Solar flux is 143 and the SSN 115. A=11 and K=2.
9 Dec 2022
8 Dec 2022
OFCOM consulting on some changes to short range devices licence exempt rules
OFCOM is consulting on some changes it is proposing on its licence exempt SRD regulations. As far as I can see these affect some microwave allocations. This affects the Spectrum Licensing Regulations. See the OFCOM website for details.
EME
As pointed out in his earlier comment, John Regnualt, G4SWX, who is the RSGB's VHF manager, has directed us to a truly excellent website all about EME (earth-moon-earth) communication.
John is an expert on EME communication and got his 2m DXCC some years ago. As far as I am concerned this is really good experimental work, no doubt having spent some time optimising his EME station.
To have success in EME requires hard work and dedication. By comparison, I am a "fireside fusilier" in that I am gunner do this and gunner do that. It looks like John is not!!
QRSS or WSPR?
Although WSPR comes in several guises and speeds, I have no idea how QRSS (slow CW) compares with WSPR. Maybe Googling will tell me the answer.
For very low power (QRPP), one of these modes is probably better. WSPR has the advantage of being widely reported via WSPRnet. Certainly very slow WSPR is probably better than QRSS at reasonable speeds.
The answer is probably the same as, "how long is a piece of string?", but any pointers would be appreciated.
ISM rules?
Although I am pretty sure that in the UK people can use the ISM bands for research without a licence, as long as they personally ensure conformity to any technical requirements and IR2030, I have asked OFCOM to confirm this. I am awaiting a response. My thoughts are it is easier for OFCOM just to confirm this than ask, "is this legal?".
At 8m this means a beacon can not be more than 10mW ERP. We already know this can cover a local area well on WSPR and could probably be copied in Europe by Es.
What happens in your country is not known.
8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)
My FT8 on 40.680 MHz was turned on at 1003z. No spots. Running 2.5W to the low wire dipole.
10m WSPR QRP (Thursday)
My 500mW beacon was turned on at 1000z. No spots yet at 1006z.
UPDATE 1235z: 3 stations now spotting me. No USA yet.
2m FT8 activity contest
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| Stations on 2m FT8 RX last evening |
Yesterday evening was the 2m FT8 activity contest. I worked 2 stations, but over 50 were received here including EI, GI, ON and PA (see map).
The other map shows where I was spotted with 2.5W FT8 and the big-wheel omni antenna.
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| Stations spotting my 2.5W FT8 on 2m with the omni antenna |
Poster - NOT amateur radio
It usually has pictures of friends, grandchildren, sons etc. She has been doing these since 2012.
It is amazing to see how people change.
There are several companies we could use. You do the layout and upload digital images.
Arecibo dish
Sadly the antenna collapsed and will not be rebuilt.
7 Dec 2022
Geminids meteor shower
This normally peaks in mid December. Usually, the ionised trails result in enhanced VHF propagation during short bursts. MSK144 is often a good mode as signals may be strong, but short lived. Better equipped stations experience better bursts for longer.
This time, I may try 8m MSK144 during the shower.
See https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-geminid-meteor-shower/ .
KST chat
Personally, I find this very useful.
When I remember, I share my current 8m activity so people know where to watch for me. 8m activity is on the 50 and 70 MHz chats.
I see others use it to arrange skeds.
8m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)
Later I hope to go on 8m QRP FT8. No spots on 8m yesterday. If the MUF goes high enough today, I am in with a chance of reaching the USA again.
Chances of a tiny 8m UK amateur band look slim, even by NoV.
UPDATE 1242z: On 40.680 MHz QRP FT8. No spots.
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| 8m FT8 spots of me today |
UPDATE 1833z: I asked the RSGB about a tiny 8m amateur band. Reading the email reply this is very unlikely in the UK. Those in the UK who want to continue with 8m propagation research will have to get T&I licences. These cost £50 for a year. Many might be able to use ISM regulations that allow 10mW ERP without a licence. I have asked OFCOM for clarification on the ISM rules.
Crab prize - NOT amateur radio
10m QRP WSPR TX (Wednesday)
Shortly I'll be on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon.
UPDATE 1113z: Just spots of me from the Canary Isles so far today.
St John's College, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
6 Dec 2022
OFCOM and mobile data
OFCOM has consulted on spectrum for mobile data. See the OFCOM website for details.
8m amateur band?
Recently I approached the RSGB to enquire about their position on a very tiny 8m amateur band (just 5 kHz wide) by NoV. The response from the VHF manager was to point me to the RSGB's statement back in March. At this rate experimenters will again have to pay to do research on 8m in 2023 in the UK. It sounds like both the RSGB and OFCOM are dead against even a tiny 8m amateur band. To me, this is illogical.
By some means I intend to continue my 8m propagation research in 2023.
Also sought was clarification on research in the ISM bands in the UK from OFCOM. Their reply on this is awaited.
It would be really good if true researchers could gain access to 8m without having to pay, especially around solar maximum when there is so much to be explored.
It would be really good if many more stations and countries were permitted access to the 8m band, ideally FT8 with 40.680 USB dial. More stations would certainly make research more interesting.
Once again, this is about research and self training, which is surely what our hobby is really about?
Personally, I am not particularly interested in 2-way communications at 8m. What interests me is radio science, particularly propagation.
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