Archived News Script
IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday December 7th 2003
South Dublin Radio Club
The SDR Christmas Party takes place on Tuesday the 16th of December at 8.00 p.m. in the Templeogue Inn, which is known locally as "The Morgue". As with the SDR weekly meetings, visitors are very welcome to attend. One of the highlights of this year's party will be the announcement of the results of the Autumn Challenge, a DX challenge for SDR members only. Rumour has it that the scores of two of the club's top DXers are very close indeed, so it will be interesting to hear who comes out on top.
2 Metres Counties Contest
The autumn leg of the 2 metres Counties Contest took place on Sunday the 31st of August last. A total of 14 entries were received along with 3 check logs. It was noted that all entrants submitted high quality logs that were all accurate and legible.
The High Power Fixed section was close run between Hugh EI2HI & Niall EI4CF with Hugh operating from Cork needing a much higher QSO count to take the honours.
Highest Score of the Day went to Tipperary Amateur Radio Group using their EI7T call in Kilkenny amassed a total of 4386 points. This won the high power portable section and included the highest QSO count with 56.
Other notable scores included South Eastern Amateur Radio Group EI2WRC and John Kelly EI4HS in the Low Power portable section with both having around 3500 points and over 50 QSO's each. EI4HS just edged out EI2WRC by less than 200 points. Joe Ryan EI7GY hiked up to Arderin in the Slieve Blooms and recorded an excellent 3500 plus points easily winning the FM section.
Thanks to all who participated and entered the contest. Check logs sent in by SWL Declan EI1445, John EI7JG and Paddy EI7GK were also very welcome. All entrants have been verified as members by Joe EI7GY.
Space News
AO-40 now is in "hibernation mode" which lasts for approximately four weeks. This is done twice a year to ensure the satellites day to day running. Although the satellite's passbands are switched off at the moment, its beacon remains on. It is hoped that the passbands will be back on in time for Christmas.
Microwave
Microwave operator Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, has reported what he believes is the first QSO above 400 GHz in the US. On the 11th of November he worked Peter Lascell, W4WWQ, on a frequency of 403 GHz over a distance of 1709 feet in Virginia.
Tipperary Amateur Radio Group
The Tipperary Amateur Radio Group will hold their Annual Christmas Dinner in the Galtee Inn, Cahir Co. Tipperary on Saturday the 13th of December at 8.00 p.m. sharp.
Please note that there will be no monthly meeting in December, and from the New Year all future monthly meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month.
South Eastern Amateur Radio Group
Please note that the IRTS Radio news from Waterford on Tuesday nights will be read on 145.575 MHz until further notice. This will continue while a new repeater site is being sought.
There will be no general meeting for the month of December. However, there will be an informal social gathering on Friday the 19th of December at 8.30 p.m. in the Mansion House, Johns Street, Waterford. All are welcome.
For latest information and news about the club, visit the clubs website at www.searg.com or e-mail info@searg.com.
IRTS Radio News
This is probably not a very active time of year for most radio amateurs and clubs. However, the radio news service depends on your input. Please send in any items that you would like announced. Club Christmas parties, interesting QSO's, events or radio operations taking place over the holidays by clubs or individuals are just some examples.
Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be forwarded Mark Wall EI7IS. He can be contacted on 087-6302026 or e-mail cyberis@vodafone.ie. News can also be submitted via e-mail to news@irts.ie for automatic forwarding to both the radio and printed news services.
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