts that this cycle will peak somewhere between January and September 2024 with a solar flux index of around 167 to 201. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The present spell of unsettled weather at the end of the first week of December will run into the first half of next week. This brings a limited chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands, but there is a strong signal in the models for a major change of weather patterns for the middle of next week.  This will be the arrival of high pressure around Wednesday the 13th that will probably last into the following weekend, although there is some model variation in how quickly it will move away. The main result is that, although it begins as a cold air with high pressure with frosts, it will probably develop surface temperature inversions, which will be useful for Tropo. Towards the end of next week, as the centre of the high drifts east, it will allow more moist air at the surface and produce stronger ducting potential as well as develop an upper-level inversion for longer DX paths into the continent. The evening of the 14th of December sees the peak of the biggest and most reliable meteor shower of the year. The Geminids have the potential for a zenithal hourly rate of 150. The higher 50MHz and 144MHz activity usually provide the best chances, and a reasonably quiet QTH with 100W and a beam will bring you plenty of digimode QSOs. QSOs are even made by EME-class stations on the 70cm band and strong, long reflections on the lower bands can allow SSB QSOs if you’re persistent enough. That said, MSK144 and FSK441 digimodes will be the most reliable. Aurora remains a possibility, but the isolated out-of-season sporadic-E blips on the Propquest NVIS plots last month have quietened down for now. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative, falling further and reaching its minimum on Thursday the 14th. Path losses are falling towards a minimum at perigee on Saturday the 16th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate until the 12th and 13th when the Moon and Sun are close in the sky. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 3rd of December 2023 The news headlines: ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 update Youth country representatives sought YOTA month has begun   The 2023 World Radio Conference has reached the halfway point in its four-week deliberations. After numerous meetings, the 23cm topic has made progress at the sub-working group level, and the outcome is expected to progress up the WRC committee structure for adoption. Meanwhile, attention is also being paid to a wide variety of other current and future agenda proposals where amateur frequency allocations are in scope, from HF and VHF upwards into the microwave bands. IARU President Timothy Ellam, VE6SH arrived to support the amateur radio team at the Conference and was able to record an ITU interview which is available online. The RSGB special focus page continues to have regular updates and additional details. You can find the page at rsgb.org/wrc-23 The RSGB is looking for four licensed radio amateurs to help raise the profile of wireless communication amongst young people. Initially, we’re looking for RSGB members based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to engage young people in the hobby. Volunteers in these new roles will represent the RSGB at externally organised events and will plan and deliver outreach events. If you have plenty of ideas, a passion for getting young people involved in amateur radio and experience of running small-scale events, we would be very keen to hear from you. For full details of these roles visit rsgb.org/volunteers and for an informal discussion please email RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via [email protected] Youngsters on the Air month has now begun. Callsign GB23YOTA is active for the duration of the month, with a range of groups, clubs and individuals having reserved operating slots. Cray Valley Radio Society is active with the callsign between 12 pm and 6 pm today, the 3rd. Tomorrow, Monday the 4th of December, Wick High School is the first of several schools this week to be operating GB23YOTA. It will be on the air between 8 am and 5 pm. Sandringham School will be active on Wednesday the 6th of December between 8 am and 4 pm, as well as Mallaig High School who will be hosting the callsign on Thursday the 7th of December between 8 am and 3 pm. Finally, for this week, the RSGB National Radio Centre will be operating as GB23YOTA on Saturday the 9th of December between 9 am and 5 pm. Remember to listen out and have a QSO with a young radio amateur on the air. If you’d like to get involved, you’ve still got time. Email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to register your interest or ask for further information.  The latest RSGB 2023 Convention video to be released is three presentations in one, on the topic of the 23cm band. Barry Lewis, G4SJH talks about amateur and RNSS coexistence in the 23cm band, then John Worsnop, G4BAO considers how the possible RNSS changes will affect narrow band DX and Earth Moon Earth operation. Finally, Dave Crump, G8GKQ looks at the future of ATV on the 23cm band. These presentations were given before the WRC23 conference, and final arrangements will depend on the WRC23 outcome. You can watch the presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB The last of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinars for 2023 is on Monday the 11th of December. It focuses on amateur radio construction and the RSGB Construction Competition. Jenny Curtis M7JNY, Colin Murray GM4EAU, and David Law G0LBK will talk about the projects they worked on and why they decided to submit them to the RSGB Construction Competition in recent years. If you’re interested in trying something new or are wondering whether to submit your construction project to the RSGB competition, this webinar is for you! Watch live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars The RSGB Emerging Technology Coordination Committee members will be taking a break from processing Notices of Variation and enquiries from the 20th of December until the 3rd of January. They will reply to emails after that but please be patient as they work through any backlog. When G-QRP Club Secretary Dick, G0BPS, heard about the Radio Communications Foundation initiative to pay for 60 RSGB Foundation exams taken by young people in full-time education, he asked if the Club could help out. The Club Committee, minus Chairman Steve G0FUW, who is also an RCF Trustee, agreed to sponsor an additional ten exams. The RCF now has the funds and awaits applications from young people who would benefit from a little help in getting started in amateur radio. The G-QRP Club is devoted to low-power communications and has over 4,000 members, mostly in the UK, but also in pretty much every corner of the world. Further information can be found at gqrp.com   And now for details of rallies and events The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 3rd of December. The event is happening at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. The doors open at 10.30 am, with disabled access from 10 am. For more information contact [email protected] Also taking place today, the 3rd, is the Royal Wootton Bassett Swapmeet and Auction in Swindon, Wiltshire. There will be approximately 25 tables of items available from private sellers as well as bring-and-buy tables. The auction will include around 300 lots. Location details and event times are on the Event Location page at bvws.org.uk The Mid Devon Amateur Radio and Computer Fair will take place on Saturday the 9th of December. The venue will be Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre, Mid Devon, EX19 8HZ. It will run from 9 am to 2 pm. Entry is £3 but there is no charge for partners and under 16s. For more information, or to book a table, contact Phil, G6DLJ via email at [email protected] The Sparkford Wireless Group Tabletop Rally, in aid of the RAIBC, will take place on Thursday the 28th of December from 9.30 am to 1 pm. The event will be held at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel near Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Entry is £3 and free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, email Bob via [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Datta, VU2DSI is active as AU2JCB until the 11th of December to commemorate the birthdate of Indian physicist and radio pioneer Jagadish Chandra Bose who was born on the 30th of November 1858. He will operate SSB on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands, and FM on the 10 and 6m bands. QSL direct to his home call. A60WRC is the special callsign in use by members of the Emirates Amateur Radio Society during the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 which is ongoing until the 15th of December. Individual operators may append a serial number to the special callsign, and operate as, for example, A60WRC/1. See QRZ.com for more information. Special event station VP8FLY is operating throughout the month of December to mark the 75th anniversary of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service. For more information visit QRZ.com   Now the DX news Burkhard, DL3KZA is active as YB9/DL3KZA from Sumbawa Island, OC-150, until tomorrow, the 4th of December. QSL via home call, direct or via the bureau. Maurizio, IK2GZU is active as 5H3MB in Tanzania until the 8th of December while doing volunteer work at the Ikelu Hospital and Ilembula Orphanage. In his spare time, he operates SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL, via IK2GZU directly or via the bureau.   Now the contest news Today, the 3rd, the 144MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 5th of December the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 5th of December, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 6th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 6th, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. The UK Six Metre Group’s Winter Marathon started on Friday the 1st of December 2023 and runs until Wednesday the 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL 160m Contest started at 2200UTC on Friday the 1st of December and ends at 1600UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your signal report. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section. The ARRL 10m Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 9th of December and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 10th of December. Using CW and Phone on the 10m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American, Canadian and Mexican stations also send their state or province code.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 30th of November 2023 We were lucky last week – the solar flux index remained quite high and, after the geomagnetic upsets around the 25th, we had settled conditions, with the Kp index below two. Unfortunately, it looks like that is all about to change. On Tuesday the 28th, two M-class solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections caused a plasma cloud to be directed towards Earth. It is expected to catch up with an earlier coronal mass ejection, or perhaps arrive shortly thereafter. Moderate G2 storming with a chance for strong G3 storming can therefore be expected, with an increased Kp index. If this wasn’t bad enough, a very large coronal hole is rotating into an Earth-facing position as well. This became geo-effective on the 2nd of December, and we can therefore expect any associated plasma in the solar wind early next week. Just how bad it will be is hard to say as it will largely depend on the interplanetary magnetic field of the plasma coming off the Sun. If it's north-facing we might just dodge the bullet but, if it is south-facing, we can expect significant auroral displays and propagation to match. Either way, it will be worth keeping an eye on solarham.net and also the upper HF bands for signs of auroral-type activity. After an initial surge in the MUF, we can expect band conditions to decline for at least a day or two. So, all in all, then, we can expect the bands to be disrupted at the end of this weekend ending the 3rd of December. Next week NOAA predicts the worst will be over by the 8th of December, but we are in uncharted territory and can expect anything to happen. So, work the HF DX if and when you hear it! On a side note, we are now heading towards winter propagation conditions so expect to hear DX activity on Top Band and 80m at night and especially around sunrise. The 40m band may also throw up some surprises during late afternoon.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The weak but cold easterly pattern is providing some sharp frosts, and scattered showers suggest that Tropo is not likely. However, the overnight cooling temperature inversion inland, or anywhere away from the East Coast, could see temporary Tropo develop overnight and up to about mid-morning. The showers themselves are mostly fairly shallow and don’t look wonderful from a rain scatter perspective. All of this changes by mid-week as low pressure starts to dominate again and really takes control for the rest of the coming week. This will bring stronger winds, spells of heavy rain and a return to milder air again. It does not, however, encourage thoughts of Tropo becoming a big player next week! Don’t forget to check in the early mornings for random meteor scatter opportunities and keep an eye on the Kp index for possible aurora. This is the better option with such an active Sun at the moment and, as we said earlier in the HF report, seems to be a strong player as we finish this first weekend of December. For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and falling, going negative on Thursday the 7th. Monday the 4th is apogee when the Moon is furthest away so expect path losses to be at their highest. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 26th of November 2023 The news headlines: 2023 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference RSGB 2023 Convention presentation on Ofcom consultation Tonight@8 webinar The first week of the 2023 ITU World Radiocommunication Conference has seen discussions get underway on a wide variety of agenda items. Notably for amateur radio, IARU Region 1 reports that new ITU Recommendation M.2164 on guidance for amateur and amateur satellite usage in the 1240 to 1300MHz range has now been published online. The IARU has also published an accompanying guide on its website – to read it visit tinyurl.com/IARU2023  The recommendation is the culmination of a challenging four-year development period. It now forms a key component of the WRC-23 discussions, which are ongoing, relating to WRC-23 agenda item 9.1b. The RSGB special focus web page has regular reports and background on both 23cm and other frequency bands. To read more, visit rsgb.org/wrc-23   In the latest RSGB 2023 Convention presentation to be released, RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB provides another informative session on the Ofcom Consultation. He also looks ahead to other changes in prospect across HF to microwaves from the IARU and WRC-23. He outlines the RSGB’s response to the Ofcom Consultation and takes questions about the next steps. Work by specialist RSGB volunteers is integral to the RSGB’s strategic focus on spectrum and licensing. You can watch the presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB Put the date in your diary for the final RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2023. On Monday the 11th of December there will be a focus on amateur radio construction. Previous category winners Jenny Curtis M7JNY, Colin Murray GM4EA and David Law G0LBK, will talk about their construction projects and what they gained from entering the RSGB Construction Competition. Join the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB’s special BATC channel or the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB There is a great programme of live webinars lined up for early in 2024. We begin on Monday the 15th of January with an update on WRTC 2026 which is going to take place in the UK. Chairman and Project Manager Mark Haynes, M0DXR, and other members of the WRTC 2026 team, will join us live for this presentation. They will explain what WRTC is about and provide an overview of what the UK’s Organising Committee are planning for the 2026 event. Find out how you can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event – either as a spectator, volunteer, competitor or referee. If you saw Mark’s RSGB 2023 Convention presentation, this Tonight@8 webinar will tell you what has been happening since! Find out more about this and the other webinars in the spring programme on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars The November issue of RadCom Basics is now available. Among others, it contains articles on getting started with SOTA and building a 2m band antenna. To find out more, visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics Don’t forget that Youngsters on the Air month is taking place throughout December. The month is aimed at helping youngsters get active on the amateur bands. It could be giving a demonstration at a local school or youth club or helping a young person to send a greetings message. Callsign GB23YOTA will be active for the duration of the month. Cambridge University Wireless Society is the first group to use the callsign. Listen out for them on Friday the 1st and Saturday the 2nd of December. Cray Valley Radio Society will be following them on Sunday the 3rd of December. A full list of operating slots can be found on QRZ.com These slots will be first-come, first-served, so check your calendars and reserve your place as soon as possible. To find out more about YOTA month visit rsgb.org/yota-month  You can also email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to register your interest, or simply ask for further information. The RSGB shop’s Black Friday sale is on now and ends on Thursday the 30th of November. Members, and non-Members alike, will find bargains on a large number of books with up to 50% off the usual retail price. Check out rsgbshop.org A recent Ofcom investigation has resulted in the conviction of a man who was deliberately causing interference to amateur radio users in the Hull area. The investigation involved the use of automatic monitoring equipment as well as ground-based engineers who monitored live transmissions. The case went to court and the defendant was found guilty of the unlicensed use of radio equipment, illegal possession of radio apparatus, and causing deliberate interference to wireless telegraphy – all of which are offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act. To read more on this story visit tinyurl.com/OFCOM-INV   And now for details of rallies and events The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 3rd of December. The event will be held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. The doors open at 10.30am for visitors, with disabled access from 10am. For more information, contact [email protected] Mid Devon Amateur Radio and Computer Fair will take place on Saturday the 9th of December. The venue will be Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre, Mid Devon, EX19 8HZ. The event will run from 9am to 2pm. Entry is £3 but there is no charge for partners and under 16s. for more information, or to book a table, contact Phil, G6DLJ via email at [email protected] The Sparkford Wireless Group Tabletop Rally, in aid of the RAIBC, will take place on Thursday the 28th of December from 9.30am to 1pm. The event will be held at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel near Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Entry is £3 and free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, email Bob via [email protected] Now the Special Event News LA100K is the special callsign in use by the Akademisk Radioklubb, LA1K to celebrate the 100th anniversary since its foundation. Based in Trondheim, it is the oldest amateur radio club in Norway. The special callsign will be in use until the 31st of December. The Turkish Radio Amateurs Association is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey on the 29th of October 1923. A number of special callsigns, including TC100YEAR, will be in use until the end of 2023. Now the DX news Tom, VK2WN will be active as AX37EUDXF until the 30th of November to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the European DX Foundation. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or Club Log's OQRS. He does not use the bureau. Take, JI3DST will be active from the Miyako Islands, AS-079, until the 19th of December. He will be operating SSB, CW and FT8 using a variety of callsigns including JS6RRR. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide DX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th of November. It ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 26th of November. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. The UK is in zone 14. On Monday the 27th of November, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 28th of November, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 29th of November the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest will run from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The UK Six Metre Group’s Winter Marathon runs from Friday the 1st of December 2023 to Wednesday 31st of January 2024. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL 160m Contest starts at 2200UTC on Friday the 1st of December and ends at 1600UTC on Sunday the 3rd of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is a signal report. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section. On Sunday the 3rd of December, the 144MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 23rd of November 2023 What a difference a week makes! Last week the solar flux index was at 118 but, by Thursday the 23rd, it had climbed up to 190 with the Sun’s surface covered in spots with up to nine groups showing. The maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path was estimated at more than 40MHz at times. This, coupled with a Kp index of around two to three, was quite good for HF. But it isn’t all good news. There has been quite a bit of solar flare activity, and the promise of more to come. A significant eruption was recently observed beyond the northeast limb. This may result in a coronal mass ejection, but this will likely be directed away from Earth. Active regions 3490 and 3492 remain the main regions of focus and are listed as the most likely to produce a noteworthy solar flare. The current flare threat stands at 55% for a moderate M-Flare and 10% for a strong X-Flare. DX this week included 4W8X in Timor-Leste and Don, 3B8/G3XTT in Mauritius. The 10m band was good last week with the KQ2H repeater on 29.620MHz FM coming in strongly in the afternoon. There were plenty of SSB signals to work between 28.4 and  28.5MHz as well. A scan from 28.200MHz to 28.300MHz around 2pm on the 23rd revealed plenty of beacons being received including IQ8CZ, IQ8BB and IZ8RVA in Italy; SV6DBG and SV2RSS in Greece; WW2BSA in New Jersey; K4PAR in Georgia; KA3JOE in Pennsylvania; and K5AB in Texas. All of these run less than 20W. For a full list of 10m beacons choose ‘Beacons and Repeaters’ from the ‘On the air’ tab at rsgb.org Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline to be in the range of 145 to 155. Geomagnetic conditions may be reasonably settled with a Kp index of two to three, although a coronal mass ejection or two could soon alter that! So, make the most of the good HF conditions while you can, especially in this weekend’s CQ World Wide DX CW Contest. And now the VHF and up propagation news Weather patterns are settling and, with the current cold north-westerly wind, there are signs of something useful for eastern areas in the form of potential rain-scatter from heavy showers running down the North Sea.  In the west, we have an area of high pressure with a chance of Tropo but, in cold low-level air near the surface, this may not be very reliable. The chance of high-pressure building is probably limited and we are already seeing a return to more changeable weather. The bulk of the coming week will be controlled by low pressure with rain or showers. So, we have the possibility of further rain scatter, but little chance of significant Tropo, except perhaps if high pressure tries to make a comeback in the north the following weekend.  The November Orionids meteor shower is making an appearance on the 28th with a low Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, of three per hour for meteor scatter operators.  Keep checking for auroral modes and don’t forget that this can give LF bands a flutter to the signal, as was heard on 40m CW on Wednesday evening. In really strong events with a Kp index above, say, six then check the usual places for activity on the 6, 4 and 2m bands. For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising to maximum on Wednesday the 29th. Path losses are low to start the week but rising. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 19th of November 2023 The news headlines: World Radio Conference WRC-23 VHF Contest Committee survey “Taking Amateur Radio into schools” RSGB presentation released   World Radio Conference WRC-23 opens on Monday the 20th of November. Over the coming four weeks, a wide variety of agenda items will be considered, of which the 23cm band is a high-priority item for amateur radio. IARU volunteers have worked hard over the past four years in preparation for this. The RSGB will be attending as part of the Ofcom UK delegation. The RSGB’s social media and special focus page at rsgb.org/wrc-23 will feature regular postings whilst the conference is underway.  Following a really productive contest forum at the RSGB Convention, and a number of suggestions generated by the committee or raised in discussions with contesters, the VHF Contest Committee would like feedback to help finalise the VHF Contest rules for next year. The survey doesn’t have many questions so it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes of your time to fill it out, but the committee would really appreciate your views. Of course, there is also an opportunity for you to give feedback outside of those specific questions. You’ll find the survey at tinyurl.com/VHFCC and it will remain open until the end of the month. As part of its commitment to outreach and the growth of amateur radio, the RSGB has released a presentation from its 2023 Convention, called “Taking amateur radio into schools”. Lyall Smith GM4XID, Chris Leviston M0KPW, and Simon Harris G4WQG, share their experiences of inspiring school pupils to explore and have fun with amateur radio. Lyall set up an amateur radio club in his school whilst Chris started an afterschool club at his daughter’s primary school. Simon, with the help of friends at his amateur radio club, created links with his son’s technical college that have snowballed to other schools in the area. The presentation shows how individual radio amateurs and clubs can make positive and productive links with schools and will give you tips and encouragement for getting involved with your local schools. The Bath Based Distance Learning team has helped over a thousand students to pass UK amateur radio exams with pass rates consistently above the national average. The next Intermediate course will run from January to May 2024. Students will receive weekly work packages via a virtual classroom. There will be no charge for the training, but students will need to provide their own textbook, scientific calculator, electronic parts and tool kit. Students will also have to arrange their own exam at the end of the course, but advice will be provided at the appropriate time. As part of the application process, there will be some pre-course work to ensure students are able to use the online learning systems and to be sure they are ready to study in January. To receive course application details, please email Bath Based Distance Learning Team Leader Steve, G0FUW, via [email protected] The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. There will be reduced hours on New Year’s Eve when the Centre will be closing at 2 pm. Following the seasonal closures, the RSGB National Radio Centre will also be closed for essential maintenance works between the 2nd and 5th of January 2024. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Remember that RSGB Members can download a free entry voucher for Bletchley Park from the RSGB website rsgb.org/bpvoucher Please send details of your news and events to [email protected]  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursday before the Sunday broadcast.   And now for details of rallies and events The Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Bazaar is taking place today, Sunday the 19th of November. The venue is Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, CR5 1ES. Doors are open to the public from 10am to 2pm and the entrance fee is £3. Traders, bring and buy, club tables and car parking are available. Please forward general enquiries to [email protected] The Wiltshire Winter Radio Rally will take place on Saturday the 25th of November from 9am to 1pm. The venue is Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire, SN15 5NJ. Entry costs £3. There is no charge for under 16s. For further information please contact [email protected] Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 3rd of December. The event will be held at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. The doors open at 10.30am for visitors, with disabled access from 10 am. For more information, contact [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Radio Club de Nice is active as TM8AB to commemorate the anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, 8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO in November 1923. Listen for activity on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW, FT8 and SSTV until the 10th of December. QSL via F4KJQ. Special callsign LX90RTL is in use to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Radio Luxembourg’s first long-wave broadcast. It will be used by various LX operators until the end of the year. Look for activity on the HF bands using SSB, CW, digital modes, and satellite. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the DARC bureau. The logs will be uploaded to Club Log, Logbook of the World and eQSL on a regular basis. See QRZ.com for more information.   Now the DX news Pierre, VK3KTB and Alexey, VE1RUS are active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 22nd of November. QSL via OQRS. Maurizio, IK2GZU is active again from Tanzania as 5H3MB until the 8th of December. He is operating using SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL or via IK2GZU.   Now the contest news On Tuesday the 21st of November, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 23rd of November, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ World Wide DX CW Contest runs from 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th of November to 2359UTC on Sunday the 26th of November. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. The UK is in zone 14.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of November 2023 We had another roller-coaster week with periods of reasonably settled geomagnetic conditions followed by more unsettled times. Luckily, it didn’t get too bad, as it did when the Kp index hit seven the week before. This, coupled with a lower solar flux index of 119 on Thursday, has meant HF conditions have not been outstanding. However, we are still buoyed by the seasonal HF conditions, which are generally good in Autumn. Propquest shows that the F2-layer critical frequency is still maxing out at more than 12MHz around noon. The F2-layer critical frequency is the highest at which radio waves are returned back to Earth when sent directly up into the ionosphere. This gives us a maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path of more than 40MHz. Interestingly, it also gives us an MUF over a 500km path of more than 14.7MHz. So, look out for long-distance inter-G signals around noon, or thereabouts, on the 20m band. The 30m band remains a pretty solid inter-G band from late morning to mid-afternoon. Getting back to the geomagnetic conditions, the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field or IMF has been pointing south for long periods which is why the Kp index has been higher than normal. This means the IMF more easily couples to the Earth’s magnetic field, just like two bar magnets aligned north against south. Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will rise again, perhaps reaching 140 by the end of the week. However, it also forecasts unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 22nd  to the 25th, with a forecast Kp index of up to 5. So, get your HF DXing in early next week!   And now the VHF and up propagation news The seemingly never-ending period of unsettled weather is likely to continue into the coming week. This means another week with only a limited chance of Tropo for most parts of the country. As something of a longshot, it's worth noting that southern parts of England, especially along the Channel coast, may have access to higher pressure over Biscay after the middle of next week for chance Tropo paths south into western France or northern Spain. For the rest of us, the weather pattern is rather changeable with a tendency for north-westerly winds. At this time of year, this can often mean that showers form over the surrounding seas. Rain scatter options could be worth checking for stations around the Irish and North Sea coasts. Meteor scatter is also worth considering, in view of the peak of the Leonids, on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th, at the beginning of this first weekend. It's quite a broad period of activity and, with the minor Moncerotids shower peaking on the 22nd, conditions could still be good throughout the new week. Lastly a thought about the chances of aurora and the busy solar activity: it's worth keeping a check on the planetary Kp index for signs of aurora – look for a Kp above six. For EME operators, Moon declination starts at a minimum but rises all week, going positive again late on Wednesday. Losses are at their lowest with Moon perigee on Tuesday the 21st. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. Perigee is when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 12th of November 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Construction Competition RSGB 2023 Convention videos RSGB QSL Bureau    Now the nights are drawing in, don’t forget about the RSGB Construction Competition. To enable members across the country, and even the world, to take part, entries will again be judged over the internet rather than in person. This year two new categories have been introduced so there are six categories you can enter: Antennas; Beginners; Most creative and/or elegant PCB Design; Construction Excellence; Innovation; and Software and Systems. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded for the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner, who will also be given the Pat Hawker G3VA Award. The deadline for entries is the 1st of March 2024 and you can find out more, including how to enter, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition The RSGB has released three presentations from its 2023 Convention. The first is the keynote speech in which Colonel John Doody talks about his life in the RF Spectrum during the last 60 years and asks, “Is this a life for you?”. The second presentation is by the RSGB President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM who talks about his experience of 50 years of RSGB membership and explains the wide range of services that are offered to members. He finishes with an overview of the four strategic priorities that the RSGB Board has set until the 2024 AGM. The third presentation is the Discussion with the Board session that was hosted by Don Beattie, G3BJ who has been both an RSGB President and President of IARU Region 1. This builds on the four strategic priorities, includes questions from those attending this discussion forum and answers from the Board Directors. Although the three presentations are separate, the presentation by the RSGB President was immediately before the Board session at the Convention and is referred to in that discussion. You can find all three on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB The RSGB QSL Bureau is pleased to advise that a replacement QSL sub-manager is now in place for the  M1, M3, M5, M6 and M7 QSL sub-groups. Ann Eastwood, M7ERT has kindly volunteered to take on all five busy groups. Members can again send 2nd Class stamped, C5-sized collection envelopes to the new address. Contact details are available from the RSGB website. Please remember to number each envelope and indicate your callsign and membership number in the top-left corner as usual. Essex CW Amateur Radio Club’s activity week runs from Monday the 13th of November to Sunday the 19th of November 2023. This is a friendly non-contest style event to encourage both experienced and new Morse operators. Slow speed operators are especially welcome. Whilst the objective is to contact as many radio amateurs as possible in a week, it is hoped that QSOs go beyond just an exchange of signal reports and become longer chats. Anyone who works at least 25 other stations qualifies for a free PDF award certificate. The stations worked don’t have to be Essex CW Amateur Radio Club members. So, please dust off your key or paddle and get on the air! Listen out for Essex CW club callsigns GX1FCW and GX8CW during the event. More information, and a list of preferred frequencies, can be found at essexcw.uk Please send details of your news and events to [email protected]  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursday before the Sunday broadcast. And now for details of rallies and events The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Society Winter Rally will take place on Saturday the 18th of November. The venue will be St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, Lancs, OL12 7QR. The doors open from 10am and entry will be £3. The usual traders, caterers and plenty of free parking will be available. All proceeds from this rally will go to a local charity. Last time £1000 was given to the Rochdale Springhill Hospice. For more information, please contact Dave Carden, G3RIK on 01706 633 400 or email [email protected] The Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Bazaar will take place on Sunday the 19th of November. The venue will be Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, CR5 1ES. Doors open for the public from 10am to 2pm and the entrance fee will be £3. Traders, bring and buy, club tables and car parking will be available. Tables cost £12, with additional tables priced at £8. Please forward general enquiries to [email protected] The Wiltshire Winter Radio Rally will take place on Saturday the 25th of November from 9am to 1pm. It will take place at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire, SN15 5NJ. Depending on the weather, there may be a small car boot section. Entry costs £3. There is no charge for under 16s. For further information please contact [email protected] Now the Special Event News Special callsign HB8DELOY is in use by members of the Swiss Air Force Museum's Radio Club, HB4FR, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, 8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO in November 1923. Listen for activity until the 31st of December. QSL via HB9ACA, preferably via the bureau. RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club is operating Special Event Station GX3LQS/P from the 17th to the 19th of November. The event is being held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the RAF receiving its first Typhoon on the 18th of December 2003. To help commemorate the event, members of the former RAF Coningsby Amateur Radio Club will be putting GX3LQS/P on the air from various locations during November and December. Some former club members, supported by RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club, will be operating the callsign from RAF Binbrook from the 17th to the 19th of November. For more details visit QRZ.com Now the DX news Ken, LA7GIA and Shani, HA5DDX are active as 7O8AD and 7O8AE respectively, from Socotra Island, AF-028, in Yemen until the 16th of November. The team plans to have up to three stations working on the 160 to 10m bands and will operate using SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via OQRS and Logbook of the World. A team of amateurs is active as TJ9MD from Cameroon using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL direct to IK2VUC or via Logbook of the World. For more information visit mdxc.support/tj9md Now the contest news The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 11th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 12th of November. Using RTTY only on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Today, the 12th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 14th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 15th, the Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 16th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 18th, the second 1.8MHz Contest runs from 1900 to 2300UTC. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and District Code.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 9th of November 2023 Last week was characterised by very unsettled geomagnetic conditions which took their toll on the high-frequency bands. The Kp index hit seven on the 5th of November, sparking visible aurora all over the UK. This also caused auroral conditions on the bands with many people commenting on the auroral flutter on the lower HF bands and hearing auroral-type signals on the 10m band. Unfortunately, these conditions didn’t improve very quickly, and the upper bands were badly affected as the subsequent geomagnetic storm continued. By late afternoon on the 6th, HF began to return to normal with MUFs over a 3,000km path hitting more than 28MHz again. The solar flux index, at this point, was 146, with eleven C-class flares being detected on Monday, but nothing worse. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions continued on and off until the morning of Thursday the 9th when the Kp index finally got down below four and stayed there. A quick check of the 10m band on Thursday afternoon revealed the W1AW CQ practice transmissions on 28.0675MHz, plus two to ten-watt beacons audible from Gibraltar, Italy, Greece and the Eastern seaboard of the USA. The band was open, but not exactly humming! Also on Thursday, the data feed to Propquest.co.uk failed, resulting in a lack of graphs for the F2-layer critical frequency and extrapolated MUFs. Let’s hope it returns quite quickly. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be around 150 and the Kp index will be around 2 or 3. If that is the case, we can expect conditions to be a little better. But, as always, a coronal mass ejection could soon put an end to the fun with an increased Kp index and decreased MUFs. And now the VHF and up propagation news The current spell of unsettled weather is likely to continue for another week at least, with some fairly strong weather systems possible, which could bring gales and heavy rain. With fast-moving systems it’s pointless, with such a long lead time, to try and nail down the exact timings of each individual system. Once again, Tropo will not be a big player in VHF/UHF operating this week, except perhaps over this weekend, the 11th and 12th, as a transient weak ridge crosses the country. You might still see the odd ’spike’ of higher E-layer critical frequencies on the propquest.co.uk NVIS charts when it comes back online. Lately, these have been during the mid-morning period so maybe give the 10m and 6m bands a cursory check during the coming week. It's not entirely clear why the bands have been so reliable during the recent week, but may be a response to meteor input. We are approaching the peak of the Taurids meteor shower over the 12th and 13th of November. This is followed by the much larger Leonids towards the end of next week on the 17th and 18th of November. This also means that it's worth listening for some meteor scatter signals throughout the next week or so. There was a nice auroral opening on 6m up to 2m late in the afternoon on the 5th of November, with the planetary Kp index reaching 6 to 7. This produced rare visual aurora sightings down to the south coast. Auroral CW and SSB signals sound  ‘watery’ on the LF bands and very raspy and whispery on HF and VHF. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative and falling again, reaching a minimum on Thursday the 16th. Path losses continue to fall and 144MHz sky noise is low, apart from Monday the 13th when the Sun and Moon are close in the sky. From Wednesday, it rises to a high of 2,900 Kelvin on Thursday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 5th of November 2023 The news headlines: • Exam funding for youngsters • Tonight@8 webinar • RSGB affiliated club Course and Exam Finder map The Radio Communications Foundation, or RCF, is a small charity that seeks to promote radio engineering and amateur radio. Last year, several teachers identified the cost of Foundation exams as a barrier for some young people. The RCF Trustees considered how they might help. Funding exams for every youngster was seen to be unaffordable, and unnecessary, in many cases. As a start, and to help those with the greatest need, the Trustees have agreed to fund 60 Foundation exams each year. The funding will be available to anyone who is under the age of 21, in full-time education and needs help with the exam fee. Fifteen exams will be funded every three months. The first batch of 15 exams will be funded in January 2024. If any of the allocated funds are not used, they will be rolled over to the next quarter. No money will change hands as the RCF Trustees will simply make the bookings and pay the RSGB. In time, there will be a simple online application form. In the meantime, anyone seeking funding should send their details to [email protected] with a supporting statement from a parent or guardian about why they would benefit from an RCF-funded exam. Details of their interest in amateur radio, and how they have trained, or are training, for the Foundation exam will also help the Trustees make their decisions. If the scheme proves to be successful, and amateurs continue to donate to the RCF, there may be scope for increasing the number of exams funded each year. Further details about the RCF, and how to donate, can be found at commsfoundation.org Don’t forget to be part of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar tomorrow, Monday the 6th of November. Colin Summers, MM0OPX will give an entry-level talk aimed at newcomers to amateur radio. He will touch on antennas generally but will focus on the end-fed half-wave antenna including details of construction, transformers and performance. Find out more at rsgb.org/webinars The RSGB-affiliated club Course and Exam Finder map has been relaunched this week. All affiliated clubs were invited by email to submit information about the courses and exams that they run. The replies that were received are now on the RSGB website. If you use the search function and it doesn’t show any results, you will need to widen your search area. If your club provides training or holds exams and it isn’t shown on the map, please go to rsgb.org/examupdate and complete the form. If you need any help, you can email [email protected]  Additional information will be uploaded each week, so please submit any changes before 3 p.m. on Fridays. The RSGB is delighted to welcome Elaine Richards, G4LFM as the new volunteer RSGB Archivist. Elaine is a former RadCom Managing Editor and was keen to continue to oversee the RSGB archives when she retired from her RadCom role last year. If you would like more information about an old amateur radio photo or document or want to check something in the RSGB archives, you can contact Elaine via [email protected] Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets at the RSGB Convention last month to raise money for the DXpedition Fund. The Fund has already made donations to expeditions such as Bouvet, Swains, Rockall and Tuvalu this year. If you're planning a DXpedition to a rare destination and would like to apply, go to the RSGB website and search for ‘DXpedition Fund’. And now for details of rallies and events Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 5th of November. The venue is Limavady United Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady, BT49 0DF. Several traders are in attendance and there is a bring-and-buy stand. The doors open at 11 am and car parking is available on site. For more information visit bushvalleyarc.org or email [email protected] Holsworthy Radio Rally is also taking place today, Sunday the 5th of November. The venue is Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Well Park, Western Road, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6DH. There are traders, a bring-and-buy area and catering available. Access for traders is available from 8 am. The doors open to the public at 10 am. See m0omc.co.uk for more information and contact details. A final reminder now that the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT, will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November. Please email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected] for more information. The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Society Winter Rally will take place on Saturday the 18th of November. The venue will be St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, Lancs, OL12 7QR. The doors open from 10 am and entry will be £3. The usual traders, caterers and plenty of free parking will be available. All proceeds from this rally will go to a local charity. Last time £1000 was given to the Rochdale Springhill Hospice. For more information, please contact Dave Carden, G3RIK on 01706 633 400 or email [email protected] The Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Bazaar will take place on Sunday the 19th of November. The venue will be Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, CR5 1ES. Doors open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm and the entrance fee will be £3. Traders bring and buy, club tables and car parking will be available. The tables cost £12, with additional tables priced at £8. Please forward general enquiries to [email protected] Now the Special Event News The ONZ Oostkust Radioclub, ON6HC is active on all bands and modes as OR79CLM until the 12th of November. The special callsign's suffix stands for Canadian Liberation March, the annual event that celebrates the liberation of the Belgian town of Knokke on the 1st of November 1944. QSL via the bureau. For more information, and details of an available certificate, visit onz.be The Amateur Radio Union of Serbia, YU1SRS, hosted the 26th IARU Region 1 General Conference between the 1st and 4th of November. Special callsign YT26IARU was issued to mark the occasion and may be operated until the 31st of December by the hosting Society, as well as by the Conference amateur radio station. QSL via Logbook of the World. Now the DX news Pierre, VK3KTB and Alexey, VE1RUS are active again as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 22nd of November. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. Philippe, F1DUZ is active as FG4KH from Guadeloupe, NA-102, until the 7th of November. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via F1DUZ. Now the contest news The 144MHz CW Marconi Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 4th of November and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 5th of November. Using CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 6th, the Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 7th, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 7th, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 8th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 8th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 9th, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 11th, the Club Calls 1.8MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 2000 to 2300UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and your affiliated society information. The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 11th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 12th of November. Using RTTY only on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 12th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of November 2023 The last two weeks have not been too bad for HF propagation, but not particularly good either. The solar flux index hit lows of 119 on the 22nd of October and 121 on the 24th, but subsequently recovered and stood at 159 on Thursday the 2nd of November. This at least allayed the fears of some amateurs that Solar Cycle 25 was over! But, as the solar flux index rose, geomagnetic conditions became slightly unsettled. The maximum Kp index was 4.67 on the 29th of October but has subsequently recovered to between 1 and 3. This didn’t affect HF too much with the daylight maximum useable frequency over 3,000km remaining steadfastly over 28MHz all week, even hitting 43MHz on Thursday the 2nd. As a result, the bands have been humming with lots of DX being worked. Phil, GU0SUP reports working Jan, E51JAN on the North Cook Islands on 12m FT8 Fox and Hound mode at around 1630UTC. He said that, as it was almost dark, he didn't expect to hear anything, but had a good copy on him at 190 degrees, so gave him a call. He came straight back. Phil said that this was a big surprise, and he is not sure how it worked. It was quite a skewed path, with pretty much no copy on the real headings, short or long path. He also worked YJ0TT Vanuatu on 10m at 0843UTC that morning, and later at 1741UTC on 20m FT8 Fox and Hound mode. As Phil said: “Two new DXCCs in one day!” So, the moral of the story is to keep on trying – you never know what you will work! Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will decline slightly to the 130s. A bigger problem is a massive coronal hole, which is rotating into an Earth-facing position. This could cause the Kp index to rise, possibly on Sunday the 5th or Monday the 6th.  NOAA also predicts a geomagnetic disturbance on November 9th when the Kp index could rise to four. Otherwise, it suggests fairly settled conditions and a general Kp index of two. As always, keep an eye on solarham.net for up-to-date information. And now the VHF and up propagation news The current spell of unsettled weather with areas of low pressure, strong winds and rain or showers will probably remain over the coming week to the 12th of November. This again suggests that Tropo will not be a feature of VHF/UHF operating and perhaps there are just a few weak options for rain scatter to lift the mood.  Since comments last week about out-of-season Sporadic-E propagation, we are still getting weak Sporadic-E signals on the graph plots on propquest.co.uk which peaked at 5.35MHz at Dourbes on Wednesday the 1st of November, at 1700UTC. This may have been enough to produce paths on 6m band data modes. Favoured times of day for these chance events are typically around 10 a.m. or 5 p.m. Meteor scatter prospects are still good since the decaying Orionids are probably lingering up until the 7th, and we approach the peak of the Taurids around the 12th of November. The week after, we’ll be looking forward to the November Leonids. So if you’ve not tried meteor scatter yet, this may be a good time to read up on modes, frequencies and operating techniques. Lastly, a brief mention of aurora, which is always possible given a decent coronal hole event like last week. So keep a check on the Kp index for larger values above, say, 5. For EME operators, Moon declination is at maximum this weekend, meaning long Moon windows and high Moon elevation. Path losses are at their highest over the period due to apogee on Tuesday the 6th and 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 29th of October 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Convention videos Amateur radio exam dates Tonight@8 webinar   The RSGB has released its first video from the 2023 Convention. RSGB General Manager and Convention Chair, Steve Thomas, M1ACB, talks to RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM and IRTS President Enda Broderick, EI2II. The two Presidents discuss their views on the opportunities, challenges and great things happening in amateur radio at the moment. You can see this video on the RSGB YouTube channel or its website at rsgb.org/convention While other videos from this year’s Convention are being prepared, the Society is releasing a bumper collection of presentations from its 2022 Convention, which previously had only been available for members to view. You can see these at youtube.com/theRSGB in the playlist called RSGB 2022 Convention. The topics range from VHF transverters and VHF contesting to RadCom HF predictions and also using the right tools to work more 144MHz DX. There is bound to be a presentation that you will enjoy and find inspiring, so take a look! If you are thinking of taking an amateur radio exam before Christmas, there are two important dates you need to be aware of. The last date you can take an exam at a club, whether online or on paper, is Wednesday the 13th of December. If you want to take an exam online at home, the last date you can do that is Wednesday the 20th of December. The RSGB Exams Team will, where possible, post exam results before HQ shuts over Christmas and New Year. Exams will resume on Wednesday the 3rd of January 2024 and the booking system will be available over the festive season so you can book exams for January onwards. You can book online at rsgb.org/exampay Don’t forget to be part of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar on Monday the 6th of November. Colin Summers, MM0OPX will give an entry-level talk aimed at newcomers to amateur radio. He will touch on antennas generally but will focus on the end-fed half-wave antenna including details of construction, transformers and performance. Watch this live presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Youngsters on the Air Month is taking place in December. This means you have just over one month to think about how you, your club, school, or social group can get involved and help youngsters to get active on amateur bands. It could be giving a demonstration at a local school or youth club or helping a young person to send a greetings message. You can also listen out for the GB23YOTA callsign and make a QSO with a young radio amateur on the air. The RSGB has applied for Ofcom approval for special call sign GB23YOTA, which will be active for the duration of the month. A full list of GB23YOTA operating slots can be found on QRZ.com. These slots will be first-come, first-served, so check your calendars and reserve your place as soon as possible. To find out more about YOTA month and to see what has taken place in previous years visit rsgb.org/yota-month  You can also email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to register your interest, or simply ask for further information.  A reminder now that the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November. The event will take place at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged. Microwave test facilities will be provided, and the event will be an opportunity to purchase components and microwave-related items. The cost is £12 and this includes a buffet lunch. A dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Full information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk/about  Please email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected] for more information.   And now for details of rallies and events Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society Surplus Equipment Sale will take place on Saturday the 4th of November. The venue will be Cwmduad Community Hall. The doors will open at 8 a.m. for sellers. Visitors are welcome from 10 am. There will be a £2 entry fee per person and light refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Andy, GW0JLX via 07768 282 880 or email [email protected] Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 5th of November. The venue will be Limavady United Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady, BT49 0DF. Several traders will be in attendance and there will be a bring-and-buy stand. Car parking is available on site and the doors will open at 11 am. For more information visit bushvalleyarc.org or email [email protected] Holsworthy Radio Rally will also be taking place on Sunday the 5th of November. The venue will be Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Well Park, Western Road, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6DH. There will be traders, a bring-and-buy area and catering available. Access for traders is available from 8 a.m. The doors open to the public at 10 a.m. See m0omc.co.uk for more information and contact details.   Now the Special Event News Tom, VK2WN will be active as AX37EUDXF until the 30th of November to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the European DX Foundation. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL and Club Log's OQRS. On the 10th of October 1923 the BBC, then the British Broadcasting Company, opened its seventh transmitter and based it in Aberdeen. Using the callsign GB2BD, the BBC Amateur Radio Group and Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society are celebrating 100 years of broadcasting from the north-east of Scotland on the 3rd and 4th of November 2023. The date chosen for this event falls between the start of transmissions and the centenary of the first Gaelic broadcast by the BBC.   Now the DX news Yuri, VE3DZ will be active as HQ9A from Roatan Island, NA-057, Honduras until the 31st of October, including an entry in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest. Outside of the contest, he will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on the HF bands. QSL via his home call. He plans to upload his log to Logbook of the World and Club Log. Kou, JP1IHD will be active again as JD1BQP from Chichijima, AS-031, until the 2nd of November, including an entry in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest. QSL via the bureau to JD1BQP, or direct only to JP1IHD. He will upload his log to Logbook of the World and Club Log.  Now the contest news The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 28th of October and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 29th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. On Wednesday the 1st of November, the Silent Key Memorial Contest runs from 0600 to 0859UTC. Using CW only on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is a signal report and a Silent Key callsign. Also on Wednesday the 1st of November, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 1st of November, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 1st of November, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB only on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The 144MHz CW Marconi Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 4th of November and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 5th of November. Using CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 26th of October 2023 It was not a good week for the ionosphere with the Solar Flux Index, or SFI, falling to less than 130, plus some disturbed geomagnetic conditions as well. On Wednesday the 24th, the SFI fell to 121, while the following day the Kp index hit 4.33 thanks to a coronal mass ejection from a filament eruption. Minor to strong geomagnetic storms continued on Thursday afternoon and evening with a warning that Aurora sightings may have been possible in the north of the UK that evening. So, does this mean that Solar Cycle 25 is over? Most definitely not! NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has just issued a revised prediction for solar activity during Solar Cycle 25, saying solar activity will increase more quickly and peak at a higher level than that predicted by an expert panel in December 2019. The updated prediction now shows Solar Cycle 25 peaking between January and October of 2024, with a maximum sunspot number between 137 and 173. Meanwhile, the critical frequency remained relatively high at around 11 to 12MHz around lunchtime, which still gives a maximum usable frequency, or MUF, for paths over 3,000km of more than 28MHz. October remains a good month for higher-band HF propagation with many reports of contacts into the Pacific on the 15, 12 and 10m bands. The bad news is that this weekend’s CQ World Wide SSB Contest could be hit by poor geomagnetic conditions later on. Two large coronal holes on the Sun recently rotated into an Earth-facing position which could mean a raised Kp index and reduced MUFs. A coronal hole is a cooler, less dense region of the Sun with open magnetic field lines that allow solar plasma to flood out. We expect the solar material to hit the Earth today, the 29th, either in the afternoon or evening, perhaps continuing into Monday, with an associated warning of aurora as the Kp index rises. Looking to next week, NOAA predicts the SFI will increase, perhaps hitting the 140 to 145 mark by the end of the week. The ionosphere may also remain unsettled until around Wednesday the 1st of November, although the rest of the week should be better. And now the VHF and up propagation news This autumnal weather pattern is keeping up its attack on the UK during the coming week.  This means that low-pressure systems will remain in control and it’s unlikely that Tropo will get much of a look-in! That leaves rain scatter as the best of a bad bunch with heavy rain, especially any heavy showers around the coasts, being the most likely to offer good reflection points for GHz band operators. The remaining options for propagation are aurora, which is not entirely out of the question since we have a large coronal hole navigating its way into a favourable position, as was mentioned earlier. There are many websites and widgets that show the latest Kp value and it’s definitely worth adding one to your favourites list. The other mode of possible interest is that of meteor scatter and, although we have just passed the peak of the Orionids, it came along just right for the 6m Affiliated Societies Contest on Sunday the 22nd of October, when some out-of-season Sporadic-E propagation made a welcome appearance with paths to Italy, Sardinia and Spain being reported. The slow decay of the Orionids means that we still have the coming week to enjoy the remnants until early November. For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising this week with lengthening Moon windows and increasing Moon elevation. Path losses start low but are increasing. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, peaking at 500 Kelvin on Wednesday the 1st of November. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 22nd of October 2023 The news headlines: RSGB 2023 Convention ARISS contact with St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School Tonight@8 webinar The RSGB’s 2023 Convention took place last weekend and brought together hundreds of amateurs in person as well as many more across the world who watched the livestream. RSGB General Manager and Convention Chair, Steve Thomas, M1ACB said that in addition to the usual varied programme of lectures, he was delighted as Convention Chair to have led the team that introduced new aspects to the weekend, such as the all-day drop-in Buildathon on Saturday which encouraged people to enjoy making something for themselves, and also to learn how to run a similar event at their local club or group to help others develop practical skills. The RSGB Convention saw presentations about taking amateur radio into schools, young radio amateurs travelling to YOTA camp, as well as the usual mix of fascinating technical talks about many aspects of amateur radio today. There were also more RSGB Committees and Groups at the Convention to highlight the important work that the RSGB does through its volunteers. Steve said that the Convention planning team is already receiving an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, but he encourages anyone who attended the Convention to complete the feedback form if they haven’t already done so - go to rsgb.org/feedback and share your thoughts. The Society will share a small number of Convention presentations on YouTube over the coming weeks and will provide many more for members to view as part of the benefit of RSGB membership. In addition, you will be able to watch a series of special interviews that were recorded over the weekend. The interview with the RSGB and IRTS Presidents has been released this week and you can see it on the RSGB YouTube channel and also on the RSGB Convention web page at rsgb.org/convention  Children at St Peter-In-Thanet CE Junior School in Broadstairs, Kent had an ‘out of this world’ experience this week, with an ARISS contact between the school and NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, KI5WSL on board the International Space Station. It was an exciting and inspiring day for all involved. RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX attended the event and met ESA reserve astronaut Meganne Christian, who encouraged the children to ‘dream big’. The event, which featured on local BBC and ITV news programmes that evening as well as BBC Radio Kent, can be watched on the ARISS YouTube channel. The RSGB polled its Facebook group for new and returning licensees, which showed that basic introductions to contesting and antennas were the top two topics of interest. In October the RSGB ran a Tonight@8 webinar which covered an introduction to contesting, and in November it is focusing on antennas. On Monday the 6th of November, Colin Summers, MM0OPX will give an entry-level introduction to antennas generally, including a focus on end-fed half-wave antennas, transformers, construction and performance. Join the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. To find out more about this, and other RSGB webinars, go to rsgb.org/webinars Today is the last day of Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the Scout Association. There are many stations active over the weekend so please listen out for the young operators on the air. Some groups have shared details of callsigns that are active over the weekend and the RSGB has compiled a list on its website – go to rsgb.org/jota and choose the “JOTA Stations on the Air” link on the right hand side of the page. The RSGB would love to see your photos of Scouts getting involved with JOTA, so tag the RSGB and also use the hashtag JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. There will be a report in RadCom so please send details and photos from your event to [email protected] by the 14th of November. A reminder that the RSGB National Radio Centre will be closed to the public from Saturday the 28th of October until Sunday the 5th of November inclusive because Bletchley Park will be hosting the first global summit on Artificial Intelligence. Please note that this closure period includes an additional two days than was previously announced by Bletchley Park. For information about the closure, please see the Bletchley Park website at bletchleypark.org.uk Today, the 22nd, is the second day of the RAF Air Cadets Blue Ham Radio Communications Exercise. Cadets are contacting radio amateurs on the shared section of the 5MHz band. A Blue Ham participation certificate is available to those who contact 15 or more special Cadet callsigns during the exercise. Just search online for ‘Exercise Blue Ham’ to find out more. There is just over one week of UK Bunkers On The Air 2023 to go, and what a month it has been so far! Activators have reported multiple pile-ups and higher-than-expected levels of hunters. Due to the popularity of the event, the organisers have decided to continue with a rolling programme from the 1st of November. Look out for new bunker references and challenges in the New Year. All activators who submit an activator tracker will be entered into a prize draw. To view the rules and information visit bunkersontheair.org And now for details of rallies and events The Galashiels Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 22nd of October at the Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors open at 11 a.m. Entrance is £2.50, although under-16s will be admitted free of charge. Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group Rally will take place on Saturday the 28th of October. The venue will be Elim Pentecostal Church, North Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim. The doors will open for vendors at 9 a.m. and for everyone else at 11.30 a.m. Refreshments will be available. There will be a bring-and-buy stall, and everyone is very welcome to attend. The Essex CW Boot Camp will take place on Saturday the 28th of October. The venue will be 3rd the Witham Scout & Guide HQ, Powers Hall End, Witham, Essex, CM8 2HE. The doors open at 8.30 am for registration. Entrance is £10 and this includes free drinks and cakes. Advance registration is advised as places are limited. For more information email [email protected] or phone 0745 342 60 87 Now the Special Event News Members of ARI Pordenone and ARI Belluno will be active as II3RDV until the 31st of October. The special callsign is active to mark the 60th anniversary of the Vajont Dam disaster. On the 9th of October 1963, a massive landslide plunged into the reservoir, causing a 250m-high mega-tsunami. QSL via IV3EHH. “Amateur Radio” magazine, the official journal of the Wireless Institute of Australia, will reach 90 years of continuous publication this month. To mark this milestone, the Wireless Institute of Australia has obtained the special event call sign VK90AR. The callsign will be in use until the 31st of December and may be used by any member of the Wireless Institute of Australia as well as any affiliated club. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS. Now the DX news Today, the 22nd, is the last chance to work The Radio Club de Provins, F6KOP which is active as TO8FH from Mayotte, AF-027. A large team is operating CW, SSB and digital modes, as well as QO-100, on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, OQRS, or via F5GSJ. See the TO8FH Facebook page for more information and updates. Harald, DF2WO is active as XT2AW from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso until the 26th of October. He operates all modes on the HF bands, the 6m band and via QO-100. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 22nd of October, the 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Germany Contest started at 1500UTC on Saturday the 21st of October and ends at 1500UTC today, Sunday the 22nd of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their DOK reference. On Tuesday the 24th of October, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 25th of October, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday the 26th of October, the Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CW World Wide DX SSB Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 28th of October and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 29th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 19th of October 2023 We had a quieter week, with both lower sunspot numbers and better geomagnetic conditions. The Solar Flux Index was at 135 on Thursday the 19th, down from 156 the week before. Let’s hope this is a temporary lull in Solar Cycle 25’s progression. We had no M-class or higher flares to contend with and the Kp index was generally below 3 all week. Only on Thursday did things start to become a little more unsettled as the Kp index climbed to 3.67 in the morning, with warnings that worse may be to come due to a coronal mass ejection on the 16th of October. So, the earlier part of the week was best for HF propagation with many stations reporting DX contacts including T2C, a German DXpedition to Tuvalu, and YL2GM’s one-person DXpedition to Tristan da Cuhna. It's nice to see DX opening up, especially on the higher bands. Propquest.co.uk reports that, generally, the maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path remains above 28MHz during daylight hours so make the most of the 10 and 12m bands. The maximum usable frequency, or MUF, is the highest radio frequency that can be used for transmission between two points on the Earth by reflection from the ionosphere. Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will rise to around 145 all week while geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be stable with a Kp around 2 to 3. But, as always, watch out for coronal mass elections and their impact. And now the VHF and up propagation news We are struggling to find anything optimistic regarding Tropo in this unsettled spell of weather and again it may well be down to rain scatter to provide the entertainment. Once out of the summer thunderstorm season, the results are rarely as good, even though you’ll be spoiled for choice! There will be a transient weak ridge over some eastern areas on Tuesday, but only acts as a separator between the lows and is not expected to be effective for Tropo. Incidentally, in this fairly typical spell of unsettled autumnal weather, strong winds and heavy rain can be a notable feature and put stress on antennas and coax, so make a note of any weak points and use the next fine spell to put things right! What propagation remains is the usual stop-gap pair of modes – meteor scatter and aurora – both of which could be worth checking during the coming week. A reminder that the Orionids shower, active from the 2nd of October to the 7th of November, peaks today, the 22nd, with an average Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, of around 20. For EME operators, Moon declination reached minimum on Friday the 20th so the following week will see lengthening Moon windows. Next Thursday’s perigee means path losses are at their lowest this week. 144MHz sky noise starts high but falls throughout the coming week remaining low to moderate. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 15th of October 2023 The news headlines: • RSGB Construction Competition • New chair of the RSGB’s Exams and Syllabus Group • RSGB 2023 Convention The RSGB recognises the importance of construction as a key element of amateur radio, whether that is using traditional construction skills or is a software or systems engineering project. The Society has launched its 2024 Construction Competition and the deadline for entries is the 1st of March 2024. To enable members across the country, and even the world, to enter, entries will be judged over the internet rather than in person. This year a new category called ‘Antennas’ has been introduced so there are five categories you can enter: Beginners; Construction Excellence; Innovation; Software and Systems; and Antennas. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded for the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner, who will also be declared the winner of the Pat Hawker G3VA Award. You can find out more, including how to enter, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition The RSGB is delighted to welcome Andrew Lenton, G8UUG as the new Chair of the Exams and Syllabus Review Group. The Society would also like to thank Donard de Cogan, M0KRK for his hard work and dedication, including chairing the Group for the past three years. You can contact Andrew via [email protected] The RSGB 2023 Convention takes place over both days this weekend. There is a fantastic range of presentations on a variety of amateur radio topics. If you haven’t already booked, you can buy day tickets on the door or join the Livestream at any time over the weekend. The Livestream contains 12 of the Convention presentations as well as exclusive interviews and additional content. We are asking radio amateurs to register for the Convention Livestream this year. Whether you are there in person, or joining radio amateurs from across the world online, make sure you are part of this major annual event. For more information about the full programme of presentations go to rsgb.org/convention and to register for the Livestream head over to rsgb.org/livestream As we get closer to the ITU World Radio Conference, WRC-23, which starts next month, the future of amateur radio, particularly the 23cm band, is of key importance. The ITU News Magazine has a feature article by IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH regarding amateur activity in the 23cm band. This is the topic of a challenging agenda item at the Conference which calls for measures that protect primary radio-navigation services such as Glonass and Galileo from amateur terrestrial and satellite usage. You can read the article by visiting tinyurl.com/TimVE6SH In related news, the IARU also reports that the last formal preparatory meeting ahead of the WRC on this topic was difficult and could not achieve a consensus on measures such as power and bandwidth limits, or frequency restrictions. The IARU supports further efforts and will continue to try to find a solution regarding suitable recommendations, whilst opposing the unwarranted statutory imposition of such. You can read the IARU’s post on this subject via tinyurl.com/ITUR23cm  Also, you can hear the latest updates at the RSGB Convention on Sunday, in a talk by IARU expert and RSGB Microwave Manager Barry Lewis, G4SJH.  Jamboree On The Air, or JOTA, is an annual event in which Scouts and Guides all over the world communicate with each other via amateur radio. JOTA 2023 will run from Friday the 20th to Sunday the 22nd of October. You can find out more at jotajoti.info And now for details of rallies and events Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 15th of October. The venue is Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. The event features bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking. The doors open at 10am and admission is £2.50. For more information, contact Roger on 07854 088 882 or email [email protected] Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally is also taking place today, Sunday the 15th of October. The venue is Driffield Showground, YO25 9DW. For more information, visit hornseaarc.com Part 2 of the British Amateur Television Club Convention for Amateur TV 2023 will take place on Saturday the 21st of October from 10am until 3pm. The event will feature online talks about ATV-related topics. For more information visit batc.org.uk/events The Galashiels Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 22nd of October. The venue will be the Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors open at 11am. Entrance is £2.50, although under-16s will be admitted free of charge.  Now the Special Event News Today, the 15th, is the last chance to work EI4FOTA from the Blasket Islands, EU-007. A team of ‘Friends on the Air’ will be busy activating special locations in and around Ireland until the 31st of August 2024. See QRZ.com for more information. Members of Radio Club F5KDC will be active as TM400BPA until Monday the 16th of October. Listen for activity on the 80, 40 and 20m bands using SSB and CW. The special callsign marks the 400th anniversary of the birth of Blaise Pascal, the French polymath. Listen out for AT30IIH which is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Indian Institute of Hams, or IIH. The IIH’s focus is training and bringing young people into the amateur radio community. QSL via the bureau, direct or via eQSL. Now the DX news Today, the 15th, is the last chance to work a team of German amateurs that is active as TX6D from Tahiti, OC-046, in French Polynesia. The team is operating using CW, SSB and digital modes on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL to DL7DF directly or via the bureau, Logbook of the World or OQRS. Uli, DL2AH is active as V73AH until the 16th of October from Majuro, OC-029, in the Marshall Islands. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or direct to DL2AH. Now the contest news The Oceania DX CW Contest started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 14th of October and ends at 0600UTC today, Sunday the 15th of October. On Monday the 16th of October, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 17th of October, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 19th of October, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 22nd of October, the 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Germany Contest starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 21st of October and ends at 1500UTC on Sunday the 22nd of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their DOK reference. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 12th of October 2023 We had a period of low geomagnetic disturbance last week, which allowed the upper HF bands to shine. There were lots of reports of DX being worked on the 10m band as the Kp Index sat mainly in the ones and twos, with a maximum of Kp 3.33 for one three-hour period on the 9th. The Solar Flux Index, or SFI, also remained in the 150s and 160s, hitting a maximum of 166 on the 9th. All in all, these were very good conditions for high-band DXing, especially at this optimum time in the calendar. As promised last week, let’s take a look at HF paths from the UK to the W8S Swains Island DXpedition in the South Pacific. The good news is that operations are in full swing and are being spotted daily on the DX Cluster. At a distance of approximately 9,500 miles from the UK on the short-path, and 15,300 miles on the long-path, it’s quite a distance for signals to traverse. The short-path beam heading you need to select is a polar path at 350 degrees, and for long-path 169 degrees. The best openings to Swains from the UK start on the 20m band from about 0630UTC. As the morning progresses, move up in frequency until you get to the 10m band around 1000 to 1100UTC. This path should remain open until 1500 or 1600UTC, at which point you can drop down to the 12, 15 or 17m bands. Long-path openings may be a lot weaker, with a short opening on the 15m band from 0600 to 0800UTC. Then move to the 12 or 10m bands from 0700 to 0900UTC. There may also be a long-path evening opening from 1800 to 2000UTC on the 17 and 10m bands. The above predictions are for SSB and CW. You may find FT8 openings extend these times a little. For more details, and to compute your own predictions, see VOACAP.com or Proppy at soundbytes.asia/proppy This weekend, ending today the 15th, may see some geomagnetic disturbances due in part to a coronal hole. But, as long as we don’t get any coronal mass ejections, this should settle after the weekend.  The Solar Flux Index is predicted to remain in the 150s with a maximum Kp index of two. If this turns out to be true, we should have a good week of DX hunting to come. And now the VHF and up propagation news The coming period of weather offers many changes, and it looks as though we have said goodbye to the warm air, with low pressure controlling events.   Just a gentle reminder to keep an eye on your antennas as this time of year can produce surprisingly rapid developments of deep low-pressure systems with associated strong winds.  Early next week, a temporary high returns to give you a chance to give those antenna supports and guys a once-over while winds are light, and leave the potential Tropo until the evenings and overnight. Incidentally, this new high is essentially a cold air high, so may not be as productive as the recent Tropo of the week just ending. The new high will probably hang around until midweek when it should migrate north to allow an easterly wind across the south. This will probably bring some showery rain along the east coast. It's possible that we may have some rain scatter from these showers. Meteor scatter is always good in October, with high random meteor rates and a number of small showers. Most notable of these is the Orionids Meteor Shower which peaks on the 22nd of October and is active until the 7th of November with an average zenithal hourly rate of around 20. Of course, aurora is also worth keeping in mind if you get any spare time! For EME operators, Moon declination is negative and falling all week, reaching minimum on Friday the 20th with corresponding shortening Moon windows. As we are now past apogee, path losses will continue to fall.  144MHz sky noise starts very high with the annular eclipse on Saturday the 14th. The following week sees it moderate, increasing to a high of over 2000 Kelvin on Thursday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 8th of October 2023 The news headlines: RSGB 2023 Convention New Intruder Watch Coordinator 2m band NoV extension   With just one week to go until the RSGB 2023 Convention, your time is running out to book packages or pre-book day tickets. The deadline is midnight today, Sunday the 8th of October, so head over to rsgb.org/convention and follow the booking links. You will still be able to buy day tickets at the Convention so do go along and enjoy not only the fantastic presentations in the RSGB programme and AMSAT-UK Colloquium but also the fun of catching up with other radio amateurs in person. If you live too far away to attend in person, there will be a live stream of some Convention content each day over the weekend. This year you will need to register in advance to watch that livestream, so reserve your free slot soon. You can find out more details about the live stream on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/livestream The RSGB is delighted to welcome Vaughan Ravenscroft, M0VRR as its new Intruder Watch Coordinator. There were a number of applicants for this volunteer role and the Society would like to thank them all for their interest and enthusiasm. Thanks must also go to Richard Lamont, G4DYA for his hard work and dedication to this important role over the last five years. You can contact Vaughan via [email protected] Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146 or 147MHz NoV for a further year. It is available on a non-interference basis and the NoV is subject to a 30-day notice period of change or withdrawal. Full licence holders can apply for the 146 or 147MHz NoV on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov The RSGB’s news service, GB2RS, is one of the largest volunteer groups in the Society. Every Sunday, right across the UK, over 100 readers broadcast the latest mix of amateur radio stories, propagation forecasts, contesting and DX information, together with local club activities. There are plenty of ways to tune in, on-air and on the web. Have a look at rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule where you can download the full list of transmissions. Recently, a new broadcast for north Wales has been introduced. Brian, GW6VEI and Hugh, GW0WWQ transmit from the Denbigh area on 80m at 10.30 am local time with excellent regional coverage. Another new recruit, Sean, M0OEG is now delivering the news twice each Sunday via GB3EG in Wigan. One Newsreader recently reached an outstanding personal milestone. On 3rd September 2023, John, G0NAJ celebrated his 25th year of reading the GB2RS news in the Greater Manchester area. His first broadcast was in 1998 when the paper news script was still being sent through the post each week from RSGB HQ! John now reads from Dukinfield alongside colleagues on 4m and 2m FM. The Society would like to thank John for his long dedication to GB2RS. If you would like to find out more about becoming a GB2RS Newsreader, please contact Steve, G4HPE via [email protected] A reminder now that, during the month of October, a new event known as ‘UK Bunkers On The Air’ is taking place. This is a good opportunity to get out and do some portable activity before the winter closes in. Awards are available for chasers, activators and short-wave listeners. Overseas amateurs and short-wave listeners are very welcome to chase activators and apply for awards. For more details, search for ‘Bunkers On The Air’ on Facebook, email [email protected] and visit bunkersontheair.org  The website has ‘spotter’ and ‘sked’ tools to make chasing easier. Thursday the 12th of October sees the launch of a new conference which seeks to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. The aim is “to foster collaboration between learners, educators and industry, harnessing the power of innovation and technology to enhance learning experiences and open doors to new opportunities.” The event will take place at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool from 8.45am to 4pm. To find out more, or to get involved, visit brilliantfestival.com   And now for details of rallies and events The UK Six Metre Group’s 2023 AGM will be held via Zoom today, Sunday the 8th of October from 6 pm BST. The brief formal part of the meeting will be followed by a talk from Antoine, 3D2AG entitled “Extending 6m DX boundaries from the Heart of the South Pacific." Zoom details have been emailed to members. Non-members will be welcome to join the call but will not be able to vote on AGM business. For more information about the group, visit uksmg.org The 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT, is taking place between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. There are still places available to book. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will also be opportunities to purchase components and microwave-related items. The cost is £12 and this includes a buffet lunch. A dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Online registration is available at gmroundtable.org.uk  For more information email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected] The Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 15th of October. The venue will be Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be bring-and-buy, trader stands, free parking and refreshments available. The doors will open at 10 am and admission will be £2.50. For more information, contact Roger on 07854 088 882 or email [email protected] The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally will also take place on Sunday the 15th of October. The venue will be Driffield Showground, YO25 9DW. For more information, contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252 393 or email [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Special callsign OQ95RCL is in use throughout 2023 by Radio Club Leuven, ON4CP, in Belgium, to celebrate its 95th anniversary. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, the bureau, or direct to ON3AR. 9A66AA is the special callsign that Tom, 9A2AA is using throughout 2023 to mark his 66th year in amateur radio. QSL via his home call.   Now the DX news Elvira, IV3FSG is active as 6W/IV3FSG from Senegal until the 16th of October. She usually operates using SSB and digital modes. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or direct to IK2DUW. Anders, SM0HPL is active again as 5X7W from Uganda until the 27th of October. He operates QRP with weak, but hopefully readable, signals. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log, Logbook of the World and eQSL.  Now the contest news The Oceania DX SSB Contest started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 7th of October and ended at 0600UTC today, Sunday the 8th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Both the IARU and RSGB 432MHz to 245GHz Contests started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 7th of October and end at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 8th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest has been brought forward by one week. It will now run from 0900 to 1700UTC today, Sunday the 8th of October. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 10th of October, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 10th of October, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 11th of October, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 11th of October, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 12th of October the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 5th of October 2023 Last week progressed quite well from a solar point of view, at least until the morning of Thursday the 5th when the Kp index rose to five. But the Kp high was short-lived and only lasted for one three-hour reporting period. Until this point, it had been around one to three all week, which meant the ionosphere had a chance to settle and build. As a result, we saw daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path rise well above 28MHz. This was partly due to the seasonal change, which sees daytime MUFs generally rise as we head towards autumn. Similarly, we are seeing nighttime MUFs declining as we progress through October. The times of seeing the 17 and 20m bands open all night are probably behind us now and they won’t be back until next summer! The Solar Flux Index held up quite well last week, peaking at 161 on the 1st of October, before declining slightly to 155 by Thursday the 5th. Propagation-wise, we are really starting to benefit from the autumnal changes. Stations worked from the UK recently include the 5W0LM DXpedition to Samoa on 20m CW. The team expects to be on air until the 14th of October. The big one this autumn is the W8S DXpedition to Swains Island, a remote coral atoll in the Tokelau Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. We will look at the propagation prospects for working W8S in the GB2RS News next week. Next week, NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will remain in the 160s. It also predicts a Kp index of two all week. But, with eight active regions on the Sun at present, the risk of a solar flare and/or Coronal Mass Ejection remains high. So, don’t be surprised if we see the Kp index head skywards again, at times, with a reduction in the maximum useable frequency. And finally, the good news is that the Chilton Digisonde is now back in action. You can select it, as well as Dourbes, at propquest.co.uk And now the VHF and up propagation news This first weekend of October could be good for meteor scatter with the peak of the October Draconids tonight, the 8th, into the 9th of October. It should also be quite a good period for Tropo as high pressure over the south provides enhanced paths across the continent to France and Germany. There may also be a path across Biscay to Spain or the Canaries and Azores. Along with fine and unusually warm weather, it should fit in well with the October 432MHz to 245GHz Contest which ends at 1400UTC today, the 8th. Hopefully, there will still be something left for the 432MHz FM Activity Contest and UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 10th. On the evening of Wednesday the 5th, an aurora alert arrived, so clearly that’s another mode to keep in mind. From around the 11th, we will find a trend towards more unsettled conditions with rain and showers and rather windy weather as low pressure takes charge. This will remove Tropo from the operating schedule but may give some rain scatter opportunities. For EME operators, Moon declination is just past maximum this coming weekend so, as the following week progresses, Moon elevation will fall from its high and Moon windows will shorten. With apogee on Tuesday the 10th of October, path losses are at, or around, their maximum. 144MHz sky noise is falling, reaching a minimum next Tuesday. The Sun and Moon are close in the sky on Saturday the 14th meaning high noise all weekend. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 1st of October 2023 The news headlines: RSGB 2023 Convention RadCom Basics Editor retirement RSGB Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML’s SOTA challenge We’re counting down to the RSGB 2023 Convention and the Society is putting the final touches to the programme. This year there will be a special, hour-long, session with the RSGB Board where the Directors will present the four strategic priorities that the Society will be focusing on until the 2024 AGM. After that, Convention attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. This will be a positive and productive opportunity to discuss with the Board how the Society, and its members, can meet the challenges facing amateur radio today. The session will be hosted by Don Beattie, G3BJ, who is the former IARU Region 1 President as well as a former President of the Radio Society of Great Britain. The session will be recorded so if you are unable to attend the Convention but would like to hear a particular topic discussed, please email that topic with your name and callsign to [email protected] before Monday the 9th of October. The discussion will include as many topics as possible but the RSGB cannot guarantee every topic will be covered. Directors will also only answer specific questions from those who attend the session at the Convention. To be part of this discussion and pose your question to the Board, book your package or day ticket to the RSGB Convention today – go to rsgb.org/convention and choose ‘Click here to book online’. Bookings close at midnight on Sunday the 8th of October. RadCom Basics Editor Lee Aldridge, G4EJB has retired. Over the past few years, Lee has been instrumental in making RadCom Basics a success. His passion for amateur radio and commitment to encouraging newcomers is infectious and has been very well received by readers. The RSGB thanks Lee for his hard work as Editor and is pleased to report that he will continue to write for RadCom Basics and provide regular technical and fault-finding articles. The new RadCom Basics Editor is Tim Hier, G5TM and the RSGB welcomes him to the role. Lee and Tim have worked together to produce the September edition of RadCom Basics. You can contact Tim with ideas or feedback for future editions via [email protected]  RSGB Members can access all issues of RadCom Basics by visiting rsgb.org/radcom-basics RSGB Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML has taken on the challenge of activating ten summits during 12 days on the remote Scottish islands. He will climb some with his partner and fellow radio amateur Martha, and their two-year-old daughter Lyra. This SOTA – or Summits on the Air – challenge combines Ben’s favourite hobbies of amateur radio and hiking, but it also sometimes brings with it adverse weather conditions and the need to reach remote islands by kayak! Ben is hoping that by sharing his challenge he will not only inspire radio amateurs to try SOTA, but he will also encourage people who love walking and hiking to try amateur radio. You can catch up with his adventures on the RSGB social media channels and through the special playlist of videos on the RSGB YouTube channel. Go to youtube.com/theRSGB and choose the playlist called “RSGB Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML - SOTA challenge”. The next Tonight@8 live webinar is on Monday the 2nd of October when Lee Volante, G0MTN will give a presentation aimed at newcomers to contesting. He will explore how contesting began, explain why it is rewarding and fun, and demonstrate how anyone can take part in their first contests with equipment they have today. Watch on the RSGB YouTube channel and find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars The RSGB QSL Bureau reports that, due to unforeseen circumstances, well-known volunteer Roy Taylor, M0RRV is retiring from his post as volunteer sub-manager for the M1 to M7 groups. The Bureau thanks Roy for his valuable service to others and is now seeking a replacement volunteer. Expressions of interest should be emailed to [email protected]  Members are requested not to send collection envelopes to this group until further notice. IARU Region 1 will hold its next General Conference from the 1st to the 4th of November 2023 in Zlatibor, Serbia. A wide range of papers and proposals are now available online and the RSGB welcomes comments on these. Topics include: general reports; organisational and budget proposals; the new HF Bandplan; VHF, UHF and SHF changes; and consideration of WRC-23, the World Radiocommunication Conference, which follows shortly afterwards. Other themes include: strategic projects and progress, accommodating digital technologies, contests, EMC and other spectrum matters. Comments should be forwarded to the relevant HF, VHF or Microwave spectrum manager, by Thursday the 12th of October, in order to allow time to finalise the RSGB position. You can find a link to the consultation via thersgb.org/go/iaruconsult   And now for details of rallies and events The 48th Welsh Radio Rally is taking place today, the 1st of October. The venue is Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport, South Wales, NP18 2YE. The doors will be open from 8am for traders and from 10am for the public. Entry is £3. Free parking, bring and buy and refreshments will be available. For more information email [email protected]  Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 15th of October. The venue will be Driffield Showground, YO25 9DW. For more information, contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252 393 or email [email protected] Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 15th of October. The venue will be Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be bring and buy, trader stands, free parking and refreshments available. The doors will open at 10am and admission will be £2.50. For more information, contact Roger on 07854 088 882 or email [email protected]   Now the Special Event News The British Railways Amateur Radio Society, using the club callsign GX4LMR, is marking 185 years since the opening of Preston railway station in 1838. Mark, G1PIE will be operating during the whole month of October. Activity will be centred on the 40m band using SSB. QSL via the bureau.   Now the DX news Bob, W7YAQ and Al, K7AR are active as VK9LAA from Lord Howe Island, OC-004, until the 4th of October. They are running two stations on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, or via W7YAQ. Sajid, VA3QY is active as A22EW from his homeland of Botswana until the 8th of October. He is operating on the 20 to 10m bands. He may also operate on the 6m band. QSL via eQSL. Brian, GW4DVB is active as J88PI until the 10th of October from Palm Island, NA-025, in the Caribbean. Brian is operating on the 40, 20, 17, 15, 10 and 6m bands using SSB, SSTV and FT8. QSL direct to home call.     Now the contest news The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th of September and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 1st of October. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Stations from the UK and Ireland also send their District Code. This event replaces the original RSGB DX contest. It is listed on the RSGB contest calendar and, for entrants from the UK and Crown Dependencies, counts towards the HF Championship. This international DX SSB contest also has a Teams section. Team members, with a maximum of three members, can be from different DXCCs and can enter different sections. Rules, in English and eight other languages, can be found under the "DX CONTESTS" menu at ukeicc.com The Worked All Britain DX Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th of September and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 1st of October. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. On Monday the 2nd of October, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 3rd of October, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 3rd of October, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 3rd of October, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 1900 to 2000UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their county code. On Wednesday the 4th of October, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 4th of October, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 4th of October, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The Oceania DX SSB Contest starts at 0600UTC on Saturday the 7th of October and ends at 0600UTC on Sunday the 8th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Both the IARU and RSGB 432MHz to 245GHz Contests start at 1400UTC on Saturday the 7th of October and end at 1400UTC on Sunday the 8th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 7th of October, the 2.3GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on 2.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Saturday the 7th of October, the 1.2GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on 1.2GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 28th of September 2023 Another week of disrupted solar and geomagnetic conditions saw the Kp index go up and MUFs come down. A period of minor G1 geomagnetic storming was observed on Tuesday the 26th thanks to an enhanced solar wind stream containing a long-duration southward-facing Bz component. If the solar wind’s Bz magnetic field points south, it more easily couples with the Earth’s magnetic field, allowing solar plasma to flood in. The net result was a Kp index of 5.67 and visible aurora seen from the UK once again. It is worth reminding people that, at this point in the solar cycle, conditions are being governed more by the Kp index than the solar flux index. A high Kp index generally results in lower MUFs and poor HF conditions. During the week, the solar flux index was around 175, declining to 156 on Thursday the 28th. The number of solar flares also decreased as the week progressed. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the range 145 to 155, perhaps hitting 160 on the 7th. NOAA also predicts quiet geomagnetic conditions with a maximum Kp index of 2. As we said last week, at this point in the cycle solar flares and coronal mass ejections are very prevalent and hard to predict. So, do not be surprised if the Kp index goes up again. Otherwise, if it remains low, make the most of the good HF conditions that generally follow. Finally, as it is now October, we can expect another step up in HF conditions as we enter Autumn, so keep an eye on the 10m band, which should be opening up to the US and Canada in the afternoon. There are plenty of 10m beacons to listen for from 28.160 to 28.330MHz, as well as FM repeaters clustered around 29.600MHz.   And now the VHF and up propagation news Last week saw trans-equatorial openings on 50MHz with V51 Namibia reported all over the UK, as far north as Scotland around 1900UTC. On the tropo front, last week was fairly unsettled with a visit from Agnes, our first named storm of the season, which affected the north and west. The coming week is looking much more suitable for VHF radio with high pressure building over the country from Tuesday, bringing a good chance of Tropo as we go through the week. This may not be fully developed for the 144MHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 3rd, but possibly starting to help lift conditions, in the south at least. The high pressure will become more widespread over the next week, but by the following weekend of the 7th and 8th of October, the 1.3GHz Trophy may have to deal with more disturbed conditions in western areas. However, conditions will still probably be good for eastern areas across the North Sea to southern Scandinavia. The meteor scatter prospects are improving as we move towards the October Draconids, which peak on the night of the 8th and 9th. Auroras have also featured recently so should remain in our checklist. Incidentally, although we are technically outside the main Sporadic-E season, Dourbes ionosonde data plotted on the Propquest website have shown occasional ‘blips’ in the critical frequency of the Sporadic-E layer, for example to 7.5MHz around 1650UTC on Wednesday the 27th of September. This would certainly be enough for 10m and perhaps even 6m chance openings. ‘If in doubt call CQ’ is the take-away message here. Moon declination goes positive on Friday the 29th of September and reaches its peak the following Thursday. This means increasing Moon elevation and lengthening Moon Windows until then. The downside being that path losses are increasing all week ahead of apogee on the 10th of October. 144MHz sky noise starts off low, increasing to 500 Kelvin next Thursday before dropping again for the weekend. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 24th of September 2023 The news headlines: RSGB 2023 Convention RSGB Board appointment RSGB Trophy Manager   It is just three weeks until the RSGB 2023 Convention so grab a coffee and browse the great line-up of speakers at this year’s event. The keynote and after-dinner speaker is Colonel John Doody, who has the unique experience of having held appointments in Defence, the Intelligence Services and Industry. John will discuss his radio communication experiences across the frequency spectrum from VLF, LF, HF, VHF and SHF to satellite communications from 1965 to today. He will also talk about how amateur radio skills can help people make the most of the many career opportunities within the RF Spectrum. During the rest of the weekend, you will have a wealth of topics and speakers to choose from, ranging from DXpeditions and SOTA to 23cm, aircraft scatter, 30THz cutting-edge technology and everything else in between! AMSAT-UK is also holding its Colloquium at the RSGB Convention again. Find out more at rsgb.org/convention and book your place at this fantastic amateur radio event. The RSGB Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Horton, G4AOJ as a co-opted Director to assist it in its duties until the RSGB 2024 AGM. After serving for nine years, the RSGB Trophy Manager is retiring and the Society is looking for a new volunteer for this role. Although traditionally an individual role, the tasks of the Trophy Manager could also be carried out by a small team. Working in close relationship with the three Contest Committees and the RSGB General Manager, the Trophy Manager looks after the RSGB trophies arranges for their engraving and presentation to recipients, and maintains the trophies’ history. Currently, the trophies are stored in a commercial storage facility, paid for by the RSGB, and this can be moved near to the location of the new Trophy Manager or team. If you are interested in applying for the role as an individual or a small team, please email [email protected] or you can find out more about the role on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers For the whole month of October 2023, a new event known as ‘UK Bunkers On The Air’ will be taking place. The event is now a standalone activity and this year it is dedicated to the memory of the late Chris Darlington, M0DOL. It recognises his work to establish Bunkers On The Air within the former Castles And Stately Homes On The Air, or CASHOTA, team. This is a brand new activity with a fully revamped register of former Royal Observer Corps bunkers, with more than 1,500 potential references to activate or chase. Activities are planned for the HF and VHF bands. This is a good opportunity to get out and do some portable activity before the winter closes in. Awards will be available for chasers, activators and short-wave listeners. Overseas amateurs and short-wave listeners will be very welcome to chase activators and apply for awards. For more details, search for ‘Bunkers On The Air’ on Facebook, visit bunkersontheair.org or email [email protected] Lots of operators are taking part in Railways on the Air weekend. Today, the 24th, is the last day of the event, so log the participating special event stations while you can! For more information, and to see a list of stations taking part, visit rota.barac.org.uk This is the last call for volunteers to apply to be the new Intruder Watch Coordinator when Richard Lamont, G4DYA retires from the role in a few weeks. If you’re interested in finding out more, email RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB at [email protected] or look at the volunteer description on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers  And now for details of rallies and events The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hangar Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 24th of September. The venue is Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. The sale includes electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information visit hackgreen.co.uk or contact [email protected] Any last-minute news will appear on facebook.com/HGsecretbunker The Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 24th of September. The venue is Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors are open from 8 a.m. for traders and from 9.30 a.m. for the public. The entrance fee is £3. The event features trade stands, tabletop sales, bring and buy, local radio clubs’ displays, an RSGB book stall and Raynet. Refreshments are available from the Museum’s cafeteria. Please direct enquiries to [email protected] The Weston Super Mare Radio Society Radio and Electronics Rally is being held today, the 24th of September. The venue is The Campus Community Centre, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX. The doors are open from 10 am and entry is £3 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. Free parking and refreshments are available. For more information, email [email protected] or call 07871 034 206. Biggleswade Swap-meet and Auction is taking place today, Sunday the 24th of September. The venue is The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. The doors are open from 9.30 am and entry is £8. The auction starts at 12.30 pm. Bring and buy, hot food and ample parking are available. For more information, email Jeremy, G8MLK via [email protected] Now the Special Event News Special callsign OQ95RCL is in use throughout 2023 by Radio Club Leuven, ON4CP, in Belgium, to celebrate its 95th anniversary. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, the bureau, or direct to ON3AR. VI10VKFF is the special callsign in use to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the World Wide Flora and Fauna programme in Australia. It will be used from Australian parks until the end of 2023. QSL via Logbook of the World,  eQSL, or via VK5PAS, direct or via the bureau.   Now the DX news Darren, VK4MAP will be active as 3D2RAT from Rotuma Island, OC-060, until the 29th of September. He operates SSB on the 80, 40, 20, 15, 12 and 10m bands. QSL direct to home call. Holger, ZL3IO will be active as ZL7IO from Waitangi, Chatham Islands, OC-038, until the 29th of September. He is QRV on the 160 to 10m bands using CW, RTTY, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or via DK7AO. Don, M0CVZ will be active as 6Y5DH from Jamaica, NA-097, until the 30th of September. He will operate SSB on the 40, 20, 17, 12 and 10m bands. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news The CQ Worldwide DX RTTY Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 23rd of September and ends at 2359UTC today, the 24th of September. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. Today, the 24th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, today, the 24th, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 26th of September, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 27th of September, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday the 28th of September, the Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest runs from 1200UTC on Saturday 30th of September to 1200UTC on Sunday the 1st of October. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Stations from the UK and Ireland also send their District Code. This event replaces the original RSGB DX contest. It is listed on the RSGB contest calendar and, for entrants from the UK and Crown Dependencies, counts towards the HF Championship. This international DX SSB contest also has a Teams section. Team members, with a maximum of three members, can be from different DXCCs and can enter different sections. Rules, in English and eight other languages, can be found under the "DX CONTESTS" menu at ukeicc.com The Worked All Britain DX Contest runs from 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th of September to 1200UTC on Sunday the 1st of October. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of September 2023 Last week’s space weather was very disturbed from a geomagnetic point of view. The Kp index hit 6.67 on the 19th of September, spawning reports of visible aurora from around the UK once again. This was the result of a coronal mass ejection passing Earth, which caused a period of strong G3 storming very early that morning. The ionosphere was badly affected with MUFs over a 3,000km path down below 18MHz for most of the day. By Wednesday the 20th, things began to improve and MUFs were back to 21MHz, and sometimes even 24MHz, by late morning. By Thursday the 21st, the Kp index was down to 2.67. Meanwhile, we had numerous C- and M-class solar flares to contend with as well – a total of 39 from the 18th to the 20th. So, last week was not exactly a good time for HF operations! This week, commencing today the 24th, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 135 to 145 although, if the past month is anything to go by, it could easily be higher. The Kp index is forecast to be 2, apart from on the 28th and 29th when it could rise to 4. In reality, with so many sunspots, we could have a solar flare and associated coronal mass ejection at any time, so take these predictions with a pinch of salt! The good news is that we are now past the autumnal equinox, so the ionosphere is improving. Expect better worldwide HF conditions as we head towards October and November. And now the VHF and up propagation news The recent unsettled weather seems to have set a trend for us with a likely repeat process through the coming week, although there may be a few drier interludes. The next low in the sequence will soon be arriving to keep the rather unsettled theme in play. This means that rain scatter is a good choice for operators during the period. There is usually some uncertainty in such a complex pattern, and recent model runs have been alternating between a return of high pressure during the next week, with a chance of Tropo, and the continuation of lows with fronts bringing rain and showers. We are, however, in a ‘keep the lows coming’ mindset at the moment, so don’t build your hopes of Tropo too high. Such uncertainties in long lead-time forecasts are quite typical at this time of the year when ex-hurricanes can get involved in the Atlantic flow pattern and disrupt the forecasts very easily. The other modes to monitor are aurora, which has been seen recently from southern Britain, so definitely one to keep in mind, and meteor scatter, which can be productive. We are approaching the ‘busy season’ for meteors with several good showers between early October and December. However, the last week in September does not hold much promise. There are always random meteors to keep interest alive, but this week might be better used getting equipment ready for the next few months of activity. Having reached its lowest declination of the lunar month, the Moon is now beginning its slow climb back up. With the Moon out of Sagittarius, sky noise will decrease and is at its lowest mid-week. Path loss, or degradation, will be lowest on the 27th with the Moon at perigee, its closest point to Earth. The full Moon is on the 29th. Altogether, it looks like a good week for EME operations, especially if you can elevate your antenna or dish reflector. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 17th of September 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Strategic Priorities RSGB 2023 Convention YOTA month The RSGB Board has chosen four strategic priorities for the Society to focus on until the 2024 AGM. These are the growth of amateur radio; membership of the RSGB; spectrum and licensing; and ensuring the continued financial stability of the Society. These priorities will set the framework for the RSGB’s activities over the coming months. Both HQ staff and volunteers across the range of RSGB teams will be involved in planning how best to implement these four priorities. Look out for further details in the coming weeks. The RSGB 2023 Convention has a great speaker programme and there are also some fantastic forums to take part in. The RSGB HF and VHF Forums will take place on Sunday, and on Saturday in conjunction with ICQPodcast, the RSGB is offering Convention attendees the chance to discuss two important topics. The first will challenge you to consider and take responsibility for the issues within amateur radio today – for example, is amateur radio just about what you like? Should someone else fix the issues you see? The second forum will focus on QRM and how both newcomers and experienced radio amateurs can sometimes feel frustrated or discouraged by on-air activities. In both forums you can discuss personal experiences, share ideas, and help to promote positive interactions with fellow radio amateurs. You will leave with a notepad full of ideas. The only way to participate in these forums is to be at the Convention, so do book your package or tickets now! Full information about the updated programme, speakers, the drop-in buildathon and the social scene are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention December is Youngsters on the Air, or YOTA, month and is an exciting opportunity for you, your club, school, or social group to host an amateur radio station with the aim of getting youngsters active on the amateur bands. Once approval from Ofcom is received, the RSGB will provide access to the special callsign GB23YOTA and a full list of operating slots will be made available on QRZ.com. These slots will be first-come, first-served, so check your calendars and reserve your place as soon as possible. If you’d like to register your interest for YOTA month, or simply ask for further information, you can email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] The RSGB Learning Team is calling out for your help – it is looking for volunteers to get involved in the development, implementation and relaunching of the new Discovery Challenge, which is a revamp of the Individual Scheme from the Beyond Exams initiative. The team is proposing to split the activities into three levels – Explorer, Adventurer and Master. If you’d like to help out with these exciting changes, or would just like to share some ideas or feedback, you can contact Mark Burrows, 2E0SBM the Beyond Exams Coordinator at [email protected] The UK Six Metre Group’s 2023 AGM will be held via Zoom on Sunday the 8th of October from 6pm BST. The brief formal part of the meeting will be followed by a talk from Antoine, 3D2AG entitled “Extending 6m DX boundaries from the Heart of the South Pacific." Zoom details have been emailed to members. Non-members will be welcome to join the call but will not be able to vote on AGM business. For more information about the group, visit uksmg.org The popular Railways on the Air weekend, coordinated by Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club, usually takes place on the weekend closest to the 27th of September each year. This date celebrates the anniversary of the first steam-powered passenger railway journey which took place on the 27th of September 1825. The first passenger train ran on a line in North East England from Darlington to Stockton. This year, the event will run on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of September with lots of special event stations on the air. For more information, to register, and to see a list of stations taking part, visit rota.barac.org.uk   And now for details of rallies and events The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hangar Sale will take place on Sunday the 24th of September. The venue will be Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. The sale will include electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information visit hackgreen.co.uk or contact [email protected] Any last-minute news will appear on facebook.com/HGsecretbunker The Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 24th of September. The venue will be Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors will be open from 8am for traders and from 9.30am for the public. The entrance fee will be £3. The event will feature trade stands, tabletop sales, bring and buy, local radio clubs’ displays, an RSGB book stall and Raynet. Refreshments will be available from the Museum’s cafeteria. Please direct enquiries to [email protected] The Weston super Mare Radio Society Radio and Electronics Rally will take place on Sunday the 24th of September. The venue will be The Campus Community Centre, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7DX. The doors will open at 10am and entry will be £3 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. Free parking and refreshments will be available. For more information, or to book a table, email [email protected] or call 07871 034 206. Biggleswade Swap-meet and Auction will take place on Sunday the 24th of September. The venue will be The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. The doors will open at 9.30am and entry costs £8. The auction starts at 12.30pm. Bring and buy, hot food and ample parking will be available. To book tables, or for further information, email Jeremy, G8MLK via [email protected] Now the Special Event News Special callsign TI70RC will be active until the 30th of September to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Radio Club de Costa Rica, TI0RC, founded on the 29th of September 1953. QSL via Logbook of the World. Special event callsign DM23BUGA is active until the 8th of October. The suffix stands for 'Bundesgartenschau’, the biennial horticulture show and festival that is taking place in Mannheim this year. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. Direct cards will be managed via DL2VFR. Now the DX news Claudio, HB9OAU is active as SV5/HB9OAU from Karpathos Island, EU-001, until the 21st of September. He is operating using SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8 on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or direct to his home call. Ken, KH6QJ is active as T32AZ from Christmas Island, OC-024, until the 17th of October. QSL via KH6QJ, direct or via the bureau. John, VK1POR is active on Deal Island, OC-195, until the 1st of December. He often uses FT8 on the HF bands and uploads his log to eQSL and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news Today, the 17th of September, the 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 17th of September, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. EI and GI stations also give their county. Also today, the 17th of September, the IRTS 2m Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1500UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. EI and GI stations also give their county. Also today, the 17th of September, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number. On Monday the 18th of September, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 19th of September, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 21st of September, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The CQ Worldwide DX RTTY Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 23rd and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 24th of September. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. On Sunday the 24th of September, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Sunday the 24th of September, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of September 2023 While our terrestrial weather this week was variable, it seems our space weather was equally unsettled! We warned last week that it wouldn’t take much to cause the Kp index to rise and on Tuesday a coronal mass ejection, or CME, hit the Earth sending the Kp index to 5.67. The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field tipped sharply south for a long duration causing visible aurora to be seen across the north of the UK and as far south as Cornwall. This really hit HF quite hard and good signals were scarce. Unsettled radio conditions continued into Wednesday bringing the Maximum Usable Frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path down below 18MHz for most of the day. The Kp index was still around 3 or 4 on Thursday, but MUFs were recovering and were at around 28MHz over 3,000km by lunchtime. Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will start the week around 165 and then decline as the week progresses, perhaps ending at around 145 to 150. Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be quiet, at least until the 23rd when the Kp could rise to four. But at this point in the solar cycle the risk of a solar flare, and subsequent CME, remains high every day, so watch solarham.net for up-to-date information. And finally, a new paper by NASA’s Lisa Upton and David Hathaway indicates that sunspot maximum is now forecast to be in the Autumn of 2024. They predict a maximum sunspot number of 135, plus or minus 10, which is slightly larger than Cycle 24’s maximum of 116.4, but well below the average of 179 for Solar Cycles 1 to 23. And now the VHF and up propagation news Tropo conditions are still present over southern areas today, the 17th. However, by early next week, low pressure will be a dominant force and the coming week looks very unsettled with rain and quite strong winds at times. This means that any Tropo, either across the southern North Sea or down across Biscay, will not last beyond this weekend, ending today the 17th. The unsettled low-pressure-driven weather will mean that rain scatter is a distinct possibility on some of the more active days. The other propagation modes are the usual fall-backs of meteor scatter using random meteors and aurora, which may not be too far-fetched in view of the geomagnetic activity and visible auroras experienced recently. The September Epsilon Perseids meteor shower has already peaked earlier in the month, but a few lingering meteors may give some truly random radio reflections. Last week there were indications that this normally quiet period after the August Perseids and the forthcoming October Draconids can still provide some interest for persistent meteor scatter enthusiasts. During this coming equinox week, the Moon will reach its lowest declination of the month on the 22nd and 23rd. This point also coincides with the Moon being in Sagittarius, so that sky noise will be very high. This will make moon bounce operations particularly difficult towards the end of the week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 10th of September 2023 The news headlines: RSGB 2023 Convention RSGB 2023 outreach and buildathons National Coding Week     The RSGB 2023 Convention will be held this year from the 13th to the 15th of October. It is an action-packed weekend of amateur radio and includes the AMSAT-UK Colloquium which will be held during the Convention again. You can chat to the Special Interest Groups and RSGB Committees over a coffee, browse the latest amateur radio equipment and maybe even win a great prize if you buy a ticket in the DXpedition Fund raffle. There will also be two interesting forums on Saturday run in partnership with ICQPodcast. For the first time, the Convention will also have a clear focus on outreach and practical activities as the RSGB provides opportunities for individuals and clubs to ‘have a go’ and be inspired to try new things in their local areas. The draft programme will be available in the October RadCom but is also available now on the RSGB website to give you an idea of the fantastic range of talks that will be happening over the weekend. Find out more and take advantage of the early-bird booking price which is available until the 14th of September – go to rsgb.org/convention As part of the RSGB’s commitment to the growth of amateur radio, Regional Representative David De La Haye, M0MDB will be giving a presentation at the RSGB Convention in which he will explain more about the Regional Team and how its members can support you to do amateur radio outreach in your local area. A particular focus will be on organising the ever-popular buildathon events. Once you’ve picked up some tips, you can then have a go at building one of a range of kits provided by Kanga Products. The RSGB Convention buildathon is a drop-in event on Saturday the 14th of October which runs from 10.30am to 5pm. You can also confirm your preferred time by pre-booking a slot for a deposit of £5, which is refundable against the cost of the kit you choose to build. Pre-booked time slots will be allocated as first-come, first-served, so make sure to book now! For full details and to book your slot, visit the RSGB website at rsgb.org/buildathon National Coding Week runs from the 18th of September, but the RSGB is dedicating the whole of September to a focus on amateur radio and coding. There is a range of activity sheets on the RSGB website and we know of schools and amateur radio clubs that are getting involved. Whether you’d like to try the BBC:Microbit, have a go at Node RED or find out more about GNU Radio, this is a great way to try something new, extend your skills, or share your knowledge with your local club, school or community group. If you’d like some support or advice, contact RSGB volunteer John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected], and if you’re planning an event let the RSGB know – email [email protected] so the Society can share your stories and photos to inspire others! Air Ambulance Week 2023 is finishing today, the 10th of September. Lots of amateur radio stations are active on the air to help raise awareness of the lifesaving work that is carried out by the UK’s air ambulance charities. Please give them a call! More information about Air Ambulance Week 2023 can be found by visiting airambulancesuk.org Amateur radio has been mentioned in the mainstream media twice this week. RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM, was interviewed in a BBC news feature about the demise of longwave radio. You can read it online by searching for “Long wave radio fans mourn fading frequencies”. Secondly, Helen Sharman, the first person from the UK to go into space, was chatting on The Naked Scientists podcast about using amateur radio on the International Space Station to talk to school pupils. Search for “Helen Sharman: chatting with Mikhail Gorbachev” and skip to three minutes and 49 seconds into the podcast.  And now for details of rallies and events Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 10th of September. The venue is Caister Lifeboat station, Caister on Sea, NR30 5DJ. The doors are open from 9 am to 2 pm. Access for traders is available from 8 a.m. Admission is free. Inside tables cost £10 each. The outside tables cost £5 each. For more information, contact Zane, M1BFI via email on [email protected] or phone 07711 214 790. The Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Saturday the 16th of September. The venue will be Whitehall Road Methodist Church, Whitehall Road, Bensham, Gateshead, NE8 4LH. The doors will be open to traders from 7.30 am and tables cost £6. The event will be open to the public from 10 am to 2 pm and admission will be £2.50. Bacon butties and hot drinks will be available to purchase. There will be a bring-and-buy and a raffle on the day. Please contact [email protected] for further information.   Now the Special Event News Rustington Amateur Radio Group and Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club will be active with Special Event Station GB1SCW on Saturday the 16th of September. Working between 10.30 am and 4.30 pm, operation will take place on HF, VHF and UHF bands using various modes including SSB, FM and digital modes. The station will be operating to celebrate the work of coastal communities, in particular the National Coastwatch Institution and Royal National Lifeboat Institution. More information is available via QRZ.com OO35ATH is the special callsign in use by members of the Radio Club de Ath, ON4ATH, in Belgium, to celebrate the club's 35th anniversary. The station will be active until the 30th of September.   Now the DX news John, W5JON is active as V47JA from St. Kitts, NA-104, in the West Indies, until the 12th of September. He is operating SSB and FT8 on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or direct only to W5JON. Mike, DG5LAC is active as OZ/DG5LAC from Romo Island, EU-125, in Denmark, until the 13th of September. He will operate using FT8, FT4 and some SSB. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World and eQSL.   Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 10th of September, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 9th of September and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 10th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 12th of September, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 12th of September, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 13th of September, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Wednesday the 13th of September, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday, the 13th of September, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 14th of September, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 17th of September, the 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 17th of September, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. EI and GI stations also give their county. Also on Sunday the 17th of September, the IRTS 2m Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1500UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. EI and GI stations also give their county. On Sunday the 17th of September, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of September 2023 The propagation team was caught out last week by two coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, that came off the edge of the Sun. The arrival of those CMEs on the 3rd of September eventually pushed the Kp index to 5.67. In its report, Spaceweather.com said that it was possible that a CME arrived on the 2nd of September, but its weak impact was masked by a chaotic stream of solar wind already blowing around Earth at the time. At this time of year, even weak CMEs can do a good job of sparking auroras as a result of the Russell-McPherron effect, which boosts geomagnetic activity around the equinoxes. So much for saying that we could expect quiet geomagnetic conditions last week! The Solar Flux Index declined to 131 but has since recovered to reach 147 on Thursday the 7th, with eight active regions visible. We had a number of M-class solar flares last week, but nothing too damaging. With the Kp index back to one on the 7th, we saw daytime MUFs rising again, heading above 24.9MHz over a 3,000km path. There were lots of Chinese and Japanese stations on 21MHz FT8 around 1100UTC on Thursday. And up on 12m FT8, even more of the same. DX stations included Thomas, KH0/KC0W on the Mariana Islands in the Pacific. While the 10m band was just about open as well, it offered slim pickings compared with the 12m band. Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will increase over the week to hit perhaps 155 by next weekend. Geomagnetic conditions remain variable with a Kp index of three or four forecast for the 12th to the 16th. This weekend the geomagnetic forecast is that it will be quiet although, with so many sunspots visible at the moment, it wouldn’t take much for a CME to disrupt things. As always, keep an eye on solarham.net for near real-time updates. And now the VHF and up propagation news The RSGB 144MHz Trophy produced good DX on 2m into Poland and Sweden, so we guess that Tropo performed for us this week. This spell of hot sunny weather, due to high pressure, does mean Tropo was the mode of choice for the end of this current week, ending today the 10th, especially across the North Sea. However, unsettled weather is gradually encroaching from the west, introducing some thundery rain into western areas, and this will spread east. Although the Tropo will cease, Gigahertz bands rain scatter is a likely replacement although very isolated rather than the widespread nature of a good Tropo event. It should be noted that next week is not fully determined by all models with quite a spread of outcomes. Either way, it's Tropo or rain scatter for most areas next week. It’s always possible that meteor scatter and aurora could show during this period. The early morning, around dawn, is usually the best time to look for random meteor scatter activity in the absence of any major meteor showers. For aurora, it’s best to follow the solar data from spaceweather.com to pick up early alerts and an increasing Kp index. For EME stations, Moon declination is at its highest this weekend but with apogee, the Moon’s furthest point from Earth, next Tuesday, path losses are high. 144MHz sky noise is low for most of the week except for Thursday and Friday when the Moon and Sun are very close, meaning high solar noise in the beamwidth of antennas.    And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 3rd of September 2023 The news headlines: Ofcom Consultation RSGB 2023 Convention RSGB Foundation Awards Time is running out to respond to Ofcom’s consultation “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework”. The deadline is Monday the 4th of September. The RSGB will be sending its own formal response, but Ofcom is interested in the views of every radio amateur. This is the biggest review of amateur radio licensing and callsign policy in a generation and your response will count. Please remind your amateur radio friends and colleagues to make time to send in their response so their views are heard too. The RSGB has information, videos and guidance on its website at rsgb.org/licencereview Have you booked for the RSGB 2023 Convention yet? The ‘early bird’ booking price has been extended to the 14th of September, so join hundreds of others at this fantastic amateur radio event over the weekend of the 13th to the 15th of October. The keynote speaker will be Colonel John Doody who will discuss his radio communication experiences across the frequency spectrum from HF, VHF, SHF and satellite communications from 1965 to the present day. Colonel Doody is a retired officer of the UK Royal Corps of Signals, the author of “From Stripes to Stars” and he served at GCHQ and the former Communications-Electronics Security Group for ten years as Head of Information Assurance Customer Services. John has a wealth of knowledge across the whole spectrum of cyber security, information assurance, cryptography and radio communications. The rest of the Convention programme is nearly complete and includes expert speakers on a wide range of amateur radio topics. From portable contesting and SOTA, to antennas, radio astronomy, and developments in electronic equipment to detect RF electrical interference, you will be spoilt for choice! More details will appear in the October issue of RadCom and the RSGB will be publishing the draft programme on its website soon. For more information and to book go to rsgb.org/convention Have you just passed your Foundation licence? Or are you an established Foundation licence holder who is looking for a new challenge? The RSGB has just launched a new range of Foundation Awards that are available to UK Foundation licence holders from September 2023. There is an HF Award, a VHF Award and a third Award where you can choose to use a mix of any bands permitted by the licence, but you need to gain a larger number of contacts on a greater number of bands. These Awards give you plenty to choose from whatever you enjoy within amateur radio. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/foundation-awards The RSGB’s autumn Tonight@8 programme kicks off at 8pm on Monday the 4th of September with a presentation on MINOS Contest Logging Software by Peter Burton, G3ZPB. Peter will look at what MINOS does in terms of contest logging, installation and set-up, plus how to get hands-on when using it in a contest. You can find out more about the presentation and Peter on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars and you can join the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB Air Ambulance Week 2023 is taking place across the UK from Monday the 4th to Sunday the 10th of September. Lots of amateur radio stations will be on the air to help raise awareness of the lifesaving work that is carried out by the UK’s air ambulance charities, so please give them a call. More information about Air Ambulance Week 2023 can be found by visiting airambulancesuk.org The popular Churches and Chapels on the Air event, also known as ‘CHOTA’, will be taking place next Saturday the 9th of September from 10am to 4pm. All bands and all modes will be in use. For more information about the event, and to see a list of registered stations, visit wacral.org or email John, G3XYF at [email protected]   And now for details of rallies and events Telford Hamfest is taking place today, Sunday the 3rd of September. The venue is Harper Adams University campus near Telford, Shropshire, TF10 8NB. Talk-in is available on 145.550MHz FM. Further details are available at telfordhamfest.org.uk If you have any questions, contact Martyn, G3UKV on 01952 255416 or John, M0JZH on 07824 737716. Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 3rd of September. The venue is Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. The usual bring and buy, trader stands and refreshments are available. The doors open at 10am and admission is £2.50. Free parking is available. For more information email Roger via [email protected] or phone 07854 088 882. Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 10th of September. The venue will be Caister Lifeboat station, Caister on Sea, NR30 5DJ. The doors will be open from 9am to 2pm. Access for traders is available from 8am. Admission is free. Inside tables cost £10 each. Outside tables cost £5 each. Contact Zane, M1BFI via email on [email protected] or phone  07711 214 790. The Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Saturday the 16th of September. The venue will be Whitehall Road Methodist Church, Whitehall Road, Bensham, Gateshead, NE8 4LH. The doors are open to traders from 7.30am and tables cost £6. The event will be open to the public from 10am to 2pm and admission will be £2.50. Bacon butties and hot drinks will be available to purchase. There will be a bring-and-buy and a raffle on the day. Please contact [email protected] for further information. Now the Special Event News Special callsign VI7ALARA is active on the HF bands until the 8th of November to mark the Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association's meeting in Hobart this year. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. For more information visit alara.org.au OQ95RCL is the special callsign in use throughout 2023 by Radio Club Leuven, ON4CP to celebrate its 95th anniversary. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, the bureau, or direct to ON3AR. Now the DX news Today, the 3rd, is the last chance to work Matt, AF2F while he is active as K4H from Hatteras Island, NA-067. He is using CW and FT8. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Christo, LZ3FN and Thomas, SV2CLJ are QRV from Skyros Island, EU-060, in Greece, as SV8/LZ3FN and SV8/SV2CLJ. They are operating on the 80 to 2m bands using CW, SSB and digital modes until the 7th of September. Now the contest news IARU Region 1 Field Day and RSGB SSB Field Day both started at 1300UTC on Saturday the 2nd of September and end at 1300UTC today, the 3rd of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The 144MHz Trophy Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 2nd of September and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of September. Using All modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The All Asian DX Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 2nd of September and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number and age. Today, the 3rd of September, the Worked All Britain 2m QRO Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using phone, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Today, the 3rd of September, the 5th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 4th of September, the Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 5th of September, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 5th of September, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 6th of September, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 6th of September, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 6th of September the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest runs from 0000UTC on Saturday the 9th of September to 2359UTC on Sunday the 10th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 10th of September, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 31st of August 2023 We had another week of relatively settled solar conditions. The Kp Index never really got above three and the Solar Flux Index flattened to be below 140. Solar flares were nominal with only minor C-class events occurring and with no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. The solar wind speed remains low as does its density. The all-important Bz has headed south at times meaning it more easily couples to the Earth’s magnetic field, but the solar wind’s low speed and density means we have not suffered from geomagnetic disturbances. As a result, ionospheric conditions were quite good with much DX romping in on 21MHz, including Mongolia on FT8 during the afternoon. On the 10m band Vlad, 9Q2WX in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Robert, 9N7AA in Nepal, were both logged around lunchtime on CW. At the same time, Ravi, S79VU in the Seychelles could be heard on SSB. The Chilton and Fairford Digisondes remain down, but Dourbes remains online which is still driving propquest.co.uk Daytime maximum useable frequencies over a 3,000km path are currently peaking above 28MHz at times, although you may find 21 and 24MHz more usable. Daytime critical frequencies remain above 7MHz making the 40m band very useful around the UK. Next week, NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will remain in the range of 140 to156. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be quiet, apart from an excursion between September the 6th to the 8th when the Kp index could rise to three. And now the VHF and up propagation news There will be some GHz bands rain scatter on offer as we end this current week, but it’s ‘all change’ by the weekend. The prospects for VHF and UHF, then, are looking very promising indeed, especially good for those out working portable in the 144MHz Trophy Contest today, the 3rd of September. After lots of uncertainty in the forecast during the last week, there is now plenty of support from the models that the high-pressure version is the favoured outcome. This should be very encouraging for 2m band contesters hoping to get some enhanced Tropo propagation. Paths across the southern North Sea to Denmark and southern Sweden look good throughout. It would also be worth looking to the south across the Channel and, for some southwestern parts of the UK, down across Biscay to Spain. There are two very useful websites that detail the expected Tropo prospects using the weather forecast model data to calculate the vertical changes in the refractive index of the air and hence Tropo. These are dxinfocentre.com and tropo.f5len.org Remember that Tropo improves as you move from HF to 2m, to 70cm and 23cm. So, give CW or SSB a try and don’t just stay on FT8 or over-crowded repeater channels during lift conditions. These enhanced Tropo conditions will likely extend well into next week, but with a chance of low pressure bringing unsettled weather back to the south by the end of next week. The daily Sporadic-E blogs have finished for this year, but the jet stream charts will still be available on propquest.co.uk and of course, random meteor scatter and chance aurora are still there if you are lucky. For EME stations, Moon declination is positive again but reaches maximum late at night initially moving to early morning as the week progresses. Last Wednesday’s perigee means path losses are still low but increasing daily. 144MHz sky noise is low, rising to moderate by next weekend. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 27th of August 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Board Co-option RSGB 2023 Convention IARU Region 1 Conference  RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX is pleased to announce that the Board has co-opted Ben Lloyd, GW4BML as a Board Director until the AGM in April 2024. Ben had a significant number of votes in the RSGB 2023 Board elections. Ben brings a fresh perspective together with a very active life as a radio amateur in Wales. The Society hopes you will welcome Ben to his new role. The RSGB 2023 Convention is just seven weeks away and the Society is delighted that AMSAT will be holding its Colloquium during the event again. The RSGB’s programme includes a fantastic range of expert speakers and amateur radio topics. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about the Rockall DXpedition 2023 and the Bouvet 3Y0J DXpedition; Cathy Clarke, G1GQJ will share the history of RAYNET and its importance in the modern world; and there are presentations on aircraft scatter, PCB Building plus working FM satellites on a budget. Following the exciting news that the UK will be the hosts for the World Radiosport Team Championship in 2026, you’ll hear from competitors and referees who took part in the 2022 Championship and gain an insight into the preparations for the 2026 event. For the first time, the Convention will also have a clear focus on outreach and practical activities as the RSGB provides opportunities for individuals and clubs to ‘have a go’ and be inspired to try new things in their local areas. These are just some of the many highlights and the RSGB will be publishing full details in the October RadCom. Keep an eye on rsgb.org/convention for more details over the next couple of weeks. Also, the RSGB is delighted to announce that Keith Hotchkiss, G0FEA has been appointed as the RSGB’s volunteer Lecture Coordinator for the 2023 Convention. Keith will be working with General Manager and Convention Chair Steve Thomas, M1ACB and the rest of the Convention team to create another fantastic event. IARU Region 1 will hold its next General Conference from the 1st to the 4th of November 2023 in Zlatibor, Serbia. A wide range of papers and proposals are now available online and the RSGB welcomes comments on these. Topics include: general reports; organisational and budget proposals; the new HF Bandplan; VHF, UHF and SHF changes; and consideration of WRC-23, the World Radiocommunication Conference, which follows shortly afterwards. Other themes include: strategic projects and progress, accommodating digital technologies, contests, EMC and other spectrum matters. Comments should be forwarded to the relevant HF, VHF or Microwave spectrum manager, by Thursday the 12th of October, in order to allow time to finalise the RSGB position. You can find a link to the consultation via thersgb.org/go/iaruconsult Have you replied to the Ofcom consultation about amateur radio yet? And have you read the article by Ofcom Director for Spectrum, David Willis, in the September edition of RadCom? In it, David says: “We fully recognise the contribution amateur radio has made to developing radio technologies over the years, including in the development of radar and LTE. We know how important amateur radio is as a hobby to those who are involved, and that it plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of radio engineers.” This recognition of the importance of amateur radio skills for careers in engineering dovetails with the RSGB’s strategic priority to grow and develop amateur radio. You can read David’s full article on the RSGB website and watch three RSGB presentations that give information and guidance about the Ofcom Consultation. The Society encourages every radio amateur to submit their views about the Consultation proposals – go to rsgb.org/licencereview A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event is taking place this weekend and will finish tomorrow, Monday the 28th. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Lots of stations are active, so why not give them a call? To find out more about the event visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link. It has been announced this week that the UK will host the world’s first summit on artificial intelligence safety in November. The summit will be held at the iconic Bletchley Park, which is one of the birthplaces of computer science. To be able to host an event of this global importance, Bletchley Park and the RSGB National Radio Centre will be closed to the public from Saturday the 28th of October to Friday the 3rd of November inclusive. If you have pre-booked a visit for during that time, Bletchley Park will contact you. For more information see bletchleypark.org.uk And now for details of rallies and events Torbay Annual Communications Fair is taking place today, Sunday the 27th of August. The venue is Newton Abbot Racecourse, TQ12 3AF. This is an indoor event with free parking. The doors open at 10am. A bring-and-buy area, on-site catering, and an RSGB bookstall are available. For more information contact Pete, G4VTO on 01803 864 528, Mike, G1TUU on 01803 557 941 or email [email protected] Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is also taking place today, Sunday the 27th of August. The rally is being held at a new venue this year – Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes, MK8 9AA. The venue is opposite the National Badminton Centre and has excellent modern amenities together with free on-site parking, catering and disabled facilities. The entrance fee is £3 and doors are open to the public from 9am. Outdoor pitches and indoor tables are available. For trader and exhibitor enquiries please email [email protected]  For more information see mkars.org.uk The Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally will take place tomorrow, Monday the 28th of August. The venue will be Ernulf Academy, St Neots, PE19 2SH. The gates open for traders at 7am and for the public at 9am. The entrance fee will be £3 and free car parking will be available. The event will feature an RSGB bookstall and bring and buy. For more information, email Malcolm, M0OLG via [email protected] or phone 01480 214282. On Saturday the 2nd of September, the G-QRP Club Convention, featuring its famous Buildathon, will take place at the Harper Adams University campus near Telford, Shropshire, TF10 8NB. The following day, Sunday the 3rd of September, Telford Hamfest will take place at the same venue. Talk-in will be available on Sunday morning on 145.550MHz FM. Further details are available at gqrp.com/convention.htm and telfordhamfest.org.uk  If you have any questions, you can contact Martyn, G3UKV on 01952 255416 or John, M0JZH on 07824 737716. Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 3rd of September. The venue will be Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands and refreshments available. The doors will open at 10am and admission will be £2.50. Free parking will be available. For more information email Roger via [email protected] or phone 07854 088882. Now the Special Event News PG100N is the special callsign in use to celebrate the centenary of the lighthouse located at Noordwijk aan Zee. Look out for activity until the 11th of September, especially during Open Monument Day on the 9th and 10th of September. QSL via the bureau to PA7DA. Special callsign LX90RTL is active in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Radio Luxembourg’s first long wave broadcast. It is being used by various LX operators until the end of the 2023 year.  Look for activity on the HF bands. QSOs are possible via SSB, CW, digital modes and satellite. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the DARC bureau. The logs will be uploaded to  Club Log, Logbook of the World and eQSL on a regular basis. See QRZ.com for more information. Now the DX news Frans, DJ0TP will be active as TK/DJ0TP from the main island of Corsica, EU-014, until the 3rd of September. QSL via his home call and Logbook of the World. From the 1st to the 7th of September, Christo, LZ3FN and Thomas, SV2CLJ will be QRV from Skyros Island, EU-060, in Greece, as SV8/LZ3FN and SV8/SV2CLJ. They will be operating on the 80 to 2m bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. Now the contest news Today, the 27th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 27th, the CQ RTTYops Contest is running from 1200 to 2359UTC. Using RTTY only on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and the four-digit year of your first licence. The World Wide Digi DX Contest ends today, the 27th, at 1200UTC. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator. The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 2nd of September and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 3rd of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number and age. On Saturday the 2nd of September, the CWops CW Open will run from 0000 to 2359UTC. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number and name. IARU Region 1 SSB Field Day starts at 1300UTC on Saturday the 2nd of September and ends at 1300UTC on Sunday the 3rd of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The 144MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 2nd of September and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 3rd of September. Using All modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 3rd of September, the Worked All Britain 2m QRO Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using phone, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. On Sunday the 3rd of September, the 5th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 24th of August 2023 Last week saw plenty of DX being worked, thanks to quiet geomagnetic conditions and a seasonal change to a more autumnal ionosphere. Although we are still in August, there are signs that the ionosphere is moving away from its summer doldrums as its chemical composition changes to more monatomic species, which ionise more easily. Another bonus is that there has been a big reduction in the size and number of coronal holes on the Sun, which again leads to lower Kp indices. Mike, G8AXA reports that, for the first time in a long while, his Faros IBP beacon monitoring software recorded the VK6RBP beacon on 28.200MHz between 0857 and 1000UTC, via short path, just making S1 on his long wire and Yaesu FT-991A. On 21.150MHz, he also recorded hearing the ZL6B beacon between 0757 and 0909UTC up to S3. Conditions should continue to improve as we move towards September and October. Last week, the solar flux was in the 140s and 150s. The Kp index never rose above three, meaning the ionosphere was quite stable. The proton flux was also very low. FT8 on the 15m band was humming in the afternoon with the Far East and Caribbean both being workable at the same time. Next week we have active regions 3413 and 3415 rotating to be more Earth-centric. NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will rise to the 160s again and the quiet geomagnetic conditions may continue with a predicted Kp index of two. So, as long as we don’t get any solar flares, or CMEs erupting from sunspot groups 3413 and 3415, we could have a good week again for HF DX. And now the VHF and up propagation news The current spell of unsettled weather looks likely to stay with us for most of next week, in fact until around Friday when there are signs of a ridge building in for next weekend, although mainly for southern areas. This could be in time for some Tropo over the weekend of the 144MHz Trophy Contest. However, the models are a bit uncertain this far out, so keep a watch for changes during the week. The remaining mode in such unsettled weather is of course rain scatter and most of the period until the end of the week should provide many opportunities. As we approach the close of the traditional Sporadic-E season, although it can still occur in any month, the activity levels are much reduced after the end of August and certainly tail off sharply after the first week in September. We are still getting the occasional flurry of activity for multi-hop paths on 10m to the Far East and the States, so don’t abandon it just yet. Remaining modes such as meteor scatter are still available via random meteor activity and there are always chances of a higher Kp index with its implications for aurora. Note that the autumn and spring months are typically a preferred time for aurora. This Saturday sees minimum Moon declination with the Moon not getting above 10 degrees elevation. It goes positive again next Friday. As the Moon’s perigee is on Wednesday, path losses are at their lowest. 144MHz sky noise is high this weekend, but falling to low levels by next Friday.    And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 20th of August 2023 The news headlines: National Coding Week G5RP Trophy nominations RSGB 2023 Convention   National Coding Week is taking place from the 14th of September, but the RSGB is dedicating the whole of September to amateur radio and coding activities. This is a great way to try something new, extend your skills or share your knowledge with your local club, school or community group. You can find out more on the RSGB’s coding page at rsgb.org/coding  and, if you would like to get involved, please contact ESRG member John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected]  If you are taking part, whether on your own or in a group, the RSGB would love to share what you’re doing so that you can inspire others. Please email details to [email protected] The G5RP Trophy is an annual award designed to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed. It is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2023, now is the time to send in your nomination. Your nominee should be an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show, for example, a good total of new countries worked or some HF DXpedition activity. Please send your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU by email via [email protected]  Nominations should arrive no later than Friday the 15th of September 2023. The RSGB Convention is being held between the 13th and 15th of October. The programme is nearly finalised and contains some fantastic speakers on a range of amateur radio subjects. In addition, there will be a buildathon where you will also gain invaluable advice about how to run a similar event at your club, local school or community group. The early bird booking price has been extended to the 14th of September so don’t miss out – book now! Full details of the programme will be published soon. For more information and to book, visit rsgb.org/convention Today, Sunday the 20th of August, John, GW3JVB is operating from Steep Holm Island in the Bristol Channel. The Worked All Britain square for the location is ST26 and the IOTA reference is EU-120. John hopes to be operational from approximately 1000UTC to 1930UTC. Using SSB, he is most likely to be working on 40 and 20m, but may also be available on other bands, depending on the weather and conditions. If you hear John on the air, please give him a call. You can read more about John’s amateur activities on his blog via gw3jvb.uk International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is taking place this weekend. There are lots of stations on the air waiting for your call. To see a list of registered stations, visit illw.net Neil Bauers, G4JUV has created ‘Camper Ham UK’ on Facebook. It is for anyone who likes camping and operating their radios, both licensed and shortwave listeners. Motorhomes, vans, caravans, tents and bivvy bags are all OK. Just take a radio! As well as the usual technical discussions about radios and antennas, the group is interested in antenna-friendly camping sites and good spots for portable operation. In the future, there may be meetups organised by group members. For more information search for ‘Camper Ham UK’ on Facebook. Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected]  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 20th of August. The venue is Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9PY. The event begins at 10 am. For more details contact Steve, G8LYB on 07956 855 816, email [email protected] or visit rugbyats.co.uk Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally is also taking place today, Sunday the 20th of August. The venue is The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors are open from 9.30 am and admission is £2. Free car parking and refreshments are available. Tables cost £10. For more information, contact Steve via [email protected] or phone 07777 699 069. The Red Rose Summer Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 20th of August. The venue is St Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. The event features free parking, a café, traders, individual stands, club stands, low-cost bring and buy, and a raffle for a new digital radio. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk Torbay Annual Communications Fair will take place on Sunday the 27th of August. The venue will be Newton Abbot Racecourse, TQ12 3AF. This will be an indoor event with free parking. The doors will open at 10 am. A bring-and-buy area, on-site catering, and an RSGB bookstall will be available. For more information contact Pete, G4VTO on 01803 864 528, Mike, G1TUU on 01803 557 941 or email [email protected] Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Sunday the 27th of August. The rally will be held at a new venue this year – Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes, MK8 9AA. The venue is opposite the National Badminton Centre and has excellent modern amenities together with free on-site parking, catering and disabled facilities. The entrance fee is £3 and doors will be open to the public from 9 am. Outdoor pitches and indoor tables are available. For trader and exhibitor enquiries please email [email protected]  For more information see mkars.org.uk Now the Special Event News Celebrating the centenary of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise, special callsign II6PN is in use until the 31st of October. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via IK6IHU. For details of a certificate that is available, see QRZ.com 8S80AA is the special callsign in use throughout 2023 by Vasteras Radio Klubb, SK5AA to celebrate its 80th anniversary. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred but is also available via the bureau to SK5AA, or direct to SM5FUG. More information about the club can be found at sk5aa.se  LA100K is the special callsign in use by Akademisk Radioklubb, LA1K to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its foundation. Based in Trondheim, it is the oldest amateur radio club in Norway. The special callsign will be in use until the 31st of December. QSL via the bureau, or direct. Now the DX news Laurens, PF3X will be active as TF/PF3X while touring Iceland until the 25th of August. He will operate SSB and digital modes on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL, or direct to his home call. Chris, OE6CUD plans to visit the Lofoten Islands, EU-076, the Vesteralen Islands, EU-033, and Senja Island, EU-046, while touring Norway by car until late October. He will be QRV as LA/OE6CUD and will operate mainly CW on the HF bands. He might also give QO-100 a try. QSL via home call, direct or bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 22nd of August, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Next weekend, the CQ RTTYops Worldwide RTTY Contest has two sessions between the 25th and 27th of August. The first session is between 2200UTC on the 25th and 1200UTC on the 26th. The second session is from 1200 to 2359UTC on Sunday the 27th. Using RTTY only on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is a signal report and the four-digit year of your first licence. The Worldwide Digi DX contest runs from 1200UTC on the 26th to 1200UTC on the 27th of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator. Next Sunday, the 27th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 17th of August 2023 Sunspot activity continues as we head towards the solar maximum. We have had a reasonably settled Sun over the past week. The Kp index never exceeded 3.33 and was generally in the ones and twos all week. We also had no M- or X-class flares to worry about with only minor C-class events occurring. The solar flux index stayed in the 140s and 150s, only topping out at 160 on Wednesday and Thursday. So, it was not a bad week for HF propagation as we head towards the end of August. There are signs that propagation is improving due to the seasonal change in the chemistry of the F2 layer. With a move towards more monoatomic species and fewer diatomic ones, it means that it is becoming easier to ionise. Daytime critical frequencies are currently around 6 to 7MHz according to the Dourbes Digisonde, giving a maximum usable frequency over 3,000km of between 18 and 21MHz. 28MHz Sporadic-E contacts have all but finished, but don’t write the 10m band off as you may get the odd surprise. 20m still seems to be the best DX band this week, according to the Chiltern DX Club, with 17 and 15m also contributing. FO/F4FJH in French Polynesia; E51JD in the South Cook Islands; and FH4VVK in Mayotte have all been heard on 20m SSB, while 3D2AG in Fiji has been worked on 15m CW.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The fine summer-like weather has returned, at least for this weekend and up to about mid-week before it becomes more unsettled again. So, Tropo will be worth exploring, especially this weekend and during the first part of next week. Note that, in these warmer summer months, Tropo is often better overnight and early morning, especially those misty ones, but tends to decay as the ground warms in the morning sunshine. However, coastal paths often remain good throughout the day so Tropo paths across the North Sea or English Channel could be worth a look from your holiday deck chair! The Sporadic-E season is slowly coming to a close, but it is still worth a check in the evening tea-time activity window to make sure nothing is missed, and even better if you can add a morning check-up at around 1030UTC. The recent Perseids meteor shower may have added some useful meteor debris as fuel, so it is certainly not time to give up checking just yet. However, you may have to manage your expectations on the higher VHF bands. Meteor scatter is still a good bet in the tail end of the Perseids shower and the usual random meteors increase around dawn. Rain scatter is always an option in the summer months so keep a watch on weather radar displays for the brighter thundery rainfall echoes, especially later next week. There have been some interesting propagation on 50MHz down to the equatorial belt in the late evenings with D2UY in Angola working FT8 stations in an arc from the Canaries around through Northern Scotland, and the whole of the UK to Turkey with ‘Trans-equatorial sounding’ fading patterns, making decodes difficult sometimes. Moon declination goes negative again this Sunday, shortening Moon visibility windows and, as we are past apogee, path losses will fall all week. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate until next Friday peaking at 2900 Kelvin on Saturday morning.    And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 13th of August 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Intruder Watch Service volunteer needed New RSGB NRC promotional video International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend   The RSGB Intruder Watch Service is looking for a volunteer to act as Coordinator when Richard Lamont, G4DYA retires from the role in September. The function of the Intruder Watch Service is to monitor and receive reports of intrusions of non-amateur transmissions into amateur radio bands and to collate reports and alert Ofcom to persistent and regular intruders. The responsibilities of the volunteer include: submitting details of intruders to the IARU Monitoring Service on behalf of the UK; membership of the RSGB Spectrum Forum; and providing reports for the Spectrum Forum, RadCom and the RSGB Yearbook. The successful applicant for the position will have a station capable of reliable monitoring of amateur bands, up-to-date knowledge of transmission modes and modulation methods in order to be able to identify transmissions, and the ability to receive reports of intruders from other amateur stations by email. If you’re interested in finding out more about this role, please email the RSGB Spectrum Forum Chair, Murray Niman, G6JYB at [email protected]  Have you been to the RSGB National Radio Centre? Would you like to encourage your family and friends to visit and find out more about amateur radio? We’ve just released a promotional video that gives a whistle-stop tour of all the fantastic things at the NRC in just one minute. Find it on the RSGB’s YouTube channel or on the National Radio Centre web page on our website at rsgb.org/nrc International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is coming up soon. The event is usually held on the third weekend of August which this year is the 19th and 20th. It is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been over 500 entries from more than 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is still open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link. The RSGB is reminding all radio amateurs that they are required to revalidate their licence with Ofcom at least every five years. If it has been a while since you did that, go to ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence or email [email protected] The date has been confirmed for the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT. It will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged. Microwave test facilities will be provided, and the event will be an opportunity to purchase components and microwave-related items. The cost is £12 and this includes a buffet lunch. A dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Full information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk/about  Please email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected] for more information. Don’t forget that booking is open for the RSGB Convention which is being held between the 13th and 15th of October. For more information visit rsgb.org/convention   And now for details of rallies and events The Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society Hamfest is being held today, Sunday the 13th of August from 9 am to 4 pm. The venue is Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA. Admission is £5 and this includes parking. Talk-in will be on 145.550MHz. On-site catering, bar facilities and an RSGB Bookstall will be available. Indoor and field pitches are available and car-boot traders are welcome from 7 am. For more information, email [email protected], visit frars.co.uk or phone 07743 475 018. The Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society Rally will take place on Sunday the 20th of August. The venue will be Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9PY. The event will begin at 10 am. For more details contact Steve, G8LYB on 07956 855 816, email [email protected] or visit rugbyats.co.uk Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally will take place on Sunday the 20th of August. The venue will be The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 9.30 am and admission will be £2. Free car parking and refreshments will be available. The tables cost £10. To book, contact Steve via [email protected] or phone 07777 699 069. The Red Rose Summer Rally will take place on Sunday the 20th of August. The venue will be St Joseph’s Hall, Leigh WN7 2PJ. The event will feature free parking, a café, traders, individual stands, club stands, low-cost bring and buy and a raffle for a new digital radio. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk Now the Special Event News Special event station PA14JAMBO will be active until Thursday the 17th of August from Spaarnwoude for the 14th Haarlem Jamborette, a large international scout camp that takes place in the Netherlands every four years. Look for activity on SSB, CW, and digital modes. QSL via PA9LUC and eQSL. Special event station CX90RCU will be operating until Thursday the 31st of August to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Radio Club Uruguayo, CX1AA, founded on the 23rd of August 1933. QSL via the bureau, direct, or via Logbook of the World. Now the DX news Josiah, KI5UBT and John, N5VOF will be active as VP5/KI5UBT and VP5/N5VOF from Providenciales, NA-002, on the Turks and Caicos Islands, until tomorrow, the 14th of August. They are operating SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 2m bands. QSL direct-to-home calls. Bo, OZ1DJJ  will be active again, from Greenland, as OX3LX from Tasiilaq on Ammassalik  Island, NA-151, until the 15th of August. He will focus on the QO-100 satellite and the 6 and 4m bands, but he will also be QRV on the HF bands. He will then go to Ittoqqortoormiit, on the main island of Greenland. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or direct to OZ0J. Also active from Tasiilaq will be Emil, DL8JJ, operating as OX/DL8JJ until tomorrow, the 14th of  August. In his spare time, he will operate CW with 10W. Frans, DJ0TP will be active as TK/DJ0TP from the main island of Corsica, EU-014, until the 3rd of September. QSL via DJ0TP’s home call and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news Today, the 13th of August, the Worked All Europe DX CW Contest ends its 24-hour run at 2359UTC. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 15th of August, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 17th of August, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 10th of August 2023 Sunspot activity continues as we head towards the solar maximum. Or have we already gone past that point? Identifying solar maximum can only really be done in retrospect. That is after we have already had it! Solar maximum is now forecast for early to mid-2025 so we still have some way to go. Last week the Solar Flux Index declined from 176 on the 5th, to 153 on the 10th. Geomagnetic conditions were mainly settled, other than a Kp index of 6.67 on the 5th. This was due to an incoming plasma cloud from a coronal mass ejection, or CME, that left the Sun on the 2nd of August. We had not one, but two X-class flare events recently. These occurred on the 5th and the 7th. The event on the 5th was long in duration with a peak flux at 2221UTC. Luckily it was from active region 3386, which was right on the edge of the visible solar disk, so any associated CME was directed away from Earth. The second event at 2046UTC on the 7th was also from AR3386, which by now had rotated just out of view of the Earth, so again its associated CME was not Earth-directed. So, we were lucky on both counts. If this sunspot region is still active on its return, we could be in for a rough ride. Keep an eye out from around the 20th of this month when it should reappear. HF conditions have been variable, with occasional F2-layer openings on the 10m band. The 15m band has produced some good DX including 5W1SA in Samoa on FT8. The 17m band produced Roland, TR8CR in Gabon on CW for Laurie, G3UML. S79KW in Seychelles was worked by Hugh, EI2HI on 10m SSB, but it has otherwise been quite quiet. Expect more HF DX activity later next month. Next week, NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will be in the low 160s, with a maximum Kp index of two. If that does pan out, we can expect fairly good HF conditions. But as always, watch out for solar flares and CMEs that can’t be predicted terribly well. A solar flare could result in a sudden ionospheric disturbance but that would be relatively short-lived. A CME, which might follow a flare in about two days, could see the MUF drop for a day or more. And now the VHF and up propagation news The brief period of high pressure around the middle of last week will be long gone by the weekend and new Atlantic lows will again dominate the UK weather. At first, this will be mainly over the northern half of Britain before moving to the western side of the country later in the week. This means that any Tropo at the end of the previous week is not here to stay. The low-pressure input will bring rain scatter propagation modes and, since we are supposedly in the summertime, the rainfall events may be quite heavy or even thundery in places, so there may be good scattering for the GHz bands. The Sporadic-E season is still simmering with a few brief moments of single hop within Europe, but also some longer multi-hop paths including to the Far East and VK on 10m. The upper air pattern of jet streams may still be able to trigger a few openings during the coming week, although it is looking much weaker than last week and possibly mainly biased towards northern areas like the Baltic and Scandinavia. Meteor scatter is one mode that should do well, especially at first with the peak of the Perseids this weekend. It can be quite interesting to monitor the 2m meteor scatter calling channel and stand outside watching for meteors, especially if it’s a bit warmer! The shower has a broad peak so should still provide activity during the coming week. Lastly, the Sun continues to offer occasional disturbed conditions with a chance of high Kp indices and possible aurora. The easiest solution is to monitor the Kp index and perhaps your favourite Scottish beacon for signs of auroral flutter. With the Moon at maximum declination this weekend, with long Moon visibility windows, it's the Microwave EME contest. Moon apogee is next Wednesday so path losses are at their highest until then. 144MHz sky noise is moderate until late Tuesday when the Sun and the Moon are close in the sky until Thursday when levels drop back to low.    And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 6th of August 2023 The news headlines: Tonight@8 events on Ofcom consultation YOTA summer camp in Hungary RSGB coding resources and activities   A reminder that the second of the RSGB’s special Tonight@8 events on the Ofcom Consultation will take place on Monday the 7th of August. This time the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. The Consultation also affects anyone who isn’t currently licensed but is thinking about taking their exams in the next couple of years. After a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions on this important Ofcom Consultation. For this event, you can submit a question in advance by 6pm today, Sunday the 6th of August. Send a brief question with your name and callsign to [email protected] You can also ask a question on the night via the live chat. This is an important event – do join it live on Monday via the RSGB YouTube channel. To find out more about the Consultation and this event go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview You can watch a recording of the first Tonight@8 event on the Ofcom Consultation via the RSGB’s YouTube channel. The 2023 Youngsters on the Air, or YOTA, summer camp in Hungary began this weekend and lasts for a week. The four young people representing the RSGB are Alexander Du Rose, 2E0FMZ who is the Team Leader; Henry-James Robinson, M7HJR; Hannah Lee, M7YYQ; and Jake Saul, M7JNS. Each day, they will be sharing news of the activities they enjoy and the amateur radio skills they learn. Take a look at their updates over the coming week on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary and read their fuller report in the October issue of RadCom. As part of the RSGB’s commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the Society is providing resources and creating coding activities for people to get involved in throughout the month of September 2023. From the BBC Micro:bit to Node-RED and GNU Radio, there are some great activities you could try yourself with your club or arrange at a local school or community group. If you are an experienced coder, the Society would like you to support this initiative by passing on your enthusiasm to a local school or STEM club with the help of the suggested activities. If you are new to coding and have no idea what Python is or a Raspberry Pi, then the activities will set you on the path of discovery! Find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coding. If you would like to get involved, contact ESRG member John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected] The RSGB has responded to an Ofcom consultation on licensing Enhanced Long-Range Navigation, or eLoran, systems. This would use a new network of 400kW EIRP transmissions at around 90 to 110kHz to provide an alternative to GPS for Position, Navigation and Timing, or PNT. The response, which can be found on the RSGB’s Spectrum Forum webpages, focussed on the high levels of out-of-band emissions that would affect the weak signal 136kHz amateur allocation, as well as transparency on transmitter licensing. The consultation response can be viewed by visiting thersgb.org/go/sfpapers The ARRL, the national association for amateur radio in the USA, has filed comments against a proposal that would introduce high-power digital communications to the shortwave spectrum that, in many instances, is immediately adjacent to the amateur HF bands. You can read the full story, which is titled ‘ARRL Files Comments Against “Seriously Flawed” HF Rules Petition’, via arrl.org/news And now for details of rallies and events Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, is taking place today, Sunday the 6th of August, at Midland Air Museum, Coventry. It is a meet-up, show-and-tell, test and fix-it, and bring-and-buy event from 10.30 am to 4 pm. There are full ATV and Microwave test facilities available for QO-100, 5.6GHz FM, Portsdown, MiniTiouner, Ryde, and power amplifiers and preamps. King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 33rd Great Eastern Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 6th of August. The venue is Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4EL. The doors open to visitors at 9 am and admission is £2.50. The doors open to traders from 7 am. An outdoor pitch costs £8 and an indoor table costs £10. Car parking is free. There are trade stands and a bring-and-buy area. On-site catering is available. For more information email [email protected] or visit klarc.org.uk Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club’s 28th annual mini-rally night will take place on Friday the 11th of August. It will be held in the Community Centre, Main Hall, Port Seton from 6 pm to 9 pm. Tables will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The entrance fee is £2 for everyone. Disabled access and food will be available. For more information email [email protected] The Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society Hamfest will be held on Sunday the 13th of August from 9 am to 4 pm. The venue will be Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA. Admission is £5 and this includes parking. Talk-in will be on 145.550MHz. On-site catering, bar facilities and an RSGB Bookstall will be available. At the landowner’s request, no dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on site. Indoor and field pitches are available and car-boot traders are welcome from 7 am. For more information, email [email protected], visit frars.co.uk or phone 07743 475 018.   Now the Special Event News DR45HAAN is the special callsign for DARC's Ortsverband Haan to celebrate its 45th anniversary. The station will be active until the 30th of September. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and direct cards via DL7ET. Special callsign LX90RTL is in use to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Radio Luxembourg’s first long-wave broadcast. It will be used by various LX operators until the end of the year. Listen for the callsign on the HF bands on SSB, CW, digital modes and via satellite. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the DARC bureau. The logs will be uploaded to Club Log, Logbook of the World and eQSL on a regular basis. For more information see QRZ.com 9A66AA is the special callsign that Tom, 9A2AA will be using throughout 2023 to mark his 66th year in amateur radio. QSL via Tom’s home call. 9M8SOTA and 9M8BOTA are the special callsigns that 9M8HAZ and others will be using during 2023 while operating from various mountains and beaches in Sarawak, East Malaysia. QSL for both callsigns via 9M8HAZ directly, Logbook of the World and Club Log.   Now the DX news Anton, RG0C will be active as RG0C/P from the Shantar Islands, AS-044, and surrounding area, until the 10th of August. He will operate low power CW on 20m. QSL via home call. Mek, SP7VC and Kasia, SQ7OYL will be active as OY/SP7VC from Iceland until the 17th of August. Look for activity on the 20, 6, 4 and 2m bands. Frans, DJ0TP will be active as TK/DJ0TP from the main island of Corsica, EU-014, until the 3rd of September. QSL via DJ0TP’s home call and Logbook the World.   Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon ends its three-month run today, Sunday the 6th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. Also today, Sunday the 6th, the 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator. UK and Crown Dependency stations send the first two letters of their postcode. On Tuesday, the 8th of August, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. This is followed by the 432MHz UK Activity Contest which runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 9th of August, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 9th of August, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 10th of August, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 3rd of August 2023 The Sun continued to be very active over the last week with a large number of sunspots, numerous C- and M-class flares, and a coronal mass ejection or two. A coronal mass ejection is predicted to hit Earth this weekend, which could see the Kp index rise, but this is not expected to be too extensive. Active region 3380 expanded in both size and magnetic complexity, firing off numerous solar flares. Luckily it is now rotating out of view so is no longer a threat. The Solar Flux Index remained above 170 all week with a sunspot number of 135 on Thursday. Don’t forget that this doesn’t mean there were 135 sunspots, as each group counts ten towards the total. Three sunspots in three groups equals thirty plus three, or thirty-three. Geomagnetic conditions were mixed with one period giving a Kp index of four, and many when it was over three. The main DX being chased this week wasn’t actually too far away. The 1A0C station at the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which confusingly is actually in Rome, gave amateurs plenty of opportunity to add to their band slot totals. The station was raising money for humanitarian charitable projects and was easy to work from the UK.  Next week NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the Solar Flux Index will remain in the 165 to 170 region. The Kp index shouldn’t rise above three, although that rather depends on whether we have any coronal mass ejections. There are also signs that we are starting to leave the Summer HF doldrums. MUFs over a 3,000km path have occasionally gone over 28MHz at times. But we are still a long way from Autumn HF conditions, despite the weather!   And now the VHF and up propagation news The unsettled weather is here for a little longer, but there may be an end in sight as we move through the second half of next week.  To begin, there will be areas of low pressure in control bringing rain or showers and more rain scatter on the GHz bands. Midweek, the high edges in from the west and remains close to the southeast into the next weekend, but lows and weather fronts will probably return to the western areas by the end of the week. Nonetheless, this should be a period of Tropo for many areas, if only temporarily for western areas. Meteor scatter could be good with a steady advance towards the peak of the Perseids on the 12th and 13th of August. It might even be warm enough to stand outside in the southeast and listen to the pings while watching the evening sky for meteor trails! Aurora can’t be discounted either should the Kp index show higher values than, say, 5 and there have been a number of auroral contacts reported by Nordic stations over the last week. In August there is still some Sporadic-E to be had as luckily the jet stream pattern is still quite busy giving ample triggers for Sporadic-E due to the turbulence they create. As often mentioned, a good time to check, if you are a busy person, is around teatime or late afternoon. Moon declination goes positive on Saturday so Moon visibility windows will lengthen throughout the week. We are past perigee so path losses are rising again. 144MHz sky noise is low but rising, reaching moderate levels next weekend. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 30th of July 2023 The news headlines: • Tonight@8 events on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation • Bar-coded stamps • GB2RS in Morse code The RSGB is holding two special live Tonight@8 events focused on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation, and it encourages all radio amateurs to take part. On Monday the 31st of July the session will look at contests, operating and callsign policy, in an event that might be of particular interest to Full licensees. On Monday the 7th of August, the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. Instead of the usual webinar style, these events will be forums where, after a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions. Questions can be submitted on the night of the event via live chat, or you can send in a question in advance. Advance questions can be by email or a short, clear video of you asking your question. In either case, please keep the question short and include your name and callsign. Send questions, by 12 noon on the Friday before the event, to [email protected] and find out more about the events and the consultation on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview  From tomorrow, the 31st of July, you should not apply non-bar-coded stamps with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s image to any mail. In doing so the sender or recipient may have to pay a surcharge. This news is highlighted to radio amateurs who use stamped-addressed QSL card envelopes. Please ensure all stamped-addressed envelopes have valid bar-coded stamps on them. This only applies to stamps with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s image on them and does not apply to stamps which have other pictures on them. These can continue to be used. Royal Mail will exchange all non-barcoded stamps with new bar-coded ones for free. To do this, download a form from the Royal Mail website, complete it and include it alongside the stamps that are being returned. For more information, and to download a form, visit royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps GB2RS newsreader Graham, G4JBD has developed an online tool which plays Morse code based on the current GB2RS News script at a variety of different speeds. To help simulate a realistic HF-operating environment, the system can be set to include man-made band noise, or QRM, and/or natural band noise, or QRN. To try the system for yourself, visit thersgb.org/go/gb2rsmorse The July 2023 edition of RadCom Basics is now available and includes more topics to inspire those who are new to amateur radio and those who want to refresh their skills and knowledge. This edition includes the stories of the winner and runner-up in the RSGB Construction Competition Beginners’ category; Part 2 of ‘Repairing circuit board tracks’; a design for a simple multi-band vertical HF antenna; Part 6 in the ‘Basic fault-finding series; and an account of Lee, G4EJB’s recent visit to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. To view RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics The RSGB is also pleased to announce that a new edition of RadCom Plus, Volume 8, Issue 1, is out now. RadCom Plus is the RSGB’s digital technical supplement and RSGB Members can read it in HTML5 flipbook, PDF and Epub formats. This issue includes an article on a compact broadband active antenna for VHF and UHF and another on operating on the 30THz band. RadCom Plus can be accessed via rsgb.org/radcom-plus And now for details of rallies and events  Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event starts at 9 am and finishes at 1 pm. There is a £3 entry fee. Indoor tables are sold out, but there is plenty of Car Boot space available. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further information please contact [email protected] Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, will take place on Sunday the 6th of August at Midland Air Museum, Coventry. It is a meet-up, show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring-and-buy event from 10.30 am to 4 pm. There will be full ATV and Microwave test facilities available for QO-100, 5.6GHz FM, Portsdown, MiniTiouner, Ryde, and power amplifiers and preamps. King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 33rd Great Eastern Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 6th of August. The venue will be Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4EL. The doors open to visitors at 9 am and admission is £2.50. The doors open to traders from 7 am. An outdoor pitch costs £8 and an indoor table costs £10. Car parking is free. There will be trade stands and a bring-and-buy area. On-site catering will be available. For more information email [email protected] or visit klarc.org.uk Now the Special Event News DR45HAAN is the special callsign for DARC's Ortsverband Haan to celebrate its 45th anniversary. The station will be active until the 30th of September. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and direct cards via DL7ET. Special callsign LX90RTL is in use to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Radio Luxembourg’s first long-wave broadcast. It will be used by various LX operators until the end of the year. Listen for the callsign on the HF bands on SSB, CW, digital modes and via satellite. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the DARC bureau. The logs will be uploaded to  Club Log, Logbook of the World and eQSL on a regular basis. For more information see QRZ.com Now the DX news Today is the last chance to contact Giuseppe, IK5WWA who is active as IM0C from San Pietro Island, EU-165. He is QRV on the 40 to 2m bands. QSL via his home call. The IP1X team is active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, today, the 30th. They are operating CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands in the IOTA Contest. QSL via IU1JCZ, direct or via the bureau. For more details and updates check QRZ.com MD1U is active in the IOTA Contest today, the 30th, as part of a DXpedition to Scarlett Point Tower on the Isle of Man. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS page and Logbook of the World. For more information see QRZ.com Sunny, VU2CUW, a member of the 42nd Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, will be based at Maitri Station, Antarctica for around one year. In his spare time, he will be active as AT42I. QSL via VU2CRS.  Ersoy, TA2OM has been active as 3C3CA from Bioko Island, AF-010, in Equatorial Guinea since October 2022. His current plans are to stay there until sometime in August. He uploads his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World on a regular basis. Now the contest news The RSGB IOTA, or Islands On The Air, Contest will end at 1200UTC today, the 30th of July, Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference. Today, the 30th of July, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 1st of August, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 1st of August, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 2nd of August, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 2nd of August, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Saturday the 5th of August, the EU HF Championship runs from 0000 to 2359UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is a signal report and the last two digits of the year you were first licensed.  On Saturday the 5th of August, the 4th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode. Also on Saturday the 5th of August, the 144MHz Low Power Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode. The Worked all Britain 144MHz Low Power contest takes place on Saturday the 5th of August from 1400 to 1800UTC. Please note that the maximum power that can be used in this contest has been increased to 25W. The exchange is a report, serial number and Worked all Britain square, if applicable. Entries should be submitted to the contest manager by the 15th of August. For full details of the rules please see the Worked all Britain website. On Sunday the 6th of August, the 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode. The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon ends its three-month run on Sunday the 6th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 27th of July 2023 It was a mixed bag last week with periods of settled conditions, but two periods when the Kp index was above four. These unsettled geomagnetic conditions impacted HF, subduing signals and generally not helping at all. The cause was a coronal mass ejection, or CME, that passed Earth late on Tuesday the 25th of July. This triggered a minor G1 geomagnetic storm with the solar wind speed above 500km/s and the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field pointing south.  By the early hours of Thursday morning, the Kp index was down to 2.33, but there was talk of another CME threatening to push it up again.  We ‘dodged a bullet’ on the 24th of July when a large halo CME was observed leaving the Sun. It was so powerful that, despite taking place on the other side of the Sun, energetic proton levels streamed past Earth. By Wednesday lunchtime things were back to normal. By Thursday there were ten active regions visible on the Sun, with a solar flux of 167. Daytime HF conditions are still relatively poor, although the evenings are beginning to show an improvement. We probably won’t see a return to excellent HF conditions until September or October. Having said that, at 1230UTC on Thursday, there were openings on 15m FT8 to Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Anguilla, despite the predicted MUF over 3,000km being around 19MHz. In other words, make sure you actually listen to the bands! Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will be in the range of 155 to 170. The Kp index is forecast to be around two. There may be a blip on Wednesday the 3rd of August when it is forecast to rise to three.  As always, this is likely to change if we get more solar flares and associated CMEs. And now the VHF and up propagation news The coming week is likely to continue its unsettled theme although, unlike last week, this time we may find a temporary ridge of high pressure building over southern England at the end of the week.   It’s some way off and much could change before we get there, but there is a hint of some Tropo next Friday, perhaps lasting into the Saturday afternoon for the 144MHz Low Power Contest.  The rest of this week and much of next will, however, stay firmly in the unsettled pattern with just rain scatter to console us. The Sporadic-E season often provides activity on the 6m band into the first week of September, so plenty of time to look for those chance QSOs. Last week saw a huge opening to Japan and a smaller opening to North America so there is still plenty to look for.  The current spell of unsettled weather is driven by a strong jet stream across the Atlantic into northern Europe and maybe a positive sign for Sporadic-E paths that cross it, say to Iberia, round through Italy to the Balkans. Other modes are relatively-low probability when compared with Sporadic-E, but the disturbed solar conditions could make Aurora a contender on those occasions when the Kp index is above five. Meteor scatter activity continues to increase as we head into the August Perseids, which peak around the 12th and 13th of August. The Moon reaches minimum declination on Sunday, becoming positive again late next Saturday so there will be short Moon windows early in the week. Perigee is on Wednesday so path losses are low. 144MHz sky noise is high this coming weekend turning low late Monday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 23rd of July 2023 The news headlines: Tonight@8 events on Ofcom consultation RSGB 2023 Convention RSGB Region 3 District Representatives   The RSGB is holding two special Tonight@8 events focused on the Ofcom amateur radio consultation. On Monday the 31st of July it will look at contests, operating and callsign policy, in an event that might be of particular interest to Full licensees. On Monday the 7th of August the focus will be on Foundation and Intermediate topics including callsign and exam changes, as well as the Consultation clauses that might lead to new opportunities for outreach activities for everyone. Instead of the usual webinar style, these events will be forums where, after a short introduction, a panel of RSGB experts will answer your questions. We encourage radio amateurs to be part of these events. Questions can be submitted on the night via the live chat, or you can send in a question in advance. Advance questions can be by email or a short, clear video of you asking your question. In either case, please include your name and callsign as well as your question. Send questions to [email protected] or for further information about the Consultation, the events and the panellists go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licencereview The RSGB’s 2023 Convention will be held from the 13th to the 15th of October at Kents Hill Park Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. The Convention packs in a full weekend of the very best amateur radio lectures from around the world. With lecture streams, forums, special interest groups, presentations and all the usual activities, there is something for everyone. Join hundreds of others for what is also one of the best social events in amateur radio. Bookings are open now and you can take advantage of early bird pricing until the end of August. You’ll find the booking link and more information on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention The RSGB is looking for members in Region 3, the North-West of England, to step forward as volunteer District Representatives. If you’d like to make a difference to other radio amateurs in this area, provide advice and support, represent the RSGB and its Members, and also attend local rallies, please email Region 3 Regional Representative, Martyn Bell, M0TEB at: [email protected] The RSGB’s Examinations and Syllabus Review Group, or ESRG, has provided an additional set of four mock exam papers. These cover Foundation, Intermediate, Full and Direct to Full exams. You can find the papers on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/mock-exams A reminder now that the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link. Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place today, the 23rd, at the Society’s HQ at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors are open from 10 am and a food bar is available. For more information and directions visit g0ghk.com Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9 am and finish at 1 pm. There is a £3 entry fee. Indoor tables are sold out, but there is plenty of Car Boot space available. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further information please contact [email protected] Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club’s Convention for Amateur TV 2023, or CAT 23, will take place on Sunday the 6th of August at Midland Air Museum, Coventry. It is a meet-up, show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring-and-buy event from 10.30 am to 4 pm. There will be full ATV and Microwave test facilities available for QO-100, 5.6GHz FM, Portsdown, MiniTiouner, Ryde, and power amplifiers and preamps. King’s Lynn Amateur Radio Club’s 33rd Great Eastern Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 6th of August. The venue will be Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4EL. The doors open to visitors at 9 am and admission is £2.50. The doors open to traders from 7 am. An outdoor pitch costs £8 and an indoor table costs £10. Car parking is free. There will be trade stands and a bring-and-buy area. On-site catering will be available. For more information email [email protected] or visit klarc.org.uk Now the Special Event News Special callsign DL0SOP is active until the 31st of July for the 65th edition of the Sea of Peace Award. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL or direct to DL4SVA. For more information about the award visit dl0sop.darc.de VX7NA is the special callsign in use by the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association, until tomorrow the 24th of July, to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The Association is based on Vancouver Island, NA-036. QSL via VE7NA. Now the DX news The IP1X team will be active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, on the 29th and 30th of July. They will operate CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands and will be active for 24 hours during the IOTA Contest. QSL via IU1JCZ, direct or via the bureau. For more details and updates check QRZ.com MD1U will be active during the IOTA Contest on the 29th and 30th of July during a Dxpedition to Scarlett Point Tower on the Isle of Man. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS page and Logbook of the World. For more information see QRZ.com Roland, F8EN is again active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only. QSL via F6AJA, direct or via the bureau. Ersoy, TA2OM has been active as 3C3CA from Bioko Island, AF-010, in Equatorial Guinea since October 2022. His current plans are to stay there until sometime in August. He uploads his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World on a regular basis. Didier, F6BCW is active as FO/F6BCW from Huahine Island, OC-067, in French Polynesia until the 25th of October. He operates CW and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via F6EXV, Club Log and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 25th of July, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Thursday the 27th of July sees the data leg of the 80m Club Championships run from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Next weekend is the RSGB IOTA, or Islands On The Air, Contest. It runs from 1200UTC on the 29th to 1200UTC on the 30th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference. Please note that the Worked All Britain 144MHz Low Power Contest which was due to be held on Saturday the 29th of July has been moved to Saturday the 5th of August. A further announcement is expected next week. Next Sunday, the 30th of July, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 20th of July 2023 The Sun continues to be peppered with spots with a solar flux index of 189 on Thursday the 20th. However, sunspots can bring solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections, or CMEs, which can be detrimental to good HF conditions. We have been relatively lucky over the last week as the flares have mostly been minor C-class and a few M-class events. There have been no X-class flares, so ionospheric disturbances have been minor. A large CME observed from active region 3363 is expected to mostly miss our planet. But the edge of the plasma cloud was still forecast to deliver a glancing blow to our geomagnetic field on Thursday the 20th of July. A Polar Cap Absorption, or PCA, event was also in progress from the morning of Monday the 17th of July. This was caused by the proton flux rapidly increasing and affecting HF paths over the poles. The proton flux is gradually decreasing but may still have a detrimental effect for a while yet. Region 3363, which was massive, has now disappeared behind the southwest limb and will no longer be a threat. That is, at least until its return in about two weeks’ time. It will be interesting to see how big it is on its return. Other than the Kp index hitting 4.67 on the 16th and 17th, geomagnetic conditions have been quiet with the Kp index at one or two over the past few days, which means HF conditions have been quite good. Daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path have been consistently above 18MHz and often above 21MHz at times. Nighttime MUFs over the same path have been higher than 14MHz, and often 18MHz, at least during the first part of the night. This means that if you hear signals on 24 or 28MHz the likelihood is that they are due to Sporadic-E propagation. Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will remain at about 160 to 170. It is also predicting a Kp index of two all week. If that happens, we can probably expect good HF conditions for this time of year. However, with this many sunspots, there is always the strong risk of solar flares and CMEs. So, keep an eye on solarham.net for real-time conditions. And now the VHF and up propagation news The continuing spell of unsettled weather will stay with us for the coming week, so any signs of Tropo will be very limited indeed. This means that rain scatter will once again be a predominant propagation mode for those equipped on the GHz bands to use it. Higher temperatures in summer mean strong convective cells, like thunderstorms, and better reflectivity from the larger raindrops, which can be held aloft by the stronger updrafts in the storm clouds. The reflectivity depends upon the 6th power of the diameter of the raindrop and the number of drops in the beam, so even a small increase in drop size gives a big increase in reflectivity. Sporadic-E remains in play for a good while yet, so stay alert to cluster reports and, in particular, 10m and 6m beacons. If time is limited, check 1600 to 1700UTC to gain maximum benefit. The usual other modes are still possibilities, of course. Starting with Aurora, in view of the recently disturbed solar conditions, you should monitor the Kp index for large values above say Kp=5.  Secondly, the Perseids meteor shower will peak between the 12th and 13th of August, but evidence of meteor material from the Perseids is already appearing. Officially, the shower starts to appear from around the 17th of July. The 50MHz and 144MHz bands have already produced some very short-lived bursts of FT8 signals that may be due to meteors.  The Delta Aquariids may also be responsible for these very sporadic bursts. As we move towards the Perseids peak you should expect an increasing number of bursts. As the Moon begins its monthly descent towards minimum declination on the 29th, path loss will decrease. However, the Moon will be close to Sagittarius A on the 28th, leading to very high noise. This will be prevalent on the lower VHF bands. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 16th of July 2023 The news headlines: Ofcom consultation video guidance World Radiosport Team Championships RSGB coding activities   The RSGB has just released a video in which RSGB Spectrum and licensing expert Murray Niman, G6JYB, explains more about Ofcom’s Consultation on “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework”. This is the biggest revamp of amateur radio licensing and callsign policy in a generation. The video forms part of the RSGB’s wider guidance for radio amateurs on this Consultation. You can watch it on the RSGB’s YouTube channel or on the Society’s consultation web page at rsgb.org/licencereview The UK has been awarded the hosting rights for the 10th World Radiosport Team Championships, which will take place in July 2026. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Olympic Games of amateur radio’, the WRTC is hosted by a different nation every four years. To find out more about this radio contest event, which will take place in East Anglia, see wrtc2026.org As part of the RSGB’s commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the Society is providing resources and creating coding activities for people to try throughout the month of September. From the BBC Micro:bit to Node-RED and GNU Radio, there will be detailed activity sheets available on the RSGB’s website. The RSGB hopes this will give you ideas to try yourself, with your club or to use as a workshop at your local school or community group. Some clubs are already planning workshops and there will be details of those on the website to inspire you too. Find out more at rsgb.org/coding Each RSGB Board Director has a liaison role between the Board and specific aspects of the Society’s work. The General Manager also has operational responsibilities. The RSGB’s Board web page now has a list of the different responsibilities for the current Board. The Society hopes that RSGB Members will be able to use this as a guide to help them know who to contact if they have questions, concerns or ideas about any areas of the Society’s activities. You can contact each Board Director, and the General Manager, via the email address shown by their name. Go to rsgb.org/board to find out more. A reminder now that every Thursday, a global net called ‘APRSThursday’ takes place using the Automatic Packet Reporting System, also known as APRS, for 24 hours. For amateurs who have APRS equipment, it is an opportunity to explore the mode and make contacts with other stations joining the net. The APRS frequency is 144.800MHz in Europe, and each week between 300 and 500 operators take part in the net. Further information can be found via aprsph.net And now for details of rallies and events The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of July. The venue is Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission is £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details. The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Sunday the 23rd of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10am and a food bar will be available. For more information visit g0ghk.com Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9am and finish at 1pm. There is a £2 entry fee for traders. Indoor tables cost £10. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans it is £15. For further information please contact [email protected] Now the Special Event News Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House will be on the air on Friday the 21st of July using the callsign GB4VLB. The station will be active on the 60 to 10m HF bands, and the 6m VHF band, using SSB and CW modes. QSL via Logbook of the World. For more information visit QRZ.com Special callsign TM110TDF is active until the 23rd of July to mark the 110th Tour de France. The station will be operating on the HF bands using SSB, CW and digital modes as well as 2m EME. QSL via F8GGZ.  Now the DX news A team of amateurs is active as KH8RRC from Tutuila, OC-045, in American Samoa until the 18th of July. They are operating using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the 80 to 6m bands from a mountain-top location within the American Samoa National Park. This will be the first ever Parks on the Air activity on the island. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or direct to KB2FMH. An Italian DXpedition team is active from the Democratic Republic of the Congo until the 18th of July. 9Q1AA and 9Q1ZZ are operating using SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8. See i2ysb.com/idt for more information including a band plan. QSL direct to I2YSB. Look for Peter, PJ5/PA4O and Ad, PJ5/PE6Q who are active from Sint Eustatius, NA-145, until the 18th of July. They are operating using CW, SSB and FT8 on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 16th, the International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and TX power. On Monday the 17th of July, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 18th of July, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 20th of July, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 13th of July 2023 Last week saw the arrival of one of the biggest sunspots of this cycle. Active region 3363 could swallow the Earth four times over. It is a source of M-class flares, but at the time of writing hasn’t produced any X-class events. A new sunspot region 3372 has just rotated into view and has also been the source of eight M-class flares, one of which may have caused a coronal mass ejection that could give a glancing blow to the Earth this weekend – watch this one for more activity as it rotates into an Earth-facing position. Meanwhile, the Solar Flux Index has been hovering around the 200 mark, meaning daytime MUFs over a 3,000km path are around 21MHz, sometimes slightly lower. At night this falls to around 14 to 18MHz so don’t write off HF once the sun sets. Next week, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre has the Solar Flux Index around 175. While we have been lucky that Earth has not been subjected to too much geomagnetic disruption, after any disturbance across the weekend, the Space Weather Prediction Centre has forecast that the Kp index will be around two again all week. So it may be ideal for DX, like Silvano 9Q1AA/9Q1ZZ in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who has been active on the 10 and 15m bands recently. Or the KH8RRC DXpedition to American Samoa which is active until the 18th. Remember, there is DX to be worked – you’ve just got to pick the right band and time. And now the VHF and up propagation news The predominant theme this week is driven by low pressure systems, meaning further days of heavy rain or thundery showers and a distinct lack of Tropo from areas of high pressure. However, there is a split in the different models' view for southern Britain later in the coming week in which some try to build a ridge across southern UK and France from the Azores high. Check the forecast charts from Wednesday onwards to see which version ‘wins’. In the meantime, the heavy rain will continue the recent good run of rainscatter on the GHz bands. Sporadic-E will probably continue to be a feature on most days somewhere in Europe. Last Wednesday night saw another good opening to Newfoundland. Remember that there are plenty of online clusters and map plots showing where the focus of activity is located. Each day a blog is published on propquest.co.uk detailing the locations of likely Sporadic-E activity, based upon the positions of various weather features suspected of being responsible for the location of Sporadic-E patches. The recent behaviour of the Sun has regularly affected the prospects for VHF propagation by interaction with the Earth’s magnetic field giving a high Kp index, above five, which can be a sign of auroral conditions. A high Kp index is potentially a bad thing for Sporadic-E prospects, some operators suggesting that it is possible that solar flare activity may also be a negative influence on Sporadic-E. Meteor scatter prospects continue to improve due to two broad-peaked showers coming up later in the month. This weekend sees maximum Moon declination but losses are high as we approach apogee next Thursday. 144MHz sky noise is moderate until Monday when the Sun is close to the Moon for the whole day’s pass, lasting until 9am on Tuesday. After this, sky noise is low for the rest of the week.   And that’s all from the propagation team this week

GB2RS News Sunday the 9th of July 2023 The news headlines: New ATV display at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre Film award for members of Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend A new amateur TV display has just been installed at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre, with signals received via the wide-band segment of the geostationary satellite QO-100. The Society is delighted to be able to demonstrate amateur TV as a permanent display at the NRC, helping to highlight yet another exciting aspect of our technical hobby. A special configuration, developed in conjunction with the British Amateur Television Club, incorporates a touch screen from which visitors can select a signal to be tuned, decoded and displayed on the large monitor. The RSGB would like to thank Justin, G8YTZ for designing the display and working with the BATC for the specially adapted configuration. A short film produced by members of the Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has won a top award at the 2023 Doric Film Festival. The film was the joint winner in the ‘Groups’ category of the prestigious festival that showcases the distinctive Doric language and culture, most closely associated with North-East Scotland. The film includes a specially written fiddle music theme, based on Morse code. You can find the film by searching for ‘Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society Groups DFF Entry’ on YouTube. A reminder now that International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is coming up soon. The event is usually held on the third weekend of August which this year is the 19th and 20th. It is one of the most popular amateur radio events in the calendar and in past years there have been more than 500 entries from over 40 different countries. More details about the event and a registration form can be found at illw.net There is so much happening at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre that it needs to expand its team of volunteers! If you can volunteer at weekends, you will be particularly welcome. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. You should enjoy meeting people and be able to volunteer for one or two days per month. For more information please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected] Please send details of all your news and events to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 9th of July, at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN.  The doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There are traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information. The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 16th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission will be £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details. The Finningley ARS Rally 2023 will take place on Sunday the 23rd of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10 am and a food bar will be available. For more information visit g0ghk.com Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 30th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Field, Kington Langley, Wiltshire SN15 5NJ. The event will start at 9 am and finish at 1 pm. There is a £2 entry fee for traders. Indoor tables cost £10. Admittance for car booters is £10, and for vans, it is £15. For further information please contact [email protected] Now the Special Event News Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is running a special event station GB5IG until the 14th of July to celebrate the 19th Island Games, which is held every two years. The station will be active using SSB, digital modes, possibly satellite and CW, on HF, VHF and UHF bands. More information is available on QRZ.com VX7NA is the special callsign in use by the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association, until the 24th of July, to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The Association is based on Vancouver Island, NA-036. QSL via VE7NA. Now the DX news Pierre, VK3KTB will be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 12th of July. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS. Rag, LB3RE will be active on the 40 to 6m bands as DU1/LB3RE from Luzon Island, OC-042, until the 18th of July. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log, or via his home call. Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active as OX3LX from Qaanaaq, on the main island of Greenland, NA-018, until the 18th of July. He will focus on the 6 and 4m bands but will also be QRV on the HF bands. A side trip to Herbert Island, NA-134, or Meteorite Island, is possible. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log, or direct to OZ0J.  Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 9th of July, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The IARU HF Championship ends its 24-hour run at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 9th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone. The UK is in zone 27. In particular, listen out for the RSGB HQ station operating as GR2HQ from a variety of different locations using CW and SSB. A team of operators at different stations will be on the air simultaneously on all the available contest bands. On Tuesday the 11th of July, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 11th of July, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Wednesday the 12th of July, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 12th of July, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 12th of July, the 80m Club Championship SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 13th of July, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 15th of July, the 70MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2000UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode. On Sunday the 16th of July, the International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and TX power.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 6th of July 2023 NOAA’s prediction that the Solar Flux Index, or SFI, would decline last week didn’t come to fruition. In fact, the SFI stayed in the 160s and 170s until Thursday, when it declined to 155. The Sun produced more than 160 sunspots in June, the highest monthly number in more than two decades. This has led some newspapers to run more doom and gloom stories about solar Armageddon, while we amateurs look forward to some F2-layer DX! Unfortunately, more sunspots do mean more chance of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, but we have to take the rough with the smooth. As an example, we had an X1-class solar flare on the 2nd of June. This occurred at 2314UTC so didn’t affect the UK, but did cause an R3 radio blackout over the west coast of the USA and Pacific. Otherwise, there is still DX to be bagged for well-equipped stations, such as Eric, FP/KV1J on St Pierre and Miquelon islands on 12m FT8, and Marek, FH4VVK, on Mayotte island, on 10m FT8. Other DX worked this week by CDXC members includes the 4W6RU DXpedition on Timor Leste on various bands; Robert, 9N7AA in Nepal on 12m FT4; and V31XX in Belize on 20m CW. Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre has the SFI at 155, rising to 175 by the end of the week. Unfortunately, the Kp index is forecast to rise to four over the weekend, possibly due to a large Earth-facing coronal hole, and again up to Kp five on the 12th and 13th. If it happens, expect noisy bands and a decline in the maximum usable frequency. As always, we encourage you to get on the HF bands, in the evening, nighttime and especially around dawn, which is when a lot of HF DX is being worked. And now the VHF and up propagation news Low pressure dominates the whole weather pattern this coming week, driven by an active meandering jet stream across the Atlantic. This provides several regions where the turbulence, generated on the edge of these strong winds up at 10km, can propagate upwards to trigger Sporadic-E propagation at about 110km height in the E region. So, unsurprisingly, Sporadic-E will feature as a ‘go-to mode’ for the coming week. Typically, single-hop paths within Europe will produce very strong signals, whereas multi-hop paths, for example across the Atlantic, will require several such refraction points from Sporadic-E patches, plus intervening reflections from the sea surface, and will have much higher losses. These will usually be weak signals and probably very fleeting in view of the complex geometry of such paths. Tropo need not concern us this week, but rain scatter is worth a look since the unsettled weather will provide several heavy rainfall events in some areas. Look for the brighter echoes on the rainfall radar displays, especially those associated with thunderstorms. Random meteors could be useful in the early morning hours. We also have the start of two showers, Alpha Capricornids and Delta Aquarids, during next week, which don’t actually reach a peak until the end of July. So prospects for meteor scatter and Sporadic-E propagation are improving this month. The aurora chances may be reasonable initially in view of the recent coronal hole transition, so keep an eye on the Kp index. Moon declination goes positive on Sunday so there will be lengthening Moon windows. Path losses are currently low but will rise all week. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 2nd of July 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Tonight@8 webinar High-altitude balloon launch Alexanderson Day     Don’t forget that the RSGB’s next Tonight@8 webinar is this Monday the 3rd of July, when Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ will be presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. The Tonight@8 webinars are live-streamed for free on the RSGB’s YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch the presentations and ask questions online. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars The team from hi-impact, based on the Wirral, is planning another high-altitude balloon launch. This time, working alongside staff and pupils from West Kirby School and College, they will launch a high-altitude balloon at 11 am, on the 11th of July 2023, from their usual location in Cilcewydd, near Welshpool in Wales. They will be running a HABduino and encourage all amateurs and short-wave listeners to upload telemetry to SondeHub. The frequency will be 434.650MHz USB, transmitting 50 Baud RTTY, 425Hz Shift and using 8N1 data format. The callsign is WKRS_HAB. More information can be found on hi-impact’s Facebook page and on Twitter via @hiimpactconsult Today, Sunday the 2nd of July is Alexanderson Day and the Alexander Association plans to activate the Grimeton VLF transmitter. The transmitter is located in Sweden and is the only remaining example of an early radio transmitter known as an ‘Alexanderson Alternator’. To read more about the Alexander Association visit tinyurl.com/ALEXDAY23 Marcus, G0IJZ has recently carried out antenna modelling of the Grimeton VLF antenna using NEC-5 software. You can read more about this on a blog that Marcus has contributed to via tinyurl.com/MWALDEN Amateurs are reminded that the special callsign GB23C, used to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, stopped being available for use on Friday the 30th of June. The availability of special callsigns GB23BAA to GB23BZZ, used for Beaconnect events, also ended at the same time. The optional ‘R’ Coronation regional secondary locator prefix is also no longer available for use. The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on the morning of Monday the 3rd of July. This is to allow time for work to install a new amateur TV display. Following the work, the Centre plans to re-open around lunchtime. This year the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 26th and 28th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. Registration for the event is now open. To sign up, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website, nharg.org.uk, and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2023’ link. And now for details of rallies and events The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue is Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. For more information contact [email protected] and visit norfolkamateurradio.org The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 9th of July at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There will be traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information. The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 16th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission will be £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue will be in attendance to provide a First Response service. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details.   Now the Special Event News Today is the last chance to work F1IEH who is active as TM100GPF in celebration of the ‘24 Hours of Le Mans' event. The special callsign's suffix stands for ‘Grand Prix de France’, the motor race held in June 1906 that has become known as the first Grand Prix. QSL via F1IEH’s home call. As part of the ‘Crank It Up!’ STEM Event at Beamish Museum today, the 2nd of July, The Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club is operating a special event station GB4BM from the 1950s Welfare Hall. They will be operating a range of amateur radio equipment covering HF Voice, HF Data, VHF FM, SSB, DMR and internet-assisted modes. The digital and internet-assisted stations are being run by the Extended Freedom Network team and will allow the special event station to be contacted by a very diverse range of connection types from across the world. For further details visit extendedfreedom.network Commemorating the role that radio, and radio amateurs, had in rescuing the survivors of the airship 'Italia' disaster, special callsigns RT95NS, RT95MS and RT95KG are active until the 12th of July. The suffixes memorialise the radio amateurs who first picked up the SOS call on the 3rd of June 1928, and radio operators on board two of the ships that participated in the search and rescue operations. R1LK will also be active onboard the amateur radio station of the 'Krasin', the icebreaker that reached the castaways on the 12th of July 1928. Certificates will be available on hamlog.online for contacts made with these stations.   Now the DX news Don, K6ZO will be active as 7Q6M from northern Malawi until, possibly, the end of July. He expects to put special emphasis on the 6m band during his visit. He is joined by Jerry, W1IE and Bill, KC4D today, the 2nd of July. Their operations will likely be restricted to the evening hours of 1800 to 0000UTC and occasionally the early morning hours of 0300 to 0500UTC. See QRZ.com for QSL information. Roland, F8EN is active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only, usually on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via F6AJA.   Now the contest news The VHF National Field Day Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1400UTC today, the 2nd of July. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m and 70cm bands, and 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 2nd of July, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 3rd of July, the 80m Club Championship CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 4th of July, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 4th of July, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 5th of July, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 5th of July, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Sunday the 9th of July, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The IARU HF Championship starts its 24-hour run at 1200UTC on Saturday the 8th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone. The UK is in zone 27.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 29th of June 2023 The solar flux index stayed in the 150s and 160s last week, which is good news for HF propagation. From a flare and CME perspective, we have been lucky in that we have only had a few solar flares, all of which have been C- or M-class. As a result, the Kp index has remained fairly low, being in the range of one to three after the rise to a Kp of five on the 25th due to the solar wind’s magnetic field, or Bz, tipping south. We are, however, still in the summer doldrums, so daytime DX is limited thanks to D-layer absorption. We still recommend checking the bands at night as the MUF over 3,000km is still exceeding 14MHz and often reaching 18MHz at times. During the day Sporadic-E may still keep you entertained on the higher HF bands.   Daytime critical frequencies are around 5.2 to 6.7MHz according to the Dourbes ionosonde, which means you may find close-in contacts tricky on the 40m band at times, whereas more DX distances are still fine. Near vertical incidence skywave or NVIS, 40m signals may not be returned to Earth with that critical frequency. Looking ahead, active sunspot region 3354 was pointing directly at the Earth on Thursday but has so far been behaving itself with mostly C-class flare events. It is still the most likely candidate for a coronal mass ejection, or CME, over the weekend. Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre has the Solar Flux Index declining to 130 before picking up later in the week to perhaps 145. The Kp index should remain around two unless we have a CME which could see it rising to five with the attendant lowering of the MUF. Meanwhile, you can get an idea of the best times to work various parts of the world by using the free Proppy software at soundbytes.asia/proppy or via VOACAP.com   And now the VHF and up propagation news The next week or so looks likely to continue in a very unsettled theme with low pressure residing over Scandinavia for much of the time and producing a west or north-westerly pattern over the UK. This will mean that tropo propagation will not be a large part of our operations during the period ahead. On the other hand, the frequent spells of fronts with prolonged rain or heavy summer showers will make rain-scatter modes a good use of time on the GHz bands. Talking of scatter modes, we are not in a major meteor shower at present, so random meteors are a good fail-safe although it can entail spending a lot of time in the process. The solar conditions, as previously mentioned, can be unsettled at the moment, and thus there is a potential for radio aurora if the Kp index goes above seven or so, even though daylight makes visible events unlikely at this time of the year. Lastly, the Sporadic-E situation is still our primary focus as we move into July. Days with good jet stream activity over Europe are good signs, whereas a high Kp index or solar flares are generally not so good. Of course, there are many other parameters involved and one of the critical components is likely to be the random meteor count which shows how much meteor debris might be available to make the Sporadic-E patches. In a roundabout way, if you monitor the meteor pings you might get a feel for how the Sporadic-E prospects are stacking up. The Moon declination is negative all week so there will be short Moon windows. Tuesday’s perigee means that path losses are at their lowest for the month. 144MHz sky noise is high this weekend but falling back to low levels by the end of the week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 25th of June 2023 The news headlines: Ofcom consultation on updating the amateur radio licensing framework RSGB Tonight@8 webinar ‘Fly Your Satellite!’ programme An Ofcom consultation titled “Updating the amateur radio licensing framework” opened on Friday the 23rd of June 2023. According to Ofcom, the proposals set out in the consultation aim to “provide greater operating freedom for radio amateurs; and make the process of getting and using a licence simpler, clearer and more responsive.” The closing date for responses is the 4th of September 2023. All radio amateurs are strongly encouraged to read the consultation via Ofcom’s website directly. You can also find the consultation by visiting rsgb.org/licencereview and clicking the Ofcom logo. The RSGB will provide guidance on how to respond to the consultation via the same web page in due course.  The next RSGB live Tonight@8 webinar will take place at 8pm on Monday the 3rd of July, with Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. Eric, who has written numerous amateur radio and electronics articles over the past 30 years, says that almost every ham radio station can benefit from a separate receiving antenna. Effective receiving antennas are optimised for best signal-to-noise ratio, not necessarily the greatest gain. Tune in to the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel to hear Eric discuss the countless interesting means of building high signal-to-noise ratio receiving antennas. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars The ‘Fly Your Satellite!’ programme, initiated by the European Space Agency, presents an exciting challenge for radio amateurs and space enthusiasts worldwide to establish communication via the LEDSAT CubeSat digipeater. This unique opportunity invites participants to connect with the ESA Education Office ESTEC Ground Station in the Netherlands through the satellite digipeater, with a chance to win a special prize – a custom QSL card issued by the ESA Education Office and the LEDSAT team. Running from the 26th of June to the 30th of July, this challenge offers an exciting chance for radio enthusiasts to engage with space technology and demonstrate their communication skills. For more information go to the European Space Agency website at esa.int and search for “Connect and communicate with a satellite via the LEDSAT Digipeater Challenge.” It was with profound shock and sadness that the RSGB learnt of the untimely loss, at the age of 49, of Mr Alexandre ‘Sasha’ Kholod, Chairman of the CEPT WRC-23 Conference Preparatory Group. Alex was head of international frequency planning for the Swiss regulator and was widely respected and influential in CEPT and ITU. Of note to amateurs is that he chaired CEPT Project Team C which led to the successful ITU Region 1 50MHz allocation for the amateur service at World Radio Conference 19 in November 2019. His warm and professional personality will be sadly missed.   And now for details of rallies and events The Newbury Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 25th of June. The venue is Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There is a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors open to sellers at 8 am and visitors at 9 am. Ample free parking is available and entry for visitors is £3. A seller’s pitch costs £15. On-site catering and disabled facilities are available. For more information, email [email protected] and visit nadars.org.uk The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue will be Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. For more information contact [email protected] and visit norfolkamateurradio.org The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 9th of July at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There will be traders, bring and buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering is available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information. The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 16th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club, which offers a bar and catering facilities and has ample free parking. Admission will be £3 per person and £10 per table for traders. Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue will be in attendance to provide a First Response service. Visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk for more information and contact details. Now the Special Event News German radio club DK0SM will be on the air as DL75BAL to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. The club plans to be active from the 28th of June to the 2nd of July and will be looking for UK stations on HF and on EchoLink via DL0STM. More information is available via the DL75BAL QRZ.com page. Special callsign GB1HEM will be active for 28 days from the 1st of July in support of Air Ambulances UK. A certificate will be available for making contact with the station on any band from 80 to 10m using SSB, PSK, DMR or FT8. More information is available via the GB1HEM QRZ.com page. Durham and District Amateur Radio Society is participating as one of the bonus stations in the popular 13 Colonies special event. The special callsign GB13COL has been issued for the occasion and will be active from 1300UTC on the 1st of July to 0400UTC on the 8th of July. The primary focus of the event will be the HF bands, but the station will also be working on VHF and UHF frequencies and via satellite. QSOs using SSB, CW, FM and various digital modes are welcome. QSL instructions can be found on the GB13COL QRZ.com page. For more information about the event email Ray, G0VLF on [email protected] From the 6th to the 9th of July, Hartlepool Amateur Radio Club will be celebrating the arrival of the Tall Ships Race to Hartlepool with the special event callsign GB0TSH. The station will be active on the HF, VHF and UHF bands and welcomes all contacts. For more details, contact Stan G7VGM via [email protected]   Now the DX news Franco, IZ5IUY will be active as IL7/IZ5IUY from San Domino, EU-050, one of the Tremiti Islands in the Adriatic Sea, until the 29th of June. He is operating using SSB on the 40 to 6m bands, and on the 2m and 70cm bands. QSL is possible via his home call, but via the bureau is preferred. Take, JI3DST will be active from Shodo Island, AS-200, until the 5th of July. He will operate SSB and CW as JJ5RBH. He is paying special attention to the 6m band. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World. Roland, F8EN is active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only, usually on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via F6AJA.     Now the contest news Today, the 25th of June, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 25th of June, the 50MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 26th of June, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 27th of June, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 1st of July, the VHF National Field Day Contest starts its 24-hour run at 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m and 70cm bands, and 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 2nd of July, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 22nd of June 2023 We had yet another week of high solar flux, plenty of sunspots, but also a major solar flare. The Solar Flux Index reached 180 on the 20th of June with a massive spread of sunspots across both solar hemispheres. But an X-class solar flare erupted on the same day. This was only just X-class though, as at X1.1 it barely hit the requirements. Luckily, its associated coronal mass ejection was directed away from Earth. We passed the summer solstice this week so are now heading towards Autumn. Don’t worry too much, though, as there is plenty of summer left, complete with its lower daytime maximum usable frequencies and high levels of D-layer absorption. Fortunately, multi-hop Sporadic-E is also bringing occasional DX on the higher bands. As we pointed out last week, nighttime MUFs remain high, partly due to seasonal norms and partly due to the high solar flux. There were reports this week of 15m CW still being open at 3.30 am local time, when Paul, MM0ZBH worked the VP6A DXpedition on Ducie Island. There have also been many reports of VP6A being worked on the 80m band at around 0800 UTC. Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre puts the Solar Flux Index at around 165 to 180 again. We can expect unsettled geomagnetic conditions once again around the 27th and 28th of this month. Daytime F-layer MUFs over a 3,000km path are generally around 21MHz, but there are occasional surprises. Sporadic-E still dominates on the 10m band. At night, MUFs over 3,000km are often around 14 to 18MHz, again with some surprises at times. And now the VHF and up propagation news After a slow change to a more summer-like pattern of showers and sunshine with occasional fronts in the last week, it does seem like it's a continuation for the coming week. This means further opportunity for rain scatter on the GHz bands and with a reasonable chance of tracking the storms with any of the online weather radars. There will be a tendency for higher pressure close to southern Britain with possible Tropo, which will extend south across Biscay to northern Spain or farther south towards the Canaries and perhaps beyond. It may even offer paths east across the southern North Sea towards Denmark. There have been some reasonable Sporadic-E paths within Europe and beyond to the Americas. Paths have also opened eastwards to the Far East or Middle East and there is no reason not to expect similar for the coming week. As next week progresses, the jet stream distribution may favour paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic, plus across the Atlantic to the States. The recent unsettled solar conditions may affect the prospects for Sporadic-E propagation if the Kp index becomes too high, but on the plus side it could then be worth checking for aurora. Don’t forget that random meteors can provide a few chance QSOs using meteor scatter propagation and there have been audible meteor ‘pings’ on some Sporadic-E QSOs recently, so they do exist! Moon declination goes negative again on Monday – so shortening Moon windows. Path losses will fall all week, and 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate until next weekend when it reaches more than 2500 Kelvin on Sunday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 18th of June 2023 The news headlines: His late Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan’s UK amateur radio equipment Coding and amateur radio RSGB Convention 2022 presentations   The Radio Society of Great Britain is delighted to announce that Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan has chosen to donate the UK amateur radio equipment of His late Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan to the Society. His Majesty was a great ambassador for amateur radio and, whenever his official duties allowed him, his radio callsign JY1 could be heard on the amateur bands. His Majesty always operated modestly, never announcing himself as King Hussein, always just ‘Hussein from Jordan’. A permanent display is being organised at the RSGB National Radio Centre so that the equipment can be used to help inspire people to get involved in amateur radio and promote communication, friendship and understanding throughout the many countries and cultures of the world. The RSGB extends its thanks to Her Majesty for this generous donation. National Coding Week has been run for many years in the third week of September. Coding is used increasingly in amateur radio, and the BBC Micro:bit and the Arduino have made it easier for radio amateurs of all ages to discover more about this. As part of its commitment to encourage youngsters into amateur radio and to support lifelong learning, the RSGB will be providing resources and creating coding activities for people to get involved in throughout the month of September. The Society is keen to hear from volunteers who have ideas for this initiative and would like to be part of it. Further details will follow but, if you’re interested, in the first instance please contact Exam and Syllabus Review Group member John Hislop, G7OHO via [email protected] The RSGB has released two further Convention 2022 presentations. In the first, Noel Matthews, G8GTZ provides an introduction to the challenges of operating on 122GHz and gives an overview of the VK3CV-designed transverter boards which have put operation within the reach of amateurs without requiring advanced electronic and mechanical engineering skills. He tells the story of how he and Dave, G1EHF used the boards to work up from their first QSO over 2km to breaking the UK record for 122GHz at 36.5kms. Secondly, in a presentation called “HF propagation – what do the numbers mean?” RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA unravels what terms such as Solar flux index, SSN, A and K index, and Solar Wind Speed mean and explains how to find the best HF conditions. You can watch both on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB After serving for nine years, the RSGB Trophy Manager is retiring and the Society is looking for a new volunteer for this role. The position is part of the RSGB Volunteer Leadership Team, reporting to the Board. Working in close relationship with the three Contest Committees and the RSGB General Manager, the Trophy Manager looks after the RSGB’s trophies arranges for their engraving and presentation to recipients and maintains the trophies’ history. If you are interested in applying for the role or would like to find out more, please email [email protected] The G-QRP Club is running a fun event called the Summer Sizzler from Saturday the 17th to Sunday the 25th of June. This is not a contest, rather it is a relaxed on-air QRP event. It is an ideal opportunity to meet and greet new and old friends, to test your latest homebrew creations and to fill the bands with friendly QRP activity. The best logbook for the event will win the inaugural GM3OXX trophy. This will be decided upon by adjudicators and will not necessarily be awarded to the entrant with the most contacts. Unusual or remarkable logbooks have just as much chance of winning. For more information visit gqrp.com/awards.htm The Royal Air Force Air Cadets are running their popular radio communications event Exercise Blue Ham on the 60m shared band from the 19th to the 23rd of June from 7 pm to 9 pm local time. Contact can be made via USB Voice, PSK31 or Olivia 16/500. Details can be found by following the ‘Exercise Blue Ham’ link at alphacharlie.org.uk   And now for details of rallies and events The East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally, will take place today, Sunday the 18th of June. The venue is Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW, just off the A14. The doors open at 9.30 am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. The venue has free car parking. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a bring-and-buy area, special interest groups, an RSGB bookstall and much more. Catering is available on-site. For more information contact Kevin, G8MXV on 07710 046 846 and visit eswr.org.uk The Newbury Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of June. The venue will be Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There will be a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors will open to sellers at 8 am and visitors at 9am. Ample free parking will be available. Entry is £3 for visitors. A seller’s pitch costs £15. On-site catering and disabled facilities will be available. For more information, email [email protected] and visit nadars.org.uk The Barford Norfolk Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 2nd of July. The venue will be Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and 8 am for traders. The event will feature trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £2.50 per person. Under 16s will be admitted free of charge. For more information contact [email protected] and visit norfolkamateurradio.org The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 9th of July at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. Doors open at 10.30 am and admission is £3. There will be traders, bring-and-buy and club stalls. Car parking and catering are available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information.   Now the Special Event News Today is the last chance to work PD2023APD. The station is active to mark Autistic Pride Day which is held on the 18th of June each year. Listen for the callsign on the 10, 20 and 40m bands. See QRZ.com for more information. Special callsign AU40NRO is active on the HF bands until the 30th of June to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Institute of Amateur Radio in India. QSL via VU2NRO. VI75G is the callsign being used by the Geelong Amateur Radio Club throughout 2023 to celebrate its 75th anniversary. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via VK3ATL.   Now the DX news Today is the last chance to work Yuris, YL2GM who is active as VU7W from the Lakshadweep islands in the Arabian Sea. He is operating from Minicoy Island, AS-106, with a focus on the 6m band although he is also using other bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred, or direct to YL2GN. Roland, F8EN is active as TR8CR from Gabon until the 12th of August. He operates CW only, usually on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via F6AJA. Ersoy, TA2OM has been active as 3C3CA from Bioko Island, AF-010, Equatorial Guinea since October 2022. His current plans are to stay there for another two months. He usually operates using FT8 on the HF bands and he uploads his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World on a regular basis.   Now the contest news The 50MHz Trophy Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1400UTC today, the 18th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 18th of June, the Worked All Britain 6m Phone Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using phone on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. The All Asian DX Contest ends its 48-hour run at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 18th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and age. On Tuesday the 20th of June, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 22nd of June, the 80m Club Championship SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 25th of June, the 50MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 25th of June, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 15th of June 2023 We had another week of sound HF propagation, helped by relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions, a lack of bad solar flares, and some good multi-hop Sporadic-E openings. The Kp index never rose above three and was mostly ones and twos. This was no doubt helped by no M-class or higher solar flares and no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. A large filament did break away from the Sun on the 12th of June, but luckily it was directed away from Earth. The solar flux index declined to the mid-140s after reaching 172 on the 6th of June. Paul, GM4ULS sent in an impressive log of 10m SSB contacts with Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. These were mostly during the late afternoon although Paul says the openings often started around noon. F2-layer propagation was the first thought, but closer analysis suggests that these were more likely to be multi-hop Sporadic-E. If these contacts die out as we progress through the summer that should confirm that they were multi-hop Sporadic-E. Paul does have one tip. He listens to 27.555MHz, which is the SSB CB calling frequency. If he hears activity there he then fires up on the 10m band. Other DX this week has included VP6A on Ducie Island in the South Pacific. This DXpedition should be active until the 26th of June, so there is still plenty of time to work them. 8Q7KB in the Maldives should also be on until the 21st of June. Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the Solar Flux Index will start the week at around 150, rising to 170 as the week progresses. After a geomagnetic disturbance this weekend that may see the Kp index rise to four, and is likely caused by a coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, we may expect quieter conditions next week with a maximum Kp index of two.   And now the VHF and up propagation news There has been some excellent Sporadic-E and super Tropo propagation during recent UK Activity Contest events. This is high-season for Sporadic-E, so it's worth a few notes to sharpen your DX potential. There are often two main 'windows' of activity: mid-morning and late afternoon or early evening. For early risers, there can be a surprise ‘window’ of activity around 0600 to 0700UTC on some days and this is particularly useful for paths across the pole to Japan and the Pacific. The tendency is for openings to migrate westwards. Paths across Eastern Europe will be replaced by new paths to Italy or even Iberia as the particular event ‘window’ migrates west. In this peak season the Sporadic-E operating ‘windows’ may almost merge into one continuous activity period, especially on the lower bands such as 10m and 6m. As paths to Portugal fade, the new cycle may be starting with paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Multi-hop paths will be weaker than single-hop, and often more fleeting due to the complex geometry required, making the slower data modes frustrating. Add this to frequency spreading, and sometimes slick, fast CW can be the best mode if you can find the activity. The prolonged high pressure has provided some very good Tropo paths, particularly across the North Sea to Scandinavia. This may not be so reliable in the coming week as low-pressure moves in and offers heavy thundery showers as a source of rain scatter for GHz operators.  Meteor scatter and aurora are always possible, but Sporadic-E will probably be too much of a distraction. Sunday sees peak Moon declination but with apogee this coming Thursday, path losses will be at their highest.  144MHz sky noise is moderate until Saturday afternoon when the Sun and Moon are very close in the sky, spoiling the weekend for VHF EME. This “close to eclipse” condition persists until Sunday night after which noise levels are low to moderate for the rest of the week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 11th of June 2023 The news headlines: RSGB President's IRTS speech Contest group map Distance learning for Full licence exam   RSGB President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM received a warm welcome when he attended the IRTS AGM Gala Dinner recently. He talked about the challenges faced by national societies, as well as the success of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinars and online exams, which were introduced during the pandemic. John also stressed the importance of engaging young people in amateur radio, through the Society’s work with schools and universities. He is featured on page 10 of the June issue of Ham Radio Ireland Magazine. As part of the RSGB’s new Club Finder facilities, the Society has launched an online map that shows affiliated contest-only clubs and groups. If you’d like to get involved in a group, you can use the map to search locally and more widely. Depending on the club entry you will be able to see which contests they participate in as well as their contact and website information. If you are part of an RSGB-affiliated contest group or club, please check your details and, if they need updating, log into the RSGB members’ portal. New information will be uploaded to the map every Friday afternoon. You can find the map on the RSGB’s contest web page at rsgb.org/radiosport Since 2011, the Bath Based Distance Learning team has helped nearly one thousand students to obtain their Full licence. Student feedback is always very positive and the pass rate continues to be well over 80%, compared with a national average of around 66%. The BBDL team is now planning another Full-licence level course. The course will run from the end of August to December, with exams in January. Students receive weekly work packages via an online classroom and have access to weekly online tutorials. Each student is allocated to one of the remote tutors who provide feedback and additional guidance. There are weekly quizzes to check on progress and at the end of the course there are a number of mock exams. There is no charge for the training, but applicants must work through some pre-course material and complete a quiz to be eligible for a place. This focuses on the ‘new’ Intermediate topics that were introduced to the syllabus in 2019. The aims of the pre-course classroom are to make sure applicants can use the BBDL systems and to ensure that they are ready for the current Full training syllabus. Each student will need to provide their own RSGB Full licence textbook and arrange their own exam at the end of the course. Advice will be provided as part of the course. The deadline for course applications is Tuesday the 25th of July. To request full details and an application form, please email BBDL Team Leader, Steve, G0FUW, via [email protected] International Museums on the Air will take place on the weekends of the 17th and 18th, and the 24th and 25th of June. A participation award will be issued to all stations that register. The registration process is simply to assist the organisers with the administration of the event and provides those taking part with an indication of how many stations will be active and exactly where the museums involved are located. To read more details about the event, and to register, please visit: tinyurl.com/MOTAW   And now for details of rallies and events The Mendips Rally is taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6TY. The entrance fee is £2. The doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. For bookings and enquiries please contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email [email protected] The Junction 28 Radio Rally is also taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £4. There is a fee of £12 to book a table in advance. A bar and refreshments are available on-site. For more information, directions, and the booking form, visit snadarc.com Alternatively, email [email protected] The East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally, will take place on Sunday the 18th of June. The venue will be Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW, just off the A14. The doors open at 9.30 am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. The venue has free car parking. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a bring-and-buy area, special interest groups, an RSGB bookstall and much more. Catering is available on-site. For more information contact Kevin, G8MXV on 07710 046 846 and visit eswr.org.uk   The Newbury Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 25th of June. The venue will be Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. There will be a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors will open to sellers at 8 am and visitors at 9 am. Ample free parking will be available. Entry is £3 for visitors. A seller’s pitch costs £15. On-site catering and disabled facilities will be available. For more information, email [email protected] and visit nadars.org.uk   Now the Special Event News Autistic Pride Day is held on the 18th of June each year. In support of the occasion, special callsign PD2023APD will be active from the 16th to the 18th of June on the 10, 20 and 40m bands. See QRZ.com for more information. Special event callsign DB23SOWG will be active until the 25th of June. The suffix stands for ‘Special Olympics World Games’, the world's largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities. This year the event is being held in Berlin. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DL2VFR. The Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society will be using the callsign GB0BAL at HQ RAF Cosford from the 17th of June to the 14th of July. The ‘BAL’ suffix stands for Berlin Airlift. This was a huge humanitarian operation that took place between June 1948 and September 1949. Access to the city of Berlin was blocked in June 1948. The Western Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, an operation to supply the city with necessary resources by air. The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club is supporting International Men’s Health Week 2023 by using the special callsign GB0MMH from the 16th to the 18th of June. The group will be operating from its clubhouse at Haven Mill, Patrington Haven, 15 miles east of Hull in Yorkshire. Activity will be across various modes and HF bands. For more information, please visit hfdxarc.com   Now the DX news Today is the last chance to work Lars, SM6CUK. He is active from Ven Island, EU-137, as SA6G/7. He is operating on the 40 to 10m bands using CW. QSL via his home call, Logbook of the World and Club Log’s OQRS. Bob, N7XR is active as V7/N7XR from Kwajalein, OC-028, in the Marshall Islands until late June or early July. He operates CW, RTTY and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. T88PB will be active from Koror Island, OC-009, until Monday the 19th of June. He will operate on the HF Bands. QSL via JA0JHQ directly.   Now the contest news The IARU ATV Contest starts on Saturday the 10th of June at 1200UTC and ends on Sunday the 11th of June at 1800UTC. Using TV on 432MHz and up frequencies, the exchange is a serial number, four-digit code and locator. On Sunday the 11th of June, the 2nd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 11th of June, the Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using phone and a maximum of 5W on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 13th of June, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. This is followed by the 432MHz UK Activity Contest which runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 14th of June, the 80m Club Championship CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Wednesday the 14th of June, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 14th of June, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 15th of June, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The 50MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 17th of June and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 18th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 17th of June and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 18th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and age. On Sunday the 18th of June, the Worked All Britain 6m Phone Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using phone on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 8th of June 2023 Solar activity has remained at low levels over the past few days with only minor C-class and one M-class flare detected. The majority of these small flares were produced by active region 3327 in the southeast quadrant. But a large number of sunspots means we are at a high risk of M-class or even higher flares over the next week. HF conditions for last weekend’s Field Day were good and most teams put in good scores. Sporadic-E wasn’t too evident on HF, but there was plenty of F-layer DX to be had and luckily an anticipated geomagnetic storm never materialised. The Kp index remained low for the whole weekend, apart from a brief excursion to Kp4 late on Sunday evening, which only lasted until the next three-hourly update. Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the solar flux index will be in the range of 140 to 155, with 155 coming much later in the week. We may expect some geomagnetic disturbance over this weekend, with the Kp index perhaps reaching four on Sunday the 12th. Looking further ahead, the 18th to the 21st is predicted to be unsettled with a maximum Kp index of five. We really are into a period of summer HF propagation now, which is characterised by lower maximum useable frequencies during daylight hours, but higher MUFs during night-time. According to Propquest, night-time MUFs over a 3,000km path are staying well above 14MHz and even 18MHz all night. You may even find DX on 21MHz up until midnight. So don’t write off the HF bands after dark as you may get some surprises.     And now the VHF and up propagation news Sporadic-E produced some remarkable conditions early last week with 50MHz FT8 QSOs made with Australia during the day and afternoon and evening openings to the Caribbean, Central, North and South America on FT8 and CW. Caribbean signals were still being copied at 2200UTC on some days. The 5th produced QSOs for many on 70MHz including S01WS in Western Sahara. We are still in the peak Sporadic-E season, so it is well worth keeping a check on band activity via the various clusters or simply listening, particularly in the late afternoon. The current weather setup is quite typical for this time of year and can be remarkably persistent. Although there have been suggestions of unsettled thundery weather arriving, it may be a brief visit and rather limited in extent. Some eastern areas stay close to the high pressure which becomes more dominant again throughout next week. This means that Tropo will still be a component of the coming week’s propagation, especially along North Sea coasts, although this will tend to favour northern Britain as the week progresses. The thundery weather could introduce rain scatter, especially to southern and western areas, and these storms should be easy to track in view of the light upper winds. Recent solar conditions, as detailed in the previous section, continue to provide propagation variety with chances of aurora plus the usual mention of random meteor scatter. Moon declination is still negative until Monday, and, as we are past perigee, we will have lengthening Moon windows and rising path losses. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.    

