Irish Radio Transmitters Society Radio News Bulletin Sunday 20th December 2009 ______________________________________________ Echo Ireland Most members will have received the 36 page December issue of Echo Ireland by now. Among its many interesting articles is the story of John EI6IJ who has kindly donated his car to IRTS. The article goes on to detail the method by which the car will be sold and how the proceeds of the sale will be utilised. Those interested in purchasing the car are reminded that in the first instance they are required to forward an "Expression of Interest" to the Society's Treasurer by December 28th at the latest. Those submitting an Expression of Interest are not in any way obliged to make a bid for the car but bids will only be accepted from those who have submitted an Expression of Interest. Expressions of Interest should be made by post or email to the Society Treasurer at QTHR or donelansean /at/ gmail.com ______________________________________________ 80m Counties Contest You are reminded that the IRTS 80m Counties Contest takes place on New Year's Day. Full rules are on the IRTS Website. We are pleased to announce that the Shannon Basin Club has kindly donated perpetual trophies for the section winners in this contest. In addition the committee at its latest meeting agreed to award a perpetual trophy to the leading 'Rookie' operator in this contest. In this case a 'Rookie' operator is someone who has received his first license in the previous 12 months and is operating under his own callsign and from his home station. Please spread the word to the new comers and encourage them to participate in what for many will be their first contest. ______________________________________________ AREN On December 9th Last AREN members participated in an exercise with Dunmore East Coast Guard. AREN was able to provide communications into what is otherwise a communications black-spot and had members available for logistical support throughout the county, region and country. Many thanks to those who participated have a good Christmas, and we look forward to meeting everyone early in 2010. ______________________________________________ Galway VHF Group Amateur Radio Course The Galway VHF Group will be running an ongoing course for the Radio Amateur's Examination. Applicants may enter onto this course at any time. The course will consist of lectures with slides, handouts and a CD Rom for study at home. The period of study will be at your own pace with a view to sitting the examination at the earliest possible time. Anyone wishing to participate in this course should contact Steve EI5DD at the following E-Mail address ei5dd.steve /at/ gmail.com ______________________________________________ C.A.R.A Visit to Hurdy Gurdy Radio Museum The club would like to thank Tony, John and Gerry for a level of “welcome” that royalty could only expect. After this they were introduced to the teapot, gratefully replenished with tea & coffee with buns and banter. Meeting Tony, John and Gerry was good craic, eventually getting around to the tour, which was conducted by Gerry with additional info added by Tony and John who managed to answer any question that were asked, no matter how bizarre. With the Museum Tour finished, Tony informed the group it was time for the rooftop tour, up the narrow spiral staircase to the roof on what was a “fresh” day in Howth, nice antenna setup & amazing view, although starting to turn blue, now the group realised why Tony didn’t come up, but sent poor John, hi hi. After more refreshments and chat it was time to head home, with goodbyes said and the Group stood outside for a few moments, puzzled by how so much fitted into such a small space. A visit to the Museum is highly recommended, for the hospitality alone C.A.R.A would like to thank Tony, Gerry & John for their hospitality and would also like to wish all a Happy XMas ______________________________________________ Wicklow Town Club Formation Iain EI5GN has received lots of interest in starting up a radio club in Wicklow Town. The first meeting is scheduled for January 13th at 20.00pm 2010. More details will be available soon; Iain can be contacted at ei5gniain /at/ gmail.com or at QTHR. ______________________________________________ Chinese Satellite XW-1 China launched its first Amateur Radio Satellite on 15th December, five days ahead of schedule. The Satellite is called XW-1 (Hope One) The XW-1 carries three Amateur Radio transponders for FM, AX.25 / Digital and SSB/CW initial tests appear to indicate they are all working. The CW beacon can be heard on 435.790 +/- 9 kHz Doppler shift. China is presently operating an all band special event station with the call sign BT3WX to celebrate their new Satellite, the QSL manager is BA1DU. ______________________________________________ OSCAR-11 makes another appearance Update on the 25 year old Amateur Radio satellite OSCAR-11 (UO-11).Having intermittent activity the system resets and it may be possible to Rx again over the holiday period. After reset the activity seems to occur every 10-20 days so the next period of activity may be between December 22 and January 1 It may be possible to listen out for it on 145.826 MHz FM ______________________________________________ DXpedition of the Year survey The 'DX World of Ham Radio' web page is conducting an online survey to see which expedition warrants the title 'DXpedition of the Year 2009'. Special engraved trophies will be shipped to the top three DXpeditions of 2009. To participate in the survey, go to: http://dx-hamspirit.com ______________________________________________ Rallies Phoenix A.R.C The Rally will be held as usual at Coolmine Community School near Blanchardstown on Sunday 14th February 2010.Doors open from 9am to 2.30pm. Usual traders will be present and to encourage a real Amateur Radio orientated Rally bring and buy tables will be free of charge. For tables contact Tony at 087-2349997 or Tom at 01-8211043 This is the first rally of the New Year and usually a very enjoyable occasion. Refreshments and plenty of car parking are available. ______________________________________________ This week in History 1879 Edison demos his incandescent light at Menlo Park, NJ. USA. 1890 Telephone service introduced in Japan, Tokyo - Yokahama ______________________________________________ Seasons Greetings The IRTS Radio News Team would like to wish all our friends in Radio & SWL’s a Merry Christmas. In particular we would like to thank the Newsreader’s for their dedication in providing their service to the Society and for everyone who has listened or checked in with reception reports. ______________________________________________ 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.