Also in GB2RS this week…

The October 2024 edition of RadCom includes an article about the very first two-way radio communication between the UK and New Zealand, something that Sir Edward Appleton—radio physicist and Nobel laureate—later described as “probably the most dramatic moment in the history of the development of the short waves.” The contact was between two radio amateurs, one in Mill Hill School, London and the other on a sheep farm in New Zealand. Centenary celebrations will be taking place in New Zealand and at Mill Hill School, and special event callsigns will be active from Sunday, 29 September until late October. GB2NZ and ZM100DX will be active each day during that period and, for the week of the centenary, the near-actual callsigns used in 1924—G2SZ and ZL4AA—will be active from 14 to 20 October. A commemorative certificate will be available for those who make contacts with the event stations. For more information on the Goyder-Bell award, and to find out more about the centenary celebrations, go to gb2nz.com.

Lots of amateur radio stations are on the air this weekend for the Railways on the Air event. The occasion marks the anniversary of the first steam-powered passenger railway journey which took place on 27 September 1825. The first passenger train ran on a line in the north-east of England, from Darlington to Stockton. Activity will be centred around 3.65, 7.15 and 14.25MHz. For more information visit rota.barac.org.uk.

The September 2024 issue of RadCom Basics is now available on the RSGB website for members to read. RadCom Basics is aimed at new licensees, or anyone who enjoys reading about the fundamental principles behind the many facets of amateur radio. This issue includes articles on antenna building, home construction, and getting fit with amateur radio. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to receive updates about RadCom Basics in your RSGB Membership Services portal at rsgb.org/members. RSGB members can read RadCom Basics by going to rsgb.org/radcom-basics.

The September 2024 issue of RadCom Plus, the online magazine for the more technically minded radio amateur, has been published. The first article was written by RSGB Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, and is an introduction to using AI to write computer software. Next, is a contribution from Tony Preedy, G3LNP about how to make an efficient magnetic loop antenna. The third article, by Andy Talbot, G4JNT dives into the interesting, but perhaps unfamiliar, mathematics behind the encoding algorithms used in digital data programs which we all use. The final article is the fourth in the continuing series by Barry Chambers, G8AGN about his pioneering experiments at 30THz. RSGB members can read past and present issues of RadCom Plus at rsgb.org/radcom-plus.

Don’t forget to listen out for all the 145 Alive activity which is taking place this Sunday, the 29th. Operators will be active from 1pm to 4pm and there will be nets operating in most Maidenhead Squares across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To take part in the event, which is designed to promote FM activity on the 2m band, all you need to do is call in and make contact with others. For more information contact Mark Savage, M0XIC via the 145 Alive Facebook page.

Category: GB2RS Headlines