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GB2RS News Sunday, the 18th of May 2025   The news headlines: The RSGB announces new Convention Chair for 2025 RSGB members can now read over 300 RadCom editions in the RSGB web app Become a volunteer at the RSGB National Radio Centre RSGB General Manager, Steve Thomas, M1ACB, is delighted to announce the appointment of Pete Joyce, M0OFM, as the new volunteer RSGB Convention Chair. Pete is a regular attendee at RSGB Conventions and has a keen interest in balancing the different needs of attendees through a varied programme. He also understands the importance of making the Convention accessible to everyone, both in person and online. Pete brings to the role a range of experience in planning and managing events for other organisations. The RSGB Convention planning team look forward to supporting Pete as he takes on this challenging and important role. The RSGB is excited to announce that more RadCom editions have been added to its web app. RSGB members are now able to browse back to January 2000, which is over 300 magazines! Go to rsgb.org/radcom to explore all the RadCom content from this millennium. You'll need your RSGB membership portal details to access the editions. If your RSGB membership is due for renewal soon, why not swap to a digital membership? You'll still get all the great benefits of being a member, and you'll save money as well as RadCom storage space. If you're not yet an RSGB member, there's never been a better time to join the Society. Take out a digital membership and choose to read RadCom via our app, and you'll have easy access to 25 years of RadCom editions. The RSGB will be releasing mobile versions of the app soon, so you'll be able to download copies of its publications and read them on the go.   Volunteering at the RSGB National Radio Centre is a wide-ranging and highly rewarding role. Thanks to the variety of visitors and the number of events and activities that the Centre is involved with, no two days at the NRC are the same. If you'd like to join the friendly and dedicated team, the NRC is currently looking for new volunteers. Full training is given, including the operation of the GB3RS radio station. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. If all of this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, and you can volunteer for one or two days per month, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB, via nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk. You can find out more about the RSGB National Radio Centre by going to rsgb.org/nrc The RSGB Outreach Team is offering qualified amateur radio operators under the age of 18 the opportunity to take part in a new DMR project. The project's aim is to help young people get on the air and build their confidence in making QSOs. The Team has nine DMR handheld transceivers and hotspots available to borrow for three months, completely free. As part of the offering, the Outreach Team will be hosting regular youth nets that you would be welcome to join. You can apply for the DMR kit as an individual or as a school group, as long as one member of the group is licensed. Another part of the project is to support teachers who would like to take their amateur radio licence and set up a school club. In collaboration with the Radio Communications Foundation, the RSGB is offering to pay the licence exam fee for nine teachers to help get them and their school club started. If you're a teacher who is interested in discovering more about amateur radio and sharing that excitement with your students, get in touch. Once you have your licence, you can apply for the free DMR kit on loan for three months to help set up your club. If you are interested in applying for a DMR kit, fill out the application form by going to tinyurl.com/DMRyouth. If you are a teacher interested in starting your own radio club, please email RSGB Youth Chair Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, via youthchampion.school@rsgb.org.uk As we come to the end of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, let's remember to show the very best of amateur radio and make sure we are there for one another. Let's listen to each other, share our appreciation for our fellow radio amateurs and celebrate kindness within our community. You can read how amateur radio helped Lee Aldridge, G4EJB, in the July 2023 edition of RadCom. You can access mental health support by going to mentalhealth.org.uk Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is taking place on Saturday, the 24th of May at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, DN10 4FX. Traders can set up from 7 am, with doors open to the public between 9.30 am and 3 pm. There will be hot food and refreshments available. Free parking is located behind the hall. For more information and to book, please go to emerg.uk/rally The Durham & District Amateur Radio Society Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday, the 25th of May at Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. Doors will be open from 10.10 am to 2.30 pm, with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. Entry is £3. There will be a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering will be available on-site. For further information, please call Michael Wright, G7TWX, on 07826 924192 or email dadars@gmx.com Now the Special Event news Special event station GB0SAR is active until the 30th of May in support of SOS Radio Week. The station will mostly be using FT4 on the 20m band, but you might also catch it on the other HF bands using phone. For more information, visit QRZ.com Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club is once again raising awareness for men's mental health through amateur radio. Club members will be operating special callsign GB0MMH. Other special call signs will also be active. The station is active today, Sunday the 18th of May, as well as the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of June. Please listen out for the operators and give them a call. Your support will help raise awareness of men's mental health. If you would like further information, please contact secretary@hfdxarc.com The International Amateur Radio Club will be active as 4U0ITU until the end of 2025. The club is celebrating the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. QSL is available via Logbook of the World, Club Log, or direct to P.O. Box 6, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland. Now the DX news Antonio, DL4EA, will be active as FY/DL4EA from French Guiana between the 19th and 21st of May. Antonio plans to be active on QO-100 and RS-44 and maybe some HF QRP. Emir, E77DX will again be active as D4DX in Cape Verde on the 24th and 25th May for the CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest. He'll be operating as Single Operator All Bands in the high-power category. QSL is available via E73Y and Logbook of the World.  Morten, LA9GY will be active from Eswatini between the 22nd of May and the 2nd of June. He plans to be operating holiday-style as 3DA0GY mainly on CW but also some SSB. QSL is available via his home call LA9GY. Now the contest news Tomorrow, Monday, the 19th of May, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday, the 20th of May, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 21st of May, the 80m Club Championship data leg runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using data modes on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 24th of May and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 25th 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 25th of May, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. 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 May 2025 This week, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Solar Cycle 25 maximum is now over. With a reduced solar flux index and an almost blank Sun, there was little to get excited about. By Thursday, the 15th of May, the SFI was 122, but previously, on the 12th, it had been down to 116, which is the lowest it has been for some time. There is still a lot of solar activity going on, but most of it is not conducive to good HF propagation. Over the past week, we have had two X-class solar flares and five M-class events. The X-class events were associated with coronal mass ejections, but these appear to have been directed away from Earth. A fast solar wind has resulted in the Kp index standing at four for a lot of the time, namely on the 9th and 10th of May and again on the 14th and 15th. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon at this point in the solar cycle and adds some evidence that we are now in the declining phase of Cycle 25. Next week, NOAA predicts that things may improve with the SFI set to rise from the 19th of May. It forecasts the SFI will start the week around 115, but then will climb steadily, reaching 145 by the 1st of June. After a brief rise on the 19th with a Kp of four, things then become more settled with a Kp of two between the 22nd and the 28th of May. A large elongated coronal hole became Earth-facing on 16th May, which could cause raised K indices and lower MUFs from today, the 18th of May, onwards. It looks like the best HF F2-layer conditions may occur between the 22nd and 28th of May. And don't forget, despite the HF doldrums, we are now well into Sporadic-E season with short-skip occurring, predominantly on 10m. But more of that shortly. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The prolonged spell of high pressure is likely to remain until near the end of this week, so there is plenty of time to get some more Tropo in the log. Cloudier and cooler air over eastern Britain at the end of last week may enhance the Tropo by adding moisture under the inversion. For most places, the strongest Tropo conditions will be overnight and early morning, then they will degrade as the daytime heating destroys the surface temperature inversion. Meteor scatter is declining a little, apart from a few stragglers from early May showers, so it's probably better to keep to the early morning period as your go-to time for meteor scatter to focus on any random input. Rain scatter is unlikely until next weekend, but it might be worth thinking about the GHz bands from this Friday, the 23rd of May, onwards. Aurora is a different matter, and the solar activity is likely to keep things interesting as a large sunspot group rotates into an Earth-facing position. Strong Es opened on Wednesday, the 14th of May, so it's definitely the season to be checking the upper HF and lower VHF bands for Sporadic-E. In this recent opening, the Dourbes ionosonde peaked at an Es critical frequency of 14 MHz, which is a very high value, even for mid-season. There were strong signals from the central Mediterranean on 6m CW, and some may have even got some 2m digital mode action from the brief opening. Check the Propquest NVIS tab for the day to see the details of this event. Although weak jet streams were present, the opening may well have been helped by some very intense, slow-moving thunderstorms over France. Remember to start checking on 10m and, if it's open, look to the higher bands of 6m, 4m, up to 2m. EME path losses are still falling. Moon declination ended last week at minimum but goes positive again this Thursday, the 22nd of May. Moon windows and peak elevation are again rising. 144MHz sky noise is high this weekend, falling back to low as the week progresses. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

Schau dir das vollständige Video Interview auf YouTube anYouTube Kanal gleich abonnieren und keine neue Folge mehr verpassenZusammenfassungChristina erklärt, warum Standard-Referenzbereiche für Laborwerte oft irreführend sind, da sie nicht zwingend eine gesunde Population abbilden. Werte sollten immer im Kontext individueller Symptome betrachtet werden, wobei bei Vitaminen/Mineralstoffen oft der obere Normbereich anzustreben ist.Wir besprechen oft übersehene, aber kritische Werte: HOMA-Index (Insulinresistenz-Früherkennung, oft besser als HbA1c!), Homocystein (B-Vitamine, Methylierung) und eine umfassende Schilddrüsen-Diagnostik (mehr als nur TSH: fT3, fT4, Antikörper, rT3). Christina betont die richtige Messmethode: Bei Mineralstoffen (Mg, Zn, B6) ist Vollblut oft aussagekräftiger als Serum, um die zelluläre Versorgung zu prüfen. Auch bei B12 sind HoloTC/MMA dem Serumwert vorzuziehen.Fokus Schilddrüse: Häufige Ursachen (Stress, Nährstoffmängel, Darm, Toxine) und wichtige Parameter für eine gute Diagnostik werden erklärt, inkl. optimaler Wertebereiche (z.B. TSH kleiner 1,5, fT4 größer 1,2, fT3 größer 3,0).Darmgesundheit: Sinnvolle Parameter einer Stuhlanalyse (Flora, pH, sIgA, Calprotectin, Zonulin, Verdauungsrückstände) werden beleuchtet – weniger ist oft mehr als Tests mit hunderten Stämmen.Abschließend empfiehlt Christina ein Basislaborpanel für die jährliche Prävention – eine wichtige Investition in die eigene Gesundheit. Proaktives Gesundheitsmanagement durch gezielte Messungen ist der Schlüssel.Naturecan CBD-Öl: Dein natürlicher Begleiter für Balance.Als Coach empfehle ich dieses Bio-Breitspektrum-CBD-Öl (10%) zur Unterstützung bei Stress, Schlafproblemen und zum Abschalten. Der Entourage-Effekt optimiert die Wirkung. Ich nutze es abends für besseren Schlaf und höre von Kunden positive Erfahrungen bei Verspannungen.Wichtig: CBD ist kein Wundermittel, kann aber natürliche Unterstützung bieten. Naturecan legt Wert auf Qualität (THC-frei, laborgeprüft, TÜV-Süd zertifiziert).Teste es selbst: Finde deine ideale Dosis mit der Pipette.Spare 15%: Nutze den Code TULIPAN15Naturecan CBD-Öl bestellen *Was du in dieser Episode lernst

GB2RS News Sunday, the 11th of May 2025   The news headlines: The RSGB EMC Committee has updated leaflets on mains wiring and earthing requirements Last chance to apply and be part of the RSGB team at YOTA in Paris Help the RSGB celebrate International Women in Engineering Day The RSGB EMC leaflets on mains wiring and earthing requirements have been updated by the EMC Committee to reflect the latest version of “Part P” of the Building Regulations for England and Wales. Part P deals with electrical safety in domestic homes. There are two leaflets, a basic version and an advanced version, and both are available to download from the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/emc and select ‘EMC Leaflets' from the menu located on the right-hand side. Choose the “EMC Leaflet 7: Earthing and the radio amateur” links. You will also find many other resources on the same web page that will help you deal with a wide range of EMC problems. Time is running out to apply and be part of the RSGB team going to France for this year's Youngsters On The Air Summer Camp. The camp takes place between the 18th and 25th of August near Paris and is a chance of a lifetime for young RSGB members to represent their country and their national society. If you are aged between 16 and 25 and are passionate about amateur radio, then the RSGB would love to hear from you. The deadline to apply is Friday, the 16th of May. Don't delay, apply now by going to rsgb.org/yota-camp The RSGB is celebrating International Women in Engineering Day on the 23rd of June. The day celebrates the amazing work of women engineers across the globe. We know that amateur radio is a great foundation for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. This year, the Society would love to share stories of how amateur radio has helped female engineers in their careers, as well as being an enjoyable part of their lives. If you are a woman working in any engineering sector, or know someone who is, the RSGB would like your help to inspire future generations of girls and young women. It doesn't matter whether you are established in your career, just starting out or even still studying. Stories, along with a photo, should be sent to comms@rsgb.org.uk  by the 26th of May. This event contributes to the RSGB's Growth strategic priority by helping to reach new audiences. Members of the RSGB HQ Team and RSGB volunteers will be attending the Dayton Hamvention between the 16th and 18th of May. Held at the Greene County Fairground in Xenia, Ohio, USA, the event is one of the world's largest amateur radio gatherings and attracts radio amateurs from around the world. If you are attending, make sure you pop along to stand numbers 2305 and 2405 to say hello and ask the RSGB about digital membership. Find out more about the Dayton Hamvention by going to hamvention.org Don't forget that the next RSGB Tonight@8 webinar is tomorrow, Monday, the 12th of May. Dr Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF and RSGB Propagation Studies Committee membe,r Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL, will present “Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation: Space Weather We Can Do Together”. The talk will cover some of the key findings of recent HamSCI research, what's next for the organisation, as well as how you can take part. The webinar will be livestreamed on the Society's YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch and ask questions live. Find out more by going to rsgb.org/webinars Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.   And now for details of rallies and events The Barry Amateur Radio Society Rally is on Saturday, the 17th of May at Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully CF64 5SP. There is a large free car park on site. Admission is £3. Doors open to traders at 8 am and to the public from 9.30 am. Traders and exhibitors can call Nigel, GW1CUQ via 02920 892580 for further information. For general enquirie,s please ring Steve, GW5VOG, on 07900 560080 or email s.cawsey@sky.com The Dunstable Downs Radio Club will be holding its Annual National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale at the usual venue, Stockwood Park in Luton, on Sunday, the 18th of May.  Excluding a break for Covid-19, this is the 40th consecutive year that the event has been run. For further information, go to ddrcbootsale.org The West of Scotland Braehead Radio Rally is on Sunday, the 18th of May at Braehead Arena, 150 Kings Inch Road, G51 4BN. The venue is just off the M8 and has free parking all day. It also has great bus links with Glasgow, Paisley and Inverclyde. Entry is £4. Doors are open between 10 am and 4 pm. There will be hot food and drinks available, and a licensed bar. There will be over 50 tables of traders and club stands as well as a Bring-and-Buy and an RSGB Book stand. For further information, go to braeheadradiorally.com  The Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club's 41st Annual Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday, the 18th of May at Share Discovery Village, 221 Lisnaskea Road, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, BT92 0JZ. There will be the usual facilities, food and drink, and a Bring-and-Buy. Doors open at 9 am to traders and 11 am to the general public. Entry is £5 and includes a draw ticket. To arrange a table, please contact Alan via argault91@gmail.com Now the Special Event news Special event station GB0SAR is active until the 30th of May to support SOS Radio Week. The station will mostly be working using FT4 on the 20m band, but you might also catch it on the other HF bands using phone. For more information, visit Qrz.com Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club will be operating special callsign GB0MMH to raise awareness of men's mental health. Other special call signs will also be active. The station will be active throughout the weekend of the 17th and 18th of May, and also of the 21st and 22nd of June. Please listen out for the operators and give them a call. Your support will help raise awareness of the important issue of men's mental health. If you would like further information, please contact secretary@hfdcarc.com Now the DX news Roberto, IW7DEC will be active as PJ2/IW7DEC from Curacao, IOTA reference SA-099, until Wednesday, the 14th of May. He'll be active on 40m to 20m, FT8 and SSB. QSL available via his home call and Logbook of the World. Yuris, YL2GM continues to be active as ZS8W from Prince Edward and Marion Island, IOTA reference AF-021, until Friday, the 16th of May. Yuris will be on Marion Island as a radio engineer and member of the SANAP station communication equipment maintenance team, and he hopes to find good periods of time to be operational.  A team of five Italian operators is active in the Republic of Kosovo until Saturday, the 17th of May. The operators will be active as Z68TT on CW, SSB and RTTY, and as Z68ZZ on FT8. QSL is available via OQRS and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news Today, Sunday, the 11th of May, the UK Microwave Group Millimetre-wave Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76 GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Sunday, the 11th of May, the 70MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200 UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Tomorrow, Monday the 12th of May, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 13th of May, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday, the 13th of May, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 14th of May, the 432MHz FT8 Activity Four-Hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 14th of May, the 432MHz FT8 Activity Two-Hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday, the 15th of May, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. 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 8th of May 2025 Active region 4079 turned out to be not quite so bad as we had predicted. The sunspot was large, about ten times the width of our Earth, so we expected it to be more active. It was regions 4081 and 4082 that produced most of the flare activity last week. Two filament eruptions also occurred within two hours of each other. The first event began at 16:20 UTC on the 6th of May in the southern hemisphere and was responsible for a plasma wave across the surface of the Sun. The second filament eruption began in the northern hemisphere around 17:50 UTC to the northeast of AR 4079. A large amount of plasma was flung to the north. The filament eruptions on Tuesday, the 6th of May, did produce coronal mass ejections, but an Earth-directed component was not apparent. So we dodged a bullet! The solar wind speed remained high for most of last week which didn't help propagation. It did help to push the Kp index to five across the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of May. Things were more settled later in the week. On Thursday, the 8th of May, the solar wind speed was down to around 500 kilometres per second, the Kp index was three, but MUFs over a 3,000km path were still down at about 20 MHz. An Earth-facing coronal hole may add to the solar wind this weekend, the 10th and 11th of May. It looks like summer HF propagation is kicking in, with lower MUFs during the day but higher ones at night. Next week, NOAA predicts that the SFI will be in the range 155 to 165. Settled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the beginning of this coming week, but unsettled geomagnetic conditions are expected for the 16th to the 19th of May. At that point, we could see the Kp index rise to five again, coupled with poorer propagation and reduced MUFs. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO Tropo has been a key propagation mode during the previous couple of weeks, but there have been variations in the location and timings of these conditions. Sometimes this will be due to increased moisture below the temperature inversion, so although the cloudier areas have been cool, they have probably done better for Tropo. This is due to the improved quality of the inversion, which performs better when there is a big moisture contrast across it, as you find with these layers of cloud.  Otherwise, we find that the better conditions are driven by night-time cooling, forming a low inversion near the ground which tends to disperse during the morning as the Sun warms it away. This should still be beneficial for the 70cm UK Activity Contest on Tuesday, the 13th of May, over eastern areas, but perhaps less so farther west. Good conditions will last into next week, but not everywhere. The main change will see an area of showery rain, possibly thundery, moving north into western Britain this weekend and perhaps some central areas early next week. This raises the prospect of some GHz band rain scatter in the west. The Eta Aquariids meteor shower peaked last week. In the decaying tail of activity, together with other lesser showers, this should keep an enhanced meteor input for the coming week. The Sporadic-E season typically runs from May to mid-September and the daily jet stream blogs have started on www.propquest.co.uk.  As usual, the main season offers two periods of activity, one in the morning and the second from late afternoon to the evening. Remember, Es is not guaranteed since it depends upon many factors, but jet streams help, and these are shown on the website maps. Use the map clusters to find out where any activity is starting on 10m and then follow it up in frequency through the lower VHF bands. EME path losses are at their maximum but falling after apogee on Friday, the 9th of May. Moon declination is negative, reaching a minimum this coming Thursday, so we'll have very short Moon windows and low peak elevation. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, increasing to high by next Friday. And that's all from the propagation team this week.  

Schau dir das Video auf YouTube an: und YouTube Kanal gleich abonnieren und keine neue Folge mehr verpassen.ZusammenfassungIst Keto schlecht für die Schilddrüse? Dieser Mythos wird in der Episode entlarvt. Julia erklärt, warum niedrigere FT3-Werte unter Keto oft kein Grund zur Sorge sind. Erfahre mehr über die Grundlagen der Schilddrüsenfunktion, die Hormone TSH, FT3, FT4 und ihre richtige Interpretation bei Keto. Die Schilddrüse, unsere Stoffwechselzentrale, wird vom Gehirn via TSH gesteuert. TSH allein ist aber nicht aussagekräftig. Die Umwandlung von T4 zu aktivem T3 ist essenziell und braucht eine gesunde Leber sowie Co-Faktoren (Eisen, Selen, Jod, Zink, Magnesium). Sinkende FT3-Spiegel in Ketose haben oft physiologische Gründe: Der Körper wird effizienter, benötigt weniger Hormon, Rezeptoren werden empfindlicher (ähnlich verbesserter Insulinsensitivität). Das zeigt Stoffwechsel-Effizienz, nicht zwingend eine Schilddrüsenunterfunktion, solange keine Symptome (Frieren, Haarausfall, Müdigkeit, Verstopfung) da sind. Bei Symptomen müssen andere Ursachen (Mängel, Kalorienrestriktion, unerkannte Erkrankungen) geprüft werden, die unabhängig von Keto sein können. Die ketogene Ernährung kann bei Hashimoto durch Entzündungsmodulation positiv wirken. Julia gibt praktische Tipps für eine schilddrüsenfreundliche Keto-Ernährung und betont: Laborwerte immer im Kontext des Wohlbefindens und Körpergefühls sehen!

