Wednesday 1st February - NARC meeting at CNS

Details

Published: 06 January 2023

Last Updated: 28 January 2023

Tonight is a social informal evening in the 6th form common room at CNS School and our new extended hours of 19.00-21.30. Cold drinks will be available to buy and hot drinks from the vending machine.

As well as being a social get together we will be holding an informal round table discussion on how to generate Locators, WAB squares, etc. Please come along and share what you do or learn from others.

In future meetings we thought it would be good to have informal demos, show and tells or workshops by members and maybe a club construction project we can all get involved with, but we need feedback from anyone interested please...

Pi & Chips...

The Raspberry Pi is an incredibly powerful DIY computer and probably many amateurs have one in the back of a drawer just waiting for an application and a bit of knowledge on how to use them, particularly the software side. So one of our members has offered to do an informal mini course designed for anyone. If this interests you please email David (below) and we will arrange an informal get together at CNS in February to discuss it with those interested.

Club project

Mark G0TMT has suggested the club get a few members together to make a Loop antenna amplifier as featured in Radcom. If this interests you please let David know with a quick email - we need at least 5 people to make the project bulk buy viable and so far have two people wanting to make it - how about you?

So what do you think? I am happy to organise these things but we need to know who is interested, so please get in touch with me with your thoughts and ideas!

David G7URP

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Like most NARC Live we also made a recording and you can watch that here: https://youtu.be/4gDn8DZag3U

BOUVET _ ARRL Most Wanted Nr 2

Details

Published: 31 January 2023

Last Updated: 31 January 2023

Fancy going on a DX-pedition to BOUVET?  These guys were finding it a touch difficult!

BOUVET is and always will be a most sought after entity on the ARRL list. NARC made a donation to the previous attempt which failed, but all donations were then transferred to this present expedition. Hopefully a number of NARC members will be able to work them, hopefully on the legacy modes as a preference. If you get time, please watch this Utube video and you can then appreciate more the dangers that these guys are subjecting themselves to in order to give you a QSO. They actually PAID for this torture personally! If you are a DX-er then make time to get them in the log because it is unlikely there will be another expedition there in the next 20 years or so.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7nbdhTDP4s&t=146s

Getting on and off Bouvet is a very dangerous operation itself, much less spending a couple of weeks or more trying to work the hordes of callers and suffering the slings and arrows of deliberate QRM that will be inevitable.  It is cold, uninviting and uninhabited. Injuries could happen and although they have an MD among them there is no quick trip to the local trauma centre if anything serious happens.

They have now arrived AT the island and the difficult task of getting ON the island starts. Using the inflatables they have to carry ALL the equipment, including generators and antennas, rigs and tents and so on, to the island and then get it to the top of the cliffs, They then spend a day or two setting it all up in awful conditions.

Spend a lot of time listening. Don't be tempted to jump straight in with the transmitter. Learn how they are operating, where they are listening themselves - obviously it will be split operations - and try to find the least occupied frequency you can. Respect a QSO, do not transmit while a QSO is in progress. Big guns, those with linears and beams, will be first in the order so be patient. They will listen for little pistols. There are several FOC ops on this expedition and they are very experienced. Be patient. It might take hours of calling to work them and also days but it will be worth it.

Be patient!

Download, read and save the DX Code of Conduct:

 https://rsgb.org/main/operating/dx-code-of-conduct/

Above all, enjoy the experience. If you are new to DX-ing, what better way to start than to work Bouvet, one of the most wanted entities.

IT IS ALL JUST ABOUT TO START!!!

NARC Winter programme...

Details

Published: 06 January 2023

Last Updated: 28 January 2023

Below is the programme of NARC Wednesday meetings for the winter months into the Spring.

Although this is the plan as I write this in early January all meetings are subject to change so always check the clubs website and latest newsletter for details nearer the time.

February 2023

1st: 19.00-21.30 Meeting at CNS : Social and informal round table on Locators, WAB etc...

