Spots of my QRP 6m FT8 this afternoon |
Just one station spotted so far on RX - G3XDV (45km) and 11 spots of my QRP FT8 TX using the V2000 vertical omni antenna (see map of spots of me). No Es spotted today.
Simple QRP projects, 10m, 8m, 6m, 4m, FT8, 160m, WSPR, LF/MF, sub-9kHz, nanowaves and other random stuff, some not related to amateur radio.
Spots of my QRP 6m FT8 this afternoon |
So far this afternoon my QRP FT8 has been spotted by 13 stations with the furthermost ZS4ZO (9235km). On RX the furthermost are a couple of stations in Brazil.
Using PuTTY on Windows 10 I increased the audio settings in digital modes on 10m and 6m FT8 on my QMX+.
The audio level on FT8 with WSJT-X is now comfortably in the green whereas it was low and in the red as delivered.
Perhaps Hans should increase the default audio levels on higher bands? By default it was set to 54 on all bands and I have adjusted 10m and 6m to 99. It certainly works. I was getting 10m FT8 spots before even with the level still in the red.
The QMX+ is a great radio.
It looks like I have solved the problems I have had with PuTTY. As I mentioned yesterday, I am a total PC dummy and have never had occasion to use a terminal emulator before. I looked for guidance on the internet and was taken to a Computer Weekly page that was (for me) useless gobbledegook.
In total fairness to Hans of QRP Labs, I think the instructions in the QMX (not QMX+) operating manual are very clear for Linux users, but perhaps a few words for Windows users would make things totally clear that you have to choose "serial" and put in the COM port number. Also, I had to plug the USB cable in after waiting about 10 seconds for the QMX+ to be recognised (I think!).
Once I quit PuTTY I shall see if the new audio levels are better on the higher bands.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
In the end I have come to the conclusion that I do not understand US politics at all.
I am sure the Republicans say ill of the Democrats and vice versa. I am sure we hear the political propaganda from both sides, but it is impossible to know that facts.
UPDATE 1804z: So far, 37 spots of my QRP 10m FT8 with the furthermost VP8NO (12273km) in the Falkland Islands. See map.
UPDATE 2142z: 121 spots of my QRP FT8 on 10m. This is very good considering I did not start until late afternoon. Now QRT.
Looking at the Es reports in Europe, it looks like we are still seeing plentiful Es in Europe. My motto is stick with the higher HF bands and lower VHF looking for Es.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
In the end I was in development for nearly 40 years before I retired. I used to come home and say my work was my hobby. Mostly it was great fun and I enjoyed it.
As mentioned before, one of the things I like about 365project (NOT at all connected with Microsoft) is seeing places I am never likely to ...