GB2RS News Sunday the 4th of May 2025 The news headlines: The RSGB's Tonight@8 series continues with HamSCI Learn about radar through an RSGB Convention presentation and a new members' benefit RSGB club insurance and beacon and repeater insurance have been renewed On Monday the 12th of May, Dr Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF and RSGB Propagation Studies Committee member Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL will be delivering a Tonight@8 webinar on “Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation: Space Weather We Can Do Together”. Since the 2017 Solar Eclipse QSO Party, HamSCI has been bringing together amateur radio operators and professional space scientists. They have been developing new and innovative ways to study space weather and its impacts on the ionosphere and radio propagation. In the presentation, Nathaniel will show results from the 2023 and 2024 HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science. Gwyn will explain why he enjoys the HamSCI experience, from exchanges with scientists to learning from students while pursuing his studies on HF propagation. They'll also talk about what's next for the organisation and how you can participate. Find out more by going to rsgb.org/webinars In the latest RSGB 2024 Convention video to be released by the Society, Graham Murchie, G4FSG presents “Radar - the eyes of the few”. In the talk Graham gives a brief history of early radar, events leading up to the development of a viable system and the establishment of the world's first operational radar station at Bawdsey. Watch the video by going to youtube.com/@theRSGB  If you're interested in learning more about Bawdsey Radar Museum then check out the new benefit for RSGB members, which offers a 20% discount off the usual entrance price. Go to rsgb.org/partner-museums  to find out more! RSGB club insurance, and beacon and repeater insurance have now been renewed for the year to April 2026. Club insurance certificates can be downloaded via rsgb.org/repeaterinsurance. 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 Contest Club has recently exceeded one million QSOs. These have been made by RSGB members activating historic RSGB callsigns and special event callsigns, either in contests or in radio marathon activations. The QSOS have all been uploaded to Logbook of the World. The most prolific callsign has been G6XX with over 154,000 QSOs, and the most recent has been GB0IARU which was active in April to celebrate 100 years of the International Amateur Radio Union. Find out more about the RSGB Contest club, including how to join, by going to the RSGB website and selecting Contest Club from the ‘on the air' menu. Celebrations for the 70th Anniversary of GB2RS are well underway. To find out how you can get involved with special event stations and awards go to rsgb.org/gb70rs . The RSGB has recently updated the web page to add a selection of newsreader stories, which you can access by clicking ‘GB2RS Newsreader Stories' from the menu on the right-hand side. If you've ever wanted to learn more about the voice behind your weekly GB2RS broadcast, this is your chance. More stories will be added throughout the year. On Saturday the 10th of May, RSGB volunteers will be attending a regional Girlguiding event at Ardingly in West Sussex. Amongst other activities, Girlguiding members will have the opportunity to operate special event callsign GB25MAY via the QO-100 satellite. The volunteers would welcome contacts via QO-100 between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm on the day. Put the date in your diary and make time to encourage these youngsters as they try amateur radio! The German amateur radio society, DARC, is once again hosting the traditional HamCamp for youngsters during the HAM RADIO fair in Friedrichshafen  between the 26th and 29th of June. It is open to participants under 27 years old and includes three nights at HamCamp, three breakfast vouchers and a three-day ticket for the HAM RADIO fair. The package price is €80 and the deadline for registration is the 8th of June. You can find further information via tinyurl.com/hamcamp25 Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Dartmoor Radio Rally is taking place tomorrow, Monday the 5th of May, at the Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. Free parking is available. There will be the usual Bring and Buy as well as trader stands and refreshments. Doors open at 10am and admission is £3. For further details, please call Roger on 07854 088882 or email him via 2e0rph@gmail.com The popular Mills on the Air event is taking place on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of May. There are currently 35 stations taking part, with registrations still being accepted. Find out more by going to tinyurl.com/millsontheair or by visiting the Mills on the Air Facebook page. Now the Special Event news The Ramsbury Amateur Radio DX Group will be active on the 3rd, 4th and 8th of May using special callsign GB1VE to celebrate VE day. The group will be operating on 20m and 40m using CW, SSB and digital modes. The Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society will be commemorating VE Day on Thursday the 8th of May. Members will be controlling a number of nets on varying frequencies between 7 am and 2 pm. They will be using vintage military equipment dating from the WWII period and beyond. The full programme of events can be found via vmars.org/news Worthing Radio Events Group are planning to operate GB8OFP for the anniversary of VE Day on the 8th of May. Operation will take place on the seafront at the Ferring Pillbox, Patterson's Walk, West Sussex. Members will be active between 10 am and 2 pm on the 40m and 20m bands using SSB. The East Midlands Electronics and Radio Group will be on the air between the 8th and 11th of May to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Using the callsign GB1BK, the group will operate from the former RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire. Members expect to be operational on at least 40m, 20m and 2m, using SSB and possibly some FT8 and SSTV. Guernsey Amateur Radio Society will be operating special event radio station GU80LIB between the 9th and the 11th of May in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Guernsey at the end of World War Two. See QRZ.com for more information. Special event station GB0SAR will be operating between the 3rd and the 30th of May to support SOS Radio Week. The station will mostly be working using FT4 on the 20m band but you might also catch it on the other HF bands using phone. For more information, visit QRZ.com  Now the DX news A team of radio amateurs is active as TX9A from Tubuai in the Austral Islands, IOTA reference OC-152, until Wednesday the 7th of May. The group will operate on the HF bands. QSL is available via DK8ZZ. For all direct requests, use Clublog OQRS. Further information is available via austral2025.com Yuris, YL2GM is active as ZS8W from Prince Edward and Marion Island, IOTA reference AF-021, until Friday the 16th of May. Yuris will be on Marion island as a radio engineer and member of the SANAP station communication equipment maintenance team, and he hopes to find good periods of time to be operational.  Now the contest news The ARI International DX Contest started on Saturday the 3rd of May and ends at 1159UTC today, Sunday the 4th 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 also started on Saturday the 3rd of May and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 4th of May. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The 10GHz Trophy runs today, Sunday the 4th of May, from 0800 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The May 144MHz Contest also runs today, Sunday the 4th of May, from 0800 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 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. Today, Sunday the 4th of May, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Britain 7MHz Phone Contest runs today, Sunday the 4th of May, from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using SSB on the 40m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. On Tuesday, the 6th 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 6th 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 7th of May, 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 a four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 7th of May, 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 Thursday, the 8th of May, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. 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 1st of May 2025 After the previous week's geomagnetic disturbances, as described in last week's GB2RS, the last seven days have been relatively quiet. The Kp index has mostly been in the ones and twos, however the rise to a Kp value of four on Thursday the 1st of May could herald a return to unsettled conditions. The solar flux index peaked at 170 on the 24th of April, before declining to 148 at the end of the month. HF conditions have been acceptable rather than outstanding and many stations struggled to work DX at times during International Marconi Day on the 26th of April. Nevertheless, there is DX about including ZS8W Marion Island, TX9A Austral Islands and HD8G Galapagos Islands. A look at the Proppy propagation prediction tool will help you work out the best times for making a contact with each station and on each band. You can find it by going to rsgb.org/propagation-tools Looking ahead, a large sunspot has rotated into view. Now designated 4079, this region has returned and was previously sunspot region 4055. It has already emitted an M-class solar flare, and we may expect greater activity as it becomes more Earth-centric over the next week. NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will climb again in the coming week, perhaps rising to between 160 and 165. Geomagnetic disturbances are also due to rise, with the Kp index forecast to reach five on the 5th and 6th of May. If this becomes a reality, expect lowered MUFs and poorer HF paths, especially over the poles as the Kp index rises. And finally, this week traditionally marks the start of the Sporadic-E season so keep an eye on 10m and 12m for short- and medium-range openings to Europe. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current spell of high-pressure Tropo weather weakened a little as last week ended and we'll see the return of unsettled conditions with showery rain, perhaps even the odd thunderstorm. This is unlikely to lead to a total removal of high pressure and Tropo will still be worth looking for, especially over the western side of the UK. Some models place a new high just west of Britain during the coming week. This means that the rain prospects are not great, although probably just enough for a hint of rain scatter in any isolated heavier showers. The HF bands sounded a bit ‘watery' at times last week, which is a classic sign of potential aurora to explore on the higher bands. Look out for aurora in the coming week if the Kp index climbs above five. Meteor scatter is worth thinking about and, after last week's Lyrids, we now have the Eta Aquariids shower peaking in the early hours of the 6th of May. Remember that Sporadic-E ionisation is largely composed of long-lived meteor ions, so be on watch for Es openings. From now onwards through to mid-September, Sporadic-E will dominate the lower VHF bands, so check the clusters for signs of activity. Remember that Es starts on 10m and moves HF as an opening develops, even reaching 2m in the peak summer. Unlike Tropo, Es events are often fleeting, so the best you can do is monitor conditions as the Es intensifies and be ready when it reaches the band you want. Don't forget to check the daily Es blogs on www.propquest.co.uk which discuss the potential links between location of jet streams and Es formation. EME path losses are increasing, but apogee is still a week away. Moon declination passed maximum last Thursday so Moon windows are shortening along with reducing peak elevation. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

  GB2RS News Sunday, the 6th of April 2025   The news headlines: Last chance to submit your question ahead of Saturday's RSGB AGM Tom Wardill, 2E0JJI has been appointed as RSGB Maker Champion Reduced exam slots over Easter weekend The RSGB 2025 AGM is taking place at 10 am next Saturday, the 12th of April. The Society is encouraging RSGB members to take the time to vote for the two resolutions that need your approval. During the AGM, Board members will be answering your questions. Whether your question is about the RSGB, the Board, any of the RSGB services or even the future of amateur radio, your contribution to the discussion is important. Priority is given to questions submitted live by Zoom or by the Society's web form, so get in touch now rather than waiting for the live chat option on the day. The Zoom question deadline is 9 am on Monday, the 7th of April, and the deadline for submitting a written question is when voting ends at 0900 on Thursday, the 10th of April. Following the formal business of the AGM, the RSGB is delighted that RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will be sharing his review of 2024. There will also be announcements of trophies and awards, the construction competition results, as well as a presentation about the Society's strategy, which will be led by Board Director Mark Jones, G0MGX. There will be contributions from Board Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML; Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB; and Bob Beebe, GU4YOX who at that point will be the new RSGB President. Make sure you don't miss out by putting the date in your diary now. Go to rsgb.org/agm  to find further information. The RSGB is pleased to announce that Tom Wardill, 2E0JJI has been appointed as the RSGB Maker Champion. In his role, Tom will assist the RSGB to take amateur radio to new audiences in the hackspace and makerspace communities. Tom will also investigate opportunities to encourage crossover in both directions, offering new areas of experimentation to more traditional license holders. If you have any ideas you'd like to discuss with Tom or would like to congratulate him on his appointment, please email him via maker.champion@rsgb.org.uk A reminder that the RSGB remote invigilation team will be taking a break over the Easter weekend. You will be able to book to take an exam on Friday, the 18th and Saturday, the 19th of April; however, no exam slots will be available on Sunday, the 20th or Monda,y the 21st of April. Exam bookings will resume as normal after that. The next webinar in the RSGB's Tonight@8 series will be live tomorrow, Monday the 7th of April. Nick Wood, M0NTV will show you how to use a regular glue stick housing in a rather novel way to form the basis of a variable tuning inductor in a homemade 40m receiver. Nick has a lifelong fascination with radio and electronics, and an insatiable curiosity to discover how things work. His passion is for designing and building his own radio equipment, particularly SSB transceivers, and he has just completed his sixth. Visit rsgb.org/webinars  to find out more. Join the presentation live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. The GB3WR VHF Repeater, located on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, was switched back on at 12:30 pm on the 16th of March 2025. The Group is delighted to report that it is working as well as before. It covers a wide area of the South West, and the Bristol Channel area. Amateur stations are regularly heard from the south of the Midlands, South Wales and as far south as Swanage and Basingstoke to the east. The Mendip Repeater Group would like to express its thanks for the generosity of all who have made it possible to put GB3WR back on the air. Find out more via gb3wr.uk One of the GB2RS newsreaders is retiring from reading the news ahead of his upcoming 101st birthday this Saturday, the 12th of April. Peter Valentine, G0NQZ from Eastbourne, remains an active radio amateur and operates daily, as well as taking part in regular nets such as ISWL and RAOTA. The Society would like to thank Peter for his dedication to GB2RS and wishes him a very happy 101st birthday! Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club QRP Convention is taking place on Saturday, the 12th of April at Digby Hall in Sherborne. Doors open at 9.30 am. The convention will include traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information, please visit the club's website via yeovil-arc.com The Holsworthy ARC Spring Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday, the 13th of April at the Holsworthy Livestock Market, New Market Road, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7FA. There will be traders and a bring-and-buy. Catering will be available. Doors open to traders from 8 am and to the public from 10 am. Entry costs £3 per person. The venue has disabled access. Also taking place on Sunday, the 13th of April, is the Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Exhibition, or NARSA for short. It is also known as the Blackpool Rally. The event will take place at Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool, FY2 9AA. For further details, please go to narsa.org.uk  or contact Dave, M0OBW, on 07720 656542, or via email using dwilson@btinternet.com Now the Special Event news The Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society, also known as RAFARS, has started its popular Airfields On The Air event. RAF Stations are active this weekend as well as on the 12th and 13th of April. More information can be found via rafars.org/rafaota The Polish Amateur Radio Union is celebrating 95 years since its founding, as well as the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. To mark the occasion, ten special event stations will be active between the 11th and the 25th of April. Full details of the event, as well as available awards, can be found via Hamaward.cloud Now the DX news The Toshiba Fuchu Amateur Radio Club, JA1YVT, is celebrating its 60th anniversary and, as part of the celebration, team members are staging a DXpedition to the Ogasawara Islands. They will be QRV as JA1YVT/JD1 until Thursday, the 10th of April. The operating schedule, frequencies and QSL information are available via QRZ.com DA1DX, DK9IP, DM6EE and DL8LAS will be active from Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands as VP2VI from the 10th to the 27th of April. Full details via QRZ.com Now the contest news The FT4 International Activity Day started at 12:00 UTC on Saturday, the 5th of April and ends at 12:00 UTC today, Sunday, the 6th 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 1500 UTC on Saturday, the 5th of April and ends at 1500 UTC today, Sunday, the 6th 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, Sunday the 6th of April, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, Sunday the 6th of April, 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 your Worked All Britain square. Club and multi-operator stations can only score points in one of the two 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 7th of April, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 13:30 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 7th of April, 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 Monday, the 7th of April, the 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 8th of April, the 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday, the 8th of April, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 9th of April, the 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 9th of April, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday, the 10th of April, the 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. 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 April 2025 We had a week of mixed solar conditions, but it ended with an SFI of 182 and a Kp of 3.67 on Thursday, the 3rd of April.   The geomagnetic field declined to quieter levels following a prolonged period of active, Kp4 conditions earlier on Wednesday due to solar wind enhancements. This impacted propagation, with the critical frequency struggling to get much above 7 MHz on Wednesday. Compare this with the following day, when the critical frequency hit 10.4MHz by 0830 UTC. Nevertheless, there was DX to be worked on Wednesday with FT8 allowing signals from Australia, Japan, Indonesia, China, and Surinam to get into the UK on 21MHz. The solar proton flux was also high on Tuesday, the 1st of April, affecting signals passing through the polar regions, but this had declined by Thursday and was heading back to normal levels. This was due to a large CME observed off the east limb of the Sun on Frida,y the 28th of March. If it had been Earth-directed, we may have seen a massive aurora. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will stay in the 175-185 region. A Kp of six was forecast for yesterday, Saturday the 5th of April, followed by a further period of unsettled geomagnetic conditions due to an enhanced solar wind. If this is the case, we may not get more settled conditions until the 14th to the 16th of April. Nevertheless, this remains a good time for North-South HF paths, such as the UK to South Africa, and UK to South America. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The old forecasting maxim that the ‘longer a high lasts, the longer it will last' is built upon the presence of blocked upper air weather patterns. When the jet stream gets so distorted into a high-amplitude north/south wave, its lateral movement, from west to east, becomes very slow. On the upper air charts, this takes the shape of the Greek letter omega, and this is the current set-up. It means that the weather associated with it also lasts a long time. In this case, it's the high pressure and its spell of fine weather that is likely to last for the whole of the coming week. The position of the high will change, though, starting over the North Sea and ending over the UK and the nearby Atlantic. This means that Tropo will be the mode of choice for the coming period, which includes the 70cm UK Activity Contest on Tuesday and the 6m UK Activity Contest on Thursday. Rain scatter is unlikely during this extended period of dry weather. The meteor scatter options are still mainly driven by random meteors for the coming period into next week, but the next important shower, the Lyrids, peaks on the 22nd of April. The auroral alerts continue to come through, raising interest. As usual, the clue will be fluttery-sounding signals on the bands, particularly noticeable on CW, but they can also be pronounced on speech transmissions. Monitor the Kp index for values above Kp5. There have been a few trans-equatorial openings to Southern Africa on 50MHz digital modes for the fortunate few who live in the extreme south and southwest of the UK, but it did extend up to Cambridgeshire and Suffolk briefly on some days last week. The long drought of Sporadic-E will soon be over, but we're still in the realms of very isolated events for 10m and 6m, which will be short-lasting. The jet stream, which can be a good clue as to potential locations, suggests looking to Scandinavia, the Baltic and northern Europe. EME path losses are falling again, but Moon declination has been at its highest this weekend, so we have long Moon windows. 144MHz sky noise is low throughout the coming week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday, the 30th of March 2025   The news headlines: RSGB AGM – your chance to ask the Board a question The RSGB has published new forms for exam question queries The April Tonight@8 webinar – using a glue stick in a homemade 40m receiver Do you have a question about the RSGB's strategy? Perhaps you have a query about recent licence changes? Or maybe you'd like to understand more about membership growth? Whatever the topic, the Society is asking you to get in touch. RSGB Board members will be answering your questions during the RSGB 2025 AGM on Saturday, the 12th of April. You can submit your question in three ways; live via Zoom, send a written question in advance, or during the live chat on the day. If you'd like to ask a question about the formal part of the AGM, you'll need to do this via Zoom or by submitting a written question in advance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discuss what matters to you. Your participation in the AGM is important, and the Society looks forward to hearing from you. Find out more about how to be involved and the deadlines for submitting questions by going to rsgb.org/agm As part of its modernisation of the exam systems, the RSGB has introduced online forms for reporting possible errors found in exam questions. These forms replace the current procedure of writing to the Exam Department. RSGB Examinations Standards Chair Tony Kent, G8PBH, explained that there are two forms. The first can only be submitted by exam candidates and is to formally challenge questions in actual exams, where the outcome of a challenge may affect a candidate's result. The second form can be submitted by anyone and is for informal queries of published exam questions, for example, in mock exams. A separate form is needed for each question that you challenge. Please check carefully that you are using the correct form, otherwise, it may delay the process. Your query will be considered by the RSGB Examinations and Syllabus Review Group, who will let you know the outcome. For more information and to find the forms, go to rsgb.org/exam-challenges The next webinar in the RSGB's Tonight@8 series will be with Nick Wood, M0NTV, on Monday, the 7th of April. Nick will show you how to use a regular glue stick housing in a rather novel way to form the basis of a variable tuning inductor in a homemade 40m receiver. After a brief description of a Direct Conversion Receiver and a short technical explanation of how it works, Nick will dive into four separate modules. At the end of the webinar, he will string it all together, and you'll be able to see some video footage of how it sounds and what it can do. Visit rsgb.org/webinars  to find out more. Join the presentation live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. The RSGB is delighted to announce that Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, who is the current RSGB Youth Champion for Schools, is taking on the new position of RSGB Youth Chair. For now, Chris will continue to fulfil his Youth Champion for Schools role but will also take on more responsibilities by leading the Youth Champion team. Chris will work closely with the Board Liaison for Youth, and IARU Youth contacts, to help attract more UK youngsters to amateur radio. Find out more about youth activities by going to rsgb.org/youth If you live in Region 9, London and the Thames Valley, why not support fellow radio amateurs in your area? There are several volunteer vacancies within the region, including several District Representative positions, as well as the Regional Representative role. If you are passionate about amateur radio, enjoy talking with people, and want to give something back to the hobby, get in touch. Go to rsgb.org/volunteers to find out more, and then email the Regional Forum Chair Keith Bird, G4JED, via rr10@rsgb.org.uk SOS Radio Week is an annual event that celebrates the invaluable life-saving work of the volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National CoastWatch Institute and the independent lifeboats around the coasts of the British Isles and the Channel Islands. This year, the event starts at 0000 UTC on the 1st of May and concludes at 2359 UTC on the 31st of May. SOS Radio Week stations can be run by individuals or groups, from home or at a special location. To register, go to sosradioweek.org.uk This year's Mills on the Air weekend is taking place on the 10th and 11th of May. Find out more at tinyurl.com/millsontheair  or search Mills on the Air on Facebook. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Hack Green Military Surplus and Military Radio Hangar Sale is taking place on Sunday, the 6th of April at Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. Items on sale will include electronic equipment, amateur radio gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. For further details, please go to hackgreen.co.uk  or email coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk The Yeovil Amateur Radio Club QRP Convention is taking place on Saturday, the 12th of April at Digby Hall in Sherborne. Doors open at 9.30 am. The convention will include traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information, please visit the club's website at yeovil-arc.com Now the Special Event news The Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society, also known as RAFARS, will be holding its popular Airfields On The Air special event activity from the 1st of April. RAF Stations will be activated primarily during the 5th and 6th of April, as well as the 12th and 13th of April. More information can be found via rafars.org/rafaota The Polish Amateur Radio Union is celebrating 95 years since its founding, as well as the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. To mark the occasion, ten special event stations will be active between the 11th and 25th of April. Full details of the event, as well as details of available awards, can be found via Hamaward.cloud Now the DX news Alex, K6VHF/HR9 will again be active from the 30th of March until the 6th of April from Roatán island, IOTA reference NA-057. He'll be QRV on 80m to 6m using verticals, Hexbeam, Slopers and a Delta loop using FT8, FT4, SSB, RTTY and CW. QSL direct via K6VHF, OQRS Club Log, and Logbook of The World. Aldir, PY1SAD, is active again from Georgetown in Guyana as 8R1TM until the 26th of April. Aldir will be operating on all bands using CW, SSB, digital and satellite. QSL via eQSL and Logbook of The World. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 29th of March, and ends at 2359 UTC today, Sunday, the 30th of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 1st of April, the 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday, the 1st of April, the 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 2nd of April, 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 a four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 2nd of April, 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. The UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest is on Wednesday, the 2nd of April and runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The FT4 International Activity Day starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 5th of April and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 6th 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 1500 UTC on Saturday, the 5th of April and ends at 1500 UTC on Sunday, the 6th 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.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 27th of March 2025 Last week's space weather was dominated by a large coronal hole on the Sun. This was probably one of the largest we have seen for many years. Moderate, G2, geomagnetic storming was observed following the arrival of a solar wind stream from the hole, with the wind speed exceeding 600 km/s on Wednesday, the 26th. This pushed the Kp index to 6.33, depressing the MUF slightly. Luckily, the daytime MUF over a 3,000km path mostly stayed above 28 MHz, but it was slow to rise on Thursday, the 27th, when it took until 0900 UTC to reach 28 MHz. At the time of writing, the solar wind speed was more than 800km/s, so we can expect more disruption until at least Saturday, the 29th. Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 152 by Thursday, the 27th, with only four small sunspot regions visible. CDXC members have been discussing working New Zealand in the morning at the ZL sunset, often on low power. Listen and look for ZL4OL and ZL2CC, usually on FT8, but if conditions allow CW and SSB. 20m or 40m seems to be the favourite, and the VarAC data mode seems popular in ZL as well. Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will climb again, perhaps to 180 by the 4th of April. However, unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast again, beginning on the 3rd. We may expect the Kp index to reach six, which could be the start of at least ten days of disruption. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The overall picture for the weather patterns in the coming week is that of high pressure, which means that Tropo should be available as a good mode for VHF bands. There can be quite strong temperature inversions in the region of large well-developed areas of high pressure. The best performance will usually be around the edges of the high where the height of the inversion and ducting layer is typically between 0.5km and 2km above the ground, and can cover large distances for excellent DX prospects. Occasionally, a shallow ducting layer can form near the ground overnight but often disperses by mid-morning. If you are in a good inversion region, try SSB or CW on the VHF/UHF bands, as paths of up to 1,500km can often be achieved from a good ‘tropo lift'. The reverse side of the high-pressure systems is that we will have low pressure nearby, mainly to the north and west of the UK. Any potential for rain scatter will mainly be over northwestern Britain, although an active front that was moving south on Friday, the 28th of March, was a good candidate for chance rain scatter on the GHz bands. The prospects for meteor scatter are still largely dependent upon random meteors, which are usually best in the hours before dawn. Current solar activity will continue to trigger auroral alerts in the coming week. Now onto Sporadic-E, and last week we had a few out-of-season isolated foEs ‘blips' to between 5- 7 MHz, which was enough to produce propagation on 10m and 6m, albeit very fleetingly. There have already been some equinox-related 6m trans-equatorial propagation or TEP workable from the Southern part of the country, so keep an eye open late morning for Africa and late afternoon for South America.  EME path losses have continued to improve until perigee this morning, the 30th of March. Moon declination is still falling, and reached a minimum last Friday, the 28th. Moon windows will increase throughout the coming week. 144MHz sky noise is low, apart from Saturday the 29th when the Sun was close to the Moon in the sky, rising to moderate next Thursday before dropping back to low for the weekend. And that's all from the propagation team this week.  

GB2RS News Sunday the 23rd of March 2025 The news headlines: The RSGB launches its new web app RSGB Elected Board Director unopposed candidates are announced Full details of the RSGB 2025 AGM have been released The RSGB is excited to give you a first look at its new app! The web version has just been launched and is a one-stop shop for all RadCom publications and club newsletters. You can find the web version at rsgb.org/radcom It gives RSGB members easy access to over ten years of back issues of RadCom, as well as RadCom Basics and Plus. The Society will be adding more back issues of RadCom from the archive in the coming months, making it even more valuable. All you need is your RSGB membership portal details to access the editions. If you're not an RSGB member, you can still view a sample edition of RadCom through the web version of the app. If you like what you see, you can become an RSGB member via rsgb.org/join which will give you access to the back issues of RadCom and its sister publications. Watch this space for news of the release of the RSGB mobile app later this year. For some roles in the RSGB elections, a single nomination was received. These include the two vacancies for Elected Board Directors. Peter Bowyer, G4MJS and Mark Savage, M0XIC will each take up the role of Board Director at the end of the RSGB AGM on the 12th of April 2025. Both were interviewed separately to enable RSGB members to hear their views on the current issues facing amateur radio and the Society. Their answers were combined into two videos: the first ‘short' video is just two quick questions, and the second video is a more in-depth interview. You can watch them both on the RSGB website and its YouTube channel. For more information about each of these unopposed candidates, see the April 2025 issue of RadCom or go to rsgb.org/candidates The RSGB 2025 AGM will take place at 10 am on Saturday the 12th of April. The event will be held online to ensure that 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 and details about the election. The RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will give a video review of 2024, and the Society will announce the recipients of its annual awards and trophies, as well as the winners of its construction competition. You can ask the Board questions on the day via Zoom or the YouTube live chat, or by submitting a written question in advance. After the main AGM meeting, the RSGB is delighted to have a presentation about the Society's strategy. Led by Board Director Mark Jones, G0MGX, there will also be contributions from Board Director Ben Lloyd, GW4BML; Spectrum Forum Chair Murray Niman, G6JYB; and Bob Beebe, GU4YOX who will at that point be the new RSGB President. Find out more by going to rsgb.org/agm Maritime Radio Day 2025 starts at 1200UTC on the 14th of April and finishes at 2300UTC on the 15th of April. The annual event takes place to commemorate the almost 100 years of wireless telegraphy service for seafarers, which ended in the UK with the closure of Portishead Radio on the 30th of April 2000. This event is a great opportunity to have a QSO with former Marine Radio Officers and Coast Station professionals who will be exchanging details of their previous ships and coast stations. The mode of operation is CW with all HF bands being used, including WARC. A certificate of participation will be issued to everyone who submits results. Amateur licence holders are invited to register to take part as Friends of Maritime Radio Day. Shortwave listeners may also submit logs. For more information and to register, go to radioofficers.com/mrd-2025 Amateur Radio Clubs On The Air has launched a new activity for radio amateurs to promote their club, have some fun and collect points for an award. All bands and modes may be used including SSB, CW, FM, RTTY, FT8, FT4 and other digital modes. This is an ongoing award, and contacts may be claimed from the 23rd of March onwards. You can find full details on the Leicester Radio Society website at g3lrs.org.uk, via the G3LRS page at QRZ.com  or by emailing arcota@g3lrs.org.uk Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Pencoed and District Amateur Radio Club Rally is on Sunday the 30th of March at Sarn and Bryncwils Social Club, Bryncoch Road, Sarn near Bridgend, CF32 9NY. Entrance is £2.50. Tables are available at £10 each. Refreshments will be available. Public access to the event is from 10 am, with trader access from 8 am. Please contact Ieuan Jones via 07791 709 691 for further information. The Dunstable Downs Radio Club will be holding its Annual National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale at the usual venue, Stockwood Park in Luton, on Sunday the 18th of May.  Excluding a break for Covid-19, this is the 40th consecutive year that the event has been run. Now the Special Event news There is still time to work special callsign GB1KBR. Radio amateurs in Scotland are on the air until the end of March to celebrate the start of the official handover of the Commonwealth Games Kings Baton by His Majesty King Charles at Buckingham Palace for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Activity is on HF, SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via Logbook of The World, eQSL and QRZ.com  An award program is available via the HamAward platform. For further information on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games please visit glasgow2026.com The Polish Amateur Radio Union is celebrating 95 years since its founding, as well as the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. To mark the occasion, ten special event stations will be active between the 11th and 25th of April. Full details of the event, as well as details of available awards, can be found via Hamaward.cloud Now the DX news Heath, VK3TWO is active from Fiji as 3D2TWO until the 27th of March. The station will be active on the 40 to 10m bands using SSB and FT8. More information can be found at QRZ.com Bud, AA3B will again be active from Antigua as V26K between the 25th of March and the 2nd of April. He'll be participating in the CQWPX SSB contest. Outside of this, Bud will be focusing on mainly using CW. QSL via home call, Logbook of The World and OQRS. Aldir, PY1SAD is active again from Georgetown in Guyana as 8R1TM until the 26th of April. Aldir will be operating on all bands using CW, SSB, digital and satellite. QSL via eQSL and Logbook of The World. Now the contest news On Tuesday, the 25th of March, 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 26th 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 Thursday, the 27th of March, 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 29th of March and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 30th 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 20th of March 2025 Last week was pretty unremarkable from an HF perspective. After the disturbed geomagnetic conditions on the 12th to the 14th when the Kp index rose to five, conditions were a little more settled. The solar flux index hit 204 on the 17th of March but then declined back to the 180s. Having said that things were settled, the Kp index did exceed four for three periods on the 19th, peaking at 4.67. This had the effect of reducing the MUF over a 3,000km path to 21-24MHz. We also had two M-class solar flares on the 17th and the 19th, with the latter causing a coronal mass ejection that may give Earth a glancing blow around the 22nd of March. As spring progresses, we may find the F2-layer MUF dropping as we move to summer ionospheric conditions, perhaps to be replaced by enhanced sporadic-E conditions on 10 metres instead. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may drop further, perhaps hitting 150 on the 28th. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 25th to the 28th, with a maximum Kp index of five. As we said last week, this is now a peak period for auroral activity, given the angle that the Earth makes with the Sun. The 'Russell-McPherron' effect is down to the alignment of the Sun and Earth around the spring and autumn equinox and means that you are twice as likely to experience the aurora in spring and autumn than in winter and summer. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The recent fine weather has provided some useful Tropo. This has been mainly towards the east and into the near continent, which seemed like nice timing for the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest last Tuesday evening. Despite this, many participants reported conditions as poor. The high is now moving away and by the time you hear this, it will be a predominantly low-pressure weather sequence from now on. This means limited Tropo in the coming week, and rain scatter comes to the fore as a mode of choice if you have a GHz band set up. The solar conditions continue to provide a trickle charge of auroral alerts, but not enough for any significant operating advantage. As usual the message is to keep on top of things by monitoring the Kp index for values over 5. Meteor scatter remains largely in the gift of random meteors, so it's an early start to catch the pre-dawn peak of random meteors if you are so persuaded. Lastly, a mention of Sporadic-E which is still in its close season. We have a while to wait until later next month when we could expect the occasional stirrings on 10m. EME path losses continue to improve until the Moon's perigee (its closest point to Earth) on the morning of the 30th of March. Moon declination has been falling, reaching a minimum yesterday, the 22nd. So again, we have short Moon windows and reduced peak Moon elevation. 144MHz sky noise started high on Friday the 21st of March but will drop back to low by the middle of next week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

Hello and Welcome to the DX Corner for your weekly Dose of DX as part of Ham Radios oldest Ham Radio Magazine on the air, “This week in amateur radio.” I'm Bill, AJ8B. I am not sure how many of you are interested in 60M, but overall interest is growing. One of my best friends, Joe, W8GEX, produces a 60-meter newsletter. Joe is considered by many as the godfather of 60m. With almost 250 entities confirmed on 60, I can understand why. New Zealand stations ZL4OL and ZL2CC have been heard around 0700z. Watch your 60m packet cluster for these advid 60M operators. 4U1UN has been on 60m recently. Keep an eye out for that one also. Some of the rare DX on 60 meters recently has included A51AE, 7Q6M, and T77C.Don't forget to have a look at our website 60metersonline.com. There are details about our DXCC and WAS Awards for 60 meters. . Thanks, Joe, for letting me use this information. You can learn more about 60 meters by checking out the DX Mentor podcast, episode 24. (https://youtu.be/Mq7YN6euHHM ) Just go to YouTube or your podcast app and search for The DX Mentor. Episode 24 will give you all the details about getting on 60 meters. This section of DX News comes from Bernie, W3UR, editor of the DailyDX, the WeeklyDX, and the How's DX column in QST. If you would like a free 2-week trial of the DailyDX, your only source of real-time DX information, just drop me a note at thedxmentor@gmail.com Inveterate DXpeditioner IV3FSG, Elvira, will operate D68Z from March 3 until at least March 18. Elvira is currently QRV. She will be operating on 160-6M CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, and FT4. Elvira will use three ICOM IC-7300 radios, with one dedicated to 6M (grid locator LH18og) operational around the clock. The antenna setup will include a 6M delta loop, a DX Commander vertical for 30-10M, and an IWØRGN multiband vertical for 160-10M. To minimize duplicate QSOs, please verify Club Log online and Club Log LiveStream. For digital QSOs, monitor D68Z on PSK Reporter. IKØXBX, Francesco, will be the pilot station for this DXpedition. QSL cards are available via OQRS and LoTW. The VK9XU team ended their Christmas Island operation on Tuesday at 0257Z with around 58,000 QSOs, surpassing expectations. They thanked everyone for their discipline in the pileups. The team is now heading to Cocos (Keeling) Island. Arriving after sunset, they will start limited activity the first night and set up antennas the next day. They look forward to working everyone as VK9CU on Cocos. The DX-Adventure team is embarking on a DXpedition to the Andaman Islands (AS-001) as VU4AX from March 10th to March 20th, 2025. The team, consisting of 12 experienced operators, will be active around the clock on multiple bands from 10m to 160m, including WARC + 60m, using CW, SSB, and DIGI modes. They will operate six stations, transporting 1,150kg of meticulously prepared equipment to ensure the best possible experience. The DXpedition aims to provide a rare opportunity for QSOs, especially for USA operators, as VU4 ranks #28 for the USA and #53 worldwide. The team is supported by three experienced Pilot Stations: W2IRT Peter J. Dougherty, E21EIC Champ, and ON9CFG Bjorn. They will closely monitor propagation conditions to maximize the chances of contacts with stations across the United States. Updates and contact details for the Pilot Stations can be found on the DX-Adventure website - https://www.dx-adventure.com The DX-Adventure team looks forward to making a QSO with you from VU4 South Andaman. The DX Mentor podcast recently interview the DX-Adventure team. When that is available, I will let you know, or you can subscribe to the DX Mentor podcast and YouTube Channel to be updated.Until next week, this is Bill, AJ8B saying 73 and thanks to my XYL Karen for her love and support. I Hope to hear you in the pileups!

