My 2.5W has been on since after breakfast, but just spots by a local so far. As usual, 2.5W and the low dipole.
As the solar conditions do not look too promising today, the best I can really hope for is some tropo or aircraft scatter. Even this would be a bonus!
UPDATE 1316z: ZR1ADI (9777km) has again been copied. With the SSN so low I am pleasantly surprised to see the MUF on N-S paths so high. I was not expecting this.
OFCOM is proposing to offer licences to e-Loran around 100 kHz. I have no idea if this will cause interference to LF and MF amateur bands. I remember the QRM caused by Loran at the top of 160m. I think OFCOM is after comments. See the OFCOM website.
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| Stations spotting my 2.5W to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 160m FT8 overnight |
In all, I was spotted by 55 stations as the maps shows. 73 stations were spotted on RX. The furthermost on TX was OH6BG (1716km).
My theory is this works as a loop in the ground, so that the efficiency should decrease as the skin depth goes down, so I would expect it to be poorer on 160m than 630m. Also, I was using FT8 which is some 10dB poorer than WSPR. Overall, very pleasing.
This begs the question - what is it like on 80m FT8? If the match is OK, I shall probably try this tonight!
This is experimentation I can still do! At some point I must try my 2200m (136 kHz) beacon on QRSS. I think it can do QRSS. It is over 10 years since I last used QRSS.
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.
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.
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.
My 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 30 minutes ago.
UPDATE 1258z: 39 stations have spotted me today.
Jason Woodman has passed on this data on new Elecraft CW rig.
More info on KH1: https://elecraft.com/products/
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.
