My 2013 stroke left me outwardly looking fine, but it has had a lasting impact on me. Before I was quite active and healthy, but these days things are far harder.
In many ways I am more fortunate than many. My voice is poor and driving, and being driven, is far harder. A few years ago I could drive 300 miles to Devon. Even 10 miles is hard these days.
As an experiment I tried to join the CDARC (Cambridge club) 80m net this morning with my 2.5W and the earth-electrode antenna. Although I had no problem hearing people, I could not be heard. My noise level is very low on this antenna, but I needed more power to overcome noise others were probably suffering.
The SWR is too high for the auto-ATU on my FT991A. It just says "High VSWR" and gives up. On the FT817ND it works fine.
Often the skies are amazing and the land watery. My wife took this photo a few days ago.
One of my ideas is for an ultra simple crystal controlled FT8 transceiver for 10m probably. Another option is 15m. Crystals can be quite expensive, but bought in quantity the price comes way down.
My health rather precludes me designing and building one these days, but I would be more than happy to share my ideas with anyone who could take this on seriously. Ideally, a PCB could be made as a simple kit.
In my mind this could be a really simple rig that would be able to work the world very soon once 10m really gets going. Don't forget that 10m is always good in the Es season at any part of the solar cycle. Even very low power FT8 would get all across the world. 10m is an excellent band with small antennas and QRP. I can imagine such rigs being incredibly simple and low cost. In this version I used a 2N3866 PA, but I would use paralleled 2N3904s as these are far less expensive. For greater TX power, further 2N3904s PAs could be paralleled with low value emitter resistors. This is a very low cost way of getting useful output.
Very few controls are necessary, probably none! It would need a BNC connector and probably something to show it is on RX or TX. I can imagine it fitting in a low cost, small, plastic box.
QRPguys are offering something similar on lower frequencies. Maybe they will offer higher frequencies later as the sunspot cycle gathers pace?
See https://qrpguys.com/ .
UPDATE 2020z: Steve G1KQH has told me of some low cost crystals that would certainly work: https://kc9on.com/product/14mhz-hc49u-tall-crystals/
156 stations in 9 countries spotted by teatime.
UPDATE 2250z: QRT.
Being on Zoom, speakers can be anywhere and this time the speaker was in Canada!
I like Zoom talks as these can be seen all over the world. As well as the speaker, there was someone else in Canada taking part I believe.
Zoom has surprised me. By sharing the screen, slides can be seen as easily as in a room. Also, all taking part can chat, by video or just mic if they prefer to wear their bedclothes!
At 1905z I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.
So far, 3 stations in 3 countries have spotted my QRP TX. On RX 10 stations in 2 countries spotted here so far.
 |
| Stations spotted on 2m FT8 RX this evening |
Some years ago, when I was still working, there was a small risk of batteries being damaged and catching fire.
When battery packs catch fire the result can be dramatic. LiIon batteries were especially vulnerable, especially if dropped or abused. The incidence was probably about 1 in 150,000 packs. Failures, especially causing fire, cause customer alarm. In the limit, this can warrant a product recall. Recalls can be very expensive. You can imagine the cost of recalls if you sell mobile phones or laptops. A manufacturer will do everything possible to deny this and avoid the cost of a recall.
According to the BBC, Hyundai is replacing 82000 batteries in some electric cars at crippling cost. I pity them. This must be a nightmare for manufacturers of electric vehicles.
From personal experience, LiIon battery packs can be little bombs. I never, ever, risk leaving them charging without supervision. One person we have met left her mobile phone charging and burnt down her flat. Such incidents are rare, but they do happen. Modern technologies may be safer, but treat all batteries as potential bombs.
The 15m FT8 QRP gear was turned on just before 1030z. As usual, I am using 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop on the shack windowsill. No spots yet.
UPDATE 1055z: Just EA8ACW (2988km) spotted so far.
UPDATE 1240z: Just 3 EA8s spotted on RX. Nobody has spotted me on TX.
