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GB2RS News Sunday, the 16th of November 2025 The news headlines: Nominations for the RSGB 2026 Elections are now open The RSGB National Radio Centre to host ‘Build your own radio’ workshops Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146-147MHz NoV for a further year Could your skills and experience help to shape the RSGB’s activities? The Society's year starts and ends at the AGM, and it is seeking proactive and enthusiastic members with the right skills who would like to become a Director of the Society or a Regional Representative. There are vacancies for two Nominated Directors, two Elected Directors and three Regional Representatives. Nominated Directors are selected by the Society's Nominations Committee, and then RSGB members vote to endorse them as part of the AGM voting. The closing date for these vacancies is the 5th of December 2025. If you’re interested in either the Elected Director or Regional Representative roles, you can find the candidate packs and application forms on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/elections. The application deadline for the elected roles is the 31st of January 2026. If you’d like to find out more about any of these vacancies, please email the RSGB Company Secretary, Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at company.secretary@rsgb.org.uk  The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park is hosting another of its popular ‘Build your own radio’ workshops. Morning and afternoon sessions will be held on Sunday, the 23rd of November and will offer young people aged between 12 and 18 years the opportunity to learn more about amateur radio and electronics. The workshops will use simple tools for participants to build their own VHF FM broadcast receiver, which they can take home with them. Attendance at the workshop costs £11. To find out more and to secure a place, visit bletchleypark.org.uk  and search for ‘Build your own radio’. Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146-147MHz Notice of Variation for a further year. It is available on a non-interference basis and is subject to a 30-day notice period of change or withdrawal. Ofcom's objective in making this spectrum available is to encourage amateurs to experiment and test new communications schemes and systems. The RSGB VHF Manager would therefore welcome reports of innovative use of the spectrum to support future discussions. Please email him via vhf.manager@rsgb.org.uk. Full licence holders can apply for the 146-147MHz NoV on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/nov Listeners may also be interested to know that Ofcom has released a video that aims to guide how to use its recently updated licence portal. As well as other topics, the video contains information on how to change your amateur radio callsign and how to apply for a special event station NoV. You can watch the video at tinyurl.com/2025ofcom  The RSGB VHF Contest Committee is currently planning the rules for the 2026 VHF contests. Following some discussion at the RSGB Convention, the committee members have some questions on which they would appreciate feedback from contestants. The survey will close at 11.59 pm on Sunday, the 23rd of November. You can find the survey online via tinyurl.com/vhfsurvey December is all about encouraging young radio amateurs to get on the amateur radio bands. The month will kickstart on Monday, the 1st of December, when members of the RSGB youth team will give Tonight@8 viewers an insight into what a Youngsters on the Air summer camp is like. Team members will talk about some of the activities they enjoyed and how they will be encouraging other young people to get involved in amateur radio in the coming year. They will be joined by RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML and RSGB Youth Chair and School Youth Champion, Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, who will give an overview of recent youth activities and engagement and outline the RSGB Youth Team’s plans for 2026. December is also your opportunity to support young radio amateurs. One of the ways you can do this is by hosting special callsign GB25YOTA, which will be active throughout the month. The special event station can be hosted by individuals, clubs, schools and universities or youth groups such as Scouts, Girlguiding and Cadets. This is a brilliant opportunity to show young people what amateur radio has to offer. Get involved now by going to rsgb.org/yota-month  to reserve your operating slot. The Bath-based Distance Learning team is planning to run a new Intermediate licence training course in January with exams in June. The training is free, but applicants must work through some pre-course material and complete a quiz before Christmas to be eligible for a place. This work focuses on the new Foundation topics that have been introduced to the exam since September 2019. The deadline for applications is Friday, the 5th of December. To request full details and an application form, email BBDL team leader Steve, G0FUW, at g0fuw@bbdl.org.uk Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events On Sunday, the 30th of November, Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur Club Rally is taking place at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham. Traders, catering, ample parking and disabled facilities will be available. For more information and downloadable trader forms, visit barac.org.uk Mid Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair 2025 will be held on Sunday, the 7th of December at Winkleigh Sports & Recreation Centre. The doors will be open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry costs £3 per person and there is no charge for partners and under-16s. For more details, contact Phil, G6DLJ on 07990 563 147 or email wrg2024@hotmail.com Now the Special Event news Special callsign GB50AUK is active until the 28th of November to celebrate the 50th anniversary of AMSAT-UK. QSOs will be uploaded to at least eQSL, Logbook of the World and the QO-100 DX Club. To find out more, visit amsat-uk.org To celebrate the 39th anniversary of the European DX Foundation, several special callsigns are active until the 30th of November. To view a list of participating stations and read information about an award that is available for working them, visit tinyurl.com/eudxf39 Now the DX news Maurizio, IK2GZU, is active as 5H3MB from Tanzania until the 20th of November. He is operating using CW, digital modes and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, Logbook of the World, eQSL, or directly to IK2GZU. Stan, LZ1GC is active as ZL7/LZ1GC from the Chatham Islands, OC-038, until the 20th of November. He is operating CW, SSB, FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS is preferred, or via LZ1GC directly. For more information and updates, visit c21gc.com Now the contest news Tomorrow, the 17th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 2000 to 2200 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.                        On Tuesday the 18th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 20th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 13th of November 2025 Last week saw one of the most dramatic auroral events of this cycle. Three X-class solar flares, which sparked coronal mass ejections, joined together to give us a peak Kp index of 8.67, with a solar wind speed in excess of 950 kilometres per second. The result was extensive visible aurora in the US and Canada, although clouds prevented much of its visibility in the UK. The good news from a radio point of view was that the solar wind’s Bz, or interplanetary magnetic field, mostly pointed north or was neutral in the latter stages. This saved the Earth from a lot of its effects. The next day, HF propagation appeared to be almost normal with maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path still exceeding 24MHz at times. By Thursday the 13th, it was mostly over 28MHz, although there were times it dropped dramatically, and signals were weak and watery at best. You could tell that there had been some disruption to HF by a lack of spots on the CDXC Slack group. While Stan, ZL7/LZ1GC on Chatham Island had been spotted on the 11th, there was very little to report the next day as the Kp index rose to 5. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux will remain in the 160 to 170 range. However, we can expect a repeat of unsettled geomagnetic conditions this weekend, possibly due to a large coronal hole that became Earth-facing on the 13th. Likewise, the 20th and 21st of November may be unsettled, with a predicted maximum Kp index of 4. After the following weekend, we can also expect more unsettled conditions, especially around the 24th to the 27th, which could see the Kp index rise to 5 or even higher. Expect decreased MUFs and less HF activity if this is the case. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current spell of unsettled weather is likely to continue into the coming week. High pressure is always being kept at arm’s length, so there is no real tropo flavour to proceedings. The rain prospects are very strong, with, if anything, too much rain in some areas. During the coming week, colder northerly air will mean that some snow is possible on the northern hills. So there remains a possibility of rain scatter on the GHz bands. After the recent auroral activity, the prospects are worth considering, although it would be surprising if a repeat of the exceptional event of last week were to happen. Nonetheless, stay alert to the Kp index going above 5 and check for activity on the 10, 6, 4 and 2m bands. The event of last week was triggered by three successive days of X-class f

GB2RS News Sunday, the 9th of November 2025   The news headlines: The RSGB launches its Construction Competition for 2026 RSGB exam shutdown over the festive season The Society appoints a new volunteer Brickworks Champion   Whether you have only recently soldered your first wire in a kit build or you have experience in designing an advanced software or systems engineering project, the RSGB Construction Competition is for you! As part of the RSGB’s strategic growth priority, it wants to inspire people from different communities to find out more about amateur radio. That is why the Society has introduced a new category this year called “Reimagination”. If you think your project could be interesting to the maker community, or you have an idea that could encourage people from groups such as Men’s Sheds to try amateur radio, this is the category for you. If it is radio-related but motivates non-radio amateurs to find out more, the RSGB welcomes your entry! There are six other categories, which means there really is something for everyone. You must be an RSGB member to enter, but you can live anywhere in the world, as entries will be judged online to allow you to participate and demonstrate your creativity remotely. The deadline for entries is the 1st of March 2026, and you have an opportunity to win a cash prize. For full details of the competition, including the other categories, visit rsgb.org/construction-competition If you’re thinking of taking an amateur radio exam before Christmas, be aware that the last date you can take an online exam, either at a club or at home, is Monday, the 22nd of  December. The RSGB Exams Team will, where possible, post out exam results before HQ shuts over Christmas and New Year. Exams will resume on Monday, the 5th of January 2026 and the booking system will be available during the festive season, so you can book exams for January onwards. You can book your exam online at rsgb.org/exampay RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, is delighted to announce Derek Hughes, G7LFC as the new volunteer RSGB Brickworks Champion. The Brickworks scheme consists of 23 tasks that give an insight into different aspects of amateur radio. Derek brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role, having previously been involved in the development and running of the Brickworks scheme. He currently serves as Chairman of the Quantum Amateur Radio & Technology Society. Derek is committed to building strong relationships with clubs across the UK, including those already engaged with RSGB initiatives. Individuals and clubs are encouraged to contact Derek via brickworks.champion@rsgb.org.uk  with their suggestions about how to develop the reach of the RSGB’s Brickworks programme. Find out more about the programme by going to rsgb.org/brickworks The RSGB has continued to release content from its recent Convention. Watch the ‘Meet the Board’ session and hear an update on the Society’s strategy, as well as an outline of next steps and some important RSGB roles that need the right volunteers to step forward. These include four Board Directors and three Regional Representative vacancies, for which nominations open next week. An in-depth interview about polar modulation is also available to watch; listen to Hans Summers G0UPL, Mike Walker VA3MW and Stewart Bryant G3YSX sharing their thoughts about how this exciting technology is being applied within amateur radio. You can see both in the ‘RSGB 2025 Convention’ playlist on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB If you’ve been involved with Jamboree on the Air this year, the RSGB would love to hear from you. You have until this Thursday, the 13th, to submit your report and photos to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  and be included in the special JOTA feature in the January 2026 edition of RadCom. Essex CW Activity Week starts today, the 9th, and runs until Saturday, the 15th of November. This is a friendly, non-contest style event to encourage both experienced and new Morse operators. Slow-speed Morse operators are especially welcome. Whilst the aim is to contact as many radio amateurs as possible in a week, it is hoped that a QSO goes beyond just an exchange of signal reports and becomes a CW chat for as long a duration as you wish. Anyone who works at least 25 other stations qualifies for a free award certificate. Lots more information, including preferred operating frequencies, can be found via the ‘Activity Week’ tab at essexcw.uk Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Society Winter Rally is taking place on Saturday, the 15th of November at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. The doors open at 10 am and entry costs £3. Traders, catering and plenty of free parking will be available on site. For more information, email rally.radars@hotmail.com On Sunday, the 30th of November, Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur’s Club Rally is taking place at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham. Traders, catering, ample parking and disabled facilities will be available. For more information and downloadable trader forms, visit barac.org.uk Now the Special Event news Members of the Tarragonès Radio Club in Spain are active with special callsign AO25TWHS until the 30th of November. The station is often spotted on the HF bands using FT4. More information, including DX Cluster spots and a link to a diploma that is available for working the station, is available at QRZ.com Special event station V84SRU is active from Brunei on all bands and modes until the 26th of November to mark the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Recently, the station was spotted on the 15m band using SSB. For more information, visit QRZ.com Now the DX news Members of the Italian DXpedition team are active as 5R8TT and 5R8XX until Wednesday, the 12th of November, from Nosy Be, AF-057 in Madagascar. Four stations are active on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, FT8, SSB and RTTY. QSL directly to I2YSB. To find out more, visit i2ysb.com/idt Members of the Yaguarete DX Group are active as CP7DX from Tarija in Bolivia until tomorrow, the 10th of November. They are operating FT8 and SSB on the 160 to 6m bands, as well as via EME. QSL via OQRS or directly to LU1FM. More details are available via QRZ.com Now the contest news The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest started at 0000 UTC yesterday, the 8th, and ends at 2359 UTC today, Sunday, the 9th of November. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Today, the 9th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 11th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 11th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 12th, the RSGB Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 2000 to 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Wednesday the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 13th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 15th, the 2nd RSGB 1.8MHz Contest runs from 2000 to 2300 UTC. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and district code.                                                                                                                                                                       Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 6th of November 2025 Last week was a mixed bag in terms of HF propagation. Earlier in the week, the 10m band was working very well, with Australia romping into the UK by mid-morning. But later in the week, everything had changed. Solar activity was high with multiple X-class and strong M-class solar flares. At least three coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, were expected to graze or directly hit Earth, sparking strong geomagnetic storms on the 6th and 7th of November. The X-ray flare on the 4th of November was the first seen since June and came from active region 4274 – a large sunspot group which helped push the solar flux index to 147. The Kp index climbed to 6.67 in the early hours of the 6th of November. Later that morning, maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, were badly affected, with a maximum of 18MHz over a 3,000km path as a strong G3 geomagnetic storm was in progress. So, it looks like good DX on the higher bands may be off the cards for a few days. However, one interesting contact was noted on the CDXC Slack chat group when ZL7/LZIGCC was spotted on 14.005MHz using CW at 10.30 am on Thursday, the 6th. Interestingly, the current solar activity is nearly all in the Sun’s northern hemisphere, so are we heading for a second peak in Cycle 25? Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may decline to the 130 to 145 range. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to remain unstable until around the 12th of November. With active region 4274 rotating to be more Earth-facing, we may expect more solar activity, such a

GB2RS News Sunday, the 2nd of November 2025   The news headlines: The RSGB National Radio Centre wins the 2025 Sir Arthur Clarke Education and Outreach Team Award The RSGB releases two panel discussions from its recent Convention Learn how to improve speech clarity with DSP in November’s Tonight@8 At a glittering awards ceremony in London this week, the RSGB National Radio Centre team beat two other finalists to win the 2025 Sir Arthur Clarke Education and Outreach Team Award. The NRC team was recognised “For inspiring all Generations about Amateur Satellites by providing a unique insight into the world of radio communications”. The awards are organised by the British Interplanetary Society. The award was accepted by RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB; NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB; and NRC Volunteers Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB and Brian Hardy, G4BIP. In his acceptance speech, Steve Thomas thanked Martyn and the 65 volunteers for the work that they do in welcoming over 80,000 visitors to the NRC each year. He also said that through the Society’s public outreach and STEM activities, it aims to help generate and support future RF engineers who may one day work in the space or related industries. Congratulations to the whole NRC team for this fantastic recognition of the great work you do! Have you ever considered how to engage more girls and women with amateur radio? This question was discussed by a panel of female radio amateurs at the RSGB Convention last month. The group touched on topics including accessibility to in-person activities, support and encouragement, as well as the potential obstacles to attracting more women into amateur radio. The discussion is now available to watch in the RSGB 2025 Convention playlist on the RSGB’s YouTube channel via youtube.com/thersgb, and it would be great to use for a club night to start conversations and to help inspire new plans. You can also see the “How to encourage thriving clubs” panel discussion in the same playlist, where four clubs shared the activities that are helping them to gain members. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to be the first to hear about new videos when they are released. Tomorrow, the 3rd of November, join Graham Somerville, M3ZGS, owner and managing director of DSP noise cancellation specialists bhi Ltd, for November’s Tonight@8 webinar. The presentation will give viewers an insight into how to improve speech clarity with Digital Signal Processing technology and which products are best suited to specific applications and setups. Graham will also explain how noise-cancelling will help those with hearing loss to enjoy amateur radio more. You can join the webinar and ask questions via the live chat on both the RSGB YouTube channel and special BATC channel. To find out more go to rsgb.org/webinars If you are planning a visit to the RSGB National Radio Centre, please note that it will be closing at 4pm over the winter months, in line with Bletchley Park’s operating hours. Volunteers from the Centre look forward to welcoming visitors. Remember that RSGB members can download a free entry voucher for Bletchley Park at rsgb.org/bpvoucher The Memorial Day QSO Party is an activity providing participants with an opportunity to honour amateur radio operators who are now Silent Key. The event is being sponsored and managed by the First Class CW Operators’ Club and is open to all licensed amateurs. The event began at 0900UTC yesterday, the 1st, and ends at 0859UTC today, the 2nd of November 2025. More information is available by following the ‘On Air’ tab at g4foc.org Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Society Winter Rally is taking place on Saturday, the 15th of November at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. The doors open at 10 am and entry costs £3. Traders, catering and plenty of free parking will be available on site. For more information, email rally.radars@hotmail.com On Sunday, the 30th of November, Bishop Auckland Radio Amateur’s Club Rally is taking place at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham. Traders, catering, ample parking and disabled facilities will be available. For more information and downloadable trader forms, visit barac.org.uk Now the Special Event news Members of the Latvian Radio Amateur League are active with special callsign YL100LR to mark the centenary of Latvijas Radio’s first broadcast on the 1st of November 1925. Today, the 2nd, is your last chance to put the callsign in your log. Look for activity on the HF bands using FT8. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com and Club Log. The East Midlands Electronics and Radio Group will be on the air with the GB1BK callsign to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. Operators expect to be active on at least the 8th and 9th of November during daylight hours. The team may also be active on Armistice Day, the 11th of November. The station will operate from the former RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire. Listen for activity on all bands, but in particular, the 40 and 20m bands using SSB, and the 2m band using FM. Now the DX news The 5K0UA team is active from San Andres Island, NA-033, until tomorrow, the 3rd. Operators are using CW, FT8 and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS and Logbook of the World. For more information, visit imdx.org Edgar, K2IN is operating CW with the HC8M callsign from San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands, SA-004, until Tuesday, the 4th of November. QSL via OQRS. Now the contest news The United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest started at 1200 UTC yesterday, the 1st, and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 2nd of November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and EI stations also send their district code. For full details, including the team competition and area codes, visit ukeicc.com or rsgbcc.org. Scores from RSGB members operating within the UK and Crown Dependencies will be included in the HF Championship. The Worked All Britain DX Contest started at 1200 UTC yesterday, the 1st, and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday the 2nd of November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain area. The RSGB 144MHz CW Marconi Contest started at 1400 UTC yesterday, the 1st, and ends at 1400UTC today, the 2nd of November. Using CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Tomorrow, the 3rd, the RSGB Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 2000 to 2130 UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 4th, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 4th, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 5th, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 5th, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Also, on Wednesday the 5th, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The Worked All Europe DX RTTY Contest runs from 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 8th to 2359UTC on Sunday, the 9th of November. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Saturday the 8th, the RSGB 1.8MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 2000 to 2300 UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and your club information. On Sunday the 9th, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 30th of October Last weekend saw HF shine as stations took part in the CQ World Wide SSB Contest. Geomagnetic conditions remained settled and DX was plentiful, with contacts possible as far afield as Alaska to the west and China to the east. Given the unsettled conditions we have had recently, it was a welcome break as radio amateurs filled their logs with far-flung DX. As we enter November, we can still expect the fine autumnal conditions that made October so good. However, as the month progresses, we can also anticipate improvements in LF band DX. So keep an eye on the 80 and 40m bands. The solar flux index has declined somewhat and is now standing at 118. This is still enough to get the 10m band humming, but it is a far cry from the 200-plus we saw at sunspot maximum. Nevertheless, get on the bands and work the DX while you can. Two large coronal holes, one in the Sun’s northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere, have been the sources of a fast solar wind stream. We may expect more geomagnetic disturbances today, the 2nd. Also, active region 4246 is now coming around the Sun’s limb again and could be worth keeping an eye on. It has been emitting solar flares while behind the Sun, so look out for more activity upon its return. For the coming week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index could increase, perhaps starting the week at around 135 and increasing to 150 by the 9th of November. The first half of the week should be q