GB2RS News Sunday the 4th of June 2023 The news headlines: Volunteers’ Week New edition of RadCom Basics RSGB Emerging Technology Co-ordinating Committee   The RSGB is in the middle of celebrating Volunteers’ Week which runs from the 1st to the 7th of June. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Society and the RSGB wants to thank everyone who gives their time and expertise to support it, and amateur radio, across such a wide range of roles. Head over to the special web page at rsgb.org/volunteers-week to hear from just some of the RSGB’s volunteers, keep an eye on the RSGB’s social media channels and look out for the special feature in the July issue of RadCom. The new edition of RSGB’s RadCom Basics is out now. It includes articles about using FT8 and the Reverse Beacons to gauge HF propagation; repairing circuit board tracks; a compact 160m vertical; basic fault-finding; and the doublet antenna. If you’re an RSGB member go to the website at rsgb.org/radcom-basics to read this issue. If you’d like to receive an email as soon as the latest RadCom Basics is available, log in to the RSGB Membership Services portal and go to the Manage Preferences section. The Society is looking for a volunteer to join the RSGB Emerging Technology Co-ordinating Committee, or ETCC, to act as Regional Representative for the Central England region. The function of the ETCC is to assist radio amateurs seeking an NoV to operate repeaters, gateways or beacons within the UK. The successful applicant will have broad experience of radio system engineering, analogue and digital modes, local topography and propagation theory. If you’re interested in this role, email ETCC Chair Andrew Barrett, G8DOR by the 9th of July via [email protected]  The RSGB National Radio Centre welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month and needs to expand its team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming an NRC volunteer, you should enjoy meeting people and be prepared to work a minimum of one – preferably two – days per month. The team is particularly interested in recruiting new volunteers who are able to work at the weekend. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information about volunteering, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected] Don’t forget to join the RSGB’s live Tonight@8 webinar this Monday, the 5th of June, when Mike Richards, G4WNC will be giving a live presentation on Node-RED for radio amateurs. Node-RED is a visual programming language that is very powerful but surprisingly easy to use. The language has matured over recent years and has the potential to be a valuable tool for radio amateurs. Watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars The Worked All Britain group will be holding its AGM on Sunday the 11th of June at 12 pm. The venue will be the meeting room of Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. For further information contact Paul, M1AIB via: [email protected] or visit the Worked All Britain website.   And now for details of rallies and events Spalding Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 4th of June. The venue is Holbeach United Youth Football Club, Pennyhill Road, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PR. The doors open at 10 am. Disabled access is available from 9.30 am. Admittance is £3. The event will feature a car boot area, catering, a flea market and trade stands. For more information Contact Graham, G8NWC on 07754 619 701, email [email protected] or visit: sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Summer Rally will take place on Saturday the 10th of June. The venue will be Saint Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. Doors open at 10 am and entry is £3. Refreshments and plenty of free parking are available. For further information, or to book a stall, contact either Roz Worrall via [email protected], or Dave Carden via [email protected] The Mendips Rally will take place on Sunday the 11th of June. The venue will be Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6TY. The entrance fee is £2. The doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. For bookings and enquiries please contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email [email protected] The Junction 28 Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 11th of June. The venue will be Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £4. There is a fee of £12 to book a table in advance. A bar and refreshments will be available on-site. For more information, directions, and the booking form, visit snadarc.com Alternatively, email [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Special callsign DR100XRAY is active until the 30th of June. The station is operating to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of physicist Wilhelm C Roentgen. His discovery of X-rays in 1895 earned him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 and revolutionised diagnostic medicine. QSL via the bureau or directly to DJ6SI. Ninety-five years ago, on the 25th of May 1928, the airship 'Italia' crashed on the ice on its way back from the North Pole. A small tent dyed red for maximum visibility was the only shelter for the survivors. Commemorating the role of radio, and amateur radio, in rescuing the survivors, special callsign II1ITR will be active on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands using SSB and CW until the 12th of July. QSL via IZ1ETD. See QRZ.com for more information.   Now the DX news John, W5JON will be active as V47JA from Saint Kitts, NA-104, until Wednesday the 7th of June. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or directly to W5JON. Lars, SM6CUK will be active from Ven Island, EU-137, until Sunday the 11th of June 2023 as SA6G/7. He will operate on the 40 to 10m bands using CW. QSL via his home call, Logbook of the World and ClubLog’s OQRS. T88PB will be active again from Koror Island, OC-009, until Monday the 19th of June. He will operate on the HF Bands. QSL via JA0JHQ directly.   Now the contest news The ARRL International Digital Contest ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 4th. Using Digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands, the exchange is your four-character locator. National Field Day ends at 1500UTC today, Sunday the 4th. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Today, the 4th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on 1.3, 2.3 and 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 4th, the UK Six Metre Group Summer Contest ends at 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and member number. On Monday the 5th of June, the 80m Club Championship Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 6th of June, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report serial number. On Tuesday the 6th of June, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. and locator. On Wednesday the 7th of June, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 7th of June, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 8th of June, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 11th of June, the 2nd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The IARU ATV Contest starts on Saturday the 10th of June at 1200UTC and ends on Sunday the 11th of June at 1800UTC. Using TV on 432MHz and up frequencies, the exchange is a serial number, four-digit code and locator. On Sunday the 11th of June, the Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using a phone mode and a maximum of 5W on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 1st of June 2023 We had a relatively calm period last week with the Kp index remaining below three and plenty of sunspots. Although we started the week with the Solar Flux Index in the low 150s, it quickly picked up to reach 161 by Thursday. As a result, there was DX to be had, although most of the attention was on 6m where some outstanding multi-hop DX contacts were being made. But back on HF and people have been chasing T31TT on the Central Kiribati Islands. Some have made it, but it's a difficult path. Closer to home, Nobby Styles, G0VJG and Emil, DL8JJ have been active on Rockall, which is IOTA EU-189, using the callsign MM0UKI. Rockall is an uninhabitable granite islet situated in the North Atlantic. The nearest permanently inhabited place is North Uist, an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, 200 nautical miles to the east. They have been worked from the UK mainland on 30m and 20m and heard in the east of England on 15m, possibly via Sporadic-E. They may have been a little too close to northern areas for 20m as you may have been inside their skip zone. One of their aims is to raise as much as possible for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, so please support them if you can. This weekend we may have unsettled geomagnetic conditions partly due to an Earth-facing coronal hole with the Kp index peaking at five. But after the weekend things may settle with a maximum Kp index of two. The solar flux index is predicted to be around 150, declining to 130 as the week goes on, so HF conditions may be down a little on last week.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The weather pattern seems stuck in its typical late spring/early summer state with cold north-easterly winds in eastern areas. There are good prospects for western Britain to shine but leaving eastern areas struggling. The root cause is a large area of high pressure that is over northern Britain, and currently trying to transfer to the east, which could improve things. Either way, it does mean that Tropo was doing a lot of the propagation work last week and will do so for much of next week too. As the high edges east, or splits into one to the west and one to the east of the UK, it could leave room for isolated thundery showers to encroach into southern and southwestern areas and give a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands. The main mode of interest will probably be Sporadic-E and there have been a few examples in the last week, both single-hop within Europe and multi-hop paths to the States, the Far East and Australia. The first week of June is typically a prime period for Sporadic-E and although the jet stream position suggests mainly paths northeast to Scandinavia and Baltic regions will be best, other multi-hop options farther afield are worth exploring too. Monitor the clusters and band maps to see where the activity is happening. If you hear this in time, you might want to check out the 24-hour UK Six Metre Group Summer Sporadic-E contest which ends at 1300UTC today, the 4th. There should be plenty of activity. Other modes may also pop into view, such as aurora and meteor scatter, so we may be spoilt for choice. Moon declination is negative all week and still falling until Tuesday. We are past apogee so path losses will fall as the week goes on. So we will also have short Moon windows with falling path losses until perigee late Tuesday. 144MHz sky noise is high, reaching a peak of 2700K on Monday and only going below 300K by Friday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 28th of May 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Tonight@8 webinar RSGB Beaconnect loop experiments RSGB School Zone web page   On Monday the 5th of June, the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar will feature Mike Richards, G4WNC who will give a presentation on Node-RED for radio amateurs. Node-RED is a visual programming language that is very powerful but surprisingly easy to use. The language has matured over recent years and has the potential to be a valuable tool for radio amateurs. In this talk, Mike will provide an introduction to Node-RED programming techniques. He will conclude with a live demonstration to show just how easy it can be to add extra facilities to your rig. Watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Three weekends have been identified for some RSGB Beaconnect loop experiments. On the 3rd and 4th of June, there will be some regional loops and nets. On the 10th and 11th of June, there will be an England-only loop and net based round the activators who have registered for Beaconnect callsigns so far, but the Society would welcome new activators in the West of England and East Anglia. Finally, on the 24th and 25th of June there will be an attempt at a multiple nations loop, although to do so the Society will need activators in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to join in with these activities, register for a Beaconnect callsign via the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/coronation and choose the Beaconnect information page. The RSGB’s School Zone web page brings together radio amateurs in schools and colleges. The Society wants to help people to share their experience and expertise in establishing and running a radio club for young people. The RSGB has just launched a new page as part of this section called ‘School Zone stories’ where it is highlighting some of the great amateur radio activities that are happening in these, and other, schools. If you’re a school with an amateur radio club and want to be added to the list, or a radio amateur or club that is linking with local schools, the RSGB would love to add your information and stories to School Zone. Go to rsgb.org/school-zone to find out more, or send your stories and photos to [email protected] Have you seen the RSGB Live News web page? It brings together the Society’s social media feeds, latest YouTube videos and front-page news in one place. Launched a few years ago, people found it very useful, so the RSGB is highlighting it again now for those who have become radio amateurs or returned to amateur radio more recently. Take a look at rsgb.org/live for a taster and then go to the individual comms channels to find out more. The Worked All Britain group will be holding its AGM on Sunday the 11th of June at 12pm. The venue will be the meeting room of Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. For further information contact Paul, M1AIB via: [email protected] or visit the Worked All Britain website.   And now for details of rallies and events The Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 28th of May. The venue is Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors are open from 10.10 am to 2.30 pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. Admittance is £2. There is a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar are available on-site. For more information, contact Michael Wright, G7TWX on 07826 924 192, or on email via [email protected] Spalding Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 4th of June. The venue will be Holbeach United Youth Football Club, Pennyhill Road, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PR. The doors open at 10 am. Disabled access is available from 9.30 am. Admittance is £3. The event will feature a car boot area, catering, a flea market and trade stands. For more information Contact Graham, G8NWC on 07754 619 701, email [email protected] or visit: sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Summer Rally will take place on Saturday the 10th of June. The venue will be Saint Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. Doors open at 10 am and entry is £3. Refreshments and plenty of free parking are available. For further information, or to book a stall, contact either Roz Worrall via [email protected], or Dave Carden via [email protected] The Mendips Rally will take place on Sunday the 11th of June. The venue will be Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6TY. Entrance is £2. The doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. For bookings and enquiries please contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email [email protected] The Junction 28 Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 11th of June. The venue will be Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £4. There is a fee of £12 to book a table in advance. A bar and refreshments will be available on-site. For more information, directions, and the booking form, visit snadarc.com Alternatively, email [email protected]   Now the Special Event News OL100RADIO, OL100RJ, OL23RADIO and OL23RJ are the special callsigns for the Czech Radio Club to mark 100 years of broadcasting in Czechoslovakia. Look for activity on all bands and modes until the 18th of June. A certificate will be available. For more information visit the QRZ.com pages associated with each of the special callsigns. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first Trans-Tasman amateur radio contact,  members of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters will be operating special callsign ZL100 until the 25th of July. North Bristol Amateur Radio Club, in partnership with South Bristol Amateur Radio Club, is holding a special event to commemorate the loss of flight 777a on the 1st of June 1943. The flight was en route from Portugal to Whitchurch Airport, now defunct, in Bristol. The event has been granted the rare callsign GB80AGBB. The station will be active from 10 am until 5 pm from the 30th of May to the 3rd of June on the 20 and 40m bands and on the Southwest DMR Cluster Talk Group 950. Contact can also be made via the FreeDMR Network on Talk Group 777. For more information, visit the GB80AGBB page on QRZ.com or email [email protected]   Now the DX news To raise money for charity, a team of three amateurs is visiting Rockall Island, EU-189, in the North Atlantic Ocean almost 200 miles west of Scotland. The team will be operating using the callsign MM0UKI and plans to be QRV between Monday the 29th of May and Friday the 2nd of June. The team is expecting to be active on the 40 to 10m bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. The QSL manager for the DXpedition is Charles, M0OXO. For more information visit rockallexped.com Jack, M0PLX will be active from Unst and six other islands in the Shetlands, EU-012, until Friday the 2nd of June. He will operate using SSB on the HF bands and will also monitor the 6m band. Updates will be posted to M0PLX’s Facebook page. Vincent, HB9VCJ will be active as 8Q7VJ from the Maldives, AS-013, until Sunday the 4th of June. He will operate QRP SSB, and various digital modes, on the 40 to 6m bands, and also FM on the 10m band. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via his home call. Didier, F6BCW is active as FO/F6BCW from Huahine Island, OC-067, French Polynesia until the 25th of October. He operates CW and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via F6EXV, Club Log and Logbook of the World.   Now the contest news Today, the 28th, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 28th, the CQ Worldwide WPX CW Contest ends its 48-hour run at 2359UTC. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. National Field Day will start at 1500UTC on Saturday the 3rd of June and end at 1500UTC on Sunday the 4th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The UK Six Metre Group Summer Contest starts at 1300UTC on Saturday the 3rd of June and ends at 1300UTC on Sunday the 4th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and member number. The ARRL International Digital Contest starts at 1800UTC on Saturday the 3rd of June and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 4th of June. Using digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands, the exchange is your four-character locator. On Sunday the 4th of June, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on 1.3, 2.3 and 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 25th of May 2023 The Sun currently has an equal number of spots in both its Northern and Southern hemispheres. The Solar Flux Index was consistently in the 150 to 160s range last week, with a total of eight M-class flares. We had unsettled geomagnetic conditions on the 21st and 22nd when the Kp index hit six, but things then settled down again to a more manageable two to three. There are times when the F-layer critical frequency is lower than the E-layer critical frequency due to Sporadic-E. This means that HF signals can’t reach the F2-layer, basically blocking off DX, but leaving Sporadic-E short skip available. So, make the most of these short-skip contacts to the continent and multi-hop Sporadic-E skips to further afield. Conditions in the F2-layer will improve in the autumn, so don’t worry! There is still HF DX to be had, but you may have to hunt for it. Recently, Laurie, G3UML worked BD4VGZ in China on the 15m band using CW and Stuart, M1SMH worked YG2ALQ in Indonesia as well as A71UN in Qatar, on the 10m band using FT8. Meanwhile, Andy, M0NKR worked VK on the 15m band using SSB long path. Namibia, Malawi and Equatorial Guinea have all been workable from the UK using FT8 on the 10m band during late morning. Next week NOAA predicts that the Solar Flux Index will remain in the same range. That is, in the 150 to 160s. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast from the 2nd to the 4th of June when the Kp index might reach four. Otherwise, it suggests that conditions will be mainly settled with the Kp index around two to three. So, make the most of the elusive HF F2-layer openings and the various opportunities available during this peak time for Sporadic-E propagation. And now the VHF and up propagation news The broad scale pattern is still dominated by a large area of high pressure over the country with its centre mostly to the northwest of the British Isles. The whole period through to the end of the coming week should offer some good tropo prospects, so why not try using CW or SSB to add some extra squares to your log? Under lift conditions, even a halo antenna can be surprisingly effective. The weather variety will remain until the end of next week when low pressure over France tries to push some thundery showers northwards into southern Britain after midweek, and perhaps then northwards as far as western Scotland. This brings a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands. There is, as usual, always a chance of aurora and meteor scatter to bring additional options, but the main mode of interest this week will be Sporadic-E as we head into the peak of the season. With tropo also in play, it’s worth a quick note for those not used to working Sporadic-E; Tropo tends to be long-lasting and usually better on the higher bands. That is to say, the 70cm band is often better than the 2m band whereas Sporadic-E is usually brief and better at lower frequency bands. So, the 10m band is better than the 6m band. This time of the year it can reach up to 2m on rare occasions. If you do nothing else, simply check the bands and clusters at the end of the afternoon to maximise your Sporadic-E chances. Moon declination is positive but falling this weekend, going negative on Tuesday. We are past apogee so path losses will fall as the week goes on. We’ll see shortening Moon windows with falling path losses. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 21st of May 2023 The news headlines: Youngsters on the Air camp RSGB Board appointment RadCom Basics Editor   The RSGB has announced the team of young members who will be representing the Society and the UK at this summer’s Youngsters on the Air camp. The event, hosted by the Hungarian Radio Amateur Society MRASZ, will take place in Gyor, Hungary between the 5th  and the 12th of August. The team is made up of team leader Alexander, 2E0FMZ and members Henry-James, M7HJR; Hannah, M7YYQ and Jake, M7JNS. You can read more about the camp and the team on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary The RSGB Board has decided to co-opt Ian Shepherd, G4EVK as a Board Director until the 2024 AGM. Please see the Board’s explanation of this appointment on the Society’s website at thersgb.org/go/boardcoopt The RSGB is sad to report that RadCom Basics Editor Lee Aldridge, G4EJB wishes to retire later this year. The RSGB thanks Lee for all his hard work and effort in the making of RadCom Basics. If you are interested in taking on the role of RadCom Basics Editor, please email [email protected] Last year, the RSGB was approached by the BBC to find experts to contribute to its planned series ‘The Secret Genius of Modern Life’. For episode one, which takes a look at the bank card, Neil Smith, G4DBN re-created the Great Seal Bug – a wooden seal, gifted to the US embassy in Moscow in 1945, and which contained a covert listening device. The technology developed for the bug was an early example of RFID, which is what allows contactless card payments to work. Neil has now released a series of fascinating videos on his YouTube channel which explain the history of the Bug as well as the mechanical design and machining needed to re-create it. You can find the videos in Neil’s playlist on ‘Machining and Microwaves’ and you can watch the original BBC Two programme on BBC Sounds – this episode is available for a further seven months. The RSGB National Radio Centre welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month and needs to expand its team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming an NRC volunteer, you should enjoy meeting people and be prepared to work a minimum of one – preferably two – days per month. The team is particularly interested in recruiting new volunteers who are able to work at the weekend. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information about volunteering, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected] Interest in QRP activity is as strong as ever in the worldwide amateur radio community. QRP activity showcases the ability of radio amateurs to communicate using low power and helps to reduce QRM on amateur bands. This year, QRP Day will be held on the 17th of June. More information is available via the IARU website: iaru.org   And now for details of rallies and events RetrotechUK, hosted by the British Vintage Wireless Society, is taking place today, the 21st of May. The venue is Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. This large annual vintage technology fair features around 200 indoor stalls. Private sellers, clubs and dealers are offering vintage items, including radio, television, hi-fi, vinyl, 78s, gramophones, telephones, communications equipment, spare parts, and much more. There is also a bring-and-buy area and free parking available. The event is open to everyone and general admission from 10.30 am is £10. Early entry from 9 am costs £25. For more details contact Jeremy, G8MLK via email at [email protected], by phone at 07799 110 080, or visit retrotechuk.com The Dunstable Downs Radio Club Annual National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale is also taking place today, the 21st of May. The venue is Stockwood Park in Luton. All the usual facilities are available. For more information visit ddrcbootsale.org The Barry Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Saturday the 27th of May. The venue will be Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. Doors open from 9.30 am for the public and 7.30 am for traders. Free parking is available on-site. For more information contact Steve on 07368 140 795. The Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 28th of May. The venue will be Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, Co Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors will be open from 10.10 am to 2.30 pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. Admittance is £2. There will be a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar are available on-site. For more information, contact Michael Wright, G7TWX on 07826 924 192, or on email via [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Special callsign GB4VLB is active this weekend from the Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House in Tynemouth. The station is operating as part of SOS Radio Week in support of the Volunteer Life Brigade, RNLI and National Coast Watch Institution. For more information visit the GB4VLB QRZ page. QSL via Logbook of the World. Look out for the special callsign AU40NRO which is active until the 30th of June to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Institute of Amateur Radio in India. QSL via VU2NRO. North West Group Amateur Radio Club in Northern Ireland is running a special event station GB0AEL until the 26th of May to commemorate the anniversary of Amelia Earhart's transatlantic flight. On the 20th and 21st of May 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly nonstop and alone across the Atlantic, leaving Harbor Grace in Newfoundland, Canada, and landing 15 hours later in Northern Ireland. QSL via MI0HOZ, directly or via the bureau. Members of ARI Novara will be active as II1CAI until the 30th of June. The special callsign marks the 100th anniversary of the local section of the Italian Alpine Club, founded in 1863. QSL via IQ1NO.   Now the DX news Today is the last chance to work Pete, M1PTR, Tom, M0DCG and Kieron, M5KJM / EI6KP from Stockport Radio Society who are operating as EJ6KP from Great Blasket Island, EU-007. The team is active on the 40, 20 and possibly 15m bands using SSB. QSL via the bureau or OQRS. Bob, N7XR is active as V7/N7XR from Kwajalein Atoll, OC-028, in the Marshall Islands until late June or early July. He operates CW, RTTY and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. James, KI7MGY will be stationed in Djibouti until June and plans to be QRV as J28HJ on the 80, 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World. Giorgio, IU5HWS will be active as 5UA99WS from Niamey, Niger until the 15th of June. In his spare time, he will be QRV on the 40 to 10m bands using FT8 and SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World, or via EA5GL.   Now the contest news Today, the 21st of May, the 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK and Crown Dependency stations also send the first two letters of their postcode. Today, the 21st of May, the 144MHz May Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK and Crown Dependency stations also send the first two letters of their postcode. On Monday the 22nd of May, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 23rd of May, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3GHz and up bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 25th of May, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Saturday the 27th of May, the CQ Worldwide WPX CW Contest starts its 24-hour run at 0000UTC. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 28th of May, 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, and G4BAO on Thursday the 18th of May 2023 After last week’s NOAA prediction that we would have settled geomagnetic conditions all week, it seems they were right! The Kp index never got above three – a miracle given the recent disruption due to coronal mass ejections and coronal holes. The proton flux from the Sun has declined as well. However, an M9 solar flare on Tuesday from active region 3310, and numerous C-class flares, maybe a precursor to more flare activity next week. With a solar flux index in the 130s and 140s, HF conditions have been quite good. Daytime maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path have usually exceeded 21MHz, with 24MHz seeing occasional F2-layer openings, as well as sporadic E propagation. At the moment, the 10m band is mainly open to Sporadic-E propagation with more DX paths now locked out until the Autumn. This is in line with predictions, as the ionosphere changes in the Northern Hemisphere summer with a change to more diatomic elements, which are harder to ionise. So, will our luck hold out next week? The Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasts that the Solar Flux Index, or SFI, will decline slightly to the 120s and this weekend should be geomagnetically settled. However, it is predicting that the Kp index will rise again from the 23rd of May. It suggests that the Kp index may hit four or even five for a few days before becoming more settled again from the 30th. The US Air Force disagrees and thinks the SFI will be higher, perhaps hitting 145 and even 155 by the 28th. It agrees that we are in for more unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 24th to the 28th, possibly due to a coronal hole rotating into an Earth-facing position. So, expect MUFs to decline if the Kp index goes up, with poor overall HF conditions. It is certainly looking like this weekend may see the best conditions for HF, so we suggest you get your DXing in right now, with 14 to 21MHz offering the best prospects.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The upcoming weather week will be predominantly high-pressure driven, with an elongated region of high pressure from the Azores to Scandinavia. However, there is still scope for a few blemishes and as we end the current week it comes as isolated showers, especially in the south and weakening fronts over north-western Britain. Early next week, a brief period with low pressure over the near continent will threaten some heavier rain for south-eastern areas. Concentrating on the high-pressure part of the story, this means Tropo is a strong player and will hopefully be in attendance for the 144MHz May Contest and 144MHz Backpackers Contest this weekend.  Remember that, in the summer months, Tropo becomes much weaker over the land during the stronger heating of the daytime sunshine but can become quite widespread overnight and around coasts. The rainfall component can lead to good rain scatter options, especially as the summer usually produces more intense rainfall, so performs better as a scatterer on the GHz bands. The other primary propagation mode is going to be Sporadic-E as we move into the peak summer months. Follow the position of jet streams on the upper air charts, shown on propquest.co.uk and described in a daily blog. Don’t forget there are always modes like aurora and meteor scatter, which can add to the excitement, but will need to be checked each day. Moon declination is at its highest this weekend for the Dubus EME 10GHz and up SSB/CW contest, peaking on Monday. With apogee next Friday, path losses will continue to increase. 144MHz sky noise is moderate early next week becoming low by Thursday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 14th of May 2023 The news headlines: Coronation activities RSGB Trophy Manager Women in Engineering Day   Although the Coronation itself has taken place, the RSGB’s Coronation activities run until the end of June. After the successful Special Special Event Station run by Cray Valley Amateur Radio Society, the GB23C callsign is now open for individual radio amateurs and clubs to use. You can find out how to register via the GB23C web page on the RSGB website. You can also get involved in Beaconnect using one of the hundreds of callsigns that Ofcom has made available for this activity. RSGB District Representative Martyn, M0TEB activated GB23BIR with Furness Amateur Radio Society and said the callsign attracted a lot of interest, so they would encourage others to get involved too! You can also download a special Coronation QSL card and work towards three different RSGB Coronation awards. Details of all of these activities are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coronation After serving for nine years, the RSGB Trophy Manager is retiring and the Society is looking for a new volunteer for this role. The position is part of the RSGB Volunteer Leadership Team, reporting to the Board. Working in close relationship with the three Contest Committees and the RSGB General Manager, the Trophy Manager looks after the RSGB’s trophies arranges for their engraving and presentation to recipients and maintains the trophies’ history. If you are interested in applying for the role or would like to find out more, please email [email protected] We know that amateur radio is a great foundation for STEM careers. With that in mind, why not help the RSGB celebrate International Women in Engineering Day this June? The Society would love to share your stories of women in engineering roles to inspire future generations. If you, or a girl or woman you know, aspire to work in engineering, are currently working as an engineer or are retired from the profession, do get in touch with the RSGB comms team. Please send a photo and a brief story to [email protected] by Monday 22 May. Don’t forget that the RSGB’s May Tonight@8 webinar will be live tomorrow, Monday the 15th of May. Watch the live stream and ask questions as Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY talk about the T41-EP ALPS: A High-Performance CW Decoder. This a reminder now that Mills on the Air is taking place this weekend. There are plenty of stations on the air, so why not give them a call? For more information, visit the www.ddars.net website or contact [email protected] Pubs and Clubs on the Air is also taking place this weekend. Today is the last chance to work stations from all over the UK that are active for the event. For more information, email [email protected] or visit the g6tw.co.uk website.   And now for details of rallies and events The Braehead Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 14th of May. The venue is Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew G51 4BN. Free parking will be available. The doors open for everyone at 10 am and admission is £4. The event will feature Bring and Buy and the Central Scotland Repeater Group AGM. For more information and contact details visit www.braeheadradiorally.com RetrotechUK, hosted by the British Vintage Wireless Society, will take place on Sunday the 21st of May. The venue will be Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. This large annual vintage technology fair will feature up to 200 indoor stalls. Private sellers, clubs and dealers will offer vintage items, including radio, television, hi-fi, vinyl, 78s, gramophones, telephones, communications equipment, spare parts, and much more. There will also be a bring-and-buy area and free parking available. The event is open to everyone and general admission from 10.30 am is £10. Early entry from 9 am costs £25. For more details contact Jeremy, G8MLK via email on [email protected], by phone on 07799 110 080, or visit www.retrotechuk.com The Dunstable Downs Radio Club Annual National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale will be taking place on Sunday the 21st of May. The venue will be Stockwood Park in Luton. All the usual facilities will be there. For more information visit www.ddrcbootsale.org The Barry Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Saturday the 27th of May. The venue will be Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. Doors open from 9.30 am for the public and 7.30 am for traders. Free parking is available on-site. For more information contact Steve on 07368 140 795. Now the Special Event News VI2023HRH is the special callsign for members of the Wireless Institute of Australia to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. The callsign will be active until the 31st of May. QSL via operator's instructions. Look for the special callsign AU40NRO which is active until the 30th of June to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Institute of Amateur Radio in India. QSL via VU2NRO. Members of UBA Mechelen will be operating special event station OS23SOM until the 31st of May in celebration of Special Olympics Belgium's annual National Games, this year to be held in Mechelen, between the 17th and 20th of May. A certificate will be available and details of how to download it will be published via the OS23SOM QRZ.com web page.   Now the DX news Harold, DF2WO will be active again as 9X2AW from Rwanda until tomorrow, the 15th of May. He will operate using CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS page. Giorgio, IU5HWS will be active as 5UA99WS from Niamey, Niger until the 15th of June. In his spare time, he will be QRV on the 40 to 10m bands using FT8 and SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World, or via EA5GL. James, KI7MGY will be stationed in Djibouti until June and plans to be QRV as J28HJ on the 80, 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World. Pete, M1PTR, Tom, M0DCG and Kieron, M5KJM / EI6KP from Stockport Radio Society are planning to operate as EJ6KP from Great Blasket Island, EU-007, on the 16th, 17th and 18th of May. Operating during daylight hours, they will be active on the 40, 20 and possibly 15m bands using SSB. QSL via the bureau or OQRS.   Now the contest news Today, the 14th of May, the 70MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK and Crown Dependency stations also send the first two letters of their postcode. Also today, the 14th of May, the UK Microwave Group Millimetre-Wave Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 24, 47 and 76GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 16th of May, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 17th of May, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using data modes on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 18th of May, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 20th of May, the 144MHz May Contest starts its 24-hour run at 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK and Crown Dependency stations also send the first two letters of their postcode. On Sunday the 21st of May, the 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK and Crown Dependency stations also send the first two letters of their postcode.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of May 2023 Our topsy-turvy world of HF propagation continued last week with geomagnetic storms, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, proton events and more. The good news is that the solar flux index was at 170 by Thursday, but the bad news was that we had two episodes where the Kp index hit five and there were at least five M-class flares.  At least one of these flares was responsible for a coronal mass ejection, or CME, which swept past the Earth on the 10th of May with a solar wind speed close to 700km/s. Although it was fierce, it was relatively short-lived and the Kp index was back to three on Thursday the 11th. The CME caused the maximum usable frequency over 3,000km to decline to around 21MHz at times on Wednesday, but by Thursday morning it was back up to nearly 28MHz. The high proton flux also caused problems on the 10th of May. The protons, mainly from CMEs, move down the Earth’s magnetic field lines into the polar regions and cause massive ionisation of the polar D region leading to increased, or total, absorption of HF waves. This effect may last for as long as ten days and is called a Polar Cap Absorption event, or PCA. This affects signals going over the poles, such as the UK to the west coast of Canada and the USA, or to Japan and the far east. Meanwhile, we are now underway with the Sporadic-E season, so make the most of the short skip and potential multi-hop Sporadic-E DX on 14 to 28MHz. Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre has the Solar Flux Index declining slightly into the 150s. This is still more than enough to maintain DX on 21MHz and higher at times. It also predicts that the Kp index will be no higher than a stable 2 all week. However, that is hard to believe, with the level of solar activity at the moment, and we could reasonably expect the Earth to be hit with a CME or two at some stage. This could see the Kp index rising with the potential of reduced MUFs at times.   And now the VHF and up propagation news After a very unsettled end to the week, with lots of rain scatter reported, it will soon quieten down as a ridge of high pressure builds across the country to give some limited Tropo opportunities for the start of the weekend. This will not last long and by this evening, it will be heading back to unsettled with low pressure, heavy rain and rain scatter. This unsettled theme will last through the first half of the new week together with strong north-easterly winds. Thereafter, high pressure will build again for the second half of the week, providing further Tropo options. Keep a watch for Aurora, especially in view of the current unsettled solar state. CMEs will mean a very unsteady Kp index and anything higher than five should get your attention for auroral propagation. No significant meteor showers are expected this week, but QSOs using random meteors are always a possibility in the dawn hours. Likely to be of interest in the summer months ahead, there have already been Sporadic-E openings on 6m CW and FT8 into Europe. Early evening trans-equatorial 6m FT8 QSOs to South America, the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic were reported from the UK last week. Check Propquest.co.uk for daily blogs and make use of the DX cluster and map plots to see where the actual centres of activity are located. Timings can be a bit random early in the season, but there tend to be two ‘openings’ per day – one in the morning and a second during the late afternoon or early evening. Moon declination is rising, going positive again next Tuesday. But last Thursday’s perigee means path losses are on the increase. 144MHz sky noise is low until Friday when the Sun and Moon are close in the sky for the whole Moon window. Things return to normal early on Saturday and sky noise is moderate. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 7th of May 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Coronation activities RSGB insurance Tonight@8 webinar   The RSGB has released some updates about its planned Coronation activities. Firstly, a personalised RSGB Coronation QSL card is now available on the Coronation web pages. You can simply enter your callsign and print it off. Following the recent issue of GB23BAA to BZZ by Ofcom, the Beaconnect activity registration is now open. If you go to the Beaconnect web page you will find the registration section which will guide you through the process. Finally, it is now possible for individual radio amateurs and clubs to register to use the GB23C callsign between the 10th of May to the 30th of June. Details can be found on the GB23C web page. For further information on these and all the other Coronation activities being led by the RSGB, go to rsgb.org/coronation RSGB club insurance, and beacon and repeater insurance, have now been renewed for the year to April 2024. Club insurance certificates can be downloaded from the RSGB website. You will need to log in to obtain your certificate. Beacon and repeater insurance certificates are available for an admin fee of £12 from the RSGB shop. Please allow a couple of days after renewal for your certificate to be dispatched. The RSGB’s May Tonight@8 webinar is not in its usual slot on the first Monday of the month. To accommodate the two Bank Holidays, the live webinar will be on Monday the 15th of May instead. Put the date in your diary for an interesting presentation by Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY on the T41-EP ALPS: A High Performance CW Decoder. Matthew, M0MZB from Calder Bridge in Cumbria, has become a SOTA Mountain Goat in impressive style. He reached the 1,000 activation point threshold with an overnight activation of High Stile G/LD-012 in the English Lake District. Matthew set up overnight camp on the summit of the long ridge above the western shore of Lake Buttermere. He operated both on VHF and HF and made a summit-to-summit contact with Alex Hill, G7KSE who was on the Dent summit, G/LD-045. Since getting involved in Summits on the Air, Matthew's expeditions have left many radio amateurs in awe. He has conducted many multi-summit expeditions without motorised transport, traversing between summits entirely on foot or by bicycle. Upon reaching the coveted Mountain Goat status, Matthew commented: "SOTA has given me new ideas for my little expeditions and has put me in touch with lots of new friends. The challenge of Mountain Goat has included many facets, from learning CW to antenna building, from battery technology to fishing poles." For more information about Summits on the Air visit www.sota.org.uk  Pubs and Clubs on the Air is taking place on the 12th, 13th and 14th of May. If you or your radio club or society is interested in taking part and operating a station, please email [email protected] or visit the g6tw.co.uk website. Mills on the Air Weekend will take place on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of May. For more information, or to register to take part, visit www.ddars.net or contact [email protected]   And now for details of rallies and events Thorpe Camp Hamfest Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 7th of May. The venue is Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre and the entrance fee is £4 per person. The rally is taking place from 9 am to 1 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available on-site. For more information phone Sylvia or Anthony at 07956 654 481. Dartmoor Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 7th of May at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. The usual bring-and-buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking are available. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £2.50. For more information contact Roger by phone at 07854 088 882, or email via [email protected] The Braehead Rally will take place on Sunday the 14th of May. The venue will be Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew G51 4BN. Free parking will be available. The doors open for everyone at 10 am and admission is £4. The event will feature bring-and-buy and the Central Scotland Repeater Group AGM. For more information and contact details visit www.braeheadradiorally.com RetrotechUK, hosted by the British Vintage Wireless Society, will take place on Sunday the 21st of May. The venue will be Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. This large annual vintage technology fair will feature up to 200 indoor stalls. Private sellers, clubs and dealers will offer vintage items, including radio, television, hi-fi, vinyl, 78s, gramophones, telephones, communications equipment, spare parts, and much more. There will also be a bring-and-buy area and free parking available. The event is open to everyone and general admission from 10.30 am is £10. Early entry from 9 am costs £25. For more details contact Jeremy, G8MLK via email on [email protected], by phone on 07799 110 080, or visit www.retrotechuk.com The Barry Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Saturday the 27th of May. The venue will be Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. Doors open from 9.30 am for the public and 7.30 am for traders. Free parking is available on-site. For more information contact Steve on 07368 140 795.   Now the Special Event News Today is the last chance to work special callsign 5F15SIA which is active to promote Morocco's International Exhibition of Agriculture. QSL via Logbook of the World, or direct to CN8WW. OT2023EPIC is the special callsign for the Pajottenlandse Radio Amateur Club in Belgium to promote the sixth Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look out for activity until the 21st of May. Special callsign GB4VLB will be active on the 20th and 21st of May from the Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House in Tynemouth as part of SOS Radio Week. The station will be operating in support of the Volunteer Life Brigade, RNLI and National Coast Watch Institution. For more information visit qrz.com. QSL via Logbook of the World.   Now the DX news Today is the last chance to work Kasimir, DL2SBY who is active as 8Q7KB in the Maldives. He is operating CW, SSB and FT8 and FT4 with a focus on the 30, 17, 12, 10 and 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS or direct to his home call. Pista, HA5AO will be active as 5X2I from the shores of Lake Victoria, Uganda until Wednesday the 10th of May. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 10m bands.  QSL via HA5AO's OQRS page is preferred. JE1HXZ/6 is active from Kuroshima, AS-024, until Monday the 8th of May. He will operate CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8 and FT4 on the HF and 6m bands. QSL via the Bureau and Logbook of the World.   Now the contest news Today, the 7th, the Worked All Britain 7MHz Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using phone mode on the 40m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Today, the 7th, the ARI International DX Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1200UTC. Using CW, RTTY and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Italian stations give their province code. Today, the 7th, the 10GHz Trophy Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 10GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 7th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 7th, the 432MHz to 245GHz Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1400UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 9th of May, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 9th of May, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 10th of May, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 10th of May, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 11th of May, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 14th of May, the 70MHz CW Contest takes place from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 14th of May, the UK Microwave Group Millimetre-Wave Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 24, 47 and 76GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 4th of May 2023 Next week will see the Sun presenting with four large sunspots groups that are rotating to be Earth-facing, so look out for trouble. Just as the UK weather takes a turn for the worse, we expect the space weather to be unpredictable too! Active regions 3293, 3294, 3296 and 3297 look dark and are looming large on the Sun’s face. Region 3293 emitted an M7.2 class solar flare on the 3rd of May, which the Space Weather Prediction Centre reported was likely due to an intensification of the magnetic field within the spot group. The flare caused some degradation of the ionosphere, but nothing too serious. However, the Space Weather Prediction Centre now predicts that further flares could follow, perhaps even a strong X-class flare, which could have more serious effects. If an X-class flare occurs in daylight over the UK, we can expect the HF bands to be affected in what is known as a sudden ionospheric disturbance or Dellinger fadeout. This could see the lower HF bands shut down due to extreme ionisation in the D-layer, only for the band to return to normal over a period of minutes to an hour. More worrying is the fact that the flare could spark a coronal mass ejection, or CME, which, if Earth-directed, could cause the Kp index to rise, MUFs to drop and bring auroral activity a few days after the CME. So, keep an eye on solarham.net for updates. Meanwhile, the solar flux index, or SFI, remains in the 150s and this looks set to continue. The US Air Force predicts the SFI will start the week at 152, then dip slightly, before reaching 170 by the 12th of May. It also predicts that geomagnetic conditions will be settled once we get past this weekend, which could see the Kp index rise to four. These unsettled conditions may be due to a coronal hole, which became Earth-facing on Thursday. Propagation-wise, F2-layer maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path has struggled to exceed 21 to 24MHz during daylight hours as we head towards summer. The season is characterised as having lower MUFs during the day, but these tend to be maintained into the hours of darkness. Meanwhile, Sporadic-E might spring some surprises for paths over 800 to 2,200km on 14 to 28MHz, with very strong signals and rapid fading.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The weather pattern is taking a change to unsettled as we move through this first May weekend, with low pressure dominating the charts and throwing active weather fronts across the country. This will produce some quite heavy rain at times and perhaps even some thundery activity. This bodes well for rain scatter on the GHz bands. This pattern extends well into next week, eventually changing from a south-westerly to a north-westerly followed by a building ridge of high pressure to bring a temporary hint of Tropo to end the week. This opens the more exotic modes to consider, such as meteor scatter and possible aurora, but these are very much outliers to the main interest at this time of year, which is Sporadic-E. The season has nominally started, and daily blogs are being added to the website Propquest.co.uk, which describe the more likely regions to find Sporadic-E opportunities. This unsettled weather pattern brings a useful bonus in that it is often associated with jet stream activity. The whole period offers several jet streams across Europe, a positive for the start of the new Sporadic-E season since jet streams are often associated with the location of Sporadic-E activity. Moon declination is low and falling, reaching minimum next Tuesday. EME Moon windows will be short. Perigee is Thursday, so when you do have a view of the Moon, path losses will be low. 144MHz sky noise is high, reaching over 3200K late on Monday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 30th of April 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Coronation activities RSGB Membership portal High-altitude balloon launch   As the Coronation weekend approaches, don’t forget all the amateur radio activities that are being organised by the RSGB to mark this special event. Ofcom has kindly agreed that UK and Crown Dependency radio amateurs may use the “R” prefix in their callsigns during May and June 2023 – just apply for the Notice of Variation via the RSGB website. The RSGB has also created three new awards you can achieve for taking part in Coronation activities. In addition, the callsign GB23C can be used by individuals and clubs from the 10th of May until the end of June, and there is a special Beaconnect activity throughout May and June. Details of how to get involved with either of these will be announced soon on the RSGB website. Finally, there are ideas for outreach activities for use with people of all ages. Go to rsgb.org/coronation for more information. Are you an RSGB member? Have you logged into your online membership portal recently? It is important to check your personal information and ensure your preferences are up to date. You can also opt into receiving a number of direct benefits such as the weekly email GB2RS newsletter and notifications about RadCom Plus and RadCom Basics. A new option is to receive emails about the RSGB’s online events click on that and make sure you don’t miss out! Log into the RSGB membership portal via rsgb.org/members or email [email protected] if you have any questions. hi-impact, based on the Wirral, is planning another high-altitude balloon launch. This one will feature on the team’s live-stream platform and be viewed by a number of schools across the UK and beyond. The team is planning to launch two high-altitude balloons. One will be running with a HABDuino and the other with some help from AmbaSat, using LoRA. The HABDuino side will be running on the standard setup – 434.650MHz USB, 50 Baud RTTY, 450Hz Shift, 7N1 data format and with the callsign ‘hi-impact’. If you're planning to upload telemetry to SondeHub, you'll need Dave Akerman's HABBase software and Fldigi. The launch, from Cilcewydd in Wales, will be between 11 and 11.15 am on Wednesday the 3rd of May. More information can be found on hi-impact’s Facebook page and on Twitter via @hiimpactconsult The RSGB is seeking to recruit a new Technical Editor for RadCom. Reporting to the Managing Editor, the successful candidate will need a wide range of radio and electronic knowledge, including amateur radio. The RSGB is looking for someone who is positive, enthusiastic about technology, has an excellent command of English and has a good eye for detail. For more information about the role and how to apply, see rsgb.org/careers   And now for details of rallies and events Ripon Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 30th of April, at Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PT. Traders can gain access from 7 am and tables are £12 each. Doors open to the public from 10 am and entrance is £3 per person. For more information and directions visit g4sjm.co.uk Thorpe Camp Hamfest Rally will take place on Sunday the 7th of May. The venue will be Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre and the entrance fee will be £4 per person. Traders should arrive from 7 am. The rally will take place from 9 am to 1 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available on-site. For more information phone Sylvia or Anthony at 07956 654 481. Dartmoor Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 7th of May at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking available. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £2.50. For more information contact Roger by phone on 07854 088 882, or email via [email protected] The Braehead Rally will take place on Sunday the 14th of May. The venue will be Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew G51 4BN. Free parking will be available. The doors open for everyone at 10 am and admission is £4. The event will feature Bring and Buy and the Central Scotland Repeater Group AGM. For more information and contact details visit www.braeheadradiorally.com   Now the Special Event News Special callsigns PA100PCG, PA100M and PA100K will be active on the 5th, 6th and 7th of May to celebrate 100 years of communication history between Indonesia and The Netherlands. For more information visit QRZ.com. QSL via the bureau. Look out for special event station AU40NRO which is active until the 30th of June. The station is operating to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the National Institute of Amateur Radio in India. QSL via VU2NRO. A special event callsign DM23BUGA will be active until the 8th of October. The callsign's suffix stands for 'Bundesgartenschau'. This is a biennial horticulture show and festival taking place in Mannheim this year. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau, and direct cards via DL2VFR. Celebrating 100 years of broadcasting in Germany, special callsign DB100RDF will be in use until the 31st of December. The first official radio entertainment programme in Germany was broadcast on the 29th of October 1923. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DO2PZ.   Now the DX news Sands, VK4WXW has been on Willis Island, OC-007, since October and today is the last chance to work him. He works at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's weather monitoring station on the island. In his spare time, he is QRV as VK9WX. The T30UN operation from West Kiribati, OC-017, is expected to be active until the second week of May. Operators plan to be available on the 160 to 6m bands with one CW station, one SSB station and seven FT8 stations. It will be possible to see two FT8 stations on the same band, at the same time, on different frequencies. QSL via Club Log's OQRS.   Now the contest news Today, the 30th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club DX CW Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1200UTC. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland stations also send their district code. On Tuesday the 2nd of May, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 2nd of May, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 3rd of May, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 3rd of May, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Next weekend, the ARI International DX Contest starts its 24-hour run at 1200UTC on Saturday the 6th of May. Using CW, RTTY and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Italian stations give their province code. On Saturday the 6th of May, the 432MHz to 245GHz Contest starts its 24-hour run at 1400UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Saturday the 6th of May, the 432MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Saturday the 6th of May also sees the start of the UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon. The event will run until Sunday the 6th of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. On Sunday the 7th of May the 10GHz Trophy Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 10GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Sunday the 7th of May, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Sunday the 7th of May also sees the Worked All Britain 7MHz Phone Contest run from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using AM and SSB on the 40m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 27th of April 2023 What a busy week we’ve just had! It started with a massive G4 geomagnetic storm that saw the Kp index rise to eight with aurora visible as far south as Cornwall and the Channel Islands. This was due to a coronal mass ejection from a filament eruption on the 21st of April. The 6m band came to life during the early stage of the storm with distorted aurora signals throughout the SSB and CW sections. However, the HF bands suffered, with MUFs down on the morning of the 24th. The 25th wasn’t much better with MUFs over a 3,000km path barely reaching 18MHz all day. By Thursday the 27th the Kp index was still at four. However, there were surprises to be had. Phil, GU0SUP reported that at 1300UTC on Monday the 24th, he was amazed to work Yuris, VU7W on the Lakshadweep Islands on 10m FT8, with good signals both ways. He says the Kp index was at six and the regular FT8 frequencies on both the 10m and 12m bands were pretty much dead. On Wednesday the 26th, Peter, G8BCG reported, on the CDXC reflector, that 15m FT8 was open all night via the long path to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. It is always worth checking the HF bands during a major geomagnetic storm as there may be surprises to be had. Next week the Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks that the Solar Flux Index will remain in the range of 135 to 140. The Kp index may remain around two to three. However, as last week showed, we are now really into uncharted territory, in terms of solar activity, with daily multiple solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections. So, don’t be surprised if we have another major geomagnetic disturbance with an elevated Kp index.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The weather pattern in late spring often settles into a period of south-easterly winds from a rapidly-warming Europe and the signs are there for just such a flow during the coming week. The sequence starts with unsettled weather and possible rain scatter from heavy April showers into the first weekend but, thereafter, a weak ridge of high pressure will move in to bring a chance of Tropo for next week. Paths along the east coast should do well, especially if there are large areas of sea fog and misty low clouds over the North Sea. At longer timescales, the period towards the following weekend will see eyes looking towards a low to the southwest of the British Isles that could push some thundery rain into southern areas by the end of the week and again bring a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands. The jet stream pattern remains complex with several potentially useful flows that might be instrumental in prompting some early-season Sporadic-E propagation. Last week, the Portuguese CS5BALG beacon on 50.036MHz in IM67, and CS5BLA on 50.0760MHz, made a welcome return. Sporadic-E can be very fleeting early in the season, but keeping a regular check on the usual beacons should give you a chance of being there at the right time. The daily Sporadic-E blogs start on the 1st of May on www.propquest.co.uk and should give some clues as to any early-season options. Lastly, the Sun has kept everyone busy recently with visible and radio auroras, so check the Kp index for aurora potential. And we are in a period when increasing meteor input is starting to help provide better meteor scatter prospects, as well as fuel for Sporadic-E. The Eta Aquariids has a broad peak zenithal hourly rate of around 50 next weekend on the 6th of May. Moon declination is high and falling, meaning shortening EME Moon windows and peak elevations. We passed apogee on Friday so path losses will fall throughout the week. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

