23 Oct 2023

160m FT8 this evening?

As a change from 630m WSPR, I might try the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with QRP 160m FT8 as long as I can get a match that is low enough. 

I cannot recall trying this at this QTH. Mind you, it it is more than a month ago I probably cannot remember it!

UPDATE 1450z:   I turned on my 160m QRP FT8 to the earth-electrode using the same 3C90 matching transformer. With the same taps as used on 630m the SWR is pretty low.

UPDATE 1704z: 2 stations have spotted me on QRP TX (2.5W and the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground) with the furthermost ON7KEC (293km.). On 160m RX stations spotted all over Europe with the furthermost nearly 3000km away. It has just got dark here! The antenna works well even on 160m FT8. The map shows the stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1811z:  7 stations have spotted me with the furthermost LA3MHA (1074km).

UPDATE 1900z:   10 stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 2000z: 19 stations have spotted me, as the map shows. Not bad for the "antenna" which nobody can see!
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2 comments:

  1. PE4BAS, BasMon Oct 23, 08:36:00 pm GMT+1

    192630 -23 0.4 1938 ~ CQ G3XBM JO02 *England

    This was one of the decodes I received from you. Called you several times but don't know if you saw me? I receive you on the "edge". Will try again if I see you.

    73, Bas PE4BAS

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  2. Roger G3XBMMon Oct 23, 09:30:00 pm GMT+1

    Thanks for trying Bas! I am amazed it works so well.

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