630m QRP WSPR overnight

 

My furthermost spot has increased in distance. Last night was probably my best ever on the band.

Count your blessings - NOT amateur radio

As mentioned yesterday, I have tested positive for Covid-19 despite having all the injections and avoided it until now. My wife also has it, with different symptoms. At the moment I feel rough and hope things get better soon. I have not felt this unwell since my 2013 stroke.

Just imagine this if I lived in Gaza. I have no sympathy with killing innocent people whatever their religion.  I am sure revenge just fuels the flames.  I just wish everyone could live in peace and respect our differences.

At the moment my symptoms of Covid are many and varied. It feels like a very heavy cold and it hurts when I cough. Also, I have noticed I make far more mistakes typing.

Enjoy every moment.

8m QRP FT8 (Monday)

My 2.5W to the low dipole has been on since about 0945z. So far, no spots.

UPDATE 1424z:  So far still no spots on TX or RX.

10m QRP WSPR (Monday)

My 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 30 minutes ago.

UPDATE 1258z:  39 stations have spotted me today.

UPDATE 1435z:  40 stations have spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon (by W5OLF) today. This little unit has proved excellent.

New Elecraft CW rig

 Jason Woodman has passed on this data on new Elecraft CW rig.

"Elecraft has announced a new hand portable CW transceiver KH

Self contained rig idea for SOTA/POTA. Covers 40M - 15M up to 5w.

KH1 Hand-Held, 5-Band Transceiver (Rig only $549.95)

Package:     

    KH1 Hand-Held, 5-Band Transceiver
    KHATU1 Antenna Tuner
    KHPD1 Keyer Paddle
    KHLOG1 Logbook Tray w/mini-ballpoint pen
    KXBT2 rechargeable Li-Ion battery
    KHIBC1 Internal Battery Charger
    ES20 Custom zippered carrying case.

   Total cost $1099

"NOTE:  We currently cannot ship the KH1 to any EU country.  The KH1 is currently not CE certified."

More info on KH1: https://elecraft.com/products/kh1-edgewood-package "

I agree with Jason - expensive. Presumably there is VAT and import duty to consider when they get CE approval eventually.  A nice rig.... if you can afford it. Personally, I am disappointed there is not (I think) an FT8/WSPR option.

Separately, I was sent a You Tube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc5P2rhpUpo. There are several videos on YouTube.

Sunspots - Monday October 23rd 2023

 Solar flux is 119 and the SSN 48 . A=8 and K=1.

630m QRP WSPR (Sunday)

For this evening and overnight, I am on QRP 630m with the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far 9 stations have spotted me.

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

 My 2.5w FT8 to the low dipole was turned in about 0930z. So far, no spots on TX or RX. 3 stations spotted in continental Europe plus on "QSO" with EA1TX (1240km). Not sure they have legal access to 8m.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

 My 500mW WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 0930z. 8 stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 1623z: The impression I am getting is that there are more stations on than last year. Already today my 500mW has been spotted by 28 stations.

Covid-19 - NOT amateur radio

After all this time, both my wife and I tested positive for Covid-19 this morning. The irony is we had Covid and Flu booster jabs about 11 days ago! 

Symptoms are different between us, but we would best describe it as a heavy cold. and a hacking cough. We are also tired. My wife has also lost here sense of taste and smell.