
Good morning. It's Sunday the 24th of March and here is the GB2RS news 
broadcast, prepared by the RSGB and intended for all radio amateurs and 
short-wave listeners. 

And we start with a reminder that the Barnsley and District Amateur 
Radio Club is co-ordinating a coach trip to Friedrichshafen in June on 
behalf of the RSGB. The Friedrichshafen 'Hamfest' is Europe's largest 
amateur radio exhibition. The coach will depart on Wednesday the 26th of 
June and return on Tuesday the 2nd of July and pick-ups can be arranged 
at pre-determined locations en route. Places are allocated on a first 
come, first served basis so contact the organiser, Ernie Bailey, G4LUE, 
urgently if you want to go. He is available on 01226 716339, or 0836 
748958, between 6.00 and 8.00pm.

"Kidlink '96" takes place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the 2nd, 3rd 
and 4th of May. Schools are invited to put on stations so that 
youngsters, especially those between the ages of 10 and 15, can use 
amateur radio to communicate with their peers in this country and 
overseas. For further details, contact Peter Daly, G0GTE, on 01438 
724991.

Groups intending to take part in the RSGB's National Field Day contest 
on the 1st and 2nd of June are reminded that they must register, by 
sending details of the site to be used, by the 9th of April at the 
latest. Send the details to David Hill, G4IQM, whose address is correct 
in the RSGB Call Book. Please enclose an SAE if contest stationery or an 
acknowledgement of entry is required. Listeners to this broadcast are 
asked to remind their Club Secretaries of the 9th of April deadline. For 
further details see page 4 of the RSGB Contesting Guide, which was 
published in the September 1995 RadCom, or call David Hill, G4IQM, on 
01293 882641 weekends or evenings.

Special event call GB2MTL is being used from the station of the late Ray 
Parsons, G3MTL, today, Sunday the 24th of March. This marks the final 
session of the "Lazy DX Net", which will be on 14184 kHz from 1330 UTC. 
Ray operated the Lazy DX Net for around ten years, and he and his wife 
have given their support for this last session from Ray's super station 
in Westhoughton, Greater Manchester.

Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet, which 
is edited by Chris Page, G4BUE:

>From Tonga, LA9GY was planning to be active from the 16th of March to 
the 4th of April, mainly CW, but with SSB activity in next weekend's CQ 
WPX contest. He has requested the call A35GY.

>From the Malagasy Republic, Gerard, F2JD, is now active as 5R8EN. At 
present he is using a longwire, but hopes to improve on this soon. He 
will be on the air until September.

And from the Netherlands Antilles, OH6XY will be active as PJ2/OH6XY 
from Curacao from Tuesday the 26th of March until the 7th of April. Look 
for him as PJ9Y in the WPX SSB contest.

Next the Rally News:

The Pontefract and District Amateur Radio Society rally takes place 
today, the 24th of March, at the Carleton Community Centre, Carleton, 
near Pontefract. The rally features Morse tests on demand. Doors open at 
11.00 am or 10.30 am for disabled visitors, and talk-in is on 2 metres 
channel S22.

The Bournemouth Radio Society Annual Sale takes place at Kinson 
Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth 
today, the 24th. Doors open at 10.30 am and talk-in will be on S22.

Next Sunday, the 31st of March, the Magnum Radio and Computer Rally 
takes place at the Magnum Leisure Centre, Harbourside, Irvine, 
Strathclyde. The event features the usual traders, an RSGB book stall 
and membership information stand, and Morse tests on demand. Doors open 
at 11.00 am. For further details, ring 01294 215457.

The Thames Valley Electronics Rally will take place at Kempton Park 
Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, in Middlesex next 
Sunday, the 31st. The event features retailers, antenna and accessory 
suppliers and a bring and buy stall. Doors open at 10.30 am. For further 
details phone Lucy Phillips on 01494 450504.

The Amateur Radio Caravan and Camping Club's next rally will be at 
Milton Keynes, over the Easter weekend of the 4th to 8th of April. There 
is no trading at ARCC rallies, but any amateur wishing to attend as a 
caravanner or tent camper is invited to send an SAE for details and a 
booking form. Booking forms must be returned at least one week before 
the event. Write to the membership secretary, Alan Gard, G4LWA, whose 
address is correct in the RSGB Call Book, or telephone 01462 811208.

