Transmitting 8m FT8

Since just after breakfast, I have been transmitting FT8 at QRP on 40.680 MHz USB dial. So far, 2 local spots have been received for which I am very grateful. I shall remain on TX. The dipole is quite low still.

As far as I know these are the first reports of a UK, non beacon, station on 8m.  As part of my research I welcome reports by PSKreporter or email. My T&I licence does not allow conventional QSOs, but I would like to know who you are and where you are . In my view, 2-way 8m FT8 exchanges are legal if you have a permit for 8m TX. 

UPDATE 1338z: 3 local spots so far. Thank you.

UPDATE 1644z:  Now QRT on 8m.

Any amateur radio or SWL station, anywhere on the planet, has my express permission to receive my test signals on 8m and give me reports.

Railway - NOT amateur radio

 Until the 1960s we had a railway in Burwell. Then the line was axed. Today the station is houses. If the line was still there, a lot of people might commute on it to Cambridge. 

Sunspots - Saturday April 2nd 2022

 Solar flux is 147 and the SSN 109.  A=17 and K=4.

8m dipole erected

The 8m dipole is erected, so tests can start tomorrow. In the past this would have been trivial work for me. Now it is major work. 

The SWR is good, but the dipole is not at full height as I am wobbly on ladders these days. Hopefully, my son can help over the weekend.

I am told all FT8 activity is on 40.680 MHz USB dial, so I shall QSY there over the weekend.

10m FT8 RX

 Since mid-afternoon I have been on 10m FT8 RX. It is again at full height since attaching my 8m dipole.

UPDATE 1955z:  73 stations spotted today. I suspect that is it.

OFCOM updates

Early each month OFCOM updates the data it holds. See the OFCOM website for details. It is even available in Welsh if you are desperate.

Operating Pedestrian Portable

Even though it has been snowing here today, better weather is coming after what has seemed a very long and dark winter. One of the fun ways to enjoy our hobby is pedestrian portable from  some nice location. Quite a few people enjoy Summits on the Air (SOTA) or Parks on the Air (POTA).

There is a good choice of rigs these days. I would definitely recommend using a counterpoise as this can make a lot of difference. If there is a chance of people walking nearby, watch the trip hazard! Often the rig and antenna can be oriented to get the best signal.

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

Ely Cathedral - NOT amateur radio

Ely cathedral is very very old. There has been a religious building here for well over 1000 years. Ely cathedral can be seen from miles away, much like the cathedral at Chartres in France.

Ely - NOT amateur radio

The BBC weather app was forecasting full sun yesterday for today, so we decided to go to Ely this morning. It snowed!! ☹️ The photo shows the view of the River Ouse. 

Lundy - NOT amateur radio

As a child I was fascinated by this isolated island out in the Bristol Channel. It is about 4km long and quite narrow. This is the view from near Hartland in Devon. It is owned by the National Trust and managed by the Landmark Trust. There are cottages to hire if you want to stay. As far as I know there are no cars allowed.

See https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/ .