This Week’s News
IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday November 1st, 2026
Updates from the IRTS
The upcoming HAREC license exam will take place in Dublin on the 12th of December. The venue and schedule will be updated shortly. All candidates are invited to apply early as places are limited, please visit irts.ie/exam for the application form and latest updates.
IRTS represents Irish amateur radio operators within IARU region 1 and works with the Commission for Communications Regulation in Ireland on matters affecting our hobby. Through the IARU, national societies cooperate on topics such as outreach, licensing, frequency planning, and defending the radio spectrum. At the IARU general conference in Austria this September, the IRTS delegation participated in the adoption revisions and updates regarding HF and VHF/microwave matters. By becoming an IRTS member, you not only support local amateur radio in Ireland, but also help the international representation that protects our spectrum beyond our borders.
In addition to individual membership, IRTS also welcomes amateur radio clubs to become affiliated clubs of the society. Affiliation provides a direct channel to strengthen local collaboration on events, outreach, emergency communications, and more.
We encourage everyone to visit irts.ie/clubs to join and support their local club. Existing affiliated clubs are invited to review their listings and contact the IRTS web editor with any updates. Clubs can also raise matters for discussion through reports submitted to the IRTS Committee. The next IRTS committee meeting is scheduled for 25th of November.
The IRTS website working group is seeking new volunteers to help maintain and improve the society's website. Web development experience would be welcome but not essential. Interested volunteers are kindly invited to contact irts_secretary /at/ irts.ie
HF News
This coming Wednesday, 4th November, is the UKEI Contest Club 80m SSB contest. It's a very relaxed contest and runs for only one hour, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., so it's a great opportunity to participate or try contesting for the first time in a relaxed environment without too much pressure. You don't need to be a Contest Club member. The contest exchange is your six-character grid square. More info can be found at www.ukeicc.com
In DX news, Cape Verde will see activity from two visiting European operators during November. Giovanni, IZ2DPX, will operate as D44PX from Boa Vista Island (IOTA reference AF-086) from November 4th through 11th. Charlie, EI8JB, who is the IRTS HF manager, will be on air as D44JB from Santo Antão Island (IOTA reference AF-086) from November 13th to 20th
Shannon Basin Radio Club November Meeting
Shannon Basin Radio Club will hold its next meeting on Monday, November 2nd, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at St. Brigid's GAA Club in Kiltoom, County Roscommon. All members, prospective radio amateurs, and visitors are very welcome to attend.
For those planning to attend the next IRTS AGM weekend over the weekend of April 24th and 25th, 2027, please be advised that you must call the hotel directly and quote the booking reference number 428165. You will not be able to avail of the special rates using that code if attempting to book online. Availability for the Friday night using the negotiated rates also is limited so you are urged to contact the hotel as soon as possible. Further details can be found at sbrc.ie/irts
Silent Key - Brian Hoare EI7JB
We regret to report that Brian Hoare passed away on the 27th of October. Operator of EI7JB, Brian was based in Carrick-on -Shannon. We extend our condolences to his family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May he rest in peace.
VHF/Microwave News
VHF CW fans should note that the IARU Region 1 Marconi Memorial CW 145 MHz Contest takes place next weekend, running from 14:00 UTC on Saturday, November 7th, through to 14:00 UTC on Sunday, November 8th. Operating on the 2-metre band in CW mode, the exchange is RST, serial number, and your six-character grid locator. This popular annual event provides an excellent opportunity to refine your VHF CW skills.
Radio and Retro Weekend at TOG Hackerspace
TOG Hackerspace extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended their recent Radio and Retro Weekend. Despite challenging weather conditions that required a few schedule adjustments, participants enjoyed a packed weekend of activities.
Highlights included guest talks, radio demonstrations, a TinyGS satellite ground station build, soldering workshops, and callsign patch making. Sunday featured Parks on the Air activity alongside an afternoon dedicated to retro radio equipment.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all who delivered talks, displayed equipment, ran demonstrations, and volunteered throughout the event. They also acknowledged the support of the IRTS through the Promoting Amateur Radio (PAR) fund - which helped cover materials for the callsign patches - as well as Dublin City Council, whose financial support made this first radio festival possible.
Looking ahead, TOG Hackerspace hopes to host the event again in the future and encourages everyone to keep an eye on their social media channels for details regarding an upcoming Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) event scheduled for December.
Items for Inclusion in Next Week's Radio News
That is the news for this week. Thanks to everyone for sending items into the weekly IRTS radio news. They are very much appreciated and are a great way to update the rest of the community about activities. If you have any club events, news, meetings, or other items of interest, please send them via email to newsteam /at/ irts.ie . The deadline is midnight on Thursdays. Items intended for inclusion in Echo Ireland should be sent to echoireland /at/ irts.ie
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