{ Better late than never I suppose :-( } Good morning. It's Sunday the 26th of February and here is the GB2RS news broadcast, prepared by the RSGB and intended for all radio amateurs and short-wave listeners. First, the headlines: Amateur radio links up with a major educational and scientific project this week. And there will be no early release of 'G' vehicle registration marks to radio amateurs. The British Geological Survey in Nottingham and the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool, will be hosts to special event stations GB0JAS, GB2JAS and GB6JAS starting this week. The event is part of the 'JASON Project - (Expedition Island Earth)', an annual scientific expedition involving Dr Bob Ballard, who discovered the Titanic wreck, and a team of scientists and students. The team is now exploring the volcanic islands of Hawaii, and NASA technology will be used to look back at Earth from outer space. Daily satellite broadcasts will bring the project live to centres in the USA, Canada, Bermuda and the UK, where schools, colleges and the public will be able to see science in action. The special event stations are setting up skeds with research vessels, remote research stations and other JASON Project stations. GB2JAS in Liverpool will start operations tomorrow, Monday the 27th of February and will be active weekday evenings and all day on Saturdays until the 11th of March. At Nottingham, GB0JAS will operate from the 5th to the 11th of March on HF, while GB6JAS will use the 6-metre, 2-metre and 70-centimetre bands. A special aim of the JASON special event stations is to encourage a greater interest in the UK Novice Licence scheme and there will be Novices operating the stations from time to time. Anyone wanting skeds, or who is able to help, should contact Jim Anderson, G0TDK, 104 Mab Lane, West Derby, Liverpool L12 6RL, or Alan Clayton, G7HZZ, in Nottingham on 0115 921 2857 (evenings). The Kuwait National and Liberation Days are being celebrated this weekend, and Kuwaiti stations may add the suffix stroke NLD after their callsigns until the end of the month. The Kuwait Amateur Radio Society is offering an award to amateurs who contact three Kuwaiti stations during this period. The K.A.R.S. club station, 9K2RA/NLD, will be active and counts as two contacts. The award is also available on a heard basis for SWLs. Over the last eighteen months, the RSGB has had four meetings with officials of the Sale of Marks division of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea and London, in an attempt to set up the much-discussed scheme to offer radio amateurs an opportunity to purchase a vehicle registration mark corresponding to their callsign. The Society has recently received a letter from DVLA in which they inform us that they have now concluded their study into the feasibility of a specific and exclusive early release of the 'G' prefix marks to radio amateurs. Unfortunately, for the moment they have decided that such a scheme is not justified. Their reasons for deciding not to proceed now are firstly that to issue the 'G' prefix marks early and exclusively to radio amateurs would require an Act of Parliament, and they have been advised that the Secretary of State for Transport would not, at present, consider presenting such an Act. Secondly, they make the point that their scheme was originally set up by the Department of Transport with the express objective of generating the maximum possible revenue from the sale of such marks. The potential represented by the release next, for example, of the 'B' prefix marks is of the order of 24 million qualifying vehicles, whereas the 'G' prefixes would offer them a potential maximum market of well under half that number. On commercial, as well as legal grounds, therefore, they feel unable at this time to countenance any release of the 'G' prefix marks - even a general release. They confirm that they remain fully aware of radio amateurs' desire to acquire such marks, as well as of the need to protect amateurs from exploitation by unscrupulous dealers in such marks. They conclude their letter by confirming that, as and when they are ready to consider the release of the 'G' prefix marks, they will be in touch with the Society again to discuss how best the legitimate interests of radio amateurs may be served. Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet which is edited by Brendan McCartney, G4DYO. From St Maarten (PJ), K7CI and W7MAP will be active from Wednesday the 1st of March until the 8th of March. Activity will be on all bands, taking in the ARRL SSB contest. Outside the contest activity will be mainly CW. From Ascension Island, Jim Neiger, N6TJ, is active as ZD8Z from now until Friday the 10th of March, also taking in the ARRL SSB contest. Jim will also operate on 160-metres and his QSL information is via VE3HO. And from Barbados, W0SA will be active as 8P9NX until Thursday the 2nd of March on CW and RTTY. QSL to his home call. Next the Rally News: The Barry Mobile Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 26th February, at the Barry Leisure Centre, off Holton Road, Barry. Doors open at 10.30 am. Also today, the Taw and Torridge Rally is taking place at Bideford Hall, The Pill, adjacent to Victoria Park, Bideford, North Devon. Doors open at 10.30 am. Next Saturday, the 4th of March, the Aberystwyth and District Amateur Radio Society will be holding their rally at Aberaeron School, Aberaeron, in Dyfed. Details may be obtained from Katy, GW0SFO on 01545 580675. On Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of March the RSGB London Amateur Radio and Computer Show will take place at Lee Valley Leisure Centre, Picketts Lock Lane, Edmonton, in north London. The event features trade stands, an RSGB bookstall, lectures, special interest groups and a bring and buy. RSGB Morse tests will be available on demand, but don't forget to take two passport-size photographs along if you wish to take your test at the Show. There will be talk-in stations on 2-metres and 70-centimetres, and doors open at 10.00 am with priority admission for the disabled. Further information may be obtained from Steve White, G3ZVW, on 0181 882 5125 and a full Show guide will be published in the March edition of Radio Communication, which is due to be posted to members this week. Finally, a reminder that the Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society has had to cancel its rally, which was planned for Bank Holiday Monday, the 8th of May. Now for the HF contest news: Contests taking place this weekend include the REF French SSB contest, which finishes at 1800 UTC this evening, and the Belgian UBA CW contest which finishes at 1300 UTC. Next weekend, the 4th and 5th of March, the ARRL DX SSB Contest takes place on all HF bands, excluding the WARC bands. The times are 0001 on the Saturday to 2359 on the Sunday. Contact only USA and Canadian stations and send RST followed by your power. Brief rules for all these contests were published in the February RadCom. Next some VHF contest news: Today, Sunday the 26th, is another event in the 70MHz Cumulative Contest between 1000 and 1200 UTC. The rules can be found in the January RadCom. Also today is another event in the Winter Microwaves Cumulative contest, between 0900 and 2100 UTC on all bands from 2.3 GHz up. The rules are in the November 1994 RadCom. Next weekend, the 4th and 5th of March, the 144 and 432 MHz contest takes place. This is a 24-hour event starting at 1400 UTC on Saturday. The rules can be found in the February RadCom. Now some HF beacon news: The experimental South African beacon, ZS6PW, has now finished transmissions on 21.150 MHz. Operation continues on 28.186 MHz. The Finnish 10-metre beacon, OH2TEN, which was out of service at the end of last year, is again operational on 28.252 MHz and has been heard strongly during sporadic-E openings. And now the solar factual data: The period from the 13th to the 19th of February saw solar activity at very low levels; sunspot indices increased and the geomagnetic field declined from active levels to quiet levels. The sunspot indices increased every day from 26 on the 13th to 69 by the 19th, with the mean for the period at 48. Solar flux levels also showed an increase from 82 units on the 14th to 95 units on the 19th. The average for the period was 87 units. On the 14th the only solar flare of the period to be reported was an insignificant B1.6/SF. The electron fluence remained at moderate levels throughout. The x-ray flux varied little day to day and remained about A6 units but increased sharply up to B1.2 units on the 19th. The average for the period was A6.9 units. The 90-day solar flux average on the 19th was 3 units. Geomagnetic activity started the period at active levels and was up to Ap 29 units on the 13th, activity returned to quiet levels by the 15th and was down to only Ap 4 units on the 19th. The average for the period was Ap 13 units. The state had been 'mag quiet' from the 15th. The aa indices as supplied by the British Geological Survey for the period from the 7th to the 13th of February were at mostly 'sub storm' levels, except for the 9th and the 10th, when levels were quiet and were down to only 5 nanoTeslas on the 10th. The most disturbed day was the 13th at 54.8 nanoTeslas, the average for the period was 30.2 nanoTeslas, about K3. I'll repeat the figures: Spots - 48, Flux - 87, Ap index - 13, x-ray flux - A6.9. Now the ionospheric data for Central France: The F2 daytime critical frequencies at Poitiers as reported by Meudon for the period from the 10th to the 16th of February averaged 7.0MHz. Due to a pre-auroral enhancement on the 13th at 13.00 hours 8.8MHz was recorded, but by 14.00 hours levels had declined to 6.4MHz as geomagnetic levels increased, 102 nanoTeslas, about K5, was recorded at Hartland at 15.00 hours. The