The clocks have gone back, the evenings are dark by teatime, and that is exactly when the HF bands come alive. This weekend the RSGB news bulletin is packed with things to listen to, join in with and plan for, so I thought I would walk through what is on and how a Foundation licence holder can make the most of it, even if you have never touched a contest before.

Why Autumn Is a Great Time to Be on the Air

Longer nights mean the lower HF bands open up for longer, and 80m in particular tends to buzz with activity after dark. Signals that struggle through the summer noise often come through clearly now. If you have been meaning to put up a simple wire antenna, the next few weeks are the time to do it.

It also helps that the RSGB runs a steady stream of events through the autumn. You do not have to enter any of them seriously. Listening is a perfectly good way to learn, and I would argue it is the best way to start.

This Weekend: The UKEICC DX SSB Contest

Today, Saturday 31 October, the UKEICC DX SSB Contest kicks off at 1200 UTC and runs until 1200 UTC on Sunday 1 November. It covers 80m to 10m on SSB (single sideband, the voice mode most of us use on HF). The idea is simple: stations in the UK and Ireland try to speak to as many stations abroad as possible.

The exchange is the information you swap in each contact. Here it is a signal report and a serial number, which just means a number that goes up by one each time you log a contact. UK and Irish entrants also add a two-character district code.

As a Foundation holder you are limited to 10 watts, so you will not be shouting over the big stations, but plenty of contacts are made on modest power. Check your licence schedule for the bands and modes you are allowed to use, and keep to them. Even if you only listen for half an hour, you will pick up how experienced operators give their callsign clearly and keep exchanges short.

A Quick Look at the Week Ahead

There is more to come on the contest calendar. On 1 November the UK Microwave Group Low Band Contest runs from 1000 to 1500 UTC across the 1.3 to 3.4 GHz bands, which is the territory of the dedicated microwave enthusiasts. The following evening, 2 November, the RSGB HF Autumn Series Data Contest runs from 2000 to 2130 UTC on 80m using RTTY and PSK63. These are digital data modes, where a computer and your radio do the talking for you.

Data contests are friendly to newcomers because you can watch the decoded text scroll across the screen and see exactly how an exchange works. Many people use free software and a sound card interface, so it is a nice low-cost way into digital modes.

Remembrance Calling: GB1BK

Next weekend, on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, the East Midlands Electronics and Radio Group will operate a special event station from the former RAF Binbrook, using the callsign GB1BK to mark Remembrance. They plan to use SSB on 80m, 40m and 20m during daylight hours, depending on conditions.

Special event stations are a lovely way to collect a memorable contact. They are usually keen to talk to newcomers, the exchange is relaxed, and many offer a certificate or QSL card afterwards. Make a note of the dates, tune around the voice segments of those bands and have a listen. If you hear them calling, wait for a gap, give your callsign clearly and say hello.

YOTA Month Is Coming

The RSGB is also inviting schools, colleges, universities and youth groups to register to host activities for Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) Month, which begins in December. Scouts, Girlguiding and Cadet groups are welcome too. If you are involved with a youth group, or know a teacher who would love a radio project, it is worth passing this on. Many of us got our start through a school or club demonstration, and a single day on the air can spark a lifelong interest.

Practical Takeaways

• Listen first. Tune across 80m this evening and just follow the contest traffic without transmitting.
• Keep a paper log of what you hear, including callsigns and the exchanges used.
• Check your Foundation licence conditions before transmitting on any band or mode.
• Put the GB1BK dates in your diary, and consider printing a callsign card to keep beside the radio.
• If you run a youth group, look into YOTA Month registration.

Autumn is when this hobby feels at its best: dark evenings, busy bands and a calendar full of reasons to switch on. Pick one event from the list, give it a go, and let me know how you get on.

73 de M0LGI