Until I can sort out my PC time sync issue (to Internet time on the PC) I am unable to use FT8 on any band.
Years ago I would have been able to do this logically. Since my 2013 stroke, it is like part of my brain is scrambled and I find logical thinking and problem solving so much harder.
The best way I can describe it is as follows. Imagine wading through glue. It is a bit like this. It is all but impossible to think clearly these days without becoming exhausted.
Again on 10m WSPR QRP TX using my 500mW TX beacon by W5OLF. So far, at 1000z, spots by 6 unique station, predominately more northerly stations.
Is it my imagination or do we get more northerly stations on 10m later in the summer? I have noticed this before.
UPDATE 1537z: 28 unique stations have spotted me today.
My time sync seems to have stopped.
For several days I have had an error with my usual time server being unavailable. I turned this off and tried using the Windows own sync, This failed and I got a different message saying the last sync was in 2015. Yesterday it said last Wednesday. I am beginning to think this might be a bug with the last update.
I synced my WSPR beacon using my clock linked to a very accurate source online i.e. without the PC. Of course, with the PC I cannot do this. The PC is needed for FT8 and WSJT-X.
Has anyone else had this issue recently and is there a fix please?
Again, I am on 8m TX on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 but I have been unable to sync the PC clock. No spots.
You often hear the cry "2m is dead these days". It is true that fewer people come on the band just for a chat as, these days, they can do this with video for free locally or across the world on the Internet. My XYL chats with an old friend in Australia on video and it is like she is in the same room. I am also amused when our club Zoom talks are given by someone 5000km away! In many ways the Internet has shrunk our planet and we feel more connected.
Back to 2m. These days there are far more modes, some which require far less bandwidth, yet can go a very long way. An example is FT8 which works with signals far weaker than SSB or CW. I have found that unheard of DX seems possible at just about any time on 2m QRP with an omni antenna. By the way, FT8 needs just 50 Hz of bandwidth whereas SSB typically needs 2400 Hz.
Yes, 2m is quieter than it was 30-40 years ago, but there is still activity of a different sort. Indeed, if you listen on repeaters or FM simplex these can be quiet. Calling CQ on SSB is far less likely to get a response.
In some areas, local noise can be a nightmare. Here, thankfully, it is still fairly quiet. I use a V2000 vertical for FM and a big wheel omni for SSB and FT8. Even with QRP, I find great DX can always be worked with 2m FT8. Give 2m a go sometime.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/2m-operation .
OFCOM has updated the data it holds about licences etc. See the OFCOM website for details.
