GB2RS

GB2RS News

Sunday, the 8th of November 2026 

146-147MHz NoV extension agreed by Ofcom

Apply to be the RSGB Outreach Team Chair

Exam shutdown timings over the festive season

Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146-147MHz Notice of Variation for a further year. It is available on a non-interference basis and the NoV is subject to a 30-day notice period of change or withdrawal. Ofcom’s objective in making this spectrum available is to encourage radio amateurs to experiment and test new communications schemes and systems. The RSGB VHF Manager, John Regnault, G4SWX would welcome reports of innovative use of the spectrum to support future discussions. You can contact him on vhf.manager@rsgb.org.uk  Full licence holders can apply for the 146-147MHz NoV on the RSGB website but please note that your NoV will only be valid until the 31st of October 2027. To apply, go to rsgb.org/nov

Could you help to inspire the next generation of radio amateurs? The RSGB is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive volunteer to lead its Outreach Team. The role involves coordinating activities for events such as British Science Week, National Coding Week, Scout and Jamboree events, the National Hamfest Buildathon, and the RSGB Convention. The individual will also help to develop new outreach opportunities and grow public engagement with amateur radio. If you are passionate about promoting amateur radio, enjoy working with volunteers, and you have fresh ideas to share, the RSGB would love to hear from you. You can read the full role description by going to rsgb.org/volunteers  For an informal discussion or to express an interest, you can contact the RSGB Board Liaison for the Outreach Team who is Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk

If you’re thinking of taking an amateur radio exam before Christmas, you need to be aware that the last date you can take an online exam either at a club or at home is Monday, the 21st of December 2026. The RSGB Exams Team will, where possible, post out exam results before HQ shuts over Christmas and New Year. Exams will resume on Monday, the 4th of January 2027. The booking system will be available during the festive season so you can book exams for January onwards. Book online on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/exampay

Once again, it's the time of year when the RSGB Contest Committees put together the contest rules for next year and consider any changes that they think will improve participation and enjoyment. To help them make the right choices, they like to get the thoughts of contest entrants. So, if you're an active contester or would like to start contesting this year, they’re asking for a few minutes of your time to shape the rule changes they're thinking about for 2027. This year, it is a joint survey covering both the RSGB HF and VHF contests, so you’re welcome only to answer the questions for the contests you’re interested in. The survey will close at midnight on Saturday, the 21st of November and you can find it at tinyurl.com/RSGBContest2027

If you’ve been involved with Jamboree on the Air this year, the RSGB would love to hear from you. You have until this Friday, the 13th of November, to submit your report and photos to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  and be included in the special JOTA report that will feature in the January 2027 edition of RadCom.

Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.

And now for details of Rallies and Events

Essex CW Activity Week starts tomorrow, the 9th of November and runs until Sunday, the 15th of November. This is a friendly non-contest style event to encourage Morse operators old and new. Slow speed QRS operators are especially welcome. Anyone who works at least 25 other stations qualifies for a free award certificate. The stations worked need not be Essex CW members but activity will concentrate on the Essex CW preferred club frequencies. Find out more about Essex CW Activity Week at essexcw.uk

The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Winter Rally is on Saturday, the 21st of November at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. Doors open at 10am and admission is £3. Contact Martin Shore, Treasurer and Rally Organiser, on 07587 709 006 or email rally.radars@hotmail.com

The Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place on Sunday, the 29th of November at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High St, Spennymoor Co Durham DL16 6DB. For more details, email Bob Dingle at bdingle@hotmail.co.uk

Now the Special Events news

To celebrate its 15 th anniversary, members of the Croatian Flora Fauna Amateur Radio Club will be active as 9A44FF and 9A44FF portable until the 31st of December. For more information, visit the 9A44FF page at qrz.com  

Members of Icelandic Radio Amateurs are operating as TF80IRA to celebrate the society’s 80th anniversary. The callsign is active until the 31st of December. QSL via the bureau, direct and Logbook of the World.

To commemorate the 170th anniversary of engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla's birth, members of the Amateur Radio Union of Serbia will be active as YT170TESLA until the 31st of December. QSL via Logbook of the World.

Now the DX news

Gavin, GM3GAV is active as FW3GT from Futuna Island until Saturday, the 14th of November. He is operating CW and some FT8 on the 40 to 10 metre bands. QSL via M0OXO on Club Log’s OQRS.

Eric, F6ICX is active again as 5R8IC from Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar until mid-January 2027. He is operating CW, some FT8 and SSB on the 40 to 10 metre bands until the 20th of December and on QO-100 from the 21st of December until the 15th of January. QSL via Logbook of the World or Club Log’s OQRS.

Now the Contest news

The RSGB VHF 144MHz CW Marconi Contest continues until 1400UTC today, the 8th of November. Using CW on 144MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 until 1955 local time on Tuesday, the 10th of November. Using FM on 432MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 until 2230 local time on Tuesday, the 10th of November. Using all modes on 432MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday, the 11th of November, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 four-hour Activity Contest runs from 1700UTC until 2100UTC. Using FT8 on 432MHz, the exchange is signal report and locator. Also on Wednesday, the 11th of November, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 two-hour Activity Contest takes place between 1900UTC and 2100UTC. Using FT8 on 432MHz, the exchange is signal report and locator.

The RSGB 3.5MHz HF Autumn Series SSB Contest is on Wednesday, the 11th of November, from 2000UTC until 2130UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Thursday, the 12th of November, the RSGB VHF 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 until 2230 local time. Using all modes on 50MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The RSGB HF Club Calls 1.8MHz Contest takes place on Saturday, the 14th of November, between 2000UTC and 2300UTC. Using CW and SSB on 1.8MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and club status.

