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June 12, 2026Episode 50117 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for June 14th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday the 14th of June 2026 The news headlines: IARU President announced as the keynote speaker for the RSGB 2026 Convention The RSGB has updated its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy Make use of the RSGB Full question bank Four years ago, IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA shared his thoughts on the changes and challenges to the amateur service and what the future held for amateur radio. On Saturday the 10th of October 2026, Tim will return to the RSGB Convention and in his presentation he will touch on whether the future turned out as expected! Tim is currently serving his fourth term as IARU President and the RSGB is delighted to welcome him back as the keynote speaker. Buy your ticket for the RSGB Convention by going to rsgb.org/convention As well as the keynote, the Society has a speaker programme that will bring radio amateurs a wide-ranging selection of lectures. Whether you are keen to enhance your knowledge on propagation, FT8, or you want to learn more on VHF and above, there is something for everyone. You can keep up to date with the latest speakers by visiting the Convention speaker page. The RSGB Convention takes place between the 9th and 11th of October 2026 at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. The RSGB is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and accessible amateur radio community in which all individuals can participate fully and safely. It aims not only to prevent discrimination, but to actively remove barriers to participation, promote equity, and create an environment where diversity is valued and inclusion is embedded in all that we do. The Society reviews all its policies regularly and this week it has published an updated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. The policy has clearer language to explain the responsibilities of Directors, staff, volunteers, RSGB members and affiliated clubs, as well as participants in RSGB events, training, and programmes. The policy also applies to all RSGB platforms and environments. The Society encourages all members and affiliated clubs to read the policy. You can find it on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/policies The RSGB will review this policy at least annually and monitor its implementation to ensure continuous improvement. In April, the RSGB Exams Team published the entire Full licence exam question bank on the RSGB website. This means that anyone studying for their Full licence has this valuable resource at their fingertips. The interface also allows users to generate their own mock examinations from the question bank. Feedback by radio amateurs has said how useful the resource is and that anyone studying for their exam should take a look. To get started go to rsgb.org/exam-questions The RSGB Examinations Standards Committee has also prepared some FAQs to support the publication of the question bank. You can access these on the Exam FAQs web page. Have you seen the ‘About the RSGB’ playlist on the Society’s YouTube channel? There are nearly 50 videos to choose from including a number of recently released videos with RSGB representatives. You’ll be able watch RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA talk about a range of propagation topics including the best months for propagation and the possible effect of AI on propagation forecasts. If you’d like to learn more about the work of the RSGB EMC Committee, you can watch Committee Chair John Rogers, M0JAV discuss some of the upcoming projects it has planned. You can watch the full playlist by going to youtube.com/thersgb The next Bath Based Distance Learning Full Licence course will run between August and December 2026. The course will include weekly tutorials and work packages via an online classroom as well as access to a remote tutor. Applicants must work through pre-course material and complete a quiz to be eligible for a place. To request full details, and an application form, please email Bath Based Distance Learning’s Team Leader, Steve, G0FUW via g0fuw@bbdl.org.uk If you’re one of the nearly ten thousand HamClock users, please be aware that the original HamClock backend server will stop working sometime in June 2026 following the original developer passing away in January. To continue using HamClock after this date and to keep receiving updates, you must switch the HamClock backend server. To find out more about this and for links to guides for both Raspberry Pi-based HamClocks, or those using an Inovato Quadra, visit hamclockisnotdead.com The replacement open-source HamClock backend server is called ‘OpenHamClock Backend’ and more details can be found at ohb.works Unlike the original, this is completely open source and is run by a team of developers so there is no one particular person responsible. The same team is also providing updates to the HamClock client itself which is now up to version 4.26. 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 The Junction 28 Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 14th of June, at The Post Mill Centre, South Normanton, Derbyshire, DE55 2EJ. The doors open at 10.15am and admission is £4. For more information visit snadarc.com or contact j28rally@snadarc.com Also today, Sunday the 14th, the Mendips Radio Rally is taking place at Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney BS39 6UA. The doors open at 7.30am for traders and at 9.30am for visitors. Entrance costs £3. For more information contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email luke@mymixradio.co.uk On Wednesday the 17th of June, the Lincoln Short Wave Club Used Equipment Sale will take place at the Village Hall, Aisthorpe, Lincoln, LN1 2SG. Booking in will be open from 6pm and the auction starts at 7pm. On Saturday the 20th of June, Inverness and District Amateur Radio Society GM North Radio Rally will be held at Glachbeg Croft Centre, Allanglach Wood, North Kessock, IV1 3XD. The doors will be open from 10am. For more information email invernessradiosociety@gmail.com Also on Saturday the 20th of June, Rochdale and District Amateur Society Summer Rally will take place at St. Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. The doors open at 10am and entry costs £3. For more information call 07587 709 006 or email rally.radars@hotmail.com On Sunday the 21st of June 2026, the East Suffolk Wireless Revival, also known as the Ipswich Radio Rally will be held at Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW. The doors open at 9.30am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. More details are available at eswr.org.uk Now the Special Event news Special event station GB8GAW will be active from Monday the 22nd of June until Sunday the 12th of July to promote Glaucoma Awareness Week. Look for activity on the HF bands using FT8, FT4 and SSB. Special event station GB1SCW will be on the air on Sunday the 21st of June from the Shoreham by Sea National Coast Watch Station, BN43 5HY. The station will be operated by members of Rustington Amateur Radio Group and Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club to celebrate the work of coastal communities. Activity is expected to be mostly on the 40m band using SSB. See QRZ.com for more information. Members of the Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society will be at this year’s Military Vehicle Trust Show at Badsey Farm in Evesham. They will be operating special event station GB26WVE from Wednesday the 17th until Tuesday the 23rd of June. Several ex-Military Signals vehicles will be operating on the VHF, UHF and HF bands. The operators are keen to make lots of contacts so if you hear the station give it a call. Now the DX news Paul, MM0ZBH is active as 5Z4/MM0ZBH from Kenya until tomorrow, Monday the 15th of June. He operates using CW, FT8 and SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS. Rafal, SQ4O is a member of the 50th Polish Antarctic Expedition to the Henryk Arctowski Station on King George Island, South Shetland Islands, AN-010. He will be working there until October. In his spare time, he is operating as HF0PAS on the HF bands using CW and SSB. Rafal may also be active on the 6m band using FT8. Now the contest news The IARU ATV Contest started at 1200 UTC yesterday, the 13th, and ends at 1800UTC today, Sunday the 14th of June. Using TV on frequencies from 432MHz and up, the exchange is picture quality, serial number, four-digit code and locator. Today, Sunday the 14th of June, the RSGB 2nd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, Sunday the 14th of June, the Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest runs from 0900 to 1600 UTC. Using AM, FM, SSB and CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. A maximum of 5W of power can be used in this contest. Tomorrow, Monday the 15th of June, 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 of June, 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 18th of June, 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. The RSGB 50MHz Trophy Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday the 20th of June and runs until 1400 UTC on Sunday the 21st of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The All Asian DX Contest starts at 0000 UTC on Saturday the 20th and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday the 21st of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and your age. On Sunday the 21st of June, the Worked All Britain 50MHz Phone Contest runs from 0800 to 1400 UTC. Using SSB on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 11th of June 2026 Last week we warned you about a potential geomagnetic disturbance caused by a triple coronal mass ejection, or CME, from the Sun. As it turned out, the Kp index rose to 6.33 and poor HF conditions ensued, just in time for RSGB National Field Day. Luckily, Sunday the 7th wasn’t quite so bad, but it did show how a Kp index rise can damage HF propagation. A further CME warning has since been cancelled, but we are not out of the woods just yet. A long-duration mid-level C-Flare was observed in the northeast quadrant of the Sun, peaking at just after midnight on Thursday the 11th of June. A CME with a possible Earth-directed component is possible, which could lead to a Kp index rise. Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 124 on Thursday the 11th, as predicted, but that’s still enough for some DX potential. Sporadic-E has been providing lots of entertainment, so make the most of it during June, which is one of the best months for Sporadic-E activity. Settled geomagnetic conditions, with a low Kp index, appear to provide the best time for Sporadic-E. DX to be worked this week includes 5Z4/MM0ZBH in Kenya which is active until the 15th of June. The station has been spotted on the 10m band using FT8 and on the 20m band using CW and SSB. PJ2/PH2M is active from Curacao until the 29th of June using mainly FT8 and some SSB. D4OL from Cape Verde is active on FT8 and FT4 until Friday the 22nd of June. Finally, look out for the FS/K9EL station from St Martin which is active until Wednesday the 24th of June. While we are in this period of Summer thunderstorms, a reminder that it may be a good idea to unplug the antennas from your HF radios when not in use. But make sure you do this before any storm approaches! Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will be in the 120 to 130 range. Quiet geomagnetic conditions are forecast all week, with a maximum Kp index of 3. But be aware of CMEs which are not easily predicted. Any solar flare and subsequent CME could upset the apple cart, so keep an eye on solarham.com for up-to-date news. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO There have been some very good Sporadic-E conditions recently. This was particularly true at 50MHz with openings at lunchtime and into the evening towards the USA on Tuesday the 9th and Wednesday the 10th. There was also an opening into Japan during the morning of Thursday the 11th of June. 70MHz has seen openings, mainly to eastern Europe and Spain. Notably we haven’t seen much in the way of 144MHz Sporadic-E yet, but QSOs have been made by a lucky few. All this Sporadic-E activity has probably been aided by the extra long-lived metallic ions from meteors of the daytime Arietids, an important shower in early June. The other ingredient often associated with Sporadic-E is the presence of jet streams, which are very effective at generating turbulence that can propagate up to the E region and aid Sporadic-E formation. The coming week looks to be reasonably set up with jet stream activity. This is probably more relevant for the northern half of Europe so may favour Scandinavia and the Baltic, with the occasional opportunity farther south. As for meteor scatter, there is a gap in the calendar and it's probably a case of relying upon random activity which tends to peak around dawn. Rain scatter may fare better with a chance of showers, especially in northern parts of the country. The solar conditions have recently been at the low end of the scale, with a Kp index between 1 and 3 which is typical of high summer. This also reduces the chances of radio auroras. There will be a period of high pressure today, the 14th, before low pressure returns to northern Britain next week, although the south may stay close to higher pressure. This offers a chance of some tropo conditions. EME now, and Moon declination continues to increase to a maximum tomorrow, the 15th, with path losses falling towards minimum at perigee. 144MHz sky temperature is moderate, becoming high tomorrow, the 15th, with the Sun close to the Moon, before falling back to low again from Wednesday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