  GB2RS News Sunday the 23rd of April 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Coronation activities RSGB AGM announcements and videos RSGB Board Chair   The RSGB is delighted that Ofcom has confirmed that the callsign GB23C can be used for the RSGB’s Coronation Special Special Event Station. Cray Valley Radio Society members led by Bob, M0MCV and Dave, G4BUO are organising the flagship amateur radio station that will use this callsign from the 3rd to the 8th of May. The Special Special Event Station will be on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, along the riverside in Greenwich. From the 10th of May onwards, the callsign will be available for individuals and clubs to use until the end of June 2023, and further details about this will be announced shortly. Ofcom has also kindly agreed to a block of 676 Special Special Event Station callsigns for the RSGB’s Be a Connect activity for the Coronation. These are GB23BAA to BZZ, which will be available throughout May and June. More details on how to obtain one of these will be given next week, but meanwhile, you may wish to find a beacon site you could activate one or more times for this event. Finally, if you are planning outreach activities with local clubs and groups, take a look at the paper circuit template the RSGB has just shared on its website – go to rsgb.org/coronation and choose the coronation activity ideas tab in the right-hand menu. The RSGB’s AGM was held online last Saturday, the 15th of April. If you missed the live event, you can see the results of the elections and follow links to the trophy awards and the construction competition winners on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/agm. You can also catch up on the full live stream or watch individual sections on the Society’s YouTube channel. The RSGB has released separate videos of the outgoing President’s review of 2022, its new short Convention promo, and the interesting presentation about preparing the GB2RS propagation reports by the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair, Steve Nichols, G0KYA. You can see them all in the RSGB 2023 AGM playlist on YouTube via youtube.com/theRSGB   Following the RSGB AGM on Saturday the 15th of April, a brief Board meeting was held to consider necessary appointments. The Board was aware that Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, who had been in a dual role since the recent resignation of Richard Horton, G4AOJ, had expressed a willingness to continue as Chair if required. It was agreed that Stewart should be co-opted to the Board under the terms of Article 37 and was asked to join the meeting. Stewart was then elected unanimously to serve as RSGB Board Chair until the 2024 AGM. This a reminder now that SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at midnight on the 1st of May and concludes at midnight on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independent lifeboat and coastal rescue groups. Individual amateur radio operators and clubs are invited to register to become an official SOS Radio Week station and operate under their own callsign, their club’s or a special event callsign to raise awareness of the great work these volunteers perform. Awards are available for registered stations that make the most contacts on each of the 160m to 70cm bands and using various modes. Registration is now open and further details can be found at sosradioweek.org.uk   And now for details of rallies and events The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Rally, also known as both the ‘NARSA Rally’ and the ‘Blackpool Rally’, is taking place today, Sunday the 23rd. The venue is Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool FY2 9AA. For more details contact Dave, M0OBW on 01270 761 608, email [email protected] or visit narsa.org.uk Ripon Radio Rally will take place next Sunday, the 30th of April. The venue will be Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PT. Traders can gain access from 7 am and tables are £12 each. Doors open to the public from 10 am and entrance is £3 per person. For more information and directions visit: g4sjm.co.uk Thorpe Camp Hamfest will take place on Sunday the 7th of May. The venue will be Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre and the entrance fee will be £4 per person. Traders should arrive from 7 am. The rally will take place from 9 am to 1 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available on-site. For more information phone Sylvia or Anthony at 07956 654 481. Dartmoor Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 7th of May at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking available. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £2.50. For more information contact Roger by phone at 07854 088 882 or email via [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Special callsign 5P0WARD will be active from Denmark until Tuesday the 25th of April in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via OZ1ACB. Also celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, special event station OT23WARD will be active from various locations in Belgium until the 30th of April. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World and eQSL. A certificate will be available. For more information visit QRZ.com Polydoros, SV1AHH is using special callsign SX50AHH to mark 50 years of being involved with amateur radio. Operating from Greece, the callsign will be active until Friday the 28th of April. He will be active on the 160 to 10m bands using CW, SSB, FT8, FT4 and RTTY. His logs will be uploaded to eQSL, Logbook of the World and Club Log. Paper cards will not be available. Special callsign 3A8AB is operating from Monaco until Sunday the 30th of April. The station is active to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, F8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO in 1923. QSL via Logbook of the World.   Now the DX news Look out for Paul, VP9KF who is active from Baileys Bay, Bermuda, NA-005, until Wednesday the 26th of April. He operates CW only. QSL direct to Paul's address which you can view via his QRZ.com page. Sands, VK4WXW has been on Willis Island, OC-007, since October, and will remain there until the end of April 2023. He works at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's weather monitoring station on the island, and in his spare time, he is QRV as VK9WX. The T30UN operation from West Kiribati, OC-017, is expected to be active until the second week of May. Operators plan to be available on the 160 to 6m bands with one CW station, one SSB station and seven FT8 stations. It will be possible to see two FT8 stations on the same band, at the same time, on different frequencies. QSL via Club Log's OQRS.   Now the contest news The SP DX RTTY Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 23rd of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Polish stations send their province code. Today, Sunday the 23rd of April, The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint 75 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using 75 Baud RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number. On Monday the 24th of April, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 25th of April, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 26th of April, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday the 27th of April, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Next Saturday, the 29th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club DX CW Contest begins at 1200UTC and runs for 24 hours. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and Ireland stations also send their District Code.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 20th of April 2023 We had a surge in sunspot activity over the last week, pushing the solar flux index up to a maximum of 178, although it subsequently declined to 147. Solar flare activity was quite subdued after a frantic period from the 13th to the 15th that saw 40 C-class flares and two M-class flares erupt. This activity was mostly centred around active region 3282 in the northwest quadrant. Geomagnetic conditions were unsettled for a time around the 18th and 19th with the Kp index hitting a maximum of 4.3. This appears to have been due to enhanced activity from a coronal mass ejection and continuing coronal hole activity that saw the solar wind speed hit more than 600km/s and the Bz swing south. The critical frequency was down below 7MHz on the morning of Wednesday the 19th, which impacted near-vertical incidence skywave signals around the UK. This impacted maximum useable frequencies, which struggled to exceed 21MHz over a 3,000km path on Wednesday, although by Thursday they were back over 28MHz again. A critical frequency of more than 10MHz meant the 40m band was once again suitable for close-in contacts around the UK. There were many reports of DX being worked later on during the week, with Australia and New Zealand topping the bill on 18MHz and 28MHz. Next week NOAA has put a more positive spin on sunspot activity. The Solar Flux Index is predicted to be in the range of 168 to 172 for the first half of the week, falling to around 160 in the second half. But we could be in for a bumpy ride geomagnetically, with the Kp index predicted to hit five on Wednesday the 26th of April through to Monday the 1st of May. This may be due to the return of solar phenomena that occurred 27 days ago and saw the Kp index get up to 4.67. Meanwhile, a very large solar coronal hole, albeit positioned very south on the Sun’s surface, and a much smaller one on its equator, threaten HF conditions this weekend. Keep an eye on the real-time solar wind from the ACE spacecraft for signs of a rise in speed and a southward-pointing Bz interplanetary magnetic field on solarham.net.  This could push to Kp index higher, perhaps to four.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The Sporadic-E season is nearly upon us. Remember it will usually activate on 28MHz and then higher bands will follow if the event intensifies. There have been some 50MHz FT8 paths flagged up on DXmaps.com, although some may have been tropo. The recent large high pressure centred over Scandinavia has been a bit subdued as regards Tropo. Much of the time, the air nearer the surface has been fairly dry with little sign of banks of sea fog over the North Sea, which would suggest better ducting potential.   We are now entering a phase with low pressure on the charts, initially over the south of Britain, but edging north for a time before drifting out across the North Sea.  This could produce some rain scatter on the GHz bands, especially should any heavy April showers develop. Early next week a ridge will edge south across the UK in a colder northerly weather pattern, so although high-pressure returns, it may not be especially good for tropo. The third changeover comes after midweek when a milder south-westerly returns with active fronts bringing rain and unsettled weather, especially to the north and west. This could mean further opportunities for rain scatter on the GHz bands and perhaps a hint of tropo in the Southeast towards the continent. Aurora and meteor scatter are well worth considering, and the Lyrids shower peaks on Sunday the 23rd. The message is to monitor meteor scatter frequencies and the clusters for signs of activity and, of course, try putting out a CQ call! Moon declination is positive and rising, meaning increasing Moon time and increasing peak elevation until peak declination on Tuesday. Moon apogee is next Friday so path losses increase all week. 144MHz sky noise is moderate to low. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 16th of April 2023 The news headlines: Nominated Board Director Vacancy Regional Forum Facebook pages SOS Radio Week   If you are an RSGB Member you still have time to apply for the RSGB Nominated Board Director vacancy. The RSGB needs a strong and effective Board and this could be your opportunity to be part of that. The deadline for applications is Monday the 17th of April. To find out more, go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers or, for an informal discussion, please email Nominations Committee Chair Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected] The RSGB Regional Forum has created Facebook pages for each of the 13 regions. These pages focus on regional amateur radio communities and are moderated by members of the RSGB Regional Team. Whilst the pages share a similar style, they are very different in content. Selected posts are created by the RSGB moderators to maintain some news content from the RSGB, but the main content comes from clubs, individual licensees and also event organisers in those regions. The pages also provide a forum where anyone can ask for help with any part of the hobby. Clubs are positively encouraged to post news and events on the pages. You can find them on Facebook by searching for ‘RSGB Region’ and the number of your local region, for example, ‘RSGB Region 1’. SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at midnight on the 1st of May and concludes at midnight on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independent lifeboat and coastal rescue groups. Individual amateur radio operators and clubs are invited to register to become an official SOS Radio Week station and operate under their own callsign, their club’s or a special event callsign to raise awareness of the great work these volunteers perform. Awards are available for registered stations that make the most contacts on each of the 160m to 70cm bands and using various modes. Registration is now open and further details can be found at sosradioweek.org.uk The outgoing RSGB President Stewart Bryant, G3YSX and the incoming RGSB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will be at the NARSA rally in Blackpool on Sunday the 23rd of April. This is a great opportunity to meet John, have a chat and welcome him to his role. There will also be an official handover of the presidential chain on the stage area at the Norbreck Hotel. Find out more about the rally via the event website at narsa.org.uk Tuesday the 18th of April is World Amateur Radio Day. The IARU is excited to mark the occasion, and the 98th anniversary of its founding, with an event to promote the United Nations Human Security for All initiative, also known as ‘HS4A’. Special event stations have been operating since the 11th of April and will be available to work until the last week of April. For more information visit iaru.org and choose ‘On the Air’ from the menu options.   And now for details of rallies and events The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of April. The venue is Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors opened at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally features a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website. The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of April. The venue is Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There is plenty of parking, wheelchair access and full catering available. The doors opened to the public at 10 am. For more details contact the club secretary Ken, G7VJA via email at [email protected] and visit the m0omc.co.uk website. The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Rally, also known as both the ‘NARSA Rally’ and the ‘Blackpool Rally’, will take place on Sunday the 23rd of April. The venue will be Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool FY2 9AA. For more details contact Dave, M0OBW on 01270 761 608, email [email protected] or visit narsa.org.uk Ripon Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 30th of April. The venue will be Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PT. Traders can gain access from 7 am and tables are £12 each. Doors open to the public from 10 am and entrance is £3 per person. For more information and directions visit: g4sjm.co.uk Now the Special Event News With the kind permission of the National Trust, Weston-super-Mare Radio Society will be operating special callsign GB0IMD from the Old Fort on Brean Down on Saturday the 22nd of April, as part of the International Marconi Day celebrations. Special callsign DR0LIMES will be active until the 30th of June for this year's German World Heritage Day. The 'limes' was the borderline of the Roman Empire to its greatest extent. In 2005, the remnants of the Upper German-Raetian Limes were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as 'Frontiers of the Roman Empire'. Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, DARC special event callsign DA23WARD will be active until Tuesday the 18th of April. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. Direct cards will be managed via DL2VFR. Also celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, special event station OT23WARD will be active from various locations in Belgium until the 30th of April. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World and eQSL. A certificate will be available. For information visit QRZ.com Now the DX news Bernhard, DL2GAC will be active in the Solomon Islands until the end of May. He plans to be QRV as H44MS from Malaita OC-047, daily until the end of April, with activity on the 80 to 6m bands using SSB and some FT8. QSL via his home call, direct or via the bureau. He will upload his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World when he returns home. James, KI7MGY will be in Djibouti until June and plans to operate as J28HJ on the 80, 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World. HH75RCH is the special callsign for the Haiti Radio Club, established on the 29th of March 1948 to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The station will be active until the 1st of May. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or via N2OO.   Now the contest news On Tuesday the 18th of April, the 1.3GHz UK Activity contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 19th of April, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 20th of April, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Machine Generated Mode Contest starts its 24-hour run at 1400UTC next Saturday, the 22nd of April. Using machine-generated modes on the 6m and 2m bands, the exchange is a report and your four-character locator. The SP DX RTTY Contest starts its 24-hour run at 1200UTC on Saturday the 22nd of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Polish stations send their province code. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint 75 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC on Sunday the 23rd of April. Using 75 Baud RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is a serial number.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 13th of April 2023 A news item this week suggested that the peak of solar cycle 25 could be coming earlier than expected. According to a paper in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, by solar scientist Dr Scott Macintosh, the solar maximum may now be coming between late 2023 and mid-2024. So, make the most of the higher Solar Flux Index now! Solar activity picked up nicely over the past week. The solar flux index rose to 154 and there were eight active regions on the Sun’s visible face by Thursday the 13th. Nevertheless, daytime maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, remain down a little, which has probably more to do with seasonal ionospheric changes than reduced sunspot activity. As we head towards Summer we will see the daytime F2-layer MUF decline further before it picks up again in the Autumn. We also saw some M- and C-class solar flare action this week, but this was not really enough to cause serious problems to the ionosphere. Next week NOAA predicts the Solar Flux Index will continue to increase, perhaps peaking at 160 around the 16th to 18th of April. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 18th, perhaps with the Kp index rising to four. The forecast for International Marconi Day on the 22nd of April is for a Solar Flux Index of 155 and a declining Kp index of three, which bodes quite well for the event. In all, the Solar Flux Index is expected to be in the range of 140 to 160 for the rest of the month.   And now the VHF and up propagation news A big contrast is coming next week, so it’s time to dust off the VHF gear again! The unsettled weather of this last week will make a complete swap over to more settled high-pressure systems next week.  Initially, on Sunday this will appear as a ridge over the North Sea from a large high over Scandinavia. This will then gradually extend across the country and will eventually be joined by a second high west of Britain.  The end result will be enhanced Tropo prospects in the coming week and potentially good conditions for the 23cm UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 18th and the 4m UK Activity on Thursday the 20th. Those who enjoy rain scatter propagation in this current showery weather will have to look for other modes by Sunday, once the high pressure builds. As we are coming out of the Winter lull in meteor shower activity, with the medium-rate Lyrids peaking on the 23rd of April at 0100UTC with a Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, in the 20s, it's well worth a look for meteor scatter contacts. The end of April normally prompts a return of isolated Sporadic-E reports on the 10m band and perhaps even with data modes on 6m. The upper troposphere jet stream charts suggest it’s got some potential, especially between Mediterranean countries although not quite so positive for paths nearer to home. The solar conditions may continue to offer a random chance of some aurora, so remember to keep an eye on the Kp index if it goes above five.   For EME operators, the Moon perigee is on Sunday so path losses are at their lowest. Moon declination is rising, going positive on Tuesday meaning increasing Moon time and increasing peak elevation passes. 144MHz sky noise is low, but the Moon is close to the Sun on Wednesday and Thursday meaning high Sun noise for those days. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 9th of April 2023 The news headlines: The RSGB’s Annual General Meeting RSGB Convention Presentations Ofcom Plan of Work for the 2023-24 year The RSGB’s Annual General Meeting will be held online on Saturday the 15th of April. As well as the formal business of the meeting, there will be an announcement of the results of the Board Director elections. The President will give a video review of 2022 and the Society will announce the recipients of its annual awards and trophies, as well as the winners of its construction competition. At the end of the meeting, there will be a live presentation by RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA who will look at the methods used to create the propagation report for GB2RS, including HF, VHF and Moon bounce. This year you will be able to ask questions at the AGM via the live chat on YouTube but if you have a question about the formal business, you must submit this in advance. If you are an RSGB member, don’t forget to vote for the two candidates that you would like to see as Board Directors for the next two years. You can find out more about each of them on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/candidates and then there is a link at the top and the bottom of the page to cast your vote. Read their personal statements, watch the videos and see if their background, skills and aspirations match your view of what the Society needs. The decision concerning who to vote for is entirely yours, but please do vote – it only takes a few minutes and will help to ensure that the RSGB Board reflects your views. You can find full details about the AGM on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/agm Over the Easter weekend, the RSGB will release two more presentations from its 2022 Convention. David Stansfield, G0EVV talks about the challenge and thrill of operating portable from mountain summits, whilst Olof Lundberg, G0CKV shares experiences from his DXpeditions to 3B8. Subscribe to the RSGB YouTube channel so you will be alerted when each presentation is available – go to youtube.com/theRSGB and subscribe! Ofcom has published a Statement on its proposed Plan of Work for the 2023 to 2024 year. The Statement describes plans for a review of amateur licensing arrangements. According to the document, consultation on the work is planned for the first quarter of the year. A subsequent statement is scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year. Once more details are available, the RSGB will review the consultation and provide guidance to UK amateurs on how to respond to Ofcom. To read the Statement in full visit www.ofcom.org.uk and choose the ‘Latest news’ option from the ‘News centre’ tab at the top of the page. The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on Monday the 17th of April for an essential upgrade to the radio equipment. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause. And now for details of rallies and events Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected] The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website. The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale will also take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There will be plenty of parking, wheelchair access and full catering available. The doors open to the public from 10 am. For more details contact the club secretary Ken, G7VJA via email at [email protected] and visit the m0omc.co.uk website. The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Rally, also known as both the ‘NARSA Rally’ and the ‘Blackpool Rally’, will take place on Sunday the 23rd of April. The venue will be Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool FY2 9AA. For more details contact Dave, M0OBW on 01270 761 608, email [email protected] or visit www.narsa.org.uk  Now the Special Event News Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, DARC special event callsign DA23WARD will be active until the 18th of April. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. Direct cards will be managed via DL2VFR. Celebrating 100 years of broadcasting in Germany, special callsign DB100RDF will be in use until the 31st of December. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DO2PZ. LA100K is the special callsign for the Akademisk Radio Club, LA1K to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its foundation. Based in Trondheim, it is the oldest amateur radio club in Norway. The special callsign will be in use until the 31st of December. QSL via the bureau, or direct. VI10VKFF is the special callsign celebrating the 10th anniversary of the World Wide Flora and Fauna programme in Australia. It will be used from Australian parks until the end of 2023. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via VK5PAS.  Now the DX news James, KI7MGY will be in Djibouti until June and plans to operate as J28HJ on the 80, 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World. Sunny, VU2CUW is a member of the 42nd Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. He will be based at Maitri Station, Antarctica, AN-016, until November. In his spare time, he will be active as AT42I. QSL via VU2CRS. Diya, YI1DZ has been in Juba, South Sudan since the 13th of March and expects to remain there until the 22nd of April. He operates SSB and FT8 as Z81D in his spare time. QSL via Club Log's OQRS and Logbook of the World, or via OM3JW. Now the contest news Today, the 9th of April, the Worked All Britain Data Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC and from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using data modes on the 80 to 20m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. On Monday the 10th of April, the Irish Radio Transmitters Society 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using FM and SSB on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their County code. Also on Monday the 10th of April, the Irish Radio Transmitters Society 2m Counties Contest runs from 1330 to 1500UTC. Using FM and SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their County code. On Tuesday the 11th of April, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 11th of April, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 12th of April, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 12th of April, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 13th of April, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 6th of April 2023 Solar activity declined this past week with the Sun looking distinctly spotless, other than active region 3270. In fact, this has even prompted some amateurs to question whether we are now past solar maximum for this cycle. Rest assured, we shouldn’t be, as it is pretty common for cycles to ebb and flow as they develop. Having said that, half of the Sun’s face is currently spotless, and NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 110 to 130 next week. Geomagnetically, things have been reasonably settled with the Kp index reaching a maximum of 4.67 over the past seven days. NOAA predicts that it could rise to four on the 10th and 11th of April but will otherwise stay pretty much as it is in the range of two to three. This may be due to a coronal hole that is currently making its way across the Sun’s face in a near-equatorial position. However, we may not have seen the last of the activity from active region 3270, which has increased in both size and magnetic complexity during the past 48 hours and could soon produce a moderate M-Flare. But, if you are reading or hearing this on Sunday, the region will be moving out of sight and is therefore no longer a threat. Daytime F2 critical frequencies at midday remain around 9 to 10MHz giving a maximum useable frequency, over a 3,000km path, of just over 28MHz. If 10m isn’t doing it for you we suggest moving down to 12 or 15m. Night-time F-layer critical frequencies are around 3 to 5MHz meaning MUFs over 3,000km are below 14MHz, leaving 3.5, 7 and 10MHz as the best bets for nocturnal DX. And now the VHF and up propagation news The current spell of high-pressure weather with enhanced Tropo, which turned up in time for the 2m UK Activity Contest on the 4th of April, is looking a bit vulnerable as active weather fronts come in from the Atlantic.  We are likely to have a brief change to unsettled conditions weather-wise before the start of the Easter weekend and again see some rain scatter opportunities on the GHz bands. Scandinavian highs are often long-lasting at this time of the year and this high will regain control by Good Friday and should dominate over the UK during the Easter weekend to give some useful tropo possibilities again. However, quite early next week a new powerful Atlantic jet stream pushes into northern France and will bring a return of unsettled weather and perhaps more rain scatter. The Sporadic-E season is approaching and the higher HF bands like 10m can show good examples of Es, even during the second half of April, so a good chance to get into the habit of checking your ‘go to’ list of 10m beacons as recently updated by Steve, G0KYA, on the propagation section of the RSGB website. The other defaults of auroral propagation have had a good run recently and random meteor scatter could also prove fruitful as we are soon ending the early year ‘drought’ of meteor showers with the arrival of the Lyrids later this month. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative and falling, reaching its minimum next Wednesday. Moon time will be limited to low-elevation passes, but with low path losses as we approach perigee on the 16th. 144MHz sky noise is increasing to a high of more than 2,000 Kelvin next Wednesday before falling back to the mid-200s the following Sunday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 2nd of April 2023 The news headlines: March 2023 edition of RadCom Basics Coronation activities Nominated Director vacancy   The March 2023 edition of RadCom Basics is now available on the RSGB website for Members to read. It is for new licensees or anyone who wants an introduction to a different aspect of amateur radio. This edition features articles which cover: QRP operating, an introduction to Andy’s Ham Radio Linux software, basic fault finding and how to have fun on the 10m band. To read RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics The RSGB has just published a new section on its website with further details of its Coronation celebration activities. More information will be added over the coming weeks so do check back for updates. Go to rsgb.org/coronation to find out more. The resignation of Richard Horton, G4AOJ has left an RSGB Board vacancy for a Nominated Director. The Society needs to embrace new methods of working to help meet the changing needs of the amateur community. Candidates with experience in change management, for example, would be welcomed. The RSGB needs a strong and effective Board; this could be your opportunity to be part of that. To find out more, go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers or, for an informal discussion, please email Nominations Committee Chair Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected] The RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar series continues this Monday the 3rd of April with a presentation called “Sheep Worrier: A High Altitude Balloon Flight and Recovery System” by Heather Nickalls, M0HMO. Heather will cover an introduction to flying High Altitude Balloons, the radio systems involved, some science experiments she did on her flights, the recovery system developed to help find the payload when it lands and, of course, lots of pictures from ‘almost’ the edge of space. You can ask questions live during the presentation via the RSGB YouTube channel or the special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Matthew Smith, M0VWS is moving on from his role as RadCom Technical Editor to pursue other opportunities. The RSGB thanks Matthew for all his work and wishes him well for the future. The RSGB is now seeking to recruit a new Technical Editor for RadCom. Reporting to the Managing Editor, the successful candidate will need a wide range of radio and electronic knowledge, including amateur radio. The RSGB is looking for someone positive, enthusiastic about technology, has an excellent command of English and has a good eye for detail. For more information about the role and how to apply, see rsgb.org/careers   And now for details of rallies and events The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hanger Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 2nd of April. The venue is Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. The sale includes electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.hackgreen.co.uk Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected] The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website. The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale will also take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There will be plenty of parking, wheelchair access and full catering available. The doors open to the public from 10 am. For more details contact the club secretary Ken, G7VJA via email at [email protected] and visit the m0omc.co.uk website. Now the Special Event News Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, DARC special event callsign DA23WARD will be active until the 18th of April. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. Direct cards will be managed via DL2VFR. Special callsign II1CAI will be active until the 30th of June. The callsign celebrates the 100th anniversary of the local section of the Italian Alpine Club, founded in 1863. QSL via IQ1NO. 9M8SOTA and 9M8BOTA are the special callsigns that 9M8HAZ and others will be using during 2023 while operating from various mountains and beaches in Sarawak, East Malaysia. QSL for both callsigns via 9M8HAZ directly or, via Logbook of the World and Club Log. OE40XTU is the special callsign being used by OE1XTU, the Amateur Radio Club at the Vienna University of Technology during 2023 to celebrate its 40th anniversary. QSL via eQSL is preferred. QSL via Logbook of the World is also accepted. Paper cards requested via Club Log's OQRS will be issued in early 2024.  Now the DX news Luca, HB9OBD will be active as D44KIT from Sal Island, Cape Verde, AF-086, until the 5th of April. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via EB7DX. Pierre, VK3KTB will be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 12th of April. He will be operating using SSB, FT8 and CW on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS page. Diya, YI1DZ has been in Juba, South Sudan since the 13th of March and expects to remain there until the 22nd of April. He operates SSB and FT8 as Z81D in his spare time. QSL via Club Log's OQRS and Logbook of the World, or via OM3JW. Bernhard, DL2GAC will be active in the Solomon Islands until the end of April. He plans to operate as H44MS from Malaita, OC-047, on a daily basis. He will be operating on the 80 to 6m bands using SSB and some FT8. QSL via his home call, direct or via the bureau. He will upload his log to Club Log and Logbook of the World when he returns home.   Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 2nd of April, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using All modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The SP DX Contest began yesterday, Saturday the 1st of April, at 1500UTC. The contest ends today, Sunday the 2nd of April at 1500UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Polish stations send their province code. On Monday the 3rd of April, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 4th of April, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 4th of April, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 5th of April, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 5th of April, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Also, on Wednesday the 5th of April, the UK and Ireland Contest Club Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. Next Sunday, the 9th of April, the Worked All Britain Data Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC and from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using data modes on the 80 to 20m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 30th of March 2023 We were right in our prediction about the effects of the large solar coronal hole last week, which saw the Kp index peak at 7.67 with widespread aurora visible from the UK, even in the south. This was probably the most significant geomagnetic event we have had so far in this solar cycle. Last week saw another X1.2 solar flare erupt on the Sun. This one erupted from active region 3256 on the 29th of March at 0233UTC. It didn’t impact the ionosphere over the UK, but a fadeout was observed over the Pacific region. This was the seventh major solar flare since 2023 began. The Sun has now matched 2022’s total –and it's only March! The associated CME off the southwestern limb of the Sun was modelled and determined to be well ahead of the Earth’s orbit. This means that we are unlikely to see the Kp index rise as a result of this event. This region also produced an M1.2 flare that peaked around 1407UTC and an M1.1 flare at 2347UTC. The earlier flare didn’t seem to affect the ionosphere too much according to the ionosonde data. A minor solar wind stream is heading for Earth and is due on Saturday the 1st of April. The material is flowing from a relatively small coronal hole in the Sun's atmosphere, but it is on the equator and very Earth-centric. Expect Arctic auroras and an elevated Kp index when the solar wind arrives this weekend. The SFI remained fairly static, around 160, earlier in the week but then declined to 148 on Thursday the 30th. NOAA predicts that this decline will continue next week, perhaps down to the low 130s. Once the weekend’s geomagnetic conditions recover, NOAA predicts that the rest of the week should be quite settled. This is good news for HF propagation, although do continue to watch out for solar flares and CME activity which could affect conditions and MUFs. And now the VHF and up propagation news We have three phases of weather to consider over the next week. Forecasts predicted an unsettled weekend with rain and strong winds, so should have provided a focus for rain scatter on the GHz bands. The weekend ends with developing high pressure which lasts into early next week. There is good potential for some tropo from Sunday afternoon until about Tuesday lunchtime. At the time of writing, the best paths are likely to be from southern England into the near continent, also via Biscay to northern Spain and across the southern North Sea to Denmark. The third phase occurs when the high moves to the south to allow fronts to move in from the Atlantic across northern Britain, but possibly still leaving tropo into France and across Biscay. Later in the week, the high pressure may head back north again to reintroduce tropo to northern areas. The Sporadic-E season is fast approaching, typically from mid-April on 10m. If anything does happen before then, check the propquest.co.uk website for the Es blog tab, which shows the current day’s jet streams and will maybe provide a clue for which direction to beam. Remember to look for aurora if the Kp index reaches five or more and, of course, meteor scatter around dawn for those random meteor QSOs.  For EME operators, Moon declination is positive until Wednesday, so still plenty of Moon time to get some QSOs in. Perigee was last Thursday, so path losses are now falling. 144MHz sky noise is low, rising slowly throughout the week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 26th of March 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Elections RSGB Membership and communications Coronation regional secondary locator   If you are an RSGB Member, don’t forget to vote for the two candidates that you would like to see as Board Directors for the next two years. You can find out more about each of them on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/candidates and then there is a link at the top and the bottom of the page to cast your vote. Read their personal statements, watch the videos and see if their background, skills and aspirations match your view of what the Society needs. The decision about who to vote for is entirely yours, but please do vote – it only takes a few minutes and will help to ensure that the RSGB Board reflects your views.  As the RSGB continues to expand the use of its new Membership and management systems, it will make greater use of electronic communications to advise Members of important changes to their fees, benefits and offers as well as to send notifications for important publications and events. If you are an RSGB Member, please remember to keep your preferences and personal information up to date, including your callsign and email address, by logging into the Society’s Membership portal via rsgb.org/members or by contacting [email protected] As part of our Coronation celebration activities, Ofcom has approved “R” as the optional Coronation regional secondary locator prefix for all UK radio amateurs to use during May and June 2023. You will need to apply for a Notice of Variation – or NoV – and the form is now available on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov A group of radio amateurs in Jersey will be using a special event callsign GB3KCJ as part of the Coronation celebrations. An opportunity exists for groups in each of the UK Nations who have a regional secondary locator, and the Crown Dependencies, to apply for similar special event callsigns. Applications for special event callsigns can be made through the Ofcom web portal, as usual. Using the same format as the Jersey special event station callsign, applicants might consider the following if they are available: Scotland: GB3KCM; Wales: GB3KCW; Northern Ireland: GB3KCI; Guernsey: GB3KCU; and the Isle of Man: GB3KCD. The RSGB’s Tonight@8 summer programme begins on Monday the 15th of May when Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY will talk about “The T41-EP ALPS: A High-Performance CW Decoder”. Jack and Al collaborated to build the T41-EP, a seven-band, 20W, CW/SSB SDR transceiver but this presentation is chiefly about how they developed the high-performance CW decoder. The two were awarded the RSGB’s Bennett Prize in 2021 for their article on their “Double-Double Magnetic Loop” antenna article in the February 2020 issue of RadCom. Full details of all the webinars in the summer programme are on our website – there are some great topics, so take a look and put the dates in your diary! Go to rsgb.org/webinars to find out more. If you are an RSGB Member who is interested in online webinars and events, don’t miss out! Log into the RSGB Members’ portal, choose the preferences tab and click the online events option. The RSGB will be using this mailing list in future to send out details of forthcoming online events, for example, the packed programme of Tonight@8 live webinars that are booked until July. Go to rsgb.org/members   And now for details of rallies and events The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hanger Sale will take place on Sunday the 2nd of April. The venue will be Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. The sale will include electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.hackgreen.co.uk Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected] The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website. The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale will also take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There will be plenty of parking, wheelchair access and full catering available. The doors open to the public from 10 am. For more details contact the club secretary Ken, G7VJA via email at [email protected] and visit the m0omc.co.uk website.   Now the Special Event News In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on the 1st of July 1997, Hong Kong licensed amateurs are granted the use of the special prefix VR25 until the 30th of June 2023. The VR2 Contest Club and the Hong Kong Amateur Radio Transmitting Society will be using VR25CC and VR25HK, respectively. YR1400VT is the special callsign that members of Radio Club YO6KGS will be using until the 30th of June 2023 to popularise the newly inaugurated Via Transilvanica, a long-distance trail used for hiking, cycling and horse riding that crosses Romania. More information can be found on QRZ.com QSL via eQSL. 9A66AA is the special callsign that Tom, 9A2AA will be using throughout 2023 to mark his 66th year in amateur radio. QSL via Tom's home call.   Now the DX news Neville, G3RFS will be active as 6Y5FS from Jamaica, NA-097, until the 29th of March. He will operate mainly using CW and some SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or via G4BWP. Rich, PA0RRS will be active as 9M2MRS from Penang Island, AS-015, West Malaysia until the 29th of March. He will operate using CW most of the time but will also use RTTY, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred, but also via Logbook of the World, or via PA0RRS. Willy, ON4AVT will be active as 6W7/ON4AVT from Warang, Senegal until the 31st of March. He usually operates using FT8, with some SSB and CW, on the 80 to 10m bands. He will also be available on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred, or via his home call. Lars, SM6NT will be active as HS0ZME from Hua Hin, Thailand until the 2nd of  April 2023. He will operate mainly CW on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via SM6NT.   Now the contest news The CQ Worldwide WPX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th of March and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 26th of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Monday the 27th of March, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 28th of March, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 29th of March, the UK and Ireland Contest Club Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Saturday the 1st of April, the FT4 International Activity Day runs from 0800 to 2000UTC. Using FT4 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. The SP DX Contest starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 1st of April and runs until 1500UTC on Sunday the 2nd of April. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Polish stations send their province code. On Sunday the 2nd of April, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using All modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday 23rd of March 2023 The solar flux index dipped a little last week, down to 148, but it didn’t last long and was back up to 159 by Thursday the 23rd. We were free of major solar flares with only one M-class flare occurring on the 20th. Geomagnetic conditions were mainly settled as well, but that could change this weekend thanks to a large coronal hole. The massive coronal hole on the Sun became Earth-facing on Thursday. A coronal hole is an area on the Sun’s surface with open magnetic field lines, which allows plasma to flow out. They appear dark when photographed in extreme UV light. Although the bulk of the hole is south of the Sun’s equator, a long finger reaches out to the equator, which makes it a potential threat to Earth. All eyes will be on the Kp index over the weekend as we expect it to increase, possibly dramatically as the solar wind impacts us. Solar wind speeds are likely to be in excess of 600km/s and continue into the weekend, resulting in isolated G1 storm levels. Keep an eye on solarham.net for updates. We are now at the spring equinox, so it is prime time for auroral activity. The spring equinox traditionally brings greater solar activity which results in an increased frequency of auroral displays. It is also a prime time for north-south HF paths, such as the UK to South Africa, and the UK to South America. Next week, the US Air Force predicts that the solar flux index will decline slightly to bring it into the range of 130 to 140. Once the weekend’s solar storm declines, we may expect a few days of relatively calm geomagnetic conditions before another period of unsettled space weather is predicted for Thursday the 30th and Friday the 31st. This could see the Kp index rise to five once again.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The overall unsettled nature of the current weather pattern is likely to continue for much of the period through to the end of next week, except for a brief ridge of high pressure crossing the country after the weekend. This might offer the only tropo potential for VHF operators. The rest of the time will probably be beset by bands of rain, showers and, at times, strong winds and introduce the prospect of some rain scatter on the GHz bands. It’s a week to focus on fleeting tropo, rain scatter and aurora as modes of choice. As we said earlier, the aurora is worth looking out for since the solar conditions are still very disturbed. As usual, good indicators are the Kp index values, which ideally should be five or greater to get our attention. The meteor shower calendar is still in its quiet period, and with no major showers to look for, it would be best to try your luck with random meteors, which tend to peak just before dawn. The Sporadic-E season has not started yet but is getting closer, say from mid-April on 10m, perhaps. For EME operators, Moon declination reaches maximum next Tuesday meaning long Moon availability windows. Path losses increase throughout the week and 144MHz sky noise starts out moderate, falling to low next weekend. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 19th of March 2023 The news headlines: RSGB AGM and Elections RSGB Board vacancy for a Nominated Director Tonight@8 Webinar   Voting for candidates in the RSGB elections is now open. On the Society’s website, you can see details about the Calling Notice, Resolutions, elected Board Director candidate statements and video interviews, as well as the voting process and a link to vote. Voting ends at 9 am on Thursday the 13th of April. The RSGB will be holding its AGM online this year on Saturday the 15th of April and will live stream the event. This year, RSGB Members have the opportunity to submit written questions in advance or to ask questions via the live chat on YouTube during the AGM. You can read further information in the April RadCom and on the Society’s website at www.rsgb.org/agm The resignation of Richard Horton, G4AOJ has left an RSGB Board vacancy for a Nominated Director. The Society needs to embrace new methods of working to help meet the changing needs of the amateur community. Candidates with experience in change management, for example, would be welcomed. The RSGB needs a strong and effective Board; this could be your opportunity to be part of that. To find out more go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers or for an informal discussion please email Nominations Committee Chair Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected] The RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar series continues on Monday the 3rd of April with a presentation called “Sheep Worrier: A High Altitude Balloon Flight and Recovery System” by Heather Nickalls, M0HMO. Heather will cover an introduction to flying High Altitude Balloons, the radio systems involved, some science experiments she did on her flights, the recovery system developed to help find the payload when it lands and, of course, lots of pictures from ‘almost’ the edge of space. You can ask questions live during the presentation via the RSGB YouTube channel or a special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Barry Lewis, G4SJH, the RSGB’s Microwave Manager, is the IARU Lead on WRC23 AI9.1b.  He reports that the IARU has carried out the only statistical study regarding the WRC-related 23cm Galileo issue. You can read more information about it on the IARU Region 1 website at iaru-r1.org The post includes links to the background and updates on the developments. The RSGB has received a statement from National Hamfest (Lincoln) Ltd confirming that, due to several factors, there will not be a National Hamfest event in 2023. The organisers of the event say that there will be a bigger and better event next year at Newark Showground on the 27th and 28th of September 2024. To read the full statement from National Hamfest (Lincoln) Ltd visit nationalhamfest.org.uk And now for details of rallies and events The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hanger Sale will take place on Sunday the 2nd of April. The venue will be Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. The sale will include electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.hackgreen.co.uk Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected] The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see cambridgerepeaters.net The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale will also take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There will be plenty of parking, wheelchair access and full catering available. The doors open to the public from 10 am. For more details contact the club secretary Ken, G7VJA via email at [email protected] and visit m0omc.co.uk Now the Special Event News GB1PAT and GB2PAT are the special callsigns for members of the Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club to use between the 1st and 28th of March to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Three certificates are available for making contact with both callsigns on different bands. QSL via Logbook of the World only. HH75RCH is the special callsign for the Haiti Radio Club, established on the 29th of March 1948,  to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The station will be active until the 1st of May. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or via N2OO. Special event callsign A60AP will be active until the 31st of  August. The callsign is active in recognition of the United Arab Emirates' Astronaut Programme which was launched in 2017. The Programme prepares crews of United Arab Emirates astronauts for missions to the International Space Station and other destinations in space. QSL via EA7FTR. Now the DX news Andy, DK5ON will be active as PJ2/DK5ON from Curacao, SA-099, until Wednesday the 22nd of March. He will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS or via DK5ON directly or via the bureau. John, N9EAJ will be active as VP5/N9EAJ from Grand Turk Island, NA-003, until Wednesday the 22nd of March. Activity will be mainly on SSB and some CW. He also plans to be active in the Columbus Landfall National Park for Parks on the Air. QSL via his home call. He will upload his contacts to Club Log and possibly to Logbook of the World. Stephane, F5UOW will be active as FR/F5UOW from Reunion Island, AF-016, until Monday the 27th of March. He operates using CW. QSL via Logbook of the World. Sands, VK4WXW has been on Willis Island, OC-007, since October, and will remain there until the end of April 2023. He works at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's weather monitoring station on the island, and in his spare time, he is QRV as VK9WX. Now the contest news The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group HF RTTY Contest started at 0200UTC on Saturday the 18th of March. It will run until 0200UTC on Monday the 20th of March. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and time. On Tuesday the 21st of March, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 21st of March, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and county code. On Thursday the 23rd of March, the 80m Club Championship runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ Worldwide WPX SSB Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th of March and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 26th of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday 16th of March 2023 Last week was split in two, in terms of HF propagation. The first half of the week was characterised by excellent high-band conditions, with many people commenting on how good things were. The Kp index was low, there was a lack of solar flares and the solar flux index was high – perfect for HF. There were reports of openings to Hawaii and Alaska on 10m and Bob, MD0CCE said 10m had been open to the Pacific every night for the last five or six days. But it didn’t last and by Wednesday it all went pear-shaped. The Earth was hit by a fast-solar wind with a southward-pointing Bz on Wednesday the 15th, which increased the Kp index to 5.67. Its impact on the ionosphere was quick and very damaging, to such an extent that the two ‘local’ Digisondes at Fairford and Chilton couldn’t detect the F2 layer, leaving their traces blank. It happened again on Wednesday evening, with the Kp index hitting 5.67 once again. Luckily, it didn’t last long and the Kp index was back down to less than two by the morning and the MUF over 3,000km was back over 28MHz by mid-morning on Thursday. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the range of 135 to 145. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 20th but, as we know, anything can happen at this point in the solar cycle. Look for a low Kp index but, above all, get on the bands and see what you can work! And now the VHF and up propagation news The unsettled weather pattern seems likely to continue through the coming week driven by an undulating jet stream over the British Isles. This will mean, for yet another week, there is unlikely to be much good Tropo. It’s not all bad news though, since the unsettled part of the weather story may introduce some rain scatter on the GHz bands. The mention of jet streams should, in a month or so, raise the promise of some Sporadic-E activity, which is often geographically related to the position of jet streams. It’s probably a bit early for that, although it could be worth considering a look at 10 and 6m as we move towards the end of the month. 10m, and 6m if you're in the far South West, can also give some good Trans Equatorial propagation, this time of year. This is typical of the changeover period from the southern hemisphere to northern hemisphere Sporadic-E activity. As usual, the chance of aurora is still around, so keep a watch out on the clusters or spaceweather.com for all the latest news. Early-morning random meteors should stay on the checklist too. For EME operators, moon declination is low but rising, going positive again on Wednesday meaning Moon availability windows will lengthen. The Moon is at perigee today, so path losses are at a minimum. 144MHz sky noise is low this week, apart from the whole of Tuesday when the Sun and Moon are close to an eclipse. It is perhaps worth reminding new licensees that preparing a good list of HF and VHF beacons to monitor can be worthwhile, especially in quieter times before the summer Sporadic-E season gets underway. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 12th of March 2023 The news headlines: YOTA Summer Camp in Hungary Saint Patrick's Day Award Event RSGB Company Secretary   Applications are open to be part of the RSGB team going to the Youngsters on the Air summer camp in Hungary. The event will take place from the 5th to the 12th of August 2023. This is a chance in a lifetime for young RSGB Members to represent their country and national society. You could be a team member if you are aged between 15 and 25, or a team leader if you are aged between 18 and 30. We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in meeting other young amateurs, supporting local and regional YOTA activities, and developing ideas regarding the future of amateur radio. For more information and the application form, either head over to our website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary or email the Youth Champion Liam Robbins, G5LDR via [email protected] The annual Saint Patrick's Day Award Event takes place over a 48-hour period from 1200UTC on the 16th of March to 1200UTC on the 18th of March to allow worldwide participation in all time zones. The Saint Patrick's Day Award is 48 hours of non-competitive fun. Everyone can participate in the event, whether they are licensed or not. You can register to be a participating station by completing a short registration form online at stpatricksaward.com The RSGB is looking to recruit an RSGB Member for the voluntary position of Company Secretary. The position plays a key role in the Society’s governance and provides vital support in the running of Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting. The deadline for applications is Monday the 24th of April. You can find out more about the role on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers If you feel you have the necessary skills to fulfil this important role or would like more information, email the General Manager’s department via [email protected] The RSGB has released two more 2022 Convention presentations for radio amateurs to enjoy. In “Antennas for an effective contest station” Lee Volante, M0MTN reviews many of the options available to the HF contester when making antenna choices. He considers how antenna type, height, location and available resources have to be balanced with the type of contest and a contester's personal goals. The “Further exploration of SDR” by Gordon Lean, G3WJ covers the design and performance of Software Defined Radio systems from direct carrier generation to the use of units incorporating the GNU-Radio design software. It also focuses on experience and actual use of equipment on all bands from 80m to 10GHz and some of the benefits and difficulties associated with SDR operation. You can watch them both on the RSGB YouTube channel or in the RSGB members’ portal at rsgb.org/videos GB3ORK, the Orkney Islands 5MHz beacon has closed down following the expiry of its Notice of Variation. It was the last of a chain of three beacons that once provided a wealth of data for the “5MHz Experiment” prior to the band being formally allocated. The RSGB thanks its keeper for the time and dedication given. On Tuesday the 14th of March 2023, the Radio Security Service Memorial Amateur Radio Society will be enjoying a talk by Brian Clarke about his experiences in working at Gilnahirk Listening Station, part of the Y Station network. This is a pre-recorded talk, but Brian will be present to take questions at the end of the talk, which runs for about 45 minutes. The talk will be via Zoom and anyone is free to attend. For more information contact Roger Bradley, MI0WWB via [email protected]   And now for details of rallies and events The British Vintage Wireless Society Meet is taking place in Biggleswade today, Sunday the 12th of March. The venue will be the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. The event will feature traders selling vintage radios and TVs, and components including valves and test gear. There will be a large bring-and-buy area and refreshments will be available. Extensive, free off-road car parking right by the hall is available, as well as disabled parking right beside the main door. The venue has level access throughout. Everyone is welcome to attend. Doors open at 9.30 am and admission is £8. For more details contact Jeremy on 07799 110 080. Also taking place today, the 12th, is Dover Amateur Radio Club’s Hamzilla Electronics Fair and Radio Rally. The venue will be Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, Kent, TN24 9QX. Free parking is available. The doors open at 10 am, or 9.30 am for early bird ticket holders. Local and national traders are welcome. Book your ticket and/or table online at Hamzilla.uk or email: [email protected] The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hanger Sale will take place on Sunday the 2nd of April. The venue will be Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. The sale will include electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.hackgreen.co.uk Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s thirty-seventh QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected]   Now the Special Event News GB1PAT and GB2PAT are the special callsigns for members of the Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club to use between the 1st and 28th of March to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Three certificates are available for making contact with both callsigns on different bands. QSL via Logbook of the World only. DR100XRAY will be active until the end of June. It is a special callsign commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Wilhelm C Roentgen, the physicist whose discovery of X-rays earned him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 and revolutionised diagnostic medicine. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DJ6SI. As part of British Science Week, the Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club, supported by the Extended Freedom Network, will be operating three special event stations demonstrating FT8, FM Voice and Digital technologies as well as Morse code and more. On Monday the 13th of March the club will be operating GB4SCE from Staindrop Church of England Primary School. On Tuesday the 14th and Wednesday the 15th it will be operating GB4HJS from Hunwick Primary School. Finally, on Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th the club will be operating GB2SPS from St Andrew’s Primary School. For more information and updates visit www.extendedfreedom.network   Now the DX news Rich, PA0RRS will be active as 9M2MRS from Penang Island (AS-015), West Malaysia until the 29th of March. He will operate CW and digital modes including RTTY, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred, but also via Logbook of the World, or via PA0RRS. Thaire, W2APF will be active as VP2MDX from Montserrat, NA-103, until the 28th of March. He will operate CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or via W2APF. Tom, AA9A is active again as PJ7AA from Sint Maarten, NA-105, from the 3rd of March to the 1st of April. He usually operates CW, SSB and FT8 on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World or direct to AA9A. Sands, VK4WXW has been on Willis Island, OC-007, since October, and will remain there until the end of April 2023. He works at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's weather monitoring station on the island, and in his spare time, he is QRV as VK9WX.   Now the contest news Today, the 12th, the Commonwealth Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1000UTC. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. HQ stations also send ‘HQ’. On Tuesday the 14th of March, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 14th of March, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 15th of March, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 16th of March, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using All modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Next weekend, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group HF RTTY Contest begins at 0200UTC on Saturday the 18th of March and will run until 0200UTC on Monday the 20th of March. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and time.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday 9th of March 2023 It was business as usual last week with the solar flux index in the 180s, numerous C-class flares and, at the time of writing, 13 M-class flares over the past seven days. The Kp index has been mostly settled for this part of the cycle, averaging two to three all week. But this doesn’t mean there has been little activity on the Sun, just that any eruptions have been directed away from Earth. For example, a large prominence eruption off the Sun on the 7th of March resulted in a coronal mass ejection that stretched hundreds of thousands of kilometres into space. It is this type of activity that makes space weather predictions difficult. If it had been Earth-facing, we could have ended up with a highly-raised Kp index and extensive aurora. As it was, the event had little or no effect on Earth. Maximum usable frequencies continue to be high, but we are starting to see the effects of the Summer ionospheric changes that will see daytime MUFs decline. The MUF over a 3,000km path often doesn’t exceed 28MHz now until later in the morning. This is due to a seasonal change in the ionospheric chemistry and a shift from monatomic species to diatomic ones, which are harder to ionise. So, make the most of 10m as by mid-summer we may lose long-range propagation on 28MHz, other than through Sporadic-E events. We mentioned last week that this is a good time for North-South paths as we head towards the Spring equinox. That is, good paths to South Africa and South America are more likely now than they were a few months back. There have been a lot of stations on 10m in the late afternoon from South America so make the most of the propagation. Next week, NOAA predicts similar solar flux index figures, with the SFI being in the range of 170 to 185. The Kp index is predicted to be at two or three, with perhaps more unsettled geomagnetic conditions on Wednesday the 15th. As always, see solarham.net for more up-to-date information.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The unsettled winter weather has yet to give way to spring, so it's primarily low-pressure systems and periods of rain or snow that we will be dealing with in the next week or so. Whether it’s rain or snow, this unsettled pattern limits any Tropo options and leaves only GHz band rain-scatter as a propagation mode to explore. Generally speaking, the rain, or perhaps the point where the snow is melting as it falls, should provide better reflections, whereas, in very cold areas, where it is all snow, reflections may be weaker. This probably means that it will be southern areas that perform better with rain scatter. For the next few weeks, there are no significant meteor showers and therefore the pre-dawn random meteors will be the best options. Aurora, on the other hand, tends to favour the spring and autumn months, so in view of the current state of solar activity, as mentioned in the previous section, you should continue to monitor the Kp index for signs of activity and check the bands if it gets to the point that Kp equals five. For EME operators, after minimum declination this Thursday, Moon availability windows will start to lengthen. Path losses will continue to fall but we are still a week from the Moon’s perigee – its closest point to Earth. 144MHz sky noise is high, reaching over 2,800 Kelvin on Thursday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 5th of March 2023 The news headlines: New GB2RS broadcast Tonight@8 webinar Train the trainers course   We’re pleased to announce a new West Midlands GB2RS broadcast on the 4m band. Eddie, G0VVT, already broadcasts each Sunday evening from Stoke-on-Trent on 2m FM, 6m FM via GB3SX and on 70cm both simplex and via the GB7ST DMR repeater. He has now added 4m to his schedule. So, if you are in the area, please join him at 6 pm local time on 70.425MHz FM. You can download the full GB2RS broadcast schedule from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule Don’t forget the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar tomorrow, Monday the 6th of March. Barry Lewis, G4SJH, the RSGB’s Microwave Manager, will talk about contesting in the microwave and millimetre wave bands at 23cm and above. You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or a special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars The Train the Trainers course is designed to help amateur radio trainers deliver interesting and engaging courses. It imparts some of the latest best practices in education from front-line teachers in a fun and friendly environment. Further details are available on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/train-the-trainers The team would like to apologise for any late replies to emails received following its December announcement of Train the Trainers courses for 2023, which was due to personal circumstances beyond its control. If you are interested in attending a Train the Trainers course or are a club that can host a course during 2023, then please contact the team by emailing [email protected] The team needs 25 delegates to make a course viable and have already received offers of venues in Essex, Bristol and Livingston in Scotland. So, if you are in or around one of these areas and would like to attend a course, the team would particularly like to hear from you. The RSGB has just launched a new video called “2022 – a year in numbers”. It links with the March RadCom feature which gave an overview of the continuing amateur radio success story of 2022, in which RSGB HQ staff often led the way. You can watch the video on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB In the April RadCom you will be able to read in detail the work of the RSGB committees and other specialist volunteers. After the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Northern Syria on the 21st of February, BBC’s Digital Planet spoke to Aziz Şasa, TA1E, who is the President of the Turkish Amateur Radio Association. Aziz explained the vital role of amateur radio as a key communication method in the region. He also talked about how radio amateurs were aiding relief efforts and the use of repeaters for VHF and UHF frequencies. You can hear the interview on BBC Sounds – go to bbc.co.uk/sounds and search for “Data in disaster zones”. The interview starts two minutes and forty seconds into the broadcast.   And now for details of rallies and events The Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 5th of March. The venue for the event will be America Hall, De la Rue Way, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8PW. The doors will open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10.15 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £3. Entry for those under 16 is free. There will be trade stands and bring and buy. The South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society Junk Sale will take place next Saturday the 11th of March at the  Railway Club, Grantham, NG31 7AU. Doors open for traders at 8 am. Traders are asked to bring their own table. Doors are open to the public between 9.30 am and 1 pm. Admission for traders is £5, and for the public £1. Refreshments will be available on-site. Contact Stewart, M0SDM for more details via [email protected] The British Vintage Wireless Society Meet will take place in Biggleswade on Sunday the 12th of March. The venue will be the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. The event will feature traders selling vintage radios and TVs and components including valves and test gear. There will be a large bring-and-buy area and refreshments will be available. Extensive, free off-road car parking right by the hall is available, as well as disabled parking right beside the main door. The venue has level access throughout. Everyone is welcome to attend. Doors open at 9.30 am and admission is £8. For more details contact Jeremy on 07799 110 080. Dover Amateur Radio Club’s Hamzilla Electronics Fair and Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 12th of March. The venue will be Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, Kent, TN24 9QX. Free Parking is available. The doors open at 10 am, or 9.30 am for early bird ticket holders. Local and national traders are welcome. Book your ticket and/or table online at Hamzilla.uk or email: [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Special callsign HG200AN will be active until the 15th of March to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Petőfi Sándor, one of Hungary’s most famous poets. QSL via Logbook of the World and Club Log’s OQRS. Members of the Grassroots Amateur Radio Club in Newfoundland, Canada will be active as VO1TAP until Tuesday the 18th of March. The callsign is active to mark the anniversary of the USS Truxton and USS Pollux naval disaster that occurred off the coast of Newfoundland on the 18th of February 1942.   Now the DX news Gopan, M0XUU and Ram, VU2JXN will be active from the Andaman Islands, AS-001, until the end of today, Sunday the 5th. Operating will be focussed on the higher HF bands from 20 to 10m using CW and QO-100. For more details visit QRZ.com Philippe, F1DUZ will be active as FG4KH from Guadeloupe, NA-102, until the 8th of March, including participation in the SSB leg of the French HF Championship and the ARRL DX SSB Contest. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via F1DUZ. Paul, VE3AXT will be active as V31AX from Caye Caulker island, NA-073, off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea until Monday the 6th of March. He will be operating QRP on the 20 to 6m bands. QSL via M0URX’s OQRS.   Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 5th of March, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the Worked all Britain 3.5MHz Contest runs from 1800 to 2200UTC. Using CW and SSB, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked all Britain square, if applicable. The ARRL International DX Contest ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 5th of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmission power. American stations send a signal report and their State. Canadian stations send a signal report and their Province. The March 144MHz and 432MHz Contest ends at 1400UTC today, the 5th of March. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 6th of March, the 80m Club Championship runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 7th of March, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 7th of March, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 8th of March, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 8th of March, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 9th of March, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Next weekend, the Commonwealth Contest runs for 24 hours from 1000UTC on Saturday the 11th of March to 1000UTC on Sunday the 12th of March. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. HQ stations also send ‘HQ’.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of March 2023. The auroral event last week was probably the strongest we've had in this solar cycle. There were widespread visible aurora reports from the UK on Sunday the 26th of February. The Kp index eventually hit seven at 0900 UTC on February 27th, sparking widespread visible aurora alerts all over the UK for Tuesday evening as well. The solar wind speed gradually decreased to below 650km/s and the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field shifted to the north, bringing the Kp index down. March is always a good, or bad, month for aurora, depending on your perspective. The aurora is at its most active around the equinoxes in March and September. Active region 3234 also produced an M8.6 flare on the 28th, but as this was at 1750UTC, the radio blackout was restricted to the Americas. Any CME material was directed away from Earth. The solar flux index remained in the range of 150 to 160 last week, which was enough to make the daytime maximum usable frequency remain above 28MHz most of the time, although the geomagnetic disturbance did have an effect and lowered it slightly. Next week NOAA predicts the SFI will remain in the range of 145 to 165. A geomagnetic disturbance is predicted for the fifth to the seventh, which could see the Kp index hit five. So, watch out for visible aurora once again. The period between the ninth to the fourteenth is predicted to be generally calm geomagnetically, so this might be the best time for DX on the upper HF bands. However, as we know this is a difficult time for predictions, anything could happen. We suggest keeping an eye on solarham.net for updates.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The very strong high pressure and tropo enhancement recently have. competed for attention with magnificent auroras, but we are now heading into quieter territory. The large high will decline early this weekend, ending the tropo bonus. After which, the central weather theme is that of a colder northerly weather type with wintry showers, especially near windward coasts. This raises the prospect of rain scatter on the GHz bands. After the recent dramatic solar-induced propagation week, it would be optimistic to expect a repeat, but the spring months are notable for producing auroras and there is always random meteor scatter. So, there are plenty of options to check up on in the coming week. For EME operators, Moon declination is still high this weekend but we are on a downward trend, turning negative on Thursday, meaning Moon availability windows shortening all week. With perigee last Friday, path losses will continue to fall. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. Perhaps you already view your radio-activity in the context of propagation conditions. But, for those not yet making this a routine, becoming aware of how these things are controlled can make a huge difference to your operating successes. Why not start by seeking out some of the excellent propagation talks from radio clubs and the RSGB Convention which are often available online? And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 26th of February 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Board Update New RSGB Youth Champion Celebrating BBC Broadcasting in Scotland   The RSGB President Stewart Bryant, G3YSX has reported that due to the workload of the Board and the number of remaining members, the Board thought it prudent to ask Ian Shepherd, G4EVK to re-join the RSGB Board as a co-opted Director until the AGM. After the AGM and the elections, the Board will look at its membership and will likely make further co-options. The RSGB Company Secretary fulfils an important role in the AGM proceedings and so Stephen Purser, GW4SHF was asked to return to this role until the AGM, whilst the Society appoints a new Company Secretary through the usual process. If you are an RSGB Member and would be willing to undertake the duties of RSGB Company Secretary, or if you would like further information about the role, please contact the General Manager’s department via [email protected] Liam Robbins, G5LDR has been appointed as the RSGB’s new Youth Champion. He gained his Foundation licence in 2021 and his Full licence in late 2022. Liam plans to encourage the use of amateur radio with local Scouts and he is also keen to revive radio societies at universities and colleges. He is eager to work with younger radio amateurs and to engage with outreach programmes that clubs are already running. Liam is looking forward to working with the current RSGB Youth Team. You can email him at [email protected] At 7 pm on the 6th of March 1923, BBC broadcasting in Scotland officially began. The studio was housed in a small attic apartment at Rex House in Bath Street, Glasgow, and the transmitter at Port Dundas. Using 1.5kW on 722kHz, the station was allocated the callsign 5SC. This year, 100 years to the day, the BBC Amateur Radio Group will be celebrating the anniversary with a special event callsign GB5SC. The operation will take place on the 4th, 5th and 6th of March, from the present BBC Pacific Quay headquarters, using HF, VHF, UHF and QO-100. The BBC club team is being joined by operators from the West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society. For more information, visit the GB5SC page at QRZ.COM and the wosars. club website. The next RSGB Tonight@8 live webinar takes place on Monday the 6th of March. Barry Lewis G4SJH, RSGB Microwave Manager, will talk about contesting in the microwave and millimetre wave bands at 23cm and above. He’ll cover the frequency bands, contest activity sessions, special rules and equipment needed. Although similar to VHF and UHF contesting, the microwave and millimetre wave bands bring additional challenges which will be discussed, along with the awards and trophies that can be won. You can watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel. Find out more on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars This is a final call for entries in the RSGB Construction Competition as the deadline is this Wednesday, the 1st of March. The four categories are Beginners; Construction excellence; Innovation; and Software. The judges will give special recognition to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24 and also to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. There are cash prizes in every category. If you’re a new licensee or new to construction, don’t be worried about submitting your entry – read the stories of last year’s winners and runners-up and be inspired to enter your project! You can read their stories and find out how to enter on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at 0000UTC on the 1st of May and concludes at 2359 on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independent lifeboat and coastal rescue groups. Individual amateur radio operators and clubs are invited to register to become an official SOS Radio Week station and operate under their own callsign, their club’s or a special event callsign to raise awareness of the great work these volunteers perform. Awards are available for registered stations that make the most contacts on each of the 160m to 70cm bands and use various modes. Registration is now open and further details can be found at sosradioweek.org.uk   And now for details of rallies and events West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place today, Sunday the 26th of February. The event is being held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htm The Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society is holding its annual rally on the 4th of March. The venue will be the Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR. Doors open at 10.30 am. For more information visit www.lvars.uk Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place on Sunday the 5th of March. The venue for the event will be America Hall, De la Rue Way, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8PW. The doors will open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10.15 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £3. Entry for those under 16s is free. There will be trade stands and bring and buy. The South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society Junk Sale will take place on Saturday the 11th of March at the  Railway Club, Grantham, NG31 7AU. Doors open for traders at 8 am. Traders are asked to bring their own table. Doors are open to the public between 9.30 am and 1 pm. Admission for traders is £5, and for the public £1. Refreshments will be available on-site. Contact Stewart, M0SDM for more details via [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Members of Radio Club Jean Bart, F6KMB will be active as TM6C until Monday the 27th of February during the traditional Dunkirk Carnival. QSL via F6KMB. The Vienna International Centre Amateur Radio Contest DX Club is expected to be active as 4UNR until Tuesday the 28th of February. The location counts as Austria for DXCC and for the Vienna International Centre for the CQ DX Marathon. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS or via UA3DX. Special callsign OZ625E will be active until Tuesday the 28th of February for the opening of the new Enigma Museum of Communications in Copenhagen. An award will be available for contacts with OZ625E stations with different suffixes. More information about the special callsign and the award can be found via the OZ625E QRZ.com page. This year Dennis, G7AGZ will again be running a radio project in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care. This will be in two parts. The first part will be a special event station with the callsign GB0CHC and will run from the 1st of April for 28 days. Dennis plans to activate all bands from 80m to 70cms and operate using SSB, FM and DMR. The second part will be a coast-to-coast walk in Cornwall in the summer. Details will be released nearer the time. More details, including a link to Dennis’s JustGiving page, are on the G7AGZ QRZ.com web page. Now the DX news Philippe, F1DUZ will be active as FG4KH from Guadeloupe, NA-102, until the 8th of March, including participation in the SSB leg of the French HF Championship and the ARRL DX SSB Contest. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via F1DUZ. Jozef, ON6HX will be operating as YB9/ON6HX from Lombok Island, OC-150, until Wednesday the 8th of March. He expects to be available on the 80 to 10m bands using all modes including CW. QSL via his home call, directly or the bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. Lars, SM6NT will be active as HS0ZME from Thailand until Thursday the 2nd of April. He will operate mainly using CW on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via SM6NT. Now the contest news The CQ 160m DX Contest ends at 2200UTC today, Sunday the 26th of February. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. American stations send a signal report and their State. Canadian stations send a signal report and their Province. The French HF Championship, also known as the REF Contest, ends at 1800UTC today, Sunday the 26th of February. Using SSB on the HF bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. French stations send their department number or overseas territory prefix. On Wednesday the 1st of March, the 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 1st of March, the 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 1st of March, the UK and Ireland Contest Club Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The ARRL International DX Contest begins at 0000UTC on Saturday the 4th of March and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 5th of March. Using SSB on the 1.8 to 28MHz bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmission power. American stations send a signal report and their State. Canadian stations send a signal report and their Province. The March 144MHz and 432MHz Contest begins at 1400UTC on Saturday the 4th of March and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday the 5th of March. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 5th of March, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Sunday the 5th of March, the Worked all Britain 3.5MHz Contest runs from 1800 to 2200UTC. Using CW and SSB, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked all Britain square, if applicable.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 23rd of February 2023 Last week was characterised by many low- and medium-level solar flares. At the time of writing, in the past seven days, the Sun has emitted more than 60 C-class flares, six M-class flares and one X-class flare. The X-class flare coincided with the measurement of the solar flux index meaning an erroneous reading of 343 was logged. The next day it was back to a more accurate 167. The solar flux index has generally declined from the 200s we saw earlier in the month and stood at 152 on Thursday the 23rd. Nevertheless, daytime maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path still exceed 28MHz on a daily basis. Geomagnetic conditions have been mixed with the Kp index hitting 4.67 on Thursday due to a fast solar wind. We are heading towards the equinox period as we leave February next week and enter March. This is a time that favours North/South paths, such as the UK to South Africa and the UK to South America. We’ll start to lose propagation to the USA on the higher bands as the Spring progresses, but don’t worry – it will be back in the Autumn! A coronal hole is turning into an Earth-facing direction, which may cause some disruption with an increasing Kp index this weekend. NOAA also predicts slightly worse conditions for the next week with the solar flux index declining to the 125-145 range. Unsettled conditions are predicted for the period of the 5th to the 7th of March, with the Kp index perhaps hitting five again. As always, this is a guide as we are living in unpredictable times with regard to solar activity. And now the VHF and up propagation news The coming week looks likely to be another high-pressure period on the weather charts. As we ended this week, the high was offset to the west of Ireland but will become centred over Scotland with a colder north easterly over southern Britain. This means that Tropo may become a mode of choice, particularly for northern areas, although this may well decline as a colder northerly starts at the end of next week. This could offer rain or snow showers with the chance of some associated GHz band scatter propagation. As secondary options, aurora and meteor scatter remain viable, of course. Watch for a high Kp index for aurora and remember that random meteor scatter is always likely to be best around dawn. For EME operators, the positive and rising Moon declination this week will see Moon availability windows lengthening until maximum declination on Wednesday. So, there will be high moon elevations, but path losses will continue to increase until apogee next Friday when the path loss trend will reverse. 144MHz sky noise is moderate to low for the rest of the week, only reaching 500 Kelvin on Tuesday and Wednesday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 19th of February 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Board Chair and Company Secretary RSGB Unopposed Election Results Saint Patrick's Day Award   We report with regret that Richard Horton, G4AOJ has tendered his resignation as an RSGB Board Director and the Board Chair, and Stan Lee, G4XXI has tendered his resignation as RSGB Company Secretary. The resignations are independent of each other and for personal reasons. The RSGB would like to thank them for their hard work and contribution to the Society. The RSGB President Stewart Bryant, G3YSX will Chair the Board until the AGM. In view of the important role of the Company Secretary in the Society’s AGM, which is just a few weeks away, the Board will agree to the appointment of a temporary Company Secretary pending the advertisement of the position and selection through the normal process. The RSGB has announced the unopposed nomination results in its 2023 elections. In the election for RSGB President, there was only one nomination received so John McCullagh MBE, GI4BWM is elected unopposed for a two-year term. This year there were Regional Representative vacancies for five Regions – Regions 3, 7, 8, 11 and 13. The only candidate for Region 8 was Michael Na bPiob, MI0HOZ so he is duly elected unopposed for a three-year term. The terms of office for both roles above will commence at the AGM on the 15th of April 2023. You can read their personal statements on page 6 of the March RadCom or on the RSGB website at www.rsgb.org/election The RSGB would like to congratulate both candidates and wish them well in their roles. RSGB Board Director candidates will be announced in the April RadCom and voting will begin on Wednesday the 15th of March. There are just over three weeks left to register to participate in the annual Saint Patrick's Day Award. The event takes place over a 48-hour period from 1200UTC on the 16th of March to 1200UTC on the 18th of March to allow worldwide participation in all time zones. The Saint Patrick's Day Award is 48 hours of non-competitive fun. Everyone can participate in the event, whether they are licensed or not. You can register to be a participating station by completing a short registration form online at stpatricksaward.com The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society will be operating the club callsign GT3FLH from the Isle of Man Sea Terminal building in Douglas on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of February between 11 am and 3 pm. The callsign will be active to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Douglas being the first radar-controlled harbour in the world. FT8, CW and SSB modes will be used on the HF bands from 40m and upwards. If the weather is inclement, the operation will be from the club HQ at the Scout Hall in Ballasalla. For more information about the Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society visit www.iomars.im Today, the 19th is the second day of the British Amateur Television Club’s monthly activity weekend. The event is aimed at getting more people on the air either from home or a nearby high spot to promote this exciting part of the hobby. This month, activity on 23cm and upwards is planned. Participants are encouraged to post details of where they are going to be, and what time they’ll be on the air, on the BATC forum. You can view the forum posts via forum.batc.org.uk Everyone is welcome and you don’t need to be a member to take part. As part of British Science Week, the RSGB is running the ever-popular ‘Build a Morse Tutor’ workshop at the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park on Saturday the 18th of March. For information about the workshop and to see our British Science Week activity pack, visit our website: www.rsgb.org/bsw Radio amateurs are requested to give way to emergency response groups that are dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that unfortunately hit Turkey and Syria earlier this month. Response activities are primarily expected to be on VHF and UHF but 3.777MHz and 7.092MHz may also be used, if needed.   And now for details of rallies and events West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of February. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htmThe Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society is holding its annual rally on the 4th of March. The venue will be the Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR. Doors open at 10.30 am. For more information visit www.lvars.uk Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place on Sunday the 5th of March. The venue for the event will be America Hall, De la Rue Way, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8PW. The doors will open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10.15 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £3. Entry for those under 16 is free. There will be trade stands and bring and buy. The South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society Junk Sale will take place on Saturday the 11th of March at the  Railway Club, Grantham, NG31 7AU. Doors open for traders at 8 am. Traders are asked to bring their own table. Doors are open to the public between 9.30 am and 1 pm. Admission for traders is £5, and for the public £1. Refreshments will be available on-site. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact Stewart, M0SDM for more details via [email protected]   Now the Special Event News Special event stations, 7Z3FD, 8Z3FD and HZ3FD are operating in celebration of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day. The stations will be active until the 22nd of February. QSL via HZ1SAR. The logs will be uploaded to Club Log. The United Nations Global Service Centre Amateur Radio Club will be active as 4U13FEB until the 28th of February. The station is active to promote World Radio Day which was held on the 13th of February. QSL via 9A2AA, directly or via the bureau. Members of the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society will be active as 9K9NLD until the 28th of February. The special callsign is active in celebration of Kuwait National Day, on the 25th of February, and Liberation Day on the 26th of February. QSL via EC6DX. Members of the Panama Canal Amateur Radio Association will be active as 3E30PCARA until the 28th of February to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation of their club in 1993. QSL directly to the Association.   Now the DX news Peter, G4HSO will be active as S79/G4HSO from Seychelles until the 21st of February. He will be operating CW and VarAC only. QSL via Logbook of the World. Bob, W7YAQ and Al, K7AR will be active as YJ0A from Efate, OC-035, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Their visit will include operating in the CQ WPX RTTY Contest and the ARRL DX CW Contest. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS, Logbook of the World or via K7AR. Vlad, OK2WX will be active as 9U4WX from Burundi until the 27th of February. He will be operating CW and SSB on the HF bands. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS is preferred. QSL is also possible via Logbook of the World or via IZ8CCW.   Now the contest news The ARRL International DX Contest ends its 48-hour run today, the 19th, at 2359UTC. CW will be used on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted. For stations outside of the USA and Canada, the exchange is signal report and transmission power. American stations send a signal report and their State. Canadian stations send a signal report and their Province. On Tuesday the 21st of February, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 22nd of February, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday the 23rd of February, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ 160m DX Contest will run for 48 hours from 2200UTC on Friday the 24th of February. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. American stations also send their State and Canadian stations send their province. The French HF Championship, also known as the REF Contest, begins at 0600UTC on Saturday the 25th of February and ends at 1800UTC on Sunday the 26th of February. Using SSB on the HF bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. French stations send their department number or overseas territory prefix.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of February 2023 Last week was interesting as we had an X-class solar flare, and a significant geomagnetic disturbance, as well as good HF conditions at times. An impulsive X1.1 solar flare was observed around active region 3217 in the southeast quadrant of the Sun at 1548UTC on the 11th of February. The flare did not appear eruptive, so we had no associated coronal mass ejection. Nevertheless, the flare caused a fade-out as its X-rays penetrated deep into the D-layer of the ionosphere. There were other lesser M-class and C-class flares throughout the week. The Kp index rose to five on Wednesday the 15th of February and conditions continued to be geomagnetically unstable throughout Thursday. Nevertheless, the ionosphere remained relatively stable with daytime MUFs over 3,000km generally staying above 28MHz all week. The critical frequency is generally remaining well above 4MHz until midnight, meaning 80m is open around the UK and also to DX. After midnight it can decline, meaning only longer paths are open. NOAA has updated its coronal mass ejection forecast model to predict a stronger-than-anticipated solar wind passing Earth by late Friday the 17th of February and into Saturday the 18th. A moderate G2 level storm watch was officially added, beginning on Friday, so aurora sky watchers and VHF enthusiasts should be alert this weekend. Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasts that the SFI will fall back, perhaps to 130 by next Friday. Once we get past this weekend’s geomagnetic disturbance, the Kp index is predicted to remain settled all week, although a single coronal mass ejection could soon spoil that.   And now the VHF and up propagation news After some good tropo for the 70cm UK Activity Contest last Tuesday, it will be a return to more unsettled weather that ends this week and starts this weekend. High pressure will then quickly return and take up residence over the south and west of the country, eventually ending up west of Ireland.  This will mean that tropo will again offer some enhanced conditions on VHF and UHF and may prove useful for the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday evening. After midweek, it will tend to favour paths within the UK and to the south into France. From midweek there will be low pressure to the east of the British Isles with a showery northerly flow down the North Sea. This will cut off the eastern half of Europe from any Tropo prospects, but it may offer some rain scatter from eastern areas. There may continue to be some good chances of auroral propagation, which you can explore by checking the Kp index for values higher than five. In the absence of major meteor showers, random meteor scatter is always an option and likely to be most profitable around the dawn period. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative but increasing, going positive again on Wednesday. The week will therefore see Moon availability windows increasing and path losses increasing from their lowest with perigee, the point where the Moon is closest to Earth, occurring today Sunday the 19th.  The Sun and Moon are close to an eclipse later today and throughout all of Monday’s moon window, so sky noise will be high due to the Sun being in the beamwidth of most antennas. After that, 144MHz sky noise is low for the rest of the week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

  GB2RS News Sunday the 12th of February 2023 The news headlines: Special Contest Callsigns BBC Radio Somerset Interview RSGB Convention Videos  Ofcom has recently authorised an expansion of the list of Special Contest Callsign qualification contests to include two UK and Ireland DX Contests. Full details of how to apply for a Special Contest Callsign, including the complete qualifying criteria, can be found at rsgb.org/scc On the 6th of February, RSGB District Representative Andy Jenner, G7KNA spoke to the BBC’s Simon Parkin about his passion for amateur radio. The RSGB arranged this interview having been contacted by BBC Radio Somerset, following the Society’s recent piece in The Times. Andy discussed how he got into radio, getting licensed and about the work he and South Bristol Amateur Radio Club are doing to involve young people in amateur radio. This includes plans for a demonstration day at a Bristol primary school as part of British Science Week in March. You can still listen to the interview if you search for BBC Radio Somerset and Simon Parkin’s show on BBC Sounds. The interview starts at 19 minutes and 20 seconds into the programme. The RSGB has released two more of its 2022 Convention videos just for RSGB Members to view. In the first presentation, called “Using the right tools to work more 144MHz DX”, RSGB VHF Manager, John Regnault, G4SWX gives a comprehensive guide to a range of software packages and websites that will help you to develop your VHF DXing skills. The second presentation is by James Stevens, M0JCQ who is the co-author of the RadCom VHF/UHF column. In his presentation “VHF Equipment to start you going”, he explains how newcomers to amateur radio or even the most ardent HF enthusiast can get started on the VHF bands. These are being released as a benefit of RSGB Membership and can be seen in the RSGB 2022 Convention video section of the website at rsgb.org/videos An organisation called Experimental Danish Radio Amateurs, also known as ‘EDR’, are celebrating the opening of the Enigma Post and Telegraph Museum in Copenhagen which now has a new address, appearance and name. EDR has created a special award to celebrate this opening. Contacts with different qualifying stations between the 14th and 28th of February will be eligible for the award. For more information, please visit the OZ625E page on QRZ.com The Polish Amateur Radio Association is inviting the amateur radio community to participate in an event related to the 550th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus. From 0000UTC on the 17th of February to 2359UTC on the 5th of March, there will be nine special event stations on the air, including SN550NC. Awards will be available for contacts made with the special event stations. For more information about the event and the awards visit 550mk.pzk.org.pl Time is running out to enter the RSGB Construction Competition. You don’t have to be an expert constructor and the judges will give special recognition to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24 and also to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. The four categories are: Beginners; Construction excellence; Innovation; and Software. There are cash prizes in every category. The RSGB Communications Manager chatted to last year’s winners and runners-up and shared their stories in the January and February editions of RadCom. So, take a look and be inspired! You can also read the stories and find out how to enter the competition on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition   And now for details of rallies and events The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair is being held today, Sunday the 12th of February. The venue is Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks are available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of February. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htm The Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society is holding its annual rally on the 4th of March. The venue will be the Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR. Doors open at 10.30 am. For more information visit www.lvars.uk   Now the Special Event News Special callsign ZX89L is operating in celebration of the 89th anniversary of the Brazilian Radio Amateur League and will be active until the 15th of February. QSL via Logbook of the World. Details of awards associated with the station can be found via QRZ.com Special event station TM20AAW will be on the air until the 24th of February in celebration of the 20th Antarctic Activity Week. François, F8DVD will be operating the station from Mâcon in eastern France, 60km north of Lyon. For further information visit QRZ.com Members of the Panama Canal Amateur Radio Association will be active as 3E30PCARA until the 28th of February to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the formation of their club in 1993. QSL directly to the Association. Special event station GB0CFG will be active from the 16th of February. The station will be operated by Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club to mark World Thinking Day on the air. The event provides an opportunity for local Girl Guides to talk to other members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Scouts all over the world via amateur radio. Several other special callsigns will also be active in February to take part in the event. These include Easingwold Girl Guides, who will be operating with special callsign GB2EGG from the 17th of February, and Milton Keynes Girlguiding who will be active with special callsign GB0MKG from the 18th of February.   Now the DX news John, W5JON will be active as V47JA from Saint Kitts, NA-104, until the 15th of February. He will be operating SSB and FT8 on the HF bands and 6m. QSL via Logbook of the World, or directly to W5JON. Andre, ON7YK will be active from Bijilo, Gambia until the 24th of February. He will be operating as C5YK on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via eQSL, Logbook of the World or directly to his home call. Francis, F6BWJ will be active as FM/F6BWJ from Martinique, NA-107, until the 10th of March. He will be operating CW, PSK and RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands. He will upload his log to the Logbook of the World and Club Log. Gerard, F2JD will be active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 13th of March. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the bureau.   Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 12th of February, the CQ Worldwide WPX RTTY Contest ends its 48-hour run at 2359UTC. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The PACC Contest ends its 24-hour run at 1200UTC today, the 12th. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Stations from The Netherlands also send their province. On Wednesday the 15th of February, the 80m Club Championship runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 16th of February, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The ARRL International DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 18th of February and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 19th of February. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmission power. American stations also send their State and Canadian stations send their province. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 9th of February 2023 The solar flux index rose again this week with the arrival of more sunspots. By Thursday, the SFI had reached 192, up from 135 the week before. However, there has been some flare activity with minor C-class and some M-class flares, mainly from active region 3213. None of these has erupted in an Earthward direction so we’ve avoided coronal mass ejections and their effects. The solar wind has been quite active, including long periods with a negative Bz and speeds of up to 600 kilometres per second. This has meant that the Kp index has remained relatively high, hovering around 3.5 for days. All of this means that ionospheric conditions have been quite good with the daytime critical frequency over the UK generally above 9MHz. This means that paths over 3,000km have generally supported operations up to and beyond 10 metres. At night, MUFs over 3,000km hover around 10MHz, especially in the hours just after sunset. Next week, the US Air Force has the SFI remaining at around 195, before falling back to 150 by the 17th. Geomagnetic conditions should remain relatively settled unless we get a coronal mass ejection. All in all, this is a good time for HF so get to it! And good luck with making contact with the 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The large area of high pressure which has brought tropo to many parts of the British Isles looks good for a few more days. Some models suggest that Atlantic lows may move in after mid-week, so make the most of it before then.  Unfortunately, the northern parts of the country have seen windier weather at times and largely missed out on the best tropo, although with some chance of rain scatter to make up for it. The aurora prospects and meteor scatter are still worth a check during the next week. Check aurora when the Kp index is high, and meteor scatter around dawn. Use the usual sources of information, such as clusters and band reports to get onto the bands at the right time. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative, reaching a minimum on Thursday. EME Moon availability windows will be short. Path losses are at their lowest as the Moon approaches perigee next Sunday. 144MHz sky noise is moderate at the start of the week but increases to a high of over 3200 Kelvin next Thursday, the 16th. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.    

GB2RS News Sunday the 5th of February 2023 The news headlines: RSGB feature in The Times RSGB Convention videos British Science Week   The RSGB was delighted to see the feature in The Times on Saturday the 28th of January about amateur radio. It was a great opportunity to highlight both amateur radio and the Society in the mainstream media. Heather Parsons, the RSGB Communications Manager, spent a week liaising with Rhys Blakely, the Science Correspondent, and coordinating the interviewees. She put forward a whole range of ideas and possible interviewees and the RSGB would like to thank everyone who supported this opportunity, even though some contributions didn’t make it into the final piece. An external media monitoring agency has confirmed that the potential online audience for this feature was over 42 million. The feature is called “Ham radio tunes in to a new generation” and you can still read it online. Go to thetimes.co.uk and search for amateur radio. The RSGB has just released another presentation from its 2022 Convention. Brian Coleman, G4NNS talks about The UK Meteor Beacon Project which is a collaborative project between the amateur radio and radio astronomy communities. The aim is to collect data on meteor events over the UK and Phase one was to establish a transmitting beacon. Phase two is to create a network of receivers to monitor the radio echoes from meteors and to stream data over the internet to support the study of meteor events and their impact on the ionosphere. The Project has received RSGB Legacy funds to help make this great idea happen. You can see the presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel and you can find out more about the RSGB Legacy funds on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/legacy British Science Week, run by the British Science Association, is an annual event celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths. It provides a platform to support teachers, STEM professionals and the public in delivering STEM activities and events across the UK. This year’s theme is Connections, which lends itself perfectly to wireless communication and amateur radio-related activities! The RSGB has put together a set of activities suitable for children in Early Years, Primary and Secondary school. Several radio clubs from across the UK have already planned activities for British Science Week and the RSGB hopes its resources will inspire you to get involved too. Find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bsw Edition 32 of RadCom Basics is now available. The edition contains articles on antenna performance comparison and basic fault finding, among others. RadCom Basics can be downloaded via rsgb.org/radcom-basics On the 26th of January 2023, some students from the University of Glasgow met and formed the Glasgow University Wireless Society. The Glasgow University Wireless Society Net takes place on Monday evenings around 145.525MHz from 6 pm. Those who are interested in joining the Society can make contact via [email protected] A list of universities with amateur radio clubs can be viewed on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/university-corner Widnes and Runcorn Amateur Radio Club is running its first face-to-face Foundation training course since Lockdown happened in March 2020. The course will take place over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of February at Lostock Sports and Social Club, Works Lane, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7NW. The online Foundation exam will take place on Sunday afternoon. Prior registration, before Wednesday the 8th of February, is essential. For further details, and to book a place, please contact Dave Wilson, M0OBW either by phone on 07720 656 542 or by email at [email protected].   And now for details of rallies and events The Canvey Rally takes place today, Sunday the 5th of February, at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information. The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held next Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of February. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htm Andover Radio Amateur Club has unfortunately had to cancel its boot sales this year. The sales were due to be held on the 23rd of April and the 3rd of September.   Now the Special Event News Special event station GB0CFG will be active from the 16th of February. The station will be operated by Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club to mark World Thinking Day on the air. The event provides an opportunity for local Girl Guides to talk to other members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Scouts all over the world via amateur radio. Several other special callsigns will also be active in February to take part in the event. These include Easingwold Girl Guides, who will be operating with special callsign GB2EGG from the 17th of February, and Milton Keynes Girlguiding who will be active with special callsign GB0MKG from the 18th of February. Today, the 5th is the last chance to log special callsign TM25PVJ. The station is active to celebrate the festival of the Opening of the Yellow Wine which, this year, takes place at Voiteur, Jura in France. QSL via F8GGZ.   Now the DX news Emmanuel, F5LIT plans to be active as HS0ZPU from Thailand until Monday the 6th of February. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to his home call. Jeff, VA3QSL will be active as P4/VA3QSL from Aruba, SA-036, until the 8th of February. He will be operating SSB, CW and digital modes on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, the bureau or his home call. Andre, ON7YK will be active from Bijilo, Gambia until the 24th of February. He will be operating as C5YK on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via eQSL, Logbook of the World or directly to his home call. Francis, F6BWJ will be active as FM/F6BWJ from Martinique, NA-107, until the 10th of March. He will be operating CW, PSK and RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands. He will upload his log to Logbook of the World and Club Log. Gerard, F2JD will be active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 13th of March. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the bureau.   Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 5th, the 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 6th of February, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Saturday the 11th of February, the First 1.8MHz Contest runs from 1900 to 2300UTC. Using CW, the exchange is a signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 7th of February, the UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 7th of February, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM only, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 8th of February, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 8th of February, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 9th of February, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number, and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of February 2023 Well, what a difference a few weeks make. On the 15th of January, the solar flux index was at 234 and the Sun was peppered with spots. This week, on Thursday, the SFI was at 134 and the solar surface looked like it was at sunspot minimum again. The Sun has also been mainly geomagnetically quiet, with a maximum Kp index of 3.67 on Thursday, due to an elevated solar wind speed with a southward pointing Bz. We have only had relatively minor C-class solar flares to contend with. Meanwhile, there is DX to be worked, especially on 10m which continues to shine. The good news is that this lull in solar activity should come to an end, although the Space Weather Prediction Centre predicts that the SFI may only go up to 155 next week. Unfortunately, it also predicts disturbed geomagnetic conditions, especially from the 7th to the 10th. With the daytime critical frequency, as measured at Chilton, reaching almost 9.7MHz at times, we are virtually guaranteed good conditions on all of the upper HF bands with 10m predicted to be open for contacts over 3,000km for most of the day. Night-time highs are set to reach 9 to 9.5MHz over 3,000km. So, all frequencies, except 7MHz and below, are likely to be closed to DX. 80m may also close to short-range or near vertical incidence skywave skip at night, leaving only continental and longer paths, such as southern England to Scotland, open. This should improve as we head into Spring.   And now the VHF and up propagation news There is a continuing tendency for high pressure to dominate the weather charts and keep tropo on the agenda for much of the coming week, but with some caveats. The position of the high is such that, as we end the current week, it’s over France and this puts us in a mild westerly flow with reasonable tropo propagation. After this weekend, some weather models suggest a modest cold-air Atlantic high will arrive and will probably link with an intense high of more than 1050 millibars over western Russia. This may lead to a very cold easterly weather pattern over southern Britain by midweek with a chance of wintry weather and snow showers over eastern areas coming in from the North Sea. This could be a good time to experiment with scatter propagation on the GHz bands. Note that winter showers generated over the sea are often twenty-four-seven phenomena rather than the traditional daytime showers used for rain scatter in the summer. Keep trying other modes such as meteor scatter around dawn and aurora when the Kp index is high, but the high-pressure-driven modes will be the primary focus. For EME operators, Moon declination is still high, not going negative again until Thursday. So, EME Moon availability windows will shorten and path losses will decrease as the week progresses. 144MHz sky noise is low all week, only reaching 350 Kelvin next Sunday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 29th of January 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Construction Competition RSGB Elections Tonight@8 webinar   Have you been busy making something recently? Don’t forget that you have just five weeks left to enter the RSGB Construction Competition. The four categories are Beginners; Construction excellence; Innovation; and Software. The judges will give special recognition to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24 and also to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. There are cash prizes in every category. The RSGB Communications Manager chatted to last year’s winners and runners-up and shared their stories in the January and February editions of RadCom, so take a look and be inspired! Details about how to enter the competition are on the RSGB website at: rsgb.org/construction-competition If you’re interested in helping to see amateur radio, and the RSGB, continue to thrive over the coming years, this is a final reminder that the closing date for RSGB President, Elected Director and Regional Representative roles is this Tuesday, the 31st of January. Candidate packs, forms and further details can be found at rsgb.org/election On Monday the 6th of February, Anthony Luscre, K8ZT will talk about QRP operating on the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar. Find out more on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars and put the date in your diary for another fascinating live presentation. We are delighted to announce that, as part of our Coronation celebration activities, Ofcom has approved "R" as the optional Coronation regional secondary locator prefix for all radio amateurs. You will be able to use this for the whole of May and June 2023. More information will be reported closer to the date of the Coronation. Aged 26 or under? Love all things radio? Why not join the RSGB Youth Team? The team currently has over 30 members across the UK, who work together to encourage young people into the hobby. You'll be involved in planning events, attending shows and writing articles. Get involved, gain skills and make new friends! See the new youth video “Try it!” on the RSGB YouTube channel and find out how to get involved in the Youth Team via the Society’s website: rsgb.org/youth Today, the 29th, from approximately 1200UTC, James, M0GQC, Fraser, MM0EFI, David, EI5IMB and Chris, M0RSF will be activating four separate Worldwide Flora and Fauna areas on 20 and 40m SSB. They will post their working frequencies on the Worldwide Flora and Fauna website. All calls are welcome.   And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held today, Sunday the 29th of January, at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via [email protected] The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information. The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of February. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htm Andover Radio Amateur Club has unfortunately had to cancel its boot sales this year. The sales were due to be held on the 23rd of April and the 3rd of September.   Now the Special Event News Throughout the month of January, Weston-super-Mare Radio Society has been operating special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923. There are still a few days left, before the end of the month, to work the station if you don’t already have it in your logbook. Special callsign GB2WC will be active until the 31st of January. The station is operating to promote the World Radiosport Team Championship due to be held in July in conjunction with the IARU HF World Championships. More details about the World Radiosport Team Championship can be found by visiting wrtc.info 7U7C is the special callsign used by members of the 7X2VFK Radio Club to mark the 7th African Nations Championship, the biennial football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football. The callsign will be active until the 4th of February.   Now the DX news Jeff, VA3QSL will be active as P4/VA3QSL from Aruba, SA-036, until the 8th of February. He will be operating SSB, CW and digital modes on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, the bureau or his home call. Andre, ON7YK will be active from Bijilo, Gambia until the 24th of February. He will be operating as C5YK on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via eQSL, Logbook of the World or directly to his home call. Francis, F6BWJ will be active as FM/F6BWJ from Martinique, NA-107, until the 10th of March. He will be operating CW, PSK and RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands. He will upload his log to the Logbook of the World and Club Log. Gerard, F2JD will be active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 13th of March. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA directly or via the bureau.   Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December last year. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The CQ Worldwide 160m DX Contest ends its 48-hour run today, Sunday the 29th of January, at 2200UTC. Using CW only, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. American stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint ends its 24-hour run today, Sunday the 29th of January, at 1200UTC. Using RTTY only, the exchange is a serial number. On Wednesday the 1st of February, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB only, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Wednesday the 1st of February, the 144MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs for four hours from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 only, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 1st of February, a separate 144MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs for two hours from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 only, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Sunday the 5th of February, the 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 26th of January 2023 As of Thursday, we had a strange situation whereby all the current visible sunspots were in one hemisphere of the Sun. But this isn’t that unusual, as the two hemispheres usually peak at different times in the cycle. In a couple of years, we may well have the reverse situation. Nevertheless, the solar flux index declined and stood at 172 on the 26th when this report was prepared. While there are plenty of sunspots, they are all relatively small, unlike a week ago when active region 3190 was on the visible face. Last week saw the Sun being settled geomagnetically, with the Kp index not exceeding three. We have had some M-class flares, but nothing stronger. NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will decline to 175 before increasing again at the beginning of next month. We can expect quiet geomagnetic conditions for a time, but NOAA predicts that the Kp index will rise again around the 1st and then from the 7th to the 10th of February. Meanwhile, the 3YOJ Bouvet Island DXpedition, located at 54.42 degrees South, 3.36 degrees East, is getting closer to its final location. So, it's time to start looking at propagation predictions for this sought-after entity. Bouvet lies almost exactly due south from the UK. If you have a beam point it at 180 degrees or 0 degrees for the long path. The short path is likely to give you the best results, that is 80 to 100% reliability, with the 15m band open from 0800 to 2100UTC. There are shorter 12m and 10m openings during the day, with 10m open from 1200 to 1400UTC and again from 1700 to 1800UTC. 20m should give the best results overall from 1700 to 0200UTC, although it is likely to be the busiest band. 30m and 40m also offer up good propagation from 1700 to 0400UTC. There is also a weaker long-path opening predicted on 17m from 1000UTC until 1600UTC with 50% probability. These were all calculated with VOACAP online and Proppy. The UK appears to have good HF propagation to Bouvet overall but make sure you are on the right band at the right time!   And now the VHF and up propagation news There has been some very focused tropo in the last week, especially on 70cm and 23cm digital modes around the edge of some high pressure from the UK into eastern Europe and the southern Baltic. This shows the value of looking for paths along the edge of extensive highs, rather than across the centre, where the inversion dips lower and may duct the path into the ground. The coming week offers further high-pressure systems, mostly over the Atlantic to the west of Britain or to the south. So, perhaps paths towards Spain or the Canary Islands are worth a look. The northern half of the charts will see deep lows, much stronger winds and rain or showers, so introducing rain scatter options and testing the antennas. Other modes are available, of course, but the good practice of watching the clusters should keep everyone informed so that you don’t miss out. It’s still worth a check for aurora, and random meteor scatter is always an option around dawn, even in the current meteor shower minimum period that lasts until the Lyrids in mid-to-late April. With the Moon at peak declination on Thursday, this is a good week for EME with long Moon availability windows. That said, Moon apogee next Saturday means that EME path losses are high. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, reaching 500 Kelvin on Wednesday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 22nd of January 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Elections RSGB Band Plans RSGB Convention Videos   Could you help to shape the future of amateur radio? The RSGB is looking for volunteers who are willing and able to give their time and enthusiasm to ensure that amateur radio and the Society continue to develop and thrive. There is still time to stand for the eight elected roles. Would one of these roles suit your skills, experience and enthusiasm? You can stand for RSGB President, elected Board Director or for one of the five Regional Representative roles. The closing date is the 31st of January and the results of the elections will be announced at the AGM on the 15th of April. Candidate packs and information about the nomination process can be found on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election The 2023 RSGB Band Plans are now available online and in the February edition of RadCom. Whilst there are no formal changes compared to 2022, an accompanying background article explains what may be in prospect in the year ahead which has both major IARU and World Radio Conference events. The Band Plans can be viewed by visiting: rsgb.org/bandplans  As a benefit for its members, the RSGB has released two Convention videos just for members to view. Peter Duffett-Smith, GM3XJE talks about the input impedance of feeders, whilst ‘Sprinkles or Mirrors’, the presentation by Chris Deacon, G4IFX, discovers the true nature of six-metre sporadic-E. Both videos are available in the RSGB online members’ portal. Over the next few weeks, the Society will release more videos into this portal so RSGB members have the benefit of watching these presentations first. Log into the RSGB website, go to www.rsgb.org/videos and then choose the Convention lectures section. RSGB District Representative Martyn Vincent, G3UKV was interviewed on BBC Radio Shropshire recently for “Learn your name in Morse Code Day”. Martyn spoke to Michaela Wylde about amateur radio, CW and his club, Telford and District Amateur Radio Society. He gave a demonstration of how to send his name in Morse code and played an example of what Morse sounds like in a contest on the 40m band. You can hear the interview on BBC Sounds where Michaela was sitting in for the Mark Elliott show on the 11th of January. The interview starts at 12 minutes and five seconds into the programme. The Cray Valley Radio Society will be running a two-day face-to-face Foundation licence course on Saturday the 4th and Saturday the 11th of February, with a paper exam on the second Saturday. A few places remain available on a first-come first served basis. Located in Eltham London SE9, the course will also provide practical advice and instruction to assist candidates in setting up a station. For the online application form, please go to CVRS.org and open the training tab. The Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is running an Intermediate license training course on the weekend of the 18th and 19th of March 2023. This classroom-based course runs from 9 am to 5.30 pm on both days and is held in a quiet village hall near Newbury in Berkshire. Each course is limited to eight students, enabling the trainers to provide the highest standard of training to each student. The team of six instructors, each specialising in a topic, will help you gain all the knowledge you need to pass the Intermediate exam. If you are interested or know someone who might be, then please contact the course secretary Lloyd, M5LDF via [email protected] or complete the online enquiry form via nadars.org.uk/courses.asp  And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via [email protected] The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information. The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk West Manchester Radio Club’s Red Rose Rally will take place on Sunday the 26th of February. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. Free parking, café services and a raffle are among the attractions on offer. For further information visit: wmrc.co.uk/rally.htm Now the Special Event News Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston-super-Mare Radio Society will be operating a special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923. Special event station GB2KW will be active until the 28th of January. The station, located near Inverness in Scotland, will be using vintage equipment manufactured by KW Electronics Limited during the 1960s and 70s. QSL via Logbook of the World. Special callsign GB2WC will be active until the 31st of January. The station is operating to promote the World Radiosport Team Championship due to be held in July in conjunction with the IARU HF World Championships. More details about the World Radiosport Team Championship can be found by visiting wrtc.info  Now the DX news Andres, SM0HPL will be active as 5X7W from Uganda until the 23rd of January. He operates a QRP station using a vertical antenna four stories up in his accommodation block. He will be using CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS page, Logbook of the World and eQSL. Chris, WA7RAR will be active as 8P9CB from Barbados, NA-021, until the 25th of January. He will be operating using SSB and some CW on the 20 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to his home call. If you are interested in logging Jersey, EU-013, on 160m, then the next CQ Worldwide 160m CW contest could be your opportunity. Bob, GU4YOX will be operating from Jersey as MJ5E in the contest next weekend. QSL via Logbook of the World, directly to Bob’s home call, or via the Bureau. More details can be found on the MJ5E QRZ.com page. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December last year. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. On Tuesday the 24th of January, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 25th of January, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW only, the exchange is your six-character locator. The CQ Worldwide 160m DX Contest runs from 2200UTC on Friday the 27th of January to 2200UTC on Sunday the 29th of January. Using CW only, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. American stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint runs from 1200UTC on Saturday the 28th of January to 1200UTC on Sunday the 29th of January. Using RTTY only, the exchange is a serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 20th of January 2023 The solar flux index has continued to remain above 200, which is good news for the upper HF bands. 10m continues to surprise people with 10m FM around 29.600MHz bringing transatlantic contacts to many. AM around 29.000MHz is also bringing some exciting contacts. The Sun is currently peppered with spots, with the recent solar flux index of 234 being the highest since 2014. But solar flares and coronal mass ejections remain a threat. We have had numerous M-class flares over the week, but nothing stronger. The Kp index hit four on Wednesday the 18th due to a glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection and we can expect it to rise again on Friday or Saturday due to an Earth-facing coronal hole. The Chilton and Fairford ionosondes remain offline so please select Dourbes if using Propquest.co.uk. The critical frequency, as measured at Dourbes, remains above 7MHz from around sunrise onwards, giving a MUF over 3,000km of more than 30MHz for much of the day. So do make the most of 10m, which is probably at its best right now. Make hay, or DX contacts, while the Sun shines, as they say! The good news is that the Space Weather Prediction Centre expects the solar flux index to remain above 200 for the next week. It says the Kp index might rise again to perhaps five on the 26th and 27th, but may otherwise be two to three in the early part of next week. And now the VHF and up propagation news The overall weather pattern remains rather changeable at first, but with a tendency to form high pressure, initially in the south, more generally after mid-week.  In terms of propagation, a welcome return of Tropo conditions is likely, although it may take a while to develop more widespread lift conditions. Sometimes it takes a high-pressure region to become a ‘cloudy high’ to give the best chances of widespread Tropo. Ideally, the high needs to be located such that cloudy Atlantic air can move in across the country underneath the temperature inversion. It’s still worth a check for aurora, as the Sun is very active at the moment but it's probably a good time to put away Sporadic-E thoughts until the spring. Random meteor scatter is always an option around dawn, but we are now into the meteor shower minimum period that lasts until the Lyrids in mid-to-late April. Yesterday’s Moon perigee means that EME path losses are at their lowest but will slowly rise throughout the week. Declination is rising and goes positive on Thursday so Moon availability windows will lengthen. 144MHz sky noise is low all week, only going much above 300 Kelvin next Saturday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 15th of January 2023 The news headlines: M0RWX activates all G summits in one year Direct to Full exams New display at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park   Robert, M0RWX from Malmesbury, Wiltshire activated every single SOTA summit in England, within the calendar year of 2022. This is an unprecedented achievement, but it doesn't end there.  Robert also activated extensively in France, Scotland and Wales and a little in Benelux, during 2022, recording a total of 326 activations, and a mammoth 1476 activator points in the year – almost 1.5 Mountain Goats. Robert is now targeting an activator completion of Wales during 2023 and, thereafter, spending longer on each summit, experimenting with more bands and modes. For more information about Summits on the Air please visit sota.org.uk Bookings for the Direct to Full exam are now open. The exam can only be taken online but can be booked by individuals or clubs. Go to the RSGB’s exam booking page and follow the process for an individual or club booking. The Society has also published a mock paper for the Direct to Full exam which can be found at rsgb.org/mock-exams After several months of restoration and development, a Wheatstone Tape Perforator and Wheatstone High-Speed Morse Transmitter have gone on display in the RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. Used extensively from the 1940s until at least the late 1960s such systems enabled the transmission of Morse signals either via telegraph or by wireless at consistently high speeds, without errors, such that might have been introduced by hand-sent Morse. The display is connected to an audio oscillator so, with a push button on the outside of the display case, visitors are able to start the transmitter, see the paper tape being read, and hear Morse characters being sent. The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park is looking to create a new wall display, illustrating some simple radio set-ups, to inspire newcomers to get started in amateur radio. If you would like to have a photo of your radio shack on display, please send in a good-quality image, showing you operating your radio, or your radio bench. The radio shack could be located anywhere from your loft, to your back bedroom, garden shed, car or on a mountaintop. Remember, the point of this project is to inspire people to get started in the hobby, so the photos need to show a diverse mix of operators and the radio set-up shouldn’t be overly complex. The most suitable photos will be selected and a montage display created, with the title: Take a look at my radio station. If you would like to enter, send your photos to: [email protected] The Online Amateur Radio Community provides amateur radio licence training via Zoom. The next Intermediate course is due to commence during the first week of February. The course, which costs £5 to join, will run for eight weeks. The next Full licence training course will start on Wednesday the 17th of April and run for nine weeks. The fee for the Full course is also £5. For further information please visit www.oarc.uk The GB2RS news service would like to increase the coverage of VHF FM and SSB broadcasts in Northern Ireland. Applicants must be an RSGB member holding a Full or Intermediate licence. If you would like to find out more, without obligation, please get in touch with the GB2RS News Manager, Steve G4HPE, via [email protected] More information about the RSGB’s news service can be found at rsgb.org/gb2rsschedule Following the recent items in The Times and on the BBC Radio 4 PM programme about a rise in the use of Morse Code in America, the RSGB contacted BBC Three Counties Radio and arranged an interview for Mervyn Foster, G4KLE. Mervyn is a volunteer at the RSGB National Radio Centre, an RSGB District Representative and a lifelong devotee of Morse Code. He spoke to Andy Collins on the breakfast show on Friday the 13th of January. You can listen to the interview on BBC Sounds which starts one hour and fifty-three minutes into the programme.   And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via [email protected] The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information. The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk   Now the Special Event News Today, the 15th is the last chance to work special callsign PD23HNY. The station is active from The Netherlands in celebration of the New Year. QSL cards will not be issued but a certificate will be available for download. Today is also the last chance to log special callsigns SP90ENIGMA and SP90ENG. Both stations are operating to mark the 90th anniversary of Polish cryptologists’ first successes in breaking the Enigma code.  Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston-Super-Mare Radio Society will be operating a special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923. Special event station GB2KW will be active until the 28th of January. The station, located near Inverness in Scotland, will be using vintage equipment manufactured by KW Electronics Limited during the 1960s and 70s. QSL via Logbook of the World.   Now the DX news Earl, WA3DX will be active from Senegal until the 20th of January. He will operate FT8 and some SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to his home call. Harald, DF2WO will be active as D44TWO from Sao Tiago, AF-005, Cape Verde until the 21st of January. He will operate FT8, some SSB and some CW on the 160 to 6m bands, and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS account. John, N9EAJ plans to be active as HC1FIT from a mountaintop location near the city of Otavalo in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador until the 22nd of January. He will be operating SSB and some CW on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL directly to N9EAJ.   Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. Today, the 15th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 17th of January, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 19th of January, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 21st of January, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80m and 40m SSB Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using SSB only, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 13th of January 2023 It seems X-class solar flares appear like buses; you wait for ages and then three turn up at once! Over the last week, we have had X-class flares on the 7th, 9th and 10th. The latest, at the time of writing, saw sunspot region 3186 rotate into view off the Sun’s northeast limb and produce an X1.0 solar flare at 2247UTC on the 10th. It may have thrown some plasma into space in the form of a coronal mass ejection but, as it is not yet directly facing Earth, any associated coronal mass ejection was likely directed away from us. Over the coming days, it will become Earth-facing and more activity is expected, with sudden ionospheric disturbances and coronal mass ejections becoming the norm. If this does occur, expect the MUF to take a dive, perhaps only for 20 minutes to an hour, if X-ray radiation from a flare impacts us, and for a day or so if a coronal mass ejection hits us. So, although we currently have an SFI in the 190s, it will be hit-and-miss as to whether HF propagation will be good or bad. The best advice is to monitor the bands and don’t be surprised if we have some fallow days if the Kp index rises. Excitement is building as the 3Y0J Bouvet DXpedition team is on its way. At the time of writing, they had reached Cape Verde en route to the Falkland Islands. Then they have a long boat trip with departure estimated for the 14th of January. Depending on the weather, expect them to be operating from late January for 22 days. We’ll take a close look at HF propagation to Bouvet in a later GB2RS report. Meanwhile, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index is unlikely to remain as high as it is. It says it may drop into the 150s, although its predictions haven’t been too accurate recently. Nevertheless, 150 is still admirable. Let’s hope that the Kp index stays low to give the best hope of DX on the upper HF bands.   