Weekly Bulletin - May 31 2020

THE PAST WEEK

Firstly a reminder that there will be no net on GB3WO this coming Tuesday, as Jonathan, G1EXG will be presenting a talk via the Internet, on Zoom.
Jonathan has posted details on our Discuss reflector and you should contact him via that means or direct email to book a place. Also, please allow a few minutes before the start to request entry.
NOTE the earlier start time of 7.00pm.

The current situation seems to have dragged a few Amateurs out of the woodwork. It’s noticeable that the HF bands are more busy and this has also been helped by improvements in conditions on the upper frequencies. In particular 10 metres has been wide open, as has 6 metres. Many QSOs being made on 6 metres via sporadic E. Last Friday, the 10 metre repeater HB9HD in Switzerland was very strong, and several Worthing Amateurs were heard working through it.

4 metres was also quite busy, with some good DX via sporadic E, using FT8.

Not to be outdone, 2 metres was also very lively with many sporadic E calls. When conditions were ideal, signals were S9+ and often strong than stations only a few miles away. I had a few QSOs with the best being in Bulgaria and in Sardinia, countries I’d not worked before on 2 metre SSB.

It’s worth checking Propquest from time to time for Es predictions and reports.

I hope that everyone is taking advantage of some spare time during the lockdown, to improve their stations and maybe actually having QSOs for a change. I’ve been laying in new cables ready for some major antenna changes. I was looking at making changes to the HF OSCFD and I think I’ve discovered one cause of the current issues I’ve been having, as I’ve discovered that the outer covering of the sleeve balun, has a major split in it, making it unstable!

I would be pleased to receive reports on what others have been doing.

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets and online talks.

• Interactive talk via Zoom, on SOTAbeams Laserbeam-vari SSB / CW audio filter by Jonathan, G1EXG – Tuesday 2nd June – 7.00pm onwards – NO NET on GB3WO
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 9th June – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 16th June – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 23rd June – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 30th June – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website:http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/spring-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/05/29/propagation-news-31-may-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

A few loyal Club supporters on the Club and other nets, but where is everyone else?

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

Apologies for the lack of a Weekly Bulletin last week and the lateness of this one. I’ve been heavily engaged in writing specialist software and by the time I stop every day, it’s well past time for bed!

I’ve been asked to relay the following to all Club members, by Nigel, G3YSW – our RSGB Region 10 rep:

“Beyond Exams (BE) is a group of resources brought together by the RSGB Learning Team with the aim of encouraging participation and highlighting the diversity of amateur radio. It includes awards and schemes designed to help amateur radio licence holders and clubs get the most from the hobby. Whether you are new to amateur radio, want to try a different aspect of the hobby or find a new challenge, our range of Beyond Exams resources can help.

During these challenging times of the global pandemic, Beyond Exams is an important part of our ‘Get on the air to care’ campaign in partnership with the NHS. We appreciate that in the current climate of necessary social distancing, some of the activities in the Club and Individual Schemes won’t be accessible to radio amateurs at the moment so please do follow government guidelines and only try the activities you can do safely in your own home.
You can find full details on our website: www.rsgb.org/beyond-exams

The VLT and the Regional Team have been briefed about these resources over recent months and a pilot took place in Region 13. Further briefings are already organised and it is anticipated that the schemes will gather momentum gradually across the country. There will also be an article in the next issue of RadCom.”

There will be no net on GB3WO NEXT Tuesday, as Jonathan, G1EXG will be presenting a talk via the Internet, on Zoom.
Jonathan has posted details on our Discuss reflector and you should contact him via that means or direct email to book a place.

The Dutch Amateur Radio Society has reported that since the start of the Covid 19 lockdowns and travel bans, during contests etc., on 2 metres in particular, overall maximum distances worked have decreased. They say that the reason for this is due to lack of pollution, which would otherwise have reflected signals over greater distances. This is an interesting observation and ties in with what many of us have been finding when checking beacons. Beacons are reported as being much weaker than normal (allowing for regular QSB). One Amateur was about to do a factory reset on his IC-9700, because he thought that the 2 metre section had gone ‘deaf’, so he was quite pleased to be given this info!

There’s been some talk on the club reflector about DFing noise sources and Phil, G4UDU has suggested using an SDR RX to display the received signal to better identify the type of QRM. The new SDRPlay RX that was donated to the Club, is out on loan at present, but will be available before too long, if anyone needs to use one for DFing VDSL et al.

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets and online talks.