GB2RS News Sunday, the 26th of October 2025 The news headlines: Get involved with YOTA Month and book your GB25YOTA operating slot today Photos from the VHF and HF contest trophies presentation are now on the RSGB website RSGB gives an update on the QSL Bureau Youngsters on the Air Month takes place in December, and the RSGB would love you to take part in this annual event. Special callsign GB25YOTA will be active throughout the month. Whether you are an individual, club, school, university or social group, this is a fantastic opportunity to host the callsign and get young radio amateurs active on the amateur bands. The Society would love to see Scouts, Girlguiding and Cadet groups taking part too. The RGSB has changed the procedure for booking operating slots this year, so it is easier to see availability. Visit rsgb.org/yota-month and click on the schedule to view which time slots are available. These aren’t fixed and can be adjusted to suit your timings. You’ll then need to email RSGB YOTA Month Coordinator Jamie, M0SDV via yota.month@rsgb.org.uk to register as a GB25YOTA host and book your slot. Jamie can also help with any questions about taking part for the first time. The Society is aiming for the callsign to be hosted every day during December to enable more youngsters to have a taste of amateur radio. Be part of this great goal and book your operating slot today. The main VHF and HF contest trophy presentations were held at the RSGB 2025 Convention on Sunday, the 12th of October. A list of the winners and photos from the presentation can now be seen on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/trophies and selecting ‘Awards photos galleries’ from the menu on the right-hand side. During the presentation, the prestigious ROTAB Trophy was awarded to John Warburton, G4IRN, for outstanding and consistent DX work. The RSGB would like to congratulate John and all the winners who received a trophy. Following the well-deserved retirement of QSL Bureau Manager Richard Constantine, G3UGF, the RSGB Board is making arrangements to ensure the continued smooth operation of the QSL Bureau service. Members should continue to send outgoing QSL cards to PO Box 5, Halifax, as usual. Similarly, incoming cards will continue to be distributed by your existing sub-manager, and stamped, addressed envelopes should still be sent directly to them. The Board is currently finalising new management arrangements for the Bureau and will provide a further update once these are in place. The Board wishes to record its sincere thanks to Richard for his many years of dedicated service to the Society and to the amateur radio community. Following Ofcom’s recent implementation of Phases 2 and 3 of the amateur radio licence review, it has updated its main guidance document. Please ensure you use the October 2025 edition so that you are using the latest information. Ofcom has also clarified that if you hold a Special Contest Callsign NoV and you change your individual or club callsign, the SCC NoV is still valid. This is because your Full Amateur Radio Licence reference number has not changed. If you do hold an SCC NoV and you have changed your individual or club callsign, please send an email to scc@rsgb.org.uk  stating your old callsign, your new callsign and your SCC, so the RSGB Contest Support Committee Chair can update the issued SCC list. And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 26th, the Galashiels Radio and Computer Rally is taking place at The Volunteer Hall, St John's Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors open at 11 am and admission costs £3. Disabled access is available from 10.45 am. For more information, visit galaradioclub.co.uk The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and there are only limited places left, so book now to avoid disappointment. Now the Special Event news Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Dutch Marine Radio Amateur Club, special callsign PA40MARAC is active until the 31st of December. A QSO with this station earns ten points towards the Marine Amateur Radio Club Award. For more details, visit the PI4MRC page at QRZ.com Tarragonès Radio Club, EA3RCY, will be on the air throughout November using the special callsign AO25TWHS. The station is active to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage designation of ancient Tarraco. Operators will be using a variety of bands and modes. All radio amateurs and shortwave listeners are invited to take part and earn a commemorative award certificate. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/AO25TWHS Now the DX news Harald, DF2WO, is active as XT2AW from Burkina Faso until tomorrow, the 27th. He usually operates CW, FT4, FT8 and SSB on various bands. He also works via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via OQRS and Logbook of the World. Mike, VE2XB, is active as VY0ZOO from Coral Harbour on Southampton Island, NA-007, until the 18th of December. Listen for activity on the 80 to 10m bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VE2XB. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest started at 0000 UTC yesterday, the 25th, and ends at 2359 UTC today, the 26th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. Tomorrow, the 27th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 2000 to 2200 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 28th, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 29th, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club DX SSB Contest starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 1st of November and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 2nd of November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK and EI stations also send their district code. For full details, including the team competition and area codes, visit ukeicc.com  or rsgbcc.org. Scores from RSGB members operating within the UK and Crown Dependencies will be included in the HF Championship. The 144MHz CW Marconi Contest starts at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 1st and ends at 1400 UTC on Sunday, the 2nd of November. Using CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Britain DX Contest also starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 1st and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 2nd of November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Entries need to be with the contest manager by the 12th of November. Visit the Worked All Britain website to read more about the rules for the contest Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 23rd of October. It looks like Earth dodged a bullet last week when a large coronal mass ejection, or CME, erupted on the far side of the Sun on Tuesday, the 21st of October. Had that CME been Earth-directed, we could have endured a strong, or possibly an extreme, geomagnetic storm with dazzling displays of aurora. The source of the eruption was possibly sunspot region 4246, which is now past the Sun’s west limb. The ACE spacecraft detected high levels of protons streaming past Earth, but they remained below the minor S1 radiation storm threshold. In other news, we have had a quiet geomagnetic week, which has allowed the ionosphere to shine. The solar flux index has been modest, ranging from 130 to 150, but propagation has been aided by improved geomagnetic conditions. During the past week, the 10m band was humming with activity. Lots of stations were preparing for the CQ World Wide SSB Contest, which ends today, the 26th. 8P5A in Barbados has been romping in during the afternoon, as has HZ0YL in Saudi Arabia. Other DX worked last week, according to the CDXC Slack chat group, includes VK9DX on Norfolk Island on 12m SSB; 6O3T in Somalia on 40m CW; and PJ6Y on Saba and St Eustatius using SSB on the 12m band. This last station is a young radio amateurs’ DXpedition by the Pacific Island DX Group. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will stay in the 140 to 150 range with the Kp index starting the week low but then rising. We may expect a Kp index of 5, or even 6, around the 28th to the 31st of October. Look for auroral conditions and lower maximum usable frequencies during this period. Meanwhile, make the most of the long-range propagation on the higher bands while the Kp index is low. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The period of weather up to the end of the week ending the 2nd of November looks distinctly unsettled, with the weather pattern driven by an Atlantic jet stream pointing straight at the British Isles. This will mean that further periods of stormy weather are possible with strong winds and heavy rain. This is not a time to expect much tropo for VHF or UHF, but it is a good period for the GHz bands to explore rain scatter propagation. The foF2 and foEs graphs at propquest.co.uk  have been experiencing some data supply issues recently. It's worth noting that strong jet streams and fast-moving weather systems, as we have now, can bring a chance of out-of-season Sporadic-E.

GB2RS News Sunday, the 19th of October 2025 The news headlines: · Ofcom implements Phases 2 and 3 of the amateur radio licence review · Share your feedback on the RSGB’s 2025 Convention · The RSGB releases a video to help members make the most of its mobile app Following the introduction of the current amateur licensing framework in February 2024, Ofcom has now implemented most of the remaining changes associated with Phases 2 and 3. Ofcom updates its online Licensing Portal to accommodate applications for new M8 and M9 Intermediate callsigns, more flexible special event callsigns, and other changes, including easier revalidation. It also starts a gradual move to single personal call signs. For example, the revocation of lower licence callsigns is automatically triggered by a new application. Both Ofcom and the RSGB have released guidance for radio amateurs about these changes. You can see both documents by going to rsgb.org/guidance-resources. Please also note that the Ofcom licensing portal now requires longer and stronger passwords, so you may need to reset yours first before you can make any changes. The RSGB’s 2025 Convention took place last weekend and brought together hundreds in person, as well as many more from across the globe who watched via the livestream. The Society is already receiving an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. If you did attend the Convention and haven’t yet completed the feedback form, please go to rsgb.org/feedback  and share your thoughts. If you were unable to attend in person and watched the livestream, the RSGB would also love to hear your feedback. Please visit rsgb.org/livestream-feedback  and let the team know what you thought of the online event. The feedback forms will be closed at the end of October. The livestreams for both days will remain available for everyone to watch on the Society’s YouTube channel via youtube.com/thersgb. Whether you want to sit back, relax and enjoy the whole programme or use the timestamps to watch a particular topic, you'll find something to enjoy. As well as talks from the weekend, you’ll find exclusive interviews and pre-recorded videos. The RSGB has released a short video explaining how to get the most out of its new mobile app. The Society has received great feedback about the new app and wants to ensure everyone enjoys the full functionality. You can find the video via rsgb.org/radcom  or on the RSGB YouTube channel. If you’d like to watch a behind-the-scenes chat with RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB about the lead up to the app launch, you can see that on the RSGB Convention Saturday livestream recording at 4 hours, 27 minutes and 30 seconds. The Tonight@8 webinar series continues on Monday, the 3rd of November, with Graham Somerville, owner and managing director of DSP noise cancellation specialists bhi [B-H-I] Limited. During the presentation, he will look at the types of DSP noise cancelling available for improving audio quality and which products are best suited to specific applications and setups. Join him live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Today, the 19th, is the last day of Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the Scout Association. The Society has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event and has shared it on its website. The list is available by going to rsgb.org/jota  and choosing the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air’ link on the right-hand side of the page. If you’ve been involved with JOTA this year, the RSGB would love to hear from you. There will be a special JOTA report in the January edition of RadCom, so please send details and photos from your event to radcom@rsgb.org.uk by the 14th of November. RAF Air Cadets Exercise Blue Ham will be operating on the 60m band from 0700 to 1600UTC today, the 19th of October. To operate, you must be a Full Licence holder. More details can be found on the alphacharlie.org.uk  website. Schools and youth organisations interested in setting up an ARISS radio contact with an astronaut on board the International Space Station are invited to submit an application and an educational project. Applications can be submitted until the 24th of October 2025. The school selection will take place in December 2025. The space conversation will be scheduled in the period extending from July to December 2026. You can find out more at tinyurl.com/ARISS-2026 And now for details of rallies and events Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group Rally will take place on Saturday, the 25th of October at Elim Church, North Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8ND. The doors open at 9.30 am for traders and at 11.30 am for visitors. Disabled access and free car parking will be available. For more information, email Tim, MI0TBL, via carg@hotmail.co.uk On Sunday, the 26th of October, Galashiels Radio and Computer Rally will take place at The Volunteer Hall, St John's Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. The doors open at 11 am and admission costs £3. Disabled access will be available from 10.45 am. For more information, visit galaradioclub.co.uk The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and there are limited places left. Book now to avoid disappointment. Advance notice now that the 79th Annual Orlando HamCation event will take place between the 13th and 15th of February 2026 at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park. HamCation is the second-largest amateur radio convention in the world, with the inaugural event dating back to 1946. For more information, follow HamCation on social media channels or visit hamcation.com Now the Special Event news To celebrate the 75th anniversary of DARC, the national amateur radio society in Germany, four special callsigns are active until the 31st of October. For more information, including details of a certificate that is available for working the stations, visit the DC75DARC page at QRZ.com  QSL via the bureau, or directly to DL2VFR. Members of the Haiti Radio Club are active as 4V1SB until the 31st of October. The callsign is in use to commemorate Simon Bolivar, who led several South American countries to independence. Recently, the station has been worked using FT8 on the HF bands. QSL via N2OO.ow the DX news Phill, C21TS, is active on the island of Nauru, OC-031, until the 30th of November. The station is spotted regularly using FT8 on the HF bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or OQRS. See QRZ.com for more information.  Mike, VE2XB, is active as VY0ZOO from Coral Harbour on Southampton Island, NA-007, until the 18th of December. Listen for the station on the 80 to 10m bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VE2XB. Now the contest news Today, the 19th, the RSGB 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 21st, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 22nd, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their county code. On Thursday the 23rd, the RSGB Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The Worked All Germany Contest started at 1500 UTC yesterday, the 18th, and ends at 1500 UTC today, the 19th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 25th and runs until 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 26th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of October Conditions over the past week have been reasonable with a relatively high solar flux and lower Kp indices. This resulted in a maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path, in excess of 35MHz. This is just what October was meant to be like! But all good things come to an end and there are a few flies in the ointment coming up. On the 14th, the latest coronal mass ejection, or CME, tracking model from NOAA and the Space Weather Prediction Testbed showed three weak CMEs possibly passing Earth over the next few days.  Although none of them is expected to deliver a large impact to the Earth's geomagnetic field, a combined passage could generate minor G1 to isolated moderate G2 geomagnetic storming.  We are now well and truly into autumn and, with a daytime critical frequency of more than 9 to 10MHz, the 40m band is ideal for QSOs around the UK during the daylight hours. At night, the critical frequency is generally around 5MHz in the early part of the evening, dropping to 3.5 to 3.6MHz as the night progresses. This means that the 80m band is remaining open around the UK for longer, but it may fade out, perhaps towards midnight. October is a great month for HF with the potential for worldwide openings on the higher bands. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 1

