Wednesday 28th September - Meeting at City of Norwich School

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Published: 08 September 2022

Last Updated: 22 September 2022

Tonight we have a social informal meeting at CNS School between 7-9pm.

We meet in the 6th form common room and though there is no formal talk it would be nice to see some informal chats about radio and equipment as well as socialising - please feel free to bring something to 'Show and Tell'. We also have a range of basic soldering and hand tools available to borrow if you wish to do some construction or repair - please just ask a committee member if you would like these brought out.

Cold drinks and biscuit snacks will also be available.

73, David G7URP

Last weeks NARC Live...

If you missed last Wednesdays NARC Live with Club News, 'What on earth is this...' and 'Transatlantic Tests' presentation you can watch it here:   https://youtu.be/LEZxFQyPtxY

Going to the RSGB Convention...?

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Published: 16 September 2022

Last Updated: 25 September 2022

The RSGB Convention returns as an in-person event this year on 8th & 9th October at Kents Hill Conference Centre.

You can choose your favourite talks from over 50 over the weekend and there are also opportunities to meet Special Interest Groups as well as take any of the license exams and other social events including a Gala Dinner on the Saturday evening where NARC will be reserving a table or two (see below). Many years ago this was just an HF Convention but now it covers most bands, aspects and modes in the hobby right up into GHz. 

You can go just for the day from £15 or stay all weekend with many accomodation and meal options available but note that everything must be prebooked (while available!). Under 21's get free entry on either or both days although under 16's need to have a responsible adult accompanying them.

To find out more or book visit rsgb.org/convention

Booking deadline October 2nd!

Going to the Dinner?

If you plan to attend the Gala Dinner on the Saturday evening then you may like to join other NARC members on one of our reserved tables. First you need to book your dinner as above and then email Andy M0NKR at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with name(s) and callsign(s) for the table and he will arrange reserved places on the NARC Table(s).

NARC Autumn Programme...

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Published: 10 September 2022

Last Updated: 21 September 2022

Antenna Antics...

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Published: 23 September 2022

Last Updated: 23 September 2022

NARC Contest News (52) Friday 23rd September 2022

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Published: 23 September 2022

Last Updated: 23 September 2022

Welcome to week fifty two of NARC’s contest news.

This week's news sheet represents a whole year of contest news reports! I hope you've found it useful and informative. It would be great to hear more from the readership in the way of reports of contest working, ideas for content or indeed any suggestions.

Results:-

The results of the second leg of the Autumn series of RSGB 80m HF contests showed we blitzed this CW leg and are now in a strong first place. We have 16,138 points compared to second place Bristol with 14,400 and third place Newbury with 8,807 in the Local Clubs section.

Only one result came in in this week for VHF contests.

The result 144MHz UKAC of 06/9/2022 came out on 21/9/2022. NARC entered 7 logs for this one which led to our retaining 10th position in this series.

The NARC UKAC contest team is growing in numbers, thanks to all who are helping out.

Contests:-

The first DATA leg of the Autumn Series of 80m club championships took place on Thursday 22nd September. To date 105 logs have been submitted with 5 from Bristol and 10 from NARC but I am aware of at least 3 more logs yet to come in for us. Several stations in NARC worked GM6XX, the bonus station, and congratulations go to Andy M0NKR for achieving the top NARC score.

The 70MHz AFS super league contest took place on Sunday 18th September. Conditions were flat and activity was reasonably good. Two of us from NARC have submitted entries out of 62 logs received.

The 1296 MHz UKAC took place on Tuesday 20th September. Conditions were mixed but some good DX was around. Our team is growing for this one albeit slowly. At the time of writing 94 logs had been received with 3 from NARC although at least one more is promised for us.

We are always on the lookout for new contesters to add to our team and welcome people of any ability who either wish to add their score to ours or develop their skills.

Note, NARC contest net takes place every Friday evening at 9pm clock time on 145.250MHz. This is a useful place to exchange contest information and get help with logging and station setup issues etc.

Contest reports are always appreciated from any club members. This from John G8VPE:-

"I did have a minor attempt at the BARTG Sprint PSK63 Contest last Sunday evening (18 Sept).
I made 29 contacts, all in the EU, so only 1 out of 6 continent multipliers to claim for and only 13 prefix multipliers.
There was not much PSK activity on 20m or 80m, 40m seemed to be the most productive band throughout the evening.

