21 Mar 2024

More LF spectrum for amateur radio?

There is a very interesting piece on John EI7GL's blog about the demise of BBC Radio 4 on 198kHz long wave. 

Gradually, long wave AM broadcast stations are going. There are now very few radios covering LW broadcast bands. The present date for switch-off could be June 2025.

With so much LW spectrum becoming free, I wonder if amateur radio could get any?

2m UKAC (activity) contest in March

The results of this March contest have been released. 

In the low power section, I am about half way up the table. Only staying on for a fraction of the time because of my poor voice and omni antenna, this is quite pleasing. 

Not scientifically, my impression is there is reduced activity in this contest, whereas there seems to be increased activity in the FT8 activity test.

Near Salcombe - NOT amateur radio


Before I was 10, I lived in Salcombe, Devon. This is Starehole Bay, just south of the town.

Shetland Islands - NOT amateur radio


As you may recall, I enjoy 365project where people try to post a photo (totally for free) every day. One of my friends lives in the Shetland Is.. He often posts dramatic photos of landscapes as well as birds. This photo shows Lerwick, which is the capital of the Shetland Is. 

I have done 365project for over 10 years and it is great to look back!

630m QRP WSPR overnight


A disappointing period with just 13 spots of my 10mW ERP. Overall, I am very pleased with my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground that is almost invisible. As I have said before, neither my XYL or neighbours are even aware it is there! 

Just wish I could try it on 2200m.

My 10m 500uW (0.5mW) WSPR tests

My QRPP 10m WSPR tests continue today. At the moment, I seem to be spotted in the Canary Islands most days.

Continuing monitoring 8m WSPR

Today, I am continuing to monitor 40.680 MHz WSPR. My rig should be on during the daylight hours. Nothing at all was spotted on 8m WSPR yesterday. I am hoping to receive Bernard in Canada.

Sunspots - Thursday March 21st

 Solar flux is 176 and the SSN 120. A=4 and K=2.

20 Mar 2024

630m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

 Once again, I am on 630m WSPR with my 10mW ERP.   So far tonight I have been spotted by 5 stations with the furthermost just EI.

10m QRPP WSPR (Wednesday)

My 500uW (0.5mW) 10m WSPR beacon is on, but no spots.

UPDATE 1346z:   Much to my surprise, I was spotted at lunchtime again in the Canary Islands when I was running just 500uW (0.5mW). He must have a very quiet electrical environment.