My 10FT8R 10m FT8 RX has just been turned on.
Only now do I realise that all yesterday I had my V2000 vertical for VHF and UHF connected to it and not my 10m loop!! It could account for why I drew a blank yesterday. Doh! 😊
So far (with the correct antenna), no spots at 0929z.
UPDATE 1420z: 4 stations spotted with the 10FT8R RX including 3 in Norway with the furthermost LB5SH (1366km). I think this is Es.
Usually it is busy with foreign visitors. Not this year. It is good to see those visitors that are here meeting social guidelines and sitting well apart!
Although I have never used these, they seem a good idea. As I understand it, interference and RF can travel back to the rig on the coax outer. In some cases this can mess up the SWR reading, add to RX noise and cause RF burns. So the idea is to choke off these with a line isolator. Presumably clip on ferrite beads might make a difference. The basic idea is to choke off RF currents flowing on the coax outer whilst leaving the inner untouched.
This weekend I was intending to put the schematic of my 10m FT8 RX on this blog. Sadly, I had no time. The weather was dry so I was gardening.
Hopefully it will be up within the next few days. Please accept my apologies. If I had found my SPlan CD I could have done it. I have to master a new tool first!
This kit is on order, but it has not yet arrived. It is a 4W SSB rig for 10m FT8.
It should fit my needs well freeing up the "big rig" for other things. It was designed by Dave Benson K1SWL, so should be good. SMA parts are already fitted.
4W FT8 on 10m will get me worldwide QSOs.
This is the causeway in Burwell, a route used centuries ago by monks walking to Ely Cathedral.
Later I hope to download some USB drivers allowing me to connect the IC-705 and the PC. This should allow CAT rig control and audio connections. I hope to try FT8 later. As a precaution I shall choke the cable.
Up to now I have taken small steps only. Getting FT8 to work with the IC-705 would be great.
As yesterday, I have got the 10FT8 10m FT8 RX connected to the indoor loop again today. So, I am monitoring 10m FT8 all day. No spots as yet at 0854z.
UPDATE 1825z: No 10m FT8 spots today. Unless there is a brief late opening, I am probably going to spot nobody today. I definitely need a better antenna!
