2021 481THz tests

It is about 7 years since I last tried anything on 481THz (red light). 

So, today I dug out my optical beacon TX and RX and tried some tests across the house. Although I could find the RX, my TX beacon took some finding! This is mains powered. I eventually found it in a cupboard and did some tests. 

Tonight after dark, I shall try bouncing the signal off the windmill.

The last test I tried was in early 2014, but I was too wobbly.

Small steps.

UPDATE 2200z:  I tried "windmill bounce" and "tree bounce" on CW at 10 wpm but it was too easy! Signals were very strong. One thing is clear: I am much more wobbly than I was 7-8 years ago. I'd like to try much greater obstructed paths with QRSS, but wonder if I am up to it these days.

15m FT8 QRP (Friday)

This morning I am again on 15m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 2.5W. So far lots of stations spotted on RX and EA8BFK (2882km) has spotted me on TX. 

UPDATE 1400z: 63 stations spotted on RX and 5 stations have spotted my 2.5W QRP  on TX.

Spots of me on 15m FT8
TX with 2.5W and the
 indoor tiny loop at 1535z

UPDATE 1555z: Already had several spots of my QRP from the USA, with 9 spots of me on TX in all.  Amazing. On 15m FT8 RX, 113 spots so far.

126 years ago - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows where I come from in South Devon 126 years ago. What was rocks then is now sand. If it can come this fast (why?) I guess it can go as fast. 

Historic 481THz tests (2012-13)

One of my Facebook memories today was of my optical tests many years ago before my stroke.

Sunrise - NOT amateur radio

We were treated to a nice sunrise this morning. 

Kent snow - NOT amateur radio

Our son sent us this photo of the snow near Canterbury yesterday. It looks quite picturesque. Our son and his children have been sledging.

Sunspots - Friday February 12th 2021

 Solar flux is 76 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=1.

2m FT8 QRP (Thursday)

At 1842z I QSYed to 2m FT8 with the usual 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. At 1850z, I have been spotted by 6 stations on TX, although no stations yet spotted on RX here.

UPDATE 1935z:  1 station spotted on RX and 9 spots of my QRP on TX with the furthermost again being EI2FG (565km). The latter is every day.

Rallies cancelled

As we are still in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, a couple more rallies have been cancelled. The ones just cancelled are the Ballymena ARC rally on Feb 13th and the Harwell Radio and Electronics Rally in Didcot on February 14th.

See http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/ .

More on our walk - NOT amateur radio

 

This collage summarises our walk today around the village. It was cold and sunny. 

Most of the snow has gone, although there are still patches in the shade.