Monster Media 1996 #15/Monster Media Number 15 (Monster Media)(July 1996).ISO/ham/rsgb.zip/RSGB0505.TXT

Text File | 1996-05-15 | 19KB | 493 lines

Good morning. It's Sunday the 5th of May and here is the GB2RS news
broadcast, prepared by the RSGB and intended for all radio amateurs and
short-wave listeners.

First, this week's headlines:

A new amateur band has been allocated at LF,

Special contest callsigns have been agreed,

And the RSGB Morse Testing Service celebrates its 10th anniversary.

We start this week with the good news that last Monday, the 29th, the
Radiocommunications Agency announced a new frequency band for radio
amateurs. The allocation is in the LF part of the spectrum and runs from
71.6 to 74.4 kilohertz, that is 73kHz plus or minus 1.4kHz. The new
73kHz band is available to any holder of the Class A Amateur Radio
Licence who wishes to investigate LF propagation, including transmission
to underground caves.

An effective radiated power of one watt may be transmitted using any
mode from the Main Station Address only. No mobile or maritime mobile
operation is permitted, and use of a Temporary Location requires 7 days
notice to the District office of the Radio Investigation Service.

Use of the 73kHz band will require a Notice of Variation to an
individual's licence, and the RA has asked the Radio Society of Great
Britain to process the applications. Requests for an NoV must include:
Name, Callsign, Main Station Address, Modes to be used, and whether the
applicant intends to operate at a temporary address. The request must
also include some background information explaining the reason for
making the application and the intended uses of it. Applications should
be sent to: LF Allocation, HF Committee, RSGB, Lambda House, Cranborne
Road, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 3JE.

This is yet another service made available to all UK amateurs following
negotiations between the Radio Society of Great Britain and the
licensing authority.

For keen contesters, there is even more good news. The RA has agreed to
an RSGB request that special short callsigns can be issued for use by
clubs in certain international contests. The calls will use either the G
or M prefix, with the usual regional identifier, a number indicating the
year (6 for 1996), and a single letter suffix. Typical callsigns would
be G6A, GM6B, M6C or MD6D. The issue of the calls will be only for clubs
entering one of eight major international contests. Full details and an
application form can be obtained by writing to RSGB Headquarters,
marking the envelope 'Contest Calls'.

An RSGB Regional Open Meeting has been arranged by Fred Stewart, G0CSF,
Council Member for Zone C, which covers the south-east of England and
East Anglia. The meeting will take place on Sunday, the 26th of May, at
2.30pm at Rivenhall Village Hall, Church Road, Rivenhall, Witham, Essex.
RSGB President Peter Sheppard, G4EJP, is due to attend, along with
Executive Vice President Ian Kyle, GI8AYZ. For further details contact
G0CSF on 01732 780721.

Nearly a thousand Morse Test candidates were examined for the year
ending the 31st of March, with a pass rate of 72.5 per cent, reports
RSGB Chief Morse Examiner Roy Clayton, G4SSH. An increase of five per
cent in the number of candidates was due to an eleventh hour bid by
candidates hoping to obtain one of the last 'G' series callsigns before
the change to 'M' callsigns on the 1st of April.

Also from G4SSH comes news of the 10th anniversary of the RSGB Morse
Test, which will be celebrated on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th
of May. More than 30 'GB10' special event stations will on the air over
the weekend. A Morse Test Anniversary certificate is available to any
station providing log extracts of contacts with 10 'GB10' stations using
CW only. The award is also open to listeners. For more details contact
Roy Clayton, G4SSH whose address is correct in the current RSGB Call
Book.

The International Telecommunication Union celebrates World
Telecommunication Day on Friday the 17th of May. The event - which this
year focuses on the link between telecommunications and the Olympic
Games - commemorates the founding of the ITU in Paris 131 years ago.

Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet, which
is edited by Chris Page, G4BUE:

>From Trinidad and Tobago, 9Y4/HB9TU and 9Y4/DJ4XN will be on the island
of Tobago until next Thursday, the 9th, using CW and SSB.

>From the Bahamas, KM1E will operate as C6AGN until the 12th of June,
concentrating on the WARC bands and 6 metres.

And from today until the 7th, JR0GFM/6 will run 5 watts from Tsushima
Island on 10MHz CW, and 14MHz CW and SSB. The island counts as AS-036
for the RSGB Islands on the Air Award.

