10m FT8 RX with the 10FT8R and tiny loop

So far today (1105z), 159 stations have already been spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the 4 transistor RX and tiny (50cm) indoor loop antenna. The setup is shown in the photo. The little 10FT8R RX is on the left of the photo.

UPDATE 1454z:  188 stations spotted so far today on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1710z: 245 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX today.

UPDATE 1922z: 278 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX today. Best DX was UA6YW (3076km). No doubt I would copy far more with a decent outside antenna, but I am not complaining!

sBITX update?

Some months ago I blogged that the Indian designer was working on an SDR version of the uBITX. Since then I have heard nothing further and was wondering if there is an more news? 

The uBITX is an interesting design and an SDR version could well be lower cost than the uBITX which is only $209 for the complete kit. 

As there is hardly any wiring to do, this is probably one of the lowest cost and easiest ways to access the HF bands. Using an Si5351 synthesiser means it will be very stable on all HF bands. An SDR approach might be even better.

Roses - NOT amateur radio

We had a very dull and wet May. It seemed more like March! In the last few days our roses have come on a lot.  This is one at the front of the house.

Yesterday on 10m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop antenna and the 10FT8R RX

In the last day 433 stations were spotted on RX including South America and the Caribbean using the 4 transistor direct conversion RX with the tiny 50cm loop on the shack windowsill.  10m, when good, is a great DX band. As the sunspots climb again we can expect great 10m daytime DX. 10m remains my favourite HF band.

Sunspots - Friday June 4th 2021

Solar flux is 76 and the SSN 28.  A=6 and K=0.

Oakfield, Swindon - NOT amateur radio

This is trumpeted by the Nationwide Building Society as a development that is "off grid" using good insulation, heat pumps and no gas. As much as I tried, I could not see prices. Lots of stuff on how wonderful it was, but no prices! If there, the prices must be well hidden.

I am all in favour of sustainable houses, but please make the prices very clear.

See https://oakfieldswindon.co.uk/?et_cid=25726297&et_rid=4593245806 .

Reach walk - NOT amateur radio

When the weather is dry we like to walk at nearby Reach village. This is a sleepy village with some good rural views. This was seen on the walk. 

10m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop antenna and the 10FT8R RX (Thursday)

Since breakfast I have been on 10m FT8 RX with the 10FT8R RX and the tiny indoor loop antenna. It is now 0958z and, so far, 21 stations have been spotted on RX. 

UPDATE 1215z:  101 stations spotted so far. See map.

UPDATE 1636z:  209 stations spotted today.

UPDATE 2005z:  317 stations spotted  today with the 4 transistor homebrew direct conversion RX.

Sunspots - Thursday June 3rd 2021

 Solar flux is 76 and the SSN 30. A=5 and K=2.

Round church towers - NOT amateur radio

There are probably more churches with round towers in East Anglia than anywhere. The one shown in the photo is just a few miles away. They are very old.

This one is at Snailwell, near Newmarket. There are far more in the county of Norfolk alone.