GB2RS News Sunday, the 12th of October 2025 The news headlines: Introducing the RSGB mobile app Join the RSGB 2025 Convention livestream Get involved with Jamboree on the Air The Society is excited to announce the launch of the RSGB mobile app. This fantastic new members’ benefit allows you to enjoy RadCom, RadCom Basics and RadCom Plus wherever you are. Complementing the RSGB’s existing web app, with the new mobile app, you can save editions to read offline, bookmark articles to enjoy later, and have seamless access to extra digital content. With easy-to-use navigation, the app is your one-stop shop for RSGB publications. You can download it now via the Apple App and Google Play stores or go to rsgb.org/radcom  for the links. The second day of the RSGB 2025 Convention is well underway with a great line-up of presentations. If you have been unable to attend in person, you can catch up with the livestream on the Society’s YouTube channel via youtube.com/thersgb. The livestreams for both days will remain available for everyone to watch and offer a programme full of engaging speakers to help you discover, learn and progress within amateur radio. Presentations include Radio Communications Foundation Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, who explains how you can use radio technology to engage and inspire non-radio amateurs. Hans Summers, G0UPL of QRP Labs, talks about polar modulation, and you can also watch a fascinating panel discussion in which representatives of four amateur radio groups or societies discuss what they have been doing to help their club thrive. Whether you’ve attended the Convention in person or watched the livestream, the Society would love to hear your feedback. Share your thoughts on the event by going to rsgb.org/feedback  for those who have attended the event and rsgb.org/livestream-feedback  for those who watched the event online. Thank you to everyone who has responded to the RSGB’s call for Jamboree on the Air participation. Samuel McCutchion, M0UEL, is the RSGB Youth Champion for Scouts, Cadets and Guides and has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event. To view the list, go to rsgb.org/jota  and select the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air’ link on the right-hand side of the page. If you are planning to get involved with JOTA and would like to be added to the list, please get in touch via youthchampion.scouts@rsgb.org.uk  with a summary of your station name, callsign and any other relevant information. The RSGB would love to see your photos of Scouts getting involved with JOTA, so tag @theRSGB and also use #JOTAJOTI to be involved in the conversation on social media. If you’re not involved with a JOTA station, do listen out for them on the air and encourage the young operators. This year’s event is taking place between the 17th and 19th of October. Volunteers at the RSGB National Radio Centre had a particularly busy weekend at the end of September. It was 1940s weekend at Bletchley Park for which the Centre set up the GB1SOE station, and over the weekend, RSGB volunteers welcomed almost 1,100 visitors through the doors. If you’d like to be part of this engaging and motivated team, the NRC Coordinator is currently looking for a volunteer specifically to join the Friday team. If you’d like to find out more about this role, email Martyn Baker, G0GMB via nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk RAF Air Cadets Exercise Blue Ham will take place on the 60m band from 0700 to 1600UTC over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of October. To operate, you must be a Full licence holder. More details can be found on the alphacharlie.org.uk  website. The RSGB wishes to record, with sadness, the passing of GB2RS Newsreader Peter Valentine, G0NQZ, at the grand age of 101. Age was no barrier to Peter. At a mere 96, he walked 96 miles for his local hospital charity, and he was still broadcasting GB2RS from Eastbourne in his 100th year. He was described by a fellow Newsreader as a true ambassador for amateur radio. Peter had a wonderfully distinctive voice on the air, and for many years, he also read a talking newspaper for the blind. Our thoughts are with Peter’s wife, Heather and family. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 12th of October, the Autumn Dartmoor Radio Club Rally is taking place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. For more information, email 2e0rph@gmail.com Also today, the 12th, Hornsea Amateur Radio Club’s Annual Rally is taking place at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. Exhibitors can gain access from 8 am, and visitors are welcome from 10 am. For more information, email lbjpinkney1@hotmail.co.uk The next Essex CW Amateur Radio Club Bootcamp will take place on Saturday, the 18th of October. It will be held at the 3rd Witham Scout and Guide HQ. Places are limite,d so email info@essexcw.org.uk  as soon as possible to book your place. Now the Special Event news Special callsign AT25GOA is active to celebrate HamFest India 2025. Look for activity on the 80 to 10m bands using CW, FT8, FT4 and SSB. QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ.com  and Club Log. See QRZ.com  for more information. The International Amateur Radio Club at ITU HQ in Geneva is active with the 4U0ITU callsign until the end of the year. The station is operating in celebration of the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, or directly to the International Amateur Radio Club. Now the DX news Today, the 12th, is your last chance to work Harry, JG7PSJ, who is active as WH0RU from Saipan, OC-086, on the Northern Mariana Islands. He usually operates CW and SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to JG7PSJ. Bo, OZ1DJJ, is active as OX3LX from Greenland, NA-018, until the 21st of October. The station is spotted regularly on the HF bands using FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS or via OZ0J. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 14th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 14th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 15th, the RSGB Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 16th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 19th, the RSGB 50MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Oceania DX CW Contest started at 0600 UTC on Saturday, the 11th and runs until 0600 UTC today, the 12th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The Worked All Germany Contest runs from 1500 UTC on Saturday, the 18th, to 1500 UTC on Sunday, the 19th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Wednesday the 8th of October We finally got rid of the high-speed solar wind stream, which caused havoc on the HF bands. But we are not out of the woods yet! Last week saw the Kp index hit 6.67 on the 2nd of October, and it was often up around 4 or more. Even though the Kp index eventually reduced, the ionosphere took its time to recover, and things were not back to near normal until Tuesday, the 7th. Meanwhile, the solar flux index decreased to 131 by the 8th, so the HF bands were hardly humming by this time. DX on the 10m band was hard to find. Openings to Europe were commonplace, but longer paths were not so good, with only weak North American stations being heard later in the day. A minor G1 geomagnetic storm watch was in effect for 48 hours from the 7th of October, when at least one faint coronal mass ejection was predicted to pass the Earth. Only minor C-class solar flares occurred during the week, but that didn’t help too much. CDXC members were reporting DX, such as V85T in Brunei on 15m and A52G in Bhutan on 20m – both using CW. However, there was not much to work on the higher bands. Southerly paths were a little better with 5X2I in Uganda reported on the 17m band using FT8. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 130 to 140, but it is also predicting geomagnetic disturbances today, the 12th. After that, the Sun may quieten a little with a maximum Kp index of 2 for the rest of the coming week before more geomagnetic disturbances. The Kp index is forecast to be 4 or 5 during the weekend of the 18th and 19th. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The coming week is dominated by high pressure, either over the UK or near enough to influence the propagation and provide a prolonged period of Tropo weather. It's probably worth mentioning a few ground rules about Tropo operating. Firstly, large areas of high pressure can produce widespread lift conditions due to the strength of the elevated temperature inversion 1 to 1.5km above the ground. The longer the high lasts, the lower this descends, so limiting the maximum distance across the centre of the high. Try beaming around the edge rather than across the centre. Secondly, there may be surface temperature inversions at night or in foggy weather, and these will provide temporary enhancements. Thirdly, the clue for a good ‘radio’ temperature inversion is the presence

GB2RS News Sunday, the 5th of October 2025 The news headlines: Don’t miss out – book now for the RSGB 2025 Convention! Join October’s Tonight@8 webinar for a fascinating talk on a Marshall Islands DXpedition The RSGB is helping to promote JOTA activities in October Today, Sunday the 5th of October, is the last day for you to buy your RSGB 2025 Convention and dinner tickets. The online ticketing portal closes at 11:59 p.m. tonight, so please act quickly to ensure your attendance. You will be able to purchase a Convention ticket at the door, but not at the reduced rate currently available. The event is taking place between the 10th and 12th of October in Milton Keynes, and this year’s theme is “Discover, Learn, Progress”. To start planning your weekend, go to rsgb.org/convention  and download the Convention programme and speaker information. You’ll also be able to view the menus, as well as see what forums and drop-in sessions you can attend. Click on ‘What else is happening at the Convention?’ to find details on the AMSAT-UK Colloquium, Special Interest Groups, as well as information on Friday’s tour of Bletchley Park and the RSGB National Radio Centre. Don’t forget that if it is your first time at the event, pop along to the new ‘Welcome desk’ that will be set up in the bar on the Friday evening. If you’re going to the Convention, remember to make sure you have your QR code ready to collect your badge at the conference centre. This can either be on your mobile or as a printed copy. The QR code can be found in your purchase email, as well as in the reminder email, which will be sent out this week. If you are unable to travel to the Convention, the RSGB will be livestreaming a selection of lectures. Find out how to join the livestream via rsgb.org/livestream  If you have tickets for the Gala Dinner on Saturday and wish to reserve a table with friends, send your name and callsign details to radcom@rsgb.org.uk Jamie Williams, M0SDV, will be talking you through a DXpedition to the Marshall Islands for the RSGB’s next Tonight@8 webinar tomorrow, the 6th of October. In February 2025, the V73WW team made 103,864 QSOs using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. The team of six came from four countries, with the operators having an average age of only 28. Jamie is a 24-year-old radio amateur who has been involved with the hobby since 2015 and has been busy with contests and DXpeditions ever since. The Tonight@8 webinars are livestreamed for free on the RSGB’s YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch the presentations and ask questions online. Go to rsgb.org/webinars  for more information. Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA, is taking place between the 17th and 19th of October. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the groups within the Scout Association. Samuel McCutchion, M0UEL, is the RSGB Youth Champion for Scouts, Cadets and Guides, and he is compiling a list of JOTA stations which will be shared on the RSGB website. Sam is encouraging everyone to get involved either by putting a station on the air or listening out for the JOTA stations. If you are part of a Scouting group and are planning to get involved with JOTA, then please contact youthchampion.scouts@rsgb.org.uk  with a summary of your station name, callsign and any other relevant information. The RSGB is offering four awards for GB2RS news broadcasts that were logged between the 1st of August and the 30th of September. The awards are part of several activities that have been taking place to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the weekly news broadcast. Applications for awards should be submitted no later than the 31st of October 2025, and should be sent to the RSGB Awards Manager via awards@rsgb.org.uk. The certificates are free of charge and will be supplied as a PDF. Find out more via rsgb.org/gb70rs On Wednesday, the 8th of October, YouTuber James, M0GQC, will be broadcasting his next live episode from the RSGB National Radio Centre. James will be active from approximately 6.30 pm on the 40m band using the GB3RS callsign. His channel @HamRadioOnline is an interactive show where people can call in or simply watch the station live on YouTube. If you haven’t already got the Centre’s callsign in your logbook, this is a great opportunity to do so. The next Essex CW Amateur Radio Club Boot Camp will be held on Saturday, the 18th of October 2025. Due to cancellations, a few places have become available. If you would like a day practising and improving your CW skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, then email Steve, G4OCP at info@essexcw.org.uk before the 7th of October. And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 5th, the 50th Welsh Radio Rally is taking place at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport in South Wales. The doors are open for traders from 7 am and for the public from 9.30 am. Admission costs £3. For more information, email welshradiorally@gmail.com On Sunday, the 12th of October, the Autumn Dartmoor Radio Club Rally will take place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. For more information, email 2e0rph@gmail.com Also on Sunday the 12th, Hornsea Amateur Radio Club’s Annual Rally will take place at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. Exhibitors can gain access from 8 am, and visitors are welcome from 10 am. For more information, email lbjpinkney1@hotmail.co.uk Now the Special Event news To celebrate 130 years since the birth of radio and 100 years since the formation of the International Amateur Radio Union, lots of special event stations are active from Italy. You can see live updates on all of the stations and their most recent contacts via the II1IARU page at QRZ.com Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS, which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information, visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com Now the DX news Nine operators are active with five stations as V6D from Chuuk, OC-011, in Micronesia until tomorrow, the 6th. The station is active on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and RTTY. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred, or via DL4SVA. See v6d.mydx.de  for more information. Bernhard, DL2GAC, is active again as H44MS from Malaita Island, OC-047, in the Solomon Islands until the 25th of November. Listen for activity on the 80 to 6m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL directly via Bernhard's home call or the Bureau. Now the contest news Both the IARU and RSGB 432MHz to 245GHz Contests started at 1400 UTC yesterday, the 4th, and end at 1400 UTC today, the 5th of October. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC today, the 5th of October. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC tomorrow, the 6th. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 7th of October, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday, the 7th of October, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 8th of October, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 four-hour Activity Contest runs from 1700 UTC to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday, the 8th of October, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 two-hour Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and four-character locator. On Thursday, the 9th of October, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Oceania DX CW Contest starts at 0600 UTC on Saturday, the 11th and ends at 0600 UTC on Sunday, the 12th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of October 2025 Last week was characterised by very unsettled geomagnetic conditions with a Kp index that reached 7.33 on the 30th of September and was often above 5. This is not good for HF propagation! But what caused this? A high-speed solar wind stream at around 750 kilometres per second, coupled with the Bz component of the Sun's magnetic field pointing south, led to the disruption. But there didn’t seem to be any particular solar event that triggered the high-speed solar wind stream. The Russell-McPherron effect is probably to blame. This is a phenomenon where the alignment of the Earth's and the Sun's magnetic fields, during the equinoxes around March and September, allows charged particles from the solar wind to more easily penetrate the Earth's magnetosphere. This enhanced connection leads to more intense geomagnetic storms and increased aurora activity as the Bz aligns favourably with the Earth's magnetic field at these times. This may pass as we get further into October. As a result of the geomagnetic storm, maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, have often been lower than normal. A quick listen on 28MHz on Wednesday, the 1st of October, confirmed the poor conditions. It's a shame, as October is normally a fantastic month for HF DX. The solar flux index peaked at 187 on the 30th of September, having been above 170 since the 28th of September. Next week, NOAA predicts

GB2RS News Sunday, the 28th of September 2025 The news headlines: What are your must-see presentations at this year’s RSGB Convention? The RSGB invited the MP for Buckingham and Bletchley to the RSGB National Radio Centre for a private visit Listen out for today’s special 70th anniversary GB2RS broadcasts Before we begin today’s news bulletin, we would like to share a special message from the RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, to mark the 70th anniversary of GB2RS. Bob says, “It is with a profound sense of respect and appreciation that today we mark the 70th anniversary of the GB2RS News service. Since 1955, volunteers have given their time and their voice to keep our radio community informed, connected, and inspired. For many of us, GB2RS has been a constant and familiar presence in our radio lives. On behalf of the RSGB, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have played a part in this remarkable story for the last seventy years. Today, we honour their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values and spirit that the GB2RS News service so proudly represents.”  And now we move to today’s news items. The programme for this year’s RSGB Convention has nearly 50 presentations for you to enjoy, including leading industry speakers such as Mike Walker, VA3MW from FlexRadio and Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs. There will also be well-known names such as Neil Smith G4DBN, RadCom Technical Editor Peter Duffett-Smith GM3XJE, Brian Coleman G4NNS and Walt Hudson K4OGO, known to many as ‘Salty Walt’. This annual RSGB event is your only opportunity within the UK to have access to this level of knowledge, learning and networking opportunities. As well as a packed full lecture programme, there will be nearly 20 special interest groups in attendance, so if you are thinking of pursuing a different area of the hobby, this is the perfect time to explore your options. To guarantee a place, you will need to purchase a ticket online via rsgb.org/convention before advance sales close on Sunday the 5th of October. Buying your ticket online not only guarantees your place, but it also saves you money when compared to on-the-door ticket prices. If you are arriving on Friday, why not join a private tour of Bletchley Park at 2.30 pm, which has been arranged especially for Convention attendees. In addition to this, and new for this year, RSGB National Radio Centre volunteer Patrick, 2E0IFB, will be running an informal introduction on getting started with low-earth orbiting satellites. The RSGB Convention takes place from the 10th to the 12th of October at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. The RSGB was pleased to welcome Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park last week. Callum enjoyed seeing the history of radio, watching live CW contacts and listening to his voice coming back from space, having been relayed via a satellite. Callum was invited to meet a small group of senior RSGB representatives who emphasised the important role of amateur radio in encouraging young people into an engineering career. Getting involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths activities gives a great foundation that could lead some young people to follow in the footsteps of radio amateur pioneers who led the development of many wireless technologies that we rely on today. Most importantly, the visit gave the RSGB an opportunity to show the problems that ElectroMagnetic Disturbance can cause to wireless reception. Examples of EMD include household appliances, Broadband FTTC and green energy from solar panels and windfarms, where the signal levels are thousands of times stronger than the expected levels given in ITU recommendations. EMC Chair John Rogers M0JAV and Board Chair Stewart Bryant G3YSX explained that unless the year-on-year increases in background noise are stopped, many critical services and infrastructures could be impacted soon, just as the amateur radio bands are today. The RSGB looks forward to meeting again with Callum, who is the Parliamentary Private Secretary for Science, Innovation and Technology. Don’t forget to listen out for three special one-off broadcasts from the RSGB National Radio Centre today. The broadcasts are part of the celebrations, which are taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of GB2RS. Listen out at 1 pm, 2.30 pm and 4 pm. Go to rsgb.org/gb70rs  for details of frequencies and newsreaders. All listeners are welcome to join the pre- and post-News nets, which will be operating using the special event station GB70RS. The RSGB LoRa high-altitude balloon launch took place on Saturday, the 20th of September and was a great success despite tricky weather conditions, which included rain and high winds. The balloon soared at a peak altitude of 48,556 feet before landing in a remote location in the Thursden Valley. Winners of the competition to win a £200 Moonraker voucher will be announced at the RSGB 2025 Convention on Sunday, the 12th of October. If you’re wondering what you can do with your LoRa tracker now that the RSGB challenge has finished, go to rsgb.org/lora-balloon for a handy guide on how you can continue the fun. If you took part and would like to be included in a special feature in the December edition of RadCom, send your photos and a short summary of your activity to comms@rsgb.org.uk by Wednesday, the 1st of October. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held from the 23rd of July to the 2nd of August 2026. The organisers are looking for amateur radio operators to volunteer and assist with radio, spectrum and other technical tasks. To register as a radio volunteer, email spectrum@glasgow2026.com to be sent a code that you can enter into the volunteer booking portal. For more information and to apply to become a volunteer, visit the ‘Volunteering’ tab at glasgow2026.com Wednesday, the 1st of October, sees the launch of UKBOTA's second annual celebration of the work carried out by the volunteers of the Royal Observer Corps. Activate or hunt any UKBOTA ROC bunker reference during October to qualify. More details are available at ukbota.org Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society is holding a surplus equipment sale on Saturday, the 4th of October, at the Cwmduad Community Hall. The doors will be open from 8.30 am for traders, 9.30 am for disabled access and from 10 am for all visitors. All radio amateurs and shortwave listeners are welcome. Limited parking is available outside the hall, and more is available on the main road. For more information, or to book a table, contact Andy, GW0JLX, on 07768 282 880. On Sunday, the 5th of October, the 50th Welsh Radio Rally takes place at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport in South Wales. The doors open for traders from 7 am and for the public from 9.30 am. Admission costs £3. For more information, email welshradiorally@gmail.com On Sunday, the 12th of October, the Autumn Dartmoor Radio Club Rally takes place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. For more information, email 2e0rph@gmail.com Also, on Sunday the 12th, Hornsea Amateur Radio Club’s annual rally takes place at Driffield Showground in East Yorkshire. Exhibitors can gain access from 8 am, and visitors are welcome from 10 am. For more information, email lbjpinkney1@hotmail.co.uk Now the Special Event news Paul, VK5PAS, is active as VI8POL until tomorrow, the 29th, to celebrate Australia's annual National Police Week. Recently, the station was spotted using FT8 on the 20m band. QSL via VK5PAS, Logbook of the World and eQSL. Eight special call signs are in use until the 12th of October to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Swedish Amateur Radio Association. Look for activity on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. For details of an award that is available for working the stations, visit tinyurl.com/ssa-100 Now the DX news The Salamis Radio Team is active as SX8AJX from Salamina Island, EU-07, until Tuesday, the 30th of September. Operators are using CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands and via satellite. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log.  Janusz, SP9FIH, is active as VK9/SP9FIH from Christmas Island, OC-002, until Friday, the 3rd of October. Look for activity on the 30 to 10m bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide DX RTTY Contest started at 0000 UTC yesterday, the 27th, and ends at 2359 UTC today, the 28th of September. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. Also, today, the 28th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 1st of October, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 1st, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Also, on Wednesday the 1st, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The Oceania DX SSB Contest runs from 0600 UTC on Saturday, the 4th to 0600 UTC on Sunday, the 5th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Saturday, the 4th of October, the RSGB 2.3GHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 UT