Many rallies now offer RSGB Morse Tests on demand. Candidates should 
note that, although pre-booking is not required, they will need to bring 
with them two passport type photographs and the test fee.

GB3HV, the Amateur TV Repeater at High Wycombe, now has a new 
operational mode. During 23 centimetre contests it can be switched to 
"contest mode". Through operation is inhibited along with the 
information pages. Only the 15-minute identification is transmitted. The 
change has been made to minimise interference to local 23 centimetre 
contest operators. For further information please contact Mike, G8LES, 
on 01420 563859.

Now for the HF contest news:

We know of no HF Contests this weekend. Next weekend, the CQ WPX SSB 
Contest takes place for 48 hours from 0001 UTC on Saturday the 30th of 
March. This contest is on all bands from 1.8 to 28 MHz, with the 
exception of the three "WARC" bands. All stations can work any other 
station, and the multiplier is the sum of all the different prefixes 
contacted.

Next some VHF contest news:

The RSGB 70 MHz Fixed Station Contest is taking place today, the 24th of 
March, from 0900 to 1300 UTC. The full rules were published in the RSGB 
Contesting Guide in the September 1995 RadCom.

Before the solar factual data, here is an explanation from Neil Clarke, 
G0CAS, of a couple of the terms which have recently been introduced in 
this broadcast. Firstly, "Bz".

The new WIND spacecraft measures solar wind speeds, density in particles 
per cubic centimetre, the sector structure - that is towards the sun, or 
away from it - and Bz. Bz is the magnetic angle of the solar wind, 
recorded in nanoTeslas from zero. As the earth's magnetic field runs in 
a northward direction, coupling with the solar wind takes place when the 
wind has a minus or southward orientation. The greater the negative 
number of nanoTeslas, the more it couples and the more it disrupts the 
ionosphere. If Bz is plus, that is northward, there is no coupling so 
the outburst just passes us by.

Secondly, "plage". For some time after sunspots have decayed from the 
solar disc the "magnetic footprint" associated with that group will 
remain and may cause geomagnetic disturbances on the next solar 
rotation.

And now the solar factual data:

The period from 11th to the 17th of March saw solar activity at very low 
levels and the geomagnetic field up to "active" levels. Sunspot numbers 
increased from 18 on the 11th to 27 on the 12th. After that, they 
declined to end the period at 12, with a mean of 20. Solar flux levels 
peaked at 73 units on the 12th but then declined slightly to 70 units on 
the 15th. The average was 71 units. On the 11th a new sunspot group 
produced frequent B class flares but as the group decayed it became less 
flare-productive. Electron fluence levels increased from moderate levels 
on the 11th to a high level.     X-Ray flux remained at A1 units 
throughout. The 90-day solar flux average on the 17th was 73 units, one 
unit up on last week.

Geomagnetic levels were at "active" levels on the 11th with an Ap index 
of 26. Levels then declined and were "quiet" from the 14th, with an 
average of Ap 13 units. The following data covers the period from the 
5th to the 11th of March. The aa indices, as supplied by the British 
Geological Survey, started at "quiet" levels up to the 9th, but then 
increased to just "sub-storm" levels by the 11th, with 44 nanoTeslas 
recorded. The average was 18.5 nanoTeslas, about K2. Solar wind speeds 
were average, that is between 350 to 400 kilometres per second, and the 
particle density increased from 8 particles per cubic centimetre to 20 
particles per cubic centimetre on the 8th and 9th. The Bz was 
predominantly southward on the 8th and northward on the 9th, with 
maximum deflections of 7 nanoTeslas. For the rest of the period it was 
at zero.

I'll repeat the figures: spots - 20, flux - 71, Ap - 13, X-Ray - A1.

Now the ionospheric data for Central France.