• Interactive talk via Zoom, on SOTAbeams Laserbeam-vari SSB / CW audio filter by Jonathan, G1EXG – Tuesday 2nd June – 7.00pm onwards – Note: Early start time – NO NET on GB3WO
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 9th June – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 16th June – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 23rd June – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 30th June – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/spring-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/05/22/propagation-news-24-may-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

Highly topical, just seen on Facebook – Police Officer leaning into a vehicle – “Have you been drinking sir?” Answer from driver – “Yes officer, I’ve been drinking. I’m just taking a test drive to see if I’m too pissed to drive!”

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

The results of Alastair’s Doodle Poll so far show only 18 people have registered an interest. Are the rest of the Club members really not interested in an online club activity, can’t even be bothered to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ or are some of you not receiving the emails? Is this perhaps the ‘lockdown blues’ or are over half of WADARC members abysmally apathetic? We hear loud complaints when the Committee spend money, but for something that is FREE, only 18 members are interested. The Doodle Poll is still running and can be found at: https://doodle.com/poll/4yizg5qst7daxtvi  Please note, you are only registering an interest in online Zoom lectures, you do NOT have to commit to being available if it doesn’t suit your schedule.

Seems like there is some activity by club members actually getting on the radio. Good for you! Chris, M0VUE apart from running a daily net, has been active on the HF bands and reports very favourable conditions, along with some really good DX on 20 metres in particular. Phil, G4UDU also reports a lot of activity on 6 metres FT8. There have also been some comments on our reflector about lack of activity and of course at least one sensible reply about what has always been know as “licensed listeners”  – If you hear nobody and you don’t call CQ, the result is ZERO QSOs and people muttering about dead bands. Even VHF/UHF simplex and repeaters suffer the same way. If you don’t call, nobody will know you’re there!

Sorry there’s no news on the Club re-convening at TSVanguard. I can’t really say I expected anything from the government and medical advisers yet, so I’m afraid we just have to put up with it for a while longer and we will reopen when we’re told it’s safe to do so.

The SDRPlay unit has been out to its first recipient and will be despatched soon to the next member. It’s hoped that Roger, G4TNT will write a full review at a later date.

Stay home – stay safe………………. but don’t stay alert. Britain has more than enough lerts, so be a loof instead.

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets. Coming soon – online talks – watch this space.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 12th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 19th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 26th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/spring-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/05/07/propagation-news-10-may-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

The latest 4 metre activity is proving to be really helpful and good fun. I’m finding it quite interesting to compare differences in propagation between different antennas. Either a multi-band rig that already has 4 metre capability, a transverter (very cheap on eBay) or an old PMR radio (re-programmed) will get you going and antennas are not too big or difficult to handle.

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

It is with much sadness that I have to report that Derick, G4XKF is now silent key. Derick was a WADARC member for many years and only gave up his membership, after major health issues. I well remember Derick opening up his back garden, so that we could enjoy Club barbecues by Derick’s pool. I have no other details at present, but given the current lockdown situation, it’s doubtful there will be a formal funeral where Club members could attend.

As mentioned last week, Alastair, M0OAL has setup a Doodle Poll for you to show your interest in some online lectures. This can be found at: https://doodle.com/poll/4yizg5qst7daxtvi  11 of us so far when I last checked. If you haven’t registered your interest, please do so as quickly as you can.

Not a WADARC project, but good news for local Amateurs all the same – Roy, G4WTV has installed a 2 metre repeater in Worthing. GB3RW now has new logic and seems to be working well. It’s on the old GB3SR frequencies – input 145.0 MHz, output 145.6 MHz, CTCSS 88.5 Hz. Further details can be found on this link: www.gb3rw.uk

It’s also worth noting the upsurge in local 4 metre activity, with 40 callsigns recorded on at least one of the nets. During the current crisis there’s a daily net at 2.00pm on 70.450 MHz FM with brief call-ins and a Friday evening net at 7.30pm on 70.400 MHz FM, both run by Tony, G8XRX.

The SDRPlay unit that’s been donated to the Club will be going out to its first recipient in the next few hours, despite the SMA adaptors not arriving. If any of you have no RX capabilities right now, please contact me and be put on the list to try out the SDRPlay.

Stay home – stay safe……………….

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets. Coming soon – online talks – watch this space.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 5th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 12th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 19th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 26th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/spring-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/04/17/propagation-news-19-april-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

Although propagation is being its usual fickle self, many of the bands are regularly open and with many countries being under lockdown, there are many more stations on the air than usual. There are also some special event callsigns to mark the efforts of those who are doing their best to help others over the Covid 19 situation. It’s well worth calling on all bands – even VHF/UHF has had some lifts in conditions.