GB2RS News Sunday, the 21st of September 2025 The news headlines: Secure your ticket for the RSGB 2025 Convention before online ticketing closes A reminder to identify yourself clearly when operating The RSGB Outreach Team launches its first official DMR Youth Net Tickets for the RSGB Convention at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes are still available to purchase online, but hurry as advance sales close on Saturday the 4th of October. You will be able to buy a Convention ticket on the door but not at the reduced rate that is available now. Your ticket will give you access to numerous presentations including two on the funding available to interesting and innovative amateur radio projects. The RSGB Legacy Fund supports a wide range of projects and Legacy Committee Chair, Richard Horton, G4AOJ will give some recent examples that have been allocated funding. He’ll also talk you through how the application and approval process works. The California-based Amateur Radio Digital Communications foundation has its roots in amateur radio and the technology of internet communication. Steve Bunting, M0BPQ and Chris Smith, G1FEF will give an overview of ARDC’s grants which are also open to international charities, non-profits, schools and universities. If you’re thinking of a new project that would benefit amateur radio or help to bring it to new audiences, these are two presentations you won’t want to miss! Find details on these and all the other Convention presentations via rsgb.org/convention  You’ll also find a new web page outlining what else is happening during the weekend. If you’re attending the Convention for the first time, then pop along to the RSGB’s new ‘welcome desk’ on the Friday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and then from 8pm to 9pm. The desk is aimed at first-time or solo attendees, although anyone can come and say hello. A member of the RSGB HQ team and other RSGB volunteers will be on hand to greet you and introduce you to like-minded people, and act as a familiar face throughout the weekend if you need any help. The RSGB Convention takes place between the 10th and 12th of October. Every radio amateur knows that it is important to identify yourself clearly when operating. This includes the mandatory use of a Regional Secondary Locator, or RSL, if you hold an Intermediate callsign in the 2-series. For example, your callsign would start with 2E0 if you’re in England or 2M0 if you’re operating in Scotland. This mandatory use of the RSL is shown in the Ofcom licence conditions. You can find a link to that document on the RSGB licence updates web page at rsgb.org/licence-review Calling all young radio enthusiasts wherever you are in the world! The RSGB Outreach Team is thrilled to launch its first official DMR Youth Net. The first net will be on Tuesday the 30th of September at 1900UTC and the RSGB Youth Talk Group 23554 is available on the DVSPh and Brandmeister Networks. Whether you're just starting out or already love getting on the air, this bi-weekly net is your chance to build confidence speaking on the radio, connect with fellow young operators from around the world, and join in without needing to set up antennas at home. Hosted by RSGB Youth Outreach Team Leaders Chris Aitken, MM0WIC and Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, the net is designed to grow with you. As your skills and confidence develop, you could even take the mic and chair future sessions! We’re also offering loan kits that include a DMR handset and hotspot to help schools and home educators get started. Just fill out the form at tinyurl.com/RSGByouth-net  and we’ll be in touch. Tune in, speak up, and be part of something exciting! The RSGB National Radio Centre will be hosting the World War Two SOE station, GB1SOE in the foyer of the Centre on Saturday the 27th of September. On Sunday the 28th of September, it will also be hosting three special one-off broadcasts to mark the 70th anniversary of GB2RS, which will include a special greetings message from the RSGB President. The special event station GB70RS will be used for the pre- and post-News nets. Go to rsgb.org/gb70rs  for full details. For those visiting the Centre over the weekend, Bletchley Park is hosting one of its 1940s weekends. RSGB members can visit the world-famous estate for free by downloading a voucher via rsgb.org/bpvoucher The RSGB has several volunteer vacancies within the Regional Team including District Representative roles in Cambridgeshire, East Sussex and Lancashire. This is an incredibly rewarding role that gives you the opportunity to help your fellow radio amateurs. If you are passionate about the future of amateur radio, support the work of the Society and are an RSGB member, then apply now by contacting the Regional Representative in that region. View the full list of regional team volunteering vacancies via rsgb.org/volunteers Amateurs are reminded that 7.110MHz is used for emergency communications. Please be aware that the frequency may be in use by operators who are passing radio traffic following the unfortunate flooding in areas of Malaysia. Your cooperation is vital to ensure effective emergency communication, support and rescue efforts. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.    And now for details of rallies and events Weston-super-Mare Radio and Electronics Rally is taking place today, the 21st, at The Campus, Highlands Lane, Weston-super-Mare. The doors open at 7.30am for traders and at 10am for the public. Refreshments are available on site and a raffle will be held at 11am. For more information contact Daniel via westonradiosociety@gmail.com On Sunday the 5th of October, the 50th Welsh Radio Rally will take place at Llanwern High School, Hartridge Farm Road, Newport in South Wales. The doors open for traders from 7am and for the public from 9.30am. Admission costs £3. For more information email welshradiorally@gmail.com   Now the Special Event news Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society will be running special event station GB2RMR on Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of September. The station will operate from 9.30am to 4pm each day at the Riverside Miniature Railway in St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. The team will be using HF, VHF and UHF equipment. More details are available via QRZ.com Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com   Now the DX news Tom, OH6VDA is active again as JW6VDA from the Svalbard Amateur Radio club in Longyearbyen [LONG-YEER-BE-IN], EU-026, until tomorrow, the 22nd. The station is active on various HF bands using SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Club Log's OQRS is preferred. More details are available via QRZ.com Rikk, WE9G is active as WE9G/KH2 from Guam, OC-026, until Friday the 26th of September. The station is mostly operating digital FT modes but also some CW and SSB. Listen for activity on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World or via WE9G.   Now the contest news Today, the 21st, the RSGB 70MHz Affiliated Series Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 21st, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number. On Tuesday the 23rd, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 24th, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. On Thursday the 25th, the RSGB Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ Worldwide DX RTTY Contest runs from 0000UTC on Saturday the 27th to 2359UTC on Sunday the 28th of September. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. The UK is in Zone 14. On Sunday the 28th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.   Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 18th of September 2025. Last week we said that it looked like someone had thrown a switch on the Sun and all the sunspots had vanished. Well, this week we’re pleased to report they’re back! We have eight sunspot groups, spread evenly throughout the Sun’s hemispheres. Interestingly, the northern hemisphere sunspots are close to the equator, which is what you would expect at this point in the latter part of the solar cycle. The southern spots are somewhat higher in latitude, perhaps indicating that there might still be the potential for a double peak. On Thursday the 18th, the solar flux index stood at 147 and the Kp index at 2. This suggests that HF conditions might be pretty good, at least until the next geomagnetic disturbance. There have been no M- or X-class solar flares over the past week. The solar wind speed dropped from a high of 800 kilometres per second on Tuesday the 16th, to a more reasonable 538 kilometres per second on Thursday the 18th. However, the Bz has been pointing south at times, which can cause problems with a raised Kp index. The maximum useable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path generally allows for operation between 21 and 24MHz during daylight and 7 and 10.1MHz at ni

GB2RS News Sunday, the 14th of September 2025 The news headlines: RCF Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, on inspiring the next generation of radio amateurs The RSGB LoRa balloon is to be launched this week Will Richardson, 2E0WYA, has been co-opted to the RSGB Board as Vice Chair Radio Communications Foundation Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, will be at this year’s RSGB Convention to deliver a fascinating lecture on using radio technology to engage and inspire non-radio amateurs. In particular, he will look at this within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education settings, using the subject to connect with young people. Matthew Phillips, G6WPJ, will also be at the Convention, where he will be discussing the use of low-power software-defined radio to rejuvenate medium- and short-wave broadcasting. These are two of nearly 50 speakers who will be delivering engaging and topical presentations for Convention attendees. If this isn’t enough to entice you, visit the Convention web pages via rsgb.org/convention, where you’ll find details on workshops, a drop-in session on the UK Meteor Beacon Project, and information on the AMSAT-UK Colloquium. In addition to the usual GB3HQ operation that will run throughout the event, at this year’s Convention, a special 145 Alive net will be hosted by GB3HQ from 12 pm to 3 pm on the Saturday. You will be able to join the net or simply check in on the day and all callers will be recorded in the log. The Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre between the 10th and 12th of October. Only a few days remain until the RSGB LoRa balloon is launched. If you haven’t already heard about the event, you still have time to take part. Go to rsgb.org/lora-balloon  and download a detailed guide to help you build and code your LoRa tracker board. You can also find a link to a video in which Fraser, MM0EFI, demonstrates the process. The balloon launch takes place on Saturday, the 20th of September, at approximately 11 am BST. The challenge is open to all radio amateurs, but to be eligible to win one of the two available prizes, you must be an RSGB individual member or an affiliated club. The RSGB Board is pleased to announce that it is co-opting Will Richardson, 2E0WYA to the Board to serve until the 2026 RSGB AGM. He will also serve as the Board Vice Chair. Will has significant senior management skills and experience and will be a great asset in helping the Board move forward with the RSGB strategy. The Autumn term is starting at schools and colleges around the country, and the RSGB Outreach Team is continuing its DMR project to help young people get on the air. If you are a teacher who would like to take your amateur radio licence and set up a school club, there is support in place to help you. In collaboration with the Radio Communications Foundation, the RSGB is offering to pay the licence exam fee for nine teachers to help get you and your school club started. In addition, once you have your licence, you can apply for a free DMR kit on loan for three months to help set up your club. If you are a teacher interested in starting a school radio club, please email RSGB Youth Chair Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, via youthchampion.school@rsgb.org.uk The RSGB regrets that the RSGB National Radio Centre will be closed on Tuesday, the 23rd of September. Volunteers from the Centre will be delighted to welcome you every other day that week. Don’t forget that RSGB members can visit the world-famous Bletchley Park estate and the RSGB National Radio Centre for free. Download your voucher by going to rsgb.org/bpvoucher The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and there are only eight places left. So, book now to avoid disappointment.  Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events On Saturday, the 20th of September, Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place at St Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover CT17 0HL. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the entrance fee is £3. The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is also coming up on Saturday, the 20th. The rally will be held at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 3 pm. For more information and trader bookings, visit emerg.uk/rally Now the Special Event news The Brazilian Amateur Radio Broadcast League is active with special callsign PV203BR until tomorrow, the 15th. Listen for activity on all bands and modes and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World. The Dutch Lighthouse Hunt event is running until the 30th of September. Members of the Dutch Radio Group are using 11 special callsigns, each representing a different lighthouse in the Netherlands. For more information and details of awards that are available for working the stations, visit the PA01LH page at QRZ.com Now the DX news Chas, NK8O, is active again as 5H3DX from Tanzania until the 21st of September. He operates CW, FT4 and FT8 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or directly to Chas. Harold, DF2WO, is active as 9X2AW from Rwanda until the 27th of September. He usually operates CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4 on various bands, including 6m and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news Today, the 14th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Today, the 14th, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 14th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county. The IRTS 2m Counties Contest is also running today, the 14th, from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county. Tomorrow, the 15th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 16th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 18th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 21st, the RSGB 70MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1200 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Sunday the 21st, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint PSK63 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using PSK63 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of September As of Thursday, the 11th of September, it looked like someone had thrown a switch on the Sun to turn off all new sunspots! Unless there is a big change, there will be no sunspots visible on the Sun’s surface today, the 14th. It is clear we are no longer at solar maximum. A bigger problem is a large coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, which is rotating to be Earth facing. It is on the Sun’s equator, so it is ideally placed for maximum disruption to the Earth. A high-speed solar wind stream should reach Earth by the 14th of September, and geomagnetic storming may be possible at higher latitudes. Expect maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, to drop and trans-polar paths to be affected once the Kp index rises. HF is now starting to improve as we head towards mid-September. By 1000UTC, Propquest shows that the MUF over a 3,000km path can be as high as 31MHz, as long as the Kp index stays low. This should continue to improve as we head into October. The best DX last week continued to be T30TTT in Western Kiribati, this time on the 40 and 17m bands using FT8. 9J2FI in Zambia also put in an appearance on the 17m band using FT8. TZ4AM in Mali was spotted on the 15m band using SSB. For Morse enthusiasts, HC5AI in Ecuador was working on the 15m band using CW, according to the CDXC Slack chat group. NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start the coming week at 125 but then gradually improve to reach 145 by the end of the week. As mentioned earlier, the Kp index is set to reach 4 or 5 between the 14th and 16th of September due to the coronal hole. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The present spell of unsettled weather is likely to remain the main driver of weather-related propagation modes for the next week. Low-pressure systems are following the jet stream across the Atlantic and over the UK, which is a typical track for this time of the year. This means that we should expect to experience the odd example of rain scatter for the GHz operators, and occasional strong winds will start to test that we have our antennas in good order after the quieter weather during the summer. This is not to say that there won’t be any Tropo, but we will have to look for it carefully. In a mobile weather pattern suc