Now the Propagation News, compiled by G0KYA, G4BAO and G3YLA on Thursday the 5th of November 2026

As we settle into autumn, the HF bands are really coming alive. Ten metres has proved to be full of surprises, especially with FT8. Although we are not getting the high solar flux indices of previous years, that hasn’t stopped 28MHz from opening up to DX from around the world.

Late afternoon has brought in plenty of FT8 signals from the Southern Hemisphere on 28.074MHz, including from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador. Look around sunset or just before and see what you can work.

A solar flux of around 110, helped by good, quiet geomagnetic conditions, has been enough to open up the ten metre band, although weak signal modes seem to be favourite.

There were other surprises to be had lower down in frequency, including Franco, 3A2MW in Monaco, on 30m FT8. That’s not a million miles away, but still rare DX from this tiny principality, which occupies only one square mile. Franco uses 100W maximum, stealth antennas and has a poor HF take-off due to the terrain.

NOAA forecasts that the Solar Flux Index may climb to 120 before backing off to 105 as the week progresses. A very large coronal hole on the solar equator threatens to push the Kp index up to four this weekend. In fact, poor geomagnetic conditions are predicted for the first half of next week overall.

North-south paths will probably be less affected than polar ones, so don’t let the higher Kp index put you off trying.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO.

The recent period of Tropo has gone through its decaying phase as of last Thursday, the 5th of November and the pressure was falling slowly as the week closed.

Perhaps the high may linger a while over northern UK as we start the new week, but eventually low pressure will take back control over the whole country. The unsettled theme brings a chance of rain scatter on the GHz bands.

On that note, there are hints of a cold northerly at the end of next week, which could see wintry weather in the north, but also large cumulonimbus shower clouds rolling down the North Sea.

Meteor scatter is still in the frame from last week’s Taurids meteor shower and by the end of next week, we’ll be close to the Orionids peak.

The Kp index has been fairly restrained recently but a coronal hole may increase the chances of aurora over this weekend. Look for the Kp index going above five and listen for flutter on the HF bands.

EME now, and the Moon’s declination is negative again and path losses are rising. The Moon will be visible for a shortening time and its peak elevation falls as we approach minimum declination on Thursday, the 12th of November and apogee on Friday, the 13th.

144MHz sky noise is low to moderate, but Monday sees the Sun and Moon close in the sky for the whole Moon pass, followed by high noise for the rest of the week.

And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News

Sunday the 1st of November 2026 

Register your school, university or youth group for YOTA Month

Two new RSGB Convention lectures now available on YouTube

Winter opening hours at the RSGB National Radio Centre

Are you part of a school, college or university amateur radio club? Or maybe you are part of a Scout, Girlguiding or Cadet group and would like to host an amateur radio activity? Youngsters On The Air Month starts in December and the RSGB is looking for groups to get involved and host special event station GB26YOTA. This annual campaign is a fantastic opportunity to get as many young operators on the air as possible and to show them how fun and educational amateur radio can be. Do you remember the magic of making your first QSO? Let’s share that experience with as many young people as possible and show them what amateur radio has to offer. A requirement of special event stations is that you need a Full licensee on site to supervise the operators. If you’re not a Full licensee, you could team up with another group for the event. Alternatively, you could contact your local amateur radio club and see if their members can come and support you. Find out more about YOTA Month, including how to register as host, by going to rsgb.org/yota-month

The RSGB has released the first of its 2026 Convention presentations for radio amateurs to enjoy via its YouTube channel. Hear from RSGB Board members in ‘A discussion with the Board’. During this informative session you will receive updates about the Society’s strategy and associated activities. The second video to be shared is an engaging youth panel discussion. Four young radio amateurs share their experiences of amateur radio including the support they have received from different sources. This video is a must-see for clubs, groups and individuals to discover how you can support and encourage young radio amateurs. You can watch both presentations in the ‘RSGB 2026 Convention’ playlist at youtube.com/thersgb

Have you planned your visit to the RSGB National Radio Centre? Please be aware that, in line with Bletchley Park’s winter opening hours, from Monday the 2nd of November the NRC will be closing at 4pm each day. Whether you are an individual or a group, you’ll find information to help you plan your trip at rsgb.org/nrc  You’ll find support on arranging a visit for your club or society, and licence requirements to operate GB3RS. Remember that RSGB members can download a free entry voucher to access both Bletchley Park and the RSGB National Radio Centre at rsgb.org/bpvoucher

Are you registered to receive online event emails from the RSGB? You can check your preferences by going to rsgb.org/members  and the ‘Manage Preferences’ option. By turning on the option to receive these emails, you’ll receive details about events including the RSGB Convention livestream, online AGM and the Society’s Tonight@8 webinars. If you haven’t received this week’s email detailing the upcoming November edition of the webinar series, don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear from Thomas, K4SWL. At 8pm tomorrow, the 2nd of November, Thomas will be walking you through his approach to building a versatile field kit – one that adapts to the conditions that the field presents and even provides a few creature comforts. Join the webinar live via the RSGB YouTube channel and special BATC channel.

Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.

