Gb2rs

GB2RS News Sunday, the 21st of December 2025 The news headlines: A British Science Week opportunity not to be missed Could you be the new RSGB Honorary Skills and Career Development Officer? Challenge yourself with the RSGB Construction Competition The RSGB is giving away 400 FM radio receiver kits and Morse code tutor kits as part of its British Science Week 2026 activities. The kits are available for school, university, Scout, Girlguiding, and Cadet groups, as well as other youth-related Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics groups. The project is being delivered thanks to a partnership between the RSGB Outreach Team, the Radio Communications Foundation and the RSGB Legacy Fund. To get involved, simply complete a form available at rsgb.org/bsw. If you need support, the RSGB can put you in touch with local radio amateurs who can assist. In exchange for the free kits, you’ll need to send a brief report and photos that the Society can share afterwards to celebrate the activity and inspire other g

GB2RS News Sunday, the 14th of December 2025   The news headlines: Dr Bob Whelan, G3PJT, is now a Silent Key Two exciting opportunities to make an impact with the RSGB Free RSGB club affiliation for schools, universities and uniformed groups!   It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr Bob Whelan, G3PJT, became a Silent Key on the 4th of December. Bob’s contribution to amateur radio was extensive. First licensed in 1961, his main interest was in HF and LF CW operation. In this, he soon became a strong supporter of the Commonwealth Contest, operating from a number of DX locations for the contest over many years. He wrote the book ‘Reflections in a Rosebowl’, which covers the history of the Commonwealth Contest, and he put much effort into building an online Commonwealth Contest community. Bob also played a very significant role in the RSGB, the IARU and the First Class Operators Club. For the RSGB, he started as a volunteer member of the RSGB HF Committee and later was President from 2002 to 20

GB2RS News Sunday the 7th of December 2025 The news headlines: Become an RSGB Regional Representative in your area Keep up to date with how technology can be used in amateur radio 5MHz – an important reminder about FT8 use within allocated frequencies Do you want to make a difference to the amateur radio community in your region? The RSGB has three Regional Representative posts that are available for nominations in the upcoming 2026 elections. These are for Region 2, which covers Scotland North and the Northern Isles, Region 7, which represents South Wales, and Region 9, which covers London and the Thames Valley. As a Regional Representative, you will lead the team of District Representatives in your area and not only represent the Society but also support your fellow radio amateurs. Find out more about what it takes to succeed in this role by reading the candidate pack at rsgb.org/elections  The deadline for applications is the 31st of January 2026. An increasing number of modern technologies are being use

GB2RS News Sunday, the 30th of November The news headlines: The RSGB has launched its official Instagram profile Listen out for GB25YOTA for Youngsters on the Air month TX Factor releases part two of its Hamfest special The RSGB has launched its official Instagram profile! This addition to the Society’s social media presence will help it to connect in a new way and showcase the exciting world of amateur radio and STEM. Through Instagram, the RSGB aims to support youth activities and highlight opportunities for young radio enthusiasts. It wants to engage with like-minded organisations that promote STEM education and innovation, and to inspire the RF engineers of the future by sharing stories, projects and events. It will also be a great platform for connecting with other groups that enjoy practical activities. If you’re on Instagram, the RSGB invites you to follow its profile, like its posts and join the conversation as it builds a new community. Search for ‘theRSGB’ and get involved! Youngsters on the Air M

GB2RS News Sunday, the 23rd of November The news headlines: Could your skills and experience support the RSGB Board? Let the Society know your plans for British Science Week 2026 The RSGB is looking for a volunteer Accessibility Champion Do you have skills and experience that would make you an asset to the RSGB Board? The RSGB elections process has begun, and there are two routes to becoming a Board Director. This week’s focus is on Nominated Directors, and there are two vacancies this year. Nominated Directors are selected by the Society's Nominations Committee, and then the RSGB membership votes to endorse them at the AGM. The closing date for these vacancies is the 5th of December 2025, so don’t delay! There is no functional difference between a Nominated or Elected Director, and all serve the Board in the same way for a three-year term. If you’d like to know more about what is required of an RSGB Board Director, the first step is to read the candidate pack for Elected Directors on the RSGB website at rs