GB2RS News Sunday, the 7th of September 2025 The news headlines: WRTC, QO-100 and how to have a thriving club – be part of these discussions at the RSGB Convention Listen out for special GB2RS broadcasts from the NRC as part of GB70RS celebrations The RSGB replies to the latest Ofcom 2.3GHz consultation The World Radiosport Team Championship 2026 takes place in the United Kingdom, and Mark Haynes, M0DXR, is the Chairman of the Organising Committee. Join Mark at the RSGB Convention on Saturday, the 11th of October, to find out how the team is progressing for the event, which will host 100 operators from all around the world. If operating via QO-100 is something you would like to try, join Paulo, F5VMJ/G0MUW, as he shares his experience of the mode, including his home setup and how to go portable. In a new-style presentation for this year, representatives from four amateur radio clubs will be joining a panel at the Convention. They will each discuss different aspects of their club activities that are contributing to the club’s success and growth. Join the conversation, share your thoughts and experience, and be inspired. If you’d like to get practical during the Convention weekend, there are a variety of opportunities, including three workshops. The majority of workshop tickets are now sold, so book now to avoid disappointment. With only five weeks until the Society’s annual Convention, secure your place via rsgb.org/convention. The RSGB Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between the 10th and 12th of October. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news broadcast, GB2RS. The celebrations continue with three special broadcasts scheduled from the RSGB National Radio Centre, or NRC, on Sunday, the 28th of September. Three Newsreaders will broadcast GB2RS from the NRC on the 40m band, the 2m band and via the QO-100 satellite. These readings will be in addition to those in the weekly GB2RS broadcast schedule. Special event station GB70RS will be used for pre- and post-News nets. In addition, each Newsreader will start the broadcast with a special message from the RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX. Find out timings and frequencies via rsgb.org/gb70rs  The RSGB has responded to a further Ofcom consultation, which would see new users sharing spectrum within the 2.3GHz amateur band. The latest proposals would enable a new class of short-notice outdoor deployments in the 2320 to 2340MHz range, for up to 14 days at a time. In its response, the RSGB has taken the opportunity to highlight strong concerns regarding the amateur weak signal segment at 2320MHz. This follows earlier Ofcom proposals last year for indoor use only in this frequency range. The response and background information can be found on the RSGB Spectrum Forum web pages. Go to rsgb.org/spectrum-forum  and choose the ‘Papers and consultations’ tab on the right-hand side. This month is all about amateur radio and coding for the RSGB. Two exciting activities have been developed for you to get involved with. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced coder, you can get stuck into both the Python Pocket Morse activity and the LoRa high-altitude balloon challenge. Don’t forget to let the Society know how you get on. Share your story and photos with the RSGB Communications Team via comms@rsgb.org.uk RSGB Board Chair Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, has announced that Peter Bowyer, G4MJS, is stepping down from his role as RSGB Director due to an unexpected and significant increase in his professional duties. In addition to this Board vacancy, two further vacancies will arise when the RSGB election cycle starts in a few months. Both Len Paget, GM0ONX and Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, will stand down from the Board due to term limits. Members are encouraged to offer their services to the RSGB for this important duty. If you'd like a chat about the role, contact the Nominations Committee Chair, Will Richardson, 2E0WYA via nominations.chair@rsgb.org.uk Royal Air Force Air Cadets Exercise Cloud Warmer is taking place on the 60m band from 7.45 pm to 8 pm until the 31st of December. To operate, you must be a Full licence holder and comply with the Band Plan Licence Schedule Notes. Listeners will note traffic on 5354 and 5363kHz, and amateurs can join in and pass information. Military Radio Exercise, or MRE, callsigns will be in use throughout the exercise period. More details will be available soon via alphacharlie.org.uk On Saturday, the 13th, lots of amateur radio stations will be on the air to take part in the Churches and Chapels on the Air event, also known as CHOTA. The event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm. Although stations will be working on a variety of bands and modes, most operating will take place on the 40m band using SSB. More details are available at wacral.org And now for details of rallies and events On Saturday, the 20th of September, Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place at St Radigunds Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover CT17 0HL. The doors will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, and the entrance fee is £3. The East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally is also coming up on Saturday, the 20th. The rally will be held at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham, DN10 4FX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 3 pm. For more information and trader booking, visit emerg.uk/rally Now the Special Event news On Saturday the 13th, special event station GB5SH will be active from St. Hilda's Church in Hartlepool during the CHOTA event. The operation will be mostly on the 40m band using SSB and the 2m band using FM. You can read more details at QRZ.com Operators from the Romanian Federation of Amateur Radio are active as YO2025ENESCU  as part of the George Enescu International Festival. Details of certificates that are available for working at the station are available via tinyurl.com/enescu25 Now the DX news Maxim, OH7O, is active as XW4YY from Laos until the 11th of September. He is operating SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS. For more information and updates, visit oh7o.com Chas, NK8O, is active as 5H3DX from Tanzania until the 21st of September. He is operating CW, FT8 and FT4 on the 30 to 10m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or directly to NK8O. Now the contest news The All Asian DX Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and your age. Today, the 7th, the Worked All Britain 2m SSB Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. This year, the QRO and QRP contests are combined. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website. Also, today, the 7th, the 5th RSGB 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB 144MHz Trophy Contest started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Both RSGB SSB Field Day and IARU Region 1 Field Day started at 1300 UTC on Saturday, the 6th, and end at 1300 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Also, on Wednesday the 10th, the RSGB Autumn Series CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday the 11th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 13th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 14th of September. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 14th, the UK Microwave Group 24 to 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 14th, the IRTS 70cm Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1330 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county. Also, on Sunday the 14th, the IRTS 2m Counties Contest runs from 1300 to 1500 UTC. Using SSB and FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also give their county. On Sunday the 14th, the Practical Wireless 70MHz Contest runs from 1200 to 1600 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Wednesday the 3rd of September Last week’s aurora may have come as a bit of a surprise! The propagation segment for GB2RS is usually written on a Thursday, but the aurora was sparked by a solar flare that took place two days later, at 2002 UTC on the 30th

GB2RS News Sunday the 31st of August 2025 The news headlines: Plan your RSGB Convention weekend with the newly released programme Volunteer for the RSGB as the Honorary Mature Members’ Officer RSGB representatives and practical activities at the National Hamfest  Have you bought your ticket for this year’s RSGB Convention yet? The weekend’s draft programme has just been released, detailing all the inspiring speakers that the Society has lined up for your enjoyment. If you want to improve your technical knowledge, be sure to add the presentation by Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs, to your must-see list. Hans will introduce the concept of polar modulation SSB, along with the story of the practical implementation of polar modulation SSB in the QRP Labs QMX and QMX+ transceivers. Perhaps you’d like to get some operating tips? In which case, Walt Hudson, K4OGO, is one to add to your weekend schedule. Walt, also known as ‘Salty Walt’, will discuss different types of antennas and his experience with them when operating portable. If you’d like to discover something new within amateur radio, then join Kjetil Vinorum, LB4FH, for a presentation on ‘elmering’ in an online world. In addition, Mike Walker, VA3MW, will present an exclusive look at the new Aurora transceiver from FlexRadio Systems and will showcase how the Aurora pushes the boundaries of software-defined radio. With a wide-ranging programme to spark your interest, three exciting workshops, the Special Interest Groups room, GB3HQ and much more, this year’s Convention is one not to be missed. The event takes place between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of October at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. Tickets are selling fast, so to view the full programme and book, go to rsgb.org/convention  The RSGB has announced an exciting new volunteer role, which will be tasked with attracting older people to amateur radio. The Honorary Mature Members’ Officer will also be responsible for retaining and engaging with our existing senior members. The individual will research organisations or groups with memberships that include older people who may be interested in amateur radio as a hobby. They will also help to identify ways the RSGB can support lifelong enjoyment of amateur radio, including accessibility, training and social engagement. If you are an RSGB member and interested in this role, go to rsgb.org/volunteers  to read the full description. If you’d like to apply or have a chat about the role, email the Nominations Committee Chair, Will Richardson, 2E0WYA via nominations.chair@rsgb.org.uk The RSGB will have a large presence at the National Hamfest at Newark Showground on Friday, the 5th and Saturday, the 6th of September. In addition to an extensive book stall and membership stand, the Society will be running a range of exciting practical activities and demonstrations. These include a semi-interactive display of the CubeSat and a web-based dashboard from a Tiny Ground Station running remotely. There will be the opportunity to play ‘MORSE’, a minimalist, wave-based strategy game operated with just two controls. You can also have your CW skills tested at a range of speeds. On Saturday, there will be an opportunity to get hands-on, building a Kanga FM receiver kit. The activities are all free of charge, and there is no need to book in advance. Members of the RSGB Board, staff and representatives from specialist committees and teams will also be in attendance and are looking forward to meeting you, answering your questions and offering support. If you know an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show, you have until Friday, the 12th of September, to nominate them for the RSGB’s G5RP Trophy. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed but is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. Please email your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, via hf.manager@rsgb.org.uk Worked All Britain’s new Summer Saunter award is being extended to include an Autumn Amble. There is now a rota of volunteers to act as regular net controllers from 10.30 am UK time on the 40m band. Other nets will run on an ad hoc basis, whenever activity is planned. To find out more, visit the Worked All Britain website.  And now for details of rallies and events Telford Hamfest is taking place today, Sunday, the 31st of August, at Harper Adams University Sports Hall. The doors open at 10.15 am. Admission is £5, but young people up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. Lots of fascinating titles are available at the RSGB bookstall on site. More details are available at tinyurl.com/tdars25 On the 14th of September Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally will be held at Caister Lifeboat Station, Caister-on-Sea, NR30 5DJ. The doors will be open to visitors from 9 am to 2 pm, and there is no entrance fee. For more information, email Zane, M1BFI via m1bfi@outlook.com Now the Special Event news Members of Central Uusimaa Radio Amateurs Association, OH2AP, are active throughout 2025 as OF60AP to celebrate their club's 60th anniversary. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. For details of a certificate that is available for working the station, see tinyurl.com/oh2ap25 Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS, which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information, visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com Now the DX news Antonio, IK7WUL, is active as TY2AA from Benin until the 7th of September. Recently, the station was spotted on the 10m band using SSB. For more information, visit the TY2AA page at QRZ.com Domenico, IK1MNF, is active as IK1MNF/IA5 from Isola d'Elba, EU-028, until the end of September. He is mainly using SSB on the 20 to 6m bands. QSL via Domenico’s home call. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log. Now the contest news The World-Wide Digi DX Contest started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 30th and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 31st of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator. On Monday the 1st, the RSGB Autumn Series SSB Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 2nd, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 2nd, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 3rd, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 3rd, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Also, on Wednesday the 3rd, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100 UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and your age. On Saturday the 6th, the CWops CW Open takes place in three four-hour sessions between 0000 and 2359 UTC. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is serial number and name. The RSGB 144MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Both RSGB SSB Field Day and IARU Region 1 Field Day start at 1300 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and end at 1300 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of September. Using all modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday the 7th, the Worked All Britain 2m SSB Contest runs from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using SSB on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain Square. This year, the QRO and QRP contests are combined. The full rules are available on the Worked All Britain website. On Sunday the 7th, the 5th RSGB 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 28th of August 2025 This week saw a change in HF propagation with a perceptible move towards more autumnal conditions. The 10 and 12m bands have started opening up to the USA, at least on FT8. As we move into September, this will improve further. Also, as we head towards the Autumnal Equinox, we can expect better conditions on north-south paths, such as the UK to South Africa. The week saw the solar flux index climb to 226 on Thursday, the 28th, thanks to a host of sunspots, mainly in the Sun’s southern hemisphere. Over the last seven days, the Sun also provided us with 12 M-class solar flares. Any associated coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, were not Earth-directed, so these had little effect, and the Kp index stayed firmly at 3 or below. The latest updates suggest that there is only a ten per cent chance of a strong X-class solar flare. FT8 continues to be the preferred HF mode, or so it seems, with stations in China, Japan, Indonesia and Cameroon making their way into UK logs on the 12m band. The 10m band has also been humming with South America rolling in during l

GB2RS News Sunday the 24th of August 2025   The news headlines: Apply to be the RSGB Youth Activities and Engagement Champion The Tonight@8 webinar series is back with a brilliant autumn line-up Hans Summers, G0UPL confirmed as the RSGB Convention after-dinner speaker The RSGB Youth Team is looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and innovative person to join its team as the Society’s volunteer Youth Activities and Engagement Champion. The role will take the lead on youth-focused activities and create resources for young Foundation licence holders. If you would like to help inspire young people to explore new aspects of amateur radio, then read the full role description via rsgb.org/volunteers  and then get in touch with the Youth Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk  This exciting role will be working collaboratively with Ben, as well as the existing Youth Champions and RSGB Outreach Team. You can see some of the amazing projects the team has been working on by visiting the RSGB Youth web pages via rsgb.org/youth The Tonight@8 autumn programme kicks off on Monday the 1st of September with a fascinating presentation from Kristen McIntyre, K6WX. During the 45-minute session Kristen will explain Maxwell's Equations in a visual and relatable way that aims to leave viewers with an understanding of a topic that can often feel impenetrable. Maxwell’s Equations are essential for radio amateurs and explain how RF signals propagate, antennas radiate, and common-mode currents form. By the end of this informative webinar, you’ll be able to see how Maxwell’s four simultaneous differential equations combine to bring the world of radio to life. Kristen discovered amateur radio when she was a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1979 and has been active ever since. Among other roles, she is the ARRL First Vice President and has also recently been inducted into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. Learn more about Kristen and this not to be missed webinar by going to rsgb.org/webinars  Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs has been confirmed by the RSGB as the after-dinner speaker at its Convention in October. Following the gala dinner, Hans will be sharing the emotions he experienced during the nine months he spent adding SSB to the QMX transceiver. Tickets for the gala dinner, along with those for the full Convention programme and the three exciting workshops, can be purchased via rsgb.org/convention  This year’s RSGB Convention takes place at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of October. Book now and join like-minded radio amateurs for an action-packed programme. The RSGB Examination Standards Committee is pleased to announce the publication of an updated version of the Direct to Full syllabus. The significant changes from the previous version are the moving of some points between Section One on Licensing and Section Two on Operating. These changes bring the Direct to Full syllabus into line with the latest version of the three-part syllabus. You can find the updated syllabus and change documentation on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/syllabus  These changes will come into effect from January 2026, so please choose the correct version of the syllabus for the date you plan to take your exam. Four young RSGB members have spent the last week near Paris for this year’s Youngsters on the Air summer camp. The event was a huge success with activities that included group member Sophie, M7IJG asking a question to Astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT during the camp’s ARISS contact with the International Space Station. Hear more from the young radio amateurs by reading their blog via rsgb.org/yota-camp RSGB members, and the wider amateur radio community, are invited to a ‘Meet the President Day’ at the RSGB’s National Radio Centre on Thursday the 28th of August. The Society’s President, Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, will be present throughout the day to welcome members, hear their views, and discuss the work of the Society in supporting and promoting amateur radio. RSGB members, don’t forget to download your free entry voucher to Bletchley Park via rsgb.org/bpvoucher The Maritime Radio Historical Society in the United States, in cooperation with the Cipher History Museum, has arranged to transmit an Enigma message via the maritime radio coast station KPH, near San Francisco. The transmission will take place on Saturday the 30th of August at 2000UTC. KPH listeners, intercept operators and codebreakers everywhere are invited to try their hand at receiving the transmission and decrypting the message. For more information, including details of certificates that are available for decrypting the message, visit tinyurl.com/mrhs2025 And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 24th, the Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes. Free on-site parking, catering and disabled facilities are available. The entrance fee is £3. The doors open to the public from 9am. For more information visit mkars.org.uk/mkrally The Torbay Amateur Radio Society Rally is also taking place at Newton Abbot Racecourse today, the 24th. The doors open at 10am and entry costs £3. You can find out more via torbayars.org Tomorrow, the 25th, the Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society Radio Rally will take place at the Ramsey Rural Museum, Wood Lane, Ramsey, PE26 2XD. For more information visit tinyurl.com/hunts25 Telford Hamfest is taking place on Sunday the 31st of August at Harper Adams University Sports Hall. The doors open at 10.15am. Admission is £5 but children up to the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge. The G-QRP Club will be present again with a Saturday Buildathon. More details are available at tinyurl.com/tdars25 Now the Special Event news In memory of Maximilian Kolbe, special callsign 4A2MAX is active until the 31st of August. Kolbe is venerated by the Catholic Church as the patron saint of amateur radio operators. Activity will be on the 80 to 6m bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com or via EA5GL. To celebrate the International Amateur Radio Union's 100th anniversary, members of the Atlantic Coast DX and Contest Group are active as CG9IARU throughout August. The station was spotted recently on the 20m band using SSB. QSL via VE9CF. See QRZ.com for more information.  Now the DX news Aldir, PY1SAD is active as 8R1TM from Guyana until the 23rd of September. He is operating CW, SSB and digital modes on all bands and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com, or directly to PY1SAD. Don, KW7R is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands until September. He operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. Now the contest news Today, the 24th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 26th, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The World Wide Digi DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 30th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 31st of August. Using FT4 and FT8 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 21st of August Last week was relatively good from an HF propagation standpoint, with only a few periods with an elevated Kp index thanks to a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole. The Kp index hit 4.67 on the 19th of August and 4 again on the 20th due to the solar wind hitting earth at more than 600 kilometres per second. Luckily, the interplanetary magnetic field remained mostly neutral, or north-facing, and the density was low, saving us from more disruption. Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 120 by Thursday the 21st. This is still high enough to affect the ionosphere, but well down on recent highs in the 140s and 150s. The daytime critical frequency has mostly remained above 7.5MHz, meaning the 40m band has managed to remain good for inter-UK contacts. This has also meant that maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path hit 21MHz and even 24.9MHz at times. Nighttime critical frequencies have been around 5MHz, giving an MUF over 3,000km of below 14MHz and sometimes even as low as 10MHz. It may be another month or so before we see daytime F2-layer openings starting again on 28MHz. In the meantime, focus your efforts during daylight on 21MHz and below. T30TTT in Western Kiribati remains one of the DX stations to chase, mostly on 18 and 21MHz. The operators are alternating between using CW, SSB and FT8. Other choice DX worked included Jim, E51JD on South Cook Islands who has been active on the 17m band using SSB. TY5AD in Benin, Africa has been worked on the 10m band using FT8. And 3G1P, an IOTA DXpedition in Chile, was logged on the 15m band using SSB. Closer to home, today, the 24th, is the last chance to work OG0C on the Aland Islands. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 120s, until the end of the month when it could rise to 130 and even 150. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 28th of August when the Kp index could hit 4. Otherwise, make the most of the relatively settled conditions over the first half of next week to work some choice DX! And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO After this weekend, the weather changes from a Tropo high pressure pattern to an unsettled story with areas of low pressure and fronts together with wind and rain. This will remove any Tropo options and replace them with a possibility of rain scatter on the GHz bands. The auroral conditions have recently produced minor

