2 Dec 2014
Sunspots and 10m conditions - Dec 2nd 2014
Sunspot number today is a respectable 160 and 10m daytime conditions are forecast to remain"good". Yet again, 10m is wide open to the USA. No DX reports from further afield (as yet) with my 500mW WSPR.
FT-991 from MLS - would you believe the PRICE??
Thanks to Steve G1KQH, I see that Martin Lynch is advertising the new FT-991 from Yaesu at an incredibly high price of £1299.95. When first shown, a price of £999 was talked about and I thought that was high. £1299.95 is surely a joke MLS?
The image above resides on the MLS website and NOT on this blog. The image and link will be removed if a problem.
Maybe MLS is trying to pay the rent on their new premises or they want to look generous when discounting? Sorry, but you have just LOST one potential customer who is NOT prepared to be ripped off. A fairer price would be £799. When I bought my FT817ND from them earlier in the year I was impressed with them. Sorry, but this is exploitation.Why rip us off? What margins are you getting,especially with the excellent exchange rates to the Yen? Come on, we are NOT all stupid! It looks a nice radio at the right price.
See http://www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-radio-main-equipment-base-station-radio-yaesu-base-station-radio/yaesu/yaesu-ft-991-hf-50mhz-vhf-uhf-base-station-transceiver-pd-5621.php.
The latest exchange rate was 186.373 Yen to £1 which is WAY better than 2 years ago when it was about 130 Yen to £1. Dealers - PLEASE NOTE!!!!! Don't rip us off!!! Your customers ARE aware of the greatly improved exchange rates.Funny how prices don't seem to follow.
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| http://www.hamradio.co.uk/sysimages/origimages/FT991-1_pr5621_1.jpg |
Maybe MLS is trying to pay the rent on their new premises or they want to look generous when discounting? Sorry, but you have just LOST one potential customer who is NOT prepared to be ripped off. A fairer price would be £799. When I bought my FT817ND from them earlier in the year I was impressed with them. Sorry, but this is exploitation.Why rip us off? What margins are you getting,especially with the excellent exchange rates to the Yen? Come on, we are NOT all stupid! It looks a nice radio at the right price.
See http://www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-radio-main-equipment-base-station-radio-yaesu-base-station-radio/yaesu/yaesu-ft-991-hf-50mhz-vhf-uhf-base-station-transceiver-pd-5621.php.
The latest exchange rate was 186.373 Yen to £1 which is WAY better than 2 years ago when it was about 130 Yen to £1. Dealers - PLEASE NOTE!!!!! Don't rip us off!!! Your customers ARE aware of the greatly improved exchange rates.Funny how prices don't seem to follow.
1 Dec 2014
My poor voice (stroke)
For reasons I don't understand, my brain is unable (at present) to communicate properly to my (fully working) voice box. My voice box was checked with a camera (down my nose) a few months ago.
Although my speech sounds OK to me (clarity and loudness) apparently it is a whisper and hard to understand. All the time I feel breathless.I am told this is all a result of my brain bleed and it will, in the end, recover. I have to be patient!
Although I can manage short speech periods on the air (VHF/UHF UKAC sessions, for 30-60 minutes and on our Monday 2m net for similar times) I find voice QSOs effortful, hence why I use WSPR and other digital modes a lot right now. Hopefully thing will improve in 2015.
Although my speech sounds OK to me (clarity and loudness) apparently it is a whisper and hard to understand. All the time I feel breathless.I am told this is all a result of my brain bleed and it will, in the end, recover. I have to be patient!
Although I can manage short speech periods on the air (VHF/UHF UKAC sessions, for 30-60 minutes and on our Monday 2m net for similar times) I find voice QSOs effortful, hence why I use WSPR and other digital modes a lot right now. Hopefully thing will improve in 2015.
10m WSPR 500mW, last USA spot
WG2Z (5600km) appears to be the last station to spot my 500mW on 10m WSPR today, at 1706z. At the moment I am still spotting USA stations as many are running 5W or more. The band will soon close to the USA and these stations will soon disappear too.
UPDATE 1755z: W4BZW (using 10W) was last spotted at 1734z. The 10m band seems to have closed to the USA and Canada. So, going from 500mW (to an indifferent antenna) to 10W gained just under 30 minutes.
