UPDATE 2115z: 1397 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX today.
31 Oct 2022
10m FT8 RX
Plans for today (Monday)
As I am out later, I shall be on 10m FT8 RX. If things look promising I may QSY to 8m QRP FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz.
Our local museum - NOT amateur radio
The museum is run by volunteers and is on of the best local museums in the UK.
30 Oct 2022
8m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
On QRP 8m FT8 this afternoon. No spots of me at 1715z.
UPDATE 1928z: No spots. QRT.
10m QRP WSPR (Sunday)
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| Stations that have spotted me today on 10m QRP WSPR |
UPDATE 1921z: 13 stations have spotted me. Now QRT.
CQWW SSB contest
The CW leg is at the end of November. These are 48 hour contests and a good chance to work new stations and countries.
One good thing was this showed my 10m coax plug as intermittent. I have now fixed this and gone on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF TX WSPR beacon.
The photo shows activity on 10m SSB - busy!! With my poor voice, I find this much harder these days.
See https://www.cqww.com/ .
Astronomy-Now magazine - NOT amateur radio
Some have even suggested that the planet Earth is a living organism.
There is a magazine for those interested in astronomy. I think this is aimed at those with an interest rather than those professionally involved.
23cm transverter
My transverter is in the UK according to the tracker, but I have not got it yet. When it arrives, I need to check what leads I need for local tests. For UKAC next year, I shall need a better antenna.
Me in 1967- NOT amateur radio
10m FT8 RX (Sunday)
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| Stations spotted by 1030z |
At the moment, I am on 10m FT8 RX. Already, I have spotted 133 stations. If things are promising later, I shall QSY to 8m QRP FT8 TX.
UPDATE 1157z: 367 stations spotted so far today.
Religions - NOT amateur radio
As a teenager I had quite a strong Christian faith. As I get older, my faith has waned.
If I was born in Iran I would probably have been an ardent Muslim and if I was born in Israel, I would probably have been a Jew.
No, I am puzzled why we so strongly believe "our" religion is the right one and our holy book the only true one.
11m amateur band
Until today, I had no knowledge that the 11m band was allocated to the amateur service in the USA prior to this being allocated to CB. I guess the nearest amateur bands today are 12m and 10m.
This appeared on the Amateur Radio Weekly email, with the original article being on Bas's blog at https://pe4bas.blogspot.com/ .
I was aware of the 5m band, but wonder what other allocations were made in the past? Possibly there were other odd allocations made locally such as the 73 kHz band in the UK at one time. In the UK a very few NoV permits were allocated near 9 kHz. I had one of them.
Some other countries had an 11m amateur band.
29 Oct 2022
8m QRP FT8
As 10m F2 looked promising, I went on 8m QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz. Sadly no 8m spots. I keep hoping the E-W F2 MUF will creep to 8m.
With the grandsons - NOT amateur radio
Both are young teenagers growing fast.
Network radio
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/other-amateur-radio/network-radio.
EI7GL blog
John's blog is back and I see he has already posted something today. His blog is always interesting.
10m FT8 RX
Shortly, I shall again be on 10m FT8 RX. If this is good I shall QSY to 8m FT8 QRP TX.
Mushroom
If eaten it can cause hallucinations.
See https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/fungi-and-lichens/fly-agaric/ .
28 Oct 2022
OFCOM news
Every week, OFCOM updates the data it holds on us e.g. licences. See the OFCOM website for details.
Plans for today (Friday)
My plan for today was go on TG91 DMR and maybe 8m QRP FT8 TX later. We were out with family this morning.
UPDATE 1812z: In the end I did not go on 8m FT8 at all.
End of Southgate News?
My friend Steve G1KQH has passed me this sad news :
SILENT KEY: SOUTHGATE AMATEUR NEWS' RICHARD BRUNTON G4TUT/SK
PAUL/ANCHOR: If you follow amateur radio current events you are probably aware of the Southgate Amateur Radio News website. We here at Newsline are sad to report that the colleague of ours in England, who ran that important website, has become a Silent Key. Jeremy Boot G4NJH has that report.
