Sunspots - Tuesday October 24th 2023

 Solar flux is 122 and the SSN just 25.  A=3 and K=0.

160m FT8 this evening?

As a change from 630m WSPR, I might try the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with QRP 160m FT8 as long as I can get a match that is low enough. 

I cannot recall trying this at this QTH. Mind you, it it is more than a month ago I probably cannot remember it!

UPDATE 1450z:   I turned on my 160m QRP FT8 to the earth-electrode using the same 3C90 matching transformer. With the same taps as used on 630m the SWR is pretty low.

UPDATE 1704z: 2 stations have spotted me on QRP TX (2.5W and the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground) with the furthermost ON7KEC (293km.). On 160m RX stations spotted all over Europe with the furthermost nearly 3000km away. It has just got dark here! The antenna works well even on 160m FT8. The map shows the stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1811z:  7 stations have spotted me with the furthermost LA3MHA (1074km).

UPDATE 1900z:   10 stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 2000z: 19 stations have spotted me, as the map shows. Not bad for the "antenna" which nobody can see!

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.