8m antenna repair

For reasons I do not understand my 8m dipole has gone to resonance at about 49MHz. It is simpler to replace the antenna and coax. Assuming the weather is OK, I may try doing this in the next week. 

At the moment I am inclined not to apply for an 8m TX permit again, but instead concentrate on ISM rules and WSPR. In the UK this means 10mW ERP and compliance with IR2030. In the UK this is totally free (no licence needed) and I believe open to all. As long as there are people monitoring, much of Europe should be within range on 8m WSPR in the Es season.

Sunspots- Monday March 11th

Solar  flux is 127 and the SSN 77. A=6 and K=1.

Hamsphere and similar

Hamsphere and CQ100 have been around for many years. They behave as ham radio (simulated rigs, bands,antennas, contests ,etc, but use the internet as the communications medium rather than the ionosphere. 

I guess both have their places for some although I have never really been interested. It is just too easy for me and lacks the element of research and experimentation. Each to their own.

Bowling Green - NOT amateur radio

 

Our local bowling club is under threat of closure. There are too few people to look after the grass as people age. The grass looks perfect at the moment.

They had a stay of execution last year, but I don’t know the future.

10m 500uW WSPR (Sunday)

 Talk about a sucker for punishment!  Once again I am trying 10m WSPR with 500uW (0.5mW). No spots.

UPDATE 1456z:  No spots.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

8 stations spotted my 10mW ERP 630m WSPR overnight. LA1TN (1305km) was on the list last evening, but is not there now for some reason.

6m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

My 2.5W to the V2000 vertical omni antenna was turned on just before 1000z. So far, just a couple of English stations are spotting me.

UPDATE 1153z:  7 English stations spotting me. On RX here, many stations, widely, across Europe spotted. F2 backscatter or Es?

Stations spotting me

Stations spotted here

UPDATE 1442z:  11 stations (all in England and Wales) have spotted me. Both the stations spotting me and those spotted here by me are shown on the maps.

UPDATE 1712z:  13 stations spotting me with the furthermost HB9SHD (780km).

Daffodils - NOT amateur radio

 

Yesterday, we did a short walk in the village. 

This well kept garden (seen on our walk) has lots of daffodils.

Sunspots - Sunday March 10th

 Solar flux is 135 and the SSN 99.  A=12 and K=1.

630m QRP WSPR (Saturday)

My 630m 10mW ERP WSPR has been on since teatime. So far, 15 stations have spotted me with the furthermost Norway (see table).