
IRTS News for 22nd January 1995

IRTS VHF NFD NEWS
-----------------
   Entries were received from 4 /P stations, 3 in the open
section, and 1 in the restricted section. Over 30 EIs were
logged by the competing stations, which indicates how much
interest there is in VHF by EI operators.

   Conditions were the best for many years, with all stations
in the open section recording QSOs over more than 1,000 kms.
The winners are the Wicklow Wireless Society EI2WW/P in the
open section with 428 QSOS, all on 144 MHz, for a total of
8,005 points. They worked no fewer than 12 countries, with
their best DX at 1182 kms. Equipment was a Yaesu FT 480R running
200w SSB to a 2 X 13 element Tonna array.

   Congratulations to Colm EI2EDB, Sean EI4GK, Bob EI4HE,
Declan EI9HQ and Conor EI 1232. They will receive the Thomond
Trophy at the AGM in Cobh. 

   Worthy runners-up are South Dublin EI2SDR/P, who operated
from Kippure on 144, 432 and 1296 MHz for a total of 4,999
pts. On 144 they worked 12 countries, with best DX of 1163
kms. Members of the team included Des EI2DNB, David EI3IA,
Joe EI7GY and Tom EI7HT. 

   Last but not least was the E. Cork Group, who also ran
a 3 band entry, but operated 70 MHz CW in addition to SSB
on 144 and 432. E. Cork's score was 4013 pts, with best DX
of 1178 kms on 2m and 1022 on 70 cms.

   Winners of the restricted section were Cork ARC EI5CRC/P.
They operated on 144 from Bweing Mountain in Co. Cork, and
had 46 QSOs for a total of 722 pts.

   Congratulations to Anthony EI2HY, Michael EI2IB, Vincent
EI7HN, Richard EI6HH and EI7DVB. They will receive the VHF
Shield.

SHORT CW CONTESTS
-----------------
   For those wishing to gain a little experience and to
break into CW in a gentle way there are a number of short
CW contests taking place over the next few weeks. The RSGB
cumulative CW contests are a relatively civilised affair
which last for only 2 hours. This would be an excellent opportunity
to give the UK stations a few points, and get the feel of
contest action. There is one today on 80m from 4.00 to 6.00
pm, and UK stations may be called between 3,530 and 3,580
kHz. The report required is RST and a serial no. starting
from 001. If the CW is a little rusty operate between 3,550
and 3,580, where there is a speed limit of 12 wpm.

   Here is a list of the CW cumulatives over the next few weeks:
Sunday     22 January   80m    4.00  -  6.00 pm
Wednesday  25    "     160m    8.00  - 10.00 pm
Saturday   28    "      80m    4.00  -  6.00 pm    
Sunday     29    "      40m   10.00 am-12.00 noon
Saturday    4 February  40m   10.00 am-12.00   "
Sunday      5    "      80m    4.00  -  6.00 pm.

SOUTH DUBLIN ARC
----------------
   IRTS members will have seen the proposal in the December
newsletter to activate a number of 3,000 ft. mountains on
the same day sometime during the summer of 1995. These mountains
are called "Munros" after Sir Hugh Munro who catalogued Scotland's
3,000 ft. mountains over 100 years ago. The newsletter article
has stirred a good deal of interest among radio amateurs who
have experience in mountain climbing. A number of groups have
indicated interest, and Joe Ryan EI7GY, who is co-ordinating
the arrangements, has reported that he is confident that this
venture will go ahead this year - possibly in June.

   At this stage Brandon is the only "Munro" for which he
does not have any volunteers. If there are any groups familiar
with Brandon, and who would be willing to participate in this
experiment, they should get in touch with Joe.

BLACKPOOL 1995
--------------
   A weekend trip to the Northern Amateur Radio Association's
show on Sunday 19 March is planned. This show attracts over
100 exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors, and is the largest
show in Northern England. The cost per person is 90 pounds
plus government tax covering the following: transport by 16
seat minibus, leaving Dunlaoghaire on Saturday 18th at 9.15
am, all transfers to Blackpool, admission to the show, and
arrival back in Dunlaoghaire at 5.30 pm on Monday 20th March.

   To secure a place on this trip a non-refundible deposit
of 35 pounds per person is required by Tuesday , 31st January
1995. For further information contact Chris Yeates EI7AAB
on 01 8215145 (evenings) or at QTHr. 

ITEMS FOR INCLUSION
-------------------
   That concludes the bulletin for this week. Items for inclusion
in the radio news bulletins should be addressed to Steve
Wright, c/o Department of Pathology, Regional Hospital, Galway.
Fax messages may be sent to EI5DD at 091 24216. All such items
will be forwarded to Dave Moore EI4BZ for inclusion in the
printed news.

   Items for the printed newsletter only should be sent direct
to Dave at QTHr, or phoned to 021 632444 (daytime) or 021
883555 (evenings). Items may be sent by packet to EI4BZ at
EI7DKB-5, or by fax to 021 632730.



