Good morning. It's Sunday the 27th of February and here is the GB2RS news broadcast, prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain. We start this with the news that last weekend, the Yeovil Amateur Radio Club put on special event station GX3CMH/P on the 40th anniversary of the first sky-wave contact using a transistor transmitter. The 1994 station, using a single transistor running just twelve milliwatts, made 18 contacts, the best of which was with GI4LSH at a distance of 260 miles. The March edition of Radio Communication has been posted to all RSGB members. It includes the Minutes of the Annual General and Extraordinary General Meetings held last December. There are also details of the RSGB Regional Meeting to be held in Wales in late March. Two GB2RS news readers, main and reserve, are being sought for the Glasgow North area to use 2m FM. This is to serve listeners not covered by the 10.00am Ayrshire transmission intended for Glasgow North listeners. The Southern Microwave Group will be holding a round table meeting at the Rutherford - Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, near Didcot, Oxfordshire on Sunday the 13th of March commencing at 10.00am. Attractions include a calibration and alignment service, technical talks and a bring and buy stall. There will also be the usual round table discussions on matters of interest to microwavers. Hot meals and snacks will be available. All are welcome. For more information contact Mike, G3LYP on 0494 881298. Attention RSGB members in Hampshire: A new RSGB Liaison Officer (RLO) has been appointed for Hampshire. He is Kenneth Fisher, G0LKX, and his address is 102 Fairfield Avenue, Fareham, Hants, PO14 1EL, telephone 0329 311724. RLOs hold a wide range of information and they are available to help any RSGB member seeking advice. Attention RSGB members in the West Midlands: A new RSGB Liaison Officer (RLO) has been appointed for the West Midlands. He is Tony Faulkner, G0SKG, and his address is 105 Corbyn Road, Russells Hall Estate, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 2JZ. He can be telephoned on 0384 455502. RLOs hold a wide range of information and they are available to help any RSGB member seeking advice. Next, attention all Club and Rally Secretaries. The Society is updating its records for all Club Rallies and Events for 1995, yes 1995. For this to be achieved, can all club secretaries involved send the date of their event for 1995 without delay to RSGB Headquarters so that it can be included in the list. Information should be marked for the attention of Justine Hodges, Marketing Coordinator, and to be included it must be received at Headquarters by next Friday the 4th of March. The 24cm ATV Repeater GB3WV has now been approved by the Radiocommunications Agency and the Dorset Video Repeater Group intends to put it into service at 4pm next Sunday the 6th of March. For further details contact John, G4NTS on 0305 778575. On the packet front, the four metre ports of North Yorkshire nodes GB7YM and GB7EY have been closed down indefinitely. Further information about the remaining ports of these stations can be obtained from Geoffrey Smith, G4AJJ, whose address is correct in the RSGB Call Book. Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet which is edited by Brendan McCartney, G4DYO. From Penguin Islands, DJ6JC, V51BI and DJ6SI will be active as ZS0X until Monday the 28th of February on all bands and modes. From Benin, TY8OBO is expected to be active from next Tuesday the 1st of March for 14 days. And from Raratonga in the South Cook Islands, a large group will be active from the 4th to the 10th of March, moving to Aitutaki from the 10th for seven days. A number of ZK1 calls will be in use. Rally news now and we know of only one event for today, Sunday the 27th of February: The Taw and Torridge Rally is being held at the Bideford Halls on the Quay, Bideford, North Devon. Doors open at 10.30am. The event features the usual trade exhibitors, a bring and buy stall and refreshments. We know of no rallies scheduled for next weekend, Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of March. The next scheduled event is the 1994 RSGB London Amateur Radio and Computer Show which is to be held on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of March, at the Lee Valley Leisure Centre, Picketts Lock Lane, Edmonton, North London. The March edition of RadCom contains a comprehensive guide to the Show. There will be no RSGB National Convention this year so the Society will put on a larger than usual stand at the London Show. For further information call 0923 893929. Next a date for your diary: A VHF 'Round Table' meeting is scheduled for Sunday the 10th of April at the British Telecom Laboratories, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich. Full details of this ticket-only event can be found in the March RadCom. HF contest news: The results of the 1993 RSGB LF Cumulative Contest have been published in the March edition of RadCom. The overall winner is G0IVZ, who was also band leader on 160 and 80 metres. The runner up is G3HEJ. Band leader on 40 metres is