Archived News Script
IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday 31st May 2020
Silent Key
It is with the deepest regret that we learned of the passing of Povl Thim EI9CSB (SK). Povl was a very treasured member of the Wexford Wireless Club (EI2WWC) and although he had mobility issues, he was a familiar face at the weekly club meetings, popping down on his mobility scooter or car on a wet evening. Although he had not been active on HF for some time, he could be heard occasionally on 2m simplex around the Gorey area using his trusty Baofeng HT. Povl passed away peacefully at his home in Gorey on Monday May 18th. Our deepest condolences and sympathy are extended to the Thim family at this sad and painful time. May he rest in peace.
We also regret to report on the recent death of Eugene (Gene) O’Connor EI8GV from Castleisland in County Kerry. Gene was active on both HF and VHF. He was well known for designing and building homebrew antennas, especially beams. He was the local liaison for the week-long Kerry Head operation of the East Cork Radio Group in their attempt to establish a trans-atlantic contact on 2 metres back in 1989. He will be greatly missed by the amateur radio community at large but especially in Kerry. May he rest in peace.
Contest Results
Results of the IRTS 40 Metres Counties Contest held on 10th May have been published, see www.irts.ie/results for full details. Local band conditions were particularly difficult on the day, nevertheless the logs show that more than 30 EI and GI stations from 16 counties took part.
2m Lockdown Contest Results
The VHF Lockdown contest held on May 4th attracted 17 stations in the FM section and 8 in the FT8 section with 2 SWLs and three stations providing check logs. 260 QSOs were logged by 260 by 90 stations in 8 different grids. The winner in the FM high-power section with 20 QSO’s in 6 grids was David EI5HIB with Niall EI4CF in the runner-up spot also with 20 QSOs in 6 grids. Enda EI2II was in third place with 18 QSOs in 5 grids. In the FM low power section, John EI3ISB was in first place with David EI3IXB and Martin EI2IAB in second and third spots.
The FT8 high-power section was headed by EI8KN, with EI9KE second and EI5KO in third place. The FT8 low-power section was won by John EI3ISB while the SWL section was won by EI1751 Sarah Hodne with EI1722 Philip Doherty in second place. Thanks to contest organiser Albert EI6KO and his team of Keith EI5KO, Declan EI6FR, Conor EI6GSB and John EI3ISB for running the event. The website www.vhflockdown.fun has a link to the results page, which shows 22 logs received in the FM sections (including 2 SWL logs) and 12 logs (including one SWL log) in the FT8 sections. The results page also includes an interesting map of the QSO paths, which is well worth a look.
EIDXG Summer Challenge
EIDXG members (who brought you 9N7EI, 7Q7EI,5V7EI to name a few), are running a unique Summer Challenge as a fun event beginning June 1st through August 30th. Simply work as many unique DXCCs, CQ Worked all Zones, Participating EIDXG members and 32 Irish counties as possible (each one counting just once regardless of band or mode) and whoever accumulates the most points at the end is the Winner. Full information can be found on their website: www.eidxg.com/sc2020 where one can see the different categories and 'small print' however this promises to be a fun event and will generate extra activity on the bands both Internationally and on a local level. Logs to be submitted by September 6th and Winners will be announced at their DX Féile event in October. Enjoy the Chase!
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