For about an hour, I have been on 10m QRP TX running 500mW from my W5OLF beacon. So far, 3 unique stations have spotted me. It is now 1205z.
3 Dec 2022
8m QRP FT8 (Saturday)
It is now 1120z. I have been on 8m QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz for about 20 minutes. So far, 1 spot on TX by G4FFC (47km), On RX, no spots. On 8m FT8 I Use 2.5W and a low wire dipole.
UPDATE 1502z: Nothing back from the RSGB about my email suggesting a 5 kHz wide 8m amateur band, narrow digital only. Am I surprised? Not really. No further stations spotting me today and I have spotted nobody.
UPDATE 1518z: In the UK my understanding is we can use equipment without a certificate of conformity or type approval at 8m as long as it meets the technical requirement and the interface requirements as detailed in IR 2030. This is because we have no intention of putting anything on the market. This means 10mW ERP and we are responsible for compliance. From my own tests and tests by M0NYW, 10mW ERP certainly covers the local area with WSPR and might well work on FT8 over some paths, especially with proper 8m antennas at both ends. My own tests were with a low wire 8m dipole, whereas most locals receiving me were using a variety of (non 8m) antennas. In better Es openings I would expect 10mW ERP to reach Europe. This means many more UK stations could legally operate 8m WSPR beacons.
Salcombe 1960s? - NOT amateur radio
Salcombe is where I lived as a young child. This photo probably dates from the early 1960s or even late 1950s. It shows the waterfront in Salcombe.
2 Dec 2022
OFCOM Updates
Every week, OFCOM updates the figures it holds on us and publishes these. Check the OFCOM website for their latest figures.
10m QRP WSPR TX (Friday)
Nearly forgot again that when I am on 8m FT8, I can also go on 10m QRP WSPR with my stand-alone W5OLF beacon. The beacon was turned on at about 1130z. At 1305z, my 500mW beacon had been spotted by 7 unique stations.
This little beacon has given me good service for many years.
8m QRP FT8 (Friday)
At about 1130z I turned on my 2.5W QRP 8m FT8 (TX first and RX) on 40.680 MHz. At 1257z, no spots.
Plans for today (Friday)
After shopping in a minute I think I shall immediately go on 8m QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz. This will be around 1100z.
So far this autumn my 2.5W has only made it to the USA once on 8m.
23cm update
As regular blog readers will know, I now have a 2W 23cm transverter. I have yet to use it as I have been busy with other things. I still have to get some leads. My plan is to do some tests locally with the supplied test antenna and do some portable operating with a better antenna in the activity contests next year. So, if you are local, stand by!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