GB2RS News Sunday the 9th of March 2025 The news headlines: RSGB members celebrate IARU Centenary with a special callsign British Science Week events you can be part of RSGB Propagation Studies Committee members give talks at HamSCI event As part of the celebrations of the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union, the RSGB will be activating the callsign GB0IARU in April 2025. If you would like to be an activator, you need to be an RSGB member with a Full licence, as UK licence conditions only allow Full licensees to operate club callsigns. If you would like to take part, please send an email to contestclub@rsgbcc.org  You will be invited to join a discussion group which will be used to provide you with all the information that you will need. You will have to join the RSGB Contest Club to use the callsign, as GB0IARU is linked to the Contest Club's callsign G6XX. Foundation and Intermediate licensees will be able to take part under supervision. You can find detailed instructions about operating with GB0IARU on the RSGB website at tinyurl.com/GB0IARU  For QSL information please see the QRZ.com page for GB0IARU. British Science Week began on Friday the 7th of March and will continue until Sunday the 16th of March. The annual celebration presents radio amateurs with the opportunity to showcase their hobby to new audiences. Crowthorne and Wokingham Men's Shed will be operating as G8EYM during the forthcoming week. Organisers who would like to set up skeds with other groups, particularly other Men's Sheds groups, should get in touch via info@nmishedww.co.uk  if you'd like to be involved. Some events are also open to the public. South Derbyshire and Ashby Woulds Amateur Radio Group will be hosting a family-friendly open weekend on the 15th and 16th of March. The event will include opportunities for kit building, details of training, as well as an opportunity to operate under supervision. Norfolk Amateur Radio Club intends to support the City of Norwich School with its Super Science Saturday on the 15th of March. To get involved with these events, plus more, go to rsgb.org/bsw  and choose the “Events happening near you” tab on the righthand menu. The Society has also shared several fun ideas that you can take part in, from giving your friends and family a tour of your shack to observing the Sun's cycles and understanding the aurora. And of course, don't forget to get involved with the official RSGB British Science Week activity, which is featured in the Community Activity Pack. This can be done at home on DMR or any other radio. Whatever inspires you, be part of this fantastic celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and show the very best that amateur radio has to offer. Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation, also known as HamSCI, is holding its 8th annual workshop in New Jersey on the 14th and 15th of March. This year's workshop features nearly 50 presentations, four tutorials, as well as a keynote address by the ARRL's Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. RSGB Propagation Studies Committee associate member Professor Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL will be delivering several sessions at the two-day event, including one on post-sunset Sporadic-F propagation. The RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Secretary Doctor Chris Deacon, G4IFX, is also attending and will be delivering a session on The Physical Nature of Sporadic-E. You'll be able to watch these sessions, plus more from the workshop agenda online. Details of how to access the event virtually, as well as more information about the event can be found at hamsci.org/hamsci2025 The RSGB remote invigilation team will be taking a break over the Easter weekend. You will be able to book to take an exam on Friday the 18th of April or Saturday the 19th of April, but no exam slots will be available on Sunday the 20th of April, or Monday the 21st of April. Exam bookings will resume as normal after that. Amateur Radio Clubs On The Air is getting ready for a second weekend of operating on the 22nd and 23rd of March. It is a chance for amateurs to promote their club, have some fun and collect points for an award. All bands may be used, using any mode including SSB, CW, FM, RTTY, FT8, FT4 and other digital modes. This is an ongoing award, and contacts may be claimed from the 23rd of March 2025 onwards. You can find full details on the Leicester Radio Society website at g3lrs.org.uk, via the G3LRS page at QRZ.com  or by emailing arcota@g3lrs.org.uk Cray Valley Radio Society is running a two-day, face-to-face Foundation licence course on the 5th and the 12th of April, near Greenwich in southeast London. The Foundation training package costs £65 and this includes the online exam at the end of the course. Please apply or contact Cray Valley Radio Society via its temporary website at cvrs.uk  Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events On Sunday the 16th of March, the Ripon and District Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place at Great Ouseburn Village Hall, Lightmire Lane, Great Ouseburn, York YO26 9RL. Doors open for traders at 7.30 am and then to the public at 10 am for an admission price of £3. Free parking, refreshments and bacon butties will be available. The tables cost £10 each. For enquiries, or to book one or more tables, email radars.rally@gmail.com The Biggleswade Swapmeet, organised by the British Vintage Wireless Society, is taking place on Sunday the 23rd of March at The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8JH. Doors open to stallholders from 9 am, with general entry from 9.30 am. Admission is £8. Hot and cold refreshments are available all day. There will be vintage technology of varying sorts including radio, TV, communications, audio, vinyl, computing, telephones and components. There will also be a bring-and-buy stall run by the British Wireless and Television Museum. For enquiries, including stall bookings, please email Jeremy Owen, G8MLK via secretary@bvws.org.uk  More details can also be found via BVWS.org.uk The Callington Radio and Electronics Rally will be held in the Town Hall, New Road, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7BD on Sunday the 23rd of March. Public access to the event is from 10 am until 1 pm. Entry is £2 each with no charge for those under the age of 16. A comprehensive selection of traders, clubs and societies from the south-west will be present along with a bring-and-buy stall and the usual excellent catering service. As an improvement from last year, the bring-and-buy stall now accepts payment by all major debit and credit cards using contactless, chip and pin or by phone. The venue has disabled access and toilet facilities with ample parking in a nearby car park. Although the main hall is now fully booked, tables are still available in an adjacent room at £5 for the large size and £3 for the smaller one. Pre-booking is essential, so please contact Alastair, M0KRR at alastair.kerr1@btinternet.com or by phone at 01503 262 755 with your requirements as soon as possible. Also on Sunday the 23rd of March is The Dover Amateur Radio Club 2025 Rally which is taking place at the St Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover, CT17 0HL. The doors are open between 10 am and 2 pm and entry is £3. Tea, coffee and bacon rolls will be available on site. Tables are available at £15 each, with a maximum of two tables per vendor. For table bookings and the latest news go to darc.online/rally Now the Special Event news The British Railways Amateur Radio Society is running special event stations GB0LMR and GB2SDR during 2025 to celebrate 200 years of train travel since 1825. Starting from April, it will also be running GB2TT to celebrate the same anniversary. QSL will be via the Bureau. More information is available at QRZ.com  and via webrars.info From the 1st to the 28th of March George, MM0JNL will once again be activating special event station GB0GTS. This year the station is active in support of the Great Tommy Sleepout. This national challenge aims to raise funds and awareness for all former UK service personnel who are living homeless. More details are available at QRZ.com  and rbli.co.uk Now the DX news The VK9CU team will be active between the 4th and the 11th of March from Cocos Keeling Islands, IOTA reference OC-003. They will operate on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4 and FT8. QSL via DL2AWG, ClubLog and Logbook of the World. Elvira, IV3FSG is active as D68Z from Moroni in the Comoro Islands until the 18th of March. IOTA reference AF-007. She will operate on HF bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. Looking ahead, DA1DX, DK9IP, DM6EE and DL8LAS will be active from Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands as VP2VI from the 10th to the 27th of April. Now the contest news The Commonwealth Contest started at 1000UTC on Saturday the 8th of March and ends at 1000UTC today, Sunday the 9th 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 11th of March, 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 11th 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 12th of March, 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 March, 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 March, 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 13th 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. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group HF RTTY Contest starts at 0200UTC on Saturday the 15th of March and ends at 0200UTC on Monday the 17th 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 the 6th of March 2025 We started last week with geomagnetic disturbances that saw the Kp index rise to a maximum of 5.67 on the 28th of February and then hover around the 4.5 mark for the next couple of days. As predicted, the rest of the week went quite well, with the Kp index in the range of one to four. The solar flux index fell from a maximum of 210 on the 23rd of February to a low of 140 on the 2nd of March. It then climbed back to 160 on the 4th. Over the past week, we have had no X-class and only one M-class solar flare which was on the 5th. As we head into next week, it looks like all the sunspots in the Sun's northern hemisphere have now departed. Nevertheless, the southern hemisphere is still supplying lots of spots so don't panic just yet! HF conditions have been quite good. VK6IF and VK6IA in Western Australia were booming in on 28MHz USB on the morning of Thursday the 6th, as was VK9CU on the Cocos-Keeling Islands. Nigel, VP8TXF and Ian, VP8CIW have been operating from the Falkland Islands ahead of this weekend's Commonwealth Contest and have been worked from the UK on 20m-10m. They are there until the 10th, so get in quick. Other DX to be worked this week includes VU4AX Andaman Islands, 6Y7EI Jamaica, PJ7AA Sint Maarten Island, 4S7KKG Sri Lanka, TY5C Benin, 6W7/ON4AVT Warang Senegal, RI1ANE Antarctica and H44MS Solomon Islands. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start off around 150 and may then climb to 185 by the 16th. A large coronal hole became Earth-facing on the 6th, which may result in unsettled geomagnetic conditions this weekend, the 8th and the 9th. It looks like we can expect unsettled geomagnetic conditions around the 10th to the 16th, with a maximum predicted Kp index of five. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather divides into two segments; the first, from the middle of last week through to the middle of next week, is rather changeable with low pressure nearby bringing rain or showers and potential for rain scatter on the GHz bands. Eventually, the unsettled weather ends with a cold northerly on Tuesday the 11th and this leads to a new high building from Wednesday into the weekend of the 15th and 16th March.  This is good news for Tropo and could possibly be of benefit to those in the UK 70cm Activity Contest on Tuesday the 11th in the western UK, but more generally for the FT8 70cm Activity Contest on Wednesday and the 50MHz UK Activity Contest on Thursday evening. We are still between major meteor showers and therefore must rely upon random activity for now. The next shower of note is the Lyrids on the 21st and the 22nd of April, so we have a while to go yet. The solar activity has continued to produce a regular supply of auroral alerts and fluttery signals on the LF bands, but with a lot of clouds in northwestern areas and southern parts just marginally out of reach for any naked-eye auroras. A few digital camera pictures did surface on the web.  Keep an eye open just in case though. Remember Kp equalling five or greater is where we need to be. Lastly, the Sporadic-E prospects are still relatively low with only the odd minor blip up to around a Sporadic-E critical frequency of 5 to 7MHz, often around the middle of the day. This contrasts with the morning and evening windows in the main season. It is enough to promote interest in the 10 or 6m bands, but almost certainly a fleeting moment. EME path losses rise all this coming week and moon declination falls with associated shortening Moon windows and reducing peak Moon elevation. The best results will therefore be early in the week. 144MHz sky noise is moderate this weekend, falling to low in the week commencing the 10th. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 2nd of March 2025 The news headlines: British Science Week – will you be taking part in an amateur radio activity? Could you contribute to the RSGB Technical Forum? The RSGB is looking for an Assistant RadCom Editor British Science Week starts this Friday the 7th of March and gives radio amateurs the opportunity to share their passion and knowledge of the hobby to reach new audiences. Schools including Kingsmead School in Taunton and St Anne's Catholic Primary School, Ormskirk have radio-related activities planned for students. Clubs including South Derbyshire and Ashby Woulds Amateur Radio Group will be involved with events that are open to the public. A Men's Sheds group in Crowthorne and Wokingham will be active as G8EYM and would appreciate skeds, especially with other Men's Sheds – could you arrange one with them? In another fantastic development for this year, the RSGB Outreach team has partnered with the Radio Communications Foundation to provide FM radio receiver kits for 15 school, university, scout and youth groups to build. You can find details of these events, plus more, by going to rsgb.org/bsw and choosing the “Events happening near you” tab on the righthand menu. If you have an activity taking place, there is still time to let the Society know so it can help promote the event. Email the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator, Ian Neal, M0KEO via bsw@rsgb.org.uk  Even if you haven't planned anything yet, you can still get involved by doing the RSGB's official British Science Week activity with your friends and family. You can find that and other ideas and resources on the RSGB British Science Week web page. Be inspired, get involved and show the very best that amateur radio has to offer. The RSGB Technical Forum is accepting expressions of interest from people who would like to join the group. The Forum is a body of technical experts that review articles submitted to the RSGB RadCom Editors. It provides a recommendation on whether they should be accepted for publication, and whether they are best suited to RadCom, RadCom Basics or RadCom Plus. If you are able and willing to contribute to the RSGB Technical Forum, please write in the first instance to gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk and include a short summary of your relevant amateur radio and professional expertise. The RSGB is looking for an Assistant Editor to join the team that produces its suite of RadCom publications. The successful candidate will be involved in everything from magazine production and sub-editing to writing articles and planning content. More information is available on page 83 of the February 2025 issue of RadCom or via rsgb.org/careers  If you are interested in applying for the role, email radcom@rsgb.org.uk The Commonwealth Contest is a unique annual event which has run every year since 1931. Held over the weekend nearest to Commonwealth Day, it is loved by many RSGB members and radio amateurs throughout the Commonwealth. In 2024 over 240 individual entrants and 15 Commonwealth Headquarters stations representing national societies were active. The Commonwealth Contest is a treasure hunt with amateurs in distant locations looking to make a QSO with you, so if you are not a regular contest participant or you have a simple HF setup, you might use the Contest as an opportunity to make DX QSOs. UK amateurs are travelling to the Caribbean, the Falklands and New Zealand, so your scope for QSOs is expanded, and many VK, ZL, VU and VE amateurs will be joining in too. This year the Contest takes place on the 8th of March, and you can find out more on page 38 of the March issue of RadCom and on the RSGB website via tinyurl.com/commonwealth-contest On Saturday the 29th of March, the RSGB National Radio Centre Coordinator, Martyn Baker, G0GMB, together with Andy Webster, G7UHN from the Radio Communications Foundation, will be delivering a talk in the Fellowship Auditorium at Bletchley Park. It will introduce people to the radio spectrum and how to get to grips with the fundamentals of radio transmission. The RSGB is delighted that its members can benefit from a 10% discount, reducing the price to £14.40. To find out more, go to the ‘What's on' section on the Bletchley Park website via bletchleypark.org.uk  If you'd like to visit the wider Bletchley Park site after the talk, RSGB members can gain free entry by downloading a voucher from rsgb.org/bpvoucher Amateur Radio Clubs On The Air is getting ready for a second weekend of operating on the 22nd and 23rd of March. It is a chance for amateurs to promote their club, have some fun and collect points for an award. All bands may be used, using any mode including SSB, CW, FM, RTTY, FT8/4 and other digital modes. This is an ongoing award, and contacts may be claimed from 23 March 2024 onwards. You can find full details on the Leicester Radio Society website at g3lrs.org.uk, via the G3LRS page at QRZ.com  or by emailing arcota@g3lrs.org.uk Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 2nd of March, the Exeter Radio Rally is taking place at a new venue. The event will be held at The Kenn Centre, EX6 7UE, from 10 am. Traders and catering will be available on-site. For more information phone Pete, G3ZVI on 07714 198 374 or email g3zvi@yahoo.co.uk On Sunday the 16th of March, the Ripon and District Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place at Great Ouseburn Village Hall, Lightmire Lane, Great Ouseburn, York YO26 9RL. Doors open for traders at 7.30 am and then to the public at 10 am for an admission price of £3. Free parking, refreshments and bacon butties will be available. The tables cost £10 each. For enquiries or to book one or more tables, please email radars.rally@gmail.com Now the Special Event news The British Railways Amateur Radio Society is running special event stations GB0LMR and GB2SDR during 2025 to celebrate 200 years of train travel since 1825. Starting from April, it will also be running GB2TT to celebrate the same anniversary. QSL will be via the Bureau. More information is available at QRZ.com  and via webrars.info From the 1st to the 28th of March George, MM0JNL will once again be activating special event station GB0GTS. This year the station is active in support of the Great Tommy Sleepout. This national challenge aims to raise funds and awareness for all former UK service personnel who are living homeless. More details are available at QRZ.com  and rbli.co.uk Now the DX news Operators R1BIG, RW3RN, W8HC, R9LR and N3QQ are active from Chiriqui, Panama as 3F3RRC until the 3rd of March. The VK9XU Team will be active from Christmas Island, IOTA reference OC-002, until the 4th of March. They will operate on 160 - 6m, CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8 and FT4. QSL via DL2AWG, ClubLog and Logbook of the World. Looking ahead, DA1DX, DK9IP, DM6EE and DL8LAS will be active from Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands as VP2VI from the 10th to the 27th of April. Now the contest news The ARRL DX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 1st of March, and ends at 2359UTC today, the 2nd of March. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange for non-US and Canadian stations is signal report and transmit power in Watts. US and Canadian stations will send their State/Province in place of transmit power. The RSGB March 144MHz/432MHz Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 1st of March and ends at 1400UTC today, the 2nd of March. Using all modes on the 2m and 70cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number, and locator. Today, the 2nd of March, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the microwave bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, today, the 2nd of March, the Worked All Britain 80m phone 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. Entries are to be with the contest manager by March the 12th. The full rules can be seen on the WAB website. On Monday, the 3rd of March, the RSGB 80m Club Championship DATA Contest runs from 2000 to 2130 UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band only, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 4th of March, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday, the 4th, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 5th, the RSGB 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 5th, the RSGB 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 Wednesday the 5th, the UK and Ireland Contest Club Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The Commonwealth Contest starts at 1000UTC on Saturday the 8th of March and ends at 1000 UTC on Sunday the 9th of March. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The Commonwealth HQ stations will also send ‘HQ' as part of the contest exchange.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 27th of February 2025 We had another week of mixed geomagnetic conditions. The Kp index rose to a high of five with visible aurora over the UK at times. Two large coronal holes are now both facing Earth. A solar wind stream flowing from these zones is expected to flow past Earth, possibly on Friday the 28th of February or Saturday the 1st of March. Active geomagnetic conditions with a Kp index of four are currently forecast for this weekend. There has also been more solar flare activity over the past seven days with an X2-class flare on the 23rd and ten M-class flares. The X-class flare occurred at 19:27UTC so had little effect in Europe as the Sun had set. Luckily, an associated coronal mass ejection was not Earth-directed. Another fast-moving CME on the 24th was also not Earth-directed. As we enter March it looks as though the Sun is still very active. The solar flux index stood at 180 on Thursday the 27th, after hitting 210 on the 23rd. Maximum usable frequencies over 3,000km are still reaching 34-35MHz around midday, while night-time MUFs are generally around 10-11MHz, with occasional openings on 20 metres. This week Bob, VP8LP on the Falkland Islands has been active on 10 metres SSB and has been worked from the UK. As we enter March this is a good time for North-South paths on HF, such as UK to South Africa and UK to South America. The spring equinox is also a good time for auroral conditions. NOAA predicts the Sun will start next week with an SFI of 190, perhaps falling to 170-180 as the week progresses. We hesitate to say this, but geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be good once we get past the disturbances on the 28th and the 1st, but only time will tell! And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO There is likely to be a welcome return of high pressure for much of the period from this weekend until the middle of the coming week on the 5th of March. Models show a return of unsettled Atlantic weather, meaning lows, fronts, showers and rain scatter for the GHz bands. Until then, it will be typical high-pressure Tropo conditions with an extensive temperature inversion aloft caused by the descending warming air in the high-pressure region. This should provide ducting conditions over a large part of the country. As often, the far north of the UK will probably just miss out and retain too much breeze for the inversion to be effective. The lull in meteor shower activity continues, so once again your best chances will be in the morning hours around, or just before, dawn. The Sun has kept aurora seekers busy and shows how frequently it can just tip into the right disturbed conditions at this stage of the solar cycle. As we said earlier, there have been reports of visible aurora in the past week. The signs for this are the Kp index rising to five or greater and flutter on LF band signals or trans-polar paths on the HF bands. The new Sporadic-E season is almost upon us, but we are not there yet. Check the graphs on Propquest for signs of enhanced foEs values and check the HF bands first; 10m is particularly good for strong European Es signals. EME conditions will be predictable as usual, with Moon declination rising all week and path losses at their minimum at perigee late on Saturday the 1st of March. 144MHz sky noise is low from this coming weekend, rising to moderate by Friday the 7th. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

Foundations of Amateur Radio Recently I received a lovely email from Michele IU4TBF asking some pertinent questions about the Bald Yak project. If you're unfamiliar, the Bald Yak project aims to create a modular, bidirectional and distributed signal processing and control system that leverages GNU Radio. The short answer to how I'm doing getting GNU Radio to play nice with my computer is that I have bruises on my forehead from banging my head against the wall. When I get to success I'll document it. To be clear, I'm not sure what the root cause is. I suspect it lies between the GNU Radio developers, the people making packages and the manufacturer of my computer. I'm the lucky one stuck in the middle. A more interesting question that Michele asked was, for Bald Yak, what is the A/D and D/A requirement for making GNU Radio talk to an antenna? This is a much deeper question that meets the eye and I think it serves as a way to discuss what I think that this project looks like. Ultimately in the digital realm, to receive, an analogue antenna signal needs to be converted to digital using an Analogue to Digital or A/D converter, and to transmit, the reverse uses a Digital to Analogue or D/A converter to make an electrical signal appear on your antenna. The specific A/D or D/A converter determines what you can do. The sampling rate of such a converter determines what frequencies it can handle, the sample size determines the range of signals it can handle. You can compare it with a video screen. The sample rate determines how many pixels on the screen, the sample size determines how many colours in each pixel. The sample rate of an A/D converter is measured in samples per second. If the device only has one channel, you could think of this as Hertz, but if there are multiple channels, like say a sound-card, the sample rate is likely equally divided across each channel. You might have a sound card capable of 384 thousand samples per second, or kilo-samples, but if it supports simultaneous stereo audio input and output, only 96 of those 384 kilo-samples will be allocated to each channel and only half of those will actually help reconstruct the audio signal, leaving you with 48 kHz audio. In other words, the advertised frequency response might not have a direct and obvious relationship with the sample rate. At the moment I have access to a few different A/D and D/A converters. The simplest one, a USB audio sound card, appears to do up to 192 kilo-samples at 16 bits. The next one, an RTL-SDR tops out at a theoretical rate of 3.2 million or mega-samples at 8 bits. The Analog Devices ADALM-PLUTO, or PlutoSDR handles 61.44 mega-samples at 12 bits. Now, to be clear, there are other limitations and considerations which I'm skipping over. Consider for example the speed at which each of these devices can talk to a computer, in this case over USB. I'm also going to ignore things like mixers, allowing devices like the RTL-SDR and PlutoSDR to tune across frequency ranges that go beyond their sample rate. Each of these three devices can convert an analogue antenna signal into bits that can be processed by GNU Radio. All of them can also be used to do the opposite and transmit. Yes, you heard me, several amateurs figured out that an RTL-SDR can actually transmit. Credit to Ismo OH2FTG, Tatu OH2EAT, and Oscar IK1XPV. The point being that whatever Bald Yak looks like, it will need to handle a range of A/D and D/A converters. As I've said previously, I'm aiming for this to work incrementally for everyone. This means that if you have a sound card in your computer or an $8 USB one, this should work and if you have an $33,000 NI Ettus USRP X410 lying around, this too should work. Also, if you have an X410 lying around not doing anything, I'd be happy to put it to use, you know, for testing. So, kidding aside, what about the rest of the Bald Yak experience? GNU Radio works with things called blocks. Essentially little programs that take data, do something to it, then output it in some way. It follows the Unix philosophy, make each program do one thing well, expect the output of every program to become the input to another, design and build software to be tried early and use tools rather than unskilled labour. Amateur radio transceivers traditionally use electronics blocks, but if we move to software, we can update and expand our capabilities as the computer we're using gets faster and the GNU Radio blocks evolve, and because it's all digital the computer doesn't actually have to be in the same box, let alone the same room, it could be in multiple boxes scattered around the Internet. So, the idea of Bald Yak is a collection of blocks that allow you to do radio things. You might have a separate box for each amateur radio mode, AM, FM, SSB, RTTY, CW, WSPR, FT8, FT4, Q65, but also modes like Olivia, FreeDV, SSTV, Packet, PSK31 or Thor. Instead of having to figure out how to wire these modes into your radio and your computer, the infrastructure is already there and you just download another block for a mode you want to play with. We'll need to deal with variables like which A/D and D/A converter is being used and what their limitations are. We'll also need to build a command and control layer and probably a few other things. I'm considering a few other aspects. For example, GNU Radio is mostly run with text files. We might distribute those using something like a web store. GNU Radio is proving hard to install, perhaps a LiveCD is the way to go. We'll need to come up with a base level of functionality and the documentation to go with it. I'm still contemplating how to best licence this all, specifically to stop it from being exploited. Feel free to get in touch if you have ideas. I'm Onno VK6FLAB

GB2RS News Sunday the 9th of February 2025 The news headlines: A new RSGB web page focuses on emerging technology An upcoming talk at Bletchley Park Museum aims to widen awareness of the radio spectrum and radio transmission Remember to share your British Science Week ideas The RSGB has launched a new web page on how emerging technology can be used in amateur radio. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing offer the opportunity to broaden the definition of amateur radio. They can also increase appeal and attract a more diverse audience. For existing radio amateurs, they offer the opportunity for progression through learning new skills. You'll also find links to two RSGB Convention presentations, including the newly released talk on 3D printing by Tom Wardill, 2E0JJI. Go to rsgb.org/emerging-technology  to learn more. The Society will be adding more technologies to the web page in the coming months and would love to hear from you if you are involved in amateur radio in any of these areas. Share your stories via comms@rsgb.org.uk  On Saturday the 29th of March, the RSGB National Radio Centre Coordinator, Martyn Baker, G0GMB, together with Andy Webster, G7UHN from the Radio Communications Foundation, will be delivering a talk in the Fellowship Auditorium at the Bletchley Park Museum. The presentation will introduce people to the radio spectrum and how to get to grips with the fundamentals of radio transmission. The session is being delivered as part of the RSGB's ongoing strategy to promote amateur radio to wider audiences. The Society is pleased to announce that RSGB members who would like to attend the talk can benefit from a 10% discount, reducing the price to £14.40. To find out more about this talk, go to the ‘What's on' section on the Bletchley Park website via bletchleypark.org.uk  If you'd like to visit the Bletchley Park museum after the talk, don't forget that RSGB members can gain free entry by downloading a voucher from the RSGB website via rsgb.org/bpvoucher British Science Week is less than a month away and the RSGB would love you to use your interest, expertise and enthusiasm for amateur radio to get people involved. The annual event takes place between the 7th and 16th of March and celebrates science, technology, engineering and maths. Perhaps you love going portable and could take a local rambler group on an activation with you, or maybe you're a member of ‘Men in Sheds' and could deliver a soldering demonstration for them. The Society wants to make amateur radio accessible and inclusive for everyone. All ideas are welcome, both big and small. Whatever you are planning, send your ideas to the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator, Ian Neal, M0KEO via bsw@rsgb.org.uk  The RSGB will continue to share resources and ideas for how to get involved via rsgb.org/bsw  A competition has been launched for RSGB Regions 6 and 7 in Wales that will take place throughout March. The aim is to encourage both individual RSGB members, as well as Affiliated Clubs in Wales, to build their own resonant 21MHz antenna and make as many QSOs as possible on the 21MHz band during the month. There are four categories to enter, with certificates issued to the top three stations in each of the categories. A club trophy is also available. To view the full competition rules and to access the submission form, go to tinyurl.com/walescomp  Don't forget that Girlguiding groups will be taking part in World Thinking Day on the Air activities over the weekends of the 15th and 22nd of February. The event aims to encourage Girlguiding members to make friendships with those in other units, using amateur radio as the means of communication. A list of stations that have provided the RSGB with details of their callsign can be found by going to rsgb.org/thinking-day  If you'd like to be added to this list, please email comms@rsgb.org.uk And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 9th, the Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society RadioActive Fair is taking place at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5DG. The doors are open from 10 am to 3 pm and admission costs £5. Hot food, refreshments and free car parking are available. For more information contact Patrick, 2E0VGF via info@radioactivefair.co.uk The Red Rose Winter Rally is due to take place on Sunday the 23rd of February from 10 am at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2PJ. Please note that the maximum number of five-foot tables per trader has had to be reduced from six to five. On a brighter note, the price remains as it has been for several years at £10 per table. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk The Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally will take place on Saturday the 1st of March at Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR. The doors open at 10.30 am. For more details visit lvars.uk Now the Special Event news A series of special event stations is active until the 31st of March to celebrate the city of Chemnitz, one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2025. All QSOs will be uploaded to eQSL, Logbook of the World, Club Log and the DARC Community Logbook. Paper QSL cards will not be issued. For more information about the event, including details of a certificate that is available for working the stations, visit 2025c.de Special callsign A9100IARU is in use by the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society to mark the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union. The callsign will be active for five days during each month of the 2025 year. The station was spotted recently using FT4 on the 10m band. QSL via EC6DX. British Railways Amateur Radio Society is continuing to run special event stations GB0LMR and GB2SDR during 2025 to celebrate 200 years of train travel. Operation is mainly focused on 40m but there may be additional activity on the 10m band using SSB. QSL via the Bureau. To read more about the special event stations, visit QRZ.com A team of operators from DARC is active until the 27th of April using special callsign DA0IARU. The station is operating to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the IARU. The special event team has been in existence for around five years and is led by Ric, DL2VFR. Now the DX news Thierry, TK1CX is active from Cameroon until the end of February. He is QRV as TJ/TK1CX on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands. He operates mainly using FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or via EA5ZD. Przemo, SP3PS is operating as C5SP from The Gambia until around the middle of March. He operates using SSB and FT8 on the HF bands. QSL via SP3PS. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide WPX RTTY Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 8th and runs until 2359UTC today, the 9th 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 started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 8th and runs until 1200UTC today, the 9th of February. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. PA stations also send their province. On Tuesday the 11th, the RSGB 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 11th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. 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, the RSGB 80m Club Championship data leg runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 13th, the RSGB 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 International DX Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 15th and runs until 2359UTC on Sunday the 16th of February. