In a few moments, I hope to go on 8m QRP FT8 and 10m QRP WSPR TX with my 500mW beacon. Later, I need to test the FT-710AESS.
11 Feb 2023
Mathematical bridge, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
When first erected this bridge was supposedly made without nails.
4m transverter
The photo shows my homebrew QRP 4m transverter. Late last year it was resurrected and copied some Es despite not having a 4m antenna.
10 Feb 2023
8m QRP FT8 (Friday)
Just turned on 8m QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz at 1000z. There look like brief meteor pings in the ISM band.
UPDATE 1220z: G8JNJ reports very strong South African beacon reception on the WESSEXSDR this morning. I think I am receiving G9PUV (158km) by F2 backscatter and G0HVQ (181km) is spotting me, possibly by F2 backscatter.
10m QRP WSPR (Friday)
This morning, my 10m 500mW WSPR TX was turned on at about 0800z. So far, no spots.
UPDATE 1007z: It helps to connect the PSU!! Just realised the -ve wire was out! On QRP TX now.
UPDATE 1955z: 19 stations spotted my QRP today.
9 Feb 2023
4m Es
Later this spring, I should be able to operate properly on 4m. Up to now, I have only used my homemade transverter.
I intend to erect a 4m halo. Hopefully, I shall be able to work some Es on 4m later. I have not seriously tried 4m TX for many years.
It would also be worth me trying a few 4m activity contests.
8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)
Once again, I am on 40.680 MHz QRP FT8. As of now (1325z) no spots.
UPDATE 1404z: ZS6OB (9099km) spotted a while ago. This is my first South African spotted on 8m this year. Nobody has spotted my QRP.
10m QRP WSPR (Thursday)
As my 10m antenna is available, I am again on 10m WSPR with my 500mW beacon. 14 stations have spotted me so far.
Rally on Sunday
The following rally has been notified to me. As usual, it is best to contact the organisers before travelling any distance.
Sunday February 12th- MIDCARS Radioactive Fair, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. No contact details given I am afraid.
8 Feb 2023
10m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)
As usual, I am on 10m QRP WSPR with my 500mW beacon. 25 stations spotted me today on 10m QRP WSPR.
Hare Park, Chippenham near Cambridge - NOT amateur radio
2m UKAC
Last evening, I was briefly on 2m SSB in the monthly activity contest. After a couple of QSOs I decided to go QRT: with my poor voice it was hard work. The band seemed a bit "up" as the photo indicates.
8m FT8 (Wednesday)
Yet again, my very low ERP 8m FT8 signal has been spotted in the USA and Canada. At the time or reception the ERP was about 1W as the power drops when the rig has been on a while.
I have also spotted CO2OQ (7510km) in Cuba on 8m FT8, although I suspect he may be a pirate. The time of day (1327z) was about right, so I am open minded at present.
Many years ago
This was me building a new transceiver in the back of the garage in our old house at a guess in 2011?
7 Feb 2023
10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)
As usual when I am on 8m, my 10m antenna is available, so I have gone on 10m WSPR with my 500mW W5OLF TX beacon. So far, the usual local and the Canary Is station spotting me.
UPDATE 1355z: 11 stations have spotted my 10m WSPR QRP so far today with the furthermost F61695 (9729km).
8m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)
At about 0930z my 8m FT8 QRP on 40.680 MHz was turned on. At 0940z, unsurprisingly, no spots. At the moment, my only real hope is aircraft scatter or a very good F2 opening with a high enough MUF. Those with higher ERPs have a much greater chance of success.
UPDATE 1340z: EA8/DF4UE (2876km) has spotted me very strongly (+2dB S/N) and I have spotted Eire and Croatia.
UPDATE 1359z: Still no news from OFCOM about my T&I permit for after April.
UPDATE 1515z: No further 8m FT8 spots today.
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