Also in GB2RS this week…
To help and support radio amateurs who are isolated at home and would appreciate contact with other people, the RSGB Contest Committees are launching a new six week initiative: the Hope QSO Party. Starting on 6 April 2020 and open to every radio amateur, not just RSGB Members, this contest will also welcome international participation. Scoring is on an anyone-works-anyone basis. The format is a series of 90 minute weekday events for single operators. It commences on Mondays at 0830UTC, starting 90 minutes later each day to begin on Fridays at 1430UTC. A single mode will be used each day, repeating over a six day cycle. The series will use defined frequency ranges; QSOs are encouraged before and after the contest periods. The series rules are at tinyurl.com/rsgb-hope.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, with European national societies working remotely, several have said that their outgoing and incoming QSL bureau can no longer provide services. Amongst those countries that have requested no QSLs be sent are Italy, Spain and Greece.
The RSGB has released to its YouTube channel three more presentations from its 2019 Annual Convention. Board Director Kamal Singh, M0IOV explores The Future and Growth of Amateur Radio; Derek Kozel, MW0LNA talks about Digital Homebrewing and the Schematics of SDR; whilst Roger Balister, G3KMA and Igor, UA9KDF report on the Arctic Legends Expedition by RI0B to the Russian Polar Arctic. Each of these presentations are not only interesting to watch on your own but could also form the basis for lively on-air club night chats during this time of virtual club meetings.
The RSGB has a Coronavirus Updates page that brings together some great ideas as well as its important announcements. Take a look at rsgb.org/coronavirus-updates.
Category: GB2RS Headlines
