They always seem to have unusual paintings on display.
31 Oct 2024
Cambridge Art Gallery - NOT amateur radio
Village History - NOT amateur radio
Opposite was a plaque to an old Jewish cemetery. It is called "Jerusalem Gardens". I cannot imagine a Jewish community here centuries ago in the time of King Henry II.
UPDATE Nov 1st: I did not realise King Henry II was in the 1100s AD.
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Thursday)
After returning from Cambridge, I turned on my stand-alone 10m W5OLF WSPR TX beacon. Plenty of USA spots plus F61695 (9729km).
UPDATE 2042z: In all today 74 stations have spotted me.
At last! 6m F2 "across the pond"
When I returned from Cambridge after lunch, I turned on my QRP 6m FT8.
For the first time in many years this autumn, 6m was filled with USA and Canadian signals on 6m FT8. This looks like F2 propagation.
UPDATE 1550z: My QRP 6m FT8 spotted by 4 Canadian and 1 USA stations today. No QSOs sadly.
UPDATE 2045z: Spotted by 76 stations so far.
Village tree - NOT amateur radio
30 Oct 2024
What happens when we die? - NOT amateur radio
It has been estimated that there are 10 billion stars in our galaxy alone. In the observable universe there are trillions of galaxies. The "average" star has at least one planet, meaning that there are a huge number of planets!
Somehow I cannot believe this life alone is "it". Some estimate there are 10 to the power of 25 planets. This is a truly staggeringly large number.
Most religions are very "Earth centric". What is certain is we only can know very little with our small brains.
10m 500mW WSPR (Wednesday)
My TX beacon has been on since lunchtime.
UPDATE 1646z: So far today, spotted by 50 stations with the furthermost F61695 (9729km) in the Indian Ocean. This is far fewer than yesterday.
6m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)
UPDATE 1519z: Furthermost is a spot of me by V51MA (8460km) in Namibia. 38 spots of my QRP, mostly in Europe. No sign here of any stations in North America.
UPDATE 1653z: 43 spots of my QRP 6m FT8 today. Although I shall be on for a few hours yet, I do not think I shall see any USA stations on 6m today.
What is DX?
DX means different things to different people.
To some, it is working a new country in the Pacific. To others it may be being copied in the antipodes with a few milliwatts of WSPR. To some it may just be working a few kilometres with ultra-simple gear. Thank goodness we are all different.
Just because we do not understand what "turns people on" we have no right whatsoever to judge others.
FT8 in the quiet years
It seems odd to be talking about the "quiet years" when solar conditions are so good.
However, in about 5 years' time there will be few sunspots and many will (wrongly) assume the higher HF bands are dead.
In many cases this is not the case and a casual listen around 27MHz will prove this is due to a lack of activity and not poor conditions.
Hopefully FT8 users will stick around on bands like 10m, 12m and 15m and prove the bands are open far more often than is assumed. I well remember working a surprised LU when I was running 10m SSB QRP when there were no sunspots at all at sunspot minimum some years ago.
FT8 is well monitored and works with very weak signals. Who knows by then we may have an even better mode!
In my experience, N-S paths remain open for DX at all points in the solar cycle. I agree you have to be more patient, but that is half the fun.
Yaesu FTX-1F all mode, all band QRP transceiver
It was expected "early 2025", but since then I have heard nothing further. Several dealers are accepting deposits, but I have heard no news about price or specs..
Does anyone know anything?
It looks like Yaesu's answer to the FT817/818 series and the ICOM IC-705. Without the detailed specs and prices, it is hard to know how this will do.
I imagine much of the software and hardware is based heavily on other Yaesu SDR transceivers to reduce development costs.
I hope the price is well below £1000 so it is competitive against many other products now around, especially as the Japanese Yen is far weaker than it was against the US dollar and UK pound.
29 Oct 2024
Why? - NOT amateur radio
Apparently Israel has passed a law preventing UNRWA operating in Israel. Why?
Our bungalow - NOT amateur radio
Our local museum and windmill are just across the way from us. We have just been to an end of season "mini party" for all volunteers. One photo shows our bungalow (and a bit of the windmill!). It was taken on our way home. The other shows the party.
Last ones? - NOT amateur radio
We like to eat fruit with our breakfasts . This includes blackberries if they are in season. We have a bush very close to us and I thought I had picked my last of this year a few weeks ago.