And now the VHF and up propagation news The unsettled weather pattern remains in place for the coming week and the main changes concern a deeper low in the sequence being strong enough to bring a temporary burst of colder northerlies. This seems possible later this weekend and early next week. In terms of propagation, it’s looking like rain- or snow-scatter for the GHz bands will be the more likely mode. There is a possibility of some high pressure to the south after mid-week, over France and Biscay, but only reachable from the southern fringes of the British Isles with very limited tropo options. There has been some strong Sporadic-E showing on the Dourbes graphs on propquest.co.uk on occasion, but we are coming towards the end of the mid-winter Es window this week. Random meteor scatter and aurora are both options this week. The minor Gamma-Ursae-Minorids meteor shower reaches a low maximum on the 18th. As usual, look to benefit from the pre-dawn peak of random meteors. The Sun is very disturbed, so you’ll need to track the daily behaviour of the Kp index for aurora prospects. Ideally, it should be five or preferably higher for aurora. The Moon reaches maximum negative declination this coming Thursday, and at perigee on Saturday, so EME path losses are low and Moon availability windows are short. 144MHz sky noise increases all week, peaking at over 2000 Kelvin on Thursday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 8th of January 2023 The news headlines: Marconi international amateur radio award 2023 Tonight@8 series Direct to Full exams The news team and all the staff at RSGB HQ would like to wish our newsreaders, listeners and online readers a very Happy New Year. We would like to remind everyone that we always welcome your news, by email, to [email protected], and the deadline is 10am sharp on Thursday mornings. The GB2RS script is uploaded to the RSGB website by 4.30pm each Friday afternoon. “Marconi Was Here!” is an international amateur radio award organised by ARI Fidenza Radio Club. The main objective of the award is to commemorate historically some of the most important and significant Italian cities where Marconi performed scientific experiments in radio engineering, long distance communications, radio direction-finding and others; experiments that, in the following periods, revealed themselves to be crucial for technical and scientific advancement and the progress of wireless communications. The award period lasts the whole of the 2023 year. Each month is dedicated to a specific Italian city connected to the story of Guglielmo Marconi and is paired to a different special callsign. Further details, special callsigns and award rules can be found at  www.arifidenza.it The RSGB’s Spring 2023 series of Tonight@8 webinars kicks off this Monday the 9th of January when Ben Lloyd, GW4BML will be talking about Portable Operating. As well as explaining briefly the definition and benefits of portable operating, Ben will also share a little about his amateur radio adventures. These focus mainly on SOTA, working DX and contesting, but all by operating portable. Ben will run through everything that is packed away in his rucksack to enable successful activation. You can watch and ask questions live on our YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Further information about this and other webinars can be found on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/webinars Following the introduction of the Direct to Full syllabus in July, bookings for the Direct to Full exam will begin this week. You can only take the exam online but you can book as an individual or through your club via the RSGB website. The first exam slot will be on Saturday the 21st of January and the exam will last for two-and-a-half hours. The bookings page will be updated with the Direct to Full information on Wednesday the 11th of January. Go to rsgb.org/exampay to make a booking. Are you keen to see amateur radio thrive? Do you have the time and enthusiasm to support other radio amateurs and to help shape the RSGB of the future? If so, you still have the opportunity to be nominated in the RSGB elections. This year there are nine roles to be filled and the results will be announced at the Society’s AGM in April 2023. An explanation of how to apply for the various roles, as well as the candidate packs and forms for President, Elected Board Director and Regional Representative, are all on the Society’s website. The deadline for the Nominated Board Director role has now passed but the closing date for other roles is the 31st of January 2023. Find out more at rsgb.org/election The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed for one day on the 10th of January 2023 to allow electrical maintenance work to be undertaken. When booking a visit on any other day, remember that RSGB members can download a free entry voucher to Bletchley Park from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bpvoucher The RSGB’s RadCom team is looking for authors to contribute to the magazine. Previously unpublished features and articles are always welcome for consideration, and we will pay authors for any content we use. At the moment, the team is particularly interested in hearing from people who enjoy writing about antennas. To contact the RadCom team please email [email protected] There is still time to apply for the volunteer roles of RSGB Lecture Chair and RSGB Social Diversity Officer. You can find out more about both of these important roles on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/volunteers The RSGB was sad to learn that Peter Bruce, GM0CXQ recently became a silent key. Peter was very active as a Radio Amateur in Shetland both as a Zetland Amateur Radio Club member, exams officer and as a District Representative for the RSGB. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends. And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via [email protected] The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information. The Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Fair will be held on Sunday the 12th of February. The venue will be Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. Doors open at 10am and admission is £5. A wide variety of trader stalls, a bring-and-buy platform and refreshments and snacks will be available. Parking is immediately adjacent to the hall. For more information visit radioactivefair.co.uk Now the Special Event News Special callsign PD23HNY will be active from The Netherlands until the 15th of January in celebration of the New Year. QSL cards will not be issued but a certificate will be available for download. Special callsigns SP90ENIGMA and SP90ENG will be active until the 15th of January. Both stations will be operating to mark the 90th anniversary of Polish cryptologists’ first successes in breaking the Enigma code.  Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston super Mare Radio Society will be operating special callsign GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923. Vasteras Radio Klubb in Sweden is celebrating 80 years of existence in 2023. To mark the occasion, the club will be using the callsign 8S80AA throughout 2023 on all bands from 160 to 2m. The special callsign includes a prefix that has never before been assigned. Details of awards connected to the special event can be found by viewing the 8S80AA QRZ.com page. During 2023, the British Railways Amateur Radio Society will be marking 55 years since the withdrawal of steam from the British Railways service in 1968.The callsigns in use during the year will be special event station GB0LMR and the club callsign GX4LMR. The station will be active from Preston and mainly operated by British Railways Amateur Radio Society member Mark, G1PIE. QSL via the Bureau and e-QSL or direct to Pam, 2E1HQY, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope. More information can be found via the relevant QRZ.com pages. Now the DX news Take, JI3DST will be active from Tanega Island, AS-032, until the 10th of January. He will be operating using SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World. Darren, VK4MAP will be active as FW/VK4MAP from the Wallis and Futuna Islands, in the South Pacific, until the middle of January. He will be operating using SSB on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL directly to his home call. Earl, WA3DX will be active from Senegal until the 20th of January. He will operate FT8 and some SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to his home call. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL RTTY Roundup ends its two-day run today, Sunday the 8th of January, at 2359UTC. Using the 80 to 10m bands, where contesting is permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American stations also send their state. Canadian stations send their province. On Tuesday the 10th of January, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 10th of January, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 11th of January, the 432MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. On Thursday the 12th of January, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 14th of January, the Worked All Britain 1.8MHz Phone Contest runs from 1900 to 2300UTC. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. On Sunday the 15th of January, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 6th of January 2023 Firstly, a happy New Year to all our listeners. Let’s hope that the propagation gods continue to smile on us in 2023! The solar flux index is back near the 150 mark having seen a low of 128 on December the 23rd and a recent high of 165 on New Year’s eve. Geomagnetic conditions had been mainly settled. That was until the Kp index hit five on the fourth thanks to a fast-moving enhanced solar wind. This may have come from an Earth-facing coronal hole on the Sun’s equator. Propagation-wise, conditions have been good, but not exceptional. The main DX station on the bands has been Thierry, FT8WW on Crozet Island off the coast of South Africa. Thierry has been very active on FT8 and CW, but the pileups have been massive. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the range of 140-150. Geomagnetic conditions should remain quiet with no visible coronal holes coming into view at the time of writing. Expect the Kp index to be around two to three. And finally, don’t forget the low bands, including 160 and 80 metres, which tend to come into their own at this time of year. Look for a night-time path between the UK and the DX, and also consider enhancements just before sunrise for signals from the West. And now the VHF and up propagation news The main weather theme for the next week is once again a continuation of low-pressure systems crossing the country with periods of strong winds and rain. This suggests that tropo produced by high pressure will not feature again this week. It does, however, make rain scatter a possibility on the GHz bands, either from active frontal systems or from showery weather that these systems bring. The unsettled weather is being driven by an active jet stream pattern, which offers good opportunity for ‘out of season’ Sporadic-E triggers, particularly towards Italy and round to Scandinavia. These are very rare events in winter, but it will be possible to pick up signs of some Es on the Propquest.co.uk foEs plots on some days. So, don’t give up hope and monitor the clusters up to the middle of the month, at least. The disturbed solar conditions put aurora a bit higher up the agenda this week. For meteor scatter enthusiasts, last week’s two-hour outburst of the Quadrantids shower was the ‘last hurrah’ of showers until the late April Lyrids. We are entering the annual ‘lull’ in shower activity, with just the minor Gamma-Ursae-Minorids active from the 10th of January to the 22nd reaching a low maximum on the 18th. Look to benefit from the pre-dawn peak of random meteors. The Moon is at apogee today, Sunday, and declination is positive until late next Friday. Moon windows will slowly shorten and zenith angles decrease, while EME path losses decrease. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 25th of December 2022   The news headlines: Coronation of King Charles III RSGB Elections New edition of RadCom Plus released   Season’s greetings to all our listeners! Today’s GB2RS news script will the final one of 2022. Today’s news reading is optional, as the RSGB appreciates that not all newsreaders will be available as normal, but the script will be on the RGSB website so all can see it. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the newsreaders, who read the news on a variety of platforms, for their service to their fellow amateurs throughout the year. We’d also like to remind amateurs that there is a long-standing convention to listen for news broadcasts on Sundays before transmitting to allow news reading to go ahead without interference. Thank you to all those who listen on Sunday mornings, and the other times that the news is read, to those who call in afterwards to speak to the newsreaders, and to everyone who listens via various platforms. Please note, there will be no script prepared for broadcast on Sunday the 1st of January 2023 due to RSGB HQ being closed from 12.30pm on Friday the 23rd of December until 8.30am on Tuesday the 3rd of January 2023. Newsreaders may, of course, choose to run a net at their normal transmission time, but under their own callsign only. The RSGB is making plans to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort in May 2023. The Coronation theme is looking towards the future while being rooted in our traditions, which the Society would like to incorporate in its celebrations. The UK has an ancient chain of fire-based beacons and the RSGB is considering ways that these might be used in the plans. As well as organising events for radio amateurs, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate amateur radio to the public and to gain publicity in the media. If you have any thoughts about how to use the fire beacon chain, or if you have ideas for activities on the Coronation theme that could be used as outreach to the public, please contact the RSGB Coronation Lead, Alan Messenger, G0TLK on [email protected] Are you keen to see amateur radio thrive? Do you have the time and enthusiasm to support other radio amateurs and to help shape the RSGB of the future? If so, you still have the opportunity to be nominated in the RSGB elections. This year there are nine roles to be filled and the results will be announced at the Society’s AGM in April 2023. An explanation of how to apply for the Nominated Board Director process, as well as the candidate packs and forms for President, Elected Board Director and Regional Representative, are all on the Society’s website. The deadline for the Nominated Board Director role is the 3rd of January 2023 whilst the closing date for other roles is the 31st of January 2023. Find out more at rsgb.org/election The RSGB is pleased to announce that a new edition of RadCom Plus, Volume 7, Issue 1, is out now. RadCom Plus is the RSGB’s digital technical supplement and RSGB Members can read it in HTML5 flipbook, PDF and ePub formats. This issue contains almost forty pages, including an article on an active dipole antenna and another on the construction of a portable dish for operating on the 23 and 13cm bands. RadCom Plus can be accessed via www.rsgb.org/radcom-plus The RSGB is releasing three more 2022 Convention videos between Christmas and New Year to give radio amateurs some great content to watch during the festive season. Dr Colin Forsyth from UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory gives a fascinating presentation about Space Weather, whilst Prof Norman Billingham, M0EBI talks about plastics for the radio amateur. Jim Bacon, G3YLA reviews what the 2020s have told us about Sporadic-E. The presentations will be published on three separate days so if you subscribe to the RSGB YouTube channel you will know when they’re available. Go to youtube.com/theRSGB   And now for details of rallies and events The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30am to 1pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167. The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via [email protected] The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information.  Now the Special Event News To celebrate the festive season, the Market Reef DX Association in Finland will be using special callsign OG1XMAS. The team will be active on all bands and modes until Monday the 26th of December. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log or directly to OH1NOA. Special callsign PD22SANTA will be active from The Netherlands until the 31st of December in celebration of the holiday season. QSL cards will not be issued but a certificate will be available for download. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Summits On The Air France, special callsign TM15SOTA will be active until the 30th of December. QSL via eQSL. Throughout 2022, the BBC Amateur Radio Group has been celebrating the centenary of British broadcasting using the callsign GB100BBC. There is still time to catch the station on air, with the final day of operation being New Year’s Eve. Between Christmas and the new year, operation will take place from the club headquarters shack located on the top floor of BBC Broadcasting House in central London. The team hope to work as many stations as possible to wrap up the year of special activity. Throughout the month of January 2023, Weston super Mare Radio Society will be operating GB4WSM in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Society’s formation on the 3rd of January 1923.  Now the DX news Lester, W8YCM will be active as W8YCM/6Y from Jamaica, NA-097, until January 2023. QSL directly via his home callsign. Andre, ON7YK will be active in Bijilo, Gambia until the 24th of February 2023. He is available as C5YK on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via eQSL, Logbook of the World or directly to his home callsign. Gerard, F2JD will be active as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras until the 13th of March 2023. He will be operating using CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA, directly or via the Bureau.  Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. On Monday the 26th of December, the Deutsche Amateur Radio Club Christmas Contest runs from 0830 to 1100UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their district or non-member code. Also on Monday the 26th of December, the 50MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. It’s not a contest but the Worked All Britain Christmas Party runs from Monday the 26th of December to Friday the 6th of January. Using all bands and modes, the exchange is your Worked All Britain Book number. On Tuesday the 27th of December, the 70MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 28th of December, the 144MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 29th of December, the 432MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1400 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 22nd of December 2022 The solar flux index stayed around 150 over the last week, bringing some choice DX to the higher HF bands. However, solar flares continue to plague us, bringing short-lived band fade-outs at times. These have all been moderate C- and M-class flares. It is uncertain as to whether or not there will be an X-class flare soon. Meanwhile, try and work some Arctic Circle DX. Santa’s broadcasting arm, Santa Radio, OF9X, will be active again, on all amateur radio bands, using CW, SSB and digital modes until the end of the year. On any band, from 10MHz and up, it should be fine to make contact with OF9X during the day, with 80m and 40m being ideal for night-time contact. The DX cluster is probably the best way to find where they are operating. NOAA predicts that the solar flux may decline slightly over the next week, perhaps going down to 125. But then it should rebound, maybe making it to 160 by the first week of January. Unfortunately, solarham.com is currently offline. Kevin, VE3EN, who produces the site, says that hopefully this downtime will be short-lived. Keep an eye on the URL as it remains one of the most useful sites for radio amateurs. And now the VHF and up propagation news There will be a very unsettled flavour to the Christmas propagation weather with many lows tracking across the country into the New Year. There will be spells of strong winds to provide a few nail-biting moments for antennas, but the main theme is for bands of rain and heavy showers. These will be capable of producing some rain scatter on the GHz bands on most days in one part of the country or another. Cold air will be present at times to give some snow scatter in places, although primarily over northern Britain. The chances of traditional high-pressure systems bringing some festive tropo are very low indeed with the nearest high displaced well away over southeast Europe. The solar conditions will doubtless be worth considering as a possible indicator of auroral propagation if the Kp index rises above about five or six. Mid-winter Sporadic-E, can surprise us over the period from now to roughly mid-January. A good example was shown on the Dourbes ionosonde on Monday the 19th of December when the Sporadic-E critical frequency reached 5.45MHz at 2300UTC and coincided with a jet stream nearby. There will be plenty of jet stream activity, so it is well worth checking the clusters. Don’t be too fixed upon the usual times for Sporadic-E since these events tend to be driven by the timing of significant weather features. For meteor scatter enthusiasts, the Leonis Minorids are still active but past their maximum, so we await the Quadrantids to peak with a zenithal hourly rate of around 120 between the 3rd and 4th of January. Unlike other meteor showers that tend to stay at their peak for about two days, the peak period of the Quadrantids lasts only a few hours. Moon declination is rising, so Moon windows will continue to lengthen, and zenith angles increase, while EME path losses increase after Christmas Eve’s perigee. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 18th of December 2022   The news headlines: Train the Trainers courses RSGB Convention videos Planning Advisory Committee recruitment   After a forced break during Covid, the RSGB will be restarting Train the Trainers courses in the spring of 2023. It is hoped that three courses will be run across the country. The team would like to run the courses where demand is greatest, rather than arrange three courses where there is no demand. If you are an existing trainer, or would like to become one, and would like to attend a course during the year, please contact  [email protected]  The team would also like to hear from clubs that are willing to host a course so that it can match demand with availability. For further details about the course, what it covers and what is required from hosts, please visit rsgb.org/train-the-trainers The RSGB has released four individual presentations from its 2022 Convention which cover a wide and interesting range of topics. Philip Lawson, G4FCL gives an introduction to test equipment whilst Phil Catterall, G4OBK talks about adventure radio in Europe. Taking a look back into history, Dr David Abrutat provides a fascinating insight into Bletchley Park and the Y Services between 1939 and 1945. Finally, as a link with December’s YOTA month, young radio amateurs Dan McGraw, M0WUT and Hamzah Shah, 2E0HXS share their experiences and learning from the YOTA summer camp in Croatia this year. Find these and other RSGB Convention presentations on its YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB The RSGB Planning Advisory Committee assists RSGB Members with planning advice. It is looking to recruit additional committee members to help with this valuable service. You should be involved with, or retired from, a discipline associated with the planning process or have a good working knowledge of the planning process. The committee would particularly like to add a planning enforcement officer or a lawyer to the panel. The duties include assisting Members with planning enquiries, enforcement notices and appeals but will not include the actual preparation of planning applications on behalf of Members. If you think you can assist, please contact the RSGB Planning Advisory Committee Chair John Mattocks, G4TEQ by email at [email protected] The RSGB HQ email system encountered a technical fault between the afternoon of Tuesday the 13th of December and the morning of Wednesday the 14th of December. If you emailed the RSGB during this period, it is likely that your message was not received and will need to be resent. To help, the RadCom team has extended the deadline for submissions to the magazine to Monday the 19th of December. So, there is still time to send in reports and items for the Club Calendar and Around Your Region sections of RadCom. The RSGB apologies for any inconvenience the fault may have caused. The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed for two days on the 10th and 11th of January 2023 to allow electrical maintenance work to be undertaken. When booking a visit on any other day, remember that RSGB members can download a free entry voucher to Bletchley Park from the RSGB website at rsgb.org/bpvoucher The RSGB has made two announcements about exams this week. The first gives details of how to book for the Direct to Full exam from January, and the second outlines necessary changes to the exam fees. Further details of both can be found on the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/exams and choose the Exam Announcements option in the righthand menu. RSGB HQ will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 12.30pm on Friday the 23rd of December until 8.30am on Tuesday the 3rd of January 2023. Next Sunday, the 25th of December, the GB2RS News script will be prepared as usual and read at the discretion of individual news readers. There will be no GB2RS broadcast on Sunday the 1st of January 2023. During the holidays, if you need information about amateur radio, exams or RadCom you’ll find lots of pages on the RSGB website, www.rsgb.org  And now for details of rallies and events The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30am to 1pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167. The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via [email protected] The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information.   Now the Special Event News Special event station CN22JIM ends its two-week run today, the 18th, from the High Atlas Mountain range in Morocco. The ‘India Mike’ suffix to the callsign was chosen in celebration of International Mountain Day which is held on the 11th of December each year. QSL via RW6HS. Today, the 18th , is the last chance to work the nine special event callsigns hosted by The Qatar Amateur Radio Society to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Look out for the HQ station callsign A722FWC, as well as eight callsigns that contain sequential numbers, from A71FIFA to A78FIFA. The stations are active on the HF bands and via the QO-100 Satellite. QSL via the bureau, Logbook of the World or directly. Today is also the last opportunity to log special callsign PV22CUP. The Brazilian Amateur Radio League is using the callsign in celebration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of Summits On The Air France, special callsign TM15SOTA will be active until the 30th of December. QSL via eQSL. Special event stations GB1900HA and GB1900HW have been operating since the 24th of January to mark the 1900th anniversary of the beginning of the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. The defensive fortification is the largest Roman archaeological feature in the British Isles. The stations will be active until Friday the 23rd of December.  Now the DX news Tony will be active as 3D2AG/P from Rotuma Island, Fiji, OC-060, until the 20th of December. He hopes to operate using CW, SSB, RTTY and some FT8 on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log. Lester, W8YCM will be active as W8YCM/6Y from Jamaica, NA-097, until January 2023. QSL directly via his home callsign. Vincent, F4BKV will be active as XW4KV from Laos until the 23rd of December. His main activity will be on QO-100 from as many as 12 grids. He will also do some operating on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via F4BKV and Logbook of the World.  Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. Today, the 18th of December, the Stew Perry Top Band Challenge will end its 24-hour run at 1500UTC. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. On Tuesday the 20th of December, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 1.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 16th of December 2022 Things hotted up last week with a healthy increase in sunspot activity. The number of sunspots ramped up, giving us a solar flux index of 165 by Thursday. The other upside was the fact that geomagnetic conditions were quite settled with the Kp index remaining between one and three all week. There were some downsides. We have had an increase in the number of solar flares, with a total of 14. Of these, 11 were M-class. This is all happening around active region 3165, which is now a prime candidate for an X-class solar flare, the most powerful. There were reports of poor HF propagation on the morning of the 15th, which can possibly be attributed to the solar flares on the Sun. The graph of the maximum useable frequency, measured at Dourbes, looks rather like a roller coaster ride, with the extrapolated MUF over 3,000km being more than 38MHz at 9.15am and below 19MHz 20 minutes later. The moral of this story is that if HF propagation seems to fail just give it 20 minutes and see if it recovers. According to NOAA, the high solar flux index won’t continue for much longer. It predicts that the SFI will reduce to between 115 and 120. The Kp is also predicted to stay low, at least until the 22nd when it is forecast to rise to five, possibly because of a returning coronal hole from 27 days ago. And finally, both the Chilton and Fairford Digisondes are offline at the moment, so please select Dourbes if using Propquest.co.uk And now the VHF and up propagation news The cold weather will be displaced as a temporary mild spell brings higher temperatures, plus wet and windy weather, during this weekend.  Eventually, colder westerly air with showery troughs will return from the west, but still with further bands of rain. There will probably be some good rain and snow scatter opportunities for the GHz bands. Tropo looks a bit thin, although there may be a brief enhancement on Sunday morning to France and the Low Countries but this will be gone by the afternoon. The other modes like meteor scatter and aurora are still a consideration, but much less predictable. With the Geminids meteor shower past its peak, there are two minor showers to look out for this week. The Leonis Minorids are active from the 5th of December to the 4th of February, reaching a maximum on the 20th of December with a low Zenithal Hourly Rate, or ZHR, of around five. The Ursids are active from the 17th of December to the 26th of December reaching a maximum on the 22nd of December, also with a low ZHR of around 10. Moon declination went negative on the 17th, so Moon windows will continue to shorten and zenith angles decrease. EME path losses are falling as we head towards perigee on Christmas Eve. 144MHz sky noise is increasing all week and on Friday we get close to an eclipse, so it will be very high during the whole Moon pass. Lastly, to repeat the ‘heads up’ from last week about midwinter Sporadic-E, it is still worth mentioning since it usually becomes a reference after the event, and it would be nice to be there before it happens! So, employ the usual check of HF and VHF clusters from 10 to 4m and use www.propquest.co.uk and its EPI or Es probability index plots to see where the most likely areas for Es are located. Like summer events, rarer mid-winter Es are often associated with powerful jet streams and this unsettled weather is a good source for these. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 11th of December 2022 The news headlines: RSGB Elections Australian Licensing Changes GB22YOTA at the National Radio Centre The RSGB is calling for volunteers who are willing and able to give their time and enthusiasm to ensure the Society continues to develop and thrive. This year there are nine roles to be filled and the results will be announced at the RSGB’s AGM in April 2023. An explanation of how to apply for the Nominated Board Director process, as well as the candidate packs and forms for President, Elected Board Director and Regional Representative, are all on the Society’s website at rsgb.org/election At the end of September 2022, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, or ACMA, proposed that Australia’s amateur radio operators move to a class-based licensing scheme in July 2023, opening a consultation period that closed at the end of November 2022. The Wireless Institute of Australia has replied to the ACMA proposals with a comprehensive evidence-based response. The ACMA proposes moving Australia’s radio amateurs from individual apparatus licences to one licence for the amateur service as a whole. The principal reason cited is a reduction in the administrative burden for both the ACMA and the amateur radio community. The immediate benefit would be that licence and licence-renewal fees would disappear. The Wireless Institute of Australia’s response to the consultation can be found at tinyurl.com/WIAsubm The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park is pleased to announce that it will be hosting GB22YOTA on Saturday the 17th of December. Any young amateurs, or those who are interested to learn more about amateur radio, are welcome. The National Radio Centre is located within the grounds of the Bletchley Park Museum. Entry details and opening times can be found on the Bletchley Park website. RSGB members can download an entry voucher for a free day pass to the National Radio Centre from the members’ portal on the RSGB website. The RSGB is looking for volunteers for two new roles: RSGB Lecture Chair and RSGB Social Diversity Officer. The deadline for applications is Monday the 16th of January. Full details of both roles, including how to apply, are on the Society's website at www.rsgb.org/volunteers Does your school or college run an amateur radio club? Or are you interested in setting up a club at your school or college? Following the success of University Corner, the RSGB’s online list of universities with amateur radio clubs, the Society has launched School Zone. This brings together details of schools and colleges that have an active amateur radio club. If your school or college has a club and would like to be included in the online list, please send details to [email protected] Contact details should include the club callsign, if it has one, the school website URL and an email address for the teacher or adult who runs the club. If you are a pupil member of the club, please check those details before you send them to the RSGB. You can find the new School Zone webpage at rsgb.org/school-zone  The RSGB’s Transatlantic Centenary Tests is running throughout December to celebrate the Centenary of the first amateur radio signals to cross the Atlantic. There are awards available for working the special stations. Over 40,000 QSOs were made in the first week. There are still opportunities to get involved so go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/tct to book an operating slot. The RSGB’s RadCom team is looking for authors to contribute to the magazine. Previously unpublished features and articles are always welcome for consideration. At the moment, the team is particularly interested in hearing from people who enjoy writing about antennas. To contact the RadCom team please email [email protected] And now for details of rallies and events The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1 pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167. The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally will be held on Sunday the 29th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Doors open at 9.30 am and entry is £2. Refreshments are available on-site and talk-in is available on 145.375MHz. For more information email Graham via [email protected] The Canvey Rally will be held on the 5th of February at Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey, Essex, SS8 9QS. The Rally is expected to be the usual hive of activity with plenty of traders and an indoor boot sale. Hot food and drinks will be available. Contact [email protected] for further information. Now the Special Event News Datta, VU2DSI will be active as AU2JCB until Tuesday the 13th of December to commemorate the birthday of Indian physicist and radio pioneer Jagadish Chandra Rose. He will be operating on the HF and VHF bands using SSB and FM. QSL directly to his home callsign. Members of Wingles Radio Club in France will be active as TM90GF until Saturday the 17th of December. The special callsign marks the 90th anniversary of the death of General Gustave-Auguste Ferrie, a pioneer in the field of military radio communications. QSL via the bureau, eQSL or directly to F4KLR. The Qatar Amateur Radio Society has announced that nine special event callsigns will be active until Sunday the 18th of December to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Look out for the station HQ callsign A722FWC, as well as eight callsigns that contain sequential numbers, from A71FIFA to A78FIFA. The stations are active on the HF bands and via the QO-100 Satellite. QSL via the bureau, Logbook of the World or directly. Special callsign PV22CUP will be active from Brazil until Sunday the 18th of December. The Brazilian Amateur Radio League is using the callsign in celebration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. QSL via Logbook of the World and eQSL. Now the DX news Ferdy, HB9DSP will be active as 5H3FM from Zanzibar Island, AF-032, Tanzania until Tuesday the 13th of December. He will operate SSB and some FT8 on the 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or via his home call. Take, JI3DST will be active from Miyakojima, AS-079, until Thursday the 15th of December. He will be operating SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via Club Log and LogBook of the World. Lester, W8YCM will be active as W8YCM/6Y from Jamaica, NA-097, until January 2023. QSL directly via his home callsign. Now the contest news The ARRL 10m Contest ends today, the 11th, at 2359UTC. Using CW and phone, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American, Canadian and Mexican stations also send their state or province code. On Tuesday the 13th of December, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 13th of December, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 14th of December, the 432MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. On Thursday the 15th of December, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Next Saturday the 17th of December, the Stew Perry Top Band Challenge will start at 1500UTC and run for 24 hours. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 9th of December 2022 There’s an old Chinese curse that says: “May you live in interesting times”. Well, the last week has been very interesting from an HF propagation perspective! The solar flux index increased from 111 on the 30th of November, to 148 on Thursday the 8th. During that time, we had more than 50 C-class solar flares and two M-class flares, while the Kp index ranged from one to five. So, it’s been a bit like having all four seasons in one week! HF propagation has varied dramatically as a result, with round-the-world echoes and spotlight propagation being very prevalent at times. Spotlight propagation is defined as a small geographic area that is favoured with good propagation at any given time. The Norfolk Amateur Radio Club operated G6ZZ for 48 hours as part of the transatlantic centenary celebrations and worked more than 1,500 stations. Station manager Chris, G0DWV reports his highlights as: “Hearing my own echo as the signal went around the world on several occasions, being called by VK, Australia, and ZL, New Zealand, at 5/9+30dB with no one else on the band. And hearing echoes that made it impossible to understand the caller's voice.” At the moment, it seems like it would be easy to dismiss an HF band as being closed when it could be wide open half an hour later. The Sun is currently peppered with spots of all sizes. The USAF predicts that the good conditions could continue for a few days yet, with the solar flux index falling from 150 on Sunday to 110 by the end of the week. Calm geomagnetic conditions may continue and there are currently no coronal holes in view. But please note that it only takes a single coronal mass ejection to spoil things. And don’t forget that the low bands come into their own in Winter as well. This is a good time to look for DX on 160, 80 and 40 metres, especially in the late afternoon, after dark and at sunrise. And now the VHF and up propagation news This week’s VHF propagation highlight is the Geminids meteor shower. This is predicted to reach a broad peak over several days on either side of 1300UTC on the 14th of December. The Geminids zenithal hourly record has reached 140-150 in all recent years so expect a good one with SSB QSOs possible for the better-equipped stations using good operating techniques, and the chance of 70cm digimode QSOs as well. The broad peak has a habit of declining quite quickly once it’s over. In this present turn to cold winter conditions, prospects for high pressure and tropo are looking limited, apart from a weak ridge over northern Britain. Although even this is not a strong player. Current weather conditions may appeal to the experimentally minded. Intense cold and snow-covered ground can produce strong shallow surface temperature inversions, so there may be interesting tests to be done in some parts of the country. Also, watch out for snow scatter on the high GHz bands if you see snowstorms around. The solar-driven conditions mentioned in the previous section suggest that further possibilities exist for auroral propagation, given a high Kp index. The dearth of Sporadic-E during the autumn months usually has a brief respite around this time of the year from mid-December to mid-January. It's very random but follow the usual summer routine of checking the clusters and maps to select the right directions. Although these isolated events can occur at the usual afternoon or evening times for Es, they can and do crop up in the morning and around the middle of the day. Moon declination is positive but decreasing this week so Moon windows will shorten and zenith angles decrease. Path losses are at their highest with the Moon at apogee on Sunday night. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 4th of December 2022 The news headlines: Special Contest Calls, Expansion of Qualifying Events Exams and Syllabus Review Group Recruitment Bath-Based Intermediate Licence Distance Learning Ofcom has recently authorised an expansion of the list of Special Contest Call qualifying contests. It now includes the World Wide DIGI contest and the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 contest. Full details of how to apply for a Special Contest Call can be found on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/scc The RSGB is seeking to appoint additional members to the Exams and Syllabus Review Group, formerly known as the Exams Group. Membership of the Group now includes places for club tutors who hold a Full amateur radio licence and have taught the Full Syllabus for at least two years. If you are interested in making an application or require further information, please email the Examination Standards Committee Chair Tony Kent, G8PBH at [email protected] Further information about the ESRG can be found on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/esrg The closing date for applications for the next Bath Based Distance Learning course for the Intermediate exam is Thursday the 7th of December. Following application, students must complete some short pre-course study and a quiz to ensure they are able to use the Bath Based Distance Learning systems and to see if it suits their needs. That work must be completed by the 21st of December. The course starts on the 4th of January 2023 with exams expected in May. For full details and an application form, please e-mail Steve, G0FUW, via [email protected] The RSGB’s final Tonight@8 webinar of 2022 is this Monday the 5th of December. David Palmer, G7URP will explore 100 years of BBC technology and innovation. You can watch the presentation and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or via BATC. There is more information about the presentation and how to take part on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars The RSGB has released two further RSGB 2022 Convention presentations this week, the first of which wasn’t part of the Convention live stream so is brand new to people watching online. Werner Hasemann, DJ9KH explains the preparations and realisation of a low-budget DXpedition in his presentation “Z66DX, Activating Kosovo under special circumstances”. The second presentation is called “Digital ATV, Opening New Horizons” in which Dave Crump, G8GKQ describes how easy it is for the home constructor to transmit and receive digital ATV without the need for the specialist camera or receiving equipment that used to be required. These and other presentations are in the RSGB 2022 Convention playlist on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB There are two big events taking place during December. YOTA Month encourages youngsters to get on the air and the RSGB has supported this for many years. The special callsign GB22YOTA is being hosted by schools, clubs and individuals so listen out for it on the air and have a chat with the young operators. The RSGB’s Transatlantic Centenary Tests also run throughout December and there are awards available for working the special stations. There are still opportunities to get involved in both events so go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-month to find out how to host the YOTA callsign or check out rsgb.org/tct to book an operating slot for the Transatlantic Tests. And now for details of rallies and events The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1 pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring-and-buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167. We regret to announce that the Callington Amateur Radio Society 2023 Rally, usually held on the last Sunday in March, has been cancelled because of a conflict with an alternative amateur radio-related event at the venue on the same day. Notice of the alternative event will be provided by the organiser. Now the Special Event News On Thursday the 1st of December, GB1WH began operating. The Special Event Station has been established to promote the work done by Wakefield Hospice. For more information, visit the GB1WH QRZ.com page. GB1LJF began its on-air activities on Thursday the 1st of December. The Special Event Station is operating to celebrate the manufacturing of the English Electric Lightning aircraft in Lancashire. More information is available via the GB1LJF QRZ.com page. Now the DX news Ed, N2HX will be active as PJ7PL from Sint Maarten, NA-105, until the 10th of December. He will be operating CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via his home call. Ferdy, HB9DSP will be active as 5H3FM from Zanzibar Island, AF-032, Tanzania until the 13th of December. He will operate SSB and some FT8 on the 20, 15 and 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or via his home call. The Qatar Amateur Radio Society has announced that nine special event call signs will be active until the 18th of December to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Look out for station HQ A722FWC, as well as eight call signs that contain sequential numbers, from A71FIFA to A78FIFA. The stations are active on the HF bands and via the QO-100 Satellite. QSL via the bureau, Logbook of the World or directly. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began on Thursday the 1st of December. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL 160m Contest ends today, the 4th, at 1600UTC. Using CW only on the 160m band, the exchange is a signal report. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section. Today, the 4th, the 144MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 6th of December, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 6th of December, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 7th of December, the 144MHz FT8 Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 only on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. On Thursday the 8th of December, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The ARRL 10m Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th of December and runs until 2359UTC on Sunday the 11th of December. Using CW and phone, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American, Canadian and Mexican stations also send their state or province code. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 2nd of December 2022 Last week was characterised by unsettled geomagnetic conditions that had not been forecast. The Kp index fluctuated between three and five nearly all week, resulting in reduced HF propagation, especially over polar paths. The solar wind just refused to abate with speeds over 600km/s being commonplace. A southward-facing Bz interplanetary magnetic field just added to the problems. In the CQ Worldwide CW contest last weekend, signals from the west coast and Midwest were badly affected, with one station in Colorado sounding very fluttery and weak. Strong aurorae were also recorded in the polar regions. Nevertheless, some good scores were made in the contest. It was a case of making do with what was available, HF propagation-wise! By Thursday, the Fairford Digisonde was reporting F2-layer critical frequencies in the region of 10MHz, with an extrapolated MUF over 3,000km well above 28MHz around noon. Sunspots remained on the decline all week with the solar flux index struggling to get to 110. But the good news is that could now all change. Solarham.net reports that the beginning of December will see a potential influx of sunspots. A new active region is now beginning to turn into view off the southeast limb and was the source of a number of minor C-Flares on Wednesday. In addition to this, old regions 3140, 3141 and 3145 from earlier in November are about to turn back into view from behind the northeast limb. NOAA predicts the solar flux index could increase to 120-125 next week, which would be a welcome upturn. We may also be entering a more settled phase with regard to the Kp index too, with NOAA predicting a maximum index of two or three all week. However, a solar coronal hole will become Earth-facing on Saturday, so we expect the Kp index to rise perhaps late Sunday or Monday. The ionosonde data server in the States, for the Propquest foF2 graphs, is still having problems, but it is being worked on. In the meantime, you will see a backup plot from Fairford to keep things going. And now the VHF and up propagation news The main weather theme for the coming week is that of colder north-easterly winds, but with some high pressure off the North West to give a chance of slightly enhanced Tropo, at first in western Britain. This will probably be spoiled, in eastern areas, by showers coming in from the North Sea. GHz band rain-scatter options with the North Sea showers should be worth considering but, on this occasion, the showers may be relatively limited. So, don’t expect too much. The solar conditions are still showing signs of activity, which can bring some VHF propagation options, such as aurora on 6m to 2m given a good trigger. So, look for high Kp indices above about five or six to make it worth checking. Meteor scatter is, of course, an ever-present option for surprising us with any random activity. These sporadic meteors are more frequent around dawn, and the big Geminids shower in December is less than a fortnight away. Moon declination is positive and increasing this week. So, Moon windows will lengthen and zenith angles will increase. Path losses are high and increasing this week. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate, reaching 500 Kelvin next Friday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 27th of November 2022 The news headlines: 146 to 147MHz NoV Extension HF DXpedition FundTrustee Required RSGB Convention Presentations Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146 to 147MHz Notice of Variation for a further year. It is available on a non-interference basis and the NoV is subject to a 30-day notice period of change or withdrawal. Full licence holders can apply for the 146 to 147MHz NoV via the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov The RSGB assists HF DXpeditions to the rarer countries through a fund that is supported each year from the proceeds of a raffle held at the annual RSGB Convention, as well as income from legacies and donations. The Society is looking to appoint a fifth Trustee for the HF DXpedition Fund who, given the increasing number of applications, will also act as Secretary to the group. Applicants should be enthusiastic HF DXers with an interest in DXCC and IOTA. For further information about the role and how to apply, go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers The RSGB has released two individual 2022 Convention presentations. In the first, Professor Alwyn Seeds, G8DOH talks about “Building a VHF/UHF Contest Station”. The second presentation is by Hans Summers, G0UPL who explains “The QCX CW transceiver kit story: design, development, five years of production and evolution”. Part of the second presentation was live-streamed during the Convention but you can now watch it all on the RSGB YouTube channel – go to youtube.com/theRSGB and choose the RSGB 2022 Convention playlist. On Saturday 3 December at 1400UTC, AMSAT SA and the South African Radio League are hosting a webinar about Hamprojects. This is a platform to facilitate complex projects that are beyond the possibility of individuals or even one amateur radio society or club. The concept was developed by Willi Vollenweider, HB9AMC as part of the IARU Region 1 Shaping the future of Amateur Radio initiative. During the webinar, Willi will explain Hamprojects in detail and how individual radio amateurs and groups, or amateur radio cubs, can participate or initiate their own projects and attract international participation. The webinar is free to attend and open to anyone who has an interest in technology and a desire to become part of future innovation. Register as soon as possible, as participation is limited to 150 persons, via tinyurl.com/hamrprojects Don’t forget the Transatlantic Centenary Tests event that starts at 0000UTC on Thursday the 1st of December and runs for the whole month. There are awards available for working the special stations and, if you are an RSGB Member and hold a Full Licence, still opportunities to book an operating slot. Go to rsgb.org/tct for full information. And now for details of rallies and events Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will be held today, the 27th, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. Doors open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £2 and free to under-14s who are accompanied by an adult. Talk-in will be on 2m channel V44. Contact Bob Dingle, G0OCB on 07710 023 916 for further information. The Midlands Round Table event will be held on Saturday the 3rd of December. The day will follow a relaxed schedule with talks aimed primarily at Microwave, Amateur Television, Amateur Satellite and other innovative areas of amateur radio. There will be tables provided free of charge for the junk sale and for any free items attendees wish to give away. The event is being held at Eaton Manor, Eaton-under-Heywood, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 7DH. The event venue will be open from 9 am and proceedings will start at 10 am. Questions and requests should be directed to Paul, G8AQA on 01694 771 441. The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club Rally will be held on Thursday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7QX. Doors will be open from 9.30 am to 1 pm and admission is £3. Free parking is available. The event will include bring and buy as well as 20 tables for traders. For more information contact Bob on 01963 440 167. Now the Special Event News Leyland and District Amateur Radio Club will be active as GB9LD for Lancashire Day today, the 27th of November. Activity will take place on the 40m to 70cm bands. At 1500UTC the club will read the Lancashire Day Proclamation on HF and toast His Majesty King Charles III, Duke of Lancaster. All are welcome to join in. Enquiries to [email protected] On Thursday the 1st of December, GB1WH will begin operating. The Special Event Station has been established to promote the work done by Wakefield Hospice. For more information, visit the GB1WH QRZ.com page. GB1LJF begins its on-air activities on Thursday the 1st of December. The Special Event Station is operating to celebrate the manufacturing of the English Electric Lightning aircraft in Lancashire. More information is available via the GB1LJF QRZ.com page. Now the DX news Today, the 27th is the last chance to work Alex, K6VHF. He is active as 4L1FP from Tbilisi Georgia. He is operating SSB, CW and FT8 on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log or directly to K6VHF. Don, K6ZO will be active as 7Q6M from Malawi until the 29th of November. He will be available on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB and CW. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to K6ZO. Special Event Station CX100B will be active until the 30th of November. The station is operating to celebrate the centenary of the first radio broadcast in Uruguay which took place on the 6th of November 1922. QSL via CX1AA and Logbook of the World. Special callsign ZW200ESQ is active until the 30th of November to celebrate the bicentennial of the Brazilian Navy. Operations will take place from the premises of the Brazilian Naval School’s Communication Group. Activity will be on all bands from 80m to 70cm using CW, SSB, digital modes and FM on satellite. QSL via the bureau or directly to PY1JR. Bob, W7YAQ and Al, K7AR will be active as K8H from Tutuila Island, OC-045, American Samoa until the 1st of December. They will be operating two stations on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log, Logbook of the World or via W7YAQ. Now the contest news Today, the 27th, the CQ Worldwide DX CW Contest ends its 24-hour run at 2359UTC. Using CW only on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. On Monday the 28th of November the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Thursday the 1st of December sees the start of the UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon. The contest will run until the 31st of January 2023. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL 160m Contest begins at 2200UTC on Friday the 2nd of December and finishes at 1600UTC on Sunday the 4th of December. Using CW only on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. American and Canadian stations also send their ARRL or RAC section. Next Sunday, the 4th of December, the 144MHz AFS Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. 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 25th November 2022 We dodged a bullet last week when a large coronal hole failed to produce a geomagnetic disturbance. Despite many predictions that we could expect an upturn in the Kp index, it looks like the solar wind missed the Earth, probably because the hole was too low in the Sun’s southern hemisphere. As a result the Kp index never went higher than 4, actually 3.67 globally, and things remained calm. This was good news for HF, although a low solar flux index below 120 all week was nothing to get excited about. At the same time, the improvement in low-band conditions, as we head into late Autumn, is making up for it. Top Band contacts have been recorded with 3B8 Mauritius, and Peter, G3PHO has even made it into the USA in the late afternoon on 160m FT8. So, if you’ve never worked much on Top Band, and you have the antenna for it, give it a try. Failing that, try the top end of 80m SSB around sunrise in the UK for contacts with the USA. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around the 120-125 mark. The good news is that there are no large coronal holes currently visible and there have only been minor C-class flares with CMEs that have not been Earth-directed, so geomagnetic conditions are likely to be good. That is, at least until the 1st of December when we have a predicted Kp index of four, which may disrupt contacts mainly on polar paths. This is good news for this weekend’s CQ Worldwide CW contest, which is a great opportunity for you to up your country totals or for your Worked All States award. Now a footnote for those occasions when the propquest.co.uk graphs are not updating. It can be a local effect at one of the stations, such as Chilton, which has been offline recently. Usually selecting one of the tick boxes in the top right of the graphs will show Fairford or Dourbes when available. However, last week and maybe still, we have a complete blank for all three ionosonde station plots, which is much more likely to be a server issue in the States where the data is hosted. You can check the Propquest server is working by selecting the “Archive” or “Averages” tabs. In any event, the ionosonde data plots will come back automatically once any issues have been resolved. And now the VHF and up propagation news The unsettled spell of weather continues into the first half of next week so could provide some further rain scatter opportunities on the GHz Bands. The broad south-westerly pattern may well switch over to an easterly after midweek as high pressure builds across Scotland. This could bring a return of Tropo for some parts, but looks a bit weak, while the south will continue to be affected by low-pressure systems. It will feel colder, with some models hinting at wintry conditions being a possibility, so wrap up well if you plan to do any portable operation! The Alpha Monocerotids meteor shower noted last week is over but the small November Orionids, active until the 6th of December, reaches its peak on Monday the 28th. Get ready for the big Geminids meteor shower in December. It commences on the 4th reaching a ZHR of over 100 between the 14th and 15th. More about this closer to the shower peak. Moon declination is increasing again and goes positive on Friday. So Moon windows will lengthen and zenith angles will increase. Path losses, on the other hand, start to increase again this week after last Friday’s perigee. We have to wait until mid-2026 before maximum declination coincides with the lowest path loss, but we are moving in that direction again. 144MHz sky noise is low all week, not getting above 300 Kelvin until next Sunday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 20th of November 2022 The news headlines: December is YOTA Month Transatlantic Centenary Tests 2022 RSGB Construction Competition   December is Youngsters On The Air month. This is an opportunity for individuals, clubs, groups and schools to run an amateur radio station with the aim of getting youngsters active on the air. The RSGB is inviting applications to host the special callsign GB22YOTA. To register your interest email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] with details of the activity you are planning. Please include your name, organisation and the callsign of the Full licensee who will host the activation. To see the GB22YOTA activation schedule, visit the GB22YOTA page at qrz.com. The RSGB is hosting the Transatlantic Centenary Tests 2022 on the HF bands for the month of December. Unlike those of the 1920s, which consisted of one-way communication, this event will encourage worldwide two-way communication with UK and Crown Dependency stations. There will be a series of awards available for making QSOs with those who are activating historic RSGB callsigns. The Club Log team has kindly agreed to provide the supporting infrastructure for this. The Society is looking for RSGB members to take part and make this historic event a success. You can read more on page 54 of the December RadCom and be inspired by the RSGB Convention Transatlantic Test presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel. To find out how to take part, go to rsgb.org/tct Do you enjoy amateur radio construction? Would you like to try making something for the first time? The RSGB’s Construction Competition welcomes entries in four categories – Beginners, Construction Excellence, Innovation, and Software. Special recognition will be given to entries submitted by radio amateurs under the age of 24, and to those who have just gained their Foundation licence. A cash prize will be awarded for the winner of each section, with a bonus for the overall winner who will also be declared the winner of the Pat Hawker G3VA Trophy. The deadline for entries is 1 March 2023 so you have plenty of time to construct something during the long winter evenings. To find out more, including how to enter, see the full details on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition Most of you will have experienced RF interference problems of one sort or another over the years. In this world of advanced digital technology and increasing wireless connectivity, the probability of interference is high and increasing rapidly. This is giving rise to an ever-increasing pollution of the radio spectrum which is threatening all wireless communication. To counter these problems, the RSGB EMC Committee makes the relevant authorities aware of issues by taking measurements and surveying any available documents and reports. The committee needs volunteers to help with that task. Deep technical knowledge or experience in EMC work is not necessary, but ideally, candidates should have a good understanding of radio. If you are an RSGB member and would like to help, please contact [email protected] The RSGB’s National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed from Tuesday the 22nd of November until Friday the 25th of November for the upgrading of essential equipment and the installation of a new fire alarm system. The Society apologises for any inconvenience this causes. The RSGB’s Examination Standards Committee has published its annual report, covering the operation of amateur radio exams during the calendar year of 2021. Search for Examination Standards Committee on the RSGB website at rsgb.org and you can read the report in the minutes, papers and reports sub-page. The RSGB was saddened to learn that John Bazley, G3HCT passed away on the 11th of November in a nursing home in Queensland, Australia. John was President of the RSGB in 1979 and was a Life Member. In 1995 he was made a Life Vice President. He was also the IARU Region 1 representative to the CEPT Working Group on Frequency Management. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. And now for details of rallies and events The 43rd Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society Radio and Electronics Bazaar will be held today the 20th of November. The venue will be Oasis Academy, Homefield Road, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 1ES. For more information contact [email protected] Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally will be held next Sunday, the 27th, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6DB. Doors open at 10.30 am for everyone and 10 am for disabled visitors. Admission is £2 and free to under-14s who are accompanied by an adult. Talk-in will be on S22. Contact Bob Dingle, G0OCB on 07710023916. Now the Special Event News Leyland and District Amateur Radio Club will be active as GB9LD for Lancashire Day on Sunday the 27th of November 2022. Activity will take place on the 40m to 70cm bands. At 1500UTC the club will read the Lancashire Day Proclamation on HF and toast His Majesty King Charles III, Duke of Lancaster. All are welcome to join in. Enquiries to [email protected] On Thursday the 1st of December, GB1WH will begin operating. The Special Event Station has been established to promote the work done by Wakefield Hospice. For more information, visit the GB1WH QRZ.com page. GB1LJF begins its on-air activities on Thursday the 1st of December. The Special Event Station is operating to celebrate the manufacturing of the English Electric Lightning aircraft in Lancashire. More information is available via the GB1LJF QRZ.com page. Now the DX news Christopher, HB9FIY will be active as ZD7CA from Saint Helena Island, AF-022, until the 26th of November. He will be operating SSB, PSK, RTTY, VarAC and CW on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via EA5GL. Don, K6ZO will be active as 7Q6M from Malawi until the 29th of November. He will be available on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB and CW. QSL via Logbook of the World or direct to K6Z0. Ed, N2HX will be active as PJ7PL from Sint Maarten, NA-105, until the 10th of December. He will be operating SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8. QSL via his home call. Now the contest news On Thursday the 24th of November, the Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW only on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 22nd of November, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2.3GHz band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Next weekend the CQ Worldwide DX CW Contest runs for 24 hours from 0000UTC on Saturday. Using CW only on the 160 to 10m bands, where contesting is permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Friday the 18th of November 2022. The good HF conditions continued last week with a low Kp index and a reasonable solar flux. But is that all about to change? The problem is a large coronal hole in the Sun’s southern hemisphere, which became geoeffective on Thursday. The hole is at mid-latitude, so is not completely in line with Earth. But its large size means that we could see a strong solar wind, which may hit the Earth this weekend, potentially pushing the Kp index up for a couple of days at least. Sunspots have been adequate rather than outstanding. The main active groups have now rotated out of view, but there are some new ones just appearing over the Sun’s limb. The HF bands have been excellent and many newer amateurs have had their first taste of 10m in full flow. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index could decline to the range 105-115. The Kp index is predicted to rise to four at least until the 22nd. We may then get respite for a day or two before it rises again to three or four. In other words, we have probably seen the best of the settled HF conditions for a while. Just what effect the enhanced solar wind and increased Kp index this weekend will have on maximum usable frequencies is hard to predict. Typically, an increased Kp index can result in reduced MUFs, but whether we will see it impact 10 metres, especially with the predicted lower SFI, we will just have to wait and see. And now the VHF and up propagation news After last weekend’s excellent tropo, with 24GHz propagation from the South East of England to the near continent, we now have a seemingly never-ending period of unsettled weather continuing through the coming week. This is driven by a strong jet stream flow across the Atlantic. Since it’s a low pressure and rain scatter period once again, it’s worth a reminder that, although we are way out of season with regards to Sporadic-E, it can still be seen on the foEs graphs on the Propquest.co.uk website and can be particularly useful for the LF bands. Focusing back on VHF and above, the prevalence of low pressure during the week suggests Tropo is unlikely to entertain us. The only modes remaining to discuss are meteor scatter as we slowly fade from the peak of the Leonids, and finally the prospect of a random aurora if we have further disturbed solar conditions. This week’s active meteor showers are the Alpha Monocerotids which are active until November the 25th and reach a low ZHR maximum on Monday the 21st of November. Also, the November Orionids, are active until December the 6th but don’t peak until the 28th. Moon declination went negative on Saturday so Moon windows will shorten and zenith angles decrease. Path losses are still low but with perigee on Friday, path losses will fall all week. 144MHz sky noise slowly increases, reaching a maximum of over 2,500 Kelvin on Friday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.