Stations spotted on 70cm FT8 tonight |
Tonight was the UKAC activity contest on 70cm FT8. I had one QSO, but spent most of the time on RX. 30 stations were spotted with the 2m big-wheel omni antenna.
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Stations spotted on 70cm FT8 tonight |
Usually the 70cm FT8 activity session is this evening.
Last evening was the June 2023 2m activity contest (UKAC).
Conditions were well up, but I found it very hard work with my 2.5W to the big-wheel omni. I guess this is a combination of several factors. Firstly, my low ERP is obviously a handicap with stronger signals being copied over me. Secondly, I have a very poor voice, not cut out to "outshout" others. Thirdly, I have no compressor, so my signal lacks punch.
In the end 6 stations were worked before I gave up. These days, I find FT8 easier as I do not need to "outshout" other stations. To be honest, I am no longer attracted to VHF/UHF voice contests.
As you can tell, I seem to back losers!! A reminder that the 4m activity contest is on tonight starting at 1900z (8pm UK clock time). I hope to come on and maybe work someone.
Oh look, there goes another flying pig! 😁
Unless I have my dates mixed up, the RSGB organised 4m activity contest is this Thursday evening. Last month I forgot! It starts at 1900z (8pm UK clock time).
So far, I have been disappointed by activity levels on 4m, so I hope it is better for the UKAC. Maybe more people pop up in the Es season. I live in hope.
Assuming I remember (must put alarm on, HI) I shall give it a go.
The map shows the activity on 70cm FT8 well before the UK contest starts!
My antenna is just a 2m big-wheel omni too!
As this is the second Tuesday in the month, at 1900z tonight should be the 70cm UKAC activity contest organised by the RSGB.
As I can only run 2.5W to a 2m big-wheel and my voice is poor, I usually stay on for much less than 1 hour.
As I recall, activity last time was down with many preferring the FT8 activity contest that is usually on the Wednesday. Usually, the activity contest sees SSB activity higher than usual.
The May leg of the RSGB organised activity contest on 2m is tonight starting at 1900z. Activity levels are usually good with portables on hilltops.
It lasts (I think) for 2.5 hours although with my QRP, omni antenna and poor voice I am usually on less than an hour.
This really does not feel like a contest. It is more a way to stimulate activity and work squares.
This contest starts at 1900z tonight. I usually go on with my 2.5W to my 2m big-wheel omni antenna for about 30 minutes. I may well stay on RX until much later in the evening to see which stations come through.
After copying no stations at all (!) I gave up. I expect the next 70cm FT8 activity contest will be much better!
Last Tuesday was the activity contest organised by the RSGB. My incredible score (I am joking!!) has just been submitted as I almost forgot. Tomorrow evening is the 70cm activity contest.
The impression I am getting is interest in this contest is waning with the FT8 contest on the following evening doing better. This is pity as it is a very "un"contest contest with people happy to see the activity levels up. I have been taking part for several years.
The stations contacted are shown on the map.This evening is the first Tuesday of the month. The RSGB organised activity contest starts at 1900z. I usually go on for a little while with 2.5W and my big-wheel omni antenna. I usually make 5-10 contacts. FT8 is usually easier for me with my poor voice!
UPDATE 1936z: After just 3 contacts, I just gave up. Some decent DX, but my voice was exhausted with too much shouting! If I had more stamina, I am sure I would have had plenty of contacts.
Last Thursday evening was the 4m (70 MHz) activity contest for March. I missed it!
My antenna is just my 2m big-wheel and coax matched via the auto-ATU in the FT-710. I have no idea how it performs with regard to gain, polarisation, or directivity. This I was hoping to find out! Maybe in April? My next chance looks like April 20th.
On the second Tuesday of the month is the 70cm activity contest (UKAC). I can only run 2.5W to the 2m big-wheel omni antenna. Because of my voice, I cannot stay on long. This evening was hopeless and I only stopped on for about 20 minutes and worked just 1 station. I expect there will be many more on the 70cm FT8 activity contest, that I think is tomorrow.
To my surprise I worked 6 stations and some good DX as the map shows.
Once again, my antenna was the 2m big-wheel omni.
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