8m experiment (Tuesday)

In a few minutes time I shall be on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX (first period). 

Although I have been widely spotted across Europe mainly by Es, it seems unlikely I shall be copied further with my low ERP. 

As my TX seems to lose power after a while, I shall probably stop my experiment for much of the Es season later this week.

Someone suggested a 24/7 WSPR beacon. This is a good idea. My issue is building it: my fine motor skills are poor now, making building impossible. Otherwise I would be on 8m WSPR all the time TX!

UPDATE 0912z:  Been on TX since 0856z. No spots yet.

UPDATE 1835z:   Quite a few stations on 8m FT8  RX in Europe. Nobody has spotted me yet.

UPDATE 1935z: Just EI9KP (649km) spotting me again.

Best pasties? - NOT amateur radio

Pasties originally started in Cornwall as meals for miners. One half was savoury and the other sweet.  In my view, the best pasties are made by Ivor Dewdney. 

See https://ivordewdney.co.uk/ 

Sunspots - Tuesday May 17th 2022

Solar flux is 162 and the SSN 173.  A=10 and K=1.

"Lab" books

Years ago, in my working life, I used to keep lab books detailing all I had done. When I retired and was still fit, I carried this on. It is surprising what you forget! 

Also, you never know when this data will be useful in the future. The notes don't have to be neat. 

I must admit, I haven't written in my lab-book for many years, but I can recommend getting into the habit.

10m QRP WSPR TX

 About 10 minutes ago I turned on my 10m 500mW W5OLF WSPR beacon. At 1055z, nobody has spotted me yet.

UPDATE 1225z:  Still no spots today.

Hidden disability - NOT amateur radio

People look at me and often say, "you do look well". Little do they know that for almost 9 years I have felt giddy all my waking hours, I feel tired and my voice is rubbish. It can be extremely frustrating!

I'm not after a sympathy vote, but next time you see someone think how they feel on the inside. Never judge by the "outside of the tin" as they say.  

Often people are struggling with a hidden disability be it physical or mental. In my case it is physical. 

117 years ago - NOT amateur radio

My ancestors lived in this Devon village in the 1500s. This is a photo of the village 117 years ago. 

In Iron Age times a hillfort was built near here thousands of years ago. Maybe one of my ancestors manned it? 

Near us - NOT amateur radio

This cottage is near us in the village of Balsham. Thatchers often have trademarks. The ducks on the roof are made of straw. 

8m experiment (Monday)

Although I expect to be on 8m FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz USB dial at times during the day I suspect my operations will soon be scaled back. 

I seem to have proved that all of continental Europe is within range, even with my very modest station, although my low ERP seems to preclude me being copied outside of the local area in the UK. 

UPDATE 1024z:  A few minutes ago, my 8m FT8 RX was turned on.

UPDATE 1226z:   No spots today. Currently rig is off cooling. Hope to be back on at 1300z.

Thurlestone, Devon - NOT amateur radio

This is near where I come from in South Devon. It is very beautiful still. 

I still miss it, even though I have lived away from the area for over 50 years. In some ways it still feels like "home". 

Maybe the fact that my ancestors have probably been hereabouts for thousands of years gives me a "pull" deep within my soul.