And now for details of Rallies and Events

The British Vintage Wireless Society’s Golborne Swapmeet takes place today, the 1st of November, at Golborne Parkside Sports and Community Club, Rivington Avenue, Golborne, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 3HG. Stallholder entry is from 9.30am. Doors open to the public at 10am. The event is for BVWS members only. For more information, contact Mark Ryding at markryding100@hotmail.co.uk

The Broadcast Engineering Museum’s final Open Day of 2026 is also today, the 1st of November. Doors open at 11am at the museum, 41 Capper Avenue, Hemswell Cliff near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. Admission is £8 for adults, £4 for children, and free for under-fives. There is free car parking. For more details, visit becg.org.uk/events

The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Winter Rally is on Saturday, the 21st of November at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. Doors open at 10am and admission is £3. Contact Martin Shore, Treasurer and Rally Organiser, on 07587 709 006 or email rally.radars@hotmail.com

The Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place on Sunday, the 29th of November at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High St, Spennymoor Co Durham DL16 6DB. For more details, email Bob Dingle at bdingle@hotmail.co.uk

Now the Special Events news

East Midlands Electronics and Radio Group is to activate former RAF Binbrook, using the callsign GB1BK, on Saturday, the 7th and Sunday, the 8th of November to mark Remembrance Day. Operators will be active on HF bands 80m, 40m, 20m according to conditions using SSB during daylight hours. There may also be activity on the 2m band.

Amateur radio operators in Burgos, Spain, will activate the special callsign EG1PR during PRESURA, an event devoted to the future of rural communities. The event takes place from Friday, the 6th to Sunday, the 8th of November and aims to highlight the challenges faced by villages, to build connection across borders and show that amateur radio has a social as well as technical purpose. The official operating bands, modes, award requirements and more information are available on the EG1PR pages at qrz.com

Special callsign OT5IDPD will be active from Thursday in the run-up to International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 3rd of December. All operators will be those with a disability. Logs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World, Club Log and eQSL. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau.

Now the DX news

Giovanni, IZ2DPX is active as D44PX from Boa Vista, AF-086, Cape Verde until the 11th of November. He is operating SSB, FT8 and FT4 on the 60 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS or via home call.

Maurizio, IK2GZU is active as 5H3MB from Tanzania until the 19th of November while he volunteers at a local school. He is operating SSB, CW and digital modes on the 80 to 10m bands and via QO-100. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS, Logbook of the World and eQSL.

Bernhard, DL2GAC is active as H44MS from the Solomon Islands until the 20th of November. He is usually QRV from Malaita Island, OC-047 every day on the 80 to 6m bands, SSB and FT8. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log.

Now the Contest news

The UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000UTC to 1500UTC today, the 1st of November. Using all modes on the 1.3 to 3.4GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Tomorrow, the 2nd of November, the RSGB HF Autumn Series Data Contest takes place from 2000UTC to 2130UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The WAB DX Contest is on Saturday 31st October until 1200UTC on Sunday 1st November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and WAB square.

The RSGB VHF 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs on Tuesday, the 3rd of November, from 1900UTC to 1955UTC, Using FM on 144MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The RSGB VHF UK Activity Contest is also on Tuesday, the 3rd of November, between 2000UTC and 2230UTC. Using all modes on 144MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday, the 4th of November, the RSGB VHF 144MHz FT8 four-hour Activity Contest runs from 1700UTC to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on 144MHz, the exchange is signal report and locator. The RSGB VHF 144MHz FT8 two-hour Activity Contest is also on Wednesday, the 4th from 1900UTC to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on 144MHz, the exchange is signal report and locator.

The UKEICC 80m contest takes place on Wednesday, the 4th, between 2000UTC and 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.

The RSGB VHF 144MHz CW Marconi Contest runs from 1400UTC on Saturday, the 7th of November until 1400UTC on Sunday the 8th of November. Using CW on 144MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Now the Propagation News, compiled by G0KYA, G4BAO and G3YLA on Thursday the 29th of October 2026

As we enter November, our thoughts turn to low-band operation. The next four months will favour DXing on 160, 80 and 40m, regardless of where we are in the sunspot cycle.

Speaking of which, the SFI fell below 100 last week, hitting a low of 89 on a couple of occasions. The good news is that we had no solar flares to temporarily stop our HF fun, and the Kp index was mostly below three, bringing quiet geomagnetic conditions.

Next week, NOAA forecasts that the SFI will be in the range 82 to 84. This weekend is set to be unsettled geomagnetically with a predicted maximum Kp index of five. This is due to a high-speed solar wind stream flowing from a solar coronal hole on the Sun’s equator. The rest of the week is forecast to be good with a typical Kp index of two to three.

Back to low-band operations, and now is a good time to check that your 80m and 40m antennas are in good condition, and your 160m antenna if you are lucky enough to have one. We can expect conditions to improve as we head towards the winter solstice, with long hours of darkness. Also look for greyline openings around sunrise and sunset, which may only last a few minutes. More details will follow as we get closer to winter.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO.

The classic autumn theme of high-pressure weather is with us at the moment and it may well last to the end of the coming week, giving a typical ten to fourteen day window to get some Tropo in the log.  Instead of the usual scrabble through co-channel interference on the repeaters, or clicking callsigns with FT8, consider trying CW and SSB as well as the traditional FM modes, which might be very busy.

High pressure will remain over or near the UK for much of the time. The quality of any lift will depend on the moisture contrast across the temperature inversion. Autumn mists and fog or low cloud are good signs for a better duct.  As a broad rule, beaming around the edges of a large high-pressure area is preferable to going across the centre where the inversion may be too close to the ground.

November is an interesting month for meteor scatter with the Taurids in the first half of the month leading to the Leonids mid-month.  Aurora should remain worth checking via the usual Kp index for values above Kp of 5

There are still reports of QSOs via sporadic-E up to 50MHz on FT8 and, in view of a very disturbed jet stream pattern over Europe and across the Atlantic to the eastern United States, there are reasons to keep looking on digital modes for the chance of an opening.

