Good morning. It's Sunday the 22nd of May and here is the GB2RS news broadcast, prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain. And we start this week's broadcast with the good news that at a recent meeting with the RSGB the Radiocommunications Agency (the RA) assured the Society that the amateur radio licence fees would not be increased during the next year. The last increase was made in April 1991. Not such good news is that the Radiocommunications Agency has experienced a number of problems in recent months with unattended operation of amateur stations, and have asked us to publicise the following: Quote:"ATV stations operating in the 1.3GHz band have been left running unattended on sites remote from the main station address, and have caused severe interference at distances of 30 - 40km away to air traffic control radars which are the primary users of this band. The Amateur Licence does not permit unattended operation of TV in this band (except where a Notice of Variation has been issued for a repeater, and these are subject to careful site clearance procedures). Operation outside of the terms of a licence is unlicensed use, and enforcement action (which could mean prosecution and/or revocation) can be expected in these cases. This is particularly so where a safety of life service, the security of which is the RIS's first priority, is at risk." End Quote. The potential consequences of being unable to close down an unattended transmitter that is causing interference to such services are very serious. It is important that all amateurs behave in a responsible manner and adhere to the procedures in the licence for unattended operation. The RA have also had to investigate interference from unattended operation of digital modes on 144/432MHz. The licence does not require notification to the local Radio Investigation Service (the RIS) for such operation under clause 2(4)c, but amateurs should perhaps give some thought as to how their station could be closed down in their absence if problems arise. It might be wise to inform the local RIS of such operation as a precaution. These matters are currently under discussion between the RSGB and the RA. One of the many Special Event Stations commemorating the forthcoming anniversary of D-Day is already in operation. This is GB0FYO, which remembers the visit to Portland by King George the 6th and Sir Winston Churchill on the 25th of May 1944, in preparation for D-Day. This station is operated by the Portland Amateur Club from the Portland Heights Hotel. A comprehensive list of special stations will appear in June's Radio Communication. The HF Committee of the RSGB has a vacancy for a keen HF DXer. The committee, which is responsible to RSGB Council for all HF matters, meets approximately every two months in the London area. If you feel you can help, write, with brief details of any relevant experience, to the committee chairman, David Evans, G3OUF, P O Box 599, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, postcode HP3 0SR. The June issue of Radio Communication will be posted out to members during the week commencing 23rd May. A DXpedition to the Shiant Isles, which is south-east of the Isle of Lewis, is scheduled to take place from next Friday the 27th until Monday the 30th of May. The team comprises: GM3NIG, GM3UTQ, GM4FDM and GM4YMA. Operation will be on all bands 160 to 10m, mainly around IOTA and WAB frequencies using the callsign GB8SH. The primary mode will be SSB, but CW, AMTOR, Pactor and RTTY will be available on request. Shiant is IOTA EU 112 and WAB NG49. We now give further items of HF DX news taken from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet which is edited by Brendan McCartney, G4DYO. From East Malaysia, JS6BLS will sign JS6BLS/9M6 from Wednesday the 25th until Monday the 30th of May on all bands on CW and SSB and during the CQ WPX contest. From Jordan, a multinational group will use the following callsigns; JY8's JH, IC, OX, VA, ZC and ED from Sunday the 29th of May until Monday the 27th of June. Operation is primarily to air 6m for the first time, but all the HF bands will be used. From Belize, V31PA will be active from today for the next five months. During the weekends check the frequency 14.15MHz from 2030 to 2200 UTC. And from Vanuatu, P29VH will operate as YJ0AVH from next Wednesday the 25th until Friday the 27th and from Monday the 30th until Wednesday the 1st of June on 15, 20 and 40 metres, SSB only. Now the rallies for today Sunday the 22nd of May: The Gloucester Radio Rally is being held at Nass Lane, Quedgeley, Gloucester, located off the old Bristol road. Look for the signs for Quedgeley Rally. Doors open at 9am. The event features a car boot sale, a bring and