2009 shack

The photo shows the shack in 2009. Things (including the QTH) have changed quite a bit.

Network radios and Oscar 100

I suspect many who get network radios or use Oscar 100 are/were concerned about poor conditions and are/were looking for a reliable means of chatting with people a long way away.

Certainly my own network radio has hardly been used. I bought it 2 years ago when we were on the way towards sunspot minimum. At least with Echolink I could access repeaters on the other side of the planet. Likewise Oscar 100 should open up DX to a good proportion of the planet at any time without fading. In many ways you might consider Oscar 100 perfect. Once the gear is set up and the dish(es) aligned there is nothing else to do. No neighbours to annoy, no big towers or beams to worry about....and yet.

Yet, for me at least, neither satisfies. I prefer "real" radio where every contact is a challenge. After about 60 years in the hobby I have found that the changing nature of propagation is what gives me a buzz.

Different people enjoy our hobby in different ways and the world would be a sad place if we were all the same.

Maybe my network radio will get used.

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

IC-705 video from Lamco

It would appear most UK dealers are getting their hands on samples of the ICOM IC-705 and are busy making videos. The latest I have seen is by Lamco.

Walk before the rain - NOT amateur radio

We went for a walk around the village earlier before the rain. When we went it was warm and dry.  Since getting back, it has been raining. This was our 70th "lockdown" walk. We have noticed the seasons more this year than for a long time.

Rain - NOT amateur radio

A few moments ago we had rain. It has been thundering. The last week has unbearably hot and humid by day and night.

10m FT8

It is now 0900z. A few moment ago, my 10m FT8 gear was turned on for a little while (4W, indoor loop). Already 3 spots of me by Es. On 10m FT8 RX nothing spotted here yet.

Sunspots - Thursday August 13th 2020

Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 24. A=3 and K=1.

70cm activity contest last night

As you may recall, I entered the RSGB organised activity contest on 70cm last night. As I have no suitable antenna, I use my 2m big-wheel omni and stay on for less than an hour because of my  poor voice. In all, 6 stations were worked , all SSB, as the map shows.

Eat out to help out - NOT amateur radio

During August you can get up to £10 per person off meals and soft drinks at some participating pubs and restaurants on certain days.

We ate out this lunchtime and had fine meals (hallumi starter and swordfish main) including wine and sparkling water for £22!!

Oscar 100 (geosynchronous)

As usual, I took my periodic peek at the narrowband transponder. When I did this it was 1053z. This is midweek and about mid day in Europe. Only 2-3 QSOs were active, confirming to me that it is not busy. The most I have ever seen is about 8 QSOs.  If it was busy, it could hold many more.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/