UPDATE 1538z: Just 7 stations spotted on 15m FT8 RX today and nobody has spotted me on QRP TX. A few South Americans only spotted.
UPDATE 1844z: So far, 1 station has spotted my QRP (2.5W) TX: EA8BFK (2881km). On RX, 10 station have been spotted. Quite a poor day.
One thing I am sure about is that in 100 years people will look back at us and think, "did they believe that?".
In the last century our ideas of the universe and of subatomic particles have changed enormously. I am sure they will change again in the next. Just think of the changes to our thinking as a result of quantum theory and Einstein.
Whatever I think is hardly likely to be correct, but I am often intrigued by scale. The visible universe is unbelievably huge with probably huge numbers of habitable planets. The subatomic world is incredible. Time is a puzzle. What if all these were linked and whole universes were inside each of us?
It is all a matter of scale. There is no reason whatsoever that universes have to be on the scale we know. Somehow I have the feeling that the macroscopic and microscopic worlds are somehow linked. One thing is certain: we know so little.
Everything remains a mystery.
Using the earth-electrode "antenna" I stayed on 60m FT8 RX overnight. In all, 467 stations were spotted in 5 continents.
I am suspicious of the UK's motives.
Dubai is an important trade partner of the UK and the sheikh in charge there is friend of the Queen. In the UK race industry he is high up and he is reported, by the BBC, to be a big UK landowner.
It rather looks like we are choosing to look away.
Recently it was reported that the sheikh's daughter Latifa was kidnapped. 20 years ago his daughter Shamsa was reportedly kidnapped in Cambridge and returned to Dubai.
Now, I have no way of knowing the truth in all this. What I will say is this: nobody should be above the law and I hope the UK government and Queen will not want trade done with any country that does not have basic human rights. If we have to lose valuable contracts, so be it.
In the case of Dubai, all the ruler has to do is allow his daughters to chose their own futures. If he is not prepared to do this all trade should stop.
I hope the UK government does not put trade above people. We seem to like to trade with Saudi Arabia and have proxi wars fought on our behalf. We like to export our "dirty" industries to places like China.
Need I go on?
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56188745
Although interest rates are at historical lows - basically you earn nothing now by saving - the UK is in huge debt as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The focus in the short term is economic recovery and this will no doubt be the focus of the UK budget next week.
In the longer term, debts have to be repaid and interest rates will go up. The UK chancellor has a difficult job now and in the years ahead. I hope he can come up with a fair way.
Using the information supplied by Keith, I am looking on 5.357MHz FT8 RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. I have been looking since 1205z. Nothing spotted yet.
UPDATE 1426z: 8 stations in 5 countries spotted.
Using the earth-electrode "antenna" I stayed on 40m FT8 RX overnight. In all, 601 stations were spotted here.
As WSJT-X does not list the 60m FT8 frequency, I decided to give 40m FT8 a go with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. At this high a frequency, I think my theory of a "loop in the ground" is unlikely to hold. The SWR is quite high, but I am still copying loads of stations. Already, within just a few minutes, 104 stations spotted.
UPDATE 1945z: So far this evening, 210 stations spotted on 40m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2220z: 364 stations in 4 continents spotted so far on 40m FT8 RX. I am amazed this "antenna" works at all at 40m.
Ghislaine Maxwell is accused of helping sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a prison cell in 2019, with procuring under-age girls for sex. She denies this and is trying to get bail.
Her lifestyle in prison must be a million miles from the lifestyle she was used to. She is the daughter of media mogul Robert Maxwell. Epstein was well connected.
If convicted, she could spend 35 years in jail according to the BBC.
At about 1013z, I turned on 15m FT8 using 2.5W and the indoor loop on the shack windowsill. No spots yet at 1022z. To be honest, it sounds very quiet. Either HF is poor or the band has not yet "woken up".
UPDATE 1328z: 7 stations have been spotted on RX and 3 stations have spotted me on 15m FT8 QRP TX with the furthermost now in Brazil on RX.
