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IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday 28th June 2015


IRTS Contest Rules Updates

The IRTS committee has approved two changes to the contest rules; firstly a new 6-hour section in the HF Field Days and secondly a bonus for CW contacts in the mixed-mode sections of the HF Counties contests.

The two HF Field Day contests - CW Field Day during the first weekend in June and SSB Field Day on the first weekend in September - are 24hour contests, coinciding with similar contests in other IARU Region 1 countries. To encourage more individuals and groups to participate in these field day events, we have introduced a new 6hour section for both of these contests. The rules provide that operation need not be for one continuous 6hour period, but once operation has commenced in the contest, off periods must be a minimum of 60 minutes. Also, the normal field day pre-registration requirements will not apply to stations entering the 6 hour section.

The HF Counties contests - which currently consist of two 80m and one 40m contest - have mixed mode sections for those wishing to operate both CW and SSB. CW activity has tended to be minimal in these contests, so to encourage more activity at the CW end of the bands, a final score bonus of 1,000 points will be added to any entry that includes at least 10 valid QSOs with EI or GI stations. We have also suggested CW "centre of activity" frequencies for these contests.

Our contest rules, which are available at www.irts.ie/contests have now been updated to reflect these changes.


VHF/UHF Field Day Contest

This contest takes place next weekend, over 24hours from 14:00 UTC on Saturday 4th July. The contest covers five bands - 50, 70, 144, 432 and 1296 MHz. All five bands may be used in the Open Section, however we also have a Restricted Section for those operating on just one of these bands. With plenty of UK and continental European stations on the air over that weekend, and perhaps some good Tropo conditions, this contest offers a great opportunity to work DX on the VHF and higher bands. See www.irts.ie/contests for the rules.


Olivier ON4EI back in Ireland

Olivier ON4EI is back in Ireland from 4th to 13th July 2015 to operate EI8GQB and EI1A during the IARU HF World Championship contest.

In 2014 Olivier scored, with EI1A, top Europe score in CQ WW WPX, IOTA en CQ WW DX contests in Low Power/Single Op SSB category using mainly green energy with his temporary 'Field Day like' antenna park setup.

You can follow this one man expedition on www.qrz.com/db/EI8GQB or meet him on the air. (See live operating frequency on his qrz.com banner). QSL only via LOTW or via QSL MANAGER: PA3249 (direct or bureau).


South Eastern Amateur Radio Group

All the members of the South Eastern Amateur Radio Group would like to congratulate fellow club members Mick Holmes and Raymond Cowman on passing the recent Harec exam. The lads got the good news recently. Congratulations lads and we hope both of you have many years of enjoyment with the hobby. The June meeting of the South Eastern Amateur Radio Group will take place in the Roanmore Social and Sports Centre, Cleaboy Road, Waterford on tomorrow night Monday 29th June at 8.00 p.m. New members are always welcome to attend.

For up to date news on SEARG you can follow them on Facebook and on Twitter. www.searg.com


DX News

Three Belgian amateurs will operate from Market Reef using the callsign OJ0V from 28th June to 4th July. They will use mainly CW, with some SSB, on 40 -6m. QSL Manager is ON5TC.

Geoff G8OFQ will make a return visit to the Galapagos Islands from 1st July. He will reactivate his HC8/G8OFQ callsign on 160 – 6m. This will be a spare-time operation and he expects to be there till the end of September. While in the Galapagos Islands Geoff works as a volunteer at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela Island.

The callsign PJ5A will be activated by K5AND and K4RX from the island of St Eustatius until 5th July. They will be on all bands but will concentrate on 6m. QSLs go via M0URX.

Jacky ZL3CW (formerly F2CW) is now quite active as 9N7CW from Nepal. QSLs go direct to ZL3CW and logs will be uploaded to Logbook of The World.


North Cork Radio Group

The North Cork Radio Group are pleased to announce their annual Radio, Electronics & Hobby Rally will be held this year on Sunday, 13th September 2015 at The Commons Inn, Blackpool, Cork.

As per usual, doors will open at 11am and entry is €5 per person, children under 16 are free. Raffle tickets will be available at the door.

For anyone wishing to secure a table, or stall, please contact Lisa EI9GSB on 086 8427756 or ei9gsb /at/ me.com to ensure early confirmation. For anyone interested in taking the morse test, or to have QSLs checked, please advise us as soon as possible so that we can arrange to have the relevant officials present.


Bangor and District ARS Summer Rally

The Bangor and District ARS will hold their annual rally in the Donaghadee Community Centre, County Down on Saturday 4th July. Doors open at 11.30am. More information on www.bdars.com


Items for inclusion in next week’s Radio News can be submitted via e-mail to “newsteam /at/ irts / dot / ie” for automatic forwarding to both the radio and printed news services. Urgent news items for the radio news may be telephoned to the radio news editor, Aidan, EI7JC on 085 7100511.

Please note that items for the radio news should reach the editor no later than midday on Thursday in order to be guaranteed inclusion in the following Sunday’s bulletin.

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