To my surprise I collected some today which will do for breakfast today and tomorrow. It has been very mild of late.
If you do not believe we are living in a warming world, open your eyes. We have lived in this part of the UK for over 50 years and it is definitely milder. Some may argue about causes, but it is definitely warmer.
AM station
When I started in amateur radio most people were on AM (amplitude modulation) even on HF.
In recent years there has been a bit of an AM revival especially on the lower HF bands. At one time AM was very popular as the gear can be simple and it is an effective mode.
Its main drawback on HF is it is wider than SSB and power is wasted in the carrier. On the plus side RX gear can be extremely simple yet effective. See my Fredbox and Sixbox transceivers.
I saw this AM station on the internet. It made me feel quite nostalgic.
Sadly, many have never used AM or experienced it.
6m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)
UPDATE 1036z: 33 stations have spotted my QRP. No signs of F2 here.
UPDATE 1200z: My QRP 6m FT8 has been spotted by 38 stations and 49 have been spotted here. All were European.
UPDATE 1810z: QRT shortly. Spotted by 49 stations all in Europe. No F2 evident here on 6m.
10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)
My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon has been on since just before breakfast. So far, at 1042z, 19 stations have spotted me. Most look like F2 propagation.
UPDATE 1810z: 105 stations have spotted my 10m WSPR QRP today including many from the USA and Canada. Today has been exceptional on 10m WSPR. Furthermost is F61695 (9729km) in the Indian Ocean.
WSPRrocks by VK7JJ
Where I have been received today.
6m - could we get F2 openings?
With the currently high sunspot numbers there is a chance of F2 openings on 6m. I shall try again for the USA after lunch. Apparently it was open to Australia but I spotted nothing on my omni vertical yesterday!
UPDATE 1610z: No sign here today of F2 activity on 6m. I shall stick with it as today has been exceptional on 10m WSPR. I have spotted one station on 6m FT8 in the USA this autumn. I suspect now is too late.
28 Oct 2024
15m QRP FT8 (Monday)
At about 1840z, I QSYed to 15m. So far (at 1851z) 11 stations have spotted me, all "across the pond".
6m QRP FT8 (Monday) with the QMX+
UPDATE 1615z: 37 stations have spotted me today on 6m QRP FT8. Nothing from the USA.
10m QRP FT8 (Monday)
UPDATE 0957z: 42 stations have spotted me. Now RX only. On RX 152 stations spotted. I may try 6m QRP FT8 with the QMX+ later after shopping.
End of British Summer Time (BST) - NOT amateur radio
This last weekend we said "goodbye" to BST for another year. For a short while (only!) the mornings seem a bit lighter, but it gets dark far earlier.
We adapt and get used to cosy evenings with the curtains drawn. I enjoy the dark evenings, but prefer the light evenings we get in spring and summer. Sadly, these seem to last a very short time.
27 Oct 2024
10m 500mW WSPR (Sunday)
Whilst on 8m, I put my 10m WSPR beacon on. So far today, 58 stations have spotted my QRP.
UPDATE 1553z: 67 stations have spotted me with the vast majority being "across the pond".
UPDATE 1825z: QRT. 75 stations spotted me today.
October 2024 shack
The photo shows the shack currently. As you can see, the QDX is very tiny. The box it is sitting on is the 472kHz transverter.
Middle East peace? - NOT amateur radio
It is too early to tell, but there are tentative signs that the Middle East is growing tired of war. I certainly hope a just peace can be forged that is good for all.
8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)
My 8m QRP FT8 was turned on about 1000z. G9PUV (158km), EI2IP (607km) and S57TW (1236km) spotted on RX and my signal has been spotted by 4X1TI (3633km).
You get the distinct impression that 8m has "come of age".
UPDATE 1048z: 3 stations have spotted me today on 8m QRP FT8 TX: G4FKI (60km), S51WX (1296km) and 4X1TI (3633km).
UPDATE 1144z: A QSO with ZR1ADI (9777km) on 8m QRP FT8 earlier. The map shows where my 2.5W 8m FT8 has been spotted this morning.UPDATE 1222z: Spotted by WW1L (4976km). I am tempted to try 6m, but have decided to stick with 8m today.
UPDATE 1455z: Spotted by 9 stations today. I think that is it, although I shall leave the gear on until teatime.