buy stall and a flea market area. The Moray Firth Amateur Radio Rally is being held at the New Elgin and Ashgrove Public Hall, Land Street, New Elgin. Doors open at 12 noon, at 9am for taking in items for the auction. Event also features a bring and buy stall, and an RSGB stand. Refreshments will be available. The 37th Northern Mobile Rally is being held at the Flower Show Hall, on the Great Yorkshire Show Ground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Entry and parking is off the Wetherby to Harrogate Road and there are separate arrangements for disabled visitors to enter the showground from Hookstone Wood Road. The showground opens at 10am and the rally doors open at 10.30am. Visit the usual trade stands, a bring and buy stall and equipment checks will be carried out by the Harrogate Repeater Group. Refreshments will be available. Next the two rallies we know of for next Sunday the 29th of May: The East Suffolk Wireless Revival's Ipswich Rally takes place at the Maidenhall Sports Centre, Stoke Park High School, Ipswich. Doors will open at 10am, and the rally will include trade stands, local club stands, a bring and buy stall and a car boot sale. A new feature this year will be a drive-in Antenna Test facility. There will also be a Novice stall, a vintage wireless show and much more to see. Refreshments will be available. Talk-in will be on 2 metres channel S22 by GB4SWR. Further details available from Bob, G7HZV on 0394 271257 or 0473 645885. The Plymouth Radio and Electronics Fair is to be held at Coombe Dean School, Charnhill Way, Elburton, Plymouth. Doors open at 10.30am. The event has over 25 stalls featuring electronic, computer and radio components, a large bring and buy stall and a bookstall. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Talk-in will be on 2 metres on channel S22. Further details available from Derek, G7ESZ on 0752 364150. Next some dates for your diary: This year's RSGB Headquarters Open Day is scheduled for Saturday, the 4th of June. The perfect opportunity to call in and meet the staff, and have a tour round the building. There will be various trade and local club stands, and refreshments will be available. Admission from 10.30 until 4.30pm. A map of how to reach headquarters appears in June RadCom. The next RSGB Regional Meeting takes place at Brighouse in West Yorkshire on Sunday the 5th of June. These meetings are for members and non-members of the Society to meet Council Members, Society Officers and staff to discuss the workings of the Society and amateur radio related matters. For further details, contact RSGB Zonal Council Member Peter Sheppard, G4EJP, on 0964 550397. HF contest news now: The CQ WPX CW Contest takes place from 0000 on Saturday the 28th until 2400 on Sunday the 29th of May, using all bands from 1.8MHz to 28MHz but excluding the WARC bands. No other information available but see March RadCom page 18 for other details. The RSGB National Field Day (HF) Contest takes place from 1500 UTC on Saturday the 4th until 1500 UTC on Sunday the 5th of June. See February RadCom for further details. Next some VHF contest news: The RSGB 144MHz Single, Others and SWL Contest finishes today Sunday at 1400 UTC. See the February edition of RadCom for further details. The first of the RSGB Back-Packers 144MHz Contests also takes place today Sunday the 22nd from 1100 until 1500 UTC. This is a new type of contest and full details can be found in January's RadCom. The RSGB 50MHz Trophy Contest will takes place on Saturday the 4th of June from 1400 until 2200 UTC. There are five sections, Multi Operator Fixed or Portable, Single Operator Fixed or Portable and Listeners. See February RadCom page 83 for further information. Special event stations this month include: GB50DD will be operating from the Military Vehicle Rally, Southsea Common from Thursday the 26th to Monday the 30th. Operation to be on all modes and all bands. For further details contact Stuart, G0FYX on 0705 472846. GB0BOF will be aired by members of the WACRAL, The World Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and Listeners from "The Royal Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen" at Overgang Road as part of the Brixhams Heritage Week activities. The station will be operational from next Friday the 27th, until Monday the 30th of May, on 80, 40 and 20 metre bands from 10.30am each day. Castles on the Air 1994, takes place next weekend, Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th. GB8RC will be aired from Rockingham Castle, operated by members of the Kettering and District Amateur Radio Society. GW2OP from Pembroke Castle, manned by the Pembroke Amateur Radio Club and GB2CPC at Penrhyn Castle, Bangor. In all six castles