For a change, I am on 8m WSPR in the WSPR window just above 40.680 MHz. Yesterday, my 2W 8m WSPR to a low dipole was copied in Germany and Portugal.
UPDATE 1207z: No spots.
UPDATE 1848z: About an hour ago, I went back on 8m WSPR. No spots.
9 May 2023
70cm activity contest tonight
As this is the second Tuesday in the month, at 1900z tonight should be the 70cm UKAC activity contest organised by the RSGB.
As I can only run 2.5W to a 2m big-wheel and my voice is poor, I usually stay on for much less than 1 hour.
As I recall, activity last time was down with many preferring the FT8 activity contest that is usually on the Wednesday. Usually, the activity contest sees SSB activity higher than usual.
10m QRP WSPR TX (Tuesday)
Since about 0800z I have been on 10m WSPR TX with my 500mW beacon.
UPDATE 0842z: No spots yet.
UPDATE 1208z: No spots. Bad Es day?
UPDATE 1251z: Still no spots, so probably swapping to 10m FT8.
The South Hams of Devon
From this picture you can see why I think the South Hams is the best place on Earth.
V2000 vertical omni
8 May 2023
10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)
When on 8m, I keep forgetting that my 10m antenna is free and I can go on 10m 500mW WSPR TX with my beacon. 10m WSPR QRP TX was turned on at about 1530z.
UPDATE 1545z: Widespread reports by Es of my 500mW 10m WSPR TX now being received. Some reports suggest just uWs would be sufficient! This suggests widespread reception by Es of unlicenced 8m ISM WSPR beacons.
UPDATE 1842z: 27 unique stations spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon in just a few hours. Es is definitely back. It is still on TX. Furthermost was TA4/G8SCU (3010km).
The future of amateur radio
This is a subject I have discussed before. These are my current views. I may well be proved wrong.
- National authorities like OFCOM and the FCC gain nothing from amateur radio and have no real interest.
- In 20 years' time most of the people currently active in amateur radio will be dead.
- In the future, all amateur radio will be run by national radio societies like the RSGB and ARRL who will allocate callsigns for those that still want them.
- Exams will not be needed. Who needs exams to talk about gardening on 80m with commercial gear?
- Deregulated services like ISM and CB will merge with a deregulated amateur radio service.
- There will be fewer dedicated amateur radio products.
- There will be fewer, and smaller amateur radio magazines.
Amateur radio as a service is changing. In my view, the future is about deregulation and as long as you don't interfere with others, it may be allowed. Access to all (current) amateur bands will be open to all.
Does it bother me? Not really. Experimenters will continue to experiment and those that want to natter about gardening can just get on with it.
Cynic, me?
Mr Putin, what are you hoping to achieve? - NOT amateur radio
The "special operation" by Russia against Ukraine is now in its second year. At one time the Ukrainian people had a certain respect for Russia. Indeed many in both nations have relatives in the other country. All respect by the Ukrainian people for Russia has gone. The Ukrainian people HATE Russia.
In my view, this war/invasion is totally and utterly stupid. What good can ever come of this? Every country has the right to determine its own future. By free and fair elections the people can choose their own future without external interference. I sincerely hope peace can be created.
New page on website
For the last month or so, I have been having great fun using my tiny QDX digital transceiver from QRP Labs. I am amazed that something this tiny works so well. If is so much smaller than my other rigs! A webpage has been created.
Mine is the version covering 20m to 10m. Other versions are available.
Just imagine a good multi-band transceiver with case with change for less than $100. Every amateur home should have one! If your soldering skills are normal this should be a straightforward build.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/qdx
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