DX soundbites

10m QRP SSB DXCC was achieved over 30 years ago, so I no longer actively chase DX. If I chance on DX that is fine, but I cannot see the point of just going after it purely for another tick. 8m is different as this is real radio science. 

These days I am far more interested in radio propagation. My favourite HF band remains 10m.  Antennas are small and when it is wide open the world can be worked with low power on SSB..

Mostly I am on WSPR or FT8 because of my poor voice. I am told fewer people are on SSB these days. Chasing DX on FT8 seems to be the favourite activity. I guess there is less need for amateur radio for those just wanting to chat. Some years ago there was little choice.

If you want to know what some DX sounds like you may want to look at this site.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/dx-soundbites-2020 .

8m QRP FT8

Hoping to reach the USA again, I am on 40.680 MHz FT8 with my modified FT817ND and low wire dipole. So far today, no spots.

UPDATE 1500z: No spots.

10m 500mW WSPR TX

 As my 10m antenna is available, I am on 500mW TX with my W5OLF beacon. It is now 1141z and, so far today, 12 unique stations have spotted my QRP.

UPDATE 2200z:  29 spots of me today on 10m WSPR TX.

Sunspots - Friday November 11th 2022

 Solar flux is 139 and the SSN 79.  A=2 and K=3.

Shack photo

 This was my shack in 2015. It is much the same now, although a few rigs have changed.

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.

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. 

One has appeared on eBay untested . The last time I looked it was £225!! I should have kept one!

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).

UPDATE 1423z:  13 unique stations have spotted me today.

Stations spotting me by 1714z

UPDATE 1714z:  19 unique stations have spotted me today so far.

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