UPDATE 1424z: 11 stations spotted on RX with the furthermost YC1JEL (11777km). In QRP TX, still 3 stations spotting me.
UPDATE 1812z: Today has been quite poor on 15m. There were no USA stations spotted and just 1 in S.America. Soon be time to go QRT.
My recent article in RSGB RadCom postulates that FT8 is opening up scatter for QRP set ups.
This becomes possible at any time with really low ERPs. Unlike aircraft scatter, this seems possible whenever I go on suggesting it is troposcatter. DX is possible without lifts!
My ERP is probably less than 5W. I use the FT817ND and a big-wheel omni. Ranges over 450km are possible every day, even with my set up! It has totally transformed 2m possibilities for me: no towers, no beams, QRP ..... and DX! GI and EI are possible every day from JO02 (East Anglia) even with my QRP.
We are looking forward to doing this again soon.
At about 1930z, I turned on 472kHz WSPR RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far, no spots. It is now 1952z.
I notice the noise floor on 472kHz with the PC charger on was S8, whereas with the charger off it is S2. As WSPR bandwidth is only about 6Hz, I wonder what difference this makes? I am no theory man, so I do not know the answer.
If I get a decent trade on my FT991A, I might be tempted...
Several dealers are selling them ex-stock now.
As of yesterday, they had put hardcore down. I am not sure what goes on top.
Other than a brief test with the earth-electrode "antenna" on RX, I have never yet tried 136kHz at this QTH.
My old site (links may not work as this old site is not maintained) has a description of the E-field probe RX antenna and other tests at 136/7kHz.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp/Home/136k .
See also http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2013/01/137khz-e-field-probe-mag-mount.html for more on the LF EFP.
A year ago few of us were aware of the crisis ahead of us. It seems to have gone on for ever.
With warmer weather, better treatments and Covid-19 vaccines, there is some hope in 2021.
In England, the Prime Minister usually addresses the nation when there is something important to say. Today, he is to give a "roadmap" out of lockdown. It is expected schools will return March 8th, although the path back to reality could be a long one.
The last thing we all want is a return to lockdown after it has been eased. Mixing in cafes and pubs? Holidays? We can all hope!
One of our favourite places was the National Trust place called Ickworth about 17 miles away. Usually, we walked in the grounds, but occasionally we went in the house and famous rotunda shown in the photo.
If you book in advance you can still walk around the grounds. We enjoy walking around nearby National Trust grounds. Sadly, houses are closed at the moment.
At 1103z, I decided to try 160m FT8 QRP with 2.5w and the earth-electrode "antenna". It is now 1109z and so far no spots, although it is daylight.
(UPDATE 1434z: 3 G spots of my 2.5W QRP 160m FT8 TX. No spots yet on RX.
UPDATE 1532z: The first DX has started to appear with DK3UA (869km) on the Baltic coast of Germany about 70 miles north of Berlin. Still just 3 G spots of my 2.5W FT8 160m QRP.
We saw several black bears and black bear cubs. Coming from the UK this was really exciting. The one in the photo was only a few metres from the car.
We are now over a year since the end of solar cycle 24 and the start of cycle 25.
So far, we have got off to a slow start. HF conditions are a little better, but it will be some while before we really notice a difference.
I suspect this autumn we will see widespread openings from Europe to the USA on 10m again.
With modes like FT8 we are finding openings more often. FT8 is not a mode for chatting. SSB and even 10m FM and AM are better for this. As much as I like FT8 because of my poor voice, I do hope people still stick with speech modes.
My very unscientific look suggests activity is similar to a few weeks ago. This was the situation on Sunday PM UK time.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp/Home/asuseee. As this is my old website, the links may well not work still!
For a total change, I am trying 2.5W FT8 to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 80m. So far, nobody has spotted me and just 1 G spotted on 80m FT8 RX - G6KUI (136km).
UPDATE 1600z: G6TEL (233km) has spotted me well on TX and 17 stations spotted here on RX.
