ON/F6CNI on 500kHz

This evening, conditions have been very good on 500kHz with almost continuous reports from GM4SLV up in the Shetland Is 896kms to the north. Also tonight, a new reporter ON/F6CNI in JO20 square at 424kms. His reports were very strong (-2dB S/N). This brings my total to 48 unique reports on 500kHz WSPR.  Tonight I've been using the new version of the transverter on the small, tidy, board (see picture on earlier blog entry today). This should be boxed tomorrow.

Back on 500kHz WSPR (TX)

Having just got some more IRF510 FETs from the GQRP club I've rebuilt my 500kHz PA and got it working properly towards class E. As long as the antenna is close to 50 ohms the PA hardly gets warm (on a WSPR TX cycle at 5W RF from the PA) as the efficiency is now so good.

Will run the 500kHz WSPR beacon overnight tonight then plan to modify the PA and ATU to 136kHz for a few days. 136kHz WSPR tests will run over the weekend if things go to plan. ERP will be even lower than on 500kHz, but I'm hopeful of some reports. If you get a chance to listen and report (via the WSPR database) I'd be most grateful.

The new TX PA is working well: I've had a 0dB S/N WSPR report from F6CNI near Paris!

A 30th reporter on 500kHz

Lots of trouble getting my 500kHz antenna to match tonight, so late getting on to WSPR tonight. To my surprise (as the antenna current was lower as a result of the rain I think) I got a new report from France - F6CNI in JN19qb which is 418kms away.