GB2RS News Sunday, the 16th of November 2025 The news headlines: Nominations for the RSGB 2026 Elections are now open The RSGB National Radio Centre to host ‘Build your own radio’ workshops Ofcom has agreed to the RSGB request to extend the 146-147MHz NoV for a further year Could your skills and experience help to shape the RSGB’s activities? The Society's year starts and ends at the AGM, and it is seeking proactive and enthusiastic members with the right skills who would like to become a Director of the Society or a Regional Representative. There are vacancies for two Nominated Directors, two Elected Directors and three Regional Representatives. Nominated Directors are selected by the Society's Nominations Committee, and then RSGB members vote to endorse them as part of the AGM voting. The closing date for these vacancies is the 5th of December 2025. If you’re interested in either the Elected Director or Regional Representative roles, you can find the candidate packs and application forms on the RSGB websi

GB2RS News Sunday, the 9th of November 2025   The news headlines: The RSGB launches its Construction Competition for 2026 RSGB exam shutdown over the festive season The Society appoints a new volunteer Brickworks Champion   Whether you have only recently soldered your first wire in a kit build or you have experience in designing an advanced software or systems engineering project, the RSGB Construction Competition is for you! As part of the RSGB’s strategic growth priority, it wants to inspire people from different communities to find out more about amateur radio. That is why the Society has introduced a new category this year called “Reimagination”. If you think your project could be interesting to the maker community, or you have an idea that could encourage people from groups such as Men’s Sheds to try amateur radio, this is the category for you. If it is radio-related but motivates non-radio amateurs to find out more, the RSGB welcomes your entry! There are six other categories, which means there reall

GB2RS News Sunday, the 2nd of November 2025   The news headlines: The RSGB National Radio Centre wins the 2025 Sir Arthur Clarke Education and Outreach Team Award The RSGB releases two panel discussions from its recent Convention Learn how to improve speech clarity with DSP in November’s Tonight@8 At a glittering awards ceremony in London this week, the RSGB National Radio Centre team beat two other finalists to win the 2025 Sir Arthur Clarke Education and Outreach Team Award. The NRC team was recognised “For inspiring all Generations about Amateur Satellites by providing a unique insight into the world of radio communications”. The awards are organised by the British Interplanetary Society. The award was accepted by RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB; NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB; and NRC Volunteers Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB and Brian Hardy, G4BIP. In his acceptance speech, Steve Thomas thanked Martyn and the 65 volunteers for the work that they do in welcoming over 80,000 visitors to the NRC each

GB2RS News Sunday, the 26th of October 2025 The news headlines: Get involved with YOTA Month and book your GB25YOTA operating slot today Photos from the VHF and HF contest trophies presentation are now on the RSGB website RSGB gives an update on the QSL Bureau Youngsters on the Air Month takes place in December, and the RSGB would love you to take part in this annual event. Special callsign GB25YOTA will be active throughout the month. Whether you are an individual, club, school, university or social group, this is a fantastic opportunity to host the callsign and get young radio amateurs active on the amateur bands. The Society would love to see Scouts, Girlguiding and Cadet groups taking part too. The RGSB has changed the procedure for booking operating slots this year, so it is easier to see availability. Visit rsgb.org/yota-month and click on the schedule to view which time slots are available. These aren’t fixed and can be adjusted to suit your timings. You’ll then need to email RSGB YOTA Month Coordina

GB2RS News Sunday, the 19th of October 2025 The news headlines: · Ofcom implements Phases 2 and 3 of the amateur radio licence review · Share your feedback on the RSGB’s 2025 Convention · The RSGB releases a video to help members make the most of its mobile app Following the introduction of the current amateur licensing framework in February 2024, Ofcom has now implemented most of the remaining changes associated with Phases 2 and 3. Ofcom updates its online Licensing Portal to accommodate applications for new M8 and M9 Intermediate callsigns, more flexible special event callsigns, and other changes, including easier revalidation. It also starts a gradual move to single personal call signs. For example, the revocation of lower licence callsigns is automatically triggered by a new application. Both Ofcom and the RSGB have released guidance for radio amateurs about these changes. You can see both documents by going to rsgb.org/guidance-resources. Please also note that the Ofcom licensing portal now requires lon