"JEREMY: We are sad to announce the passing of Richard Brunton, G4TUT. Richard died at age 77 as the result of a fall on the 21st of October. The callsign may not seem familiar to you, but for decades Richard was editor of the Southgate Amateur Radio News website which has a significant international following. Each and every day, Richard would search the world’s ham radio and technology resources seeking out stories of interest and publishing them. Beyond the straight news items and specialist sections of his site, Richard encouraged non-commercial podcasts and blogs to promote ham radio opinion and stimulate debate on the essential subjects of the day. He also compiled the ‘CQ Serenade’ weekly programme which was broadcast throughout Europe on Shortwaveradio.de and other public-facing media. Richard himself was an intensely private man who had no close family, but he reached thousands of friends daily through his website. Amateur radio has lost a statesman and a stalwart whose dedication to amateur radio was valued and enjoyed by so many"
Museum yesterday - NOT amateur radio
This was our younger grandson at our local museum next door yesterday
27 Oct 2022
10 years ago - NOT amateur radio
It could even reach 22 degrees C in some parts of the UK this week.
Since we have lived in this part of the UK, it has got a lot milder. Snow is now rare. Last year we had just one snowy day.
Enjoying Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
This is my 14 year old grandson enjoying the visit.
My wife was on her "University of the Third Age" course and my son and grandson went shopping and taking photos.
Rallies this weekend
The following have been notified to me. As always, it is sensible to check before travelling any distance.
Sunday October 30th - Galashields Radio Rally TD1 3JX. I do not have contact details.
Sunday October 30th- Hack Green Radio Surplus Hangar Sale. Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. Contact coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk .
10m FT8 RX (Thursday)
In a few moments I will go on 10m FT8 RX. If things look promising I will switch to 8m QRP FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz. The E-W MUF is creeping up towards 8m!
UPDATE 1025z: So far today, 131 stations have been spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1112z: Either there is a problem my end or with PSKreporter as it still shows 131 spots. Other websites seem fine. I must check the shack PC.
UPDATE 1145z: There was a message on my PC that I have said "OK" to about installing updates outside active hours. . Still says 131 stations spotted. I suspect an issue their end, but I will reboot the PC and install the updates in case this is the problem.
UPDATE 1920z: QRT. Updates done.
New use for T320 network radio
Having owned a network radio for some years, I have found a new use for it.
It looks like a 2m or 70cm handheld with an antenna and PTT, but it is actually an Android cellular phone. With an app called Droidstar it is possible to access DMR and worldwide handheld communication. I cannot see it being widely used for this, but it means I can get on DMR without a special rig or hot-spot.
26 Oct 2022
8m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)
My 8m FT8 QRP station was turned on at about 1500z on 40.680 MHz. No spots.
UPDATE 1936z: No spots.
DMR sked this evening
As readers will be aware, last night I got the time of the CDARC DMR net wrong. Although I know the rig works having had a couple of QSOs on TG91, I have not checked if my settings for the CDARC net are correct, so I am hoping to have a sked at 2000z tonight with a club member to prove all should be OK for next week, at the right time!
UPDATE 2222z: The DMR test tonight was successful. so I should be able to join the CDARC DMR net next Tuesday at 1700z.
10m FT8 RX ( Wednesday)
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| Stations spotted on 10m FT8 at 0924z |
UPDATE 0929z: 52 stations spotted so far today.
UPDATE 1936z: 533 stations spotted today. Compared with recent days, not too great.
Time - NOT amateur radio
We experience time as a linear thing flowing from the past into the future.
All our memories are assumed to be the accumulation over our lifetimes. But what if each day we are awake to these memories, but the past never happened? What I am pondering is this: is our experience of time and living correct? Could it be that consciousness is not as we thought? Is each moment actually an illusion?
No, I have not been sniffing glue or am not high on something!
If you look back over the last century or two, lots that we just accepted has proved to be doubtful. Many things we believe correct may prove not to be. Think of creation, evolution, the nature of the universe, genetics, quantum theory, relativity etc. We can only know so little.
I have no idea what is correct, even if there a "correct" answer. All I know is there is so much to know and we are just humans.
We look though a glass dimly...
25 Oct 2022
Cambridge club DMR net
Guess who got the time wrong? I went on at 1900z, but later found out it was at 1600z, so I missed it. I know it basically works as I have already had 2 QSOs, but was disappointed that I got the wrong time!
