GB2RS News for Sunday, 7 October 2012

RSGB Convention lectures

The RSGB Convention takes place at Horwood House near Milton Keynes next weekend, 12 to 14 October. The final programme is on the website at www.rsgb.org/main/rsgbconvention. We are pleased to announce that Patrick, ON4HIL will be speaking both Saturday and Sunday on the recent DXpedition to Rockall and Carlo, ON4BR will be speaking on Sunday about the TN2T DXpedition. Howard Long, G6LVB will introduce the AMSAT FUNcube Dongle Pro+: a DC-to-Daylight Software-Defined Radio on Saturday and Dr Colin Forsyth will look at The Sun and The Sky and How Space Weather Affects Radio Signals on Sunday 14th. Finally, visitors also have the chance to hear Gregg Marco, W6IZT speak about the award winning HK0NA DXpedition on both Saturday and Sunday. The RSGB is grateful to all the presenters who take the time to speak at the Convention – there should be something for all interests. Day tickets for the RSGB Convention are still available at the door. Unfortunately, due to illness, the voluntary examiners for the US exams will be unable to attend this year. Normal service is expected to be available in 2013. The continued success of the RSGB Convention is such that we continue to grow year after year and 2012 looks like being the best yet.

Response to Ofcom’s consultation on the future use of VHF spectrum

The RSGB, jointly with the BATC and AMSAT-UK, has submitted a response to Ofcom’s consultation on the future use of VHF spectrum formally used by the Home Office, 143 to 156MHz. The unique nature of this spectrum, and that it surrounds our existing 2m band, suggested a creative response would be needed in order to be competitive with the likely responses from Business Radio (PMR). Details are on the Committees section of the RSGB website under Spectrum Forum.

CubeSats deployed

Radio amateurs around the world have been listening for signals from the four new amateur radio CubeSats that were deployed from the International Space Station on Thursday, 4 October. They could have a life-time of 4 or 5 months before they burn-up in the Earth’s atmosphere. FITSat-1 has a CW beacon on 437.250MHz, 1200 bps AX.25 packet radio on 437.445MHz and a high-speed data transmitter on 5840.0MHz. F-1 has the callsign is XV1VN and the communications subsystem is built around two Yaesu VX-3R amateur radio handheld transceivers. One will transmit 1200 bps packet radio every 30 seconds on 145.980MHz while in darkness. The other will operate only in sunlight sending a 20 second FM transmission of a CW tone on 437.485MHz followed by a 60 second gap. TechEdSat carries a 1200 bps packet radio transmitter on 437.465MHz. WE-WISH transmits CW and 1200 bps packet radio on 437.505MHz. Due to the effects of Doppler shift the 70cm downlink frequencies will vary by +/- 10kHz during an 8 minute pass. Further information on these satellites can be found on the AMSAT-UK website.

Also in GB2RS this week

GB3NC back in service

The Mid Cornwall Beacon and Repeater Group are pleased to report that the GB3NC repeater has been successfully repaired and is now back in service. The re-alignment of the filters has also allowed the two metre beacon, GB3MCB, to be brought back into service. Reports via www.beaconspot.eu would be appreciated.

New allocations for Swedish radio amateurs

As of 1 October, Swedish radio amateurs are allowed to operate on 1810 to 1850kHz with a 1kW maximum power and 1930 to 2000kHz with a 10W maximum. The section of the band between 1850 and 1930kHz is unavailable. Sadly, they also lost their access to 2.3GHz, although 2.4GHz is unaffected.

North American QRP CW Club to celebrate 8th anniversary

Between 7 and 13 October, the North American QRP CW Club is celebrating their 8th anniversary. There will be 10 special event stations on the air that week, one from each USA call area from N1A to N0A. Special QSL cards and certificates for anyone who works one or more stations are available. Details at http://naqcc.info

Category: GB2RS Headlines