Good morning. It's Sunday the 31st of July and here is the GB2RS news broadcast, prepared by the RSGB and intended for all radio amateurs and short-wave listeners. First the headlines:- August's RadCom, which contains the licence changes, has been posted and is also available to non-members. The 1995 RSGB President has been elected, and Solar activity is likely to pick up next week. The August edition of Radio Communication has been posted to all RSGB members. It includes the complete text of the recent Gazette notice detailing the changes to the Full and Novice licences and some explanatory notes. August's RadCom also includes details of how to nominate someone in this year's RSGB Council elections, and a list of the many Radio Amateurs' Examination and Morse courses starting this Autumn. As a service to the amateur radio community, the RSGB is making the August edition of Radio Communication available free to non-members. Simply call RSGB Headquarters on 0707 659015 for your copy. At its meeting on the 23rd of July, RSGB Council elected Clive Trotman, GW4YKL, as RSGB President for 1995. His term of office will start on the 1st of January 1995. In the meantime, he continues to represent Zone E, Wales. Congratulations to Paul Dean, G0UFN, of the Houghton Le Spring Radio Club who won the Tom Luxmore, G3AWL, CW Memorial Trophy which is sponsored by the Peterlee Radio Club. Certificates are also awarded to Glen Thompson, G0SBN, and Maurice Miller, G0RMO, both of the Tynemouth Club. The competition was held over a one week period on the 2 metre band and, although contacts were sparse on most evenings, some 35 stations were active during the week. Best DX was G0FVS in Norfolk, worked by G4RXR with 10 watts. The organising secretary Bill, G4RXR would like to thank all the stations that took part, especially the many new calls who were exercising their CW skills on the air for the first time. The provisional date for the presentation is Wednesday the 7th of September. Anyone who is interested in attending should contact Arthur, G0FBW, for further details. The RSGB Council Member for Zone B, the Midlands, is Dave Gourley, G0MJY. He has recently moved house and his new address is: 86 Upton Road, Broadwaters, Kidderminster, Hereford and Worcester, postcode DY10 2YB. His telephone number is 0562 753101. The Banbury Qualifying 160 Metre Direction Finding event, using map 164 (Oxford), takes place on Sunday the 14th of August. Contestants should assemble at the Haytor Rock car park, NGR 760766, at 1pm for a 1.20pm start. Any competitors requiring tea should notify Graham Nichols on 0295 265492 no later than next Sunday, the 7th of August. Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet which is edited by Brendan McCartney, G4DYO. From French Polynesia, F6GQK is now active as FO5OU from Tahiti, and expects to be there for some time. Activity is mainly 15, 20 and 40m CW. From Malawi, ON6TT is active as 7Q7XT but only until next Friday the 5th of August. From Canada, a Canadian group will use CY9CWI from St Paul Island from the 12th until the 16th of August. Operation will be on all bands, using CW, SSB and RTTY but with emphasis on the LF bands. Now the one rally we know of for today, Sunday the 31st of July: The Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society Annual Rugby Radio Rally is being held at the BP Truckstop on the A5, some 2 miles North from junction 18 of the M1 motorway. The rally starts at 10am. The truckstop will be open for catering and other facilities throughout the day. There's only one event for next Sunday the 7th of August: The RSGB's Woburn Rally is held at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire. Access is easy from the M1 motorway: if travelling from the north or south, leave the motorway at Junction 13, not 12, and follow the signs through Husborne Crawley to Woburn Abbey. Avoid routes signposted to "The Wild Animal Kingdom" or "Game reserve" and look out for RSGB signs. The event starts at 10am, and features a large trade exhibition in a marquee, an RSGB bookstall and enquiries stand and a members mart. Further details from Norman Miller, G3MVV, on 0277 225563. HF contest news next: The Islands on the Air (IOTA) CW and SSB Contest finishes today, Sunday, at 1200 UTC after 24 hours on 3.5 to 28MHz. See March RadCom page 92 for full details. The Romania DX Contest is scheduled to take place from 2000 next Saturday the 6th until 1600 on the 7th. The RSGB Ropoco-2 Contest takes place next Sunday, the 7th of August, from 0700 to 0900 UTC between 3.52 to 3.57MHz, CW only. The contest exchange is rather complicated so participants are advised to consult the rules which can be found on page 93 of the March RadCom. VHF contest news: The RSGB 10GHz Summer Cumulative Contest takes place from 0900 to 2100 UTC today, Sunday the 31st. See April's RadCom page 82 for further details. The Wrotham {pronounced 'Root-um'} 70 centimetre repeater, GB3NK, on channel RB4, has been switched off because of an antenna problem. The keeper, Bob Mersh, G8JNZ regrets any inconvenience to users, but at the moment he is unable to say how long it will be off. For further details, contact the Kent Repeater Group whose address is correct in the Clubs section of the RSGB Call Book. Special event stations active this week include: GB2MRI which will be aired from Rathlin Island (locator IO65VH) to commemorate the work of Marconi. Operation will be from Wednesday the 3rd, until Sunday the 7th on HF and VHF. The Cornish branch of the RAF Amateur Radio