2nd Windows PC returned - FT8 test later

My second Asus Windows PC has been returned from repair under warranty. This was very fast. Later I hope to try this on FT8 with my FT-710. At the moment I am too giddy.

UPDATE 1335z:  At first I tried to sync to internet time. Of course, I forgot that it did not recognise the connection! All sorted now and synchronised. Still to try with the FT-710. Need to install a driver first and WSJT-X.

Talk tonight

For the first time since before my stroke in 2013, I am giving a talk to the Cambridge Radio Club (CDARC). The talk is by Zoom only in view of the bad weather. I have prepared the slides and someone else is voicing my notes. 

It is a bit of an experiment. Zoom details are (I think) on the CDARC website.  All being well, I shall try to answer questions verbally, but I may have to resort to Zoom chat.

The talk is entitled" Fun With Amateur Radio". It is quite wide ranging. I am pretty sure visitors to the Zoom talk would be welcomed. Talks usually start at 2000z.

The usual style is people mute (apart from the speaker) and unmute if they have questions, or use the Zoom chat facility.

Most club talks are also via Zoom, so you could join CDARC even if you live in Australia! Annual subscriptions are very reasonable. In the past we have had speakers and viewers from many parts of the planet.

See https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86735471090 .

10m QRP WSPR (Friday)

 At about 1024z, I turned on my 500mW WSPR TX beacon. So far, no spots.

UPDATE 1100z:   4 spots of me from the Canary Is so far.

UPDATE 1240z:   Spots from the USA as well.

UPDATE  1440z: 23 unique stations spotting my QRP 10m WSPR today.

UPDATE 1731z:   29 stations have spotted me.

Real winter - NOT amateur radio

This winter we have had more frosts and snow on the ground than for a long time. Years ago, we had snow on the ground every winter, whereas now to get any snow is the exception. This winter has been more like the winters in the 1950s. As I write there is snow falling and snow on the ground, even though it is officially spring according to the UK Mat Office!

Although I quite like the look of snow, I prefer milder sunnier weather. Roll on spring.

8m QRP FT8 (Friday)

 Later today, I hope to go on 8m QRP FT8 again on 40.680 MHz. Although EI2IP and G4APB were both copied yesterday, I suspect my low ERP only gets spotted if conditions are exceptionally good via F2. Both these stations have probably got far greater ERP than I have. This is my choice to see what can be achieved on 8m with very simple gear.  I suspect for reliable F2, I need at least another 10dB.

Sunspots - Friday March 10th 2023

Solar flux is 179 and the SSN 155. A=16 and K=2.

8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

 It is now 1515z. My 8m FT8 QRP was turned on at about 1500z. So far, no spots at 1522z.

10m QRP WSPR (Thursday)

At about 1500z, my 500mW 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on. So far, no spots today.

UPDATE 1520z: Already spots by 5 unique stations.

Rallies this weekends

The following rallies have been notified to me. If travelling far, it is always worth checking the information is correct before setting out.

• Saturday March 11th - South Kesteven ARS Junk Sale, Gantham, NG31 7AU. Comtact s.mason@skars.co.uk .
• Sunday March 12th - British Vintage Wireless Society Meet, Biggleswade, SG18 8JH. Contact jesser3@hotmail.com .
• Sunday March 12th - Dover ARC HAMZ, Ashford, Kent, TN24 9QX. Contact club@darc.online .

Fancy a job? - NOT amateur radio

It is now nearly 15 years that I have been retired. Local companies are still looking for good RF engineers. At my age and with my poor voice, I think I shall just stick to amateur radio and the odd article writing!