Having just re-read some of the comments to my few posts in the second half of 2013 when I was in hospital with my stroke, I realise how much support you all gave me at that dark time.
It is now 3 years later and I am able to drive, eat normally and most of me works although I still feel giddy on my feet, have a poor voice and I find drinks hard. Overall, I am grateful as things could have been so much worse.
From the bottom of my heart - thank you. You cannot begin to realise just how valuable this support was.
5 Nov 2016
VHF Spectrum Forum Notes
See http://rsgb.org/main/files/2016/11/5.2_VHF-Managers-report_Oct2016.pdf .
According to Southgate News OFCOM have recognised that the VHF lo-band noise (man-made) is much worse than it used to be.
According to Southgate News OFCOM have recognised that the VHF lo-band noise (man-made) is much worse than it used to be.
Choosing a new band for JT65 this evening and overnight
As the 10m JT65 DX seems to have ended for the night, I might try JT65 on a completely different band this evening and overnight. I have yet to choose a band. Although I have tried WSPR on most bands, I have yet to try JT65 on the lower HF bands or MF. This could be fun. I shall need to use the auto ATU. Whatever band is chosen, I shall be beaconing "B G3XBM JO02".
UPDATE 1945z: In the end I chose 30m using my Par antenna via the ATU. We'll see what happens. The local noise level is very high compared with 10m.
UPDATE 2014z: This is puzzling. No spots given or received as yet. Am I using the right frequency? I was using 10.138MHz but maybe I should try 40m instead? I have now QSYed to 7.039MHz on 40m but still just 1 spot. Compared with 40m and 30m WSPR, results so far have been very disappointing.
UPDATE 2100z: Would someone please let me know the correct JT65 frequencies in Europe? Judging by the levels of activity I am sure I cannot be using the correct frequencies.
UPDATE 2122z: In view of my confusion, I think I am going to move to 14.076MHz. Moved to 20m at 2125z.
UPDATE 2134z: Here was me expecting loads of 20m JT65 spots! So far, nothing given or received. Maybe I am assuming these HF bands would be "open".
UPDATE 1945z: In the end I chose 30m using my Par antenna via the ATU. We'll see what happens. The local noise level is very high compared with 10m.
UPDATE 2014z: This is puzzling. No spots given or received as yet. Am I using the right frequency? I was using 10.138MHz but maybe I should try 40m instead? I have now QSYed to 7.039MHz on 40m but still just 1 spot. Compared with 40m and 30m WSPR, results so far have been very disappointing.
UPDATE 2100z: Would someone please let me know the correct JT65 frequencies in Europe? Judging by the levels of activity I am sure I cannot be using the correct frequencies.
UPDATE 2122z: In view of my confusion, I think I am going to move to 14.076MHz. Moved to 20m at 2125z.
UPDATE 2134z: Here was me expecting loads of 20m JT65 spots! So far, nothing given or received. Maybe I am assuming these HF bands would be "open".
Disappointment on 10m JT65 today
After a promising start, today has been a disappointment on 10m JT65. It is now 1538z and although I have spotted 8 countries and 3 continents on 10m JT65, not a single person has copied me! I checked all was well about 1 hour ago.
Things could change, but I am beginning to think this is not going to be so good. 10m is like this: some days it defies the forecasts and is good. Other days, like today, it started off well and has gone downhill. Ho hum - better luck tomorrow? I shall remain on 10m JT65 until bedtime in the hope it will improve.
There is a newer version of WSJT-X, although I don't think this is on general release yet. I may try this although V1.6 seems to serve me well.
Things could change, but I am beginning to think this is not going to be so good. 10m is like this: some days it defies the forecasts and is good. Other days, like today, it started off well and has gone downhill. Ho hum - better luck tomorrow? I shall remain on 10m JT65 until bedtime in the hope it will improve.
There is a newer version of WSJT-X, although I don't think this is on general release yet. I may try this although V1.6 seems to serve me well.