EME now, and with the Moon declination just past its highest and path losses still low, this weekend is ideal if you are an early bird. The Moon is visible for around 13 hours on Saturday and Sunday from midnight onwards with peak Moon elevation over 60 degrees in the UK. 144MHz sky noise is moderate, falling to low as next week progresses.

And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB news 25 October 2026

RSGB opens nominations process for three AGM trophies

Tonight@8 in November

RSGB VHF and HF contest trophy presentation photos now online

Each year at the RSGB AGM, the Society gives three important trophies to groups or individuals who have made a significant national or international contribution to amateur radio. These trophies are: the Calcutta Key for work associated with international friendship through amateur radio; the Founders’ Cup for outstanding service to the Society; and the Kenwood Trophy for making a significant contribution to training and development in amateur radio within the United Kingdom. This year, the RSGB Board would like to consider an even wider group of potential recipients when making its decision, so it is inviting you to suggest who should be considered for the RSGB 2027 AGM trophies. To find out how to make your nomination, simply complete the form that you will find at the top of the RSGB trophies’ web page at rsgb.org/trophies  The deadline for nominations is Monday the 4th of January 2027.

Are you new to portable operating and unsure how to build a versatile QRP field radio kit? Or perhaps you are looking for some hints and tips on efficiency and packing for different conditions. Thomas, K4SWL will cover this and more on Monday the 2nd of November in the next RSGB Tonight@8 webinar. Thomas will include how to pack for specific Parks on the Air, Summits on the Air, and Worldwide Flora and Fauna activations, with a particular emphasis on why summit and park operations might require different gear considerations despite similarities. Thomas is a lifelong field operator and will share his experience, as well as the mishaps and mistakes that taught him the most. Join the webinar live via the RSGB YouTube channel and special BATC channel. Find out more at rsgb.org/webinars

The main VHF and HF contest trophy presentations were held at the RSGB 2026 Convention on Sunday the 11th of October. You can see a list of the winners and photos on the RSGB website if you go to rsgb.org/trophies  and select ‘Awards photos galleries’ from the menu on the righthand side. During the presentation the prestigious ROTAB Trophy was awarded to Ian Fugler, G4IIY for outstanding and consistent DX work. Tracy Land, M7KVC received the G5RP Trophy, which is given to those who have recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. The RSGB would like to congratulate Ian, Tracy and all the winners who received a trophy.

You have less than a week to submit your feedback on the RSGB 2026 Convention. If you attended in person, let the RSGB know what you enjoyed most about the event by going to rsgb.org/feedback  If you watched the livestream programme, please use the form at rsgb.org/livestream-feedback  Your feedback helps to shape next year’s Convention, and the Society encourages you to take a few minutes to let them know your highlights. The forms close at the end of October.

The RSGB was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Trevor Hughes, G4WKJ. Trevor was a former volunteer at the RSGB National Radio Centre who was known for his warmth and friendliness. He designed the hugely popular Snail Morse key, which has been used to introduce amateur radio to thousands of children. In 2023, Trevor was given the ‘NRC Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award’. A full tribute to Trevor will follow via rsgb.org/sk 

Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week.

And now for details of Rallies and Events

The British Vintage Wireless Society’s Golborne Swapmeet is on Sunday, the 1st of November at Golborne Parkside Sports and Community Club, Rivington Avenue, Golborne, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 3HG. Stallholder entry is from 9.30am.  Doors open to the public at 10am. The event is for BVWS members only. For more information, contact Mark Ryding at markryding100@hotmail.co.uk

The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Winter Rally is on Saturday, the 21st of November at St Vincent de Paul’s Hall, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. Doors open at 10am and admission is £3. Contact Martin Shore, Treasurer and Rally Organiser, on 07587 709 006 or email rally.radars@hotmail.com

The Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club Rally takes place on Sunday, the 29th of November at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, High St, Spennymoor Co Durham DL16 6DB. For more details, email Bob Dingle at bdingle@hotmail.co.uk

Now the Special Events news

David, G3SKA and team will be operating as GB50PUNK until the 31st of December to celebrate 50 years of punk rock music. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and eQSL. QSL via the bureau or direct.

The DARC Referat DX Team is operating five special callsigns during 2026. DA100LH, DL100LH and DK100LH celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lufthansa Airlines while DA100TV and DL100TV mark the centenary of television in Germany.

DB70DLRS is a special callsign marking the 70th anniversary of DARC’s weekly news broadcast Deutschland-Rundspruch for Germany’s radio amateurs. Activity is on all bands and modes until the 31st of December. QSL via DK5ON, Logbook of the World and the DARC Community Logbook DCL.

Now the DX news

Team 7P8GE will be active from Lesotho until Thursday, the 29th of October. They are operating CW, SSB and digital modes on the 80 to 10 metre bands with up to five stations. QSL is via DL7UFR, direct or bureau.

Team S9R will be active from Tamarindos, Sao Tome until Saturday, the 31st of October. They are operating CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 on the 160 to 6 metre bands with three stations. The team is also active via the QO-100 satellite.

Jan, DL4XT will be active as 9N7XT from Kathmandu in Nepal until Saturday, the 31st of October. He is operating CW, SSB and FT8 on various bands. QSL is via Logbook of the World, Club Log’s OQRS and QRZ.

The Italian DXpedition team is active from Senegal from Wednesday, the 28th of October until the 9th of November. They will operate CW, SSB and RTTY as 6W/I2YSB and FT8 as 6W/IK2HKT with five stations on the 160 to 6 metre bands. Send QSLs direct to I2YSB.