UPDATE 1506z: I totally fail to understand the really backward stand by the FCC, OFCOM and the RSGB towards amateur access to 8m. Just 5kHz at low power, narrow digital only, would open the radio community to free propagation research. A few enlightened administrations have seen sense, whereas the UK and USA seem so backward (and frankly stupid).
UPDATE 1706z: 11 stations spotted my 8m QRP FT8 today. QRT.
Roses - NOT amateur radio
We have some yellow roses outside our bungalow. I usually heavily prune these in March.
They have several flushes and look good at the moment with several in flower and some in bud.
10m QRP FT8 with the QDX (Sunday)
My gear was turned on at about 0845z. At 0912z spotted by 47 stations.
UPDATE 0922z: Puzzled why I was seeing no RX spots of mine on PSKreporter and the RX spectrum looked all "watery" and indistinct. I reset the QDX and PC and all was well again. Not sure if it was the QDX or PC. 49 spots on RX and 58 spots of my QRP FT8 on the QDX.
Sunday plans
At the moment my plan is to go on 10m FT8 with the QDX. Apart from that, no firm plans.
DX Explorer YouTube channel
This is a YouTube channel I really like. It is sponsored by PCBway. The videos are of a modest person from Eastern Europe exploring various aspects of the radio hobby. The one here is just an example.
26 Oct 2024
10m 500mW WSPR (Saturday)
When I am on 6m, I keep forgetting that the 10m antenna is available so there is nothing stopping me beaconing on 10m WSPR.
Since about 1515z, I have also been on 10m QRP WSPR TX. No spots yet.
UPDATE 1750z: QRT.
8m QRP FT8 (Saturday) - 6m instead
One of my intentions was to try QRP 8m FT8 today. Instead, I am sticking with 6m in the hope of some transatlantic 6m F2 propagation.
Slavery reparations - NOT amateur radio
The UK is in a difficult position over slavery centuries ago.
The UK government at the time of the abolition of slavery in the 1800s paid compensation to slave owners but nothing to slaves.
There is no doubt that many slave owners and their descendants years later gained benefits from this. I read somewhere that this loan was only finally paid off in 2015!
If we paid reparations now it would cost the UK trillions of pounds. There is absolutely no doubt about the moral nastiness of the slave trade. But these were in different times when our moral compass was far different.
Should we be paying for the sins of those living in a different age?
QMX+ and new PC working on 6m FT8
The QMX+ works fine with my "newer" Windows 10 PC.
UPDATE 1730z: 35 stations have spotted my 6m QRP FT8 so far. The furthermost is Sardinia. See map.
 |
| Stations spotting my QRP 6m FT8 today |
UPDATE 1730z: 35 stations have spotted my 6m QRP FT8 so far. The furthermost is Sardinia. See map.
UPDATE 1753z: QRT.
QDX and newer Windows 10 PC : all working
 |
| Stations spotting me on 10m QRP FT8 earlier with the QDX |
Just now, I tried my QDX on FT8 with my "newer" Windows 10 PC. Thankfully, all is working just fine.
I may try Linux on the older PC, but on the one I am using I shall just leave well alone for now on the principle of "if it ain't broke don't fix it".
Primroses planted - NOT amateur radio
It is dull this morning, so ideal planting weather.
CQWW SSB contest
The CQWW SSB contest is in full swing and the bands look busy.
After 1 QSO this morning, I gave up shouting knowing I could easily fill pages in the logbook. I shall leave this to others with better voices!
The photo shows 10m looking very busy earlier.
Plans for Saturday
Several things to do today!
- Get the primroses planted.
- Go on the CQWW contest at some point.
- Get both the QDX and QMX+ working with the newer Windows 10 PC.
- 8m QRP FT8.
25 Oct 2024
BRICS - NOT amateur radio
Whilst not at all agreeing with the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, I can understand why many countries want to move away from the once mighty US dollar.
It is my view that the 21st century will see a realignment of world power in which the USA will be far less important.
CQWW SSB contest this weekend
A reminder that the CQWW SSB contest is this weekend.
Even without an entry, it is a great chance to work new countries and US states. With HF conditions being excellent, now is a great chance to have fun.
In years past I have worked the USA with an indoor handheld with a base loaded whip on SSB with a few watts! I think this was 10m.
See https://cqww.com/ .
Newer Windows 10 PC
Currently on the "newer" Windows 10 PC which seems to be working fine with SignaLink USB and FT817ND. I should try the QMX+ later.
