10 Sept 2018

472kHz WSPR TX tonight?

If I can work out how to get split mode on my FT817ND, I may try 472kHz WSPR TX (and RX) for the first time this autumn later this evening and overnight. I shall have to read the manual!

The TX packed up on my very old FT817 earlier in the year (it was 17 years old!) and I assume this is why I was not seeing any 472kHz TX power on MF late in the last spring.

My 472kHz transverter is shown at https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/mflf/472khz_tvtr. This was published in the book "LF Today" and in QST a few years ago.

UPDATE 1719z: Well, I managed to get the FT817ND working in split mode! 4 reports in first transmission using the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground. Best DX so far is a spot by G0NNF (154km). ERP is about 10mW.

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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousMon Sept 10, 06:36:00 pm GMT+1

    Roger
    Nice to see you back on MF!! When you stick up the Active Antenna get it as far away from houses as possible- will make a big difference. You might find that some houses are noisier than others so worth doing some trials. A common mode choke at your house end can make a very big difference, WSPR is an excellent diagnostic tool to help find a good spot.


    Best 73

    Alan
    G8LCO

    ReplyDelete
  2. Roger G3XBMMon Sept 10, 07:07:00 pm GMT+1

    Thanks Alan (for the MF spots and suggestions re mini-whip).

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  3. KeithMon Sept 10, 11:50:00 pm GMT+1

    Interesting results from the earth probe antenna! I’m thinking of trying that myself as I live in a “no antennas” building - but with earth probes, who’s going to know? Mind you, I have a 40m 1/2-Wave end-fed cunningly disguised as a washing line although only about 1.5m above ground on which I’ve received 12 countries on 472kHz WSPR so far. Can’t wait for the next MF/LF season to start!

    Regards,
    Keith G0RQQ

    ReplyDelete
  4. Roger G3XBMTue Sept 11, 07:10:00 am GMT+1

    Keith - try things and see!

    ReplyDelete