10m FT8 RX (Tuesday)
In a few moments, I intend to go on 10m FT8 RX. If this looks good I'll QSY to 8m QRP FT8 TX later.
UPDATE 2210z: Earlier, I was surprised how few spots I was seeing on 10m. The PC had stopped working as some software had updated. When reset, plenty were copied.
Central Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
24 Oct 2022
Cambridge in autumn - NOT amateur radio
10m FT8 RX (Monday)
DMR joys
It is surprising how well DMR works. I am monitoring TG91 on my network Android handheld T320 using Droidstar. As yet, I am a novice and there are many things still to learn. Although a vocoder is used to make the signal digital, it does not really make things sound wrong. I can easily detect accents and everything sounds natural.
However, it is fun to have it monitoring on RX in the background. It is amusing to hear USA stations talking to Australia and a station in Ukraine talking with Australians.
The impression is there is more fun getting things working than actually using the mode. Contacts are just too easy!
10m and 8m FT8 yesterday
10m was in excellent form yesterday with lots of stations spotted, so I thought the E-W F2 MUF might reach 8m, so I QSYed and went on QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz. Then we had thunder and lightning so I had to go QRT! No spots on 8m yesterday in the brief time I was on.
King's College - NOT amateur radio
The world famous King's College Chapel is often seen, whereas the rest of the college is seen less often.
Usually, the grass is immaculate. Mind you, they probably spend a bit more on weed killer than I do!
23 Oct 2022
8m QRP FT8 (first) on 40.680 MHz TX and RX
Ever hopeful, I am on 8m QRP FT8 once again. 10m was good today, so I live in hope that the E-W F2 MUF to the USA will creep briefly to 8m. This assumes there are people monitoring over there!
UPDATE 1520z: No spots.
EI7GL's blog
John posted on his blog after a break of 5 months. I can honestly say it is probably the very best blog I have ever seen. This is a reminder to us all that this is just a hobby and we can do as much, or as little, as we choose.
A very warm welcome back John.
10m FT8 RX
UPDATE 1446z: 1095 stations spotted on 10m FT8, so I have QSYed to 8m QRP FT8 (RX and TX), ever hopeful
First DMR QSO
My very first DMR QSO!! This morning I worked M7SNS near Leeds on BG-2341 TG91. All seems to be well. As I have no DMR gear, I am using my T320 network radio with Droidstar.
Bridge Street, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday on 10m WSPR
For several days now, I have had no spots. Power and timing seems fine, so I wonder if I am off frequency? More investigation needed.
22 Oct 2022
No sunspot data
It is now very late and for the first time in many years I have not shown the latest solar data. It seems too late now!
The DMR adventure continued
Most of the day I was trying to get DMR working with Droidstar on my Android phone. Unfortunately I couldn't get the vocoder to download even with a mod to allow sideloading.
Switching to my T320 network radio seems to be working as I am hearing plenty. Tomorrow, I shall try for a 2-way DMR QSO.
It seems 90% of my issues were due to the vocoder. What should have been easy was not.
21 Oct 2022
10m QRP (500mW) TX (Friday)
At about 1420z, I turned on my 500mW W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon. No spots of me yet.
I hope WSPRnet is working as I have not had any spots of me today or yesterday which is odd.
8m QRP FT8 TX and RX (Friday)
At about 1420z, I turned on my QRP 8m FT8 on 40.680 MHz. No spots at 1430z.
Plans for the day (Friday)
My plan for the day is to go on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon. Later, I may try 8m QRP FT8 TX .
Rain - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows the view looking from our lounge yesterday. The rain is hard to see.
20 Oct 2022
King's Parade, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows the view looking down King's Parade which is right outside King's College and Chapel. In the distance are the Senate House (LHS) where degrees are given out and Great St Mary's, the university church (RHS).
More apple chutney - NOT amateur radio
4m activity contest (UKAC)
This evening is the 4m UKAC activity contest. Although I have no 4m antenna, I may take a peek on RX. The contest starts at 1900z.
UPDATE 1923z: As I have no 4m antenna I tried 4m SSB receive with my transverter and a variety of antennas. Best DX was a station in IO82 square.
10m QRP WSPR TX (Thursday)
As the thunder risk has passed, I am on 10m WSPR TX with my 500mW beacon. No spots.
