472kHz (630m) WSPR - using WSJT-X V1.6

I have returned to 472kHz WSPR tonight with about 5mW ERP. Several spots already including some new people that I don't recall from previous seasons. I am again using my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

UPDATE 1938z: G3KEV (232km) is the best DX on 630m WSPR RX so far this evening.

UPDATE 2040z: DK7FC (669km) is now the best DX on 630m WSPR RX this evening. Stefan is always a good signal on MF.

RSGB making some changes to VHF contests in 2017

I was recently emailed telling me of some changes to the rules next year. See http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/information/vhfcc-2016survey-output.pdf for more details.

Major changes (written by the RSGB VHF contest committee) are as follows: 

• We will introduce a series of awards for the leading stations aged 18 or under to encourage more young operators to try, and hopefully stay with contesting 
• We are increasing the power limits for the two sections of the Backpackers contests from 3W and 10W to 5W and 25W 
• We are introducing new short low power FM contests aimed at newcomers on 4m, 2m and 70cm which will run in the hour prior to the UKAC events (1900 – 2000) on those bands 
• We are re-introducing the 2m diameter limitation for dish and backfire antennas in the Restricted and Low Power section of the 23cm UKAC contests 
• We are introducing separate Local and National club sections to the UKAC Club Competitions defined in a similar way to the successful 80m CC sections.  
• The 4m UKAC contests will move to occur every 3rd THURSDAY of the month to allow them to happen every month, and the 4m Cumulatives will be removed from the calendar 
• The 6m UKAC contests will move to occur every 2nd THURSDAY to separate them from the SHF events 
• In VHF NFD it will be possible for stations in both the Mix and Match and Restricted sections to operate on up to five bands, but have only their best 4 bands count 
• With the aim of increasing weekend activity, we are introducing a new Club section to the VHF Championship for weekend contests. In this section, the scores from every individual entry to a contest from a club’s members will count towards an overall score for the club.

More on Black Friday "bargains"

If you really, really must have a certain rig then the Black Friday deals are maybe worth it, but I am struck by the deals on offer for rigs that have been replaced by better, or more recent, models. I'm thinking of the IC7100, IC7000, FT991 and similar. I guess these are not selling so well and it is a good chance to clear the shelves.

If you have always wanted one of these go grab a slight bargain but don't be conned. The dealers want to rid themselves of old stock primarily and want you to visit their stores.

Cynic, me?

Back on 472kHz WSPR tonight?

In the last hour I reconnected my earth-electrode "antenna", so in theory I could be back on 472kHz (630m) WSPR this evening. It remains to be seen as I have to check wiring and match first. We have family staying this weekend, so next week is more realistic.

It takes something like this, which would have been so simple in the past, to make me realise how pathetic I have become. After just a few minutes I was exhausted. In the past this would have been a trivial task. It seems like 20-30 minutes and I am "done in" these days. For 3 years now I have felt sick, giddy and exhausted when doing anything physical or mental on my feet. Don't get old and don't have a stroke!

Windmill in sunshine - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago the windmill next door was wet with very dark clouds. Today, it is cold and bright. I even managed to cut our grass. Our sweet peas are still flowering despite some frosts. The wind looks to be from the east.

Now just 10m JT65

A few minutes ago I turned off the 10m WSPR (no spots) and 6m JT65 and went instead to just 10m JT65. Today does not look too promising, but we'll see.

UPDATE 1525z: So far just G1JGT (35km) spotted calling CQ on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1700z:  PU3AMB (10431km) in Brazil was spotted at 1614z this afternoon on 10m JT65. TEP?

UPDATE 1725z:  It is now over an hour since the DX from Brazil was copied on 10m JT65. I shall probably go QRT on 10m shortly and maybe try 630m WSPR?

6m JT65 and 10m WSPR

For a change this morning I am on 10m WSPR (500mW) and 6m JT65 (2W) at the same time. I started things running at about 0720z.

UPDATE 0940z: G0LRD (25km) spotting me and I am spotting G3PXT (82km) on 6m. Nothing on 10m WSPR.

Sunspots and 10m - Friday November 25th 2016

Solar flux is 79 today. The sunspot count is 12. K=6.

10m is unlikely to be any good today.

Black Friday Crap - NOT amateur radio

One of the bad things we in the UK seem to have imported from the USA is "Black Friday". Until a few years ago this was unknown here in the UK. As far as I can see this is just another excuse to encourage us to buy what we do not need. It is greed and commercialism, pure and simple. OK there may be some bargains, but few.

Let me say I hate Black Friday and refuse to go along with the silly games that shops and retailers play on us. Bah humbug! I know some retailers are having a hard time, but as far as Black Friday is concerned go away! Play somewhere else.

UK Amateur Prices Up

Since BREXIT and the UK pound losing value against the $ and Yen, we are seeing price increases. The FT817ND was around £450 or less but MLS are now listing this at £599.95 "with 5% off". This is rather more than the exchange rate change. Somebody being greedy?