8th:  19.30 NARC Live : Club news, What on Earth Competition and 'Intro to Node-Red for Amateur Radio'

15th:  19.00-21.30 Meeting at CNS : Social, Bright Sparks and informal demo / workshop - what on is up to you?!

22nd: 19.30 NARC Live : Club news, What on Earth Competition and 'Transmit Quality in Modern Transceivers'

March 2023

1st: 19.00-21.30 Meeting at CNS : Social and informal demo / workshop - what on is up to you?! Tell G7URP

8th:  19.30 NARC Live : Club news, What on Earth Competition and 'Propagation update' with K9LA

15th:  19.00-21.30 Meeting at CNS : Social, Bright Sparks and informal demo / workshop - what on is up to you?!

22nd: 19.30 NARC Live : Club news, What on Earth Competition and 'Making Sense of Space Weather' G0KYA

29th:  19.00-21.30 Meeting at CNS : Social and informal demo / workshop - what on is up to you?! Tell G7URP

April 2023

5th:   19.00-21.30 Meeting at CNS : AGM (tbc)

12th: 19.30 NARC Live : Club news, What on Earth Competition and 'Operating from Market Reef', KO8SCA

19th:  19.00-21.30 Meeting at CNS : Social, Bright Sparks and informal demo / workshop - what on is up to you?!

26th: 19.30 NARC Live : Club news, What on Earth Competition and 'Smith Charts on the NNVA', W2AEW

• CNS meetings are between 19.00-21.30 in the 6th form common room at City of Norwich School, Eaton Road, Norwich, NR4 6PP.

• Bright Sparks: We also include a Bright Sparks session for our younger members once a month.

• NARC Live is an online meeting open to all which starts at 19.30 and is available to watch on either of the following online platforms:

Watch live on BATC:

https://batc.org.uk/live/NARC

or Facebook Live:

https://www.facebook.com/norfolkamateurradioclub  

Recordings are made of most NARC Live and they can be watched here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/norfolkamateurradio/videos 

If you enjoy what NARC brings you, please join! Its only £10 for the whole year of 50 Wednesday meetings as well as other events and features. Details on how to join are on our website.

Propagation News, Friday 27th January 2023

Details

Published: 26 January 2023

Last Updated: 26 January 2023

HF News

As of Thursday, we had a strange situation whereby all the current visible sunspots are in one hemisphere of the Sun. But this isn’t that unusual as the two hemisphere’s usually peak at different times in the cycle.

In a couple of years, we may well have the reverse situation.

Nevertheless, the solar flux index declined and stood at 172 on the 26th when this report was prepared. While there are plenty of spots they are all relatively small, unlike a week ago when active region 3190 was on the visible face.

Last week saw the Sun being settled geomagnetically, with the Kp index not exceeding three. We have had some M-class flares, but nothing stronger.

NOAA predicts that the SFI will decline to 175 before increasing again at the beginning of next month. We can expect quiet geomagnetic conditions for a time, but NOAA predicts that the Kp index will rise again around the 1st and then the 7th-10th of February.

Meanwhile, the 3YOJ Bouvet Island DXpedition (54.42 degrees South, 3.36 degrees East) is getting closer to its final location so it's time to start looking at propagation predictions for this sought-after entity. Bouvet lies almost exactly due south from the UK, so if you have a beam point it at 180 degrees or 0 degrees for the long path.

The short path is likely to give you the best results, that is 80-100% reliability, with 15 metres open from 0800 - 2100hrs. There are shorter 12m and 10m openings during the day, with 10m open from 1200 - 1400hrs and again from 1700 - 1800hrs UTC. Twenty metres should give the best results overall from 1700 - 0200 hrs UTC, although it is likely to be the busiest band.

Thirty metres (10MHz) and 40 metres (7MHz) also offer up good propagation from 1700hrs - 0400hrs UTC.

There is also a weaker long-path opening predicted on 17m from 1000hrs UTC until 1600hrs UTC with 50% probability. These were all calculated with VOACAP online and Proppy (ITURHFPROP).