Rally
The following should take place on Saturday. If going, please check with organisers first.
October 22nd (Saturday) - Essex CW Boot Camp/CW Convention, Witham Essex, CM8 2HE. Contact g0ibn1@yahoo.com .
8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)
As the storm risk seems to have passed, I am again on 8m QRP FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz. I have been on for about 20 minutes.
UPDATE 1054z: No spots.
Thunder risk?
As there is a storm risk, I'm staying off air until the risk has passed. I am keeping a close eye on the lightning map.
19 Oct 2022
8m QRP FT8 TX (Wednesday)
As I was able to sync time on the PC , I am on 40.680 MHz FT8 QRP TX (first) and RX.
UPDATE 1735z: No spots. PSKreporter was reporting long after the event. I checked the PC screen.
23cm transverter dispatched from Bulgaria
Assuming all is OK, I hope to try some local tests this year, with the 23cm UKACs next year. I have no idea how far I can get with the small test antenna supplied with it.
"Our" windmill next door - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows Andrew up on one of the sails. Rather him than me!
10m QRP
The first version of this little transceiver was designed and built in 2011. Shown on my main G3XBM website is the second version, that stopped the chirp. This was called the 10m Lesser Chirpy, for obvious reasons.
8m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)
Assuming I can sync time, I intend to be on 8m FT8 QRP non 40.680 MHz later.
UPDATE 1455z: As a later post shows, I was able to sync time on the PC.
Where I was born - NOT amateur radio
After WW2, this grand place was a nursing home. I was born here.
This photo here shows the place (Flete in South Devon) well over 100 years ago. At the time, we lived in a modest council house, but I enjoy telling people I was born in a stately home!
10m QRP (500mW) WSPR TX (Wednesday)
Just gone on 10m WSPR QRP TX with my beacon synced using my atomic clock. Thanks *****!
UPDATE 0806z: Spots from the Canary Is already, so a promising start.
UPDATE 1023z: 5 unique stations have spotted me today so far. I get the impression there is now far more F2 propagation on 10m again.
Microsoft time sync - NOT amateur radio
For several weeks now, I have used the internet time sync provided by Microsoft (time.windows.com) quite happily.
This morning, despite the internet being on and working fine, I have been unable to sync time. Hoping this is just a temporary glitch, I shall try again later. If not, I shall have to go back to my original way of doing this.
At first I wondered if it was because I had still to do one of their infernal updates. So I did this, but to no avail. If Microsoft is so wonderful why do they have to do updates so often? In the lounge (and now) I use a Chromebook from Asus that has been fantastic for nearly 3 years.
Just wondering if this is just me?
UPDATE 1015z: Still unable to sync.
UPDATE 1513z: Sync works again, thankfully.
18 Oct 2022
UK Prime Minister - NOT amateur radio
In the last few weeks the UK's new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, has had a very bad time.
Firstly she introduced a mini-budget intended to encourage growth. The markets tanked. Her authority was in tatters. Then she replaced her Chancellor. The new Chancellor cancelled most of her changes, further undermining her. The opposition parties want a General Election.
The next crunch moment is October 31st when the new chancellor has to explain how he will fund the mini-budget. It is likely this will involve cuts to public services. This is likely to anger people both in the general public and Conservative party.
8m FT8 (Tuesday)
Most of the morning I have been on 40.680 MHz QRP FT8 TX and RX. So far, no spots.
10m QRP WSPR TX (Tuesday)
As the 10m antenna is available, I have been on QRP (500mW) with my WSPR beacon most of the morning. It is now 1213z and so far 9 stations have spotted me.
UPDATE 1920z: 45 stations have spotted my 10m 500mW QRP WSPR today.
Punting on the Cam - NOT amateur radio
DMR journey
At the moment, I am trying to get going on DMR. Although without a DMR radio or hot-spot, access DMR should be possible via my Android phone.
Some advice has been forthcoming and am working through this. As I get though this, I shall report back.
UPDATE 1914z: What a mess!!! Getting active on DMR is complicated! You first have to get a DMR ID (done), register on Brandmeister (done) and get a vocoder. If I am struggling, I imagine many will be too. I am still not connected. Hopefully tomorrow ......or 2030?? Getting going on Echolink was so much easier.
