Apparently there is a group of enthusiasts using FT8 on 27.265MHz CB. I have not monitored this but might well try soon. My endfed Par antenna works well on 11m.
24 Jul 2024
630m QRP WSPR tonight?
It is very unusual for me to try 630m QRP WSPR at this time of year. Assuming things work, I might well give it a try this evening.
The noise floor will be higher at this time of the year on MF and that might mask my QRPP signal. It's an experiment, so the worst is nobody spots me!
I wonder if people have moved to different modes on 630m and I should try a different mode?
UPDATE 2030z: Initial tests were not successful. It is probably something dead simple, so I shall try and find out what is wrong tomorrow.
European Es (Wednesday)
The European Es season is drawing to a close until next spring, although there is a far smaller peak around New Year. I do not know why this happens. This is another Es puzzle (to me at least).
There have been some (probable) Es openings today, although we can expect fewer Es openings than earlier in the spring/summer. As I have mentioned before Es can occur at any time.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
8m FSW4-300 RX tests
G0KTN is doing some tests using this slow mode (5 minute transmissions) on 8m.
Although I do not have my usual 8m dipole up, I am trying to RX Trevor on the endfed used for my FT8 EA 8m QSOs recently. Unlike the EA stations, this would be by tropo. Theoretically this mode is about 6dB better than WSPR2. His station is on from 0800-2000z.
Worth a try!
It's funny how reports and QSOs are easier with more distant stations on FT8 than on more local stations on WSPR and FSW4-300.
UPDATE 2036z: G0KTN not copied sadly.
53rd wedding anniversary - NOT amateur radio
Today is our 53rd wedding anniversary.
In all this time we have never exchanged cards or gifts, preferring to celebrate when we met in 1968.
What are the secrets of a long marriage? Tolerance and acceptance of each other's quirks. We have been lucky.
10m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)
My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon is on this morning. So far, 4 stations have spotted me.
6m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)
At the moment solar activity is good although Es is (as far as I know) unrelated to solar activity. I can certainly recall very good Es conditions at all times in the solar cycle.
I am still sure there is a lot to learn about E layer propagation. For example:
- Those long Es openings to the Far East from Europe on 6m every early summer (Mesospheric clouds?).
- An apparent uptick in Scandinavian Es late in the season.
- Long path openings on 6m E layer. Is this some sort of chordal hop?
UPDATE 1355z: QRT at the moment. 40 spots of me today.
23 Jul 2024
OFCOM Consultation
Just got this from OFCOM......
"Ofcom is today launching a review of the annual licence fees we charge mobile network operators for use of three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).
Annual licence fees (ALFs) are fees we charge mobile network operators to use certain spectrum bands. They typically come into effect after a mobile operator’s licence won at auction has come to the end of the initial licence period. The fees are designed to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently. We currently charge ALFs for three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).
On 28 March 2024, BT wrote to Ofcom to request a review of the ALFs we charge for 1800 MHz spectrum. We have now considered BT’s request, and we consider that the evidence suggests that a fee review is justified. As a result of the commonalities in the formula we use to set ALFs, we have decided to begin a review of all of the ALFs we currently charge (that is, ALFs for 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum).
We expect to consult on our initial findings by the end of this calendar year. We welcome any additional evidence which stakeholders consider would assist us in this review."
From a different angle
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