Network radios

A few years ago, I bought a network radio. This looks like a 2m handheld but uses the internet to connect to distant stations using systems like Echolink. It works over WiFi or mobile phone networks. 

Since I bought it, I hardly use it. For me, network radios are just not satisfying. It has a PTT and is very similar to a VHF or UHF handheld. One of the fun things is working stations via distant repeaters e.g. in the USA or Australia.

Personally, I prefer "real" radio, although for some these are a good substitute.

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

Salcombe Devon - NOT amateur radio

As a child, I was brought up in Salcombe, Devon. The video below was filmed in summer 2020. It is a virtual tour in 4K (ultra high definition) through the town. Not much social distancing evident!

2020 was one of the rare years when I did not go back to my roots. Hopefully in 2021 at a time when it is less busy I shall get back there.

IC-705 UK dealer prices

In Europe, with a free 3 year warranty and VAT the ICOM IC-705 sells for 1317.6 Euros. In the UK the list price is £1299.95 (with VAT) with the 5 year warranty on top as an extra.  Just saying....

Even with any carriage and import duties, why the difference?

Clearly, there is comfort from buying from a UK dealer who speaks English, but.....???

See https://www.xbstelecom.eu/shop/en/non-aff-icom/2004-icom-ic-705-hf50144430mhz-5w-10w.html?search_query=ic-705&results=30

2m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

In a short while I hope to go on 2m FT8 with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni. Yesterday I had 1 QSO, but was widely spotted despite my low ERP signal. 

Although the conventional wisdom is this is due to aircraft reflection, I am still puzzled: these DX spots seem to occur at almost any time, so I am wondering if FT8 is allowing QRP stations to access some scatter modes that would not be possible with CW or SSB at these ERPs?

I expect my 2m FT8 reports are a mix of tropo, aircraft and other scatter, possibly with some random MS. Not quite sure how long an MS burst has to get a successful FT8 decode. I suspect far less than the 15 seconds a TX FT8 burst lasts.

My ERP is probably less than 5W.  The big-wheel has a little horizontal gain, but the coax has some loss.

UPDATE 1034z:  My 2m FT8 QRP was turned on at 0955z. So far, 10 spots of my QRP TX including (again) EI2FG (565km) and 5 spots on RX.

UPDATE 1105z: 13 stations have so far spotted my QRP 2m FT8 TX.

UPDATE 1508z:  16 spots of my 2m FT8 QRP TX today including EI and GI as the map shows.

UPDATE 1931z: 18 stations have spotted my 2m FT8 QRP TX today.

Cambridge 2012 - NOT amateur radio

This photo from 2012 shows my wife and grandson near the Bridge of Sighs in St John's College. 

Normally the colleges are very busy with visitors from overseas, especially the Far East. Not in the last 12 months!

CDARC AGM via Zoom

Last night, the Cambridge radio club (CDARC) held it AGM via Zoom. With 25 "attendees", it was very successful. Next year, assuming the Covid-19 pandemic has ended, I expect we will meet in person again. Once again this proves to me that we can always find a way.

The Cambridge club has held lots of talks using Zoom, and they have all be great.

Sunspots - Saturday January 23rd 2021

 Solar flux is 78 and the SSN 39.  A=4 and K=0. 

2m FT8 QRP (Friday)

This evening from 2000z I have been on 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far I have been spotted by 7 stations in 3 countries on TX. 

January - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows Anglesey Abbey on a cold and frosty January morning. 

We went for a walk there earlier. 

More humour - NOT amateur radio

This was sent to me yesterday. it brought a smile to my face.