June 5, 2026Episode 50017 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for June 7th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday the 7th of June 2026 The news headlines: Discover how vibe coding can help radio amateurs RSGB Board Director attends ARISS International Conference Trio of RSGB experts added to the RSGB Convention programme RSGB Board Chair, Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, delivered a technical seminar called 'Vibe Coding for radio amateurs' at the Four Days In May Symposium. The event was organised by the QRP ARCI and held before the start of the Dayton Hamvention. You can now enjoy the presentation from the comfort of your own home by watching it online at tinyurl.com/fdim-vibecoding Stewart's presentation demonstrated additional things AI can do to aid radio amateurs. His talk was delivered to a packed audience and was based on the workshops he ran at last year's RSGB Convention and in Blackpool this April. If you are interested in finding out more about how radio amateurs can utilise AI, the RSGB is hosting workshops on the topic at its Convention in October. Find out more at rsgb.org/convention-workshops Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, or ARISS, held its annual conference in London last week. The event was organised by RSGB Representative to ARISS, Ciaran Morgan, M0XTD, and attended by Board Director Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB. On behalf of the RSGB President, Patrick delivered a short welcome at the event opening and attended an RSGB-sponsored evening reception along with other RSGB Board Directors. ARISS International contacts are a fantastic way to demonstrate the place of amateur radio within STEM, and the RSGB continues to support this excellent outreach work. The RSGB was a founding member of the European division of ARISS in the 1990s, along with AMSAT-UK, and is pleased it continues to be such a globally recognised STEM activity. The RSGB has added a trio of experts to its Convention programme. RSGB ETCC member John McCullagh, GI4BWM will deliver a lecture on ETCC, repeaters and new technology, whilst RSGB EMCC Chair Dr John Rogers, M0JAV will be on hand to enhance your knowledge on EMF exclusion zones. You’ll also be able to discover the results of the 12th of August eclipse propagation experiment with RSGB PSC Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA. These presenters have years of experience in their field and this is your opportunity to learn directly from them. Join them at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between 9-11 October by securing your ticket at rsgb.org/convention The Region 12 team is looking for a volunteer to become the District Representative for Cambridge. If you live in the area and are passionate about supporting local radio amateurs, then please get in touch with the Regional Representative Brian Woolnough, M5ADQ via rr12@rsgb.org.uk. The role of District Representative varies from attending rallies and making club visits, to supporting individual radio amateurs and responding to queries via email. View the full list of Regional Team vacancies by going to rsgb.org/volunteers After a three-year wait since the last World Radiosport Team Championship in Italy, WRTC 2026 in the UK is nearly upon us. The RSGB is proud to be an official partner of the event and will be highlighting UK participants in its ‘Photo Friday’ feature on social media. Each Friday throughout June, the Society will share an image showing you a different aspect of the Championship, from the UK team to a UK volunteer, a referee, and a member of the WRTC organising committee. Head to the RSGB’s Facebook, Instagram or X pages to see the latest post. You can also read more about WRTC on page 45 of the July edition of RadCom, which will be available from the 17th of June. The Blue Ham Team has been actively monitoring the 60m band over the past weeks. Due to the current propagation conditions, the team has decided to cancel the planned Exercise in June. The next Exercise is planned for October 2026, and updates will be provided closer to the time. For more information visit tinyurl.com/BlueHam26 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 The Broadcast Engineering Museum has an open day today, Sunday the 7th of June, from 11 am. The museum is located at 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5XS. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world. For more information, visit becg.org.uk/events Also today, the 7th of June, Spalding and District Amateur Radio Society’s Annual Radio Rally is taking place at Spalding Rugby and Football Club, Centenary Park, Drain Bank North, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 6AF. Free car parking is available, and the entrance fee is £3 per person. Traders, catering and an RSGB stall are on site. For more details, visit sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally On Sunday the 14th of June, the Junction 28 Radio Rally will be held at The Post Mill Centre, South Normanton, Derbyshire, DE55 2EJ. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £4. Indoor and outdoor tables are available. For more information and to book tables, visit snadarc.com or contact j28rally@snadarc.com Also on Sunday the 14th of June, the Mendips Radio Rally is taking place at Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney BS39 6UA. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and at 9.30 am for visitors. Entrance costs £3. For more information and table bookings, contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email luke@mymixradio.co.uk Now the Special Event news The Ramsbury Amateur Radio DX Group is active as GB1DDAY until tomorrow, the 8th of June, to commemorate the D-Day landings. The station is operating from the decommissioned RAF and USAAF site in Ramsbury, Wiltshire. Activity is on the 80 to 10m bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. Amateur radio operators across the USA, Canada and Mexico are activating a series of special callsigns to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stations are active until the 19th of July from each of the cities hosting the tournament. Look out for activity on all bands and modes. For more information, visit wc2026ses.org To mark the 90th anniversary of Akashvani, also known as All India Radio, the state-owned public radio broadcaster in India, VU3YBH will be active as AT90VANI until the 16th of August. The station is operating using FT8 and SSB on the 20, 15, 12 and 10m bands. QSL via the bureau. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and Logbook of the World. Now the DX news Mike, VE2XB is active as VY0ZOO from Coral Harbour on Southampton Island, NA-007, until mid-June. He usually operates using CW and SSB on the 40 to 10m bands. QSL directly to Mike’s home call. Mike, 9M2/KM9D is operating from Teluk Kelubi Beach on Rebak Island, AS-058, in West Malaysia. He operates low-power CW on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. Now the contest news RSGB National Field Day started at 1500 UTC yesterday, the 6th, and ends at 1500 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The UK Six Metre Group Summer Contest started at 1300 UTC yesterday, the 6th, and ends at 1300 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and member number. The ARRL International Digital Contest started at 1800 UTC yesterday, the 6th, and ends at 2359 UTC today, Sunday, the 7th of June. Using digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator. Today, the 7th of June, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0900 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3, 2.3 and 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday, the 9th of June, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1800 to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 9th of June, 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 of June, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 10th of June, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100 UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. Also, on Wednesday, the 10th of June, the RSGB 80m Club Championship CW Contest runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday, the 11th of June, 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 IARU ATV Contest starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 13th and ends at 1800 UTC on Sunday, the 14th of June. Using TV on frequencies from 432MHz and up, the exchange is picture quality, serial number, four-digit code and locator. On Sunday, the 14th of June, the RSGB 2nd 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Sunday the 14th of June, the Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest runs from 0900 to 1600 UTC. Using AM, FM, SSB and CW on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. A maximum of 5W of power can be used in this contest. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday, the 4th of June. We are awaiting the arrival of solar material as a result of three coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, that erupted off the Sun. These were sparked by three solar flares. These, coupled with a high-speed solar wind stream from an Earth-facing coronal hole, threaten to initiate a geomagnetic storm. A strong G3 geomagnetic storm has been predicted, which could push the Kp index up to 6 or 7, and push maximum usable frequencies down, perhaps lasting through the weekend and affecting RSGB National Field Day. Meanwhile, the solar flux index has crept up and stood at 147 on Thursday, the 4th of June. This has meant that the ionosphere has been playing ball, with lots of reports of DX being worked, either through F-region propagation or Sporadic E. The 10m band has been sounding like 20m at times, especially around the FT8 frequency of 28.074MHz. DX to be worked this week includes 5Z4/MM0ZBH in Kenya, 8Q7ML in the Maldives, VJ2L on Lord Howe Island, 5H1KB in Tanzania and 9X5KM operating from Rwanda. We are now heading for midsummer, which means the 20m band may be open 24 hours a day. In general, F-region maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, will be lower than in the winter or spring. However, Sporadic-E makes up for that with strong signals on the higher HF bands out to 1,500km on a single hop, with occasional multi-hop openings. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will decline, perhaps into the 120 to 135 range. After the recent geomagnetic upset clears, conditions are predicted to stabilise, with the Kp index forecast to be around 2 for the beginning of the coming week. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are then forecast from Thursday the 11th to Sunday the 14th with the potential for the Kp index to hit between 4 and 6, with a corresponding drop in the MUF. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The unsettled weather has brought some heavy rain and a few chances of rain scatter for the GHz bands, but it does also tend to limit the chances of tropo. However, it is the UK that retains the unsettled weather, whereas the continent is still enjoying relatively higher pressure. So perhaps stations in southern Britain may be able to gain some occasional tropo advantage. There are options for meteor scatter from the Arietids, which peak early this coming week. Some predict that it will be a strong shower this year. Since it's a daytime meteor shower, it can be very useful for Sporadic-E, which makes use of the ionisation they leave behind. The Kp index has been gently disturbed at times, but not enough to generate any exciting radio aurora. However, it has possibly been disturbed enough to subdue Sporadic-E at times, as this depends on a stable and low Kp index to be most effective. Sporadic-E itself has provided some reasonable European openings and a few longer multi-hop paths for the digital modes. This unsettled weather produces strong jet streams, for summer, and should continue to be useful for providing the turbulence needed as part of the process for making Sporadic-E. The placement of the jet streams may, however, be confined to the northwestern fringe of Europe and perhaps prompt a focus on Scandinavia and northern Europe for any resulting Sporadic-E. EME now, and after last week's low declination and apogee, this week sees Moon declination increasing again and path losses falling. The 144MHz sky temperature is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

May 29, 2026Episode 49914 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for May 31st 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 31st of May 2026 The RSGB celebrates Volunteers’ Week 2026 The RSGB Youth Committee has announced the YOTA Austria team The closure of BBC Long Wave Volunteers’ Week 2026 begins tomorrow, Monday, the 1st of June. This national campaign is an opportunity for organisations like the RSGB to recognise the contribution and hard work of its volunteers. In celebration, the Society asked some of its volunteers why they chose to step forward. You’ll be able to see their answers and view more in-depth profiles from tomorrow via rsgb.org/volunteers-week. The answers, along with a short video, will also be shared on the RSGB’s social media channels throughout the week. If there is a volunteer you would like to thank, or you’d like to share your own volunteering story, please add a comment on the daily social media content that the RSGB will be posting. You can also see these profiles in the July edition of RadCom. Volunteers are at the heart of the work that the Society does, and on behalf of the RSGB Board, HQ and the amateur radio community, it would like to thank everyone who gives their time and expertise to support the RSGB across such a wide range of roles. The RSGB Youth Committee is delighted to announce the team for this year's Youngsters on the Air summer camp in Wagrain, Austria. Team leader Tom, M1TJM, will be joined by team members Filip, M7SZW and Milo, M9ILO. They will be going to the Austrian Alps at the end of July for a week of exciting activities and challenges designed to allow youth members to push their skills within amateur radio, while meeting other amateurs from across the world. The Youth Committee's hard work in promoting amateur radio to young people has seen great success, with applications increasing by 200%. All the applications received were outstanding, and the Committee was blown away by the calibre of enthusiastic youth members of amateur radio. Tom, Filip and Milo impressed them with their variety of interests and clear dedication to the hobby and promoting amateur radio. The RSGB looks forward to hearing what they get up to in Austria this summer! This year’s camp is being organised by ÖVSV, the Austrian Amateur Radio Society, and the IARU Region 1 Youth Committee. You can read more about the camp and the team at rsgb.org/yota-camp The BBC has announced that its Long Wave service on 198kHz, currently transmitting BBC Radio 4, will close on the 27th of June 2026 at 1 am BST. The Long Wave transmitters at Droitwich in Worcestershire, Westerglen near Stirling, and Burghead overlooking the Moray Firth will be closed that day. The RSGB and the BBC Amateur Radio Group will be marking this occasion on the air and are looking for volunteers to activate a special callsign in the week leading up to and including the day of the closure. In addition, three radio clubs have volunteered to activate special callsigns to celebrate the almost-92 years of these historic transmitters on the day that they are finally turned off. You can find more information on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/longwave-transmitters The weekend of the 13th and 14th of June is 1940s weekend at Bletchley Park. The RSGB National Radio Centre will be open to visitors and is supporting the occasion by hosting the special event station GB1SOE using CW on 40m. There will also be a display of World War Two radios. Remember that RSGB Members can gain free access to the Bletchley Park museum by downloading and printing the entry voucher via rsgb.org/bpvoucher The May 2026 issue of RadCom Basics is now available in the RSGB mobile and web app for members to enjoy. RadCom Basics is aimed at newcomers to amateur radio and those who enjoy refreshing their skills and knowledge. The May issue includes articles on DMR for beginners, building a 2m and 70cm travel antenna and understanding radio waves. The full collection of RadCom Basics back issues can be found in the RSGB app or via rsgb.org/radcom 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 The Broadcast Engineering Museum has an open day on Sunday, the 7th of June, from 11 am. The museum is located at 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5XS. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world. For more information, visit becg.org.uk/events Also on Sunday, the 7th of June, Spalding and District Amateur Radio Society’s Annual Radio Rally will take place at Spalding Rugby and Football Club, Centenary Park, Drain Bank North, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 6AF. Free car parking is available and the entrance fee is £3 per person. Traders, catering and an RSGB stall will be on site. For more details, visit sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally Now the Special Event news The Blind Veterans UK Amateur Radio Society will be active from the new Blind Veterans UK Rustington Centre in West Sussex, from the 1st to the 6th of June 2026, using the MX0SBV callsign. Listen for activity on the HF bands using CW and SSB. The team will also be available on the 6m, 4m, 2m and 70cm bands. For more information, visit QRZ.com Special callsign PA40AC will be active from the historic minesweeper Abraham Crijnssen during Museum Ships Weekend on Saturday, the 6th, and Sunday, the 7th of June. Look for activity on the HF bands using CW, FT8 and SSB. For more information, including details of awards that are available for working the station, visit QRZ.com Now the DX news Didier, F6BCW, is active as FO/F6BCW from Tikehau Atoll, OC-066, in French Polynesia until the 20th of July. He operates using CW and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL to FO/F6BCW via Logbook of the World and OQRS. Phill, FK1TS is active as C21TS from Nauru, OC-031, until July. He operates mainly using FT8 as well as some SSB. QSL via Logbook of the World or OQRS. QSOs are live-streamed on Club Log. Now the contest news The CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest started at 0000 UTC yesterday, the 30th, and runs until 2359 UTC today, Sunday the 31st of May. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Tomorrow, the 1st of June, 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. On Tuesday, the 2nd of June, 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 of June, 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 of June, 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 3rd of June, 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. RSGB National Field Day starts at 1500 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1500 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of June. Using CW on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The ARRL International Digital Contest starts at 1800 UTC on Saturday, the 6th of June and ends at 2359 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of June. Using digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your four-character locator. The UK Six Metre Group Summer Contest starts at 1300 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1300 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of June. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number, locator and member number. The IARU ATV Contest starts at 1200 UTC on Saturday, the 6th and ends at 1800 UTC on Sunday, the 7th of June. Using TV on frequencies from 432MHz and up, the exchange is picture quality, serial number, four-digit code and locator. On Sunday, the 7th of June, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0900 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on 1.3, 2.3 and 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 28th of May 2026 What a difference a week can make! Last week, we reported that the solar flux index was down in the 100s, but that it looked like there were spots coming around the Sun. This week, they’ve arrived, pushing the solar flux index up to 142 on Thursday, the 28th. But with sunspots comes the risk of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, so don’t get too comfy! So far, we have only seen minor C-class flares, so keep your fingers crossed. Upper HF activity has been split between F2-layer propagation and Sporadic-E. As always, there seems to be more activity on FT8 than CW or SSB. However, it is also worth keeping an eye on the 10m band beacons, which often spring out of the noise. You can find a list of 10m beacons at rsgb.org/main/technical/propagation. Just follow the link to ‘Propagation Beacons’. DX to be worked this week includes 5Z4/MM0ZBH in Kenya; 3G0Z and XR0Z on the Juan Fernández Islands; ZL7IO from the Chatham Islands; CP7DX in Bolivia, and VJ2L on Lord Howe Island. More details can be found at dx-world.net Next week, NOAA predicts the solar flux index will remain in the 140 to 150 range, with generally calm geomagnetic conditions and an estimated Kp index of 2. There may be a brief excursion to 4 around Thursday, the 4th of June, but it is predicted to return to 2 the next day. As we mentioned earlier, with up to ten sunspot groups visible on the Sun’s surface, anything could happen, so keep an eye on solarham.net for news of solar flares and CMEs. Otherwise, enjoy the good HF conditions while they last. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. The lengthy spell of heat is releasing its grip, and we are now seeing the start of a change to unsettled weather driven by Atlantic weather systems crossing the country. It can often take a while to properly reach the southeast, but there will be some rain there eventually. For most parts of the country, it will be a mix of occasional spells of rain or scattered heavy showers. Apart from transient ridges of high pressure in between the fronts, there is only a limited option for tropo, in favour of rain scatter for the coming week. The first week in June is often regarded as a prime period for Sporadic-E, and the return of unsettled weather means that there should be some jet stream activity to generate atmospheric gravity waves that provide the wind shear in the E region. There is also a lesser-known meteor shower to provide the fuel for Sporadic-E propagation. This is the Arietids, which is mainly a daytime shower. The solar conditions have provided a few recent minor enhancements of the Kp index between 1 and 4, but not enough to get excited about in a radio sense for aurora. EME now, and this is a week to check out your kit. Moon declination reaches its minimum tomorrow, the 1st of June. We also reach lunar apogee tomorrow. Conditions will improve after this period. 144MHz sky temperature is moderate to high all week, peaking at nearly 3,300 Kelvin on Tuesday. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

May 22, 2026Episode 49814 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for May 24th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 24th of May 2026 The news headlines: Volunteer at the RSGB National Radio Centre Buy your RSGB 2026 Convention ticket at 2025 prices Tonight@8 is back in June The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month, and in 2025 it was recognised in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. Much of this success can be attributed to the amazing team of volunteers. They share a strong sense of pride, enthusiasm and have a wonderful team spirit, all with the purpose of promoting amateur radio. If this sounds like something you would like to be part of, the NRC is now looking for extra volunteers to join its team. If you enjoy meeting people and are able to work a minimum of one or two days per month, get in touch with the NRC Coordinator, Martyn Baker, G0GMB, via nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk. Find out more about volunteering at the NRC by watching a short video on the RSGB’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/thersgb and selecting the ‘Volunteering for the RSGB’ playlist. The RSGB wants to make its Convention as accessible to as many people as possible. That’s why it has frozen ticket prices, and you can buy this year’s ticket at last year’s price! This means you can make the most of the early-bird pricing and buy your weekend ticket for just £49. On top of this, the Society has confirmed that, as usual, under-21s can attend the Convention for free. This week, the RSGB also announced further speakers to its growing programme. You’ll find engaging and informative presentations from Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, on the 3Y0K DXpedition to Bouvet Island, as well as Christian Entsfellner, DL3MBG, on the DARC QSL Bureau and the cooperation with the RSGB. It has also confirmed that Ian Henry, G0LFT will be delivering a lecture on understanding FT8 through DNA-sequencing parallels, which was featured in the May 2026 edition of RadCom. Go to rsgb.org/convention to secure your tickets and guarantee your place at this not-to-be-missed event. The Convention will be held at Kents Hill Park Conference Centre in Milton Keynes between the 9th and 11th of October. Following a break in May, the RSGB’s Tonight@8 series is back on Monday, the 8th of June, with a fascinating webinar by John Warburton, G4IRN, on building a remote station. If you live in an area where restrictions such as conservation areas may limit your activity, this is for you. Following his move to rural Shropshire in 2020 and encountering conservation area restrictions, he decided to develop a fully remote HF contest and DX station. In this presentation, John outlines the search for a suitable site and the key technical and operational lessons gained from several years of remote operation over Internet and 4G links. You can join the webinar live via the RSGB’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB or its special BATC channel at batc.org.uk/live/rsgb. Keep up to date with the latest programme by visiting rsgb.org/webinars The RSGB Board has announced further updates to the Board Liaison roles. Go to rsgb.org/ board to view the full list of responsibilities for each Board Director. RSGB Members will be able to use this as a guide to help them know who to contact if they have questions, concerns or ideas about any areas of the Society’s activities. You can contact each Board Director via the email address shown by their name. The RSGB team had a very successful time at the Dayton Hamvention last week. They spoke to hundreds of attendees, signed up a lot of new members, and were delighted by the very positive response to the RSGB app. Many radio amateurs hadn’t realised that as an RSGB member, they can read RadCom Basics, RadCom Plus and 25 years of back issues of RadCom all in one place and were keen to sign up to membership as a result. Two AGM trophies were also presented in person by RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX and RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX. Look out for a fuller report in the July issue of RadCom. International Museums Weekends 2026, also known as ‘Museums on the Air’, will take place on the 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th of June. Venues from all over the world, including ships, castles and air museums, are expected to take part. For more information and registration details, visit radio-amateur-events.org/IMW 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 The Durham and District Amateur Radio Society Radio Rally is taking place today, the 24th, at Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors are open from 10.10 am to 2.30 pm, with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. The entry fee is £3. There is a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. For more information, contact Michael Wright, G7TWX, on 07826 924 192 or email dadars@gmx.com The Broadcast Engineering Museum has an open day on Sunday, the 7th of June, from 11 am. The museum is located at 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5XS. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world. For more information, visit becg.org.uk/events Also on Sunday, the 7th of June, Spalding and District Amateur Radio Society’s Annual Radio Rally will take place at Spalding Rugby and Football Club, Centenary Park, Drain Bank North, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE12 6AF. Free car parking is available on site and the entrance fee is £3 per person. Traders, catering and an RSGB stall will be available on site. For more details, visit sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally Now the Special Event news To commemorate the centenary of the passing of Antoni Gaudí, the famous Catalan architect and designer, special callsign EH100AG is active until the 7th of June. Look for activity on various bands and modes and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via the bureau. QSOs will be uploaded to eQSL, Logbook of the World and Club Log. Special callsign LY100RADIO is active until the 12th of July to celebrate the 100th anniversary of regular radio broadcasting in Lithuania. QSL via LY2QT. For details of awards that are available for working the station, visit QRZ.com Now the DX news Paul, MM0ZBH, is active as 5Z4/MM0ZBH from Kenya until Monday, the 15th of June. He operates using CW, FT8 and SSB while volunteering at a local school. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS. Pascal, F8NQV, is active as CN2NQV from Sidi Rahal Chatai in Morocco until the 11th of July. Look for him on the 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. Now the contest news Today, the 24th, the RSGB 10GHz Trophy runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also today, the 24th, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday, the 26th of May, 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 Thursday, the 28th of May, the RSGB 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The CQ World Wide WPX CW Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 30th and runs until 2359UTC on Sunday, the 31st of May. Using CW 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 21st of May Last weekend’s geomagnetic disturbance didn’t turn out to be quite as bad as predicted. A high-speed solar wind stream from a massive coronal hole and a coronal mass ejection caused the Kp index to rise to 6.33 on Friday, the 15th of May, but it subsided, and we were soon back to more normal figures in the range of 2 to 4. The last week has seen more usual Kp figures in the range of 2 to 3, which bodes well for HF propagation. Unfortunately, the solar flux index has been stuck in the low one hundreds, ranging from 109 on the 16th to 106 on the 20th. It rose to 114 on the 21st, which may continue into the coming week. Meanwhile, ESA’s Solar Orbiter has been monitoring solar activity on the far side of the Sun, which continues to feature a number of large sunspot groups. A number of C-class Flares and one low-level M-flare have been detected on the far side. We will have to wait until next week for that activity to rotate to an Earth-facing position. Much of the activity on the higher HF bands is currently due to Sporadic-E, and Jim, G3YLA, reports several multi-hop paths showing up between Europe, the Caribbean and the USA on the 6m band. A quick check on the 10m band revealed only low-power beacons out of Spain and Andorra, unfortunately. NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may rise to 115 tomorrow, the 25th, and then increase to 135 by the end of the month. The start of the coming week should see settled geomagnetic conditions, but we are predicted to see a rise in the Kp index to 4 on Wednesday, the 27th. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The recent lengthy period of indifferent weather has now changed over to a predominantly high-pressure type. This should last through to the end of the coming week when a possible return to unsettled weather edges up from the south. Starting with the large-scale pressure pattern, it will be a period of improving tropo conditions for the VHF and UHF bands as the high builds over the country. The conditions should cover a large area across the North Sea and into the near continent. It is often the case that lift conditions may be improved by nighttime cooling and fade slightly during the day, unless over a sea path, which doesn’t change much from day to night. The late May and early June period is a reasonable time for meteor activity, although this is mostly minor. Remember that there is still the tail end of the Eta Aquarids to work through this month. The solar conditions have offered up some reasonable coronal holes recently, although the light evenings don’t allow visual confirmation, the Kp index going above 7 should make life more interesting for aurora. Needless to say, rain scatter will not feature in a predominantly high-pressure period of weather. Lastly, a thought about sporadic-E, which is coming into full bloom now and is typically at a peak around early to mid-June. There have been some successful openings on the 6m band with some multi-hop paths to the Far East and across to the States and Caribbean. On the basis that jet streams may be useful indicators of where Sporadic-E is more likely, the coming week will see the main jet stream flow being pushed well north to a typical summer position from Iceland to Scandinavia. This might make paths to Scandinavia and the Baltic a good option, including northern multi-hop paths to the Far East. EME now and Moon declination is falling again, going negative tomorrow, the 25th. Combined with increasing path losses, conditions will worsen as the week progresses, but there is still plenty of time to make some QSOs, albeit with shorter Moon windows and lower peak elevation. 144MHz sky temperature is low but increasing to moderate by Friday, the 29th. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

May 15, 2026Episode 49714 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for May 17th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 17th of May 2026 The news headlines: The RSGB releases a new set of mock exam papers Which RSGB Convention workshop will you take part in? Listen to Milton Keynes Hospital radio for an interview with the RSGB National Radio Centre Coordinator The RSGB Exams Team is pleased to publish new mock exam papers for Foundation and Intermediate levels. There are three for each level, and you can find them on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/mock-exams. These take into account all the changes to the syllabus and exam question bank which have been made since the last sets of mock exam papers were published. The Exams Team will not be publishing new mock papers for the Full level as the entire Full licence question bank is now available online. Candidates and Trainers can create their own full-level mock papers using the questions at rsgb.org/exam-questions The RSGB is running a practical and thought-provoking workshop for radio amateurs, makers, and home constructors, who want to understand what AI really is, what it is good at, where it can go wrong and why it matters. The session will run during the RSGB Convention on both Saturday, the 10th and Sunday, the 11th of October. It will use plain English and real examples from personal projects and will show how large language models can act as useful thinking partners for learning, writing, coding and building. At only £15 for a two-hour session, this is an opportunity not to be missed. As well as this, the Society is running an additional workshop on Friday, the 9th of October. In this six-hour workshop, you will learn how to use the NanoVNA effectively, understand its practical limitations and apply it confidently in your shack. You will also learn to calibrate the device correctly and complete hands-on exercises using your own NanoVNA. This RSGB member-only workshop costs £50 and includes lunch and refreshments. Both workshops are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 20 people per session. Book now at rsgb.org/convention Listen out for RSGB National Radio Centre Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB on Milton Keynes Hospital radio tomorrow, Monday the 18th of May. Martyn met presenter Sophie at the Hospital Broadcasting Association’s annual conference in March, when NRC volunteers spoke with attendees about amateur radio. During the interview, you’ll hear Martyn talking about a range of topics, from why amateur radio can be an exciting and rewarding hobby to his work at the Centre and the role of the RSGB. He will also explain how amateur radio can contribute to mental well-being and prevent social isolation. You can listen to the broadcast from 1 pm by going to mkhrs.org.uk and selecting ‘click to listen’ in the top right-hand corner. Today, Sunday the 17th of May, is the last day of Mental Health Awareness week, and this year’s campaign looks at taking action to support good mental health. The RSGB highlights some of the small actions that radio amateurs can do that can have a big impact. This includes showing kindness to one another, listening to each other and taking a few extra minutes to engage in a conversation. Over four days in May and June, Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club is playing its part in raising awareness for men’s mental health. Club members will be operating special call sign GB0MMH, and they are inviting radio amateurs to make contact. As the club says, let’s break the silence one transmission at a time. Find out more on QRZ.com and support this great initiative. If you have a story you’d like to share that relates to amateur radio and mental health, please email comms@rsgb.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 Today, Sunday the 17th, Dunstable Downs Radio Rally is taking place at Stockwood Park in Luton. The boot sale is open to traders from 7.30 am and to visitors from 9 am. The entrance fee, which includes car parking, is £4 per vehicle. Find out more at dunstabledownsradioclub.org/bootsale Durham and District Amateur Radio Society Radio Rally will take place on Sunday, the 24th of May at Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, Co Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors will be open from 10.10 am to 2.30 pm, with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. The entry fee is £3. There will be a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering will be available on site. For more information, contact Michael Wright, G7TWX, on 07826 924 192 or email dadars@gmx.com Now the Special Event news The Cornish Radio Amateur Club is active from Pendennis Point in Cornwall until the end of May with special event callsign GB1SOS in support of SOS Radio month. Look out for activity each Sunday on the 40 and 20m bands using SSB. Special event station SP100CVO is active to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ludomir Mączka, SP1CVO. Mączka was an outstanding Polish geologist, sailor and amateur radio operator. His legendary vessel ‘Maria’ was the first Polish yacht to circumnavigate the globe twice, crossing the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans multiple times. For more information, including details of awards that are available for working the station, visit QRZ.com The Salamis radio team in Greece is active with special callsign SX85CB to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete during the Second World War. More details are available via QRZ.com Now the DX news Harald, DF2WO, is active as XT2AW from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, until Tuesday, the 19th of May. He operates using CW, SSB and FT modes on various HF bands and via the QO-100 satellite. QSL via OQRS. Pascal, F8NQV, is active as CN2NQV from Morocco until the 11th of July. The station has been spotted recently on the 20, 17 and 15m bands using SSB. Now the contest news The RSGB 144MHz May Contest started at 1400UTC yesterday, the 16th, and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 17th of May. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Today, the 17th of May, the RSGB 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Tomorrow, the 18th of May, 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 Tuesday, the 19th of May, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 1.3GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 20th of May, the RSGB 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using data modes on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Thursday, the 21st of May, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Sunday, the 24th of May, the RSGB 10GHz Trophy runs from 0800 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Also, on Sunday, the 24th of May, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 14th of May 2026 We hate to start the report on a negative note, but we are about to experience unsettled geomagnetic conditions over the next few days. The culprit is a large coronal hole on the Sun, which rotated into an Earth-facing position on Thursday, the 14th of May. This large coronal hole, an area with open magnetic field lines, has already been responsible for an increase in the solar wind speed to more than 420 kilometres per second. We can expect it to get worse as the weekend progresses. The hole spans the solar equator, so it is ideally placed to create maximum disruption to Earth. If the Bz interplanetary magnetic field swings south, we could see the Kp index rise and maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, decline. If this happens, expect poor conditions until tomorrow, Monday, the 18th of May. Meanwhile, the solar flux index declined to 103 on Thursday, the 14th of May, which starts to put us in a difficult spot. Usually, we say that a solar flux index of 100 or more is needed for the 10m band to open. So it may be that you’ll need to move lower in frequency for reliable HF openings. DX to be worked next week includes 3B9IDX from Rodrigues Island, T31TTT on Kanton Island, the last few days of XT2AW from Burkina Faso, and FO/F6BCW in French Polynesia. The Propagation Studies Committee’s space weather station at Baldock identified a solar flare on Sunday, the 10th of May. The Doppler Flash, or Sudden Frequency Deviation, was triggered by an M5.7 solar flare that began at 1319UTC. While ‘Flash’ is a good term for the fast-rising edge, the GB0PSC receiver has captured fine detail on the 20MHz signal from the WWV station in Colorado, showing multiple oscillations over a few minutes. X-ray radiation from the flare quickly increased absorption in the D region, reducing signal levels into the noise after ten minutes. But those minutes are crucial as they provide data to test whether X-rays or extreme UV from the flare were responsible for the Doppler shift and propagation anomaly. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index could rise to be in the 120 to 130 range, which puts us back in the fun zone. Unfortunately, and for the reasons mentioned earlier, we can expect to see a Kp index of 5 this weekend, but it will eventually decline to perhaps 2 or 3 as the week progresses. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The background pattern of unsettled weather remains with us for a while over the UK as a whole, but subtle changes from a cold northerly to a warmer southerly wind will bring higher temperatures back again. To end the previous week, the cold northerly has brought some heavy showers with hail and thunder in places, and the GHz bands will have seen some rain scatter opportunities. The transition to a more southerly origin of the air will be taking place over this weekend, and although high pressure develops later in the week, we may have to wait until after midweek for any chance of tropo. The next few weeks encompass a couple of minor meteor showers, the Tau Herculids and daytime Arietids, to add to the random background input. There should be something to interest those looking for meteor scatter activity, and of course, it all contributes to the ‘fuel’ for Sporadic-E, which is largely comprised of meteor ionisation. The solar activity has recently been offering a few minor enhancements of the Kp index, but no great results on the aurora front. Sporadic-E has been producing results on 6m digital modes, where there have been brief openings to VK, XT, DU2 and the USA for those lucky enough to catch them. The usual technique of checking during the two main activity windows of mid-morning and late afternoon should improve your chances. If you get an opportunity to look at the jet stream patterns, it can be worthwhile trying paths that cross these since it’s believed they are good sources of atmospheric gravity waves that can reach the E region to aid the production of Sporadic-E. EME now: with maximum declination, the period of longest moon windows, now almost coinciding with perigee, the period of lowest path loss, conditions are at their best for the northern hemisphere. Moon declination is positive, reaching maximum tomorrow, Monday, the 18th of May. Path losses are at their lowest as we reach perigee today, the 17th. The 144MHz sky temperature is low all week. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