are expected to take part. Contact Len, G0RDV on 0536 514544 for further information. And now the solar factual data The period 9th to 15th May has seen very low solar activity, but a lot of coronal holes went by, pushing geomagnetic levels up to storm at higher latitudes. The solar flux levels saw a very welcome and steady increase from 77 units up to 91 units. There were a number of small B type flares reported on the 11th and 12th, the largest being a B9. The sunspot indices averaged 44 but rose from only 12 on the 10th up to 77 by the 15th, the highest level for 2 months. Solar flux levels also rose from 77 units on the 9th, up to 91 units by the 15th, giving an average of 85 units for the period. The 90 day mean solar flux level was 87 units on the 15th. The geomagnetic activity has been up to storm levels at high latitudes most of the period; this was due to the passage of coronal holes, causing very high levels of electron fluence. The only quiet day was the 13th when the Ap indices was only 6 units. The period averaged an Ap index of 22.5 units. The state has been 'mag storm' most of the week. The aa indices as supplied by the British Geological Survey for the 3rd to 9th May gave an average of the daily index as 54.2 nanoTeslas, about K4 though periods on the 5th, 6th, and 7th, were up to 102 nanoTeslas about K5. The monthly average aa index for April was 40.2 nanoTeslas, the only quiet days were the 28th and 30th down to only 4 nanoTeslas, and the most disturbed was the 17th up to 97 nanoTeslas. The X-Ray flux levels have shot up, possibly due to the flare activity and reach A9.4 units on the 12th, the highest level since last March, with the period averaging A7.1 units. It seems likely that the recent restructuring of the sun's surface is now settling down and more stable conditions will result. I'll repeat the figures. Spots - 44; Flux - 85; Ap index - 22.5; X-ray flux - A7.1. Now the ionospheric data for Central France: The F2 daytime critical frequencies at Poitiers as reported by Meudon averaged 7.1MHz, though levels rose from 6.2MHz on the 10th up to 7.9MHz by the 15th, with peak levels being around 19.00 hours most days. The darkness hour lows have also risen, from 2.6MHz on the 10th up to 4.6MHz by the 15th, with the average being 3.4MHz centred about 04.00 hours. This is more like the levels we would expect due to the seasonal changes taking effect. I'll repeat the figures. Highs - 7.1MHz; lows - 3.4MHz. Now the ionospheric data for the north: The F2 daytime critical frequencies at Ekaterinberg have been very depressed due to the magnetic storms, with the daylight averages being only 5.6MHz. The darkness hour lows averaged 2.8MHz. News has been received that on the 1st and 2nd May during the aurora, W2CAP/1 and W3 stations heard TV stations on 49.72MHz, on the great circle bearing, believed to be by auroral E shortly after midnight until 0240 hours. I'll repeat the figures: Highs - 5.6MHz; lows - 2.8MHz. And lastly the solar forecast: This week the more active side of the sun will be coming into view. Solar flux levels are expected to be about the 80s, and geomagnetic activity is expected to be quiet at first, increasing to disturbed by the end of the week. Ionospheric levels during daylight are expected to have MUFs up to 24MHz in the south and 21MHz in the north. East/west contacts will be difficult, though sporadic E may assist. The darkness hour lows are expected to be up to about 14MHz in the south and 10MHz for the north. 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 Uniform Whiskey and G7 Sierra Juliet series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 Alpha India and 2 1 Delta Alpha series. . -- NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST Meetings for Tuesday the 24th of May: Dorking and District Radio Society has a talk and demonstration on 'Workshop Practices' by John, G3AEZ. All are welcome. For further details telephone 0306 631236. Verulam Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Cellular Radio' by Steve Hearnden, at 7.30 for 8pm. Visitors are welcome. Further details from Walter, G3PMF on 0923 262180. Waterside Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Workshop - Practical' by Ray, G3YJJ. Details from George, G0IDN on 0703 843491. Meetings for Wednesday the 25th of May: Chiltern Amateur Radio Club has a Practical Evening, with a soldering/de-soldering teach-in. Visitors are welcome. Further details from Roy, G4YAN on 0494 534216. Dover Radio Club has a talk on 'Locators' by G1PJJ. For further details contact Mike, G7NOR on 0304 825030. Farnborough and District Radio Society has its HF Field Day Preview and Mini-Lecture evening. For further information telephone 0252 715765. Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'HF Radio Contesting' by G3SJJ. Further details from Norman, G0HFU tel: 0635 863310. Three Counties Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'The History of Electronic Warfare' by Harry Spiller, ex chief engineer, Racal Electronics. Details from Tom on 0428 606298. Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'The Chichester Floods' by Mr J Williams, County Emergency Officer, West Sussex County Council. Details from Roy, G4GPX on 0903 753893. Meetings for Thursday the 26th of May: Crowborough and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Microwaves' by Derek, G3GRO. Contact Mick, G6UUO on 0892 661807 for further details. Echelford Amateur Radio Society has a talk 'Microwaves' by G4KNZ. Contact Peter, G6PMT on 0344 843472 for further details. Edgware and District Radio Society has a Constructors Cup, plus NFD briefing. Details from Rod, G0SQL, tel: 081 204 1868. Reading and District Amateur Radio Club has a Construction and Alignment evening plus a QSL Card Competition. Further details from Tony, G0OPB on 0734 698274 (evenings). Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society has a Mobile Direction Finding Hunt. Contact Paul, G1GSN on 0462 700618 for further details. Southgate Amateur Radio Club has a 'Packet Station Demonstration' by G3ZVW and G8YNC, part of the Club's 'Radio On the Air' series. Further details from Brian, G0MEE on 081 360 2453. Vange Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Alarms' by Colin, G1MPG. For further details contact Doris on 0268 552606. Meetings for Friday the 27th of May: Clifton Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'QRP Operation' by Wayne, G0JJQ. Further details from Keith, G4TJE on 081 859 7630. The Radio Society of Harrow has a talk on 'Clandestine Radio in World War 2'. For further details contact Jim, G0AOT whose evening telephone number is 0895 632377. Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'How Antennas and Feeders Work or How Wireless Got its Name!' by Nigel, G7CAW. Details from Les, G3ABA on 0703 732997. Sussex Contest Group has a talk entitled 'Contest Debriefing' at the Grenadier Pub, High Street, Hailsham at 8pm. Further details from Jim, G4DRV on 0892 655894. Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society has a Surplus Equipment Sale. Further details from George, G3DWW on 081 540 2180. NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST Meetings for Tuesday the 24th of May: Plymouth Radio Club has a 'Rally Job Selection' evening. Contact Frank, G7LUL on 0752 563222 for details. Salisbury Radio and Electronic Society has a Construction and Advice Clinic night. For further details contact David, G7GWF on 0722 330971. Meeting for Wednesday the 25th of May: South Bristol Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Working Lundy Island station' by David, G7PHJ. For more information telephone 0275 834282. Meetings for Friday the 27th of May: North Bristol Amateur Club has a talk on 'How to Use a DIP Oscillator'. For further details contact Tony, G4ROX tel: 0272 513573. Shirehampton Amateur Radio Club has its 'Final HF NFD preparations' evening by G3YHV and G4NAQ. Further details from Ron, G4GTD on 0272 770504. Meeting for next Sunday the 29th of May: Flight Refuelling (Wimborne) Amateur Radio Society has a Quiz night. Contact John, G4POF on 0425 653404 for details. NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA Meetings for Wednesday the 25th of May: Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has its Final HF NFD Briefing. For details contact Sheila, G0KWP on 0603 618810. NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS Meetings for Monday the 23rd of May: Leicester Radio Society has a talk entitled 'FSK Modems' by Bob Hornby of Texas Instruments. Further details from Wayne on 0533 546851 (evenings). Radio Society of Bloxwich has a Contest Preparation evening, for the 2m Back-packers and 70cm FM contests. Further details from Rob, G0TDF on 0902 722830. Stourbridge and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Good CQ' by Bob, G4EEM. Contact James, G7HEZ on 0384 374354 for more details. Stratford upon Avon and District Radio Society has a 2 metre Direction Finding Hunt. Further details from Clive, G0CHO on 0789 450623. Meetings for Tuesday the 24th of May: Bromsgrove Amateur Radio Society has a change of event and now has a talk on 'Aid International Direct'. Further details from Barry, G0TPG on 0527 542266. Buxton Radio Amateurs has a 'New Members Night'. Further details from Derek, G4IHO, tel: 0298 25506. Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club has a 'Queens Park' final arrangements evening. For further details contact G8SNF on 0509 218259. Meeting for Wednesday 25th of May: Derby and District Amateur Radio Society has a Technical Topic Discussion. For further information contact Hayley, G7PXA on 0773 856904. Lincoln Short Wave Club has a Visit to The Guildhall. For details contact Pam, G4STO on 0427 788356. Telford and District Amateur Radio Society has a Rally update by the Telford Rally Group. For further details contact Dave, G4EIX on 0952 588878. Meetings for Thursday the 26th of May: Amateur Radio Club of Nottingham has a Construction night. Further details from Simon, G0IEG on 0602 501733. GEC-Plessey Telecommunications Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Satellite Communications' by Andy, G7MLT. Details Chris, G4VFK on 0602 226321. Salop Amateur Radio Society has a talk by Dave Gourley, G0MJY, RSGB Council Member Zone "B". Everyone welcome. Further details from Sheila, G0SST on 0743 361935. Meetings for Friday the 27th of May: South Notts Amateur Radio Club has a Construction plus HF on Air evening. Contact Julie, G0SOU on 0602 216342 for further details. NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Meeting for Monday the 23rd of May: Barnsley and District Amateur Radio Society has a Video Evening. For further details contact Alan, G4JKW on 0226 299031. Sheffield Amateur Radio Club has a Direction Finding Hunt on 2 metres and 70 centimetres, starting at 8pm from the 197 Club, with a 2-mile radius. Clues will be given. Now a reminder that there will be no meeting next Monday, the 30th. Further details from David, G0JJR Tel: 0742 446282. Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society has a 'Preparations for VHF Field Day' evening. No meeting next Monday the 30th. Further details from G4BFH who is QTHR. Meeting for Tuesday the 24th of May: Chester and District Amateur Radio Society has a Video Night on 'DXpedition to the Pacific 1991'. Further details are available from G0OXA, tel: 051 608 3229. Fylde Amateur Radio Society has a Direction Finding Hunt. Details from Rob, G7CUL, tel: 0772 635464. Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Society has a Direction Finding Hunt. Further details from Ian, G4WWX, who is QTHR. Wakefield and District Radio Society has a Pitch and Putt evening at Thorns Park, starting at 7pm prompt. Further details from Roy, G0TBY on 0924 893321. Meetings for Wednesday the 25th of May: Stockport Radio Society has a talk entitled 'HMS Bronnington' by G3XGE. For further information telephone 061 439 4952. Wirral and District Amateur Radio Club has a Practice Direction Finding Hunt, starting at 8pm at Heswall lay-by. Contact Bob, G4NCI on 051 677 0210 for further details. Meetings for Thursday the 26th of May: Keighley Amateur Radio Society has a Direction Finding Hunt. For details contact Kathy, G0RLO on 0274 496222. Hambleton Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'The Cobwebb, Spider and Flytrap Aerials' by Steve, G3TPW. Further details from Nigel, G0NHM on 0609 776608. North Wakefield Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Top Band and LF' by Gerald, G3SDY, at 8pm. All are welcome. Contact John, G4RCG on 0924 362144 for further details. Meeting for Friday the 27th of May: South Manchester Radio Club has a talk by G3SMM, the winner of the recent Home Brew Competition. For further details contact Edward, G7FQY on 061 969 1964. NEWS FOR SCOTLAND Meeting for Tuesday the 24th of May: Dundee Amateur Radio Club has a Construction Night. Details from GM4FSB who is QTHR. Meeting for Wednesday the 25th of May: Lothians Radio Society has a Direction Finding Hunt; the meeting place is outside the Braid Hills Hotel. Details from Peter, GM4DTH who is QTHR. Paisley (YMCA) Amateur Radio Club has its Annual General Meeting at 7.30pm. All members are requested to attend if possible. Further details from Stuart, GM7OIG on 0505 335195. Meeting for Thursday the 26th of May: Dunfermline Radio Society has a Junk Sale. Further details from Wallace, GM0GNT who is QTHR. Meeting for Friday the 27th of May: Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has a 'Mock FCC Exam'. For further information contact Gordon, GM7PXW on 0224 780591. NEWS FOR WALES Meeting for Monday the 23rd of May: Newport Amateur Radio Society has a talk by Clive Trotman, GW4YKL, RSGB Council Member for Zone "E" - Wales. There will be no meeting next Monday, the 30th. Further details from Pat, GW7MVQ on 0633 250017(work) Meeting for Tuesday the 24th of May: Conway Valley Amateur Radio Club has its Annual General Meeting. Details from Merfyn, GW4NNL on 0492 530725. -- GB2RS is prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain and is broadcast in the 80m, 40m, 6m and 2m bands. Tel +44 707 659015 Fax +44 707 645105