GB2RS News Sunday, the 12th of October 2025 The news headlines: Introducing the RSGB mobile app Join the RSGB 2025 Convention livestream Get involved with Jamboree on the Air The Society is excited to announce the launch of the RSGB mobile app. This fantastic new members’ benefit allows you to enjoy RadCom, RadCom Basics and RadCom Plus wherever you are. Complementing the RSGB’s existing web app, with the new mobile app, you can save editions to read offline, bookmark articles to enjoy later, and have seamless access to extra digital content. With easy-to-use navigation, the app is your one-stop shop for RSGB publications. You can download it now via the Apple App and Google Play stores or go to rsgb.org/radcom  for the links. The second day of the RSGB 2025 Convention is well underway with a great line-up of presentations. If you have been unable to attend in person, you can catch up with the livestream on the Society’s YouTube channel via youtube.com/thersgb. The livestreams for both days will remain avai

GB2RS News Sunday, the 5th of October 2025 The news headlines: Don’t miss out – book now for the RSGB 2025 Convention! Join October’s Tonight@8 webinar for a fascinating talk on a Marshall Islands DXpedition The RSGB is helping to promote JOTA activities in October Today, Sunday the 5th of October, is the last day for you to buy your RSGB 2025 Convention and dinner tickets. The online ticketing portal closes at 11:59 p.m. tonight, so please act quickly to ensure your attendance. You will be able to purchase a Convention ticket at the door, but not at the reduced rate currently available. The event is taking place between the 10th and 12th of October in Milton Keynes, and this year’s theme is “Discover, Learn, Progress”. To start planning your weekend, go to rsgb.org/convention  and download the Convention programme and speaker information. You’ll also be able to view the menus, as well as see what forums and drop-in sessions you can attend. Click on ‘What else is happening at the Convention?’ to find detail

GB2RS News Sunday, the 28th of September 2025 The news headlines: What are your must-see presentations at this year’s RSGB Convention? The RSGB invited the MP for Buckingham and Bletchley to the RSGB National Radio Centre for a private visit Listen out for today’s special 70th anniversary GB2RS broadcasts Before we begin today’s news bulletin, we would like to share a special message from the RSGB President Bob Beebe, GU4YOX, to mark the 70th anniversary of GB2RS. Bob says, “It is with a profound sense of respect and appreciation that today we mark the 70th anniversary of the GB2RS News service. Since 1955, volunteers have given their time and their voice to keep our radio community informed, connected, and inspired. For many of us, GB2RS has been a constant and familiar presence in our radio lives. On behalf of the RSGB, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have played a part in this remarkable story for the last seventy years. Today, we honour their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to the values and

GB2RS News Sunday, the 21st of September 2025 The news headlines: Secure your ticket for the RSGB 2025 Convention before online ticketing closes A reminder to identify yourself clearly when operating The RSGB Outreach Team launches its first official DMR Youth Net Tickets for the RSGB Convention at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes are still available to purchase online, but hurry as advance sales close on Saturday the 4th of October. You will be able to buy a Convention ticket on the door but not at the reduced rate that is available now. Your ticket will give you access to numerous presentations including two on the funding available to interesting and innovative amateur radio projects. The RSGB Legacy Fund supports a wide range of projects and Legacy Committee Chair, Richard Horton, G4AOJ will give some recent examples that have been allocated funding. He’ll also talk you through how the application and approval process works. The California-based Amateur Radio Digital Communications foundati

GB2RS News Sunday, the 14th of September 2025 The news headlines: RCF Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, on inspiring the next generation of radio amateurs The RSGB LoRa balloon is to be launched this week Will Richardson, 2E0WYA, has been co-opted to the RSGB Board as Vice Chair Radio Communications Foundation Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN, will be at this year’s RSGB Convention to deliver a fascinating lecture on using radio technology to engage and inspire non-radio amateurs. In particular, he will look at this within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education settings, using the subject to connect with young people. Matthew Phillips, G6WPJ, will also be at the Convention, where he will be discussing the use of low-power software-defined radio to rejuvenate medium- and short-wave broadcasting. These are two of nearly 50 speakers who will be delivering engaging and topical presentations for Convention attendees. If this isn’t enough to entice you, visit the Convention web pages via rsgb.org/convention