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and transmit power. USA stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Wednesday the 5th of February 2025 Last week went pretty much as predicted. The solar wind from a large coronal hole impacted the Earth on Saturday the 1st of February, pushing the Kp index to four. The hole was so large that the geomagnetic disturbance lasted until the early evening on Sunday. Once the solar wind speed had dropped, things got back to normal and the Kp index has been in the range of 1 to 2 ever since. The event appeared to have had little effect on HF propagation, with maximum usable frequencies over a 3000km path remaining above 28MHz during the daylight hours. So it looks like we dodged a bullet. At the time of writing, we have had 21 M-class flares in three days. A solar flare measuring M8.8 was detected around active region 3981, peaking at 0358UTC on the 3rd of February. This was the strongest flare yet from this region in terms of peak X-Ray flux. However, the flare itself was impulsive and was not the source of a coronal mass ejection. Over the next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index could fall slightly to be in the 180 to 200 range. Make the most of the good propagation as we may be entering a period of unsettled geomagnetic conditions again from the 10th to the 17th of February. NOAA predicts that the Kp index could rise to a maximum of 5 on the 13th but is likely to be in the range of 3 to 5 over the seven days. Part of this may be down to another coronal hole which became Earth-facing on the 6th of February. There is also a good chance that we could get an X-class eruptive flare from active regions 3981 or 3978, which could result in a coronal mass ejection. We recommend you keep an eye on solarham.com for daily updates. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO High pressure during the second half of last week brought some useful tropo conditions. As this week, ending today the 9th comes to a close there are some wintry showers along North Sea coasts, which may produce some snow and rain scatter. However, this may be weakened by the nearby high pressure.  By the end of this week, ending today the 9th, there will be a change of weather pattern as the high, having now migrated to Scandinavia, leaves room for Atlantic weather systems to encroach from the west during the coming week. This could bring rain scatter possibilities to the western side of the country. These should be more useful than the eastern coast ones at the end of last week since the rain will probably be heavier and the fronts slow-moving. This time of year is something of a desert for Sporadic-E propagation although look out for lesser events as a result of jet streams. You can track these on the Propquest website. Keep a look out for auroras during the week beginning tomorrow, the 10th. The likelihood of M-class flares is around 85%, while the chance of X-class flares is approximately 20%. So keep an eye on the Kp index for any potential solar events that could cause auroras. Next week, there are no major meteor showers. The next significant meteor shower, the Lyrids, will become active in April. Keep checking the pre-dawn period for random meteors. Moon declination reached a maximum yesterday, Saturday the 8th. Path losses are still low but will increase throughout the coming week. This means that this weekend, ending today the 9th, should produce good activity for EME, especially on the GHz bands with long Moon windows and high peak Moon elevation. 144MHz sky noise is moderate this weekend, ending today the 9th, but falls to low for the rest of the coming week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 22nd of December The news headlines: The RSGB is looking for a new Lecture Coordinator YOTA Month draws to a close but is still busy on the air The first RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2025 focuses on GB2RS The RSGB facilitates just over 60 lectures each year in a mixture of in-person, hybrid and remote formats. 50 of these are at the RSGB Convention and 11 are delivered through the livestreamed Tonight@8 webinar programme of events. This set of presentations aims to cover a wide mix of amateur radio-related subjects, across all depths of amateur radio experience and knowledge. They are watched and admired by RSGB members and non-members across the world. The RSGB Lecture Coordinator is part of the Tonight@8 and Convention teams. Its recent Lecture Coordinator Keith Hotchkiss, G0FEA has stepped back to focus on his professional commitments, so the RSGB is looking for someone new for this volunteer role. The right person will be proactive and collaborative, bringing ideas for presentations that educate and inspire radio amateurs to try something new, learn more about interesting topics and expand their knowledge of amateur radio. They will lead the invitation and scheduling process for Tonight@8 webinars and contribute to the decisions about Convention presentations. They will also be the main contact with Convention presenters, inviting them to speak, updating the speaker project plan and helping to create a balanced programme. Reporting to the Convention Chair, the Lecture Coordinator would be a member of the RSGB Convention team but would not be required to take responsibility for organising and managing other aspects of the event. If you're interested in the role or would like to find out more, please contact the RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB via gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk Youngsters on the Air Month is nearly at a close. It has been filled with some brilliant activity from young people using special callsign GB24YOTA. Thank you to everyone involved, from supervising young amateurs to making contact with them on the air. Before the year ends, we still have some activity using GB24YOTA, so please continue to listen out. Tomorrow, Monday the 23rd of December, Hilderstone Radio Society will be back on the air as it hosts the callsign for a final time this month. On Sunday the 29th of December, Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club in Northern Ireland will be operating GB24YOTA, followed by Marlborough Scouts on Monday the 30th of December. If you have been involved with Youngsters on the Air Month and would like your activity to be in a special RadCom feature, email your photos and a short report to comms@rsgb.org.uk  as soon as possible. The first RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2025 will be live on Monday the 6th of January. The presentation is all about the RSGB's GB2RS News service which will be celebrating its 70th anniversary next year. A team of people will contribute to the live presentation and will give you a behind-the-scenes insight into how the script is compiled, as well as a newsreader's perspective of the weekly broadcast. They'll share details of the plans being put in place for the anniversary and explain how you can get involved. The team will also consider GB2RS in the modern media environment and how new technologies in amateur radio are being embraced. Find out more about this fascinating discussion and the presenters by going to rsgb.org/webinars  Watch the presentation live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. The RSGB will be releasing four new presentations from its 2024 Convention over the festive season. If you'd like to be the first to hear about new releases as soon as they are available, go to youtube.com/theRSGB and subscribe to receive notifications. The RSGB YouTube channel has hundreds of other videos and webinars to enjoy, as well as numerous playlists on amateur radio construction, useful practical skills, technical topics and much more. Let the Society know you enjoy the content by pressing the ‘Like' button when you watch a video. Don't forget that the RSGB's headquarters will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 2pm on Tuesday the 24th of December 2024 until 8.30 am on Thursday the 2nd of January 2025. The RSGB National Radio Centre, or NRC, will also be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, the NRC will close at 2 pm and it will also be closed for essential maintenance works on Thursday the 2nd of January. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Sweden's Alexanderson alternator station SAQ has scheduled a transmission to send out a traditional Christmas message to the world. The century-old 200kW transmitter will start up and begin tuning at 0730UTC on Tuesday the 24th of December using CW on 17.2kHz. Transmission of the Christmas message will take place at 0800UTC. The event will be live-streamed from 0725UTC via the Alexanderson site's YouTube channel. Further details about the event, including test transmissions and QSL reports, can be found by going to alexander.n.se  Please note there will be no GB2RS broadcast on Sunday the 29th of December 2024, but many newsreaders will be holding informal nets in their usual broadcasting slots. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Sparkford Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil. Doors are open to traders from 7.30 am and from 9.30 am to the public. Admission is £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available. For more information, contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email m3vhv@hotmail.co.uk Looking ahead to events coming up next year, the Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. Doors open at 10 am, and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost for a table is £10. To book, please contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com Now the Special Event news In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the GB2RS News service, special callsign GB70RS will be on the air from the 1st of January. Listen out for operators on all modes and all bands. QSL via the Bureau, eQSL or Logbook of the World. For more information, please visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com Denby Dale Amateur Radio Society will be celebrating the New Year with a series of special event station callsigns all ending in HNY, which stands for Happy New Year. Members will be active on all HF and VHF bands using SSB, CW, FM and data modes. You can find full details of active callsigns on the GB0HNY page at QRZ.com Several special event stations will be active between the 1st and the 3rd of January 2025 to celebrate KW Electronics, a former UK manufacturer of amateur radio equipment. The active callsigns will include: GB4KW, GB8KW, GB0KW, GB1KW, GB5KW, GB2KW and GB6KW. More details are available via QRZ.com Special callsign GB0IRN will be active in January to celebrate the anniversary of the International Radio Network. The International Radio Network is active on various platforms and its mission is to promote amateur radio to those interested in radio communications. Find out more by visiting irn.radio Terry, GM3WUX will be using special callsign GB200LB from the 4th of January until the 31st of January 2025. The ‘LB' in the callsign stands for Louis Braille. The station will be operating to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of the Braille Code. The 4th of January is Louis Braille's birthday. Activity will be mainly on CW. QSL via M0OXO. Further details are available via QRZ.com Now the DX news A Danish DXpedition is operational as TO0J from French Guiana until the 31st of December. The group will be active on the 80 to 10m bands using CW, and SSB, but mainly FT8. QSL via Clublog's OQRS, Logbook of the World or eQSL. The J75K team is active in Dominica from the 26th of December 2024 until the 4th of January 2025. The IOTA reference is NA-101. They will be operating on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to IV3JVJ. Brian, GW4DVB will be operating from St Kitts as V4/G4DVB from the 31st of December 2024 to the 6th of January 2025. The station will be active using multiple modes on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL directly to Brian. More information is available on QRZ.com Members of the Rebel DX Group will be active as 5N9DTG from Abuja in Nigeria during January 2025. They will operate on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, FT8 and possibly SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon started at 0000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January 2025. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. On Thursday the 26th of December, the DARC Christmas Contest runs from 0830UTC to 1059UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their DOK number. On Friday the 27th of December, the RSGB 50MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 28th of December, the RSGB 70MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Stew Perry Top Band Challenge starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 28th of December and ends at 1500UTC on Sunday the 29th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. On Sunday the 29th of December, the RSGB 144MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 30th of December, the RSGB 432MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 1st of January 2025, the RSGB 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 1st, the RSGB 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 1st of January, 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 ARRL RTTY Roundup Contest starts at 1800UTC on Saturday the 4th of January and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 5th of January. Using data modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American stations will send their state, and Canadian stations will send their province. The European CW 160m Party runs from 2000UTC to 2300UTC on Saturday the 4th of January and from 0400UTC to 0700UTC on Sunday the 5th of January. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange for club members is signal report, name, club and membership number. For non-members, the exchange is report and name. On Saturday the 4th of January 2025, the RSGB 80 and 40m CW Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using CW on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 19th of December 2024. The last week was a little more disturbed than usual and we had a Kp index that hit 5.33. An enhanced solar wind stream contributed to active geomagnetic conditions and an interplanetary shockwave, that swept past Earth at 0519UTC on the 17th of December, caused minor G1 geomagnetic storming. A far-sided halo coronal mass ejection event also occurred later on the 17th of December at 1600UTC although this was not directed towards Earth. This shows that the Sun is still very active, and we should not be surprised if we experience more solar flares and CMEs. The solar flux index stayed in the 160s and 170s and we should keep an eye on active region 3927, which is currently turning to be Earth-facing and has already been the source of some C-class solar flares. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may rise slightly to be in the 180s. The largest Kp index forecast is 2, which probably means that NOAA is unsure about what will actually happen. We are pleased to report that OF9X is once again on the air from the land of Santa Claus in Lapland. Up to 16 operators will operate Santa Radio on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4 and FT8. They have already been spotted on the 30 and 20m bands using CW and on the 12 and 17m bands using RTTY. So, there is plenty of scope to work them. According to the prediction program Proppy, paths to Lapland should be open on 14MHz from 0800UTC to 1800UTC. On 28MHz, expect them to be open from 0930 to 1500UTC. The 80 and 40m bands should be mainly open during the hours of darkness. As always, across the Christmas period, we recommend that you use solarham.com and propquest.co.uk for real-time updates on solar and ionospheric conditions. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. Last week ended in a colder unsettled period of weather with strong north-westerly winds and spells of rain or showers. The air is sufficiently cold that some snow is possible over northern hills. This is potentially good news for rain or snow scatter, especially off fast-moving showers down the coastal fringes of the UK.  Although the nearest high remains near the Azores to begin with, it slowly migrates east to France and, by Christmas, to central Europe. This will bring high pressure and possibly Tropo onto Santa's list from Christmas Eve onwards. Look for patches of misty low cloud or fog for the best conditions. As usual, check for other modes. Meteor scatter and aurora are both worth consideration and this is a prime time for out-of-season Sporadic-E between now and about mid-January.  One of the helpful aspects of looking for winter Sporadic-E is that quite often the jet streams are significantly stronger than in the more traditional summer Sporadic-E season. Jet streams are a good source of turbulence that can eventually propagate up to the E region to make Sporadic-E propagation. Jet streams are shown on upper air charts and can be a good geographical guide to Sporadic-E prospects in the summer and should therefore be similarly consulted for these winter events. In this case, they tell us that the first half of the coming week, up to Christmas Day, is well set up with a northerly jet stream over central Europe and, more importantly, crossing the Alps. So, a second mode goes on to Santa's list. Check the VHF Cluster's Sporadic-E graphs at propquest.co.uk for early signs of activity, particularly for paths to the southeast into Italy and the Balkans. The Moon started this weekend with positive declination but goes negative late today, the 22nd. Path losses are at their highest due to apogee on Christmas Eve. 144MHz sky noise is high until Wednesday, including near-eclipse conditions all day on Monday. That's it for this year. How about making a New Year's resolution to try a new mode? Maybe use SSB or CW on VHF now and again and put out lots of CQ calls in 2025! And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 15th of December The news headlines: The RSGB 2025 election nominations process is open The Society is advertising for a new Convention Chair YOTA Month is busy this week with more callsign hosts to listen out for The RSGB 2025 elections process has begun, and nominations are open for a range of volunteer roles. The RSGB's President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will reach the end of his second year as President at the AGM and so will stand down. There are also two Elected Board Director vacancies. The Board is looking for people with specific skills to fill these roles. The current President is one of the few at the Board level with extensive experience in spectrum matters and negotiating with the authorities, so that skills gap needs to be filled. Outreach has been an important focus over the last year for the Society, and it would like to support the current activities and expand on them. These developments will include encouraging practical skills amongst the amateur radio community and building links with other organisations. Building those relationships will require someone with drive and determination but also tact and diplomacy. There are eight posts available for RSGB Regional Representatives, ranging from Region 1 in Scotland to Region 11 in the southwest. For more details about the roles as well as application forms and candidate packs, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election The RSGB has been developing its Convention over recent years to suit the changing needs of the amateur radio community. From a face-to-face meeting, it evolved into an online event when we weren't allowed to meet, then changed again into a hybrid event, bringing together the best of both for people in this country and across the world. The Society has also been developing the programme to include practical workshops and forums to support radio amateurs who would like a safe and accessible environment in which to try to develop their practical skills. The RSGB General Manager has been doing the role of Convention Chair for the last three years but has now stepped back from that additional voluntary role, so the RSGB is looking for a new Convention Chair. This role needs someone who understands the advantages of both online and in-person events and who can contribute to shaping the RSGB Conventions of the future to suit the changing amateur radio audience. The RSGB is looking for someone enthusiastic, proactive, collaborative and good at working with others in a strong team. They will also need an awareness of all aspects of amateur radio, including the latest developments and what might be on the horizon. As part of the wider Convention team, they will need to suggest ideas for speakers and practical activities that will attract a range of radio amateurs. If you believe you could contribute to the development of this prestigious annual event, the RSGB would like to hear from you. Please contact the RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB via gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk Youngsters on the Air Month is now halfway through, with plenty more operators booked to host GB24YOTA. There is still time to work the RSGB National Radio Centre's GB3RS station which is hosting the callsign for the duration of today, Sunday the 15th of December. On Wednesday, the 18th of December, the Simon Langton Boys School in Canterbury will be operating between 12 pm and 6 pm. On Thursday, the 19th of December, between 12 pm and 6 pm the Cambridge University Wireless Society will once again be hosting GB24YOTA. To finish up this week, Tommy, M7OMY will be operating on the 20th and 21st of December under the supervision of Las, M0BOY. Tommy is a young radio amateur and has been taking part in YOTA Month for a few years, so be sure to listen out and make a QSO with him. Search GB24YOTA on QRZ.com  to view the full operating schedule. The RSGB's headquarters will close for the Christmas and New Year period from 2pm on Tuesday the 24th of December 2024. It will open again at 8.30am on Thursday the 2nd of January 2025. During that time, if you need information about amateur radio, exams or RadCom, you'll find lots of information on the website via rsgb.org  If you are planning to visit the RSGB's National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park over the holidays, please note that it will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, the NRC will close at 2 pm. The National Radio Centre will also be closed for essential maintenance works on Thursday the 2nd of January 2025. 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 via rsgb.org/bpvoucher On the 6th of December, Ofcom announced an update regarding the timing of phases two and three of its amateur radio licensing framework, including changes to the new intermediate call signs and rules for Special event Stations. These phases were originally planned for December 2024 and March 2025 respectively, but Ofcom now expects to deliver them in the third quarter of 2025. For more information go to ofcom.org.uk  and search for ‘Licensing updates'. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Sparkford Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil. Doors are open to traders from 7.30 am and from 9.30 am to the public. Admission is £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available. For more information, please contact Luke via 07870 168197 or email m3vhv@hotmail.co.uk Looking ahead to events coming up next year, the Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. Doors open at 10 am, and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost of a table is £10. To book, please contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ via 07777 699069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com Now the Special Event news There is still time to work The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club which is once again active with special callsign GB0MC until Thursday the 26th of December. The ‘MC' in the callsign stands for Merry Christmas. The Club would like to invite everyone to call in and give them a hearty “HoHoHo” and tell them what radio equipment you would like from Santa this year. The Club will also be live streaming on its YouTube Channel. OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liège Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via ON6YH. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log. Starting in January 2025, members of the British Railways Amateur Radio Society will be operating Special Event Station GB0LMR to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway. QSL via the Bureau or direct by sending a Stamped Addressed Envelope to the address given on QRZ.COM. Now the DX news Mike, V47NH is active from St Kitts and Nevis until the 17th of December. The IOTA reference is NA-104. He will operate on the 40 to 10m bands and SSB. QSL via KC1NGS or Logbook of the World. The VP2VMM team is active from Anegada Island in The British Virgin Islands. They will be QRV in the 2024 ARRL 10m Contest which ends at 2359 today, Sunday. Outside the contest, they will be QRV holiday style using VP2V/homecall until Tuesday the 17th of December. QSL via Logbook of the World, Bureau, OQRS or direct to KU9C. Full details via QRZ.com S21DX is active from Bangladesh until the 19th of December. The IOTA reference is AS-140. The team is active on the 160 to 10m bands, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World or direct to EB7DX. A Danish DXpedition will be operating as TO0J from French Guiana between the 20th and 31st of December. They will be active on the 80 to 10m bands, CW, SSB, but mainly FT8. QSL via Clublog OQRS, Logbook of the World or eQSL. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon started at 0000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January 2025. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL 10m Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 14th of December and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 15th of December. Using CW and phone on the 10m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. US, Canadian and Mexican stations will also send their State or Province code. On Tuesday, the 17th of December, the RSGB 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 19th of December, the RSGB 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 12th of December 2024. We had another week with quiet geomagnetic conditions. Other than three hours with a Kp of four on the 9th of December, as of last Thursday when this report was being compiled it had been below three for the past seven days. Active region 3920 produced an impulsive M2.8 solar flare, peaking at 1006UTC on the 11th of December. A quick M2.0 flare was also detected around AR3922 in the southeast quadrant. There was also an M6.4 solar flare at 0648UTC on the 10th of December, but no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed. The solar flux index, despite being predicted to reach 200 again, has been simmering away in the 160s and 170s. Nevertheless, the quieter geomagnetic conditions have helped HF with the extrapolated MUF over a 3,000km path often hitting 40MHz at times. However, the early sunset, which is around 1538UTC to 1621UTC at the moment depending on your location in the UK, means that the MUF drops off quite quickly in the afternoon. The average critical frequency at night is currently about 3.0-3.5MHz, which explains why the HF bands appear to be dead. The winter solstice is on the 21st of December, and we won't see much change until we get to mid-January. There is DX to be had with CDXC members reporting working YJ0CA (Vanuatu) on 15 metres, V73WE (Marshall Islands) on 30 metres and YI1QEA (Iraq) on 10 metres. So, at the moment, make the most of the daytime DX and greyline openings, and reserve the evening for Top Band and perhaps 80 metres. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around 170 to 175. The Kp index is expected to be around two or three, apart from the 19th of December when it could reach four. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. The period of enhanced Tropo activity will have faded away by this weekend as the high pressure slips away into Europe and declines. This allowed low pressure to regain control from last Friday through the current weekend. There may be a chance of some rain scatter propagation on the GHz bands, although it doesn't look like a particularly good example.  All is not lost for Tropo followers, since the next high drifts in from the Atlantic early next week. The southern UK will benefit the most with Tropo paths to France and across Biscay. This lasts until midweek, to be followed by a return of low pressure for the second half of the week and probably a better rain scatter option than this weekend. The big Geminids meteor shower peaked yesterday, the 14th of December, but will linger throughout the month. The radiant source rises late afternoon and sets the following lunchtime and is most favourably positioned late evening and early morning, pre-dawn. Next, a consideration of aurora prospects, which are still a little enhanced by solar conditions. So, as usual, stay alert to an increasing Kp index above Kp=4 to keep in the game. Finally, remember that the period of Christmas and early January is well known for producing random out-of-season Sporadic-E. It's not possible to fine-tune Es prospects this far ahead, but it wouldn't hurt to monitor the f0Es traces on the www.propquest.co.uk website between now and mid-January. The Moon's declination is at maximum today, Sunday the 15th of December, and also on Monday, so expect long Moon windows with high peak elevations. Path losses are still low but rising, so it's still a good week for EME. The 144MHz sky noise is moderate to low all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 1st of December The news headlines: Join the final 2024 RSGB Tonight@8 live webinar Update on the RSGB strategic priority of spectrum and licensing RSGB HF Contest Committee announces changes to contests in 2025 The final RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2024 is being broadcast tomorrow, Monday the 2nd of December. Join Tim Hier, G5TM for a talk on the various HF antennas available for portable operating. He'll also discuss how to use very basic modelling software to ascertain the choices you have at your disposal. Tim will look at topics ranging from balancing the convenience of multi-band systems with some trade-off in performance to looking at using 40 metres portable. He'll also look at how to power your station and the advantages of operating HF portable. Tim is the RSGB RadCom Basics Editor so he will also highlight content in that publication that viewers will find helpful. Watch the webinar 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 has taken the next steps to support its strategic focus on spectrum and licensing. The Society is now formally engaged in work for the 2027 and 2031 ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences. The RSGB has introduced a new special focus page on WRC-27 and WRC-31 which you can find via rsgb.org/wrc-27 This page includes topics such as 6G telecoms and satellites, wireless power, space weather, and lunar communications. Supporting a new WRC-31 opportunity, the RSGB is also grateful to Chris Whitmarsh, G0FDZ and Roger Ray, G8CUB for a great overview of amateur innovation above 275GHz. You can read this on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/terahertz The RSGB HF Contest Committee has announced some changes to its HF contests for 2025. These cover the FT4 Series, the 1.8MHz Contests, the Commonwealth Contest, Field Day registration and also self-spotting. For full details go to rsgbcc.org/hf Youngsters on the Air Month begins today and Marlborough Scout Group will be the first team of youngsters to operate. They are on the air up until midday today, and then again after 6 pm. Also operating today is the Cambridge University Wireless Society, which is hosting the callsign GB24YOTA between 12 pm and 6 pm. Listen out for the group again on Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th of December. Other operators this week include Wick High School Radio Club on Monday, the RSGB National Radio Centre's GB3RS station on Tuesday, Sandringham School on Wednesday and Thurso Scouts on Friday. Go to QRZ.com and search for GB24YOTA to view the full schedule and operating times. If you'd like to host the callsign, you've still got time. Visit rsgb.org/yota-month to find out more and then email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to register your interest.  Don't forget that if you want to take an exam online at home, the last date you can do that this year is Friday the 20th of December. Exams will resume on Monday the 6th of January 2025 and the booking system will be available over the festive season so you can book exams for January onwards. Book online on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/exampay The next in the series of 145 Alive events is taking place on Sunday the 26th of January 2025. The organisers are looking for volunteer Net Controllers to help cover as many Maidenhead squares in the UK as possible. Whether you've been a Net Controller before or not, the team would love to hear from you. Find out more about the events by visiting the 145 Alive Facebook Group. To volunteer, send your intended individual, group or club callsign and your intended location and Maidenhead Square to masenville@gmail.com The weekly shortwave broadcast from the Deutsche Amateur Radio Club, or D.A.R.C as it is also known, will be aired from Woofferton in England for the first time in January 2025. The broadcast will be made from an existing BBC broadcasting complex that is operated by the subsidiary company Encompass Media, where there are a total of ten transmitters and just as many antennas. The station in Austria that is currently used by the Club is ceasing its shortwave operations at the end of December this year. Thanks to successful negotiations, the first programme will be broadcast from Woofferton on Sunday the 5th of January 2025 on the previously used frequency of 9670kHz. Full details of how to access Radio D.A.R.C are on the Club's website via darc.de Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Wiltshire Radio Winter Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 1st of December, at Kington Langley Village Hall in Kington Langley, located just off Junction 17 of the M4. Doors open at 9 am and close at 1 pm. Admission is £3. Indoor tables are £10. Car boot pitches are £10 for a car-size pitch and £15 for a van-size pitch. Hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information email Chairman@Chippenhamradio.club The Mid-Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair is on Sunday the 8th of December at Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre. Doors are open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry is £3 per person and there is no charge for partners and under 16s. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available, as well as hot food and refreshments. The cost for traders is £5 per 6ft frontage with tables supplied. Booking in advance is recommended. Mains electricity is also available on request. Traders are asked to pre-book as soon as possible. Please contact Phil, G6DLJ via 07990 563147 or email wrg2024@hotmail.com The Sparkford Radio Rally is on Sunday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil. Doors are open to traders from 7.30 am and from 9.30 am to the general public. Admission is £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available. For more information, please contact Luke via 07870 168197 or email m3vhv@hotmail.co.uk Now the Special Event news Ian Astley, M0IAA will be operating as GB1WH on Wednesday the 11th of December. The special event station is being run to support and promote the excellent work done by Wakefield Hospice. To donate to the hospice or to hear more from Ian, visit QRZ.com The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club will once again be running the special callsign GB0MC between the 1st and 26th of December. The ‘MC' in the callsign stands for Merry Christmas. The Club would like to invite everyone to call in and give them a hearty “HoHoHo” and tell them what radio equipment you would like from Santa this year. The Club will also be live streaming on its YouTube Channel. OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liege Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via ON6YH. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log. Now the DX news The 9L5A team, part of the F6KOP Club, is active from Sierra Leone until the 8th of December. The members will operate on the 160 to 6m bands and QO-100. QSL via F5GSJ, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS. The A35GC Team is currently active from Tonga until Friday the 6th of December. The IOTA reference is OC-049. The members will operate on the 160 to 6m bands, using CW, SSB, FT4, FT8 and RTTY. QSL via LZ1GC, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS. The TO9W Team is active again from Saint Martin Island until the 13th of December. The IOTA reference is NA-105. The members will operate on the 160 to 10m bands, with a focus on the 40, 80 and 160m bands. QSL via W9ILY, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon started at 0000UTC today and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January 2025. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. On Tuesday, the 3rd of December, the RSGB 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 3rd of December, the RSGB 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 4th of December, the RSGB 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 4th of December, the RSGB 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 ARRL 160m Contest starts at 2200UTC on Friday the 6th of December and ends at 1600UTC on Sunday the 7th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is a signal report for UK stations. US and Canadian stations will also send their ARRL or RAC section numbers. On Sunday the 8th of December, the RSGB 144MHz AFS 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 28th of November 2024. Last weekend's CQWW CW contest was a reminder of just how good HF propagation can be near sunspot maximum. The whole world was workable on the contest bands up to 10 metres, including the Far East, Australasia, the Caribbean and South America. It was a great opportunity to increase your DXCC total and have fun at the same time. This week's solar flux index crept back above 200 again, peaking at 225 as this report was being prepared. Geomagnetic conditions have been surprisingly good over the past seven days with a peak Kp index of 3.67 on the 24th of November. There have been no X-class solar flares, but there has been a total of 13 M-class and 54 minor C-class flares over the past seven days. There have been coronal mass ejections, notably on the 25th of November, but they have not been Earth-directed as of the 28th. So, to summarise, HF conditions have been pretty good. We are now entering the Winter period for HF propagation, which tends to favour the low bands. So 160m, 80m and 40m come into their own and night-time DXing becomes the norm. Look for greyline openings to the west at sunrise on 80m and 160m, and also short, but good, openings on 40m in the late afternoon. Nighttime may bring good DX on 80m and 40m, including the Caribbean and South America. NOAA predicts that the SFI will remain in the low 200s next week, and while geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be good at first, the Kp index may rise to four on the 4th to 6th of December. This could result in reduced MUFs until the Kp index recovers. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The unsettled theme continues through most of the next week or two. The only signs of slightly enhanced prospects for Tropo are as we close this week, and even that is restricted to some eastern areas for paths across the North Sea. A second option may temporarily appear around the middle of the coming week as a weak high crosses southern areas, but this one looks to be a cold high and probably not so good as a vehicle for Tropo. The meteor scatter prospects are aided by the last throes of the Leonids which fade away by this weekend, and the Orionids which peaked on Thursday the 28th of November, but last through the coming week. The unsettled weather should offer some useful GHz bands rain or snow scatter, since there will be several active weather systems around. This early in the winter is a great time for strong shower activity around the still relatively warmer seas. The auroral prospects are worth checking after recent activity. Look for watery-sounding signals on the LF bands as a good clue along with Kp index values greater than four. Last week saw some fleeting signs of Sporadic E on the Dourbes ionosonde graphs on propquest.co.uk, especially on Monday the 25th of November. This occurred typically around the middle of the day and was probably driven by the very strong jet stream and the current meteor activity. The Moon's declination is negative, reaching minus 28 degrees on Monday and we are close to eclipse on Sunday. That's followed by two days of high 144MHz sky noise, so with path losses still high, EME operators should probably take the opportunity to check their antennas after last week's gale. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 24th of November   The news headlines: The past and the future – the RSGB releases more Convention presentations RSGB Tonight@8 on HF antennas – join the last live event of 2024 Encourage youngsters on the air during YOTA Month   The RSGB continues to share some great presentations from its recent annual Convention. The two this week look back to the important history of amateur radio and contrast that with how amateur radio might be influenced by modern technology. Don Beattie, G3BJ discussed the very different amateur radio environment of 1924, and the history and events of October that year when the first two-way trans-global radio communication between the UK and New Zealand took place. This centenary celebration is just one of a range of activities that have included RadCom articles and a re-enactment of the contact at Mill Hill School. In his presentation on using AI to write simple amateur radio applications, RSGB Board Chair Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX considers how using AI software can improve productivity and bring the ability to write effective software within the reach of more people. This presentation is being released separately as part of the RSGB's focus on encouraging coding and programming activities amongst the amateur radio community. You can find a range of coding resources on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coding  To watch both presentations, go to the RSGB YouTube channel and choose the ‘RSGB 2024 Convention' playlist. The final RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2024 is on Monday the 2nd of December. The presentation by Tim Hier, G5TM will focus on the various HF antennas available for portable operating. He will also look at how to use very basic modelling software to ascertain the choices you have at your disposal. Tim's ethos when working portable is simple, “Five minutes from arrival to operating and no more”. Tim is also the editor of RadCom Basics and will refer to content in that RSGB publication that will help radio amateurs who want to try portable operating. Watch the webinar 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 Youngsters on the Air Month begins one week today. Callsign GB24YOTA will be active for the month, hosted by a range of groups, clubs and individuals. Marlborough Scout Group will be the first team of youngsters to operate. They will be on the air before midday on Sunday the 1st of December, and then again after 6 pm on the same day. Also operating the special callsign next Sunday will be the Cambridge University Wireless Society. They will be hosting the callsign between 12 pm and 6 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. Go to QRZ.com  and search for GB24YOTA to check availability and then email Jamie, M0SDV at yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to register your interest.  The RSGB VHF Contest Committee is currently planning the rules for the 2025 VHF contests. Following some discussion at the RSGB Convention, the committee members have some questions on which they would appreciate feedback from contestants, with particular topics focused on VHF Field Day and the Back Packers events. You can find the survey online at tinyurl.com/VHFCC2025 and it will close on Friday the 6th of December. Members of Wokingham u3a Amateur Radio Group have secured a new club call sign, G5UTA. The group operated the callsign for the first time during the national u3a week in September. G5UTA can be used by any u3a member with a Full licence, in support of a u3a event or demonstration. You can read more about the new callsign, including how to apply for authorisation to use it, in the January 2025 edition of RadCom. To find out more about amateur radio as a subject area within u3a, you can contact its new subject adviser Paul, G0NDN via the u3a website at tinyurl.com/u3asubjects The historic VLF transmitter at Grimeton Radio Station in Sweden is celebrating one hundred years since it was put into commercial operation. The unique Alexanderson alternator operates using callsign SAQ. To mark the centenary a special transmission will take place at 1000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December using CW on 17.2kHz. The event will be livestreamed on the organisation's YouTube Channel using the handle @AlexanderSAQ. You can find out more about the event via alexander.n.se  And now for details of rallies and events The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society Dinner is at the Creg-ny-Baa on Friday the 29th of November. Tickets are £25. For more information, including details of the menu and how to book, visit iomars.im The Wiltshire Radio Winter Rally is on Sunday the 1st of December at Kington Langley Village Hall in Kington Langley, located just off Junction 17 of the M4. Doors open at 9 am and close at 1 pm. Admission is £3. Indoor tables are £10. Car boot pitches are £10 for a car-size pitch and £15 for a van-size pitch. Hot and cold refreshments will be available on-site. For more information email Chairman@Chippenhamradio.club The Mid-Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair is on Sunday the 8th of December at Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre. Doors are open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry is £3 per person and there is no charge for partners and under 16s. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available, as well as hot food and refreshments. The cost for traders is £5 per 6ft frontage with tables supplied. Booking in advance is recommended. Mains electricity is also available on request. Traders, please pre-book as soon as possible. Please contact Phil, G6DLJ via 07990 563147 or email wrg2024@hotmail.com Now the Special Event news A special event callsign 9Y20TATT is active until the 29th of November 2024 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Radio Society. All amateurs are invited to make contact. Limited edition QSL cards will be available, and certificates can be requested by amateurs making at least five unique contacts. Find out more on the event website via 9y20ta.tt Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of Radio Beograd in 1924, members of the Belgrade Amateur Radio Club, YU1ANO in Serbia are active as YT100RB and YU1924RB until the 30th of November. For details of a certificate that is available for contacting these stations see yu1ano.org OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liege Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via ON6YH. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log. The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club will once again be running the special callsign GB0MC between the 1st and 26th of December. The ‘MC' in the callsign stands for Merry Christmas. The Club would like to invite everyone to call in and give them a hearty “HoHoHo” and tell them what radio equipment they would like from Santa this year. The Club will also be live streaming on its YouTube Channel.    Now the DX news HC5CW and HC2AP are active as HC5CW/8 and HD8CW from San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands until the 28th of November. The IOTA reference is SA-004. They will operate on the HF bands, CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via M0OXO or OQRS. The FW7AA Team is active from Wallis Island until the 29th of November 2024. The IOTA reference is OC 054. They will operate on the HF Bands. QSL via W7YAQ, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS. The 9L5A Team, who are members of the F6KOP Club, will be active from Sierra Leone between the 27th of November and the 8th of December. They will operate on the 160 to 6m bands and QO-100. QSL via F5GSJ, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide DX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 23rd of November and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 24th 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 Tuesday, the 26th of November, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm, 9cm, 6cm and 3cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 27th of November, 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 November, the RSGB 80m Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using CW on the 80m band only, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of November. We've had yet another week of relatively calm geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux index has been in the 160s and despite having 14 M-class solar flares over seven days, we haven't had any coronal mass ejections to contend with. As a result, the daytime maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path has been high, reaching more than 35MHz at times. The MUF declines after sunset, as expected, settling at about 12-13MHz, meaning the only HF band open to DX has been the 10MHz or 30-metre band. DX this week has included 3D2Y in Rotuma. This Pacific DXpedition has been spotted in Europe, on 20m, 15m and 17m CW, so plenty of choice as to which band you try. E51SGC in Rarotonga on the Cook Islands has also been spotted across many of the HF bands, but they will be leaving on the 24th of November. The good news is that the team of Stan LZ1GC and Ted LZ5QZ are moving on to Tonga as A35GC from the 25th of November until the 7th of December 2024. Gerben (PG5M) is active on the Falkland Islands as VP8G and has been spotted on 20m, 15m and 10m CW. He is there until the 25th of November so get in quickly! Next week, NOAA predicts that the SFI may rise to the mid-250s again. Geomagnetic conditions are largely predicted to be good, although do keep an eye on solarham.com for updates. And don't forget the CQ Worldwide CW contest this weekend which should bring a lot of DX to the HF bands. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. The weather is now in an unsettled phase with areas of low pressure bringing alternating spells of mild wet and windy weather interspersed with colder brighter and breezy showery weather.  This raises a couple of radio-related points; one is that we will see some very strong and potentially damaging winds in some areas, so check daily forecasts and make sure your mast guys are secure; and secondly an absence of any marked high-pressure Tropo weather.  Rain and snow scatter may be worth checking on the GHz bands in such unsettled weather. Meanwhile, meteor scatter is worthy of greater attention as next week's list of showers includes the small Alpha Monocerotids shower and the tail end of the big Leonids shower.   This introduces another potential nugget of interest in that it is widely accepted that meteors form the source material for Sporadic-E. Despite being out of season in the traditional sense, the prevalence of stronger jet streams in unsettled weather makes the next week a possible ‘watch period' for Es. If you are curious about what these might look like, check out the propquest.co.uk  website and look for the near vertical incidence skywave or NVIS tab for Wednesday the 20th of November 2024. During the two events in the middle of the day and evening, the critical frequency of the Es layer reached values of nearly 10MHz, which could equate to four-metre propagation on a good day. You will see the Es blog tab upper air charts also show a jet stream of greater than 100 knots.  For EME operators, the Moon has passed peak declination so Moon availability and peak elevation will be falling. Path losses are high and rising towards apogee on Tuesday the 26th. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

Foundations of Amateur Radio The hobby of amateur radio is one of experimentation and change. For decades this came in the form of circuit diagrams, components and scrounged hardware from anything that wasn't bolted down. New functionality came with the aid of a soldering iron. More recently, functionality comes from participation in the global electronics market where you can buy any radio you like and have it shipped to your door within hours at an unbeatable price. Mind you, buying all those unbelievably cheap radios does start adding up and if you want to use more sophisticated hardware, that too is possible, at a price, somewhere between $50 and a new Porsche. Whilst that's an option for some, for the rest of us, there are better and cheaper ways. Of course it doesn't stop there. If you connect any radio to a computer, you can use whatever software you like to encode and decode any signal you can imagine. With a traditional radio connected to a computer you can make it participate in hundreds of different so-called digital modes. Before I continue, let's look at radio in a slightly different way. Consider an antenna as a continuous source of voltages that are amplified, filtered and demodulated in some way by a radio. You can think of the combination of antenna, radio and computer as a stream decoder. To decode a signal in a new way requires a new decoder, which you could build from components or as I've said, buy online. During the week I've continued experimenting with GNU Radio. If you're unfamiliar, it's a toolkit that allows you to build so-called flow graphs that can process a signal stream. Think of it as a box of Lego that you can put together to build any type of decoder. Let me say that again. Imagine that you want to decode or transmit a mode like FreeDV, M17, APRS, Olivia, Contestia, or Hellschreiber. With the GNU Radio toolkit, all of this is possible and you won't need to buy new hardware or bust out the soldering iron every time you want to experiment with a new mode. If you have been playing with digital modes already, you'll likely point out that you can already do this today by using software running on a computer, and that's true. What that doesn't tell you is that this comes with a very specific limitation, namely that all those modes require that they fit inside a single audio channel because all those digital modes you might be familiar with are essentially using an SSB or FM signal with the audio generated or decoded by a computer. Even if you have a modern radio like for example an ICOM IC-7300, you'll still be limited in what modes of transmission you can make. ICOM limits the transmit bandwidth to 2.9 kHz. Flex Radio appears to double that to 7.9 kHz, but numbers are sketchy. The point remains, most current amateur radio technology is based around the notion that a mode essentially fits within a single audio channel and a very narrow one at that. So, why does this matter? If you run out of FT8 space on a band, right now you need to change to an alternate frequency to play, but you'll only be able to see the stations that are using the same alternate frequency, as long as they fit within the bandwidth of an audio signal. If you wanted to check out the main frequency, you'd have to change frequencies and keep switching back and forth. Using this idea, monitoring all of FT4, FT8, WSPR and all CW beacons, all at the same time becomes unimaginable, not to mention costly if you needed a radio for each band and each mode. What if you wanted to use another mode that took more than about 4 kHz, like say a 5 MHz wide DVB-T signal which you could be experimenting with on 70cm? Or, what if you'd like to compare a repeater input with its output at the same time? Or compare two repeaters together? Or find the best band to operate on right now? The point being, that there are things that simply don't fit within a single audio channel that you won't be able to play with using a traditional radio. As it happens, that too is a solved problem. Remember that I mentioned that you can think of an antenna, radio, and computer combination as a stream decoder? What if I told you that an SDR, a Software Defined Radio, is essentially a device that translates antenna voltages into numbers which you can process with GNU Radio? Whilst that does imply replacing your radio, you don't have to jump in at the deep end to start playing and even if you do decide to buy new hardware, you can get your toes wet with all manner of self build or commercial kits. Even better, you can start with the gear you already have today and become familiar with GNU Radio and when you're ready to expand your station, you can add in an SDR and continue to use the same tools to experiment. Not only that, you can do interesting things by combining what you already have. Consider for example the idea of using an RTL-SDR as the receiver with a traditional radio as the transmitter. You could decode all of the FT8 signals on a band and transmit where there was space to do so. The point being that you can do this one step at a time. Every time you download or build another GNU Radio flow graph, you can have a new decoder and as time goes on, you'll be able to decide what hardware you might want to pair it with. To be clear, I'm talking about the gradual change from component based radio using audio interfaces into software based radio. It's not like we haven't done this before. Anyone recall spark gaps, or valves? The future of experimentation is bright and it's filled with bits. I'm Onno VK6FLAB

GB2RS News Sunday the 20th of October The news headlines: The RSGB welcomes your feedback on its 2024 Convention Today is the last chance to get involved with JOTA 2024 The RSGB is looking for Youth Champions The RSGB's 2024 Convention took place last weekend and brought together hundreds in person, as well as many more from across the globe who watched via the livestream. The Society is already receiving an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, but if you did attend the Convention and haven't yet completed the feedback form, please go to rsgb.org/feedback and share your thoughts. If you watched the livestream the Society would also love to hear your feedback. Please visit rsgb.org/livestream-feedback and let the team know what you think of the online event. The feedback forms will be closed at the end of October. The live streams for both days will remain available for everyone to watch, so if you'd like to catch up on the selection of presentations that were aired, go to the RSGB website and search for ‘Convention 2024 Livestream'. As well as talks from the weekend, you'll find exclusive special interviews and pre-recorded videos. Today, the 20th, 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. The Society has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event and has shared it on its website. The list is available by going to rsgb.org/jota and choosing 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 @theRSGB and also use #JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. If you're not involved with a JOTA station do listen out and encourage the young operators on the air. There will be a report in RadCom so please send details and photos from your event to radcom@rsgb.org.uk by the 15th of November. Following the recent appointment of two Youth Champions for schools and universities, the RSGB is keen to expand the team. The Society is looking for a Youth Champion for scouts, guides and cadets, and another to lead activities and create resources to support young people once they have gained their Foundation licence, motivating them to try new things within amateur radio. The four Youth Champions will work closely as a team, as well as with the RSGB Board Liaison, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML and the RSGB Outreach Team. Together, the Youth Champions will also create a youth team and run a net or sked to involve all youngsters. Do you have what it takes to engage with young people and support them on their amateur radio journey? Another part of each Youth Champion's role is to give input and support for current activities, such as promoting and participating in Youngsters on the Air Month each December. If you are proactive, experienced at managing your own time efficiently, a good leader who can build relationships and mentor young people, and you are passionate about growing the number of young people involved in amateur radio, then one of these roles could be for you! Take a look at the youth activities on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/youth and see some of the great things that are happening already. If you're interested in being part of the team, contact Youth Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk The date has been confirmed for the Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. It will be going ahead on Saturday the 9th of November 2024 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland in Fife. Lunch will be provided, and an optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. The programme is now confirmed and, at the moment, 43 people have booked to attend the event. There are only 7 places left so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Online booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by email to Colin, GM4HWO at gm4hwo@gmail.com  Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events Part 2 of the British Amateur Television Club Convention for Amateur TV 2024, also known as CAT 24, is taking place on Saturday the 26th of October. The online event will run from 10 am until 3 pm and will feature talks about ATV-related topics. For more information visit batc.org.uk/live Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group's Rally is also taking place on Saturday the 26th of October at Elim Pentecostal Church, North Road, Carrickfergus. The doors will be open from 11.30 am and refreshments will be available. More information, including contact details, is available on the Group's Facebook page. The next Essex CW Boot Camp is scheduled to go ahead on Saturday the 26th of October. The event is an opportunity to meet your friends and enjoy a day of CW activities, tea, coffee and cakes. If you are interested in attending and have not yet registered, email info@essexcw.org.uk For more information about the event visit essexcw.uk The Galashiels Rally is taking place on Sunday the 27th of October at the Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors will be open from 11 am. The admission fee is £3 and there will be refreshments, traders and a bring-and-buy area to enjoy. For more information contact rallyqueries@galaradioclub.co.uk or visit galaradioclub.co.uk Now the Special Event news Special event station PF16F is active to say farewell to the F-16 fighter aircraft, or Fighting Falcon. After 45 years of service, from 1979 to 2024, the F-16 will retire from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Members of Radio Club Limburg will be operating the callsign until the 30th of November 2024 and hope to work as many amateur radio operators across the world as possible. For more information about the station visit rclb.nl/pf16f As part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of the world's first trans-global two-way radio communication, special callsign GB2ZL has been active at times from the UK. This is in addition to the main UK activity from GB2NZ, G2SZ and others. On Tuesday the 15th of October, the GB2ZL station, operated by Chris GM3WOJ from near Inverness, made a remarkable QSO with the ZL4AA team located just North of Dunedin. The ZL4AA station was operated by Dave ZL4DK, Mike ZL4OL and Stephen ZL4BN. This QSO, on the 40m band, long path at 0721UTC, was made using CW. 559 reports were exchanged each way and the operators at both ends were thrilled to make the contact. At each end of the QSO was an 80-year-old all-valve military transceiver from New Zealand, the iconic ZC1. These radios date from 1944, just 20 years after the first UK to New Zealand QSO. For more information about the station and the ZC1 transceiver visit the GB2ZL page at QRZ.com Sylvia, OE5YYN is active as OE20SOTA until the 31st of October to mark the 20th anniversary of Austria joining the Summits on the Air programme. Details of a certificate that is available for working the station are available at QRZ.com Now the DX news Harold, DF2WO is active as 9X2AW from Rwanda until the 22nd of October. He is operating using CW, FT4 and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. You might also catch Harold operating via the QO-100 satellite. When possible, he also hopes to be QRV on the 6m band. QSL via OQRS. Stephane, F5UOW is active as FR/F5UOW from Reunion Island, AF-016, until the 28th of October. He is operating using CW only on the 17 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World only. Now the contest news The Worked All Germany Contest started at 1500UTC on Saturday the 19th and ends at 1500UTC today, the 20th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Today the 20th, the RSGB 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. On Tuesday the 22nd, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 24th, the RSGB Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday the 26th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday the 27th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, 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 17th of October 2024 The past week has been characterised by a low geomagnetic Kp index and excellent conditions on HF, including the 10m band. With a solar flux index between 168 and 195, and a Kp index that never rose above 4, conditions have been better than the previous week, which suffered from the bad effects of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This came as NASA, NOAA and the International Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced that the Sun has reached its solar maximum period, which should continue for the next year. The announcement was not unexpected, and the exact period of maximum activity won't be known for some time. But it was a wake-up call for radio amateurs to get on the bands and make the most of the conditions! NOAA anticipates additional solar and geomagnetic storms during the current solar maximum period and during the declining phase of the solar cycle. The solar flux index fell from its 200-plus highs to be in the 160 to 195 range last week. But this was still more than enough to keep the ionosphere running. Maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path have been consistently over 28MHz during daylight, falling to around 11MHz overnight. Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre thinks the solar flux index will rise into the 200s again, but we may also get some geomagnetic disturbances, namely on the 22nd and 23rd when the Kp index might rise to around 4. Meanwhile, October can be one of the best months for HF propagation with good 10m band openings to Australasia in the morning and North and South America in the afternoon. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current unsettled spell of weather seems likely to continue into next week and is not atypical at this time of year. We should expect a more changeable pattern around the autumn as the main polar front jet stream migrates south across the UK into its winter state over the Mediterranean. That said, there may well be some brief interludes when the extended region of high pressure across Europe influences conditions over the British Isles, more specifically the southeastern corner. This is shown by some models around midweek for potential Tropo from southeastern England into the continent or across the North Sea to northern Europe and southern Scandinavia. The obvious mode to result from this unsettled weather will be rain scatter and it is probable that the GHz bands will enjoy this period of weather. Meteor scatter in October has a few showers to maintain interest. The Orionids and the Taurids are both active during the coming week. In fact, the Orionids, associated with the comet Halley, peak on Monday and Tuesday. Just a final note about Sporadic-E, which is ‘out of season'. Remember that there are no ‘zero Sporadic-E months' and recent indications have tended to show the response of raised critical frequencies of the Sporadic-E layer occurring around the middle of the day on the propquest.co.uk NVIS graphs. You may also see peaks earlier in the day around dawn, which is the peak time for meteor input. Beware, it is easy to get hooked on out-of-season Sporadic-E hunting! For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising. Path losses are rising again after the perigee on Thursday the 17th. So, we have increasing peak Moon elevations and longer Moon windows until Tuesday the 22nd. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate for the rest of the week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 6th of October The news headlines: The deadline for advance tickets for the RSGB 2024 Convention is tomorrow, Monday the 7th of October The RSGB is interested in what you did for National Coding Week The RSGB's next Tonight@8 webinar will take place tomorrow, the 7th of October The theme for this year's RSGB Convention is “Your Convention, Your Way” and the Society is providing a range of activities and presentations as well as different ways to get involved. There is still just time to buy your tickets in advance, but hurry as advance sales for attending the Convention or the dinners closes tomorrow, Monday the 7th of October. You will be able to buy a Convention ticket on the door but not at the discounted rate that is available now. At the event, there will be a varied programme of presentations regardless of your amateur radio interests or experience, as well as practical workshops and Morse competency tests. You'll also find a room full of special interest groups to chat to who could inspire you to try something new! If you're unable to travel to the Convention, a small number of presentations will be live-streamed and will be available on the RSGB YouTube channel without the need to pre-register. The RSGB has released two ‘Convention Chat' videos recently and will be releasing two more over the coming week, so find out what others think of the Convention and see who you might bump into in the bar! For full programme details and speaker information and to book in advance, go to the RSGB Convention web pages at rsgb.org/convention Did you take part in National Coding Week this year? The RSGB had nine activities to inspire you to take part, including two new worksheets developed by the Society's Outreach Team. Whether you took part by yourself, at a club night, or with friends and family, the RSGB would love to hear from you. To be included in the RadCom December feature on National Coding Week please send a summary of your activity, along with any photos, to radcom@rsgb.org.uk by the 17th of October. The worksheets will remain on the RSGB website for people to try, so if you would still like to have a go head over to rsgb.org/coding and get involved. The next RSGB Tonight@8 live webinar is tomorrow, Monday the 7th of October. Ian White, GM3SEK will present ‘Aircraft Scatter, the Hitch-Hikers Guide'. Aircraft scatter is about bouncing VHF and UHF radio signals off high-flying aircraft – effectively ‘hitching a ride' with someone else's plane to extend your everyday working range up to 800km. It may sound rather technical, but with some explanations from Ian, aircraft scatter might soon feel very easy. During the talk, Ian will consider how aircraft scatter works, and if it's so useful, why haven't we heard more about it? Join the webinar live at 8 pm on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/webinars grid.radio is a web application born out of the frustration that Rose, 2E0RXO and many others experienced during spontaneous, often unplanned, Parks on the Air activations. During busy moments, someone would inevitably ask for a Worked All Britain square or another reference that she wasn't prepared for. There wasn't a single, simple resource to quickly gather this information with a fast-loading, modern interface. Many websites would spend more time loading advertisements than displaying the necessary information, delaying communication and increasing the pending pile-up. After several months of facing the same issue and finding herself still unprepared, Rose, a Computer Science graduate, decided to solve the problem with code. She created a fast, free web app that can be installed on the home screen of any phone or tablet or accessed on a desktop computer for pre-activation planning. You can also share links so others can easily find out where you are operating from. Once installed, the app will even work without a data connection. Development is ongoing, with feedback from all amateur radio operators welcomed via the contact details on Rose's QRZ.com page. To learn more about this useful web app visit grid.radio Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.   And now for details of rallies and events The 49th Welsh Radio Rally is taking place today, the 6th, at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road in Newport. Traders can gain access from 7 am and the doors are open for visitors from 9.30 am. The entrance fee is £3 per person and free parking is available. For more information email Mike Rackham, GW4JKV via welshradiorally@gmail.com or phone 07976 368 250. The Dartmoor Autumn Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 13th of October. The event will be held at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton in Devon. There will be the usual bring-and-buy area, trader stands, refreshments and free parking available. The doors will be open at 10 am and admission will be £2.50. For more information visit dartmoorradioclub.uk or email 2e0rph@gmail.com The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club Rally will also take place on Sunday the 13th of October. The venue will be Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. The doors will be open from 10 am. For more details visit hornseaarc.com or contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252 293. Now the Special Event news Special callsign PH80LIB will be in use from various locations until the 10th of November to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the southern Netherlands in the autumn of 1944. Activity will be on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via the Bureau. See QRZ.com for more information. OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liege Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via ON6YH. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log. Now the DX news Michal, OM2DX is active as TO2DX from Reunion Island, AF-016, until tomorrow the 7th of October. He is operating CW, RTTY and FT8 on the 60 to 10m bands. QSL via OM2DX. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of the World. Gunter, DK2WH is active again as V51WH, and V55Y in contests from Namibia until the 12th of November. He operates SSB, FT8 and some CW on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via DK2WH. Now the contest news The Oceania DX SSB Contest started at 0600UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 0600UTC today, Sunday the 6th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The RSGB October 432MHz to 245GHz Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 6th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The IARU 432MHz to 245GHz Contest started at 1400UTC on Saturday the 5th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 6th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 6th, 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. On Monday the 7th, the RSGB 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 8th, the RSGB 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 8th, the RSGB 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 Tuesday the 8th, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 1900 to 2000 UTC. 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 9th, the RSGB 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 9th, the RSGB 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 10th, the RSGB 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. The Oceania DX CW Contest starts at 0600UTC on Saturday the 12th and ends at 0600UTC on Sunday the 13th of October. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 3rd of October 2024 In the first week of October, the 10m band began to show what it is capable of. With a solar flux index in the high 200s and calm geomagnetic conditions, DX was plentiful. Nick, VK9DX on Norfolk Island was audible on SSB all morning on Wednesday the 2nd and only wanted to work G stations. This made him popular in the UK, but less so in other countries! Vlad, 5H1WX, on Mafia Island, Tanzania, was another strong signal on the morning of the third. Meanwhile, the 3D2V Rotuma Island DXpedition near Fiji on the 10m band using FT4 was another catch for many people. The Kp index managed to remain low for the first half of the week, but there were warnings that a coronal mass ejection, which was attributed to the X7.1 solar flare on the 1st of October, might upset things later in the week. With a good spread of sunspots, mainly in the Sun's southern hemisphere, there could be more flares over the coming days. Scott Mcintosh, the solar physicist who predicted a busier than average Cycle 25, has now questioned whether we are past solar maximum. The fact that there are now fewer sunspots in the Northern Hemisphere suggests that we may be past the peak, but only time will tell. Meanwhile, NOAA predicts the solar flux index may decline towards the 200 mark next week. The Kp index is predicted to go to 4 this weekend. With four of the ten active sunspot groups now classed as growing, we may expect further solar activity and geomagnetic disturbances over the next seven days. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The brief period of high pressure that arrived towards the end of the previous week is currently being nudged away to the east into Europe. The coming week is dominated by very unsettled conditions with a succession of deep lows near or crossing the country and there's even one that contains the remnants of an old hurricane. The result is that next week will provide copious amounts of wet and windy weather, so no Tropo for us, but there may be several areas of heavy rain for a try at rain scatter on the GHz bands. We hope you have all checked out your antennas after last week's reminder since the winds may be quite testing for some areas. The solar conditions have been stirred up recently by several flares so, as usual, keep an autumn watch out for auroras. Lastly, there are plenty of meteor scatter opportunities aside from any random meteor activity. Try investigating one of the many meteor websites to see the full list of options. For EME operators, Moon declination is at its minimum on Wednesday. So, it is a good week for checking out systems before the Sun also gets too low in the sky to make sensible Sun noise measurements over the winter. Path losses are still high but starting to fall. If you're fortunate to have a clear low horizon you'll make some contacts, but with peak Moon elevation only eight degrees on Wednesday, you'll be lucky! 