I hope to be taking part in the CQ WW RTTY this weekend (24/25 Sept), but not for the whole 48 hours.

73 John G8VPE"

Upcoming contests in the next 2 weeks:-

On VHF / UHF / SHF

Before each of the 2m and 70cm UKACs there is an FM leg starting 1 hour before for 55 minutes. I hear almost no activity in this from here but others may have more luck! Rules etc on RSGBCC site.

* Sat 24th September 1400-1700 (144MHz) and 1700-1800 (432MHz) AGCW VHF/UHF CW contest - see WA7BNM
* Sat 24th September 2200 for 24h AWA AM QSO Party - 160/80/40/20m - see WA7BNM
* Tue 27th September 1830-2130 SHF UKAC
* Sat 1st October 1400-2200 1.2GHz Trophy - part of RSGB VHF championship.
* Sat 1st October 1400 for 24h - 432MHz to 245GHz Contest.
* Sat 1st October 1400-2200 2.3GHz Trophy - part of RSGB VHF championship.
(The above 3 contests coincide with the Region 1 UHF/Microwaves Contest - see WA7BNM)
* Tue 4th October 1900-2130 144MHz UKAC
* Wed 5th October 1900-2100 144MHz FT8 AC

Also of interest for some on the vhf / uhf bands are the EU FT8 activity tests - see the following link for more information. These are on the first (144 MHz), second (432MHz) and third (1.3GHz) Wednesdays of each month. 1700-2000 Hrs EU FT8 series website https://ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/

On HF

* Sat 24th September 0000 for 48h CQ Worldwide DX RTTY - see WA7BNM
* Mon 26th Septemver RSGB FT4 contest
* Sat 1st October 0600 for 24h - Oceania DX phone contest - See WA7BNM
* Sat 1st October 0600 for 24h - Worked all provinces of China contest - see WA7BNM
* Sat 1st October 1600 to Sun 2nd October 2200 - California QSO party - See WA7BNM
* Sat 1st October 1600-1800 (80m) and Sun 2nd October 0900-1100 (40m) Hell contest - see WA7BNM
* Sat 1st October 1800 for 24h - SKCC HF CW contest - see WA7BNM
* Sun 2nd October 0600-1800 RSGB HF DX Contest - part of the HF championship.
* Mon 3rd October 1900-2030 Autumn series CW

Wednesdays throughout the year, CW ops 1 hour mini tests 13:00, 19:00, Thurs 03:00 and 07:00, exchange Name and G if not a member or CWOPS number if you are a member.
See CWOPS website for more details.
Also on Fridays 2000 to 2100 and Mondays 0000 to 0100 each week CWops runs the K1USN slow speed CW contests. Any speed up to 20wpm is acceptable. For rules see :- CW OPs SST page these contests are open to anyone.

All RSGB contest rules and further details plus log submission at RSGB contest site
Look to WA7BNM’s contest calendar for other contests and links to rules etc at WA7BNM weekly contest calendar
A link to John 2E0TWQ’s site’s Narc contest history page - 2E0TWQ's NARC contest results page

Submissions or comments for this news to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

73 until next week,

Phil G4LPP

GB2CW Morse Corner Week ending 22.09.22

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Published: 22 September 2022

Last Updated: 22 September 2022

GB2CW Morse Corner Week ending 22.09.22
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"Do today what others won't,
so you can do tomorrow what others can't."

The NARC Net.
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Well, regardless of SK night, we are now starting the NARC Net at 20 wpm. On a paddle, this provides reasonable speed and good Morse to encourage those trying out their skils for the first time, or even those not comfortable at higher speeds. This is what the Net was instigated for in the first place so please try to join in. The Net controller will call ON TIME at 8.30 and will listen ONLY for beginners to start with so please DO NOT call before time and DO NOT call until sufficient time has been given to those beginners. There must be dozens of them just busting to join in so let's hope this produces some results!
Once the Net controller has called for those beginners a couple of times, then we can also join in. Then, we can run at 20 wpm for the complete Net or if the controller wishes, he can increase the speed to a suggested level, say 25 wpm.
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Jim G3YLA has authored a very useful help file for those who would like to call into our net but are too nervous. It is worth not only reading but copying and saving. I shall repeat it for a few weeks.
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NARC Monday night CW net on 3543kHz at 20:30 ‘local’
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If you have thought that the NARC CW net sounds like something to try, but are not sure what to do when you get there, then this user guide is just for you.

