472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP)

At about 2000z, I QSYed to 472kHz WSPR TX using my usual 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far 10 stations have spotted me including LA8AV (1035km) at 2012 (early).

QSYed to 2m FT8

It never fails to amaze me just how far 2m FT8 reaches: in just a few minutes I was spotting stations in the Netherlands and Germany on just the omni antenna!  I seem to get this at any time of day and irrespective of conditions. Occasionally there are signals coming in by aircraft reflections, but I am pretty sure the majority are by "flat band tropo", so they are there at any time even with no lifts.

Already 12 stations in 4 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX with the big-wheel omni antenna.  On 2m FT8 TX with 2.5W to the big-wheel omni I have been spotted by 3 stations with the best DX being G4RRA (333km) in Devon.

UPDATE 1328z:  Now 20 stations in 5 countries spotted so far on 2m FT8 RX today.

UPDATE 1515z:   Now 30 stations in 7 countries spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1913z:  44 stations in 8 countries spotted so far on 2m FT8 RX today.

UPDATE 2000z: QRT on 2m.

New HF antenna

In my quest for a new higher HF antenna, my attention has been drawn to the Solarcon Imax 2000, which was designed as a CB 5/8ths wave vertical, but works well on many of the higher HF bands even without an auto-ATU. It seems to be well made, if tall. Some have painted the fibre glass to better hide it when erected.

As mentioned before, whatever antenna I eventually choose, I shall need help with erection. Although someone some way away has already kindly offered, it would be great to get help from someone more local. A few years ago this would have been trivial for me, but sadly not now. I feel embarrassed to ask for help!

See https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=1376

Christmas cheer

Some people like to decorate the outside of their homes at Christmas.  By comparison, we must seem very dull!

The photo shows one house in the village ready for Christmas.

Encouraging older people?

It is very clear that the average age of radio amateurs is going up as existing amateurs in the hobby get older. It is also vital that we encourage younger people into the hobby and keep them.

Todd already commented in an earlier post that working DX, which was so exciting for many of us, is less important for many younger people today: the magic to many of us of talking around the world is no longer such a turn-on for many younger people used to talking across the world on video free by Skype and similar.

What the Southgate News piece points out is there are lots of lonely older people who could find companionship through amateur radio. These people should also be encouraged too.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2019/december/encouraging-seniors-to-join-ham-radio.htm#.XgSG6-iTLnE

Fifth force? - NOT amateur radio

Southgate News reports that a possible fifth force in nature may have been discovered.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2019/december/possible-fifth-force-of-nature-found.htm#.XgSDduiTLnE

472kHz WSPR TX overnight

Another pretty good session on 472kHz WSPR TX with 22 stations spotting my 10mW ERP. Nothing from Norway but reports from Poland.

Iris - NOT amateur radio

When one of our sons came up on Tuesday he brought my wife some lovely iris flowers as shown in the photo.

Sunspots - Thursday December 26th 2019

Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 23. A=4 and K=1.

QSYed to 472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP)

After a day on 2m (144MHz) I have QSYed to 472kHz WSPR (10mW from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground). So far, 6 stations spotted me with best DX G4MEM (230km).

UPDATE  2044z: Now 12 unique spots so far with best DX PA3FNY (330km).