Ultra-simple 80m transceiver

As mentioned before, there is often a compulsion to get results with the fewest parts. Usually, this involves a compromise, often with the RX. This is the case with this rig. It certainly works, but be careful not to call over a co-channel station.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/80m-xbm80-2

Covid-19 data - NOT amateur radio

There is a lot of misinformation about Covid out there and it is very hard sometimes to know what is true and what is rubbish. My 2 most trusted sources are Dr John Campbell  and Professor Tim Spector of ZOE.

The view is that cases in the UK are still too high, although vaccines and previous infections are now stopping hospitalisations and deaths in most cases. These days the most common symptoms are like those of a cold. Experts think this will become endemic in the West rather than a pandemic.

If you have cold-like symptoms these days it could be Covid, so get tested.

See https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dr+john+campbell

See https://www.youtube.com/c/ZOE-health .

Home grown tomatoes - NOT amateur radio

This year we had 2 tomato bags and these are the tomatoes that were left at the end. I love the smell. Those that stay green will probably be used for chutney. Overall, we probably had at least as many again.  

We also grew runner beans for the first time this year as they have attractive flowers on the way.

10m FT8 RX (Thursday)

My gear was turned on at about 0730z. 2 spots already at 0755z. Furthermost is R9CA (3677km). I guess this is F2.

UPDATE 1036z: So far today on 10m FT8 RX, 47 stations spotted.

UPDATE 1329z: 69 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost 7Q7CT (7955km) in Malawi.

UPDATE 1910z: 126 stations spotted.  As it is dark, I shall go QRT soon.

UPDATE 2113z:  QRT. 126 stations spotted, so no more stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX today.

160m FT8 overnight

A decent quantity of stations spotted on topband FT8 RX in the last day with 300 stations spotted including 6 in the USA, 1 in Caanda and 1 in Greenland. Still using the coax to my 2m big-wheel (10m long?) loaded with a ferrite-rod and a mains ground (see map).

Sunspots - Thursday October 28th 2021

Solar flux is 111 and the SSN 91.  A=3 and K=0. 

160m FT8 RX

As my son managed to sever my earth-electrode "antenna" whilst doing some gardening for us, I am again using the coax to my 2m big-wheel loaded with a ferrite rod "ATU". 

The antenna is under 5m at its highest and the coax only 50cm above ground at it lowest just outside the shack. I am just using the mains ground. The coax is under 10m long.  

So far this evening on 160m FT8 RX 19 stations spotted with the furthermost UA1OLM (2653km).

UPDATE 2002z: 83 stations spotted this evening on 160m FT8 RX with the furthermost RW4PU (3416km).

UPDATE 2115z:  140 stations spotted so far this evening on 160m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2300z:  Staying on overnight.

OFCOM and 800MHz licences - NOT amateur radio

OFCOM is to allow mobile operators to use higher power in this band for mobile services. See the OFCOM website for details.

My main G3XBM website and video channel

A reminder that my main G3XBM website (less often updated than this blog) has far more details about interests and projects. I also have a video channel on YouTube.

Autumn in the garden - NOT amateur radio

Suddenly it is autumn. A week ago our ornamental cherry tree still looked green. Now the leaves have turned brown and with a gust of wind loads of leaves will fall. Another few weeks and it will be bare until the spring. 

This morning, before returning home my son cut my hair and took a photo of my wife and I with 2 of the grandchildren.