This is a ‘USER GUIDE’ for the Monday night NARC CW net on 80m. It may all seem to be a bit of a mystery when you are new to CW and nets, so hopefully this informal net etiquette will help you to follow the goings on and feel at home once you join in. This is not a USA style ‘traffic net’ which you might have heard on the HF bands, which are very structured and use a subset of Q codes that apply specifically to traffic nets. The NARC CW net is an informal chat and designed to be as natural as a phone QSO on 2m, BUT noting a few conventions and etiquette rules will help you fit in.

Firstly, the net is designed to encourage newcomers to CW to join the regular Monday evening NARC net. This usually lasts for about an hour and then we QSY to 2m on 145.250 to discuss any follow-up points. Don’t be afraid of feedback, we all have bad CW habits or areas where we can improve and this net will help you do that.

The main ground rule of this net is keeping overs to a minimum (i.e. not a long ragchew) to keep it moving around, and two or three items are usually sufficient. Your contributions may be things that you want to mention, or a response to something others have said in their overs. Listening to the net will give you a better idea of what is discussed, but basically it is down to you.

A good tip is to prepare a template to note bullet points as the net progresses. Start off with a list of calls present, in the right order, then make four boxes to represent each over from that station and put down bullet points from their over as the net progresses. You can even preload your callsign block with bullet points of what you want to comment upon. Depending upon how many join the net, you will have between two and four overs.

The net control is rotated around the regular members each week, but don’t worry you wont be put into the ‘hot’ seat until ready and you agree to try it… it is not difficult, but can seem intimidating at first, so nobody will be forced to do net control. The list of net controllers is published in the NARC newsletter each week, so you know who to look out for. If the nominated frequency is occupied, then tune around a kHz or two and you should find us, and if that doesn’t work put out a call on 2m (145.450 or 145.250). Note that there are no nets on evenings when the club is taking part in one of the RSGB 80m CC or AS contests.

The net starts at 20.30 local time when the net control calls CQ NARC net at 20wpm and asks for newcomers to call in first. After any (or none) have called in, the net control will then call CQ NARC net again without specifying newcomers, but still at 20wpm. Depending upon whether there are any new CW ops involved, the speed may creep up to about 23wpm from about 9pm, but will always stay at lower speeds if slower ops are present. In fact ,if someone joins who is at 15wpm receiving speed we will match our speeds to their ability; it is what the net is for, after all.

Once the net call-ins have completed, the net control station will list those present in the order they called in. This becomes the template for the net. The control station passes it to the first on the list and they pass it to the next on the list until it gets back to net control again. If you want to call in once it has started you can interject your call as a station passes it on and net control will acknowledge you and put you after the last one on the list and then it’ll be you who hands back to the net control. If you know the net order then it is less confusing, and usually better, to call in at the end of the list and net control will pop it over to you for your first over; the net control station will usually leave a gap after the last over from the group in case of late joiners.

When passing it between members of a net like this you do not use ‘KN’ at the end of the callsigns, since it is open for others to call in. Typical handover is along the lines of G3LDI es (NARC) net de G3YLA k. I tend to just use net when taking it from previous op and probably better to include NARC when passing it to the next in the list, since joiners are more likely to call in at this point.

You don’t have to give everyone a report individually with callsigns unless you need to separate stations who might be weaker than the others. So saying everyone 599 except g3yla who is 569 wid QSB is quite sufficient. If its your first time give names and QTH etc. and perhaps some info on rigs and antenna, as in a normal QSO.

The net often gets to about 21:30 local and then net control will close the net by sending 73 and the list of participants, after which we usually (in net order) return with a brief 73 de callsign. If anyone calls in late at this stage it is the responsibility of the net control to pick it up or not depending upon choice and time. Thereafter, the whole group within 2m range then reforms on 145.250 MHz and the net control will pass it around for any follow-up comments or advice.

