30 Aug 2022
Remote islands - NOT amateur radio
4m transverter
Some years ago I needed a way of getting on 4m. This transverter was the result. I have no idea where it is now! Possibly it is in a shack drawer or in the loft. I really ought to try and find it and give it another go, perhaps with a wire dipole. Several have been made since it appeared in GQRP SPRAT. It is also in my G3XBM Project Scrapbook and on my website.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/homebrew/4m-transverter
According to the webpage I listened for a local station's personal QRP 4m beacon. I cannot recall using the transverter. Maybe it was with something else.
UPDATE 1345z: I have found the transverter! It was in the shack at the back of a drawer. Assuming it still works, I must try it out. First I have to erect an antenna for 4m.
UPDATE 1409z: In preparation for trying the band again, I started looking for information. At one time, the place to go was the 4m website, but I get the impression this is no longer well maintained. Instead I turned to the RSGB's 4m page.
UPDATE 1428z: I have connected the transverter to the FT817ND and the 10m antenna. At the moment I am on 70.100 MHz USB dial FT8 RX. I hope the crystal is still on frequency. I must check this. Noise goes up when the antenna is connected - a hopeful sign. Nothing copied.
UPDATE 1504z: I am puzzled what is the best frequency to try for 4m FT8 RX. Some say 70.100 MHz whereas some say 70.154 MHz. Which has the best chance of spotting anyone please? The 42 MHz crystal is oscillating and on 42.000 MHz . Currently I am monitoring 70.154 MHz USB dial.
29 Aug 2022
10m FT8 QRP
At about 1350z, I QSYed to 10m FT8 from 10m WSPR. It seems very quiet with no spots on 10m FT8 RX or TX.
UPDATE 1447z: Just a single spot by local G0LRD (26km) of me on QRP TX with PA2WDR (280km) on RX. I am quite surprised.got
UPDATE 1607z: ZD7BG (7606km) spotted on RX.
UPDATE 1732z: Unless things dramatically improve, today has been terrible on 10m here.
UPDATE 1936z: It got no better. Apart from the ZD7, just 2 Gs spotted. Basically dreadful! Now QRT.
Free Scrapbook PDF reminder
You can just look at it online or, if you want to, download it and print off. You could always just print off what you want. I want no money for this. I just want people to realise our hobby does not have to be expensive at all, and experimentation is fun.
Girton, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
One of the nicest churches we have visited with our grandson bellringing is Girton, just to the north of Cambridge. I would go as far as to say the churchyard was lovely and very peaceful and perhaps one of the best.
10m WSPR QRP TX (Monday)
At 0928z, my 500mW 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on. No spots yet today. As Es spots are now far less frequent, I expect my best chances will be later with F2 propagation.
I am tempted to try 10m FT8. If I do this it means I have to go QRT on 8m as I shall need the PC, that I do not need with WSPR.
8m experiment (Monday)
As our visitors have gone out, I have turned on my QRP 8m FT8 on 40.680 MHz USB dial at about 0927z. No spots.
I am getting the distinct feeling that there are fewer 8m FT8 monitors now the Es season is largely over.
UPDATE 1450z: No spots all day RX or TX on 8m FT8.
Bell ringing obsession? - NOT amateur radio
Oscar 100 geosynchronous satellite
Every few weeks I take a peek at the narrow-band transponder of this satellite. No real change. The last peek was mid-afternoon on a Sunday afternoon in Europe at 1316z.
If the IC-905 ever makes it to market, I wonder if this will make any impact on activity?
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