My gear was turned on at about 0920z. So far, just 3 English stations spotting me.
6 Jan 2025
KH1 v KX2 for portable use
In the UK, Elecraft radios are very expensive. I don't think that is the case in the USA. Also, I do not think the KH1 is available outside of the USA.
K4SWL has done a video comparing these radios. Elecraft make some good products, but I wish they were less expensive. The conclusion is it depends on how you intend to use the product.
One thing it does do is tell us just how effective a small HF handheld can be if used with a whip, counterpoise and ATU.
5 Jan 2025
Doctor reveals what you'll see when you die - according to science - NOT amateur radio
This video was see on YouTube earlier. I had a cardiac arrest in 2013. Many with a religious faith will expect some kind of life after death.
10m QRP WSPR (Sunday)
My 500mW beacon was turned on at about 0915z. So far, 2 stations spotting me.
UPDATE 1205z: 15 stations have spotted me. The maps is from WSPRrocks by Phil VK7JJ.
UPDATE 1920z: 40 stations have spotted me today. See table.
UPDATE 2014z: QRT.
6m QRP FT8 (Sunday)
My QMX+ was turned on at about 0915z. A 0925z just 2 English stations spotted.
UPDATE 2014z: QRT.
Amateur radio in the 1950s
After WW2 many people used surplus military equipment as this was plentiful . These were the days when many built their own gear and there were no Japanese transceivers. Most people used AM.
23cm beacons
My nearest 23cm beacon is (I think) GB3DUN (66km) on Dunstable Downs.
From home in the shack I can only use a 6ele PCB antenna firing out of the shack window. With the leaves off the trees, now is probably a good time to see if I can receive it.
It is very much an obstructed path.
This is a useful distance and bearing calculator if you know the Maidenhead 6 figure grid for both the TX and RX. See https://www.chris.org/cgi-bin/showdis .
Chocolate box village - NOT amateur radio
At one time they were probably worker's hovels. How times change.
Wet string antennas
Yesterday I mentioned using the coax to my 2m big-wheel antenna on 80m. It worked remarkably well.
I came across this video on YouTube showing someone using a coat hanger antenna on 10m. As long as the antenna is properly matched to the rig with an ATU, you may be surprised.
If you do not have an antenna for a certain band do not give up. I am sure such compromise antennas would be down on a "proper" antenna, but do not be too surprised if it works quite effectively.
Some have used wires in their plastic guttering down-pipe or a flagpole. You may be amazed just how well such hidden antennas work.
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