May 8, 2026Episode 49614 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for May 10th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 10th of May 2026 The news headlines: RSGB Board liaison roles announced Women in amateur radio and STEM A message from the RSGB President at the 2026 AGM Each RSGB Board Director has a liaison role between the Board and specific aspects of the Society’s work. This focuses very much on the work done by RSGB volunteers in committees, groups and teams as well as by the Honorary Officers and Champions. In a role swap that has been planned for some time, Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, will become Board Liaison for the RSGB Regional Team and Nathan Nuttall, MM9OCC, will become Board Liaison for the RSGB Youth Committee. New Board member Graham Smith, G4NMD, has taken on responsibility for the exam portfolio previously held by retired director Len Paget, GM0ONX. Other roles and responsibilities will be announced shortly. In the interim, if you have any doubts as to where to direct an enquiry regarding a Board Liaison matter, please contact Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX. To find out more or to see contact details for each Board Director, go to rsgb.org/board This year, International Women in Engineering Day takes place on the 23rd of June 2026. It is a celebration of the amazing work of women engineers across the globe. People who have an interest in amateur radio often work in careers related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, also known as STEM. STEM subjects can be an effective way for the RSGB to introduce amateur radio to new audiences and young people. To mark the day, the Society is planning to share stories of how amateur radio has helped female engineers in their lives and careers. The theme for International Women in Engineering Day 2026 is Engineering Intelligence and is an opportunity to recognise the women engineers who solve complex challenges and help drive change. Are you involved in a research project? Perhaps you are designing something new, or reworking a project to make it more accessible to others? Maybe you’re part of a team that is analysing data to find a solution to a problem? Whatever your story, the Society would love to hear from you so it can help to inspire future generations of girls and young women. If you’d like to share your story, please send a photo and a summary of what you have been doing to comms@rsgb.org.uk by the 31st of May. Membership sits at the heart of the RSGB, and at its AGM in April, RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, shared a message on this important topic. During his video message, Bob spoke about the wide range of services that the RSGB offers its members. He went on to explain that the Society is reviewing its membership offering and how that will be implemented in the coming months. This important message is available for all radio amateurs to watch via the RSGB YouTube channel. Go to youtube.com/thersgb and select the RSGB 2026 AGM playlist to start watching now. Remember to share this video with your friends, local club and the rest of the amateur radio community. The BBC has announced that the Droitwich Transmitter on 198kHz will be permanently closed down in 2026. The Scottish Long Wave transmitters at Burghead and Westerglen will also be turned off. The Droitwich transmitter was commissioned during September 1934. These transmissions have always been part of our lives as radio enthusiasts. A date has not yet been formally given, but the BBC is committing to providing two months’ notice to listeners. The RSGB and the BBC Amateur Radio Group are planning to mark this occasion on the air. More details of how this will be achieved will be available soon. Please email ContestClub@rsgbcc.org if you would like to register your interest. Remember to listen out for the stations that are taking part in the Mills on the Air event today, the 10th of May. Radio amateurs are on the air from a wide range of interesting locations and are keen to take your call. 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 16th of May, East Midlands Ham and Electronics Rally will take place at Beckingham Village Hall, Southfield Lane, Beckingham DN10 4FX. The doors will be open from 9.30 am to 3 pm. Free car parking is available behind the hall, and traders are invited to set up from 7 am. Hot food and refreshments will be available on site. For more information and booking details, visit emerg.uk/rally Dunstable Downs Radio Rally will be taking place on Sunday, the 17th of May at Stockwood Park in Luton. The boot sale will be open to traders from 7.30 am and to visitors from 9 am. The entrance fee, which includes car parking, is £4 per vehicle. Find out more at dunstabledownsradioclub.org/bootsale Now the Special Event news Special callsign HG333DEB will be active from the 15th to the 24th of May to celebrate the city of Debrecen in Hungary. Listen out for activity on all bands using CW, digital modes, FM and SSB. More information, including details of awards that are available for working the station, is available via QRZ.com Antwerp Port Contest Club, ON8APC, is active with special callsign OT26EPIC to promote this year's Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity until the 25th of May. QSL via ON8JJ. See QRZ.com for more details, including how to view a livestream of the event on YouTube. Now the DX news Pascal, F8NQV, is active as CN2NQV from Morocco until the 17th of July. Look for him on the 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using SSB. Tom, VK2TBC, is on the air as VK0TBC from Casey Station, Antarctica, until December. He operates using SSB and FT8. Updates on Tom’s station are posted at vk2tbc.com Now the contest news Today, the 10th, the RSGB 70MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200 UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Also, today, the 10th, the UK Microwave Group Millimetre Wave Contest runs from 0800 to 1700 UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 76GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday, the 12th of May, 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 of May, 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 four-character locator. Also, on Wednesday the 13th, 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 14th of May, 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 RSGB 144MHz May Contest starts at 1400 UTC on Saturday, the 16th and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday, the 17th of May. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. On Sunday, the 17th of May, the RSGB 1st 144MHz Backpackers Contest runs from 1000 to 1400 UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. On Monday, the 18th of May, 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. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 7th of May 2026 We had another mixed week of HF propagation, with a Kp index of 6 one day and then three days later a Kp of less than 1. The index hit 6.33 on the evening of Monday, the 4th of May, sparking aurora and poor HF conditions. But by Wednesday, the 6th of May it was back down to 0.67. So, you can see why it is hard to predict what HF conditions are going to be like with ionospheric propagation being driven by the geomagnetic status rather than the solar flux index. According to the CDXC Slack group, DX worked over the past week included TZ4AM in Mali on 10m CW; T31TTT from Central Kiribati on 12m and 15m FT8; XQ6CF in Chile on 17m CW; VP8A on the Falkland Islands on 60m CW; 3B9G on 20m CW and TL8BNW from the Central African Republic on 40m SSB. So, there is DX about if you hunt for it. Interestingly, all of the above, apart from T31TTT, were on southward paths, perhaps reflecting poorer conditions on polar paths at times due to the elevated Kp index. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around 115 to 130 with calm geomagnetic conditions for the first half of the week. However, unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast for the 15th to the 18th of May with a possible Kp index of 5. With five sunspot groups visible on the Sun’s surface, and active region 4419, the source of two X-Flares on Friday, the 24th of April, now about to turn back into Earth’s view, it is anyone’s guess what could happen next! As we enter mid-May, we are getting closer to summer HF conditions. So Sporadic-E on the higher HF bands, lower maximum usable frequencies overall, but perhaps 14MHz staying open all night, are all features to watch out for. Also look out for 10m band openings to Southern Africa around midday and paths to South America during early and late evening. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The current period of weather seems to be a mix of weak high-pressure and low-pressure systems vying for dominance. Therefore, it implies a mix of radio conditions will share our attention, with weak tropo from ridges of high pressure, but no big highs on the chart; and frontal rain bands or heavy showers bringing a chance of rain scatter for GHz operators. The prospects for meteor scatter may remain elevated for a while since we have only just passed the peak of the Eta Aquarids on Wednesday, the 6th of May. Remember, the early morning hours tend to be best for meteor activity in general. The aurora alerts have continued to provide a glimmer of hope, but mostly for weak enhancements, so look for a Kp value of 5 or greater and signs of ‘watery’ sounding signals on the HF bands before turning the VHF beams to the north. As we move into the early part of the Sporadic-E season, it will become the mode of choice for us during the next few months. The general rule is to check for the two main periods of activity, in mid-morning and again late afternoon or early evening. Listen for strong signals on the 10m band from Europe and then, as the event develops, the higher frequency bands will open up too. In a strong event, the 2m band can even show up sounding like 20m. However, early-season events tend to favour the 10 and 6m bands. EME now. The Moon is past minimum declination and increasing, giving lengthening Moon windows and increasing peak elevation. Path losses are decreasing now after apogee on Monday, the 4th of May. 144MHz sky temperature is low all week until Saturday, the 16th of May, when the Sun and Moon are close in the sky. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

May 1, 2026Episode 49515 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for May 3rd 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 3rd of May 2026 The news headlines: Ticket sales for the RSGB 2026 Convention are now open! RSGB appoints a new volunteer Accessibility Champion FCC authorises commercial satellite constellation use in the 70cm band You can now buy tickets for the RSGB 2026 Convention in Milton Keynes. The event takes place between the 9th and 11th of October and is a must for any radio amateur looking to learn, connect and be inspired. Several lecturers have already been confirmed, and include Nobby Styles, G0VJG, talking about the South Georgia DXpedition in March 2027, as well as recent Wortley-Talbot Trophy winner Gwyn Griffiths, G3ZIL, on HF propagation studies from the Baldock space weather station. Ticket sales for workshops taking place over the weekend are also open. These are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and with only 20 spaces available for each, secure your place now to ensure you don’t miss out. Go to rsgb.org/convention to read the latest Convention news and purchase your tickets. RSGB Board Director Nathan Nuttall, MM9OCC, has announced that Jane Joyce, M8WVJ, has been appointed as the new RSGB Accessibility Champion. Jane brings a wealth of experience in the areas of disability and accessibility, making her ideally suited to this important role. As Accessibility Champion, she will share real stories from members that highlight both the challenges and successes within the hobby, helping to raise awareness and improve understanding of accessibility issues. Jane will also be available to help direct individuals to the support they need, which will help to improve accessibility across amateur radio as a whole, and she will advise the RSGB on meaningful improvements. Jane can be contacted via the email address access.champion@rsgb.org.uk In the USA the FCC has authorised AST-SpaceMobile to launch its full constellation of 248 large satellites that includes 430-440MHz for emergency telemetry and control when not over the United States. This is despite there being no such frequency allocation. However, the FCC permitted the use of the frequencies using Article 4.4 of the ITU Radio Regulations. This follows an initial filing and review last year, and extensive amateur concerns that resulted in over 2,500 comments being submitted. The IARU has released a statement on the matter, which you can read via tinyurl.com/IARU-AST The RSGB has more background and earlier responses on its Spectrum Forum web page at tinyurl.com/RSGB-AST RSGB club insurance, and beacon and repeater insurance, have now been renewed for the year from the 30th of April 2026 to April 2027. Club insurance certificates can be downloaded via rsgb.org/repeaterinsurance. You will need to log in to obtain your certificate. Beacon and repeater insurance certificates are available for an admin fee of £15 from the RSGB shop. Please allow a couple of days after renewal for your certificate to be dispatched. The Society would like to remind RSGB members with G7 callsigns who collect QSL cards that they should now send their stamped addressed envelopes to Mr Anthony Holles, G4AAV. You can find his details in the sub-manager list of the RSGB QSL Bureau web section at rsgb.org/qsl Volunteers at the RSGB National Radio Centre will be operating the GB2BP special event station on Friday, the 8th and Saturday, the 9th of May, to commemorate the anniversary of VE Day. Put the date in your diary and make sure you add this callsign to your logbook. RSGB members, don’t forget you can receive free entry to Bletchley Park, which includes the NRC, by downloading and printing your personalised voucher at rsgb.org/bpvoucher The annual Mills on the Air event is taking place on Saturday, the 9th and Sunday, the 10th of May. Operators will be on the air from a variety of historic locations. If you hear them, make sure to give them a call. Don't forget to listen out for the stations that are taking part in this year’s Pubs and Clubs on the Air event from the 8th to the 10th of May. For more information about the event, email Chris via g1puv@yahoo.co.