Archived News Script
IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday 28th October 2018
What's my WAI Square?
During the recent 40 metres Counties Contest, a number of contesters were asked which Worked All Ireland square they were operating in, which led to some enquiries about the WAI Awards Scheme.
Following a suggestion from one of our members, we have expanded the explanation of the WAI Awards Scheme at www.irts.ie/wai to include a section explaining how WAI squares are calculated from the Irish grid reference system, and included links to sites that can identify the grid reference of any location in Ireland.
Amateur Station Licence Examination
We wish to remind all potential candidates that the next Amateur Station Licence Examination is on Thursday 15th November in the ComReg Offices in Dublin. Some applications have already been received. As places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis, those intending to sit the examination should apply soon. Full details, including entry procedure, examination fee and how to pay the fee online are available at www.irts.ie/exam
Please note that it is necessary to download the application form from the web site and forward the completed form and the appropriate fee so as to secure a place for the examination. It is important to note that even if you pay the fee online you must still complete and forward the application form. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Thursday 1st November.
Shannon Basin Radio Club
A reminder that the Shannon Basin Radio Club is holding a meeting in the Roscommon Sub-Aqua Club House in Roscommon Town on Wednesday 7th November at 20:30.
Steve EI5DD will be in attendance and will give a talk and demonstration on DMR. Anyone interested in DMR is welcome to attend. Please see www.shannonbasinradioclub.com for details.
Limerick Radio Club
A date for your diary is Sunday March 10th 2019, when LRC will hold it's annual Rally in the Radisson Blu Hotel on the Ennis Road.
Dundalk Amateur Radio Society
A reminder that the Dundalk Amateur Radio Society are activating a Special Event Station EI100SSD to commemorate the sinking of the S.S. Dundalk which occured 14th October 1918. Operational frequencies will be posted by the usual means. Full details about the Special Event Station can be found on the EI100SSD QRZ.com web page, including historical information about the story of the sinking of the SS Dundalk.
100th birthday celebrations in Latvia
YL100 is a special amateur radio callsign prefix which has been created to celebrate Latvia's 100th birthday. On 18 November 2018 Latvia will celebrate this centenary. Five different callsigns will be used between the 1st to the 18th November with this YL100 prefix, one from each of 4 Latvia's historical regions and the fifth from the capital city Riga. The callsigns are YL100K, YL100L, YL100R, YL100V, and YL100Z. These callsigns will be operated by multiple radio amateurs from the related regions. Special awards for working YL100 stations on different bands and modes will be issued.
8 Meter Band Operation
Phil EI9KP (ON4TA) is back in Ireland for the next few weeks. Following tests with Dominic EI9JS, he is now fully QRV on the 40 MHz 8 meter band with a converted FT 857 in CW, SSB and FM. He has constructed some dipoles and a delta loop for the band and is keen for some more contacts either two way or cross band. Pictures and more info can be found on the MREN website at ei7mre.org
DX News
Janusz SP9FIH is making a return visit to Palestine from 27th October – 11th November. His QTH is Bethlehem and the callsign is E44WE. He will be mainly on SSB on 20, 17 and 15m but will also try some RTTY and FT8. QSL via Club Log OQRS.
Willi DJ7RJ will be QRV from the island of Mayotte as FH/DJ7RJ from 29th October – 6th November. Look for him on 160 – 10m on CW and SSB. QSLs go via the home call.
For the next five months Peter DC0KK will operate as 4S7KKG in Sri Lanka. He will be mainly on CW and digital. Logs will be uploaded to Logbook of The World and QSLs can be obtained through Club Log OQRS.
For those who missed the recent Christmas Island DXpedition by VK9XG there is a further chance to work this semi-rare DXCC entity during November. Michael DF8AN will be active as VK9XQ from 3rd – 6th November and 9th – 17th November on CW, RTTY and Digital modes on all bands. During 6th – 9th November Michael will appear as VK9CH from Cocos Keeling Island. QSLs for both callsigns go via his home call.
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, Mark EI6HPB on 086 355 2370.
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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