Now the Contest news

The UK Microwave Group EHF Band Contest runs from 0800UTC to 2000UTC today, the 25th of October. Using all modes on the 76 to 241GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The RSGB HF FT4 Contest number 10 runs from 2000UTC to 2200UTC tomorrow, the 26th of October. Using FT4 on the 80m to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report.

The UKEICC 80m contest takes place on Wednesday, the 28th of October, between 2000UTC and 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.

The UKEICC DX SSB Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday, the 31st of October and runs until 1200UTC on Sunday, the 1st of November. Using SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. UK/EI entrants add their 2-character UK/EI District Code.

 Now the Propagation News, compiled by G0KYA, G4BAO and G3YLA on Thursday the 22nd of October 2026

Autumnal HF conditions continue to improve with the odd surprise on the upper HF bands.

With a solar flux around 120, there have been some good HF contacts to be made via FT8 on 10 metres, including in Australia, China and Japan, which were all spotted during the afternoon. These openings have been fleeting but can easily add to your DXCC score.

Conditions have been variable, with a decreasing solar flux index and periods of geomagnetic disturbance, thanks to emissions from a coronal hole on the Sun. A Kp index of five or more usually means lower MUFs and noisier bands. 

But the time of year has helped with Autumnal HF conditions being some of the best. Maximum Usable Frequencies have usually been above 21MHz during daylight hours, with some openings on 24 and 28MHz at times. If you venture up to 12 or 10 metres, give it some time as openings may be short and fleeting.

This week, DX to be worked includes YJ0CA in Vanuatu, TZ4AM in Mali, XX9TXN in Macao, 3DAOGY in Eswatini, S9R in Sao Tome, C5R in The Gambia and 5W0ZP in Samoa. Many other entities may remain on the air following the weekend’s CQWW SSB Contest.

Also keep an eye on 40 and 80 metres, which should be improving as we enter late Autumn. Thirty metres, an overlooked band, may be currently open all night, so it is worth a look.

Next week, NOAA predicts that the SFI will remain around the 95 to 105 mark. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be good all week with a Kp index of two. This may increase to five at the end of the month, so do your DXing early in the week. As always, keep an eye on solarham.com as it only takes one solar flare and associated CME to push the Kp index up.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO.

The middle of last week saw some good daytime rainscatter on 24GHz for those of us fortunate enough to catch it. More active weather fronts are likely to bring spells of heavy rain or showers, which might cause a repeat, so keep an eye on the rain maps if you have equipment for the 5.7, 10 and 24GHz bands.

The current spell of unsettled weather is likely to run through much of the coming week and, in typical autumn fashion, some of these storms will be major lows with strong or potentially damaging winds for unsecured aerials. 

The recent slight enhancements of the Kp index suggest that we should still keep an eye out for some probably weak auroral activity if the Kp index goes above five. 

On to meteor scatter now and it seems that we have recently seen a top-up of meteor input due to the peak of the Orionid meteor shower, which peaked last Wednesday night. That may have helped the 50MHz Sporadic Es QSOs on the 17th of October for some. QSOs were made on FT8 into Iberia, Scandinavia and North Africa where 7T5E was active.

Cloudy weather probably made it difficult to see evidence of the meteors but meteor scatter on the VHF bands may well reveal the extra activity and hopefully leave some residual meteors for the coming week.

EME now, and Moon declination is now positive and rising to a maximum on Thursday the 29th of October. Moon windows lengthen and peak Moon elevation is rising. Perigee is on Wednesday the 28th when path losses are at their lowest. 144 MHz sky noise is low, rising to moderate on the 30th.

And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB news 18 October 2026 

What were your RSGB 2026 Convention highlights?

New RSGB Youth newsletter launched

JOTA stations shared on the RSGB website

The RSGB would like to thank the hundreds of radio amateurs who joined the RSGB 2026 Convention in person, and the thousands more that joined via the livestream. The Society is already receiving positive feedback and event highlights. If you haven’t already done so, you can share your thoughts via rsgb.org/feedback  If you were unable to attend in person and watched the livestream, the RSGB would also love to hear your feedback via rsgb.org/livestream-feedback  The feedback forms will be closed at the end of October. If you were at this year’s Convention, go to the RSGB YouTube channel and see if you can spot yourself or your friends in “The RSGB 2026 Convention - a fantastic experience!” video.  And if you couldn't make the event, see what you missed and come and be part of it next year. The video and the livestream from each day are in a new playlist called “The RSGB 2026 Convention” where you can choose to watch the full livestream programmes or use the timestamps to watch a particular presentation. You’ll also find exclusive interviews and pre-recorded videos to enjoy.

The RSGB Youth Committee has launched a newsletter aimed at RSGB members who are aged 25 and under. The newsletter will cover updates from school and university clubs, share the achievements of young radio amateurs, and will also showcase what can be done with a licence. You’ll also be able to find news on upcoming events and how to get involved. The Youth Committee is keen for young radio amateurs to get in touch with stories and photos about their amateur radio experiences that could be included in future issues. The newsletter was revealed at the Youth Forum at October’s RSGB Convention, alongside a new logo for RSGB youth activities. You can read the first edition of the youth newsletter by going rsgb.org/youth-newsletter 

This weekend is Jamboree on the Air, also known as JOTA. The event promotes friendship and global citizenship and is a brilliant celebration of amateur radio among the Scout Association. The RSGB Youth Champion for Scouts has compiled a list of Scouting groups that are involved with the annual event and has shared it on its website. You can view the list by going to rsgb.org/jota  and choosing the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air’ link on the righthand side of the page. You could be included in a special JOTA report in the January edition of RadCom. To be involved, please send details and photos from your event to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  by 13 November.