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

Great to see a new edition of Ragchew. Thanks Roger and all of those who contributed. If any member has an item of interest for the next edition, please send it to Roger as soon as possible.

The GWhip antennas parts arrived in good time and I also have some extra large heatshrink sleeving, but I’m just waiting for some 1 inch ferrite cores, so the OSCFD antenna isn’t repaired yet, but hopefully it won’t be long. Having used it again last Thursday on 40m, I’m convinced that something in the antenna structure is getting too hot and changing the tuning, hence the change of SWR which is mostly fixed by a re-tune.

Alastair, M0OAL has setup a Doodle Poll for you to show your interest in some online lectures. This can be found at: https://doodle.com/poll/4yizg5qst7daxtvi  11 of us so far when I last checked. C’mon people, please join in and register your interest (or not).

Please keep on joining in on the club nets. It’s one of our best ways of keeping in touch with each other and helps to promote WADARC activities.

I had a short opportunity to checkout the SDRPlay unit that’s been donated to the Club. Once the software is setup and an antenna attached (I used 20ft of thin wire for HF) the unit gives a good account of itself and it pulls in many signals. I’ve ordered some antenna adaptors for it and as soon as they arrive, it will be going out to the first recipient. If any of you have no RX capabilities right now, please feel free to contact me and be put on the list to try out the SDRPlay.

Stay home – stay safe……………….

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets. Coming soon – online talks – watch this space.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 28th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 5th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 12th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 19th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 26th May – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/spring-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/04/24/propagation-news-26-april-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

I thought you might care to consider this:

Fresh cow dung can stop coronavirus

Dip both your hands in fresh cow dung before going out.

This will make sure that:

1. You will not touch your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth
2. No one will shake hands with you
3. No one will come near you when you are out in the streets
4. You will wash your hands thoroughly before you eat

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

Last week Graham, G4FNL was asking for shack photos and articles. Although more would still be welcome, Roger, G4TNT now has sufficient material for a new edition of Ragchew. Many thanks to those who have contributed and to those who intend to contribute further.

FWIW I now know why Elecraft products are so popular. I certainly don’t regret buying my lineup, even if some is being superseded. I recently had an issue which involved my HF linear, tuner and antenna. One of the Elecraft support team asked me to submit a fault log from the amplifier, which he analysed and sent me a very detailed report with recommendations, which is nothing short of a well researched essay.  Despite my problem almost certainly being with the antenna, the report was given free of charge.

I also want to thank GWhip antennas for their prompt attention. I don’t have the parts in stock to make a new high-power balun and they have agreed to sell me one of theirs, without the rest of the antenna. This will be a 1500W version so that my 400W won’t drive it close to its upper power limit. This is due to arrive tomorrow – the Post Office willing.

Thanks to all of you who are joining in on the club nets. It’s a really good way of keeping in touch with each other and helps to promote WADARC activities.

Meanwhile, I expect that most folks are getting a bit jaded with all of the Covid 19 reports, government and media briefings etc., so all I will ask right now is that if you know of anyone who’s alone and isolated, whether or not they’re a club member, if you think that WADARC can help, please let one of the Committee know.

Stay home – stay safe……………….

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 21st April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 21st April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 28th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/winter-2019-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/04/17/propagation-news-19-april-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

I thought I’d end up this time by joining with the Queen and with Vera Lynn during this time of lockdown by quoting some of “The Eskimo Song”:
Whale meat again, don’t know where don’t know when………….. <groan>

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

The nets seem to be retaining popularity but we are considering having an online lecture/demonstration, perhaps once a month. This will involve setting up a video link and sourcing lecturers/demonstrators who have the equipment to do it from home, so it will take a little while to get it going. Obviously this will only be available to those who have access to the Internet, which I hope is the majority of Club members.

Graham, G4FNL is still in need of individual shack photos to pass on to Roger for Ragchew. If you haven’t already contributed, please try to do so ASAP. You don’t need to write any description unless you want to, but it would be helpful if you can send your photo/s and your contact phone number to Graham: graham@g4fnl.co.uk

I’m pleased to report that the Committee met last Wednesday via Zoom and the entire Committee was in attendance. Despite a few initial hiccups, we were all able to hear each other and most of us were able to see each other, thanks to the use of webcams. Thanks to Alastair, M0OAL for providing the Zoom facility from his private account.

