28 Mar 2020
27 Mar 2020
Reading - NOT amateur radio
In the next few months many of us are facing lockdowns. This means lots of time at home. For many it will prove difficult, but thankfully we have technology to help keep us in touch. We can video chat to friends and relatives by Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and the like.
In the last few days many of us have witnessed great acts of kindness and generosity. In trying times like these, many are expressing themselves by great acts of selflessness. At heart, many people are very kind. Sadly, we often hear about the bad things, but less often about acts of kindness. When this sad chapter ends I very much hope we emerge as kinder, more caring, people.
This year, many houses will be cleaner than ever and gardens looking a picture. Pollution levels are dropping and the climate emergency will have a break. I expect the economic ramifications will be felt for years to come. I suspect many will question long supply chains and the chase for ever cheaper prices by making in low cost countries far away.
Many of us will be finding the joys of nature again and some will find solace in books. With visits to local bookshops and libraries not possible, many will turn to online sellers like Abe Books and Amazon.
At the moment I am dipping into a book written 300 years ago about a trip around Britain by Daniel Defoe. It is fascinating.
In the last few days many of us have witnessed great acts of kindness and generosity. In trying times like these, many are expressing themselves by great acts of selflessness. At heart, many people are very kind. Sadly, we often hear about the bad things, but less often about acts of kindness. When this sad chapter ends I very much hope we emerge as kinder, more caring, people.
This year, many houses will be cleaner than ever and gardens looking a picture. Pollution levels are dropping and the climate emergency will have a break. I expect the economic ramifications will be felt for years to come. I suspect many will question long supply chains and the chase for ever cheaper prices by making in low cost countries far away.
Many of us will be finding the joys of nature again and some will find solace in books. With visits to local bookshops and libraries not possible, many will turn to online sellers like Abe Books and Amazon.
At the moment I am dipping into a book written 300 years ago about a trip around Britain by Daniel Defoe. It is fascinating.
VHF scatter?
2m FT8 continues to amaze me.
Every single day I get spotted at great distance. Ranges are typically more than twice the range I can manage on CW or SSB.
At first I thought this was a mix of "flat band tropo" and aircraft reflections. As this sort of range seems to be possible at any time, I do not think aircraft reflection is likely. Another possibility is random MS. At the moment I am more inclined to think of this being some sort of scatter. Polarisation seems not to matter.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/2m-ft8
Every single day I get spotted at great distance. Ranges are typically more than twice the range I can manage on CW or SSB.
At first I thought this was a mix of "flat band tropo" and aircraft reflections. As this sort of range seems to be possible at any time, I do not think aircraft reflection is likely. Another possibility is random MS. At the moment I am more inclined to think of this being some sort of scatter. Polarisation seems not to matter.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/2m-ft8
Quiet repeaters
Just now, I tried to access GB3PI with my little VX-2 Yaesu handheld from the lounge. It got in OK with the 77Hz sub-audible tone.
When GB3PI first appeared back in the 1970s, it was very busy as were most repeaters. These days most repeaters are very quiet. Using Echolink I have accessed repeaters across the planet and this seems to be a universal issue.
I guess this is because people, by and large, can talk to others for free via the internet and smart phones. Also, I think people just chat less on the air.
Tonight at 8pm, the local club is having a net on GB3PI. This is because the Cambridge club (CDARC) cannot hold meetings currently. They have the blessing of the local repeater group for this.
Hopefully, this will generate some activity and keep people bonded. The GB3PI repeater at Barkway, Herts is well sited and uses a 77Hz access tone.
Although my voice is poor, I hope to call in and mostly listen.
When GB3PI first appeared back in the 1970s, it was very busy as were most repeaters. These days most repeaters are very quiet. Using Echolink I have accessed repeaters across the planet and this seems to be a universal issue.
I guess this is because people, by and large, can talk to others for free via the internet and smart phones. Also, I think people just chat less on the air.