Some other points to note: the last Monday of the month is straight key night. This is usually much slower and typically 14-18wpm and provides a chance to maintain your pure CW hand-sending skills.

Try to net on frequency; we will soon nudge you in the right direction if off, although we do understand that some older rigs might not be so good at holding frequency, nonetheless a good goal to have. Don’t feel that you have to send quickly; it is much easier for everyone to send accurately, even if slower.

You might want to test your characteristic ‘fist’ by using one of the PC type morse readers to see if it can cope, or maybe record a test piece and play it back after a week has passed to see if you can read it! Try to practice sending as you think, so that you don’t need to write everything down first… takes a while but you don’t do it for FM so why do it for CW?

The NARC CW net is not designed to be a trial and it may seem stressful at first, but we have all gone through that process and it soon passes. Remember everyone on the frequency wants you to enjoy CW nets and we are there to help make that happen. We run the nets to help you get extra skills and become good net operators, not everyone can do it straightaway, but you can succeed if you decide you want to.

73 de Jim
g3yla
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Classes will recommence on Monday October 10th. The first class will be my headcopy class at 1000 local time on GB3NB. I hope there will be more joining the class in October. This date is fast approaching so please think about it and email me if you wish to attend one or more of the classes.
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CW OPS

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There are still a large number of locals taking part, with fewer in the 0300z session. I wonder why!! If you would like to be nominated for membership of CW OPS just let one of the local members know and we will do the necessary. The only pre-condition is that you are good up to 25wpm.
Phil gained a PB this week with 114 Qs in the hour, on the 1900z session. Congratulations Phil!

The RSGB Convention will be very soon and if you are a member of CW OPS there will be a photo opportunity for all those present.
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BOOTCAMP 2022.

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The GB2CW Morse Bootcamp will take place on Saturday 12th Novbember. There will be several things going on, receiving practice at various speeds, sending practice with your own Morse key (Straight or paddle) so please bring your keys with you.
Memory receiving ( Head copy ) with no writing down except for notes will be used as well as proper copy on paper. We are now in the fortunate position of having several that can assume instructor role.
We start at 9 a.m. and finish around 4.30 p.m.

When you attend, please bring your lunch, tea coffee ginger beer and bikkies will be here. Also your own paper and pens and slippers if you wear them, just in case it's wet out there.( I have a very pale coloured new carpet! ) Don't forget your Morse key and if you have a keyer, that too.
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THE LIST SO FAR
Roger G3LDI, Malcolm G3PDH, Jim G3YLA, Chris G4CCX, Mike G4DYC, David M7BLX, Phil G4LPP, Robert G4TUK, Colin G4EYT, Les G0DFC, Mui M0MUI.
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Hopefully there will be some more that need practice? I look forward to hearing from you
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It's early days as yet, but it is advisable to get your name down ASAP. There is a limit to the amount of people I can host!
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Email me with your intentions! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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RUFZXP
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No further updates from Phil --- as yet!

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Send your new score to Jim G3YLA by Thursday evening at the latest. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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It would be nice to see some more new entries in this table.

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NARC NET
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3543.00KHz 2030 local time on Monday evenings. Join us for a chat.
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Net Operator's list:
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Malcolm G3PDH
Chris G4CCX
Phil G4LPP
Dick G3WRJ
Roger G3LDI
Les G0DFC
Jim G3YLA
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This is the current list and for Monday 26th September the Net Controller will be Malcolm G3PDH.
Gyess what!! It will be Straight Key night. So get the limp wrist ready and join the fun.
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You can work out when it will be your turn and please let me know if you cannot do it on that particular night, in which case we will just follow through.
So, on Monday evening Malcolm will call, at somewhat less than 20 wpm, for beginners only to check in FIRST. If we have any, please adjust your speed to match theirs and we will all do the same. I shall highlight the next Controller in red for the Monday following the Newsletter.
On the 19th David M7BLX joined us again and is gaining confidence, so why not give it a try? You might just enjoy it.

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That's it, open the cage, play the music.
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If you have any input, please email me.

73 de Roger, G3LDI GB2CW Coordinator. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. May the Morse be with you.