My 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at about 0830z. So far today, no spots of me. It is now 0851z.
UPDATE 0932z: My signal has been received in Finland by OH6BG (1718km). This could be Es or F2 I guess.
6 Aug 2023
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Sunday)
6m QRP FT8 (Sunday)
My 2.5W to the V2000 vertical omni antenna was turned on at about 0830z. So far, spotted just by Gs. 1 G spotted on RX.
UPDATE 0955z: My signal has been received in Portugal. Es? 10 stations have been spotted here as far away as the Canary Is..
UPDATE 1104z: 13 stations have spotted me as far as Portugal and Spain and 23 stations have been spotted here so far.
UPDATE 1925z: 88 stations spotted. Furthermost ZS6WN (8931km). I really hope this is genuine. Does anyone know? QRT soon.
UPDATE 2107z: ZS6WN had lots of spots in Europe and none in South Africa. He looks like a pirate in Europe? I may be wrong, but am naturally suspicious.
G3USB Richard
Many years ago whilst driving around the lanes of Devon I worked G3USB/M on 2m FM. I used to work with him in old Pye days. After a period of inactivity, he is now on the air again from 26km away. He has spotted me several times recently on 6m FT8.
I checked QRZ.com but could not see an email address. If anyone has this I'd be most grateful as I should like to get in touch.
5 Aug 2023
European Es - is FT8 making the season longer?
Traditionally, the Es season in the northern hemisphere peaks around May, June, July. It is now well into August and I am wondering if more people are "staying around" on 10m and 6m FT8 than before?
In the past, many people took a look, heard nobody, so QSYed to a lower band. With FT8 a band can be monitored very easily and signals can be fleeting and weak. It is my thought that brief peaks in Es occur far more often than we think. FT8 might just be the key that "unlocks the door".
Today, as an example my 2.5W to a vertical omni has been spotted widely in Europe (96 stations at 1442z) on 6m FT8. Openings may only be fleeting and weak, but that can be enough. With more power and a beam just imagine what could be possible.
Pixies and Micro80 transceivers
At one time you could buy Pixies kits for 40m CW very cheaply from China with free airfare. It may still be possible.
The Pixie transceiver was derived from the Micro80. Both have severe limitations, especially on RX. Nonetheless, they work and can be a very low cost introduction to the hobby. I have built both in the past.
You may be amazed that something this simple actually works.
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Saturday)
So far (at 0926z) just spots from G4KPX (14km).
UPDATE 1027z: 3 unique stations spotting me. There is some Es.
UPDATE 1307z: 23 stations have spotted me today. Mostly Es in Europe.
Free G3XBM book reminder
I meant to include details of how I accessed the world DMR network with just an Android phone (no hotspots, DMR portables or dongles needed), but I forgot, so this will have to await the next edition!
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/book
6m QRP FT8 (Saturday)
My 2.5W to the vertical omni V2000 was turned on about 0850z. So far, (at 0905z) just 3 UK spots of me and nobody on RX.
UPDATE 1030z: 8 stations spotted on RX and 13 stations have spotted my 6m FT8 QRP. There is some Es.
Politics - NOT amateur radio
Isn't it amazing that Mr Trump is so popular in the USA? It is surprising that a nation so vast cannot find a young, sharp, intelligent potential president. It looks likely both candidates will be older than me and I retired 14 years ago!
In the UK the leaders of the major political parties are younger. I am so glad we live in a democracy and can change parties every few years. Some policies need long term agreements like health and social care.
The way we elect people in the UK can probably be improved. The important thing is that we use our vote. There are good people and bad (sadly) in all political parties in all nations.
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