G5LP. The ARRL International SSB DX Contest takes place from 0000 UTC on Saturday the 5th, until 2400 UTC on Sunday the 6th of March. Contestants may use all bands from 1.8MHz to 28MHz, excluding the WARC bands. February RadCom page 19 gives rules and entry details for the CW event which are almost identical. A full copy of the rules for CW Contest is available by sending a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope immediately to John Allaway, G3FKM, whose address is correct in the RSGB Call Book. Next some VHF contest news: The penultimate session of the RSGB 70MHz Cumulative Contest takes place today, Sunday the 27th, with the final session on Sunday, the 13th of March, both from 1000 to 1200 UTC. See December's RadCom page 83 for details. The RSGB 144/432MHz Contest take place next weekend, starting at 1400 UTC on Saturday the 5th and finishing at 1400 UTC on Sunday the 6th of March. See January and February RadCom, pages 83 for details of the different categories. And now the solar factual data The period from the 14th to the 20th of February has again been mainly unsettled. The HF bands have been upset by a disintegrating filament, a proton flare event reaching 74 particle flux units on the 20th, an M flare and an aurora. The interplanetary shock wave was expected to reach the earth on the 22nd. The sunspot indices meaned at 55. Solar flux levels hardly changed from day to day and averaged 105 units; the 90 day mean was 106 on the 20th. The geomagnetic field has been mainly unsettled, up to storm levels at times. The only quiet day was the 18th with an Ap index of 6 units. The other days were affected by a disintegrating filament, and an M4.0/3B flare which produced a proton event and a Pole Cap Absorption event of 3dB on the 20th. This is the first such event since March 1993. The SSC, sudden storm commencement, began on the 20th at 0902 hours and was accompanied by type 2 (short lived 10 to 100MHz) and type 4 (10 to 300MHz) radio sweeps lasting for at least one hour. An aurora was reported during the afternoon of the 21st, but was well to the north with 50MHz contacts mainly confined to the near continent. The geomagnetic Ap indices averaged 22.1 units, though the 14th was up to 37 units. The state has been 'mag storm' during most of the period. The aa indices, as supplied by the British Geological Survey for the 8th to the 14th February, gave daily averages of 62.6 nanoTeslas. The 8th was up to 92.7 and many afternoon periods were up to well over 100 nanoTeslas, about K6. The X-Ray flux has remained high and averaged B2.0 units, hardly varying day to day. Now the ionospheric data for Central France: This week we are a bit short of data from Poitiers but, from the information we have, the F2 day-time critical frequencies gave daily high averages of 6.75MHz. The darkness hour lows averaged 2.1MHz but spread F lasted on some days up to 10 hours. Now the ionospheric data for the north: The F2 day-time critical frequencies at Ekaterinberg averaged 6.6MHz, and the darkness hour lows averaged 2.1MHz. And lastly the solar forecast: This week, the more active side of the sun will be rotating away. Solar flux levels are expected be about the 98s. The geomagnetic levels are expected to be quiet at first, but on past history could be very unsettled from the 4th March. Ionospheric MUFs during daylight in the south are expected to be about 24MHz for east/west paths, and slightly higher for north/south paths. For northern stations all levels will be lower. And that is the end of the solar information. Finally in the main news, SSL has informed the Society that as of last Wednesday morning, the latest callsigns issued were in the G0 U M and G7 R Y series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 A H and 2 1 C R series. You're listening to GB2RS, the news broadcasting service of the Radio Society of Great Britain, transmitting in the 80, 40, 6 and 2 metre bands. Next, the local news. NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST Meetings for Tuesday the 1st of March: Andover Radio Amateur Club has a talk entitled 'Global Positioning Systems' by Brian, G4NNS. Further details from G8ALR, tel: 0264 773547 evenings. Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Telemetry at Anglian Water' by Alan Sargeant. Further information from Charles, G0GJS on 0245 256654. Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society has a discussion on club projects and events. Details from Peter, G7HCL, tel: 0438 724509. Meetings for Wednesday the 2nd of March: Aylesbury Vale Radio Society has a Quiz evening, with the Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society, at Chesham. For further details contact Martyn, G4XZJ on 0296 81097. Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society meets for a Quiz evening against the Aylesbury Vale Radio Club. Details from Ian, G0RTF on 0494 676391. The Dover Radio Club has a Novice evening. For further details contact Mick, G7NOR on 0304 825030. Three Counties Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Integrated Emergency Planning' by Bob, G4VWP. For further details contact Tom, tel: 0428 606298. Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Computers' by G7OBD and G7OBE. For further details contact G4GPX on 0903 753893. Meetings for Thursday the 3rd of March: Cray Valley Radio Society has its Annual Construction Contest. Contact Bob on 081 850 1386 for details. East Kent Radio Society has its Annual Junk Sale at Parkside. There will be no Novice class. For further information contact Paul, G3VJF on 0227 364606. Hoddesdon Radio Club has a preparation and briefing session for the London Amateur Radio and Computer Show. Details from John, G7OCI tel: 0920 466639. Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk by Keith Ridley, Deputy Editor of 'The News' local newspaper. Details from Stuart, G0FYX, on 0705 472846. Horsham Amateur Radio Club has a Surplus Equipment Sale. Details from Peter, G8SUI on 0737 842150. Maidenhead and District Amateur Radio Club has a Quiz against the Reading and District Amateur Radio Club at home. Details from Neil, G0SVN, tel: 0628 25952. Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society has a Members' Activity night. Contact Paul, G1GSN on 0462 700618 for further details. Vange Amateur Radio Society has a Junk Sale. Contact Doris on 0268 552606 for further information. Meetings for Friday the 4th of March: Hilderstone Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'What Brought Me into Amateur Radio!'. For further details, telephone 0843 869812. Loughton and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Packet Radio Update' by G8DZH. Details from John, G8DZH on 081 508 3434. Silverthorn Radio Club has a Preparation evening for the RSGB London Amateur Radio and Computer Show. Details from G0KHC on 081 505 1871. NEWS FOR SOUTH WEST Exeter Amateur Radio Society Club has a new venue and now meets in The Moose International Centre, Blackboy Road, Exeter. For details contact Ray, G3YBK 0392 78710. Meeting for Monday the 28th of February: RSGB City of Bristol Group has a talk on 'The History of Portishead' by Bernard, G7GHB. Contact Dave, G4NKT on 0272 62124 for further information. Meeting for Tuesday the 1st of March: South Dorset Radio Society has its Annual Members' Bring, Buy and Barter event. For further information contact the club secretary, Mike, G7HNY on 0305 773860. Meetings for Wednesday the 2nd of March: South Bristol Amateur Radio Club meets for a 15 metres Activity Evening. For more information contact the Club Secretary on 0275 834282. Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk on The WAB Awards' by G3GKC and a video entitled 'The Northern Lighthouse Dxpedition'. Further details from Ian, G0GRI whose evening telephone number is 0225 864698. Meeting for Thursday the 3rd of March: Yeovil Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Radio Astronomy' by G1PZK starting at 7.30pm. Contact Cedric, G4JBL on 0258 473845 for further information. Meetings for Friday the 4th of March: Axe Vale Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Ballistic Missile Development' by Doug Hall, G5JJ. Details from Pat, G0GHH, tel: 0297 33756. Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club has planned a visit to the local Airport ATC - however this is subject to confirmation and numbers. Contact Brian on 0752 844321 for confirmation. Shirehampton Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'The Wonderful World of Weather Satellites' by G4DPJ. For further information contact Ron, G4GTD on 0272 770504. Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club has a Brains Trust event. Details from G3WNI, on 0823 680778. Meeting for Saturday the 5th of March: Torbay Amateur Radio Society meets for its Annual Dinner and Dance. For further details contact Walt, G3HTX on 0803 526762. Meeting for next Sunday the 6th of March: Flight Refuelling (Wimborne) Amateur Radio Society has a 'Vintage Radio' evening at 8pm. Details from John, G4POF who is QTHR. NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA Meetings for Tuesday the 1st of March: The Amateur Radio Club of Fakenham has a Demonstration of ATV by G0LGJ, at the Trinity Church Rooms, Hempton. Details from Dave, G4DCJ 0485 528633. Sudbury and District Radio Amateurs has a talk and demonstration entitled 'PCB Computer Aided Design' by Colin, G0PAO. Details from Tony, G8LTY on 0787 313212. Meetings for Wednesday the 2nd of March: Ipswich Radio Club will be holding a 'Constructional Contest' starting at 7.30pm. For further details contact Sheila, G8HYE on 0473 742072. Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Safety in the Shack' by Arnold, G3PTB. For further details contact Sheila, G0KWP on 0603 618810. Meeting for Friday the 4th of March: Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk by Mark Francis, from an Essex based amateur radio company, describing their products and service. Call John, G0TIL on 0763 243570 for further information. NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS Meetings for Monday the 28th of February: The Radio Society of Bloxwich has a Broadcast SWL Contest. Note that the meeting is in a non-smoking area. Details from G0TDF, on 0902 722830. Stratford upon Avon and District Radio Society has a Surplus Sale. Further details from Clive, G0CHO 0789 450623. Meetings for Tuesday the 1st of March: Grantham Radio Club has a Quiz night. Contact John, G8WWJ on 0476 65743 for further details. Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk 'Computers and Things'. For further details contact G8SNF, tel: 0509 218259. Stafford and District Amateur Radio Society meets for its Annual General Meeting. For further details contact Bernard, G3ESW on 0785 662350. Meetings for Wednesday 2nd of March: Derby and District Amateur Radio Society has a Surplus Sale. For further details contact Hayley, G7PXA on 0773 856904. South Birmingham Radio Society has a talk entitled 'PMR' by Bill, G3TZM. Further details Roy, G8ACR on 021 474 3784. Meeting for Thursday the 3rd of March: Vale of Evesham Radio Amateurs Club has a talk on 'Radio Amateur Relief Expeditions' by G0PMF at 8pm at the BBC Club, Evesham. Details from Alasdair, 0386 41508. Meetings for Friday the 4th of March: Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association has a Constructors' Contest at the Charlton Kings Library. Further details, tel: 0242 242336. South Notts Amateur Radio Club has a Constructional evening. Contact Julie, G0SOU on 0602 216342 for details. NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Meetings for Monday the 28th of February: Barnsley and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Stars and The Galaxy' by Malcolm, G8RWN. Visitors are asked not to park on the main road as parking is available. For further details contact John, G4LRS, tel: 0226 203448, 6 - 7pm. RATEC has a talk on 'Aerials 1963 - 93' by Ron, G3SVW. Contact Don, G4SFU on 061 485 3912 for further details. Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society has a discussion session on the subject of 'Band Plans, etc' For further details contact G4BFH who is QTHR. Meetings for Tuesday the 1st of March: Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Astronomy' by G0MSO. For further details contact Ian, G4WWX who is QTHR. Manchester and District Amateur Radio Society has a Demonstration on First Aid by The St John Ambulance Brigade. Details from G3IOA who is QTHR. Wakefield and District Radio Society meets for a talk entitled 'Electronics in the Printing Industry' by Charlie Newton, G2FKZ. Further details from Roy, G0TBY on 0924 893321. Meetings for Wednesday the 2nd of March: Denby Dale and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Astronomy by Malcolm, G8RWN. Details from G3ABS who is QTHR. Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society has a Construction night. Details from Mike, G7LQD on 0606 331210. Wirral Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Aspects of Chemistry'. Details from G3FOO, tel: 051 644 6094. Meetings for Thursday the 3rd of March: North Wakefield Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Yorkshire Water'. For further information contact John, G4RCG on 0924 362144. Spen Valley Amateur Radio Society has a visit to British Gas, the numbers being limited to 12 persons. Contact David, G1CTO on 0924 497767 for further information. Meetings for Friday the 4th of March: East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club has a Evening Project - Making a Slim Jim Antenna. Further details from Alistair, G4OLK on 0642 475671. Goole Radio and Electronics Society has a 'UHF Bands On Air' evening hosted by Ken, G6YYN. Further details from Steve, G8VHL on 0405 769130. South Manchester Radio Club has a talk entitled 'The Wizard of Menlo Park' by G4IRB. For further details contact Edward, G7FQY, tel: 061 969 1964. Stockport Radio Society Computer Group has a Question and Answers session on radio and computers. For further details telephone 061 439 4952. NEWS FOR SCOTLAND Meeting for Tuesday the 1st of March: Dundee Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Viewing the Bands - DIY Panoramic Reception' by Bill Wilson. Details from GM4FSB who is QTHR. Meetings for Thursday the 3rd of March: Dunfermline Radio Society has a 'Ten-Tec' night, a review of the Scout and other Ten-Tec rigs. Further details from Wallace, GM0GNT who is QTHR. Fort William Amateur Radio Group now meets every first and third Thursday of each month, at 7.30pm. For details contact Bob, GM1YGV who is QTHR. Meeting for Friday the 4th of March: Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has a Junk Sale. Details from Gordon, GM7PXW, tel 0224 780591. NEWS FOR WALES Meetings for Thursday the 3rd of February: Meirion Amateur Radio Society has a Home Brew Competition. Details from Maurice, GW3GKZ on 0341 422447. Rhondda Amateur Radio Society has an Amateur Radio Films evening. For further details contact Dennis, tel: 0443 440680. NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Meeting for Friday the 4th of March: Bangor and District Amateur Radio Society has a presentation on 'Basic Computing' by Gordon, GI6FZI. Further details from Keith, GI0SSA on 0247 883315. And that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast, which was prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.