My Shack

Since moving to the present QTH in summer 2013, I have had a dedicated amateur radio room. Mostly I use digital modes that don't require me to use my poor voice that I have had since my stroke. 

The shack is only about 8m walk from the lounge, so I often monitor on a different PC in the lounge. If I need to go into the shack, it only takes a few seconds. For SSB and FM, I clearly use the shack.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/other-amateur-radio/shack .

Covid passports - NOT amateur radio

Several countries have, or are about to, demand Covid-19 passports to gain entry into large venues. Sadly it would appear that previous vaccines do not stop the Omicron variant from being spread. So, after a large event Omicron could still be passed on.

It would appear the real motivation is to get more jabs in arms, especially boosters that appear to work.

So far, evidence from South Africa suggests this is easily transmitted between people, but far less severe. If this proves to be the case, Covid could spread widely, but herd immunity might kick in sooner, which would be good.

10m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

This morning, I am on 10m FT8. I was briefly on TX and am now on RX only. So far, 4 stations have spotted me (at 0943z) and I have spotted 3 stations. This looks like mid-winter Es.

UPDATE 1120z:  17 stations spotted this morning on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost TA6B (2963km).

UPDATE 1152z:  About 10 minutes ago I tried a brief TX period with 2.5W FT8. Sadly, nobody copied me.

UPDATE 1317z:  So far today 22 stations spotted.

UPDATE 1433z:  Just 24 stations spotted and no "real" DX.  It has been quite disappointing.

Trinity Street, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows Trinity Street in Cambridge which has seen fewer Far East visitors this year. 

EI7GL Blog

John's blog is always a mine of useful data. This week he reports on an apparent pause in FCC approvals of USA 40MHz (8m) permits. It looks like the FCC is worried about a new amateur band via the back door. My feeling is that people after permits are real experimenters.

See https://ei7gl.blogspot.com .

OFCOM and paired 2100MHz spectrum

OFCOM has issued the prices for paired spectrum at 2100MHz. See the OFCOM website for details.

Sunspots - Tuesday December 14th 2021

 Solar flux is 81 and the SSN 40.  A=6 and K=1.

Solid state batteries - NOT amateur radio

These are the "holy grail" of batteries promising higher capacity than LiIon batteries and faster charging times. However getting them into mass production has proved hard. 

It is rumoured that 2 Japanese manufacturers are close to mass production. If it happens, it could be transformational. Imagine an electric car with a huge range that could be charged whilst you drink a cup of coffee! If this really happens, it could signal the end to fossil fuelled cars. I certainly hope this happens.

Also, Lithium is not an endless resource.

15m FT8 RX with the active RX loop

For about an hour, I have been on 15m FT8 RX. So far (at 1010z) 54 stations spotted with the furthermost A41ZZ (5854km) in Oman. The antenna is again the indoor Wellgood active loop fixed to the shack window.

UPDATE 1145z:   123 stations spotted with the furthermost E25ETT (9673km) in the Far East.

UPDATE 1231z:   149 stations spotted with the furthermost CE2SV (11716km).

UPDATE 1545z:   259 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2150z:   QRT. 265 stations spotted today on 15m FT8 RX.

10m WSPR QRP TX

At the moment I am on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW. So far just local spots from G4KPX (14km).

UPDATE 1143z:  Still just spots from G4KPX.

UPDATE 2145z:   QRT now. Just 2 Gs spotted me all day.