UPDATE 1751z: 221 stations spotted on RX with the furthermost R7GW (3240km). On TX spotted by 5 stations with the furthermost being F5PGT (480km). The earth-electrode "antenna" obviously has an SWR just over 3:1 so the FT991A auto ATU will not tune, but the FT817ND is OK still. This odd "antenna" still works fine on 80m. As I have said before, the XYL and neighbours do not even know it is there!
UPDATE 1922z: 433 stations spotted so far on 80m FT8 RX and 15 stations have spotted me on 80m FT8 TX with the furthermost EA1N (1076km) in northern Spain.
UPDATE 2120z: 596 stations spotted on RX in 3 continents. 18 stations have spotted me on TX.
UPDATE 2235z: 660 stations spotted on RX. Now RX only for the overnight period.
Reach was an important inland port when the roads were poor and there were no railways. It has had an annual fair since the 1200s.
By accident, I left my 472kHz (630m) WSPR RX on overnight. It was a waste of time as no further stations were spotted that I had not already spotted in the previous evening. As before, using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
In future nights I must remember to turn this off overnight or try RX on another band.
After a very brief period on 10m, I decided on 17m FT8 QRP with my 2.5W and tiny indoor loop today. So far, 2 stations spotted in Spain on RX and EA1ALE (1037km) has spotted me on TX.
UPDATE 1040z: So far today, 27 stations in 4 countries spotted on RX. All of these are in Europe.
UPDATE 1258z: 35 stations spotted on RX.
UPDATE 1505z: Nothing spotted on RX from the Americas.
UPDATE 1518z: QRT. In all, 2 stations spotted my QRP TX with the furthermost being EA8JK (3022km). Just 37 stations spotted on RX.
At about 2000z, I QSYed to 472kHz RX. At first I tried FSW4W, but so far only WSPR has been received. Just F5WK (364km) spotted. Using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
UPDATE 2122z: 4 stations spotted on WSPR with the furthermost being F5WK in IN99.
About an hour ago I went on 20m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. So far, 136 stations spotted on RX. On TX 8 stations have spotted me.
UPDATE 1900z: 11 stations have spotted me on QRP 20m FT8 TX. On RX 232 stations spotted.
UPDATE 2052z: QRT. QSYed to 630m RX.
As reported by the BBC, according to the high court, Matt Hancock acted illegally by not disclosing contracts within 30 days of when these were let during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He has an unenviable task leading the health of the nation during a pandemic. Nonetheless, it is vital that he upholds transparency at all times such as this so the public can have maximum confidence.
MLS (and perhaps others) are advertising a carry cage for the ICOM IC-705 portable rig. At £139.95 it seems expensive. It has a handle and may be ideal for those that want to use the IC-705 out portable.
This was featured in the latest "something for the weekend" email.
At about 1630z, I QSYed to 20m FT8 using the tiny indoor loop and 2.5W. Up to this time I was on 2m FT8 QRP. After 5 minutes, 17 stations spotted on RX, but nobody has yet spotted me on TX.
UPDATE 1812z: 85 stations spotted on RX with just 1 station spotting my QRP on TX.
UPDATE 2115z: 148 stations spotted on RX and 3 stations have spotted me on TX since just before teatime. I shall be going QRT later.
One of my articles is in the latest RadCom magazine. It is about 2m scatter with simple QRP stations made possible by FT8.
Probably I will go on 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna after breakfast before trying an HF band later.
UPDATE 0719z: 2m FT8 QRP turned on.
UPDATE 0918z: 6 stations have spotted me today with the furthermost being DL0GX (461km).
UPDATE 1420z: 10 stations have spotted my 2.5W QRP on TX and I have spotted 25 stations on RX.
Stations spotting my 2m
FT8 QRP so far today
Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 12 suggesting the more active side of the Sun has come into view. A=4 and K=1. Let us hope we see a few more sunspots in the days ahead.
At 1913z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, 2 (local) stations have spotted me.
