| |
EI3DIB > NEWS 10.06.05 23:36l 145 Lines 6116 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 14310_EI3DIB
Read: GUEST
Subj: IRTS News 12th June 05
Path: DB0FHN<DB0FOR<DB0MRW<DB0WUE<DK0WUE<SP7MGD<RZ6HXA<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0AR<
GB7CIP<GB7CRV<EI3DIB
Sent: 050610/2122Z @:EI3DIB.#TIPP.IRL.EU #:14310 [Ardfinnan] FBB7.00i
From: EI3DIB@EI3DIB.#TIPP.IRL.EU
To : NEWS@WW
Irish Radio Transmitters Society
Radio News Bulletin
Sunday June 12th 2005
Theory Examination
Recently, the IRTS signed a formal Agreement with ComReg to take over the
running and administration of the Radio Theory Test for an initial period
of three years. This Agreement has been in negotiation for many.
The IRTS have agreed to run a minimum of one examination per year, which
will be based on the international HAREC standard. If sufficient
candidates are forthcoming in any year, ComReg will sanction further exams
in that year. As a goodwill gesture ComReg will make a Conference Room in
their offices available on two days per year to accommodate exams. The
exam tentatively arranged for the 16th of June will now take place on that
date in the ComReg offices. Letters have already been sent to those whose
names are on the ComReg list advising them of the exam details.
The 16th of June exam will be the last exam in EI having the traditional
essay type format. All future exams will be based on the multiple-choice
format and a bank of questions for use in future exams has already been
agreed with ComReg.
****************
Sporadic E
There has already been sporadic E openings on a number of days so far this
summer on 144 MHz, some of these were very extensive, this is most unusual,
last year was poor in comparison with just 3 openings noticed in July, many
EI's have been active working all over Europe from Spain to Sweeden,
warning signs for an Es opening are short skip to UK on 20, 15, 10 and 6
metres and broadcast radio open to Europe up to 108 MHz. Vertical aerials
are reasonably successful in working 2 meter sporadic E and the FM section
of the band is often full of activity.
There has also been a number of good openings on 6 metres recently.
****************
Squares Table 2005
Inputs for the 2005 Squares Table is slow so far this year as 6 meter DX
conditions are very poor compared to previous years. Anyone working DX on
any of the VHF/UHF bands please forward their totals for inclusion on this
table. The table will be published in Echo Ireland, scores will be updated
on EI7GL's web page www.qsl.net/ei7gl as they come to hand. Thanks to John
for including the table on his homepage over the years.
****************
Cork Repeater Group
The Cork Repeater Group is at present in the process of upgrading both the
2 metre and 70 centimetre repeaters, and wishes to apologise for the
interruption of service, it is hoped to have both back in full service
soon.
****************
APRS Experiments
If anyone is interested in participating in ongoing APRS experiments in the
South East, please set your UI PATH to WIDE2-2, this would include anyone
in the coverage area of the Mt. Leinster Voice repeater and the repeater in
Waterford City. All experiments are conducted on 144.800 MHz. Contact
John EI7IG for more information.
****************
South Eastern Amateur Radio Group
The Waterford Rally will take place on the 16th of October 2005 in the
McEniff, Ard Ri Hotel, Waterford. Special room rates are available for
those attending the rally. Bed and Breakfast for 2 nights plus one dinner
is 89 Euro per person sharing. Bed and Breakfast for one night plus 1
dinner is 55 Euro per person sharing. 19 Euro for single supplement.
****************
Museums Weekend
The International Museums Weekend in the UK will take place over the
weekend of the 18th and 19th of June. Those intending to participate are
requested to register via the IMW website.
****************
Space News
A launch date for SSETI Express and three cubesats has now been confirmed
as the 25th of August, with the 26th as a back-up window. The satellite has
now completed pre-launch tests. The satellite is expected to be ready for
despatch to the launch site during the last week of this month. SSETI
Express will automatically downlink general telemetry at 9K6 on 70
centimetres and it will also be possible for amateurs to request specific
downloads. It is planned that a 2.4GHz transponder will also be available
for voice operation after initial tests have been completed. AMSAT-UK will
provide a presentation on the project at the AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium from
the 29th to 31st of July at the University of Surrey in Guildford. All
radio amateurs and short wave listeners are welcome to attend.
****************
Rockall Island
MM0CWJ and MM0ALM will make up the two-man amateur radio side of an
expedition to Rockall Island around June 14th until about June 21st.
Very few have landed on the rock, although many have attempted to do so.
Ex-SAS man and Atlantic oarsman Tom Maclean did so in reportedly excellent
WX conditions. Greenpeace also occupied the rock a few years ago, again in
near perfect WX. But if Seamus and David make it, this will be an
incredible "first" not just for IOTA, but for amateur radio in general.
Note that Rockall is beyond the range of "search and rescue" helicopters.
The Rockall Island web-site can be found at www.rockallisland.co.uk. This
is the official web site for the amateur radio side of the expedition.
****************
Radio News Input
We're at that time of year again when input for the radio news typically
dries up. This is largely due to the fact that most experimenters are away
on holiday or involved in sporting activities and many clubs lessen their
activity around this time. We would appeal to you to submit any items of
interest, be it relevant to your club or you as an individual to news at
IRTS dot IE. Reports on band conditions would also be welcome.
****************
Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be forwarded to Mark
EI7IS at QTHR or by phone to 087-6302026. News should be submitted via e-
mail to news@irts.ie for automatic forwarding to both the radio and printed
news services. Please note that items for the radio news should reach the
editor no later than midday on Fridays.
Best 73 from John, Sysop @ EI3DIB.#TIPP.IRL.EU
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