UPDATE 1850z: I spoke too soon. W7CNK (7458km) running 5W was still being copied here at 1846z on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1920z: KD4YDD (6717km) was still being spotted at 1918z. No-one is copying my 500mW apart from local G4IKZ (18km)!
UPDATE 2030z: Well I was surprised. W4HFZ (6819km) on the Florida/Georgia border spotted my 500mW WSPR at 1934z and I spotted him immediately before this time. 10m stayed open much later to the USA than I expected today. I think the band is now closed but will continue to monitor and transmit.
UPDATE 2230z: No other stateside spots since W4HFZ above.
UPDATE 1755z: W4BZW (using 10W) was last spotted at 1734z. The 10m band seems to have closed to the USA and Canada. So, going from 500mW (to an indifferent antenna) to 10W gained just under 30 minutes.
UPDATE 1850z: I spoke too soon. W7CNK (7458km) running 5W was still being copied here at 1846z on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1920z: KD4YDD (6717km) was still being spotted at 1918z. No-one is copying my 500mW apart from local G4IKZ (18km)!
UPDATE 2030z: Well I was surprised. W4HFZ (6819km) on the Florida/Georgia border spotted my 500mW WSPR at 1934z and I spotted him immediately before this time. 10m stayed open much later to the USA than I expected today. I think the band is now closed but will continue to monitor and transmit.
UPDATE 2230z: No other stateside spots since W4HFZ above.
OE8APR and Socialhams
Andreas OE8APR has asked me to introduce you to Socialhams. I have no personal experience:
"Introduction to socialhams
Socialhams is a community for ham radio operators. It combines features known from typical social networks with ham radio related ones. To join socialhams all you need is a valid email address and obviously a ham radio callsign. It’s as simple as that!
As registered member of socialhams you can freely meet like-minded people as well as join the Chat, write Blog and Forum posts, start Polls, create Groups and Events. Photos, Videos and Files can be embedded or uploaded to your profile and many other sections too.
The iPhone App, allows you to browse profiles, watch photos and videos, upload photos, send mail, and lots more. All from your iPhone! And if you have an Android-powered device, our Android App lets you use socialhams while on the go, right from your own handset.
You can meet people; chat online; check our top rated, featured items; read about popular topics; wish someone special on his/her birthday; match your interests; and even take advantage of our elaborate people search option.
You will also find unique ham radio related modules:
DX ClusterUse the DX Cluster feature to make that contact or Spot one for the rest of the community! The DXCluster tool allows users to locate and spot other Amateur Radio operators transmitting on specific frequencies to make those rare contacts or find that missing location you’ve been searching for.
This is the world first HTML5 web socket based DXCluster client
Logbook
The socialhams logbook allows you to record those important Amateur Radio contacts. This tool gives members the ability to add, edit, organize and sort their contacts all in one convenient location.
APRS Map
The APRS feature will display the location of any APRS station in the viewable area. This feature also provides each member with the ability to send a message from socialhams to any APRS device with messaging capability.
NCDXF Beacon
The Beacon Map displays the location, status and the current or future action of each NCDXF beacon in the network. By listening for each beacon on each band you can determine which bands are open and to what part of the world.
World clock
The World Clock allows each user to stay up to date with the time on any part of the globe. Users can also keep track of the Grey line as it moves to make use of this unique propagation condition.
Library
Collection of various documents like manuals, schematics, spreadsheets, etc
Elmer’s corner
The Elmer corner allows any socialhams member to create and publish a tutorial or guide for the entire community to use. Become an Elmer today!!
In our Feedback section, you can post your questions, comments, regards, etc. without any restrictions. Of course, you must strictly avoid obscenity, rude language, and abide by terms of socialhams. To cater for a wider ham radio community, all our features are offered in both English as well as German. Additional languages are in preparation.
We steadily improve existing functions as well as develop new interesting ham radio related modules. At the moment we are hardly work on a Geophysics and SOTA module. All our work in process modules can be previewed on our development site http://dev.socialhams.net, additionally all our developments are available as Git repository on http://gitlab.paan-systems.com. We would be happy to find developers that are interested in joining the project.
