Sunspots - Monday February 26th

 Solar flux is 172 and the SSN 114.  A=11 and K=1.

630m QRP WSPR (Sunday)

My 10mW ERP  630m WSPR from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was turned on just after 2000z. 

UPDATE 2212z:  So far, 17 stations have spotted me.

Early spring? - NOT amateur radio

Although spring officially starts March 1st according to the UK Met Office, nature thinks it is already here with lots of daffodils and blossom already out. In my view we are several weeks early. Is this global warming?

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 

In the last 12 hours, my 10mW ERP has been spotted by 19 stations including 2 from Norway.

RSP1B SDR RX

SDRs is one area of our hobby not really explored. A few days ago I purchased the SDRplay RSP1B. 

It was connected up briefly yesterday after downloading the software, which was very straightforward. It is good being able to cover 1kHz to 2GHz with the SDR. 

I think there may be some noise from the PC getting into the RX, so I may add some ferrite chokes to the USB cable later. Watch this space!

UPDATE 1142z:   I am surprised by the number of artifacts. Adding chokes made no difference to LF/MF noise floor, so noise must be external.  I tried several antennas. Next thing to try is a sensitivity test on various bands using the FT817ND and the same antenna each time.

UPDATE 1232z:  Tested 70cm sensitivity comparing the strength of the Leicester beacon. On my 2m big-wheel omni antenna this is just on the noise level on the FT817ND. It was much the same on the RSP1B with the same antenna. This suggests the 70cm sensitivity is similar. Next is to try the Kent beacon on the two rigs on 2m.

UPDATE 1550z: Still learning, but 6m, 2m and 70cm beacons copied OK. Nice seeing whole bands at a time.

UPDATE 1812z:  Would I recommend it? It is great to see the whole way from 1kHz to 2GHz and to be able to just click on a signal.  If you do not have a general coverage RX, probably yes. Otherwise I am not sure. I need to learn more!!

10m QRPP WSPR again (Saturday and Sunday)

After success on Friday, my 500uW (0.5mW) beacon is on again with the PA turned off. It was also on Saturday with no spots all day.

UPDATE 1825z:   No spots. I think another day has passed with no spots.

Sunspots - Sunday February 25th

 Solar flux is 179 and the SSN 106. A=7 and K=3.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 

In the last 12 hours 27 stations have spotted my 10mW ERP including some useful DX (see table).

Our amaryllis plants - NOT amateur radio

 Over the dreary winter months these help to brighten things up. Even better with a blue sky!

UK amateur license changes

Whilst I understand recent OFCOM changes to the UK amateur radio licenses, I am disappointed that power levels have been increased. Having worked all over the world with 10W pep SSB many years ago and now with even better modes like FT8 available, why do we need more power? 1kW linears are VERY expensive, re-enforcing the message that amateur radio needs deep pockets for rigs, linears, towers and beams. 

As I hope I have shown, deep pockets and high power are definitely NOT needed to have fun or work the world. I hope more stick with foundation licenses!! You can work the world, and have far more fun, for the cost of a few pints of beer or a good night out.  

You definitely do not need to spend much money or run loads of power!!