Tuesday on 2m FT8 (2.5W and big-wheel omni antenna)

It is now 0750z.  About 10 minutes ago, the 2m FT8 gear was turned on. Already 4 stations have spotted me today.

Primroses - NOT amateur radio

About now we plant primroses to give us winter colour in the garden. These were bought from a nursery in the village. They look healthy. 

2m FT8 QRP - Monday

At 0822z, my 2m FT8 was turned on. Once again I am using 2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna. 1 station in Germany spotted on RX and at 0950z, my signal had been spotted by 10 stations in 3 countries with the furthermost being G7RAU (461km) in Cornwall. No QSOs yet.

UPDATE 1250z:   12 stations have spotted me today.

Stations spotting
me to 1550z

UPDATE 1550z:   18 stations have spotted me today so far.

UPDATE 2145z: QRT. In all 25 stations spotted my 2m FT8 QRP. Furtermost was GI6ATZ. 

Lesotho - NOT amateur radio

Ten years ago we were in South Africa and went to Lesotho. It was an eye opener. 

Sunspots - Monday October 19th 2020.

 Solar flux is 76 and the SSN 28. A=3 and K=1

Dad's seat - NOT amateur radio

My dad died in 1987. In his last years he ran a job creation scheme for the National Trust and in his memory they erected 2 seats on Bolberry Down in South Devon. The photo shows my brother on one today before lunch. 

Front garden in autumn - NOT amateur radio

It seems the long summer days and warmth are over as we move into autumn. In the front garden, one of our rowan trees has lost lots of leaves and in the back garden the trees will soon be bare again.

Things seem to have suddenly changed.

2m FT8 Sunday (2.5W and the big-wheel omni)

Stations spotting my 2.5W 2m FT8 in first 20 minutes

Since about 0850z, I have been on 2m FT8.   Already spotted by a 5 stations of which one gave me an incredible +4dB S/N. This was G8TIC (170km). I suspect this was aircraft reflection. Best DX spot was by DF0MU (475km). The photo shows the stations spotting me in the first 20 minutes.

UPDATE 1218z:  16 spots of my 2m QRP FT8 so far today. It never fails.

Stations spotting my 2.5W to the big-wheel
on 2m FT8 today so far to 1440z

UPDATE 1440z:   23 stations in 4 countries have spotted me so far today and I have spotted 19 stations and I have had 1 QSO. Who needs high power, towers and big beams? Certainly not me! Just an FT817ND and a simple big-wheel seem enough.

UPDATE 1945z:   2 QSOs, 39 stations spotted on RX and 30 stations in 5 countries have spotted me today on 2m FT8.

Stations spotted on 2m FT8 RX today

Senhaix portables

RSGB RadCom had an article on Senhaix dual band portables recently. I think these are Chinese. If the article said this I missed it. 

At the price stated, these look quite good value. They are not the cheapest, but I hope the quality control is better. My main worry with Chinese manufactured amateur products is still quality control and guarantees. 

As long as the products work, fine. What happens if they fail? My experience with Chinese manufacturers is mixed. Some seem able to answer questions, whereas others cannot understand! 

I am sure that the Chinese products will get better and that the Japanese manufacturers will get a real fright. This could happen within the next couple of years. 

It would not surprise me if some Japanese companies survive by designing in Japan, but making in China or some other low cost country. It is possible that China goes like Japan did years ago and labour costs make it no longer a low cost country.

The manuals often give you a clue: Chinese English can be pathetic! Ask yourself, if the manual is that poor how do you think they will fix your radio? Would they be interested? Some would say they are so cheap just buy a few and throw away any that fail. I much prefer not to do this.

Sunspots - Sunday October 18th 2020

Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 15. A=5 and K=1.