GB2RS News Sunday, the 17th of August 2025 The news headlines: Read daily updates from the RSGB’s YOTA summer camp team ‘Women in amateur radio’ panel to be held at RSGB Convention in October The RSGB Awards Manager announces a new awards series This year’s Youngsters on the Air summer camp begins tomorrow, Monday, the 18th of August, and the RSGB is sending a team of four young members to take part. YOTA camps are an amazing opportunity for young people to operate the latest amateur radio equipment, take part in construction activities and make international friendships. The Society will be keeping you up to date with the group’s progress by sharing daily updates and photos. This year’s camp is taking place near Paris and is being organised by REF, the French national amateur radio society, and the IARU. Read the daily blog updates by visiting rsgb.org/yota-camp  and selecting ‘YOTA Paris 2025’ from the right-hand menu. The Society will also be sharing updates via its Facebook and X channels. If you’d like to get involved with getting young people on the air, why not participate in YOTA Month in December 2025? If you’d like to host special callsign GB25YOTA or if you’d like to find out more, email the YOTA Month Coordinator, Jamie, M0SDV via yota.month@rsgb.org.uk The list of confirmed speakers for this year’s RSGB Convention continues to grow, with a further round of names released. If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, be sure to book online now to secure your place and watch Dan McGraw, M0WUT, explain PCB design for low-voltage switched-mode power supplies. You’ll also be able to get an insight into what has been learnt from Solar Cycle 25, with a presentation by the Chair of the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee, Steve Nichols, G0KYA. The Society has also confirmed that RSGB RadCom Technical Editor Peter Duffett-Smith, GM3XJE, will be presenting a lecture on the importance of understanding the input impedance of your transmitter. The IRTS Youth Officer Ana Cañizares, EI5IXB, will be sharing her experience of getting young people in Ireland involved in amateur radio. In addition, the RSGB has announced that it will be holding a ‘women in amateur radio’ panel discussion. This exciting session will highlight five women who enjoy different aspects of amateur radio and will discuss the various opportunities, challenges and potential barriers that may exist in engaging more girls and women with amateur radio. Find out more about these thought-provoking presentations by going to rsgb.org/convention  and selecting RSGB 2025 Convention speakers from the right-hand menu. The Convention takes place between the 10th and 12th of October and is a must-do on every radio amateur’s calendar. The RSGB Awards Manager has introduced a new awards series for amateur radio contacts with stations across all UK country and Crown Dependency prefixes. The Worked All UK and Crown Dependency Prefixes Award offers several different sub-sets, with the rules varying slightly for each. The idea for the award was put forward as a way of encouraging, or tapping into, intra-UK activity as well as encouraging contact with UK amateurs. Get involved with this new award by going to rsgb.org/awards  and selecting ‘Worked All UK and Crown Dependency’ from the right-hand menu. You can find details of other awards offered by the Society using the same link. National Coding Week takes place during the third week of September, and the RSGB is dedicating the whole of the month to amateur radio and coding activities. This year, the Society has created two new activities for you to try. Both build on worksheets it shared in previous years; however, you don’t have to have done those first. The Python Pocket Morse activity has been developed by the RSGB Maker Champion Tom Wardill, 2E0JJI and is a low-cost opportunity to learn some Morse and programming together. The exercise will cover using a BBC Micro:bit V2 and the ‘more advanced’ Python programming instead of the previous block programming mode. It is intended as a gentle introduction to both Python and small computer programming and can be done without any previous knowledge of the micro:bit. You can download the full instructions by going to rsgb.org/coding  and selecting ‘Python Pocket Morse’ from the right-hand menu. The other new activity is the LoRa balloon challenge. As well as the manual, which guides you through the process of building your own LoRa tracker and seeing how far your signal can reach, the Society has released a video in which Fraser, MM0EFI, demonstrates the process. Find both on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/lora-balloon International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend started at 0001UTC on Saturday, the 16th and ends at 2400UTC today, the 17th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. To find out more and to view a list of participating stations, visit illw.net This year’s British Inland Waterways on the Air event will run from Saturday, the 23r,d until Monda,y the 25th of August. The event is open to amateurs who use canals, towpaths, rivers, lakes or reservoirs for work or recreation. To find out more, visit Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group’s website at nharg.org.uk  and follow the ‘BIWOTA 2025’ link. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.   And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 17th, Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally opens its doors at 10 am. More details are available at g0ghk.com Also today, the 17th, the West Manchester Radio Club Red Rose Summer Rally is taking place at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ from 10 am. More information is available by following the ‘Red Rose Rally’ tab at wmrc.co.uk On Sunday, the 24th the Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Heron’s Lodge Guide Activity Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge, Milton Keynes. Free on-site parking, catering and disabled facilities will be available. The entrance fee is £3. The doors open to the public from 9 am. For more information, visit mkars.org.uk/mkrally Also on Sunday the 24th, the Torbay Amateur Radio Society Rally is taking place at Newton Abbot Racecourse. The doors open at 10 am and entry costs £3. You can find out more via torbayars.org Now the Special Event news Leicester Radio Society is active as GB8OVJ until tomorrow, the 18th, to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The station is operating on the HF, 2m and 70cm bands. Operators are using CW, phone, FT4, FT8, SSTV and RTTY. More information is available at QRZ.com 4U0ITU is the callsign in use by the International Amateur Radio Club at ITU HQ in Geneva. The station is active in celebration of the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS. Now the DX news Steve, ZL2KE, is active as E51KEE from Rarotonga, OC-013, on the South Cook Islands until tomorrow, the 18th of August. He is operating CW and some SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL directly to IK2DUW. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of the World. Phill, C21TS, is active in Nauru until September 2025. He has made over 83,000 QSOs so far and hopes to reach 100,000 contacts before leaving the island. Recently, the station was spotted on the HF bands using FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS. Now the contest news On Tuesday the 19th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 21st, the 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Sunday the 24th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of August Last weekend was characterised by unsettled geomagnetic conditions caused by a massive coronal hole on the Sun. At one point, the Kp index got up to 6, with a corresponding decrease in maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs. The Dourbes Digisonde failed to record much at all over six hours. Luckily, that disruption had passed by Monday the 11th as the ionosphere started to get back to normal. Meanwhile, the solar flux index reached a peak of 153 on the 10th, before dropping back to 140 on Thursday, the 14th. There have been numerous C-class solar flares and ten M-class events over the past five days, but nothing of note. The MUF over a 3,000km path exceeded 24.9MHz at times, but has generally been between 21 and 24MHz. Another coronal hole is Earth-centric at the moment and could cause some disruption, with increased Kp indices by tomorrow, the 18th or Tuesday the 19th. HF DX has been good at times, with the stand-out station being T30TTT in Western Kiribati. The station has been worked on many bands, including 20, 15 and 10m using CW, as well as FT4 and FT8. After two weeks, there will be just one operator who is there until mid-September. So you have plenty of time to work him. Stanley, AH6KO, in Hawaii, has also been spotted on the 15m band using CW. This is a relatively rare opportunity and good for anyone chasing their Worked All States award. A little closer to home is Henri, OJ0JR on Market Reef, who has been easily workable on the 30m band using FT8. Get in quick, though, as he is only there until tomorrow, the 18th. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 140 to 150 range. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for tomorrow, the 18th, until Wednesday the 20th, probably caused by the coronal hole mentioned earlier. Better conditions are predicted for the 23rd to the 27th with a maximum Kp index o

GB2RS News Sunday, the 10th of August 2025 The news headlines: Three fantastic workshops have been announced for the RSGB Convention The RSGB National Radio Centre has won a prestigious award Ensure that Ofcom has your correct contact details Discover new skills at this year’s RSGB Convention in October by securing your place in one, or all three, of the workshops that will be taking place. On Friday, the 10th of October, the RSGB is giving you the opportunity to build on the basics of Arduino programming with a six-hour workshop that will cover programming Direct Digital Synthesis for RF generation. This session will also include how to use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to write software. You are welcome to book this workshop even if you’re not able to attend the whole Convention this year. If programming is new to you, then Saturday’s two-hour workshop is a great place to get started. This session will introduce you to microcontroller unit programming through a short presentation followed by practical exercises. Alternatively, on Sunday, you can book into a two-hour antenna building workshop that will guide you through the process of constructing a 49:1 balun for use in a QRP end-fed long-wire antenna. Spaces for the workshops are limited, and pre-booking is essential. The workshops are subsidised by the RSGB Legacy Funds, and every attendee will also receive a £5 RSGB book voucher. Find out more and guarantee your place by going to rsgb.org/convention  and selecting ‘Workshops’ from the right-hand menu. Book your Convention tickets using the same link. Early-bird pricing closes tomorrow, Monday, the 11th of August, so ensure you book now to get the best available price. The Society is proud to announce that the RSGB National Radio Centre has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Winners of this award are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor. The award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over 12 months. The award reflects the passion and dedication of the RSGB’s volunteers, and the fantastic role they play in promoting amateur radio. Start planning your visit to the NRC by going to rsgb.org/nrc. If you’re an RSGB member, download your free entry voucher at rsgb.org/bpvoucher The RSGB is encouraging radio amateurs to check that their contact details registered with Ofcom are up to date. As well as confirming your home address and email address are correct, you can also select your communication preferences. Ofcom will use these details to contact radio amateurs about the implementation of phases two and three of its planned updates to the amateur radio licensing framework. This stage will include changes to new intermediate callsigns and rules for Special Event Stations. Find out more about licensing in the UK via rsgb.org/licensing Peter Duffett-Smith, GM3XJE, is retiring as the Editor of RadCom Plus. Peter is staying on in the role of RadCom Technical Editor, which has been keeping him very busy for the last few years. If you are interested in applying for the role of RadCom Plus Editor, please email radcom@rsgb.org.uk International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will run from 0001UTC on Saturday, the 16th, to 2400UTC on Sunday, the 17th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. To register for the event and view a list of participating stations, visit illw.net The Thirteenth Scottish Microwave Round Table GMRT will take place at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, on Saturday, the 1st of November, from 10.30 am to 5 pm. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, and microwave test facilities will be provided. There will be an opportunity to buy components and microwave-related items. An optional dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Further information and online registration is available at gmroundtable.org.uk. The event has a maximum capacity of 50 people, and over 20% of the tickets are already sold. So, book now to avoid disappointment.  Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Flight Refuelling Amateur Radio Society Hamfest is taking place today, the 10th, at Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset. The doors are open from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission, which includes parking, is £5. Talk-in is on 145.550MHz. For more information, visit frars.co.uk/hamfest-2025 Also today, the 10th, the Rugby Amateur Transmitting Society Annual Radio Rally is taking place at Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby, CV23 9PY. More information is available at rugbyats.co.uk On Sunday, the 17th, Finningley Amateur Radio Society Rally will begin at 10 am. The details are available at g0ghk.com Also on Sunday, the 17th, the West Manchester Radio Club Red Rose Summer Rally is taking place at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, WN7 2PJ. The doors open at 10 am. More information is available by following the ‘Red Rose Rally’ tab at wmrc.co.uk Now the Special Event news Special event station GB1HAF will be active on Saturday, the 16th of Augus,t in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. Operators will be working on the 40m, 20m, 10m, 2m and 70cm bands using SSB and, possibly, data modes and CW. The East Midlands Electronics and Radio Group will be on the air to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day between the 15th and 17th of August. Using the callsign GB1BK, the Group will operate from the former RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire. Operators expect to be available on the 40 and 20m bands using SSB. They will also be working on the 2m band using FM. If you hear them, give them a call. Now the DX news Don, KW7R, is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands. He is there on a work assignment until September 2025. In his spare time, he operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. George, VU2DGR, is active as AT44I from the Bharati Research Station. He is a member of the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The station was heard recently on the 20m band using SSB. QSL via George's home call. Now the contest news The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest started at 0000 UTC on Saturday, the 9th and ends at 2359 UTC today, Sunday, the 10th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The RSGB Machine Generated Modes Contest started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 9th, and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 10th of August. Using machine-generated modes on the 6 and 2m bands, the exchange is your report and four-character locator. On Tuesday, the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 12th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 13th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 13th, the 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday, the 14th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of August Over the last week, we had nearly ideal solar conditions for HF propagation. These included low geomagnetic indices and a reasonable solar flux index, hovering around the 150 mark. Other solar events of note included six M-class solar flares. The only stumbling block is the time of year, with summer seeing lower maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, and poorer propagation due to changes in ionospheric chemistry. We will have to wait another month or so to see conditions pick up. The main HF DX this week has been T30TTT from Western Kiribati, mainly on FT8 and CW and focusing on the 20 and 17m bands. TJ1GD from Cameroon was worked on the 17m band using FT8. E51KEE on the South Cook Islands was logged on the 17 and 15m bands using CW. And finally, AH6KO in Hawaii was worked on the 15m band using CW. But this may all be set to change. A coronal mass ejection observed on Tuesday, the 5th, may deliver a glancing blow to the Earth's geomagnetic field. This may also coincide with an expected high-speed stream from a very large coronal hole on the Sun’s surface. NOAA predicts that the Kp index could rise to 5 or 6. The hole is so large and elongated that we could see unsettled conditions occurring in the coming week. NOAA predicts unsettled geomagnetic conditions from the 11th to the 14th of August. It also predicts more unsettled conditions from the 18th to the 22nd, with a maximum Kp index of 5. Expect reduced MUFs and poor HF conditions, especially for paths over the poles. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The main setting for the weather pattern over the next week is a tendency for high pressure in the south and lower pressure to the north of Britain. There may be some input from a low over France around the middle of the week. This might introduce some thundery showers and a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands. Meanwhile, occasional weak frontal systems will bring patchy rain to the far northwest, but probably not so good for rain scatter opportunities. The Tropo at this time of year can