UPDATE 1318z: As I have to use the 10m antenna to try the QDX, I shall probably try this and the QMX+ with this PC tomorrow. 54 spots of my QRP 10m WSPR today so far.
6m QRP FT8 (Friday)
My gear has been on for about 15 minutes. So far, just 5 G stations have spotted me (at 1155z) and I have spotted 2 G stations here.
UPDATE 1814z: 7 G spots of me today on 6m FT8 TX. On RX the furthermost is DK5EE (565km).
That time of year - NOT amateur radio
We change them in the spring.
10m 500mW WSPR yesterday and today
UPDATE 1416z: 60 spots of my 10m 500mW WSPR today.
UPDATE 1815z: 73 spots of my QRP 10m WSPR today.
Our garden yesterday - NOT amateur radio
This was one of our sons and grandsons in our garden yesterday.
Rallies
The following rallies have been notified to me. Usual caveats about checking details apply.
- Saturday October 26th - Carrickfergus ARG Rally, Carrickfergus. No contact details given.
- Saturday October 26th - Essex CW Boot Camp. See essexcw.uk .
- Sunday October 27th - British Vintage Wireless Society Swapmeet. Golborne. BVWS members only.
- Sunday October 27th - Galashiels Rally, TD1 3JX. Contact rallyqueries@galaradioclub.co.uk .
Oscar 100 narrowband transponder
The last time I looked was mid evening in Europe on a Thursday evening. Although activity was better than I feared, there was still plenty of space.
24 Oct 2024
Yesterday on 10m 500mW WSPR
Yesterday, 94 stations spotted me, which I think is a record. This included many in North and South America.
Someone else locally said he had been doing WSPR tests at 1mW and 2mW. Results were far easier at 2mW than 1mW.
Work reunion - NOT amateur radio
This morning I went to a reunion of old work colleagues some of whom I had not seen for years. It was a good gathering. Some had not changed a bit. Some had changed a lot.
Windose? - NOT amateur radio
My “old “ PC that was running Windows 10 will no longer allow me to log in. I think Microsoft wants me to upgrade to Windows 11 even though this PC will not support Windows 11.
Later I shall go to the newer Windows PC and upgrade to Windows 11 and reinstall WSJT-X and see what happens.
I have still to make a Linux distro on a flash disk. Having family these last few days has prevented me.
23 Oct 2024
St Ives near Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
10m QRP WSPR TX yesterday
In all 69 stations spotted my 500mW yesterday afternoon including many in the USA 🇺🇸.
Ely Cathedral - NOT amateur radio
This was a view of Ely Cathedral yesterday from the carpark at Tescos.
22 Oct 2024
10m 500mW WSPR (Tuesday)
Although my beacon has been on since about 0810z, no spots.
UPDATE 0955z: 10 stations have spotted me. See table. F2 related?
UPDATE 1517z: 62 stations have spotted my QRP 10m WSPR today.
6m 2.5W FT8 (Tuesday)
My gear was turned on about 0810z. So far, just one G spot.
UPDATE 1025z: Several stations spotted in Europe but only 7 G spots of my 6m FT8 QRP so far. See map of where I have been spotted.
UPDATE 1514z: Just one station from "across the pond" spotted on 6m FT8 today - WA1NLG (5244km). My QRP didn't make it. 24 stations spotted - mostly UK, but some in continental Europe.
Tuesday plans - 6m F2?
Later today, my plans are to go on 10m QRP WSPR and 6m QRP FT8. Yesterday 8m was good, so there is a chance 6m may have some F2 openings. If it is going to happen (e.g. openings by F2 across the Atlantic) now is probably the best time. It has happened in the past and I recall Ws coming in on 6m by F2 propagation coming in like locals.
Faroe Islands - NOT amateur radio
One of my friends on 365project.org lives in the Faroe Islands high up in the Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland. This is one of his photos.
I imagine there are long summer days and very short days in winter. The weather can be windy as well. It is a place I would like to visit, but doubt this will happen.
21 Oct 2024
10m 500mW WSPR (Monday)
My QRP 10m WSPR beacon is on and so far 3 stations have copied me. I suspect these were by F2 propagation.
UPDATE 1040z: 14 spots of me with the furthermost a station in Asiatic Russia, RA0SX (5904km).
UPDATE 1358z: Spotted by 51 stations so far today on 500mW 10m WSPR. See table.
UPDATE 1935z: Spotted by 66 stations today.