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 Today, the 3rd, the Broadcast Engineering Museum has an open day from 11 am. The museum is located at 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5XS and is home to one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world. For more information, visit becg.org.uk/events Thorpe Camp Hamfest is also taking place today, the 3rd, at Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre, Tattershall Thorpe, LN4 4PL. Traders can arrive from 7 am, and visitors are welcome from 9 am. The entry fee is £5 per person. For more information, visit thorpecamp.org Tomorrow, the 4th, Dartmoor Spring Radio Rally will take place at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking available. The doors will be open from 10 am to 1 pm, and admission costs £3. More details are available at dartmoorradioclub.uk On Saturday, the 9th of May 2026, Barry Amateur Radio Society Rally will be held at Sully Sports and Social Club, South Road, Sully, CF64 5SP. The doors open at 9 am, for traders and visitors are welcome from 10 am. A large free car park is available, and admission costs £3. Now the Special Event news On Saturday, the 9th, and Sunday, the 10th of May, Harlow and District Amateur Radio Society will be taking part in Mills on the Air from John Webb’s Windmill in Thaxted, Essex. The station will use special event callsign GB0TWM and operate between 8.30 am and 4 pm. Amateurs, shortwave listeners and visitors are welcome to join in with the fun. For more information, visit QRZ.com To celebrate his 50th anniversary in amateur radio, Nick, US8AR, is active throughout 2026 using the special callsign EM50AR. Look out for activity on the HF and VHF bands using all modes. Electronic QSL cards can be downloaded from em50ar.pp.ua Now the DX news TJ, PE1OJR is active as PJ4TB from Bonaire, SA-006, until tomorrow, Monday the 4th of May. He operates FT4, FT8 and SSB on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World. Paul, MM0ZBH, is active as 5Z4/MM0ZBH from Kenya until the 15th of June. He operates using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World and OQRS. Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 3rd of May, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0900 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The ARI International DX Contest started at 1200UTC yesterday, Saturday the 2nd, and ends at 1159UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of May. Using CW, RTTY and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Italian stations also give their province code. The RSGB 432MHz to 245GHz Contest started at 1400UTC yesterday, Saturday the 2nd and ends at 1400UTC today, Sunday the 3rd of May. Using all modes on 432MHz to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Worked All Britain 7MHz Contest takes place today, Sunday the 3rd of May, from 1000 to 1400UTC. Entries need to be with the contest manager by Wednesday, the 13th of May 2026. Please note that SSB is only used in all Worked All Britain contests. Full details of the rules can be found on the Worked All Britain website. On Tuesday, the 5th of May, 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 of May, 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 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 report and a four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Sunday, the 10th of May, the RSGB 70MHz CW Contest runs from 0900 to 1200UTC. Using CW on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. UK stations also send their postcode. Also on Sunday, the 10th of May, the UK Microwave Group Millimetre Wave Contest runs from 0800 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 24, 47 and 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 30th of April Last week was about as good as it gets at this point in the solar cycle. We had a solar flux index in the 140s and a Kp index that was pretty flat, often below 2. That’s good news for HF as it means the ionosphere had a chance to settle and, although not record-breaking, a solar flux index of 140 to 150 is very usable. There were numerous C and M-class solar flares, but these were relatively minor, and the latest forecasts show a 70% chance for additional M-flares and a 20% chance for an isolated strong X-flare. This all came together to give a maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path of around 21 to 24MHz, often just peaking around 28MHz. This gave the odd 10m band opening, but these were sparse and not very strong. DXpeditions to be worked this week, according to DXWorld.net, include E51TLM in the South Cook Islands; T31TTT from Kanton Island; FO/F6BCW in French Polynesia; XT2AW from Burkina Faso and 3G0Z on Robinson Crusoe Island. So, which bands should you be looking at? The 20, 17 and 15m bands will probably give the best results, but don’t completely rule out the two higher bands that may show occasional surprises. We are now starting the Sporadic-E season, so look out for short-lived but strong openings around Europe on the 12 and 10m bands. Next week, NOAA predicts a solar flux index of between 130 and 140, with a Kp index of 2 or 3. Unsettled conditions are forecast for the 7th and 8th of May with a potential Kp index of 5. As always, keep an eye on solarham.com for almost real-time reports of solar activity. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The excellent tropo conditions for some parts of the country recently are likely to be slightly subdued over this weekend, but there are signs that another period of high-pressure weather will return as we move through the coming week. Unlike the recent dry weather, there are likely to be a few showery spells with a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands. Meteor scatter is probably enhanced next week by the Eta Aquarids, which peak on Wednesday, the 6th of May, and are associated with Comet Halley. The aurora prospects are probably moving away from their spring activity period, but check the Kp index as usual for high values above 5. The Sporadic-E season is slowly limbering up, and it's well worth checking for activity, initially on the 10 and 6m bands. Check for SSB and CW activity as well as digital modes. Work continues on the propquest.co.uk website. There are still some missing elements, but it is hoped that these will be back soon. EME now. The Moon is moving towards minimum declination today, Sunday, the 3rd of May, so there will be short Moon windows and low peak elevation. Path losses are still increasing until apogee on Monday, the 4th of May, when the Moon is at its furthest from Earth at 405,840km. 144MHz sky temperature reaches a maximum of more than 2,800 Kelvin on Wednesday, the 6th of May. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

April 24, 2026Episode 49418 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for April 24th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 26th of April 2026 The news headlines: The RSGB Board holds its first post-AGM meeting RSGB 2026 Convention announcement Celebrate World Morse Day with the RSGB Following the RSGB 2026 AGM on Saturday, the 18th of April, the new Board met and co-opted Dr Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, onto the Board under Article 37. The Board then elected Dr Bryant as Board Chair. The purpose of these decisions is to allow newly elected Directors to learn more about the Society and the Board, with the intention that a new Board Chair will be elected from within the new Board in due course. The RSGB Board would like to record its thanks to Stewart for being willing to extend his role in this way. Board Directors also appointed Will Richardson, 2E0WYA, to the volunteer role of Executive Director of Strategic Oversight to help drive forward work on Board effectiveness. As announced previously, Stephen Purser, GW4SHF and Stephen Ramsden, M0CCA, swapped roles after the AGM, so Stephen Ramsden is now Company Secretary and Stephen Purser is Deputy Company Secretary. The Board congratulated John Moss, G0KTW and Ben Lloyd, GW4BML, on their election as Directors and Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB and Graham Smith, G4NMD, on their endorsement as Nominated Directors. The Board Liaison roles are being discussed and will be announced in due course. If you were unable to join the event live, you can catch up with all the AGM proceedings at rsgb.org/agm Tickets for the RSGB 2026 Convention go on sale on Friday, the 1st of May, and ahead of this, the Society has made some exciting announcements. Not only has it released the first round of speakers, including one on a highly anticipated DXpedition, but it has also shared details of two new workshops that will be taking place. Will you choose NanoVNA Essentials or AI – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly? For those looking to extend the weekend’s activities, the RSGB has confirmed that it has partnered with The National Museum of Computing to offer Convention attendees the opportunity to visit on Friday, the 9th of October. The RSGB is delighted that this fantastic annual event is being sponsored by Martin Lynch & Sons and that AMSAT-UK will once again be holding its Colloquium during the Convention this year. The RSGB 2026 Convention is taking place between the 9th and 11th of October at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. Find out more by going to rsgb.org/convention Tomorrow, Monday the 27th, is World Morse Day. The day honours the birthday of the inventor of Morse code, Samuel Morse, who was born on this day in 1791. The RSGB is continuing its annual celebrations of this day by releasing a video with a question in Morse code for you to answer, which this year is sent by the RSGB CW Champion, Laura Robertson, MM7BFL. Once you have used your Morse skills to decipher the question, get involved by leaving your answer in the comments section under the post. You could even share a video of you sending your answer in Morse! You can view the video tomorrow on the RSGB YouTube channel, or via the RSGB’s Facebook, Instagram or X pages. RSGB members, if you are planning a trip this spring, why not include a visit to one of the Society’s partner museums? Whether you’re heading to West Wales, Cornwall, Suffolk, Dorset, West Sussex or Milton Keynes, you will be able to save between 20% and 50% on standard admission prices. Visit rsgb.org/partner-museums for your personalised discount voucher. RSGB members also receive free entry to Bletchley Park, which includes the RSGB National Radio Centre. Time is running out to apply and be part of the RSGB team that will be going to Austria for this year’s Youngsters on the Air summer camp. This fantastic opportunity is for radio amateurs aged between 16 and 30. The programme will include activities such as experimenting with underground propagation, Summits on the Air, Caves on the Air, as well as having the chance to ascend a 2,000m summit in a cable car and make a long-distance VHF/UHF QSO with your handheld. All in the incredible surroundings of the Austrian Alps. The deadline to apply for this exciting opportunity is Friday, the 1st of May. Get involved by going to rsgb.org/yota-camp and selecting ‘YOTA Austria 2026’ from the right-hand menu. UKBOTA's Historic Counties event will be running throughout May for both activators and hunters. Stations will be on the air to celebrate the unique historic structure of the UK. More details can be found at ukbota.net/HC26 Did you know that the weekly RSGB News can be viewed on air and via the web as a television stream? Join Alison, G8ROG, each Sunday at 9 am UK time for a live broadcast of the GB2RS News. Kindly hosted by the British Amateur Television Club, go to batc.org.uk/live/gb2rs to watch the show. Alongside Alison’s live presentation, you can view additional text and pictures relating to each news item. The transmission is also relayed via GB3HV in Hampshire using Digital ATV. If you enjoy watching GB2RS as well as listening, there is a live Digital ATV broadcast from Clive, G3GJA, via the Hull 23cm repeater GB3EY at 10 am UK time. If you are not in range of the repeater itself, you can still watch the broadcast, again courtesy of the BATC website, by going to batc.org.uk/live/gb3ey And now for details of rallies and events The EMC & Compliance International Exhibition will be held at the Holiday Inn in Oxford from the 29th of April to the 1st of May 2026. The exhibition is open to all interested parties and is concerned with all aspects of EMC. For more information, including registration details, visit emcandci.com The Broadcast Engineering Museum has an open day on Sunday, the 3rd of May, from 11 am. The museum is located at 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5XS. Visitors will be treated to one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world. For more information, visit becg.org.uk/events Thorpe Camp Hamfest is taking place on Sunday, the 3rd of May at Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre, Tattershall Thorpe, LN4 4PL. Traders can arrive from 7 am, and visitors are welcome from 9 am. The entry fee is £5 per person. For more information, visit thorpecamp.org On Monday, the 4th of May, Dartmoor Spring Radio Rally will take place at the Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments, free parking and available. The doors will be open from 10 am to 1 pm, and admission costs £3. More details are available at dartmoorradioclub.uk Now the Special Event news Special event stations OL900CO, OL900JAR and OL900LT are active until December to celebrate the town of Jaromer in the Czech Republic. For more information, including details of awards that are available for working the stations, visit hamawards.eu On Saturday, the 2nd of May, between 9 am and 5 pm, Dundee Amateur Radio Club will be operating from Broughty Ferry Lifeboat Station using the callsign GB1BFL. The station will be active in support of SOS Radio Week. For updates on frequencies and modes in use, visit the Club’s Facebook page. More details are available via dundee-amateur-radio.co.uk Now the DX news Using the callsign GB9IOW, a team of Belgian operators will be active from the Isle of Wight, EU-120, from Tuesday, the 28th of April until Tuesday, the 5th of May. Listen for activity on the HF bands, via the QO-100 satellite and on 23cm EME. For more information, visit QRZ.com Paul, VP9KF, is active from Bermuda, NA-005, until Thursday, the 30th of April. He is operating using CW only on the HF bands. The station was spotted recently on the 17 and 20m bands. You can find more details at vp9kf.com Now the contest news Today, Sunday the 26th, the UK Microwave Group EHF Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 76 to 241GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The SP DX RTTY Contest started at 1200UTC yesterday, the 25th, and runs until 1200UTC today, Sunday, the 26th of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Polish stations also send their province code. Also, today, the 26th, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint 25 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using 75 baud RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your six-character locator. The UK and Ireland Contest Club DX CW Contest started at 1200UTC yesterday, the 25th, and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday, the 26th of April. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Full rules, including UK and EI area codes, are available via tinyurl.com/ukeiccrules Tomorrow, the 27th, 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 Tuesday the 28th, 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 29th, the UK 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 30th, the RSGB 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Saturday, the 2nd of May, the RSGB 432MHz Trophy Contest runs from 1400 to 2000UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB 432 to 245GHz Contest starts at 1400UTC on Saturday, the 2nd of May and ends at 1400UTC on Sunday, the 3rd of May. Using all modes on 432 to 245GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The UK Six Metre Group Summer Marathon starts at 0000UTC on Saturday, the 2nd of May and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday, the 2nd of August. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. The ARI International DX Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday, the 2nd of May and ends at 1159UTC on Sunday, the 3rd of May. Using CW, RTTY and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Italian stations also give their province code. On Sunday, the 3rd of May, the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 0900 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on 1.3 to 3.4GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Sunday, the 3rd of May, the Worked All Britain 7MHz Phone Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using SSB only on the 40m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 23rd of April Last week’s HF propagation was dominated by the effects of a high-speed stream from a large coronal hole on the Sun. This pushed the Kp index up to 4 and 5 at times, with the result that maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, were lowered. The ionosphere struggled, and often the MUF over a 3,000km path was below 21MHz. Yes, there were some openings up to 10m, but they were generally weak. Checks showed that paths opened up to Brazil, Kenya and Chile on the 10m band using FT8, but the signals were well down in the noise and barely workable. Get used to this, as it could be the norm for the next few years! Meanwhile, the solar flux index increased to 116 by Thursday, the 16th of April, no doubt aided by active sunspot group 4420. Next week, NOAA forecasts that the solar flux index could rise to 125. It also predicts that the Kp index may remain low due to a lack of coronal hole activity. Fingers crossed that we don’t have any coronal mass ejections over the next week. If this pans out as predicted, we could have some decent HF conditions over the next seven days. Yes, the MUFs may be lower, but 14, 18 and perhaps 21MHz could be usable, with very occasional openings on 24 and 28MHz. DX to be worked this week includes TX9W from the Marquesas Islands; VP9KF in Bermuda; 7P8WR from Lesotho; C5B, C5C and C5D in The Gambia; D60DX in Comoros; and JD1BMH operating from Ogasawara And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The strong region of high pressure will remain with us for the next two weeks. So tropo should be considered a first-choice mode for a while. The main criteria for the quality of any resulting tropo is moisture. This is because moisture is a component in the calculation of the refractive index of the air. High pressure usually produces dry air above any temperature inversion, but we may not always get the moisture below the inversion. The end of last week was good with reports of beacons in Norway and Sweden into JO02 on 1.3GHz because of moisture present below the inversion. However, if the dry easterly wind returns, it may not go so well. Meteor scatter should continue to be uplifted by the declining Lyrids meteor stream, which peaked last week, and rain scatter is off the menu since the charts are dominated by high-pressure systems. Aurora is showing as occasional weak alerts, but apart from the odd fluttery signals on the LF bands, nothing too interesting at the moment. As usual, watch for the Kp index going up to 5. Keeping the best until last, we are approaching the period when Sporadic-E usually becomes a mode of interest. Work is well underway on a rewrite of the Propquest website, which should be ready soon. This will be the go-to place for the daily updates during the 2026 Sporadic-E season. EME now, and the Moon is moving into a lower noise position. Declination is high, but falling, and path losses will increase as we move away from the Moon’s perigee, its closest point to Earth, which occurred on Friday, the 17th of April. Apogee, the Moon’s furthest point from Earth and the point of highest path losses, occurs on Sunday, the 17th of May. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

April 17, 2026Episode 49314 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for April 19th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 19th of April 2026 The news headlines: The RSGB has published a question bank for full-level examinations Catch up with the RSGB 2026 AGM on YouTube The RSGB has announced two new youth team volunteers At its 2024 meeting, the RSGB Examination Standards Committee agreed, with Ofcom approval, to publish the Full level examination question bank after a thorough vetting of the questions by the Examinations and Syllabus Review Group had taken place. ESC Chair Tony Kent, G8PBH, is pleased to announce that the question bank is now available via rsgb.org/exam-questions. It will also be accessible via links on the RSGB web pages for exam candidates and trainers. The copyright to the question bank is held by the RSGB. Developed by Aubrey, M8AUB, the user interface works on PCs and mobile devices with a web browser. It allows users to access questions in different ways, for example, by syllabus section, and even to create and take their own mock examinations. The Society believes this initiative will make a significant contribution to training and should become a valuable resource for both candidates and trainers. After it has had time to assess its impact at Full level, the ESC will consider rolling it out to the other examination levels of Foundation, Intermediate and Direct to Full. As candidates and trainers will now be able to use the interface to generate their own mock examinations from the question bank, the RSGB has removed all the Full Licence level mock papers currently on its website. If you encounter any issues with the questions or the question bank interface web page, please report them via the online examination informal query form. You can find this at the bottom of the exam forms web page at rsgb.org/exam-forms The RSGB would like to thank everyone who joined the RSGB 2026 AGM, which was held online yesterday, 18 April. If you missed the live event, you’re able to watch the full livestream on the Society’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB As well as the formal AGM business, there was a special message from the RSGB President, and the Board answered questions from RSGB members on a wide range of topics. The AGM was followed by a presentation on the Society’s work to defend the spectrum and ensure that radio amateurs can enjoy amateur radio across the bands. If you would like to read more about the RSGB’s work in protecting the spectrum, including successes in spectrum access and defence, as well as current concerns, visit rsgb.org/spectrum-protection. Winners of the RSGB 2026 Construction Competition and the RSGB Trophies were also announced. Timestamps will be available in the video summary on YouTube, allowing you to skip to particular sections you wish to watch. Go to rsgb.org/agm to find out more about the AGM, including personal statements from the newly elected and nominated Board Directors, as well as the Regional Representatives. The RSGB is delighted to announce two new volunteer youth team roles as it continues to grow and strengthen its support for young radio amateurs across the UK. Leon Shaw, M0VUF, will be the Youth Vice Chair, working closely with the Youth Chair Chris Aitken, MM0WIC to help guide and develop the expanding Youth Team. Sophie Bourne, M9LBW, will collaborate with Chris over the coming months with the intention of taking on full responsibility for the Youth Champion for Schools role later this year. Both Leon and Sophie represented the RSGB at last year’s YOTA summer camp, supported the Youth stand at the RSGB 2025 Convention and took part in a Tonight@8 episode to share their experiences of amateur radio and how it has shaped their interests. Sophie also brought fresh ideas to the recent RSGB Membership Strategy Workshop, which will help to shape future youth engagement. The RSGB National Radio Centre will be closed to visitors on Monday, the 27th and Tuesday, the 28th of April 2026, due to essential maintenance work taking place. RSGB volunteers look forward to welcoming you on an alternative day. Don’t forget that if you are an RSGB member, you can receive free entry to Bletchley Park, which includes the RSGB National Radio Centre, by downloading and printing a personalised voucher at rsgb.org/bpvoucher International Marconi Day is on Saturday, the 25th of April. This worldwide event is organised by the Cornish Amateur Radio Club to celebrate the birth of Italian radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi. Stations from around the world are coming together to celebrate the life of this remarkable man. For more information, including details of how to take part, visit gx4crc.com/imd 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 Cambridge Repeater Group Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 19th of April, at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton CB22 6RN. Traders can gain access from 7.30 am, and the doors open to visitors at 9.30 am. Entry costs £4, but there will be a discount for multi-occupancy vehicles. For more information, email rally2026@cambridgerepeaters.net and visit cambridgerepeaters.net The Broadcast Engineering Museum is having an open day on Sunday, the 3rd of May, from 11 am. The museum is located at 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 5XS. It is home to one of the largest collections of historic broadcasting equipment in the world. For more information, visit becg.org.uk/events Now the Special Event news The Ramsbury Amateur Radio DX Group will be active as GB80RY on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of April 2026. The station will be on the air to commemorate 80 years since the decommissioning of RAF Ramsbury in Wiltshire. Operators will be using CW, FT8 and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. Special event station GB2JAF will be active on Saturday, the 25th of April, from 10 am to celebrate the life and work of Professor Sir John Ambrose Fleming, the inventor of the Thermionic Valve. Look out for activity on the 40 and 20m bands using SSB. There will also be some activity via the GB3LV repeater and EchoLink. More information is available at QRZ.com Now the DX news Phill, FK1TS is active again as C21TS from Nauru, OC-031, until July. He mainly operates using FT8 but may also try some SSB contacts. QSL via Logbook of the World or OQRS. QSOs are live-streamed on Club Log. Tom, VK2TBC, will be active as VK0TBC from Casey Station in Antarctica until December. He operates using FT8 and SSB. For more information and updates, visit vk2tbc.com Now the contest news On Tuesday, the 21st of April, 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 of April, the RSGB 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club DX CW Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday, the 25th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday, the 26th of April. Using CW on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Full rules, including UK and EI area codes, are available via tinyurl.com/ukeiccrules The SP DX RTTY Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday, the 25th and runs until 1200UTC on Sunday, the 26th of April. