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G4APL > NEWS 19.10.19 18:53l 337 Lines 16223 Bytes #999 (0) @ EU
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Subj: RSGB Main News - 13 Oct 2019
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GB2RS Main News for Sunday 13th October 2019
The news headlines:
* RSGB meets with Ofcom over VDSL
* Scottish Microwave Round Table soon
* Apply now to run GB19YOTA
As a result of RSGB Members' concerns, a letter requesting a meeting
was sent to Ofcom by the RSGB Director responsible for Spectrum, RSGB
Board Chair and RSGB President. Subsequently, Dave Wilson, M0OBW, Dr
Philip Willis, M0PHI, Dr Martin Sach, G8KDF, Dr John Rogers, M0JAV
and Steve Thomas, M1ACB met with Ofcom this week to discuss the VDSL
issues. Some of the key points from that meeting include:
1. Ofcom has finished its testing and has produced a report which the
RSGB saw in draft format. This revised report recognises that VDSL
emits a level of Electro Magnetic Disturbance capable of affecting HF
radio reception. With that in mind, the RSGB asked Ofcom to publish
its new report and remove the previous report from its website.
2. Ofcom is happy to support the RSGB's plans to re-open discussions
with OpenReach. One area the RSGB intends to discuss with OpenReach
is the implementation of notching for the amateur bands, a feature
that is already included in OpenReach equipment
3. The RSGB EMC Committee has published its final report on joint
testing with Ofcom and is happy to confirm that the results are
similar to those in the new Ofcom report at
tinyurl.com/GB2RS-1013-ofcom
4. The RSGB emphasised the need to implement notching in G.fast,
Ultrafast Broadband, from the beginning, and will take this up with
Ofcom during further meetings
5. To help amateurs understand Ofcom's position, Ofcom offered to
write an open letter to the RSGB explaining its ethos; the rationale
behind how it operates; what the law is; what Ofcom can do and what
it will do; and also how Ofcom's decision-making process works. This
letter has also been published on the RSGB website.
The Scottish Microwave Round Table will take place in Burntisland in
Fife on Saturday the 2nd of November. The programme includes talks by
Martin Hall, GM8IEM on Constructing a 13cm home station around the
Kuhne MKU23 G4 transverter; Heather Lomond, M0HMO on Beginning with
GNU SDR and Mark Hughes, GM4ISM on Microwave EME. Other attractions
include a construction competition, a test equipment bench and an
evening dinner. Further information including the programme and
booking information is online at www.gmroundtable.org.uk.
Youngsters on the Air Month takes place each December to encourage
youngsters to get on the air and to learn more about the practical
side of the hobby. The RSGB has the callsign GB19YOTA and we're
looking for radio clubs, schools, Scout/Guides groups, Cadet groups
and individuals to activate the call sign or host a station.
Operations can be on HF, VHF, UHF using all modes but all operators
should be aged 26 or below. Each day will be split into three
operating slots: 0000 to 1159UTC; 1200 to 1759UTC; and 1800 to
2359UTC but you can also just operate for a few hours if you wish.
All Full licensed RSGB Members or affiliated clubs can register to
host the callsign but Foundation and Intermediate licence holders may
operate if they are supervised from the station of a club or the
station of a Full licence holder. To find out more go to
www.rsgb.org/yota-month and to apply to host the callsign please
email gb19yota<at>rsgb.org.uk with your full name and callsign; your
RSGB Membership or affiliation number; your preferred dates and
operating times.
The RSGB is pleased to announce that Rob Evered, G2RE has taken up
the volunteer post of Youth Champion. Rob will work closely with the
Youth Team to ignite interest; develop links with schools, Scouts and
Guides, universities and the general public; and motivate young
people to get involved in amateur radio.
A special WRC-19 issue of ITU News is now available for downloading
at tinyurl.com/GB2RS-1013-ITU. It is a large file but provides an
excellent overview of the Conference and its Agenda items, including
an article on the IARU objectives for the Conference by IARU
Secretary Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. WRC-19 takes place over a full month
starting on the 28th of October, concluding on the 22nd of November.
The relevant RSGB volunteers plan to attend as part of the Ofcom-led
UK delegation, whilst some other amateurs will be embedded in other
national delegations. The IARU will also be present at it has
official Observer status. The RSGB's social media and special focus
page at www.rsgb.org/wrc-19 will feature regular postings whilst the
conference is underway.
From 8am to 5pm today, the 13th of October, UK Army, Navy and Air
Cadet Units will be carrying out Exercise Blue Ham 19. Operations
will be on the 5MHz shared band. Amateurs may claim a certificate if
they contact 10 or more stations over the weekend and submit a copy
of their log sheet. QSO exchange details and claim info are at
tinyurl.com/GB2RS-BlueHam-19. This is the last chance of 2019 to make
contact with Cadets.
