I checked the transverter oscillator was working and power was being produced into a dummy load, but there is no current showing in the antenna current meter. Maybe the fault is with this?
So, I tested the transverter connecting it directly to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground (no matching transformer). Every TX period I received 4-7 spots per TX period. My ERP is at most 10mW, probably far less.
Furthermost was 209km.
My 500mW 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on at about 0800z. At 0824z, no spots.
UPDATE 1635z: 21 stations have spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR today. There were fewer USA stations spotting me.
At about 0800z, I turned on my gear on 40.680 MHz.
UPDATE 0824z: Just spots by local G4WSZ (12km) so far.
My 2.5W was turned on at about 0800z. No spots.
Looking at the reports local G4WSZ is getting, I think his system is about 3-4dB better than mine. He is getting better reports from South Africa. This could be several things: more sensitive RX, better/higher antenna, antenna directivity. Whatever, I hope Steve spots many more.
My 500mW WSPR TX beacon was turned on at about 0800z. No spots yet.
UPDATE 0829z: It helps if you look for spots of my TX signal on WSPRnet and not signals on RX!! I had forgotten I was on 630m WSPR RX last night. Switching to spots of my TX, there are 3 spots (Canaries and a local).
Tonight is the 2m monthly activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB. After 4 QSOs with my 10W and omni (and poor voice!) I gave up! Conditions seemed up, but with my QRP it was too hard.
Once again I am on 630m (472 kHz) WSPR RX with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far, just the usual stations spotted.
What a shambles!!
In the UK we started a new infrastructure rail project (HS2) to connect the capital London with Manchester and Leeds. Over time, this project costing billions of pounds was way over budget.
Officially, the UK government has still to make a final decision, but, after cancelling the extension to Leeds from Birmingham, it now looks like the line from Birmingham to Manchester will also be cancelled or shelved.
The high speed line from Birmingham to London terminates on the edge of the city and it will actually take longer to get from Birmingham to central London using the high speed line costing billions than on existing trains!! What a cock up!!
Several questions are begged. Why did they not start in the north where the need was greatest? If they knew it was going to be over budget why do it at all? Why stop the Birmingham to London leg where it does at the London end?
For a very long time the current government has refused to say it is going to cancel the northern extension. I guess they are trying to think of some good words to say.
In my view, this has done serious, long-term, damage to the UK and the ruling Conservative party.
My 2.5W FT8 was turned on at 0804z. So far, just a spot of me by local G4WSZ (12km). Although I spotted ZR1ADI (9777km) yesterday, he was not able to copy my QRP. I live in hope!
UPDATE 1042z: G3WCS (223km) spotted.
My QRP 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on at 0804z this morning. No spots yet. I guess the stations in the Canaries have not yet fired up.
UPDATE 0820z: Spots from ODESSA and EA8/DF4UE.
UPDATE 1518z: 34 spots of me with many from North America. Also spotting me was J41PAN a special call from Greece to celebrate operation from Paneio Mountain.
UPDATE 1941z: 47 stations spotted me today including 2 spots from Antarctica.
I shall try 8m FT8 QRP again and 10m QRP WSPR TX as the antenna is free with the beacon.
On the way to the Co-op food shop in the village, I spotted this postman. I asked his permission to take this photo. Very festive!
