Also in GB2RS this week…

The RSGB Youth Committee provides a focus for the young Members of the RSGB and represents the UK at several national and international events. The RSGB would like to appoint an individual to champion the Youth Committee in all that they do including managing the UK attendance at the YOTA camp each year and YOTA month every December. Full details of the role are on the RSGB website.

The RSGB Convention takes place from 12 to 14 October 2018 at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. Our thanks to the principal sponsor, Martin Lynch & Sons. You can see the whole Convention lecture programme at rsgb.org/convention. Visitors will be pleased to know that Neil Smith, G4DBN will investigate what really matters when you are aiming for the ultimate performance with FT8 and other digital modes. Antenna radiation patterns are difficult to measure because antennas are typically high above the ground, and the peak gain tends to be horizontal or above. Jenny Bailey, G0VQH will describe a practical method of measuring the radiation field around an antenna using a drone. She will cover CAA restrictions, drone selection, payload, operation, measurement of antenna design and plotting results.

Although the current UK amateur radio licence is known as a ‘licence for life’, all radio amateurs are required to revalidate their licence at least every five years. This means every licence holder must contact Ofcom to confirm or update the details on the licence database. The quickest way to revalidate is simply to access the licensing system and confirm or reconfirm your details online via the Ofcom website, or by email to spectrum.licensing@ofcom.org.uk. Links to the Ofcom website as well as a helpful article about the licensing portal, registration and revalidation can be found on the RSGB website.

The RSGB is pleased to announce that Mike Bruce, M0ITI has been co-opted to the RSGB Board, with immediate effect. Mike will provide focus and expertise to ensure that the Board is fully equipped to support the major changes within the examinations systems. Mike was recently appointed Examination Systems Review Manager, has been a member of the Examination Group for some years. Other Board changes of responsibility will be announced in due course.

The next RSGB Train the Trainers event will take place on Saturday, 3 November 2018 in Wimborne, Dorset. The course runs from 9am to 4.30pm at Flight Refuelling ARS, Cobham Sports and Social Club, off Merley Park Road, Broadstone, Wimborne BH21 3DA. To book a place please contact Sue Macdonald via email to frars.training@gmail.com It is over two years since a course was held in the south-west, so it would be useful for new trainers and those who attended previously as a refresher. The course continues to develop, improve and change, so those attending again will not be bored! There are significant opportunities to network and exchange ideas and good practice throughout the day.

The final of our series of lectures from the RSGB 2017 Convention entitled Reflections on the History of Radar by Hugh Griffiths, G4CNV is now available online for RSGB Members.

Category: GB2RS Headlines