There are two ARISS school contacts with the International Space
Station planned for this week. An Italian school is booked for the
17th of October around 0849UTC with the contact conducted in Italian.
Then, on Friday the 18th at around 0937UTC, an English language
contact has been arranged with participants at a Science and
Technology event in Germany. The downlink signals for both contacts
will be audible in parts of Europe on 145.800MHz FM.
The GB3JV amateur TV repeater is now on the air in beacon mode. It is
located in Petts wood, Kent and transmits on 3404MHz. The Tx antenna
is a slotted waveguide design and gives an ERP of 150 watts. Receiver
inputs are available on 1249MHz and the repeater output is streamed
on the BATC website. To receive the repeater all that's required is a
tuneable DVB-S2 satellite receiver, or a BATC Minitiouner, a small
dish and a C-Band LNB. Coverage predictions show reception
possibilities across the heavily populated area of South-East & East
London as well as parts of Essex. This repeater is on the air due to
the work of many people and the repeater keeper thanks them all.
Information and updates are at www.gb3jv.co.uk.
And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week
Today, the 13th, is the final day of the 2019 RSGB Convention at
Kent's Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, Milton Keynes
MK7 6BZ. See www.rsgb.org/convention
Today, the 13th, the Hornsea Amateur Radio Rally will be held in the
Floral Hall, Hornsea HU18 1NQ. Doors open at 10am. Admission is
GBP 2, with under 14s free. The Bring & Buy will be run by Hornsea
ARC. There will be trade stands showing radio equipment, computers
etc and an RSGB book stand. Hot and cold food will be available in
the café. Contact Les, 2E0LBJ on 01377 252393 or see
www.hornseaarc.co.uk.
Today, the 13th, sees the Holsworthy Radio Rally take place at its
new venue, Holsworthy Leisure Centre, Well Park, Western Road,
Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6DH. There will be traders, a Bring & Buy and
catering on site. The venue has separate disabled access via the side
door. A club steward will be on duty in the car park. Doors open 8am
for traders and 10am for visitors. Contact Howard, M0MYB via email to
holsworthyarc<at>gmail.com.
On Saturday, the 19th, the Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group Radio
Rally will be held in Downshire Secondary School, Downshire Road,
Carrickfergus. Doors will open at 12 noon for the public and 9.30am
for traders. All proceeds from the sale of the food and beverages
will go to Belfast Samaritans, a very worthy charity. More
information from Elizabeth Forde on 0785 544 2839.
On Saturday, the 19th, the CW Convention and CW Boot Camp will be
held at the 3rd Witham Scout & Guide HQ, Rear of Spring Lodge
Community Centre, Powers Hall End, Witham, Essex CM8 2HE.
Registration is at 8.30am for a 9am start. The event is due to finish
at around 4.30pm. You should pre-register, as places are limited.
Contact g0ibn1<at>yahoo.com or 0745 342 60 87.
Next Sunday, the 20th of October, the Galashiels Rally will take
place in Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, Scottish
Borders TD1 3JX. Doors open 11am for disabled visitor and 11.15am for
the general public. There will be traders and a Bring & Buy.
Refreshments will be available on site.
Please send details of your 2020 rally and event plans as soon as
possible to radcom<at>rsgb.org.uk. So far we have received details of
just SIX events for the whole of the year.
And now the DX news from 425 DX News and other sources
Members of the CAN-AM DXpedition Group will be active as TX7T from
the Marquesas Islands, IOTA reference OC-027, until the 17th of
November. They will operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 in Fox & Hound mode
on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via M0URX's OQRS and Logbook of The World.
Rene, DL2JRM will be active as 9H3YY from Malta, EU-023, between the
18th and 22nd of October. QSL via his home callsign, direct or
bureau. He does not use Logbook of The World.
Willy, DJ7RJ will be active again as FH/DJ7RJ from Mayotte, AF-027,
from the 15th of October to the 4th of November. He will operate CW
and SSB with a focus on the 160m band and the low bands. QSL via his
home call. He does not use Logbook of The World or Club Log.
Antonio, EA5RM will be working in Bolivia until the 30th of November.
In his spare time he will operate SSB and digital modes on the 40 to
10m bands as CP1XRM. QSL via EA5RM.
Look for Fabien, F4GYM/P and Pierre-Marie, F4FCE/P, who will be
active from Grande Ile de Chausey, EU-039, between the 19th and the
25th of October. They will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the
80 to 10m bands. QSL via home calls, either via the bureau or direct.
Philippe, F1DUZ will be active as FG4KH from Guadeloupe, NA-102,
between the 14th to the 29th of October. He will operate SSB and some
FT8 on 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of The
World, eQSL, or via F1DUZ, either direct or via the bureau.
Now the special event news
Hartlepool ARC will be running Jamboree on the Air special event
station GB0TVS on behalf of Tees Valley Scouts on the 19th and 20th
of October. The station will operate from the Hartlepool Scout
Centre, Brierton Lane, just off the A689. Activity will be on HF, VHF
and UHF, and all visitors will be welcome.
