News

Latest Club News:

• Carrickfergus ARG QRV on St. Patrick’s Day 2026: GIØLIX straight key operation during a Club night, 17th March, details here.
• Advanced notice that the Club will host a RAYNET NI (Zone 11) presentation and talk on Tuesday 28th April 2026 from 7pm onward. RAYNET-UK (formed in 1953) is the UK’s national voluntary communications service provided by licensed radio amateurs for the community. This is an open event, members and non-members are all very welcome to come along to the talk in Carrick Elim Church. Tea & coffee will be served as usual from 7pm onward.
• International Marconi Day is on 25th April this year. Further details are available on the event website.
• Advanced notice that the Club will participate in the 29th International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (see ILLW entrants) on 15th & 16th August 2026 at the usual venue adjacent to Chaine Memorial Tower, Larne: see the Events page for further details.
• Advanced notice that the Carrickfergus ARG Annual Radio Rally will be on Saturday 31st October 2026 at the Club venue, Carrick Elim Church, North Road, Carrickfergus. The Rally will commence at 11:30am, with access for traders from 9:30am. For table booking contact: carg@hotmail.co.uk
• RSGB Band Plans for 2026 are available to view and download here. Further information can be accessed on the RSGB page.
• Ham Radio Ireland has released the February 2026 edition of their free and independent radio magazine, edited by Steve, EI5DD. The magazine includes up to date news for all local and national clubs including Carrickfergus ARG Club, as well as feature articles and information.
• OFCOM recently released a YouTube video (New Amateur Radio Licence Updates) describing how to manage call signs, including special event (NoV) and reissue of old call signs.
• Carrickfergus ARG continue to meet for Club nights on Tuesday evenings from 7pm in Carrick Elim Church, North Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8ND. All visitors are welcome.
• OFCOM recently re-released (as an update) a web-page (‘Amending your radio licence’, OFCOM page is here.) with a useful YouTube video (link here) with helpful instructions and advice on re-validating amateur radio licences. Amateur radio licencees are obliged to re-validate licences at least every 5 years – see RSGB link here also.
• RSGB members are able to browse digital copies of past editions of RadCom (back to January 2000) using the link here.
• Contact the Club: carg@hotmail.co.uk
• Regular updates are broadcast on the Facebook feed
• Keep up to date with national and international developments in amateur radio on the RSGB GB2RS News page.
• Further details of Club activities (and for information on Amateur Radio licence courses offered at the Club venue: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and CW tutoring) can be obtained by emailing the Club: carg@hotmail.co.uk

Live-feed Solar Data (hamqsl.com) with SFI & Kp-Index:

Solar data provided from HAMQSL. Thanks to Paul L. Hermann, Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA.

Recent Club (CW) Activity (RBN):