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| Stations spotting me in the last day on 2m FT8 (10W) |
28 Mar 2020
2m FT8
My 2m FT8 is on TXing (10W to the big-wheel) every 15 seconds. Already 14 spots of me in 4 countries. My best spot is by EI3KD (583km).
UPDATE 1853z: In the last day 51 stations in 8 countries have spotted my 10W 2m FT8.
UPDATE 2240z: Now spotted in 9 countries today.
10m WSPR TX (500mW)
Just now, I realised that I could use my 10m WSPR beacon on my tiny indoor loop continuously whilst going on 2m FT8 (10W) with another rig and the big-wheel. At this part of the solar cycle and outside of the main Es season, it would not surprise me to be copied by no-one! Still, it is ON and TXing. It changes frequency slightly every 2 minute cycle. I live in hope!
UPDATE 1900z: No spots today. Now there's a surprise! I shall leave it on a little longer.
UPDATE 2005z: Now QRT on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1900z: No spots today. Now there's a surprise! I shall leave it on a little longer.
UPDATE 2005z: Now QRT on 10m WSPR.
More from OFCOM
OFCOM has just released its annual audit on the pay of different genders and ethnicity. Although I am a great believer that gender and ethnicity should make absolutely no difference to pay for the same work, I question whether this is the best use of their resources and money preparing this. Just pay fair wages to all and get on with the real job!
See the OFCOM website for more details
See the OFCOM website for more details
South Devon - NOT amateur radio
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!
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