7 Oct 2022

8m QRP FT8 TX (first)

As 10m was looking promising, I have switched to 8m FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz.

UPDATE 1640z:  No spots on 8m FT8.

UPDATE  1921z:   No spots. Now QRT on 8m.

Autumn splendour

For about 6 years we have been following this tree at Anglesey Abbey nearby.  

At the moment it looks magnificent, but in a few short weeks it will be bare until spring. I just love seasons. 

Reflections - NOT amateur radio

 

We spotted these reflections in the River Wensum in Norwich yesterday.

The Tenner transceiver

Hopefully, this will spark some ideas. I build this rig on the up-slope of solar cycle 24, but with cycle 25 now in good shape, it should be capable of plenty of DX with simple antennas. It worked plenty of DX.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/10m-tenner-qrp-cw .

10m FT8 RX

The 10m FT8 RX gear was switched on about 0851z.  It is now 0907z and, so far, 42 stations have been spotted.

UPDATE 1318z: 
571 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX so far.

Plans for today (Friday)

My current plans are to go on 10m FT8 RX for most of the day and maybe 8m QRP FT8 TX later if things look promising. 

I must remember to go on 10m WSPR then as the antenna will be free and the PC will not be needed. Usually, I forget this!

Common darter (I think) - NOT amateur radio

We saw this some years ago I think this is a common darter, but I am no expert! 

Sunspots - Friday October 7th 2022

Solar flux is 156 and the SSN 139.  A=18 and K=4.

6 Oct 2022

Optical communications 2012

10 years ago I got 3 phlatlights from the USA with the intention of doing more "over the horizon" (NLOS) optical tests at 481 THz. Then my stroke got in the way. There are 3 in the drawer unused. 

Norwich - NOT amateur radio

Norwich Cathedral
West Window
We went to Norwich by train today. We like Norwich a lot. On the train with our senior railcard, it is probably as cheap going by train. I enjoy trains as you can just sit back and enjoy the journey. 

We went to the market, up Tombland Alley,  down Elm Hill, in the cathedral and a nice walk beside the River Wensum where Caen stone was brought up years ago from France to build the cathedral.