8m QSO success (Monday)
After trying for a long time without success, I have had an 8m QRP FT8 QSO with G4FKI (60km). I am not sure if he has changed polarisation.
UPDATE 1025z: EI3KF (574km) has spotted my QRP 8m FT8.
UPDATE 1222z: Quite a good day with three 8m QRP FT8 QSOs and Southern Africa and the Middle East spotted on 8m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1243z: Spotted across the Atlantic again on 8m QRP FT8 this time by VO1SIX (3933km).
With my brother - NOT amateur radio
As we get older, I think the norm is we feel closer to our siblings if we have them. I guess it is the reality that we or them will no longer be around for ever. It is also true for friends and partners.
My brother is nearly 80 and is currently in good health. This photo was taken last month in the ruins of the old abbey at Bury St Edmunds. Perhaps it is a reminder that nothing is forever?
Leaves still on the trees - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday we were on the edge of the first named storm this autumn in the UK. Winds were stronger in NW Scotland.
I was surprised not to see far more leaves on the grass rather than on the trees. Presumably the leaves that remain (about half) are the ones that still remain more green. As autumn progresses most of these will change colour and fall as they have done for millions of years.
It is always nice to look forward to new life busting out in spring. Winter first! 😞
Linux - NOT amateur radio
As you will be aware, I am not a PC nerd. Compared with many, I am pretty ignorant.
However, I have watched a few YouTube videos about making a Linux distro so might have a go at putting one on a CF to boot my PC into Linux to try it. If I do it, it will be after lunch.
Any recommendations on type? I am told Mint is good for beginners like me.
Cottage - NOT amateur radio
This is in a village not far from us. Traditionally cottages were pink as they used animal blood to colour the whitewash. I expect these days they buy the paint from a DIYshop!
20 Oct 2024
Testcard F - NOT amateur radio
Many in the UK will recall this iconic testcard from the early days of colour TV.
Excellent HF to eastern Europe
Conditions to Eastern Europe seem good at the moment.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)
On the "old" PC I seem to be getting less out on 8m FT8 from the FT817ND despite a low SWR and the power slider on WSJT-X being at maximum. So the output is probably 2W or less to the dipole.
Despite this, it is being spotted by EA8DJR (2994km) in the Canary Is. I called him, but he failed to hear me. I suspect this is F2 rather than Es propagation. With me he is very strong. I was quite surprised to spot him on 40.680 MHz FT8 this morning.
UPDATE 1002z: He called and we worked. EA8JF (2832km) has also spotted me on 8m FT8.
UPDATE 1013z: Now also spotted strongly by EA8RH (3029km). F2 (I guess) is good on 8m this morning.
UPDATE 1038z: With stations in Italy and Spain being granted amateur radio access to the 8m band activity seems to have increased. I just wish more PTTs would see the value.
UPDATE 1206z: G4KFI (60km) spotted. I think my QRP is too weak for him to spot me. I think we are cross polarised, so on inter-G this is probably very important.
UPDATE 1243z: UW8SM (1751km) spotted. I think this station is genuine.
UPDATE 1255z: 4 stations have spotted me today. See map.
UPDATE 1800z: CX3DMP (11112km) spotted as well as stations in the Canary Is, Italy Ukraine, UK and Slovenia.
10m 500mW WSPR (Sunday)
As my 10m antenna is available I am on 10m QRP WSPR with the signal being widely copied
UPDATE 1022z: Spotted by 14 stations.UPDATE 1112z: Spotted by 22 stations so far.
 |
| Map from WSPRrocks by Phil VK7JJ |
UPDATE 1633z: Spotted by 61 stations today on 10m QRP WSPR.
6m QRP FT8 (Sunday)
CQWW contests in 2024?
This was, perhaps, the biggest set of contests in the world. Even without submitting a score, it gave many a chance to work new countries and US states.
With the demise of CQ magazine, it is not clear what the situation is in 2024. Looking at the website, you could be forgiven for thinking it is still on. However, that information may have been put up ages ago, before the magazine closed.
This is one of my pet hates - not knowing the date the webpages were updated, but that is a different story.
If anyone can tell me if it is on or off, please let me know.
10m 500mW WSPR yesterday
When I am on 6m, I keep forgetting that the 10m antenna is free and available. Last evening I remembered so I went on 10m QRP WSPR with my beacon. The spots were as shown in the table.
6m QRP FT8 yesterday
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