Return to 472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP)

After an absence of several weeks, I have returned to 472kHz WSPR TX. My measured ERP is less than 10mW from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.  The output of the transverter is about 12W into 50 ohms, but the "antenna" is pretty inefficient, although better than expected.

Even in daylight I was quite surprised to see 3 unique stations spotting me with best DX spots by G0MRF (139km).

All being well, I hope to stay on overnight.

UPDATE 1206z: So far today, 4 different stations have spotted my 10mW ERP 472kHz WSPR signal.

UPDATE 1835z: 17 stations have spotted my 10mW ERP so far (see table below).

160m FT8 overnight

With over 600 stations spotted overnight it was another good session on topband. Antenna is again the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

Stations spotted on 160m
FT8 RX overnight 

Sunspots - Thursday February 6th 2020

Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=2.

160m FT8

After a successful 17m FT8 outing with the tiny magnetic loop antenna, I have QSYed to 160m FT8 using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. An initial CQ (10W) resulted in no QSOs but 24 spots across Western Europe on 160m FT8 TX. So far, 59 stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX with the best DX being RX9WN (3591km).

UPDATE 1945z:  Now 237 stations spotted this evening so far on 160m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2210z:  407 stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX today so far.

Electric cars - NOT amateur radio

Most times when out these days I spot at least 1 electric car. As time goes by I expect these will become more commonplace.

For me, they are still too expensive and the range is too limited for long distances. Even a trip from here to the coast and back would need a charge. They would be fine for short trips.

If people are to be persuaded to adopt these, they need good subsidies and better ranges. With research, I expect the latter will come. The former depends on government policies.

OFCOM updates

Every month OFCOM updates its Communications Monthly giving the latest statistics on comms in the UK. See their website.

10m

Southgate News often has lots of amateur news, but I get frustrated with Tony's 10m News.

To me, this would be far more useful if it showed the 10m DX being worked just from the UK. As it is, it usually shows DX being worked from other places. This can lead to a false impression that 10m is open to exotic places, when it is not!

10m should get better as the sunspot numbers and solar activity start to rise. With modes like FT8, we will find out the band is open much more often than we thought.

HF weak signal modes

There are some people who just enjoy chatting. On HF that usually means using SSB although there is some FM on 10m and some AM on less busy or crowded bands.

If, like me, you are more interested in seeing if bands are open, you may want to try weak signal modes. A few years ago WSPR was very popular. These days FT8 is more common.

WSPR signals are usually found in a 200Hz wide chunk. Individual WSPR signals are about 6Hz wide.  FT8 signals occupy usually a 2.5kHz window and are each about 50Hz wide.  FT8 is about 10dB less sensitive than WSPR.

Both concentrate activity in a narrow part of each band. Most monitors can pick up and report to the internet all signals they spot. Both work with signals weaker than SSB or CW. If a band is open, a weak signal mode will usually show it. As spots depend on monitors and internet uploads, I find FT8 more productive.

All software for these modes is free and available on the internet.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/hf-ft8

Cyclamen - NOT amateur radio

Other house plants we enjoy are cyclamen.  This one, an indiaka cyclamen, is a very attractive sort.

The one in the photo has been good for 4 months and is one of a pair bought cheaply from a local store. Normally, they go shortly after Christmas.

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

Every winter, we have amaryllis plants around. These are magical plants: it is hard to believe that from such a small bulb such enormous flowers can grow. We usually have a few and enjoy them shooting up. With luck, they can flower again too.

If you have never tried these, you are in for a treat! We take great pleasure watching ours grow. Next winter get some, water and watch!