One thing that the Committee have decided upon is that all non=WADARC members will now be removed from the Announce reflector. This is not being done for any personal reasons, but for confidentiality and security. We may wish to publish announcements that are confidential to Club members only and the Announce reflector is where we wish to do it. This will not affect fully paid-op members of WADARC who are already subscribed to the reflector.

Speaking of reflectors, one Committee member was unsubscribed from one of our reflectors recently, through no fault of his own. It’s believed that his ISP bounced an email sent to him and groups.io (our reflector provider) threw him off for that reason. Unfortunately, some ISPs have automatic systems that falsely detect some messages as spam and refuse to deliver them. If you ever have this problem, please send me a direct email and I’ll re-subscribe you.

Some Worthing news – Roy, G4WTV has applied for an NOV to run a 2 metre repeater, initially from his home. It is on the old GB3SR frequency of 145.000/145.600 MHz, but has no logic at present. I’ve had the pleasure of working through GB3RW and it works very well, albeit mostly on reduced power. The repeater is only available intermittently at present, when Roy is in his shack, so it’s a bit of pot-luck for now. Roy is also often available on 70.450MHz if you want to check for availability and give the repeater a try.

Stay home – stay safe……………….

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 14th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 21st April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 28th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/winter-2019-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/04/09/propagation-news-12-april-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

There is at least one activity that we can indulge in, outside without worrying about social distancing. Antenna construction, installation and maintenance on our own premises. I now have an HB9CV installed for 4 metres and I’ve repaired a faulty connector on the HF vertical, which I ‘suddenly’ found time to do!

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

Apologies for the slight lateness of this Bulletin. My laptop is dying and although I now have a new one, transferring everything over is a nightmare and is still on-going. I’ve managed to coax the old one to display again (for now).

The nets seem to be popular as usual, with more joining in each week. Hopefully Les, G3JSU will soon be able to access GB3WO, thanks to the generosity of George, G0UCF. Also, I’ve heard from Ron, G3SKI who’s doing well and will also hopefully join in on the Tuesday net. Nets will continue for the foreseeable future.

Bryan, G0SIU is having issues with his Yaesu FT1DE – a strange issue. Trying to access GB3WO a press of the PTT will access the repeater, so his setup is correct for the repeater, but even though the PTT is still asserted, the transmitter drops out after a second or so and the rig goes back to receive. At first we thought it might be a battery issue, but Bryan now has a new battery and it’s still the same. Could it be that it’s been set to transmit a brief burst of data and then cease TX? If anyone has a good knowledge of this rig, please help us out.

Graham, G4FNL has come up with an idea which can help us keep in touch and interact with each other. Graham proposes that each of us take a photo of your shack / aerials – and add a few words (half an A5 sized page max) that will give readers an idea of what’s in the picture, plus any other interesting facts or restrictions that you’ve overcome.

Also, submit an article for RagChew. This can be on almost any subject matter – as long as its loosely connected to Amateur Radio. It could be that you’ve returned to the hobby after many years, or you’ve moved QTH from somewhere exotic to the local area, or you’ve made something that you find of use (a kit, or entirely home brew) or indeed – what you do or don’t like about the hobby!

Please send all to Graham ( graham@g4fnl.co.uk ) and he will collate and pass on to Roger G4TNT for inclusion in RagChew. Please do this by Sunday 12th April. Let’s see if we can inundate Roger with items…..

Stay home – stay safe……………….

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 7th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening (Mon-Thurs) on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 14th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 21st April – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 28th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Unlikely that there will be any rallies globally for a while, but you can still check when times get better:

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/winter-2019-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/04/03/propagation-news-5-april-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

With the recent attacks on 5G installations – keep an eye on your aerials – the great unwashed public mostly can’t tell the difference!

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

Last Tuesday’s net on GB3WO seems to have been popular. Once again 14 people took part, but a different 14 than from the week before.

Chris, M0VUE continues to run an evening net on 3.712MHz every day,Monday-Thursday from 6.00pm onwards.

Vic, G8MUQ has managed to get a good discount on the Flex 6600 and Maestro and has paid a deposit. The Maestro is in stock and the 6600 should be about 2 weeks. Lucky that this happened now, as the Dollar rate has dropped badly. The price of shipping from Japan has now gone up FIVE-FOLD! Vic is hoping that (subject to obvious restrictions) the HF antenna may be able to be erected professionally and members may be able to access the rig remotely, which is highly desirable during the current crisis.

As our new HF linear was not likely to be completed for several months, I took it on myself to complete it and I’m pleased to say that we now have a working KPA500 amp. Should it be needed in an emergency, please contact me.

