This was my shack in 2015. It is much the same now, although a few rigs have changed.
10 Nov 2022
Pye Telecom PF8
Many years ago, I was involved in the design of the PF8. In the end, I do not think too many were sold. The antenna was my design as well as the TX audio.
One has appeared on eBay untested . The last time I looked it was £225!! I should have kept one!
It gained fame as it was used by Bodie and Doyle in the TV series "The Professionals". Style wise it was well ahead of its time.
These are rare these days, but some were converted to work on 70cm. If you can find one, good luck!
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/vhfuhf-commercial-rigs/pye-pf8 .
10m QRP WSPR
As my 10m antenna was available, I am on 10m QRP WSPR TX with the W5OLF 500mW beacon. So far this morning, I have been spotted by 10 unique stations with the furthermost FR5ZX (9740km).
 |
| Stations spotting me by 1714z |
8m FT8 QRP
As an experiment, I went on QRP 40.680 MHz FT8 briefly. No spots.
UPDATE 1425z: No spots today.
Don't you just HATE this crappery? - NOT amateur radio
This just came in from Google. Why can't they just say they are changing instead of this stupid, stupid language?
" A reminder that we are sunsetting Universal Analytics"
Perhaps they will soon be saying they are dawning the replacement. 😊
70cm FT8 activity contest
 |
| Stations spotted on 70cm FT8 last night with the 2m omni |
Last night was the 70cm FT8 activity contest. I continue to be amazed by how far stations can be copied with just a 2m omni. I am sure some sort of scatter is involved. In all, 5 stations were worked and my 5W to the 2m big-wheel was widely spotted.
 |
| Stations spotting my 5W to the 2m big-wheel on 70cm FT8 last night |
OFCOM spectrum roadmap
OFCOM has released its latest Spectrum Roadmap. See the OFCOM website for details. Yet again, the bias is towards microwaves and users that pay.
All I am asking for is a more open and tolerant attitude to radio amateurs who seek to "self train" and do research possibly on new chunks of the radio spectrum. I see little evidence.
The document starts:
"The radio spectrum (the invisible waves that enable wireless technology)...."
Hmm.
Plans for today (Thursday)
At the moment my plan is to go on 8m FT8 QRP at about 1230z hoping to be spotted in the USA. I do not plan to go on 10m FT8 RX although I might go on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
