Overnight I was trying to receive this 8m beacon on 40.013 MHz FT8 using WSJT-X. I was expecting to get the odd MS ping, but nothing.
I was surprised making me wonder if it is active and using FT8? Anyone know please? I was using the information on QRZ.com.
For some reason (probably by mistake) I assumed that PI4 was one of the modes supported by WSJT-X. Imagine my surprise today when I found it not there. My version of WSJT-X is 2.5.4.
Instead I had to download some special software to decode PI4. I have not yet checked if there is a map upload a bit like PSKreporter maps.
I was hoping to decode one of the Irish beacons, EI1KNH/B on 40.013 MHz PI4.
If PI4 is not supported by WSJT-X why is it used rather than FT8 or WSPR by beacons? I don't think it is magically better than FT8.
My other questions are (1) what mode do I select and (2) what dial frequency do I set to decode EI1KNH/B in PI4? At the moment it is set to 40.013 DIG on the FT817ND, but I have no idea if this is correct.
UPDATE 2057z: It looks like EI1KNH/B now uses FT8 instead of PI4, so I am now monitoring FT8 instead. It sends FT8 every 10 minutes. See https://www.qrz.com/db/EI1KNH/. I shall monitor overnight.
It is rare for me to go lower than 28 MHz on HF. Certainly conditions on 10m seem good with loads of spots of my QRP 10m FT8 from the USA. I had to QSY, but when I left the band it was still good.
I was hoping this was my first chance of F2 to/from the USA on 8m, but not this time. Whenever 10m F2 looks promising E-W, I shall try 8m FT8. Hopefully there will be other chances.
Having worked the USA with QRP SSB handheld from the bedroom, I am in with a chance on 8m FT8.
At one time there was very good 23cm transverter available from the Ukraine, but I doubt that is currently available.
I was considering 23cm portable operation next year using the FT817ND as the driver/IF. What 23cm transverters are currently available and at what price please? What would you recommend? I assume 2W is the typical power for a /P station.
Sadly, my fine motor skills these days rule out kits, so I would be looking at a ready made unit.
The following rally is due this weekend. As ever, check first before travelling far.
Saturday September 17th - Angel of the North Radio Rally, Gateshead. Contact westona84@gmail.com
I gather the GB3MCB beacon cluster has got approval to add 8m and 5m beacons. I don't think these are active yet, but the 8m beacon will be interesting to monitor on PI4. I expect it will beam towards the USA.
For me in East Anglia the most likely propagation will be random MS or aircraft. I think tropo is unlikely.
The 10m WSPR QRP (500mW) beacon has been on for just over 1 hour. Furthermost (at 1238z) is FY5KE (7110km). The only other station spotting me is local G4KPX (14km).
Yesterday was wide open to the USA on 10m FT8, so I was hopeful of copying, or better still being copied, on 8m in the USA. No such luck! The only 8m station spotted was G9PUV on the south coast of England.
UPDATE 1134z: 8m QRP FT8 gear turned on at 1127z.
UPDATE 1234z: No spots.
UPDATE 1517z: EI9KP (649km) has again spotted me and I have spotted him this afternoon on 8m FT8. I am still wondering what the propagation mechanism is - MS, aircraft? Es would seem unlikely at this distance and time of year. It seems too far for tropo. EI9KP spots me far more often than others. Interesting that EI9KP is about 7dB stronger at G9PUV/A than with me. Is this because Paul has a beam? Now 8m FT8 RX only.
Already, I have thought of things left out, so these will be included in an issue 2 later.
Feel free to download the free book if you want. You can keep it as a soft copy or print out relevant pages.
See https://tinyurl.com/y56vjhd6
UPDATE 1306z: Someone in the USA has very kindly made a donation. Thank you! As I have said before, I have absolutely no wish to make any money at all from this book. It is a labour of love. I shall give this to the local foodbank, but I really appreciate the kindness.
Today is my wife's birthday. Before you ask, NO I am not pregnant and don't you be so darn cheeky! 😀😀
