70cm FT8 activity contest tonight

Starting at 1700z tonight (until 2000z) is a 70cm FT8 activity contest. Check 432.174MHz USB dial. I can only receive, but I am already monitoring.

See http://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/

UPDATE 1830z: So far, 5 stations in 4 countries spotted with best DX DG1KDD (472km). I am only using my 2m big-wheel omni antenna. A recent 70cm FT8 CQ to the 2m big-wheel was spotted by no-one.

Stations spotted on 70cm FT8 RX to 1921z

UPDATE 1956z: My 70cm FT8 CQ was answered by G3YDY (64km). No other reports of my TX CQs (10W to the 2m big-wheel omni antenna). The DG station spotted earlier is my furthermost on 70cm FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2011z: Well it seems to me that this 70cm activity "contest" was a success with FT8 activity on the band. I think these stations spotted were flat band tropo and not aircraft reflections as most were weakly on the screen lots of the time.

Water mill - NOT amateur radio

Most months we go for a walk at Anglesey Abbey. It is about 5-7 minutes by car. Every month there is something new to see in the grounds. There are formal gardens and wild parts. Even when busy, it is possible to find quiet spots.

The photo shows the water mill there. In the summer it is busy with visitors, although in mid-winter it is much quieter.

Brennan BB1 receiver - NOT amateur radio

Some time ago, I mentioned that I got a Brennan BB1 receiver as a joint birthday and Christmas present. I am totally impressed.

Mentioned before were the 40000 radio stations from across the world in crystal clear FM quality, ripped CDs and YouTube videos. Sound quality is excellent and it is small. Listening to ABC Classics from Perth, Australia is like listening to Classic FM here in the UK.

As a bonus, all PCs, smart phones and tablets can be used as remote controls, so you can swap from Christmas CDs to radio from Cape Town or change the volume in an instant! This can totally confuse wives!

Granddaughter - NOT amateur radio

Over New Year our son and family came to stay. This is one of our granddaughters at Ickworth House, Suffolk. I think it was January 1st.

2m FT8 (2.5W to the big-wheel)

About 12 minutes ago I QSYed to 2m FT8, using the FT817ND and the big-wheel omni antenna. 3 stations spotted my FT8 CQ with best DX being G4RRA (334km) in Devon. On 2m FT8 RX best DX is DL6YBF (471km) with 4 stations in 3 countries spotted so far this morning.

UPDATE 1238z: Now 15 stations in 4 countries so far spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1625z: 27 stations in 6 countries spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

10m antenna

Since my Par antenna started giving a very high VSWR, I have been looking for a 10m antenna for the next cycle and for Es. Being considered are CB verticals of various types, wire dipoles and my Homebase-10, which is basically a wire halo. I used the latter at my old QTH very successfully, although I cannot get it as high at this location. Verticals tend to pick up more local noise but are good omnidirectional antennas. Dipoles are not so good off their ends. In all cases I need help with erection, sadly.

There is a video showing the Homebase-10 erected at the old QTH. The video is actually about a 500kHz antenna, but shows the 10m antenna pretty well. There are other videos on the G3XBM channel.

472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP) - more success

Overnight I was on 472kHz WSPR TX using my usual 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. It is still on now. In all, spots from 19 stations including 30 from Norway. Best DX was a single spot by LA8AV (1035km). 29 spots by Jan!

Stations spotting me in the last 

12 hours on 472kHz WSPR TX

Sunspots - Wednesday January 8th 2020

Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=2.

2m activity contest (UKAC)

This evening was the 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB. Although the contest runs for 2.5 hours, I managed 48 minutes before my voice shouted "stop!!" In all 10 QSOs were had with best DX G4RUL/P on the south coast. I was running 10W to the big-wheel omni.

Stations worked on 2m SSB this evening

Back on 472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP)

This evening I went on 472kHz WSPR again using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Already a couple of stations spotting me.

UPDATE 2200z: 12 stations spotting me and already 3 spots by Jan LA3EQ (769km).