Archived News Script

IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday 6th December 2009


Congratulations

Congratulations to Revere Richardson EI9EYB and XYL Marcella on the arrival to the world of their baby daughter, Emma on December 1.

I'm reliably informed she has signed up for theory classes, and an ownership dispute over a handheld has already erupted in the household!! Hi hi

Well done to you both from all your friends in radio.


IRTS Radio News via ATV

The IRTS radio news which is normally broadcast by South Eastern Amateur Radio Group at 9.30 p.m. on Tuesday nights via the Southern Ireland Repeater Network is now available live via the EI8WDT, ATV (television) repeater from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

A live video feed is available each Tuesday night at www.ei8ffb.com (details and link to EI8FFB are available on the SEARG web site at www.searg.com)


EI 185 RNLI

The Galway VHF Group apologise for the disappearance of the station EI185RNLI on Sunday the 29th of November following the news. Just after the call-in they did QSY to 3.670 MHz but following just two QSO's the Lifeboat was launched and we had to cease operations. After the launch the tractor was parked under the antenna whilst the trailer was hosed down following its dunking in the sea and there was no way that a transmission could be made as the antenna would not re-tune with such a load underneath it.

Approximately 1,600, or more, contacts were made during the three 24 hour periods of operation despite the poor band conditions. Following this activity it is hoped that a similar operation will be set up on an annual basis for just one weekend of each year.

The Galway VHF Group would like to take this opportunity to thank all operators at home and abroad who supported this operation.


Kish Lighthouse Activation

Daniel EI9FHB should be active from the Kish lighthouse until Wednesday 9th of December. The Kish lighthouse is located about 10 miles east of Dun Laoghaire and marks a sandbank on the route to Wales. The lighthouse was built in 1965 and is undergoing a major overhaul of power systems and navigational aids.

Daniel will be operational on HF voice and 2M & 70cm FM. Operating will be mainly on Sundays and after 7pm other days. The worked all Ireland frequencies will be used where possible.


Willis Island - back on the air

David Burton has been posted to the Bureau of Meteorology station on Willis Island for the next 6 months and will be operating with the call sign VK9WBM.

The station was first set-up in 1921 by the bureau and over the years, many of the officers posted there were amateur radio operators. The Bavarian Contest club last activated Willis Island in 2008 where they made 95,178 contacts.

David has just arrived at the weather station and will be setting up an amateur radio station shortly.

QSL manager is Dale VK4DMC.

Station details will be placed on QRZ.com in the near future.


Wicklow Town Club Formation

Lain EI5GN is interested in starting up a radio club in Wicklow Town. Lain has a premises confirmed and it is virtually free of charge! If there is anyone interested please email Lain at ei5gniain /at/ gmail.com or at QTHR.


DXpedition with a difference

Leaving in February 2011, John Edwards, M0JAX, is looking for 22 people with a full amateur radio licence to join a DXpedition to Bahrain.

He’s planning a two-week trip based at the Intercontinental hotel with eight stations on the air 24 hours a day.

Operators will be working in three shifts to keep the station on the air for the two weeks. John is making all the various arrangements including travel and accommodation but would be interested in hearing from radio amateurs who have an interest in making the trip.

A preliminary trip is being organised for February 2010 to check suitability for antennas and the stations, including drawing up a list of the necessary equipment.

If you are interested, send your details and why you think you would be an asset to this DXpedition to the RadCom offices and your letters will be passed-on to M0JAX.


IRCs - important information

Please be aware that the batch of IRCs that have been used for the last few years will no longer be valid at the post office.

31st December 2009 is the dead line for the current style ... but it's best to stop using them ASAP to allow transit time.

The new one has the expiry date of 31st December 2013 ... just above the 'UPU' logo at your right hand side.


Limerick Radio Club

The next meeting of the Club will be held on Thursday 10th December 2009 at the Limerick Institute of Technology at 7:30 pm.

The annual Christmas Quiz will be held once again under the stewardship of Pat (EI9GY) & Liam (EI4GB). The Quiz, with prizes galore, has proven a most enjoyable evening in previous years so a large attendance of members is expected on the night.


Shannon Basin Radio Club AGM

The Shannon Basin Radio Club will hold its AGM on Friday 11th Dec at 20.30 in Hannons Hotel, Roscommon.

All members are asked to attend and new members are always welcome. Festive Refreshments will be available on the night.


South Dublin Radio Club

This year's South Dublin Radio Club Christmas Party will take place on Tuesday the 15th of December.

The venue will be the same as last year, "The Morgue", Tempelogue Village from 8.00 pm until late.

Members of other clubs and visitors are as usual very welcome to this social event. Limited free food will be available for paid-up members; visitors can choose from the bar menu until 9.00 pm.


Joint Club Christmas Dinner

The North Dublin Radio Club, Fingal Radio Club and the Howth Martello Radio Group are having a joint Christmas dinner on Saturday 19th December. The restaurant in the Coachman's Inn near Dublin Airport is the venue and the meal will start at 8:30pm.

The Christmas menu is €19.25 with an a la carte menu also available. This is the second year that this joint dinner has been organised. Last year's dinner was a great success and so this year it has been decided to invite other amateurs, SWLs and friends. Lapsed members of both clubs would be particularly welcome.

Places are limited and early booking is recommended. If interested please email tony /at/ ei0mar.org as soon as possible to make a reservation.


Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be forwarded to Charlie EI8JB, preferably via e-mail to “charlie dot Carolan at gmail dot com” Or by phone to 087-6265418 News can also be submitted via e-mail to “newsteam at irts dot 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 Thursday in order to be guaranteed inclusion in the following Sunday’s bulletin.

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