Good morning. It's Sunday the 6th of November and here is the GB2RS news broadcast, prepared by the RSGB and intended for all radio amateurs and short-wave listeners. Now this week's headlines:- The RA has announced an increase in the number of licensees, We have some updates to the GB2CW schedule and Unusual solar activity has produced some fine HF conditions. The RSGB represented amateur radio at last Tuesday's launch of the Radiocommunications Agency Annual Report. During the press conference, senior RA officials spoke of the huge increase in demand for radio services. The Society was assured that the Government believed in a balance of types of radio service so this was not a direct threat to the amateur bands, but note would need to be taken of the parts of the spectrum which are under-used. The RA Annual Report shows a six per cent increase in the number of amateur radio licences in force, the total at the end of March being 63,033. The new QSL Sub-Manager for the G4 SAA to SZZ call sign series is Mr D Lavis, G0DMT, whose address is: 48 Gilda Crescent, Polegate, East Sussex BN26 6AW. He has taken over from Mr J Payne, G7NCJ. Next some additions to the RSGB's GB2CW Morse Practice Service: From Wales, GB2CW transmissions take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 1830 UTC on 145.250MHz. It is operated by Janice, GW0KPD, at Port Talbot, West Glamorgan. For South West England, GB2CW transmissions take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1945 UTC on 145.225MHz. It is operated by Audrey, G4ULH, from Fishponds, Bristol. The RSGB Morse Practice Co-ordinator is seeking someone to provide GB2CW transmissions for Novice Licensees on 50MHz or 432MHz in Somerset. Anyone interested is asked to contact David Pratt, G4DMP. Full details of all GB2CW Morse Practice transmissions are given in the 1995 RSGB Call Book. An up-to-date copy of the schedule is available by sending a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope to David Pratt, G4DMP, whose address is correct in the RSGB Call Book. His telephone is 0113 286 0439. Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet which is edited by Brendan McCartney, G4DYO. From the United Arab Emirates, WB2DND, will sign A61AD from next Friday, until Wednesday the 16th. Activity will centre on 160 and 80 metres at around 0200 UTC. From Saudi Arabia, K3UOC is now active as 7Z5OO mostly on CW. And from Martinique, F6AOI, F6BFH and F9IE will sign FM/own-call from next Friday the 11th until Sunday the 27th of November. Operation will be on all bands on CW and SSB. Now the rallies we know for today, Sunday the 6th of November: Today is the final day of the North Wales Radio Rally at the Aberconwy Centre, Llandudno. Doors open at 11am, or 10.30am for disabled visitors. The event features trade stands covering radio, electronics and computer interests, an RSGB Book and Information Stand, a bring and buy stall. Refreshments are available and talk-in is on two metres, channel S22. The North Devon Rally is being held at the Holsworthy Memorial Hall, Holsworthy, Devon. Doors open at 11am, or from 10.30am for disabled visitors. The event features trade stands, a bring and buy stall. Refreshments are available and talk-in is on two metres, channel S22. The Tyne and Wear Repeater Group Auction is being held at the Fencehouses and District Community Centre, Fencehouses, near Chester-le- Street, County Durham. Doors open at 10.30am for booking goods in. The auction starts at 12 noon. Next the three events we know for next weekend, Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of November: Next Saturday, the 12th, the All Micro Show Radio Rally and Electronics Fair is to be held at the Bingly Hall, Staffordshire Showground, Weston Road, Stafford. This is off the A518, Stafford to Uttoxeter road and is signposted from junction 14 of the M6 motorway. Doors open at 10am. The event features trade stands supporting many computer formats, plus radio, satellites, and a bring and buy stall. Refreshments will be available. For further details telephone 01473 272002. And now the two rallies for next Sunday the 13th: The Barnsley & District Amateur Radio Club Amateur Radio Rally is to be held at the Metrodome Complex which is in Barnsley Town Centre, next to the bus and railway interchange. Follow the Metrodome and rally signs from junction 37 of the M1. The event features amateur radio and computer trade stands, clubs and groups, plus a bring and buy stall. There are ample parking facilities and a separate car park for disabled visitors. Further details from Ernie, G4LUE, who is available