GB2RS News Sunday the 3rd of August 2025 The news headlines: Call for G5RP Trophy nominations Get involved with the RSGB National Radio Centre’s Spy Transmitter activities this summer The QSL Bureau has announced an update to the G4M to S series card collection The G5RP Trophy is an annual award to encourage newcomers to HF DXing. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed but is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. If you are an established HF DXer and want to recommend someone to be awarded the G5RP Trophy for 2025, now is the time to send in your nomination. Your nominee should be an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show. For example, they have a good total of new countries worked or some serious HF DXpedition activity. Please email your nominations to Ian Greenshields, G4FSU, via hf.manager@rsgb.org.uk to arrive no later than Friday, the 12th of September. The RSGB’s National Radio Centre has confirmed that the first of its Summer Spy Transmitter events is taking place on Tuesday, the 5th of August. This family-friendly activity will turn you into spy hunters as you explore Bletchley Park looking for hidden transmitters. The event starts at 10.30 am and spaces are limited to 12 groups. If you are unable to make this date, two further events have been confirmed on the 14th and the 20th of August. Full details of the activity are available via the ‘What’s on’ section of the Bletchley Park website via bletchleypark.org.uk  Do you have a callsign in the G4M to S series? If so, the QSL Bureau has announced a change to your card collection group. All cards and envelopes are being transferred to the current G4T to Z manager, Peter, G4XEX to form a new enlarged G4M to Z group. The current manager, Cliff, G4MAR, has retired, and the Bureau thanks him for his service to members. Details of QSL sub-managers and addresses can be found via rsgb.org/qsl  and selecting ‘List of QSL sub-managers' from the right-hand menu. RSGB volunteers will be running Morse activities and operating using DMR at the West Sussex International Jamboree on Thursday, the 7th, and Friday, the 8th of August. Listen out for youngsters operating as GB0WSJ using DMR on RSGB Youth Talk Group 23554, Worldwide Talk Group 91 and UK Call Talk Group 2350. They’d appreciate a call between 9.30 am and 5 pm on Thursday and 9.30 am and 12 pm on Friday. The July 2025 edition of RadCom Basics is now available. RadCom Basics is aimed at new amateurs and those who wish to refresh their skills and knowledge. Among others, this edition contains articles to help you learn about spectrum analysers, Near Vertical Incidence Skywave propagation and using a doublet as a multi-band antenna. To access all RadCom publications, visit rsgb.org/radcom HamSCI – The Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation – is preparing for a series of upcoming meteor scatter experiments. Operating will take place during two well-known meteor showers: The Perseids on the 12th and 13th of August and the Geminids on the 12th and 13th of December. The aim is to collect data during meteor scatter events using the 10 and 6m bands. For more information visit hamsci.org/msqp Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.  And now for details of rallies and events Part 1 of the BATC Convention for Amateur TV 2025 is taking place today, the 3rd, at Midland Air Museum in Coventry. The doors are open from 10 am to 4 pm. The Convention includes show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring and buy. Kings Lynn Amateur Radio Club Rally is also taking place today, the 3rd, at Gaywood Community Centre, PE30 4EL. The doors are open from 9 am and the entrance fee is £2.50. For more information, email rally.klarc@gmail.com or call 07709 074 951. Cockenzie And Port Seaton Amateur Radio Club’s Annual Mini Rally and Junk Night will take place on Friday, the 8th of August. The venue will be Port Seaton Community Centre, South Seaton Park, Port Seaton EH32 0BG. The doors will be open to the public from 6 to 8.30 pm. Now the Special Event news Members of the Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece, SZ1A, are operating a special event station, SX17ASTRO, until the 8th of August. The station is active to celebrate the 17th Panhellenic Expedition of Amateur Astronomers. A number of certificates are available for working the station. For details of these and more information about the station, visit tinyurl.com/SZ1A2025 Special event station 8K3EXPO is active from the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Japan, until the 13th of October. Recently, the station was spotted using FT8 on the HF bands. More information is available at QRZ.com Now the DX news Michel, F5LRL, is active as CN2DX from near Kenitra, Morocco, until the 20th of August. He is operating CW, SSB and FT8 on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Michel’s home call. Special callsign LA100A is active throughout 2025 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio two-way contact between Norway and the USA in November 1925. QSL directly, via the Bureau or QRZ.com. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon started on Saturday, the 3rd of May and ends today, the 3rd of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. Today, the 3rd, the RSGB 432MHz Low Power Contest runs from 0800 to 1200UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode. On Tuesday, the 5th, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 5th, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 6th, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and a four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 6th, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. The RSGB Machine Generated Modes Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday, the 9th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday, the 10th of August. Using machine-generated modes on the 6 and 2m bands, the exchange is your report and four-character locator. The Worked All Europe DX CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 9th and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday, the 10th of August. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 31st of July 2025 Last week was very much a repeat performance of the week before. We had relatively calm geomagnetic conditions and few solar flares to contend with. The only flares were minor C-class events. The Kp index never got above 3, and the solar flux index was in the 140s to 150s. The F2-layer maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path rose to 21MHz but didn’t get much higher, which is normal for the summer period. A team from Norfolk Amateur Radio Club was active as GM0FRT/P from the Shetland Islands for the IOTA contest. They were workable from JO02NN on 14 and 21MHz for much of the contest period. The distance to Shetland from central UK is about 887km, or 551 miles. Given the distance involved, the 21MHz openings were probably Sporadic-E, but they were loud for hours on end. Other DX worked last week included T30TTT from Western Kiribati on the 10m band using FT8 over the North Pole. 9M8A from East Malaysia was also on the 10m band using FT8. XW4KV from Laos was on the 12m band operating FT8. 3B9SP on Rodriguez Island put in an appearance on the 17 and 12m bands using FT8. The station was also worked using CW on the 40, 30, 20 and 15m bands. That’s not a bad haul for summer DX and if the Kp index can stay low, we could get similar next week. Speaking of which, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the range of 150 to 160 next week. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the period of the 7th to the 14th of August, with a maximum predicted Kp index of 5. And finally, there is talk of a possible large sunspot group on the far side of the Sun. The region in question belongs to a cluster of spots, including AR 4136, 4139 and 4143, last seen earlier this month. Solar rotation will carry what remains of these regions back into view next week. So, keep an eye on solarham.com  for up-to-date details. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The slightly unsettled theme to the weather will remain into next week, although there are signs that high pressure will try to return in the middle of the week for a time. Models disagree on details, with some bringing another thundery low into the south later. This means that there will be some Tropo at times and, in high summer, this tends to be generally strongest around the coasts. To benefit from these conditions inland it’s better to wait for night cooling. As usual with thundery weather, it’s a good chance to listen for rain scatter on the GHz bands. Another mode that still deserves attention is meteor scatter. Look out for the early stirrings of the August Perseids, which peak around the 12th and 13th of the month.  Surprisingly, Aurora is staying in the limelight. Periodic alerts are suggesting it's worth turning your VHF beams north if you notice any signs of fluttery HF signals or discover the Kp index has risen to 5 or above. If auroral activity appears on the 10 or 6m bands, then check the higher bands as the event develops. Sporadic-E is now in its occasional

GB2RS News Sunday the 27th of July The news headlines: RSGB confirms more speakers for its Convention in October Get involved with the RSGB LoRa high-altitude balloon challenge The RSGB releases a high-contrast logbook to improve accessibility  The RSGB has shared details of more presentations that you can enjoy at its Convention in October. If you’d like to broaden your technical knowledge, you’ll enjoy presentations by Bob Burns, G3OUU, on ‘Getting the most from an oscilloscope’ and ‘Ladder crystal filter design’. As part of the Society’s focus on supporting modern amateur radio operating practices, Paul Galwas, M0WLG, will be discussing ‘Can we ‘DX’ over an IoT mesh?’. The comprehensive programme of speakers also includes Dr Marcus Walden, G0IJZ, who will explain the numerical modelling of the historical Grimeton VLF antenna, and Paul Beaumont, G7VAK, who will take ‘A brief look at Number Stations: 1950 to the present’. With even more captivating and thought-provoking speakers already confirmed, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to guarantee attendance. Buy your tickets before Monday, the 11th of August, to ensure you receive early-bird ticket pricing. Tickets are available to purchase via rsgb.org/convention National Coding Week takes place in the third week of September, and the RSGB is once again dedicating a whole month to amateur radio and coding activities. As part of the Society’s strategy to encourage practical skills development, it is inviting you to take part in its LoRa high-altitude balloon challenge. The project has been developed by the RSGB Outreach team and takes place on Saturday, the 20th of September. The balloon will be equipped with a LoRa digipeater, and your challenge is to follow the instructions provided and build a LoRa tracker. If your tracker build is successful, it will beam up packets to the airborne relay, which will transmit them to a local i-gate. Your goal is to get your signal the furthest distance from the launch. Anyone can enter, but to win one of the prizes, you need to be an RSGB member. Get involved as a single operator or as a team in your RSGB-affiliated club. The RSGB is delighted that Moonraker is sponsoring this event and will award a £200 Moonraker voucher to the winner of each category. Find out how to get involved with this exciting LoRa event by going to rsgb.org/lora-balloon The RSGB is proud to announce the release of a new high-contrast logbook designed to support amateur radio operators with visual impairments or learning difficulties. Responding to feedback from members and accessibility advocates, the RSGB developed the logbook with wider spacing and a high-contrast black-and-yellow design to improve ease of use. This release reflects the RSGB’s wider commitment to improving accessibility across all areas of the Society and amateur radio as a whole. The organisation continues to explore ways to make the hobby more inclusive and user-friendly for all participants. This version will be available through Amazon and is expected to be a useful addition for both seasoned operators and newcomers looking for a more accessible logging option. As part of its long-term vision, the RSGB is looking to recruit a dedicated team to assess and enhance accessibility throughout the Society and help shape a more inclusive future for amateur radio. If you’re interested in contributing to this important initiative, please email RSGB Board Director Nathan Nuttall, 2M0OCC, via 2m0occ@rsgb.org.uk Since the launch of its DMR project in May, the RSGB Outreach team is delighted that four schools and one homeschool have signed up. The project aims to help young people get on the air and build their confidence in making QSOs. Each of the successful applicants will be loaned a TYT DMR handheld radio and a Pi-Star-based hotspot. The RSGB Youth Chair and Youth Champion for Schools, Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, is supporting two new school amateur radio clubs that have chosen this as an entry-level activity for their club members. DMR is particularly useful in a school club scenario where antenna placement is a challenge and can be easily deployed, giving young people access to the world. During the summer holidays, the DMR handsets will be used at the West Sussex International Jamboree with Regional Representative 10, Simon Harris, G4WQG, attending the event and Wick High School Radio Club member Jacob, MM7IFL, supporting remotely via DMR. Listen out for further updates after the summer when the RSGB plans to get a youth net operational on Brandmeister Talk Group 23554. The net aims to encourage young operators to get on the air and become comfortable with QSO structure and general rag-chewing. If you want to start a school club or are interested in being part of the DMR project, email Chris via youthchampion.school@rsgb.org.uk The prospect of a USA constellation of 240 commercial satellites that would use 430 to 440MHz for wideband control and telemetry has prompted an unprecedented response from the amateur radio community to a Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, consultation. FCC Proceeding 25-201 would see AST SpaceMobile utilise much of 430 to 440MHz for downlinks, as well as a series of ground stations around the world. The RSGB and several other IARU member societies, along with the ARRL and over 2,000 individuals, have submitted comments to this consultation. The IARU itself has also issued a statement on the matter. Links for this, including the RSGB response, can be found on the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/spectrumforum and then choose the ‘Papers and consultations’ option in the right-hand menu. Following the main submission deadline of the 21st of July, the FCC process has further phases to go through. Amateur radio operators are invited to take part in a special operating event in August, celebrating the rich history of the UK’s wartime and Cold War airfield bunkers. AFB25 – that’s Airfield Bunkers 2025 – is a nationwide activity taking place from Friday the 1st to Sunday the 31st of August. Organised by UK Bunkers on the Air, or UKBOTA, the event encourages amateurs to activate historic airfield sites with known bunker installations. All bands and modes are welcome. Special recognition awards will be given for activators, hunters and shortwave listeners' efforts. To learn more, including how to participate and which locations qualify, visit tinyurl.com/AFB-2025  And now for details of rallies and events Wiltshire Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 27th, at Kington Langley Village Hall, Church Road, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. The doors open for traders at 7 am and 9 am for visitors. Refreshments are available on site. You can find out more by visiting chippenhamradio.club Part 1 of the BATC Convention for Amateur TV 2025 is taking place on Sunday, the 3rd of August at Midland Air Museum in Coventry. The doors will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. The Convention will include show and tell, test and fix-it, and bring and buy. Also, on Sunday, the 3rd of August, King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club Rally is taking place at Gaywood Community Centre, PE30 4EL. The doors will open at 9 am and the entrance fee will be £2.50. An outdoor trader’s stall costs £8, and an indoor one is £10. To book, email rally.klarc@gmail.com or call 07709 074 951. Now the Special Event news Special callsign 5P0TA will operate from Bornholm Island, EU-030, from the 31st of July to the 3rd of August in connection with this year's European Ham Radio Show meet-up event. Both presenters and viewers of The European Ham Radio Show on YouTube will gather with the goal of activating all of the POTA parks on Bornholm Island within four days. Both 5P0TA and the participants' own call signs will be used. They are aiming to use as many modes and bands as conditions allow. Attending from the UK are Charlotte, 2M0LVY and Steve, M1SDH. If you hear them on the air, give them a call! Throughout 2025, José, HP2AT, is using the special callsign H82AT to celebrate his 35th anniversary in amateur radio. Recently, the station has been spotted on the HF bands using CW, FT4 and FT8. All QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ.com, Club Log, eQSL and Logbook of the World. Paper cards will not be available. Now the DX news Today, the 27th, is your last chance to catch the IP1X team, which is active from Gallinara Island, EU-083. The team is using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, via the Bureau or directly to IU1JCZ. More information is available at QRZ.com Red, DL1BUG is active as TY5FR from Cotonou, Benin, in West Africa until the 6th of August. He is operating using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World or via Red’s home call. Now the contest news Today, the 27th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB IOTA Contest started at 1200UTC on Saturday, the 26th and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday, the 27th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference. On Monday, the 28th, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Saturday, the 2nd of August, the EU HF Championship runs from 1200 to 2359UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and the last two digits of the year you were first licensed. Also on Saturday, the 2nd of August, the RSGB 4th 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and two-letter postcode. On Saturday, the 2nd, the 144MHz Low Power Contest runs from 1400 to 1800UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial nu

GB2RS News Sunday the 20th of July 2025 The news headlines: The RSGB launches GB70RS awards to celebrate 70 years of GB2RS New volunteer RSGB STEM Champion announced Visit the RSGB National Radio Centre during the summer holidays The RSGB’s weekly news broadcast, GB2RS, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Society is inviting you to collect awards for listening and logging GB2RS News broadcasts between Friday, the 1st of August and Tuesday, the 30th of September. There are four categories, including a basic listener award and a regular listener award. Full details of the programme, the rules and how to apply for your certificate are available by searching GB70RS at QRZ.com. To read about the awards and wider celebrations that are taking place for the 70th anniversary of GB2RS, go to rsgb.org/gb70rs RSGB Board Director, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, has appointed Ian Stevenson, G3YNU, as the volunteer RSGB STEM Champion. This new role fits with the RSGB’s strategy to bring amateur radio to new audiences and to highlight the link between amateur radio and science, technology, engineering and maths. Ian brings a wealth of experience to this role, having been a mathematics teacher for ten years, with a further 23 years in Higher Education as a Senior Lecturer in ICT and Education. Ian also played a pivotal role in establishing the RSGB School Links Project, which introduced classroom activities that connect amateur radio with the school curricula. The project was established following Tim Peake’s Principia mission to the International Space Station, which included ten UK ARISS school contacts during Tim’s time in space. In his new RSGB role, Ian is enthusiastic about fostering close ties with STEM organisations and STEM ambassadors across the UK, including those already engaged with the RSGB. If you’d like to contact Ian to share suggestions that may enhance the RSGB’s STEM outreach programme, you can contact him via stem.champion@rsgb.org.uk If you are looking for an activity to keep the children busy during the summer holidays, why not plan a visit to the RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park? The knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers will be on hand to give an introduction to radio technology, how it works and why it is still relevant today. There are interactive displays as well as the opportunity to get a certificate for sending your name in Morse code. There will also be three more of the successful Spy Transmitter events during the summer, so keep an eye on the Bletchley Park website and the RSGB comms channels if you’d like to take part. Start planning your visit by going to rsgb.org/nrc. Don’t forget that as a membership benefit, RSGB members can visit the world-famous Bletchley Park estate, including the RSGB National Radio Centre, for free. Download your voucher by going to rsgb.org/bpvoucher Did you know that the Radio Communications Foundation offers funding to young people who need help with the Foundation licence exam fee? They need to be under the age of 21 and in full-time education. If you know someone who may be eligible, help spread the word and promote this programme. To find out more and submit an application, go to commsfoundation.co.uk  and select ‘RCF Grants’ from the sub-menu. This year marked the centenary of the unique mechanical Alexanderson Alternator transmitter at Grimeton near Varberg in Sweden. GB2RS Newsreader and NRC volunteer Brian Hardy, G4BIP, travelled to Sweden for a special 70th birthday trip with his partner Hilary, G7SOI. On the 2nd of July, they were able to watch SAQ being operated on a frequency of 17.2kHz as part of the celebration. Brian was even allowed to key up the station in advance of the formal transmission and send some test messages. Despite SAQ having a power output of 80kW, nobody came back to his CQ call! However, it was a big tick on his 'bucket list'! The station is usually fired up twice a year and is well worth a visit. You can discover much more, including a fascinating YouTube video of the centenary event, via alexander.n.se The UK Six Metre Group’s AGM will be held via Zoom on Sunday, the 27th of July 2025 at 17:00 UTC. The AGM will include receiving the Group’s financial report, presentation of officers’ reports and elections. For more information about the Group, visit uksmg.org Don't forget that 145 Alive is taking place today from 12 to 3 pm. According to the organisers, there will be 47 individual nets on the air from diverse high points all over the UK and Ireland with over 1,000 participants! To take part, all you need to do is call into a local net and make contact with others on the 2m band. You can find more information on the 145 Alive Facebook page. Alternatively, you can email 145aliveuk@gmail.com And now for details of rallies and events Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally is taking place today, the 20th, at Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors open at 7 am for traders and at 9.30 am for visitors. Refreshments are available from the Museum's cafeteria. Admission for visitors and car-booters costs £3 and is £10 for traders. For more details, email secretary@bsears.co.uk The Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Radio Rally is taking place today, the 20th, at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors are open from 10 am and admission costs £3. This is an indoor event, and ample free parking is available. For more information, phone Steve, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com Wiltshire Radio Rally will take place on Sunda,y the 27th of July at Kington Langley Village Hall, Church Road, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. The doors open for traders at 7 am and at 9 am for visitors. Refreshments will be available on site. You can find out more by visiting chippenhamradio.club Now the Special Event news Special callsign DL0SOP is active until the 31st of July for the 67th edition of the Sea of Peace Award. More details about the award are available via tinyurl.com/seaofpeace  QSL via Club Log's OQRS, Logbook of the World and eQSL. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Singapore becoming an independent republic on the 9th of August 1965, Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society's members are allowed to replace their normal prefix, 9V1, with the special prefix S60 until the 9th of August. So if you want to put some S60 calls in your log, now is the time! Now the DX news Michael, VE2XB is active as TF/VE2XB from Olafsvik, Iceland, EU-021, until the 25th of July. He is operating CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via Michael’s home call. The IP1X team will be active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, on the 26th and 27th of July. The team will operate CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via OQRS, via the Bureau or directly to IU1JCZ. More information is available at QRZ.com. Now the contest news Today, the 20th, the RSGB International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600 UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power. On Tuesday the 22nd, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1830 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on 2.3 to 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 24th, the RSGB 80m Club Championship Data Contest runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The RSGB IOTA Contest starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 26th and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 27th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference. On Sunday the 27th, the UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz Contest runs from 0600 to 1800 UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 17th of July. Space weather has been a bit like our terrestrial weather this week. We have had sunspots, some C-class solar flares, some coronal mass ejections and a large coronal hole – unsettled, you could say! Luckily, the coronal mass ejections were not Earth-directed, but the Kp index did rise to 5 on the 15th of July and again late on the 16th of July. The large coronal hole, which may have been responsible, is well south on the Sun’s surface and should rotate out of Earth’s view by the beginning of the coming week. Meanwhile, the Sun appears to have woken up, spot-wise, with 11 groups on the 17th of July, four of which are classed as growing, while two are stable and three are declining. Two groups are unclassified at this time. This resulted in an increase in the solar flux index to 152 on Thursday, the 17th. Overall, this means quite reasonable HF conditions considering the time of year. Recent DX spots included the JW0V DXpedition to Svalbard on both SSB and FT8, and C93RRC in Mozambique on 17m CW, plus 30, 20 and 10m FT8. Conditions have been up and down, with daytime maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path reaching 28MHz at times, but then quickly declining to 18 or 19MHz ten minutes later. All we can advise is to keep listening! Nighttime MUFs over a 3,000km path have generally been exceeding 10MHz, and occasionally reaching 14MHz. We may start to see nighttime 14MHz openings tailing off as we head into late July. Next week, NOAA is a little pessimistic with a predicted solar flux index in the range of 118 to 130. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions, with a possible Kp of 4, are forecast for Tuesday, 22nd of July. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The unsettled weather over this weekend will continue through the first part of the coming week. Some of the rain will be heavy and possibly thundery, so there is a good chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands. After mid-week, the pattern may change enough for a weak ridge of high pressure to build close to the UK and this may offe