The UK appears to have good HF propagation to Bouvet overall, but do make sure you are on the right band at the right time!

VHF and up

There has been some very focused tropo in the last week, especially on 70cm and 23cm digital modes around the edge of high pressure from the UK into eastern Europe and the southern Baltic.

This shows the value of looking for paths along the edge of extensive highs, rather than across the centre, where the inversion dips lower and may duct the path into the ground.

The coming week offers further high-pressure systems, mostly over the Atlantic to the west of Britain or to the south, so perhaps paths towards Spain or the Canary Islands are worth a look. The northern half of the charts will see deep lows, much stronger winds and rain or showers, so introducing rain scatter options and testing the antennas.

Other modes are available, of course, but the good practice of watching the clusters should keep everyone informed so that you don’t miss out.

It’s still worth a check for aurora, and random meteor scatter is always an option around dawn, even in the current meteor shower minimum period that lasts until the Lyrids in mid to late April.

With the Moon at peak declination on Thursday this is a good week for EME with long Moon availability windows. That said, Moon apogee next Saturday means that EME path losses are high. 144 MHz sky noise is moderate, reaching 500 Kelvin on Wednesday.

GB2CW Morse Corner Week ending 27.01.23

Details

Published: 27 January 2023

Last Updated: 29 January 2023

GB2CW Morse Corner Week ending 16.12.22
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MORSE CLASSES FOR 2023 HAVE STARTED WITH GOOD ATTENDANCE.
Have YOU made a NYR ( New Year's Resolution ) to learn the code and become a proficient Radio Operator? Telegraphy on HF is one of the most exciting modes you can use. It's a world of it's own and having a contact with another operator in some other part of the world using your own ability at reading the Morse and also sending it is the most satisfying methods of communication there is. Age is no barrier, but the sooner you get started the sooner you will be joining a world wide band of like minded operators.
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Classes are as per the table below, BUT speeds will be aimed at whoever checks in for practice.
Accuracy transcends Speed is the motto of FISTS, but in tuition that is the way to go.
So, if you join and can only manage around 10 wpm that will be the speed!
Classes are now waiting for you to join and there is a variety of days and times to choose from. You will be expected to put in at least 30 minutes practice per day and if you do that you can soon see progress. It's not only the code to learn but lots of procedural signals, punctuation, abbreviations ( around 300 but not all are used! ) and correct protocols to use on the air.
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Learn to use your receiver around 80% more than your transmitter and hear what is happening on the air. CW is a nuanced mode and CW operators take pride in their mode.
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Soooooooooooooo, join in any of the following - you will be most welcome!

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We are waiting to hear from the two newly licenced M7s who were at the CLub Dinner. Both expressed an interest in Morse, so please let's hear from you on 145.450 at some time so we can have a chat about joining the classes, learning the code and all the additional things you will need to know in order to become a proficient CW operator.
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Start with a straight key if you can and please get the technique correct. It is shown in my Morse for Radio Amateurs book, or you can ask the correct way. Look for one with both a knob and a skirt. There are plenty for sale on Ebay and other sites, but make sure you get a heavy one and preferably made of brass if possible.
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This week, Dave G0ELJ and Paul M1AFQ were on the class usually run by Phil. He was away so I took the class this week and it went very well. I noticed a considerable improvement and also encouraged Dave to try to increase his activity and speed. Great stuff!

=================================

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CW OPS
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There are still a large number of locals taking part. If you would like to be nominated for membership of CW OPS just let one of the local members know and we will do the necessary. The only pre-condition is that you are good up to 25wpm.
Even if you are NOT a member, please feel free to join in some of these sessions. For the UK the exchange is {NAME} G
This is a great way of both making new friends and gaining a lot of practice in a fun way.
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If again you are serious about learning CW, then why not join the CW OPS Academy? You sign up for a year in semesters with your own tutor. He will oversee your course and get you up to a decent speed in a year. The younger you are the easier it is. It is never too late to learn however so don't let your age be a barrier.

