IRTS News for 3rd July 1994 SOUTH DUBLIN RADIO CLUB ----------------------- Cngratulations to two members of SDR who have recently passed their theory examinations and received their callsigns. They are Michael Conaglan, callsign EI8EBB, and Bill Igoe, EI8EAB. Michael and Bill are now participating in SDR's morse classes, and hope to qualify for their 2 letter calls in the next few months. SDR meets every Tuesday at Ballyroan Community Centre, where all are welcome. For information contact Pat Murray EI7HK, QTHr. SOUTH-EAST AMATEUR RADIO GROUP ------------------------------ Frankie EI7HW reports that Saltee Island was recently activated by some amateurs from the UK. They used the c/s EJ2SI, and were active from 9 June until 13th. The expedition was active on 14.260 MHz, and also on 40m. Some local amateurs worked them both through the repeater and simplex. The weekend was successful, with lift conditions, resulting in many UK contacts. Over 2,000 contacts were made, and our thanks to John and Pat for activating the island. The members of SEARG look forward to meeting them again. SEARG is now taking its summer break, and will resume operations from its meeting venue, Egan's Bar, once again in September. While the meetings have closed, no doubt there will be plenty of activity, with the maintenance of the many services run by the Group, the 2m beacon, the 2m and 70cms voice repeaters, the packet radio mail distribution system and digipeaters on VHF and UHF. GALWAY VHF GROUP ---------------- The Galway VHF Group have been providing emergency communi- cations for the Castlebar 4 Days Walking Festival, which ends today (Sunday). The operation is being carried out on VHF and HF, as much of the course is located between the hills and in the valleys round Castlebar. Tom Rea and Steve Wright are actually participating in the Rambles, which require the walking of approximately 40 km per day. An amusing side to this story is that, when asked to provide emergency communications there was no problem what- soever - the next question was who would be heading the walk and who would take the rear. Both Tom and Steve could do with shedding some of tha excess, so it was decided they would do the physical side of things. Joe EI3ESB and Dermot EI6DZ would provide the backup communications in the low lying areas. Dermot also provides another important service in that he runs the medical station and the refreshment vehicle. Last weekend the Group provided emergency communications for the Galway Regatta held on the River Corrib. There were many crews participating in the event, and each crew was carefully logged on and off the river, with special attention to preventing a build-up of crews in the slip areas where they move their boats into and out of the water. Congestion here often results in accidents if not properly managed. Last weekend proved ideal for the event, with the weather perfect all day on Saturday. The many crews included one from Pennsylvania. The Group's other AREN operations this year include the Galway Head of the River, the Galway International Car Rally and the Galway Motor Club's Hill Climb. DEPARTMENT MORSE TESTS ---------------------- Some members reported difficulty in arranging morse tests with the Dept. of Communications. Following representations from IRTS, the Dept. has agreed to schedule as many tests as possible in the first 2 weeks of July. Anyone interested should ring the Dept. on 5 July or as soon as possible thereafter, and ask Mr. Gerry Mulville to give a time to attend. The telephone number is 01 6785444, and the address is Department of the Marine, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2. GALWAY RALLY ------------ The Galway Radio Experimenters' Club will hold their rally on 10 July at the Convent of Mercy, Newtownsmith, with doors opening at 12.00 noon. There is plenty of parking space, and plenty of local activities to keep the family happy. Enquiries to Ciaran McCarthy at 091 753592. ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ------------------- That concludes the bulletin for this week. Items for inclusion in the radio news should be sent to Steve Wright EI5DD, c/o Dept. of Pathology, Regional Hospital, Galway. Fax messages may be sent to EI5DD at 091 24216. All such items will be forwarded to Dave Moore for inclusion in the printed news. Items for the printed news only should be sent to Dave Moore EI4BZ, QTHr, or phoned to 021 632444 (daytime), or 021 883555 (evenings). Items may be sent by packet radio to EI4BZ at EI7DKB-5. Fax messages may be sent to 021 632730.