on 01226 716339 from 6 to 7pm daily. The Donegal / Tir Conaill Radio Club Annual Mobile Rally is to be held in Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey, County Donegal. Doors open at 12 noon. The event features the usual junk sale. Refreshments will be available all day. Further details from Raymond, EI9DM on 010 353 73 37152. The Midland Amateur Radio Society (MARS)- Stockland Radio Computer Rally is to be held at the Stockland Green Leisure Centre, Slade Road, Erdington, Birmingham. Doors open at 10am. The rally features the usual traders, local clubs and a bring and sell tables. Refreshment will be available. Further details from Norman, G8BHE on 0121 422 9787. Now news of a Rally cancellation and change of contact details: The Leeds and District Amateur Radio Society announces that, due to circumstances beyond its control, the Christmas Rally, scheduled for the 4th of December has had to be cancelled. Details from G0IBU who is QTHR. The Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club Radio Rally is to be held on Sunday the 20th of November. The contact person is Mike Shield, G0PRQ, tel 01388 766264. Now for the HF contest news: The RSGB Club Call Contest will take place next Saturday, the 12th of November, from 2000 to 2300 UTC. See the October edition of RadCom, page 81, for details on frequency, exchange data and category of entry. Also next weekend, the WAE RTTY Contest takes place from 0001 UTC on Saturday the 12th, until 2359 UTC on Sunday the 13th of November. See the November RadCom, page 19 for further details. Next some VHF contest news: The 144MHz CW Marconi/RSGB 24 Hour Contest takes place this weekend, finishing today, Sunday, at 1400 UTC. The RSGB 144MHz CW 6- Hour Contest also finishes at 1400 UTC today. For further details of either of these events see September RadCom, page 82. The next RSGB 432MHz Cumulative Contest is next Friday, the 11th of November, from 2030 to 2300 UTC. See the July edition of RadCom, page 82 for further details. And now the solar factual data: During the period from the 24th to the 30th of October all solar parameters maintained their small recovery, two small flares were reported and the geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to sub-storm levels. The 28MHz band has given surprise openings to South Africa, South America, and much of Europe. This was in evidence during the CQ Worldwide SSB Contest. The Sunspot index increased throughout the period, reaching 93 by the 30th, with the mean being 62. The solar flux levels also increased every day from 82 units on the 24th up to 98 units by the 30th. The period averaged 93 units. Only two flares were reported, the largest being a C4.7/SF at 1009 hours on the 25th. Several radio noise bursts were also reported. A pre auroral enhancement occurred on the 28th and 29th with the 28MHz band being wide open. Beacons, LU4XF and VK5WI, were heard very well. The electron fluence remained at a high level throughout the period. The 90 day solar flux average on the 30th was 81 units. The geomagnetic field started the period at sub-storm level, with an Ap index of 30 units, before declining to quiet levels. With the pre-auroral enhancement the index fell to only 6 units on the 28th but returned to sub- storm levels on the 29th and 30th, when Ap indices were 49 and 41 units respectively. Auroras were reported on both days. The disturbance was due to a shock wave from a coronal mass ejection on the 27th. The geomagnetic Ap average for the period was 22 units. The state has been mag alert most of the time. x-ray flux levels have increased slightly over the period to average B1.2 units. The aa indices, as reported by the British Geological Survey for the period from the 18th to the 24th of October, saw mostly quiet levels with the 21st being down to 6.3 nanoTeslas. Late on the 22nd levels increased considerably and continued through most of the 23rd with levels up to 102 nanoTeslas lasting 12 hours continuously, about K5. The period averaged 29.9 nanoTeslas, about K3. I'll repeat the figures. Spots - 62; Flux - 93; Ap index - 22; X-ray flux - B1.2. Now the ionospheric data for Central France: The F2 daytime critical frequencies at Poitiers, as reported by Meudon for the period from the 24th to the 30th of October, averaged 8.7MHz. On the 29th, with the pre auroral enhancement, levels reached 11.1MHz. The darkness hour lows averaged 2.6MHz, with little variation. The highs are mainly around 12.00 hours, while the darkness hour lows are around 05.00 to 06.00 hours. I'll repeat the figures: Highs - 8.7MHz, Lows - 2.6MHz. And lastly the solar forecast: This week the more active side of the sun should be coming into view. Solar flux levels are expected to be around the mid 80s, with the geomagnetic field being unsettled today, then declining to quiet levels during the week. Ionospheric MUFs during daylight hours in the south are expected to reach 28MHz on north/south paths and for the north 25MHz. Darkness hour MUFs should be up to about 10MHz. With the seasonal changes now in effect east/west paths should be easier on the lower bands. 