My 10mW ERP 630m WSPR (measured) was turned on at about 2020z. So far, just 2E0ILY/KIWI (209km) spotting me.
It is very disappointing to see I am the only UK station sending 630m WSPR according to WSPRnet at present.
As mentioned before, it looks like my 8m dipole antenna system has an intermittent fault. Recently, I decided to concentrate on 8m TX with ISM restrictions, which means 10mW ERP. WSPR gives me the best chance. I doubt 8m FT8 at 10mW ERP would be enough.
A reminder that, certainly in the UK, possibly elsewhere, under ISM rules 8m beaconing is licence free and open to all. A full T&I 8m TX permit costs £50 annually in the UK. With more countries opening the band for real amateur radio research, I keep my fingers crossed that radio amateurs will eventually be granted restricted access with conditions. I have long said that just 5kHz in the ISM band would do.
For 10mW ERP tests the antenna must be reliable.
The actual antenna and coax are not problems, whereas erection is more of an issue as this requires ladder work. I can probably manage OK as the ladder work is quite low, but I get giddy very easily these days so even a short distance off the ground is harder than it once was.
My 10m WSPR beacon, without the PA, is on again. At 0846z, no spots.
This QRPP is really great fun and definitely worth trying in the upcoming Es season. I suspect FT8 would not work.
When I see the first migrant birds returning from Africa, my heart jumps for joy. In this troubled world it is good to know that cycles that have gone on for thousands, possibly millions, of years carry on despite us.
Yesterday I saw my first housemartin, although I have yet to see a swallow.
An average session overnight with no real DX. 11 stations spotted my 10mW ERP WSPR on 630m.
I had not noticed this nest before, so it may be new. I hope it succeeds.
These are like college policemen, keeping order in the Cambridge University colleges like this one outside Trinity College, that I think was...
