26 May 2024
Near where I come from - NOT amateur radio
25 May 2024
POTA with the Elecraft KH1
6m 10mW FT8 in the Es season
At the start of the Es season, I started with 10mW 6m WSPR. It worked, so I changed to 6m 10mW FT8, which in theory needs a better S/N to decode.
Every day, 10mW 6m FT8 has been very successful. Some reports suggest some margin too.
I think the fact that FT8 only needs a 15 second TX period compared with 120 seconds for WSPR helps to catch very brief Es openings.
When I return to 8m, I think I shall try 10mW ERP FT8 instead of WSPR.
23cm activity session
Well over a year ago I bought a 2W 23cms transverter that I intended to use /P in the 23cm activity sessions. As it has been so wet, I have yet to do this. Perhaps later?
I was only going to go out very locally, but on higher ground.
10m 500uW (0.5mW) WSPR (Saturday)
My 500uW 10m QRPP WSPR beacon was turned on at about 0830z. European Es looks quite promising, so I am hopeful.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
UPDATE 1117z: No spots.
UPDATE 1738z: Just a single spot of my QRPP by DK6UG (633km).
6m 10mW FT8 (Saturday)
Es map of Europe |
UPDATE 1026z: 5 spots of my 10mW 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1731z: 10 stations have spotted me.
630m QRP WSPR overnight
Last night I went on 630m WSPR with my 10mW ERP. In all, 7 stations spotted me, which was better than I was expecting. Best DX was GM3YXM (425km).
ISWL
See https://www.iswl.org.uk/ .