8m experiment (Tuesday)

Later, I hope to again be on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX.  I usually transmit in the first period with signals about 1.95 kHz HF. It would be good to have some QRM, HI!!

It seems I need Es or aircraft scatter to have QSOs beyond the local area. When the band is open via Es, I get widely copied despite my QRP. This a bit limiting! 

UPDATE 0936z:   My FT8 TX was turned on at about 0928z. No spots yet on RX or TX.

UPDATE 1200:  At the moment I am letting the rig cool, so I am disconnected. On the transmission earlier, nothing spotted on RX or TX.

UPDATE 1447z:  After another day so far without spots on RX or TX, I am seriously considering going QRT on 8m and perhaps concentrating on 6m FT8 or 10m FT8. I have already found out my limitations and doubt much more can be learnt unless I increase my ERP, which is not my aim. 

UPDATE 1546z:   Now QRT on 8m and QSYed to 10m FT8 QRP.

UPDATE 1900z: Since about 1855z, I have been on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX. I shall probably stop in about an hour.

Bunting - NOT amateur radio

Even the windmill next door is being strewn with bunting for the queen's jubilee celebrations. 

My wife ordered some union jack cupcakes on May 3rd. They were due May 30th, but had not been dispatched yet! So, the order was cancelled today.

Sunspots - Tuesday May 31st 2022

 Solar flux is 101 and the SSN 40. A=9 and K=2.

Heathkit HW30 2m rig

When I was young I coveted a Benton Harbour Lunchbox. 

This was a 5W 2m AM transceiver. At the time, 2m was very quiet and a super-regen RX was fine. These receivers were sensitive, but lacked sharp selectivity.

Looking back these rigs were quite poor, although I always liked the ergonomics. Versions were made for 11m CB, 10m and 6m too. In their day, they served a purpose, but these would struggle these days. 

I once owned the manual, but never the rig.  These days all the functionality and far, far, more may be obtained in a tiny dual band VHF FM handheld.

Se

Farmshop breakfast - NOT amateur radio

 

The photo shows our sons and one of our grandsons eating breakfast this morning at our local farm shop.

Although not low cost, they do make a nice breakfast. Ideal as a treat.

See https://www.lahogue.co.uk

That free PDF book

Tomorrow is the last day of May. We have visitors, so I shall not finish the book as planned by the end of May! 

My current deadline (self imposed) is mid-June. If I manage to do it sooner, you will hear it here!

Dayton

The numbers have been released for the number of Dayton Hamfest attendees over the last few years. There were fewer attendees this year, but not down much. Not bad for the first "in person" event since 2019.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2022/may/hamvention-attendance-figure-announced.htm#.YpTFkY7MLrc

8m experiment (Monday)

As I proved that with my new USB cable 10m FT8 worked fine on the IC-705, l shall resume 8m FT8 TX tests shortly on 40.680 USB dial as there seems to be Es about. 

UPDATE 1147z:  Now on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX.

UPDATE 1211z:  QRT as the transceiver cools. Back on about 1245z.

UPDATE 1308z:  Back on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX. Still no spots on RX or TX. Bad day so far.  It appears that unless there is Es propagation, I am unlikely to be spotted. The trouble is, I do not know who is monitoring! Often there are monitors in places that do not have 8m TX permits

Canada Great Lakes - NOT amateur radio

This photo was posted on 365project recently. I think it is of the Great Lakes in Canada at sunrise.

Sunspots - Monday May 30th 2022

 Solar flux is 98 and the SSN 42.  A=15 and K=3.