The F2 daytime critical frequencies, as reported by Meudon for the 
period from the 8th to the 14th of March, saw little change. However, 
they did increase to 8.5MHz on the 11th, giving the best daily figure 
for some time. This did not last - by the following day levels had 
collapsed to 6.8 MHz. The average was 6.3 MHz. The darkness hour lows 
increased to 3.9MHz on the 10th, but averaged only 2.9 MHz. The daytime 
highs took place between 1200 and 1900 with the darkness lows between 
0300 and 0600.

And lastly the solar forecast:

This week the quiet side of the sun is expected to rotate into view. The 
solar disc may become spotless on some days. Solar flux levels are 
expected to decline to about the 70 mark later in the week. Geomagnetic 
levels are expected to increase to "unsettled" between the 21st and 
24th, and be at "quiet" levels the rest of the time. MUFs during 
daylight hours are expected to be about 18MHz for the south, with 
darkness hour lows about 10MHz. Figures are expected to be a few 
Megahertz lower for the north.

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 X-Ray 
Alfa and G7 Whisky Lima series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 Alfa 
November and 2 1 Echo Victor series.

Next, the local news.


NEWS FOR THE SOUTH EAST


Meetings for Tuesday the 26th of March:

Dorking and District Radio Society gathers for a talk by G7CND on 
'Weather Satellite Systems'. For further details contact G3AEZ on 01306 
631236.

Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk entitled 
'Marine Radio' by Michael, G3JMG. Details from Stuart, G0FYX on 01705 
472846.

Stevenage & District Amateur Radio Society has a project review night. 
For details telephone 01707 333542.

Verulam Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk on the Hubble Telescope by 
Robert Forrest. For details contact Walter, G3PMF on 01923 262180.

Waterside Amateur Radio Society gathers for a talk by John, G0UUW. For 
more information contact Bill, G1AEH on 01703 783170.


Meetings for Wednesday the 27th of March:

Cheshunt and District Amateur Radio Club has a quiz night. For more 
details telephone 0181 366 0157.

Colchester Radio Amateurs also have a quiz night. Further information 
from Brian, G0GGM on 01206 822547.

Darenth Valley Radio Society has its Annual General Meeting. Telephone 
01689 826846 for more details.

Farnborough and District Radio Society meets for the 'Ivan Hurst 
Lecture'. More details from Andy, G4XYW on 01344 761184.

Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk on the 
Internet by G7OIR. For details telephone 01903 753893.


Meetings for Thursday the 28th of March:

Crowborough Amateur Radio Society has a video evening. Contact Pauline, 
G7SPT on 01892 653782 for further details.

Echelford Amateur Radio Society has a quiz night. For details telephone 
01344 843472.

Reading and District Amateur Radio Club has its Spring junk sale. 
Contact Peter, G0PUB on 01734 617388 for more details.

Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk by G8NGZ entitled 
'The Tait 500 on the Amateur Band'. Details from Paul on 01462 700618.

Southgate Amateur Radio Club has an on-the-air-evening. Contact Michael, 
G0ANN on 01707 850146 for more details.

Three Counties Amateur Radio Club meets for a talk on 'Hand Global 
Positioning Systems'. Telephone 01428 606298 for more details.


Meetings for Friday the 29th of March:

Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association meets for a Microwaves talk by 
Roger, G0UPU. Telephone 01242 242336 for further information.

Maidstone YMCA Amateur Radio Society has an RAE talk on antennas. 
Contact Graham, G4AXD on 01622 729462 for more details.

Radio Society of Harrow meets for a talk on PMR Conversion. For further 
details telephone 01895 632377 during evening hours.



NEWS FOR THE SOUTH WEST


Meetings for Tuesday the 26th of March:

Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio Society has an on-the-air evening. Contact 
Stuart, G7JIF on 01747 838554 for more details.

RSGB City of Bristol Group meets for a talk on 'The Role of a QSL 
Manager' by Phil, G3SWH. Contact Dave, G4NKT on 0117 9672124 for more 
details.

Salisbury Amateur Radio Club has an on-the-air evening. For details 
telephone 01722 329398.


Meeting for Wednesday the 27th of March:

South Bristol Amateur Radio Club meets for a 'HF Operation 
Demonstration'. For further details telephone 01275 834282.