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 allocated were in the G0 Victor Juliet and G7 Tango Victor series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 Alpha Juliet and 2 1 Delta November series. -- NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST Meeting for Monday the 7th of November: Surrey Radio Contact Club has a talk entitled 'Noise Fundamental in Radio Systems' by Derek, G3GRO. Details from Berni, G8TB on 0181 660 7517. Meeting for Tuesday the 8th of November: Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society has a 'Get together' to discuss projects etc. Further details from Peter, G7HCL on 01438 724509. Meetings for Wednesday the 9th of November: Bracknell Amateur Radio Club has a Junk Sale. Details from Steve, G4AUC on 01344 420577. Cheshunt and District Amateur Radio Club has a Construction Contest. For further details contact Roger, G4OAA on 01992 464795. Darenth Valley Radio Society has a talk by Gerry, G7RFM. More details from Len, G0HRD, tel: 01474 703322. Grafton Radio Society has a Video Evening. Further information from John, G0DFZ, tel: 0171 272 2328. Havering and District Amateur Radio Club has an informal evening. Details from Bill, G0CBU, tel: 01708 445135. Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club had a Junk Sale. For further details contact Roy, G4GPX on 01903 753893. Meetings for Thursday the 10th of November: Echelford Amateur Radio Society has a Junk Sale. Contact Peter, G6PMT on 0344 843472 for further details. Edgware and District Radio Society has a Video Evening. For further details contact Rod, G0SQL, tel: 0181 204 1868. Hoddesdon Radio Club has a talk on 'Aerials' by Dennis, G3TIK. Details from John, G7OCI, tel: 01920 466639. Reading and District Amateur Radio Club has a Construction and Alignment evening. Further details from Tony, G0OPB on 01734 698274 (evenings). Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society has an Electrical Bygones evening. Bring your own bygones. Contact Paul on 01462 700618 for details. Southgate Amateur Radio Club has the Construction judging for the G6QM Trophy. Details from Brian, G0MEE on 0181 360 2453. Vange Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Waves and All That' by John, G4XTS. For further details contact Doris on 01268 552606. Meetings for Friday the 11th of November: Silverthorn Radio Club has a Construction Contest. Details from Dave, G0KHC on 0181 505 1871. Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club has a talk and slide show on 'Images from Space' by Mr J Thomas. Contact Les, G3ABA on 01703 732997 for details. NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST Meetings for Monday the 7th of November: Weston Super Mare Radio Society has a Club Discussion evening. For further details contact Graham, G8WAR on 01934 415700. Wincanton Amateur Radio Club has a talk by a guest speaker. Further details from Dave, G3ZXX on 0963 34360. Meetings for Tuesday the 8th of November: Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio Society has a talk by Rob, G3MYM. For further details contact Stuart, G7JIF on 01963 362766. Meetings for Wednesday the 9th of November: South Bristol Amateur Radio Club has a discussion: 'Your opinions on Club Matters' and a Top Band activity night. For details telephone 01275 834282. South Devon Radio Club has a Project night - 'Power Supplies'. For further details telephone: 01803 522995. Meetings for Thursday the 10th of November: Saltash and District Amateur Radio Club has its 30th Anniversary Reunion Buffet evening. Past and present members are most welcome to attend. Contact Brian, G7SSH on 01752 844321 for further details. Yeovil Amateur Radio Club has a talk: 'The PC, your best friend in the shack' by G4JBH. Contact Cedric, G4JBL on 0258 473845 for further information. Meeting for Friday the 11th of November: Poole Radio Society has a talk entitled 'The "Y" Service' by John, G4XGM. Further details from Vernon, G3BCI on 01202 762110. Meeting for next Sunday the 13th of November: Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society has a debate on 