Now news of special event stations active next weekend:

On Sunday, the 12th of May, 33 special event stations will be on air
from windmills and watermills around the country. This is to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the Windmills and Watermills Section of the
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. These stations will run
in conjunction with the Denby Dale Amateur Radio Society. QSL cards will
be available, featuring line drawings of each of the mills involved.
Also, certificates will be awarded to those stations which contact more
than 10 mills. For further details contact Jasmine Marshall, G4KFP on
01274 869849.

The Annual General Meeting of the Worked All Britain Awards Group will
be held at the Drayton Manor Rally next Sunday, the 12th of May. For
further details contact G1NUS whose address is correct in the RSGB Call
Book.

Next the Rally News:

Today, Sunday the 5th of May, the Anglo-Scottish Rally is at Tait Hall,
Kelso. Doors open at 11am, or 10.30am for disabled visitors. Talk-in is
on S22. The event features trade stands, a bring and buy stall and a
raffle.

On Bank Holiday Monday, the 6th of May, the Dartmoor Radio Rally takes
place at Yelverton Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon. Doors
open at 10.30am and there will be access for disabled visitors. Talk-in
is on S22. Telephone [phone] for more information.

Also on Monday, the 6th, the Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Rally
takes place at Civic Hall, Winsford, Cheshire. For more details
telephone [phone] during the evening.

Next Sunday, the 12th of May, the Drayton Manor Radio and Computer Rally
is held at Drayton Manor Park near Tamworth, Staffordshire. There will
be trade stands plus a bring and buy sale. For further details telephone
0121 443 1189 during evening hours.

70cm repeater GB3OH in Central Scotland has been taken off the air for
about one month to upgrade of the equipment. For details contact John
Wilson, GM6WQH whose address is correct in the current RSGB Call Book.

70cm repeater GB3CL, in Essex, went off the air on the 25th of April for
engineering work. Further details can be obtained from Richard Kearnes,
G7HJK whose address is correct in the current RSGB Call Book.

70cm repeater GB3SV, in East Hertfordshire, is back on the air after
being temporarily out of service.

Now for the contest news:

The RSGB 432MHz to 248GHz Contest is taking place this weekend, ending
at 1400 UTC today, the 5th.

Next Sunday, the 12th of May, the second of four RSGB 24GHz Cumulatives
takes place. Rules are on page 84 of the March RadCom.

And now the solar factual data for the 22nd to the 28th of April:

Solar activity increased to "active" levels with a M3.6/SF solar flare
on the 22nd. Unfortunately, the sunspot group responsible for this solar
flare was right on the west limb of the sun, and none of its energy had
any effect on Earth. The following day the sunspot group had rotated out
of sight. Solar flux levels declined from 72 units on the 22nd to 67
units by the 28th with an average 69 units. The 90 day solar flux
average on the 28th was 71 units. Geomagnetic activity was mostly
"quiet" throughout with an average of Ap 7 units. X-Ray flux levels were
up to B2.6 units on the 22nd in response to the solar flare on the same
day but declined sharply to A1 units by the 25th.

Now the ionospheric data for Central France. The period from the 19th to
the 25th of April saw the F2 daytime critical frequencies at a
disappointing level averaging only 5.8MHz. The 19th was the best day at
6.3MHz. The darkness hour lows declined from 3.3MHz on the 20th to
2.4MHz the following day but improved to 3MHz by the 25th to give an
average of 2.8MHz. The daylight highs took place between 1400 and 1900
hours except on the 25th, when they were at 1100 hours. The darkness
hour lows took place at 0400 hours every day except on the 19th, when
they were at 2200 hours.

And lastly the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the sun is
expected to be looking our way. Solar activity is expected to be at very
low levels with the solar flux levels in the high 60s. Geomagnetic
activity is expected to be "quiet" for the first half of the week but
then may increase to "sub-storm" levels towards next weekend.
Ionospheric MUFs for the south during daylight hours are expected to be
about 18MHz, and for the north 15MHz. The darkness hour lows are
expected to be about 11MHz.

The Eta-Aquarid meteor shower is at its peak today and tomorrow. Also,
the beginning of May is associated with the start of the sporadic E
season. There have been some openings already during April and this
suggests conditions could be good this summer, especially now that we
are so close to the sunspot minimum.