Meetings for Thursday the 28th of March:

Bristol Amateur Radio Club has an Amateur TV evening. Contact David, 
G4ZBT on 0117 9654886 for more details.

Yeovil Amateur Radio Club has an on-the-air evening. For details contact 
Cedric, G4JBL on 01258 473845. 



NEWS FOR EAST ANGLIA


Meetings for Wednesday the 27th of March:

Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society has a quiz night. For more 
information contact John, G1WQQ on 01787 460947.

Ipswich Radio Club has a Morse practice evening. For details contact 
Andy, G7SMN on 01473 212891.

Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has an on-the-air evening. Telephone 01603 
789792 for more information.


Meeting for Thursday the 28th of March:

Kings Lynn Amateur Radio Club meets for a junk and surplus equipment 
sale. For more details telephone 01553 765614.



NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS


Meetings for Monday the 25th of March:

Leicester Radio Society has an 'Under a Tenner' Competition night. 
Telephone 0116 291 7250 for more details.

Stratford upon Avon and District Radio Society has a surplus equipment 
sale. For further information telephone 01789 773286.


Meetings for Tuesday the 26th of March:

Bromsgrove Amateur Radio Society gathers for a talk entitled 'The 
History of Radio and Stereo'. Details from Barry, G0TPG on 01527 542266.

Buxton Radio Amateurs meets for a talk by Clive entitled 'Test 
Equipment'. For details contact Derek, G4IHO on 01298 25506.

Mid-Warwickshire Amateur Radio Society has a surplus equipment and 
magazine sale. Contact G8HRI on 01926 424465 for more details.


Meeting for Wednesday the 27th of March:

Telford and District Amateur Radio Society meets for its Annual General 
Meeting. Contact Paul, G2RSA on 01952 261923 for more details. 


Meetings for Thursday the 28th of March:

Oxford and District Amateur Radio Society has its Annual General 
Meeting. Telephone 01865 247311 for more details.

Salop Amateur Radio Society has a quiz night. Details from 1 Willington 
Close, Little Harlescott Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 3RH.



NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND


Meetings for Monday the 25th of March:

RATEC meets for a talk entitled 'The Miller Effect and Neutralising' by 
Harry, G2HW. Further details from Don, G4SFU on 0161 485 3912.

South Tyneside Amateur Radio Society gathers for a talk by Rob Mannion, 
editor of Practical Wireless. Telephone 0191 537 3602 for more details.

Thornton Cleveleys Amateur Radio Society has an auction of surplus 
equipment. Telephone 01253 853554 for details.


Meetings for Tuesday the 26th of March:

Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Society has a surplus sale. 
Telephone 0151 722 1178 for more details. 

Manchester and District Amateur Radio Society has an open forum. Details 
from Harold, G0VJZ on 0161 338 4412.

Meetings for Wednesday the 27th of March:

Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society meets for a software exchange and 
programming night. For details telephone 01606 592207.

Stockport Radio Society has a surplus equipment sale. For further 
details telephone 0161 439 4952.

Wirral and District Amateur Radio Club has a quiz night. Contact Bob, 
G4NCI on 0151 606 8989.


Meetings for Thursday the 28th of March:

Keighley Amateur Radio Society meets for a junk sale. Further details 
from Kath, G0RLO on 01274 496222.

York Radio Club has a new components and equipment sale in aid of the 
RAIBC. Details from Paul Bulmer on 01904 671578.


Meetings for Friday the 29th of March:

Goole Radio and Electronics Society has an on-the-air evening. For 
details telephone 01757 638539.

South Manchester Radio Club has a 'Club Review Night' with G0BJK. 
Telephone 0161 969 1964 for details.


NEWS FOR SCOTLAND


Meeting for Tuesday the 26th of March:

Dundee Amateur Radio Club has a construction evening. For details 
telephone 01382 739179.


Meeting for Wednesday the 27th of March:

Lothians Radio Society pays a visit to the British Telecom Network 
Operations Unit in Edinburgh. Those interested should telephone 0131 445 
3503.


-- 
GB2RS is prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.
Tel +44 1707 659 015   
Fax +44 1707 645 105