'Should Morse Survive'. Details from John, G4POF on 01425 653404. NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA Meeting for Wednesday the 9th of November: Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Science for All' by Arnold, G3PTB. For further details contact Mike, G4EOL on 01603 789792. Meeting for Thursday the 10th of November: Dereham Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'Converting PMR Equipment' by G1BBU. For further information contact Mark, G0LGJ, tel: 01362 691099. NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS Meetings for Tuesday the 8th of November: Radio Society of Bloxwich has its Annual Quiz for the G0BSM Trophy. For further details contact Chris, G0MLY on 01922 683877. Bromsgrove Amateur Radio Society has a Test Equipment Evening. Further details from Barry, G0TPG on 01527 542266. Buxton Radio Amateurs has its Annual General Meeting. For further information contact Derek, G4IHO, tel: 01298 25506. Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club has a 'Radio Quiz'. Details from G8SNF on 01509 218259. Meetings for Wednesday the 9th of November: Derby and District Amateur Radio Society has a Video Show. For more details contact Hayley, G7PXA on 01773 856904. Telford and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Satellite Television Reception' by 2E1COH. Details from G4EIX, on 01952 588878.. Meetings for Thursday the 10th of November: Amateur Radio Club of Nottingham has a Surplus Equipment Sale. Further details from Simon, G0IEG on 0602 501733. Northampton Radio Club has an AMSAT Lecture at the RAFA Club at 8pm. For further information telephone 01295 760640. Salop Amateur Radio Society has a Calibration Evening . Take along some gear for a check-up, courtesy of Ken, G8DIR. Meetings for Friday the 11th of November: Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio Club has a talk entitled 'Getting Started on Packet' by G4BBU. For details call G3MRC on 01562 710010. South Notts Amateur Radio Club has a talk on 'SWR - Facts and Fiction' by Ron, G0HNZ.. Contact Julie, G0SOU on 01509 672734 for further details. Spalding and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'The Trip to OY- land' by G4DHF. Further details from G4OO, tel: 01775 750382. NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Meetings for Monday the 7th of November: Barnsley and District Amateur Radio Society has a final Rally Planning meeting. For details contact Alan, G4LUE on 01226 716339 (6 - 8pm). Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society has its 70 centimetre Project night. Details from G4BFH who is QTHR. Meetings for Tuesday the 8th of November: Bury Radio Society has a Junk Sale. For further information contact Laurence, G4KLT on 0161 762 9308. Chester and District Amateur Radio Society has an 'Experimenters Diary No 5' by Dave, G2FVA.. Further details from G0OXA, tel: 051 608 3229. Fylde Amateur Radio Society has a Construction Competition. Details from Rob, G7CUL, Tel: 01772 635464. Meetings for Wednesday the 9th of November: Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society has a talk on 'Private Pilots Licence' by G7LYL. Further details from Ted, G0RBA, tel: 01606 592207. Stockport Radio Society has a Construction Competition. For further details telephone 0161 439 4952. Meetings for Thursday the 10th of November: Grimsby Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled 'Lightships and Lighthouses' by Brian, G4KAL. For details contact G3DOT, 0472 825899. Hambleton Amateur Radio Society has a Practical and Operating night. Details from Bob, G7RNH on 01642 710886. Keighley Amateur Radio Society has a 'Packet on the Air' evening. For further details contact Kathy, G0RLO on 01274 496222. Meeting for Friday the 11th of November: East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club meets for a book review night. Details from Alistair, G4OLK on 0642 475671. NEWS FOR SCOTLAND Meetings for Tuesday the 8th of November: Dundee Amateur Radio Club has a Construction Night. Further details from GM4FSB who is QTHR. Edinburgh University Amateur Radio Club has a Construction Evening. For further information contact Alison, GM0UGG on 0131 668 4618. Meeting for Friday the 11th of November: Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has a talk entitled The All Band Delta Loop Antenna' by GM0LNQ. Details from Martin, GM0JCN on 0569 731177. NEWS FOR WALES Meeting for Monday the 7th of November: Dragon Amateur Radio Club has a talk by Dr Gwyn Roberts. Details from Tony, GW0FMQ, tel: 01248 600963. -- 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