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.
