Tweeted by the RSGB:
Friday fun fact – Marlon Brando used the call signs KE6PZH and FO5GJ. He said amateur radio allowed him to be himself.
10 Jun 2016
6m WSPR - doh!
I knew I had to offset my FT817 on 6m WSPR but it helps to be on the correct frequency! I realised I was set to 50.292700 whereas I should have been 50.292970. As soon as I corrected my stupid error of the last few days I was immediately spotted by G0LRD (25km) at +5dB S/N. I feel so stupid. Maybe now I'll see some 6m Es! Silly boy.
Meanwhile my fully stand-alone W5OLF 10m 500mW WSPR beacon continues to be spotted across Europe and beyond. This little beacon has given me so much fun - it beats everything I have ever owned. It is so tiny too. If everything else had to go this is the one bit of kit I would want to keep. In terms of DX per pound spent this is incredible value. It is so small it can be overlooked, but boy does it pack a punch.
UPDATE 1835z: My first DX Es spot on 6m WSPR this season: EA1CCM (1301km) spotted me at an incredible +4dB S/N at 1832z. Yes, it definitely helps to be on the right frequency!
UPDATE 2135z: OH7AZL (2000km) was spotted on 6m WSPR earlier this evening.
Meanwhile my fully stand-alone W5OLF 10m 500mW WSPR beacon continues to be spotted across Europe and beyond. This little beacon has given me so much fun - it beats everything I have ever owned. It is so tiny too. If everything else had to go this is the one bit of kit I would want to keep. In terms of DX per pound spent this is incredible value. It is so small it can be overlooked, but boy does it pack a punch.
UPDATE 1835z: My first DX Es spot on 6m WSPR this season: EA1CCM (1301km) spotted me at an incredible +4dB S/N at 1832z. Yes, it definitely helps to be on the right frequency!
UPDATE 2135z: OH7AZL (2000km) was spotted on 6m WSPR earlier this evening.
10m WSPR Es - late, but here
Eventually, I see my 10m WSPR is being spotted in Germany from 1006z. This was later than yesterday, but definitely Es around again. I wonder what the rest of the day will bring?
UPDATE 1215z: 10m WSPR spots from France and Denmark now.
UPDATE 1215z: 10m WSPR spots from France and Denmark now.
6m WSPR Es - not yet here
As yet, I have still to catch an Es opening on 6m WSPR. Others with higher ERPs have. I use WSPR as I can monitor activity remotely in the lounge on another PC, or even in the garden. WSPR also suits my disability as I do not have to use my voice.
In the last few summers 4X1RF (3519km) has received my 1W ERP WSPR on 6m several times. He is monitoring, so I just have to be patient and see if this path opens this year too. I know I'd have more 6m success on SSB, CW or JT65.
In the meantime, I am trying on both 6m and 10m WSPR although 10m WSPR is quiet here today.
In the last few summers 4X1RF (3519km) has received my 1W ERP WSPR on 6m several times. He is monitoring, so I just have to be patient and see if this path opens this year too. I know I'd have more 6m success on SSB, CW or JT65.
In the meantime, I am trying on both 6m and 10m WSPR although 10m WSPR is quiet here today.
EME or Moonbounce
See http://www.amateurradio.com/ for details of VE7SL's EME activity. He runs (relatively) low power for moonbounce, but still seems to get lots of contacts via the moon. Inspiring stuff.
More UK Rallies this weekend
Sunday 12 JUNE : 15th JUNCTION 28 RALLY
Alfreton Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The venue has car parking available and disabled facilities. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and a raffle will take place, there is also a licensed bar. More information from Anya Lawrence on 01159 307 322 or by email to adylawri@btininternet.com.
Sunday 12 JUNE : EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL (Ipswich Radio Rally)
The Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, A14 Eastbound, Nacton, Ipswich IP10 0DD. There will be a talk in station on S22 and car parking is available on site. Doors open at 9.30am and admission is £2. There will be an RSGB bookstall, a car boot area and a Bring & Buy. Special interest groups will be attending. There is a licensed bar and catering available. An HF station running GB4SWR will be on the air. Details from Kevin, G8MXV, 0771 004 6846. www.eswr.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Alfreton Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The venue has car parking available and disabled facilities. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and a raffle will take place, there is also a licensed bar. More information from Anya Lawrence on 01159 307 322 or by email to adylawri@btininternet.com.
Sunday 12 JUNE : EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL (Ipswich Radio Rally)
The Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, A14 Eastbound, Nacton, Ipswich IP10 0DD. There will be a talk in station on S22 and car parking is available on site. Doors open at 9.30am and admission is £2. There will be an RSGB bookstall, a car boot area and a Bring & Buy. Special interest groups will be attending. There is a licensed bar and catering available. An HF station running GB4SWR will be on the air. Details from Kevin, G8MXV, 0771 004 6846. www.eswr.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
BHS recently, so who is next? - NOT amateur radio
In recent years some very well known shops have closed and gone from UK high streets including Woolworths and recently BHS. Sadly, these stores never quite got their acts together in the on-line age. More are certain to follow.
My bet is on W.H.Smith closing next. These shops always look tired and poorly lit. You get the impression this is a chain hanging on rather than thriving. They have looked tired for many years now. I find shopping there a dismal experience these days. No, they need to work on their lighting and on-line activities if they are still to be around in years to come.
Shops that will survive are those with a good website, good on-line sales, and a "click and collect" option in a bright and inviting local store. The model is John Lewis. Sadly W.H.Smiths is not a John Lewis. They could be though. I think there time to change, but not much.
My bet is on W.H.Smith closing next. These shops always look tired and poorly lit. You get the impression this is a chain hanging on rather than thriving. They have looked tired for many years now. I find shopping there a dismal experience these days. No, they need to work on their lighting and on-line activities if they are still to be around in years to come.
Shops that will survive are those with a good website, good on-line sales, and a "click and collect" option in a bright and inviting local store. The model is John Lewis. Sadly W.H.Smiths is not a John Lewis. They could be though. I think there time to change, but not much.
Storms in the UK and maps
Apart from in N.Ireland, the threat of thunderstorms seems to have receded with the UK largely free from thunder and lightning. It is always useful to check the maps at this time of the year.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org .
Certainly here in the UK, we have had a fine, settled period this week after some very cold weather. Last week there was an E-W split with fine weather in the west but cold, miserable weather further east. We are now moving back to more changeable weather.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org .
Certainly here in the UK, we have had a fine, settled period this week after some very cold weather. Last week there was an E-W split with fine weather in the west but cold, miserable weather further east. We are now moving back to more changeable weather.
No early 10m Es here today
It is coming up to 0900z. As yet there are no signs of Es on 10m WSPR, unlike yesterday which started off early with Es and lasted (here) until 2144z.
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