17 Oct 2022
The future of our hobby
Unless things change, I can see our hobby radically changing in the next 10 years. Most of us are old males.
Some time ago I posted this photo of my grandson in the back of my garage. It must have been earlier than 2013 as we moved QTH. He failed to get interested. He is 15 soon.
Unless young people like him are attracted, our hobby will die
The very last - NOT amateur radio
We ate his last sausages yesterday with all the trimmings. Sad.
16 Oct 2022
Heathkit HW family
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| An early Heathkit advert |
As a teenager I always wanted a 2m HW30 kit. Goodness knows why, as by modern standards they were poor!
Heathkit made a family of what became known as the Benton Harbor Lunchboxes. In many places they were the mainstay of VHF activity, way before FM, SSB and FT8.
They were valved and had a 5W AM TX and a super-regen RX. Most of the time this was fine for VHF at the time.
I cannot remember when they stopped being available, but I would guess mid 1970s.
At one time I had the manual, but never the rig.
The style I still like and in later years (before my stroke) fancied doing a modern equivalent for 10m with transistors and far smaller on a single PCB.
See http://www.radiomanual.info/schemi/Surplus_Radioamateur/Heathkit_HW-30_review_QST_2013.pdf
Autumn - NOT amateur radio
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| Autumn in Ontario, Canada |
This photo of Ontario in autumn was posted by a friend on 365project recently. What amazing colours.
10m QRP TX WSPR (Sunday)
As the 10m antenna is available I am again on 10m QRP (500mW) with the W5OLF beacon. The gear was turned on about 0850z. No spots of me yet today. It was copied in Antarctica twice last week.
UPDATE 0905z: Already plenty of spots from the Canary Is.
UPDATE 1614z: 28 spots of me today on 10m QRP WSPR TX.
8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)
My 8m FT8 gear was turned on at 0845z. It will be on most of the morning and afternoon.
UPDATE 1628z: 1 station as spotted me - EA3ERE (1153km) and I have spotted 1 - S50B (1220km).
Bury St Edmunds Abbey - NOT amateur radio
Until King Henry VIII, this was one of the largest abbeys in England. Then it was dissolved by the King. Today, all that remains are the ruins. Sacrilege.
15 Oct 2022
Apple Day - NOT amateur radio
I went with my wife and grandson.
It was a good, happy, day in glorious weather.
The resulting chutney was great and my wife has asked me to make more!
Simple 10m FT8 RX
These days, 10m is again in great shape. A very simple, but effective, FT8 receiver that does not tie up the main rig is my 10FT8R that appeared in RSGB RadCom last year. I built mine without a PCB, although a PCB would be ideal as a low cost club project.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/10ft8r-rx .
Covid booster and flu vacs - NOT amateur radio
Our local doctor's surgery combined with a few others to give them. One jab in each arm. Totally easy and painless.
OFCOM updates
As usual, OFCOM has updated the data it holds on us. See the OFCOM website for details.
8m FT8 QRP TX (Saturday)
My 8m website has been updated with photos and information on my 8m station and results. Most times I am on 40.680 MHz QRP FT8.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/8m-band .
UPDATE 1018z: No spots.
UPDATE 1037z: QRT at the moment. Back later.
UPDATE 1208z: On 8m QRP FT8 TX. One spot of me by G0HVQ (181km) - odd distance.
UPDATE 1827z: QRT.
10m QRP WSPR (Saturday)
My WSPR 500mW beacon was turned on before breakfast and synced at 0802z. Yesterday, 12 stations spotted me as the table shows. No spots yet today.
UPDATE 1039z: Just the usual spots from the Canary Is so far today
UPDATE 1502z: 9 unique stations have spotted me today including several in the USA.
UPDATE 1623z: 12 stations have spotted me today on 10m FT8 QRP TX.
UPDATE 1832z: Still 12 stations have spotted me today.
Predicting rain? - NOT amateur radio
One of my friends on 365project posted this photo of cows sitting down. An old wives tale says that sitting cows means rain is coming. A minute later it rained!
Sub 9 kHz earth-mode
10 years ago I was active with experiments with earth-mode below 9 kHz. When I had to stop because of my stroke, 6km had been spanned.