Tonight at 8pm, the local club is having a net on GB3PI. This is because the Cambridge club (CDARC) cannot hold meetings currently. They have the blessing of the local repeater group for this.
Hopefully, this will generate some activity and keep people bonded. The GB3PI repeater at Barkway, Herts is well sited and uses a 77Hz access tone.
Although my voice is poor, I hope to call in and mostly listen.
Amazing 2m FT8
Although I have only been on 2m FT8 with my 10W and big-wheel omni for a few minutes, I have already been spotted by 16 stations. Quite amazing.
UPDATE 0940z: Now spotted by 18 stations today so far on 2m FT8 TX.
UPDATE 1437z: 40 stations in 6 countries have spotted my 2m 10W today so far.
UPDATE 1655z: Now 45 stations in 7 countries have spotted my 10W 2m FT8 today. Incredible. Every day I get these sorts of ranges!
UPDATE 0940z: Now spotted by 18 stations today so far on 2m FT8 TX.
UPDATE 1437z: 40 stations in 6 countries have spotted my 2m 10W today so far.
UPDATE 1655z: Now 45 stations in 7 countries have spotted my 10W 2m FT8 today. Incredible. Every day I get these sorts of ranges!
26 Mar 2020
More cancelled or postponed rallies
The following have been brought to my attention. Again, my apologies for the white background that probably makes these hard to read on some screens. These are as they came to me.
Sunday 29 MARCH : POSTPONED UNTIL 4 OCTOBER
DOVER ARC HAMZILLA RADIO FEST AND ELECTRONICS FAIR Discovery Science Park, Gateway House, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9FF. Open 9.30am for early bird admission, £5; 10am for general and disabled access, £3. Under 16 and disabled carer free entry. There will be trade stands, exams available on the day. Hot and cold refreshments available. www.hamzilla.uk.
Sunday 29 MARCH : CANCELLED
CALLINGTON RADIO RALLY. Callington Town Hall, Callington, Cornwall PL17 7BD. Doors open 10am - 1pm and admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy (10% commission) and trade stands. Catering available on site. Ample free parking in the adjacent carpark. Rally organised jointly by the Devon & Cornwall Repeater Group and Callington Amateur Radio Society (CARS). More information and bookings from Roger, 2E0RPH on 07854 088 882 or email 2e0rph@gmail.com.
Sunday 29 MARCH : POSTPONED UNTIL 4 OCTOBER
DOVER ARC HAMZILLA RADIO FEST AND ELECTRONICS FAIR Discovery Science Park, Gateway House, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9FF. Open 9.30am for early bird admission, £5; 10am for general and disabled access, £3. Under 16 and disabled carer free entry. There will be trade stands, exams available on the day. Hot and cold refreshments available. www.hamzilla.uk.
Sunday 29 MARCH : CANCELLED
CALLINGTON RADIO RALLY. Callington Town Hall, Callington, Cornwall PL17 7BD. Doors open 10am - 1pm and admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy (10% commission) and trade stands. Catering available on site. Ample free parking in the adjacent carpark. Rally organised jointly by the Devon & Cornwall Repeater Group and Callington Amateur Radio Society (CARS). More information and bookings from Roger, 2E0RPH on 07854 088 882 or email 2e0rph@gmail.com.
Back on 2m FT8
Since about lunchtime I have been back on 2m FT8 with 10W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far today 22 stations have spotted me as far away as Northern Ireland. This mode continues to amaze me.
UPDATE 1420z: 24 spots of my 10W so far today.
UPDATE 2020z: 43 stations in 6 countries have spotted my 10W 2m FT8 today.
UPDATE 1420z: 24 spots of my 10W so far today.
UPDATE 2020z: 43 stations in 6 countries have spotted my 10W 2m FT8 today.
Emus - NOT amateur radio
At first, they looked out of place, whereas now we always look out for them.
MLS mail order
MLS is a big UK amateur radio dealer. Although their showroom has had to close, they are still doing mail orders. They are talking about big price increases as a result of exchange rates declining.
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