Last 24hrs on 472kHz with earth-electrodes and 5mW ERP

In total, 11 different stations have received my 5mW ERP WSPR signals from my earth-electrode "antenna" in the last 24 hours with the best report being from F1AFJ (607km) at 2202z last night at -29dB S/N. In the same period I received 12 unique stations.

472kHz - unique spots in last 24 hours

If I can match the earth-electrode "antenna" I shall be trying 160m for a change this evening and overnight. G8LCO has suggested this. If the earth-electrode "antenna" acts as a loop in the ground, I'd predict poorer results at 160m as the loop would be smaller. On the other hand, the FT817 would be better on RX (greater sensitivity) and my ERP higher (I think). Not sure of the noise floor here on 160m, but it could be poorer on 160m than 630m. Proof will be in the results - that is the fun.

Sunspots and 10m - Thurs Feb 19th

Sunspot number has climbed to 95 today and 10m propagation has changed from "poor" to "fair". So far today just locals spotting my 10m 500mW  WSPR beacon but during last evening and overnight G4CUI was copying me I think via tropo and aircraft reflection on 10m WSPR at 172km.

UPDATE 1800z:   So far today 7 unique 10m spots of my 500mW WSPR beacon from the USA.  13 unique stations altogether on 10m today.

Lincoln President (MK11 v3) down in price

Steve G1KQH has seen thst Nevada has reduced its price for the latest Lincoln President rig for 10m (and CB illegally). It was £249 but now £199, a saving of £50.

See http://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/amateur-radio/transceivers/mobile-transceivers/president-lincoln-ii .

472kHz

I have been on 472kHz WSPR all day. No new stations spotting me or being spotted but some decent DX with 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna".

Unique 472kHz WSPR spots today

No USA spots today

For the first time in a long time my 10m 500mW beacon was not copied at all in the USA today. The low power may not have helped and others may have been more successful. However, it may be a sign of things to come? The danger is falling conditions will see more people give up on 10m WSPR which would be a great pity. The next few years will be very interesting on 10m, especially outside the Es season.

AM on 28MHz and up

Much to my surprise, the RSGB actually published my recent letter to their "The Last Word" column in RadCom, together with a (pathetic) reply from their Spectrum Chair. At least my letter was printed.

The response did nothing to address my concerns. Although the RSGB claims not to be anti-AM, you'd find this hard to believe with a look at the most recent band plans. AM has its place on all bands from 28MHz upwards. I just wish the RSGB and other national organisations would simply acknowledge that this mode has its place. It may be a minority interest mode, but in my experience it is the simplest mode from a building viewpoint.

Flempton, Suffolk

This Suffolk church was open.  It is situated on the A1101 between Mildenhall and Bury St Edmunds.

It is famous for a window dedicated to the last lord of the manor. The parishes of Flempton and nearby Hengrave share the same vicar these days. See http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/flempton.htm . The parish dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.  The churchyard was fairly wild and rambling, but delightful nonetheless.

We ate next door (just behind the church) at The Greyhound pub where we enjoyed good, simple pub grub but with excellent service. Being right behind the church, I can recommend this pub. It looks nothing special but both the food and service were excellent.

I am afraid this post has nothing to do with amateur radio! I took no gear with me.  My wife and I just enjoyed the winter sunshine and temperatures of 10 degrees C.

See our blog about visits to East Anglian Churches .

Internet of Things (IoT) already here

 This morning I received this email from KK4HSX saying that (certainly in the USA) Amazon is already selling wifi connected slow cookers called "Crock Pots". Not sure if this is a stateside generic term.

It's already here. Behold,the Crock Pot you can monitor and control with you phone.

http://www.amazon.com/Crock-Pot-Wifi-Enabled-6-Quart-Cooker-SCCPWM600-V1/dp/B00IPEO02C#

Low cost ASSEMBLED unit from China

This morning, I received this email from Andy Cutland:

Check out this item I found on eBay: it comes ready built and has a nice side tone. Mine arrived today and works fb.

73's
De Andy

End time: 23 Feb 2015 07:21:07

Item: Frogs UltimateV3 version CW transceiver/telegraph/shortwave radio Finish product

URL: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=261576017759&alt=web

Falling sunspots

Yet again, sunspot number has fallen , this time to 40 with "poor" 10m conditions expected. I wonder if we'll see 10m open to the USA after lunch?

UPDATE 1100z: So far just G3YAC (12km) and G4IKZ (18km) spotting my 500mW WSPR on 10m this morning with no DX from even Europe or Russia in evidence.