Society will use GX0RFC, on Wednesday the 3rd of August, during RAF St Mawgan "Airday" on 40 and 2 metres. GB5GC celebrates the 50th Anniversary of St Dunstan's Camp at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the Solent, Hampshire. The camp, for men and women blinded on war service takes place from next Friday the 5th, until Friday the 12th of August. Operation will be on HF CW and SSB. GB4TSR will be at the Torbay Steam Rally next weekend, the 6th and 7th, at Churston, Paignton. Visitors will be most welcome. GB0LIS celebrates the 40th anniversary of the West Lancashire Scouts International Camp at Waddecar. Operation will be from Sunday the 7th until Friday the 12th of August on 80, 40, 20 and 15 metres. And now the solar factual data: The period from the 18th to the 24th of July has seen only one small flare - a B1/SF, but general solar activity remains very quiet. The HF bands have been generally poor. Sun spot indices have remained low and meaned at 37. Solar flux indices have declined and averaged 77 units. The 90 day flux average on the 22nd was 80 units. Geomagnetic activity has been mainly quiet with the period averaging an Ap of 9.1 units. The general decline in magnetic activity continues. The mean level since last February has declined from the 40s down to the present 10s. The state has been 'nil nothing to report'. The daily aa indices, as supplied by the British Geological Survey for the period from the 12th to the 18th of July, averaged 25.5 nanoTeslas about K3. The X-Ray flux levels have declined very considerably and averaged only A2.4 units. I'll repeat the figures. Spots - 37; Flux - 77; Ap index-9.1; X-ray flux - A2.4. Now the ionospheric data for Central France: The F2 daytime critical frequencies at Poitiers, as reported by Meudon {pronounced 'Mer-don'} averaged 6.7MHz, though levels declined from 7.2MHz on the 20th down to 6.1MHz by the 24th. The darkness hour lows averaged 3.2MHz with little variation day to day. The highs are now occurring at 20.00 hours and the lows at 04.00 hours. Most days have seen a number of periods of blanketing E. I'll repeat the figures. Highs - 6.7MHz; lows - 3.2MHz. Now the ionospheric data for the north: The F2 daytime critical frequencies at Ekaterinberg averaged 6.0MHz and the darkness hour lows 3.2MHz. I'll repeat the figures: Highs - 6.0MHz; lows - 3.2MHz. 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 85s. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be mainly quiet - about an Ap of 10 units. Ionospheric MUFs during daylight are expected to be about 21MHz, and the darkness hours about 14MHz in the south; levels for the north will be down on these. And that's 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 Victor Bravo and G7 Sierra Sierra series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 Alpha India and 2 1 Delta Echo series. -- NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST Meetings for Monday the 1st of August: Basingstoke Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Radio Tracking of Wildlife'. For further details telephone 0256 25517. Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society has a Kite Flying and Operating evening. Further details from Margaret, Tel: 0376 327431. Southdown Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'A Long Hot Summer in Kuwait' by Jim, G4DRV. Detail from Tony, G1SHH on 0825 753027. Surrey Radio Contact Club has a Barbecue at the QTH of G3ZPB. For further details contact Berni, G8TB on 081 660 7517. Meetings for Tuesday the 2nd of August: Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society has talk entitled 'G5RV Reminiscences' by Louis Varney, G5RV. Further information from Charles, G0GJS on 0245 256654. Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society has a Discussion evening. Details from Neil, 2E1ASZ, tel: 0438 350882. Meetings for Wednesday the 3rd of August: Cheshunt and District Amateur Radio Club has a Junk Sale. Details from Roger, G4OAA on 0992 464795. Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club has a Discussion Evening. For further details contact Roy, G4GPX on 0903 753893. Meetings for Thursday the 4th of August: Hoddesdon Radio Club meets for a Discussion and Preparation for the Special Event Station at Godmanchester on the 28th. Details from John, G7OCI on 0920 466639. Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Digital Signal Processing' at 7.30pm. Further details from Stuart, G0FYX, tel: 0705 472846. Horsham Amateur Radio Club has an Open Forum. Contact Peter, G8SUI on 073784 2150 for details. Vange Amateur Radio Society has a Junk Sale. Contact Doris on 0268 552606 for further information. Meeting for Friday the 5th of August: Mid Sussex Amateur Radio Society has a Special evening - How to Operate the Club Equipment, Under Guidance. Further details from Phil, G3LCF on 0444 831400. NEWS FOR SOUTH WEST Meeting for Monday the 1st of August: Weston Super Mare Radio Society has a talk on 'Memories of a National Serviceman' by G0SVA. Further details from Graham, G8WAR on 0934 415700. Meetings for Wednesday the 3rd of August: South Bristol Amateur Radio Club has a 70 centimetre Activity evening. For more information tel: 0275 834282. South Devon Radio Club has a Project night. For further details contact John, G0CDB, tel: 0803 522995. Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Yagi Antennas' by Dave, G3ZXX at 8pm. For further details contact Ian, G0GRI on 0225 864698 (evenings). Meetings for Thursday the 4th of August: Cornish Radio Amateur Club has a talk on 'Data Communications' by Mike. Visitors most welcome. For further information contact Robin, G0MYR on 0209 820118. Yeovil Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Choosing Passive Components' by G3MYM. Contact Cedric, G4JBL on 0258 473845 for further information. Meeting for Friday the 5th of August: Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club meets to Erect the HF (G5RV) Aerial and test the Club Rig. Further details from Brian on 0752 844321. Meeting for Sunday the 7th of August: Flight Refuelling (Wimborne) Amateur Radio Society has its Hamfest preparation evening. Details from John, G4POF who is QTHR. NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA Meetings for Tuesday the 2nd of August: The Amateur Radio Club of Fakenham has a talk entitled 'Satellites' by Pat, G3IOR. For further information contact Dave, G4DCJ on 0485 528633. Leiston Amateur Radio Club has a Cheese and Wine party. All amateurs and interested enthusiasts invited. Let Fergie, G6FS on 0728 832924 know in advance. Meetings for Wednesday the 3rd of August: Ipswich Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Artificially Intelligent Machines' by Jonathan, G0DVJ. Contact Sheila, G8HYE on 0473 742072 for details. Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has a 'Direction Finding Hunt'. For further details contact Sheila, G0KWP on 0603 618810. Sudbury and District Radio Amateurs have a talk on 'Aerials' by Mike, G4GGC. Further details from Tony, G8LTY on 0787 313212. Meeting for Friday the 5th of August: Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club has a 'Microwave evening'. Call John, G0GKP on 0954 200072 for further details. Meeting for Sunday the 7th of August: Ipswich Radio Club has a 2 metre Direction Finding Hunt. For further information contact Sheila, G8HYE on 0473 742072. NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS Meeting for Tuesday the 2nd of August: Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club has a 160 metre Direction Finding Hunt. For further details contact G8SNF, tel: 0509 218259. Meetings for Wednesday the 3rd of August: Derby and District Amateur Radio Society has a Junk Sale. Further details from Hayley, G7PXA on 0773 856904. South Birmingham Radio Society has a 'Test Equipment' evening. Take along your gear for checking. Contact Bob, G7BZM on 021 458 1829 for further details. Meetings for Friday the 5th of August: Coventry Amateur Radio Society has a Project evening. For further details contact David, G1ORG, tel: 0203 311468. South Notts Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Radio Orienteering' by David, G7MMO at Wollaton Park. Contact Julie, G0SOU on 0602 216342 for further information. NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Meetings for Monday the 1st of August: Central Lancs Amateur Radio Club has a presentation evening. The proceeds of Special Event Station GB0DH, held in May, will be presented to the Derian House Children's Hospice. Contact Jack, G0FQN on 0772 423741 for further information. Sheffield Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Crime Prevention' by PC Robinson. Further details from David, G0JJR Tel: 0742 446282. Meetings for Tuesday the 2nd of August: Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Society has a Home-brew Night. Further details from Ian, G4WWX QTHR. Wakefield and District Radio Society has a talk and demonstration on 'World War 2 Test Equipment' by Jeffrey, G0SJZ. Further details from Roy, G0TBY on 0924 893321. Meeting for Wednesday the 3rd of August: Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society has a Construction evening. Contact Ted, G0RBA on 0606 592207 for further details. Meetings for Thursday the 4th of August: Grimsby Amateur Radio Society has a Test Gear session, with Adrian, G1BRB. Remember to take your test gear pieces along. Details from John, G3DOT on 0472 825899 Spen Valley Amateur Radio Society has its Swindon Cup Construction Competition, judged by Jim, G4MH. For further details contact David, G1CTO on 0924 497767. Meetings for Friday the 5th of August: North Ferriby United Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Lesser Known Aerials' by Frank, G3YCC. Further details from David, tel: 0482 656324. South Manchester Radio Club has a talk on 'Human Reliability as She is Failed' by G0APB. For further details contact Edward, G7FQY, tel: 061 969 1964. NEWS FOR SCOTLAND Meeting for Friday the 5th of August: Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has a Junk Sale and a SARCON Planning session. Details from Gordon, GM7PXW, tel 0224 780591. NEWS FOR WALES Meeting for Monday the 1st of August: Dragon Amateur Radio Club has an evening of Amateur Radio Videos. Contact Tony, GW0FMQ on 0248 600963 for further details. Meeting for Tuesday the 2nd of August: Wrexham Amateur Radio Society has an 'Equipment Testing' evening. Contact David, GW1MVL on 0978 845858 for details. Meeting for Thursday the 4th of August: Meirion (Dolgellau) Amateur Radio Society has its Summer informal meeting at the Ship Hotel, Dolgellau. Visiting amateurs very welcome to attend. Further information from Maurice, GW3GKZ on 0341 422447. Meeting for Sunday the 7th of August: Aberystwyth and District Amateur Radio Society will be demonstrating various aspects of amateur radio at the Ceredigion Flying Club's 'Open Day'. The venue is near Capel Cynon and Ffostrasol on the A486 road. Further details from Katy, GW0FSO on 0545 580675. -- 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