The latest edition of RadCom Basics is now available via the RSGB app for web and mobile, with articles covering a range of topics from encouraging young radio enthusiasts into the STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – to how to build your own transmitter monitor. Open up RadCom Basics and read more about making construction easier to attract young people into the hobby. There is Andy Gilfillan, G0FVI’s next article in the series on Digital Mobile Radio and Dr Chris Trayner, G4OKW introduces connectors for Radio Frequencies, loading and the potential divider and how to test your Push to Talk button. RSGB members can read previous editions of RadCom Basics at rsgb.org/radcom  Register via the Preferences section in your RSGB membership portal to receive notifications of new issues as they become available. Subscribers receive an email alert when a new edition of RadCom Basics is published.

World Space Week took place earlier this month. If you organised an amateur radio activity as part of the event, you could be featured in a special RadCom report. To be included, send a summary of your event, along with any photos to comms@rsgb.org.uk  by Wednesday 21 October. You can find out more on how the RSGB supported World Space Week by going to rsgb.org/wsw

And now for details of Rallies and Events

On Sunday, the 25th of October, Galashiels Radio Rally and Open Day takes place at The Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. Doors open at 11.15am, with access for the disabled from 11am. Admission is £3. There will be a ‘Bring and Buy’ sale, refreshments and traders. For more information, visit galaradioclub.co.uk

Also on Sunday, the 25th of October, the Holsworthy Amateur Radio Club Autumn Rally takes place at Kivells Livestock Market, EX22 7FA from 10am. For details, visit tinyurl.com/holsrally26

The British Vintage Wireless Society’s Golborne Swapmeet is on Sunday, the 1st of November at Golborne Parkside Sports & Community Club, Rivington Avenue, Golborne, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 3HG. Doors open at 10am. Stallholder entry is from 9.30am. The event is for BVWS members only. Contact Mark Ryding at markryding100@hotmail.co.uk

 

Now the Special Events news

Members of the Cray Valley Radio Society are operating special callsign GB80CV until the 28th of October to celebrate the club’s 80th anniversary. Visit cvrs.uk/cvrs80 for detailed information on the Oak Anniversary Award. QSL via Logbook of the World.

Members of the Araucaria [A-RAW-KA-RIA] DX Group are using the special callsign ZW50B until the end of October to celebrate five decades of radio activity, international contacts, contests, expeditions, technical development and friendship. Visit araucariadx.com/50anos for details of the 50th Anniversary Award programme.

Now the DX news

John, AE5X will be active as ZA/AE5X from various locations in Albania until the 30th of October. He is operating CW only on the 20m to 10m bands. Visit ae5x.blogspot.com for updates.

Lui, YT3PL, Luc, F5RAV and Darko, E70A will be active on various bands and modes as C5R from The Gambia until the 4th of November, including an entry in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest. QSL direct to YT3PL and logsearch on Club Log.

Bernhard, DL2GAC is active as H44MS from the Solomon Islands until the 20th of November. He is usually QRV every day from Malaita Island OC-047 on 80m to 6m SSB and FT8. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log.

Now the Contest news

The RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900UTC to 2130UTC on Tuesday the 20th of October. Using all modes on 1.3GHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday the 21st of October, the IRTS 80m Evening Counties Contest runs from 2000UTC to 2100UTC. Using CW and SSB modes on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The RSGB HF Autumn Series SSB Contest is on Thursday the 22nd of October between 1900UTC and 2030UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The CQ WW DX SSB Contest runs from 0000UTC on Saturday the 24th of October to 2359UTC on Sunday the 25th of October. Using SSB on the 160 to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone.

The UK Microwave Group EHF Band Contest runs from 0800UTC to 2000UTC on Sunday the 25th of October. Using all modes on the 76 to 241GHz bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

 Now the Propagation news, compiled by G0KYA, G4BAO and G3LYA on Thursday, the 15th of October 2026.

Last weekend saw the Kp index soar to seven, with a massive visible aurora over the UK. Unfortunately, many of the UK’s leading DXers and VHF enthusiasts were at the RSGB Convention in Milton Keynes and so missed it!

The aurora was caused by a very strong solar wind, emanating from a coronal mass ejection on the Sun, which occurred the previous Thursday.

The solar wind speed hit between 750 and 850 kilometres per second and the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field, or IMF, shifted sharply south at times, meaning it coupled with the Earth’s magnetic field more easily.

This has now settled, and we are back to a more reasonable Kp index of between one and three. The solar flux index has also been relatively high, often in the 130s, with only minor C-class solar flares. This has meant the MUF over a 3,000-kilometre path has reached more than 28MHz at times, although 21MHz has been more reliable.

Better autumnal HF conditions are returning, with the 1.3kW KQ2H FM repeater in the Catskill Mountains of New York State faintly audible on 29.620MHz some afternoons. Conditions should improve over the coming weeks.

DX to be worked on HF next week includes JD1BQP in Ogasawara, TZ4AM in Mali, 6O2M in Somalia, V63SC in Micronesia, 9N7XT in Nepal, 3DA0GY in Eswatini, S9R on Sao Tome and Principe, and C5R in The Gambia.

Next week, the Space Weather Prediction Centre forecasts that the solar flux index should remain at around the 100 mark. Geomagnetic conditions should be settled for the first half of the week, but then become unsettled with a Kp index up to four between the 21st and 24th of October.

There is a slight risk this weekend of unsettled geomagnetic conditions due to another large coronal hole on the Sun’s surface, which was due to become geoeffective late on Friday the 16th of October.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO.