UPDATE 2300z : QRT. As on previous evenings, lots of spots of my QRP with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km).
Last month we had quite hopeful signs on the sunspot count for cycle 25. Currently we have had many days without spots.
I see that Southgate News has some details of spotless days broken down by years. I have no idea what the current view is of the size of sunspot peak for cycle 25.
Spotless Days
Current Stretch: 14 days
2021 total: 31 days (63%)
2020 total: 208 days (57%)
2019 total: 281 days (77%)
2018 total: 221 days (61%)
2017 total: 104 days (28%)
2016 total: 32 days (9%)
2015 total: 0 days (0%)
2014 total: 1 day (<1%)
2013 total: 0 days (0%)
2012 total: 0 days (0%)
2011 total: 2 days (<1%)
2010 total: 51 days (14%)
2009 total: 260 days (71%)
2008 total: 268 days (73%)
2007 total: 152 days (42%)
2006 total: 70 days (19%)
Most of the morning I've been on 15m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 2.5W. So far, 5 stations have spotted me and 110 stations spotted on RX.
At 1900z I QSYed to 2m FT8 using the usual 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, 5 stations have spotted me and I have spotted nobody.
UPDATE 1930z: 7 stations have spotted me so far and the furthermost is GI6ATZ (479km) again. I have spotted 2 stations.
UPDATE 2312z: QRT.
We have a fine old church in our village. It is currently closed. Parts of it are 1000 years old. From the top of the tower the view is amazing. Years ago, I went regularly. My wife still attends, but not every week.
The video was made many years ago.
For many with small gardens or difficult neighbours, antennas can be a problem. The biggest antenna I have ever used is a CB halfwave. I have never used an HF beam. Despite this, I have worked QRP DXCC with 10W SSB. Most times I have used just a low wire dipole.
One "antenna" I have found useful is the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. This has proved very effective on VLF, LF and MF. Only last evening I was copying Italy on it on 630m and the night before there were lots of stateside stations spotted on 160m FT8. An advantage is the XYL and neighbours do know even notice it is there at all!
Another possibility is to use the coax outer feeding maybe a VHF antenna via an ATU on the HF bands tuned against ground. Such antennas can be quite effective. OK against a beam on a tower this maybe an S-point or 2 down, but for the lack of neighbour hassle is a tall tower and big beam worth the fuss? This is a hobby after all. If you don't work DXCC entity 247 does it really matter? Get a life!!!
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/earth-electrode-antennas .
Well, that was a non-happening!
One of my plans for now was an E-field probe in a tree for 137kHz and 472kHz RX. We had the tree lopped, but the E-field probe is not up. I replaced my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, but my 472kHz transverter does not work, so I am restricted to 472kHz RX only.
Maybe next winter, I shall have more luck!
Since 0945z, I have been on 10m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. No spots yet on RX or TX at 1047z.
UPDATE 1840z: No spots all day.
Although ex-President Trump has gone from office, he still seems capable of turning on his (one time) friends. I am amazed that so many voted for him. To those of us outside the USA, he appears to hold grudges.
Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0. A=15 and K=2. This month, the sunspot count has been dreadful.
It is now 2030z. A few minutes ago I went on to 472kHz WSPR RX. So far G0MRF (139km) and DL1HWK (816km) copied.
UPDATE 2215z: 5 stations spotted this evening with the furthermost being IZ3QQG (1155km). Still using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
At 1845z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 using 2.5W (FT817ND) and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, just 1 spot of me by G4TRA (185km).
UPDATE 1858z: 2 stations spotted here on RX. 5 stations have spotted my 2.5W QRP with the furthermost GI6ATZ (479km).
As far as I know, we have been searching the universe for almost 50 years via SETI (search for intelligent life) without success. Much of the decoding is done by volunteers using spare processing power on their PCs.
Based on the estimates of planets, I find this odd. As time goes by the means of looking have improved. By now, I would have expected to get some indications.
Maybe, we are looking in the wrong way? Maybe intelligent life self destructs? Maybe we really are alone? Maybe our whole understanding of the universe is wrong?