GB2RS News Sunday, the 13th of July 2025   The news headlines: The RSGB announces speakers for its annual Convention in October Get involved with chasing awards this summer RSGB Regional Representatives elect a new Regional Forum Chair The RSGB is delighted to announce that the Keynote Speaker for its 2025 Convention will be Professor Lucie Green. She is a Professor of Physics and a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory of the University College London. She has also presented many TV and radio programmes, including The Sky at Night and Stargazing Live. During her talk, Professor Green will provide an update on the proposed Moon-Enabled Sun Occultation Mission, which she is working on with fellow UK researchers. The project will enable the team to study the conditions that create solar storms, leading to improvements in forecasts of space weather on Earth. As well as releasing details of the Keynote Speaker, the RSGB has published a teaser of its Convention programme. This includes Neil Smith, G4DBN, who will share his experience of taking complex ideas and turning them into stories that connect with wider audiences. Many of you will be familiar with Neil from the popular BBC series “The Secret Genius of Modern Life”, for which he recreated a device invented by Leon Theremin. Bill Rothwell, G0VDE, will show you that DXpeditions don’t always need to involve masses of equipment, and that one person can make a successful trip with only the luggage they carry. RSGB Propagation Studies Committee member Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL, will explore Travelling Ionospheric Disturbances, whilst Brian Coleman, G4NNS, will give you the latest update on the UK Meteor Radar System. Read the full list of confirmed speakers by going to rsgb.org/convention  and selecting the “RSGB 2025 Convention speakers” option from the right-hand menu. The RSGB 2025 Convention is taking place at Kents Hill Conference Centre between the 10th and 12th of October. Book your ticket now and join like-minded people for a fun-filled weekend. Set yourself a challenge this summer and get involved with awards chasing. The RSGB awards are open to everyone, whatever your age, licence level and personal interests. They encourage you to push yourself further, learn something new and can even help you to make tweaks to your station to maximise performance. If HF is your mode, then visit rsgb.org/awards  and get involved with the IARU Region 1 Award, which encourages you to make contacts with member countries. If VHF or UHF is your preference, then challenge yourself to the 50MHz Continents and Countries Award. Several Foundation awards are aimed at getting new licensees on the air and helping build confidence. For younger RSGB members, there are two awards designed to show the breadth that amateur radio offers. The RSGB Scouts, Cadets and Girlguiding Youth Champion, Samuel McCutchion, 2E1UEL, recently completed the Radio Surfer Award and shared his experience with us. Read how he got on by going to rsgb.org/award-stories  At a recent meeting of the RSGB Regional Forum, the RSGB Regional Representatives elected George Crawford, MM0JNL, as the Regional Forum Chair. George represents Scotland South and Western Isles as the Representative for Region 1. He got involved in amateur radio in 2020 and gained his Full licence by March 2021. George has also been a GB2RS Newsreader. Along with the rest of the Regional Team, George is keen to continue to help RSGB members and the wider amateur radio community, and to promote amateur radio and the Society at public events. He will be attending Kirriemuir Show on the 19th of July to showcase amateur radio to the agricultural and rural communities. You can hear more details about that in the Special Event News section of this week’s GB2RS News. Last week, senior RSGB staff and some members of the RSGB Board met for two days to discuss the next implementation phase of the Society’s strategy. The discussions covered several topics, including how to ensure the Society stays relevant to the modern radio amateur. Those discussions led to some initial plans for the next six months that focus on one or two clear goals. More details of the plans will be shared over the coming weeks, including in strategy updates and at the ‘Meet the Board’ session at the RSGB Convention in October. Following the RSGB’s attendance at Dayton and Friedrichshafen, it was also noted that the Society is held in high esteem around the world and that many other national societies are keen to learn from the RSGB’s achievements. Ben, M7FRS and John, G0JDL, are hoping to be operating aeronautical mobile in a Cessna 172 for about an hour tomorrow, Monday the 14th, over the skies of Norfolk and Suffolk. The pair will be departing from Beccles Airfield at around midday. They will initially be on the 2m band FM calling frequency of 145.500MHz before changing frequency. As per the new licensing arrangements, they will be using less than 500mW. Listen out for them, as they'd love to get you in their log!  During this weekend’s IARU HF World Championship, five stations will be active on the 80 to 10m bands using SSB and CW and tested under field conditions. They will be using the exact planned equipment for the WRTC 2026 event as a trial. The operating location will be a cluster of sites within the grounds of the Euston Estate in Suffolk. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS. There will be two awards available for chasers during this event, so listen out for the following callsigns: GB0WR, GB2WR, GB5WR, GB8WR and GB9WR. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/wrtctest The next in the popular 145 Alive series will take place on Sunday, the 20th of July, from 12 pm to 3 pm. The event will have over 40 stations and 1,000 participants from all over the UK and Ireland. To take part on the day, simply call into a local net and make contact with others. You can find more information, including details of the nets, the operators, their locations and operating frequencies on the 145 Alive Events Facebook page. And now for details of rallies and events The McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale is taking place today, the 13th, at Oak Trees Event Field, Cocks Lane, Warfield, Bracknell, RG42 6JE. Traders are welcome from 8 am. The doors will be open for visitors from 9 am to 3 pm. The entrance fee is £4 per person. A trader’s table costs £15 and this includes admission for two people. Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Saturday, the 19th of July at Welwick Village Hall, North Lane, Welwick, HU12 0SH. The doors will be open from 10 am to 3 pm, and visitor entrance costs £3. Indoor tables are fully booked, but there is still outdoor space available at £5 per table. Please bring your own table. For more information, email rally@hfdxarc.com Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally will take place on Sunday, the 20th of July at Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB. The doors open at 7 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Refreshments are available from the Museum's cafeteria. Admission for visitors and car-booters costs £3 and £10 for traders. For more details, email secretary@bsears.co.uk The Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Radio Rally will take place on Sunday, the 20th of July at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors will be open from 10 am and admission costs £3. This is an indoor event, and ample free parking will be available. Over 50 tables of traders and special interest groups will be present. Booking a table costs £10. For more information, phone Steve, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com Now the Special Event news On Saturday, the 19th of July, RSGB Region 1 Representative George, MM0JNL, will be hosting special event station GB4KAS at the Kirriemuir Show in Angus, Scotland, from 10 am to 5 pm. This new venture is intended to showcase the RSGB and amateur radio to the agricultural and rural community. It will also allow unlicensed guest operators to have some supervised radio operating time and, hopefully, have their first international radio contact. The station will be operating using SSB on the HF bands and FM on the 2m band. If you hear the operators on the air, give them a call! GB70RS is the special callsign helping to celebrate 70 years of the RSGB’s News Service, GB2RS. This coming week, the callsign is being aired by Dave, G4IDF, on all bands from 80 to 6m, plus 4m and 2m, using SSB and FT8. If you hear Dave, give him a call! A special QSL card is available. See QRZ.com for more details. Now the DX news Eric, KV1J is active as FP/KV1J from Miquelon Island, NA-032, until tomorrow, the 14th. He is operating using CW, FT4, FT8 and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, Club Log's OQRS, eQSL or via Eric’s home call, directly or via the Bureau. For more information visit QRZ.com Pierre, VK3KTB, is active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island, NA-008, until the 24th of July. He operates using CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands when time permits. QSL via M0OXO's OQRS and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news The IARU HF Championship started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27. The GR2HQ Challenge also started at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC today, Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27. Today, the 13th, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47, and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday the 15th, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm ban

GB2RS News Sunday, the 6th of July 2025 The news headlines: Don’t miss tomorrow’s RSGB Tonight@8 webinar on UK Bunkers on the Air Get involved with the GR2HQ challenge RSGB appoints a new CW Champion The next episode in the Tonight@8 series is tomorrow, Monday, the 7th of July. During the webinar, Tony Hodge, M0TNI and Jason Dale, 2E0JIV, will discuss their journey into amateur radio, what they enjoy about it and how they got involved in UK Bunkers on the Air. UKBOTA  is a programme and awards scheme that encourages radio amateurs to activate Royal Observer Corps and other types of bunkers in the United Kingdom. The webinar will be livestreamed on the Society’s YouTube channel and special BATC channel, allowing you to watch and ask questions live. Find out more by going to rsgb.org/webinars The IARU HF Championship contest begins in less than a week, and the RSGB Contest Committee is encouraging both individuals and clubs to get involved. During the contest, Headquarters Stations represent their countries, with the RSGB’s station GR2HQ being run by a network of about a dozen stations around the UK and islands. Get involved with the GR2HQ challenge and work the stations between 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th of July and 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 13th of July. Certificates of Achievement will be available for all stations, and those stations achieving high scores will receive Certificates of Merit. For the full rules, go to the GR2HQ Challenge page on the Contest Committee website via rsgbcc.org RSGB Board Director Mark Jones, G0MGX, is delighted to announce that Laura Robertson, MM7BFL, has agreed to take on the volunteer role of the RSGB CW Champion. Laura will head up the RSGB’s Morse-related activities and become an advocate for the use of CW. In her role, Laura will also help the Society to take CW to new audiences, with an emphasis on learning and development to further the skills of its members. Laura is a member of CWops and volunteers in the CW Academy team as a co-advisor, primarily assisting EU-based amateurs who are enrolled on the courses. She is often active on the HF bands using CW in POTA and SOTA activities, as well as from her home station. You can contact Laura via cw.champion@rsgb.org.uk. The RSGB has received a lot of interest in supporting this role, and in due course, it will be in contact with those who have said they would like to join a Morse support team. When was the last time you revalidated your licence? Ofcom notes that whilst it is a requirement to revalidate your licence every five years, it is recommended to do it annually. Put a reminder in your diary to revalidate your licence soon, as Ofcom has stated that it intends to implement phases two and three of the planned updates to the amateur radio licensing framework later this year. These phases include changes to new and Intermediate callsigns and rules for special event stations. You can find guidance on the process by going to the RSGB website and searching ‘licence revalidation’. As well as FAQs, you’ll also find a link to a step-by-step video by Ofcom, which shows you the process of revalidating your licence using the online licensing portal. Bawdsey Radar Trust will be holding an event to commemorate the world’s first airborne radar experiments. The event on Friday, the 15th of August, will take place at Adastral Park, the home to BT's research and innovation labs at Martlesham Heath in Suffolk. Presentation topics will include Radar Early Days, Airborne Radar and Family Histories. There will be two sessions open to members of the public. The morning session is aimed at people with little technical knowledge, and the afternoon session is for those with some technical knowledge. To find out more and book your ticket, go to bawdseyradar.org.uk  and click on ‘Radar in the Air’. If you're unable to attend this event, why not learn about radar history with a visit to the Bawdsey Radar Museum? Don't forget, as an RSGB member, you can save 20% on the ticket price. Visit rsgb.org/partner-museums  to download your voucher. This year, International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will run from 0001 UTC on the 16th of August to 2400 UTC on the 17th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. Registration for the event is open at illw.net Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events Saffron Walden Radio Ham and CB Club Rally is taking place today, the 6th, at Lovecotes Farm, Chickney Road, Henham Village, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 6BH. Booking a table for today costs £10, and you can arrive from 8 am onwards. For more information, email g8swr1.5@gmail.com Barford Norfolk Radio Rally is taking place today, the 6th, at Barford Village Hall and Green, Barford, Norwich, NR9 4AB. The doors open at 9 am for visitors. The event features trade stands, car boot sales, bring and buy, a charity raffle, repeater groups, catering and free car parking. Entry costs £3 per person, but under 16s will be admitted free of charge. Outside pitches cost £8 and are available from 8 am. For more details visit tinyurl.com/Barford2025  or email David, G7URP at radio@dcpmicro.com The McMichael Radio & Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday the 13th of July at Oak Trees Event Field, Cocks Lane, Warfield, Bracknell, RG42 6JE. Traders are welcome from 8 am. The doors will be open for visitors from 9 am to 3 pm. The entrance fee is £4 per person. A trader’s table costs £15 and this includes admission for two people. Now the Special Event news Special callsign GB70RS is in use to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the RSGB’s weekly news service GB2RS, which has been running continuously since the 25th of September 1955. A team of amateurs is using the callsign on a variety of bands and modes. QSL via the Bureau, Logbook of the World and eQSL. For more information, visit rsgb.org/gb70rs Members of Central Uusimaa Radio Amateurs Association, OH2AP, are active throughout 2025 as OF60AP to celebrate their club's 60th anniversary. QSL via Club Log's OQRS. For details of a certificate that is available for working the station, see tinyurl.com/oh2ap25 Now the DX news Don, KW7R, is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands. He is there on a work assignment until September 2025. In his spare time, he operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. George, VU2DGR, is active as AT44I from Bharati Research Station. He is a member of the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. The station was spotted recently on the 20m band using SSB. QSL via home call. Now the contest news Today, the 6th, the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1100 to 1500 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. RSGB VHF National Field Day started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 5th and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 6th of July. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB VHF Fixed Station Contest started at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 5th and ends at 1400 UTC today, Sunday, the 6th of July. Using all modes on the 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cm and 23cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Tomorrow, the 7th, the RSGB 80m CW Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030 UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday, the 8th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855 UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday, the 8th, the 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 9th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday, the 10th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130 UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The GR2HQ Challenge starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27. The IARU HF Championship starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 12th and ends at 1200 UTC on Sunday, the 13th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and ITU Zone. The UK is in Zone 27. On Sunday, the 13th, the UK Microwave Group 24, 47, and 76GHz Contest runs from 0900 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24 to 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 3rd of July 2025 It looks like the Space Weather Prediction Centre, which supplies the forecasts for NOAA, were overly cautious last week. Despite predicting geomagnetic disturbances, we had quite a calm week. The Kp index rose to 3.33 on a few occasions, but that was it. We ended up with settled geomagnetic conditions and a solar flux index in the 120s to 130s. A warning about the impact of a coronal mass ejection, or CME, which left the Sun on the 28th of June, appeared to come to nothing. This made a much-needed change to the unsettled conditions of previous weeks. As a result, maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs for short, over a 3,000km