And that's the end of the solar information.

Finally in the main news, SSL has informed the Society that as of last
Wednesday morning, the latest callsigns allocated were in the M0 Alpha
Charlie and M1 Alpha Tango series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 Alpha
Oscar and 2 1 Echo Zulu series.

Next, the local news.



NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST


Meeting for Monday the 6th of May:

Radio Society of Harrow pays a visit to the Mayday Exhibition at the
Heritage Centre. For more details telephone [phone].

Meetings for Tuesday the 7th of May:

Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society meets for a 'TCP IP presentation' by
Larry, G4IZC and friends. For further information telephone 01245
256654.

Chichester and District Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk by G0KNU.
Telephone [phone] for more details.

Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society gathers for a talk entitled
'Sentimental Journey'. For details contact Mark, G7SQU on 0956 521459.


Meetings for Wednesday the 8th of May:

Bracknell Amateur Radio Club has a radio software evening. For further
details contact Steve, G4AUC on 01344 420577.

Cheshunt and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk by Steve, G4JVG
entitled 'DXpedition to Mellish Reef, VK9'. For details call 0181 366
0157.

Darenth Valley Radio Society gathers for a talk on 'Military Radio
Equipment Restoration' by John, G3LNT. Telephone [phone] for
details.

Fareham and District Amateur Radio Club has an on-the-air evening. More
details from Andrew, G0MAS on 01329 235397.

Farnborough and District Radio Society meets for a talk by Derek, G3HEJ
entitled 'Are you Sensitive Enough?' More details from Andy, G4XYW on
01344 76184.

Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club screens a video entitled 'SOE
Holland Fiasco'. Details from Peter, G8MSQ on 01903 726634.


Meetings for Thursday the 9th of May:

Edgware and District Radio Society meets for a talk by Brian, G0SAA
entitled 'Secret Military Radio'. For details call Stephen, G0PQB on
0181 953 2164.

Hoddesdon Radio Club has an on-the-air evening. For further details
contact Don, G3JNJ on 0181 292 3678.

Reading and District Amateur Radio Club has a club project evening.
Details from Peter, G0PUB on 0118 961 7388.

Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society has a club radio contest
equipment check. Details from Derek, G4JLP on 01462 851722.

Southgate Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk by Rod, G0JUZ entitled
'My Work as a Photographer'. For details telephone [phone].

Three Counties Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk entitled 'Parabolic
Loops - an Advanced Antenna for VHF Radio'. Telephone [phone] for
details.


Meetings for Friday the 10th of May:

Dunstable Downs Radio Club has a talk on 'Computer Hardware
Identification' by Peter, G6JFN. Details from Paul, G7TSJ on 01582
861936.

Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk entitled 'Home
Security' by Richard Moore. For more details contact Sheila, G0VNI on
01703 813827.

Maidstone YMCA Amateur Radio Society meets for a talk by Peter, G3ORP
entitled 'Howes Direct Conversion Receiver Kit'. For further details
telephone Graham, G4AXD on 01622 729462.

Medway Amateur Receiving and Transmitting Society has a KEPAC packet
clinic night. For further details contact Gloria, G3VUN on 01634 710023.

Mid Sussex Amateur Radio Society gathers for a talk by Frazer, G0JDR on
'GB7ZZZ BBS by Sysop'. Details from Mike, G0GNV on 01444 241 407.



NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST


Meeting for Sunday the 5th of May:

Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society gathers for a talk entitled
'Inflight Refuelling Technique - a Pilot's View'. For details telephone
01425 653404.


Meetings for Tuesday the 7th of May:

Plymouth Radio Club has an 'Ask the Panel' session. For further details
contact John, G7HIK on 01752 896501.

Somerset Amateur Radio Club has a 'Main earthing and RF' session. For
more information contact Alan, G7RSU on 01643 707207.


Meetings for Wednesday the 8th of May:

Exmouth Amateur Radio Club makes preparations for its special event
station. Telephone [phone] for more details.

South Bristol Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk entitled 'Building
Computers - Tech Upgrade'. Telephone [phone] for details.


Meetings for Thursday the 9th of May:

Bristol Amateur Radio Club has a QRP evening. For further details
telephone [phone].

Yeovil Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk by G7SDD on 'VHF Amplifiers'.
Further details from Peter, G3CQR on 01935 813054.



NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA


Meeting for Monday the 6th of May:

Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society has an on-the-air evening.
For further information contact John, G1WQQ on 01787 460947.


Meeting for Tuesday the 7th of May:

Leiston Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk by Dave, G4HUP entitled
'What a Noise!' Contact Dave, G6FS on 01728 832924 for more details.


Meetings for Wednesday the 8th of May:

Lincoln Short Wave Club has its Annual General Meeting. For further
details contact Pam, G4STO on 01427 788356.

Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has an on-the-air evening. Telephone 01953
604769 for more details.


NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS


Meeting for Monday the 6th of May:

Leicester Radio Society gathers for a talk by Mr H Leah on Genealogy.
For further details telephone [phone].


Meetings for Tuesday the 7th of May:

Kettering and District Amateur Radio Society has its AGM. For details
write to number 2 Kettonby Gardens, Headlands, Kettering, Northants NN15
6BT.

Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk on Badger
Boards. For details contact Alan, G0PHT on 01509 231289.


Meetings for Wednesday the 8th of May:

Derby and District Amateur Radio Society pays a visit to Derby Sewage
Treatment Works. Further information from Martin, G3SZJ on 01332 556875.

Stockport Radio Society gathers for a talk by G1VSJ entitled 'Packet BBS
Network'. Telephone [phone] for more details.

Telford and District Amateur Radio Society screens a video. Further
details from Paul, G2RSA on 01952 299677.


Meeting for Thursday the 9th of May:

Salop Amateur Radio Society has a junk sale. For further details contact
Ian, G7SBD whose address is correct in the RSGB Call Book.



NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND


Meeting for Monday the 6th of May:

Barnsley & District Amateur Radio Club has a quiz. More details from
Ernie, G4LUE on 01226 716339.


Meetings for Tuesday the 7th of May:

Eccles and District Amateur Radio Society gathers for a talk by G8VF on
HF Aerials. Details from G8KRG on 0161 773 7899.

Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Society meets for a talk on mobile
operating. Telephone [phone] for more details.

Wakefield and District Radio Society gathers for a talk entitled 'Here I
Am - a Review of the Locator' by G3WWF. Telephone [phone] for
details.

Warrington Amateur Radio Society meets for a talk on astronomy by Bill
Jones. Details from John, G0RPG on 01925 762722.


Meetings for Wednesday the 8th of May:

Hornsea Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk by G0DEB on QRP
construction. Telephone [phone] for more details.

South Notts Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk on Fox Hunting by
Julian, G0LXX. For details write to PO Box 4, Clifton, Nottingham NG11
9DE.

Wirral and District Amateur Radio Club gathers for a talk by Neil, G4OAR
and Andy, G7HUD entitled 'Upgrading to 9k6 Packet'. More details from
Bob, G4NCI on 0151 606 8989.


Meetings for Thursday the 9th of May:

GPT Amateur Radio Club has its Annual General Meeting. More details from
Chris, G4VFK on 0115 922 6321.

Keighley Amateur Radio Society has a components night. Further details
from Kath, G0RLO on 01274 496222.

North Wakefield Radio Club meets for a talk by Kevin Hesketh from
British Nuclear Fuels. Contact Ian, 2E1EGV on 01274 783583 for more
details.

Preston Amateur Radio Society has an auction evening. For details
telephone [phone].



Meetings for Friday the 10th of May:

Goole Radio and Electronics Society gathers for a talk by Steve, G8VHL
on 'Global Positioning Systems'. For details call Ken, G6YYN on 01757
638539.

South Manchester Radio Club has a technical topics evening. Telephone
0161 969 1964 for details.


NEWS FOR SCOTLAND


Meeting for Wednesday the 8th of May:

Lothians Radio Society has a DF tune up and radio clinic. For more
details telephone [phone] during office hours.


Meeting for Thursday the 9th of May:

Dunfermline Radio Society has a VHF operating evening. Telephone 01383
735967 for further information.


NEWS FOR WALES


Meeting for Monday the 6th of May:

Dragon Amateur Radio Club screens amateur radio videos. Telephone 01248
713647 for more details.


NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND


Meeting for Wednesday the 8th of May:

Armagh and District Amateur Radio Club gathers for a JVFAX / SSTV demo
by GI4LKG. Telephone [phone] for more information.


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