GB2RS News Sunday the 29th of October 2023 The news headlines: RSGB Convention videos Amateur radio exam dates Tonight@8 webinar   The RSGB has released its first video from the 2023 Convention. RSGB General Manager and Convention Chair, Steve Thomas, M1ACB, talks to RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM and IRTS President Enda Broderick, EI2II. The two Presidents discuss their views on the opportunities, challenges and great things happening in amateur radio at the moment. You can see this video on the RSGB YouTube channel or its website at rsgb.org/convention While other videos from this year’s Convention are being prepared, the Society is releasing a bumper collection of presentations from its 2022 Convention, which previously had only been available for members to view. You can see these at youtube.com/theRSGB in the playlist called RSGB 2022 Convention. The topics range from VHF transverters and VHF contesting to RadCom HF predictions and also using the right tools to work more 144MHz DX. There is bound to be a presentation that you will enjoy and find inspiring, so take a look! If you are thinking of taking an amateur radio exam before Christmas, there are two important dates you need to be aware of. The last date you can take an exam at a club, whether online or on paper, is Wednesday the 13th of December. If you want to take an exam online at home, the last date you can do that is Wednesday the 20th of December. The RSGB Exams Team will, where possible, post exam results before HQ shuts over Christmas and New Year. Exams will resume on Wednesday the 3rd of January 2024 and the booking system will be available over the festive season so you can book exams for January onwards. You can book online at rsgb.org/exampay Don’t forget to be part of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 webinar on Monday the 6th of November. Colin Summers, MM0OPX will give an entry-level talk aimed at newcomers to amateur radio. He will touch on antennas generally but will focus on the end-fed half-wave antenna including details of construction, transformers and performance. Watch this live presentation on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. To find out more go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars Youngsters on the Air Month is taking place in December. This means you have just over one month to think about how you, your club, school, or social group can get involved and help youngsters to get active on amateur bands. It could be giving a demonstration at a local school or youth club or helping a young person to send a greetings message. You can also listen out for the GB23YOTA callsign and make a QSO with a young radio amateur on the air. The RSGB has applied for Ofcom approval for special call sign GB23YOTA, which will be active for the duration of the month. A full list of GB23YOTA operating slots can be found on QRZ.com. These slots will be first-come, first-served, so check your calendars and reserve your place as soon as possible. To find out more about YOTA month and to see what has taken place in previous years visit rsgb.org/yota-month  You can also email Jamie, M0SDV at [email protected] to register your interest, or simply ask for further information.  A reminder now that the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT will be held between 10.30 am and 5 pm on Saturday the 11th of November. The event will take place at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged. Microwave test facilities will be provided, and the event will be an opportunity to purchase components and microwave-related items. The cost is £12 and this includes a buffet lunch. A dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Full information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk/about  Please email Colin, GM4HWO via [email protected] for more information.   And now for details of rallies and events Carmarthen Am