To enjoy the unique socialhams experience, all you need to do is sign up http://socialhams.net!
Short biography
Name: Andreas Pachler
Callsign: OE8APR
Licensed since: 2012
QTH: Seelach, Carinthia, Austria
Maidenhead: JN76go
Ham radio related interests: Digital modes (PSK, WSPR, etc), HF, SOTA, QRP
Hobbies: mountain hiking, listening to music, programming, electronics
Job: Industrial automation programmer
Because my dad is an amateur radio operator since I can think of it, it is clear that my interest in ham radio is as old as I am. I always wanted to get a license. I used to work on CB because it was not possible for me to get the license, I was still too young. I have had the chance to get experience with Packet Radio on the user side as well as the sysop side of things.
Some time passed by and my interests changed in puberty. There were so many other interesting things like girls, music festivals, journeys all over the world for my job as industrial automation programmer. But amateur radio never unclasped me and so I decided to get the license in 2012.
After getting my license I have started to build socialhams, it was hard work but I have had really much fun. I am trying to get the project further day by day."
"Introduction to socialhams
Socialhams is a community for ham radio operators. It combines features known from typical social networks with ham radio related ones. To join socialhams all you need is a valid email address and obviously a ham radio callsign. It’s as simple as that!
As registered member of socialhams you can freely meet like-minded people as well as join the Chat, write Blog and Forum posts, start Polls, create Groups and Events. Photos, Videos and Files can be embedded or uploaded to your profile and many other sections too.
The iPhone App, allows you to browse profiles, watch photos and videos, upload photos, send mail, and lots more. All from your iPhone! And if you have an Android-powered device, our Android App lets you use socialhams while on the go, right from your own handset.
You can meet people; chat online; check our top rated, featured items; read about popular topics; wish someone special on his/her birthday; match your interests; and even take advantage of our elaborate people search option.
You will also find unique ham radio related modules:
DX ClusterUse the DX Cluster feature to make that contact or Spot one for the rest of the community! The DXCluster tool allows users to locate and spot other Amateur Radio operators transmitting on specific frequencies to make those rare contacts or find that missing location you’ve been searching for.
This is the world first HTML5 web socket based DXCluster client
Logbook
The socialhams logbook allows you to record those important Amateur Radio contacts. This tool gives members the ability to add, edit, organize and sort their contacts all in one convenient location.
APRS Map
The APRS feature will display the location of any APRS station in the viewable area. This feature also provides each member with the ability to send a message from socialhams to any APRS device with messaging capability.
NCDXF Beacon
The Beacon Map displays the location, status and the current or future action of each NCDXF beacon in the network. By listening for each beacon on each band you can determine which bands are open and to what part of the world.
World clock
The World Clock allows each user to stay up to date with the time on any part of the globe. Users can also keep track of the Grey line as it moves to make use of this unique propagation condition.
Library
Collection of various documents like manuals, schematics, spreadsheets, etc
Elmer’s corner
The Elmer corner allows any socialhams member to create and publish a tutorial or guide for the entire community to use. Become an Elmer today!!
In our Feedback section, you can post your questions, comments, regards, etc. without any restrictions. Of course, you must strictly avoid obscenity, rude language, and abide by terms of socialhams. To cater for a wider ham radio community, all our features are offered in both English as well as German. Additional languages are in preparation.
We steadily improve existing functions as well as develop new interesting ham radio related modules. At the moment we are hardly work on a Geophysics and SOTA module. All our work in process modules can be previewed on our development site http://dev.socialhams.net, additionally all our developments are available as Git repository on http://gitlab.paan-systems.com. We would be happy to find developers that are interested in joining the project.
To enjoy the unique socialhams experience, all you need to do is sign up http://socialhams.net!
Short biography
Name: Andreas Pachler
Callsign: OE8APR
Licensed since: 2012
QTH: Seelach, Carinthia, Austria
Maidenhead: JN76go
Ham radio related interests: Digital modes (PSK, WSPR, etc), HF, SOTA, QRP
Hobbies: mountain hiking, listening to music, programming, electronics
Job: Industrial automation programmer
Because my dad is an amateur radio operator since I can think of it, it is clear that my interest in ham radio is as old as I am. I always wanted to get a license. I used to work on CB because it was not possible for me to get the license, I was still too young. I have had the chance to get experience with Packet Radio on the user side as well as the sysop side of things.
