Furthermost was OV3T (694km) in Denmark.
The map shows the stations spotted here.
Simple QRP projects, 10m, 8m, 6m, 4m, FT8, 160m, WSPR, LF/MF, sub-9kHz, nanowaves and other random stuff, some not related to amateur radio.
Furthermost was OV3T (694km) in Denmark.
The map shows the stations spotted here.
After working a local, I am now RX only on 2m FT8. The furthermost copied is DK0TR (617km). With FT8 I am sure we are able to tap into some kind of scatter. My own 2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna was copied by by 14 stations with the furthermost G7RAU (461km) in Cornwall.
This evening was the 2m section of the 2m activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB. As usual I was running 10W pep SSB to my omni big-wheel antenna. I only stopped on about 16 minutes as my voice is poor, but managed to work JO03 square, which is a first this year.
Tonight is the 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB. I usually go on for a short while with my 10W pep to the big-wheel omni antenna. I usually give up soon as I find it very hard on my poor voice. I called a station in a rare square, but gave up.
At 1900z, the RSGB 2m FT8 activity contest is being held. Already, there is a contest on in Europe, so the 2m FT8 segment is already busy.
UPDATE 2042z: Over 50 stations in 6 countries spotted and several QSOs made.
UPDATE 2142z: 73 stations spotted as the map shows. I am pretty sure conditions were not "up" and this is normal with FT8. Remember, the antenna is just a big-wheel omni, with no beams!
As my 10m beacon is sending 500uW, my 2m big-wheel, FT817ND and PC are free, so I am on 2m QRP FT8 with 2.5W. G0LRD has a very useful on line grabber so I can see if my signal is clean.
The map shows the stations spotted on 2m FT8 RX. It seems to me these distant stations are coming through by tropospheric scatter.
In the end I gave up after working just one station at 105km with my 10W pep to the omni antenna. Usually I work 5-10 stations in about 40 minutes.
The low level of activity is probably for several reasons. Firstly many may just have forgotten thinking today was a Monday. Some may prefer FT8 these days. Also, the wind in the UK has been very strong, so there are probably fewer /P stations out this evening.
The results of this friendly contest have been published In the low power section I was 75th out of 172 using 10W PEP for less than an hour each time to the omni big-wheel antenna and the Cambridge Club was 37th (to which I give my points). This is one of the few occasions I use my voice.
At the moment, I am on 2m FT8 with 2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna. Already 4 spots. after 10 minutes or so.
UPDATE 1445z: So far today (as the map shows) my 2.5W 2m FT8 using the big-wheel omni has been spotted by 11 stations with the furthermost GI6ATZ (479km).
Using my big-wheel omni antenna, I have been on 2m FT8 since about 0830z. So far, 4 spots today.
UPDATE 0947z: Now GI6ATZ (479km) spotting me. Too easy, even with 2.5W and an omni antenna! I am still unsure if this is aircraft reflection or troposcatter. The reports (decent) suggest aircraft.
My 2.5W to the big-wheel omni was turned on about 0930z. So far, spotted by 4 stations.
Stations spotting me at 1455z |
G0LRD's monitor |
UPDATE 1422z: 19 stations in 5 countries have spotted my QRP signal on 2m FT8 today with the furthermost GI6ATZ (479km). See map. This is too easy too!
UPDATE 1528z: Interesting that I am only spotting 5 UK stations. My RX is working properly, so this suggests low activity.
Just taken part in the UKAC 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB. This evening my 10W pep to the omni was in 2 sessions as my son called. I also had to do a reset on the IC-705 as it locked up. With my poor voice and low ERP it is hard work nowadays!
Tonight is the 2m monthly activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB. After 4 QSOs with my 10W and omni (and poor voice!) I gave up! Conditions seemed up, but with my QRP it was too hard.
With my 10W pep and big wheel omni antenna, I managed 9 QSOs in about 45 minutes before I had to go QRT. Best DX heard was an OZ in JO46 square.
On Sunday we went to see the famous Sacred Lamb altarpiece in the cathedral in Ghent painted by the van Eyck brothers. In the crypt is an au...