Prices up?
In recent months we have seen the pound lose value against the yen and the dollar. It now looks as if these are being passed on to customers in increased prices.
MLS is offering a deal on the IC7300 at Kempton. See http://www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-radio-main-equipment-base-station-radio-icom-base-station-radio/icom/icom-ic-7300-hf-50-70mhz-transceiver-pd-6016.php?mc_cid=ce97983f94&mc_eid=e7d0ed0d96. At the same time they are offering the FT450D at £499.
I appreciate dealers have to make a profit and their prices have increased, but I was expecting the IC7300 to drop in price. Are we being warmed up to think around £1049 was a good price? The IC7300 should be less expensive than the FT450D as it has a simpler architecture.
For now, I am happy to wait.
The FT991A will be a direct competitor to the IC7300, so expect a Yaesu-ICOM price war in 2017 with both transceivers fighting it out. I think both will be below £1000 in 2017 despite the exchange rates.
MLS is offering a deal on the IC7300 at Kempton. See http://www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-radio-main-equipment-base-station-radio-icom-base-station-radio/icom/icom-ic-7300-hf-50-70mhz-transceiver-pd-6016.php?mc_cid=ce97983f94&mc_eid=e7d0ed0d96. At the same time they are offering the FT450D at £499.
I appreciate dealers have to make a profit and their prices have increased, but I was expecting the IC7300 to drop in price. Are we being warmed up to think around £1049 was a good price? The IC7300 should be less expensive than the FT450D as it has a simpler architecture.
For now, I am happy to wait.
The FT991A will be a direct competitor to the IC7300, so expect a Yaesu-ICOM price war in 2017 with both transceivers fighting it out. I think both will be below £1000 in 2017 despite the exchange rates.
What a difference 2 years makes
Exactly 2 years ago to the day, I was using 50mW WSPR on 10m and getting lots of spots from the USA. This autumn I have been on 10m JT65 and been spotted just once in the USA on 10m when using 2W. Solar activity is on the slide.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/ .
See http://www.solen.info/solar/ .
Sunspots and 10m - Saturday November 5th 2016
Solar flux is 76 today and the sunspot number 25. K=1.
Already 10m JT65 is promising today, but time will tell.
Already 10m JT65 is promising today, but time will tell.
After 2m JT65, a return to 10m JT65
Last night, and overnight I was on 144.166MHz JT65B. Several spots were exchanged with G3WKW (133km) and G6AVK (77km) spotted me several times. It was altogether a successful 2m outing and my thanks go to both stations for being on and doing the test. Yet again JT65 looks better than WSPR on 2m. I wonder if there is a need for a WSPR1 with 1 minute TX times? I am sure the shorter TX time helps in some cases, especially if there is Doppler.
This morning I returned to 10m JT65 with spots of stations in the UK, Germany, Ukraine and Russia. Nobody has yet spotted my 2W.
UPDATE 1155z: With 7 countries and 2 continents so far spotted this morning on 10m JT65, I am surprised that my own signal has not yet been spotted.
UPDATE 1354z: LW2DAF (11211km) in Buenos Aires is the best DX spotted on 10m JT65 RX so far today. He was spotted at 1318z. Still no spots of my 2W, which is surprising. I may close and restart in case something odd is going on at my end and I am not actually TXing.
This morning I returned to 10m JT65 with spots of stations in the UK, Germany, Ukraine and Russia. Nobody has yet spotted my 2W.
UPDATE 1155z: With 7 countries and 2 continents so far spotted this morning on 10m JT65, I am surprised that my own signal has not yet been spotted.
UPDATE 1354z: LW2DAF (11211km) in Buenos Aires is the best DX spotted on 10m JT65 RX so far today. He was spotted at 1318z. Still no spots of my 2W, which is surprising. I may close and restart in case something odd is going on at my end and I am not actually TXing.