If anyone is considering running a special event station, during our isolation period it is no longer a requirement to allow public access.

Be safe.

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 31st March – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 7th April – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/winter-2019-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/03/27/propagation-news-29-march-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

Not much on the supermarket shelves yesterday, so I decided to improvise.

Dinner last night was a risotto I made with some mushrooms I foraged for locally.

Not only was it delicious, but soon after a Welsh male voice choir of purple elephants showed up and sang the whole of Meatloaf’s “Bat Out Of Hell” album, accompanied by a light show. 😀

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX

THE PAST WEEK

Due to “current events” we did not meet at TS Vanguard, but instead we had a net on GB3WO last Tuesday and this is expected to continue every Tuesday until the crisis is over. There were in fact 14 members who took part, which is good for a net, but it’s even more important now for us to keep in touch, so if you haven’t already, please join us on Tuesday at 8.00pm.

George, G0UCF has suggested that there may be members who need help either setting up their rig for GB3WO or who need a rig to get onto 70cms. If you know of anyone who needs help, please email via the Discuss reflector and we’ll see what we can do. If you have a spare rig etc., that someone could use, also please let us know. Obviously we are going to be limited in our actions, as we must comply with government advice and keep ourselves safe.

I have subscribed WADARC/G3WOR to BATC (British Amateur Television Club) who are hosting a streaming service for clubs. I’m submitting details to a couple of committee members to help setup the account and hopefully we may be able to hold some virtual meetings, albeit you’ll have to make your own tea!

Chris, M0VUE is running an evening net on 3.712MHz every weekday evening. Please watch the reflector for changes in times. Last Wednesday the net started at 6.00pm and I was able to hear Chris contacted by Kenn, G0NKZ who is one of our members who doesn’t live in Sussex. Unfortunately, due to a config screw-up, I was unable to make myself heard due to lack of power – all fixed now.

We actually have a new club member who joined recently. Please welcome Chris, LA6OHA who is a ‘Worthing lad’ and currently lives in Norway. Chris does his best to join in on the Thursday 40 metre net.

Be safe and keep in touch, especially on the airwaves. You can’t catch viruses over the radio!

CLUB MEETINGS AND EVENTS – All suspended for the time being and replaced by nets.

• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 24th March – 8.00pm-10.00pm
• Net each evening on 3.712MHz – 6.00pm onwards
• Net on GB3WO – Tuesday 31st March – 8.00pm-10.00pm

For further information as it occurs, please visit the WADARC website: http://www.wadarc.org.uk

NETS

Monday – 2 metres 145.425 MHz, FM, 7.30pm (local)

Tuesday – 70cms on GB3WO, FM, 8.00pm (local)

Thursday – 40 metres 7.106 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 11.00am (local)

Saturday – 70cms on GB3WO, 7.00pm (local)

Sunday – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 7.30am – 8.00am (local)

Weekday evenings – 80 metres 3.712 MHz +- QRM, SSB, 6.00pm (local)

RALLIES

Local, national and some international rallies can be found by visiting this excellent website: http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html

RAGCHEW

Winter 2019/2020 edition published – http://www.wadarc.org.uk/ragchew/winter-2019-2020

PROPAGATION

HF and VHF

RSGB propagation information can be found by following this link: https://rsgb.org/main/blog/news/gb2rs/propagation-news/2020/03/20/propagation-news-22-march-2020/

BEACONS

VHF:

GB3WSX – IO80QW – 70.007 MHz

GB3BAA – IO91PS – 70.016 MHz

F1ZXK – JN18KF – 144.438 MHz

F5ZSF – IN88GS – 144.409 MHz

GB3VHF – JO01EH – 144.430 MHz

ON0VHF – JO20HP – 144.418 MHz

UHF:

F5XBA – JN18KF – 432.830 MHz

GB3UHF – JO01EH – 432.430 MHz

ON0UHF – JO20ET – 432.567 MHz

DX NEWS

HF:

WADARC members (and others) can subscribe to the DX News service without joining ARRL.
Send an email to this address: w1aw-list-request@arrl.org
In the subject line put the word Subscribe followed by your email address
ARRL will send an acknowledgement and you will receive the weekly DX News as an email, usually on a Friday

VHF/UHF:

The RSGB VHF/UHF Contest and Activity calendar is available via this link: https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/readcal.pl?year=2020

FINALÉ

Sitting here under self-isolation but feeling quite well, I sincerely hope that all WADARC members are safe and well. Please take good care of yourselves and hopefully we’ll ride out yet another World crisis, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Vy 73,

Alan. G4GNX