8m dipole

For several years, I have used this wire dipole antenna on 8m. I was considering a vertical this Es season, but my problem is erection.

Despite the low height of the dipole, it seems to work pretty well with my 2.5W FT8 reaching all over Europe, South Africa, the Caribbean, USA, Canada and the Middle East, and the Canaries. 

I doubt a vertical would be much different.

Not my shack!

 

This photo was on a Facebook group earlier. As I am sure you are aware, this is not my shack!

As well as the modern rig in the centre, there are some nice vintage rigs.

QRSS (very slow beaconing)

This is something I have never tried and I have no idea how it compares with WSPR or FT8.  The advantage is the signal (often real QRPP) may be viewed as a trace on a screen. and no real special software is needed, although I expect QRSS enthusiasts have their favourites.

I guess even non-licenced people can try this on ISM bands if permitted.

See https://swharden.com/qrss/plus/ 

8m FT8 (Sunday)

My 8m FT8 2.5W is currently on 40.680MHz (DF about 1950Hz), although I am not hopeful as conditions seem disturbed.

UPDATE 1709z:  No spots.

500uW (0.5mW) 10m WSPR (Sunday)

My QRPP 10m WSPR signal is on again, but I am not really expecting spots as conditions seem disturbed today. You never know!

UPDATE 1712z:  No spots all day.

Migrant birds - NOT amateur radio

As we move into British Summer Time (BST) I look forward to the arrival of migrant birds from Africa. Sand Martins are already in Devon. 

Chiffchaff

I have yet to hear a chiffchaff. Some chiffchaffs winter here and some migrate.  

Swallows are usually seen here in early April, but there are far fewer of these birds these days. Swifts are still common locally, but these are normally seen mid May.

Rape

Although many don't like the smell, when the rape comes out fields are carpeted in yellow and spring is truly here along with the blossom on trees and bushes.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/chiffchaff .

Sunspots - Sunday March 24th

 Solar flux is 209 and the SSN 146. A=36 and K=4. I think conditions are disturbed.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 

Another disappointing session with 11 spots and no great DX.

Lucy Fraser MP - NOT amateur radio

This morning Lucy Fraser MP (Minister for Media, Culture and Sport and a member of the UK Cabinet) held an open meeting in our village. Although I have never voted Conservative in a UK General Election, I went along. She is our local MP.

She came across as a woman of honesty and integrity, but as she turned up 5 minutes late for her own meeting and gave typical answers when asked, she has not got my vote and may have lost a few others too. Overall it re-enforced my view that we are ruled by a bunch (mainly) of enthusiastic amateurs.

In view of recent threats to MPs, I was quite surprised just to be able to walk in.

'Our’ windmill next door - NOT amateur radio

This was ‘our’ windmill next door this afternoon in the spring sunshine.