144MHz sky noise in general is high to moderate for the rest of the week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 22nd of September The news headlines: The RSGB Convention is just three weeks away The RSGB has announced that routine bookings for paper exams will cease Take advantage of group activity opportunities at the RSGB National Radio Centre The RSGB Convention is just three weeks away and there is a fantastic programme planned. Whatever your amateur radio interests or experience there will be something for you. In addition to the presentations, you could take part in a workshop to learn more about microcontroller programming – spaces are limited so make sure you book soon if you want to be part of that event. There will also be an EMF and EMC Clinic, contest forums and a chance to find out more about a wide range of amateur radio special interest groups. The social side of the Convention is important too, whether you're catching up with friends over coffee or enjoying the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. Day or weekend tickets for the Convention are still cheaper if you buy in advance rather than on the door, and the deadline for advance tickets is Monday the 7th of October. To find out more about the programme, the speakers and to book your tickets, go to the RSGB Convention web pages at rsgb.org/convention The RSGB has announced that from the 29th of November it will stop taking routine bookings for paper exams. Currently 97% of amateur radio licence examinations are taken online using the TestReach platform, either at home under remote supervision or in a club setting. Following the implementation of Syllabus v1.6 on the 1st of September 2024, the new examination question bank will only be maintained online. Generating paper exams will involve significant additional work for the RSGB Examinations Department, with the associated costs. You will be able to apply for a paper exam on the grounds of special educational needs in the same way that you can currently request special requirements such as extra time or a reader. To do that you need to email the Exams Department via exams@rsgb.org.uk  To read the full details of the changes, including the three important dates you need to know, please go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org  and search for ‘Exam Announcements'. Do you work with young people at a school, or perhaps with a youth group such as the Scouts, Guides or Cadets? Are you looking for an activity that provides hands-on learning opportunities for them? The RSGB National Radio Centre currently has availability for two private evening visits in December as part of the Society's activities for Youngsters on the Air month, or YOTA month as it is often called. Sessions typically last two hours and include an introduction to amateur radio, before the youngsters are split into smaller groups to complete a variety of activities. These can include Morse code, VHF communication using handhelds, shortwave radio communication and satellite communication. The group size is limited to a maximum of 12, and there must be one adult accompanying every four students. If you'd like to find out more about this unique learning opportunity, email the RSGB National Radio Centre Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk The next Bletchley Park 1940s weekend is taking place at the moment. If you are visiting for the event, make sure you drop into the RSGB National Radio Centre where you'll be able to see a number of World War Two receivers on display. Don't forget that RSGB members can get free entry to Bletchley Park, which also includes admission to the RSGB National Radio Centre. You can access this fantastic offer by logging into the RSGB membership portal via rsgb.org/members  and selecting ‘Visit Bletchley Park'. Don't forget that National Hamfest 2024 is coming up on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk  Railways on the Air weekend usually takes place on the weekend closest to the 27th of September. 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 the North East of England from Darlington to Stockton. Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club coordinates the event and this year it will take place over the weekend of the 28th and 29th of September. For more information visit rota.barac.org.uk The next event in the popular 145 Alive series takes place on Sunday the 29th of September. The event will run from 1 pm to 4 pm and there will be nets operating in most Maidenhead Squares across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To take part in the event, which is designed to promote FM activity on the 2m band, all you need to do is call in and make contact with others. The organisers are looking for more net controllers. For more information contact Mark Savage, M0XIC via the 145 Alive Facebook page. On Monday the 7th of October the RSGB's Tonight@8 live webinar will be with Ian White, GM3SEK who will give a presentation entitled ‘Aircraft Scatter, the Hitch-Hikers Guide'. Aircraft scatter is about bouncing VHF and UHF radio signals off high-flying aircraft – effectively ‘hitching a ride' with someone else's plane to extend your everyday working range up to 800km. For example, if you are one of the hundreds who get involved in the monthly UK Activity Contests on the 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands, you will already be using aircraft scatter routinely and it will be responsible for some of your best QSOs. So how does aircraft scatter work? And if it's so useful, why haven't we heard more about it? Join the webinar live at 8pm on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Find out more about this and other webinars on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/webinars Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week And now for details of rallies and events Weston super Mare Radio Society Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, the 22nd. The venue is The Campus Community Centre, Worle, Weston super Mare, BS24 7DX. For further information and to book a table email westonradiosociety@gmail.com On Saturday the 5th of October Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society is holding a surplus equipment sale in aid of club funds. The venue will be Cwmduad Community Centre, Cwmduad, Carmarthenshire, SA33 6XN. The doors are open for traders from 8am, and for visitors from 10 am. Disabled access will be available from 9.30 am. The entrance fee for visitors will be £2. For more information, or to book a table, email G0JLX@mail.com The 49th Welsh Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 6th of October at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport, NP18 2YE. Traders can gain access from 7am and the doors will be open for visitors from 9.30am. The entrance fee is £3 per person and free parking will be available. For more information email Mike Rackham, GW4JKV via welshradiorally@gmail.com or phone 07976 368 250. Now the Special Event news Today, the 22nd, Mid Ulster Amateur Radio Club is active with the callsign GI5LOW from Blacks Farm in Tandragee to celebrate the G-QRP Club's 50th anniversary. The callsign will be active from around 9am and the station is operating using all modes on the HF bands and FM on the 2m and 70cm bands. Also, from 2pm, Philip, MI0MSO will be giving a talk on, and practical demonstration of, programming a LoRa board as a tracking unit on 433MHz. During the annual Railways on the Air weekend on the 28th and 29th of September the British Railways Amateur Radio Society will be operating using the callsign GB1FRT on behalf of the Furness Railway Trust in Preston. Activity will be on the 40m band using SSB. QSL via the Bureau. To read more about the station visit brars.info  and QRZ.com Now the DX news Today, the 22nd, is the last chance to work Harald, DF2WO who is active as XT2AW from Burkina Faso. He is QRV on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB and FT4. You might also be able to catch him via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World. Listen out for members of Guisborough and District Amateur Radio Club who are active from the Isle of Lewis using their Club callsign MS0NYM. The station will be active from today, the 22nd, to Saturday the 28th of September. Operators will be available on a variety of bands using CW, FT8 and phone. Now the contest news Today, the 22nd, 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 24th, 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, 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, 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 CQ World Wide DX RTTY Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 28th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 29th 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 29th, 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 19th of September 2024 It was a topsy-turvy time for HF propagation last week with a declining solar flux index and geomagnetic disturbances thanks to coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, from the Sun. The solar flux index declined to the mid-160s, and the Kp index had a couple of excursions to more than 7. These were due to CMEs and the second, which occurred on Tuesday the 17th, was associated with the X4.5 solar flare on Saturday the 14th. Luckily, it was 0300UTC when the CME hit the Earth, so only die-hard UK DXers were affected. With a G4 geomagnetic storm raging, the maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path fell to less than 6MHz, but did manage to recover to 8.45MHz by dawn. The rest of Tuesday was subdued with the maximum useable frequency never really getting above 21MHz. This is why the advice is often to avoid DXing when the Kp index climbs high, as the upper HF bands will likely be closed. By comparison, on Thursday the 19th the Kp index was 2.67 and the maximum useable frequency over 3,000km was above 28MHz again. NOAA puts the risk of another X-class flare at 10%, and an M-class event at 55%. So, we are not out of the woods yet. Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre says the solar flux index may decline slightly but could then rise to be in the 232 to 240 range. Geomagnetic storming is predicted for the 26th to the 29th, when the Kp index could rise to 5. Meanwhile, autumnal HF conditions should soon be kicking in with better propagation to North America. If the solar flux stays high, we can expect excellent 28MHz propagation, perhaps to the mid-west and Pacific states. North-South HF paths, such as the UK to South Africa and South America, should also be good around the equinox period. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The last week of Tropo gave us good conditions across the North Sea and up and down the country on the VHF and UHF bands.  It is very likely that there will be a big change of weather type over this weekend, ending today the 22nd, to a much more unsettled pattern with low pressure dominating during the coming week. In fact, there will be a sequence of lows, fronts and showery interludes to set the template for next week. This means that rain scatter is a good candidate for propagation on the GHz bands, which could be useful on the evening of Tuesday the 24th during the SHF UK Activity Contest. Meanwhile, tropo takes a back seat for a while. The solar activity continues to be of interest and, again, the message is to monitor the Kp index to keep one step ahead of events in case any aurora spring up. Meteor scatter is mainly down to random activity, although the daytime Sextantids peaks on Friday the 27th of September, but with a low zenith hourly rate of 5. For EME operators, Moon declination is positive and rising, reaching +29 degrees next Tuesday, so Moon visibility windows will continue to lengthen. Path losses are increasing as we passed perigee last week. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, dropping back to low next Thursday. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 15th of September The news headlines: The RSGB is looking for its next Youth Champion Success for an RSGB member at the IARU ARDF Championship Today is the last chance to book early bird tickets for the RSGB Convention The RSGB is looking for its next volunteer Youth Champion. This could be one role or split between people who focus on different aspects of it. The Youth Champion will work closely with RSGB Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML and the RSGB Outreach Team to ignite interest and develop links with schools, universities, Scouts, Guides and the general public. They will also help to support current young amateurs and motivate them to try new things within amateur radio after they gain their license. This role needs someone proactive, good at building relationships with young people, and passionate about inspiring the next generation of radio amateurs. For the full role description go to rsgb.org/volunteers  and if you would like to apply or find out more, contact Ben Lloyd via gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk The 24th IARU Region 1 ARDF Championships in Bulgaria saw an RSGB member on the podium. David Williams, M3WDD took the silver medal position in the M60 category of the 144MHz Classic five-transmitter race at the Championships held at Primorsko, Bulgaria earlier this month. David had come so very close to winning being only 14 seconds behind the winner Jozef Simecek of Slovakia. There were four races altogether. The week of competition started with the Sprint race on 80m followed the next day by the 2m five-transmitter Classic race for the M60 category in which David did so well. A well-earned rest day followed and after that came the 80m five-transmitter race. The week ended with the Foxoring event, a combination of direction finding and orienteering, again using the 80m band. You can see the results in full, and read more about ARDF, at rsgb.org/ardf Don't forget that the RSGB Convention early bird price ends today, Sunday the 15th of September. There's a range of great presentations planned, a fantastic microcontroller workshop to take part in, as well as all the fabulous social opportunities to enjoy like the Gala Dinner. Go to rsgb.org/convention to find out more and book your tickets. Have you ever tried LoRa? Or Node Red? Have you used the Raspberry Pico for coding or played a Morse game with an Arduino? These are just some of the great activities on the RSGB's website that are available for National Coding Week which begins this Monday, the 16th of September. Whether you fancy doing something different for a club night or would like to sample something new just for fun, there's an activity to inspire you! You could even try combining your love of amateur radio with the software interests of a young family member. The RSGB is offering nine activities this year so head over to rsgb.org/coding  and get involved. The next Bletchley Park 1940s weekend is taking place on the 21st and 22nd of September. If you are visiting for the event, make sure you drop into the RSGB National Radio Centre where you'll be able to see several World War Two receivers on display. Don't forget that RSGB members can get free entry to Bletchley Park, which also includes admission to the RSGB National Radio Centre. You can access this fantastic offer by logging into the RSGB membership portal via rsgb.org/members and selecting ‘Visit Bletchley Park'. Don't forget that National Hamfest 2024 is coming up on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk  And now for details of rallies and events The Broadcast Engineering Museum near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is new and a work in progress, so it only opens a few days each year. Today, from 11 am to 4 pm, the Museum is having an open day. The Museum contains a vast collection of historic broadcasting equipment and memorabilia, some restored and working, on display in a former RAF sergeants' mess. Free parking is available on-site. For more information email contactus@becg.org.uk or visit becg.org.uk The British Vintage Wireless Society is holding a swap meet and auction today, the 15th at the Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8JH. Stallholders can gain entry from 9 am. Admission for visitors will be available from 9.30 am for £8. The auction starts at 12.30 pm and hot and cold refreshments will be available all day. For more information visit bvws.org.uk or email Jeremy Owen, G8MLK at secretary@bvws.org.uk The  East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is taking place on Saturday the 21st of September. The venue will be Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Doncaster, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open for visitors from 9.30 am until 4 pm and admission will cost £3 per person. Disabled access will be available from 9.15 am. For more information, including booking and contact details, visit g0raf.co.uk/rally Weston Super Mare Radio Society Radio and Electronics Rally will take place on Sunday the 22nd of September from 10 am. The venue will be The Campus Community Centre, Worle, Weston super Mare, BS24 7DX. For further information and to book a table email westonradiosociety@gmail.com Now the Special Event news To celebrate the G-QRP Club's 50th anniversary special callsign G5LOW, and all its regional variants, will be QRV until the 30th of September. In addition, several overseas stations will be joining in with the event. For more information, including details of commemorative certificates that will be available for chasers, visit tinyurl.com/GQRP50 Advance notice now that during October and November, special callsign PZ5JT will be back on the air from Surinam during the jungle training of the Royal Dutch Army and Marines. The station is operated by personnel from the signal regiment and they will be working on the 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. Operators will be using in-service military L3Harris radios from different locations and will welcome your call. Now the DX news Carl Gorse, 2E0HPI will be operating from multiple locations for the Parks On The Air scheme around the Lancashire area from tomorrow, the 16th, to Friday the 20th of September. He will be using Yaesu FT-857d and Xiegu G90 transceivers with 20W. Listen out for Carl on all bands from 160 to 10m using FT4, FT8 and SSB.  Maxim, OH7O will be active as 3D2YY from Viti Levu, OC- 016, on Fiji until the 19th of September. He will operate mostly SSB and some slow CW on the 40 to 10m bands, and possibly the 80m band, from different locations around the island. See QRZ.com for more information. Now the contest news Today, the 15th, 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. The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 14th and runs until 2359UTC today, Sunday the 15th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Today, the 15th, 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. Also, today, the 15th, 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. Irish stations also give their county. The IRTS 2m Counties Contest is also taking place today, the 15th, from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Irish stations also give their county. Also today, the 15th, 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 your serial number. Tomorrow, the 16th, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 17th, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 19th, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 22nd, 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 12th of September 2024 Last week showed that HF conditions are improving as we head into the autumn. With a solar flux index still above 200, there was plenty of DX available to work. CDXC members reported working VP6WR on the Pitcairn Islands, KH8T on American Samoa and 3D2USU on Fiji, which is not a bad catch for early September. A little closer to home, 9A168TESLA in Croatia has been popping up for short periods celebrating the 168th anniversary of the birthday of electrical pioneer Nikola Tesla. Watch DX Summit closely for operating times. The daylight maximum useable frequency, or MUF, over 3,000 kilometres remains above 28MHz on the whole, although a raised Kp index tends to reduce this. Geomagnetic conditions remained relatively calm with the Kp index below 3 all week. That changed on Thursday the 12th as material from a coronal mass ejection, or CME passed the ACE spacecraft in the early hours. The solar wind speed increased to more than 500 kilometres per second and the Bz swung south. On Thursday the 12th, the Kp index was 5 and the Met Office Space Weather department was forecasting potentially unsettled conditions for this weekend, ending today the 15th. At the same time an X-class flare occurred, with lowered MUFs due to increased D-layer absorption. Two large coronal holes on the Sun's surface are also now Earth-facing and threaten to add to the solar wind this weekend. According to NOAA's predictions, the solar flux index should stay in the 210 to 225 range next week, although a large number of spots are about to rotate off the Sun's visible disk. This may be compensated by an active region that's about to rotate into view. This has been emitting C-Class and lower-level M-flares and could potentially be the same region that produced several energetic eruptions off the far side of the Sun over the past week. Time will tell. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The heavy showers at the end of last week produced some good rain scatter, but no QSOs in the UK were noted due to the showers not coinciding with GHz contests and few suitable home stations were active to take advantage of them. After a gradual build-up of pressure over this weekend, ending the 15th, high pressure is suggested by most models during the coming week. However, there is some uncertainty about the position of the high.   Currently, models are favouring the north of Britain and this means that in the south, although still on the edge of high pressure, there could be a brisk northeasterly breeze, which may weaken the inversion prospects. It's not clear if the Tropo will be functioning in time for the 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest today, the 15th, but should be helpful for the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest on Tuesday the 17th and the 70MHz UK Activity Contest on Thursday the 19th. Solar conditions are still likely to offer the chance of the occasional elevated Kp index, which is a good sign of possible aurora. It will be interesting to see how things evolve this weekend, ending the 15th, as a series of expected CMEs are due to reach Earth.  The amateur bands between 10m and 2m are the ones to check as well as looking out for ‘watery' sounding signals on the HF bands. Remember it doesn't have to be dark for radio aurora, so don't wait for dusk before checking. Meteor scatter is mainly down to random activity in the coming week. However, with the September Epsilon Perseids stream still active until the 21st, having peaked on the 9th, conditions may be slightly enhanced. For EME operators, Moon declination is negative but rising and going positive again on Wednesday the 18th. Moon visibility windows will continue to rise while path losses decrease as we approach perigee on Wednesday the 18th. 144MHz sky noise is moderate for the whole of next week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 25th of August 2024 The news headlines: The RSGB 2024 Convention will feature a microcontroller programming workshop You can take the RSGB Morse competency test at National Hamfest this year RSGB Board Director Peter Bowyer, G4MJS to take on Board Liaison roles for contesting and trophies At this year's RSGB Convention, there will be a workshop to introduce attendees to microcontroller programming through a short presentation followed by practical exercises. The Society aims to widen the programming skills in the amateur radio community and introduce individuals to radio-related usage of Micro Controller Units, or MCUs. If you attend the workshop, you will receive a genuine Arduino board, a set of DuPont wires, a breadboard and two specific devices which you will be able to take away with you at the end of the workshop. The exercises will take you through using the Arduino IDE, basic programming and interfacing to the provided devices. You need to pre-register as spaces are limited to just 20 people. The workshop and hardware are free, but in return for the £10 booking fee, you will receive a copy of the book “Microcontroller Know How” by Mark Jones, G0MGX. You must be a ticket holder for the Convention to be able to take part. To find out more and to book your place, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention and choose the workshops and forums tab on the right-hand menu. If you're going to the National Hamfest on the 27th and 28th of September, why not try the RSGB Morse competency test? You don't have to book in advance, just visit the RSGB village area. You can be tested at 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 or 30 words per minute so you don't have to be a CW expert. If you pass the test, you'll either receive a certificate on the day or it will be sent to you electronically shortly after. Eric Arkinstall, M0KZB is the RSGB Morse Competency Project Lead and he will guide you through the test process. If you don't want to do the test you can still drop in to try Morse for the first time or pick up some hints and tips. It will be a busy event so whilst there will be headphones available, you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Eric looks forward to seeing you at the event! If you have any questions, please contact Eric via morse.tests@rsgb.org.uk   The RSGB Board Chair has announced that new Director Peter Bowyer, G4MJS will take on the Board Liaison roles for contesting and trophies. If you would like to contact Peter, his email address is g4mjs@rsgb.org.uk This year's Youngsters on the Air camp in the Czech Republic finished on Friday the 23rd of August after an action-packed week. The RSGB representative Rhys Williams, M0WGY took part in a range of amateur radio activities that included kit building, ARDF and surface-mount technology as well as a day trip into Prague. Rhys also made the most of the great station setup and enjoyed plenty of airtime. This included making over 100 QSOs on the 40m band whilst operating special callsign OL24YOTA, which he has said was good to practise his pile-up management. You can read more from Rhys by going to rsgb.org/yota-camp and reading his daily blog. This year's camp was organised by the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group together with the Czech Radio Club. The next event in the popular 145 Alive series takes place on Sunday the 29th of September 2024. The event will run from 1 pm to 4 pm and there will be nets operating in most Maidenhead Squares across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To take part in the event, which is designed to promote FM activity on the 2m band, all you need to do is call in and make contact with others. The organisers are looking for more net controllers. If you would like to run a net, contact Mark Savage, M0XIC via the 145 Alive Facebook page. The date has been confirmed for the Twelfth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT. The event will take place 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. The programme is now confirmed and online booking is available via the GMRT website at gmroundtable.org.uk or by emailing Colin, GM4HWO at gm4hwo@gmail.com National Hamfest is only a few weeks away. Early-bird advance tickets are currently available but this offer finishes on Saturday the 31st of August. Visit nationalhamfest.org.uk for more details and booking information. And finally, don't forget to listen out for all the stations that are on the air for the British Inland Waterways on the Air event this weekend. To read more about the event visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group's website at nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2024' link.  And now for details of rallies and events Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place today, the 25th. The venue is Heron's Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes, MK8 9AA. The doors open to the public from 9 am. The entrance fee is £3 and free parking is available. For trader and exhibitor enquiries please email rally@mkars.org.uk  Outdoor pitches and indoor tables are available. For more information visit mkars.org.uk Torbay Annual Communications Fair is also taking place today, the 25th, at Newton Abbot Racecourse, TQ12 3AF from 10 am. This is an indoor event with free parking, a bring-and-buy area, an RSGB bookstall and on-site catering. For more information email rally@tars.org.uk Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally is taking place tomorrow, Monday the 26th, at Ernulf Academy, St Neots, PE19 2SH. The gates open for traders at 7 am and for the public at 9 am. The entrance fee is £3. Free car parking, an RSGB bookstall, a bring-and-buy area, catering, and indoor and outdoor stalls will be available. For more information email henry_hirst@hotmail.com or phone 01480 214282. Saffron Walden Radio Ham and CB Club Rally will run from Friday the 30th of August to Sunday the 1st of September in the CM22 6BH area. For more information about fees, and directions, visit the event's Facebook page or email swrc73@gmail.com Telford Hamfest is set to take place on Sunday the 1st of September at Harper Adams University near Newport, Shropshire. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £5. Children up to age 16 will be admitted free of charge. Free parking, catering, an RSGB bookstall, and a bring-and-buy area will be available on site. For more details visit tdars.org.uk or email John, M0JZH at hamfest@tdars.org.uk September marks the golden anniversary of the G-QRP Club, which was started by the Reverend George Dobbs, G3RJV in 1974. The Club will be marking its 50th anniversary at its annual Convention over the weekend of the 31st of August to the 1st of September. The event takes place in parallel with the Telford Hamfest at the Harper Adams University Campus near Newport, Shropshire. Following a buildathon and social supper on the Saturday, there are a number of speakers lined up on Sunday, including Hans Summers, G0UPL talking about his QRP kits. Non-members are welcome to come along on the Sunday and enjoy the Hamfest and the G-QRP Club talks. Full details are on the G-QRP Club website at gqrp.com  Following the Convention, the Club is running an activity period called ‘Low and Clear' throughout September. A number of QRP stations are being activated across the UK and in other countries, with ‘LOW' or ‘QRP' in their special callsigns. Stations working a number of them will receive a certificate, and the ‘best' logs will be awarded prizes which have been donated by traders who advertise in the Club's journal Sprat. Again, details can be found on the Club's website. You can find details of a new RSGB book celebrating 50 years of the G-QRP Club in the September issue of RadCom. Now the Special Event news Special callsign YQ60YODXC is active until the 31st of August to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the YO DX Club. For details of certificates that are available, see QRZ.com Marking the 25th anniversary since Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, special callsign HF25NATO will be active until the 31st of August. QSL via Logbook of the World or Club Log's OQRS. A certificate will be available for download via tinyurl.com/hf25nato Now the DX news Today, the 25th, a team from Guernsey Amateur Radio Society is operating a Parks on the Air station on Lihou Island, just off the coast of Guernsey. The park reference for the location is GG-0005 and activity is planned from 6 am to 3 pm. Operators will be using SSB and data modes on the HF bands but will also be available on the 2m band for local calls. Alex, SQ9UM is active as D4UM from Sal Island, AF-086, in Cape Verde until tomorrow, the 26th. He is operating CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Alex's home call. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. Holger, DG3FEH is active as S79/DG3FEH from Mahe [MA-HAY], AF-024, in the Seychelles until the 27th of August. He is operating using SSB on the 40, 20 and 15m bands and also via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via the Bureau to Holger's home call. Now the contest news The World-Wide Digi DX Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 24th of August and runs until 1200UTC today, Sunday the 25th of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator. Today, the 25th, 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 27th, 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. The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 31st of August and runs until 1200UTC on Sunday the 1st of September. Using SSB 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 Worked All Britain DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 31st of August and runs until 1200UTC on Sunday the 1st of September. The exchange is a report, serial number and Worked All Britain square, where applicable. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 11th of September. Visit the Worked All Britain website for more information and to read more on the rules for the contest. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 22nd of August 2024 We had yet another week with a high solar flux and relatively calm geomagnetic conditions. The solar flux index ended up at 239 on Thursday the 22nd, while the Kp index has been below 4 since Sunday the 18th. There are currently 11 active sunspot regions on the Sun's surface and there is a 20% chance of a major X-class solar flare according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. There are signs that HF propagation may be improving, but it will probably be another month or so before we see any large change. This is due to the summer doldrums that see the ionosphere harder to ionise due to a change in its chemical composition. By mid to late September, we will start to see a change to autumnal conditions and DX will start to open up again on the higher bands. Having said that, there is still DX to be had. The N5J DXpedition to Jarvis Island in the Pacific Ocean proved that the DX is workable, but the path was mainly open to well-equipped stations with beams and linear amplifiers. 15m remains the best DX band and there are occasional openings on the 12m band. The 10m band may come into its own as we head into September and October. According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, solar cycle 25 likely reached its highest sunspot number yet of at least 299 on the 8th of August. This may increase further, but we may be close to solar maximum. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around 200 to 210. Geomagnetic conditions will depend almost entirely on the occurrence of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs. And, as we are at a particularly active part of the solar cycle, flares and CMEs are very prevalent. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The overview for the coming week is that, although some fronts will affect the north and west at times, there are only a few that reach down to the southeast of Britain. This means that rain scatter is more likely in northern areas. There will be weak high pressure over southern areas for much of the coming week and, although not enough for a full-blown Tropo event, conditions should be a little ‘up', especially for paths into the near continent or across the North Sea. Meteor scatter is back to a more random approach since the broad peak of the August Perseids comes to an end. The solar conditions mean that auroras can be a possible element of operating excitement in the coming week. Remember to look out for a disturbed Kp index value of 6 or greater. The last part of the sporadic-E season is playing out this week taking us to the end of the month. These 'last hurrahs' are usually characterised by QSOs of very limited duration on the 10m band, or perhaps up to 6m, and mainly over the southern half of Europe. This usually favours southern UK stations but, notwithstanding the previous comments, some years have seen isolated Sporadic-E events in the first part of September. But they are certainly not reliable. Moon declination is positive but still rising, reaching maximum on Wednesday, so long Moon visibility windows and high peak elevations continue. We are past perigee now, so path losses are increasing again. 144MHz sky noise is low but increasing to a moderate 500 Kelvin on Wednesday before falling back to low at the end of the week.  And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 11th of August 2024   The news headlines: The RSGB 2024 Convention will have a mix of presentations, workshops and forums to suit a broad range of interests The RSGB welcomes University Technical College South Durham Radio Club to its School Zone webpage The RSGB's Awards Manager has issued an update about operating awards   The RSGB Convention this year will have a mix of presentations, workshops and forums to enable you to take part in the content that suits you. On Saturday morning there will be an EMC and EMF Update presentation, followed by an informal EMC and EMF Clinic in the afternoon. Led by RSGB EMC Committee Chair John Rogers, M0JAV with Ian White, GM3SEK and Peter Zollman, G4DSE who are two of the committee's EMF Consultants, these sessions are not to be missed. Head to the presentation to hear the latest updates and then take your EMC and EMF problems to the clinic where John, Ian, Peter and other specialists will be available to help. This is just one of the great amateur radio topics being covered at this year's event. To book your Convention tickets, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/convention The RSGB is thrilled to welcome the University Technical College South Durham Radio Club to its School Zone webpage. The Club, which is operating using callsign M1UTC, is being led by Professor Ian Neal, M0KEO who is also the RSGB's British Science Week Coordinator. The Club is looking forward to operating at the start of the new term in September. If you'd like to view contact details for this, or any of the other school and college amateur radio clubs, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/school-zone  The RGSB also has a list of university amateur radio clubs, which you can find by visiting rsgb.org/university-corner  If you are part of a school, college or university club that isn't currently listed on any of these pages, please email the name of the club, contact details and any supporting weblinks to comms@rsgb.org.uk As part of the RSGB's commitment to keeping members updated, the Awards Manager has issued some key messages about RSGB operating awards so far this year. Lindsay Pennell, G8PMA is always keen to hear from radio amateurs about the type of awards they enjoy and new ones they would like the RSGB to develop if possible. One of the ideas he is considering is a series of variations on the Marathon/Challenge idea that runs over a specified time period to achieve target criteria – would that interest you? Also, if you're a keen award chaser and would like to share your story, Lindsay would love to hear from you! You can contact him via awards@rsgb.org.uk and you can see the key messages on his page of the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org.uk and search for Awards Manager. Don't forget to listen out for all the stations that will be on the air during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of August. This 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 The British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between Saturday the 24th and Monday the 26th 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 at nharg.org.uk and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2024' link. National Hamfest 2024 is taking place on the 27th and 28th of September and promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For those eager to secure their spot, online ticket sales are open and an early-bird discount is available until the 31st of August. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk  Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society's Hamfest is taking place today, the 11th of August. The venue is Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne in Dorset. The doors are open from 9 am to 4 pm and admission, which includes parking, costs £5. Catering and a bar are available on-site. For more information visit frars.co.uk/hamfest Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society's Annual Radio Rally is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 18th of August at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby. The doors will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, but sellers can gain access from 8 am. The admission fee is £4 per person. Pre-booked pitches cost £15. On the day, pitches will cost £20. For more information email rally@rugbyats.co.uk or visit rugbyats.co.uk West Manchester Radio Club's Red Rose Summer Rally is set to take place on Sunday the 18th of August at St Joseph's Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. The doors open at 10 am. For further information and bookings, email rally@wmrc.co.uk or phone 07796 264 569. Now the Special Event news Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club will be active from all three lighthouses on Rathlin Island during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of August. Operators will be working on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB, CW and FT8.  Listen out for special event callsigns, GB1RP, GB2EL and GB2WL which will all be in use. For more information, visit the QRZ.com page for each of the callsigns. Danish Amateur Radio Experimenters are activating special event stations in Denmark to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Islands on the Air, or IOTA. There will be various activities from both fixed island amateur radio stations and from island expeditions to some of the 101 Danish IOTA islands. All amateur radio bands can be used with CW, SSB, RTTY and several digital modes. A diploma for contacts, and shortwave listener reports, with special event stations achieved during the period from the 1st of July to the 31st of August 2024 will be available. All logs will be uploaded to Clublog and Logbook of the World. For more information visit the OZ60IOTA page at QRZ.com The Unicom Radio Club is operating using the special event callsign GB1URC until the 4th of September. The activity marks the official introduction of this international Club to the amateur radio community. For more information visit unicomradio.com/gb1urc Now the DX news Emil, DL8JJ is active as OX/DL8JJ from Greenland until the 15th of August. He is operating on the HF bands using CW from a camp at Tasiilaq, NA-151, and from various locations on the main island, NA-018. Rafael, NN3RP is active as YN2RP from Nicaragua until the 20th of August. He is operating using SSB, CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or directly to NN3RP. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 13th, 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 13th, 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. The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 10th and runs until 2359UTC today, Sunday the 11th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, 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 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 8th of August 2024 Well, so much for the experts! NOAA predicted that the solar flux index would fall last week when it increased to a whopping 303 on Thursday the 8th. But this high solar flux number was accompanied by a strong risk of solar flares, so it was not all plain sailing. We have had 15 M-class and two X-class solar flare events over the past three days and the threat remains high. Coronal mass ejection activity on Wednesday resulted in NOAA and the Space Weather Prediction Centre warning of possible moderate G2 geomagnetic storming towards the later part of week ending the 11th of August. This could see the Kp index rise and the maximum usable frequency fall. Hopefully, conditions will improve after the weekend. Last week was a good one for HF propagation with a high solar flux index and low Kp index. The 10m band was open to Brazil in the late afternoon, and this appeared to be F2-layer propagation and not multi-hop Sporadic-E. Meanwhile, the 15m band has perhaps been the DX band of choice with long openings to the Far East, at least on FT8, and North America at the same time. HF conditions should also improve as we move into September, but more on that closer to the time. Attention now shifts to N5J on Jarvis Island, an uninhabited 4.5-kilometre-squared coral island in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands. The DXpedition is active on all bands and their website at Jarvisisland2024.com can provide you with personalised propagation forecasts – let us know if you work them. Using Proppy at soundbytes.asia or VOAcap at voacap.com, shows that 20, 17 and 15m  short-path seem to offer the best chance of working the DXpedition, with morning openings from around 0600 to 1000UTC. There is also a potential long-path opening between 1800 and 2000 UTC, with a possibility of the 10m band at 1900 UTC. Both are near polar paths and may be adversely affected by a high Kp index. CDXC members with good stations have already reported QSOs with N5J on the 17m band using FT8. Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the range of 185 to 240. Geomagnetic conditions will depend on whether we have more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and the chance of those remains high. An Earth-facing coronal mass ejection could send the Kp index soaring, and that will no doubt lead to reduced maximum useable frequencies and noisy bands. So, fingers crossed for more quiet geomagnetic conditions and low Kp indices! And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The summer tries to deliver but, overall, the pattern has a rather unsettled flavour to it for the coming week. On the positive side, we see a transient area of high pressure crossing southern Britain over this weekend, ending today the 11th. This could give some Tropo conditions but, after this, the Atlantic westerly flow brings a succession of fronts and showers to most areas. In terms of propagation, this suggests that rain scatter will have the best of it in the week ahead. The Sporadic-E season remains a good fallback and surprised us in East Anglia mid-morning on Tuesday the 6th of August with 144MHz Sporadic-E propagation to YU, HA, 9A and LZ moving around towards Italy as the opening progressed. All were workable with 100W and a white stick antenna on FT8. For the coming week, the jet stream activity will probably start by favouring paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Later in the week, a new jet stream will drive southeast into Iberia, opening up chances for paths to EA and CT. The Perseids meteor shower this week will provide welcome new fuel for Sporadic-E and, as a result, like most years, we'll see openings into the first week of September. The meteor scatter highlight is the Perseids meteor shower, which peaks on Monday and Tuesday. So, there are plenty of opportunities to try a new mode or fill in some missing grid squares if you are already involved in meteor scatter. Many websites explain what it's all about, but one to start you off is g7rdx.co.uk  Also, try looking for videos of meteor activity on SDR radios to get an idea of what it all sounds like. The solar conditions lately have been rather disturbed. It would not be surprising if the Kp index was to suggest that aurora could be a possibility if it gets to 5 or higher. Moon declination is negative and reaches minimum on Thursday the 15th, which means there will be short Moon visibility windows and low peak elevation. Path losses will decrease throughout the week and 144MHz sky noise is low over the weekend, but climbing to reach a high peak of over 3200 Kelvin on the 15th.  And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 28th of July 2024   The news headlines: Two new Directors have been co-opted to the RSGB Board The RSGB welcomes two new Regional Representatives The RSGB National Radio Centre is looking for volunteers   When Paul Nichols, M0PVN resigned as an RSGB Director in May, it created a vacancy on the Board. The Board decided that it was in the Society's interests to expand the Board to nine people to help implement the Society's strategic priorities. Under Article 37 it has co-opted Peter Bowyer, G4MJS and Peter Ransom, M0SFZ as Directors to serve until the 2025 AGM. Peter Ransom recently passed his Full licence so that he could build and tinker with RF equipment, to add to his ongoing interest in writing amateur radio software and designing his own PCBs. He has a passion for technology and communication and has had a career that combines technical expertise with strategic vision. He hopes to use that knowledge and experience to help the Board to ensure that the Society remains relevant to the amateur radio community. Peter Bowyer has been in and around IT all his career and currently helps organisations with their Agile development strategies. He has been licensed for 45 years, but says he is still learning new things. He's an avid contester, having served on the VHF Contests Committee, he has written a column for RadCom and is a past chair of the UK Six Metre Group. The RSGB welcomes them both to the Board. The RSGB is delighted to announce the co-option of two Regional Representatives. Peter Lowrie, MI5JYK is based in Region 8 and Brian Woolnough, M5ADQ in Region 12. They will serve in these roles until the RSGB 2025 AGM. You can see contact details for either of them, or any member of the Regional Team, on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/regions There is so much happening at the RSGB National Radio Centre that it needs to expand its team of volunteers! The NRC has a fabulous set-up and you'll be given full training on using the GB3RS radio station. 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 nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk From the 27th of July to the 3rd of August, the Essex International Jamboree is welcoming around 10,000 scouts and guides, including 2,000 supporting volunteers from around the world, to Boyton Cross near Chelmsford. As part of the programme, amateur radio station GB24EIJ will be running a wide range of communications and electronics activities. The organising team intends the station to be active on the HF, VHF and UHF bands, using various modes. To read more about the Essex International Jamboree visit eij.org.uk The Broadcast Engineering Museum near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire is new and a work in progress, so it only opens a few days each year. The next open days are coming up on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of September from 11am to 4pm. The Museum contains a vast collection of historic broadcasting equipment and memorabilia, some restored and working, on display in a former RAF sergeants' mess. Free parking is available on site. For more information email contactus@becg.org.uk or visit becg.org.uk Don't forget to book your tickets for National Hamfest 2024 which is taking place on the 27th and 28th of September. There is still a chance to secure early-bird ticket discount, but this is only available until the 31st of August. National Hamfest promises to be an unforgettable celebration of all things amateur radio. As always, the traders and manufacturers are lining up to bring you the best in amateur radio equipment and accessories. Many exhibitors will be offering exclusive deals, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gear or add new items to your shack. For more information, and to purchase your tickets, visit nationalhamfest.org.uk  Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events   Today, the 28th, Wiltshire Radio Summer Rally is taking place at Kington Langley Village Hall, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. The event is running from 9am to 1pm, admission is £3 and indoor tables cost £10. To take part in the car boot sale, a car-sized pitch costs £10 and a van-sized pitch is £15. Hot and cold refreshments are available on site. For more information email Chairman@Chippenhamradio.club Part 1 of the British Amateur Television Club Convention for Amateur TV 2024, also known as CAT 24, will take place on Sunday the 4th of August from 10am to 4pm. The venue will be Midland Air Museum, Rowley Road, Coventry, CV3 4FR. The Convention provides opportunities for amateurs to meet, take part in show-and-tell activities, use test and fix equipment, and enjoy a bring-and-buy event. For more information follow the ‘Events' tab at batc.org.uk King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club's 34th Great Eastern Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday the 4th of August. The Rally will be held at Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King's Lynn in Norfolk. The doors open at 9am and admission will cost £2.50. Traders are welcome from 7am. An outdoor pitch will cost £8, and indoors it will be £10 per table. Car parking is free. There will be trade stands, a bring-and-buy area and catering will be available on site. For further information and reservations email rally.klarc@gmail.com Now the Special Event news Special event station TM67JO is active to celebrate the Paris 2024 Olympic Games which began on Friday the 26th of July. The operators include F1LFL on SSB, F5PZT using FT8 and FT4, and F5TFW on CW. QSL to F1LFL via the Bureau or directly. For more information about the special event station, which will be operating until the 11th of August, visit QRZ.com Marking the 25th anniversary since Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, special callsign HF25NATO is active until the 31st of August. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Only 100 limited edition QSL cards will be distributed. These will be issued first-come, first-served so call in quick! For details of a certificate that is available visit tinyurl.com/hf25nato Now the DX news Jeff, W7BRS is active as VK2/W7BRS from Lord Howe Island, OC-004, until the 1st of August. He is operating using CW, SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS. A team of five UK operators will attempt to activate MM0UKI from the Flannan Islands, EU-118, in August. The uninhabited island group is 20 miles west of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. It is the 6th most wanted IOTA location in Europe and the 2nd in the UK, after Rockall. The team consists of Rockall DXpedition veteran Nobby G0VJG, John G4IRN, Paul G4PVM, Mike GM5AUG and Jamie M0SDV. The trip is weather dependent and departure to the island is planned for the 1st of August, with the 2nd being a contingency day. Activity will be on the 40 to 6m bands, using SSB and CW from three stations. Operating will continue until the first available weather window for departure on the 4th of August or thereafter. The QSL Manager for the trip is Charles, M0OXO. Now the contest news The IOTA Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 27th and finishes at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 28th 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 28th, 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 Saturday the 3rd 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 3rd, 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. On Sunday the 4th, 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. On Saturday the 3rd, the EU HF Championship runs from 0000 to 2359UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and the last two digits of the first year you were licensed. The Worked All Britain 144MHz SSB Low Power Contest will take place on Saturday the 3rd of August from 1400 to 1800UTC. The maximum power allowed for this contest is 25W. The exchange is report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 13th of August. Full rules for the contest are available on the Worked All Britain website. The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon started on Saturday the 4th of May and ends on Sunday the 4th 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 25th of July 2024 We had yet another week of high sunspot numbers and low geomagnetic disturbances, but will it last? We dodged a bullet last week after a weak coronal mass ejection, or CME, on Tuesday the 23rd failed to generate a geomagnetic storm. This was from a faint halo CME observed on Sunday, which was much weaker than expected when it hit Earth. A further M2.4 flare, near the eastern limb on Tuesday, produced a coronal mass ejection, but that was directed away from Earth. So, we ended the week with a Kp index that never rose above 2, despite up to 19 M-class solar flares occurring. Our luck must run out some time! The main HF DX this week has been the K8R DXpedition on American Samoa. This has been workable on all bands from 20 to 10m, especially using FT8. They have been trialling a new Super Fox mode on FT8. If you are interested in using this mode, you will need the latest version of the WSJT-X software. Daylight maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path have reached more than 24MHz, with 28MHz available at times on some paths. This will, no doubt, improve as we head towards the autumn. Nighttime MUFs over a similar path length have exceeded 14MHz and often reached 18MHz at times. Make the most of the nighttime openings as they will die off as we head towards the end of the summer. Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will be in the range of 165 to 175 and the Kp index will be a maximum of 2 all week. As ever, this will be dependent on any solar flares and associated CMEs. A CME could easily push the Kp index up and the MUF down. Four sunspot groups have just rotated into view so keep a close eye on them on solarham.com  At least one is classed as “growing” and could be a contender for trouble over the next week by way of solar flares and CMEs. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The area of high pressure which develops over this weekend will bring the prospect of Tropo conditions at the start of the new week. The high will drift slowly east towards Denmark by midweek but could still provide the chance of Tropo conditions across the North Sea until Wednesday. Meanwhile, a weather front will reach northwest Scotland on Monday and edge slowly south whilst a small thundery low develops near the southwest of Britain. This combination will bring a gradual transition to more unsettled weather with a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands for the second half of the week. The Delta Aquariid meteor shower is active from the 12th of July to the 23rd of August. With no noticeable peak, it is expected to reach its maximum rate of 25 per hour on or around the 30th of July. We should have more than just random meteors to use for meteor scatter operation, so it's worth trying meteor scatter on the VHF bands. Also, given clear skies and darkness over the next few weeks, it's worth having a look out for them with the naked eye or photographically. This extra input of meteors may well improve the prospects for Sporadic-E, which have perhaps seemed a little less than enthusiastic recently. Meteor debris from meteor showers, or random meteors, provides the fuel for Sporadic-E. These ionised trails in the E region above 100km can be affected by wave motion caused by jet streams much lower down at around 10km. Fortunately, there are a number of useful jet streams on the forecast charts for next week with a slight preference for paths to Scandinavia and eastern Europe. Moon declination is positive and rising, reaching maximum on Thursday the 1st of August, so Moon windows are long with high peak Moon elevation. We passed perigee on the 24th so path losses are on the increase. 144MHz sky noise is low to moderate all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 14th of July 2024   The news headlines: The RSGB is looking for a Company Secretary The RSGB Planning Advisory Committee needs volunteers An RSGB video summarises the Ofcom licence changes   The RSGB is looking to recruit an RSGB Member to be the Society's Company Secretary. This volunteer position plays a key role in the Society's governance and provides vital support in running Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Stephen Purser, GW4SHF took on the role temporarily after the previous Company Secretary stepped down. The Board is grateful to Stephen for stepping in at short notice last year and is keen to find a good candidate to take the role forward. If you feel you have the necessary skills to fulfil this important role, would like more information or to discuss what is required, please email gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk in the first instance. The Board Chair will then contact you for a chat. If you email to apply for the position, please include a current CV. In line with all volunteer roles, the Board welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds. For full information on the role, please go to rsgb.org/volunteers. The RSGB Planning Advisory Committee still needs 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. Find out more about the committee at rsgb.org/pac and then email the Board Liaison for planning Len Paget, GM0ONX at gm0onx@rsgb.org.uk to arrange a chat. The RSGB has released a video summary of the Ofcom licence changes that came into effect in February this year. This is an extended version of the video shown at the Society's AGM. It covers the range of updates from power increases and callsigns, to additional options for Foundation licensees and new opportunities for sharing amateur radio with people who do not have a license. It also looks at the next phases of Ofcom's licence changes. If you don't feel you're making the most of the new licence conditions, or you're unsure about some of the changes, why not watch this short video and see what you could do! You can find it on the RSGB YouTube channel and on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/licence-review Callum, M0MCX reports that DX Commander is having an open day on Saturday the 17th of August. The event will include operating two amateur radio stations. One will be an HF station with a Kenwood TS-990s transceiver. The other station will be an Icom IC-9700 operating on the VHF bands. The stations are located in a low-noise environment and visitors are welcome to enjoy using them. Attendees are also welcome to visit the new expanded antenna field, check out DX Commander's new secret projects and maybe enjoy some food. The RSGB will be in attendance with Region 5 Representative Mark Savage, M0XIC manning the bookstall. The doors will be open from 12 pm to 4 pm. Numbers are limited so visit the DX Commander website and click the ‘Register' button to book your place. For more information visit dxcommander.com This year, International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will run from 0001UTC on the 17th of August to 2400UTC on the 18th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. You can read more at illw.net Advance notice now that the next Essex CW Boot Camp and Conference will be held on Saturday the 26th of October at the 3rd Witham Scout and Guide HQ. Spaces are limited so book your place early to avoid disappointment. If you are interested in attending, visit essexcw.uk and follow the ‘Boot Camp & CW Conference' link for more information. And now for details of rallies and events Cambridge Repeater Group Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 14th, at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridgeshire, CB22 6RN. The doors open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 7.30 am for traders. The event features a car boot sale, talk-in, trade stands, clubs and a bring-and-buy area. A free marshalled car park and burger van will be available on site. For more information visit cambridgerepeaters.net and click on the Rally tab. Also, today, Sunday the 14th, Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally is taking place at Rasen Festival Hall, Caistor Road, LN8 3HT. The doors open at 10 am and entry will cost £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. More information, including contact details, is available via tinyurl.com/LSWC2024 The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is also taking place today, Sunday the 14th of July. The venue is Reading Rugby Club, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Reading, RG4 6ST. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and at 8 am for traders. Refreshments and ample parking will be available. For more information visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally is scheduled to take place on Sunday the 21st of July. The venue will be The Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 8 am for traders. Refreshments will be available from the Museum's cafeteria. Admission for visitors costs £3. For further information email rally2024@bsears.co.uk The Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally is also set to take place on Sunday the 21st of July at Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. The doors will be open from 10 am. More details are available at g0ghk.com Now the Special Event news During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, look for TM67JO which will be active for 15 days between the 26th of July and the 11th of August. The operators will include F1LFL on SSB, F5PZT using FT8 and FT4, and F5TFW on CW. QSL to F1LFL, via the Bureau or directly. Special callsign HB50VC is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Radio Amateur Club Swissair, HB9VC. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World. QSL cards will not be provided, but details of a participation certificate are available at tinyurl.com/HB50VC Now the DX news Eric, KV1J is active as FP/KV1J from Miquelon Island, NA-032, until Tuesday the 16th of July. Eric is operating primarily using SSB and FT8, plus some CW, RTTY and FT4. He is QRV on the 80 to 6m bands but with a focus on the 12, 10 and 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, eQSL, via Eric's home call directly or via the Bureau. For more information see tinyurl.com/FPKV1J Giovanni, IZ2DPX will be active as TO7PX from Reunion Island, AF-016, until Thursday the 18th of July. He will operate SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL directly to IK2DUW. Now the contest news The IARU HF World Championship started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 13th of July and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday the 14th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone. Today, the 14th, the next session of the UK Microwave Group 24, 47 and 76GHz Cumulative Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Tomorrow, the 15th, the RSGB FT4 Contest runs from 1900UTC to 2030UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 16th, 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 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. On Saturday the 20th, the 70MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400UTC to 2000UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode. On Sunday the 21st, the International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC, and from 1300 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of July 2024 We had another week of reasonably settled geomagnetic conditions and a high solar flux index. The solar flux index was at 214 on Thursday the 11th, while the Kp index has been around 2 to 3 all week. That's generally good news for HF.  However, a small coronal hole is now facing Earth and a solar wind stream flowing from this zone was predicted to reach Earth by the 13th of July. This could result in an elevated Kp index and lower maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs for short. It probably won't last too long, so expect conditions to be back to normal by tomorrow, the 15th. Active region 3738 is dominating the Sun's surface but has only been the source of minor C-class solar flares and will remain a threat for moderate M-class flares. All other regions have been mostly stable. The daytime MUF over a 3,000km path has often exceeded 24.9MHz, with some better-equipped stations reporting contacts into Australasia on the 10m band. Night-time MUFs over a similar distance are still consistently above 14MHz. Make the most of this as they are likely to drop as we head out of summer and into autumnal conditions. The MUF is extrapolated from the Dourbes ionosonde data and should only be used as a guide – it may often be higher, especially in some directions. The most sought-after DX this week has been K8K/K8R in American Samoa. The DXpedition is testing out all systems on all bands, using CW, SSB and FT8, ahead of the upcoming Jarvis Island DXpedition. The station has been worked from the UK on the 30 to 10m bands, mainly by well-equipped stations, and has been testing the FT8 Superfox mode with some success. Otherwise, contestants in the RSGB's 80m SSB Club Championship on Wednesday the 10th reported fair conditions, but a very, very noisy band. Noise is often a limiting factor, especially on the lower HF bands. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline to the 180 to 190 range. Geomagnetic conditions may be unsettled today, the 14th, with a Kp index of 4 at times. The second half of the coming week should be more settled, as long as we don't have a coronal mass ejection. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The overall picture is of unsettled weather still being around for the coming week, but there will be some temporary moments of weak high pressure to alleviate incessant rain. As we end the current week, pressure will rise over western areas bringing a chance of Tropo for paths down the Irish Sea and across Biscay. There will also be a second period of high pressure for a time in the middle of next week, favouring the south. This gives us at least a chance of Tropo for this week's UK Activity Contests on the 23cm and 4m bands. The ‘unsettled' part of the story is worth noting, especially if we get some heavy thundery downpours, which should be great for rain scatter. Continuing with scatter modes, there is always meteor scatter as a diversion and the advice is to look in the early hours before daybreak when random meteors are more likely. Solar conditions are still not entirely settled so there remains a chance of aurora should the Kp index rise to 5 or more. The Sporadic-E season is still doing good business within Europe, but it feels as though it's not been quite so noticeable as during June for UK stations. The jet stream pattern is trying to help next week with several useful segments over northwest Europe, which should improve the chances of Sporadic-E paths from the UK into the continent. Moon declination went negative again on Friday the 12th, which also corresponds to apogee, the point at which the Moon is furthest from Earth. So, Moon peak elevation and path losses will continue to fall again next week. 144MHz sky noise starts low early next week rising to a high of 2100 Kelvin on Friday. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 7th of July 2024   The news headlines: A revised Direct to Full examination syllabus has been released The RSGB has announced its representative for the 2024 YOTA camp The RSGB British Science Week Time challenge is an opportunity for constructors The new amateur radio licence has now been in effect for a few months and changes to the licence conditions have necessitated revision to the examination syllabus. Tony Kent, G8PBH, who is the RSGB Examinations Standards Committee Chair, has announced that he is pleased to release version 2.0 of the Direct to Full syllabus, including these revisions. Compared to the version in current use, the only section that has seen major changes is Section 1: “Licensing and station identification”. Section 2: “Operating practices and procedures” has seen some minor changes, for example with regard to suffixes. The RSGB will begin examining to version 2.0 of the syllabus on the 1st of October 2024. It will not be taking any bookings for Direct to Full examinations to take place in September. You can find the syllabus on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/direct-to-full The RSGB is pleased to announce that it will be represented at this summer's Youngsters on the Air camp by Rhys Williams, M0WGY / AJ6XD. The event, which is organised by the IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group together with the Czech Radio Club, will be held between the 16th and 23rd of August 2024 in Prague, Czechia. Rhys is currently studying aerospace engineering at Cambridge University and is going on to do a PhD in engineering at Oxford University from September. He says he has found a lot of joy in the building aspect of amateur radio and enjoys contesting with his university amateur radio club. Find out more about Rhys and this inspirational annual YOTA camp on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-camp Are you looking for your next construction challenge? Then the RSGB British Science Week Time challenge could be for you. The task is to 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. You must use readily available components, materials or other resources. The activity is open to all ages and is divided into three categories: under 18 or still in school; under 21 or an undergraduate up to the age of 23; and a category with no age restriction. You can enter as an individual or as a group. The winner of each category will win a prize of £150 with the winners being announced at this year's RSGB Convention in October. The deadline for entries is the 1st of September. You can find out more, including how to enter, by visiting rsgb.org/bsw and selecting the ‘Time-related challenge' link under the BSW24 header. Don't forget you can get involved in the new GR2HQ Challenge next weekend, the 13th and 14th of July, as part of the IARU HF World Championship contest. You can take part as individuals but also benefit your club, so why not encourage your club members to take part whether they are regular contesters or not? During the contest, Headquarters Stations represent their countries and the RSGB's station GR2HQ will be run by a network of about a dozen stations around the UK and islands. You will be able to submit your log, including QSOs with GR2HQ, to the RSGB contest robot for the GR2HQ Challenge. If you include your club or group name when you submit your log, each QSO with GR2HQ will count towards an aggregate score for your club or team. You can read more in the June RadCom feature on the GR2HQ Challenge and you can see the rules on the RSGB website at thersgb.org/go/gr2hq TX Factor has released its latest episode in which there is a look at the IC-R15 communications receiver, the latest offering from Icom. Bob, G0FGX and Mike, G1IAR discuss how best to configure the Anytone BT-01 Bluetooth microphone with the Anytone AT-D578, which will be a boon for mobile operating. Finally, there is the second part of a feature on operating via the QO-100 satellite with the Groundstation 2 from DX Patrol. Watch this and previous episodes on the TX Factor website at txfactor.co.uk or on its YouTube channel. A reminder that the next RSGB Tonight@8 webinar is tomorrow, Monday the 8th of July when Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs will give a presentation on the QMX+ multi-mode 160 to 6m transceiver kit design and features. This is a great opportunity to find out more and ask questions live on the night. You can watch on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. Find out more about the webinar on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars  And now for details of rallies and events Barford Radio Rally is taking place today, the 7th, at Barford Village Hall and Green, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors. The event features trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a charity raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry is £2.50 per person but under 16s will be admitted free of charge. To read more about the event visit norfolkamateurradio.org or email David, G7URP via radio@dcpmicro.com The Cornish Radio Amateur Club Rally is also taking place today, the 7th, at Penair School, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN. The doors open at 10.30 am and admission costs £3. Traders bring and buy, club stalls, car parking and catering are all available on-site. Contact Ken, G0FIC on 01209 821073 for more information. Cambridge Repeater Group Rally will take place next Sunday the 14th, at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridgeshire, CB22 6RN. The doors open at 9.30 am for visitors and at 7.30 am for traders. The event features a car boot sale, talk-in, trade stands, clubs and a bring-and-buy area. A free marshalled car park and burger van will be available on site. For more information visit cambridgerepeaters.net and click on the Rally tab. Also on Sunday the 14th, the Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Rally is taking place at Rasen Festival Hall, Caistor Road, LN8 3HT. The doors open at 10 am and entry will cost £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. More information, including contact details, is available via tinyurl.com/LSWC2024 The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is also taking place on Sunday the 14th of July. The venue will be Reading Rugby Club, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Reading, RG4 6ST. The doors open at 9 am for visitors and at 8 am for traders. Refreshments and ample parking will be available. For more information visit mcmichaelrally.org.uk  Now the Special Event news Special callsign OR100LGE is used by members of Liege Radio Club, ON5VL throughout 2024 to celebrate the Club's 100th anniversary. Look for activity on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via ON6YH. