For the next few years we can expect HF conditions to improve. Some days will be poor but on average things will get better until about 2025. 10m will be good again and we might even see some F2 openings on 6m. I hope you have fun! 😁😁
7 Feb 2022
Oscar 100 activity
As regular blog readers know, I take a peek at activity levels on this geosynchronous satellite. My last look was at 1545z on a Sunday. There were a few QSOs ongoing, but things remain pretty quiet. I am sure the challenge is that first QSO, then the interest wanes.
It is surprising this is not busier: I guess for most the effort is just too hard. Many DXers just go out and buy a new rig and linear. Soldering iron? Which end do I hold? RF - what is that? 😁
6 Feb 2022
Grandson bellringing - NOT amateur radio
This morning our grandson rang the church bells at Bottisham about 5 miles from here. He has now rung bells in 4 places.
French amateur success on 8.27kHz
F5VLB has been received in Todmorden, UK by Paul Nicholson. Jean-Marie was using a 75m base earth-electrode antenna. Paul was integrating the signal which had to remain stable for a very long time (days). This is, I am sure, the first reception of a French amateur outside France below 10kHz. Huge congratulations to both stations. This is a result of hard work by both.
UPDATE 2230z: Apparently the power has been increased a bit and he is being copied in Italy too!
In the snowdrops - NOT amateur radio
My wife yesterday at Hare Park, near Cambridge. There were snowdrops out, but no daffodils. I think the snowdrops will be better next week.
Classic QRP transceivers
The challenge is often trying to make the simplest rig that actually works. Often it is receiver that is the weakest link. With modern rigs, mW signals can often be dug out of the noise.
One classic is the Pixie and its predecessor the Micro80. Pixie kits can often be bought from China at stupid prices. These work and allow real QSOs, but they are let down by the RX. The challenge is to get a rig where the RX is up to the job. Often I do not call CQ in case a weak signal I cannot hear is already there. With QRP, calling others is often a better approach.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/8040m-pixie-and-micro80-transceivers .
6m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
In a few moments I intend to go on 6m FT8 with 2.5W. Unless I get a response I shall be RX only.
UPDATE 1600z: At last some activity outside G. EA1GCM (1098km) spotted. 7 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2204z: QRT.
10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)
In a few moments I intend to go on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon.
UPDATE 1330z: 3 unique stations spotted. Furthermost is EA8BFK (2880km).
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