Archived News Script
IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday June 5th 2005
John Ryan EI6DG - Silent Key
John Ryan EI6DG, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 5 p.m. on June 2nd. John was secretary of the IRTS for several years in the 70's / 80's. He will be sadly missed by his friends in the hobby. Our deepest sympathy go out to his family. Funeral arrangements are in Friday's newspapers.
May he rest in peace.
Theory Examination
Last week, the IRTS signed a formal Agreement with ComReg to take over the running and administration of the Radio Theory Test for an initial period of three years. This Agreement has been in negotiation for many months and indeed it is some five years since ComReg first suggested that they were interested in outsourcing the theory examination.
IRTS have agreed to run a minimum of one examination per year, which will be based on the international HAREC standard. If sufficient candidates are forthcoming in any year, ComReg will sanction further exams in that year. As a goodwill gesture ComReg will make a Conference Room in their offices available on two days per year to accommodate exams. The exam tentatively arranged for the 16th of June will now take place on that date in the ComReg offices. Letters have already been sent to those whose names are on the ComReg list advising them of the exam details. Anybody interested in sitting this exam but not on the ComReg list should make immediate application to Sean Nolan EI7CD at QTHR by phone (01 2851599) or email ei7cd at gofree dot indigo dot ie.
As already announced, the 16th of June exam will be in the traditional essay type format. All future exams will be based on the multiple-choice format and a bank of questions for use in future exams has already been agreed with ComReg. A sample exam paper will be available shortly.
IRTS is extremely pleased at the successful outcome of the intense negotiations that took place over the past few months. The Theory examination is now in the hands of the Society. Sittings will be held on a regular and consistent basis and students and teachers will know what they need to do and for when.
The Agreement was signed by Ms Isolde Goggin, Chairperson on behalf of ComReg and by Sean Donelan EI4GK and Joe Ryan EI7GY on behalf of the Society. Also in attendance were Finbarr Buckley EI1CS, Paul O'Kane EI5DI, and Dan Lloyd EI3AE together with a number of ComReg executives. The Society takes this opportunity to thank Ms Goggin and the other members of the ComReg negotiating team for their dedication and courtesy in the course of this negotiation.
Sporadic E
There has already been sporadic E openings on 5 days so far this summer on 144 MHz, some of these were very extensive, this is most unusual, last year was poor in comparison with just 3 openings noticed in July, many EI's have been active working all over Europe from Spain to Sweeden, warning signs for an Es opening are short skip to UK on 20, 15, 10 and 6 metres and broadcast radio open to Europe up to 108 MHz. Vertical aerials are reasonably successful in working 2 meter sporadic E and the FM section of the band is often full of activity.
Ballyhoura Bears
There was 3 days of walking in total with Saturday's Marathon Challenge being the highlight event. The was nearly 100 entrants in this year's marathon (A walk). B walks were even more popular with over 130 participating on Sunday's walk in the Galty's. The Tipperary Amateur Radio Group members accompanying the Bears on the`A`walk was Eddie EI3FFB while EI3ENB travelled with the`B`walkers, Tommy EI2IT and Andy EI5JF kept control at base.
A collection of photos taken by club president Michael Moroney are now available.
Many thanks to Eddie- EI3FFB, Tommy- EI2IT, Andy - EI5JF and Paul EI3ENB for supporting the Ballhoura Bears walk in the Galtees on the 2nd of May.
Squares Table 2005
Inputs for the 2005 Squares Table is slow so far this year as 6 meter DX conditions are very poor compared to previous years. Anyone working DX on any of the VHF/UHF bands please forward their totals for inclusion on this table. The table will be published in Echo Ireland, scores will be updated on EI7GL's web page www.qsl.net/ei7gl as they come to hand. Thanks to John for including the table on his homepage over the years.
Cork Repeater Group
The Cork Repeater Group is at present in the process of upgrading both the 2 metre and 70 centimetre repeaters, and wishes to apologise for the interruption of service, it is hoped to have both back in full service soon.
APRS Experiments
If anyone is interested in participating in ongoing APRS experiments in the South East, please set your UI PATH to WIDE2-2, this would include anyone in the coverage area of the Mt. Leinster Voice repeater and the repeater in Waterford City. All experiments are conducted on 144.800 MHz. Contact John EI7IG for more information.
South Eastern Amateur Radio Group
The Waterford Rally will take place on the 16th of October 2005 in the McEniff, Ard Ri Hotel, Waterford.
Special room rates are available for those attending the rally. Bed and Breakfast for 2 nights plus one dinner is 89 Euro per person sharing. Bed and Breakfast for one night plus 1 dinner is 55 Euro per person sharing. 19 Euro for single supplement.
The next committee meeting of South Eastern Amateur Radio Group will take place this coming Wednesday June the 1st.
Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be forwarded to Mark EI7IS at QTHR or by phone to 087-6302026. News should be submitted via e-mail to news@irts.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 Fridays.
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