Some time passed by and my interests changed in puberty. There were so many other interesting things like girls, music festivals, journeys all over the world for my job as industrial automation programmer. But amateur radio never unclasped me and so I decided to get the license in 2012.
After getting my license I have started to build socialhams, it was hard work but I have had really much fun. I am trying to get the project further day by day."
ARRL renewal - no thanks!
Today, I got this email from ARRL. I have no plans to renew my membership, although I am still an RSGB member. It took a week to help me renew access to QST. Their online help was useless and it took a week to get anyone to help me. I was left unimpressed. Sorry, but no thanks.
You asked us to remind you by e-mail when your membership was about to expire. That time is coming.
Our records indicate that your ARRL membership will expire on Feb 28, 2015.
In order to receive uninterrupted delivery of QST, your membership journal, you need to renew 45-50 days prior to your membership expiration date. I wouldn’t want you to miss an issue, nor any of the other membership benefits and services, such as:
- access to the members-only features of the ARRL Web site
- participation in the ARRL e-mail Forwarding Service (arrl.net)
- answers to your questions on FCC rules and regs
- help with antenna, tower and zoning problems
- participation in DXCC and other ARRL contests and awards
- our outgoing QSL service
- low-cost equipment insurance
- preferred subscription rates for ARRL's technical magazine, QEX
and much more!
It's a snap to renew. Visit http://www.arrl.org/join/WE1A to renew at our Web-Site with a credit card or download a membership application to mail. You can also call us toll-free to join at: 1-888-277-5289 (US Only). International members call (860) 594-0338. Please renew today.
73,
David Sumner, K1ZZ
Chief Executive Officer
Sunspots - Dec 1st 2014
Sunspot number today is 153 and 10m daytime conditions are "good". 10m should be in recent shape again today. What happened to October and November? Time is flying by.
No 10m WSPR GDX overnight
Although 10m WSPR was running through the night here, no GDX was copied suggesting F-layer back-scatter was probably the GDX mechanism yesterday. First real DX was at 0722z (LZ1OI).
30 Nov 2014
10m WSPR GDX
Today, during the day, a couple of GDX stations have been copied around 170km range, but these are no longer being seen. To me, this suggests I am copying these stations on back-scatter as once good F-layer goes, so does the GDX. Of course, it could be that these stations are no longer on 10m as the DX seems to have now gone.
UPDATE 2212z: Only real locals spotting me or spotted by me. No GDX seen this evening, supporting to F-layer back-scatter as the most probable means of the GDX spots earlier in the day. I'll leave 10m WSPR running overnight to see if any GDX is copied. This, of course, requires others to be active too and currently there are very few active UK stations.
UPDATE 2252z: Just re-synced the PC clock to internet time, so the WSPR should be spot on overnight. However, I am not really expecting to see other than locals until breakfast time, but any DX or GDX in the night would be very good. TX is on about 20% and RX (looking for others) about 80%. Running 500mW, on the FT817 currently, so I can both TX and RX.
UPDATE 2212z: Only real locals spotting me or spotted by me. No GDX seen this evening, supporting to F-layer back-scatter as the most probable means of the GDX spots earlier in the day. I'll leave 10m WSPR running overnight to see if any GDX is copied. This, of course, requires others to be active too and currently there are very few active UK stations.
UPDATE 2252z: Just re-synced the PC clock to internet time, so the WSPR should be spot on overnight. However, I am not really expecting to see other than locals until breakfast time, but any DX or GDX in the night would be very good. TX is on about 20% and RX (looking for others) about 80%. Running 500mW, on the FT817 currently, so I can both TX and RX.
Last stateside 10m WSPR spot of my 500mW
WA4WW (6969km) was the last stateside station to spot me today at 1622z, quite early, at -22dB S/N. The last USA station spotted on 10m WSPR here was WB1FIG around 20 minutes later. He was also -22dB S/N. As I mentioned before, more power really does not seem to matter much. What is more important is that the path is open e.g to the USA. What I'm saying is running 5W, 50W or even 100W would make little difference if the path is closed and the MUF was not high enough. Maybe a few minutes?
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