2m big-wheel antenna

For many years now my main 2m antenna (and 70cms!) for SSB, CW and digital modes has been a 2m big-wheel omni, sometimes called a clover leaf. This has a little horizontal gain, but is a fixed antenna that does not need a rotator. It well suits my style of operating. I use this for 2m and 70cm UKAC sessions and casual use at other times.

Most days, irrespective of conditions, I spot at least 7 countries on FT8 RX and I am spotted at ranges of 400-500km when I call QRP CQ on FT8. For me, this antenna is perfect. For FM I use the V2000 vertical. At one time I had a hand-rotated small dual band beam, but I find the big wheel better suited.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/bigwheel

Autumn crocus - NOT amateur radio

Earlier, we came across this lone autumn crocus in the village. It demanded a quick photo.

My first photo with the smart phone was over-exposed, so I went back again with the "real" camera.

Network radios

Summer 2018, I bought a network radio, mainly to use with Echolink. These radios look like 2m handhelds, but are actually Android phones. I realise that mine has hardly been used for months. I find Echolink QSOs unsatisfying. I prefer the struggle with "real" radio!

Buying one, especially at sunspot minimum, I was expecting to feel differently.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/network

Is Trump stupid? - NOT amateur radio

OK, I have to admit I am not a great fan of President Trump and admit that others clearly hold different views.

His stance on world affairs seems naïve. He stands alone on climate change, in the face of mounting evidence he is wrong, even close to home. His position on Iran seems more aimed at American rednecks than world peace. His dealings with China are very questionable. Canute?

Allegedly, he does not agree with California's efforts to reduce pollution, although the legal battles could well continue way after the next USA presidential elections.

On the world stage he is viewed as a joke, although I acknowledge his policies may find favour at home in the USA. Caveat emptor. He may be fine on "The Apprentice", but is he a true statesman?

See https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-09-19/hiltzik-trump-california-waiver

Sunspots - Friday September 20th 2019

Solar flux is 67 today and the sunspot number still zero. A=8 and K=1.

Times they are a changing on 6m FT8

Since about 15 minutes ago, I have been on 6m FT8. Initially I called CQ, but got no reports at all - ziltch. Not even a G spot. What this tells me is there are far fewer stations monitoring than a few months back in the Es season. I'll stick with it, but I am less hopeful of spotting much or being spotted with my 10W CQ calls.

UPDATE 0944z: 3 spots so far on 6m FT8 RX with best DX IS0AWZ (1598km) on Sardinia.

UPDATE 1012z: A10W 6m FT8 CQ was spotted by G0SYP (222km). This was 2 hours ago, so must have been my earlier CQ.

UPDATE 1145z: Well, there is still life in 6m FT8! At the moment 16 stations in 5 countries spotted including some that must be Es. Best DX spotted, so far, is CT1EUB (1814km) in southern Portugal. My own 10W 6m FT8 CQ was not spotted by anyone.

UPDATE 1600z: Although I have been monitoring 6m FT8 most of the day, no more Es seen here since lunch. At the moment 21 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX with the best DX being  IH9YMC (1943km).

UPDATE 1918z: In the end, 26 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX today as the map shows. There is still some Es, but it is harder to find than a few months ago. It is worth using FT8 and putting out the occasional CQ call.

UPDATE 2049z: Just now I put out a 6m 10W FT8 CQ.  I was not expecting anyone to spot me really. Then G3XGS (63km) spotted me.

Sunday Rally

The following takes place this Sunday:

Sunday 22 SEPTEMBER : WESTON-SUPER-MARE RADIO RALLY

The Campus Highlands Lane Weston super Mare BS24 7DX (Jct 21 M5). Doors open 10am to 3pm. Entry is £3. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy stall. Excellent catering and a large car park. Enquiries to Dave Dyer by email to G4CXQ@btinternet.com or on 07871 034206.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

2m FT8 RX

All day, I have been on 2m FT8 RX. As usual, lots of stations copied.

As of 1930z 74 stations in 10 countries had been spotted today. This seems usual on 2m FT8 RX.

Brother's visit - NOT amateur radio

After a few days my brother has gone back to Devon. It was good to see him. All being well I shall see him in Devon in November.

Old car - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago we went to Norwich. This car was parked outside an hotel near the cathedral. I am not sure if this car dates from just before or just after WW2. It is certainly a fine car. I think it is a Bentley.