2m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

 At 0945z, when we went for a walk, I went on 2m FT8 RX. Since getting back, I have been on TX too with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.

It is now 1145z and I have been copied on TX by 7 stations in 2 countries with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km). On RX, 20 stations spotted in 4 countries.

South Africa - NOT amateur radio

Doing a walk around the village in the biting wind it is hard to think of the sunny weather in South Africa some years ago. 

This was a very good holiday with such a variety of scenery. In places it was like Scotland and others the Mediterranean. In other places scrub. 

The photo shows False Bay near Cape Town, which is a fine city. 

Not quite sure what we were expecting. We saw "the big five" wild animals, but the sheer variety of scenery was such a surprise. It really is "a world in one country". If you get a chance to go there in the future do go as you are very unlikely to be disappointed.

It is not a place I would wish to live in, but for a holiday it was wonderful. Certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Nanowaves

As you will have seen, after a very long break, I took my first tentative steps back into optical communications yesterday. 

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.

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

Sunspots - Saturday February 13th 2021

Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0 still. A=5 and K=2. 

2m FT8 QRP (Friday)

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.

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.