If ever we did find intelligent life elsewhere, it could have profound implications for humans.
Thinking of ultra-simple rigs, perhaps consider my FETer. I was surprised how well this worked.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/feter-80m-qrpp-cw-transceiver
Examples are the Pixie and Micro-80 designs. Pixies can be bought as kits from China for a few pounds or euros. In the past, I have made versions for 80m and 40m, including homebrew and kits.
With these circuits, the main limitation is the RX. These are compromises using the PA device as the RX mixer. Often the sensitivity is a bit lacking and AM breakthrough can be a problem. The front end selectivity is barn-door and the audio filtering mainly one's ear! Nonetheless, many miles can be spanned. In terms of "bang per buck" they take some beating.
The challenge is to find the best overall circuit which has a decent TX and RX.
It is now 0835z. About 15 minutes ago I turned on my 15m FT8 QRP gear using 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop antenna on the shack windowsill. Already I have spotted 8 stations on RX and I have been spotted by 3 on TX.
UPDATE 1835z: Spotted by 11 stations on TX with the furthermost being EA8AXT (2996km). 265 stations have been spotted on RX with the furthermost YB2DX (12050km). I continue to be amazed just how well this loop does considering how small and thin the wire is!
At some point we will be allocated some frequencies at 40MHz. In the coming Es seasons I can see many more applying for limited access to the band. These may be spot frequencies with limited power. Small first steps.
There is a beacon which may be worth checking in the Es season S50ZMS. This is ideally placed for Es to EI and the UK.
Hopefully, my transverter works. I shall try later.
Whatever happens, I intend to be on 472kHz (630m) this evening. If the transverter works I shall go on TX. Otherwise RX only.
In both cases, I shall be using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, that gave good results on 160m FT8.
UPDATE 2044z: I tried my transverter again and still no sign of any 472kHz output, so I decided to go on 472kHz WSPR RX only. Just LA8AV (1012km) spotted so far. If I was fitter I might be able to fault find. With my health as it is, I think this is beyond me sadly.
Before too long we will all be driving cars that are powered by non-polluting energy. We must also ensure that these energy types are also not produced from polluting sources and are sustainable.
In the end there needs to be a breakthrough in battery technology and energy storage so that fuels like electricity produced by solar and wind can be stored.
For now, oil prices are a bellweather of the economy. Oil prices have doubled in the last few months and fuel at the pumps has gone up in price. I guess this suggests more optimism for the year ahead.
At the moment, the UK is doing quite well on the vaccination of vulnerable people. I think we are 3rd in the world. Much of what we have done in the last year was poor and this is one area where we have done well.
As long as the rates of virus circulating in the world are high, there is a chance of importing a variant that spreads easily, is more deadly and evades vaccines. There is an adage "until the world is vaccinated we are all at risk".
I hope all the world is vaccinated soon.
In a few moments I shall be turning on my 15m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop antenna.
UPDATE 1112z: 15m FT8 gear now on. 13 stations already spotted on 15m FT8 RX and spotted by SV2BRA (2154km) on QRP 15m FT8 TX.
UPDATE 1152z: 30 stations spotted on 15m FT8 RX and 2 spots of my 2.5W to the indoor loop on TX with the furthermost RZ4HO (3291km).
UPDATE 1449z: 73 stations spotted so far today on 15m FT8. |
| Stations spotted on 15m FT8 today |
As reported last evening, 31 stations across Europe spotted my 2.5W FT8 to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on TX.
As an experiment, I am trying my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 160m FT8 using 2.5W. Immediately, stations across Europe were copied on RX. Already spotted strongly in Oxford on 160m FT8 QRP TX. Furthermost on RX is R9GM (3499km) in Perm.
 |
| Stations spotted on 160m FT8 so far with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground by 1830z |
 |
| The 31 stations spotting my 2.5W to the earth-electrode "antenna" on TX on 160m FT8 this evening |