The unsettled weather pattern will continue throughout the coming week. This means that there will continue to be periods of wet and windy weather that will alternate with more settled spells.

Limited periods of Tropo are possible, although probably somewhat restrained due to the transient nature of the Highs. However, in the unsettled periods the locally heavy frontal rain and heavy showers will be good candidates for some rain scatter. The strong winds in such cases may make tracking the echoes for GHz QSOs a challenge.

The meteor scatter prospects are reasonable this month and the next meteor shower of note is the Orionids, which peak on the 21st into the 22nd of October and are the result of the Earth’s orbit passing through the debris from Halley’s Comet.

The prospects for aurora have been worth considering in recent weeks, typical of the autumn season, and there’s good reason to keep monitoring the Kp index for signs of it going above 5. Bear in mind that auroral events may be short-lasting and often found in the early evening, so don’t leave it until later before going outside for a look.

EME now, and Moon declination is at its lowest but starting to rise again. We are still a week away from positive values. Moon windows lengthen and peak Moon elevation is rising. Apogee was on Friday the 16th of October, so path losses are falling again. 144 MHz sky noise is high until Monday, then low for the rest of the week.

And that’s all from the propagation team this week.

RSGB News

Sunday the 11th October 2026

 

Join the RSGB 2026 Convention livestream

The RSGB has shared a list of JOTA stations

Start planning your Youngsters On The Air Month activity

 

The second day of the RSGB 2026 Convention is well underway with a great line-up of lectures. If you aren’t able to attend the event in person this year, you can catch up with the livestream on the Society’s YouTube channel via youtube.com/thersgb  The livestreams for both days will remain available for everyone to watch and offer a programme full of engaging speakers to help you learn, connect and be inspired. In Sunday’s programme, you can hear an update on the latest developments in the microwave community with Heather Nickalls, M0HMO and Brian Coleman, G4NNS. You’ll also be able to find out the results of the 12th of August 2026 eclipse propagation experiment, which was led by Steve Nichols, G0KYA and the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee. Whether you’ve attended the Convention in person or watched the livestream, the Society would love to hear what you loved most about the event. Share your feedback by going to rsgb.org/feedback  for those who have attended the event and rsgb.org/livestream-feedback  for those who watched the event online.

The RSGB Youth Champion for Scouts, Sam McCutchion, M0UEL has shared a list of special event stations that will be active for Jamboree on the Air next weekend, the 16th to 18th of October. You can view the list by going to rsgb.org/jota  and selecting the ‘JOTA Stations on the Air’ link on the righthand side of the page. Thank you to everyone who has responded to the RSGB’s call so far. If you would like to be added to the list, send a summary of your station name, call sign and any other relevant information to youthchampion.scouts@rsgb.org.uk  by Wednesday the 14th of October. If you’re not involved with a JOTA station, listen out for them on the air and encourage the young operators.

December is Youngsters On The Air Month, providing young radio amateurs across the UK with the chance to operate using special event station GB26YOTA. The activity is a special IARU initiative that encourages young amateur radio operators to get on the air, make contacts around the world, and showcase amateur radio to other young people. As GB26YOTA is a special event call sign, you will need a Full licensee on site to supervise the operators. If you’re not a Full licensee, get together with others and have a group event. Clubs, schools, universities, youth groups and individuals can all apply to host the special event station and are encouraged to start planning now. You can find details of the application process, eligibility requirements, operating slots and call sign allocations by going to rsgb.org/yota-month  Make sure you don’t miss out on being part of the team helping to make YOTA Month the best yet!

TX Factor has released a National Hamfest 2026 edition of its popular amateur radio show. In this special episode, Bob McCreadie, G0FGX chats with Dominic, M0BLF from Camb-Hams whilst operating QO-100. Bob discovers more about the proposed new rig release from Icom and updates you on a future repeater upgrade from Yaesu. Bob meets key personnel from the RSGB to learn more about the Society's membership strategies and some changes in the way the Society meets and greets visitors at major shows and conventions such as Hamfest and Dayton. There will be much more coverage and news from Hamfest in future episodes. TX Factor is sponsored by the RSGB and the latest episode can be found by visiting txfactor.co.uk

Are you looking for some spooky family fun for Halloween? You can plan a visit to Bletchley Park and the RSGB National Radio Centre to discover top secret clues and solve a mystery. You’ll be tasked with solving codes, ciphers and puzzles to reveal secrets along the way. You can find out more by going to the ‘What’s on’ section of the Bletchley Park website at bletchleypark.org.uk  RSGB members can get free access to the historic site by downloading a voucher at rsgb.org/bpvoucher

And now for details of Rallies and Events

The annual Hornsea ARC Rally takes place today, the 11th, at Driffield Showground, YO25 9FB. Doors open at 10am, For full details, call Les on 01377 252 393.

Essex CW Amateur Radio Club’s Boot Camp and CW Conference is on Saturday, the 24th of October at the 3rd Witham Scout and Guide HQ. If you are interested in attending and have not registered, email info@essexcw.org.uk  There is one place left on the Boot Camp, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking for online CW on the Club’s Beginners, Improvers and Advanced classes is now open. Doors open at 8.30am for registration. The meetings begin at 9am. The day will finish around 4.20pm. For more details, visit essexcw.uk

On Sunday, the 25th of October, Galashiels Radio Rally and Open Day takes place at The Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. Doors open at 11.15am, with access for the disabled from 11am. Admission is £3. There will be Bring and buy, refreshments and traders. For more information, visit galaradioclub.co.uk

Also on Sunday, the 25th of October, Holsworthy Amateur Radio Club Autumn Rally takes place at Kivells Livestock Market, EX22 7FA from 10am. For details, visit tinyurl.com/holsrally26

Now the Special Events news

Members of the Cray Valley Radio Society are operating special callsign GB80CV until the 28th of October to celebrate the club’s 80th anniversary. Visit cvrs.uk/cvrs80 for detailed information on the Oak Anniversary Award. QSL via Logbook of the World.

