Flybe - NOT amateur radio

As I write there is a danger of Flybe collapsing. This airline is based in Devon and serves many airports around the UK and Europe. I hope this can be avoided.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51089118

2m FT8

A few moments ago I switched to 2m FT8. At first I called CQ (10W to the big-wheel omni) and now I am RX only. Best DX on TX was G7RAU (461km) in Cornwall. All the other spots of me (7) were by G stations. On 2m FT8 RX 3 stations in 2 countries spotted so far today.

UPDATE 1423z: 11 stations in 5 countries so far spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1751z : Now 21 stations spotted.

Stations spotted today on 2m FT8 RX 

UPDATE 2115z: About an hour ago I called CQ (10W) on 2m FT8. In all, 10 stations in 3 countries spotted me. On 2m FT8 RX 40 stations in 6 countries spotted so far today.

UPDATE 2144z: A recent FT8 CQ call on 2m was spotted by several stations including GI6ATZ (479km).

Hyacinths - NOT amateur radio

My wife was given a collection of hyacinths. These came out a few days ago and have given us much pleasure.

G3XBM shack and antennas

Just over a year ago I made a video showing the shack and antennas in use at that time. My voice is very poor!

Since then, I have made a few changes, but still mostly use FT8. There are other videos on the G3XBM channel, most made when my voice was OK!

WISPY

It is some years since I designed this TX. At the time I needed a quick and low cost way to TX WSPR on 10m.

I opted for a DSB TX using low cost 14.060MHz crystals and doubling. The PA used low cost transistors. These days many prefer FT8, although WSPR works with much lower signal levels.

You may find some useful ideas in the circuit even if you do not use it for WSPR. The site below also has a transceive option. This was breadboarded as separate RX and TX units but never tried as a full transceiver. It should work.

The same circuit (and the transceive option) should also work on PSK31. Just think of it: work the world for a few pounds!

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/wispytx

Worst night yet on 160m FT8

Overnight 160m was the worst I can remember this season with just 9 North Americans spotted. Nothing from the Caribbean or South America. Again, using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. A week ago I was spotting more than 50 North Americans on 160m FT8 RX nightly!

160m FT8 RX stations spotted overnight

Sunspots - Monday January 13th 2020

Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K =1.

160m FT8

As it is dark, I have QSYed to 160m FT8. 104 stations spotted so far. Best DX so far this evening is RJ6J (3414km).

UPDATE 2220z: At the moment 225 stations spotted this evening on 160m FT8 RX. First North American was spotted at 2112z. This was VY2NA (4445km) on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

G3XBM history

I have been involved with amateur radio since the early 1960s and it still gives me a buzz. Things are very different today, but it is still a hobby with many facets. Looks like I was a great fan of wood effect Fablon!

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

UK royalty in crisis? - NOT amateur radio

When it comes to the royal family I am conflicted. There is little doubt that our history, linked with our king and queens, is a big tourist draw. It probably earns us millions each year. Also, there is little doubt that our queen has done a good job during her long reign.

At the same time, I hate privilege with certain people having too much wealth and power. I have my doubts about royalty continuing in the same way once the queen dies.

There is much evidence of minor royals getting too easy a ride at the expense of the public purse. My wife makes a good suggestion: sell off some royal palaces as hotels and charge huge fees for visitors to stay where royalty once slept. The Americans would love this. Give any revenue generated to the NHS. If some royals want to live abroad let them, but not at our expense. Likewise, cut down on payments to minor royals.

It cannot be easy being a senior royal. The only thing that stops me being a republican is I cannot think of a single person who would make a good president!