4 Nov 2016
2m JT65B on 144.166MHz
Since about 1900z I have been on 144.166MHz using JT65B. I am doing a test with G3WKW but if anyone else wants to listen and report to PSK reporter than would be appreciated, of course.
UPDATE 2002z: G3WKW (133km) spotted me 36 minutes ago on 2m at -24dB S/N! Thanks Bob.
UPDATE 2035z: Now G6AVK (77km) has spotted me on 2m. Thank you.
UPDATE 2002z: G3WKW (133km) spotted me 36 minutes ago on 2m at -24dB S/N! Thanks Bob.
UPDATE 2035z: Now G6AVK (77km) has spotted me on 2m. Thank you.
Rallies coming up
The following rallies are coming up:
Sunday 6 NOVEMBER : 56th VERON HAM RADIO CONVENTION
The Americahal, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. The Ham Radio Convention opens at 9.30am, parking is €4, admission €9 for non VERON members. Lectures on NVIS by Ben, PE5B; noise sources how to reduce noise by Jan, PA0JMG, Andre, PA3FIS, Anton, PA0AST and Koos, PA0KDF; Proud 2B PI4YLC, by Mariette, PA1ENG and Claudia, PD5AX; Proud 2B PI4YLC, by Mariette, PA1ENG and Claudia, PD5AX. There will be trophy presentations, trade stands, flea market, homebrew exhibition, young persons area. www.veron.nl
Sunday 6 NOVEMBER : WEST LONDON RADIO & ELECTRONICS SHOW (Kempton Rally)
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5AQ. The venue has free car parking and disabled facilities. A talk-in station will be in operation. Doors open at 9.50/10am. There will be trade stands, a flea market, a Bring & buy, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. A raffle will take place during the day and a lecture stream will be available. There are catering outlets on site. More information from Paul, M0CJX on 08451 650 351 or by email to info@radiofairs.co.uk. www.radiofairs.co.uk.
Sunday 6 NOVEMBER : BUSHVALLEY ARC ANNUAL RALLY
United Services Club, 8 Roe Mill Road, Limavady, Co Londonderry BT49 9DF Doors open at 11am and the venue has disabled facilities. There will be a Bring & Buy, a talk-in station and trade stands. There will be catering on site and a raffle will be held on the day. More details from Jackie Doyle, MI0JPD on 0788 529 2545 or by email mn0gkl@gmail.com.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Sunday 6 NOVEMBER : 56th VERON HAM RADIO CONVENTION
The Americahal, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. The Ham Radio Convention opens at 9.30am, parking is €4, admission €9 for non VERON members. Lectures on NVIS by Ben, PE5B; noise sources how to reduce noise by Jan, PA0JMG, Andre, PA3FIS, Anton, PA0AST and Koos, PA0KDF; Proud 2B PI4YLC, by Mariette, PA1ENG and Claudia, PD5AX; Proud 2B PI4YLC, by Mariette, PA1ENG and Claudia, PD5AX. There will be trophy presentations, trade stands, flea market, homebrew exhibition, young persons area. www.veron.nl
Sunday 6 NOVEMBER : WEST LONDON RADIO & ELECTRONICS SHOW (Kempton Rally)
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5AQ. The venue has free car parking and disabled facilities. A talk-in station will be in operation. Doors open at 9.50/10am. There will be trade stands, a flea market, a Bring & buy, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. A raffle will take place during the day and a lecture stream will be available. There are catering outlets on site. More information from Paul, M0CJX on 08451 650 351 or by email to info@radiofairs.co.uk. www.radiofairs.co.uk.
Sunday 6 NOVEMBER : BUSHVALLEY ARC ANNUAL RALLY
United Services Club, 8 Roe Mill Road, Limavady, Co Londonderry BT49 9DF Doors open at 11am and the venue has disabled facilities. There will be a Bring & Buy, a talk-in station and trade stands. There will be catering on site and a raffle will be held on the day. More details from Jackie Doyle, MI0JPD on 0788 529 2545 or by email mn0gkl@gmail.com.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
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