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log. SK100FRK is the special callsign in use by the Falu Radio Club, SK4AO to celebrate the 100th anniversary since it was founded. The station will be active until the end of 2024 and details of an available award can be found at QRZ.com  Now the DX news Bo, OZ1DJJ is active as OX3LX from Greenland until the 16th of July. He is QRV on the 6 and 4m bands, as well as on the HF bands, often using FT8. QSL via OZ0J. Zsolt, HA8PX is active as S79/HA8PX from Mahe, AF-024, in the Seychelles until Wednesday the 10th of July. He operates mainly CW, but also some SSB and FT8, on various bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or directly.  Now the contest news VHF National Field Day started at 1400 UTC on Saturday the 6th of July and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 7th of July. Using all modes on the VHF bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 7th, the 3rd 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. 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 70cm band, the exchange is 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 report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 10th, the 80m Club Championship Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. 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. The IARU HF World Championship starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 13th of July and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 14th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU zone. On Sunday the 14th, 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. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 4th of July 2024 After a rough spot last weekend, the Sun has since behaved itself, allowing HF propagation to get back to normal. To recap, the Kp index hit 7.67 on Friday the 28th of June, thanks to incoming plasma from a coronal mass ejection. For a time, it looked like we might have a repeat performance of the 10th of May when the Kp index hit 9 and there was a visible aurora across the UK. This time around, however, conditions calmed down again and 24 hours later the Kp index was back to 2.33. Since then, the Sun has remained calm with only two M-class and zero X-class flares, and the Kp index is back in the 1 to 3 range. This means that the ionosphere has had a chance to build up and we have been seeing MUFs over a 3,000km path exceeding 21MHz and often reaching 24MHz. That's pretty good considering we are in the Summer HF doldrums. An analysis of the Sun's active sunspot regions shows that two are growing, five are declining and one is stable. WSPRNet.org shows that signals have been getting to the UK from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Far East on the 15m band, while 28MHz is still mainly open to short-hop Sporadic-E contacts across Europe. The solar flux index has declined over the past week and was sitting at 167 on Thursday the 4th of July. Next week, NOAA predicts it will remain around the 170 mark, with quiet geomagnetic conditions. However, solar flares and coronal mass ejections remain hard to predict so keep an eye on Solarham.com and Propquest.co.uk for a real-time view of solar and geomagnetic conditions. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather sequence to the end of next week is much like an autumn pattern in that the story is all about areas of low pressure, showers and weather fronts. None of this suggests that Tropo will be a feature of the weather. In fact, high-pressure systems simply do not appear on the charts at all. We can leave rain scatter on the list and, since it is technically summer, or meant to be, there is a lot of energy in any showers. Indeed, some may be heavy and thundery and are probably good rain-scatter candidates. Meteor scatter, in the absence of major showers, is most likely around the dawn period when random meteors tend to be more prevalent. The solar conditions continue to offer much variability and it is always worth checking for elevated Kp index values, which can be a signal for aurora to occur. As a general guide check the bands when Kp reaches 5 or higher. The Sporadic-E season continues, although recently there have been some higher-than-ideal Kp indices, which unlike for aurora need to be at lower values, say below a Kp index of 3, for ideal Sporadic-E conditions. The other ingredient that tends to promote Sporadic-E is the presence of jet streams in the upper atmosphere around 10 to 15km up. It is believed that these can generate atmospheric gravity waves that can propagate up to the E region at 110km where they become part of the process for making Sporadic-E. This unsettled autumn-like weather is providing plenty of jet streams, so it continues to be worth checking for Sporadic-E. A quick look at the upper air pattern suggests that paths towards Scandinavia and the Baltic may be productive, and perhaps to Iberia later next week. Moon declination is close to maximum positive this coming weekend so Moon peak elevation will be high. Moon apogee is on Friday the 12th so EME path losses continue to increase. 144MHz sky noise is low all week.  And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 23rd of June 2024   The news headlines: RSGB Convention workshops and practical sessions – what would you like? RSGB Team interviewed by ICQ Podcast at the Dayton Hamvention in May Don't forget to try the updated RSGB Discovery Scheme Do you like making things? Are you interested in finding out more about the Raspberry Pi or programming an Arduino? Have you heard about the NanoVNA and DragonOS but don't know where to start? The RSGB wants its 2024 Convention to offer practical sessions to help radio amateurs try something new, develop their skills and go away inspired! If you can offer to run a workshop or a practical session over the weekend of the 11th to the 13th of October, or you'd like to take part in one, please email the RSGB Convention Team via convention@rsgb.org.uk by the 3rd of July. As part of its strategy, the RSGB wants to ensure that this prestigious annual event not only meets the needs of its members but also helps every radio amateur to share their love of the hobby with others. Members of the RSGB Team, including RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM and RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB, had a successful time at the Dayton Hamvention in May. The event was a brilliant opportunity to engage with radio amateurs from around the world and it resulted in 132 people joining the RSGB. It also provided several media opportunities with podcasters, YouTubers and local news outlets. Martin Butler, M1MRB from ICQ Podcast was one of those who interviewed the President and the General Manager. The interview covered a wide range of topics, from using the new licence conditions as part of outreach, to the RSGB's role in defending the spectrum and even to the RSGB President's amateur radio activities with both RAYNET UK and SOTA! For the full interview go to Episode 432 on icqpodcast.com and listen just before two hours into the episode. Have you tried the updated RSGB Discovery Scheme? Now called the Discovery Logbook, there are fewer requirements, an easy-to-follow programme and exciting links with external organisations such as Parks On The Air and Worked All Britain. There are also some great RSGB Awards to work towards if you'd like to include those in your programme of activities. As a relatively new radio amateur, Jim, ME7HEF had found that the sheer breadth of the hobby made it a little difficult to know where to start. The Discovery Scheme gave him a simple structure to try various aspects of amateur radio and he has enjoyed it. Read more about Jim's experience on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/your-stories and follow the links to find out how you could try something new using the Discovery Logbook. The RSGB is looking for an individual to take on the complex role of Editor of the annual RSGB Yearbook, following the retirement of the previous Editor. This is a paid post, working part-time from home for a few months each year, and is offered as a fixed-term contract. You will need experience of editing material from a wide range of sources and working to deadlines, as well as having attention to detail. An understanding of desktop publishing programs such as InDesign will be helpful along with knowledge of the breadth of amateur radio in the UK today. If you are interested in this post, please email authors@rsgb.org.uk with an appropriate CV or covering statement of your abilities. Last weekend was 1940s weekend at the Bletchley Park Museum. The RSGB National Radio Centre, or NRC, supported the event by hosting the World War Two Special Operations Executive radio station, GB1SOE. The station, operating on the 40m band, attracted lots of visitor attention, as did GB3RS which was busy on the air as part of the Museums on the Air weekend. NRC volunteers made QSOs and invited visitors to pass greetings messages. If appropriate, the volunteers used the new licence conditions to allow visitors to run QSOs themselves under supervision. The weekend was a huge success and 1,211 people visited the RSGB National Radio Centre. The Society would like to thank all the NRC volunteers who delivered such an enjoyable weekend. Alexanderson Day will take place on Sunday the 30th of June 2024. The unique Alexanderson alternator, with the callsign SAQ, is scheduled for two transmissions on 17.2kHz using CW. At 0830UTC, the alternator will be started up and at 0900UTC the first transmission will take place. A second transmission is scheduled for 1200UTC. You can read more about the event and historic transmitter at alexander.n.se The Bath Based Distance Learning team is busy enrolling students into its pre-course classroom for its forthcoming course for the Full Licence exam. The team has received enquiries about whether its course is suitable for the Direct to Full exam. The course content focuses on the Full level syllabus items, which are only a part of the Direct to Full syllabus. Learners are expected to know the Foundation and Intermediate material already. Parallel study is possible, but the Bath Based Distance Learning Full Licence course alone would not be sufficient to ensure a pass in a Direct to Full exam. More details can be found in the latest edition of RadCom, but please note that the email address provided to RadCom was incorrect; anyone wanting details of the Bath Based Distance Learning course should email Steve, G0FUW, using g0fuw@bbdl.org.uk  Guisborough and District Amateur Radio Club is organising a mini DXpedition to Scotland, on the Isle of Lewis from the 22nd to the 29th of September. The team has a couple of spaces left and welcomes amateurs from other clubs who would like to join in. For more information email rm.dutton@virginmedia.com And finally, don't forget to listen out for all the amateur stations that will be on the air during the Museums on the Air activity today, the 23rd. For more information about the event visit tinyurl.com/imw2024  And now for details of rallies and events The Newbury Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 23rd of June. The venue is Newbury Showground, next to junction 13 of the M4 motorway in Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. The event includes a display area with an amateur radio station, exhibits, special interest groups, clubs and societies. The doors open to sellers at 8 am, and to visitors at 9 am. Lots of free parking is available and entry costs £3 for visitors. A seller's pitch costs £15. For more information visit nadars.org.uk Dunstable Downs Radio Club would like to invite everyone to its annual boot sale and radio rally on Sunday the 30th of June at Stockwood Park in Luton. As always, there will be plenty of plots available on the day for £10 each. The fee for car parking will be £4 per vehicle for visitors. Updates will be posted to Dunstable Downs Radio Club's Facebook page. To add yourself to the email list visit ddrcbootsale.org Burton on Trent Amateur Radio Club Mini Rally and Barbecue is set to take place on Saturday the 6th of July. The event will take place at The Barley Mow public house, Burton on Trent, DE5 9AP. Ample car parking will be available, and admission will be free. Apart from all the usual stalls, there will be a live demonstration of the Club's remote access station. For more information phone Barry on 01283 540570 or see the Club's Facebook page. Now the Special Event News Marking the 25th anniversary since Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, special callsign HF25NATO will be active until the 31st of August. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Only 100 limited edition QSL cards will be distributed. These will be issued first-come, first-served so call in quick! For details of a certificate that is available visit tinyurl.com/hf25nato Special callsign SK100FRK is active from Sweden to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Falu Radio Club's formation in 1924. The station is active until the end of the year on all bands and operators are using SSB, CW and FM. For details of an available award see QRZ.com  Now the DX news Domenico, IK1MNF is active as IK1MNF/IA5 from Isola d'Elba, EU-028, until the end of September. He is operating using SSB on the 20 to 6m bands. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log. QSL via Domenico's home call. Chas, NK8O is active as 5H3DX from near Dodoma, Tanzania until the 30th of June. He is operating using CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL directly to NK8O or via eQSL. Now the contest news Today, the 23rd, 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 Tuesday the 25th, 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 Thursday the 27th, 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 30th, 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 June 2024 We had a relatively quiet week, with the Sun generally being settled. There were coronal mass ejections, but they were on the far side of the Sun and not Earth-directed. There were no X-class flares, although we did have a few C- and M-class events. The solar flux index declined to 167 but has since recovered and stood at 196 on Thursday the 20th. Active regions 3712, 3713 and 3716 are all large and 3712 has been emitting flares. However, all three regions will soon rotate out of view, so should not be a threat in the coming week. As such, HF conditions have been reasonable given the time of year. Maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path during daylight have generally been between 14 and 21MHz, although there have been occasional openings up to 24MHz. Sporadic-E remains the main propagation mode on the 10m band. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 175 to 190 range and geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be mainly settled. However, the far-side coronal mass ejections we have been seeing suggest we could be in for a rough ride in about a week to ten days. So, this week could be a good time for HF propagation. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather is trying to change to a more summer-like pattern, which means that the main jet stream will be farther north than recently and this will make Sporadic-E harder to find than during the recent strong jet stream pattern over Europe. For most UK stations, the emphasis on Sporadic-E paths will gradually shift from the typical central Europe and Mediterranean to perhaps Scandinavia and the Baltic states. The relatively new player this time around will be high pressure which comes and goes during the period but should bring some useful Tropo. In these high-summer days, sea or coastal paths are often good, but paths across hot land do not fare well in summer during the daytime. Concentrate on the night or early morning, especially if it is foggy. There will be occasions when small lows and fronts edge into the south and west of the British Isles and, in typical summer fashion, may bring a risk of thundery showers. Any local, heavy rain means good conditions for rain scatter on the GHz bands. Meteor scatter again remains in the random category, which usually peaks around the dawn period. Lastly, a note about aurora which has been kept at arm's length although there have been several periods with a slightly enhanced Kp index. The light summer nights mean that visible auroras are very unlikely but do look out for noctilucent clouds on the northern horizon around midnight. Noctilucent clouds are thin, wispy clouds that glow with a blue or silvery hue at night when illuminated by sunlight from below the horizon. The Moon is at minimum declination this coming weekend so peak elevation is low and windows of usage are short. EME path loss is falling as we approach perigee next Thursday the 27th. 144MHz sky noise is high this weekend but falls to low early next week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 16th of June 2024  The news headlines: The RSGB's annual Convention is coming up in October National Coding Week returns in September Exercise Blue Ham is taking place this week  This year, the RSGB's annual Convention will take place from the 11th to the 13th of October. What would you like to see at the Convention? This year the Society is offering everyone the opportunity to propose a presentation, a topic, a practical session or a project to share. Are you involved in some new research? Have you discovered something new in amateur radio that you're keen to share? Are you part of an interesting project that will take amateur radio to new audiences? Or have you helped to make amateur radio more accessible to people with different abilities? If you'd like to offer, or suggest, a presentation on these, or any other topics, please send your proposal to the Convention Team. As part of its strategy, the RSGB wants to ensure that this prestigious annual event not only meets the needs of its members but also helps every radio amateur to share their love of the hobby with others. The deadline for proposals is Wednesday the 3rd of July so it is important to send in your ideas as soon as possible. Email convention@rsgb.org.uk and make sure you put ‘Convention proposal' and the topic in the email title. National Coding Week runs in September. Coding – or programming as it used to be called – is used in a range of amateur radio activities. This year the Society would like to develop its activities further by appointing a volunteer National Coding Week Coordinator. Could you encourage people, help them with their ideas and work with HQ teams to publicise and support activities? If you love computer programming and think you could help others enjoy it through amateur radio, why not think about offering an activity or volunteering to be the RSGB's National Coding Week Coordinator? Get in touch by emailing strategy@rsgb.org.uk RAF Air Cadets are running the ever-popular Blue Ham Radio Communications Exercise, on the 60m band, 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, during the period of the exercise, you contact 20 or more special military cadet callsigns with an MRE prefix. For more information visit alphacharlie.org.uk  Please note that only Full licensees may operate on the 60m band. The May 2024 edition of the IARU Region 1 Monitoring System Newsletter is now available. The newsletter contains details of intrusions into amateur bands, and you can access it via tinyurl.com/IARUMAY24 This year, the popular British Inland Waterways on the Air event will take place between the 24th and 26th 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 at nharg.org.uk  and follow the BIWOTA 2024 link.  And now for details of rallies and events The East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally, is taking place today, the 16th 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 site has free car parking and catering is available. For more information, contact Kevin, G8MXV on 07710 046 846 or visit eswr.org.uk The Bangor and District Amateur Radio Society Rally will take place on Saturday the 22nd of June at Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church Halls. The doors open at 11.30 am. For more information, the Society can be contacted via its Facebook page. The Newbury Radio Rally is set to take place on Sunday the 23rd 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 open to sellers at 8 am, and to visitors at 9 am. Lots of free parking will be available and entry will cost £3 for visitors. A seller's pitch costs £15. For more information visit nadars.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 Look out for special callsign GB9DAT which is active until the 28th of June to help promote digital modes in amateur radio. Operators are using a variety of digital modes including FT8, FT4, PSK and RTTY, among others. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, or directly to MM0DFV. Special callsign OE20SOTA is active until the 31st of October to mark the 20th anniversary of Austria joining the Summits on the Air programme. Operators have been heard recently on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. For details of an available certificate, for making 20 or more contacts with the station, see QRZ.com  Now the DX news Elvira, IV3FSG is active as 5U5K from Niger until the 20th of June. She is operating SSB, FT8, FT4, RTTY and some CW on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL directly to IK2DUW. Erwin, DK5EW is active as SV8/DK5EW from Crete Island, EU-015, until the 20th of June. He is QRV on the 6 and 4m bands only, from grid locator KM15. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, or directly to Erwin's home call.  Now the contest news The 50MHz Trophy Contest started at 1400UTC on the 15th and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 16th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The All Asian DX Contest started at 0000UTC on the 15th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 16th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your signal report and age. Today, the 16th, 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. More information is available from the Worked All Britain website. Tomorrow, the 17th, the FT4 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 18th, 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 19th, the 80m Club Championship CW Contest takes place from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 20th, 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 23rd, 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.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA, and G4BAO on Thursday the 13th of June 2024 No sooner do we say that conditions will remain good than the Sun emits an X-class solar flare! Such is the challenge of writing propagation predictions. Nevertheless, after the X1.5-class flare on the 10th of June, things settled again and, at the moment, there are no incoming coronal mass ejections, or CMEs for short, to report. With a Kp index of less than 1 on Thursday the 13th, and a solar flux index of 165, it looks like HF conditions could be quite good. However, the Sun's proton flux has increased and is close to the 10 million electron volts warning threshold. This means that paths through the polar regions might be disrupted. Protons can herald the arrival of a CME two or three days later, although NOAA is not predicting any disruption. On the 13th of June, the critical frequency was between 7 and 8MHz, meaning a maximum useable frequency over a 3,000km path of around 21 to 24MHz. The 10m band will be open, mainly to Sporadic-E. However, F2-layer propagation on the 10m band will be sparse. NOAA predicts the solar flux index will fall to around 155 today, the 16th, before climbing again to around 195 in a week. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be quiet all week, but that may be because solar flares and CMEs are hard to predict at this point in the solar cycle. As always, make hay on the HF bands while the Sun shines! And make the most of the Sporadic-E propagation on the higher HF bands as June is probably a peak month for this. Finally, the latest sunspot data show that the average sunspot number for May was 171.7, the highest in 22 years. However, the ARRL reports that shortwave conditions were above average on only six days out of the entire month of May, and mostly poor on half of the days due to geomagnetic disturbances and solar flares. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current spell of seemingly endless, poor weather is struggling to provide much Tropo. The general theme is low pressure bringing weather fronts with rain or, if not that, then scattered heavy showers. This again points to rain scatter for the GHz Bands as the mode worth exploring. There is just one glimmer of Tropo hope in that the latest model predictions are starting to inject the notion of a ridge developing over southern areas, initially around mid-week but perhaps more so at the end of the week. Although, it's fair to say that other models hang on to the low-pressure theme. That said, it's worth checking from the middle of next week onwards. There are no significant meteor showers this week so continue to check for random meteors around dawn. The solar conditions have continued to trickle charge the auroral oval with an occasionally enhanced Kp index indicating possible aurora. This is unlikely to be visible at this time of the year although, if you are outside with a clear view to the north, you might be rewarded with a seasonal look at noctilucent clouds to make up for it. High-summer Sporadic-E propagation is providing daily contacts so it's worth checking the bands each day. The daily blogs always have something to show on the 10m band and many days there are reports of contacts on the 6m band. Remember these openings are not always reachable from all parts of the UK. One of the characteristics of Sporadic-E is that at each end of the path the ‘signal footprint' is very small. Even in a busy opening, signals may still pass you by but you should continue to monitor in case a Sporadic-E path opens up that does include your station at one end! Moon declination is negative again from this weekend, ending today the 16th. EME path loss was at its highest at apogee on Friday the 14th. 144MHz sky noise starts the week low but rises steadily, reaching over 3,000 Kelvin on Friday the 21st. And that's all from the propagation team this week.  

GB2RS News Sunday the 26th of May 2024   The news headlines: The RSGB's Exams and Syllabus Review Group is seeking volunteers RSGB representatives had a successful time at Dayton Hamvention The RSGB Discovery scheme has just been relaunched in a new format The Exams and Syllabus Review Group – or ESRG as it is often known – is looking for new members to move the group forward. Its current task is to approve a new Direct to Full syllabus and to write and approve new questions for the new exams in September due to licence changes. The group meets online every Tuesday between 3 pm and 4.30 pm, with members of the Exam Standards Committee, but meeting times can be changed to accommodate everyone. ESRG volunteers need to be Full licence holders, members of the RSGB and be able to give a few hours a week. This is your chance to shape the future as we move to Syllabus 2.0 in 2025. To volunteer or find out more, contact the ESRG Chair Andrew Lenton via esrg.chair@rsgb.org.uk Members of the RSGB Team, including RSGB General Manager, Steve Thomas M1ACB and the RSGB President, John McCullagh GI4BWM had a successful time at the Dayton Hamvention last weekend. The event was a brilliant opportunity to engage with radio amateurs from around the world and resulted in 132 people joining or rejoining the RSGB. There were also several podcasters, YouTubers and local news outlets in attendance. This included WHIO, which is a local US news channel, who interviewed RSGB President, John McCullagh GI4BWM. This was shared on local TV news, radio, as well as online. Josh from Ham Radio Crash Course also did a live stream to his 346,000 YouTube subscribers, which included a chat with RSGB General Manager, Steve Thomas M1ACB and the RSGB President. You can find links to view these clips on the RSGB notices section of the RSGB website. The RSGB Discovery scheme has just been relaunched in a new format. Now called the Discovery Logbook, there are fewer requirements, an easy-to-follow programme and exciting links with external organisations such as Parks on the Air and Worked All Britain. There are also some great RSGB Awards to work towards if you'd like to include those in your programme of activities. The RSGB hopes that these links will enable radio amateurs to discover new ways of enjoying their hobby with the guidance and support of experts in those fields. There are three difficulty levels and the first of these, called Explorer, has just been launched. To see the programme activities, find out how to get involved or talk to the Society about linking your organisation with the Discovery Logbook, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/discovery British Science Week is an annual event run by the British Science Association celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths. The event, which is taking place between the 7th and 16th of March 2025, will have the theme ‘change and adapt', which lends itself perfectly to amateur radio in the 21st century. As part of its commitment to encourage new radio amateurs into the hobby, the RSGB will again be providing resources and activities to inspire people of all ages to get involved. The RSGB is now collecting ideas for activities for primary and secondary schools, or for use with the wider community. The 2025 theme offers a huge range of opportunities for creativity and discovery. Ideas could cover any area of the hobby, from construction to propagation, from making QSOs under supervision, to space and satellites. Whatever the idea, the Society would love to hear from you. Please send ideas to the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator Ian Neal, M0KEO at bsw@rsgb.org.uk. To find out more about previous activities you can visit rsgb.org/bsw and britishscienceweek.org The popular Electromagnetic Field event, also known as ‘EMF Camp', is taking place between the 30th of May and the 2nd of June. The event is a non-profit camping festival for those with an inquisitive mind. Over 3,000 like-minded people, including scientists, engineers and radio amateurs, are expected to attend the event in Eastnor, Herefordshire. For more information visit emfcamp.org Guisborough and District Amateur Radio Club is organising a mini DXpedition to Scotland, on the Isle of Lewis from the 22nd to the 29th of September. The team has a couple of spaces left and welcomes amateurs from other clubs who would like to take part. For more information email m.dutton@virginmedia.com And now for details of rallies and events Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally takes 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 email dadars@gmx.com Spalding and District Amateur Radio Society's Annual Rally will take place on Sunday the 2nd of June. This year sees the event taking place at a new venue: Spalding Rugby and Football Club, Centenary Park, Drain Bank North, Spalding, Lincs, PE12 6AF. The event will feature a free on-site car park, inside and outside traders, an RSGB bookstall and an outside boot area. General admission is £3 per person. For more information visit sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally The Junction 28 Radio Rally is coming up on Sunday the 9th of June at Alfreton Sports Centre, DE55 7BD, one mile from M1 Junction 28. The doors will be open from 10.15 am and admission will be £4. For more information visit snadarc.com or contact j28rally@snadarc.com The Worked All Britain Awards Group will be holding its 2024 AGM from 12 pm at the Junction 28 Rally. Those unable to attend in person but wishing to join online via Zoom should email the Group's secretary at m1aib@worked-all-britain.org.uk Now the Special Event News Hull and District Amateur Radio Society is running a special event station GBH0UL from the 31st of May to the 2nd of June. The station is active to mark 100 years of amateur radio in Hull and to celebrate the 95th birthday of Honorary Club member Bernard Atkinson, G0SWO. Listen out for operators on the HF and VHF bands using SSB, FT4 and FT8. Special event stations CS2GPDX, CR2GPDX and CR3GPDX are active until the 31st of May to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Portuguese DX Group. The stations will operate on all HF bands using SSB, CW, FT8, FT4 and RTTY. QSL via Logbook of the World only. For details of certificates and trophies that are available, see QRZ.com Now the DX news Martin, MW0BRO is active as ZC4GW from Dhekelia in Cyprus (British Sovereign Base Area) until tomorrow, the 27th of May. He is operating CW only on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via MW0BRO. QSOs will be uploaded to Club-Log and Logbook of the World. Rolf, DO4RKR is active as 8Q7KR from the Maldives, AS-013, until the 31st of May. He is working with 30W and operating SSB only on the 10m band. QSL via Rolf's home call, directly or via the Bureau. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 25th and ends at 2359UTC today, 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. Today, 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. On Tuesday the 28th of May, the SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 30th 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. National Field Day starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 1st of June and ends at 1500UTC on Sunday the 2nd 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 1st of June and ends at 1300UTC on Sunday the 2nd of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and membership number. The ARRL International Digital Contest runs from 1800UTC on Saturday the 1st of June until 2359UTC on Sunday the 2nd of June. Using any digital mode, excluding RTTY, on the 160 to 6m bands, the exchange is your four-character locator. On Sunday the 2nd of June, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0900 to 1500 UTC. 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 Wednesday the 22nd of May 2024 After the extremely unsettled HF conditions on the 10th and 11th of May, it was gratifying to see things returning to normal last week. The Kp index has returned to being in the range of 1 to 4 and, with a solar flux index still in the 190s, we have seen some good propagation around the world. But make no mistake – it probably won't last! Active region 3664, the source of so much mayhem a couple of weeks ago, will soon return from its trip around the Sun. It has probably been the source of a major flare while on the Sun's far side and there is a good chance we may get a repeat performance of last month. Meanwhile, make hay while the Sun shines! NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will increase above 200 next week, but unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for tomorrow, the 27th of May, and at the end of the month and into early June. Daytime critical frequencies have been between 8 and 9.3MHz, making 40m a good band for inter-G QSOs. These have also meant that the maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path has often exceeded 24 to 27MHz, making 12m a viable band for DX. Note that this is a little patchy, so if you don't hear anything on 24MHz just wait a while or check later. Nighttime critical frequencies are usually around 6 to 7MHz, meaning 20m is generally open all night with occasional openings on 17m. We are now well into the Sporadic-E season so there should be lots of short-skip into Europe on the 12 and 10m bands to play with. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The end of the current week, in the lead-up to the bank holiday weekend, shows a low and its thundery rain moving north and leaving behind a slack area of pressure with a weak trend towards building a ridge over the country. The bulk of next week is showing up with a slack westerly pattern and weak fronts brushing past. From midweek, and towards next weekend, the frontal systems will be more active with longer periods of heavier rain possible. The end result for most VHF and up operators is that there may be some occasional Tropo events, especially overnight during the slacker period with the weak ridge over the country by the start of the weekend. A more likely option will again be rain scatter which will produce better scattering from the larger raindrops now the summer season is upon us, and thundery developments are more common. Check the many online weather radars for your tracking beam headings. Meteor scatter will also be worth considering since we are approaching the period when many lesser showers appear to pep up the background meteor count. This will be useful for meteor scatter operators and serve the Sporadic-E folk well. The solar activity continues to deliver random events which take the Kp index to high values. Remember that a Kp index greater than 5 indicates the chance of aurora propagation. The primary mode at this time of the year is Sporadic-E. The late May and early June period is often regarded as a peak time for monitoring your favourite VHF beacons. As many will know, the 10m band is a useful starting point for identifying the beginning of an opening, and then you should check the higher bands in turn as the event strengthens. This is often indicated by the skip distance shortening on the 10m band. The other basic operating tip is to use the daily blog on the Propquest.co.uk website for commentary on the effectiveness of the various upper air patterns such as jet streams, which can influence the location where Sporadic-E propagation occurs. There are no major meteor showers this week so, in between the Sporadic-E, look around dawn for the best random meteor prospects. Saturday the 22nd sees the lowest Moon declination of the month so next week will see some lengthening Moon windows. EME path loss is falling, but we are still over a week from perigee, its closest point to Earth. 144MHz sky noise starts the week high, as it reached over 2500 Kelvin on Saturday the 25th. It is low for the rest of the week. 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 training@sbarc.co.uk 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 argault91@gmail.com 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 info@retrotechuk.com 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 gb6ww@ft8.me 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 mm0tmz@rsgb.org.uk 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 rcfsecretary@commsfoundation.org 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 comms@rsgb.org.uk 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 rally2024@cambridgerepeaters.net, 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 dwilson@btinternet.com 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 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 m0omc@m0omc.co.uk 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 derekbowen1949@talktalk.net 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 admin@arac.org.uk  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 radcom@rsgb.org.uk  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 m0omc@m0omc.co.uk 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 derekbowen1949@talktalk.net   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 pac.chairman@rsgb.org.uk 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 radcom@rsgb.org.uk 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 m0omc@m0omc.co.uk 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.