Oscar 100 update

The narrowband transponder of this geosynchronous satellite has been increased to 500kHz wide. My casual monitoring of the narrowband transponder shows no real change in occupancy: busier than earlier months, but still plenty of room.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/

Heathkit

It was Heathkit that got me into radio way back in the early 1960s.

In recent years, they have been trying to make a comeback, although judging by their product range, I suspect they must be struggling. Basically, I can see a very few loyal people buying these, but not many. Anyone know what has happened to them?

See https://shop.heathkit.com/shop/category/products-am-fm-shortwave-tv-explorer-tm-series-receivers-8

Sunspots - Friday February 28th 2020

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

Snow - NOT amateur radio

When I first came to Cambridge in 1970 the winters were cold and dry. Nowadays winters are wet and mild. Snow is a rarety. Many winters we see no snow.

This morning we had snow, although it had all gone by lunchtime.

The photo shows the snow this morning.

Petty Cury, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

This is the view at one end of Petty Cury in Cambridge.

When I first came to Cambridge in 1970 it was a lovely street with shops and plenty of bay windows. In their infinite wisdom, the planners pulled all these down and replaced them with modern monstrosities.

I would like to think they would not be so stupid today. Do we never learn?

Elecraft KX2 transceiver

Apart from a few disadvantages this looks a fine choice for HF. It is very small, it has a good RX and can produce 10W and could even be used handheld.

But....

• The internal batteries have to be removed to charge.
• It does not cover 160m or 6m.
• It is expensive in the UK, but has a 2 year warranty and good technical support.
• The internal auto-ATU is extra.
• It does not have an SDR display.
• No 2m or 70cm.

I quite expect Elecraft to come out with a Mk2  which allows charging in situ of the internal batteries. One thing is certain: if I was to buy one then this Mk2 version would be released the very next day!

See https://elecraft.com/

Rally

Sunday 1 MARCH : EXETER RADIO & ELECTRONICS RALLY

America Hall, De la Rue Way, Pinhoe, Exeter EX4 8PW. Doors open at 10.30am (10.15am for disabled visitors). Admission £2 (under 16s free). There will be trade stands, Bring & Buy (book in from 10.15am), and catering. Details from Pete, G3ZVI on 0771 419 8374 or g3zvi@yahoo.co.uk

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

20m FT8 again with the tiny indoor loop

Again, I am on 20m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 10W. 28 stations spotted so far today with best DX spotted on RX being JF8EPR (8779km) in Japan. On TX, spots received from Greece and Sicily.

UPDATE 1737z: My little signal has been spotted by 13 stations so far today. 229 stations spotted on RX.

Stations spotted so far today
on the tiny indoor
loop on 20m FT8 RX 

UPDATE 2037z:  Now QRT. The stations that spotted me today are shown on the second map.   The loop is about 0.5m across and the wire about 1mm diameter! It just sits on my windowstill.

Stations that spotted my 10W
20m FT8 to the tiny indoor loop

Sunspots - Thursday February 27th 2020

Solar flux is 70 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=1.

ICOM IC-705

This QRP radio is still not available. Many think it will be first released in the USA in May at Dayton, although I would expect it to be released in Japan first. As reported on Tuesday, the Chinese Q900 is clearly designed as competition at about a third of the price.   Chinese quality control still bothers me though.

The IC-705 will clearly be market priced so they maximise profits for ICOM and their dealers. This basically means inflate the price as much as the punters will pay. Only drop the price if demand falls.