darkness hour lows declined from 3.0MHz on the 10th to 1.8MHz by the 13th. Spread F was also reported several nights and lasted for 11 hours on the 14th; the average was 2.4MHz. The daytime highs took place between 10.00 and 16.00 hours, with the darkness hour lows around 06.00 hours. And lastly the solar forecast. This week the more active side of the sun is expected to be looking our way, solar activity may increase to low levels with flare activity expected. Geomagnetic levels are expected to be mostly active to sub storm for most of the week due to a recurring coronal hole, and hopefully returning to quiet levels for next weekend. Ionospheric MUFs in the south are expected to be about 18MHz and 15MHz in the north, but should increase later in the week. The darkness hour lows are expected to be about 7MHz and spread F is expected some early mornings. And that's the end of the solar information. And now a note for your diary: The World Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and Listeners will be holding its 1995 conference at the Highbury Hotel at Weston-Super-Mare over the weekend of Friday the 29th of September to Sunday the 1st of October. A full programme of events has been organised including the WACRAL AGM and operation of the club station, G3NJB. Details of packages including full-board accommodation may be obtained from Dr Geoff Petersen, G4EZU, whose address is correct in the latest Call Book. Finally in the main news, SSL has informed the Society that as of last Wednesday morning, the latest callsigns allocated were in the G0 Victor Tango and G7 Victor Oscar series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 Alfa Juliet and 2 1 Delta Uniform series. -- NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST Meetings for Tuesday the 28th of February: Dorking and District Radio Society meets for a talk entitled 'History of the Land Rover' by Chris, G1PXH. More details from John, G3AEZ, who is QTHR. Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club has a junk sale. Details from Stuart, G0FYX, who is QTHR or telephone 01705 472846. Verulam Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk entitled 'The Fun of Being a Trader' by Martin Lynch. Further information from Walter, G3PMF, who is QTHR or telephone 01923 262180. Waterside Amateur Radio Society has an open night. Contact Bill, G1AEH, on 01703 783170 for more details. Meetings for Wednesday the 1st of March: Aylesbury Vale Radio Society has its Annual General Meeting. For details contact Nigel, G8AYM who is QTHR. Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society gathers for a contest planning meeting. Contact Ian, G0RTF on 0494 676391 for more details. Meetings for Thursday the 2nd of March: Cray Valley Radio Society meets for a talk entitled 'Dx The Gambia' by G0MRF. For details telephone Tony, G4WIF on 0171 739 5057 during office hours only. Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'The Early History of Telecommunications' by Dr M Pope. Contact Stuart, G0FYX on 0705 472846 for information. Horsham Amateur Radio Club has a surplus equipment sale. Further details from Peter, G8SUI on 073784 2150. Vange Amateur Radio Society has a junk sale. For details call Doris on 0268 552606. Meetings for Friday the 3rd of March: East Kent Radio Society has a used equipment sale. More details from Paul, G3VJF on 01227 743070. Maidstone Amateur Radio Society has an open RAE lecture on basic propagation and radiation theory by G3ORP. Further information from John, G0RHO on 01622 832259. The Radio Society of Harrow has its Annual General Meeting. For details telephone Jim Ballard on 0895 632377. Southend and District Radio Society meets for a talk by Alan Grimwood focusing on the work of a local magistrate. More details from Bob, G0RSW on 0585 442776 or 0702 712775 during the evenings. NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST Meeting for Sunday the 26th of February: Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society gathers for a discussion with RSGB RLO Phil, G0KKL. Call John Hart on 01425 653404 for further details. Meetings for Tuesday the 28th of February: Plymouth Radio Club has a talk by the RIS from the Radiocommunications Agency. More details from F P Russell on 01752 563222. RSGB City of Bristol Group meets for a talk on Portishead Radio. For further information contact Dave, G4NKT on 0117 9672124. Meetings for Wednesday the 1st of March: South Bristol Amateur Radio Club has a 15 metres activity evening. Telephone 01275 834282 for more information. Trowbridge District Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk and demonstration from Tim Walford, G3PCJ of Walford Electronics. For more details contact Ian, G0GRI who is QTHR. Meetings for Thursday the 2nd of March: Vale of Evesham Radio Amateurs Club meets for a talk from Richard Palmer, a member of the Group Four yacht team which took part in the Round the World Yacht Race. More details from Alasdair on 0386 41508. Yeovil Amateur Radio Club has a committee meeting and a night on the air. For further information contact Cedric, G4JBL who is QTHR or telephone 0258 473845. Meetings for Friday the 3rd of March: Axe Vale Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk on op amps by G3HAL. More details from G3FFH on 01297 445518. Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club meets to hear the 'Maritime Tales' of Dave, G0RUP. Telephone Brian, G7SSH on 01752 844321 for further details. Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk by Chris Moore of the NRA. For details contact G3WNI on 0823 680778. NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA Meeting for Wednesday the 1st of March: Norfolk Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk on the use of test equipment by Mike Lemin, G4UUB. More details from Mike, G4EOL on 0603 789792. Meeting for Friday the 3rd of March: Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club has a club project discussion. More details from John, G0GKP on 0954 200072. NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS Meetings for Monday the 27th of February: Dudley Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk by Dennis, G0DAA, entitled 'The Correct and Safe Use of Oscilloscopes'. For further information contact Tony, G4LVA on 01384 277925. Stratford Upon Avon and District Radio Society gathers for a test equipment evening with Terry, G3MXH and Dave, G6FEO. Meeting for Tuesday the 28th of February: Bromsgrove Amateur Radio Society meets for a talk on cables and feeders. Further details from Barry, G0TPG on 0527 542266. Meetings for Wednesday the 1st of March: Derby and District Amateur Radio Society has a junk sale. More details from Hayley, G7PXA on 01773 856904. Gloucester Amateur Radio Society has a QRP talk and demonstration by G4CIB. For more information telephone 0452 421510. Telford and District Amateur Radio Society has a club equipment night. More details from Dave, G4EIX on 01952 588878. Meeting for Thursday the 2nd of March: Amateur Radio Club of Nottingham meets for a talk on operating the club's packet station by Ed, G0INA. Further details from Simon, G0IEG on 0115 950 1733. Meeting for Friday the 3rd of March: Coventry Amateur Radio Society meets for a night on the air, with the emphasis on 50MHz. For further information contact John, G8SEQ on 0203 617367. NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Meeting for Sunday the 26th of February: Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society meets for a rally discussion on stand design. For further information telephone 01253 853554. Meeting for Tuesday the 28th of February: Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Society has a surplus sale. More details from Ian, G4WWX on 0151 722 1178. Meetings for Wednesday the 1st of March: Denby Dale Amateur Radio Society meets for a talk entitled 'Aspects of Sky Wave Propagation' by David, G0EVA. Contact Kevin, G1FYS on 01484 547553 for more details. Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society has a construction night. For more details contact Ted, G0RBA on 01606 592207. Wirral Amateur Radio Society has a President's night. Further information from Alec, G3FOO on 0151 644 6094. Meetings for Thursday the 2nd of March: Grimsby Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Packet Logic' by Brian, G4DXB. Contact John, G3DOT on 01472 825899 for more details. Spen Valley Amateur Radio Society has its Annual General Meeting. For further information contact Dave, G1CTO on 01924 497767. Meeting for Friday the 3rd of March: Goole Radio and Electronics Society meets for a discussion on its VHF DF competition. More details from Steve, G8VHL who is QTHR. NEWS FOR SCOTLAND And before the club news, listeners in the Edinburgh/Firth of Forth area may be interested to know that from the 5th of March there will be a new 70cm GB2RS service on SU21 at 10.30 am local time. It will be broadcast from the QTH of GM1GEQ. Meeting for Tuesday the 28th of February: Dundee Amateur Radio Club has a question and answer forum. Details from Allan, GM7ONJ who is QTHR. NEWS FOR WALES Meeting for Wednesday the 1st of March: Meirion Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'The Earlier Days of Radio at Sea' by Bruce Morris, GW4XXF. For further details contact Maurice, GW3GKZ who is QTHR or telephone 0341 422447. Meetings for Thursday the 2nd of March: Mid Glamorgan Amateur Radio Group has a talk by RSGB President Clive Trotman, GW4YKL. For more details telephone Roger, GW3XJC on 0656 733729. Swansea Amateur Radio Society meets for a talk entitled 'The Sharp End of a BBS' by GW8TVX. Contact Graham, GW3SIY on 01792 403527 for more details. -- GB2RS is prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain and is broadcast in the 80m, 40m, 6m and 2m bands. Tel +44 1707 659015 Fax +44 1707 645105