GB2RS News Sunday, the 7th of September 2025 The news headlines: WRTC, QO-100 and how to have a thriving club – be part of these discussions at the RSGB Convention Listen out for special GB2RS broadcasts from the NRC as part of GB70RS celebrations The RSGB replies to the latest Ofcom 2.3GHz consultation The World Radiosport Team Championship 2026 takes place in the United Kingdom, and Mark Haynes, M0DXR, is the Chairman of the Organising Committee. Join Mark at the RSGB Convention on Saturday, the 11th of October, to find out how the team is progressing for the event, which will host 100 operators from all around the world. If operating via QO-100 is something you would like to try, join Paulo, F5VMJ/G0MUW, as he shares his experience of the mode, including his home setup and how to go portable. In a new-style presentation for this year, representatives from four amateur radio clubs will be joining a panel at the Convention. They will each discuss different aspects of their club activities that are contri

GB2RS News Sunday the 31st of August 2025 The news headlines: Plan your RSGB Convention weekend with the newly released programme Volunteer for the RSGB as the Honorary Mature Members’ Officer RSGB representatives and practical activities at the National Hamfest  Have you bought your ticket for this year’s RSGB Convention yet? The weekend’s draft programme has just been released, detailing all the inspiring speakers that the Society has lined up for your enjoyment. If you want to improve your technical knowledge, be sure to add the presentation by Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs, to your must-see list. Hans will introduce the concept of polar modulation SSB, along with the story of the practical implementation of polar modulation SSB in the QRP Labs QMX and QMX+ transceivers. Perhaps you’d like to get some operating tips? In which case, Walt Hudson, K4OGO, is one to add to your weekend schedule. Walt, also known as ‘Salty Walt’, will discuss different types of antennas and his experience with them when op

GB2RS News Sunday the 24th of August 2025   The news headlines: Apply to be the RSGB Youth Activities and Engagement Champion The Tonight@8 webinar series is back with a brilliant autumn line-up Hans Summers, G0UPL confirmed as the RSGB Convention after-dinner speaker The RSGB Youth Team is looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and innovative person to join its team as the Society’s volunteer Youth Activities and Engagement Champion. The role will take the lead on youth-focused activities and create resources for young Foundation licence holders. If you would like to help inspire young people to explore new aspects of amateur radio, then read the full role description via rsgb.org/volunteers  and then get in touch with the Youth Board Liaison Ben Lloyd, GW4BML via gw4bml@rsgb.org.uk  This exciting role will be working collaboratively with Ben, as well as the existing Youth Champions and RSGB Outreach Team. You can see some of the amazing projects the team has been working on by visiting the RSGB Youth web pag

GB2RS News Sunday, the 17th of August 2025 The news headlines: Read daily updates from the RSGB’s YOTA summer camp team ‘Women in amateur radio’ panel to be held at RSGB Convention in October The RSGB Awards Manager announces a new awards series This year’s Youngsters on the Air summer camp begins tomorrow, Monday, the 18th of August, and the RSGB is sending a team of four young members to take part. YOTA camps are an amazing opportunity for young people to operate the latest amateur radio equipment, take part in construction activities and make international friendships. The Society will be keeping you up to date with the group’s progress by sharing daily updates and photos. This year’s camp is taking place near Paris and is being organised by REF, the French national amateur radio society, and the IARU. Read the daily blog updates by visiting rsgb.org/yota-camp  and selecting ‘YOTA Paris 2025’ from the right-hand menu. The Society will also be sharing updates via its Facebook and X channels. If you’d like

GB2RS News Sunday, the 10th of August 2025 The news headlines: Three fantastic workshops have been announced for the RSGB Convention The RSGB National Radio Centre has won a prestigious award Ensure that Ofcom has your correct contact details Discover new skills at this year’s RSGB Convention in October by securing your place in one, or all three, of the workshops that will be taking place. On Friday, the 10th of October, the RSGB is giving you the opportunity to build on the basics of Arduino programming with a six-hour workshop that will cover programming Direct Digital Synthesis for RF generation. This session will also include how to use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to write software. You are welcome to book this workshop even if you’re not able to attend the whole Convention this year. If programming is new to you, then Saturday’s two-hour workshop is a great place to get started. This session will introduce you to microcontroller unit programming through a short presentation followed by practic