IRTS News for 22nd January 1995 IRTS VHF NFD NEWS ----------------- Entries were received from 4 /P stations, 3 in the open section, and 1 in the restricted section. Over 30 EIs were logged by the competing stations, which indicates how much interest there is in VHF by EI operators. Conditions were the best for many years, with all stations in the open section recording QSOs over more than 1,000 kms. The winners are the Wicklow Wireless Society EI2WW/P in the open section with 428 QSOS, all on 144 MHz, for a total of 8,005 points. They worked no fewer than 12 countries, with their best DX at 1182 kms. Equipment was a Yaesu FT 480R running 200w SSB to a 2 X 13 element Tonna array. Congratulations to Colm EI2EDB, Sean EI4GK, Bob EI4HE, Declan EI9HQ and Conor EI 1232. They will receive the Thomond Trophy at the AGM in Cobh. Worthy runners-up are South Dublin EI2SDR/P, who operated from Kippure on 144, 432 and 1296 MHz for a total of 4,999 pts. On 144 they worked 12 countries, with best DX of 1163 kms. Members of the team included Des EI2DNB, David EI3IA, Joe EI7GY and Tom EI7HT. Last but not least was the E. Cork Group, who also ran a 3 band entry, but operated 70 MHz CW in addition to SSB on 144 and 432. E. Cork's score was 4013 pts, with best DX of 1178 kms on 2m and 1022 on 70 cms. Winners of the restricted section were Cork ARC EI5CRC/P. They operated on 144 from Bweing Mountain in Co. Cork, and had 46 QSOs for a total of 722 pts. Congratulations to Anthony EI2HY, Michael EI2IB, Vincent EI7HN, Richard EI6HH and EI7DVB. They will receive the VHF Shield. SHORT CW CONTESTS ----------------- For those wishing to gain a little experience and to break into CW in a gentle way there are a number of short CW contests taking place over the next few weeks. The RSGB cumulative CW contests are a relatively civilised affair which last for only 2 hours. This would be an excellent opportunity to give the UK stations a few points, and get the feel of contest action. There is one today on 80m from 4.00 to 6.00 pm, and UK stations may be called between 3,530 and 3,580 kHz. The report required is RST and a serial no. starting from 001. If the CW is a little rusty operate between 3,550 and 3,580, where there is a speed limit of 12 wpm. Here is a list of the CW cumulatives over the next few weeks: Sunday 22 January 80m 4.00 - 6.00 pm Wednesday 25 " 160m 8.00 - 10.00 pm Saturday 28 " 80m 4.00 - 6.00 pm Sunday 29 " 40m 10.00 am-12.00 noon Saturday 4 February 40m 10.00 am-12.00 " Sunday 5 " 80m 4.00 - 6.00 pm. SOUTH DUBLIN ARC ---------------- IRTS members will have seen the proposal in the December newsletter to activate a number of 3,000 ft. mountains on the same day sometime during the summer of 1995. These mountains are called "Munros" after Sir Hugh Munro who catalogued Scotland's 3,000 ft. mountains over 100 years ago. The newsletter article has stirred a good deal of interest among radio amateurs who have experience in mountain climbing. A number of groups have indicated interest, and Joe Ryan EI7GY, who is co-ordinating the arrangements, has reported that he is confident that this venture will go ahead this year - possibly in June. At this stage Brandon is the only "Munro" for which he does not have any volunteers. If there are any groups familiar with Brandon, and who would be willing to participate in this experiment, they should get in touch with Joe. BLACKPOOL 1995 -------------- A weekend trip to the Northern Amateur Radio Association's show on Sunday 19 March is planned. This show attracts over 100 exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors, and is the largest show in Northern England. The cost per person is 90 pounds plus government tax covering the following: transport by 16 seat minibus, leaving Dunlaoghaire on Saturday 18th at 9.15 am, all transfers to Blackpool, admission to the show, and arrival back in Dunlaoghaire at 5.30 pm on Monday 20th March. To secure a place on this trip a non-refundible deposit of 35 pounds per person is required by Tuesday , 31st January 1995. For further information contact Chris Yeates EI7AAB on 01 8215145 (evenings) or at QTHr. ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ------------------- That concludes the bulletin for this week. Items for inclusion in the radio news bulletins should be addressed to Steve Wright, c/o Department of Pathology, Regional Hospital, Galway. Fax messages may be sent to EI5DD at 091 24216. All such items will be forwarded to Dave Moore EI4BZ for inclusion in the printed news. Items for the printed newsletter only should be sent direct to Dave at QTHr, or phoned to 021 632444 (daytime) or 021 883555 (evenings). Items may be sent by packet to EI4BZ at EI7DKB-5, or by fax to 021 632730.