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RUFZXP
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Send your new score to Jim G3YLA by Thursday evening at the latest. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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It would be nice to see some more new entries in this table.

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The NARC Net.
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CHANGE OF TIME.                      
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Due to the poor propagation later in the evening we are now proposing to start at 2000 local time.
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Learning Net Protocol is not that easy and requires practice. To help with this the NARC Net was started a few years ago. We are STILL waiting for newcomers to join on a regular basis however. No need to feel shy or nervous because the Net is the place to learn and we always have a discussion afterwards on 145.250 FM.
Well, regardless of SK night, we are now starting the NARC Net at 20 wpm. On a paddle, this provides reasonable speed and good Morse to encourage those trying out their skils for the first time, or even those not comfortable at higher speeds. This is what the Net was instigated for in the first place so please try to join in. The Net controller will call ON TIME at 8.00 and will listen ONLY for beginners to start with so please DO NOT call before time and DO NOT call until sufficient time has been given to those beginners. There must be dozens of them just busting to join in so let's hope this produces some results! Please wait until the Net Controller STARTS the Net before lodging your call.
Once the Net controller has called for those beginners a couple of times, then we can also join in. Then, we can run at 20 wpm for the complete Net or if the controller wishes, he can increase the speed to a suggested level, say 25 wpm.
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Being a pedantic pest I do like to see accurate netting. Please pay particular attention to that. This week was very good, with just about everbody netting correctly. Please don't adopt the "That's near enough" attitude. I used to upset my father-in-law, ( jokingly ) when he was measuring wood when we were making my bookshelves. He used to explode when I said those three words.
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Below are the details of the Net.

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3543.00KHz 2000 local time on Monday evenings. Join us for a chat.  Plus/Minus activity/QRM etc.
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Net Operator's list:
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Malcolm G3PDH
Chris G4CCX
Phil G4LPP
Dick G3WRJ
Roger G3LDI
Les G0DFC
Jim G3YLA
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This is the current list.
. The controller this week will be me G3LDI. This is dependent on propagation which for the last few Nets have been very poor. It is the time of the year when the fo/F2 drops to below 3.5MHz and makes a Net very difficult. If I cannot be heard, the next in line is Les G0DFC, although Les has problems under these poor conditions.
You can work out when it will be your turn and please let me know if you cannot do it on that particular night, in which case we will just follow through.
So, on Monday evening I will call, at somewhat less than 20 wpm, for beginners only to check in FIRST. If we have any, please adjust your speed to match theirs and we will all do the same. I shall highlight the next Controller in red for the Monday following the Newsletter.  

.Stations on the net usually meet up on 145.250 after the net to discuss it.

----------------------------------------

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That's it, open the cage, play the music.
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If you have any input, please email me.

73 de Roger, G3LDI GB2CW Coordinator. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. May the Morse be with you.

NARC Contest News (70) Friday 27th January 2023

Details

Published: 26 January 2023

Last Updated: 26 January 2023

Welcome to week seventy of NARC’s contest news.

Results:-

Fewer results this week

On VHF

The results of the 50MHz UKAC of 12th January 2023 were published on 23rd January. NARC had fielded 7 entries for this one and have managed a repectable 5th place in our General Clubs section. A good start to the year!

On HF

The results of the 40m/80m RSGB AFS DATA contest of 15th January 2023 were published on 25th January. NARC are in the Local clubs section for this series. We managed 16 entries therefore 4 teams of 4. Our A team placed 2nd in this one to Camb-Hams who have really stepped up their game this year. We scored 875 points versus their A team's 944 points. Our B team came 6th, our C team came 13th and our D team came 23rd this is out of 44 sets of teams.

This leaves us currently 5th in the AFS Super league so far and places our top scorer, Peter M0RYB in 3rd place in the HF championship overall.

If people are entering other contests of whose results I am obviously unaware please e-mail me to let me know the outcome and I'll mention it here.

Contests:-

On VHF

The 2.3 GHz part of the SHF UKAC took place on Tuesday 23rd, unfortunately no-one was able to enter on our behalf. I hope we can get more members tooled up for this or higher bands in the coming months.

