2 Aug 2024

Wisdom? - NOT amateur radio

At the age of 75, probably I have mellowed. 

Looking back on my life it is possible to reflect on it. Many mistakes may have been made and paths not taken. In the end it has been far from perfect, but I have had a good innings. It would be good to know what would have happened if other paths had been followed. 

One theory is that every path is indeed taken, but we are only aware of one.

OFCOM and 32GHz

 OFCOM is consulting on fixed links near 32GHz. See the OFCOM website for details. They also publish information on the number of  licences etc.. Again see the OFCOM website for details

8m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My 2.5W 8m FT8 is on 40.680 MHz.

UPDATE 1953z:  3 stations spotted (2 EAs and 1 9A). No spots of me.

Wednesday's walk - NOT amateur radio

 

This was on our walk at Reach on Wednesday. We went early to avoid the heat.

Nice way to spend a lazy afternoon - NOT amateur radio

 

What could be better?  A punt on the R.Cam in Cambridge and a cold Pimms! This was a punt on the River Cam selling Pimms.

10mW ERP FT8 on 8m


Under UK 🇬🇧 ISM rules I believe anyone may beacon in the 8m ISM band at 10mW ERP without a license or even a callsign!! G8TTI has been doing it with FT8 very successfully. I just wish others would join the fun.

10m FT8 RX


With 10m so good at the moment, may I remind you of my very simple and low cost 10m FT8 RX? 10FT8R is a DSB receiver than works remarkably well. You will not miss much of the action and it could be built for the cost of a few coffees out!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/10ft8r-rx .

Lightning risk


Lightning is an increased risk in the summer months. Although a direct strike is unlikely, close lighting can still do a lot of damage to radio gear. I take no chances disconnecting antennas and mains connectors. Up to now this policy has kept my gear safe from harm.

A useful guide is the realtime lighting map. If lightning is possible locally I disconnect things before the risk is here.

The map is an example showing the lightning last evening at about 2010z.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/#m=oss;t=3;s=0;o=0;b=;ts=0;y=51.7212;x=0.2069;z=8;d=2;dl=2;dc=0;

Sunspots - Friday Aug 2nd

 Solar flux is 234 and the SSN 260. A=22 and K=2.

1 Aug 2024

8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

After failing to receive G0KTN on 8m Q65, I am on 40.680 MHz QRP FT8 hoping that someone will spot me.  As there is a possibility of thunder,  I shall disconnect everything later "just in case".

UPDATE 2047z: No spots of me.