Before my stroke, I enjoyed going out in the field to see how far I could cover, especially over the horizon using QRSS (very slow CW) with PC decoders.
Much greater distances would have been possible, then my health got in the way. 😕
All the gear was home made. This was one of the attractions: all the gear was simple, including the test gear.
This is a field of experimentation open to everyone. You may find some ideas on my main website.
At about 1845z I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, my 2m FT8 QRP has been spotted by 8 stations with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km). It is now 1904z.
UPDATE 2120z: 13 stations have spotted my QRP TX this evening. Now QRP.
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.
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.
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| Spots of me on 15m FT8 TX with 2.5W and the indoor tiny loop at 1535z |
One of my Facebook memories today was of my optical tests many years ago before my stroke.
So far this morning 12 stations have spotted me with the furthermost 3W9T (9944km) in Vietnam. It seems when the MUF goes this high my ver...