On HF

Saturday 21st January 2023 saw the 3rd 80m/40m leg of the AFS series take place in the form of the SSB (shouty shouty) leg. We managed to field 15 entries for this one which is a good result as many do not like this contest mode! Scores were good but despite particularly high claimed scores from Stewart G3F and Andy G1A it looks like our A team may have come second once again to Camb Hams A. We await the final results!

If any other contests have been worked by NARC members writeups are always welcome here. Please e-mail content to me at the address below.

We are always on the lookout for new contesters to add to our team and welcome people of any ability who either wish to add their score to ours or develop their skills.

Note, NARC contest net takes place every Friday evening at 9pm clock time on 145.250MHz. This is a useful place to exchange contest information and get help with logging and station setup issues etc.

Contest reports are always appreciated from any club members.

I have been approached about forming a contest group to participate for NARC in the various 2m / VHF contests throughout the year such as VHF Field day, 2m CW Marconi, VHF championships etc. This would be on a portable station basis. If there is any interest out there in putting together such a group please contact me for details at the email address at the end of this article.

There has certainly been a reduction in NARC participation in these events since COVID and it would be good to get a well prepared club VHF contest station up and running once more.

Upcoming contests in the next 2 weeks:-

On VHF / UHF / SHF

Before each of the 2m and 70cm UKACs there is an FM leg starting 1 hour before for 55 minutes. I hear almost no activity in this from here but others may have more luck! Rules etc on RSGBCC site.

* Wed 1st Feb 1700z 144MHz FT8 AC (2 and 4 hour sections)

* Sun 5th Feb 0900-1300 432MHz AFS - AFS Super League

* Tue 7th Feb 2000-2230 144MHz UKAC

* Wed 8th Feb 1700z 432MHz FT8 AC (2 and 4 hour sections)

* Thus 9th Feb 2000-2230 50MHz UKAC

Also of interest for some on the vhf / uhf bands are the EU FT8 activity tests - see the following link for more information. These are on the first (144 MHz), second (432MHz) and third (1.3GHz) Wednesdays of each month. 1700-2000 Hrs EU FT8 series website https://ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/

On HF

* Fri 27th January 2200 to Sun 29th January 2200 CQ 160m CW contest - see WA7BNM
* Sat 28th January 0600 to Sun 29th January 1800 REF Contest CW - see WA7BNM
* Sat 28th January 1200 for 24h BARTG RTTY sprint contest - see WA7BNM
* Sat 28th January 1300 for 24h UBA DX contest SSB - see WA7BNM
* Sat 28th January 1900 for 24h Winter Field Day - see WA7BNM
* Sat 4th February 0001 to Sun 5th February 2359 10-10 Int. Winter contest - 10m Phone - see WA7BNM
* Sat 4th February 1200 for 24h - Mexico RTTY International contest - see WA7BNM
* Sat 4th February 1200 for 24h - European Union DX contest CW / SSB - see WA7BNM
* Sat 4th February 1200 for 24h - F9AA Cup CW - see WA7BNM
* Mon 6th February 2000-2130 80m CC SSB - this is the first of the new series !

Wednesdays throughout the year, CW ops 1 hour mini tests 13:00, 19:00, Thurs 03:00 and 07:00, exchange Name and G if not a member or CWOPS number if you are a member.
See CWOPS website for more details.
Also on Fridays 2000 to 2100 and Mondays 0000 to 0100 each week CWops runs the K1USN slow speed CW contests. Any speed up to 20wpm is acceptable. For rules see :- CW OPs SST page these contests are open to anyone.

All RSGB contest rules and further details plus log submission at RSGB contest site
Look to WA7BNM’s contest calendar for other contests and links to rules etc at WA7BNM weekly contest calendar
A link to John 2E0TWQ’s site’s Narc contest history page - 2E0TWQ's NARC contest results page

Submissions or comments for this news to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

73 until next week,

Phil G4LPP