8J7SPO is the special callsign commemorating the Japan Sport Association’s 80th Japan Games and the 25th National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities. Look out for activity until the 26th of October. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and confirmed automatically via the bureau.

The Belgian Air Force Amateur Radio Association is active until the 30th of October to celebrate the Air Force’s 80th anniversary. Listen for activity on the HF bands using CW, SSB and digital modes. All the details, including eQSLs and awards, are at bafara80.be

Now the DX news

Jacek, SP9FIH is active as FW1P from Wallis Island, OC-054 until Saturday, the 17th of October. He operates mainly FT8, on the 80, 20, 15 and 10m bands, QSL via Club Log’s OQRS.

Sands, VK4WXW has returned to Willis Island, OC-007 and will be stationed at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s weather monitoring facility until late October or early November. He operates SSB and FT8 on the 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands with a vertical antenna. QSL via M0OXO’s OQRS.

Lui, YT3PL, Luc, F5RAV and Darko, E70A will be active on various bands and modes as C5R from The Gambia until the 4th of November, including an entry in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest.  QSL direct to YT3PL and logsearch on Club Log.
Now the Contest news

The RSGB 432MHz FMAC Contest on Tuesday, the 13th of October runs from 1800UTC to 1855UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

Also on Tuesday the 13th of October, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900UTC to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 432MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700UTC to 2100UTC on Wednesday, the 14th of October. Using FT8 on 432MHz, the exchange is signal report and four-character locator. The RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest is also on Wednesday the 14th of October, from 1900UTC to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on 432MHz, the exchange is signal report and four-character locator.

The RSGB HF Autumn Series DATA Contest is on Wednesday the 14th of October, from 1900UTC to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

On Thursday the 15th of October, the RSGB 70MHz UKAC Contest runs from 1900UTC to 2130UTC. Using all modes on 70MHz, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The Worked All Germany Contest runs from 1500UTC on Saturday, the 17th of October to 1500UTC on Sunday the 18th of October. Using CW and SSB on the 80m to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

Now the Propagation news, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Wednesday, the 7th of October 2026.

As we head further into October, the maximum usable frequencies available are slowly starting to climb. We are seeing 21MHz doing quite well, with 24MHz often coming into play. This should improve as the month goes on.

This last week was characterised by relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions at times, but with a lowish Solar Flux Index. The Kp index hit four and five on the fourth and fifth but has otherwise been quiet, often in the ones and twos.

HF conditions have been adequate rather than outstanding. 80 metres has proved useful during the RSGB’s Autumn Series of contests, often with good loud signals from around the UK and further afield from Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.

There have been some good highlights further up the bands, including hearing the 4S7B NCDXF beacon on 14.100MHz well after dark on Monday the 5th of October and the 4U1UN beacon on 21.150MHz during the late afternoon.

If you wish to work the eastern seaboard of the USA on 10 metres, look between 1300 and 1700UTC, with perhaps FT8 or CW being the most likely modes at this time.

There is plenty of DX to be worked next week, including 6O2M in Somalia, H49A on the Solomon Islands, C5R in The Gambia and FW1P, Wallis Island. From next weekend, also look for 3DAOGY in Eswatini, S21HRG in Bangladesh and S9R on Sao Tome.

The solar flux index climbed from 92 to 113 on Wednesday, the 7th of October, which is a help. The question is, where does it go from here?

Next week, the SWPC forecasts the SFI will be in the range of 90 to 105. Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be good, with a maximum Kp index of two. As always, this is subject to no CMEs or coronal holes, so keep an eye on solarham.com  for daily updates. This weekend may see unsettled geomagnetic conditions thanks to two large coronal holes.

And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO.

We have moved into the season of autumn changeability with alternating unsettled weather. Rain scatter is possible on the GHz bands as is the traditional Tropo that comes from areas of high pressure and temperature inversions. 

The bulk of the period up to the end of next week is firmly in the unsettled domain with some potentially active lows passing close to the UK with perhaps some very strong winds in northern areas. So rain scatter is likely to be an option at times.

There is a signal in the weather models that we could see a big high developing at the end of next week, with Tropo returning to many areas.

The meteor scatter prospects are slightly lifted by the Draconids, which peaked on Thursday the 8th of October, and then the slow climb to the Orionids later in the month on Wednesday the 21st of October, which are the debris from Comet Halley and usually the better of the two showers.

We have recently been having the occasional peak in the Kp index to around 4 or 5, which is just enough to give us a reason to look out for aurora. Although not really where we need it for a good radio aurora, this is definitely a hint to check the Kp index.

The surprise out-of-season Sporadic-E on Monday, the 5th of October, when the FoEs reached just over 10MHz, was a reminder that guidelines about the span of the season are just that, and other externally forced events can and do happen. It is not easy to give exact reasons for that event, but a sudden increase in meteor input can play a regional role if other triggers like jet streams are also present.

EME now, and Moon declination is negative and falling to minimum on Friday the 16th of October, so Moon windows are shortening and peak Moon elevation is falling. Path losses are rising as we approach apogee, also on the 16th.

The Sun and Moon were close over the weekend of Saturday the 10th of October, so expect high sky noise, then moderate, becoming high again as the week progresses.

And that’s all from the propagation team this week.