GB1NHS will be operating as part of GIANT Healthcare scheduled to
take place on 15-16 October 2019 at the Chelsea Football Club Stadium
in London. This year will be the first time that the event has
featured amateur radio. Paul Devlin will be operating a demonstration
station on both days.
GB100GP will be on the air from Gilwell Park on the 19th and 20th of
October and will have over 250 youngsters visiting the station over
the weekend to take part in a variety of activities. They will be
active on HF and locally on 145MHz with voice and SSTV.
Please send special event details to radcom<at>rsgb.org.uk as early
as possible so we can give you free publicity. It is a licensing
condition that stations using a UK special event callsign must be
open to the public.
Now the contest news
The Oceania DX CW contest ends its 24 hour run at 0800UTC today, the
13th. Using the 1.8 to 28MHz contest bands, the exchange is signal
report and serial number.
Today, the 13th, the IRTS 40m Counties Contest runs from 1200 to
1400UTC using CW and SSB, the exchange is signal report and serial
number. EI and GI stations also send their County.
On Monday, the 80m Autumn Series runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW
only on the 3.5MHz band, the exchange is signal report and serial
number.
On Tuesday 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 Thursday 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.
Next weekend the Worked All Germany contest runs from 1500UTC on the
19th to 1500UTC on the 20th. Using CW and SSB on the 3.5 to 28MHz
contest bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number, with
German stations also sending DOK.
Next Sunday, the 20th of October, the 50MHz AFS contest runs from
0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on 6m only, the exchange is signal
report, serial number and locator.
Next Sunday, the 20th, the 2nd RoLo contest runs from 1900 to
2030UTC. Using CW only on the 3.5MHz band, the exchange is signal
report and the rolling postcode.
Next Sunday, the 20th, the UK Microwave Group 24-76MHz contest runs
from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes, the exchange is signal report,
serial number and locator.
Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA & G4BAO on
Friday the 11th of October.
We had a mixed bag of HF propagation over the last seven days,
although Monday saw maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path
climb above 21MHz. Conditions were less good on Thursday morning,
mainly due to an elevated Kp index, which reached four thanks to an
enhanced solar wind with a south-facing Bz component.
There was DX to be had though, including A82X in Liberia, TO80SP in
St Pierre and Miquelon and the ZK3A DXpedition to the Tokelau
Islands. They unfortunately had to end their operations early due to
the illness of an island resident, but well-equipped stations were
able to work them earlier.
There were no sunspots recorded during the last seven days. We
apologise for saying the same last week when in fact a small spot
appeared and then vanished the next day!
Next week NOAA has the solar flux index pegged at 68. The good news
is that it doesn't think we will have any geomagnetic disturbances. A
shot of the sun taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory on Thursday
the 10th showed no coronal hole activity at all. As we know all too
well this could change as the week goes on, but for now we predict
settled geomagnetic conditions with maximum usable frequencies near
their seasonal norms.
We are now seeing the better autumnal propagation as the ionosphere
cools, although you may be forgiven for thinking we are not. The low
solar flux is not making the bands come alive to SSB and to a lesser
extent CW, although modes like FT8 with its lower required signal to
noise ratio is letting DX be worked on a regular basis.
And now the VHF and up propagation news.
It's hard to get too much enthusiasm for next week's VHF propagation
prospects as autumn is the season of changeable weather patterns. The
coming week is no exception. There will be low pressure nearby for
much of the week with the main centres tracking close to Scotland,
but also affecting the south at times. These will also bring windy
weather at times to test the summer antenna work! The upside of
course is that this unsettled weather pattern will bring some good
prospects for rain scatter on the GHz bands again.
As for Tropo, it's not looking good for UK stations with high
pressure displaced to the south over France, Biscay and the Azores
and thus well out of range for any extended Tropo paths.
Today sees Moon declination go positive so we'll see a continuing
increase in Moon window lengths and peak moon elevation. We are past
apogee for this lunar month now, so losses will be falling as well.
Sky noise on VHF is low but increasing, reaching 500 kelvin at 144MHz
next Saturday.
There is one small meteor shower this coming week, the
Epsilon-Geminids on the 18th. We are a week and a day from the much
more intense Orionids shower so we should see some improvement then
in meteor scatter conditions.
And that's all from the propagation team this week.
And that's the end of the main news for this week prepared by the
Radio Society of Great Britain. Items for inclusion in subsequent
bulletins can be emailed to radcom<at>rsgb.org.uk to arrive by
10:00 on the Thursday before transmission.
Our thanks to Andy G4TNU for providing this RSGB feed.
--
g4apl@gb7cip.ampr.org g4apl@gb7cip.#32.gbr.euro
http://www.theskywaves.net http://gb7cip.ampr.org
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