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Polish stations also send their province code. On Sunday, the 26th of April, the UK Microwave Group EHF Band Contest runs from 0800 to 2000UTC. Using all modes on 76 to 241GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Sunday, the 26th of April, the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group Sprint 25 Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using 75 baud RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your six-character locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday, the 16th of April 2026. Last week was characterised by a low Kp index and an equally low solar flux index. The Kp index was predominantly below 2 all week, thanks to a lack of Earth-directed CMEs or coronal holes. Unfortunately, that is about to change. The solar index has been consistently around the 100 mark, dipping as low as 93 on the 11th and only as high as 105 on Thursday, the 16th of April. This has meant settled ionospheric conditions that have not been outstanding but have at least been reliable. The maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path has reached 24MHz at times, but often battles to reach 21MHz. This is a taste of things to come over the next few years as we descend towards sunspot minimum. The settled conditions mean, however, that there has been DX to work. The CDXC Slack group reports FT8 and CW contacts with 3X3A in Guinea on the 17, 15 and 12m bands. 3B9G in Mauritius has been logged on the 15m band using CW. D60DX in Comoros was worked on the 15m band using CW. Another DX includes 9V1DW in Singapore on the 17m band and TN8GD in the Republic of the Congo on the 20m band using CW. Now the bad news. A very large coronal hole on the Sun is rotating to become Earth-facing. A high-speed solar wind stream flowing from this zone reached the Earth last Friday, the 17th of April. Active Kp4 and minor G1 geomagnetic storming may be possible today, the 19th of April. So, we can expect reduced MUFs and poorer HF conditions. DXpeditions active this week include V47EM on St Kitts and Nevis; OX3LX from Greenland; T31TTT in Central Kiribati, TX9W from the Marquesas Islands; D60DX in Comoros and 3X3A in Guinea. NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will climb next week, perhaps reaching a high of 145 by Thursday, the 23rd of April. After the geomagnetic disturbances from the coronal hole die down, we may have two or more days of settled conditions before more disruption around Saturday, the 25th of April. This is coupled with a predicted Kp index of 4 – just in time for International Marconi Day! And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The main note on the weather influence is that once high pressure becomes established at this time of the year, it can be remarkably persistent. In this case, the high pressure that is now developing over the UK may remain in control until the end of the month. Tropo will therefore be a mode of choice, but a cool north or north-easterly flow over the eastern side of the country will mean that western Britain fares best for any lift conditions. Over eastern areas, a cool northerly breeze will bring cloud and a few showers. The prospects for aurora are still worth checking out by noting the Kp index for values above 5 and preferably above 7. As we reported earlier, the effects of a large coronal hole may be reaching us today, the 19th. So, check the Kp index and listen for fluttery signals on the HF bands. Then get ready to turn your VHF beams northeast. As for meteor scatter, we are now coming up to the peak of the April Lyrids on Wednesday, the 22nd of April. We should see some activity increase beyond the random fare of recent weeks. In contrast, rain scatter may not be a good option with high pressure, or just isolated showers, not offering much for the microwave bands. We are rapidly heading towards May, when the prospects for Sporadic-E start to be worth checking. In the coming week, there are not too many suitable jet streams, which can be good regions to check for Sporadic-E. To get into practice for the new season, check the Sporadic-E blog on propquest.co.uk for a jet stream map and look for spikes in the foEs trace on the graphs. The site is currently being worked on, so apologies for any dropouts. An update on EME prospects now. Moon declination reaches a maximum on Tuesday, the 21st of April. Moon perigee, its closest point to Earth, is today, Sunday, the 19th of April, so path losses will be at a minimum. Sky noise is slightly higher on Tuesday, the 21st of April, but this is minor and returns to low again on Friday, the 24th of April. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

April 10, 2026Episode 49214 min

RSGB GB2RS News Bulletin for April 12th 2026

GB2RS News Sunday, the 12th of April 2026 The news headlines: Join the RSGB 2026 AGM livestream from around the world Learn about the Society’s work defending the amateur radio spectrum RSGB representatives attending the NARSA rally World Amateur Radio Day is on Saturday, the 18th of April, and what better way to celebrate than by joining the RSGB 2026 AGM? The AGM will once again be taking place online so that as many RSGB members as possible can watch and take part. To join the livestream, all you need to do is go to rsgb.org/agm at 10 am on Saturday. Ahead of the event, RSGB members are being asked to vote for their two preferred Elected Director Candidates, endorse the Nominated Director candidates and vote on the other resolutions. Members have until 9 am on the 16th of April 2026 to cast their votes. Candidate information and details of how to vote can be found on the Society’s AGM web pages. During the AGM, members of the RSGB Board will be answering questions. You can choose one of three ways to submit your question. If you would like to talk to the Board directly and ask a question live via Zoom, you’ll need to pre-register by 9 am tomorrow, Monday, the 13th of April. Alternatively, RSGB members can submit a written question until 9 am on Thursday. Priority is given to questions submitted in advance, but questions will also be taken via live chat on the day if there is time. The Society has announced that if large volumes of questions are received, it will only include two questions per person or organisation during the AGM, to ensure that as many people as possible are included. Find out more about these deadlines by selecting the ‘Ask the Board a question’ link from the right-hand menu in the AGM web section. Following the formal business of the RSGB 2026 AGM, the Society is delighted that its spectrum experts Murray Niman, G6JYB and Barry Lewis, G4SJH, will be joined by the IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, who also holds the call G4HUA, and RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB. They will discuss the recent and current threats to the amateur radio spectrum and how the RSGB leads the input into many of the spectrum defences. RSGB EMC Chair John Rogers, M0JAV, will also talk about potential new major threats to the noise floor. RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA, will facilitate the discussion. Whether you’re new to amateur radio or have been enjoying it for decades, this is an important presentation that you won’t want to miss. If you are attending the NARSA rally today, Sunday the 12th of April, pop by and say hello to members of the RSGB team who are attending. The event is taking place at the Norbreck Hotel in Blackpool. As well as an RSGB book stall, you will find the RSGB Morse Competency Lead, Eric Arkinstall, M0KZB, who will be offering Morse competency tests for those who would like to test their skills. Members of the Society’s Regional Team will also be there, as well as RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, who will be presenting the trophies for the construction competition, and best club website and stand at 1.30 pm. Find out more about the event at narsa.org.uk The RSGB had announced that Vaughan Ravenscroft, M0VRR, has stepped down as its Intruder Watch Coordinator. Ian Suart, GM4AUP, has taken on this role, in addition to being the OAS Coordinator. The RSGB Monitoring System, more popularly known as Intruder Watch, forms part of the IARU Monitoring System. It submits reports of non-amateur transmissions heard on the exclusive HF amateur bands to both the Ofcom Monitoring Station at Baldock and to IARU Region 1. Find out more about the service at rsgb.org/intruder-watch Don’t forget that Tonight@8 will be live tomorrow night, on the RSGB YouTube channel and special BATC channel. The presentation will be delivered by Mark Foreman, G7LSZ, who is an associate professor of industrial materials recycling at a University in Sweden. He’ll be discussing the recycling process of waste electronic and electrical equipment, and what happens to your rig when it is no longer working. Find out more at rsgb.org/webinars The next in the popular 145 Alive series of events takes place on Saturday, the 18th of April, from 1200 to 15:00 UTC. Many hundreds of operators are expected to be on the air using 145MHz FM and 144MHz SSB. For more information, go to the 145 Alive Facebook page or email 145aliveuk@gmail.com 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, Holsworthy Amateur Radio Club Spring Radio Rally is taking place at Holsworthy Livestock Market, New Market Road, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. The doors open to the public at 10 am, and entry is £3 per person. There is a bring and buy area and catering on site. More details are available via the ‘Rally’ tab at m0omc.co.uk Cambridge Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday, the 19th of April at Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton CB22 6RN. Traders can gain access from 7.30 am, and the doors open to visitors at 9.30 am. Entry costs £4, but there will be a discount for multi-occupancy vehicles. For more information, email rally2026@cambridgerepeaters.net and visit cambridgerepeaters.net Now the Special Event news Special callsign SX100PAOK is operating until the 18th of May to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Pan-Thessalonian Athletic Club. Look out for activity on all bands using CW, digital modes and SSB. A commemorative award is planned for participants, along with a QSL card to confirm QSOs. Visit QRZ.com for more information and updates. To celebrate World Amateur Radio Day on Saturday, the 18th, members of the Union of Belgian Radio Amateurs are active as OO26WARD throughout April. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via the Bureau. Now the DX news Suvarna, VU3OPT, is active as 3B9N from Rodrigues Island, AF-017, until Wednesday, the 20th of May. He operates using CW and has been spotted on the 20, 15 and 10m bands. Visit 9n7ga.com for more information. Herman, YB3GIH, is operating as 3X/YB3GIH from Boffa in Guinea until June. He operates using SSB on the 20 and 15m bands. QSOs are uploaded to eQSL, Club Log, and Logbook of the World. Now the contest news RSGB FT4 International Activity Day started at 1200 UTC yesterday, the 11th, and ends at 1200UTC today, Sunday, the 12th of April. Using FT4 on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. Tomorrow, the 13th, the RSGB 80m 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 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 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 Saturday the 18th, the PACCdigi Contest runs from 0700 to 1900 UTC. Using FT4, FT8 and RTTY on the 160 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report and serial number. PA stations also send their province code. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday, the 9th of April 2026. After a pretty stormy run-up to Easter, from a geomagnetic disturbance point of view, the Sun has been quieter. In fact, the Kp index has been below 3 all week. Unfortunately, the solar flux index has also declined, standing at 108 on Thursday, the 9th of April. The only advantage has been a lack of solar flares. There have only been 12 minor C-class flares over the past three days compared with 29 C-class flares and six M-class flares on the 4th and 5th of April. We always look for a low Kp index over a higher solar flux index for better HF conditions. So how does this all affect HF propagation? The maximum usable frequency, or MUF, over a 3,000km path has been struggling to get up to 28MHz on most days. This leaves only 21 and 24MHz open after the initial post-dawn ionospheric build-up. This doesn’t mean that 10m is dead, but it may be that the band is only open to DX and not open to Europe. This may change once the Sporadic-E season starts, but we are still a month away from that. DX being worked, according to the CDXC Slack group, includes 5W1SA in Samoa on 17m FT8, F0/F6BCW from French Polynesia on 12m CW and 3DA0TM in Eswatini on 20m USB. T31TTT on Kanton Island, Central Kiribati, has also been spotted on the 20 and 30m bands using FT4 and FT8. The DXpedition is focusing on FT modes, although the team is also operating some CW. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will start around 105, but will increase a little over the week to reach the low 120s. Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be quiet, with a maximum Kp index of 3 once we get over this weekend’s predicted disruption, which has a forecast Kp index of 5. Then we are in for a rough ride next weekend, with a predicted Kp index of 6 on the 19th of April and disrupted conditions for three days. This is likely due to the return of active region 4392, which produced a coronal mass ejection that hit the Earth and caused the Kp index to rise to 7 on its last rotation. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The warm, dry weather of the middle of last week has left us with ideas of spring, but it has now been replaced by cooler, unsettled weather with rain or showers. In fact, the next week or two will be generally unsettled, not atypical of April. This will be a good period for rain scatter on the upper GHz bands since April showers can be heavy and present good scatter opportunities. This unsettled weather means tropo retreats into the background for this period. Meteor scatter is still under the influence of random activity and best in the early morning hours. Aurora is currently looking more promising with solar conditions offering coronal holes and possible auroras as a result. Sporadic-E will start to make an appearance soon, especially on the 10m band, but realistically, we probably need to wait until we are into May before chances are more rewarding for the 6m band. It is often a feature of the early part of the Sporadic-E season that the traditional two periods of activity of the high season, morning and afternoon, start off as one broad period around the middle of the day. For EME operators, Moon declination is starting to climb again, going positive on Wednesday, the 15th of April. Earth-Moon-Earth path losses are past maximum now and continue to fall all week. 144MHz sky noise is high today, the 12th, and will fall to low for the rest of the week. Friday, the 17th of April, will be an exception as the Moon and Sun will be close in the sky. And that’s all from the propagation team this week.