472kHz WSPR RX

Since about 1805z I have been on 472kHz WSPR RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. 4 spots so far this evening.

UPDATE 1946z:  Swapped to the Wellgood active loop RX antenna to compare against the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.  The active loop is only 1m across and just stuck to the shack window.

UPDATE 2103z: After an hour on the active loop without spots, I have gone back to the earth-electrode "antenna" and immediately spotted G8HUH (250km) and 2 French stations. My conclusion is the ground-electrode "antenna" is somewhat better. By how much is not clear. With the active loop optimised in position and direction I think the difference might be smaller.

UPDATE 2118z:  More spots, suggesting the earth-electrode is several dB better than the active loop in its present configuration.

UPDATE 2218: 7 unique stations spotted this evening. The latest is EI0CF (602km).

UPDATE 2240z:  QRT. 

Facebook memory today

This photo shows a FB memory from 9 years ago. It later occurred to me that you the same idea would work on FT8 RX so the FT8R was born. See my main website at www.g3xbm.co.uk. 

10m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

After a brief period on TX (2.5W) I have been on 10m FT8 RX since. Just 1 spot on QRP TX and 1 station spotted on RX.

UPDATE 0941z:  14 stations spotted on RX today so far with the furthermost in Ghana 9G5FI (5189km). 

UPDATE 1732z:  36 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost CX6VM (10767km) in South America.

472kHz RX last evening

 Last evening I was on 472kHz WSPR RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. In all, 7 unique stations were spotted. I shall repeat this this evening with the active antenna. 

Sunspots - Saturday September 11th 2021

 Solar flux is 96 and the SSN 99. A=8 and K=1.

472kHz (630m) WSPR RX

Since about 1930z, I have been on 472kHz RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far, 3 unique stations spotted with the furthermost EI0CF (602km). I am just using the earth-electrode straight into the FT817ND with no attempt at matching.

UPDATE 2020z:  6 unique stations spotted with the furthermost SM6NOC (1056km).

OFCOM Communications Monthly updated

Every month, OFCOM updates its "Communications Monthly" with the latest numbers it holds. 

See the OFCOM website for the latest details.

10m FT8 QRP (Friday)

As usual, I am on 10m FT8. After a few minutes with 2.5W TX (no spots), I am RX only. It is now 0856z and so far, just 2 spots.

UPDATE 0942z:  3 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2003z:  28 stations spotted with 4 in South America.

Rally news

As far as I know these rallies are ON this Sunday. As usual, please check with the organisers before setting out.

• Caister Lifeboat Rally
• Exeter Radio and Electronics Rally

Salcombe sunrise - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows where I was brought up as a child, at sunrise yesterday.